Fri 31 Dec

Nice to sleep in today, particularly because I had a restless hour in the middle of the night. Now I feel totally rested. Hope to get back to Adventure 212 this afternoon, though I may also do a weight DVD at home and focus on cardio there. If I exercise a lot, I can justify eating more of my goodies. Perhaps if I eat enough good stuff today, in conjunction with the things I have already eaten in the past week, I'll be ready to go back to better eating habits for the regular season.

Trying to find out if we'll be able to watch the Rose Bowl at home tomorrow. Were able to determine that coverage starts at 4 pm on Channel 24. Dad's currently trying to figure out if we get Channel 24; no luck. Can't really think of anyone we know well enough to invite ourselves over to watch and don't really relish watching from a sports bar. Might go somewhere for dinner where it would be on TV to catch a bit of the game, I suppose, but I'd really like to see the whole thing from the comfort of home. Sigh!

We're heading off to the gym to get sweaty before we shower for the day. I'm going to go work off the martini I hope to consume with dinner before champagne at home.

I feel virtuous now after an hour on the elliptical after my Jane Fonda weight workout. Ready to tackle New Year's Eve guilt-free!

Had a very nice dinner of Autumn Chicken with bourbon glaze and gorgonzola cheese, green beans and roasted fingerling potatoes at the Dane. And a yummy Almond Joy martini. Topped off the meal with an eggnog brickle hot fudge sundae from Culver's. Lucked out on one last day for the flavor I missed.

Just beheaded a chocolate Santa after watching A Study in Pink again.

Food:

8:15 am Lavish dark chocolate instant oatmeal, 2 oz light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, butterhorn, coffee
1:00 pm 1 sugar cookie, blueberry soy shake, slice Nutty Oat toast, 1 tbl almond butter, 1 c fruit salad
2:00 pm 2 Mexican wedding cake cookies
2:30 pm 1 Bogdon's chocolate peppermint stick
5:45 pm Almond Joy martini, 6 oz chicken breast w/bourbon glaze & gorgonzola stuffing, 1 c green beans, 1 c roasted fingerling potatoes
7:15 pm Culver's small sundae w/eggnog brickle custard, hot fudge
9:30 pm 25 g milk chocolate



Exercise:

9:20-10:00 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights class 2
10:30-11:35 am Elliptical interval program plus cool down

Thurs 30 Dec

I was in a kind of crummy, feeling-sorry-for-myself mood yesterday. I hope it has passed. Too early to tell.

I'm going to make reservations for a nice dinner out tomorrow night, probably early like we did last year. Most restaurants offer some very nice specials for New Year's Eve.

Dad and I decided we will drive up to Wausau tomorrow for an early evening dinner at the Dane. I need to go to B&N for the Word-A-Day and the Non Sequitir calendars I didn't get yet, so we can combine the trip. Hopefully the ice storm will not happen before then.

Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
9:30 am Peanut butter cup cookie, piece mint fudge
11:15 am Chocolate soy shake, slice Nutty Oat toast, 1 tbl Skippy Natural peanut butter, 1 c fruit salad, 6 Christmas tree pretzels
2:45 pm Large pretzel covered in white chocolate
6:45 pm 2 Mexican wedding cake cookies, .9 oz turkey
7:00 pm Rocky's Garden of Eatin' slice


Exercise:

5:00-5:55 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video
5:00-6:00 pm Elliptical cross-country program

Wed 29 Dec

Just checked out Phil and Leigha's 6-month album of Lennon. Wow, Phil looks different with the minimal facial hair! Makes him look skinny and younger. Lennon is sure a beautiful boy!

Sounds like we won't be doing anything for New Year's Eve. Dad prefers a quiet normal evening.

We are now members of Adventure 212 at the basic level which allows us use of the machines, pool, sauna and all equipment. They have a special at this time for $10/month (each) and the rate will continue at that level unless we let the memberships lapse. Then we would need to pay the increased rate if it goes up.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice Nutty Oat toast, 1 tbl Skippy Natural peanut butter, 1 c fruit salad
12:45 pm 1 peanut cluster
4:45 pm 1 Kathy Hartman chocolate cranberry cookie, 18 g angel food
6:30 pm 3 oz pork roast, 1/8 c stuffing, bean casserole, cranberry waldorf, 12 oz skim milk, small piece marshmallow peppermint dessert


Exercise:

5:00-5:55 am Windsor Pilates accelerated Body Sculpting video

Tues 28 Dec

Hope you're comfortably settled back in at your apartment and getting ready for the new year. We have so far made no plans whatsoever for New Year's Eve. Que sera, sera.

