Day 294

It's Day 294 of braces! Woohoo! That means they are due to come off very very soon!

I haven't updated on my life much recently. School's meh. It's not exactly what I expected, so that's a bit disappointing, but hopefully my classes will pick up next semester. I finish this term on December 8th, and begin the following term in the beginning of January so I will have a nice month to catch up on reading and TV shows. (I still need to finish you New Moon and Angel!)

So yeah, in the meantime, I have an 8 page paper due on Wednesday which I have hardly begun. I promised myself I would get back to working immediately after making this post, and so it will be.

Not much else is new. I have pretty much zero social life these days because I am either in class, on the subway or doing homework. David got pretty sick this week so I didn't get to see him either.

Okay, so now I leave you with a picture of my teeth from just now! My, how they've shifted!

Will I open my mouth??????????

YES I WILL!!!

Hi!

Hey all.

According to a close source (who needs to come online more often, ahem), it's day 243 of braces. I'm just going to trust my source on this one, because, honestly, I have definitely lost count.

My braces are good these days. They bug me every so often but it's not so bad.

I'm in alone tonight. Stuff didn't work out so I will probably spend the night watching Buffy and catching up on some school readings.

That reminds me: I have begun my master program at UofT and so far I'm quite enjoying it. It's different but also the same.

Okay Buffy time.

One more side-by-sider for my two fans:

April 14th VS August 12th

It's me!

Okay... so it's been a while since I updated.

Okay, a really really long while.

I saw the orthodontist yesterday. Things have really been coming along. The changes month to month are a lot more minor I feel - compared to the changes I saw in the first 4 or 5 months. I think around now is the 7 month mark of wearing the braces.

Let's see how they've come along...
These are from today, two slightly different views.







(and just for reference... this is me from back then: )

And now for some shameless self-photography!!!

Update

Went to UofT today to get my new student card. I have to admit that York's cards are way nicer. It's true.

I smiled, he took the photo, told me to stand to the side and two minutes later I had a piping hot card in my hand, straight out of the printer. It's so weird still that I'm going to be at UofT next year. It's almost like it hasn't really set in.

I know it will though - very soon.

My birthday is coming up and, as requested, here is an updated version of my gift list:

♥ gift certificates to the shopping centre

♥ alcohol. I like dry white wines, chocolate/coffee/vanilla liquors, beer, practical drink kits, recipe books

♥ a classy looking jewellery hanger for mainly necklaces (because I don't have earrings) Thanks Laur!!

♥ makeup

♥ mp3 player

♥ digital camera


I hope that helps. There are other things I like but nothing I could think of at the time of this post.




As for the braces... I have an appointment July 16th. I need them to be off my teeth fasterrrrrrrrr.

Hi there

I am soooo upset I haven't updated here in ages. I have been busy out of my mind and up to my ears in work. I'm done classes but I just have a take-home test to work on this week and a final group essay to submit. So, still a bit of work but not nearly as much as I had before.

Anyhoo, the braces are doing great. My teeth look so straight and it's crazy how it's only been like 4 and a half months and I see amazing results. I don't know how much more magic the ortho can really make happen. But here's hoping to getting them off SOON! I'll post some pictures later. I have work today from 11:30 to 3:30 so when I'm home I'll be sure to share the joy with all three of my readers.

See you soon!

I'm in love

with Dreamweaver. What an amazing program. I have got to get my hot little hands on that. I use it at school but I need to get it for home use.

Took a pic tonight, sorry the lighting's lousy, but alas:

Love you all. Next ortho appointment May 12!

University of Toronto

I got an acceptance to University of Toronto for grad school! Woooooooooooooooo!

Day 90 Of Braces

I had a tightening today.

I now leave you with a photograph timeline:




January











March











April 1st











Today, April 14th:










Thanks for following! There will be MORE to come :)

Flash Mob

I. Love. This.

Twitter vs. Facebook

This update was inspired by this blog post.


Twitter creeps me out and makes me feel weird. I get all of these people I don't even know following me on Twitter and I just wonder how on earth they found me. And even though there are a few people on Twitter that I know that are following me, I feel like I'm spamming them if I post updates - especially because I am limited to those 140 characters.

What I like about Facebook is that while it has the "update" feature the same way that Twitter does, I like that it also has so many other aspects - like the ability to post on someone's wall, applications, a marketplace, communities and groups, and sending them private messages where there aren't the same constraints of getting your message across in 140 characters (like on Twitter) and also having everyone else on your Twitter get that same message.

