I just cannot believe Thanksgiving is only 1 week away…where has this year gone? It seems like days—not months—ago I was listening to Christmas music to and from work and now it’s almost that time AGAIN. I can’t wait to spend the holiday with my parents, in-laws, and hopefully “granny-in-law,” and I am ecstatic for turkey, stuffing, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, and even more delicious food!!!

For day #13, I am thankful for the people who don’t take me too seriously. Particularly the people at work who let me vent about stupid things that happen: things I undeniably blow out of proportion because I’m just. that. crazy. For day #14, I’m thankful that each day can be a new beginning. Since yesterday was frustrating (and I was kind of an ass), today I choose to be patient, considerate, and gracious.

It’s time for another What I Ate Wednesday. Thank you, Jenn, for hosting.

I’m featuring just one meal, which functioned as Tuesday night’s dinner and Wednesday’s lunch.

My husband and I sautéed bok choy (picked last Saturday), carrots, and baby corn in a soy, sriracha, sesame oil, ginger, and rice wine vinegar sauce. We served the mixture over angel hair pasta (the only suitable noodles we had in the house).

This was the first time we’ve cooked bok choy at home. I’ve eaten it a few times when our office would go to family style lunches at an Asian restaurant, but that’s my only experience. (Back then, I was one of only two Americans in my office; everybody else was from Malaysia, Singapore, or India.) I miss those lunches because they introduced me to so many new dishes; now I’m surrounded by a bunch of boring, SAD-eating Americans. 🙂

Due to the lack of “what I ate,” I’m completing a food survey shared by Eating 4 Balance (who found it on Jessie Loves to Run).

What foods remind you of your childhood? Those miniature ice cream cups (you know, with the peel-off paper lid and the wooden spoon) and the butter cookies you could wear as rings. Clearly I ate a lot of crap!

What food brings back memories and why? Pumpkin pie will always remind me of my Aunt “Doolie,” who loved to cook/bake for her extended family. She would always make a pie for me, since they were my favorite (the best of all pumpkin pies). Since her passing on Jan 1, 2006, I’ve probably eaten pumpkin pie only once or twice. This year, though, I’m determined to bake my own healthier version!

What is the weirdest thing you ever ate? I’m becoming more adventurous with foods, but I’d have to say the kangaroo burger I tried in London.

What is your favorite baked good? My mother’s rum cake. It’s better than ANY rum cake you’ll find in a gourmet store, hands down.

What are the top 5 things on your grocery list? Bananas, whole wheat bread, apples (at least during fall), carrots, and beans (of various kinds).

What is your favorite version of PBJ? Honestly, I’ve never been into PBJ. I eat jelly on toast, but only peanut butter on sandwiches. I may try it again, and I have a feeling I’d like natural peanut butter and strawberry.

What was the best thing you ate today? This soup (substituting spinach for kale, carrots for celery, and chicken broth for vegetable broth) from Oh She Glows.

What is the best combo of banana + ____? For everyday eating: banana and almond butter. If I’m feeling really indulgent, Bananas Foster!

What have you never eaten, but always wanted to try? A Belon oyster (I haven’t always wanted to try this since I started eating oysters only a couple of years ago, but after watching Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” in Brittany, France, it’s my goal to eat one of these fresh from the cold waters).

What flavor ice cream would you be if you were an ice cream, and the name the flavor? This isn’t my favorite flavor, but I’d go with pecan praline or buttered pecan. I’d call it “simply nutty” because that describes me perfectly. I’m (mostly) low maintenance and find joy in the simple things (vanilla base); but I’m also quite eccentric and goofy (the nuts).

What is the “prettiest” food in your opinion? Salads with seasonal veggies/fruits/etc.

What have you not eaten in so long and want to have again!? Drago’s charbroiled oysters. Heavenly.

If you only could have the same exact breakfast for a week what would it be? Oats. I’ve eaten them for the past 2 work weeks (or longer).

With Thanksgiving approaching, what foods bring back memories for you?

Any foods you can’t live without?