I am pigging out on way too many treats today. Hope this urge is satisfied soon.

Not sure if I'll still have ambition enough to go to Emy J's tonight for Karl's music. I may start waning by 7 pm. It's 6:30 now and I don't think we're going to feel like going out again.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
12:45 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1/2 c stuffing, 1 tbl gravy, butterhorn, 2 sugar cookies, 1 pc toffee
1:15 pm Kathy Hartman chocolate cranberry cookie
2:45 pm 1/4 mixed nuts
4:45 pm 1 piece fudge
6:15 pm Salmon pinwheel, 1 tsp butter, 1/2 c cheesy potatoes, 5 spears asparagus, 12 oz skim milk


Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Jane Fonda Original Workout, advanced

Mon 27 Dec

Took advantage of my day off to sleep in til 7:45 am. Stuck to my Monday exercise right away, while tossing sheets in the laundry. Didn't get around to breakfast til about 10:30 and am probaby enjoying a few more treats than advisable, but tis the season!

Laundry well underway, property taxes (mine and Grandma's) paid at the courthouse, purchased a cranberry-stuffed pork roast to try out my rotisserie tonight.

Went to Adventure 212 but had to schedule an appointment for Wed evening to discuss joining. Roast is in the rotisserie!

First test of the rotisserie is successful. Roast was delicious and moist and evenly cooked in about an hour.


Food:

9:30 am 1 very small sugar cookie
10:30 am Bowl dark chocolate instant oatmeal (quite good!), 2 butterhorns, med sugar cookie, 2 molasses cookies
11:30 am 1 pc angel food candy
1:30 pm 1 pc English toffee
2:15 pm Serving bean casserole, clementine
4:15 pm 2 TJ dark chocolate star cookies
4:30 pm Cup hot chocolate
6:00 pm 4.5 oz roast pork, 1/2 c stuffing, 5 spears asparagus, 12 oz 1% milk, small piece marshmallow torte



Exercise:

8:10-9:20 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 26 Dec

Christmas was a success in my mind, even with Grandma's difficult entrance. Marcia called this morning and said Grandma was experiencing pain in her leg last night, but they just wanted to alert me; they didn't see any obvious signs of damage. We'll have to evaluate when we pick her up for church.


Food:

8:15 am 3 butterhorns, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm 1 crepe, 1 scrambled egg, veggie mix, coffee
2:00 pm 1 pc angel food, 1 pc English toffee, 2 med ginger cookies
6:30 pm 8 oz winter ale, beef stew, 2 slices crusty toast
7:45 pm 1 piece fudge, 1/4 c cinnamon almonds
8:30 pm 1 turtle



Exercise:

7:00-7:50 am Brutal ballet DVD

Merry Christmas!

What a nice Christmas with family together. Very nice Christmas morning with good food to anticipate and enjoy and good company abounding.


Food:

8:00 am 2 butterhorns
10:00 am Piece angel food candy, assorted cookies, more butterhorns

Fri 24 Dec

Countdown to Christmas! Can't tell you what a nice feeling it was last night falling asleep with all my family happy together under our roof. Family is such a blessing!


Food:

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

Thurs Dec 23

Got up at 6:45 am and did Crunch Pilates, a shorter but vigorous DVD that I haven't done for awhile. Relaxing for a bit over breakfast at the computer before shower and attempt to clean the kitchen a little before we leave for Madison. Looking forward to seeing you noonish!

Nummy lunch at Bluephie's. Never can get too much butternut squash!

Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
1:00 pm Cup tomato chicken basil soup, 1/4 butternut quiche, 3/4 butternut burger w/pesto, tomato, cheese
6:15 pm 1 piece fudge



Exercise:

7:00-7:40 am Crunch Pilates DVD

Wed 22 Dec

Fortunately it felt good to move this morning because I kept thinking earlier how nice it would be to stay in bed. Tomorrow I'm not getting up til about 7. That should give me time to exercise, shower, and eat some breakfast and still be down to Madison by noon. I will feel pampered with the extra 2 1/2 hours to sleep.

