Sun 31 May

I realized as I did the ballet DVD today that I was probably coming down with this cold last week which is why it was so hard to do. It wasn't easy this week either, but not as bad as last week. I found that encouraging.


Food:

8:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1 c blueberries, cherry juice from concentrate
12:00 pm 2 crepes, small sliced banana, 1.5 tbl sour cream, 1/8 c brown sugar, cinnamon, coffee
5:00 pm sample juice and roll-up at Trader Joe's
7:15 pm Small portion lamb curry w/white basmati rice and yogurt sauce, small portion biryani rice w/chicken, beef, shrimp, thin piece crisp flatbread w/tomato onion relish, 1 c mango ice cream
10:30 pm 1 Mexican wedding cake cookie



Exercise:

7:10-8:10 am Brutal ballet DVD

Michael's graduation day

Slept last night without decongestants or antihistamines, and fairly decent sleep. This is usually a sign that the cold is over the hump and heading toward recovery, so I'm hoping for the best. So far this morning, I'm feeling much less drippy.


Food:

8:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1 c blueberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
1:00 pm Whole wheat English muffin, 2 tsp spread, 1 tbl raspberry jam, small banana, vanilla soy shake
1:45 pm 2 Fiesta malted milk eggs (sigh, the last til next Easter)
4:45 pm 24 g peanut butter M&M eggs (also the last til next Easter)
8:30 pm 5 oz lamb shank, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, spinach salad w/hot bacon dressing, 5 oz white wine, mini0-baguette, 1/2 pat spread
10:30 pm 1/4 c vanilla ice cream, 8 oz root beer

Fri 29 May

Still chugging along, though exercise was draining this morning. Can't wait for this cold to abate. Took 12-hour Sudafed and 24-hour loratadine last night so breathing wasn't a problem, but still didn't sleep solidly. The first solid night's sleep after a cold is usually my signal that it's on the upswing, so I'm still waiting. At least scale was back to 126.4 this morning, so something went well.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1 c blueberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:30 am Slice whole wheat bread, 1 tbl peanut butter, small banana
2:45 pm Lightly salted rice cake
4:30 pm Trader Joe's blueberry 0% fat greek yogurt
7:15 pm Flat top veggies, beef tenderloin, sauce, flatbread, desert pear lemonade
8:45 pm Mint chocolate chip on a sugar cone




Exercise:

5:10-5:55 am Power Shaping DVD

Thurs 28 May

Didn't sleep well last night for lack of comfortable breathing, even with Actifed. Still going, though. I managed to fit in exercise after work yesterday so I could still have my regular sleep-in day today, but I plan to try to hike tonight. Weather is supposed to clear up and be nice.

Hope you have finished whatever you still needed on your thesis. Seems like things are never completely done. We'd like to pick you up tomorrow evening if that works for you. We'd probably head up after work for the fetching, maybe plan to eat in Madison? Thoughts?

Ah, Baccalaureate Mass. The start of graduation festivities. Parents' first opportunity to see their offspring in full regalia, sigh!

Made it through the hike, less the tower, but I hate how slow and weak I feel when I'm not up to par. Glad I made myself do it even if it really pooped me out! Rewarded ourselves by trying the Wausau Great Dane - delightful!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, small banana, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, slice whole wheat toast, 1 tbl nutella
2:45 pm Medium gala apple
4:30 pm 2 c kettle corn
8:30 pm Half vegetarian portabella bake, 1/2 c penne pasta w/alfredo sauce, 2 small wedges garlic cheese bread, 10 oz maibock


Exercise:

5:50-7:45 pm Hiking Rib Mountain

Wed 27 May

Hope you had a safe trip home and are safely ensconced in Madtown. Looking forward to having you home this weekend for Michael's graduation.

Gotta let Michael know that he can't have friends sleep over in the basement on weekdays any more. He doesn't have to go to school today so he had someone downstairs last night. I didn't know it til I turned on the light at 5 am and headed down to exercise. Actually, today I just went back to bed for an hour which may have been a good thing since I do seem to have come down with the cold that's going around. Other days, I wouldn't have been so happy and would likely have sent the sleeper upstairs to the couch.

So glad to hear you made it home safely, if not without adventure. Take it easy on yourself today and recover slowly if your work doesn't have necessary deadlines.

