Watch, and learn

RIP Miss Vida Boheme

2009-09-18T22:33:05Z

I know I posted this entry March 2008 - http://trishawisha.livejournal.com/39963.html - not knowing that Patrick Swayze would pass away a year and a half later....

This is my tribute to him...

Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing

Sam Wheat in Ghost

But I loved loved LOVED you most as Vida Boheme in To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar

Miss Vida Boheme opened my eyes to the complexities, philosophies, and beauty of queenhood when I first saw the movie at the age of 12 years old - thank you HBO (although I'm not queer myself, but you know what I mean). I loved her so much, and I thought she was the prettiest queen I have ever seen (and still is!).

She wasn't ghetto-chic as Miss Noxeema Jackson...

and not trashy as Miss Chi Chi Rodriguez (pre-strawberry festival!!).

She was just the elegant, refined, Miss Vida Boheme, and I absolutely adored her!

So, Mr Patrick Swayze, thank you for putting life to Miss Vida Boheme.

Thank you.

Spring is a time of beginnings

2009-09-06T12:50:29Z

Things are slowly falling into place.

I have started an absolutely fantastic job that I actually enjoy. I feel a bigger purpose in my career that I never quite expected to happen. It's challenging alright, but one that I've actually started enjoying. I'm glad and grateful.
My foodblog has picked up hits and it's been getting quite a bit of attention! Again, it's hard work but I'm glad it's all paying off.
Slowly eased back into my old gym routine. When I was unemployed, I went into an exercise slump and significantly decreased my gym visits, but since starting the new job I've managed to return to my usual gym visits.

Anyway, it's still early days but I'm really happy with how things are turning out.
It's still 3 months away from Christmas, but with all these blessings, I feel like my Christmas came in early. To all those who stuck with me when I've almost driven everyone insane... big big big thanks.

Intimidation

2009-08-16T14:08:51Z

I don't know why some people have to steep low when they're hit with intimidation.

Case in point: a very marvelous girlfriend who happens to be one of the smartest and funniest chica I have known. Some people get intimidated, and for whatever reason would try to copy and stalk her.

Ah but imitation simply is a form of flattery, I'm sure? I find it very amusing that some people feel the need to dismember their dignity for the sake of what? Winning the competition and emerge the victor? I don't think so. More like pretending to be someone you're not... but with bad grammar and even worse writing skills.

Anyway, to you my dear sweet sweet friend - you are a brilliant person, with a quick wit, a delightful sense of humour, a diligent and dedicated soul, and a compassionate heart. Just keep doing what you're doing, because I and the rest of the world know that you are so much better than her. Plain and simple.

City 2 Surf 2009

2009-08-10T22:27:29Z

I know everyone's probably sick and tired of my City 2 Surf posts in Twitter & Facebook, so I'll just put everything under the cut.

A BIG FAT 86:39 MINUTES!!!!!!!!!!! Which means I qualify for the green start next year! Which means I'm one level away from the seeded runners!!!

I'm even prouder of Joseph - his was 74:54 which means it's under 75 minutes which means he's a seeded runner next year! Omg I'm so proud of the boy!

Never in a million years have I imagined running the whole thing - let alone qualifying - for City 2 Surf... but we did! We did we did we did! All the hard work, all the lunches given up for lunchtime jogging, all the blisters, the chest and lung pains, the cakes and lattes sacrificed, the Saturday morning sleep ins given up, the aching calves and gluts and hamstrings, the sunburnt arms and shoulders - they all paid off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GREEN START in 2010 BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Run, Fat Girl, Run!

2009-08-05T13:45:17Z

Hahaha.

Ok. Did my last outdoor training today. MAN WAS IT HARD! Joseph really pushed me to jog that extra 500 metres around the Opera House when I was already giving up, and I suppose it was worth it.

So, training today was a 45 minute Body Attack class and a 6 km jog around Hickson Rd, The Rocks, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House and Botanical Gardens. I have a blister in my right foot but I'm hoping this will heal up before City 2 Surf on Sunday.

Am I ready for the 14km run? Maybe. Am I scared? Totally!!!

Oh, and my right ankle's twitching right now. I have two more Body Attack classes to do this week before Sunday and I hope this ankle holds up!

Blessings

2009-08-02T11:25:25Z

Amidst all the ugly things that are happening right now, all the stress, all the tears, all the heartaches, one and only one person remained a constant in my life. And for that, I am very grateful.

Thank you, my dear boy. You are the only thing that's still keeping me together.

I love you always.

