A "How-to" Primer

Brushing my teeth. It's something I've been doing a lot lately. I'm getting more used to brushing my teeth in the bathroom at work. I even saw a woman today brushing her teeth in the bathroom--and she doesn't even have braces! One person commented to me, "I wish I were that diligent."

Getting braces has given me much more insight into taking care of my teeth. The thing is--sugar isn't the enemy. Time is. It isn't necessarily what you eat that causes cavities and plaque and tartar--it's how long the food stays on your teeth. It's a scary thought that when I get my braces off, I could actually have a lot of staining if I don't brush enough--and correctly. So, I'm trying to avoid that at all costs. I'm also trying to be a good little brusher and get into those gums! Speaking of, I should go brush my teeth right now before heading to bed. Sweet dreams!

America's Next Top Model Goes to the Dentist...

...and it was horrific! Amazingly, a girl with crooked teeth made it into the top 10..and now top 5 or 6. So, while everyone else was getting their teeth whitened, she was going through this 12-hour procedure until 5 in the morning. Her teeth were not terrible--a little crowding and a Jewel snaggletooth is all. They ended up filing down 12 of her teeth. She had to spend the next day with these horrible pointy strips of teeth. Later that evening the dentist put on veneers. So, now she has a "perfect smile," but I wonder how this could have been allowed? It certainly can't be good for the health of her teeth and gums in the long run...I feel sort of stunned and upset about the whole thing!

Feel the fear...and do it anyway!

This is the name of a book I stumbled upon a few months ago. It's about how we all experience fear--it's just that some people approach fear with power and others approach fear with paralysis or depression. Once you take action on something that you fear, you grow more confident and more powerful.

For years and years I've written in my journal how I wished I had straight teeth and my "to-do" list always had somewhere written on it, "get braces." And, yet, I procrastinated. I was so afraid. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of what other people would think or say. Afraid of what I would look like. Afraid of not being able to afford it. Afraid of not being able to get a date or find a boyfriend. Afraid of how it would affect my acting career. (Of course, those of you who know me also know that before braces, I hadn't auditioned for anything in nearly a year; I generally don't have that many dates anyway!; and that I was self-conscious of what I looked like before the braces.)

Now that I've checked "get braces" off on my to-do list, it seems so silly how long I had been paralyzed with fear. Now that I have them, I feel empowered. It wasn't such a big deal after all. It makes me want to re-visit my "to-do" list and do something else that I've been afraid of. Because, at this point, if I have the guts (as a single 29-year old woman) to get braces on my teeth, then I feel like I can do almost anything! Feel the fear...and do it anyway!

Almost Toothless...

I got my bottom braces on Tuesday.

The orthodontist's assistant was doing something to my top braces--and it hurt! I was squirming in the chair it was that bad and generally I've been good with physical pain. She asked me if she was hurting me. I said, "Yes...but if I knew what you were doing, it might help." She said, "I'm trying to pull your tooth out."

Wait!


What?!

The orthodontist decided against pulling teeth! Didn't you read the file?

At that moment I had an idea of what it felt like to get the wrong leg amputated.

Then she said, "No, No, if I could pull your tooth out, I'd have fingers of gold. Girl, I'd have a lot of money right now."

Well, then, what exactly were you doing?

Free Stuff for the "Special Girl"

Since getting braces, I've noticed that I've also been getting lucky (well, not that lucky!) But I do feel like someone is looking out for me--here are some of my treats:

• One day at Starbucks I ordered my usual: iced grande soy chai. They made me a venti! Free chai--now that's just too much!

• A Juan Valdez coffee shop opened up a few weeks ago in my building at work. Last week they were giving out free coffee everyday from 11AM-1PM. At first glance, this doesn't seem like a treat, especially since I don't like coffee. But, it turned out that they were giving away anything on the menu--in any size! They happen to have crazy concoctions there--like some sort of coffee-mango frappuccino thing. So, one day I got the coffee-mango thing--but hold the coffee! Another day I got a coffee milkshake (enough milk and sugar makes coffee delectable!). All for free!

• And, now to the grand prize winner: I ordered some undies online at the Gap. I received my package(s) on Friday and they sent me double the order while only charging me once! So, now I have double the undies. Isn't life fabulous!

Losing Weight On Braces

There might be a hole in my theory of weight loss with braces. I didn't count on the fact of replacing my usual lunch of salads and diet coke with mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese. The initial five day experiment was great--a few smoothies a day and you feel svelte and amazing. But one cannot live on smoothie alone. But, luckily, in a few days I get on the bottom braces and I can cheerfully go back to smoothies and a flatter stomach. Boy, I can't wait until I can eat a french bread pizza again!

Yoga With Apples

Today I went to yoga class--as a student--and we did a yoga set with apples (yes, using them like a prop!). I love this set and actually taught it for my Valentine's Day class. The best part about it is that one of the "exercises" is to actually eat your apple. But, alas, all I could do is hold mine in my hands, while listening to the sound of crunchy apples around me. Perhaps I will saute mine in a little butter and top it with some vanilla ice cream.

My smile is shy like a kitten

What is yours?

Coming Out, Part 2

Today was week 2 in my "teaching yoga with braces" experience. Still not 100% articulate, but I'm finding that I'm much more comfortable and not so worried about what other people think, or if they know.

After class we have yogi tea, which is really delicious--and so lovely after yoga class, whether as a student or teacher. But, alas, no tea for me...unless it's through a straw...due to the possible staining factor of the ceramic brackets. Everyone was talking about how especially wonderful the tea was today. The receptionist/studio manager (who made the tea) said that she had two mug-fuls, which is rare for her because after making a huge pot, the last thing she wants to do is drink any of it. So I said that I couldn't have any because of the braces, and, to my surprise, my students were shocked that I had braces. They didn't even notice. The girl who's a regular said, "Wow, you're going to be a knock-out!" To which I replied, "Yes, I'd like to think so..."