0

Orbit

49

Southwestern Ontario

Canada

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: In a Relationship
About Me:: Smooth and silky! I have AU (Alopecia Universalis, I grow no hair anywhere) and have had some form of Alopecia my whole life. These days I try to live my life with purpose, kindness and compassion. I know that growing up with AU has made me a more sensitive and caring person. The fact that I am bald doesn't deter me in any way. The fact that I have no hair is just one of the reasons that I am special, I have accepted it and am happy to help others going through the same thing. I am Happily AU Naturel!

Having this condition is not really as bad as it seems, honestly. I am so used to now I don't know what I would actually do if I did grow hair! The thought of shaving my legs scares me, the extra maintenance and upkeep, oh the horror! Being soft and smooth has its benefits! I choose to mostly wear wigs and I have a lot of fun with it. I've completely embraced the my versatility and I like to be chameleon like. Day to day I am a redhead, and I wear a colour that is very close to my bio hair. I do like to spice things up with different colours and styles. Long and dark one day, short and brown another, curly and blonde, you get the idea. Sometimes it looks great, but next to my shockingly pale skin I think the red is the best. I haven't really got the nerve to wear my bald look out in public (mostly due to the fact that I have big ears!) but do so often around the house especially for strenuous exercise.

I know there are fellow alopecians on here with lots of questions about my wigs and just whats the deal with them?! No mystery, just find something that suits you and work with it. Do research, inform yourself, shop with a trusted friend, and most importantly don't get discouraged! Look outside the box and trust in yourself! You are the most important person in your life, so give yourself break! Remember that CONFIDENCE CAN BE FAKED! All you have to do is hold your head high (bald, covered, with a wig whatever) and SMILE! You'll start to beleive it and so will others! I guarantee that your positive energy will be contagious! I'm happy to answer any questions and help in any way that I can!