Trying to cut back on food again as the scale has regrettably been staying around 129 again. Guess I allowed too much laxity on food, thinking incorrectly that the extra exercise from hiking practice would account for a few extra calories. Don't suppose I can put it off to building more leg muscle - sigh!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 172 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice Country Hearth wheat toast, 1 tbl nutella
2:30 pm Medium gala apple, 1 wintergreen LifeSaver
6:30 pm 3.9 oz boneless pork chop, 2/3 c Olive Oil & Italian Herb Pasta Roni, 1/2 c carrots, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

4:55-5:55 pm Kathy Smith weights DVD - upper, lower, & abs

Tues 26 May

Short week ahead - always a nice thought. And at the end, my baby graduates high school! And my daughter will be with us to watch him cross the stage. Mom will be happy.

Well, I started the day with good energy, but after spending much of the morning and part of the afternoon with two people with horrible colds, working a 9-hour day with about 15 minutes to grab some lunch, I'm tired. We haven't seen any of the inch of rain predicted, but it looks like it could burst forth. I'm not sure if I'm coming down with a cold or if it's just sympathy for the sick people I was with, but my throat's a little scratchy and I have had several sneezing bouts today.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 148 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
1:45 pm 2 pc Country Hearth wheat bread, 1 egg, 1/4 c milk, (soggy French toast cooked too fast), stevia/cinnamon, medium banana
7:15 pm 2 cheese-stuffed manicotti, 1/2 c Newman's Own Sweet Onion pasta sauce, 1/8 c shredded parmesan, 2/3 c frozen corn, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:15-6:00 am Jane Fonda Low-Impact Aerobics video

Memorial Day

Slept in til 8 - I figure about 10 hours of sleep. Feel human again! Had energy for exercise. Looking forward to hiking Rib in the daytime and maybe lunching at Great Dane. Dinner at Hartmans tonight. Nice day.

Awesome hiking. Explored some new loops of trail at Rib now that we have a real map.

Awesome cookout at Hartmans!


Food:

9:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 169 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate
1:00 pm 1/4 c blueberry nut trail mix
3:30 pm Small Culver's hot fudge sundae w/blueberries and strawberries in the ice cream
4:30 pm 2 c kettle corn
5:45 pm 1 pc string cheese
6:45 pm 1 drumstick, 1 thigh, 3/4 c potatoes, slice wheat cornbread, 1 tsp butter, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 c cucumbers in vinegar, 5 oz rose wine, slice thubarb pie, 1/2 c vanilla ice cream



Exercise:

8:20-9:30 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video
12:00-3:25 pm (w/about 25 min break) Hike Rib trails

Sun 24 May

It was hard work to get through ballet this morning. I have to remember that it usually is harder after skipping a week. (We had to get up early enough just to be ready to leave at 7 am for graduation last week without an hour earlier for ballet.) I made it through today and I'm glad I did, but I"m pooped.

Glad the weather forecast has changed to allow for a couple of nice days today and tomorrow. Maybe we'll go to Rib during the day tomorrow and maybe even try a double circuit or explore some of the side trails. If we get done early, we might be able to avoid the crowds and try out the new Great Dane.

Had lunch at Grandma's after church and then ran errands with Dad. We both came home and crashed out for naps. I just woke up after 1.25 hrs and had to pry myself to get up but I think I'm slowly reviving. At least there are still several hours of sunshine left.

Got the late evening hungries that won't be denied. Had to succumb to a bowl of cereal before bed.


Food:

8:15 am 3/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Life, 1/2 c skim milk, 213 g strawberries (had to finish them before they went over completely), cherry juice from concentrate
12:00 pm 3 oz pork roast, 1/4 gravy, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 1/2 c california blend veggies, piece of cranberry cake w/dollop whipped cream, 8 oz OJ, coffee, Werther's chocolate
6:00 pm Lite hot dog, bun, 1 tsp ketchup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 c Grillin' Beans, 1/2 c potato salad, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
9:30 pm 3/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Life, 1/ c skim milk


Exercise:

7:15-8:05 am Brutal ballet DVD
6:30-7:35 pm Bike ride

Sat 23 May

Really rather looking forward to an unstructured weekend for a change. Getting all the laundry done, time for some organization and errands, time to relax - sounds wonderful. Didn't get up til I wanted to this morning, and knowing I can do that again on Monday.


