... Her life, as she sees it!

Single retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 13:44:00 +0000

One of my closest cousins came the other day to KK, and told me;

"Chel! Your mom asked both of us to join the "Single Retreat" in Kundasang!"

Really? Mom? HAHA

And again, mom came to KK and I asked her the same thing.

"Mom, what did you said to Romeo? Me and him, joining the "Single Retreat" ? Really?"

And mom..

"YES YES YOU SHOULD. Go with Romeo!"

So what is this "Single Retreat" ?

I pretty much have no idea about it at all, what I know is only the "single" person is allowed to join and socialize to each other, worshiping God.

That's all.

But I 'rejected' Mom's idea about it, literally.. Of course in a good way I could express about it.

I know she wants me to be happy again, to fall in love again, to have someone to makes me happy, just like the old days... but for some personal reason. I enjoy what I have as for now.

It's not that something that I have in my mind, of course everyone needs love but I'm channeling all my focus on my career and body for the time being.

Teehee.

Anyways, jetting off again next week.This time to Boracay with my good buddies!

But the thing is my bikini-body is not ready as for now.

Too much cheating on my diet; hence the slow progress and bulging tummy! But who cares, I've just purchased bikinis from Zalora to be worn when I'm in Boracay by next week.

Excitedness! Till then

Dior.. Again?

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 03:53:00 +0000

#gilamekap

If you know me personally, makeup and I are inseparable :)

Makeup makes me happy!

*makeup loading, putting more lashes and new compact powder as well in my stash*

Can't believe I am buying Dior products (except for perfumes! It's an exception hehe) again when I told myself I am not going to buy Dior anymore after the terrible allergy attack 2 years ago. Even Mom said..

"I thought you wouldn't buy Dior anymore? Remember your allergy attack?"

Actually it wasn't my intention at first.. was looking for a new perfume last night.. and they gave me a voucher which could be redeemed on cosmetics products as well.

I bought Dior perfume and get RM50 voucher in return. So nice!

*gone haywire forawhile*

Hmmm.. But come to think about it.. This is just a mascara, the chances are very low to get allergy compared to any products that is directly in contact with skin.. Hopefully I wouldn't get 'eyelashes allergy' if there's any.. Got such thing as eyelashes allergy? Hahaha! Let's see after a few days......

*still in doubt*

Socialize

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 18:07:00 +0000

I think I missed one thing in my life!

"socializing"

Not as in as going out to the club, get drunk or something. I am not interested on those things anymore I rather sit at home watching TV. But, simply just sitting in a cafe or coffee shops.. Just chit-chatting with good friends.

I realize I miss all those things over the past few weeks and months.

I went for Hatha Yoga class just now and then my friends and I continued to sit in a coffee shop to chat for a few hours. And I love it!

Then I realized that..

"Dang, I need to socialize more!"

There is one thing I know about myself, once I started to do something. I tend to ignore things around me that are pretty much essential as a normal human being. I may sound odd, I do enjoy what I am doing right now it's just I don't really see my friends as often as I used to before. Too busy!

Uh. not nice. But well, at least better than being a recluse and started to isolate myself from the world! Hehe

So sleepy, time to sleep! Good night

The 'real-deal' of healthy food

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:41:00 +0000

I have posted this on my facebook and I guess I wanted to write more since I miss my blog and currently in mood to write something up! hehe

Anyways.. Not sure my taste bud has changed dramatically or it was my mind that is so used with healthy foods and stuff. My saliva was bursting when I watched Ina Garten cooked oatmeal with full cream milk, banana, raisins.. Topped with some maple syrup and some milk again.. Slurps..

Yeah what an 'odd' food 'lust' I have, of all foods.. oatmeal? Reeeeaaaaally? haha!

*saliva's bursting right now*

Again, I know when it comes to oat, people thought this is healthy and eat them alot everyday. Yeah, they are healthy in some parts but don't forget the calories too. One 'sad' fact about healthy food is, they aren't "calorie-free" ; in fact this Ina Garten's recipe I'm talking about right now is very high in calorie! That explains why some people still don't lose weight eventhough they claimed they are eating 'healthy' food.

