New Category - Letters to the Editor

In days of old, I had a section in theMT where I responded to letters/replies to the editor. So, after my mass emailing announcement of theMangoTimes having moved, I received this email from an old college friend:

"OK...can I just say that first of all it is amazing to me that you do a newsletter of any kind whatsoever given your very busy life. Honestly, I've decided that you must not sleep at all...or maybe only when you are DEAD tired. Anyway...glad to get the update."
Editor's Note: You caught me and you are correct...I don't sleep (unless you count sitting at red lights with my eyes closed or the occasional nap after dinner when the girlies rub my feet)...Currently I'm running on less then 6hours/day...which leaves only 18 hours for work, family, church and dancing with the babe.


"Hey while spooling through channels last night...there was this crazy family that believed toothpaste is "toxic" to our bodies and they brush with a mixture of butter and clay. I wouldn't really think of asking my dentist this question...even though I consider her a pretty cool gal...but I thought you might have a thought?"
Editor's Note: There is so much to comment on here...especially the idea that butter and clay is better for you then "toxic toothpaste." It cannot be any worse than the mulitiple toothpaste flavors being created daily by the Wizards at Crest. Second, note how this friend of mine wouldn't think of asking her "real dentist" about the wacko adobe butter using patients, but seems to have no problem throwing the questions past me. Do i look like a beacon for truth concerning the bizzaro? (I will withdraw that question...).

Quitely making noise,
Fletch

Comments

[Christine]

Hey Fletch, I don't know about butter and clay, but we've been using "toothsoap" in our house for several months now. At least when we can get the children to do so. (of course it kind of takes away the threat of washing their mouth with soap.)

My teeth feel "dentist clean" always and I know some whose gums are in better shape than they've been in years.

[KP]

It is great to have you back and updated this way, Drew. Love the picture on top too. Thanks for the quiet noise. -kp

[Paula]

Hi Fletch,

That was funny "I wouldn't ask my dentist" but let's face it you are an approachable kind of guy : )
I don't know if I told you that they told us in Mexico that Floride was bad for you and recommended toothpaste without it (actually insisted on it for Heidi. I always meant to ask your opinion on that but I figured you wouldn't give us something to use that was bad for us - right? : )
Try to get a little more sleep .... its good for you.
your friend, paula

[Susan]

Thats a hoot! Update on Princess and braces--she had them put on with success and now cleans her teeth better than ever. What helped? The photo posted on the mirror of what your teeth will look like if you don't brush after the braces are removed. I guess the permanent damaged look motivates her. Just thought you might want to know. Ok- how about a parenting question? Are you up for that? Here goes: How can I get my kids to get along and stop bickering. My oldest LOVES to tease (anyone) but her sister (middle child) doesn't find her humorous at all. ( I don't blame her- but she does have issues with humor as she doesn't have a great sense of humor because she is so literal that she doesn't get much). Anyways, so the teasing goes back and the screaming/yelling goes forth. I talk till I am blue in the face but it doesn't seem to help. Oldest child has been like this (with teasing) since she was about two and figured out how to make other toddlers cry. (no joke) I am probably sounding really dumb not being able to figure this one out but I am willing to risk it.
Thanks,
Susan

[Fletch]

i love the yuck mouth photo motivation technique...i threaten patients that i will post their names on theMangoTimes.

parenting? hmmm...this is one of those times where i will use an example to explain not only how i would, but how i have handled it...

in our home, the issue is sarcasm...i was raised in a home where sarcasm was refined to high end humor. given any situation, i've always been able to see "the other side" or comical slant to it. anyhow, there is a fine line between sarcastic wit and destructive comments. we have one child in particular that is "learning" to be witty...unfortunately...it's too often at the expense of a sibling.

we've gone cold turkey...no sarcasm allowed. we point it out before, during and after this child opens his mouth...and until we see maturity, we will not allow him to "offer his opinion" or "comment on a sibling." it's drastic and it has been hard, especially for him...but it has been effective!

our goal is to spur our children to Christ-likeness...we don't want to come close...our goal should be perfection (at least that is what scripture encourages: "be perfect").

so considering these verses, we've decided to take drastic messages: Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
hope it helps! fletch