As always when i.P.h.o.n.e begins selling in Malaysia, telcos frantically rush to launch it first. M.a.x.i.s as always have their midnight launch. This time round the launch was on 13-December-2012 i.e. 14-December-2012 morning at CapSquare. I went to the launch event as a Corporate customer with my friend.

At 12 sharp, it was already our turn to collect our phones. I bought 2 units:

• 1 for myself (64GB White) - signed up for iValue 2 RM155 for 1 year i.e. RRP RM2,799 but got the phone for RM2,249.00
• 1 more for my father as his belated birthday present (32GB Black) - signed up for iValue 1 for 1 year i.e. RRP RM2,499 but got the phone for RM2,049.00
• Total Paid: RM4,298.00

My friend bought 6 units on behalf of her god father!

• All 64GB, 3 White, 3 Black - outright purchase of RM2,799 each i.e. RM16,794.00
• When they swiped her credit card, first time it was rejected. So she asked for the amount to be split. RM10,000 + RM6,794. RM10,000 transaction went through. But then the second transaction was rejected. So she called the bank and they were confused and all. In the end, I swiped the balance transaction for her. Banks can be so thick at times with their stupid policies...

I love attending i.P.h.o.n.e launches. This is the 2nd one I attended after I left. Met so many ex-colleagues and ex-bosses and had a great time catching up! Only thing is that everyone said I looked better and fleshier... so ermmm... I think they were trying to tell me politely that I am "bulat". To be honest I am not sure if my face is swollen from water retention or if I have sememangnya gained weight... hmmm...

The best part about attending the event as a Corporate customer is that we don't have to queue. There is a special hall where there are performances, free flow of drinks (beer and soft drinks - last year there were even red wine and champagne!) and free food (by Modesto's). All we needed to do was to take a number and indicate which phone we want (in terms of colours and capacity) and that's it. We're free to roam around until it is our turn.

 

So thanks to M.a.x.i.s, I now have my beloved iPhone 5 with me!!! Am I happy with the phone? Well, it is thinner, lighter, faster and clearer in terms of display when compared to iPhone 4. But in actual fact, it works the same. Wonder how long I'll continue being an Apple sucker. Hehehe... next in wishlist, an iPad Mini... waiting for the cellular version to be released!!! :)

So intrigued by the first chapter I downloaded on The Last Eunuch of China. Unfortunately only 1 chapter was available for download. Thought of buying the book but major local bookstores do not seemed to carry this book! Only Times Bookstore Online has but itupun it was out of stock and it cost over RM400!!!

I then proceeded to google forums and such to find out how to get this book here and that was how I stumbled upon Purple Culture website. Paid RM85.44 for the book to be shipped from Hong Kong!!! Hopefully I get it in the next 5 - 10 days!!! :))

Remembered wanting a Furby in the 90s where the toy that resembled a Gremlin was on almost every kid's wishlist. Some 14 years later, finally got 1 from Toys R Us at RM269... no not for myself though I was really tempted to, hahaha... but for my niece as an early birthday present! :))

Oh forgot to mention that I am on my final Invisalign refinement sets. 5 sets in total which meant only another 10 more weeks to go!

Honestly, Invisalign was the best decision ever! But then considering the total amount I've spent so far (on my teeth that is), one does wonder if it's worth it.

Rough calculation sums up to over 15k; 8.4k for conventional braces then 6.4k for Invisalign (heavily discounted somemore). Have not even counted the add hoc works like scaling, filling, extractions etc etc.

Anyway, am just glad that I'm finally on the last 10 weeks of refinement!!!

P.S. Dr. How said I MUST get my final 2 wisdom tooth to be extracted. That's another 800 bucks and several days of swelling. So am putting it off for now... Hate extractions!!!

Merry Christmas!!! Can't believe the year is coming to a close di. This year seemed to pass by so quickly!!! But then it also means that we're closer to our Beijing trip in January for our yearly anniversary celebration!!!