I do have friends who thinks they are eating healthy food by simply mixing the oat with sweet condensed milk.

Sweet condensed milk - SUGAR. So yeah umm *faint*

One simple rule I applied in my life when it comes to losing weight is I will try to cut down my sugar and fat intake as possible as I can. I am not a qualified nutritionist nor dietitian but I am pretty much very specific in what I eat everyday.

I weigh my food and stuff everyday. Would check on the food labels and I don't mind staying in the groceries store for hours just to walk around and find things that could satisfy my taste bud in the healthiest way.

Call me a diet freak or what, but I am a person who tends to eat and binge like a crazy bitch who just got her ass out of a food-less prison. My besties know me very well when it comes to fooooood I could stay and eat for few hours and eventually feel so sad for what I've done to my own body. Self-sabotage.

I simply cannot control myself *the ugly truth*

I used to be so obsessed with healthy food and ignoring the calorie intake which is the most important thing you should consider when it comes to losing weight.

Eventually I gained weight and still thinking why why why? I am eating healthily, whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy when I was actually;

Ate a pack of cashew nuts (high in fats) in a day
A slice of salmon (packed with fats)
Had lots of fruits (yeah natural sugar, but still sugar)
Cooked my food with lots of olive oil
Had non-sugar Chatime drinks with extra 'pearls'

I know, these are packed with healthy fats but they are still fats and..

Fats make us fat if we eat them excessively!

But now I know after doing a lot of readings, research, asking friends, attending nutrition course and all.

I'm like.. OH MY GOD! WHAT HAVE I DONE TO MYSELF?

Thank God!

That is why I need a 'food system' to manage myself; self-discipline and to control my insane big appetite. So that I can keep track of my calories intake everyday at the same time I know what I eat precisely!

And recently I've just gotten this too! :) One new achievement unlocked! Will blog about this soon.

Oh back to Ina Garten's recipe that I mentioned earlier. This recipe is probably good for my refeed or treat day but not for my daily intake, that's for sure.

And yeah, I'll ditch the maple syrup and substitute the milk with non-fat milk as well.

Now.. It's time to hit the sack, I have just finished my post-workout meal too and they tasted so DAMN GOOD *yums*

Post workout meal : Grilled tomatoes and bell peppers. Sumpah sedap. Low calorie too! Gosh I ate them like I was eating fries in front of my laptop just now while doing some work.

Mad happy, happy tummy! Good night! :)

Best moment in your life

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:03:00 +0000

Have you ever feel like this..

"Great, this is the time of my life!"

Enjoying every minute of your life, living in the present moment? I have never ever feel so great like this! I have a goal to be focused, I strive so hard to achieve my body target. I am busy doing my own thing and all.

A good friend of mine told me, that she was having the moment in her life when she was...

Single!

Yeap. And that's what I am feeling right now.

Time heals, indeed (If you know what I mean..)

I am seriously for the time being, have no time to entertain bullshits and all. I can choose to ignore it (which I did) but up to one point even when you decided not to contemplate with those bullshits. You've been drawn into the drama-black-hole that you seriously have zero interest on it at all. How suck is that?

That is the moment when I chose to stay away from the people who I think, they don't deserve my attention anymore. Once in a while, maybe.

Exactly.

Anyways..

Define life; In my point of view.

Right now.. I choose to get myself into the positive vibes, being around with my friends that can change me to become a better me. I may look like I have no life, I go to work, do my training, go back home to cook my lunch, eat , rest and nap, go to work again , then went back home sometimes almost midnight.

Just to sleep. Waking up early, continue the same routine until the weekdays are over.

Occasionally, I would go out with my girlfriends during weekend, coffee break, chit chat and again.. Go back home, doing house chores and sleep.

Lifeless? The truth is.. I am happy! Physically and mentally getting stronger and better.

Photoshoot for Damalee Fitness, taken last June 15'

Also this year, I feel like I am in my best shape ever, too! *ahem* But this is still in my initial stage.

I am aiming for more!

Till then!