A bit more about me, I am a second generation Canadian Leathersmith who owns and runs my own business. I wouldn't have it any other way! I'd like to get a chance to explore more of my artistic side when I get a little spare time. I love to paint, do sculpture, work with reclaimed materials and recycle stuff into art. While I am not musical myself, I really enjoy a whole range of music from all over then world. I like to sew, and do anything that keeps my hands and brain busy. I think its important to honour our heritage (I am a mixture of Scottish, Polish and German decent). I thinks its very important to keep the dying crafts alive. My grandma taught me to crochet and my nana taught me to knit, both of which I love to do. In addition to that I have my own strange style of embroidery and beadwork. I like to doodle and scribble down poetry. I try to continuously educate myself, I'd be afraid my brain might turn to mush otherwise! All outdoor pursuits are of interest to me, specifically I most enjoy: Canoe back country camping, hiking, biking, gardening, sailing, and snowboarding. I practice Yoga and meditate often. I like to exercise to blow off stress. I enjoy walking my Portuguese Water Dog. I'm concerned about the state of our planet and try to implement "green" alternatives whenever I can. I try consume as many organic foods as possible. I'm a big fan of the "Slow Food" movement. I like to garden and love spending time in the forest. I am a vinyl junkie and have a huge LP collection - I just love the warm sound of records! I'm a pinball junkie, I admit it. I really enjoy a nice glass of red wine or single malt scotch. Friends tell me I'm just one of the guys.

~~~~~~ I am Happy, I am Healthy, I am Whole and Complete ~~~~~~
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia universalis
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

Michaela

Hi Orbit...You are lovely too:-*

Apr 4, 2008
Michaela

You are lovely too

Apr 4, 2008
Sophie Ray

Hi, how are you? just wondering where your wigs are from.. trying to find a few options!!

Apr 5, 2008
Tammy Carlin (Mom of Leah)

Hi Orbit. I love your hair! My daughter is looking at screen right now and says "Alexa" (her cousin who has red hair too) beautiful and long like yours.

Leah sometimes asks to go "shopping" for hair. I am no sure when we actually will shop for hair, but I think we are getting close.

T

Apr 5, 2008
sgomez

Hi Orbit! I know you from heralopecia. I got an email that you added me to your friends on this website. Of course I accepted! I really enjoyed your pictures, you are so beautiful. I'm jelous! I always wanted to be a redhead, but I'm mexican, so my skintone is so wrong for red hair. My dad is a shoemaker (custom and western shoes) I grew up w/ leather all my life. Whenever I smell leather I remember my dad w/ rolls of leather in the garage and working on a new pair of shoes or boots. My sisters and I would use the scraps and make things out of them. So what kind of things do you make? I think that you should take a picture of your bald head! I would love to see how you look. I myself only have two pictures of myself bald. One when I was about 7, and another that my sister took of me a few years ago. If I can find them I will post them on my page. I'm still kind of new to this computer stuff, but I'm sure I can figure it out. Hope to hear from you soon! I'm so excited to be your new friend. Sarah

Apr 5, 2008
Imogen Green

Hey Orbit :)
I like to write alot of poetry actually...
and thank you for your comment :)
I really like your pictures! Your blonde wig in the Californian one is beautiful!
take care :)
and it was nice meeting you :)

Apr 6, 2008
Sally

hey there! thank you so much :) you are so pretty! i keep admiring your eyebrows, i am thinking of getting semi-perm done soon. Did you get yours done, or do you use makeup? I have a fear of making the decision tbh, but i think i would love it at the same time. nice to meet you! xx

Apr 7, 2008
spaganya

Thanks Orbit :)

Yeah it took me a few tries to find a color that worked for me. I am lucky to have a skin tone that most goes well, but the first few i tried to match my wig (which is medium brown with chesnut highlights) turned out WAY too orange-y as well. i ended up having to go for darker brown, and oddly enough they arent dark brown on me, they are kind of medium brown? eh you see what i mean though.

I am really thinking of getting the permanent eyebrows done but im afraid of what happens if the tattooist has to sneeze or something, its not like its a tattoo on my back or something...its my FACE! :)

you look stellar as a redhead! :)

Apr 7, 2008
Daria

Hey girl. I just read your reply to the forum question on eyebrows and I noticed that you talked about setting yours in place with translucent powder. I just wanted to let you in on a product that I found just recently. It's called She-Laq. It's made by Benefit cosmetics and I got mine off sephora.com. It was recommended to me at a Bald Girls Do Lunch get-together. It comes in a little glass bottle and comes with a set of brushes. You just brush it over your makeup (eyes, lips, whatever) and the makeup won't come off unless you wash it off. Which is great....you won't lose an eyebrow if you rub an itch or something!!!!! LOL -- take care!

Apr 7, 2008
Donna Evans

Thank you. It is very close to my own color. I love your longer hair and am looking for a wig like it. I live in a tiny town though and have to go 5 hours to the big city to buy a new wig. It's on my list of stuff to do soon! Thanks for adding me as a friend! By the way, you have beautiful skin!

Apr 7, 2008
sgomez

Thanks for the compliments and encouragment! Yeah, my dad is a 3rd generation shoe cobbler. It is a dying art. So what kinds of things do you make?

Apr 7, 2008
Amanda

Hi Orbit, thanks for the add!! I like many others on here love your hair. Great Pictures too!

Apr 7, 2008
Chelsea

HI Orbit!
Thanks for the nice comment and the welcome. :D

Apr 8, 2008
Nicole

