Las Vegas

I have lived in Henderson, Nevada for one year now. I am still longing for the summer temperatures to drop down into the livable zone. I do agree that the low humidity makes it more bearable. I will take 110 degrees over 90 degrees in San Antonio with the 70% humidity. I often wonder how anyone lived here prior to the advent of air conditioning. The upsides are many to living in the Vegas Valley. Riding my motorcycle nine months out of the year (not summer). Speeding through the endless desert trails and washes makes me feel alive without fail. Basketball at UNLV, clear skies all winter and having dinner with the people who do not want to return to "the weather".

When I decided to sell my practice in Salt Lake City it was not a hard decision. I had been told that I should come to LV by my friend Jeff and his father for years. If I had stayed in SLC, I would have always wondered what practicing in Las Vegas was all about. Sell a dental practice and find out what people really think of you. See who sends you a thank you note and see who refuses to pay their bill. It changes the way I run a business and yet I do not blame my kid patients, they are not accountable.

Granted, a move in midlife is unique for some people. Not for me. I needed to do this, I needed to experience life to the fullest and follow my vision. I can say I have not reached the point of surety that I 'love vegas" but I do know that I am happy here. It is different, just different and not all bad. I am blessed to amazing degrees and have wonderful kids- what is not to like. I will get used to sirens flying down the street several times a day. Even if I smile to myself thinking it is the "Nevada State Song" as a friend told me.

The answer to all who ask is "no", I did not lose a bet! I willingly moved to Las Vegas and plan to live here for a long time. And yes, I will not have to shovel twelve inches of warmth to get out of my driveway. Oh and by the way...... I only go to the strip to meet you for lunch!

Lies

Why do people feel compelled to tell lies? I wonder how we can convince ourselves that a little lie is OK to tell. I spend all day with people and I have studied the physical signs of a person lying. I am astounded when I am sure I am being told a story and it is just alright with them. Why?

A Buddhist writer commented, " If I tell a lie, I am afraid of something. If I tell lies I am living in fear." I often wonder what I am most afraid of and why I am afraid of it. What would I lose by being fully honest and living with the consequences? I know I am deeply conditioned in my life and I am a result of my conditioning and yet when if ever is it Ok to tell a lie? Could I just remain silent or say none of your business? I found in the Army that admitting an error and following the admission with the magic words such as " No excuse, sir or maam" saves more headaches and often garners respect.

What will my excuses be at the judgement bar with the one who knows my experiences and my pains? I know it will do no good to lie in that circumstance! Yet I wonder if my savior is saddened when I lie to myself and act in a way I know I shouldn't? I know that I should be more sensitive to the truth in my relationship with myself and others. I have a hard enough time fighting my most dreaded foe-myself! And I know I don't have full control to change another persons behavior.

So, next time I am told that the two year old in my office is an excellent tooth brusher, I plan to be kind and know that there is nothing to gain from lying to me about your child's health. You have money, time and regrets as lessons for not choosing better. As for me I will continue to balance what matters and control what I can and seek an honest path for me. Because I have something to lose- that is my self dignity. Joe

Charity and Judgement

While in Costa Rica in 2004, my Army Dental Company was doing a humanitarian dental mission to the area around Golfito, in the southwest corner of the country. While in line for fuel I was sitting in the back of a Jeep as we fueled several vehicles at a local gas station. While waiting a man climbed from under the deck on the edge of the station and approached me in the Jeep. I turned as he said "colones Gringo?"- he wanted money. As he walked toward us I noticed a hemiplegia with spasticity. He must have had a brain injury. I gave him several coins and he rushed off.

I then was engaged by a fellow Army officer who said that the guy will only buy alcohol with the money. He felt that I had wasted my money. Until I looked at the small store on the highway. I saw the man shoving a banana into his mouth and he had another in hand. As he approached the Jeep I was glad I shared. I got out of the Jeep and he got very close and said "Gracias". Then without thinking I opened my wallet and gave him a 10,000 colones bill. He looked with disbelief and wrapped his arms around me and fell to his knees. "Gracias, gracias" with tears pouring down his face. He then walked off and around the filling station.