Food:

7:30 am 1 serving Scottish pinhead oatmeal, Stevia, 3 oz light vanilla soy milk, 153 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, small banana, slice whole wheat bread, 1 tbl peanut butter
2:30 pm 2 c kettle corn
6:45 pm 4 oz chicken, gado gado sauce, 1/2 c brown rice, 2/3 c Immunity Blend veggies, 12 oz light vanilla soy
9:30 pm Junior pistachio Belt's cone dipped in chocolate


Exercise:

7:25-9:20 pm Walk with Dad
9:35-9:45 pm Walk home from Belt's

Fri 22 May

43 years ago today my brother Mark died. Thinking of him today.

Scale was up today to 129.4. Seriously hoping this is water weight as that's a big jump. Had been staying pretty close to 125 with some slight upward fluctuations but usually back down again. Yikes!


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Life, 1/2 c skim milk, 165 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice 100% whole wheat toast, 1 tbl nutella, 103 g mango
12:40 pm 3 peanut butter M&M eggs
2:30 pm 1 bag Satellite wafers
4:45 pm 2 c kettle corn
8:30 pm 3.3 oz roast pork, 1/2 c boiled potatoes, 1/2 c carrots, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, brownie w/ 1/2 tbl each caramel and choc syrup



Exercise:

5:15-5:55 am Jane Fonda Workout With Weights video, class 2
5:40-7:40 pm Hiking Rib Mt w/tower

Thurs 21 May

Laura's on her way to Oregon! Wishing you safe travels, good times with family, and lots of relaxation. Come home safely.

Had planned to get up and exercise every day this week since I didn't work out on Sunday, but this morning my body really didn't want to get up early so I listened to it. We sing at St. Mary's tonight so there won't be time for a walk or workout, but maybe I can squeeze a short walk in somewhere today.

Had a nice Old Fart's Lunch with Bill Pyke and Deb Pierce-Johnson. We always seem to laugh a lot with Bill.

Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Life, 1/2 c skim milk, 159 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
10:30 am Brownie/choc chip cookie dough combo (half a large bar)
11:45 am 3 pc spicy crab sushi, 2 pc salmon roll, 1 pc California roll, 2 oz beef, 1/2 c mushrooms, 1/4 c cabbage, 1/8 c bean sprouts, stir fry sauce, 2 crab rangoon, 3 pc tempura veggies
1:30 pm 1 Altoid, 1 wintergreen Lifesaver
2:45 pm Brownie/choc chip cookie dough combo (other half)
8:45 pm 3/4 c fruit, 6 small shrimp, 1 tbl shrimp sauce, cucumber sandwich, cracker w/shrimp dip, phyllo shell w/crab salad, peanut butter bar, small piece iced pound cake

Exercise:

3:40-4:00 pm Walk
5:40-6:00 pm Walk

Wed 20 May

I imagine you're getting pretty excited for your trip west; I'm excited for you! Hope you have a safe journey and a great trip. Give everyone hugs from us!

This is one of those tempting-to-overeat at work days. Heather brought assorted donuts and there's a bake sale in the break room. I brought a nice, regular-sized blueberry muffin at the bake sale which I had for lunch, but I also succumbed to a brownie with chocolate chip cookie dough that's waiting to tempt me this afternoon, and I had part of a donut this morning. Bad girl!


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Life, 1/2 c skim milk, 170 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
10:30 am .4 vanilla-frosted nut-topped long john
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, blueberry muffin, medium banana
2:15 pm .6 vanilla-frosted nut-topped long john
6:00 pm Multigrain bagel, 1.1 oz swiss cheese, slice tomato
7:45 pm 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Partial Pilates mat
6:15-6:30 pm Walk to Suzuki
7:15-7:30 pm Walk home

Tues 19 May

Thankfully I'm feeling much better today, so I hope it doesn't thunderstorm so we can't hike tonight. Barb may hike with us, at least one of these times.

Just watched several small 3-4 min videos from Breakaway Adventures, our tour company, on their services, accommodations and food, why you won't get lost, etc.


