Well, the braces came off today at 9:30 AM. Some of you may have seen my thread last night, I was pretty nervous about getting them off. The entire visit took about 40-45 minutes. The brackets did pop right off as everyone said, not too much pain at all. The polishing of the teeth and getting the glue off was slightly uncomfortable at times, but not nearly as bad as I thought. After they were polished, they took a few X-Rays of my teeth, which they also did before I got the braces on. Then they took impressions of my top and bottom teeth for the retainers I'm getting Monday(still clueless as to what type I'm getting). I wish I had taken some better BEFORE pics, as I really came a long way.
Earliest clear picture I have is Jan. 2005, 4 months after the braces came on.
Here's what they look like today
Couldn't be happier with the results. Previously, both laterals were pushed way back, and both canines were way up in my gums. The ortho said the gums above the laterals should 'raise' by themselves eventually, or they can just trim them, as they come down on the teeth. Also, as everyone was right, my teeth do feel really slimy. Sorry for the long read. The journey is finally over.

Braced: Sept. 27, 2004
Debanding: May 5, 2006