Fri 30 Apr

I let myself wuss out on Pilates mat and stop after the side series. I'm glad I took the day off yesterday as my muscles do feel much better today.

I'm so glad your trip is becoming a reality. Sounds awesome. Send me your ground itinerary if you get a chance so I can check out all the fun places you'll visit. Hope you have a wonderful time. Have you gotten your passport renewed yet? Never mind, you probably were updated for Taiwan. How quickly the old forget.

Trip sounds awesome. Flexibility is wonderful - you're young and don't have any kids or old folks in tow, so if you need to spend extra time to find a hotel or stay; in a hostel, not a problem. You should have a wonderful time. Hope to get email or blog updates as you go, and plenty of photos. You should pick up a digital camera before you go, even if it's just a little cheapie, just so you can record your own memories.

Long and tiring day. Had to have ice cream to renew spirit.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
1:00 pm 2/3 c chicken stew, 1/2 c spinach, 1 mozzarella wheel, 1 tso creamy balsamic dressing, 53 g cinnamon scone, 10 oz light original soy milk
4:00 pm 1 LifeSaver
5:45 pm Half pork sandwich (3 oz pulled pork w/carmelized onions, 1/2 Kaiser bun), 2/3 c creamy potato salad, 2 homemade potato chips, 8 oz Spotted Cow
6:30 pm Culver's single sundae w/raspberries and hot fudge



Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Truncated Pilates mat

Thurs 29 Apr

Dad is back home safely, life returns to normal for awhile. Looking forward to Sunday when Dad and I are going to Door Co after taking Grandma to church and lunch. We will spend two nights at the Newport in Egg Harbor, hopefully getting some hiking in at Peninsula and some general relaxation/fun. Hope we get decent weather.

Skipped exercise this morning because my leg muscles are pretty sore. Sometimes it seems more prudent to take a day off than to risk injury from overuse. Maybe they'll feel better by this evening and I can get something in then.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 61 g almond scone, med banana
3:30 pm 1 LifeSaver
6:30 pm 2 patties Moroccan Pita sandwiches (on a 100% whole wheat sandwich thin), 1 c roasted parsnips, 12 oz light original soy milk

Wed 28 Apr

Last night and today are a foretaste of what it will be like when Dad and Michael go out to Oregon a week and a half ahead of me. Feels quite strange to be alone in the house and responsible for everything that needs to be done. Only other time I've done this was when you three went on the 2-week vacation to Oregon without me because Grandma got her ear infection at the last minute. You were about 16 or 17 then and Jordan and Sasha had just come to live with us.

We've had sunny days, temps in low 60s at best, for several days now. Might nip a few degrees warmer, but not much predicted. I looked at Richmond weather and see you've been having some cool sunny weather too, but you're headed for a pretty warm weekend. Looks like ice cream time!

Planning to go thirds on a weekly box of organic veggies June-Oct with Hartmans and McReichls. Should make us eat lots more veggies and maybe try some different ones we wouldn't ordinarily buy. I'm looking forward to it.

That's a really good idea to invite Katie while Dad's gone to Oregon. Is her husband home evenings?


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am 115 g oat scone, 120 g fresh pineapple, chocolate soy shake
3:00 pm 1 LifeSaver
5:30 pm 2 c kettle corn
8:30 pm 1/3 c peanut stew, beer bread roll, 1 tbl honey butter, 1/2 c baby spinach, 1/2 c heirloom cherry tomatoes, 1 tbl creamy balsamic dressing, 2 oz fresh mozzarella, 2 spears asparagus, 18 oz ginger ale


Exercise:

5:05-6:05 am Step DVD w/weight section
5:50-7:25 pm Hiking Rib Mt

Tues 27 Apr

Thinking of you this morning and hoping all is looking bright. How are your European vacation plans coming? Any date yet for when you'll be coming back to Wisconsin?

Weird having the house to myself (plus Jordan). Michael stopped in briefly with 2-3 friends just to check something on the Internet but he was only here about 5 min.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
9:30 am 4 oz OJ, chocolate chip mini-muffin
12:45 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 106 g oat scone, 109 g fresh pineapple
2:45 pm 1 LifeSaver
5:30 pm 2 large eggs, 1 ramp, 1/8 c chopped fresh mushroom, 1/4 c chopped yellow pepper, 18 g grated Swiss cheese, 1/2 tbl butter, 2 slices Dakota bread, 2 tsp soft margarine




Exercise:

5:05-5:55 am Buns of Steel 2000 video
3:25-3:45 pm Walk

Mon 26 Apr

Here we go for another week. This one will be strange because Dad leaves tomorrow after work for Chicago for a seminar on Wed. First part of the week is predicted sunny, though nights will be cool enough tonight and tomorrow to warrant bringing the plants into the garage.