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Life, 1/2 c skim milk, 165 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
10:30 am Lightly salted rice cake
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, small banana, slice key lime coffeecake
5:15 pm 3/4 c kettle corn
6:45 pm 1/4 blueberry nut trail mix
9:30 pm 3.3 oz ground sirloin, bun 1 tsp ketchup, slice tomato, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, Jello sugar-free chocolate pudding cup




Exercise:

5:10-6:10 am Dance for weight loss DVD
1:00-1:45 pm Walk w/client
5:45-7:45 pm Hike Rib Mt w/dad

Mon 18 May

Really didn't feel too well in the stomach last night and yet when I woke up today. Seriously considered staying home from work, but then my lower tract kicked in and I felt a little better. Still a little wobbly though. Didn't get up to exercise as I still thought I would be taking the day off at that point. Hopefully I can get some strength training in after work if I'm feeling okay then. Probably won't plan a hiking gig til tomorrow anyway.

Went to work and had to pee at least 4 times (may have lost count). Still not 100% but doing okay. Weather not looking cooperative for 2 Rib hikes this week. Will have to wait and see about tomorrow as they're talking thunderstorms.


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Life, 1/2 c skim milk, 150 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 178 g strawberries, 73 g key lime coffee cake
1:45 pm Werther's caramel chocolate, 1 wintergreen LifeSaver
3:45 pm 1/2 c pumpkin spice trail mix
4:45 pm 2 c kettle corn
6:45 pm 1 lite beef frank, bun, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/2 c Grillin Beans, key lime cupacu sauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

5:15-6:15 pm Kathy Smith weights disc 1 plus abs

Graduation Day

Happy, happy graduation day! A long time coming and very well-earned. Pride abounds with the mother.


Food:

6:15 am 75 g key lime coffee cake, 1/4 large cantaloupe, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee

Sat 16 May

I'm feeling sort of like I'm running on fumes today. Seems like there has been a lot of activity in the last several weeks with very little down time. I know I'm to blame for making my schedule so full - there's so many things I want to do - but I have the feeling I'm going to need to allow some down time or risk a crash.

Kurt and Barb were able to lend us a Birds of Europe book so I won't have to order it. B&N did not have anything except North America in stock. Barb also offered to lend us an electrical converter kit, and Kurt offered their French language learning tapes. I got a phrase book yesterday that will be helpful - I've learned to say "It's raining like cows piss" in French and also "The ATM machine ate my card".

Had a nice hike at Devil's Lake, though windy. Wandered through the Faire on the Square, ate too much. Fun.

Food:

7:30 am 3/4 c Maple & Brown Sugar Life, 1/2 c skim milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
12:15 pm 4 oz sirloin steak, 1/4 c fried onions, toasted bun, diet Coke, Indian fry bread w/cinnamon sugar
1:30 pm Half rum ball, small cranberry walnut truffle
3:00 pm 2 c kettle corn
6:15 pm Noodles & Co small Thai curry soup, 16 oz Minute Maid Light lemonade
7:30 pm 1/6 small peanut butter cup cream pie


Exercise:

10:25-11:45 am Hike bluff trail at Devil's Lake

Fri 15 May

Almost there....almost there..... almost a graduate! You must be so (excited, relieved, tired). I am anxious to see you walk across the stage one more time, this time for a more advanced degree than anyone in your immediate family. Ole!

Had a nice day shopping in Appleton with Grandma. She seems to be walking slower today, unless I was just trying to walk faster. Got home just in time to go to dinner and an ACT show with Kurt and Barb. Tired.


Food:

7:15 am 1.3 c Quaker Oat Squares (end of box), 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:45 am 4 oz rainbow trout filet, 1/2 c garlic mashed potatoes, 1 c steamed broccoli, romaine lettuce, 1 tbl Caesar dressing, 1 tsp shredded parmesan, 1 Red Lobster cheddar biscuit, 3 16-oz Boston iced tea (iced tea w/cranberry juice)
12:45 pm 1 Werther chocolate w/caramel
6:15 pm 4 small pc fried cod, 1 tbl tartar sauce, 3 brew fries, 1 c fruit salad, 12 oz Point Amber
10:15 pm 5 dark chocolate-covered macadamia nuts



Exercise:

5:25-6:15 am Jane Fonda Complete upper body and aerobics video

Thurs 14 May

I talked Michael into taking my voice lesson last night so I could crash early. Didn't manage any exercise or walking, just crashed. Not sure why I was so tired, but I have been upping the ante on exercise plus walking/hill hiking for awhile now with maybe not as many days off as usual. Maybe it just all caught up. I feel better today.