Current obsession

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:13:00 +0000

* Me in Hollowback pose. Photo taken a few days ago

Currently busy with my training to cut weight also yoga and Zumba classes.

But, I'm focusing more on trainings and clean eating like craaaaazy.

No salt and sugar except on cheat days *sobs*

Let's see after 3 more months 😋 for the time being I need to lose more weight, gonna have a photoshoot by next month.

I must look good in my photo. Yums

Anyways, for Yoga corporate or private class inquiries.. Do email me at : annrachelcj@gmail.com

Just a short update, till then! Good night

Post-vacation : Cebu, The Philippines !

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Sun, 24 May 2015 01:22:00 +0000

Now that we have a direct AirAsia flight from Kota Kinabalu to Cebu.. I am so haaaaappy!

My last trip to Cebu last October 14', we need to transit in Manila for 6 hours and then fly back to KK.

Double work, double the tiredness, and I lose a box packed with a lot of souvenirs for my family and friends because of the carelessness of Cebu Pacific Air staff in Mactac-Cebu airport.

Pissed! They forgot to tag my box and it was nowhere to be found!

Anyways, this was my second trip back to Cebu last March. Since I have quite a few local friends at there so my friends and I were considered very lucky. We get the locals rate for most of the places we visited as we don't have to do the talkings! Got the chance to eat local delicacies, rode jeepneys and many more! It was a mad cheap trip indeed :D

And I'm going there again next month because we didn't get the chance for the SKY WALK! Mad happy!

Places that we've visited:

1. Cebu City
2. Oslob (whale watching)
3. Kawasan Falls, Badian
4. Zipline at Liloan
5. Tops Lookout
6. Temple of Leah, Busay

Now, time for peek-cahs! <3 p="">
P/s : No descriptions on each pictures, current mode. Lazy.

* 'Gila' Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 15:49:00 +0000

**Gila - Crazy / Freak (basically it means Makeup freak)

Last few days was my pay day so..... Actually I felt quite bad after purchasing new compact powder and foundation but in view of the good reviews I read and heard from my friend about these two new babies of mine.. I've tried them, and my face doesn't feel cakey! Loves!

New babies!

I'm not a fussy makeup 'hoarder', actually drugstore makeups are still good to me. But surely.. I will google, read the reviews, allergic issue (I have sensitive skin) or at least I will consult my friends who are so into makeup like me as well, because it happened before.. I bought my first Dior product which was the eye liner (I forgot which one was it) and I had a terrible eye allergic which makes my eyes swollen, immensely itchy and I have a 1 fine 'allergic' cat eye line on my eyelids which were so obvious.

2013 terrible eye allergic. So freakin' itchy

Ever since I had that allergy attack, I never buy any Dior products anymore.

Not that I am not banning or despising Dior products now, it's still a high-end brand but what I want to 'emphasize' here is not all drugstore makeup brands are bad and not all high-end makeup brands are good. It doesn't mean the more expensive the makeup, the better it is. It depends on your skin condition too and this is why I felt that reviews are the most important thing before I purchase any products through online.

Plus, unfortunately I have eczema which means; I need to be extra careful when purchasing products for my skin. Regardless of makeup, it also includes my body wash / body lotion because I can easily develop skin rash and extreme itchiness. Thank God; so far everything is under control after I went to see dermatologist.

So far, I think Mac / Benefit / Chanel products work very well on my skin.

Anyway, I still have a few pre-ordered makeup items; It takes around 30 working days to arrive here in Malaysia or approximately around 1 or 2 months.

1) Kat Von D Foundation Lock It Tattoo Foundation

2) Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation

3) Daniel Sandler Water Color Blush

4) Nyx Wonder Stick (for contouring)

5) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind ( concealer)

I reckon they are still on their way back to their new 'home' (my makeup wardrobe) For sure I'll blog about it soon.

Speaking about makeup.. I think I bought more than what I need :( but whenever I feel bad when adding my collection..

"Well at least you will look pretty!"

Shit Happens

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 16:40:00 +0000

Shit happens!

As much as I wanted to lift weights.. Sometimes you just have to respect your body's limit and capabilities.