PS. That was a photo taken when he cooked dinner for us ALL BY HIMSELF. Yes, he was quite proud of it. I was too. :)

Turnaround

2009-07-28T09:20:22Z

I can't believe I am in this situation again. Exactly last year, I was in this career hole with nowhere to go. Finding my job was my salvation, and I vowed I'd do everything to excel and prove to the company that they didn't make a mistake in hiring me.

12 months later, I am in this situation again.

I can't believe it.

Now I don't know what to do with all this free time. I still keep returning to the office, eventhough we were all terminated as of Friday last week. However, there are still things to do in the office (cleaning up all the junk I've accumulated in the past year), forms to fill out, goodbyes to be said, etc etc.

I'm not too worried about myself. Ok, I am worried, but I think about the predicament of my other workmates and I just feel sorry for them.

I can't believe I'm in this situation again.

Massage

2009-07-25T14:16:12Z

I NEED A MASSAGE*.

Also, I'm about to go through a complete meltdown. Joseph's the only person that is keeping me sane and intact right now. And I just vent out all of my anger, frustrations, and worries towards exercise.

Hence, I need a massage.

*This week's City2Surf training: 12 kms run, 2 Body Attack and 1 Body Pump classes. My shoulders are in constant pain, my legs feel like dead weight, and I could barely walk properly. Even the grandma in Bankstown Food Festival this afternoon walked faster than me. Pffft.

Sore

2009-07-23T12:23:45Z

I don't think I can remember working out like this except for my day-before-marathon training last year (where I did a Body Attack class in the morning and then a 3km jog that afternoon). But that still isn't compared to the training I'm proposing on my last 3 weeks before this year's City 2 Surf.

I jogged 12km this week, with the 6kms done during lunch today and a Body Attack class after work.

I was planning on going for another jog tomorrow, but hot diggity damn my thighs are sore sore sore.

I'm glad that I'm able to do a 6km run nonstop, but I know I still have a long way to go.

Ooooh dear. I think I'm going to need a Thai massage after City 2 Surf.

City 2 Surf Training

2009-07-21T11:53:07Z

Yes. I'm a slacker. 3 weeks into City 2 Surf and I've only just started outdoor running.

Apart from my gym sessions, I haven't done any proper outdoor training to prep myself for City 2 Surf. 14 kms in 90 mins or less is what I am aiming for, but to do this I need to do proper training.

So, tomorrow I will jog again. And tomorow, I will aim for a better time.

I did enjoy jogging with the boy though and basking under the warm, refreshing Sydney sun. It was such an awesome sunny day that it didn't feel like winter at all!

I hope we get the same weather tomorrow!! It'll be maximum 23 deg C but windy... hmmmm... bring it on!

Twenty Four

2009-07-13T11:45:46Z

I am grateful .

Grateful for family...

Friends...

...and all the blessings God has given me.

Birthday Tea Party

2009-07-07T04:45:04Z

Just a few bits and pieces from my birthday tea party over the weekend...

.

Shame I wasn't able to get a photo of all of the guests, but towards the end when it quieted down I managed to grab a few of the remaining girls for a photo.

sushi_star i_kissthesky , me, and lala0range

Again, thanks so much for coming and for eating my cooking!!!!! Hahaha it was an epic kitchen adventure and I'm just glad everything worked out in the end.

Here's to the next 24 (and more) years! :)

...

I'm officially a bad person and should be strangled. I forgot to thank the hosts of the party! Thanks Pia for pointing it out! ARGHHH I can't believe it. My brain's buggered to the core and I have no excuse.

So.... a big big BIG thank you to lilmisswanderer larochka173 and coolbananas for letting me use their house as the venue of my tea party.

I owe you guys a tocilog breakfast/lunch/dinner, promise. One weekend, I'll rock up with tocino for you guys.

Korean Mariah Carey

2009-07-07T04:33:37Z

WINNER!!

My Sister's Keeper

2009-07-03T00:31:33Z

I've read the book, I've cried in the book, and now this...

I saw the trailer, I cried in the trailer, wait til you see me watch the movie (Joseph, honey, pass me the tissue box please?).

Oh and who wants to see these movies with me:

1. Julie & Julia - this is a foodblogger's biography movie. IT IS! Oh and Meryl Streetp and Stanley Tucci together again post The Devil Wears Prada? I like!
2. Sunshine Cleaning - another Amy Adams movie, with another The Devil Wears Prada connection - Emily Blunt. One word: FANTASTIC!
3. Obsessed - I like a good "thriller" bahaha!

And lastly....

