Mon 30 Nov

I am sorry to hear that the social part of the Richmond experience seems to be going sour, too. Please be cautious for signs of increasing depression and take steps to be sure it doesn't overwhelm you. Cap One must have and EAP program to offer counseling. Try to make a solid plan for what comes next so you can count off the days. Try also to find some fun things in Richmond to perk up your remaining days and give you some things to look forward to in the short term, be they more volunteer opportunities, movies or other activities with friends, hiking, etc. Let us know if there are things we can do to help. I love you!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, slice Trader Joe's multigrain fiber bread, 46 g oven-roasted chicken breast, slice deli provolone, small banana
3:30 pm 1 serving Trader Joe's ginger cats
5:30 pm 2 med farm-fresh eggs, 1/2 c chopped red pepper, 1/4 c shredded Swiss cheese, 2 slices bacon, 1 Crystal Farms english muffin, 2 tsp soft margarine



Exercise:

5:05-5:55 am Kathy Smith Weights 1 DVD

Sun 29 Nov

I was able to pass on the frosted long johns Dad brought home from Kwik Trip last night; I ate my normal healthy breakfast instead. Hopefully I'm not completely falling into bad eating habits again. Though I did remember during my exercise this morning that last Sunday, I was working out on the elliptical in preparation for the superb brunch at Sofitel!

I am so tired I can scarcely keep my eyes open, it's only 5:45 pm, and I'm supposed to go clean at Grandma''s house since we don't have evening choir practice tonight. I need a short nap or I won't make it.


Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1 orange, coffee
11:45 am 3 oz sirloin steak, 2 eggs over easy, 2 pc homemade toast w/butter and orange marmalade, 1/4 c hash browns, 8 oz orange juice, coffee
3:45 pm Slice cinnamon streusel bread, chocolate chip cookie, frosted sugar cookie, peanut butter cup cookie, one other cookie
5:30 pm 3 oz rotisserie chicken, 1/2 c stuffing w 1 tbl gravy, 1/2 c sweet potatoes, 1 tbl cranberry chutney, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 28 Nov

Ah, so nice to have it only be Saturday today! I do have several things to accomplish, so much so that I've been having trouble deciding on the first-thing-out-of-bed order. I decided on breakfast-shop-exercise-shower. I want to look for good prices on the videos and check out local prices on the PS2 while holiday sales are still active, and I realized I also left behind a really cool tree topper at Shopko that I KNOW was in my own cart. Don't know what kind of glitch happened there, but if the price of the tree topper isn't too much more today, I want it. It is a faceted Star of Bethlehem with LED color changing lights. I've never gone with a lighted tree topper before, but this one is very pretty and appears reasonably subdued in the package (at least not tinsely).

If you would like to pick some boots out for yourself, go ahead and get them. Hopefully the package with your credit card will arrive soon and you can charge them. I'm not sure if the bill still comes here or if you've changed your billing address. If it comes here, I'll just pay for the boots. If it comes to you, let me know the charges and I'll send you a check. I just bought some boots I really like at Younkers yesterday. They were BORN (think Swedish O) and they are comfortable and cute. I don't know if you have Younkers in Virginia, but they had a nice selection of a variety of brands. Happy shopping.

Felt good to get in a good workout again. Did a video I used to reserve for Saturdays because it goes almost an hour and a half, but I haven't been fitting in Saturday workouts much any more. Today it was needed.

Finally managed to watch the Muppets Bohemian Rhapsody. Loved Beaker's high note!

Tired and turning to sweet food for comfort - not good. Worked for several hours at Grandma's house; more tired now. Pumpkin cheese pie will be my vegetable for supper.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, lemon ginseng green tea
12:30 pm Strawberry-banana soy shake, 76 g turkey, 1/2 c sweet potatoes, 1/2 c cranberry waldorf
1:15 pm 1 pc iced gingerbread (10 g)
1:45 pm 1/2 c Schwan's peppermint ice cream
6:15 pm Taco Bell grilled steak soft taco al fresco, water
7:30 pm 1/2 slice pumpkin cheese pie



Exercise:

10:35-12:00 pm All-in-one video (Dance/aerobics, weights, Pilates)

Fri 27 Nov

Thanksgiving is history, Black Friday is here, barging headlong into the remainder of the holidays. Whew! Exhausts me to think about it. I need ideas from you for Christmas including final thoughts on ordering the netbook, status of interest in PS3 or alternative gift ideas for Grandma, etc.