Got ravenous mid-morning - unusual. Actually pretty hungry all day.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:00 am Lightly salted rice cake, raspberry acai applesauce cup
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1/2 Kwik Trip cinnamon roll, medium banana
12:45 pm 9 g peanut butter M&M eggs
2:30 pm 1/4 c cinnamon almonds
4:30 pm 2 Fiesta malted milk eggs
7:00 pm 1/4 cranberry cashew trail mix
8:45 pm 1 slice garlic naan, 1/3 c Prego, 2.5 oz ground sirloin w/basil, oregano, & fennel seed, 1/4 chopped peppers, 1 tbl chopped green onion, 1/4 c shredded mozzarella, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, cherry chip cupcake w/choc frosting



Exercise:

5:10-6:10 am Pilates mat
5:30-7:30 pm Hike Rib Mt w/tower

Wed 13 May

I actually thought about that when I wondered about the NCYC reunion. Would not be pleasant to meet under those circumstances. Katie's wedding should be a much nicer (and safer) venue.

Decided at the last minute to take my sleep-in morning today when I just didn't want to get out of bed. Haven't managed to get to bed early enough the last few nights to get a really good sleep, and Sunday night was a toss-and-turn, so I wanted a little more rest. Nothing wrong with getting up to exercise on an occasional Thursday.

Wow, am I tired this afternoon.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
12:15 pm Black bean/veggie burger, slice tomato, 1 tbl ketchup, bun, 1 c fruit salad
1:30 pm Cranberry orange muffin
3:00 pm Dove heart, lightly salted rice cake
5:15 pm 2 c kettle corn
6:30 pm 1 c Tomato Basil Penne hamburger helper, 1 c green beans, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk

Tues 12 May

I suppose I have to accept that it's time to start shaving my legs more often than once every month or two. At least if I plan to wear capris and shorts soon. Might even have to break down and paint the toenails for sandals. Winter is easier.

Enjoyed Michael's final choir concert. They had some nice variety. Axel Theimer says hello and asked if you were coming to the NCYC reunion. Sounds like it might be the same weekend as Katie's wedding, though.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 158 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:30 am Vanilla soy shake, 37 g Tuscan Pane, 1 tsp spread, 1 tbl raspberry jam, 2 sm slices tomato, 1/4 large cantaloupe
12:30 pm 2 Fiesta malted milk eggs
2:30 pm 2 Wintergreen LifeSavers, 1 lightly salted rice cake
3:30 pm 16 oz diet cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper
5:30 pm 3 oz chicken, jerk chicken marinade, 1/3 c brown rice, 1/3 c carrots, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:45 pm Small piece white cake w/frosting, 2 small wedges pineapple, small cup orange sherbet punch
9:30 pm Jello Sugar-free dark chocolate pudding cup



Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Jane Fonda Low-Impact aerobics
6:15-7:40 pm Walk to Pacelli
9:05-9:30 pm Walk home

Mon 11 May

Hope your writing went well yesterday. Good luck finishing the rest.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 163 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:45 am 2.8 oz roast beef, 38 g Tuscan Pane bread, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, small banana
12:45 pm 9 g peanut butter M&M eggs
3:30 pm Lightly salted rice cake
4:45 pm 9 g peanut butter M&M eggs, 2 c kettle corn
8:45 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 1/4 c chopped tomato, .2 c chopped sweet red pepper, .2 c shredded Swiss cheese, 27 g Tuscan Pane bread, 1 tsp spread, 4 dark chocolate-covered macadamia nuts



Exercise:

5:15-6:00 am Power Shaping DVD
6:10-8:00 pm Hiking Rib w/tower (using poles)

Sun 10 May

It was hard to do ballet today but I made myself finish it.

Brunch was ample and tasty. Don't really need to eat any more today.

Appreciated your call this morning - thanks for thinking of your old mom.

Bought myself a present at Aldi's. A 2-pk of Star Wars figures of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Talon Karrde. Couldn't resist; they were marked down on clearance.