Food:

7:15 am 90 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 90 g cucumber slices, 51 g cherry chocolate panettone, 2 Dare GrainsFirst crackers, 1 tbl cashew butter
2:15 pm Small chocolate chip bar
6:30 pm 1/4 c cinnamon almonds
8:15 pm 106 g extra lean ground beef, Earthgrains 100% whole wheat sandwich thin, 1 tbl ketchup, 157 g fresh pineapple, 28 g Trader Joe's multigrain tortilla chips, 12 oz light original soy milk, 1 Reese's egg



Exercise:

5:05-6:15 am Jane Fonda Complete aerobics, upper, lower and abs video
5:30-7:30 pm Hiking Rib Mt with tower

Sun 25 Apr

Enjoying a pecan morning bun purchased at the Farmer's Market yesterday. It's delicious. Unfortunately, I purchased several yummy bakery items for consumption over the next few days. When you get things piecemeal from different vendors over the course of an hour or so, you lose track of how much you are actually taking home to eat. It will be yummy, but I shall need to exercise hard to keep up.

It occurred to me this morning that I have been more religious in doing my ballet video on Sunday mornings than a great many people are about attending religious services. Having a regular day for it keeps me on track, and I still find that particular workout to be a great toner.

Did you ever find something fun to do on your birthday? You disappeared off of Facebook so we hoped something fun came up.

Sorry things didn't work out on your birthday, and hoping they do for today. How did the duathlon go?

Food:

8:15 am Pecan morning bun, 1/4 med Tuscan cantaloupe, 6 oz OJ, green tea
11:15 pm Small piece coffee cake, 1" square peanut butter rice krispie treat
12:00 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 1 c mixed steamed veggies, 1.5 oz mozzarella cheese, 2 slices raisin toast, 1 tbl orange marmalade, 1 tsp butter, coffee
2:45 pm 2 c kettle corn
5:15 pm 4.25 oz roast lamb, 1 c red leaf lettuce, 1/4 c chopped cucumber, 1 super cherry tomato, 11 oz light original soy milk
8:15 pm Jello dark chocolate sugar free pudding cup

Exercise:

6:00-6:50 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 24 Apr

Very nice day in Madison. We drove past your new apartment building and checked out your neighborhood grocery store. The grocery store is very nice with a very adequate selection and decent prices. Nice sushi bar; we sampled the wares for lunch. Good produce selection and probably most everything you need in a neighborhood store.

Farmer's market was well underway with lots of fresh spinach, green onions, rhubarb, bakery items, and plants for the garden. We bought our tomatoes to plant as well as some peppers and our hanging plants.

Ate too much today, and it's too late at night to try to recall everything. Trust me, it was too much.

Fri 23 Apr

Can't believe we just got home from our cruise and have already planned the next big vacation. What a tax return can do to you! I also think it is partly due to the horrific few weeks at work right after returning from the cruise. It almost negates an awesome vacation to have significant stress so immediately thereafter. My response was to think where I could go again someday to find the relaxation again. This opportunity to really go to a place I had thought out of reach came suddenly and needed to be acted upon quickly, and before I knew it, we had signed up. Took me several hours for that fact to just sink in. Now I have six months to eagerly anticipate.

Baby shower for my boss this evening should be fun. I'm only staying a couple of hours as Dad and I are going to Madison for the overnight.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 6 oz OJ, coffee
12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, hot cross bun, 80 g cucumber slices


Exercise:

5:10-6:10 am Lotte Berk Muscle Eats Fat and Hip Hugger Abs

Thurs 22 Apr

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAURA!!!!!!! Huge hugs and kisses going your way! Hope you have an opportunity to celebrate today - wish I could be there with you to celebrate, too.

Instead I will be making stuff to go to a baby shower tomorrow late afternoon for my boss, Amy. And hopefully roasting the small leg of lamb we got at a reasonable price this weekend. Julia Child says you just sear the roast at a high oven temp for 15 min and then lower the temp and cook about 10-12 min to the pound for nice rare lamb. It's a small 2 1/2 pound roast, so this is reasonable to do after work. I have some fresh asparagus and/or green beans and sweet potatoes. Supper should be a yum - wish you were here to share it. We will toast your birthday in absentia.