Dad and I will head out soon for a little perusing of Black Friday specials, but the ads didn't have anything that I would be disappointed not to get. I don't anticipate needing to get much, but money can be saved at today's prices on even smaller items.

Later today, I need to exercise and start on a full two week's worth of laundry accumulated. Maybe consider putting up the tree, though I wouldn't decorate it til at least tomorrow.

Had a somewhat productive morning, picking up some good deals. Most amusing thing that happened is that I don't have 3 shirts I know I picked out at Shopko and put into the cart, but since they also don't appear on the sales slip, I suspect I stashed them in someone else's cart. They must have been surprised when they got to the checkout.

Even though I have already eaten my full calorie count for the day, I won't make it if I don't eat supper. Oh, well.


Food:

7:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:45 pm Cranberry oatmeal cookie, 16 oz diet Coke
1:15 pm Salad w/iceberg lettuce, 1/8 c broccoli, 1/4 c green pepper, 1/8 c pea pods, 1/8 c fresh mushrooms, 1/4 c cashews, 1/8 c hard boiled egg, 1/8 c fake crab; 3 pc crab sushi, 2 crab rangoons, 2 pc tempura sweet potato, 1/2 c beef curry w/veggies, 2 sweet sour meatballs w/veggies, 1/3 c spare ribs in sauce, small Chinese donut, mini cream puff, 1" square chocolate cake
5:45 pm 74 g turkey, 1/2 c stuffing, 1 tbl gravy, 6 spears asparagus, 1 tbl cranberry chutney, 10 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 pc pumpkin cheese pie
9:15 pm 5 g miniature marshmallows

Exercise:

3 hours power shopping

Thurs 26 Nov

Sorry about the delay in sending off your credit card. It sat in an envelope ready to mail on the table for several weeks, then got moved to the box to mail to you for Halloween (along with a now-expired Victoria's Secret panty coupon). We'll try to get the box mailed out on Friday. Never too late for Halloween, eh?

Hoping that it goes well bringing Grandma here for the day. I would so like for the logistics to be workable and for her to have a good time outside the nursing home environment. I would really like her to be motivated to get back into an apartment, even if it is assisted living. I think it would be so much more pleasant for her.

If you aren't able to swing coming home in January because of the job situation, would you want Dad and I to come out to Richmond for a few days, maybe Jan 6-10? If you could get a little time off from the job, we could do some hiking or other touring together.

Ah, 5:15 and the major part of the day is over - Miller time (if I drank Miller). Grandma made it not only in and out of the car and house, but even upstairs to use the bathroom. She needed assistance and was quite nervous at times, but it went much better than I had anticipated after the Oakridge trip. I expect she'll sleep well tonight - I think we wore her out. It was really nice to see Megumi and Yoshi too. I think Yuki is about a foot taller since the last time he was here. Mick has lost over 80 pounds and looks wonderful.


Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 2 c coffee
1:00 pm 3 oz white meat turkey, 2 tbl gravy, 1/2 c stuffing, 1/2 c baked corn, 1/2 c sweet potatoes, 1 tbl cranberry chutney, 4 spears roasted asparagus, 1 dinner roll, 1 tsp margarine, 4 oz cherry wine, half slice each of cranberry pudding pie and pumpkin cheese pie
3:00 pm 1 pepparkakor cookie
5:00 pm Half slice pumpkin cheese pie
7:00 pm Turkey "slider" (38g white meat turkey on the last dinner roll)


Exercise:

Helping Grandma in and out of car, up stairs, etc.

Wed 25 Nov

Hope you have a better day today. Am thinking of you often.



Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
10:30 am Half-sized low fat pumpkin bar
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 1 slice Trader Joe's multigrain fiber bread, 1.25 oz provolone, 46 g oven-roasted chicken breast, small banana
2:45 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
9:00 pm Arby's regular roast beef, 10 oz light vanilla soy milk
9:45 pm 1/2 c cranberry waldorf salad


Exercise:

5:10-6:05 am Step video w/weight section

Tues 24 Nov

Sure wish you had been on that plane with Keaton this morning! I'd love to be driving down to Madison to pick you up for a few days. Let me know for sure which days you will be here in January so I can clear the calendar.