Hb and I visited Aeon Bulit Tinggi in Klang with the intention of getting new winter jackets. Thing is, we've been wearing the same jackets for several winter trips now; Beijing, Shanghai, South Korea that somehow the photos all look the same! So we figured it's high time to invest in new ones.

Hb was quick is identifying what he likes! A white one with 90% down and 10% feather! I on the other hand am torn between a short one (waist length) or a medium one (butt length) to replace my current long one (knee length)...

Hb said the medium length one looked nicer. But instead of pink, maybe get the champagne colored one. But hmmm, the cutting ain't too flattering. Since it's not exactly cheap ~RM650, thought of sleeping on it first before buying.

On the way we also stopped by Machines for Hb to get a new casing and screen protector for his iPhone. While waiting for the screen protector to be stuck on, we played around with the photo booth on one of the Macs and laughed our heads off!!! We looked like Chipmunks don't you think? Hehehe...

For dinner, we went to Sakae Sushi. As usual I had my favorite Unagi while Hb ordered soft shell crab set. We even had Sake, a small 250ml bottle which tasted yummy and all but gave me a headache thereafter!

So that was how we spent our Christmas la. Merry Christmasss!!! :D

Oh think I finally found a more reliable app for blogging from mobile... to be precise my brand new iPhone 4S!!! When it was first announced by Tim Cooks, I was still deciding whether or not I should get. But then the news of Steve Jobs passing came and I thought yala, I definitely should get it as a tribute "for Steve" i.e. 4S... geddit? Hehe... Afterall I owned each and everyone of the iPhone launched, from the metal casing unit of parallel import to 3 to 3GS to 4. So owning a 4S seemed logical! :D

I was lucky to attend the iPhone 4S launch at KL Convention Centre as a VIP and as usual I went with my partner in crime; Sham! That night, we were both glammed up. Her cos for once she didn't have to work as the EO for the launch and me, cos this is my first appearance ever since I left 6 months ago. Since we both like to dress up, we did our hair n carefully selected our outfits haha. Judging from the compliments, think we looked ok la. Hahaha...

The thing with VIP is that we are entitled to enter a special ballroom with live performances, free flow of booze and food. But then being a typical customer who are eager to get an iPhone first before anything else, we chose to crowd in the small area adjoining the VIP ballroom.

This phone collection area is packed with counters specifically erected to serve VIP, corporate customers and members of the media. The area is much smaller than the one for general public thus it was quite crammed. Afterall, VIPs are supposed to enjoy the live performances while waiting for their turn instead of jamming the collection area. But what to do... "kiasu" hehe...

After we got our phones, we visited the ballroom for general public cos' that was where accessories were sold. Spent over 300 bucks on casings but all's good... hahaha... Photo below was captured before doors open to public... check out the many counters available! :)

Nevertheless am happy I managed to get hold of my iPhone 4S that night. Hehe... I love Apple! :)

Thought I should do a post to recapture my braces milestones.

At the back of my mind, I know for a fact that someday I will have to put on braces to correct my protruding teeth. The only thing that is stopping me is the fear of looking "fugly" at my prime i.e. 26-28 years old. But then, as I grow older, the protrusion got worse and since Hb (then bf) and I are already planning to get married, I had no choice but to get on with it. The single biggest motivation was to be a pretty bride with a beautiful smile! And so at 29 years old, I went to get my 1st set of braces done!

 

30-03-2008 till 07-09-2009 (526 days)

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
22-08-2009: F.O.C [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
07-09-2009: $ 510 [X-Ray, Braces Removal, Scaling]
08-09-2009: $ 70 [Solubles for Retainer x 4 boxes + Plastic Case for Retainer]
Total Spent: $8,421

The entire process was supposed to take 1 1/2 years. However, it was no where near completion at the point where we had to get our pre-wedding photography done. We didn't get to choose any of the overseas packages that I super like cos' they all had ultra long leadtime. So we had to get one locally; Bridal Concept which allowed us to delayed the shoot to the latest possible date while in time for albums and DVD to be ready for the reception in November. We took our pre-wedding photography on 15-09-2009 and the removal of the braces was meant to be temporary. However, after the wedding, there wasn't really any motivation to continue with it. In the end I did it considering the 8K plus I've already spent on it.