Don't do too much :/

Actually it all started last week when I felt sore on my right upper forearm , not on my joints. I thought it was all fine, like some sort of the soreness you will feel a day after you have a wonderful yoga.

When the energy conquers you, you tend to forget that you have minor injury.. Eventually my wrist gets worse! Up to one point. I need to buy a wrist support.

I can say I am a queen of pain threshold, I don't usually get injuries while doing yoga, lift weight, or anything in fitness.

But when I do, it deteriorate my whole practice and workout! :(

So what do I do when I have injuries, I rest on that part for awhile and focus on doing something else. Which I did. 6km run after my class yesterday and some light stretch after that on my hamstring because cardio and weight lifting shortens your muscle. We definitely need stretch after that!

Yay!

Verification for Nuffnang

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 15:27:00 +0000

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

2015

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:55:00 +0000

It's 2015. And it's March..

Yeap. March

How time flies so fast, unbelievable!

So this is my first post of the year. Actually I am still 'visiting' my blog once in a while. Just to check comments in case there are questions about braces posted here.

... deafening silence

I didn't know how to change the comments' e-mail's notification. I just discovered it yesterday.

Stupid.

I still received quite a number of e-mails regarding my braces, or braces services in KK as I mentioned before, I don't really check the comments here.. So you guys still can e-mail me, I will try to help and answer as much as I can! :)

Here : annrachelcj@gmail.com

Recently, I've been thinking about to change my domain name here. Or keep it this way since 8 years ago. What do you think? As much as I wanted to look fresh and matured.. I still think this name as.. kinda my so-called signature *blush* but changing into something new.. I always look at it as an improvement.. To ameliorate things, names.. anything.

But for now, let's keep it as dearlyann. Maybe soon, I am still thinking. Sayang bah!

Talking about my life now, so far so good.

I have 3 upcoming confirmed trips this year. I can say 2015 is my travelling year.. Yeah not so many as in 3 but I can only afford that for now. Who knows I suddenly hit the jackpot, weekend in Ibiza or Milan would definitely in my bucket list.

Trippin' like "Hey let's have a weekend in Paris. I need a new handbag!"

*in my dreams..*

I'm trying to explore something new in life, as much as making more friends and connections.. Visiting Yoga Studios at places where I am going to visit. Experience!

Share the positive energy among new friends, I love it.

So here's a random photo of myself;

Sunset Bar, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

Photo taken by this.

GoPro Hero 4 Silver. Trust me, worth your money.

And I am still practising yoga. Teehee!

Headstand crazy attempt.

Anyway.. 2014 wasn't my good year, I know. If you read my previous posts.. It actually gave a big impact on how I see life so far.

I learnt that.. Even if things don't end up at the way you want it to be.. It will always teach you lessons in life.

Lessons how you should react, observe, learn.. So many things.

Um.. let me rephrase it..

If you couldn't understand my previous posts.. my I was in a deep black hole for a few months..

My boyfriend for 3 years passed away last year. It's almost a year now.

It really.. really really taught me how I should appreciate, learn to let go, be grateful for petty things in life. It wasn't easy for me to be here at the place where I am 'standing' right now.

Never.

And I am still amazed how I managed to stand.. up to this point. It's like an achievement for myself, after life knocked me down real bad. I'm still here..

... and it wasn't an easy journey for me.

My family and his family sacrifice a lot for my happiness after he 'left' for eternity. My friends who stood there next to me when I felt hopeless. Sleepless night.. There was a time I felt like I am a zombie. Numb. Emotionless. I can sit on the couch for hours, physically immobilized.. catatonic but my mind wandered somewhere. I couldn't express what I have in my mind that time, what I felt.

It was crazy...

It all started to subside when I went to see my long-term doctor and he realized that something was not right about me. He urged me to get help from one of his friends.

That moment I knew.. that I need help.

*long story*

Eventually, I slowly gained my strength.. Learn how to let go, learn how to cope and accept things I couldn't change, appreciate what I have.. And to live in the present moment :)

So yeah.. that's how it goes.. roughly.