Still need to make the dough and bake the sugar/molasses cookies, hopefully all of which will be accomplished today. Need to buy Nueske bacon and come up with an egg recipe for brunch. Still waiting for Grandma's shoes and a video game for Michael to come in to their respective stores. I'm getting Michael a copy of a used xBox game that he likes so he has at least one game to play on his new system.

Last day of work til next Tuesday, and now that we've passed solstice, every day will get just a little bit lighter for longer. I think I can make it now.

Sorry to say I'm pooping out on baking the cookies tonight, so you may be roped into helping tomorrow night. I made the dough and set it to chill as soon as I got home from work. Dad and I went out for Pizza Hut buffet while waiting for it to chill, then went to Game Stop to get the game for Michael, and now I'm tired and don't feel like starting to bake. Dad had to deliver a bill so it would be after 7:30 before we started. Tomorrow afternoon/evening sounds better.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, slice Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, clementine
1:30 pm Piece fudge
3:00 pm Piece peppermint bark, popcorn ball
6:30 pm 3 small slices thin crust veggie pizza, 1/2 c pasta, romaine salad w/fresh mushrooms, cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes, 1 tbl shredded cheddar, slice cherry dessert pizza


Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am 6 min warmup from Pilates DVD, Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video

Tues 21 Dec

Tired this morning, no specific good reason why. Got through the Jane Fonda original workout, huffing and puffing. It helped to remember I'm probably 20 years older than she was and 30-35 years older than her "class".

I saw that Jane was releasing new videos and it appeared from the promos that they were geared for the older set. Thank you for not including me in her target audience. They may come in handy some day, but I hope it's still a few years off!

I have been quite low on energy today, but I suspect it's from eating crap all day. In addition to starting with my last portion of the cinnamon pull-aparts, we had our birthday club Christmas lunch with lots of hors d'oeuvres crap. Hard to eat healthy when it's a combo of dips, wings, etc. And then I just lost it and ate several cookies and came back to my office for mixed nuts and more cookies. I feel icky!

To counteract the icky stuff, I had a supper craving for a good grilled cheese on the Breadsmith multigrain bread. Hits the spot!

We has fudge and peanut clusters. Didn't make the dough yet for the cookies because the butter is still kind of hard and the kitchen is too full of stuff right now and I wanna go to bed. Nuff said!


Food:

7:15 am 76 g Breadsmith iced cinnamon pull-aparts, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am 2 pc cocktail multigrain bread w/3 tbl ham salad, 3 crockpot chicken wings, crackers with hummus and a couple of sort of healthy looking veggie dips, peanut butter ball, nutmeg cookie, 4 Ritz crackers in mint chocolate, 2 homemade chocolate-covered cherries, 8 oz spiced cider
12:30 pm 1/8 c mixed nuts, 3 TJ gingerbread men
3:15 pm 1 wintergreen LifeSaver
5:15 pm 111 g Breadsmith multigrain bread, 51 g cheddar cheese, 2 clementines, 12 oz skim milk




Exercise:

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

Mon 20 Dec

Dad and I wrapped presents last night so we're in pretty good shape for most of the festivities. I still need to buy and wrap things for Hartmans and pick up some of the food for Christmas Eve brunch and Christmas dinner. A bit more cleaning is also in order.

When are you thinking you'll be ready to come home? I have off on Thursday, but if you're ready Wed, we can come right after work. Will you want to stop at Costco or anywhere? We would probably have time either way.

Couldn't face the mountain of sweet bakery for breakfast this morning. Maybe something with lunch or later as a treat.

Pickup Thurs is fine; shall we shoot for noonish and have lunch in Madison before heading home?


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:30 am 1/4 c mixed nuts
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, 58 g cranberry scone, clementine
4:45 pm Piece fudge
5:45 pm 3.75 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c Simply Potatoes garlic mashed, 1 c mashed acorn squash, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1 tsp brown sugar, 12 oz light original soy milk, 4 TJ dark chocolate star cookies


Exercise:

5:00-6:10 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 19 Dec

Just realized I only have to work 3 days this week and 3 the following week as well (since I'm taking a vacation day on Monday and we have New Year's Eve off for New Years on Saturday. Time to get the Christmas preparations solidified.