26-05-2010 till 24-04-2011 (333 days)

26-05-2010: F.O.C [Upper & Lower Braces Fitting + 2 x Bite Blocks]
23-06-2010: F.O.C [Loose Bracket + Wire Change for Lower Teeth]
03-08-2010: F.O.C [Removed Bite Blocks + Wire Change & Rubber Loops] 
14-12-2010: F.O.C [Top & Bottom Wire Change + Rubber Loops + New Clay Clump]
27-01-2011: F.O.C [Top & Bottom Wire Change + Removal of Rubber Loops]

09-03-2011: F.O.C [Top & Bottom Wire Change]

24-04-2011: F.O.C [Braces Removal]

Total Spent: F.O.C

I first read about Invisalign on X.i.a.x.u.e's blog and so happened, when I went back during one of my visits, the nurse showed me a set. Upon checking, the nurse said it cost RM16K! I nearly fainted. But I went ahead and asked my dentist about it anyway to just try my luck for discounts considering I've already spent so much with him. He was reluctant at first cos' the cost itself is expensive. But then upon further inspection, he did say that I am a suitable candidate for Invisalign to correct deep bite, to align my jaws etc. In the end, he said he'll write to US to recommend me as a test patient with the condition that I provide them my testimonials on Invisalign upon completion. Told me he'd get me the cost price. Net net it came back as USD1,995 x 3 = RM5,985 which I immediately paid for since it was over 60% in discount!!! Only downside was that, I had to remove 2 of my top wisdom tooth. I hate extractions, they always leave me bleeding overnight!

31-05-2011 onwards

25-04-2011: $   140 [Temporary retainer, Polident x 2 & casing]
31-05-2011: $   272 [Top wisdom tooth extraction x 2]
31-05-2011: $5,985 [Invisalign Aligner No. 1 to 3]

14-07-2011: F.O.C [Invisalign Aligner No. 4 to 9]

Total Spent: $6,397

So ya, if you ask me now, I will totally recommend Invisalign for the sheer fact that it is invisible (i.e. not noticeable at all) and that it's less painful (easier to eat)! Am so excited!

Visited my dentist today. It's time to get my Invisalign aligner no. 4 to 6. Dentist asked me how was it and I told him that it was OK. As a matter of fact, I almost did not experience any pain! Almost cos' there was a time I had a bad ulcer at the back of my tongue which caused difficulty in swallowing and ulcer on my "lelangit" where when the aligner was snapped on, I screamed out in pain automatically. But then despite the walk-in-the-park experience, I also told him that I personally did not notice any movement.

So he did a quick check and told me that my bite is no longer too deep. Then he proceeded to ask me to snap on my aligner no. 3 for him to check. I was half worried of him sounding me for the cleanliness of my aligner (had lunch and didn't brush before snapping it back on) but to my surprise he exclaimed "GOOD! VERY GOOD!", you are wearing it correctly!

With that he proceeded to supply me with not 3 but 6 aligners and that meant I'll be dentist free for 12 weeks!!! My next appointment is a quarter away on 6th October!!! Yippieeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! And this time round he told me that by the time I come back for my next appointment, there'd be noticeable difference!

Let's take a look at this loooooong journey of mine towards achieving a beautiful smile!

Round 1: 30-03-2008 - 07-09-2009 (526 days); Pre-wedding Braces
Round 2: 26-05-2010 - 24-04-2011 (333 days); Post-wedding Braces
Round 3: 31-05-2011 onwards (49 days); Invisalign

25-04-2011: $   140 Temporary retainer, Polident x 2 & casing
31-05-2011: $   272 Top wisdom tooth extraction x 2
31-05-2011: $5,985 Invisalign!

