Mon 31 Dec

The last day of 2012 - came quickly as usual. New Year's Eve plans are simple. We bought some beautiful scallops at the seafood sale at Trig's as well as a small container of fresh oysters, so we will eat at home this evening. We will go to the Newman center around 7:30 to have a small get-together with the music ministers and families with hors d'oeuvres, wine, and board games til around 10 pm. Tomorrow Dad and I will join the other musicians for Eva Mae's funeral mass at 4 pm. Today I have to meet Grandma at St. Mike's for her mammogram and checkup with the cancer NP to make sure there are no further developments where she had a small spot removed a few years ago. Dad is not feeling well so we will not be going to the gathering at Newman tonight after all. Good thing we had not planned to go out for dinner for New Year's Eve as we often do. Between the Internet and my new Cook's Illustrated cookbook, I learned to sear the scallops beautifully. I paired them with the yummy Costco rice blend and some fresh broccoli, and finished with some raw oysters before a small homemade hot fudge sundae on peppermint ice cream. Dad isn't sure he wants anything to drink tonight and I can't do justice to a whole bottle of Veuve Cliquot, even though the thought is somewhat intriguing! Guess I'll just have a glass of the (already open) Simon Creek cherry wine and be satisfied. Food: 9:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Teriyaki veggie wrap, frosted brownie, frosted sugar cookie bar 3:15 pm 26 g molasses cookies 4:45 pm 32 oz Lipton diet Watermelon Green Tea 6:30 pm 4 large seared scallops, 1/2 tbl olive oil, 1/2 tbl butter, 1/2 c heirloom rice blend, 1/2 c broccoli, 4 oz raw oysters, 12 oz skim milk, 1/3 c peppermint ice cream, 2 tbl hot fudge sauce 8:00 pm 5 oz cherry wine Exercise: 7:10-8:20 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 30 Dec

The year wanes. Nice, though, to do so over a 4-day weekend. Needed more active movement than ballet this morning so opted for aerobics instead. Broke down and ordered three new workout DVDs from Amazon yesterday: a new ballet option, the new toning full-body workout from SparkPeople's Coach Nicole, and a Tracy Anderson title. Nice to infuse some new options. (And I saved shipping by ordering three!) Ooooh, I found $.99 blackberries at Aldi's again yesterday so I'm well stocked for awhile. Nice that they don't mold in the fridge in winter. POOP!!!! My fridge schedule said the game today was at noon so I invited Joan and Jack for 5:30 pm, thinking I'd have plenty of time to prep after the game. Now I'll have to prep early and will likely only get to watch the first half. I doubt that Joan and Jack are rabid Packer fans who will want to catch the end of the game. Mary Hofer called this morning with a request for us to take a thermos of hot tea to Fr. Tom before Mass to help his voice to make it through the service. It worked, barely. He mentioned that someone had told him to try to talk high-pitched, but of course he didn't do it. Very nice evening with Jack and Joan. They arrived in the fourth quarter so I turned off the game and did not see the ending. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 104 g blackberries, 1 butterhorn, coffee 12:00 pm Scrambled eggs w/veggies, 1 slice baked orange French toast 2:30 pm Cognac cordials 6:00 pm 6 oz cabernet sauvignon, 1/2 c wide egg noodles, beef bourgingon, 1 c green beans almodnine, 1/2 c peppermint cookie ice cream, 2 tbl hot fudge sauce, cookies Exercise: 6:40-7:30 am Jane Fonda Fat Burner's video

Sat 29 Dec

Just heard last night that Eva Mae Regnier died this past week. She seemed such a perpetual figure that it is hard to imagine Newman without her. I imagine John will be lost without her presence. Did Patrick's Pilates for the first time in likely a couple of years or more. Remembered everything except one thing in the middle that I think may have been some kind of stretch. For something that counts minimally toward fitness calories and steps, I sure am exhausted. Jack and Joan will join us for dinner tomorrow. I plan to make Maryvonne's recipe for Boeuf Bourgignon. Hopefully I can find burgundy at the store, but if not, other red wine will do. Food: 7:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/protein powder, 1/2 c frozen blueberries, flaxseed meal, and soy milk, 1/4 extra large cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, coffee 10:45 am 22 g sugar cookies, 24 g molasses cookies 12:30 pm Scrambled eggs w/veggies, 69 g chocolate chip brioche 5:45 pm 136 g spinach ravioli, .5 tbl butter, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, garlic, 1g pear, 12 oz skim milk, cranberry pudding pie Exercise: 8:55-9:55 am Patrick's Pilates mat 5:15-5:30 pm Light shoveling

Fri 28 Dec

A two-day work week and already I'm glad it's Friday. Was work to get up at 4:30 today and doing a different workout routine has left my muscles sore. Whine, whine. Breakfast out with my client this morning. Dad and I had to straighten up the Christmas tree again today; it's getting tipsy. The stand is literally on its last legs. Food: 6:45 am Date-filled cookie, 1/2 c fruit salad, 100 g blackberries, coffee 8:15 pm 2/3 mushroom swiss omelet, 1 slice homemade wheat toast w/butter, 2/3 tbl orange marmalade, coffee 10:15 pm 1 Reese's miniature 11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, 2 butter horns 12:45 pm 1 sm pc lebkuchen 3:30 pm 1 Reese's miniature, 1 Special Dark miniature 4:45 pm 7 g sugar cookie 6:15 pm 3 slices Pizza Hut medium Fit N Delicious veggie pizza Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Coach Nicole's 28-day bootcamp toning workouts

