rebellion

For about ten days, I have rebelled against wearing my band configuration (see Susan's blog for close ups). It's not that I have intentionally decided to reject the "ostrich" and "fox" buddies, rather I was too busy eating or talking to bother with them. Staring tomorrow the bands go back in. Each day of bands is a day closer to debracing, right?

I just returned from a weekend trip to Texas to visit family. It was a really good trip. My mother flew with me & the girls, and we reconnected with relatives we haven't seen in years. One of my cousins married a girl a few years back, and she had lower jaw surgery for a Class II back in December. We finally met at a big birthday party for one of my uncles. Though she wasn't nearly as excited as I was to relive the experience, we did connect as the only adults at the party in braces. :)

Here is a snapshot of my two daughters riding a horse for the first time at one relative's ranch.Their hot pink cowgirl princess hats are from the rodeo...yeah baby! Texas rocks.

where's photoshop when I need it?

I have been thoroughly enjoying the Photography lessons over on Pioneer Woman. That woman does amazing things with her camera. Her bridal portrait post reveals how to make one's skin glow...which my skin does not do in the natural light. It used to glow, but I once I reached age 8 or 9, it started to show signs of aging.

Please pretend I am wearing my Chantecaille foundation, which I would have, but my zany 3 year old decided to "play dress up" with it, and let's just say my toiletry budget does not include Chantecaille purchases, at all, during 2009.

Anyway, I snapped these shots at the Target parking lot yesterday hoping to update my smirky photo. I'm not sure they're any better. Perhaps resting camera on the dashboard is not the best way to take a picture?

I am now resigned that one cheek is fuller than the other, surgery or no surgery. It matches my bigger eye on that side, and now that I think about it, my bigger bosom and my bigger foot. As feeling has returned across my chin and lips, it has moved from right to left (reverse for photos, please). The left side of my smile still sags a bit too. Some days I am more self-conscious of this than others. Sometimes, I manage to concentrate on that little facial muscle and really work it wide open. It's better, but not yet where I hope it to be. Come on optimism...hang in there with me.

Interestingly, profile shots reveal that I still subconsciously lift my chin higher than necessary. Ironic how my lack of confidence can look like arrogance. Hmmm. Years of posturing is a difficult habit to break.

Besides the awesome improvements in breathing, o-surgery did erase a few laugh lines. Ooh, and check out those centered midlines. Sweet!

checking in

I have my first Ortho appointment in over 5 weeks in about an hour. I'll admit I'm nervous. Will my orth be pleased with my tooth movements? Will he tighten my metal bands again? My teeth are kinda achy this week.

My bands have been out more than in due to constant nausea and little nibbles of food to help with the nausea. I'd really like the extra rubber band hooks out since they make flossing virtually impossible and irritate my gums, but since I've mainly been wearing bands at night, I'm pretty sure they're here for a while. Thank goodness my trusty Waterpik is never far. :)

We'll see what Dr. B. says today....