I’ll start with the food, then ask you guys a question, and then give you my news.
The food
This was seafood ravioli Jac bought from South Perth Seafoods. I’m not sure what “seafood” in the ravioli was, exactly. Jac served the pasta tossed in olive oil in which she’d fried very finely chopped onion and garlic, and wilted fresh baby spinach leaves. I’m not a fan of “seafood” flavoured foods – I like seafood itself, especially fish, prawns, squid and scallops, but when things are seafood-flavoured, I tend to find them unpleasantly fishy-smelly.* That’s why you’ll never see me dipping my crackers in seafood dip, for example. Luckily, this seafood ravioli was not unbearably smelly. It actually wasn’t too bad, and I quite enjoyed my dinner. I hope Jac will use the spinach and garlic/onion/oil combination again soon, but preferably with non-seafood-filled pasta! I’d love it with chicken and mushroom ravioli, for example. Mmmm…
The question
I’ve been terribly distracted this weekend by my latest gadget, a Nokia E71 mobile phone. I’ve already been tweeting from it, reading and replying to emails, and browsing websites. Would any of you be interested in an “optimised for mobile” version of The Food Pornographer? Feel free to let me know via comments or email. Just an idea I’m thinking about at the moment.
We’re terribly busy at the moment getting ready for our upcoming holiday and Jac’s brother’s wedding (went shopping yesterday, and I have a dress to wear! Yes, a dress!** :-O), and I’ll be scrambling to get all the loose ends tied up at work this week, my last week at my current job. My number one priority this week is leaving behind a clean and tidy office desk – it is a disgraceful mess at present. Similarly, my study at home is a huge mess too. Not something I am proud of.
I haven’t even had the chance to download this week’s food photos yet – we went to a barbie on Friday night, went to Sizzler for breakfast this morning (yes, there will be posts featuring both events) and this afternoon, I’ll be out again with friends for afternoon tea (hopefully, more photos!), to celebrate my new job and… my PhD.
The news
Yes – I hadn’t said anything here at the blog yet, but here is the news flash: I have had the official letter from the university: my PhD thesis has been passed! I am not quite Dr TFP yet – I have to submit a “Graduation Statement” (which includes a blurb I have to write about my thesis/research – more work! GAH!- which will be included in the graduation programme) and lodge the bound and electronic copies of the thesis at the University Library. Once that’s been done and Academic Council gives it all the final sign-off, I will then be allowed to refer to myself as “Dr”. Somehow I don’t think I will use “Dr” very often. I still feel very much like a “Ms”. :) It hasn’t really sunk in yet – maybe in September when I attend the graduation ceremony wearing the Tudor bonnet and garish PhD gown***, it will feel more real.
Oh yes – a couple of you guys have asked if the new job (or rather, the working on getting the new job) was the thing that was keeping me busy recently – yep, it sure was!
I know I haven’t responded to recent comments or emails yet – I intend to soon.
*Something just isn’t right with seafood “flavour”! Similarly, I love bananas, but cannot stand banana-flavoured items. I know banana flavour is supposed to be a representation of the taste of banana, but I reckon most of the time, it’s not even close.
**People who know me very well will know I don’t do dresses. I feel like I’m in drag when I’m wearing anything vaguely skirty. :)
***Hah, yes, almost like a dress! But I’ll wear trousers underneath.
I'm TFP, a food blogger from Perth, Western Australia.
{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
I am SOOOO proud of you! I’ve been “with” you (and Jac) on the blog for what? 3 or 4 years now and I feel like I know you. Anyway, I know how hard you worked for this doctorate, and you so deserve it! WOOHOO!!! I think I’ll treat myself to a drink in your honor tomorrow, lol.
Will you walk in a graduation ceremony? I’ll bet Jac, Juji, and your parents are just bursting at the seams they’re so proud.
I tried a Nokia N73 in 2007 and was SOOO freaking confused. I couldn’t figure out how to do anything but answer the damn phone. I sold it after one month and got a blackberry and have never been happier. Yes, I let a phone beat me. I’m not proud, but there it is.