I'm really sorry things have fallen in the toilet at work. Hopefully it will just be a rough spot that will improve. Let us know if there is anything we can do to keep your spirits up.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
9:45 am Thanksgiving brunch at work - 1/2 c scrambled eggs w/mushrooms, 1/3 c cheesy potatoes, 1/3 c green bean casserole, 1/3 c mashed potatoes, 1/2 c sweet potato casserole w/pecan topping, 1/3 c veggies in cheese sauce, 1/3 c broccoli salad, 1/4 fruity fluff salad, 1/2 c melon/pineapple, slice streusel bread, butterscotch torte
1:15 pm 1/4 c melon slices
3:00 pm 1 dark chocolate-covered gingerbread heart, 1" square brownie
6:00 pm 1 slice Trader Joe's multigrain fiber bread, 1.15 oz Swiss cheese, 10 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:15-6:00 am Jane Fonda low impact aerobics video

Mon 23 Nov

Back to work, but nice that it's only a 3-day week. Hopefully things have also slowed down just a tad from the hectic pace of the last couple of months. Tonight I have to get bags ready for the Easter Seal curbside pickup on Wed morning - easier than toting the bags to Goodwill. I plan to include things from the bags you sent home after the last couple of moves, so I need to sort through to decide if there are things I want to keep. If I had time, I'd go through some of my own things too, but there are only so many hours after work. I also need to prepare a cranberry waldorf for the Thanksgiving brunch at work on Tuesday, and I need to make sure I have everything I need to cook on Thursday, too.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, 1 slice Trader Joe's Multigrain Fiber toast, .75 tbl Nutella (scraped bottom of jar), med orange
4:00 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
4:45 pm 2 c kettle corn
5:45 pm 1 c Zatarain's Caribbean rice w/3 oz chicken, 1 c broccoli, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:00 pm Yoplait lemon parfait



Exercise:

5:20-6:05 am Jane Fonda Weights 1 video

Sun 22 Nov

I hope you find a way to get a little break over the holidays. I realize you have to work on Black Friday, but I hope the volunteer work at the Community Thanksgiving dinner is rewarding. Try to find a fun way to spend the Saturday. Sounds like you've been taking advantage of the mild autumn temperatures. Speaking of which, I think October and November got switched around on the calendar here. We were freezing with snow in October, but it's still in the 50s now. Go figure.

Not going to try to list all the food on the fabulous Sofitel brunch. Suffice it to say I needed a half hour nap to digest before we could get ready to go home.



Exercise:

8:00-9:00 am Elliptical

Thurs 19 Nov

The day has finally come for the Minneapolis trip - if we ever get going! We are staying three nights like Grandma and I did last year because of the special at the Sofitel for third-night-free. If you get a chance to keep in touch with Michael, I sense he is a little anxious about us being gone so long. I look forward to their good exercise room as well as to good food, fun shopping, etc. I feel a little guilty, but I'm glad to have dad along instead of Grandma this time because we'll be able to walk through as much of the Mall of America as we like without towing a wheelchair. I promised Grandma that if she shakes this and gets back on her feet, I will take her to Minneapolis again when she is ready.


Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee

Wed 18 Nov

You are in my thoughts all the time, hoping and praying that you will find a resolution to your situation that will be positive and growth-oriented. I want so much for you to be happy, both in your work and in your life. Please let me know anything I can do to help. Huge hugs and kisses!!!!

The Lorie Line concert was very nice. Wish you could have been there with us.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, Trader Joe's small whole wheat pita, 52 g oven-roasted chicken breast, slice deli Provolone, 3 small tomato slices, med orange
4:00 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
5:45 pm 80% Inner Warmth Peanut Stew, beer bread roll, 3/4 pat butter, 10 oz Strongbow
7:00 pm Molasses cookie



Exercise:

5:10-6:15 am Jane Fonda Complete - upper, aerobics, and lower body video

Tues 17 Nov

Dad and I will go to the Lorie Line concert tomorrow night at the Grand for the first time in several years. We always enjoyed it so it should be fun.

Why are you angry? Issues with the job?