Food:

8:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, cherry juice from concentrate
12:00 pm 6 oz mimosa, 1/2 c scrambled eggs, 1 pc Eggs Benedict, 1/2 c baby carrots, 3/4 c fruit salad, 3 oz roast beef, 2 tbl mushroom demi-glace, 3 lg shrimp w/cocktail sauce, slice cheesecake w/raspberry drizzle, coffee
2:15 pm 4 dark-chocolte covered macadamia nuts



Exercise:

7:05-7:55 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 9 May

Well, hopefully the rain will be done by the time we get to Devil's Lake. If not, that's what the rain gear is for. Michael is going down with a group of guys, possibly to camp if they can get a site, or maybe just for the day. We should be all able to hit the road fairly soon. A little breakfast left to finish, friends of Michael's to collect.

Had a nice day hiking and then spending time in Madison.


Food:

7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 148 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate
12:30 pm 2 slices sourdough, 2 oz American cheese, butter, 1/2 c fusilli pasta, 1/2 c grilled vegetables, 16 oz fresh-squeezed OJ
6:30 pm Chicken drumstick/thigh, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 1 c corn/ginger stuffing, 1/4 c wilted spinach, 8 oz Smithwick's beer, 1/3 chocolate cake, 2 raspberries
11:15 pm 1/2 serving peanut butter M&Ms


Exercise:

10:00-11:30 am Hiking bluff trail
1:15-2:45 pm Hiking bluff trail

Fri 8 May

You know you never have to ask me twice for a Trader Joe's run! Besides, that naan pizza was so awesome I want to do it again, but the guys ate the second half of the package. And the Tuscan Pane bread was also great.

Good weather for hiking Rib last night. Hope we have good luck tomorrow for Devil's Lake. We'll call you as we leave the park in the afternoon. I'm thinking we might hit Madison around 5?

Got a late start on exercise as I had to enlist Dad's help to snag a mouse that Jordan had cornered but couldn't get to.

Today is the one-year anniversary of my first day on the new job. It's been a good year with absolutely no regrets. Thanks for all your encouragement to help me make the big change.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 162 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice whole wheat toast, 1 tbl nutella, small banana
12:45 pm 2 Fiesta malted milk eggs
3:00 pm Lightly salted rice cake, 2 wintergreen LifeSavers
4:45 pm 2 c kettle corn
6:45 pm 1 c whole wheat flax spaghetti, 2 oz ground beef, 1/2 c Prego, 1 tbl parmesan cheese, 1 serving Healthy Vision veggies, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 2 oz vanilla cafe rum, 12 oz diet Coke



Exercise:

5:25-6:15 am Kathy Smith Weights 2 DVD

Thurs 7 May

Looking forward to a Rib hike again tonight as long as there are no thunderstorms. Ditto for Saturday at Devil's Lake. Michael had been hoping to do an overnight camping trip at Devil's Lake this weekend with a whole bunch of friends but they weren't able to pull off the planning required. Some of them might do a day trip Saturday, too. Looking forward to seeing you for supper Saturday - I've been thinking about that Irish pub we tried once as a possibility.

Megumi just emailed that Yuki's last concert of the season is this Saturday at 1:30 at Mills Hall. I replied to let her know that we have plans but will be in town later for dinner if they want to join us. Told her I had suggested the Irish pub. If you have time and want to go to the concert, give Megumi a call.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 140 g strawberries, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, 61 g Swedish coffee bread, small banana
1:00 pm 3 Fiesta malted milk eggs
3:00 pm Lightly salted rice cake, 2 wintergreen LifeSavers
5:00 pm 2 c kettle corn
8:45 pm 3.3 oz ground sirloin, bun, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/2 c Grillin Beans, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk

Wed 6 May

Didn't feel well in my tummy last night, kind of out of the blue. Sat down after work to catch up on newspapers since I had fallen seriously behind. Realized that there was a Project Graduation meeting at 6:30, but when I got up to get ready, I just felt queasy so I decided to stay home and cook supper for the guys instead of going. Made myself eat small portions of supper even though I could easily have skipped, but felt better for eating good food. I guess I feel okay today, though my stomach is a bit tentative. I'm not sure if that's the stomach itself or me wondering what to expect.

Would be nice if it wasn't raining after work so I could go for a walk, even an in-town one. It would have been good last night except I didn't feel up to it.

In thinking about it today, I realized that both recent episodes of unexpected queasiness occurred several hours after a larger-than-usual meal including higher fat foods than normal. I hope this isn't a sign that my gall bladder is getting sensitive again now that I have lost weight. I'll have to monitor this.