Food:

8:15 am 84 g cinnamon pull-aparts, half large grapefruit, coffee
11:15 am 1 Reese's miniature
12:00 pm 1 crepe, 1 scrambled egg, veggie mix, coffee
2:45 pm 1 Dove tiramisu promise
3:45 pm Popcorn ball
6:15 pm 1 c fusilli pasta leftovers, small piece leftover garlic bread, 12 oz skim milk


Exercise:

7:00-7:50 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 18 Dec

Had a very lovely time in Green Bay and Appleton. Last night we did a wine tasting at Captain's Walk before checking in. Since there was already a wait for tables in the dining room, they offered to call us in our room when our table was ready so we were able to open the bottle of chilled champagne that came with our room package and watch part of White Christmas on TV while waiting. Dinner was delicious as always at St. Brendan's, and we watched most of Miracle on 34th St after we finished.

Today we had a very nice made-to-order omelette with fresh scones and blueberry muffins to start the day. We took our time before heading out, stopped at the local (too expensive!) chocolate shoppe, and then headed down to Appleton where we stopped at Van De Walle's briefly and then spent most of our time at World Market. Mid-afternoon meal at Victoria's (with leftovers) and groceries at Woodman's for Christmas meals. Then home to put things away and do laundry.


Food:

8:45 am Omelette w/ham, cheese, veggies, cranberry scone, blueberry muffin, orange juice, coffee
10:15 am 1 pc dark chocolate angel food
2:30 pm 1/2 large piece garlic bread, 1 c fusilli pasta with nuts, veggies, tomato cream sauce
8:00 pm Slice caramel pecan kringle, tea

Fri 17 Dec

Looking forward to a little evening away today at St Brendan's. Not sure if we'll be able to do a wine tasting at Captain's Walk as they have a special event wine and cheese scheduled at 6 pm with a comedy/variety show performance package at a nearby theater at 8 pm. Don't really want to do the whole shebang as it would be hard to fit a nice dinner in between and the show looks kind of Fargo-esque . Their website says very little about the show itself and does not intrigue me. We thought we'd rather have a good dinner at St Brendan's.

How did the pumpkin cornbread turn out? Recipe looks yummy. Ooooh, the cranberry sauce will be an excellent touch!


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:30 am Brown Cow 0% plain Greek yogurt, slice Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, clementine, molasses cookie
2:30 pm Fat free Nestle's cocoa, 5 Kraft SnowmanMallows


Exercise:

5:10-6:05 am Step w/weights section DVD

Thurs 16 Dec

We have our Christmas lunch potluck at work today, so I figured I'd better do a more vigorous exercise this morning to prepare for the potential of eating things not exactly on the plan. Kickboxing always seems very vigorous to me and today was no exception.

Made a ramen salad for the lunch today. Reminds me of summer.

Christmas lunch was yummy - difficult to log as there were small portions of dressing, salads, cranberries, potatoes, small broasted chicken thigh. I dished up a heaping small plate of desserts, took a few bites and was sweeted out so most of it went into the garbage. Better than onto my hips. I didn't win in the basket raffle, but I won a door prize of $15 which paid for the raffle tickets I had bought so I broke even.

Nice surprise tonight - went out to eat with Dad and Michael to Fazoli's. Don't get to spend time with MIchael very often so I enjoy the occasional opportunity.

Just made reservations for tomorrow night for Dad and I at St. Brendan's Inn in Green Bay. We will try to take off by 3 pm and drive to Green Bay, head to the nearby winery after check-in for a wine tasting if we can, have a nice dinner. Saturday I want to check out the local chocolate store that's been in business for 50 years or so and then do some shopping in Appleton on the way home. We're getting the Romance package at the Inn for $99.50 plus tax which includes the room with a whirlpool tub, breakfast for two, a box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne. Not a bad deal. And a nice way to spend a Friday night (and Saturday).



Food:

7:15 am 1 Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:45 pm Small chicken thigh, small portions dressing, baked beans, potato casserole, beets, cranberries, fluff salad, pineapple, punch, fudge, cookie
3:00 pm 1 Dove Promise (in Maxine's office)
5:45 pm Fazoli's chicken walnut cranberry salad, 1 breadstick
6:30 pm 4 Benson's Dark Chocolate Star cookies



Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Kickboxing DVD

Wed 15 Dec

I was really chilly when I got up this morning to exercise. Okay during exercise, but now I'm a bit chilly again. Not enough time to hop in hot tub, so hopefully my shower and the bathroom heater will help.