Someday, maybe I will write about my journey coping with grief and loss.. Who knows if some of you could relate.. At least you know, you're not alone. So far I can say I am fine, never better. Deep inside my heart, I do miss him.. But one thing for sure.. I know that God takes him away from here because He loves him and He wanted to end his pain.

:)

I guess it's time for me to hit the sack now. I will try to write more this year. Oh, say hi to the new layout!

Good night!

P/s : Please, don't hesitate to mail me if you have any questions regarding braces. Will upload a comparison photo of my initial stage until my current progress now!

xx

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 03:45:00 +0000

I think I am lost.

Lost somewhere. I need motivation. I need some excitedness, flavor in my life.

I am fine. Yes still here, still exist, still healing, still breathing.

But I've lost something.

How can I recharged my depleted motivation?

I need something, something to push myself. I couldn't find it.

Don't follow me, I am lost; too.

xx aR

Sneak Peek, peek a boo boooo :)

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Gonna blog about this soon!

For the time being, in 2 more weeks.. Mabuhay! *excited*

Aside from that;

I received a few e-mails regarding my braces. If you wish to know more, don't hesitate to mail me as I don't really on blog nowadays!

But I check my e-mail everyday! I'll reply faster than the comments here! (:

Braces again and again!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 17:53:00 +0000

Hi all, I received quite a lot of questions about my braces (FYI, I've been wearing braces since 2012)

I didn't know many of you would ask me questions about braces. I wouldn't reply your comments straight away as for now, because I didn't check my blog regularly as I used to..

But if you do have questions, do not hesitate to e-mail me at annrachelcj@gmail.com if you need help/advices regarding braces in KK.

I am very glad to help you! Please, don't hesitate to ask! :)

Love,

Ann

Hello :x

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 18:00:00 +0000

I've been missing again haha I know and I'm sorry!

I received quite a lot of feedbacks / comments regarding my braces, a lot of questions somemore.

Don't worry! I'm still here, still reading your comments! Will reply them soon. Anyway I just extracted another one of my pre-molar tooth 2 weeks ago. This wasn't in my braces plan before but Dr. Pamela suggested to me so that it would reduce the time to close my teeth gap.

Hopefully that would be the very last one! I don't want to lose any of my tooth anymore. Makin kurang gigi suda ni ging hahaha

Well gtg. Good night everyoneeeee

Xoxo

Mount Kinabalu & Indonesia trip sneak peek photos!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:36:00 +0000

Hi, just got back home from Indonesia 3 days ago. I'm still trying to 'fit in' into my reality life after a long holiday, works, diets, yoga, work outs and etc. Fuh!

Anyway these are the sneak peek of my photos!

P.S : My Mount Kinabalu's trip (this was the 2nd one) are ready! This time, I managed to reached the Peak! So happy! Gonna blog about it soon! Indonesia's trip photos are still in editing process :)

Short Update: Bye bye Yuki!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:40:00 +0000

Yuki & I

I think I've been bombarding my blog with lots of yoga blog post. Little did I know that some of the poses were actually possible for me to do it after few weeks of practices! It's awesome to know that your body is an amazing 'machine' :)

Anyway, these are the *yogis in our class! We took a group photo with Yuki because this was her last class with us before she goes back to Japan for good after 3 years working in Sabah. Btw, she can speak Malay quite well *I was so , so proud of her since Bahasa Malaysia is the first language in Malaysia :D

Photo courtesy of Yuki Yanazume

2nd photo; Me on the left doing the wheel pose :D

*Yogi - A practitioner of Yoga

Put your mind at ease!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:35:00 +0000

Playing with my camera after a wonderful zumba practice at home for my new tracks .

Sometimes when I work on night shift, I don't have enough time to go to the gym as they will close at 10PM. So I'll just continue to do some light yoga or practice few zumba songs at home. It helps me to reduce my tiredness after a long haul of looking at books and keeping up with my students' learning progress.

Don't say you don't have time to workout! 1 hour in a day is better than nothing! :D

Live.Love.Laugh :)

xoxo

Yoga; Challenging myself!