I wanted to make sure I got back to you and let you know....My eyebrow experience was great!!!! Jeffery Segal, who did the tattoos was absolutely wonderful! He is so talented! There was very little pain involved because he uses Novocain to numb the area. I had both my eyebrows and lash line done. With the eyebrows there was no swelling or pain at all and the eyes were not swollen just a little puffy the day I got it done but the next day they were fine…they felt like the had a minor sun burn on them the day after the procedure but not bad at all. I am really happy with it!! I put one picture on my page that was taken three days after the procedure....I have a lot more from the trip and the procedure but I have them on my home computer and for some reason whenever I try to put them on my page the whole website disappears...I tried several times but I have had no luck. As soon as I figure out how to fix this problem I'll post them so you can see the results!

As far as cost goes it was expensive, to get both my eyebrows and lashline tattooed it cost $1350.00 but it was worth every penny! Let me know if you have any other questions...

ttyl
-Nicole : )

Apr 8, 2008
sgomez

Orbit,
OK, I did it! I took some baldy pictures of myself, and posted them on my page! yay! Now, lady, I challenge you to do the same! Don't you feel a little left out?? You know, w/ all the other baldy pictures around here? lol! Sarah

Apr 9, 2008
sgomez

OK, I'm going to hold you to it. Bye the way, I can't beleive you pencil in your eyebrowes! I read some of your page. They look so natural! How do you do it so perfect! Thankfully, mine are tattooed. I used to pencil them in, but they never looked that nice. I also like the picture of you when you are wearing sunglasses. It doesn't look like you have any makeup on your face. That's my favorite.

Apr 9, 2008
Karina Louise

Hi Orbit, I've seen lots of your postings on Her Alopecia.com & found some of them very helpful (I tend to lurk rather than post though, I spend a lot of time at work surreptitiously reading alopecia sites but don't get to post much) I love your red wig! Are you a natural redhead? I am and my wig is a simlar colour. K.

Apr 10, 2008
Carly

hey, thanks for the welcome!! totally unexpected!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Apr 10, 2008
Ali

hey sweeta ,tnx 4 addin

Apr 10, 2008
Daria

It kinda depends on how much you apply. If you use just enough to set the makeup, it's not shiny. If you put in on a little heavier, it can be a bit, but truthfully it's not really noticeable at all. I love it myself!

Apr 13, 2008
Andrew

Hi Orbit! Thanks for the comment. Dexamethasone is an oral steroid. My Dermatologist put me on a 6 month cycle and my hair actually did start to grow back. I've been off of the drug now for over a year and a half. However, it's by no means a cure for Alopecia Areata. I still have spots and for some reason the hair never grew back on the rest my body. In many cases peoples hair grows back and then it all falls out again....so it's kind of a gamble.Talk to your doctor more about it if you are interested.

Apr 13, 2008
sgomez

Hi friend! I really enjoyed your new pics. (but no bald head yet....no pressure) So is that your man? He's quite handsome. You seem very happy together.

Apr 14, 2008
Annina

Thank you for your "friend request".I won't be here very often...I'm using a pc that's not mine....waiting for the "definitive "one...but I'm glad to know new friends...also ..I'm busy ri-decorating my flat..the rent has been rised,my flat-sharer left and I need to find a new one...at least I can show her a nicer room....let's say it'an ectic time...I hope to be over it soon. :)

Apr 14, 2008
Annina

really nice photos!

Apr 14, 2008
Erica

Hi Orbit,
I'm still loving your wigs. I've posted a bit on heralopecia about my wig shopping but I didn't talk about how the place I went to (it's all done through the NHS so probably not the widest choice), didn't really carry red haired ones - so disappointing. But I'm loving the idea of the blonde one that I've ordered that has red through it and one that is technically brown but really isn't that much darker than my natural colour just now.

In your picture, where you're wearing the fetching bonnet - are you at a renactment? My cousins are really into re-enacting and I went with them when I was over a few years ago to one near London. Was fun - I wonder if I have photos of it anywhere...

Apr 15, 2008
sgomez

That's so great that you've been together so long! That's really unusual these days. How wonderful for you two. I have known my husband for 11 years, and we've been married for 10. So far we made the right desicion! lol! So who's the photographer? My younger sister is really into photography, and is very talented. She is the memory keeper in the family.

Apr 15, 2008
Kate

Wow! You look gorgeous - I am so inspired to see beautiful women like you who look wonderful and have amazing hair! You look fab both blonde and red! Very very cool! x

Apr 16, 2008
bee.

Ah, thankyou, so much. Its so crazy that so many people have exactly what I have, I mean the last 5 years I've been completely alone with the way I felt and stuff. You're beautiful, by the way!

Apr 16, 2008
Nicole( colby's Mommy)

thankyou so much for the compliment, we really need this alopecia world thing! colby is my hero!

Apr 16, 2008
Kaitlyn

Well, see...I'm a dancer. I've been in dance for many years, and I've been at the top of my class since I started because I am dedicated and I just love it. My dance teacher isn't very accepting of my condition, though, and she keeps trying to make me cover it up with strange teddybear fur and stuff for competition because she said she doesn't want me to draw attention. It's hard because I'm just beginning to to accept it myself and feel unashamed without covering my head, and I have people like her practically forcing me to cover it. How can I be accepting it more than them if they aren't even going through it??? Do you have any advice on what I should do to make her happy, but not have a wig fly off my head while I'm dancing???

Apr 17, 2008
Eva Antonaki

Thank you Í´m realy happy to fing this group.

Apr 17, 2008
Tori