Checked REI; your birthday present should arrive on Sat 24 Apr. Hope you like it!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 6 oz OJ, coffee
10:15 am Scotcheroo
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, hot cross bun, 70 g ham, 90 g super cherry tomato
6:00 pm 5.4 oz roast lamb, 1/2 med grilled sweet potato, 3/4 c green beans, 12 oz light original soy milk

Wed 21 Apr

When I was learning French last year, I used "Learn French with Alexa". At that time, it was all free, but when I went to find the website for you, I found that they moved to a more updated site titled as above and now they charge a subscription fee. I did like her style of lesson plan, though, so if you're looking for a good resource, I'd still recommend it.

The grocery store you referenced that will be close to your new apartment looks beautiful. We may have to go check it out when we're down there this weekend. You should be happy that they advertise an extensive sushi department. We'll likely sample the wares there and give you a review.

Just finished the only box of my favorite cereal that was left on the shelf the last time we went to Trader Joe's. I hope I remember today to call the store and let them know I'm coming this Saturday. They said they'd set some aside for me so I wouldn't have to go without again.

Extremely low willpower moment at the bake sale at work this morning; bought enough stuff to last all week and then some. Only ate one thing this morning, but the afternoon looms ahead.

Didn't do too well with rationing out bake sale stuff this afternoon. Being tired and a busy day took their toll, but at least it was a hiking day so I could wear some of it off.



Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 156 g strawberries, 6 oz OJ, coffee
9:30 am Small homemade cinnamon roll
11:30 am Blueberry soy shake, hot cross bun, 90 g super cherry tomatoes, 165 g strawberries
3:30 pm Small piece grasshopper cake, homemade granola bar
7:45 pm Great Dane baja burger: 8 oz burger, bun, 1/4 c salsa, 1/4 c guacamole, tomato slice, lettuce, pickle slices, 5 fried plantains, 7 oz wheat bear
9:00 pm 1 Reese's egg



Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Jane Fonda Weights 2 DVD
5:30-7:30 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower

Tues 20 Apr

This would have been your birthday if you had been born on your due date. But your mom can't even have babies on time, sigh.
I think it's much more fun to have your birthday on Earth Day anyway. Remember the year I made you Earth birthday cakes?

I only remember the Earth cakes once, one for the family party and one with your friends. Round cakes iced blue with continents drawn on them in icing.

Oh my, 14-hour work days with no breaks are not fun. I had a pre-suicidal client who needed to go to the hospital and was willing to go with me. We spent 4 hours in the ER in Point only for them to tell us there was "no room in the inn". Then we drove to Marshfield where it took another 2 1/2 hrs to get her admitted.



Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 164 g strawberries, coffee
10:30 am 1 Dare grainsfirst cracker, .7 oz smoked salmon spread
1:30 pm Veggie burger, whole wheat bun, 1 tbl ketchup, sweet potato fries
8:15 pm Arby's regular roast beef, med diet blackberry iced tea
9:30 pm 1/2 c Ben & Jerry's Milk & Cookies ice cream




Exercise:

5:05-5:55 am Jane Fonda original advanced Workout video

Mon 19 Apr

Sure was nice to chat with you yesterday! This was a quite relaxing weekend overall. Nice to get in a good hike, a little extra time with Grandma, some rest. And the week ahead promises to be nice temps.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice Arnold's 100% whole wheat bread, 2 oz ham salad, 71 g cucumber slices, 95 g super cherry tomatoes
2:30 pm 96 g green grapes, 1 LifeSaver
6:15 pm 3.7 g extra lean ground beef, Earthgrains 100% whole wheat sandwich thin, 1 tbl ketchup, 1 c red leaf lettuce, 1/4 c chopped fresh mushroom, 1/4 c chopped cucumber, 1/4 c chopped super cherry tomato, 12 oz light original soy milk, 1/2 c Ben & Jerry's Milk & Cookies ice cream



Exercise:

5:05-6:00 pm Kathy Smith Weights 2 DVD w/additional warm-up

Sun 18 Apr

Another sunny, windy, 60ish day is predicted. Nice not to have choir practice tonight. Feeling like I ought to spend a little longer with Grandma this afternoon. But then I still have my evening free.

Spent some time visiting with Grandma and taking her to Kmart for some needed supplies. I think she enjoyed a little extra attention. Now I'm rewarding myself with a dish of one of the new spring Ben N Jerry's flavors.

Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am 2 over easy eggs, 2 strips bacon, 1.25 pancakes, 1 tbl whipped butter, .66 tbl pancake syrup, coffee
1:45 pm 4 pc Special Dark pieces (like M&Ms), 2 chocolate covered raisins
3:45 pm 1/2 c Ben N Jerry's Peanut Brittle ice cream, 3/4 c frozen blueberries
7:00 pm Earthgrains 100% whole wheat sandwich thin, 4.25 oz extra lean ground beef, 1 tbl ketchup, 1 c red leaf lettuce, 1/4 c chopped cucumber, 1 super cherry tomato, 1/4 c chopped fresh mushroom, 12 oz light original soy milk



Exercise:

6:10-7:00 am Brutal ballet DVD
5:25-6:50 pm Walk to/around Schmeeckle

Sat 17 Apr

Birthday presents have been ordered and will be shipped. They may or may not arrive in time for the actual anniversary of your natal day but the happy thoughts will be there on time! I miss being able to celebrate with you on your birthday. Maybe next year...

