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Friday, August 22, 2008

Last goodbyes in Chicago

Today, there was a wrap up session that included an original play by Anne Guignon regarding ethical dilemmas in the dental office. What a hoot!

After the session, Discus Dental sponsored a fun farewell party and dance. I am going to have to sleep all the way back to Pocatello.

Our trip to Chicago would not have been complete without getting to spend time with Thais Carter, executive editor of Modern Hygienist, and her husband Heath. We went to a fabulous “Nuevo Latino” restaurant called National and had a nice relaxing time. That is exactly what we needed after such a busy week. Thais, thank you for your kindness and hospitality. Thank you, Heath, for sharing your wife with the dental hygiene world. We can be pretty demanding and she handles it like a trooper.

Tomorrow, Chad and I get home and back to reality. We have three days to work and then off to another adventure. Our family will be going to Seattle and Puget Sound for vacation. No business suits or meetings to attend. Thank goodness!

Welcome to my life,
Lisa

Shout out to Betsy Reynolds...

Betsy Reynolds, you rock!

At the last minute, Betsy was contacted to fill in as the keynote speaker at UOR. I originally met Betsy at Idaho State University when I was in my first year of dental hygiene school. I absolutely love to listen to her speak. I attended the very first Career Flow professional development school in Daytona Beach, Fla., where Betsy was one of the speakers. I feel like I can really relate to her since I love to talk. I’ve learned however, that while anyone can talk, it takes practice to speak professionally.

After the keynote, Sunstar presented us with our awards and lots of photos ensued. Kent Fletcher, VP of Professional Relations-Sunstar, is also an excellent speaker. I learned that the Sunstar name came from the recommended regime that we should brush morning/sun, and night/star. How cool is that?

After all the fanfare we had a bit of free time, so Chad and I went to the exhibit hall. I have been to many dental meetings but never have I seen so many exhibitors with strictly hygiene-geared products. It was nice to see the Discus Dental people again.

Thank you to all of our Chicago hosts, for your hospitality and kindness.

Welcome to my life,
Lisa

Happy Birthday, Hu-Friedy!

Tonight we went to the Hu-Fiedy plant to celebrate the company’s 100th birthday. There was a live band and dancing along with great food and drink. We also got to tour the plant and see how dental instruments are made. Surprisingly, many of the steps are done by hand, including the sharpening.

Thank you, Hu-Friedy for the gift bags and the hospitality. You certainly know how to treat people right.

Welcome to my very tired life,
Lisa

Dinner at Cite

Our formal dinner last night was fabulous! Cite’ is definitely one of the finest restaurants I have ever been to. Our evening started with a wine tasting and appetizers, followed by a wonderfully prepared five course dinner and dessert. We had such fun taking photos and visiting with our hosts from Sunstar. A big thanks goes out to Kent Fletcher, VP-Professional Relations; Jackie Sanders, Associate Marketing Manager; Laurene Cox, Event & Convention Specialist; Ann Foppe, Director of Marketing; Bill Sever, Corporate Vice President Director of Marketing and Bill Jacobs, Trade Marketing and Product Manager.

We had a great time getting to know you and appreciate all you do for hygienists. You are a top-notch group of people and we are truly honored to be recognized by Sunstar.

Welcome to my life.
Lisa

Photographer and Focus Groups

Yesterday was a whirlwind day. Hair and makeup was first on the agenda followed by a limousine ride to the famous Water Tower building. We were greeted by photographers and had a professional photo shoot with a beautiful horse and buggy. While we were there, Shirley Smith, a fellow recipient, noticed an elderly lady sitting in the park and went over to visit with her. Shirley must have a sixth sense because the elderly lady was in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, and Shirley specializes is treating Alzheimer’s patients. I was so impressed with the kindness and compassion that Shirley showed for this sweet lady. This is just an example of what exceptional people hygienists are!

After the photo shoot, we enjoyed the limo ride to the Sunstar corporate office and plant. Have you ever wondered how toothbrushes were made? This was an incredible tour. We saw each step of how the toothbrush is produced. I was surprised to learn that many steps of the manufacturing and packaging are done by hand. After the tour, we participated in a focus group with the marketing department. I really enjoyed hearing about the new products and appreciated the company asking for our input. Hygienists have firsthand knowledge regarding patients’ needs on the particular dental products and it’s refreshing to be asked our professional opinions. Thank you, Sunstar, for believing in us.

After the focus group, we had another photo shoot. This shoot was more casual than the first one and we really got to show our personalities. Just when we thought we could take a nap, we were whisked back to the hotel to get ready for a formal dinner.

Welcome to my life,
Lisa

Animals and Appreciation

Chicago certainly has a zoo to be proud of. I was very impressed with the facility and how everything was so nicely maintained. Last night, we were treated to a delightful evening to remember. We had dinner and drinks—literally with the animals. We don’t have any safari animals in the Pocatello zoo, so this was a real treat for me. The admission charge is free, so if you are ever in Chicago this is a must-see attraction.

I had no idea that an aardvark is so odd and a giraffe is so curious.

Traditionally, past recipients of the Award of Distinction return for a reunion at the UOR event and we newbie’s get the pleasure of meeting them. It’s such an honor to be included in this accomplished group of ladies. This was Chad’s first chance to really meet and visit with all of the people I keep raving about. He now understands why I get so excited about attending national meetings. He is already looking forward to next year in Las Vegas.

It is easy to get too focused on our own lives and careers. I encourage you to expand your horizons by attending shows and meeting other dental hygienists. You will meet the most incredible people!

Welcome to my life.
Lisa

Meeting fellow honorees

How could anyone be exhausted after a day of pampering and an evening at the zoo? Trust me—it is easily done with this group of ladies.

Our day began with a cab ride to Kiva Day Spa. That poor cab driver probably needed a break after listening to at least three to four different conversations. We were pretty giggly and definitely wound up by the time we arrived at the spa. I guess these establishments are meant to be quiet and serene. We were too excited to use our inside voices and quiet would not be one of the adjectives used to describe our group.

We finally got to meet Jackie Sanders and Laurene Cox from Sunstar. These ladies are truly an asset to the company and really know how to plan events. I enjoyed getting to know everyone in a more relaxed atmosphere. Of course, the hygienist in us surfaced and we checked out the sterilization techniques of the manicure and pedicure instruments. We told the spa personnel that we were going to be cover models—I’m sure they were impressed. After all of the pampering, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our evening at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Welcome to my life,
Lisa

Headed to Chicago

Good morning. Chad and I are officially in the windy city for our first ever Under One Roof event. Pocatello is a relatively slow-paced town, so Chicago will take some time getting used to. If the traffic doesn’t overwhelm you, the humidity most certainly will. Meeting the seven other recipients of the Sunstar Butler Award of Distinction for dinner last night was such fun. There is a great restaurant called Mercat just across the street from our hotel. After corresponding with each other via e-mail, we could pretty much identify each other without name tags. My first impression? Wow, what a group of terrific ladies. Each one has something different to bring to the table. Today, we are going to a day spa to get pampered. Chad is going golfing.

Welcome to my life,
Lisa