Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Update on Elle
I took a break from work to indulge in a nice relaxing vacation, got lazy, met new people, hung out with old friends, injured myself, and got reacquainted with my other half. Not necessarily in this order. To sum it up, let's just say it has been a rollercoaster of a season and what better way to celebrate it than at the happiest place on Earth, hah? Hah?
Seriously though, I was very happy for a period and then extremely sad for an equal amount of time. I guess when you're that high up, any fall will feel extra hard. Now I'm just riding the tide back and forth. I knew this would be a rough year, but I was really hoping to defy the Fates. As if that's not bad enough, the year's still quite fresh and full. This will definitely be an "interesting" year.
So what else is new? I am in danger of becoming a hypocrite which also happens to be one of my pet peeves. The mighty Gods have presented me with a new test of life. This time, it appears that my conviction is on the line. The problem is, I am not sure which part is the actual test. Do I stand my ground and refuse the temptation as I have constantly told myself I would do, should I ever be presented with this type of challenge? Or would this not go away until I step up to the plate and engage in the game? I want to be strong and go with my original plan, but at the same time, I like playing with fire. I just don't want to get burned or injure the other parties involved. Such difficult choices. And all I wanted was to have some fun. No strings, no guilt. Maybe I'm just not that kind of girl.
Anyhoo, on a lighter note.........
Random thought of the month: Strawberries taste like tongue.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Myths About Elle: Food
How well do people really know you?
My friends can finish my thoughts and My siblings can predict my reactions, and yet, they wouldn't be able to tell you who my favorite actor is, or which food I prefer or rather just the opposite. Having known my close knit crew intimitely for a long time now, some things go without saying. And then, there are those "other" trivial tidbits that have gone un-noticed. As the list is a growing one, I will just touch on the singular subject of food.
Caffeine
Myth: Elle does not drink coffee.
Myth: Elle cannot handle caffeine
Truth: So far away. Being Chinese, tea is never more than a sip away. Having grown up in Vietnam, I thrive on French Roast. I can't even remember my first sip of coffee because I was so young. My parents often reminisce that I drank cupfuls by the time I was 4. Don't believe it? Just consider my stature. Ask anyone - I'm the shortest one in the family.
Origin: I used to drink tea everyday and coffee on weekends. Then I got to college and only had time for tea once a week and coffee once a month. Not adjusting well to often haphazard schedule of University life, it became increasingly hard to get up. At the same time, I began feeling numb to the effects of caffeine. And so, I gave it up. Eventually, the dominating traces of the drug was flushed out of my system and I was no longer immune to the effects from occasional indulgences. It wasn't until the invasion of Boba-mania that tea slowly crept back into my life. Coffee however remains over-priced and less forgivable.
Dairy
Myth: Elle cannot eat cheese
Truth: Elle is only somewhat lactose intolerant.
Origin: I say "no" to certain cheeses. They see that I'm Asian and have trouble downing milk (sometimes) - thus, a convenient lie is born. I actually have more success with cheese than milk, but it is just easier to tell people that I can't digest hard or crumbly cheeses.
Real Truth: I can't get past the stench of hard cheeses like Parmesan and I don't like the texture of Feta. Bleu Cheese encompasses both qualities so I try to stay as far away from it as possible.
Dessert
Myth: Elle likes sweet stuff
Truth: Whoever believes that obviously has not seen me scrape the excess icing off my donuts. Don't get me wrong. I like dessert, just not overly sweet ones. Hence, I prefer Asian cakes and plain donuts.
Origin: I have been caught on numerous occasions, oggling the dessert menu. What can I say? The pictures are pretty. And if someone insists, I'm not going say no.
Alcohol
Myth: Elle enjoys social drinking
Truth: I do not enjoy the taste of wine and spirits. The conspicous glow of my Asian Flush is not encouraging either. Bottom line: Wine gives me a headache, cheap liquor makes me nauseous, and beer tastes bitter (though I do have a higher tolerance for bitter foods than I used to, making this my current drink of choice).
Origin: I like looking at pretty cocktails too. I also enjoy the smell of wine and the way it enhances savory food. I drink on special occasions to join in on the good cheer, but my willingness to partake shouldn't be mistaken for delectation.
So how well do you know your peeps?