I’m on the flight back to Los Angeles right now, taking advantage of the free wi-fi promotion on Virgin America. I’m also trying very, very hard not to puke as the plane rocks up and down like a raft in a stormy sea…urgh…Please, just at least let me finish this blog post before I puke my lunch out.
Anyway. I have said goodbye to my parents, and am back on my way to independence and warm weather. As I waved goodbye to them, I couldn’t help feeling a pang of homesickness and sadness, although I have yet to leave the east coast. It’s been so nice and endearing to be back home, to freely use my parents money, to see the joyful faces of my friends and my church family. It’s been refreshing and heart-warming to walk down the familiar streets, to frequent my neighborhood Whole Foods, to talk a mile to dozen in rapid Korean. And all throughout my stay back home, I told myself again and again, “I can’t believe I almost didn’t come home.”
Out of a moment of anger and dread, I had actually considered burning my air ticket and not coming home at all. I almost lost Christmas with my family. I almost lost the chance to see my dear cousin again. I almost lost the chance to resolve a huge misunderstanding with my best friend. I almost lost the blessings and encouraging words and gifts from my church family. All because of a single, fiery consumption of rage and negativity.
I guess you see where I’m going with this. Part III of this New Year’s Self-Reflection: Prayer Topics and Renewals.
As I said, I am not perfect. I’m still a student in Life University, learning to be a better person. As I mentioned on this post, my dream for this year 2010 is to be a “beautiful” person. But what am I going to do today to achieve that dream? We all know what happens to New Year Resolutions. We make them, we may even jot them down on a fancy notebook, and then we promptly forget about it. Or we make that old excuse, “I’ll start tomorrow.” Most of the time, these resolutions are so vague that we feel that we need a lot of time in order to achieve it, and don’t really plan out what we’re going to do each and every single day in order to progress towards that goal.
So I think the key is to make our resolutions as detailed as possible, preferably a day-to-day resolution, and make it realistic and practical enough so that we don’t get intimidated by it. And, of course, we really need to commit to them. Actually, I’d rather call them prayer topics, because I know that I probably will not be able to meet them without constantly being in touch with God’s power and wisdom.
In fact, looking back into my New York trip on New Years, it became painfully aware to me how tough it will be to renew myself. A lot of my unpleasant personality just surge out so naturally and unconsciously that I have no control over them at all until it’s too late! Thankfully, my cousin is an amazingly resilient and cheerful girl, and she didn’t take my tempers to heart. The banana cream pie I baked for her might have helped: 
Look at that happy face. 
I tell you, this girl is so easy to please. And I love her to death, even if she drives me crazy sometimes. By the way, the recipe I used for the banana cream pie was from C & H Sugar. I made my own crust using a basic sweet tart dough recipe, and used a 12-inch tart pan. 
It was freaking delicious, if I say so myself. The whole 12-inch pie was gone within 2 days. No kidding. I had to bake another one for my cousin just before she left.
Anyway, here’s my Prayer Topics for this year, broken down into categories:
Spiritual:
Academic: Lifestyle: Physical: Financial: Self: Blogging: Okay, it’s been 5 days into the new year, and I have yet to meet many of these yet, but I’m glad I have them all down in concrete writing so that I can easily check each of them off, starting…now. But I did meet one of them, which is to meet more amazing bloggers. I had a great DC blogger meet-up on Saturday with Maya from American Gourmand and Tou Tou from Light Delight with Tou Tou. Unfortunately, a many other bloggers in the area could not make it, so it was just the three of us in Zest Bistro. After awhile, Maya joined us. We were hungry, so we ordered promptly. Tou Tou and Maya both ordered the grilled salmon salad: I got the Roasted Leg of Lamb sandwich: We took a final picture together: And so concludes my New Year Self-Reflection trilogy…meanwhile, the start of my self-renewal to be a more beautiful person begins, right now. See you in Los Angeles! I’m close to puking and I need to quell my stomach right now. Damn those nuts! Question of the day: What are some detailed things you are going to do different this new year? And have you had a blogger meet-up yet?
Zest Bistro was actually recommended by Rebecca from All Vegged Out, but she couldn’t make it either. It’s located in DC, a new bistro with stylish lighting and a mix of both modern and oldish interior design: 
Poor Tou Tou arrived first, and had to wait alone for some time. But I think the server thought she got ditched by her date, so she got the royal treatment. When I arrived about 15 minutes later, we hit it off right away. 
Tou Tou is a relatively new blogger; she only started her blog in October. She’s a former roommate of Coco, who introduced her to the world of blogging…and I’m mighty glad she joined us, because she’s an extremely sweet, personable person, with fun, whimsical, and eclectic dishes on her blog. Please welcome her, if you haven’t already done so! She is such a pleasure to be with! 
