smile!

I went to see an orthodontist today, because ever since my car accident a few years ago I have noticed that one of my front teeth has been slowly moving out of place. My regular dentist suggested I have it checked out to make sure there isn't something more serious going on. It turns out that it was very good advice, because it could eventually lead to nerve damage if untreated.

But, in order to correct the problem, I am going to have to get braces, as soon as possible. Braces...I am getting close to 40 years old and I am going to have braces like a freakin' teenager - As it is, I get carded now almost every time I go out, somehow I think this is going make it worse.

My brother is going to be so amused, he had to wear full braces for a few years as a teenager, and was quite irritated that I never needed them too. The funny thing is that when I was younger, I really wanted braces, because in my total stupidity, I actually thought it might make me cuter, since it seemed like the most pretty and popular girls had braces. But I got over it, and seeing what my poor brother had to go through, I was pretty glad that I hadn't needed them afterall. It never occurred to me that I would "get my chance" as an adult!

What is not yet known is if the ceramic braces will suffice or if I have to go full metal bracket...I suspect there may be a lot less smiling for a year or so if ceramic won't do the trick. Ultimately it is the difference between Braceface and Metalmouth, because I am pretty sure that I am not getting through this one without some serious teasing.

Smile!

Rain, Sleet & SNOW!

I knew there was a big strom brewing, so I decided to rent an SUV for safety to drive up to attend the funeral. I left about 7 am, and was literally taken aback at how cold it was when I walked outside. I live barely a block from the beach and was only about a mile away when I realized it wasn't rain or hail sticking to the car, but freakin snow flakes! I started looking around to notice layers of snow on the ground between the orange trees. Slush started building up on the road in front of me and I just couldn't quite believe it!

I pulled over and got a shot of the snow falling and beginning to fill up a field. The temp gauge on the rearview mirror read 32 degrees!

Then, it mostly cleared up for a while but about 30 minutes later I came across several inches of snow everywhere I looked. I got some shots of that too (and will post all pics when I can) I had to get pictures, no one would believe that it was fully snowing in the coastal valleys of California, I barely believe it and I was right in the middle.

It was very lovely and peaceful. probably only because its so rare, but it sure was a beautiful view and a nice little surprise for a long and kind of sad drive. I used to go to the snow with my grandparents a lot, and I had them on my mind with the passing of my uncle, and it just seemed sort of appropriate, if completely out of the ordinary!
:O)

R.I.P. Uncle Otis

My Uncle Otis passed away this week and I am heading up to the funeral services tommorrow. Otis was just a great guy, I loved to listen to him talk with the heavy Boston accent he never lost despite living most of his adult life in California. He made me feel so special, so loved and seemed to delight in becoming my substitute grandfather when mine passed away when I was 3. I sadly realize today that I don't know nearly enough about him, and still had about 8 million questions to ask him about my grandparents. Yet, one thing that I keep thinking about is how full and happy and long his life seemed to be. I suspect that he is a larger influence than I realize and may become one of many fabulous people I aspire to emulate. So, if you are so inclined, please take a moment to wish a good thought to his friends and family - and remember to ask and tell your loved ones the important things, while you can.

peace and love! - me

my brother is just the best

I have been meaning to post these for way too long now - my sweet brother sent me these gorgeous flowers for my birthday and these are the pictures I took of them

Thank you Brother Bear, they were a wonderful, unbelievably thoughful, unexpected surprise!!!