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:28:00 +0000

These photos were taken in last saturday :) I wasn't not comfortable with my left arm because I just had my HPV jab that morning so it was quite pain on that part, slightly uncomfortable to move around :'( So after my zumba class, I just continue with my yoga routine with the poses I can do at the gym. Trying as much as I can to avoid the pain on my arm!

This time, both of my leg were also still sore because the previous day I learnt the technique for hanumanasana or split pose in yoga class so let my them rest first! :)

First pose was inspired by @laurasykora . Do follow her in instagram! :D

TURN UP! The Volume #3

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 15:30:00 +0000

A friend of mine told me about this event, I knew him when I was still in the university, still active with college activities and events. He was also one of the people who supported one of our club events back in 2011 which was "Tone Blast 2011 - Jam for Charity" and a very creative guy I can say, the graphic designer for my blog's header!

So everytime you visit my blog. The first thing you saw on top of my blog is actually one of his creative artworks! :D

Btw, to show my support and to return some favor for him, I decided to make a post for his final event (as he told me). Why this would be the last for him?? *hmm!*

Anyway, let's start with the infos!

Organized by the most notorious, THE REBEL UNION Presents -

TURN UP! THE VOLUME #3

Venue : Starcity Mall Rooftop
Time : 11-9 pm

I notice that some of the KK-ians are actually not familiar with this place, or to be exact has no idea at all! If you're not familiar with StarCity Mall area, it's actually just beside the Asia City Complex. Quite easy to spot it.

Nearby landmarks; Cititel Hotel, Centre Point, Api Api Center.

So I prepared a simple-map for y'all! Hope it helps!

Featuring special appearances by :

- TRES EMPRE (KL) and WINGS OF AREILIA (KCH)
SEKUMPULAN ORANG GILA (KL)

I was attracted to listen to the music from "Sekumpulan Orang Gila" because of its name which I think is very cool, well when it's translated to English, their name would be "A group of crazy people" so I made an effort to google about them and found this!

ZOMG, that pig squeal part!

Back to back performances by :

- EYES FULL OF INSECTS (KK). AYLETTE (KK). PANTS TAPE (Papar)
- DUPUNK (KK). MUNTAH DARAH (KK). DIS-BOIKOT (KK)
- BUTANG (Sandakan). THY BROKEN CHORD (KK)

Introducing :

- FUNNY IS FRIEND (Tawau) and GOLLY SANDRA (Sandakan)

Street art by :

- DEFY (KL) and RxAxKxUxS (KK)

Also, this event's sponsored by some of the big names in KK. Check it out!

Sponsored by :

BOMBER'S BURGER, Gaya Street.

Tickets : RM15 (Early Birds) RM20 (Pre-sale) RM30 (Front Door)

Tickets outlet:

WHERE TO GET THE TICKETS? Here are the lists of the places!

Bomber's Burger, Gaya Street.

(photo credits to Bombers Burger facebook page)

Chiwawa Restaurant, Gaya Street. (Just beside the Bella Restaurant, Gaya Street)

Army Of Friends Store, Warisan Square.

Apple Studio, Asia City.

PUHLEASEEEEEEEEEEEE! If you need more information regarding this event, pleasee refer to the person in charge as stated below! :)

For more info :

016-2645756 (Aphik)

http://facebook.com/TUTVKK

Twitter & Instagram: @tutvkk

P.S: I've tried my best to put in all the fan page for the bands, maps and etc. Hope all these information is enough for y'all! Cheers

Braces; THAT GAP.

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:05:00 +0000

Had my 5th/6th (couldn't recall well) adjustments today andddd ZOMGHDKXKARBFKSOW28,@:@.&;8/-@ when I look at my teeth, I stood stupefied for few seconds! EHHH I HAVE A PINKY RUBBER BAND ON MY FRONT TEETH??!

