Hi, my name is Sophia, and I am a human being.
I am real—with real and daily problems, emotions, and thoughts. Here in my blog, I don’t hide or sugarcoat things. You will see me laugh, you will see me excited, happy, and delighted, but you will also see me cry, bitch, grumble, and yes, use the occasional curse words.
I am a college student in Southern California, who somehow foolishly and naively thought she might try to break it into the journalism world. No, I will not ever strike it rich—but I know where my passion lies and I will pursue it. I’m passionate about God, about people, about making a difference, about writing, about food, about experiencing and learning everything I can— and somehow, this blog fits every category mentioned. In fact, I wouldn’t call this your normal food blog.
You see, it hasn’t been long since I’ve recovered back my ability to be so free, normal, and passionate about anything. I have been struggling with anorexia for more than four years, enduring two hospitalizations (both against my wishes), a horrid relapse, and many more rather tiresome and pathetic dramas, blah blah blah…
Well, I’m glad to say it’s over now. I am now no longer Sophia the Anorexic; my eating disorder (or ED as I refer it) no longer defines who I am now. Yes, my ED past is an integral and significant part of me. It has shaped me into who I am now, but it is my past. And I aim to live in the present, and hope for the future.
Who am I without my eating disorder? Well, I’m still finding out. And again, that’s where this blog comes along.
Some other facts about me:
I am Korean, but I moved to Singapore when I was four because my father, a missionary, ministers to the Chinese people. When I turned fourteen, we moved again to America to establish another Chinese church. I guess I would say I am “Korean by nationality and culture, but with Singaporean, Chinese, and American influences significant enough to seriously question that statement.” I speak, write, and read English, Korean, and Chinese: Korean at home with my family, English with friends, Chinese in church.
My favorite food is kabocha, cheese, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, runny eggs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and good, artisanal bread (Wonder Bread is certainly a wonder, but not a bread).
I love to cook and experiment with different ingredients, so be prepared for loads of creative recipes. If I had a bit more money, I would eat out more, but I do have occasional restaurant reviews. If you want to treat me lunch, email me. 
Why Burp and Slurp? Tell me, have you met any human being who never burps and slurps? Neither have I. Now, did I not say I am a human being?
Hi!
I came by looking for information about the cheesecake factory, and read a bit. Interesting stuff and great photos.
I hope you continue to do well!
I write a column at calorielab. Thank you!
Hello
We seem to have a lot in common. I’m Chinese by ethnicity (ie speak mandarin at home with my parents/grandparents), canadian by nationality, and currently live in new jersey. I’ve also had a bout of anorexia, then bulimia, and now I consider myself pretty much recovered. It’s nice to “meet” you!
Thank you for sharing about yourself. Blessings and hugs to you as you continue on your journey.
Just stopping by! Fairly new to the blog world! I love your most recent post..it is so inspiring! keep on giving and good luck with your journey. Oh and about gaining control of your life..I hear you there! Check out my blog sometime! Good luck!
Thanks for checking out my blog. Good luck on your journey to recovering your health. You will find many people that are here to give support.
Have you checked out these blogs, La Belle Vegan and Coffee Talk? These girls are also on a mission to better health. Hope this helps.
I just love your website! Good job! I love reading what you are willing to share with us. Your food looks so appetizing. Tell me about the your camera and if you need special lighting. I want to take good pictures of my food too. I would appreciate your input.
Thank you
Josee
[...] I guess that’s why this Sofia’s post got to me…there are some things that inspired me, which I bolded…when we share our [...]
You are an amazingly brave woman! I know exactly what you’re going through and how hard it is to kick an ED. If you ever need to talk about anything, feel free to contact me. You can do it – you are stronger than ED!!
hey- great blog!
i added you to my blogroll- add me to yours!!
Just wanted to say hi! I saw your comment on Janetha’s blog about what you were doing a year ago. I was doing the same thing, so I thought I’d check out your bloggie too. Congrats on working towards recovery–I think blogging is just about as good as therapy sometimes, yeah?
xoxo
you should google “third culture kid” if you have not already. I too have spent several years growing up in Singapore because of my dad’s job! And I somewhat see myself as Canadian, (HongKong) Chinese, and Singaporean…
i can’t believe chewing gum is illegal in singapore!
Great story! I am excited to start reading your blog!
[...] About Me [...]
Sophia, I’m so unbelievably proud of you! Seriously, I have no words for how far you’ve come. I remember you from way back when (last year haha) and you’re a totally new person. I know you were in there before, but I couldn’t see it when I first “met” you and I’m truly enjoying getting to know what an intelligent, fun, and interesting girl you are. You’re doing so amazingly well in school, and you make the greatest food, and always inspire me with your insight and positivity.
I have to be honest, I used to avoid you on the ed forums because you would come to me and were still so deep in the anorexia and wanted help but at the same time wouldn’t take it. I’d get so frustrated because while I was doing just a bit better, I still wasn’t strong enough to be able to worry about someone else. I’m so sorry I couldn’t do anything back then but am very happy to see that you could do it on your own.
I’m also in a much better place and would love to chat with you more and get to know you as a blogger friend from this fresh new healthy beginning.
lots of love! xoxo
ps. I didn’t mean to get so personal in a comment, but couldn’t find a way to write you a private email!
I am so happy when new readers come to my blog, so I immediately went to see yours. And may I say that I really like the way you are promoting your ideas and goals! It is amazing how openly you speak about your ED and how you managed to overcome it. Continue the good work.
You are a really strong person! And funny by the way – I was laughing through some of this. Thanks for the comment on my blog.
