Land of Leftovers and More.

 So I kind of went off the grid this past week. We noshed on leftovers. Turkey Noodle soup and Pecan Pie! I shared our food with my co-workers every day as well. 1st was an entire Pecan Pie that hadn't been touched (my mom made 4 pecan pies), topped with a container of cool whip. The next day was a pecan cheese ball and crackers. I've spoiling them a bit. Withdraws may appear this week as I've cooked nothing. I know, failure. My mom said not to beat myself up over it. I'm a busy full time working mother of three for crying out loud! I did attempt a meal in Austria. It was an interesting take on beef stew. I had no fans so I'm quietly putting that country behind me. It also could be that I searched for Veal and failed. No Wiener Schnitzel to be had.  Toss in the towel. But know that we've surfaced again.

Thanksgiving week was a lot of work, hosting family for 4 nights. We topped off the weekend with a themed Japanese night after Thanksgiving, Kimono's and all! My parents recently traveled to Japan for a few weeks and brought back a little bit of culture to share with us. It's tradition, really. We've dined in Greece and Russia in the past and now Japan. It was a very cool experience. I transformed my Thanksgiving table into Japanese and we laughed and listened to Zadie's speech on the culture and enjoyed a non-traditional evening wearing Kimonos. We even Skyped Ashley, Matt and Hazel to join the party!

We enjoyed Sushi, wonderful marinated salads and Japanese Salmon and vegetables. Let's not forget the Saki that was poured as well. I guess my theming is rooted in my heritage. I have a family that LOVES to theme everything. It makes life so much more interesting that way, I find. With just a little extra effort, details deliver memories that can be cherished forever. Family who likes to "theme"...Happy is.

This week we're heading to the Phillipines. I am certain we will complete this week. We have come so far on this journey. It's a countdown to the end. It's a really tough month with the holiday prep but thank god I've had the competitive training in my past to make it through to the end.