I don't know what to suggest to make the situation better at work. Your manager may need to be approached with greater deference to avoid the conflict, or you may need to speak to someone in a higher level of management without ruffling too many feathers. If you let them know politely that you want to be an asset to the company, perhaps they will find a way to make best use of your skills.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:15 pm Strawberry-banana soy shake, slice Trader Joe's multigrain fiber bread, 2 slices Farmland turkey breast, 1 slice deli Provolone, 2 small tomato slices, medium banana
1:00 pm 1 lemon snap
2:30 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
6:00 pm 3 oz pork roast, 1/4 c cranberry stuffing, 1/2 c sweet potato casserole, 1/2 c green beans, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk




Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Crunch Pilates DVD

Mon 16 Nov

Only 19 degrees out there this morning. Supposed to hit 51 later this afternoon, but that's not very comforting when much of my running around is in the morning when it's downright cold. Your 70 degree weather this weekend sounds mighty comforting.

Hard as it may seem, try to enjoy the warm weather for me (since I can't come out to personally assume the task). Hey, I thought you said a coworker with a new baby had invited you to spend Thanksgiving with them. What happened with that?


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
10:30 am Caramel oatmeal bar
12:15 pm Half a thai chicken wrap, 2 large french fries
2:30 pm No sugar added non-fat cocoa mix
3:30 pm Small frosted brownie
4:45 pm 3 multigrain Breton crackers, 3 tbl smoked salmon spread
6:45 pm Italian casserole (ground round, chopped red and green pepper, onion, fresh mushrooms, mozzarella, garden spirals), 8 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:10-5:55 am Power Shaping DVD

Sun 15 Nov

Just read a blog and a few of the responses on SparkPeople relative to caring for aging parents. What an emotional subject this is for all of us who are affected. I am grateful that I've been able to be there for my folks even though it is draining at times, and I truly appreciate how understanding and helpful your dad has been throughout the process.

Dad, Michael, and I visited Grandma at PCH today. She was in bed, but said she had been up early today and had an active morning so they were giving her a well-deserved rest. She was encouraged that the staff feel she is improving. I was encouraged that she dug into the chocolate-covered raisins we brought her. It's good to see her taking an interest in eating anything. She said they told her she had gained a pound when they weighed her before her shower, so maybe she's eating better again overall. She didn't mention her pain even once during our visit, but she is always so glad to see Michael. We will have her to the house when you come home for as much of your visit as possible.


Food:

8:15 am 1 c Corn Chex, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
12:00 pm 8 oz orange juice, 2 eggs over easy, 2 6" pancakes, 1/2 tbl whipped butter, 1 tbl syrup, 3 oz ham, coffee
1:15 pm 3 chocolate-covered raisins
5:30 pm 4.5 oz ground round, 1 slice tomato, 1 tsp ketchup, Arnold's whole wheat sandwich thin, 2/3 c sliced red pepper, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

7:15-8:05 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 14 Nov

Thinking of you and hoping things are going well, both at the office and socially. Haven't heard much lately. This is always an odd time of year just before the holidays as the year winds down.

Did some shopping today - got nice new sweatshirts and velour pants for Grandma, some kitchen knives for Michael. A start.

Put in a good, long shift cleaning at Grandma's house. Found part of the floor in the playroom.



Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, tea
10:30 am 1 dark chocolate-covered gingerbread heart
2:15 pm Asparagus spinach quesadilla w/wild rice, red peppers, 1/2 piece caraway rye toast, 8 oz Sam Adams Winter Ale
4:00 pm Small hot fudge sundae at Culver's w/toffee pecan custard
8:45 am 7 chocolate-covered raisins
9:15 pm Chobani 0% vanilla yogurt

Fri 13 Nov

Wussed out and took the morning off from exercise this morning since I did get up yesterday. Also, I should be able to be done with work at 3 pm and we don't go to First Nighters til 5:30, so I hope to come home and work out in the afternoon. I got some good rest last night, opting not to go with Bob and Michael to work at the house but staying home to read and turn in early.

Wow, level 3 of the Ball/Band video is intense. Pushups and tricep dips with your hands on the (in)stability ball, e.g.

The UWSP production of Rent was excellent! Amazing voices and everything very well done.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
12:15 pm Chocolate soy shake, slice Trader Joe's multigrain fiber bread, 1 tbl PB, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 1 dark chocolate-covered gingerbread heart
2:00 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
5:45 pm 4 oz red wine, popover-type muffin, 1/2 Cornish game hen, 1/2 c wild rice mix, 1/2 c green beans w/curried almonds, pumpkin cake w/cream cheese frosting, coffee



Exercise:

4:00-4:55 pm Ball/band Level 3 DVD

Thurs 12 Nov

Decided I didn't need to take my Thursday morning day off from exercise so I'd try a Buns of Steel beginner step video I had been curious about. It's only 30 min, so I hadn't chosen it on a "serious" exercise day. OMG, I think the "check the heart rate" section was necessary to make sure I hadn't dozed off! I hesitate to call this session "exercise". I also had a Gaiam AM Yoga tape that was very short, so I put that on to follow just to do something else although this was a very sedate tape also, focusing on relaxation and body awareness. I think it would actually be better suited to bedtime. It was led by a very good-looking young Asian man in a speedo on the beach, so it was very aesthetic.