I recognized her straight away: a tall, statuesque young lady, with a radiant smile and gorgeous curly hair. This girl is so much fun to be with; she might even talk faster than I do! You won’t have a moment’s boredom with this girl around! 
Mixed greens, oven roasted tomatoes, roasted corn, pine nuts, tarragon basil dressing 
It was a brilliant plate of colors. The salmon looked nicely cooked, too. 
Roasted lamb on Grilled Flatbread with caramelized onions, crumbled feta, pomegranate bbq. With mixed green on the side.
Holy yum! This was freaking amazing. The only weird thing was that the Pomegranate BBQ came on the side. Just as well, because I didn’t end up using all of it. It was tangy, sweet, and utterly delicious, but a little dab went a long way. 
I’ve never really been a fan of lamb. Not because it’s cute, but because it tastes so…gamey. It just has that weird muttony taste and smell, but this sandwich had none of that. The meat was incredibly tender and juicy, dripping with lovely, umami-rich juices! The bread was fabulous, too. Soft, chewy, and just the right ratio of bread to filling: 
I only wish it had more feta cheese; it was rather skimpy in that area. 
I adore blogger meet-ups so much. It’s so strange to finally put a face and a real person behind the blog you read for months and months, and when we finally get to meet, it’s like we’ve always been old friends. It’s a strange, yet wonderful feeling. If you haven’t had a blogger meet-up yet, make that your new year’s resolution! 
Don’t get me wrong, our server was an extremely nice person, and I gave him a generous tip, but he is an awful photographer. Ah, well. There’s always a next time!
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i got to meet mamapea (peasandthankyou.com) thanks to blogging, and i adore her!
=D hahhaha i know he kinda snarkily makes fun of your responses. AND expects us to participate!? sheesh.
WELCOME BACK!!!!!!
I had the blogger potluck in the Summer and I loved it! I got to meet 3 awesome ladies in my area, but I know there’s a lot more, so I look forward to future meet-ups!
I love your tart! I got a tart pan on clearance and have yet to christen it. Your link says item not found, though – I need the recipe so I can re-create!
hahaha I think you ARE positive – not a “sore turd” Also WHEN (not if) you come for your trip to Chicago I’ll help you w/ makeup tips – plus you can have some of my butt and thighs too!
I have more than enough to go around. And I’ll take you to the Ledge!
And I definitely agree about the lamb in DC!!! We had it several times the week we were there and I was shocked that ea. time it was cooked exactly right! It was never gamey or tough, they really know how to bring out the true flavor and potential!
SO cool that you guys got to do a blogger meetup! Aw I’m sorry you had to leave your parents today, but i know you have great things awaiting you in LA! you already are a beautiful person, but those are some great prayer topics.
Hey, Sophia… I keep Tuesdays to pray for some youths and youth leaders. Is it ok, if I take ur prayer requests and include u on my prayer list on Tuesdays?:)
aw what af un blogger meet up!! the meals look amazing– i just ahd my first one with lexi from starlightdinerr.blogspot.com & it was so much fun- it is crazy how much we connected!!
you are a verry positive person, by the way. your blog always brightens my day
so just know that! and i like what you said about resolutions.. it is very true
Amazing goals. Hate to be the bearer of this newsflash though, you cannot spot gain weight in the ta-ta’s region. Sigh. I wish. I think every woman on earth wishes we could remove the cellulite from our thighs and add it to our boobs. Ok well maybe some people can spot gain. I can’t LOL
Seriously though, the goals are amazing. I love your goals for yourself. And for blogging. I struggle w/ the reading/commenting TOO much but i love everyone i just cant help myself
Sophia, you are one ambitious woman!!! All of your goals sound fabulous, just don’t drive yourself crazy with them…hehe…like you said about not freaking out if your grades don’t turn out all A’s!
Your banana cream pie looks incredible incredible incredible, and I already think you are one of the most creative food blogger ladies out there, so your goal of coming up with more creative stuff is…quite exciting for me in anticipation to see what else you can whip up!
Lots of love,
Sara
PS…I’m thinking of contributing to my school newspaper come this semester as well!
Heheh.. all yr prayer topics sounds like wht i need to work on as well!
For starters – prayers! I believe in God, but I seldom speak to Him, & been delaying my dharma classes & temple visits.
Sleeping earlier & not readin blogs tll dawn so so applies to me man!! LOL
Likewise for cleaning up my plc every week! Hehehe…
For the part on SELF – my, i need to do ALL of that! esp te optimism & temper control part!
as for blogging part – hehehe.. i got to stop commenting at work!! hahahahahahaa
And I cant wait to meet more bloggers too!! I’hv been actively organising makan-makan (eat outs) with bloggers I havent met so yea..its gonna be a fun year for tht part!!