I guess my real problem with it is that there's not the same level of privacy. Once you have someone following you on Twitter, they can see everything you post, whether it's directed at them or not. I suppose there is a privacy option where you can restrict people from viewing your Twitter account if they're not your friend, but even so, your "friends" can still see everything you write even if it wasn't meant for their eyes. Facebook has the limited profiles feature, which Twitter lacks. Once someone's a follower on Twitter, you either restrict their viewing access or they see it all. There's no in between.

On Facebook, you can't always see conversations so easily because if you write on someone's wall, it's for them and only people really looking for it or checking out their wall can find it. On Twitter, since there's ONLY status updates, people read everything. There's this sort of difference where on Facebook, you seek out what you're interested in seeing about people's conversations... but on Twitter, you're witness to everything.

I think I'll always be a Facebook junkie at heart. I have had an account with Facebook since the very start, so I am a bit biased.

Review: Run Fatboy Run & Man on Wire

Run Fatboy Run

It was a really funny movie, I'll give it that. It had Simon Pegg and Hank Azaria so it automatically scored cool points because I love those two. It was, what you could call, a romantic comedy, but it really was just a dry British humour film with some love elements thrown into the mix, which at some points didn't fit too well, but it was still enjoyable, nevertheless.

I was thoroughly delighted and laughed the whole way through. I generally am not the biggest fan of rom-coms, but this story about a man who decides to prove himself to his ex by attempting to run the London Marathon is utterly hilarious. This is really a hidden gem, perfect for the couple that wants to chill out and watch a movie that will appeal to both of them.

3.5/5



Man on Wire

This documentary is interesting as hell, but like David said, and I agree with, it's one of those stories that is really cool and would be really awesome to hear from the guy who did it, in real life, but the movie dragged on a bit and wasn't always so captivating. Overall, I enjoyed it, but would have liked it more had it been a bit shorter.

It told the story of a French wire walker, who traveled from Paris to New York and set up an elaborate plan with friends to set up a wire between the two towers (in the 70s) so that he could walk between the towers and put on a show. And he did. In the end, it's a pretty amazing story and it's definitely worth the watch.

3/5

Review: Max Payne

Max Payne is a film based on a video game. And you know what they say about movies based on video games.

Seriously, though, it wasn't that bad. It had some really great action sequences, and a bunch of pretty awesome camera angles and tricks. The acting was lacking, but then again, I don't think that Mark Wahlberg is really known for his strong acting. Mila Kunis had a role in the film and I can't imagine her as anything other than Jackie. And, maybe Meg.

It was the kind of movie I see once and forget about - although it had a cool style and some neat effects. Rotten Tomatoes really didn't like it, and I can understand why. The plot was nothing special, and I think it might have been the writers' faults. David told me that he played the game and it was very good and, though it's been a while since he's played it, he noticed some things had been changed.

If you have seen it, share your thoughts.

My Rating: ** / *****

Hey all

I'm over at David's right now. I have a terrible headache. Waiting for the no name equivalent of Advil to kick in. I forgot the real stuff at home so I'm depending on David's cheap stuff to do the trick.

Tonight, we rented:

I think we'll start with Max Payne, then Run Fatboy Run. I feel in the mood for something light. And fluffy.

Today for lunch, David and I went to his friend Moe's place. We hung out with a bunch of friends. It was a nice day.

I'm super hungry but I'm done my calories for the day.

Anyhoo, time to cuddle up on the couch with Davey. But first, I leave you with a good ol' dose of Rachel.

55 Words

Mags (a dear old friend) replied to my last update suggesting I share a 55 word story I wrote a few years ago. I found this website where the author writes and illustrates stories that are 55 words - no more no less.

I wrote into her and she put mine up.

The key was firmly held between her sweaty fingers and palm. Determined, she looked both ways before crossing the street. The mail was delivered daily, inconveniently dropped off at a collective mailbox across the road. With a turn from the key in its slot, box number fifteen unlocked. Peering in, she sighed. Empty once again.



-by Rachel J. L.

Trying to keep busy...

I really wish that my blog had more readers. It would be nice to get a little feedback here and there.

I've really been meaning to pick up a new hobby or craft. Just something interesting to get into, to keep myself occupied and maybe discover a hidden talent I didn't even know I had. Any ideas?

My degree's name is too long.

In June 2009, I will be the bearer of a B.A., Honours Double Major in Professional Writing (Institutional Communications Stream) and Communication Studies.


But, fret not. I love my majors.