Looks like actual sunshine today, though it's only predicted to hit 60 and it will be very windy. Maybe if there's time, we'll get a nice hike in. Gotta get laundry done and bills paid, but no other obligations I know of for me. Not sure yet of Dad's plans; he may want to do more painting on the garage.



Food:

8:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, green tea
10:15 am 1.5 oz milk chocolate bunny bottom
1:00 pm Earthfresh 100% whole wheat sandwich thin, 57 g ham salad, 47 g baby carrots, 10 oz light original soy milk
3:30 pm 1/4 c cinnamon almonds
6:00 pm Leftover ham casserole, iceberg salad, 12 oz light original soy milk, 3 Fiesta eggs
7:45 pm 3 Butterfinger eggs


Exercise:

11:25-11:40 am Walk to bank
12:40-12:55 pm Walk home
2:30-4:30 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower

Fri 16 Apr

Made it through another week. This one wasn't as stressful but still busy. It was nice to have warmer weather, and I particularly enjoyed the hike on Wed. This is Trivia weekend, but I'm not sure if Michael was able to pull together his plans to host a team because they don't have internet service at their house. It never ceases to amaze me, if there are so many people who supposedly want to play Trivia, that they can never find even one other person that has a house where they can gather.

Long afternoon, glad the week is over.

Whoa, I decided to try out a Dollar Store Pilates exercise DVD I had purchased a month or two ago. It uses exercise bands along with several traditional Pilates moves. My muscles are all shaky now. Good upper body as well as lower body workout. Sometimes those dollar videos earn their way among favorites.

All is well with the world; Trivia 41 has begun. Born to be Wild has played. I'm happy.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am 1 c chicken peanut stew, 1 Pillsbury Grands Jr honey butter biscuit, 1 tsp honey butter, 10 oz light original soy milk, 3 Fiesta eggs
2:00 pm 2 LifeSavers, 100 cal pack animal crackers, .18 serving Special K multigrain crackers
7:00 pm 8 oz fried fish, 1 tbl tartar sauce, 1 c fresh fruit salad, 2 slices cocktail rye, 1/3 c cole slaw, 8 oz Fat Squirrel beer
8:15 pm Culver's hot fudge raspberry sundae


Exercise:

4:45-5:25 pm Pilates w/bands DVD

Thurs 15 Apr

Starbucks is giving out free coffee today if you bring your own mug, so I hear. Of course, you aren't a coffee drinker, so I suppose you don't really care. I think some other businesses are also giving out small freebies for tax day, but there weren't any others in our area so I don't remember which. I think one may have been Cinnabon.

Hard to get out of bed again today. Almost succumbed to crawling back in, but made myself do it so I can slack off tomorrow if I choose. Now that I have my 5 days in, I have some leeway. Hike felt wonderful last night. Weather was warm and comfortable, but breezy enough not to get overheated. Topped it off with a pretty healthy dinner at the Dane. Nice evening.

Tonight is pictures for the church directory. Whoopee.

If you select a backpack from REI before Sunday and haven't used your member 20% off coupon, this might be a good option. I have not yet used mine, and since I don't need anything at this time, I'd be happy to use it on the backpack if you can get me information to order it online by Sunday when it expires.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 136 g strawberries, coffee
12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, 100% whole wheat sandwich thin, slice Crystal Farms provolone, 30 g thin sliced turkey, med banana
12:45 pm 4 Fiesta eggs
2:45 pm 2 tbl sugar-free iced tea mix in 1 l water
5:30 pm 4 oz burgundy pepper spoon roast, Pillsbury Grands honey butter biscuit, 1 tsp honey butter, 5 spears grilled asparagus, 11 oz light original soy milk, Jello dark chocolate sugar free pudding cup
8:15 pm 1 fudge-striped cookie



Exercise:

5:15-5:55 am Crunch Pilates DVD

Wed 14 Apr

Really had to push myself to get up and exercise this morning. Not so much tired as undermotivated to move at all. Still finding inertia setting in from time to time but have to keep on track as I have a 7:30 dentist appointment.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 149 g strawberries, coffee
12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, Trader Joe's Oatmeal, 1/2 c frozen wild blueberries, 14 g chopped walnuts, 2 oz light original soy milk, 141 g strawberries, 1 Irish chocolate
1:15 pm 1 serving Special K multigrain crackers, 2 oz jalapeno havarti cheese
4:00 pm 2 Dove Promises, 1 LifeSaver
6:30 pm 1/4 cinnamon almonds
7:45 pm 1/4 chicken peanut stew, 5 small slices sashimi ahi tuna, salad, 2 tbl peanut sauce, beer bread roll, 1/2 tbl honey butter, 10 oz wheat beer



Exercise:

5:15-6:00 am Power Shaping DVD
5:30-7:30 pm Hiking Rib Mt w/tower

Tues 13 Apr

No problem with the larger pack; I just don't like to carry so much on my back. If you're going to do the overnighters, you don't have the option of carrying too little since you need room for the sleeping bag. Choose what suits your needs best.

Felt really good to do a full Pilates mat again. Every time I do, I tell myself I should work it back into the routine regularly.

It's nasty chilly-seeming outside even though the thermometer in the car said 57. Windy and shivery.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 154 g strawberries, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
10:15 am Small lemon bar
12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, slice Arnold's 100% whole wheat bread, 1 tbl Skippy PB, 1/4 med cantaloupe, chocolate chip cookie
4:00 pm 1 LifeSaver
4:45 pm 5 Fiesta eggs
5:30 pm Casserole w/ham, whole wheat rotini pasta, diced tomatoes, skim milk cheese sauce; iceberg lettuce salad, 31 g strawberries, 4 squirts raspberry vinaigrette, 12 oz light original soy milk



Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Pilates mat

Mon 12 Apr

Hey, what do you want for your fast-approaching birthday from parental units? Grandma will get the jersey, at least once I iron out her credit card problem. We need ideas for our gift. Amazing to think you will hit the quarter-century mark already. So nice to have had you around to grace our world. Looking forward to the next three quarters, or as much of it as we'll also be around to enjoy.

Heather brought delicious homemade lemon bars to work this morning. I didn't manage to resist.

I really like the small ladies Camelback. I liked the REI ladies pack also, but the Camelback felt better on my back. You're right, you really do need to try them to see what suits your anatomy best. I do recommend going with the ladies' style as it is smaller and would better fit your frame. The water bladder to hold 1 1/2-2 liters is a useful thing if you plan to do longer hikes, though it's okay to just carry a water bottle if you think that's enough for you. It's a preference thing. You might also want to check REI Outlet online before you go; if they have any good sales, you might be able to try the bag in the store and order online if it's identical. I think we just found some good packs on sale in the store so we could get them right away.

Food:

7:00 am 1/2 c Kashi Toasted Berry Crumble, 3/8 c Trader Joe's Golden Flax cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
9:30 am Lemon bar
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, slice Trader Joe's raisin toast, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1 scrambled egg, 5 aged Peeps, 1 Reese's egg
4:00 pm 100 cal pack Sun Chips
5:00 pm 4 Reese's eggs, 1 Butterfinger egg (a tired, weak moment)
6:45 pm 2 7" flour tortillas, 3 oz extra lean ground beef w/chili powder, cumin, crushed red peppers, handful of iceberg lettuce blend, 1/4 c Double Cheddar shredded cheese, 1 c iceberg lettuce blend, 29 g sliced strawberry, 4 squirts raspberry vinaigrette, 12 oz light original soy milk




Exercise:

5:00-6:10 am Jane Fonda Complete upper, lower, abs, and aerobics video

Sun 11 Apr

Busy day with usual church stuff with Grandma, followed immediately by the last concert at St. Bron's. After-party at Larry Przybylski's if we still have energy left. At least no evening choir rehearsal.

Ballet seemed particularly difficult today. Muscles were tired and reluctant to respond. But I made it through.

Golly, I don't know how many ways you can hit your head against a wall. Gosh, oh jeepers, don't try!



Food:

8:15 am 3/4 c Trader Joe's Golden Flax cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee, 2 perfectly aged Peeps
11:45 am 2 crepes, 1 c blueberries in light glaze, 8 oz OJ, coffee
4:30 pm Chocolate chip cookie, 1"x2" pc cake
6:45 pm 3 oz turkey breast, bun, 1/2 c fruit salad, 1/2 c spinach salad, 1 tsp pine nuts, 3 Sun Chips, 2 tbl apple square, 2 Twisters red licorice, 6 oz wine punch, mini cupcake



Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD
6:00-6:15 pm Walk to after-choir party
8:15-8:30 pm Walk home

Sat 10 Apr

I was bummed at the choir concert last night. Emily and I were prepared to do Impossible as a duet but the choir director neglected to bring the first two pages of our music so we couldn't perform last night. It's hard to get psyched and then pulled at the last minute. My other copy of the music was left at Mary's studio and Emily had not brought her copy as we didn't expect to need it. I'll have to try to get in touch with Mary today to get my copy or we may not be doing it at all.