Grandma is still being kept up in her chair all day, to her dismay and my delight. Staff say she is walking better and farther. I am encouraging her to participate in activities, hoping that a greater activity level will perk her up.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee'
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 1 slice Trader Joe Fiber multigrain toast, 1 tbl PB Loco dark chocolate raspberry peanut butter, med banana, 1/4 tsp sugar, 2 oz light vanilla soy milk
2:00 pm Small box grape Nerds
3:00 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
6:15 pm 1 c Trader Joe's lobster ravioli, 1/2 c garlic alfredo sauce, 1/2 c Green Giant Steamers Asian vegetables, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, Jello sugar-free chocolate mousse



Exercise:

5:15-5:40 am Extremely beginner step video
5:45-6:05 am AM Yoga

Wed 11 Nov

Yesterday was a really busy, tiring day but I slept very well last night so I'm ready to go at it again today. I'm already looking forward to Friday night when the First Nighters play is Rent. Also, since I worked an extra 1 1/2 hrs yesterday, I should be able to leave at 3 pm Friday.

Just watched "Up", finally. What a sweet, delightful movie!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
10:30 am 1 spekulatius cookie
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 44 g ham, slice Deli provolone, 2 thin tomato slices, 1 slice Trader Joe's fiber wheat bread
2:45 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
5:45 pm 3.4 oz roast beef, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 1/2 c mashed butternut squash, 2 tsp soft margarine, 1/8 c beef gravy, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
6:15 pm 1 chocolate chip cookie



Exercise:

5:15-6:05 am Jane Fonda Complete upper body and aerobics video

Tues 10 Nov

Hard to believe it's the 10th of November already. The year is disappearing quickly. But how exciting that Phil and Leigha are pregnant! That certainly brightens up a quiet time of year. Baby was probably conceived in Wisconsin; she was probably already pregnant when we said our goodbyes. Phil just sent an email last night - I suspect they just found out for sure.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
12:30 pm Blueberry soy shake, Archer Farms Signature Coffee Cake muffin, 117 g super cherry tomatoes, leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie, pkg Trader Joe trail mix
6:00 pm 2 cheese manicotti, 1/2 c Newman's Own Sweet Onion and Roasted Garlic sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 c broccoli, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

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

Mon 9 Nov

Looks like Megumi, Yoshi, and Yuki are planning on coming for Thanksgiving, barring illness or awful weather. I'm really anxious to see them as it's been a very long time. Yuki is already in seventh grade and played in the WSMA orchestra this year. Yoshi got an email from Masa on his birthday in which he mentioned his almost year-old daughter! Masa is a daddy!

Fairly nice temps should be with us for the week - a last taste before the eternal cold of Wisconsin winter.

Foolish me, I sent Masa a Facebook message congratulating him on his daughter and asking him to send "a picture" if he could. I have 7 emails, 5 with multiple photos and 2 with videos. I'm still looking at them all. His daughter's name is Sakura and she is very cute. He hasn't yet mentioned his wife's name but she is from Vietnam and is very pretty. I had forgotten the pride and joy of sharing common to new parents!

Verdict: Jello Sugar-Free dark chocolate pudding varieties beat Jello Sugar-Free Chocolate Decadence mousse, though both are darn good treats at 60 cal each including a couple of grams of protein.

Food:

7:00 am 1.125 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal (finishing the box), 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, Archer Farms signature coffee cake muffin, small pear
2:30 pm 2 dark chocolate-covered gingerbread hearts, 1 lightly salted rice cake
5:30 pm 4.25 oz grilled boneless pork chop, 1/2 c Annie's whole wheat shells w/white cheddar sauce, 3/4 c broccoli, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
7:30 pm Jello Sugar-Free dark chocolate raspberry pudding cup



Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Crunch Pilates DVD

Sun 8 Nov

Got up at the usual early exercise time so I can get in the shower soon and be ready for an early start down to Madison. Dad and I are just driving down to shop at Woodman's and Trader Joe's, and maybe to look up the SuperTarget and World Market. I'm not sure where we'll eat - I'm torn between Monty's, Himal Chuli, and Brocach. I've been thinking a lot about Brocach's perfect chicken, but we'll see what we feel like when we get there. When you lived in Madison, we had chances to eat at fun places more often. Now we only get down there occasionally so we have to choose. Whichever we choose, I'm sure we'll be wishing you were there with us!

