Smile News

As it turns out, I only have 14 more weeks of Invisalign!!!!!!!!!  Meaning I will be

 DONE WITH BRACES ON SEPTEMBER 20^TH

God willing :) I may need to have very minor surgery to remove the little nerve between my front teeth lol I’ve had it since I was little bitty, and now it may be getting in the way of the final product. The dentist said he’d have to get it with a laser. And I of course asked if he could gas me.  He said he’d numb my mouth with a giant needle instead. Fun...My bottom teeth are all done :) Now I just change the top retainer every 2 weeks, until it’s through.  And no more IPR (which is the awful filing of my teeth that Dr. Davis did to make room)!! Ouchies.


As of today, my teeth are incredibly sore, especially my first premolar. This retainer HURTS!!  I was hoping since I’ve been wearing it since yesterday afternoon and all through the night, that this morning would be gentler. But I was wrong! Advil advil advil, and Lord let it work!

I’m so thankful. I know it’s kinda silly but I’ve wanted braces for years and years, and finally this year God blessed me with enough funds to get them done. And it was invisible on top of that. And they’ll take only 6 months total! Praise God, always :)

And miles to go before I sleep

I was wondering about my mileage for the year and as it turns out... in the year 2011...

I've run 220 miles.

That's a lot!
My goal for the year is to run over 500. I think I've got this in the bag considering my marathon is in November. It may be time to invest in some new shoes. I've been putting mileage on the bikilas for almost a whole year and they're still holding together marvelously. Can't say that about any other shoe I've ever had.
I'm thinking about getting another color... I'm not sure about getting a new model yet. I  bought a women's sprint in pink/peach and it's not very comfortable... I'm afraid to wear it and have it tear up my feet. Maybe I should man up.

I got lazy last week and didn't do much of anything but clean and cook some. I had only logged a Saturday run of 6 miles, a Monday run of 5, and a Saturday run of 7.5 miles... which is kind of sad. I had ALL WEEK Monday through Friday and I had 5 miles to show for it. Lame. Will do better.

Another one of my resolutions was getting invisalign :) And my oh my I already have people telling me they can see a difference! It's only been 12 weeks!! I have a dentist's appointment this week, and I'm praying for no pain as they prepare me for the next 3 retainers.

Overall, my life has been very happy this year. There have been major developments in my relationship with my family and new, strong friendships which are answered prayers. My heart has been healing, and I no longer feel so darn anxious. Having my brother around does help a lot. He's been helping me around the apartment, and keeping me company on the couch. I am proud to say I got my entire family hooked on the Mavericks haha my brother got home yesterday during the 2nd quarter and the first thing he asked me was "is the game on????!!" as he looked toward the tv. My parents and I watched a movie yesterday, X-Men First Class (good!) and they were stoked to inform me they had plans to watch the game! :)
It's been amazing having them around. I don't take it for granted one bit.

You never know what plans God has for my future, whether it's here or somewhere else. I'm praying about direction and opening my heart to whatever He needs me to do. The job I have now is fantastic, but I'm not opposed to the idea of it being yet another stepping stone to something bigger. I've also been prayerfully considering a Masters degree in combination with a specialist program in blood banking.
Click here to see my options in programs. Please be in prayer about my career and location and future.

My lease goes out in October and I have no clue yet what I should do about my living situation. I'm certain God will make it clear to me by then. I know He has great plans, and He will accomplish them. He knows my heart's desires, and what I truly value and want while I'm here. I'll keep praying, and running, and spending time with my loved ones. I'm certain I'll be ready for whatever change God brings my way. I will welcome it with a confident smile, and praise Him.

How to Greet in the Hallway

Working at a hospital, I walk down crowded hallways quite often. The problem here... is that people in Texas are so friendly. They want to ask you HOW ARE YOU as you're walking past each other.
So you say "Fine, how are you?" and then they have already passed by you. Awkward... I thought well that's unfair, there must be better ways to greet than the uncaring "how are you's" to which the answer must always be a rushed "fine." Therefore....


HOW TO GREET IN THE HALLWAY
(you're welcome, btw)

Silent Greetings

The silent nod - great option if you don't know the person, you acknowledge each other and move on.

The smirk nod - friendly, but you may start a conversation with that smirk. Smirk with caution.

The silent wave - just raise one hand up, quickly, nothing too wavy. Best if you walk quickly.

The gangster - throw up that gang sign, G. Or the deuces, my personal favorite. Duckface is optional.

The trekkie - just do it, it's funny.

Spoken Greetings

The factual statement - great way to speak yet control the conversation, just make sure you talk first. Short reply to follow, especially if you walk quickly.

• -Long time no see!
• -My, it's hot outside!
• -There's a lot of people here today!
• -Work work work!

Days of the week - perfect greeting for the workplace, and also great small talk.

• -It is such a Monday!
• -Is it only Tuesday?!
• -Wednesday, halfway!!
• -It's Thursday! Friday's Friday!
• -Friday! Come on, weekend!

Pleasantries & Compliments - go ahead and flatter the other person (only do this if you know them!!)

• -Great to see you!
• -Long time no see!
• -Looking good, so and so!
• -Aw I like that article of clothing!
• -Aw I like your hair today!
• -Don't you look nice?!

The Awkward Narrative - this is where you make a silly voice and describe what it is that you're doing or where you're going.

• -gotta get my grub on! *rubs belly*
• -just walking down the hall.
• -bathroom break!

The Movie Quoter - the perfect greeting. If you're gonna talk, you might as well get a kick out of it.

• -to infinityyy and beyoooond!
• -when in rome!
• -may the force be with you!
• -well hellooooooo!
• -hi ho hi ho it's off to work we go!
• -little rascals hand-under-chin greeting

Mess with them - get silly.

• -sing out loud whatever song is stuck in your head for just a few seconds.
• -swivel your neck and snap, like a musical.
• -shimmy
• -jazz hands!
• -double gun hands with a *pew pew*
• -just point to them and say "Youuuuuuuuuu!!"

In conclusion... there are many many ways to greet someone in the hallway. Do NOT subject them to
"how are you?" :)