PS – PLEASE don’t forget to try a couple of meat pies while on vacation! It’s my favorite tradition of yours.
“**People who know me very well will know I don’t do dresses. I feel like I’m in drag when I’m wearing anything vaguely skirty. ”
-same, tho I did wear one under my graduation gown cuz I was sorta 6 months preggers when i got my BFA lol. It was a Christian school but since I was already married I didn’t get any looks about it. ^_^
GRATS on the PHD! DocTFP!, wish I had the time to get my Masters but University of Texas only lets in 10 ppl a year and you have to be bed buddies with someone in admissions to get into it. /screw that.
All this, a wedding, birthday, new job, PHD, your head must be about to explode.
I am so much in agreeance re. banana’flavoured’ food. Some ice creams are OK but I’ve had some toppings and muffins that taste hideous.
Perhaps they make banana flavouring/essence out of the skins…?
it’s a long road to the phD, my sis did it, and i’m glad tat u did too. u did a great job juggling work + study + love + yourself! *virtual pat at your back* =)))
Hey tfp congradulations on your phd will you still be working in east Perth
I think a mobile version of the site would be a great idea
I also hate imitation banana it’s so gross
where is South Perth Seafoods??
Wow, congrats on the PhB, TFP! :D
Oh congrats Dr TFP !!!
Now I wonder if you could look at this rash I have……. what do you mean you’re not that kind of Dr 8)
awesome news, Dr. TFP! :) i’m excited for you!
and as for the skirt bit, i totally understand. not that i feel i’m in drag, but i’m all for the idea that one can look feminine dressed in jeans (yes i wear jeans ALL the time). heh.
First thing: I think that ravioli looks awesome! I regularly buy my seafood from the fishmonger in South Perth given that I live quite close, and they’ve got an immense range of frozen seafood & prepared foods like the ravioli. I will be trying it soon — I love seafood everything.
Secondly: CONGRATULATIONS! That is immensely wonderful news, you must be so happy. So, after you’ve been awarded the PhD, will you be working on converting your thesis for publication? Have you started already?? :P
I think I will use the Dr most of the time when I (finally) get mine in a few years time. I’m not taking Rhys’s surname when we get married, so at least once I’ve got my PhD, it will be easier to explain the name thing to people (i.e. for the first couple of years of our marriage he will be Mr Rhys T but I will still be Ms Erin S! At least I will be Dr Erin S once I’ve got the PhD!).
Hey, i just wanna say congrats on the phd! I’ll be attending the ceremony in sept as well so think i’d be able to spot u.
I’ve always been a silent reader and wanna thank you for all the food reviews u’ve done. I went to munch terrace recently and ordered the crispy chicken noodles dry and it was delicious. Thanks! =)
hehe..tfp, u are really good at whetting people’s appetite. :P i have yet to read the rest of the post, but scrolled down to see the news first.
ok, time to read the rest of the post now! :P
omg…together with seafood and banana, corn-flavoured stuff is another hate. i will alwaes have the urge to hurl whenever going near those things. like corn flavoured icecream, even cream corn. ugh.
but ya..rem u saying ur mum like corn icecream :P
Hiya TFP
Congratus on your academic achievements! Dr TFP would be cool.
and
A mobile TFP site for the iPhone would be awesome!
Hi TFP, congrats on the PhD! I’ve been a reader of your blog for a year or so now, this is my first comment. Yes I’d LOVE a mobile site. I would definitely use it on my iPhone.
I was even thinking of suggesting it to you :)
Hi Congrads there, have been reading your blog for 3 years now. Keep it up.
Congratulations!!!
~Brandi
Congratulations on earning your PHD. I’m sure you worked very hard and your family must be so proud of you.
I will dedicate my next KFC dinner to your achievement,
cb
I attended my graduation a few weeks back at the convention center for my bachelors degree but of course nothing as exciting as your PhD..hehe CONGRATS TFP. Time to celebrate with lush food & cocktails =]
Congratulations! Dr. TFP sounds awesome.