YTD Spent:
$8,421 on Round 1 and 2
$6,397 on Round 3
$14,818 on all rounds over a period of 908 days i.e. over 2 years or $16 per day! I must be mad la!

I have been splurging a lot lately. Personally I can be quite thrifty and spend the bare minimum on myself month in month out. However, when I do spend, I tend to make huge purchases. Of course this doesn't happen too often but then I just realized that I may have gone overboard with my spending the past few months; the period where I was transitioning from my old job to my new job. I wonder if it was a sign of stress.

Here are some of the big ticket items I splurged on specifically on Louis Vuitton, my all time favourite brand.

• RM5,000 Louis Vuitton Monogram Ebene Cabas Rivington
• RM2,400 Louis Vuitton Monogram Ebene Zippy Wallet
• RM   940 Louis Vuitton Monogram Ebene Mini Pochette
• RM   750 Louis Vuitton Monogram Ebene Card Holder
• RM   620 Louis Vuitton Monogram Ebene Skinny Card Holder

• RM5,100 Louis Vuitton Monogram Idylle Elegie
• RM1,400 Louis Vuitton Monogram Idylle Pochette

• RM4,250 Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Roxbury Drive
• RM1,600 Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Small Zippy Wallet
• RM2,850 Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Zippy Wallet (for mummy)

All in all on Louis Vuitton alone, I've spent RM24,910 and that was in about 4 months!!! Not to mention, I also bought other stuffs like:

• RM1,500 Samsung Galaxy Tab for Hb 
• RM2,499 iPad 2 for myself (3G + WiFi 64GB) 

I also changed the entire set of skincare from Kose & Odbo to SKII for my mom and I aaaaaaaannnnnnnnnndddddddddd signed up for facial treatments.

Most importantly, I've also changed from conventional braces to Invisalign. I think I have gone mad. Have got to stop spending like this!!! My credit card payment was over 5-digit last month!!! Madness!!!

Yesterday I went back for my scheduled dentist visit. As usual, my dentist had to reschedule my earlier appointment cos' he supposedly had to attend a meeting! So anyway, as I had my dinner alone at the 'kopitiam' downstairs, I checked into F.o.u.r.S.q.u.a.r.e and was surprise to find a tip there that says: Be prepared to wait! Even if you come on time for your appointment, you'll have to wait! Honestly, that is so true-loh. What's the point of setting an appointment when each time we'll have to spend ages waiting? Like yesterday for instance. Appointment at 8pm but my turn came only after 45 minutes later!

So back to the visit. Nothing much la, he just removed the bottom rubber loops and changed both the top and bottom wires and told me that he's trying to close the gaps. So OK lor, what is there to say la right.

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
22-08-2009: F.O.C [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
07-09-2009: $ 510 [X-Ray, Braces Removal, Scaling]
08-09-2009: $ 70 [Solubles for Retainer x 4 boxes + Plastic Case for Retainer]
26-05-2010: F.O.C [Upper & Lower Braces Fitting + 2 x Bite Blocks]
23-06-2010: F.O.C [Loose Bracket + Wire Change for Lower Teeth]
03-08-2010: F.O.C [Removed Bite Blocks + Wire Change & Rubber Loops] 
14-12-2010: F.O.C [Top & Bottom Wire Change + Rubber Loops + New Clay Clump]
27-01-2011: F.O.C [Top & Bottom Wire Change + Removal of Rubber Loops]

This time round, I didn't even bother asking him how long more cos' his standard answer will be... 6 more months!!! Ptui!

There was a farewell cum Christmas party after work today at Sooka Sentral. Unfortunately, the jam was so horrendous that when I reached Sooka it was close to 7.30pm already. The initial plan was to stay for awhile before leaving for my dentist appointment at 8pm in Bangsar. Since it was too near my appointment time, I decided to just drop my colleague off and detoured to Bangsar instead.

