Nails

I really enjoy painting my nails.  Some would say that it's not proper for a musician, especially a string player to paint their nails.  For years, I wasn't allowed, and even if I had been, it bothered me to have the extra weight on my fingers.  Yes, I'm that sensitive to my hands.  However, ever since I had braces put back on, (last August 31st, to be exact, but who's counting?) I cannot bite my nails or cuticles anymore.  This does not stop me from picking, let me add, but after about the first month, the urge to stick my dirty hands in my mouth has significantly decreased.  I still do chew on my fingers when I'm nervous, bothered, or intensely concentrating, but in general, I leave my fingers alone.  This is a huge coup for me, since I was the "lets-tear-the-nail-off-past-the-quik" type of person before.  My entire life, actually.  So...thus, I enjoy painting my nails.  :)  My favorite colors are "But I'm Not Really a Waitress" and "Lincoln Park After Dark", both by OPI.

(Ironically, I HATE painting my toenails.  I would say 99% of the time I just get a pedicure.)

And for my grammar conscious friends, the second sentence in the paragraph: Do I put the comma before the ( ) or does it go after?  I know that the period follows, but does the same apply for other punctuation?  Suz?