I usually redo them every 3 weeks or so. By that time, they're grown out to where there is a tiny bit of nailbed showing and are lifting around the edges. Sometimes, I'll take some of the pink glue that comes in a bottle with a brush and very carefully seal the edges (letting the glue wick under.) I usually only do that when I whack something and lift an edge, as it is a pain in the ass to do without making a mess. Mostly I do that to keep moisture from getting trapped in there. I used to wear 'em longer and do a fill, but that was a) a pain in the ass and b) required I then use an opaque nail polish and I prefer the french faux-natural these days.

I don't know if it makes a difference, but I make sure my nails are as oil free and dry as possible, wiping them down with alcohol and a nail antifungal I got at Sally's (and then drying), before I apply new nails.

More than you wanted to know?

No this is great! I am pretty good at applying, but they seriously start to fall off after about three days if I do things like open cat food cans or dig throught my purse. I think it is the moisture thing-- I think I may need to start wearing rubber gloves for dishes/cleaning

Don't use your nails as tools!

This is what I have learned.

Just exactly how long has Jesse been angling for a spot on L&O, is what I'm wondering?

Based on a true story! Lifetime original movie! That Jesse.

I'm still annoyed by the concept of not knowing who is calling collect from prison. Though one friend who got arrested was given his one call but it had to be a local number that was NOT a cell phone! That he had memorized. He was like "...fuck". (That was in Texas. He was also fucked because he was trans, but verrry far along--ie, facial hair--so they had no idea what to do with him when they had the prisoners split up, and it caused some drama. Luckily, he never went to trial or was convicted) I'm SOL if I get arrested here in Seattle, I know no local non-cell numbers (or, heck, local cell numbers) off the top of my head.

Though one friend who got arrested was given his one call but it had to be a local number that was NOT a cell phone! That he had memorized.

Now I feel like I should memorize some numbers, assuming I know anyone with a house phone anymore!

I don't use my nails for prying anything (well, I type with them, but it isn't high impact) but I'm not terribly careful about them wrt water, doing dishes and such. I didn't pry pre-fakes either because they'd just tear like paper, so there was no habit to break there.

I had to ask a friend to open a can of soda, because I literally couldn't figure it out. I think I have it now.

I actually started using a plastic knife to open the cat food cans. But I have been known to use my real nails as a screwdriver, so I have a hella habit to break. I have also used my tap shoes from high school as a makeshift hammer, so I like to think I am clever and McGyverish.

I am not in jail.

I am, however, dorkily on the front page of my workplace's public webpage (feature article #3, at the moment). Most of you know where I work, so you can figure it out.

I have a plastic cuticle pusher thing that I've had forever. It's perfect! Otherwise I've always used silverware.

You know, back in high school and earlier, I probably would have laughed if you said I'd be having this conversation. I'm a lot more ...girly is the common term, but it isn't quite right. I was less likely to put up with inconveniences with regards to appearence, and kinda snotty about it then. Probably wore more makeup then, but still. Oh and I'd never wear heels. Hahahah! Yeah, 50 hours a week now.

I think some of it was because my main school circle was guys (not in a liking boys way.) Even amongst my guys, there was much more competition to beat me at a subject than there was between them. Second to my third was a bigger accomplishment than first to another guy's second. And they admitted it. So I probably tried to fit in by not being too girly. Which is.... kinda warped. I never really thought about it like this before.