Got warm enough during shower but it didn't last. Brrrr!


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, clementine, large kiwi, 2 small cinnamon shortbread cookies
1:45 pm 2 Trader Joe's gingerbread men cookies
5:30 pm 1 pc fudge
6:15 pm 1 c whole wheat fettucine noodles, 3 oz lean ground beef, 1/2 c Prego mushroom spaghetti sauce, 1/3 c chopped green pepper, 1/4 c chopped onion, 1 tbl grated parmesan, 12 oz skim milk
7:00 pm Small lemon-iced shortbread cookie, peanut blossom cookie, iced molasses cookie


Exercise:

5:05-5:55 am Strength Conditioning DVD and part of Sculpt DVD

Tues 14 Dec

Yahoo says it's -17° out there. I've got my Aran knit sweater from Ireland ready to go. Still I hope I don't have to be outside much today. Dad says his weather sites say it's not quite so bad. Guess I'll believe them.

I went through my computer recipe file tonight and alphabetized all the recipes I've saved from various sources. Hopefully I will find it helpful to use them. I'd hate to think it was a waste of time.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:30 am Vanilla soy shake, slice pumpkin cream cheese kringle, clementine, slice Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine
3:00 pm 4 TJ dark chocolate star cookies
6:15 pm Macaroni and cheese, 1/2 c sauteed zucchini, 12 oz skim milk
7:45 pm Large mint chip cookie



Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Legs of Steel 2000 video

Mon 13 Dec

We are now into the roller coaster slide to the end of the year that is done before we know what hit us. It's already Secret Santa week at work with the Christmas lunch on Thursday. We're doing our CSP/APS Christmas lunch at Hilltop today. Most of the shopping is done, but I still haven't motivated to start wrapping. And I HAVE to call Happy Feet today to get Grandma's shoes ordered.

Not looking forward to going out into the frigid Arctic weather today. Brrrrr!

Christmas lunch with coworkers was very nice. My gift was a bottle of merlot/cabernet blend. I might like it as a blend.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
12:15 pm 4 oz chicken breast, kaiser bun, 2 tbl grilled mushrooms, 2 tbl grilled onions, 1 c fruit salad
1:45 pm 1 pc fudge
2:45 pm 4 dark chocolate star cookies
7:30 pm 3.3 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c Simply Potatoes garlic mashed, 1/2 c mashed acorn squash, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1 tsp dark brown sugar, 12 oz skim milk, 2 small cinnamon shortbread cookies



Exercise:

4:55-6:05 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 12 Dec

There's a whole lotta snow out there this morning. It appears to have stopped snowing, but the wind is still actively rearranging it so it's difficult to say how much is down overall. Dad is heading out to fire up the snowblower. Grandma has already called to see if we think we can make it, but I put it to her to find out if Oakridge has been plowed out yet. One year we struggled out there on a snowy Sunday morning to find their driveway completely unplowed under far too much snow for our car to drive through. No way we can get her wheelchair out to the car if we can't get in to the loading zone. Still awaiting the end of that story.

Grandma's place was well plowed out so there was no trouble getting her to church. Just freezing my butt off waiting for her to get in and out of the car. Welcome winter.


Food:

8:15 am Claussen morning bun, 1/2 honking big grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm 2 eggs, 2 pc bacon, 1.5 pancakes, 1 tbl whipped butter, 1 tbl syrup, coffee
3:00 pm 1 pc fudge
6:15 pm Bowl chili, 1 tbl light sour cream, 2 tbl shredded cheddar, slice Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, 6 oz blackberries, 12 oz skim milk



Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 11 Dec

We're up at 7 am and there are already several inches down so driving may be slow. I have sheets in the wash which should be ready to switch to the dryer soon so I can put in the first regular load. I probably won't get to switch loads again before I leave, but it would be nice if they were ready so my laundry chores would mostly be done.

Pretty harrowing drive home amid blowing snow, icing windshield wipers, etc. Dad did an awesome job of keeping us on the road.