I had a potent scent of body odor on my clothing the rest of the day. It was unpleasant and yet something that reminded me of my best encounter in Costa Rica. I had changed several hundred dollars into colones and had not spent very much at all. I fed a man and have no regrets at all. If he buys liquor- so be it. I am a much better man for responding to my spirit.

If we share with some person in charity, let us not judge. If you give, just give. Don't always expect a miracle from them, recognize the beauty of having extra to share. Our abundance is often taken for granted. We are all one car accident from death or disability. Please enjoy the moments to stretch and become more kind and generous. All my best, Joe

Opportunity

http://www.opportunityisnowhere.com/ a facinating web address. I don't know if it is real but the lesson in the address is very real. Look at it again closely and do you see "opportunity is now here" or do you see "opportunity is no where?" I have always wondered about optimists and how they see life. I want to think I am an optimist and yet it is not always that way.



We have all heard that the glass is half empty or half full. Maybe some of us see the glass being full of the wrong thing no matter what. I would say that I am guilty of being unhappy by my own view and approach to living. I am in full control of being happy as well. Sometimes it is just a mix of just getting by. But I think we can all agree that success or failure depend on our view and how we approach our challenges. Skillful living is exactly that-a skill, obtained through hard work and forgiving ourselves of the errors.



The time to act for positive things to happen in our lives is when we feel the urge to step out and act. I have heard that "life begins at the edge of our comfort zone", and if we could all be like Jack Decrosta and feel the urge to act in kindness, we would all be far better off in the long run. Jack was visiting a children's shelter and saw a little boy with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Jack fell in love and fought hard to adopt Sonny. I have the honor of knowing them and I see in Jack the quality and committment that stepping up and honoring our feelings gives us. He could have walked on by and wondered what Sonnys future would always be. Instead he saw the chance to step out of his comfort zone and behave bravely for Sonny. I know that through all of the surgeries and clinic appointments that this bond between them is truly wonderful.

As my son Brian starts his first semester of college this week, he has an opportunity. I pray that he recognizes the love that brought him to this point. I hope he stays strong in his decision making and has a wonderful experience. Brian, readers....www.opportunityisnowhere.com- you've got mail! Joe

Blog #1

My name is Joe and I am a middle aged pediatric dentist in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a blessed man. I have a great new practice and am in the United States Army Reserve. I chose the name of this blog because "combat dentist" was my radio handle in Iraq. I have been there twice and found the adventure and overall experience amazing. Going into a war zone to provide dental care is a humbling experience. I am told I am crazy to go to war but military service for me is about taking care of personal responsibility to serve the men and women serving. The young people are the true heroes, the people who stay for much longer than I do. The people who are out in combat and truly in the line of fire.

I wanted to share my ideas and philosophy of meaningful living. I am dealing with my son starting college today and a wonderful daughter that is a total joy in my life. I have had to learn many lessons the hard way. That is just how I have had to learn important things. I am also living a life that will be exceptional in my eyes and hopefully the eyes of others. I believe that "every saint has a past and every sinner has a future". I also believe that tolerance and patience with our fellow citizens is important for our own well being.

I know fear in my life and I do not live in fear any more. I see strong families of children with disabilities that I have the honor of providing dental care, I see love on a level that most of us will never know. They are true heroes, dealing with real 24 hour challenges and often not getting a break. I hope that the stories shared on this blog will inspire and give perspective to anyone who reads it. There is no agenda here, just a way to share thoughts and hopefully inspire people.

The title combat dentist is just different enough to stand out. Hopefully the content of the text will cause readers to return. Albert Einstein stated-"The highest destiny of the individual is to serve rather than rule". I hope you smile and find calm in your life. I invite your thoughts and feedback on this as this is very new for me. Joe