What are some detailed things you are going to do different this new year? And have you had a blogger meet-up yet?
Beautiful goals, I think it’s great you’re so honest about yourself and wanna challenge yourself in some ways. Please don’t forget the many wonderful things about you that are already there…and that nobody is perfect. I hope 2010 is gonna be an amazing year for you!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
You’re making me so hungry with that banana cream pie Sophia! I think that’s a wonderful goal although you seem like a rather beautiful person as it is!
looks like a great blogger meet up, and the food looks amazing! and that banana cream pie ahh yummm!
and i know you met the lovely curly top aka Emily 
i met her as well in NY! 
i have had a bunch of blogger meet ups, recently met Karina from some cat from japan blog, amazing!
and veggiegirl!!…of course Brooke from simply veg. she is wonderful, it is amazing the friendships you can create through blogging!
happy 2010!
xx
Eliza
No blogger meet up yet, but one is coming soon! And that banana cream pie looks AMAZING.
That pie looks so incredible I can’t stand it!!!! Would you ever share the recipe? I am dying to attempt this one.
Glad you had a wonderful meet-up!!!! Everyone/everything looks sensational!
Love you girl.
Ooo I bet you didn’t know banana cream pie is my absolute favorite–I wouldn’t mind if you sent me a slice FedEx hehe! I love how you take time to reflect for the New Year and share it with us all–looks like you have a great year ahead
God bless!
sophia you’re amazing. i have no doubt you will find ways to achieve all of your wonderful goals! your new year reflection is really inspiring & i’m with you, i really need to stop reading blogs late into the night.
that banana cream pie looks soo good! i’ve never actually had a real pie…only chocolate, ha i’m so unexperienced
ah no blogger meet ups yet for me, such a bummer cause they look sooo fun!!
happy wednesday!
xoxo
Oh yeah, that food all looks amazing! I hope it helps you reach your goals, as far as getting a butt, boobs, and thighs! When I had en EDI didn’t mind that I was losing my boobs and butt and thighs, but when I started healing it REALLY bothered me. I still don’t have much in those categories (my genetics…you know…) but at least I have SOMETHING for Nick to grab onto
It makes me feel like so much more of a woman!
This year I want to make sure I always get enough sleep, so I don’t have to fuel on coffee all day. I think that’s realistic, right?!
HAve a great day Sophia! And yes, no more blogging in class for you!
That’s a very detailed list of goals — and I’m sure you can meet them all!!
I’ve only met up with one blogger, but it doesn’t really count because I knew her before I started blogging. :p
<3 <3
What a great list of self-improvements!
I want to attend a blogger meet up so badly, but I don’t think there are many bloggers in my area! I know of one, but we are already friends from college.
BTW-Love the new look of your site.
I love your list! I have a lot of the same things in my mind for this year, as well
I want to hang out again!!! I definitely want many more blogger meetups in my future
That’s quite a list! I also want to be more optimistic and strive for all As (I didn’t even think about blogging in class. ohhhh man…)
Hopefully I’ll have a blogger meet-up!
Cute photo of you three! So your server isn’t a professional, at least he was nice enough to do it!
Great orders! I don’t love lamb either, but that sandwich looks superb!
Your prayer list is AWESOME!!
<3 jess
xoxo
You are so kind and just an overall great person. I love all your goals even though I don’t think you need to change much at all.
I would I could figure out how to properly wear make up and get out of my sweats and jeans a bit more too.
I have not been to a blog meet up yet but my first will hopefully be this month. Are you going to the Actor’s Diet meet up here in LA? I hope to meet you there!!
fun meet up! and i like your resolutions! the food looks wonderful!
Thank you for sharing your list with us. I do agree that resolutions need to be realistic. As for me, I’m currently taking a break from work so I’m using this time to do things I’ve always wanted to do like skating & dance lessons. Because who knows the next time I’ll have all this free time!
PS- the pie looks great! I’ve never had one!
nah I haven’t had a meet up yet
awww, the blogger meetup looks like so much fun!! we will have to plan another one at some point
.
Everytime I come to your blog I get so hungry! I love salmon.. when it’s seasoned the right way I could probably eat a piece as big as my head
And your goals sound great! I have got to stop spilling hot sauce all over my shirt too!
How funny to see a picture of me on one of my favorite blogs! I am blushing with your words, and hooray for fast talkers! We just help everyone think faster to catch up with us, right?
Hopefully next time you’re in town we can check out Chinatown Express, it’s my favorite DC restaurant (even if the other bloggers don’t agree to it, we can always go the two of us!)
Have a safe journey back to California! Enjoy the sun, I’m a bit jealous!