As usual, I had my dinner alone at the "kopitiam" downstairs before visiting my dentist. Anticipating a long wait, I was surprised that I was the only one there waiting for my turn. What a pleasant surprise indeed.

This time round Dr. how took a look at my teeth and said "Good!" out loud tho' I wasn't really sure what was so good about my progress. First the gaps are still highly visible. Secondly, I didn't think my bite improved. So anyway, today he changed both the top and bottom wires and added a 12-loop rubber band for my bottom teeth. All was fine but he also added a little clump of clay at the end of the bottom teeth bracket that when I bite, I end up biting into that clump of clay!

I asked him if it was ok since I'm biting into it and guess what? He said he doesn't know if it'll be ok but that I will just have to try to be careful! Nonsense maximum I tell you! Somehow I no longer dread dentist visits... cos I absolutely just can't wait to get it done and over with!!!

Thereafter he took several shots of my teeth. Supposed he wanted to document my progress la. Really don't know. My dentist is a genius and only he himself can understand what he's trying to do with my teeth!

And before I left, I bought 2 toothbrush at 19 bucks! Why? Don't know la. Saja wanted to buy toothbrush. New year, new brush! Sounds "Ong"! Hahahahahaha...

Yesterday I went back for my monthly appointment with my dentist. The thing is, I felt that my dentist is no longer as personable and nice and gentle as before. You see... my dentist is one of those who's who in the errrr... dentistry industry. The minute you step into his clinic, you'll see his certifications pasted on nearly every inch of the walls and trophies decorating his numerous cabinets and shelves.

He used to be pretty punctual in meeting his appointment time but the past few months, I had to wait over an hour past my scheduled appointment. And my appointments are nearly always rescheduled cos he has to go overseas to give a talk (give a talk ya... not just attending one). He used to be gentle and takes the time to explain the works he's gonna do for me before he starts but now... he just gets on with it and boot me out of the room. At times, I have to ask him my progress and he'd say: "GOOD". And when I asked him how long more, he laughed and said "DUNNO". Sigh...

So this time round, when I went back, he let out a little sigh and said "Wire broke huh..." (fcuk la cos' I was supposed to go back earlier but HE rescheduled my appointment). Then proceeded to change the upper teeth wires, added strong rubber loops and removed the bite blocks. At the end of it when I asked him, he told me he's trying to reduce the curve of my jaw (whatever that means) and proceeded to ignore me. Like totally wtf man... I know he's busy la cos there were other patients outside; who were either nodding off, complaining on the phone about the slip of appointment time or watching TV but really lor, whatever happened to the dentist I used to know leh... It's like he has changed to a new person altogether! So sad!!!

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
22-08-2009: F.O.C [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
07-09-2009: $ 510 [X-Ray, Braces Removal, Scaling]
08-09-2009: $ 70 [Solubles for Retainer x 4 boxes + Plastic Case for Retainer]
26-05-2010: F.O.C [Upper & Lower Braces Fitting + 2 x Bite Blocks]
23-06-2010: F.O.C [Loose Bracket + Wire Change for Lower Teeth]
03-08-2010: F.O.C [Removed Bite Blocks + Wire Change & Rubber Loops] 


YTD Spent: $8,421.00

Yesterday, I went back for my dental appointment. I had a loose bracket that was fixed and Dr. How also changed the wires for my lower teeth with thicker wire. After the session, I asked him how long more will I have to wear my braces... and his answer SHOCKED me!!!

Initially, he said 6 more months... so ok...
Then this time round, he said 9 to 12 more months!!!
Cos apparently, there's a lot more to be fixed!!!

