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Monday, June 25, 2012

Reliving My Awkward Years

I'm going to the orthodontist today. Which brings me right back to this point in my life:


Yup, that's me posing for the paparazzi (aka my dad) before my eighth grade semi-formal. Lookin' gorgeous in my spaghetti-strap dress and white high heels. Both of which made me look slightly more gangly than I would have on a regular day... If that's even possible. And let's not forget the blue and white butterfly clips adorning the up-do that I carefully crafted in front of the bathroom mirror, right before I smeared on a hint of shimmery white eye-shadow and some clear mascara (Fancy, huh?) I had just gotten my braces a few weeks before this photo was taken, and I specifically selected silver bands to coordinate with my dress on this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Last week, I bit into an apple and somehow managed to break the permanent appliance that was glued to the back of my two front teeth after my braces were finally removed when I was 16. I hadn't thought about that thing one time since the day I was sent away from the orthodontist's chair with a shining braces-free smile and a bag full of bubble gum, Starburst, and other braces-breaking candy... and now, suddenly, dealing with this appliance became a full-time job.

As an adult, I struggled to find an orthodontist who would see me to make the repair. I guess you're not a priority when you aren't 12 years old and debating between pink or green rubber bands for your braces this month. I was literally to the point of calling coworkers who have teenage children and begging them to put in a good word for me at their orthodontist office. Thankfully I found an office who was willing to see me with just a 6 day wait, instead of 2 1/2 weeks - the soonest appointment I could find anywhere else. And what's even more exciting? This office has video games in the waiting room.

So today, I will be unearthing my purple glittery retainer with a star sticker cemented inside from it's home at the back of a bathroom drawer, since my new orthodontist specifically requested that I bring it to my appointment. (And I will then have to admit to the orthodontist I have not worn said retainer for quite some time). I just hope she doesn't yell at me. Or even worse, suggest a wildly expensive treatment plan to correct the damage I have done by denying my teeth the glittery support they so badly needed.

Tomorrow, I turn 27 years old. But for today, I am 13 again.

 


12 comments:

  1. love the pic! your teeth still look great, so whatever!

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    1. Why, thank you my dear! ... But I still think that sweet purple retainer looks even better :)

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  2. Great post! It made me giggle a few times! Oh and btw, you were not awkward looking in 8th grade...i only wish my hair was that smooth and pretty! :)

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    1. Thanks Victoria! :) perhaps I should have picked one of the pictures taken after I got a perm and accidentally cut myself bangs when I was in 9th grade... That may have better captured the awkwardness :)

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  3. Hey! Remember I had braces at the same time as Tony?

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    1. I do remember that... And I remember how you would dump your dinner in the blender so you could eat it! Oh sweet memories...

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  4. Your dance picture is so cute! Saying hi from GFC! Thanks for following me! :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! Having pictures like that one to look back on today makes me glad my dad followed me around with a camera, despite my protests, throughout my childhood!

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  5. Well your teeth certainly look good now! I had braces really young...like when I was nine or ten...and I had gold braces because I was awesome like that! Later in life I am so grateful that I had my braces when I was too little to care about what my teeth looked like...it was nice to get them out of the way with before the teen years!

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    1. OoOOoo! Gold is pretty fancy :) I teach 4th grade and I've noticed the kiddos are getting braces earlier and earlier... Hopefully by the time I have my own they'll be able to enjoy early braces like you did... Since I'm sure my future children will be inheriting my crooked smile!

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  6. I love that you had a purple star on your retainer! I wish I had a cool one like that when I was 13 ;)

    Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!

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  7. you look gorgeous with your perfect teeth! i actually wanna get braces :)

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