Piece of cake

This morning my mom and I went to the dentist. Most people dread going to the dentist, but I actually look forward to it because it's always been such a pleasant experience for me. Our dentist, Dr. Farmer, is a family friend and I've known him all my life. One of Dr. Farmer's catchphrases is "piece of cake" as in "relax, no biggie, there's nothing to fear, you're in good hands."

I got a clean bill of health – no cavities. The only cavity I've ever had was in one of my baby teeth, so I don't really count that since it fell out long ago. I feel pretty proud of the fact that I've never had a cavity in any of my permanent teeth. Every time I go to the dentist I always worry and think, "Is this the year that I get my first cavity?!" Thankfully, cavities aren't something that I've had to face yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before I get a cavity or need some other dental work done.

I have a couple stories about the dentist from my childhood. First of all, I was a serious thumbsucker when I was a kid! My mom was determined to break me of that habit when I started kindergarten, and one of the factors that really motivated me to quit was because my dentist, Dr. Farmer, promised me 10 rings and 10 necklaces if I quit. (You know the toy rings and necklaces that dentist gives out to their kid patients?) I finally kicked the thumbsucking habit and earned my rings and necklaces. My mom even bought me a jewelry box to keep my treasures in. It was a velveteen rabbit jewelry box that said "love makes you real" on top. I still have the jewelry box, but the rings and necklaces are long gone!

My other dentist story is that my family would always stop for ice cream at Ted Drewes after going to the dentist each summer. (Ted Drewes is an ice cream place in St. Louis that is famous for its frozen custard.) I have fond memories of our tradition of stopping to get concretes after our dental visits.

This year there was no ice cream, but a "piece of cake" of another kind. Cheesecake! My dear sister Kristin gave me a gift card to The Cheesecake Factory for my upcoming birthday. There was a sweet note attached to the gift card that said, "Since I can't be there for your birthday and make you something delicious myself, here's a lesser alternative that's still good." My mom and I stopped by The Cheesecake Factory on the way home and each picked out a piece of cheesecake to take home for our dinner. I picked Reese's peanut butter cup cheesecake and my mom picked chocolate coconut cheesecake. We both shared each other's cheesecake, and I honestly couldn't decide which one I liked better since I love peanut butter and I love coconut. They were both wonderful! Thank you Kristin for such a wonderful birthday gift!