GREAT blog name! I think it’s great that you find strength in family, your culture, and God. You definitely have a heritage and background to be thankful for!
heyy girl! i just found your blog and i really enjoy reading it! i would love it if you could check out my blog as well
jenna
I loved learning more about you! What a wonderful blog. I love your awareness with your body and your desire to be healthy. Truly wonderful.
Thank you for sharing your story, positive attitude and outlook with the rest of us. Food is for enjoyment but, as you’ve said, is for basic nourishment as well. Learn to love food, love your body and they should both love you back.
And thank you for visiting my humble food blog – I am most touched =)
you rock. i have read your blog a few times and just love everything about ya!
What a story! Thanks for being so willing and open to share!
Hi Sophia – thanks for stopping by! And good for you on getting after the disease with boxing gloves on. One day at a time. And one yummy meal at a time!
I just wanted to say…
When I read your words, they just shine, they’re so real. I rarely see someone’s aura come through on a blog. You’re different.
I love the way you’re balancing your lighthearted spirit with your deepening soul. Struggles in life take us out of the shallow water and throw us into a much deeper well, where we either learn how to swim or we drown.
You are swimming, Sophia!! And it’s a beautiful thing to witness. All of these people are here with you, too, supporting your new-found freedom from control. Keep up the good work.
I’m so happy to meet you. ~Kim
Sophia,
Thanks for commenting on my blog! I just read through a bunch of your entries and I love what you have to say (and that hot and cold pasta looks amazing).
Keep on staying strong and the blogging community is a perfect thing to guide and keep you healthy and happy! I hope your birthday is amazing!!!
Sarah
[...] About Me [...]
Great update
Lovely
So happy I “met” you!
Sweet potato noodles – seriously? The very thought sent me to the kitchen to microwave a sweet potato. My friend Ann brought me a bag of dirt covered sweet potatoes from the East Texas Sweet Potato Festival. If you really love these you know that you DO NOT wash them until you are ready to cook them – they stay fresh much longer that way and I do love them . . . .
But back to the NOODLES – now I have to find a source. Thank goodness for web searches!
And thank you for the information – sweet potato noodles!
you seem really cool!
looking forward to hanging out soon.
Hi, Sophia
& appreciate your honesty, candor, wit. I’ve been enjoying the abundance of veggies from a CSA share that my dau’s family & I recieve – & baking squash to use in all sorts of things (inc the Pumpkin smoothie that’s my current fav. brekie!)
just stumbled onto your blog (thru a recipe
blessings on your journey – keep shining!
wow Sophia! dats so awesome that u speak so many languages!!! but even more awesome is your fathers work to further the kingdom of God =)
if they do another festival next year, i’ll def be there
Good for you! I have just graduated from single digits (i know, I’m young) and anexoria as well. One day I was really hungry and I took a “secret” nibble of a chocolate bar. I remembered the taste of food. And luckily, I took the nibble before it was about to become serious. Now I’ve told you my secret. And after the nibble, I’ve already had my share of burps and slurps!
<3
Very nice blog, Sophia, and you also seem like a very good and interesting person.
On a practical note: Your CH profile gives the wrong URL for your blog — too many http’s, because it automagically inserts one for you.
I’d like to personally invite you to join the CookEatShare Author network. On November 28th, 2009, I began indexing your posts and enabling CookEatShare.com visitors to find them. CookEatShare has had over 2.5 million unique visitors in 2009, and I think they will be interested in your content. Users are being guided to your actual blog, so this is a free way to increase page views and visitors to your site.
Please sign up to claim and customize your profile here http://cookeatshare.com/blogs/claim/exVe0XGDZi2Oi. Or contact me at mary@cookeatshare.com if you have any questions.
Thanks so much for coming by my blog, so nice to meet you!
I just stumbled across your blog from TasteSpotting (your sesame porridge!!). I think your writing style is so fun to read and I’ll be checking back on your blog!!
And YAY for being a fellow Singaporean transplant in SoCal!! Though technically you’re Korean. And technically I live on the east coast now.
Hello! I just discovered your blog, and immediately added it to my Google Reader. I can’t wait to read more!
Merry Christmas!
Testing…1, 2, 3…
I love the Wonder Bread blurb, there. I would certainly have to agree with you.
I’m new to your blog and I have to say that I’m quite intrigued and impressed by your candid writing style–you definitely have a talent for writing!
You are so awesome and brave girl. Thanks for sharing yr story.
Haha, love your blog!! So pleased to have found it, so thanks for commenting over at my blog yesterday – thats what led me here.
You have a great attitude & so funny!
Chloe
I am so glad that you shared about your eating disorder, because I too was forced into treatment two time for anorexia until last summer when I pleaded for help and I got it and after 6 months in Residential Treatment, I am in recovery and much happier than I ever thought I could be!!
I’m a human being, too!
And I’m also one that’s struggled with an ED
But thanks for offering your fresh, funny outlook!
Hey, thanks for stopping by my site. I just checked out yours, and love it. I will be following you and seeing what’s new! I truly love your honesty and openness. =) My husband and I lived in Seoul, South Korea for two and a half years – I love all things Korean (esp. the food!! Fabulous!) Thanks so much for sharing!! Namaste
You are such a fun person. I love your blogposts and can relate to some of them. I am sorta struggling with and ED but strive to live a positive life since we only have ONE. I am korean and live in canada. Its exciting to read about your new experiences with food and your recipes look yummy. I will continue to read up on your blog!
glad you were able to recover from your eating disorder, that takes tremendous strength! good luck with your continued recovery. very cool that you can read, write, and speak 3 different languages. i look forward to reading more of your posts.
LOVE your blog! you are hilarious.
Thanks so much for your comments on mine.
xoxo
Sara
Hi Sophia! Thank you for your comment on my blog the other day- I really appreciate your kind words! I look forward to getting to know you through your blog