HARRY POTTER! I have tickets already for June 17 and reserved seats too so WOOHOOHOO!

Gym Arms

2009-06-30T10:05:12Z

I just posted a long as email and then it disappeared. I hate it when that happens.

Bullet points because I am lazy to retype them:

Did double classes Body Step & Pump tonight because of guilt of skipping gym yesterday. I didn't cool down enough because now my arms feel like lead.
Hot girl in Pump was lifting 22.5kg during squats track - a good 10 kgs heavier than mine or the other men in class. WHAAAAT! She's really hot though.
July officially starts my birthday month. Yes, I get a month, not a day, but the boyfriend will disagree. ("You only get a day, hon! ONE DAY!"). Haha I kid I kid!
2 hen's night, 1 bridal shower, 1 Blue Mountains trip, 1 Shoal Bay trip, a tea party, a wedding, City 2 Surf marathon, and Good Food & Wine Show this July/August = booked out weekends.
I am craving for mud cake. The Woolies kind that you pour with thickened cream and eat infront of the telly while watching your favourite prime time show eg NCIS on a Tuesday night. ARGHHHH I hate these pms cravings!

Let's talk about legs, baby

2009-06-25T12:44:22Z

Exercise talk again. Pardon me... but apart from work, gym has pretty much taken over my spare time. Which is fine because I'm totally enjoying it.

But why is it that my thighs are still big? Siiigh. Ok, they are definitely musclier and stronger, but they are still big.

HAAAY.

I blame it on my mum's big Chinese thunder thigh genes. Why didn't I inherit dad's long, skinny legs which my younger sister luckily has as well?

Oh well. These thunder thighs have taken me through lunges & squats, star jumps and jacks, up kicks and flicks, and down to leg balances, aeroplane moves, and stretches. I've learned to live with them for the past (almost) 24 years, I'm sure I can hack 24 more :)

Weighing Scale

2009-06-24T04:36:27Z

I am officially at my lightest in 7 years...

I weighed myself last night and it read 70 kgs. The last time I was 70kgs was 7 years ago, when I used to starve myself, eat junk, don't exercise, and lived an unhealthy lifestyle.

Which means I am only 2 kgs away from my target weight.

Which means it is still attainable (which I initially thought was mission impossible!).

Which means if I reach 65kgs I should be in the middle of a healthy BMI (I'm currently on the heavier side of a healthy BMI...).

Which means all the pain, sweat, and tears of exercising is finally working! All the lunges, squats, chest presses, tricep push ups, star jumps, running, crunches, clean & presses, and everything else were worth the pain.

Ang sakit ng exercise, ano!

Haaay. Thank you Lord.

...

I always have a yearly birthday ritual. I don't go to a spa for pampering (although for this year I will be going to Shoal Bay with a bunch of girls for a hen's night weekend pampering woo!), I don't shop til I drop during EOFYS (yes, sucks to have your birthday fall under the major sales because that means an extra effort of NOT buying anything drastic), I don't binge out in a 7 course degustation dinner in a fancy $200 per head restaurant...

I get a haircut.

Last year's haircut was the worst. I was sick and tired of my long hair so I went "under the blade" and got it chopped off. BAD IDEA. Why? I have a round face, and it just didn't go well with the style and cut of my short hair.

Remember: Round chubby face does not go well with SOME haircuts! Trish, don't be delusional that you can just rock any hairdo, because you can't.

Anyway the boyfriend has banned me from having short hair. He made me promise to grow my hair and in the event that I do want to visit the hairdresser that I keep the length of my hair long.

I suppose he has a point.

So this weekend, because the boy is working overtime in the city, and because I will have the whole afternoon to myself looking for a christening gift for his basketball teammate's son, I've decided to get an early birthday haircut from my favourite local hairdresser's, Yvan of Salon d' Art in Parramatta.

And then, I have a date with myself at Border's, sit down, have a cup of coffee, read up on magazines because I want to be shallow sometimes, and just relax.

Ahh yes. Me likey the weekend plans already!

Aus v Japan

2009-06-17T20:48:26Z

I love Japan, you know I love Japan, but I love the Socceroos more.

2-1! 2-1! 2-1!

Matcha Daifuku with Red Bean Centre

2009-06-07T23:00:56Z

As everyone know, my sister and I love everything Japanese. We grew up being huge fans of Japanese anime (trust me, we were HUGE fans - a whole bookcase dedicated to Japanese anime paraphernalia). She loved everything Japanese too much she even went as far as studying it as her major in university; I, on the other hand, went as far as impulsively buying plane tickets to Osaka and finding myself even more inlove with Japan once I ate, breathed, bathed, and slept on the wonderful Japanese land. Oh yeah.