Had an email when we got home from someone on our Galapagos adventure (sent to the group). This woman had lost a memory card from her camera part way in that no one could find. She just got it returned to her after people from another cruise found it, sent it to Lindblad, and they tracked it back to her. What a nice Christmas gift!


Food:

7:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm Sushi
6:00 pm Jolly Bob's lamb soup and sweet potato salad, Brazilian daiquiri
7:00 pm 4 TJ dark chocolate stars

Fri 10 Dec

I was a bad girl and gave in to the "don' wanna's" this morning so I stayed in bed an extra hour and didn't exercise. Maybe I'll squeeze something in this evening.

Looking forward to coming down tomorrow. Hopefully we won't have to fight a lot of snow, but we need to pick up the bike trainer at REI within the two weeks they requested. Looking to head out of here around 9 am. We could do Jolly Bob's for lunch - they have some very nice soups and salads on the web menu - and then still be able to eat somewhere else for supper if we're all hungry again.

Yep, you're right. I didn't read the website info very carefully. So we'll need to catch something else for lunch and hit Jolly Bob's later in the evening. Think about a good lunch spot.

Had baked fish at Clancy's tonight. Nice to do a Friday dinner out to put paid to the week. Never did get around to exercising.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, slice Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, slice Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, clementine
12:45 pm 1 rosette
3:00 pm 100 cal pack Sun Chips
5:15 pm 5 oz baked cod, 1/8 c coleslaw, half slice pumpernickel, half pat butter, 3/4 c garlic roasted potatoes, 12 oz Smithwicks
8:00 pm 4 Benton's dark chocolate star cookies

Thurs 9 Dec

Glad to be done with another season of choir. Had to drag Maxine out of the after-Mass social last night. She and I were riding together as Dad was late getting home from work and she had just filled a full wine glass when I went to see if she was ready to leave. After she downed the wine, she felt the need to talk to everyone there til I grabbed her elbow and led her to the door.

I'm frustrated because I have to write a crisis plan for a new client and Dad doesn't think it would be okay to write what I want to (I haven't got a fucking clue!). So now I have to come up with something better.

Got my hair all cut and de-grayed. Bring on the holidays!


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 64 g Finnish coffee bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, clementine, peanut butter ball, Andes mint cookie
2:30 pm Small piece dark chocolate, 60 cal pack cherry-infused prunes
5:00 pm Piece fudge
5:45 pm Bowl chili con carne with beans, 1 tbl light sour cream, 2 tbl shredded cheddar, 12 oz skim milk, Bisquick cheddar biscuit
8:00 pm White chocolate-dipped pretzel rod


Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Crunch Pilates DVD

Wed 8 Dec

Sounds like you're well on your way in the Christmas shopping juggernaut. We are getting Michael xBox 360 at his request, and he said there is an older game he enjoys called Devil May Cry. They are coming out with a new version some time in the near future, but he'd like the old version too. Amazon has it for $16.79 here:

www.amazon.com/dp/B000P297E8/ref=asc_df_B000P297E81347083?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-1556-95-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B000P297E8

Let me know if you go with that so I don't do it also.

Thanks for letting me know, I will take care of the devil.


Food:

7:15 am Cherry almond scone, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
10:45 am Nestle Fat Free cocoa
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, slice pumpkin cream cheese kringle, rosette, 2 clementines


Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Kathy Smith Weights 2 DVD

Tues 7 Dec

Pearl Harbor Day for those old enough or historically inclined to remember.

Skipped Deb McComas' party last night. They were selling beaded kitchen utensils which sounds to me like one of the most unnecessary items I could imagine. I'm sure the fellowship, wine and cheese would have been pleasant, but after a full weekend of choir concerts, I mostly craved an evening at home.

You will get a recipe exchange email from me. It's a "chain letter" thing I got from Barb Klussendorf and it was simple and looked like fun. Hope you don't mind.

I don't get Yourmometer today. Explain to the old person, please. Is this from a movie I haven't seen?


Food:

7:15 am 127 g cherry almond scone, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm Small bowl turkey soup, slice homemade almond kringle, 10 oz skim milk, iced molasses cookie
5:15 pm 1 pc fudge
6:30 pm 4 oz Hillshire chicken sausage, 1/2 c Simply Potatoes mashed sweet potatoes, 3/4 c sliced beets, 12 oz skim milk



Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 6 Dec

Happy St. Nicholas Day. Feels a little weird that this year I'm not marking the day with gifts, but we will just do Christmas this year. I'm looking forward to coming down to Madison on Saturday. For sure we need to hit Woodman's, TJ's and Costco. I'm considering a possible walk through Whole Foods just because it's a fun store and I imagine it would be neat for the holidays. Think of any places you'd like to hit.