Alright, actually like this. First, I told the doctor why my front teeth have a slightly visible gap (notice in between my 'rabbit' teeth?) because sometimes foods got stuck in there and she thought I was complaining but actually I was concern if it's normal or not. But yes according to Dr. Pamela, it's actually normal because the wire's trying to pull my canine tooth to the front so that explains about the hideous gap. She put on this pinky elastic rubber (I think) to close the gap, I wasn't aware of that at first especially the COLOUR hahaha so just after I got out from the doctor's room and looked at myself through my phone.. I was so surprised with my pinky rubber!

Now I'm going to have a pinky smile for the rest of the month till my next appointment!

P.S ; My braces elastic tie colours are pink and black! :)

Hiking at Bukit Botak, Sepangar

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Now I know that this "Bukit Botak" is actually conquerable! The idea for Good Friday trip was planned by my cousin Alicia and gym friend; Joanna Goh. I actually have been asking them to plan a trip to hike here since January (they've conquered this hill before so this was their 2nd time) so when I knew about the plan, I was on cloud 9! Dream come true! Not to forget our new friends; Arthur and Reza, who both brought their own DSLR so that explains why I have awesome photos (later) in this post because these two fellas are a photographer!

We started around 3.30PM, but hurmmm eventhough I've been living in Sepangar for almost 1 year already but I don't really familiar with the places around here.. Absolutely zilch! I don't have name for the nearest kampung and so on for you guys to spot the place where we started, but what I knew and noticed, we parked just after the UiTM junction beside the area of a road construction and just walk towards the hill.

It took us 50 minutes to reach the peak! (Non-stop without rest) Please, if you're planning to climb Bukit Botak, wear long pants, jeans, leggings or anything for a complete protection for both of your legs or otherwise, you'll end up like me;

The aftermath; Do I look like a torture-victim?

We got off from the peak around 6.30PM, it was actually pretty late but since we were waiting for the sunset and there were 5 of us, I got this in my mind "everything should be okay" (I admit I feel quite terrified by reason of this was my first time). Then the journey to go down to the ground was another story, since it was getting dark by the time we left the peak, after 20 minutes; we got lost around 2 times because we couldn't see the trail clearly. I felt anxious and try to keep myself calm but the others were so cool! As if nothing was happening and they were looking for the correct trail as if it was in the afternoon! Salute berabis lah hahaha and I guess I was the only one who kept my mouth shut because I felt so afraid. Many things were wandering in my mind.. how if we really got lost? how if we couldn't find the trail? where should we wait until the rescuers come to find us?? how and how and how??

But THANK GOD we managed to find the trail, went back home in one piece :D

Ops! As for the sunset view, indeed! it was one of the glorious scenes I've ever seen in my life! IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!! Worth the time we spent to wait for it!

Anyway, most of my photos were shot by Reza or Arthur by using my camera, so my work only goes to the editing and photoshopping these pictures so credits to them as well!

And here are some of the photos I took from my friends! :)

Random; Yoga practice at home

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:13:00 +0000

I can't sleep so I'm trying to kill my time by posting my yoga progress :)

Yay! I finally can do tripod pose without the wall! (Picture no 1) Yes, practice makes perfect! Until now, I'm still trying to to improve my split pose as well. Hopefully next time I can do it without the yoga pillow! :)

Others were dancer pose, I know, still far from perfect :( and the last picture I'm not really sure about the pose's name. But I always did that one in yoga class at the gym. For sure it's actually without the yoga pillow as well.

Never stop believing in yourself! And never say "I can't do this" but instead "I will TRY to do this". You'll love the fact that how your body is actually capable to do some of the impossible poses! Just keep on practicing! Till then, tata ! :)

Random; Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 01:55:00 +0000

Hello!

My yoga teacher told me that I have problem with both of my legs, seriously I'm not aware of that! I guess she speaks based on her experience and my legs, not like the other new yogi in the class, I realized that I actually couldn't bend and straighten my legs perfectly and sometimes my legs were shaking! She said that I probably had injuries long long time ago or the way I walk had made my nerves are totally stiff today. It's a bit turn-off at first and I felt a bit frustrated with that but she encouraged me by saying that I'm still young, everything's possible it's just I have to be very careful with my own body, do practices everyday and avoid standing on 1 leg. Albeit sometimes I'm working on night-shift, yoyo diet/constantly-ongoing-extra-cheat-day (LOL), lack of cardio, I always try to do what's the best for my body. Apart from lifting weights and zumba at the gym, yoga is also one of my passions!