So to reminisce my Japan holiday and prepare for our big trip (oh it's not until 2011 but we're just really excited), my sister made some green tea mochi balls with a red bean centre.

The kushi (hair comb) is from Asakusa, little kimono doll from Tokyo, and the Torii gate from Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. The Japanese cloth were bought locally.

French Open Sam Stosur - Semis

2009-06-03T20:49:24Z

I told Joseph if I'd turn lesbo for anyone, it would be her.

Woooohooohoooo GO SAM!!!

JAPAAAAN!

2009-05-27T09:10:02Z

NOOOOOOOOOOO!

Jetstar cancels a third of Japan flights

But what about my planned big... no... make that HUGE Japan trip in 2011!?!?!

What about all the takoyakis?

And the Asahi?

And the gyoza?

And the yummy yummy Osaka ramen?

And the unagi setto?

This is a sad day. :( I just wish they still retain their Osaka flights by 2011 because it'll kill me if there are no cheap Jetstar flights and I'd have to take expensive JAL or Qantas flights. :(

Chocolate mud cake with chocolate ganache

2009-05-24T10:28:01Z

Introducing... the chocolate ON chocolate ON chocolate mud cake (yes, I said chocolate three times).

Made for Larissa's "Citizen Me!" dinner party last Wednesday.

Cupcakes & Ala's DSLR & Diego Luna & An Oops! & 2am Chat & Scones

2009-05-17T09:16:56Z

Ala I love you and your DSLR.

It somehow magically changes my cupcakes from mediocre noob photos to vavavoom food porn (methinks).

Thank you for this nifty device!

...

Spending time with the girls has always been an indulgence. I rarely get time to sit down and relax, and this weekend was no different with all the baking and cooking... but I was with excellent company so it was enjoyed.

Friday was Joseph's 26th birthday drinks in Belgian Bier. I can always trust Belgian Bier to have great food, atmosphere, and uh.. beer! :) The boy was pleased with his birthday drinks which is a relief because he was (and still is!) in New Zealand during his birthday (and not with me. :( Oh well!).

Saturday was spent making Nigella Lawson's mushroom pasta bake for the girls and the cupcakes for Ton at Karl's birthday shindig. Had some absolutely life changing pork bagoong adobo dish by Miel - it was THAT good I think I momentarily forgot my name!

Saw Diego Luna in Just Walking and Len has converted me into a Diego Luna fan now - he is THE hotness!!!

After the movie, and although it was a bit late already, I felt compelled to drive all the way to Wolli Creek to drop off the cupcakes and Miel's 1.125L bottle of Smirnoff for the party. I'm glad I went to the party though because.... because... just because. :P I just found out some chismis and blardy hell............... nothing :)

Enjoyed talking and catching up with Lars and Len afterwards... up until the wee hours of Sunday morning. The best conversations are really with the greatest of friends - these conversations are rare, but they are truly golden and so kwela!

Sunday, woke up to an absolutely gorgeous morning, so I quickly got changed, grabbed my enviro bag, and had a leisurely walk through Norton St. Bought a few baking ingredients in IGA, detoured towards Bar Italia, and had a welcoming strong latte that immediately perked up my senses.

Baked some more cupcakes and scones for the girls + Erwin, and had an absolute ball with Lars' & Andee's bacon and Miel's ricotta pancakes.

More laughing, and again, kwela moments especially with Len's dancing to Careless Whisper. Oh, and I learned a new thing from her that totally cracked me up - Bitter Ocampo. Winner!

I had fun. I totally, TOTALLY had fun. Weekends like these don't come often, but when they do, they are always pretty special. ♥

LSS

2009-05-17T05:55:09Z

Dear Len, Lars, Miel, Gutsy, and Erwin,

One word: LSS.
Two words: Careless Whisper.
Three words: Seeing Len dance.

Kainez.

Love,
Trish

Precious

2009-05-15T13:53:19Z

Sometimes you come across a magnificent movie trailer that moves you like no other.

Case in point - PRECIOUS

Oh just seeing the trailer makes me teary eyed already! Produced by Oprah Winfrey? Starring Mo'nique, Paula Patton and Mariah Carey (redeeming herself from the tragedy that was Glitter, perhaps?). I hope the movie is as good as the trailer, because the story of Precious seems to be... precious.

I hope they show this in Australian cinemas!

PS. Just one thing I'd like to say based on the trailer - what's with Mariah Carey's hair? Bad wig day?