Definitely LIKE Yourmometer today. Very clever.

I was a bad girl. I had really eaten all my calories for the day by the end of supper, but I couldn't resist a couple of the chocolate treats from the Amherst stash. The season begins. Guess I better head upstairs to read so I'm not near any more temptations.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, slice homemade almond kringle, coffee
12:00 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, small bowl turkey soup, 2 krumkake, clementine, piece fudge
3:00 pm Marshmallow Santa (our St. Nick treat at work)
6:00 pm 1 rosette
6:30 pm Tortilla-crusted tilapia filet, 1/2 c Knorr Tomato Parmesan noodles, 2/3 c Steamfresh corn, 12 oz skim milk
7:00 pm Chocolate truffle ball, chocolate-covered peanut butter ball

Exercise:

4:55-6:05 Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 5 Dec

Froze in the van on the way home from the concert last night so that my thighs were sore from tension when I got home. I managed to have the heat on in the back almost halfway home, but then Nancy (who has numerous health issues) got overheated so I turned the heat off completely and she even asked Maxine to open a window for several minutes so I got very cold. We still had about half an hour's drive home after the window was closed, and since Nancy still had her coat off, I was not feeling comfortable turning any heat back on. Don't know when the hot tub ever felt so good.

Thinking about honoring Hannukah after the last choir concert tonight by making latkes for supper. And/or finally making the turkey soup.

Yay, concerts are done and I actually have some free time this evening. I put the soup on before we ran to the grocery store and it's smelling so good that I don't think the latkes are going to happen. Maybe another night this week. I want turkey soup!

I am souping - it is yum.

Dad and I purchased a Groupon coupon for $30 gift certificate at Jolly Bob's Jamaican restaurant on Willie St. Thought we could give it a try, perhaps next week if you're up for it. Have you heard anything about it? Website looks interesting, foodwise.


Food:

8:00 am Apple cider donut, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:15 am Slice pumpkin cream cheese kringle, small chocolate covered star, coffee
12:00 pm 1 crepe, 1 scrambled egg, veggie mix, coffee
4:30 pm 1 iced molasses cookie, 1 pc fudge
7:15 pm Bowl turkey soup, cinnamon roll, 12 oz skim milk, rosette



Exercise:

7:00-7:50 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 4 Dec

Finishing breakfast at 8:15 so we can get an early start to Amherst for the bake sales and other Christmas festivities. I always look forward to this as an early Christmas season tradition.

Had a very nice time in Amherst and bought many homemade goodies. They no longer have all the lunch options they used to offer at the Jensen Center and it was early for lunch there anyway, so we came home and walked downtown to Cafe 27 for curried pumpkin soup, 1/2 ham and cheese panini with caramelized onions, and salad sampler. May be an interesting ride to Clintonville in Maxine's van with Dad full of caramelized onions. Hmmm.

Baked a batch of chocolate crinkle cookies for the bake sale following tomorrow's choir concert. Will sit down now to enjoy my hazelnut chocolate cheesecake from the Jensen Center as my "supper".



Food:

8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm 1 c curried pumpkin soup, 1 tsp pepitas, 1 slice whole grain bread, 2 oz ham, 1 oz Swiss cheese, 1/4 c caramelized onions, 1/4 c shredded carrots, 1/4 c shredded beets, 1/4 c Moroccan couscous salad, 1 oz sweet potato chips, coffee
2:30 pm 1 chocolate crinkle cookie, slice hazelnut chocolate cheesecake, coffee


Exercise:

11:45-12:00 pm Walk downtown
12:45-1:00 pm Walk home

Fri 3 Dec

Brain feeling foggy this morning, can't remember things for long. Glad it's Friday, but the weekend promises to be pretty busy with 3 choir concerts and the Amherst Christmas festivities on Saturday morning. It's not just the Jensen Center sale now, all the local churches throw big bake sales where the locals bring out their Norwegian specialties. Gotta get there early for a good selection.