Hopefully the weather will start to warm up again a little now for the next few days. They're predicting 60ish for the next few days, maybe 70ish by Tuesday, though some clouds and possible rain. It would be nice not to need corduroy and wool again for awhile.

Just ordered a new set of hiking poles for myself. My good poles froze up and nothing Dad could do would loosen the top adjustable section. I believe I will now have to be conscientious about wiping them down after use as they apparently rusted inside or else got trail debris lodged seriously in a place that's unreachable. Sierra had a half price sale today so I'm getting some decent poles for about $80 (including $10 shipping). I'm really hooked on hiking with two poles now. I can still use my old pole if I fully extend the lower section, but it doesn't get quite to the length I prefer and it throws off my body adjustment. Dad switched poles with me last time we hiked as he often adjusts his poles a bit shorter than I do anyway so it wasn't as far off for him, but I will appreciate having my own poles that adjust properly and not sticking him with the dud.

I do hope your Tweet re: stalking wasn't personally motivated. Don't tell me Alex is back?

Managed to get up to the Dane for a light dinner before the concert, and I did get to do my duet with Emily. It went well and was fun. Something about appearing in public in a silly tutu over your choir dress relieves some of the tension of singing.

Baked another batch of cookies to take for Sunday's concert. Found a much quicker way to do chocolate chip cookies. Divide the dough in fourths and roll each section into a 15" long, 1" diameter strip, laying all four strips on the cookie sheet lengthways. Flatten each strip with a fork to about 5/8" thick and dust with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 15 min, and slice into 1" strips when they're still warm. Whole batch of 4 dozen cookies baked on one cookie sheet.


Food:

8:15 am 3/4 c Trader Joe's Golden Flax cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee, 1 Peep
10:15 am 13 g milk chocolate Easter egg
11:00 am 1 slice Trader Joe's raisin toast, 1 tsp soft margarine
12:00 pm 1 slice Trader Joe's multigrain fiber bread, 77 g ham, 8 oz light original soy milk, 21 g peanut butter M&M eggs
3:00 pm 1 Fiesta egg
4:30 pm Bowl chicken peanut stew, beer bread roll, 1 tbl honey butter, spinach salad, 3 mozzarella wheels, 2 garlic crisps, 1/2 c heirloom cherry tomatoes, 1 tbl balsamic creamy dressing
8:30 pm Cherry bar, raspberry bar, small 1" square cake
10:00 pm Chocolate chip cookie

Exercise:

1:10-2:35 pm Walk to/through Schmeekle

Fri 9 Apr

Looking forward to choir concerts this weekend, if only because they will then be over and we'll have more free time. We will return to practices after one Sunday off until we sing a Mass at St. Mary's for Ascension, but the practices shouldn't have to go too late and will be pretty focused. I made molasses cookies from a recipe I hadn't tried before and they turned out to be a very liquid batter that had to be dropped from a spoon. The cookies came out looking like gingersnaps but they're really quite light - actually rather nice if simple.

I'm definitely feeling back to myself again after the traumas at work with suicidal clients. I was talking with Strassburg a little on Tuesday and he said that Mary's brother had just committed suicide that weekend before on Easter. I think it did him good to talk a little about it with someone else who was also experiencing the aftermath of suicide. It is very stressful emotionally.


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Trader Joe's Golden Flax cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
10:45 am 1 lightly salted rice cake
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice Trader Joe's multigrain fiber bread, 1 tbl Skippy peanut butter, med banana, 33 g milk chocolate buny torso
12:30 pm 2 Butterfinger eggs
2:45 pm 2 c popcorn, 1 dark chocolate square
4:30 pm 4 cheese fries, Mott's mango peach sauce cup, 10 oz light original soy milk

Thurs 8 Apr

Today is the anniversary of Dad's and my first date; also Val & Kate's anniversary. Here's to long-term relationships that last!

Hopefully the snow falling right now will NOT last. I really didn't need to see that. It is supposed to get somewhat warmer in the next few days, but now they're predicting rain to go with it.