Wow! Congrats on the Ph.D.!!
Congrats on your new job and the completion of your doctorate! You should be very proud of all that you’ve accomplished!
And, I totally understand the feeling like you’re in drag in clothes like that as I have the same issue. Recently my brother got married and I couldn’t bring myself to wear a dress, so a balck suit just had to cut it ;-)
hello there dr. tfp–i too have been away from the net and am reading here today about all your super achievements made public!
congratulations and great work!
leigh wt
ps/care to share what you wrote your dissertation on?
Congrats Dr TFP! Did I miss the post about your viva? Did you have a viva?
1. The spinach and garlic thing she did is droolworthy to me, but I would eat it with sausage ravioli. YUM.
2. I’m not a mobile kind of gal, it’s the one place I keep myself unplugged, so I have no thought on it. I imagine that would be fun though.
3. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!! I was really starting to wonder what you had under wraps all this time. CONGRATULATIONS! That is amazing and wonderful and you should be so, so proud of yourself. What an accomplishment.
P.S. I HATE wearing dresses as well. UGH. HATE. I’d wear jeans for the rest of my days if possible.
What’s your thesis on? Is it anything like this thesis on BBQ? http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/02/anoop-desais-60page-college-honors-thesis-on.html
Oh wow – congrats! :)
I forgot – YES! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do a mobile phone version.
Woohoo!
You go! Dr TFP!
All the very best in your new job too ya?
although it wouldnt do me much good since i live in singapore, i think it would be really cool if i can read your updates on the move on my mobile too!
and congrats on the graduation! i’m attending my polytechnic graduation this coming May too!
plus plus, my mum always cooks spinach with coarsely chopped garlic & abalone sauce and i know it’s great!
woohoo to jac!
(:
Congratulations on the PhD ( Permanent Head Damage?) I tried that route but it was too much and converted it to a Masters so I can appreciate how much hard work you would’ve put in.
What fantastic news DrTFP you should be so proud of all your hard work… and good work on a new job in this economic turmoil!! Great things ahead (hope it doesnt stop)!!
HUGE congrats on the new job AND the PhD!!! Way to go, TFP!
Hey, Congratulations! I was wondering what your big news was.
I think the seafood ravioli looks delicious, but I’m so hungry right now that I’d eat anything. Never TFP when hungry :)
CONGRATS on your PhD! Awesome achievement. As for the mobile website, I would love to see you try a mobile page, the idea of drooling in public is a bit scary, but worth it!
I agree about the “flavored” tag, it usually means a chemical reproduction or scaled back flavor. not.so.much
Grats on the PhD!!! My brother is working on his right now. I hate artificial banana flavoring save for one candy, Runts!
Congratulations! Sounds like the week has been a whirlwind for you!
Oh, I am the other way round, TFP! For eg, I cannot stand banana but love everything banana-flavoured! Same goes for coffee and tomatoes. Weird, I know!
I love Sizzler! Pics, pics!
And yes! I’d love the mobile phone version!
Thank you, everyone, for your lovely words!
Thanks, Nicole! I do feel like you (and a number of other long-time readers) have been through the whole thing with me! It’s a lovely feeling, and thanks for sticking with me/the blog all this time! Yes, I will be attending the graduation ceremony later this year. Mum and Dad and Jac will be there for sure… but I may not be able to get enough tickets for everyone else in the family to attend. Heheh, well different phones suit different people. I’ve always been a Nokia gal, so I feel right at home with my new phone. It would take a lot for me to change brands, I think! I plan to hit the local bakery on holiday, don’t you worry! Holidays always means pies!
jetgirl,
Oh yes – it’s been crazy around here with so much going on. There have been other things happening that I haven’t mentioned, too. For some reason, things always happen for me all at once. Luckily on this occasion, it’s been good stuff.