Never stop believing in yourself, slow progress is still progress!

What to do if you break your braces?

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Rachel) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 14:48:00 +0000

Hi! :D

Sorry for my long hiatus (again), I've been busy for the past 3 months and one of the reason also was because I'd lose my creativeness and idea on how to start a new blog post. LOL

BEFORE (August 2012)

NOW (March 2013)

Anyway those 2 pictures above are my teeth's progress so far. That HUGE gap is finally getting smaller! So my recent visit to Dr. Pamela, she added more brackets on my teeth, she even change my canine tooth brackets to a new one. I don't see the differences between my new and old brackets for my canine, it was Dr. Pamela's job so I guess maybe they have different purposes? I have no idea.

Now I'm going to write about how if you break your braces.

I accidentally broke mine thrice , definitely not a good news for your teeth. Somehow it may cause your teeth to move slower than its expected time! Albeit Doctor Pamela told me to watch my diet, eat slowly and stick to soft foods, I wasn't so sure whether I ate too fast or I was chewing roughly. I assume KFC (spicy chicken) is one of the foods which can be considered as "soft", but well.. actually it's not! (Surprisingly!)

I broke my braces when I had KFC spicy chicken, it startled me when I was checking up on my braces and its wire was moving around freely like nobody's business! That moment I knew that I'm in trouble because this is not the first time happened to me. As I'd expected, Dr. Pamela was so unhappy about this! :'(

Anyway this is what I did whenever I have trouble with my braces!

1# Contact your orthodontist

Please! As soon as possible. I recalled when I broke mine; I went to see Dr. Pamela without any emergency appointment. Everything went fine though she was quite disappointed on how I treated my braces; well bad diet & rough biting. Every appointment she always reminds me by saying "Sayang dan jaga ba itu gigi Ann!" (please take care of your teeth!) but so far she never questioned the cleanliness of my teeth! Yes I floss everyday! :)

2# Wax

Always bring your WAX (just in case, IMO). It comes in handy size so I assume it wouldn't cause you so much trouble when keeping it at a place where you can easily find them. I had my wax in my handbag. I broke mine when I was on vacation so the wax at lease can ease the uncomfortableness and pain because the wire can poke your mouth so it feels like a small wire's stabbing your mouth and stop it from scratching your gums and lip.

Tell you, you wouldn't want to feel it. Trust me!

3# KEEP YOUR SPRING SAFELY

I actually don't have any idea what's the exact name for the spring. Coil spring? I just call them the braces spring, so I hope you understand which one I'm referring to. So let me provide you a picture I googled just to give you a clear version of my spring. Mine is almost like this;

Notice the spring in the red box I drew in this picture? Mine was exactly like that! The spring is actually very flexible and I had this spring thingy that goes over an empty spaces. I always 'accidentally' bit so harsh on that part so it was just bent in and back in. Well unfortunately I bit way to harsh so I broke the spring, that was a bad time for me because it happened at night so I couldn't contact my orthodontist, what I did was I just left it inside my mouth, attached freely on my archwire without putting any wax to keep it from moving around freely.

The next morning when I woke up and brushing my teeth, the spring fell into the sink! I still have no idea how important to keep the spring safely so I just go to my ortho's clinic, upon reaching there, the assistant asked me "Did you keep the spring?" I said "No, it fell into the sink this morning" She gave me a shocked gaze and...

I end up paying RM50 to replace a new spring! WHAT A WASTE! :'(

SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE KEEP YOUR SPRING IN CASE YOU BROKE YOUR BRACES!

So far these 3 are the methods I did, couldn't think of any other ideas but if I have latest information. I'll sure will update it on my blog. Stay tuned! :)

Eh, final one!

#4 Please take care of your diet because I am sure you don't want to prolong your treatment by eating bad foods!

Anyway I received quite a lot of questions regarding my braces treatment. I'll post up a FAQ blog post soon!

So stay tuned! :)