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Trader Joe's Golden Flax cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 80 g strawberries, coffee
12:00 pm 1 pita bread, 3 oz BBQ chicken breast, 2 pc bacon, 1/8 c red onion, 1/8 c pineapple pieces, 1/3 c mozzarella, 1 c fruit salad, herbal tea
2:45 pm 21 g peanut butter M&M eggs
6:00 pm 3 oz chicken breast, 3/4 c chopped yellow squash, 1/2 c chopped red pepper, 1/4 c sliced asparagus, 2/3 c brown basmati rice, 12 oz light original soy milk
8:00 pm 15 g molasses cookies



Exercise:

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

Wed 7 Apr

I'm sorry you're suffering from the heat this week. I looked at your weather forecast and it looks like it will be much nicer by the end of the week. As a matter of fact, our weather is due to warm up a bit so the weather here and in Richmond should be similar by the end of the week. That should make everyone happy. In the meantime, eat some of that wonderful ice cream from Bev's to cool down.

Last night at the grocery store I looked at the leftover Easter candy and bought myself a dark chocolate covered Peep! It's new this year and someone told me they are very good. I'll have to try it for myself.

Glad the Easter bunny finally made it. Wish it was warm enough here to need a way to cool down. It's downright chilly and snow is possible tonight. I'm quite through with snow for the year, thank you very much.

Oops, decided the Brocach leftovers really didn't taste quite right any more. Not really sure if they're old or just picked up a bad taste from the garage fridge, but prefer not to take chances.


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Trader Joe's Golden Flax cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 140 g strawberries, coffee
12:15 pm 2 crab rangoon, small green salad w/pea pods, carrot slices, green pepper, 3 pc california roll, 1/2 c Chinese green beans, 1/2 c eight treasure dish, 1 sweet sour meatball, 2 pc pineapple & 1 pepper, 1/8 c shredded pork, 1" square white cake w/frosting, 1/2 c chocolate pudding, fortune cookie
2:30 pm Dark chocolate covered marshmallow Peep
5:00 pm 3 Reese's eggs
5:45 pm 1 oz leftover roast chicken, 1 bite mashed potatoes, 1 bite corn relish, 10 oz light original soy milk



Exercise:

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

Tues 6 Apr

Feeling a little more like myself today, though still that unnatural cold running through my veins tells me I'm not fully back on track. My boss Amy calls it "survival mode".

Trying a new naan pizza option w/sauteed chicken, red peppers and yellow squash.


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Trader Joe's Golden Flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 147 g strawberries, coffee
11:30 am Chocolate soy shake, 1 slice Trader Joe's Multigrain Fiber bread, 51 g ham, med banana
12:30 pm 3 Butterfinger eggs
2:15 pm 100 cal pack Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies, 1 Dove promise
4:00 pm 1 Life Saver
5:45 pm 1 pc naan, 71 g chicken, 1/2 c red pepper, 1/2 c yellow squash, 1/2 c Trader Joe's basil and tomato marinara, 1/3 c shredded mozzarella, 10 oz light original soy milk, 13 g milk chocolate bunny parts



Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Jane Fonda original advanced Workout video

Mon 5 Apr

Today promises to be a very busy day, with the added stress of seeing two of my clients who recently attempted suicide. In the wake of hearing about a third client who drowned in the river, I'm emotionally running on empty already. By the time I meet with Grandma and her tax man this evening, I should be in great shape.

Made it home for lunch though this wasn't a given today. Didn't stay long at the hospital to visit with my client after the hearing.


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Trader Joe's Golden Flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
12:15 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, pineapple coconut muffin, Musselman's Totally Fruit peach sauce, 30 g milk chocolate bunny
3:15 pm 100 cal pack Nabisco chocolate covered pretzels
4:30 pm 3.05 oz ham, 2/3 c bean casserole, 1/2 c green beans, 12 oz light original soy milk, 3 Fiesta malted milk eggs



Exercise:

5:00-6:10 am Jane Fonda Complete aerobics, upper, lower, and abs video

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! I have word that the Easter bunny may not arrive in Richmond until tomorrow; they do things a little slower on the east coast, I guess. I hope he will still be welcome when he arrives.

Michael responded to my text around 7 am, so I believe he will be back as scheduled to accompany us to Easter church and brunch at Bernard's with Grandma. I hope Bernard's is wheelchair-accessible. I'm thinking I may need to go through the brunch line for Grandma while she waits at the table unless there's a lot of room to move around. She went through the Holy Thursday potluck line and held her plate but that's in the Pacelli cafeteria with lots of room on either side of the tables. We'll just have to check out the layout when we get there.

Temps should reach upper 60s this afternoon, but some rain/thunderstorms are in the forecast. Things have been so dry, it's hard to begrudge the rain, even on Easter Sunday.

I filled Easter baskets in the basement yesterday and apparently one Butterfinger egg rolled away, so when I moved the futon thi morning for ballet, I found a little Easter egg from the Easter bunny just for me. Nice surprise.