Tina,
Not sure. I just wish more people would refuse to buy the awful banana-flavoured stuff so they’d stop making it! :-P
Thanks, Fresh Fry,
I was lucky that I had a scholarship and Jac’s support when I did the PhD, so I didn’t need to work fulltime when doing it. I supplemented the scholarship (which wasn’t a lot of money when compared to what you can earn with a real job) with tutoring at university, which I really enjoyed. I couldn’t have done it without Jac’s wholehearted support, for sure.
Regan,
I am starting a new job tomorrow, but it’s not because of the PhD – I got myself the new job independent of the whole PhD thing! :) So I will be working in a new suburb. Where? You will see for yourself soon enough!
Aurelia,
Google is your friend – if you search for South Perth Seafoods, you’ll find the address, phone number and map!
Thanks, Bonnie!
I was waiting for a wisecrack, Minimike, and not surprised it came from you! :-P Not surprisingly, I won’t be booking any flights using “Dr” so I can avoid situations where I have to disappoint people with the news I am not a medical doctor!
Thanks, dea. I will be wearing a dress at Jac’s brother’s wedding, though. That should surprise (or maybe shock!) some people there! :-P
Thanks, Erin. It still hasn’t sunk in that I’ve finished the PhD, so I haven’t actually done anything yet about looking into getting it published. I’ve been so busy just working and doing other things all my academic stuff’s been placed on the backburner for the last while. Everything we’ve had from South Perth Seafoods has been really good – I hope we’ll do garlic prawns and bacon-wrapped scallops again sometime soon!
ms sim,
Glad you liked the crispy chicken noodles, dry style! That’s probably been my favourite dish at Munch Terrace. That and the combination laksa.
hy,
I love corn ice cream too! Like mother, like daughter! Haha.
Shem, Kathryn, I’m definitely considering my options for a mobile version of TFP. Once again, having the time to work on it may be a problem though.
Thanks, Charles and Brandi!
chef biatch,
Let me know what the KFC dinner consisted of! :)
Ria,
Oh yes – I reckon dinner before the ceremony would be a great way to kick things off. Or a late dinner afterwards.
Thanks, Steph and Alison.
Steph,
I have been branching out and wearing the odd dress at certain occasions that called for it – like an awards night/dinner that required semi-formal wear, and weddings. But that’s it.
Hi leigh,
I will send you an email in response to your question.
Su-Lin,
We don’t do the Viva thing over here in Aust – though I would’ve been happy to do it if it was.
Melissa,
Oh yes, sausage ravioli sounds great! It’s a great relief to have the PhD and job stuff all sorted out! It’s been quite a strain juggling everything in recent weeks.
Zaw,
Heheh, no, the thesis is not food-related. My area of study is not at all related to food! :)
Thanks, Fiona!
Nicole,
I’ve added a mobile TFP on my list of blog-related stuff to do… I just wish the list wasn’t so long. I think I may have to hire someone to do it for me. :-P
Thanks, Jaz!
vanessa.c,
As I’ve mentioned in replies above, the mobile TFP is definitely on my list of things to do. May take a while, though.
Jac loves to experiment with new combos and flavours, and I knew she’d be on a winner with this dish.
Cheers, J.
Permanent Head Damage – hah! Felt like that for a while, definitely!
Thanks, Linda. First day of my new job tomorrow – am looking forward to it.
Thanks, The Home Cook.
Vero,
That is correct – “Never TFP when hungry”. That’s another motto I think, for this site!
Cheers, Cris. Mobile TFP is on my development to do list.
Kagenosuke,
I don’t think we have Runts here, as I have no idea what they are! LOL. Good luck to your bro!
Lydia,
It has been an amazing few weeks recently. I actually found out about my PhD on the same day I had my interview for my new job. My head was spinning for hours that day! There will be Sizzler pics coming up. I’m very behind with posts and comments at the moment, and scrambling to catch up.
Your blogs are really really good.
I love the photos on the McDonalds posts. I use to work at McDonalds in Maddington, I never knew such horrible food could look so good!
I have a Nokia E63, the ‘little brother’ of the E71.
:D