We've had a little Indian summer yesterday with hopes of warm temps again today. Unfortunately after the little break, there's a sinking feeling that colder weather is going to be the norm. At least I'm now in to cold weather comfort foods and warm sweaters again. Maybe we'll gear up the fireplace in a week or two.

Beautiful day - temps in mid-70s and sunshine. Also made us think of you. We had brunch at Brocach; I had Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon - heaven!


Food:

6:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, lemon ginseng green tea
9:45 am 2 dark chocolate-covered gingerbread hearts
11:45 am English muffin, 3 oz smoked salmon, 2 poached eggs, 2 tbl hollandaise, small salad of dark greens, lemon viniagrette, 1/2 c fried potatoes, coffee
5:45 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
8:30 pm Chobani 0% vanilla yogurt, 1/4 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 76 g apple, Jello Sugar-Free Chocolate Indulgence mousse



Exercise:

5:15-6:05 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 7 Nov

I made aebleskiver this morning with eggnog - if it works for pancakes..... They were awesome! Michael has promised to get me the Williams-Sonoma new aebleskiver cookbook for Christmas so I can try lots of new recipes. That is, if he has a job by then.

Today we will work with Bob, Michael and Lon to completely clear out the assisted living apartment so we will be done with Oakridge. That will be a relief. Then I just need to finish Grandma's house and I can focus on getting my own house cleaned up!
Yay! Apartment has been vacated!

Poop, it's barely 3 pm and I've pretty much used up my calorie limit for the day. Didn't think that Fazoli's dish was so bad til I got home and looked up the calorie count. 850 just for the pasta plus 150 for the breadstick.


Food:

9:00 am 2 dark-chocolate covered gingerbread hearts
9:30 am 5 aebleskiver, coffee
10:00 am 1/4 large cantaloupe
1:00 pm 5.5 oz can V8 Reduced Sodium juice, 6 oz La Yogurt Probiotic Light Mango yogurt
1:45 pm Fazoli's Sun-Dried Tomato Rustico tortellini, 1 breadstick
7:30 pm 1/2 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 4 oz light vanilla soy milk

Fri 6 Nov

I have a client that I'm covering til the new worker is hired who only needs to meet once a month and likes to get breakfast at the Olympic. Today I planned for it by just doing Greek yogurt, fruit and coffee. I'm hankering for oatmeal with cinnamon apples around 9:30 am.


Food:

7:00 am Chobani Peach 0% yogurt, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
9:45 am 1 c oatmeal, 1/4 c pecans, 1/4 c raisins, 2/3 c cinnamon apples in syrup, coffee
3:45 pm Small piece Abdallah milk chocolate
6:00 pm 4 oz white wine, 5 oz baked cod, 1 tsp melted butter, 2 potato pancakes, 1 tbl sour cream, 1/4 c applesauce, 3/4 c teriyaki green beans, 1/2 slice marble rye, half slice chocolate layer cake




Exercise:

5:00-5:45 am Power Shaping DVD

Thurs 5 Nov

I'm beginning to be able to look ahead to fun stuff, not so overwhelmed by the present. We're continuing to go to Grandma's house several evenings a week to chip away. I'm into the last (and most cluttered) room now. When I get to the end, I then need to find storage for the items that escaped the trash. Dad is assembling some steel shelves for one of the storage rooms in the basement that will likely get most of the boxes. I would like to be done with this project almost as much as Michael would like me to be done so they can move in!

Michael just informed us that he was let go from Target. I suspect it may have happened some time ago.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice Arnold's whole wheat bread, 68 g ham, 78 g tomato, small pear
12:45 pm 14 g peanut M&Ms
3:30 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
6:00 pm 2 Rosetto cheese manicotti, 1/2 c Newman's Own Sweet Onion & Roasted Garlic sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 c Green Giant Steamers broccoli w/cheese sauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk

Wed 4 Nov

Finally sent an email off to Megumi. They haven't made it for the last few holidays and we haven't really seen or heard from them much in between. I hope we can reconnect and maybe get them to come for Thanksgiving.