Could be a pretty tight day today in terms of getting regular meals. I have to leave at 11:45 to take someone to Marshfield for a psych appointment and I likely will have appointments right up to that time this morning. We have to leave for the concert in Wausau at 4:45. I'm hoping to knock off from work a bit early so I can eat before we go, but it's still a question mark.

Well, I stopped home at 10:30 after dropping off a client and made a half PB&J to eat with the large banana. I'm home now at 3:54 and hoping to eat something else before we leave.

One show down, two to go (plus the cult church). Performance went well except Bob Prasch whacked me in the head with his music through the entire first half. To his credit, he did make an effort not to in the second half after I yelled at him at intermission.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
10:45 am 1 slice Trader Joe's multigrain fiber bread, 1 tbl Skippy Natural peanut butter, 1 tbl raspberry jam, 1 extra large banana
1:00 pm 1 Trio cranberry goji granola bar
4:00 pm Leftover cheese fries, 12 oz skim milk, 1 1/2 tbl Bellagio sipping chocolate, 2 tbl Redi-Whip light whipped cream
9:45 pm 3/4 caramel corn


Exercise:

5:00-5:45 am Power Shaping DVD

Thurs 2 Dec

I enjoyed the Harry Potter movie quite a bit. I felt they did a very nice job of condensing the story but keeping the important points, though I did miss seeing the "transformation" of Kreacher. I thought Xenophilius looked a bit too much like Lucius for my tastes, though.

We will plan to come to Madison on Sat 11 Dec to pick up your bike trainer at REI. Hope you can make some time for a meal and maybe some erranding. No problem with a Costco run - I think it has become a necessary addition to the Woodman's/TJ routine.

I had the urge for a really nice lunch today, so instead of going out, I made an omelette with 2 eggs, the last tiny fresh tomato that had finally ripened, a smidgen of chopped onion, 1 couple tbl of shredded Swiss cheese and a tsp of pesto. Topped it off with a slice of TJ's stollen and a K-cup of gingerbread coffee. I feel pampered!

Are you planning to get Grandma an organizer pocket thing for her wheelchair for Christmas? If not, I need to start ordering one as I think she could really use it. No problem either way, just need to know. Thanks for letting me know so I can cross it off my to do list.

We had nummy BBQ soy ribs for supper. I would buy them again as they were really quite good. Morningstar Farms.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am 2 eggs, 1/4 c chopped tomato, 1 tbl chopped onion, 2 tbl shredded Swiss, 1 tsp pesto, 64 g stollen, coffee
3:00 pm 1 pkg cranberry almond thins
5:45 pm 1 MF Hickory BBQ riblet, 1/2 c Birdseye Steamfresh brown/wild rice blend w/veggies, 1 c sliced beets, 12 oz skim milk
6:40 pm 1/2 c peppermint ice cream, hot fudge



Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Core Fusion Body Sculpt DVD

Wed 1 Dec

Felt the need to do a bit more after the weights workout, but didn't last too long after warmup on the kickboxing. Wasn't as energetic as I thought, I guess.

Reading Yourmometer today reminded me of my midnight on-call frustration when I was on hold for Norwood Health Center and they started playing a disgustingly twangy country-esque version of O Holy Night - and that was only Nov 29/30.

With luck, I may get to finally see Harry Potter tonight. I'm no longer on call and don't have Suzuki (or any other commitments). Dad has a 5:30 estimate, but thinks he can finish in time for the 6:30 show. Tomorrow starts dress rehearsal then performances for choir, so it's tonight or not till next week.

Between Dad and I, we finished most of the Thanksgiving leftovers today except for the turkey to make soup (maybe this weekend). Probably a record to finish them within a week of the holiday.

And it's off to the wizarding world for me!


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe, coffee
12:15 pm Blueberry soy shake, wheat dinner roll, 1.3 oz leftover roast beef, 6 oz TJ spiced cider, 1 peppermint Oreo
2:45 pm Halloween chocolate-bottom cookie (sigh, the last one)
5:30 pm 81 g turkey, 2 tbl gravy, .75 cup stuffing, .33 c baked corn, .66 c sweet potato, 12 oz skim milk



Exercise:

5:00-5:40 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video
5:42-5:49 am Kickboxing warmup and beginning of workout