So damn depressing lor... why so long one!!! :(

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
22-08-2009: F.O.C [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
07-09-2009: $ 510 [X-Ray, Braces Removal, Scaling]
08-09-2009: $ 70 [Solubles for Retainer x 4 boxes + Plastic Case for Retainer]
26-05-2010: F.O.C [Upper & Lower Braces Fitting + 2 x Bite Blocks]
23-06-2010: F.O.C [Loose Bracket + Wire Change for Lower Teeth]

YTD Spent: $8,421.00

I finally found the courage to resume my braces treatment yesterday after 8 looooong months of removing them for my wedding last year. As expected, my dentist wasn't too happy with the delay and lectured me quite sternly. I was practically squirming guiltily in my seat without daring to utter a single word.

So anyway, this is my 21st visit to have my upper and lower braces fitted again after the looooong break. Think initially the dentist wanted to fit only the upper braces but in the end decided to do both at one go. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt as bad as I expected it to be. Sure, I was a little sore when I got up this morning... but it was nothing too unbearable... and THANK GOD for that...

However, since my upper jaw is larger than my lower jaw... with both upper & lower braces fitted, I will end up biting into the lower jaw braces and potentially bite off the wire... So... the dentist put 2 bite blocks (which is really a clump of hard clay) at my forth upper tooth (both left and right)... it was so near my front teeth that when I smile, it can be seen... and worst still... when I bite, there is this HUGE gap between my upper and lower jaw separated by this 2 clump of clays!!! In short, that meant that I cannot chew ANYTHING... and will either have to take porridge or bread with milo everyday for the next 6 months!!!

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
22-08-2009: F.O.C [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
07-09-2009: $ 510 [X-Ray, Braces Removal, Scaling]
08-09-2009: $ 70 [Solubles for Retainer x 4 boxes + Plastic Case for Retainer]
26-05-2010: F.O.C [Upper & Lower Braces Fitting + 2 x Bite Blocks]

YTD Spent: $8,421.00

Come to think of it... I've actually completed my payment for the braces treatment... so if the dentist is calculative... he could've just ignored me... for all upcoming visits to tighten my braces will be F.O.C from now on... So ya... thank you dentist...

It's less than a month away from the wedding dinner on Nov 29... Thought it'd be memorable to capture my feelings at this juncture...

Previously, prior to our RoM earlier this year... I felt excited and nervous at the same time... Excited cos' we're finally tying the knot after 12 years of courtship (come to think of it, the blings play an important part too... haha). And nervous cos' we are legalizing our marriage which IS afterall a big commitment... for both husband and wife...

But surprisingly, after RoM... I still feel pretty 'single'... as in... I don't have the urge to suddenly call OWLoon's parents what I call my parents... Or like when OWLoon is brought up during conversations at times, I have this internal struggle of whether to address him as 'my husband' or 'my boyfriend'...

The reasons are simple... To me, we are only officially married once we go through the full Chinese customs of 'Guo Dai Lei'... prayers to ancentors... tea ceremony... and of course the banquet dinner...

Call me old fashion or whatever... but these customs are truly important to me... Hence... with less than a month away from the above-mentioned... I found myself 100x more nervous... and possibly 1,000x more stressed out...

I've been having sleepless nights for over a month now... and thus... am perpetually tired...

The near-porcelain skin I had during my pre-wedding shoot is now breaking out with loads of tiny little pimples on my forehead! I feel like I suddenly have more wrinkles too...

At times... I have no appetite to eat and could go on living on 1 meal a day... But at other times, I eat like I've not eaten in dayssssssss... Hence my weight fluctuates...

I get irritated and upset very quickly... and often "hide" my inner feelings... but because of this... I find myself with the sudden urge to cry for no apparent reasons...

I procrastinate when it comes to my wedding plans. I used to think that wedding planning's 'sup sup sui' given that I've single-handedly planned and implemented projects of way bigger magnitude! But what I didn't know was that... when it comes to things that matters to you most... it's a different ball game altogether cos' you'll just be too sucked in... and are overly emo about it...

To cut the long story short... am pretty stressed out...