Just checked Hotwire; they still list the 4-star hotel in North Lexington for $53/night.

Craved ice cream all day, so I saved enough calories for a hot fudge raspberry Culver's sundae after singing. Yum!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 157 g strawberries, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am Strawberr-banana soy shake, 97 g blackberries, 72 g Swedish coffee bread
2:30 pm Lightly salted rice cake, 1 wintergreen LifeSaver
5:00 pm 2 c kettle corn
7:30 pm 3.25 oz roast beef, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 1/4 c beef gravy w/onions, 1/2 c carrots, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
9:30 pm Small Culver's hot fudge raspberry sundae


Exercise:

5:15-6:00 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video, class 1
6:30-7:45 pm Walk with dad - Iverson/Patch St loop

Tues 5 May

Hey, you may be 24 and too old to say "potty break", but Dad and I still refer to it as such as a matter of course. I'll try to use "pause to urinate" when I talk with you if I can remember.

Meeting tonight at Pacelli for final planning for Project Graduation. Michael thought he would wait on the family party for his graduation til July, which unfortunately means you won't be here, but the ceremony at Pacelli is in the evening to be followed immediately by Project Graduation. It may be that you, Dad, Grandma and I will go out to eat to celebrate while Michael parties at Pacelli. We'll take a look to see if there might be a good date closer to grad time. Maybe he'd be okay with the day after if we don't plan it til late afternoon.

To check on hotels, go to hotwire.com. Just put in your dates and city and they will give you the latest options available. I think the one I had found was a 4-star hotel for a really good rate, but I don't remember specifics. It is updated regularly, but if you find something that looks good, you should grab it right away. They will give you a general area and rating category, you get the name of the specific hotel after you commit and give your credit card info.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 154 g strawberries, 6 oz OJ, coffee
12:00 pm 2 pc california roll, 3 pc spicy tuna roll, 1/2 c General Tso's chicken, 1 tempura sweet potato slice, 1 tempura zucchini slice, 2 crab rangoon, 2.5 oz beef, 1/2 c mushrooms, 1/4 c cabbage, 1/4 c bean sprouts, stir fry sauce, donut, tea
3:00 pm 2 wintergreen LifeSavers, 1 Dove heart
7:00 pm 1.95 oz pork chop, 1/2 c green beans, 1/2 c mushroom noodles, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:10-6:05 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video

Mon 4 May

Looking at schedules and weather, I think we'll try to do the Rib Mt walk today and Thursday. Trying to get some in-town on-the-level walks in between where time allows. Wanted to go out after supper last night but just too pooped. Glad choir is done for awhile (except the St. Mary's night).

Hope you are holding up well to the end-of-semester crunch. At least it's the last one for a while. One of the things I most appreciated about graduating and moving on to the work world was the end of homework and finals. Nice to put in your time during the day and have the rest of the day to your other life endeavors.

Glad it's confirmed with Keaton. In addition to pain of death, we'll promise to feed you both on the 3rd. We'll probably head home that evening since you'll be leaving early.

Will you be available for dinner this Saturday evening? Good, we'll let you know when we get to town. We're going to try to do the bluff trail at Devil's Lake both before and after lunch.

Tried a couple of trails instead of the road at Rib today. They are more variably sloped, flatter for a way then considerably steeper so they took a little longer. Not sure if the distance covered was the same. The pedometer separates out "aerobic" walking and it actually registered less, but dad suggested it may not have counted the steep uphills as "aerobic" because we had to slow down quite a bit. That seems likely as we were walking for most all the two hours except for one potty break and a very short couple of minutes rest at the top of the tower.


