This post will seem scattered, but please be patient!
Over the last year and a half, I have been through some life experiences that have taught me a few things, one is an important truism–“stuff happens to you for a reason!”  This morning it happened again.  I enjoy bicycle riding in the morning.  The weather is cool, the birds are chirping the traffic is manageable.  5:30 in the morning is really a great time to get 10-12 miles in!  As I was preparing for this riding season, I had my bike tuned up.  On my second day of riding, I got a flat tire.  Fortunately it was a slow leak and I made it home OK.  I located the leak and patched it and put the tire back on my bike.  I rode a couple days with no problems and noticed my tire was flat a few days later.  I removed the tire and re-repaired the flat, and reattached my tire.  Everything was back to normal.
This morning I set off for a 10-12 mile ride; about 3 miles into it, I got a flat tire again. (Same tire.)  I walked the 3 miles home pushing my bike the whole way.  As I was pushing, I thought about…tools.  My bike is a tool.  It gets me from place A to place B.  It helps me exercise.  It is also a source of mental relaxation.  Then I thought about how important it is to care for your tools.  Neglecting your tools could bring disappointment or even danger. (And in my case, a little inconvenience thrown in for good measure.)
Then I thought about how we value tools.  Do we buy the best tools or the cheapest ones?  Do we cut corners on the maintenance? About 3 years ago I spent quite a bit of money on a new bike–a hybrid between a racer and a mountain bike.  It was expensive, but well worth it!!  (I did not skimp on this tool.)  My patching and re-patching the rear tire was a different story.  Rather than buy a new tube, I thought I would save some money. (Big mistake.)
About a year ago, I bought some very expensive tools for my practice. Â I purchased a digital “PANO” machine. Â A “PANO” takes the full mouth X ray that shows wisdom teeth and potential problems in the jaw. Â It is a very important tool for a dentist. Â I also purchased a program that digitizes and helps me read my x-rays. Â The “Dexis” system has been amazing. Â It was money well spent! Â These new digital x-rays are much clearer to read AND they subject our patients to 1/3 the radiation of the old system! Â A win-win for everyone!
Then I thought about me… as a tool.  What kind am I?  Am I a sledgehammer destroying things?  Am I a magnifying glass, helping others see things more clearly? Am I a vehicle, comfortably taking fellow travelers through this journey called life?  (I know, three miles gives you plenty of time to think.)
So now a question for you. Â If you were to look at yourself as a tool, what kind are you? Â Please take a moment to read this blog post at the original site, consider this question and make a comment. Â I am curious what kind of tool you are.
If you would love to see some of our modern tools at the office, or you have any questions, please call us at (620) 231-6070. Â Also feel free to visit us online at www.pittsburgkansasdentist.com. Â We would be honored to be your dentist!