Just about two years ago, I decided to take the leap and at 48, get my teeth (hopefully) finally straightened.

In the grand scheme of things, having straight teeth isn’t a big deal. Yet every time I look in the mirror that silly crooked tooth is front and center. Literally.

After a couple years of sharing confidences with octogenarians, these wise mostly women have cemented my you only live once, no regrets, just do it attitude.

Now that the guys are taken care of, it was time to take care of me (& Porter)

Over the years, aside from that line in my smile from that nagging crooked tooth, my smile has become a little… crooked.

It was time to bite the bullet and get over the nag in the mirror or do something about it.

So, I jumped.

Best. decision. ever.

OK, remember… compared to really important stuff, this was good vacation. Priorities in check.

As I’m winding down the home stretch, I’m so glad that a little money, a little pain and a little time took this nag off my morning mirror routine. It’s like a friend shared when I was pondering an MBA, the time will pass anyways… just do it.

Having adult braces can be… interesting. Maybe unexpected is a better description. Respecting… or not, the list of foods to be avoided. The questioning looks of “mid-life crisis?” from the straight teethed teen-braced retainer respecting crowd. Oh and the rubber bands, sorry “elastics.” Had one, hopefully, drunken women reach across a bar at a waterfront concert to pay me kudos for the “adult braces… oh and you even have elastics.” The high five was too much as I skunked under the bar. Really? Whatever.

Today as I pop my Aleve to combat the discomfort of the finishing touches, planning has begun for my “Braces-Off” celebratory dinner. Which will definitely involve a gooey dessert with many small nuts. Whoo hoot!