Artists:Samantha Murphy

Samantha Murphy's songs literally drip with personality. They're quirky and whimsical, full of appealing contrasts. On the one hand, she's kind of sweet and girly; on the other, she's kind of a rebellious rocker chick. Born in Hawaii to Australian parents, Samantha practically grew up in the music industry, singing in her family’s band, The Murphys. The family was on the road, touring the US from the time Samantha could walk, and opening for such artists as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.

I don't hate going to the dentist like most people. I honestly don't. I have a high tolerance for pain. I just ask to be numbed to the gills and then I'm fine. I have a genuine distaste for having to open my mouth that wide (something about stretching the skin on my face feels wrong), but whaddaya gonna do about that when you're at the dentist?

The thing that really gets me is...

why do the dentist and hygienist have to talk constantly while they're working on your teeth? I mean, in the first place I want everyone focusing when there's a moving drill that close to my tongue. Secondly, I really don't want to hear their personal stories about what they did this weekend and what things they're going to do when they leave work. It's nothing personal I just like it quiet when I'm being drilled.

Is this so hard to understand? Doesn't this seem like common sense? This is the third dentist I've gone to that has these conversations while hanging above my face. It's just not cool, people. Are you with me or am I being a curmudgeon?

The dentist I saw today is really good and is such a nice guy. He's my mom's dentist, which means I can't say a damn word about wanting it quiet and I have to arrive on time. She loves him. He's a Mormon (which isn't why she loves him, but I thought I'd mention it).

I think what I'm going to have to do is find a dentist and say to them up front, it's nothing personal I just don't like people talking (especially complaining heatedly, as they were today) while I'm being drilled and poked. It's unsettling to say the least. Is it fair for me to ask this? I mean today's visit was $1,100! I think that gives me the right to be a little cranky and have a little peace.

If you're going to be a blabbing dentist then at least provide headphones for the TV and/or stereo and let me choose what to watch/listen to (no, not all of us watch the Young and the Useless...I mean er Restless).

Okay I feel better now. Thanks for listening. Go back to your regularly scheduled program now.