Review of StumbleUpon

This was a review I wrote for one of my multimedia classes. I supposed I should share it online in case there was a (very small chance) that anyone would ever be interested in reading it! Here you go.


StumbleUpon: Personalize Your Browsing

If you’ve ever wished for a personal helper to find the greatest websites, then StumbleUpon is a perfect choice for you.

StumbleUpon is a toolbar that sits at the top of your browser and connects you to the most popular and highly rated sites. You can share and recommend your favourite websites with friends and other Stumblers like yourself.


What is Stumbling?

StumbleUpon was created to provide users with an alternate to ‘searching’. The difference between searching and stumbling is that stumbling brings users to content they might not necessarily have found otherwise. Stumblers are directed to websites that match their interests and have been rated well by their friends and fellow Stumblers.


How Does Stumbling Work?

By clicking on the Stumble! Icon in the toolbar, you can stumble from site to site. The best part is that you get to choose what you see by giving a thumbs up or thumbs down for each page.

What else? StumbleUpon automatically records what you like to show you more sites that better match your preferences. When you find a page you like, you can add it to your favourites or send it to your friends. Your ratings also help provide the best content to other Stumblers.


Stumble Features

When you first join StumbleUpon, you can manage your interests and choose to view websites from over 500 hundred different topics, including:

• Arts and History
• Computers
• Music and Movies
• Science and Technology
• Sports
• and many more...

The greater your selection of interests, the greater number of websites you’ll be able to view. StumbleUpon tailors websites to your interests for a personalized feel to provide you with the sites that you want.

What else? For each site you like, there’s an option to write a review. You can leave a message for other Stumblers to give advice, share thoughts, and link them to other sites.


The Internet is Always Changing

StumbleUpon realizes that the Internet is constantly evolving and relies on its users to help contribute to a database of interesting websites. Stumblers can help keep websites current by participating and recommending relevant websites whenever they’re found.


Stumbling on Web 2.0

Stumble Upon incorporates characteristics of Web 2.0’s writeable phase. Stumblers constantly contribute to StumbleUpon by adding websites and reviews, giving ratings, and sending recommendations to friends and fellow Stumblers.

What else? StumbleUpon demonstrates its role as a social platform of users with similar interests. The architecture of StumbleUpon reflects its progressive and collaborative community framework with a user-recommended media form.


My Rating: 4.5/5

StumbleUpon is an incredibly easy site to use. It manages your favourites and provides you with a plethora of websites that you normally would never have found.

I love stumbling sites catered to my interests and discovering great new pages to share with my friends and leave ratings so that other Stumblers can enjoy. Anyone who enjoys finding new things on the Internet can benefit from the many discoveries you make while using this site.

Day 68 of Braces

Hey all.

I've developed a tooth ache. One of my teeth is very badly hurting. It's become sensitive to temperature and it's turned me off drinking liquids.

I hopefully will be able to make it to the dentist tomorrow to let him have a look and hopefully fix me up.

Otherwise, nothing else is really new.

This weekend was the Battlestar Galactica series finale (that's right, it's over, tear) and it was pretty awesome. There were a ton of untied plot strings, but it was a great finish up and made me ball like a baby.



On Saturday, I spent the day with David. We chilled out. In the evening, we went out for a Made in Japan experience, followed by some grocery shopping, and then we went out to see I Love You, Man. It was okay, pretty funny, but I'm generally not really into comedies like that. I had a Yogen Fruz and it was good! Until I got to the bottom and then it had a sort of funky flavour. That's when I gave David the rest to finish up.

On Sunday, I met David's new roommate. He seems okay. Hopefully he doesn't bug us.

Then I treated Karen to a birthday lunch at Panera Bread. It was actually incredibly delicious! I had an Asian flavoured salad and half a tuna sandwich. Verrry delish. I can't wait to go back and try something new.

Now it's Monday, and I'm sitting in class, and waiting for it to end so that I can head over to work. I'm really hungry and can't wait to hit up the Timmy Ho downstairs at break.

My next braces appointment isn't until April 14 so I won't have too many updates until then. I'll try to post a new picture of my teeth on the 13th before my tightening.

Day 60 Of Braces

TWO MONTH UPDATE!!!!!


Okay, it's been a while. And I'm sorry to my three readers for keeping you waiting all this time (you know who you are).

I actually haven't yet had them tightened. I know, it's crazy, they've been on now for 60 days and there has still not been a single tightening.

