School life with braces

I now have braces. I got them over spring break. I have to go to school. Yes, it sounds like an enjoyable experience, does it not?

I have prepared myself for all types of ridicule and was thoroughly surprised with the amount I received. The first day went great, hardly anyone noticed. The second and following days is what got me.

Jessica: They look good

Jenna:…..

Abby: You look good with braces, I don’t know if I told you.

Karlee: You talk funny.

Maci: You’re wearing your hair down! (She didn’t notice, but that’s okay)

Lee: Hey, Charita! What did you have for lunch? A Caesar salad? Ma ha ha ha.

Elizabeth: You have a listhp.

She made fun of me the rest of the week.

Rickey: When did you get them?

Tori: You have a listhp.

She also made fun of me the rest of the week.

Ashton: I like the way you talk. You sound so cool.

Krystal: You got braces!

Mollie: You got braces.

Chris: You have braces, I haven’t seen them all week. I tried to make you laugh but you only smiled (which made me laugh).

Ericka: Do people make fun of you for the way you talk?

Interpretation: You talk funny.

Lee Jr.: Whatsth up?

Yes, indeed I do have a lisp (a bad on at that). I took the ridicule all in good fun, for I was expecting it. School has been pretty well, for the most part I enjoyed it.

Braces

For the people who have begged me to write this post–yes, I did get my braces today. There really is not anything worth mentioning, nothing at all. The ladies said my name incorrectly and the orthodontist never called me by name. It was ninety-nine percent pain free. When the actual braces were being put on, I thought they were still cleaning my teeth. Also, I did not have to take any pills to dry my mouth. The nurse put an odd looking contraption in my mouth that helped keep my mouth open and sucked out saliva.

I had to watch a video about how to properly clean my teeth and what to eat and what not to eat. I find it rather funny how it seems most of the stuff I cannot have is what we have in the house. All that I can have for now is soup–soup and oatmeal (I made an attempt at toast but…) Yes, my mouth is sore. I cannot chew with my back teeth. I could not even eat the chicken in chicken noodle soup. The doctor said that the pain should last for two days. I have to have these braces for two and a half years so I am really hoping what he says is correct.

I also have a terrible lisp.

Which I do not like on bit.

The Mother/Daughter Retreat

I had a grand time. We got there late but that is the tradition now. I hoped that it would not be so this year but, alas it is. We arrived two and a half hours late (better than last year), enjoyed a brownie, and strolled to the gym. There was a volleyball game in session. I honestly would not call it that, there were a ton of little girls who either were afraid to touch the ball or could not hit the ball over the net. I am just saying not complaining–it is supposed to be a “bonding” experience anyway.

The next day was pretty smooth. I ate the breakfast served (I am used to these spacers), had devotions, went to the sessions. It was the break that “ruined” my day. My brother is a celebrity of sorts here. Most of the females are his friends. This does not really bother me. I just do not like getting mistreated over it. Sure, I am a younger sibling but I do have a name, feelings, etc. I am not just a thing, a thing who was made for the sole purpose of giving stupid “Hello” messages to my brother. This, I am not.

“You’re the other one!” says the rude girl to me. Here we see that I am neither male nor female, and am condensed to a simple pronoun–an indefinite pronoun at that.

“Yes,” I say.

“I love your brother.” No Hello, What is your name? How are you doing? None, whatsoever. Love, huh?

“Uh, he loves you too.”

She then laughs a sickening laugh as though I am the funniest thing (not person) in the world. I would go so far as to call it an evil snicker.

This one part of the day ruined the whole retreat’s rating. Could have been a ten but now it is a seven.

To add to my depressed state, right before our departure she said, “Don’t forget to tell Mac I say ‘Hi!’” Oh trust me, I will not forget.

Yes, it is true that I am taking this all out of proportion, I admit it. Yes, I am probably overreaction. All I want is to be treated equal, not seen as just one’ sibling.

I find this therapeutic. It feels wonderful to tell someone thhis, although hardly anyone will read it.

Spacers

I walked into the orthodontist office. I was holding my little brother (who is nine months) so I got a ton of those dirty looks (you know the ones, Oh my goodness, I can’t believe she has a baby). Well sorry folks, the kids isn’t mine! Anyway I walked inside, signed in, and sat down.

“Charita, will you please come to the back with me?” said a petite blond.

I don’t answer. They always say my name wrong, yet I never correct them.

I get some x-rays done, sit in a chair, and wait patiently for the nurse lady to come in. I am called by the wrong name again.

I get my spacers and they don’t hurt. Not one little bit.

Jessica, they don’t hurt.

I’m shocked

Oh my! Oh my, my…I was very surprised today when I went to Books-A-Million. I picked out my book, walked to the children’s section, and sat down to enjoy my read. I turned the page, looked up, and saw a book that caught my eye. This book had to do with telling your four year old about his or her private place. On the flap inside the book it stated that it was a good way of sharing with your young one without going into detail.

This was a lie.

It told many things, complete with pictures.

My four year old will not know such things at age four.

I was shocked–thoroughly shocked.

The book had a companion for seven year olds; warning them about puberty, I suppose. This book also went into too much detail.

Would you tell your seven year old about sex?

Did I mention that I was shocked?

By the way, the pictures sucked.