OD'ed in a big way on desserts at Bernard/s. Still in cruise mode, I guess. Time to get back to reality, though there's still an Easter basket staring me down...

Just found out at choir tonight (from Larry Przybylski) that the woman whose body they pulled out of the river this weekend has been identified - as one of my clients who was very depressed the last time I met with her a week or two ago.


Food:

7:00 am 1 Butterfinger egg
8:15 am Small pineapple coconut muffin, 170 g strawberries, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee, 2 Fiesta malted milk eggs
12:00 pm Lamb w/brown sauce, spaetzle, fruit salad, green salad, beef stroganoff, 1 meatball, mimosa, 3 huge strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, mini mousse in chocolate cup, mini tiramisu in chocolate cup, 1/2 eclair, almond tart, little piece of raspberry truffle cake
3:45 pm 5 Reese's eggs
5:30 pm 2/3 c bean casserole, 10 oz light original soy milk




Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 3 Apr

Now that I have the color you want, I realize I forgot to confirm the correct size for the jersey. I'd rather not have the problem we had with the swimsuit (that unfortunately never did get resolved), so I thought I'd better ask first. I will ask her, but I suspect this will be Grandma's birthday present so I'll still need you to think about what you'd like from us for the upcoming natal day.

We got some rain yesterday evening and overnight, but we sure could use a whole lot more. Things are very dry here, fire danger signs are high. I'd prefer it not rain for the fire at Vigil, but it could rain all day and not many people would complain. The unseasonably warm weather has been wonderful though. Except for getting attacked by mosquitos on the hiking trail on Mar 31 - God's idea of an early April Fool's joke was decidedly not funny.

Definition of disappointment: I bought a chocolate bunny in a box from Aldi's Thursday and when I went to pack Easter baskets today, I looked at it and it has NO EARS! I know it had ears when I bought it. On closer inspection, they appear to have melted down to the top of the head. I must have had the grocery bag sitting in a sunny spot on the car seat. It was warm that day, but they were only in the car for about 1.5 hours. It's not fair!

Response to earless bunny: he doesn't deserve to keep his head, even if it's not Easter yet.


Food:

9:15 am Small pineapple coconut muffin, 149 g strawberries, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
12:45 pm 1 Butterfinger egg, 1 Reese's egg (had to eat one of each to get them to come out even for the baskets!)
1:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, hot cross bun, 145 g strawberries, 2.1 oz milk chocolate bunny head
3:15 pm 2 med, 1 sm sugar cookie
6:15 pm 3.4 oz ham, 1/2 c bean casserole, 1/2 c green beans w/almonds, wheat dinner roll, 1 tsp margarine, 12 oz light original soy milk

Fri 2 Apr

Discovery: sneezing into your elbow doesn't leave you with a disgustingly wet hand.

Tomorrow now promises to be a quiet day with Michael off camping and no need to cook Easter dinner. I'm thinking either a good day for a hike in the unseasonably warm weather or even (gasp!) spring cleaning. Then Vigil in the evening with Sr. Josephine's wonderful Genesis reading and all the horses and chariots.

If you wanted the Icefil jersey for your birthday, what color would you prefer? The link you posted has black/red or white/black. BicyclingHub has what appears to be the same jersey in Aqua/Black (same price).



Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Trader Joe's Golden Flax cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
12:15 pm Blueberry soy shake, hot cross bun, 145 g strawberries
6:15 pm 5 oz Roundy's salmon filet, 1/2 c Simply Potatoes rosemary red potatoes, 4 spears roasted asparagus, 12 oz light original soy milk, chocolate cupcake/mocha frosting



Exercise:

12:35-1:00 PM Brisk walk to Newman
3:10-3:30 pm Walk to Hair Co

April Fools!

Holy Thursday potluck tonight - wish you could be with us. Megumi responded that they won't be able to make it on Saturday, and Michael still plans to go camping, so we're going to take a bye on making a big meal Saturday. That tradition originally started to accommodate our foreign students because we couldn't afford to take them along to brunch on Sunday. Since Dad, Grandma and I will all be going to said brunch, there's no real reason to cook a huge meal on Saturday, too.

Busy, moderately stressful day. Monday is shaping up to be a lallapalooza.


Food:

7:00 am 3/4 c Kashi Toasted Berry Crumble, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
12:15 pm Half of a portion of spicy garlic pasta (Grazies), 2 breath mints (insufficient to handle the garlic overload)
2:00 pm 2 pc chocolate squares, Nestle milk egg, Nestle caramel egg, 1 Lifesaver



Exercise:

5:05-5:45 am Crunch Pilates DVD