Hi, thanks so for the comment, You wigs look so natural -- Love the red!!! --- I do miss my eyebrows and eyelashes, and I'm not much of a make-up person. As an artist, it does really add to your expressions. Sometimes I feel like a mole!! (lol)

Apr 17, 2008
Ingela

Thank´s:D I hope you are fine!

// Ingela

Apr 22, 2008
brian kirchman

thanks,,, i dont claim to be any good but i do like to write my thoughts down....i was at work the last 2 weeks and had the concept running around my head so i wrote a little here and there when i had time to drift in thought... i do it alot at work

Apr 22, 2008
brian kirchman

iv been writeing things down for as long as i can remember i have 100s of pices of paper and napkins maybe more of thoghts or insights or just a few words that ryme.

Apr 22, 2008
John

Thank you very much for your response. I am not sure how to send a private message though:). I will do so as soon as I can figure it out.

Apr 26, 2008
Carmella

Hey girl! Thanks for the warm welcome and compliment. It's very nice to meet you doll.
XOXO
CAR

Apr 26, 2008
Sarah Sproul

Thanks so much for the comment! It's people like you that make me feel so much better about myself. I really like your outlook on alopecia. It has been very hard, but I think I'm growing stronger everyday. I do have my set backs, but I think a lot of people do. Thanks so much for your support and I am so glad I met you!!!

Apr 27, 2008
Katie

Thanks for the message! :-) It is so great to have so many people who are so welcoming on this site! I have never met anyone with Alopecia before. I am hoping that this site gives me strength. I am very impressed with your positivity. Send some over to me!! This disease is such a rollercoaster of emotions. I can't believe I even have it. I am having such a difficult time with it, I wish I could be strong and brave.

Apr 28, 2008
Rebecca

Hello, i was actually thinking you look really familiar to me for some reson, maybe weve met before.

Apr 28, 2008
Ken

Just received your request and totally added you to my friends list. OK, so, I'm reading your page and you're such a sweetie! Among other things, I love that you're as environmentally conscious as you are...I actually work in that field. We help companies w/ Kyoto compliance measures. Very interesting and would love to talk w/ you about it sometime. Anyway, you ROK!

Apr 30, 2008
Bob Hershberger

Orbit..Hi..Im Bob..I saw you and thought Id say hello,and mention what a gorgeous girl you are..Ive had AA for 35 years..It definitly made me a better person,in ,many ways..You have a great "glow" about you,thats very contageous.,,Im sure you'll do just fine..Best regards..Bob
ps..Maybe I could add you to my friends list.if you dont mind..

Apr 30, 2008
Brigitte

Thanks to add me to you friends list..... i'm from Québec, Canada..... Have a nice day !

May 3, 2008
Fitzy

Hi, well you do them very well. I can;t ever get them right. But recently I found this site http://feelgoodlookgood.com.au/ they have these brows that are made from real hair and are sewn into a silicon base. I bought them and they arrived last week, they are amazing and the most natural things I have ever tried. People cant believe it all my friends got a fright and thought my brows had grown back. haha. Anyway have a look, they are pretty cool. x

May 3, 2008
Jess

ahh baking is the best!!! I do it every chance I get!! You look amazing, I love your hair and the color is just gorgeous!!

May 3, 2008
Bob Hershberger

Well hello.there,and good day to you..Hope your having a great Sunday.I was wondering,how did you get the name Orbit?? Just courious..God Bless..Bob

May 4, 2008
kastababy

Thanks so much for the comforting words on my blog! Even though I know that this is just the way my mom is, I can't help but get hopeful every time she says the right things and even attempts to do the right things -- which makes every time she reverts to form that much more disappointing. I am going to go to the conference anyway; it will be my summer vacation actually -- the chance to go to Kentucky Kingdom for a day and ride the roller coasters was too much to pass up! I hope to see you at the conference next year!!! :)

BTW, I see you are an outdoorsy type of girl -- have you gone whitewater rafting on the Ocoee yet?

May 4, 2008
Jess

haha its alright I have experimented with lots of different cake and bread recipes and sometimes for some reason they just come out like bricks! but you gotta try this one for banana walnut bread, its my fav. I got it from the food network website and it always turns out perfect!

Banana Walnut Bread
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for preparing the pan
1 cup sugar
3 very ripe bananas, peeled, and mashed with a fork (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces

Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl, set aside. Whisk the eggs and vanilla together in a liquid measuring cup with a spout, set aside. Lightly brush a 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan with butter. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or with an electric hand-held mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the butter while mixing until incorporated. Add the bananas (the mixture will appear to be curdled, so don't worry), and remove the bowl from the mixer.

With a rubber spatula, mix in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Fold in the nuts and transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Turn the bread out of the pan and let cool completely on the rack.

ENJOY!! :)

May 5, 2008
Kristen

Hi Orbit - I'm bummed we don't live closer to each other as you look like a person I'd really want to get to know. I really like your saying, "I am happy..." I don't struggle much about my appearance anymore but, on my low days, that mantra is something I will have to keep in mind. Love your wigs too - they compliment your skin tone really well. Cheers! :-)

May 5, 2008
Kristen

Oh wow - it is a small world! What company does your brother-in-law work for? I used to manage the rock climbing gym in town so I am familiar with a lot of the companies.

May 6, 2008