-- Posted from my iPhone 3GS

Bout 2 months back... I went to get a manicure and pedicure done so that my nails would look pretty in the pre-wedding photos... but hmmm... after our photos selection session... realized that my nails are not visible at all from ALL the shots taken!!! Hence, the RM300++ spent was as good as down the drain... (thank god it was OWLoon's treat)... hehehehe...

So 1 1/2 months later... I found myself with EXTREMELY long nails... like olden days Chinese vampire!!! So today... while the rest of my colleagues went for the Curtains Unveiling of the largest fashion event in Pavilion, I happily excused myself and visited a nail parlour...

No... not to get another mani and pedi but to REMOVE the previous one. The one I did was 3D with flowers and diamante sticking out... hence no matter how I try to remove them on my own... I couldn't... hence the super long nails...

The entire process took over an hour... and cost RM10 per finger... i.e. RM100... I only have 10 fingers ma... Now... I have semi-damaged nail plates... See la... all for NOTHING!!! Come to think of it... women do tend to have dumb blonde moments when it comes to shopping, vanity and love... don't you think?

Sigh... but am glad to have my naked nails back... :-)

For a year and a half, I've been trying my very best to avoid taking photographs cos really... I think my braces are fugly! But with the removal of my braces, for once I am happy to take photographs... and here are the recent ones taken... :-)

Even OWLoon has been snapping photos of me like mad... like in the middle of a car park, when I was texting... just to name a few... :-) But I must say... I have really gained weight... damn!

Must practice my smile a lot more...

Yesterday was a historical moment in my life! My braces were REMOVED completely!!! Although only temporary for my wedding (particularly for the pre-wedding photoshoot next week), I am still MAD HAPPY cos it meant that I will be braces FREE for at least 3 MONTHS!!! Suffice to say that there will not be anymore dentist visits this year!!!

The night before, I could hardly sleep. Was nervous as hell and was worried of how I would look without my braces... I was pretty anxious to see my smile too... Afterall, I've not smiled properly for like 18 months!

When my name was called... I was ushered into the X-Ray room where they took a scan of my teeth... Thereafter I had to wait for a while longer before THE MOMENT arrived. Quite honestly, the removal process was scary... the sounds of drillings along with the pulling and tugging and water splashing all over my face was quite traumatizing... I was given 2 jabs too as my gums have totally covered the tiny wires...

In the end... once the braces was completely removed, the following conversations took place:

1st Smile

• Dentist: "Smile for me to see..."
• Me: (Smiled to the best of my ability cos' my lips were completely numb from the jab)
• Dentist: "OK, that's not too bad, you can go for your wedding shoot..."
• Me: "Do you think it's a bit crooked as in the teeth are a bit aligned to the right?"
• Dentist: (Stared intently at my teeth...) "Don't think so... It's OK..."
• Me: (Thank god...)

Battered Gums
I was then given a mirror... and I nearly fainted when I saw my battered gums... There was a deep cut-like line on my gums after the dentist retrieve the tiny wires... and the line was in fiery blood like red...

• Me: "When will my gums heal completely ya?"
• Dentist: "Usually after several days..."
• Me: (Thank god...)

Retainer

• Dentist: "When's your wedding?"
• Me: (Stupidly uttered) "Nov 29 and Dec 06"
• Dentist: "You got 2 weddings ar?"
• Me: (Stupidly said) "Ya, separate dinners in KL and out of KL ma"
• Dentist: "Hmmm... your teeth will move a lot in a few months time... maybe you should get a retainer... OK?"
• Me: "OK!"
• Dentist: "Good. Let's take a mould now... then you can come back tomorrow and collect it"
• Me: "OK"

He then proceeded to slap a clump of clay on both my upper and lower jaws... Hate mould-taking time... leaves a weird after-taste...

Balance To Go

• Me: "So... the next time I come back... how long more do I have to continue wearing braces?"
• Dentist: "Looking at your X-Ray, another 6 more months"
• Me: (Gasp... so long one...)

