Goldman Gala

...this event is also called "dental school prom" by many. I didn't even know it existed the first year--Brad's probably appropriate retort was "I didn't tell you because I knew you wouldn't have wanted all that pressure to find a dress two months after having William." The second year we just didn't feel like shelling out the money. This year we decided we'd better try it out so we could at least say we went to one!

We were able to ride to the fancy hotel with our friends the Clarks. Of course the men reverted to dental talk in the car but us women quickly changed the subject since we didn't want to spend a special night out talking about root canals and school (sorry guys!)

They really knew how to put on a nice evening, but I suppose they better have done a good job for the ticket price! There was the social hour with impressive looking and tasting h'odurves. Next it was one of the most beautiful and tasty dinners I've been to in a long time.

Brad and I at dinner.

A flower arrangement at dinner.

Charles and his fiance Nicole.

The lovely Lindsay, it was really nice to talk with her over our meal.

Mark and Nancy.

Brad has been very fortunate to have some wonderful friends. Dental school is a lot like high school in the sense that you spend inordinate amounts of time with your classmates. Might has well enjoy it.

After we finished our dinner it was onto the dancing...

Dean Hutter dancing with his wife. This guy is the nicest. I've always been so impressed each time I meet him at a social function or at the dental clinic. He remembers me and our kids. Brad says he literally runs around the dental school with a sort of boyish excitement. He is very in touch with the students and apparently not afraid to dance either.

Us and the Clarks

Jeff and Cheryl Clark again--we'll miss them dearly.

Cheryl has been the sort of person I can (and have) called at all hours of the day or night. Jeff has been a great resource and friend to Brad too.

Some other friends--it looks like Lindsay and John are heading onto the dance floor and that maybe Tamsen and Melissa are trying to convince Melinda to go as well. Melinda's husband Derek was a dancing maniac but she was a little more reserved.

Brad and I danced a bit and it was fun but I had the odd sort of feeling that I was 17 and at a church dance. This feeling was strong and I wasn't the only one there who admitted to it. Maybe we need to get out more?

A nice little tooth sculpture.

I really did enjoy the chance to get out with Brad alone and meet some of his friends. Sometimes it can be a bit awkward tagging along as the wife in a world you aren't completely familiar with. It helped that I'd met many of the people before and there were lots of other students who brought their special someone. I noticed a 4th year girl who brought her husband. He did something admirable but simple for a living and I really related to him and could tell he felt a little uncomfortable too. I guess we all can't be dental students! :)