I went to the ortho last month, he had a look and told me that my "wire was still active" and that I didn't have to come back until this month to get them tightened.

I have an appointment booked for this Tuesday at 2:50. So I'll be coming from work and going straight to my appointment from there. I better not eat anything gross that day that'll get stuck in 'em...

Sooo... since it's been 60 days, let's compare to see what's happened. On the top, January 15. On the bottom, March 15.



I know, incredibly attractive. Do you see a difference? I definitely do. (Sorry about the blurryness)



I'm incredibly nervous for the first tightening and hope that since it took so long for this stage to "finish" that I won't have to wear my braces for much longer than a year. I'm really waiting for it to be done for January so I can get them off. A girl can dream.


I've been having a hell of a time lately. The strike ended in February and I've been back at school. The second semester started up like a week and a half ago so I've been very busy with new assignments and constant homework. I am proud to say that I've been working like a crazy person and getting a ton of work done.


I'm also still in the process of applying to grad school. Have a crapload of stuff to do tomorrow and early this week. Ah well, such is the life of an almost-graduated lady.

Day 18 Of Braces

Hi all!

Nothing new to report.

Tonight went out to the pub to watch the UFC match with David. We had a great time. The fights were really good and we had fun conversation (as per usual).

Goat cheese is delicious.

In the afternoon, there is a surprise party for my aunt turning 60 so I'm going to that.

Afterward, I'm not sure yet if I'll return to David's to catch the Superbowl. I guess we'll see soon enough.

I just want to add that David is sooo cute and I wanna eat him up.

My next braces appointment is February 17th for a tightening (just three days after V-Day!)

Anyways, we're really tired now (we just got in from the bar and watched an episode of How I Met Your Mother which is one of the funniest shows ever) and we're gonna get our butts to bed.

So good night and stay tuned for some pictures of my teeth before the next braces tightening session.

OH, and school resumes on Monday so I'll finally be busy.

Love,
Rach

Day 14 Of Braces

Two weeks of braces coincides with my two year anniversary with David.

I love you, Davey. You are my best friend and mean so much to me. ♥




PS: Don't get jealous, Laur, you're my other number one. ;)

Day 10 Of Braces

No pain in my mouth today. All is relatively calm.

Last night, David and I exchanged gifts for our anniversary. I got him Iron Gym but apparently, it didn't want to cooperate with David's door frames. My dad came over to look at the door this morning and is coming back here next weekend to install a block of wood so that the Iron Gym can sit properly.

I also gave him a bottle of Glenlivet Scotch Whisky. Yummmm!

David gave me a really, really beautiful necklace.



David had to help me with this one:




And there you have it! We're going out for groceries now. Bye!

I'm really excited for this weekend.

David and I are going to be celebrating our two year anniversary. January 28th is a Wednesday, so we're moving our festivities to the prior weekend because the next weekend is UFC 94 (which should be AWESOME).

Today I spent the afternoon with true blue bud, Lauren. We had lunch and did some serious shopping. I bought two sweaters and am going to return one because I had a case of "looked good in the store but not good at home." Don't you hate that?

I am looking forward to Shabbat dinner and then a quiet evening tomorrow night. :)

I've been really stressed out with this strike and the worry of when we'll get back to school. I've also been doubly stressed out about grad school. I feel sick to my stomach just thinking about it. I should have been doing it months ago, but I just felt too nervous about it I kept putting it off to let Future Rachel worry about it. Now, Future Rachel is definitely worried.

Hopefully I can get it taken care of tomorrow. I have quite a few errands to run tomorrow so I'll be happy to get them all out of the way.


I can't wait to see David. ♥


Update on the Braces:

Food got stuck in them for the first time today. Definitely not used to that. Thankfully, I had floss on me and solved the problem swiftly.




Rach

I really want sushi.

I do not know how to eat sushi with braces.

What could go wrong?

Well, for starters, there's the seaweed, the tempura, and the sticky rice.

These three are likely culprits to make my sushi-eating far more difficult than it need be. For, my braces are a haven in which all three could get seriously stuck.


My advice to myself: just stick with the sashimi. Salmon sashimi is so soft that I needn't worry. However, I do love me some rolls. Perhaps a roll with rice on the outside would be easier to chew. Who knows, I'll have to try it one of these days. I'll let you know what happens, then.

Day 6 Of Braces

There is still discomfort but not really any pain, unless I'm eating (still a bit hard to chew) or flossing.