Food:

7:00 am 95 g raisin scone, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 75 g almond square, 5 baby carrots
2:30 pm Lightly salted rice cake
4:45 pm 2 c kettle corn
8:30 pm 2 slices Kwik Trip thin crust sausage pizza, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk (It was on sale when we stopped for gas, and I was too hungry and tired to cook when I got home.), 35 g blackberries, Jello sugar-free mochaccino pudding cup


Exercise:

5:10-5:55 am Power Shaping DVD
6:00-8:00 pm Hiking Rib Mt trails

Sun 3 May

I got a little worried in the middle of the night last night. I woke up just before midnight feeling like I might have to throw up. I only had one Malibu and diet Coke, so I knew it wasn't a reaction to alcohol. I probably lay awake for over an hour, cautiously turning over from time to time to keep in control, and eventually it passed and I was able to sleep again. I was also somewhat warm and worried that in the course of the day, I may have picked up a flu or something. Whether or not it was "The Flu", I would have felt obliged to isolate myself til it passed, even as much as possible within the house. When I woke this morning, I was mildly queasy still and my muscles were achy, but I was able to get up and exercise as usual, albeit with less energy. All I can think of is that I ate way more food yesterday than I normally do and my body just didn't know what to do with it. The time I woke up may have been around the time my body really started digesting dinner. There may have been nowhere for it to put the extra digested food within the body's storage system. Don't know if that makes sense, but it's more comforting than thinking that I'm getting sick. I'm going to try to eat lightly today.

Choir concert done

Food:

8:15 am Hot cross bun, 6 oz OJ, 50 g Swedish tea bread
11:45 am 2 crepes, 1 c sliced bananas, 1 tbl powdered sugar, coffee
4:30 pm 1 pc homemade shortbread, 2 c kettle corn
6:30 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, 5 baby carrots, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 2 May

Ordered some more stuff from REI even though I was going to try not to spend any more. Both Dad and I are getting a pair of convertible pants and another long-sleeve shirt. We each have one shirt like this and they are awesome. They look great for town wear but are cool and have tabs to roll up the sleeves when it gets warm. I didn't like the idea of wearing the same shirt every day of an 11-day trip even if I can wash it out easily. With 2 each of these shirts, I shouldn't need to take a lot of other things. I was going to hike in jeans if the day was too cool for my lightweight black pants, but now I don't think I'll take jeans. These pants are made for hiking so they'll move better and should look a little nicer.

Our order is supposed to be in the Madison store by next weekend. I was hoping if nothing comes up to do the Devil's Lake bluff trail next Saturday, maybe even twice, so we could run down to Madison afterward to pick up the stuff. If you're free for dinner, we could plan for you to join us?

Ah, the Cultural Fest! Food, food, and more food with lots to look at and listen to in between.

Wedding was fun. Chatted with our psych nurse and her husband, danced the chicken dance, danced several fast numbers with Sarah, and when the country music started, it was time to go home.

Food:

8:00 am 1 serving hot wheat cereal, 1 tsp packed brown sugar, 2 oz light vanilla soy milk, .75 cherry juice from concentrate
10:45 am Spring roll w/1 tbl sauce, 1 c shrimp crackers, mango bubble tea
12:30 pm 2.5 oz smoked pork, 2/3 c spaetzle, 1/2 pc apple strudel, lg slice carrot cake, 2/3 c fruit w/gelatin cubes, 3 c kettle corn
5:30 pm 1 Malibu/diet Coke
6:00 pm 3 oz chicken breast, 1 oz ham, 1/2 c mashed potatoes w/gravy, 1/2 c stuffing w/gravy, 1/4 c cole slaw, 1/2 c corn, 2 small pieces wedding cake
8:00 pm 3 diet Cokes


Exercise:

11:00 am Walk from SPASH to UWSP and back to SPASH after performance
1:30 pm Ride bike home from Campus Cycle
2:15 pm Walk to UWSP and back

Fri 1 May

Yeah, the wedding is for Amy Trzinski, the coordinator of our mental health programs and a very fun person. They're taking a Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon and I haven't heard whether they're having any second thoughts. I'm hoping this all runs its course and doesn't affect travel to France in late June!

Choir concerts tonight and Sunday. (There's one on Sat night, too but I told them from day one that I'm going to the wedding instead.) Cultural Festival also tomorrow as well as Solo/Ensemble.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, cherry juice from concentrate, coffee
9:45 am 3 small half-wedges honeydew
11:45 am Choclate soy shake, slice whole wheat toast, 1 tbl nutella, medium banana
1:15 pm Lightly salted rice cake
3:30 pm 1/4 c pumpkin spice trail mix
4:15 pm 3 Fiesta malted milk eggs
5:00 pm 4 oz ground round, wheat bun, 2 tsp spread, 1 tbl ketchup, 1/2 c Bush's beans, 5 baby carrots, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Ball/band DVD, level 2