This morning in the shower I found myself thinking about the meal we shared with you in the fancy seafood restaurant outside the hotel in Schaumberg just before you went to Taiwan. That was a nice little time together!


Food:

7:00 am Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
12:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, med banana, Arnold's whole wheat bread, 1 tbl peanut butter, 79 g super tomatoes
2:30 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie, 1 LifeSaver
5:45 pm 1 c Trader Joe's Organic whole wheat spaghetti, 2 oz lean ground beef, 1/2 small onion, 1/2 med yellow pepper, 1/2 c chopped fresh mushrooms, 1/2 c Newman's Own Sweet Onion and Roasted Garlic spaghetti sauce, 1/8 c shredded parmesan, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Jane Fonda Weights 2 video

Tues 3 Nov

Tuesday evening means piano and voice lessons, so at least I'm absolved from cleaning the house or apartment. If Mary's not sick yet, I'll get a chance to wish her a happy 50th birthday. I feel bad that I don't find enough time to practice either piano or voice so I'm not making optimum use of my lessons. I hope that will improve once I finish cleaning out the apartment and getting the house ready for Michael and co.

Hope you are doing okay. Sorry your Halloween fizzled, hope November looks much better.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, Trader Joe's small whole wheat pita, deli slice provolone, 53 g oven-roasted chicken breast, 72 g tomato
1:30 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie
5:45 pm 4.4 oz extra lean ground beef, Arnold's whole wheat sandwich thin, 1 tsp margarine, 1/2 tbl ketchup, slice tomato, 1/2 c mashed sweet potato w/brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:

5:10-6:00 am Hips/Thighs of Steel 2000 video

Mon 2 Nov

Just realized I need to shut off the phone service to Grandma's apartment which means giving up the 344-2427 phone number I grew up with. It feels weird to know that it will be someone else's phone number soon.

Pilates was hard today.

Cleaning at Grandma's house tonight was fun. I went through her cedar chest and found Grandma's old china face doll and the most awesome pair of woolen ski pants that actually fit me. They are the same type of gray wool as the blankets you and Michael used on your beds, lined with flannel, baggy legs that end in wide knit cuffs, high waist with suspenders similar to lederhosen. I can't wait to go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing so I can try them out!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
12:30 pm Blueberry soy shake, Trader Joe's small whole wheat pita, 69 g ham, 32 g provolone, small pear, 1 spekulatius cookie
2:00 pm 1"x3" Door Co cherry bar
5:45 pm Serving enchiladas, 122 g red grapes, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, leaf-shaped chocolate-bottom cookie



Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Pilates mat

Sun 1 Nov

Spent our Halloween evening watching Chamber of Secrets after the trick or treaters were done and we shared a ham dinner with Michael and Lon.

I'm starting to come to terms with my mom's status. I don't believe it bothers her as much as it does me that she will likely never be independent again. She just wants to be taken care of by nice people and hopefully to have less pain. I hope she'll like her new room and roommate. I don't think we'll be able to take her out or bring her to the house, even for the holidays as there's no way we'd get her up the steps into the house, and certainly no way I could help her to the bathroom even if we had a commode on the main floor. I hope to focus my time with her remembering all the fun things she has done.

I'm not sure what we'll do today. I've asked Michael to join us for church, breakfast, and a visit to Grandma in PCH as he hasn't been to the nursing home since she's been there. I realize the setting creeps him out so I thought it best if we all go together. He'll have to go periodically if that's where she's going to be long term. Not sure then if we'll pick up some things to clear out the new apartment, or just unload the things in the truck from the old place at the house and work on finding places for things that won't interfere with the boys. I may just stay at the house then and do some more work there. We'll see.

Just got through making a really nice lunch for Dad, Michael, and Lon. We had grilled tenderloin steak, roasted asparagus with garlic (your recipe), and beer bread. Yum!



Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 6 oz oj, coffee
1:30 pm 4.75 oz tenderloin, 6 spears roasted asparagus, slice Tastefully Simple beer bread, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
3:00 pm Leaf-shaped chocolate bottom cookie
4:00 pm 1 sm pc English toffee, 1 oz Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips
5:00 pm 2/3 c 1% cottage cheese, 1 c yellow pepper strips, 3 super cherry tomatoes (210 g)



Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD