Mon 31 Jan

Made it through the (seemingly) longest month of the year. Body feels a little achy today, but made it through exercise anyway. I think I'm just jealous that Dad had a sick day yesterday doing little except resting and reading, and I want one, too. Problem is, I prefer not to get sick to get it.

Will try hard to motivate to go to the gym tonight, even though it's a big "don' wanna!" day. I always appreciate having one day of the week done on Monday.

Hope your quals went well today - anxious to hear your feelings. Thought of you all day today. Hope the energy helped.


Food:

7:15 am Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee
12:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, slice Nutty Oat toast, 1 tbl Skippy Natural peanut butter, small banana
3:45 pm Yoplait Chocolate Raspberry Parfait
6:45 pm 3 oz ground round, 1/8 c chopped green pepper, 1/8 c chopped onion, 1/2 c Prego Veggie Smart pasta sauce, 1 c Fit N Active whole wheat thin spaghetti, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, Mott's Fiber Plus Cranberry/Raspberry sauce, 12 oz skim milk, 1 pc chocolates, 1 Fox's Chocolatey cookie


Exercise:

5:05-6:15 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video
4:45-5:50 pm Elliptical

Sun 30 Jan

Ate considerably more junky snacks at John's party last night than I ought. Only had one glass of wine, but stood next to the food table while visiting with Teacher Betsy and kept putting morsels in my mouth. Sigh! I know better, but today is another day.



Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee
12:00 pm 1 crepe, 2 scrambled eggs, veggie mix, wedge cantaloupe, wedge honeydew, coffee
1:30 pm 1 Frango mint
3:30 pm 8 oz Silk Mint Chocolate
5:30 pm 3 oz roast beef, 2/3 c Simply Potatoes mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 c green pepper strips, 10 oz skim milk, 2 pc English toffee
8:30 pm Yoplait Chocolate Raspberry Parfait



Exercise:

7:00-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 29 Jan

So nice to sleep in until ready to get up on my own. 8 am was fine, as long as it was my choice. Would like to get to the gym today, laundry of course, cantor at 5 pm mass, and Knowlton's party tonight. Enough to do without being overwhelming.

Dad and I are considering doing an all-inclusive in Riviera Maya in early March for our spring break. CheapCaribbean has a good deal on the Secrets resorts. We crave warm. Went past consideration to booking Mar 7-11.


Food:

8:30 am Lavish chocolate instant oatmeal, 2 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/2 c blueberries, 2 K-cups coffee
1:15 pm 1 c (thick) tomato basil soup, small salad with mixed greens, 3 oz grilled chicken breast, 1 tbl dried cranberries, 1 tbl candied walnuts, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1 tsp balsamic viniagrette
2:00 pm 8 oz Silk Chocolate MInt
6:45 pm 2 2/3 slices medium hand-tossed Pizza Hut Veggie Lover's pizza


Exercise:

11:40-12:45 pm Elliptical

Fri 28 Jan

Dad is in process of putting in a pledge for you so you have the fun of freezing your bazoobies off. Good cause. Hope it's fun!

I'm very glad it's Friday today. I was evil and let myself sleep in an extra hour in lieu of exercise. Haven't done that for quite a long time, but I did get two nights in this week at the gym. I may go tomorrow if the schedule works. I cantor at evening mass and John Knowlton's annual holiday party afterward. Should be a pleasant Saturday.

Nummy, French toast for lunch!

Yay! I had scheduled an appointment today at 3 pm in Rapids with a Social Security attorney for a client because it should happen as soon as possible, and odious as late Friday appointments can be, it did fit in my busy schedule. This client is the ultimate whiner and takes forever to give information so the appointment was probably going to be long and frustrating, and I would need to give him a ride home to Rosholt at the end. I anticipated being lucky to get home by 6 or 6:30 pm. Unfortunately (sigh!), his medical appointment in Wausau didn't get out on time and the driver who was set to bring him from Wausau to Rapids called at 2 pm to say he did not think it would be possible to get him to the appointment on time. I had to reschedule to another time. You can imagine my disappointment to get home at 3:15 when I have my 40 hours in for the week.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
12:15 pm Blueberry soy shake, slice Nutty Oat bread, 1 egg, 2 oz skim milk, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1 pkt Stevia, cinnamon, 1/2 c blueberries
3:30 pm 8 oz Silk Mint Chocolate
6:15 pm 5 oz baked cod, 2/3 c roasted red potatoes, 1/4 c cole slaw, 1/2 slice rye bread, 1/2 pat butter, 12 oz Wymer's Pear Cider, 1/2 pc Guinness chocolate cake w/dollop whipped cream

Thurs 27 Jan

Felt really wonderful to get a massage last night. I can feel range of movement in my back this morning that hasn't been there for awhile. I really need to try to get in about once every 6 weeks for as tight as I get in between.

Alas, another short lunch day and I have a late appointment tomorrow so I can't even have an early Friday to make it up.

I tend to think of my afternoon matzos snack as my lembas. Makes me savor each nibble a bit more, and unlike a hobbit, I don't eat 3 or 4 of them.

What's the deadline for you to raise your pledges for the Polar Plunge? I plan to donate but don't want to discourage others if they see you have already met your total, but I don't want to wait too long either.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
12:45 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice Earthgrains 7-grain bread, 1 tbl Skippy Natural PB, 1 tbl raspberry jam
3:15 pm Mediterranean matzos wafer
6;15 pm 3.2 oz roast beef, 1/2 c couscous with pine nuts, 1/3 c leftover green beans, 12 oz skim milk, 1/2 c Culver's eggnog brickle custard


Exercise:

5:00-5:55 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video
4:45-5:50 pm Elliptical stair-stepper

Wed 26 Jan

This week has already been crazy busy at work, but at least it seems to be moving faster than last week. Bad time of year for many of the folks I work with. I have several who are pretty much at crisis stage which makes my job difficult to support them. Just hope I can help as many as I can.

Close to a normal lunch hour today, and a massage scheduled for 7:30 pm tonight. Maybe by tomorrow I'll be human again.

Printed the Groupon for Fresh Market; it will go out in tomorrow's mail. It can't be used until tomorrow anyway, and it's good until July.

For someone who always hated "casserole" when I was growing up, I now enjoy knocking together my own versions as comfort food.

Food:

7:15 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, slice Earthgrains 7-grain bread, 1 oz Cabot sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp soft margarine, 6 oz Tropicana w/calcium
4:45 pm 1 pc English toffee
6:00 pm Chicken casserole: 2.5 oz stir-fried chicken, 1/2 c Steamfresh brown rice, 1/2 c chopped peppers (red/green), 1 tbl chopped onion, 1 oz shredded Italian blend cheese, 1/2 tbl olive oil (for sauteeing chicken and veggies), 12 oz skim milk, 48 g milk chocolate reindeer feet


Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Lotte Berk Muscle Eats Fat/Basic Essentials videos

Tues 25 Jan

I'm feeling a bit better about my sedentary but thoroughly enjoyed weekend since I've had three good workouts separated by 12 hours each. Am going to try to cut back quite a bit on the snacks to get rid of the almost 10 pounds I've put back of the last big weight loss. I'm not happy that the weight creeps back even though I've been as active as I've ever been. I know I have been relaxing on the food, but I thought I would get to do that a bit once the exercise regime was firmly established. I guess not as much as I did.

I find my mind drifting to spring break, and this year we have no plans set yet and I don't even have any good ideas. Door County was much nicer in early May when we could walk among the trilliums. I need something to look forward to.

I see you found the Fresh Market Madison coupon yourself. I already bought one for you as well. I was going to have it emailed directly to you but remembered you don't have a printer so I will print and mail or bring it to you. I suspect if you already purchased one, you can use this one as a gift on a different day.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
9:45 am 2"x2" square marble cake w/whipped icing
12:15 pm Vanilla soy shake, slice Earthgrains 7-grain toast, 1 tbl almond butter, med banana
3:00 pm Mediterranean matzos wafer
6:15 pm 5 oz rotisserie sirloin tip roast, 4 oz Biggin's baked potato, 1 tsp soft margarine, 3/4 green beans, 12 oz skim milk, 1 pc chocolates
7:30 pm Very small piece English toffee


Exercise:

5:05-5:55 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 24 Jan

Super Bowl! What a fun game to listen/watch. We got home in the second quarter so got to catch most of it on TV. Second half was exhausting to watch. Now to fit in laundry since the weekend was otherwise occupied.

Damn these busy days! I don't like not having time for lunch til after 2:00.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
2:15 pm 2 eggs, 1/4 c chopped red pepper, slice Earthgrains 7-grain toast, 1 tsp soft margarine, med banana
3:00 pm Mediterranean matzo wafer
4:15 pm 1 Dove Promise
6:45 pm Trader Joe's chicken gorgonzola, 1/2 c Simply Potatoes mashed sweet potatoes, 12 oz skim milk, Jello dark chocolate pudding cup


Exercise:

5:00-6:10 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video
4:45-5:50 pm Elliptical trainer

Sun 23 Jan

Heading down to breakfast shortly. Wearing my green and gold. Anxiously anticipating listening to the game on the drive home. You should stream the Packer radio network while watching ESPN.

Sat 22 Jan

Lovely breakast of steel cut oats with hot berry compote, chocolate chocolate chip muffin, croissant, blackberry cobbler and lots of really good coffee. Unfortunately, I've already consumed most of my caloric allocation for the day and it's not even 10:00 am. Ah, vacation!

Walked downtown in Bayfield and poked around the shops for a couple of hours, then stopped at Maggie's, a well-known local restaurant I've never had the opportunity to try. Couldn't finish a bowl of chili with some excellent sweet potato fries. Came back to the room for a lovely nap and stayed in to read for a couple of hours before our early dinner reservations. Had delicious lake trout in front of the fireplace ( fake logs in the dining room also.). Drove into Washburn for their production of Animal Farm, apparently a locally written adaptation but well done with puppet costumes. Their community theater has its own facility that has a bar and a fairly small 2- story seating area.

Food:

8:45am. Chocolate chocolate chip muffin, croissant with butter and jam, blackberry cobbler with 2 small dollops whipped cream, 1cup steel cut oats, 2 tsp brown sugar, 1/8 cup raisins, 3/4 cup hot blueberry compote, 1/8 cup milk, coffee
12:30 pm. 3/4 bowl chili, 1 t/l sour cream, 3 oz sweet potato fries, .8 cup hot chocolate w/ whipped cream
3:30 pm. 1pc caramel swirl candy
5:15 pm. 4 oz broiled lake trout, 1/2 c wild rice, 6 slices steamed carrots, 2 slices grilled zucchini, panna cotta w/ blueberries

Fri 21 Jan

Had to poke myself to get going on exercise this morning, and still in danger of just drifting off even after a good workout. Guess it's that kind of day.

Yay, my early afternoon client cancelled so we can get going earlier to Bayfield!

Arrived at the Rittenhouse and chilling in front of the fire, albeit with a "fire log" instead of real wood. We got an early start so we got to Ashland for dinner quite early at 5:00 pm but that allowed us to get checked in by 6:30. Since we had a leisurely evening ahead, we had dessert and coffee downstairs before getting comfortable in the room. Will enjoy reading and relaxing now.


food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice oatnut toast, 1 tbl almond butter, small banana
2:30 pm. 3.2 oz chocolate covered peanuts
5:00 pm. 5 oz poached salmon, wheat roll w/butter, 6 wild mushroom ravioli, arugula garlic cream sauce, 12 oz coffee mint stout
6:45 pm. Turtle sundae w/ sliced bananas, crushed walnuts, hot fudge and rum sauces, coffee

Exercise:

5:05-6:05 am Brand New Butt DVD

Thurs Jan 20

The week marches on. This is my intake morning so I'll be in the office til 12:15. I splurged yesterday on a $10 marked-down massage pad that straps to the back of the chair to make in-office stints more pleasant. I also got an extended chair massage from Mary last night because she kept me late to show me a singer on YouTube. I've decided to learn Pigeons in the Park for the choir concert this year; they are once again taking solos or small ensembles for the second half in cabaret style.

Kind of tired today. No special reason.

Busy morning on intake, but the longer session makes the afternoon shorter. If I get out on time, that is.

Got out 15 min late; not too bad. Have to brave the arctic cold to get my hair cut and colored tonight. Brrr!


Food:

7:15 am Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
12:45 pm Vanilla soy shake, slice Brownberry oatnut bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1.5 oz cheddar cheese, small banana, 1 pc English toffee
5:30 pm 1 c Rosetto Steam N Eat cheese ravioli in tomato basil sauce, 1 c sliced beets, 8 oz light original soy milk, 2 almond thins, 22 g molasses cookie
8:15 pm 4 oz chocolate raspberry dessert wine

Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Jane Fonda Low-Impact Aerobics video

Wed 19 Jan

I was looking at the VRBO website and there are some lovely properties around Charlottesville. I think that's the spot in Virginia you suggested would be a good base. We could rent one of those places and have room to relax, cook at home if we choose or not. If Michael wants to come along, we'd all have room with some privacy. It's a thought.

Everything is in place for our Rittenhouse weekend. Grandma is cool with being abandoned. I can't leave work til 2 pm, but that should be fine. We have tickets reserved for Animal Farm on Saturday night. We'll have to do church at 10 am on Sunday since we want to dinner at the Rittenhouse before the show, but we can listen to the Packer radio network again on the way home which is it's own kind of fun. I don't believe it's supposed to snow, though temps will be frosty.

Majorly didn't wanna exercise after work today but proud that I did it anyway.

Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, 3 snowman marshmallows, slice Brownberry Oatnut toast, 1 tbl almond butter, small banana
12:45 pm 2 Fox's Chocolatey cookies
3:15 pm 16 g molasses cookie
6:15 pm Mott's Plus Fiber cranberry/raspberry sauce cup
6:45 pm 2/5 Tombstone Light Veggie pizza, 12 oz skim milk


Exercise:

5:05-5:55 am Kathy Smith Weights 1 DVD
5:00-6:00 pm Elliptical

Tues 18 Jan

Did a Pilates mat this morning in hopes that it will help free up my overly full bowels a bit. It has been known to help in the past. Had a cat laying directly behind me who was not pleased with the open leg rocker that rolled on him every time or the feet-over-head move that brought my feet gently on to his back every rep. Not that he couldn't have chosen to move a little.

Didn't really get home for lunch today except for a quick drop-in to make myself a PB&J to eat at my desk with a banana and yogurt treat. Chalk it up to getting some extra time in today so I use less comp time on Friday when I try to get out as early as possible in the afternoon. Dad and I are taking two days up at the Rittenhouse on one of their Internet specials. We hope to get tickets to a production of Animal Farm using life-size puppets to be held at StageNorth in Washburn on Saturday night. Now I get to tell Grandma that we won't be home on Sunday to take her to church.


Food:

7:15 am Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
1:00 pm Slice Brownberry Oatnut bread, 1 tbl Skippy Natural peanut butter, 1 tbl raspberry jam, small banana, Yoplait Chocolate Raspberry Parfait
5:15 pm 22 g chocolate reindeer
6:15 pm 3 oz steelhead salmon, 3/4 c Valley Fresh Steamers green beans/roasted red potatoes blend, 12 oz skim milk, 22 g sugar cookies, 1 pc raspberry dark chocolate


Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Pilates mat

Mon 17 Jan

Here we go for another week. I do feel somewhat rested and ready to go after a nice day with you in Madison Saturday and the unexpected 2-hour nap yesterday, but it still consumes energy just to gear up for the week. Once it gets going, it's all inertia. Going to the gym tonight may get my energy back on track.

Forgot to pick up the unwanted almond butter from your house. Next time.

Found a Top Chef-style show featuring bakers on the elliptical TV that kept me entertained through the hour workout. It is a good concept, just difficult to find anything that interests me most of the time.

Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/2 med cantaloupe, coffee
9:30 am Peanut candy, 2 white chocolate pretzels
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1 slice Brownberry Oatnut toast, 1 tbl almond butter, 1 med orange
3:15 pm 1/4 c mixed nuts
7:00 pm 4 oz extra lean ground beef, 1/2 c Prego HeartSmart mushroom sauce, 1/8 c chopped green pepper, 1/8 c chopped onion, 1 c whole wheat spaghetti, 1/2 tbl shredded parmesan, Motts Plus Fiber cranberry/raspberry sauce cup, 12 oz skim milk


Exercise:

5:0-6:10 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video
4:55-6:00 pm Elliptical/stair stepper machine

Sun 16 Jan

What fun listening to the Packer radio network all the way home last night. Those announcers get so enthusiastic that it makes enjoying a good game all the more fun. Won't it be fun if the NFC championship is Packers vs. da Bears!

Came home after church/lunch/errands with Grandma and crashed on the couch for almost two hours. Still feeling a bit groggy in the aftermath.

Decided to try the salmon on the rotisserie - very tasty. Just used bottled Kikkoman teriyaki baste n' glaze.


Food:

8:15 am Morning bun, 1/2 large grapefruit, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
12:00 pm 2 eggs, 2 strips bacon, .6 of 2 large pancakes, 1 tbl whipped butter, 1 tbl syrup, coffee
2:00 pm 2 chocolates
4:00 pm 4 TJ dark chocolate stars
5:45 pm 3 oz salmon, 1 tbl teriyaki sauce, 1/2 c Near East pine nut couscous, 1/4 c glazed baby carrots, 10 oz skim milk, 1 peanut blossom cookie



Exercise:

7:10-8:00 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 15 Jan

Decided not to try to go to the gym this morning - too many things in one day. If I pack my weekend completely full, I never get to rest up from the busy week that just finished and I'm not refreshed to take on next week. Even though it would have been enjoyable, it would have been a tight schedule and therefore stressful. I'd like to get on the road to Madison around 10ish, and it would have required an early start to fit in exercise, shower, and breakfast at the gym. Don't need to eat out breakfast when we'll be eating out with you in Madison.

Getting ready to leave now around 10:30 am. See you soon!

Food:

8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee

Fri 14 Jan

TGIF. My resolution to tell myself the week is just flying by this winter did not work this week; it moved at a snail's pace. But just one more work day and then I can relax a bit. I am glad to be getting the increased exercise by adding in the gym a couple of nights a week. I liked that rhythm in the summer with the long hikes. I don't have the motivation to do another evening workout at home, so I need the variety of the gym. In summer, it will be a nice backup for crummy weather. I'll try to keep at least one gym day a week even then - that will make the $10/month worthwhile. If I drop the membership in summer, I'd be at the mercy of possible higher rates to rejoin in fall. If I keep the membership constant, they guarantee they won't raise the cost.

It was too late when I got done with Mary last night to run to the grocery store for grapefruit, so I had to go without this morning. Sigh.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1 c blueberries, coffee
11:30 am Vanilla soy shake, slice Brownberry Oatnut toast, 1 tbl almond butter, med orange
12:30 pm 2 pc fancy Choceur chocolates
4:30 pm Peanut blossom cookie, cookie dough
5:15 pm Peanut blossom cookie
6:30 pm Miso soup, iceberg lettuce salad w/ginger soy dressing, 4 pc Alaskan roll, small piece pickled ginger, tea, beef sukiyaki, 1/2 c white rice


Exercise:

5:05-5:50 am Power Shaping DVD

Thurs 13 Jan

Two nights in a row of really good sleep really helps refresh the body and soul. Don't know whether to credit the better sleep to the workouts earlier in the evening or the ibuprofen and ginger-scented hand lotion just before crawling into bed, but whatever the reason, I appreciate the rest.

Hope you're itching even less today and able to feel better again. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.

I have Intake this morning at work, and I'm hoping for very few calls as I have a to-do list a mile long to accomplish when not occupied with calls.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee
12:30 pm Blueberry soy shake, slice Brownberry Oatnut toast, 1 tbl almond butter, med orange
1:30 pm 23 g molasses cookie, 1/4 c TJ cinnamon almonds
6:00 pm Baked pork chop, 1/2 c Thai yellow rice, 1 1/2 c Steamfresh broccoli, 12 oz skim milk, Jello chocolate lovers pudding cup

Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Kickboxing DVD

Wed 12 Jan

Hope the gyros were good and you're feeling a bit better today. Hope your concentration is up a notch so you can take advantage of the need to stay less mobile to study. Love ya!

Slept really hard last night so feeling quite rested today. I like that. However in looking in the mirror this morning, I look frightening. Better after my shower, though.

Mary emailed me that she wants me on Wed next week, not this week. She wants me to come for my lesson tomorrow night since we were confused and didn't get together on Tues as usual so it seemed I needed to get my second night at the gym in tonight. I was able to leave work a few minutes early today since I didn't take a break which makes it much nicer to get in and out in reasonable time. Tonight I used one of the stair stepper ellipticals and Fr. Tom was on the one right next to me. He talks to the news on TV.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee
11:30 am Chocolate soy shake (hot w/3 snowman marshmallows), slice 12-grain toast, 1 tbl almond butter, med orange
1:30 pm 27 g sugar cookies, popcorn ball
6:30 pm Morningstar Farms Hickory BBQ riblet, 1/2 c Simply Potatoes mashed sweet potatoes, Musselman's Totally Fruit peach sauce, 12 oz skim milk, 2 Fox's Chocolatey cookies


Exercise:

5:10-5:50 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video
4:45-5:45 pm Elliptical

Tues 11 Jan

Made myself do the whole Pilates mat rather than wuss out after side series. Always glad when I'm done. Planning on the gym tonight as Mary asked me to switch lesson to Wed this week. Michael was thinking about tagging along to lesson so I hope he follows through. Mary would love to see him and it would be good for him to sing again, even just once.

Sounds like some kind of nasty illness you've contracted. Feel better soon and keep us posted.

Was excited that even though I didn't get to Adventure 212 til 45 min later than planned, one of the primo ellipticals was open as I walked toward the cardio studio. Just as I got close, however, someone charged in fast from the water cooler to get there first. Damn that Fr. Tom! Had to go downstairs to one of the older models.

Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 c blueberries, coffee
11:15 am Blueberry soy shake, slice 12-grain toast, 1 tbl almond butter, small banana
1:00 pm 27 g sugar cookies, 1 Fox's chocolatey cookie
7:15 pm 5.4 oz rotisserie chicken, 1/2 c Steamfresh brown rice, 1/2 c Steamfresh green beans, 10 oz skim milk
8:15 pm Sugar free Jello pudding cup


Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Pilates mat
5:35-6:00 pm Elliptical
6:05-6:20 pm Recumbent bike

Mon 10 Jan

Had an 11:45 pm call last night for about 45 min; didn't have to leave the house but it disturbs the night's sleep so I'm tired this morning. Only one more day of call and this week is history. It's been relatively quiet so I can't complain.

Noon and still sleepy. Will try to squeeze in a little nap soon.

Nice supper with MIchael tonight. Made some of his favorite food and we had a great time.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 c fresh blueberries, coffee
12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, slice 12-grain toast, 1 tbl almond butter, small banana
1:00 pm 3 white chocolate Christmas tree pretzels
2:30 pm 21 g molasses cookie, 10 g dark chocolate, 1 LifeSaver
5:15 pm 16 g rotisserie chicken
6:30 pm Bow tie pasta, 6 spears roasted asparagus, 12 oz skim milk, 1 pc fudge

Exercise:

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

Sun 9 Jan

Feeling cold today, even during exercise. Ready for a warm spell any time. So far the only pager calls were the ones when I had Grandma at the doctor Friday. I would be very happy if that is it for the week.

Choir restarts tonight. I suppose we'll go back. I do enjoy the singing, it's just the long-term commitment that gets old. Dad has agreed that we will skip if we have something better to do, so that makes it less odious.

Sunshine makes me feel a tad warmer, and temps are inching into the 20s. There's hope, I guess.

Stayed home from choir to watch the end of the Packer game, but then went over for the rest of the session. Fresh homemade turkey soup and a Packer win made for a nice afternoon.


Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 c fresh blueberries, coffee
11:45 am 1 crepe, 1 scrambled egg, veggie mix, 1 wedge cantaloupe, 1 small wedge pineapple, coffee
1:30 pm 1 Frango mint
2:15 pm 34 g molasses cookies, 4 TJ chocolate stars
5:45 pm Bowl turkey soup, 20 g sugar cookies, 26 g chocolate reindeer, 10 oz skim milk
8:00 pm Small piece peppermint marshmallow torte



Exercise:

6:55-7:45 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 8 Jan

Nice to wake up on your own time on Saturday. Sheets are in the washing machine, leisurely breakfast. Only agenda items today are probably going to the gym and taking down the Christmas tree - oh, and finishing the laundry. I bought a fresh chicken so I want to brine it and rotisserie it this evening. I can't find where I wrote down how long to brine the chicken by your instructions. I believe it was 1 c salt to enough water to cover, and I'm thinking 3-4 hours, but if you can confirm, I'd appreciate it. The book may also say but I haven't checked it.

Checked the book which said brine 3-4 hours (in the fridge which isn't an option given the crowding in my fridge). Don't want to set it outside as it would freeze in 3-4 hours so I'll take my chances that keeping the stockpot in the sink is cool enough. May add some ice cubes in an hour if it seems too warm. Recipe book then suggests marinating the brined bird for a couple of hours. There's a hoisin sauce with honey and soy sauce that sounds yummy. Thought I should start brining now so I have time to marinate before cooking.

Thinking about coming down to Madison next Saturday. Are you free and interested in a Costco run and a meal?

What a nice start to the day. Went to Adventure 212 and had a good workout on the elliptical/stair climber and upright bike, followed with a few minutes relaxing in the sauna and a nice shower, had a free chair massage to work out the knots, and finished with a nice lunch in the bistro. Felt energized and relaxed.

Christmas tree is history, except for carrying the decorations boxes up to the attic. Chicken is in the rotisserie and already smelling wonderfully of the hoisin sauce.

Oh, wow! The rotisserie chicken was amazing! So glad I got the rotisserie for Christmas. Everything I've made so far has been delicious and there are so many more things waiting to be tried.

Did you see Legolas had a little elf boy?



Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
9:15 am 15 g molasses cookies
1:15 pm Cup chicken noodle soup, salad w/2 oz chicken breast, 1/4 c candied walnuts, 1/4 c dried cranberries, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 tbl balsamic viniagrette, 12 oz pumpkin smoothie
3:00 pm 1 turtle
6:40 pm 53 g chocolate reindeer head

Exercise:

10:30-11:35 am 33 min on elliptical/stair climber, 33 min on upright bike

Fri 7 Jan

Will take Grandma to the doctor this afternoon to check out the swelling in her leg. Feel bad that it took me so long to get an appointment time that worked, but my work schedule was quite full and it doesn't seem to be an emergency. I hope she's able to transfer in and out of my car if her leg is bothering her.

Found some decent grapefruit at the grocery store so I guess I'll survive til I can hit Costco again for the big ones.

Long day. Grandma checked out fine and was able to transfer almost as well as usual. They did xrays just to make sure there are no hidden fractures, but the PA also thought it was just strained muscles.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
10:30 am Small molasses cookie
12:15 pm Vanilla soy shake, slice 12-grain toast, 1 tbl almond butter, clementine
6:15 pm Chips/salsa, 1 tamale, 1 beef enchilada, 1/2 c frijoles w/cheese, 1/4 Mexican rice, 12 oz mango margarita
7:45 pm 1 Frango mint
8:15 pm 1 Fox's Chocolatey cookie


Exercise:

5:05-5:50 am Power Shaping DVD

Thurs 6 Jan

Did a full Patrick Pilates mat today. Something about that workout, even when you have been actively exercising, that finds every muscle group and turns them to jelly.

Cracked open my last big Costco grapefruit this morning, and at least a week til I can get back down to Madison for more. Sigh.


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 1 Fox's Chocolatey cookie
1:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice 12-grain toast, 1 tbl almond butter, 1/3 c acorn squash
3:45 pm Chocolate-covered Ritz/peanut butter sandwich
5:45 pm Chocolate-covered cherry, 1 pc English toffee


Exercise:

5:00-6:00 am Pilates mat

Wed 5 Jan

Workout seemed really tough this morning. The Janis Saffell workouts use some different moves that challenge muscle groups not as frequently used. I made it though.

Made it through the first night of on-call with no calls. Managed to watch Eat, Pray, Love without interruption.

Talked to coworker Rick today about going to the gym when on call. He gave me some tips to make it workable to take calls if needed that have worked for him, though he never got buzzed during a workout so he didn't actually test the procedure.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:15 am 1/4 c mixed nuts
12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, slice Nutty Oat toast, 1 tbl almond butter
1:15 pm Peanut blossom cookie, small frosted sugar cookie, chocolate covered cherry, almond cookie, chocolate-covered Ritz/peanut butter sandwich
6:45 pm 4.35 oz lamb, 1 c carrots and sweet potatoes, 12 oz skim milk, 36 g chocolate Santa bottom

Exercise:

5:05-6:05 am Brand New Butt DVD
4:45-5:50 pm Elliptical at Adventure 212 incl cooldown

Tues 4 Jan

I could feel my hamstrings during aerobics this morning from last night on the elliptical. I like to piggyback the exercise effects, hoping they will be cumulative. Starting my week of on-call tonight so I likely won't go to the gym since you're not supposed to use cell phones even in the locker room. If the pager went off while I was working out, I'd have to get to the locker room, dress sufficiently to go to the lobby or bistro to find a place to take the call, possibly even outside. I'll have to see how the week shapes up to see if I want to risk it. Staying home this weekend will give us the chance to take down the Christmas tree.


Food:

7:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, slice Nutty Oat toast, 1 tbl almond butter, small banana,, 17 g angel food
3:30 pm Popcorn ball
6:00 pm 4.35 oz boneless leg of lamb roast, 1 c roasted sweet potatoes and carrots, 12 oz skim milk, 44 g chocolate Santa


Exercise:

5:05-5:55 am Jane Fonda Fat Burners video

Mon 3 Jan

Ah, back to routine. I'm sure the 5-day work weeks will get old very quickly. I far preferred the 3-day version of the last couple weeks. But I believe I have about 2 1/2 weeks of vacation to use before the end of July so we can take a few short hops and a full week in there to break up the time. Planning is always fun, too. Let us know when you'd be up to schedule Virginia. I would love the hiking and wineries.


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 Vanilla soy shake, slice Nutty Oat toast, 1 tbl almond butter, small banana
1:30 pm 31 g sugar cookies, popcorn ball
6:45 pm 200 g Bremer Sesame Chicken in Sauce, 1/2 c Steamfresh brown rice, 3/4 c Steamfresh green beans, 12 oz skim milk, 30g molasses cookies, 2 pc almond butter toffee
7:00 pm 40 g chocolate Santa



Exercise:

5:00-6:10 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video
4:45-5:45 pm Elliptical at Adventure 212

Sun 2 Jan

TIme to head into another fast-paced year that will be over before we know it. Starting out on a very cold foot. Deb was trying hard to convince me last night that I shouldn't bring Grandma out to church today, but she's never heard Grandma when she wants to get to church. Grandma wasn't happy that we didn't go on New Year's Eve, so she'd never consent to staying home today just because it's cold.

Really felt the hamstrings during ballet today from two days on the elliptical this week. Hope to get back to the gym soon but we promised to hear Karl McReichl's concert at Frame this afternoon and the gym is only open til 5 or 6 on Sunday evening. They were closed yesterday for New Year's. Can't think of any conflicts for Monday evening though.

Grandma wasn't feeling well (diarrhea the last couple of days), so she called and decided not to go to church today. That's about the only thing that keeps her in. We stopped over to see her after church as Fr. Tom sent communion for her. She looks fine except for persistent need for the bathroom. She is very much enjoying her Trader Joe's dark chocolate stars also.

Ah, a Packer win for a playoff berth, a fire in the fireplace, and a rack of ribs on the new rotisserie! Life is good!

Food:

8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
11:15 am Small piece almond kringle, small half piece raspberry coffee cake
12:00 pm Pork chop, 2 eggs, 2 pc raisin toast w/butter, 1/4 c hash browns, coffee
1:45 pm 4 Trader Joe's dark chocolate stars
4:00 pm 29 g chocolate Santa, 26 g angel food
6:00 pm 40% of a rack of baby back ribs w/Sweet Baby Ray's, 1/2 c garlic mashed potatoes, 1/2 c acorn squash, 1 tsp soft margarine, 12 oz skim milk


Exercise:

6:50-7:40 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 1 Jan 2011

Happy New Year! Went to bed around 11 pm so didn't ring it in. Was sated from my delicious martini with supper, so didn't even crack the little split of sparkling wine I had chilled. Maybe this evening.

What are your plans for the Rose Bowl? We haven't really come up with anything so we may just see what we can find on the web. I don't really relish sitting in a sports bar and I'm too embarrassed to invite ourselves to someone else's house. The Badgers will likely need to win without us.

Just realized I guess I don't want to watch the Rose Bowl badly enough because I thought of somewhere we could invite ourselves to watch it. I don't want it badly enough to go to Leone's. I did, however, throw out a line to McComas/Reichls since I responded to a Facebook message anyway. Now we are welcome at Reichl's, but not sure we want to be part of a crowd as they are expecting a bunch. May plead inertia and be hermits or may break down at the last minute. Stay tuned.

Well, we did bring ourselves over to Reichls and enjoyed the game and the company and the food, but it would have been so much nicer if the Badgers had showed up to play.


Food:

8:00 am Butterhorn, 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, coffee
10:45 am 27 g chocolate Santa
11:45 am Slice Nutty Oat toast, 1 tbl almond butter, 1 c fruit salad
2:30 pm 19 g sugar cookies
3:00 pm 1 pc fudge
3:45 pm Russell Stover marshmallow Santa
4:45 pm 4 oz cabernet sauvignon, 4 oz chardonnay, 4 GrainsFirst crackers, 2 slices sausage, 1 tbl port wine jelly, other minor assorted munchies
5:45 pm Brat, bun, 1 tbl grilled onions, 1/2 c baked beans