I've been having a really hard time with flossing because my teeth are so tight together from the braces. I went to Shoppers yesterday and bought Oral-B Superfloss "ideal for braces" but the floss was too thick to fit between my teeth. Instead, I've been using Oral-B Satin floss because it's thin enough that it actually fits in the really "hard-to-squeeze-in" places.



There were a few dental flosses at the store for "tight teeth" but nothing said for braces and I was worried that they could damage the wire if I pull the floss upwards with too much strength.

Oh well, soon my teeth will be perfect and the only metal left in my mouth will be a small metal retainer behind my four front teeth. I am also really happy because I think having braces is really going to improve the care I take of my mouth - flossing, brushing, tongue- and cheek-cleaning, and mouthwashing. My mouth and teeth feel a hell of a lot healthier already.

I encourage everyone to try, for at least a couple days, to floss their teeth before going to bed!


Oh, one last thing...
A Wish From Rach: Happy anniversary, Laur + Josh!

Day 5 Of Braces

Still hurts to eat. Nothing else new to report.

I have a terrible sushi craving but don't feel like I'm ready yet to try it out of fear that I won't be able to properly chew yet. I'm having great difficulty with biting into something using my front teeth - they still feel incredibly weak and I'm terrified of breaking them.

Only 360 days left of wearing them. Only 360 days...

Ditto.

David's cat is the cutest cat in the whole wide world. I love her so much.

She's 17.

Happy half-birthday to me!

I almost forgot.

Today, I'm 21 and a half.


:)

Day 3 Of Braces

Today wasn't so easy, either. Woke up with terrible mouth, gums, and tooth pain and wanted to punch something.


Poor David, had to listen to me complain all night and day. Spent the day with him. We went for groceries, watched a movie, and I ate Jell-O. We had a fun day and it was pretty successful at distracting me from the pain. Now he's watching UFC (I am too sort of, behind him and watching over his shoulder). Figured I'd update. So yeah, hopefully the pain is much better by tomorrow.



PS: I'm brushing my teeth like I never have before, it's so weird. Four times a day, baby. Gimme a kiss.

PPS: I forgot to add that the face that David's making is a joke and he does not ACTUALLY smile like that.

♥ Rach

Day 2 Of Braces

Okay, so yesterday my mouth wasn't really bothering me. Today, the braces are killing me. My mouth is very sore and it reminds me of how it felt when my wisdom teeth were pushing through in the back of my mouth and causing me pain.

Last night was my first adventure with flossing and brushing. Flossing with braces is incredibly hard - or maybe it's just me. Since my teeth are so overcrowded, the metal brackets are so close together that it's really difficult to get the floss through. I've been using one of these special contraptions to loop the floss under my braces so they don't interfere with the wires.



As far as food goes... Today, I had puddings and macaroni and cheese and that wasn't so bad.

For dinner tonight, I'm having soup with egg noodles and squash. Hopefully I can start chewing more easily soon. I've been practising my chewing.


No picture because there's no real change. Catch ya later. ♥ Rach

I got braces today.

There's about a pound of metal in my mouth. It's only on my bottom teeth, though. My top teeth aren't the best, but they're good enough that it isn't worth thousands of dollars to fix 'em.

I'm going to update with new pictures of my braces every so often.

I opted for the neutral colour wires because I don't want to stand out -- especially cause of how crooked my teeth are.

Anyways, enjoy!

I have been told I am difficult to shop for...

I have decided that the next time someone asks me what I'd like, I can just refer them here. Or if you are like me and people don't know what the heck to get you, please use this list as a guide!

Now, I'll begin:

Rachel's List of Gift Ideas

♥ a bath robe

♥ slippers

♥ a magazine subscription to Women's Health or Cosmo

♥ food and drink assortments - teas, biscuits, fruit, cheeses

♥ gift certificates to the shopping centre

♥ flowers!

♥ alcohol. I like dry white wines, chocolate/coffee/vanilla liquors, beer, drink kits, recipe books

♥ makeup or face products

♥ pretty shotglasses (I have a collection)

♥ jewellery! I like necklaces, watches, rings, earrings (though I have to get my ears re-pierced...), and hangers (I really need a place to hang my necklaces)

♥ chocolates

♥ cookbooks

♥ digital camera (I've never owned one and just never got around to getting one)

♥ nice hand soap or hand creams

♥ clothes

♥ purse/wallet - I can always use a replacement.

♥ a donation in my name to a charity


That's all, folks.

Welcome to my blogspot.

This blog will contain rants, thoughts and wishes and the stories of my life. Enjoy your time!

♥ Rach