Next Appointment

• Nurse: "So... your wedding is Dec 06... would you like to make an appointment in December?"
• Me: (Appeared to be in deep thoughts...)
• Nurse: "Or would you like to call in for your next appointment?"
• Me: "Call in would be GREAT!"

And so I intend to NOT go back until after Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day... So likely in March 2010 la...

And here's the 1st photo I took without braces!!! And as you can see... I was a little bit tipsy... had to celebrate you know... :-)

Then today... I went back to collect my retainer during lunch. Surprisingly, it was not the usual wire-type but instead it was a plastic casing slip on that was moulded exactly to my teeth... The kind nurse took 20min to guide me through the process of putting it on and then removing it... When it was on... it wasn't visible at all from afar... only if you stare at it closely will you see the outline of the plastic... :-)

So to sum up my spent on my braces thus far:

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
22-08-2009: F.O.C [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
07-09-2009: $ 510 [X-Ray, Braces Removal, Scaling]
08-09-2009: $ 70 [Solubles for Retainer x 4 boxes + Plastic Case for Retainer]

YTD Spent: $8,421.00

Went back for my ortho review last Saturday... and was eagerly anticipating the temporary removal of my braces for my pre-wedding photography... Unfortunately, dentist said that one of the front teeth (top jaw) is a bit long... and hence, the next 3 week's focus will be on that particular tooth...

Was rather disappointed... but nevertheless, went ahead with what the dentist recommended. Today is 2nd day after the visit and my gums are swollen and sore with a propensity to bleed as and when touched / moved... cos the tiny wires are cutting into my gums... it is sooooooooo painful and sore now... but since it IS the final final push... will just have to bear with it...

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]
22-08-2009: F.O.C [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]

It's F.O.C cos I've finished paying the entire amount... which was supposedly $6,000.00 but YTD... $7,841.00. Honestly, the top teeth are perfectly aligned now with all gaps closed... but the bottom teeth are still moving pretty slowly...

The deal now is to have the braces removed in the next 3 weeks and thereafter... continue treatment only after the wedding... That means... that I will be braces free for at least 4 months... So sad... the entire duration was supposedly 1 year 6 months... It is now exactly 1 year 6 months but am no where near completion... :-(

Yesterday, I went back for my 14th Ortho review. My appointment was scheduled at 2.15pm but the jam was just horrendous (thanks to the street protests and road closures/blocks) resulting in me being 30 minutes late. Because I was late, I missed my turn and thus had to spend another hour waiting for my turn...

I am supposed to remove my braces (temporarily) in early September for my pre-wedding photoshoot on Sept 15, 2009. Hence, this time round, the dentist made even tighter adjustments by adding 2 crisscrossed wires for the upper jaw and new rubber loops for both upper and bottom jaw. It hurts quite bad this time that I had to take pain killers (which I normally don't). This will be the final adjustment prior to the wedding... fingers crossed...

16-03-2008: $1,100 [Deposit, X-Rays, Photos & Moulding]
30-03-2008: $ 870 [Deposit & Upper Braces Fitting]
20-04-2008: $ 423 [Extraction & Medication]
18-05-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change]
17-08-2008: $ 325 [Bottom Braces Fitting]
14-09-2008: $ 764 [Extraction, Frenectomy & Medication]
25-10-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Scaling]
23-11-2008: $ 385 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change & Scaling]
24-12-2008: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
24-01-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
21-02-2009: $ 325 [Wire Change & Rubber Loops Change]
28-02-2009: $ 714 [Loose Bracket, 2 Screws, 4 Springs and 4 Crisscrossed Wires]
21-03-2009: $ 325 [Springs & Crisscrossed Wires Adjustment]
30-04-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Wires Change]
30-05-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Mini Wires Removal, Thicker Crisscrossed Wires]
04-07-2009: $ 325 [Loose Bracket, Springs Adjustment, 8-Ring Rubber Loops]
01-08-2009: $ 275 [Springs Adjustment, Additional Crisscross Wires, Rubber Loops]

YTD Spent: $7,841.00