Great plans for the new year.
I love Virgin airlines and I am glad they offered you some wifi. Good stuff for sure.
Also, I am glad there are no hard feelings between you and your cousin. I know you were just really frustrated with the whole situation.
You always have such beautiful, inspiring words!
I haven’t had a blogger meet-up yet. Honestly, I’m really shy, so I’d probably be nervous. And I’m still thin, so I get self-conscious about that. Do you??
As for detailed things I want to do differently this year… hmmm… I want to take vacation. I always save up my time off for the “perfect trip,” and I feel like life just passes me by. That’s what comes to mind at the moment
Plans are already in motion…
Love the new look of the blog. Looking forward to reading more of your wonderful posts in the new year. And that Salmon dish looks – OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!
you are so wise sophia.
loving the banana cream pie you made! looks better than mine!
that roasted leg of lamb sandwich looks delicious!
Happy New Year Sophia! Like your blog’s new look…the banana cream pie looks delicious…like your list for 2010
Great goals. I share many on the same with you. Well, not the responding to blog comments in class. Perhaps at work…ooops ;-|
hey love! great post but hey your posts are always great lol.
It sounds like you had a really fun time at your blog meet up =)
ohhh and in regards to your question, sad panda is just something I say when I am sad or upset lol…Have you ever seen the Pandas on Chinese menus? they usually look sad, that’s where it came from lol
Sophia!! GREAT goals girl-i love how in touch you are with yourself and your surroundings..you are a very smart girl!
All of your goals are great! I think you are a beautiful person already.
What an eventful break you had..seems like you figured lots of stuff out. Can you make me a banana pie if I buy you a new pink hat?? hee hee
I love the pic of you 3, how adorable! These are all great goals and I give you huge kudos for sharing them. I think you are a hugely positive influence on the blogging world…I love how your posts are always heartfelt and genuine.
I’m insanely jealous of that lamb on flatbread — it looks amazing!
wonderful resolutions my dear – goals are something i think sometimes not always to be attained, but to STRIVE for. lots of love to you!
That salmon looks fantastic and Im very impressed by your cream pie making skills. I made a banoffi pie at Christmas and my attempts at getting the biscuity base to go up the sides didnt go to well!
Those are some very good goals and I think its wise to set ones that are detailed because then you have more chance of actually sticking to them.
I havent had any blogger meet ups, Id love to go on one sometime though.
As for my new year resolutions, well Im still pondering over them!
xox
I have no idea what to say Sophia!
Your list of prayer topics is so clear and concise – you literally covered everything, and then some! As always, you inspire me to do better, and to be a better person. I too want to be a “beautiful person” on the inside
xox
Tat
I love all your “prayer topics”. They remind me of goals I want to achieve myself this year. I especially like the “get all A’s but don’t freak out if I don’t” goal. I tend to set my sights high in terms of school and beat myself up if I “underachieve”, but learning is the real achievement, not the letter grade!
<3 Suz
Yayyy Sophia+Maya! Two of my favorite bloggers.Haven’t seen Tou Tou’s blog, but I will def have to go have a look! Seriously you put it best about the blogger meet ups, they’re soo surreal, like meeting a long lost sister or friend! Love the eats and the meet up itself.
Love your goals/resolutions Miss Sophia! Thanks for sharing.
Hi!
Love your resolutions…I need to stop wasting money and make a budget too. LMFAO, your blogging in class???! How can the teacher not notice? For my part, I need to stop using so much make-up…x)
I would love to meet bloggers but you guys are all in the US! And my mom will kill me if I was to meet ‘strangers’…lol.
Haha, this poor little white thing is the feta cheese?? More like a melted white bread crumb.
Your cousin’s face with the cream pie is sooo kawaii!!
To finish this comment…THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH FOR THE CARD!!!! I just recieved it on Monday!! I remember you said something about a card, but I thought you were joking! Thank you so much, you have a gold heart!!! I’ll keep it in a safe place! <3 <3 <3
xoxoxo x100000!!!
Vanilla
I love the “gain weight” — boobs, butt, hehe…I want the same! Your eats look SCRUMPTIOUS, as always! I got together with one bloggie, but she doesn’t live near me. It was random but good! I am hoping to find more local bloggies interested in food and nutrition, though! Hope you didn’t puke!
You always go to the coolest restaurants!! And the food always looks so delicious… Although maybe it’s just that you take great pics
I haven’t had a blogger meet-up yet but I’m definitely thinking one will be happening this year!!
Those are all great goals- thats a lot of them, but I can definitely relate to a lot of these!!
And that salad looks sooo delicious! And that grilled salmon looks so perfectly cooked! Your blog meet up looks fun, I’m sure it’s great to meet other people with similar interests!
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