Laughing out Loud

Laughter is an incredible feeling and a natural expression of those things that we find funny. We could use a lot more of it in today's uptight society. As delightful as it is, there are those times when it is best not to laugh. You know, like during a serious conversation when the other person is really upset, or you are in the middle of a sacred ceremony, or in a classroom setting while a lecture is being taught and, as I was reminded today, in the dentist chair while having your teeth cleaned.

I remember when I was younger, the hygienist was polishing my teeth with the spinning power brush. She wasn't taking much care in where she was pointing that thing and kept hitting my lips which was ridiculously ticklish. I was trying so hard not to laugh but the more I tried not to, the harder it became. In no time, I was laughing uncontrollably! She didn't find it funny. She would take the tool out of my mouth until I stopped but every time she put it back in, I would burst out laughing. She got very annoyed with me! Thus, I still remember the experience.

Today was a similar experience, only I am much older and should be able to control myself. While sitting in the dentist chair, the hygienist's latex covered hands were yankin' my mouth open with the tooth mirror. Her other hand was scraping between my teeth. While she was doing this, I was watching the TV in front of me, when the most hilarious commercial came on. One I have not seen. I am watching this guy struggle down the airplane aisle with a DQ Blizzard in one hand and his suitcase in the other. Setting his blizzard down to put his bag in the overhead bins, he notices his seat mate chowing down on the Blizzard. Being very upset and trying to stop him he drops the bag onto a lady's lap and so on and so on.

The second time he drops it on her and all his contents fall out (the other guy is taking advantage of all this and eating as much as he can). I am doing everything in my power not to laugh. Talking myself out of it wasn't helping. The fact that she had a sharp metal object in my mouth wasn't helping either. Before I knew it, I was a kid again, laughing uncontrollably in the dentist chair at this stupid commercial.

After calming myself down, she went back to work. Then, wouldn't you know it, my silly mind went into instant replay and I began to laugh again. Long after the commercial was over.

Ah well, I feel better now. My spirit has been revived by a good hardy laugh and my teeth are so clean I can breath through 'em! Plus, she didn't get mad at me ;)