Thurs 27 Dec

Back to work today, but only for two days before another 4-day weekend. I could deal with this schedule! Actually yesterday was a little weird being so unstructured, hard to motivate. Better to have a little structure to the day. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, 64 g chocolate chip brioche, 1 c fruit salad 1:15 pm 2 white chocolate peppermint M&Ms 4:45 pm 1 praline chocolate, 20 g sugar cookies, 11 g molasses cookies 5:45 pm 3.25 oz white meat turkey, 2/3 c stuffing, 1 tbl gravy, 1/3 c squash w/pecans, 5 sm roasted asparagus spears, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Step DVD

Wed 26 Dec

Nice to have a day to relax after Christmas. Slept in til about 8:15 am, exercised while it was light outside, and enjoyed a relaxing breakfast (and a few Christmas cookies, oops!) at the computer. Still in my (new) pajamas! Watching The Hobbit last night put me in the mood for more of Middle Earth so we watched Fellowship of the Ring tonight. Not a very active day after the morning exercise with a nap and reading and computer, but relaxing. Food: 10:00 am 3 white chocolate peppermint M&Ms, 65 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 111 g blackberries, coffee, 3 molasses, 2 sugar cookies 12:30 pm 3/4 scrambled eggs w/veggies, 1/2 c fruit salad, 1 slice baked orange French toast 3:00 pm Way too many chocolate cordial candies 6:30 pm 3 oz white meat turkey, 1/2 c stuffing, 1 tbl gravy, 1 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 8:30-9:40 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Merry Christmas!

Nice to wake up, get the turkey in the oven, and have my daughter come down for companionable quiet time. And my son arriving earlier than expected to wrap his Christmas gifts. Now I just need to wake up my husband who is still in bed at nearly 8:30 am! Tiring but pleasant day. Yummy Christmas dinner with the centerpiece turkey that was really moist and delicious. Got Grandma here with a little more struggle than Thanksgiving, and almost didn't get her back into Whispering Pines when she pooped out and couldn't assist getting out of the car. Thanks to two of the aides who were able to muscle her into her chair. Hoping to stay with it enough to go see the Hobbit tonight since I can sleep in tomorrow. Food: 8:00 am 2 butterhorns, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee, Christmas cookies 1:00 pm 2 oz white meat turkey, 2 oz dark meat turkey, 1/2 c stuffing, gravy, 1/2 c squash, 5 spears asparagus, 2/3 c cheesy potatoes, 1/2 c cranberry waldorf, 4 oz white wine, 1/2 pc peppermint pudding pie Miscellaneous candy and cookies and bakery throughout day.

Mon 24 Dec

Nice to have my daughter home, my son and the Hartmans coming for brunch. Ah, Christmas Eve! Brunch went really well this morning. Everyone was here: Kathy and John, Peter, Charlie and Mary, Eddie, Michael, Laura, Bob and I. Annual photo included Yoda! Wonderful conversation and food and a good time was had by all. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:00 am 3/4 c scrambled eggs w/veggies & cheese, 3/4 c fruit salad, 2 large slices baked orange French toast, coffee, 1 pc fudge, 2 cookies

Sun 23 Dec

Hard to believe I completely forgot about the Packer game today. With last week consumed with getting Grandma resettled and moving directly on to holiday planning, I've sort of lost touch with the regular world. Got my exercise in after getting up at my leisure. Still need to make butterhorns, shower, and start to get the house ready for company. Hoping to leave around noon to coincide with kickoff on the radio. Butterhorns are raising, but I'm not hopeful. The dough did not raise in the fridge overnight like it usually does and is still quite dense. They may not be eatable. Looking for a scone recipe to substitute if needed. Food: 8:45 am 62 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 104 g blackberries, coffee 10:30 am 12 g molasses cookie 12:00 pm 2 butterhorns 2:15 pm Costco samples 3:30 pm Brennan's samples 5:15 pm 3 chicken mushroom gyoza, seaweed mushroom salad, 2 pork buns 8:15 pm Butterhorn Exercise: 7:30-8:20 am Ballet DVD

Sat 22 Dec

World didn't end yesterday, not even once. Feeling much better rested and more like myself again. The reaction to getting Grandma settled seems to have passed and I'm ready to plan the holidays. I will be putting together a schedule for the next 5 days so everyone knows what I'm thinking of and can submit their changes so we are in good communication. I'll email it to you as soon as I finish. Do you know yet what time we can pick you up on Sunday? I'm thinking somewhere around 3 or 4 pm, and we can likely get something to eat early in Madison before heading home. I'd like to get home fairly early since brunch here is the following day. On target with list so far, but have less than 10 min to finish lunch before due to start Christmas cookies. I can do it! I'm slightly behind schedule. Last tray of cookies will come out of the oven around 3:45 so we'll head to Grandma's then. Made it to Grandma's and to church. Currently making the grocery list. Food: 8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/protein powder, 1/2 c wild blueberries, flaxseed meal, and soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Blueberry soy shake, slice L'Oven 12 grain toast, 1 tbl Jif, 99 g blackberries 3:00 pm 2 small broken sugar cookies 3:45 pm 1 small molasses cookie 6:45 pm Fazoli's chicken penne pepper light entree, 1 breadstick 8:30 pm 28 g molasses cookies

Fri 21 Dec

Happy (?) Apocalypse Day. Told Grandma yesterday that I moved her into her new home for one day before the world was going to end. Hope it was worth it! I'm cold. My scale has been down a bit two days this week, with a dip back up between. Would like to think the down reading is a step in the right direction. I'm cold again. Trying to muster energy to mix up cookie dough tonight so Dad and I can do the Christmas cookies on Saturday. Did it! Dough in the fridge. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, 71 g cinnamon crumb cake, clementine 1:00 pm 1 pc fudge 1:30 pm 3 white choc pretzels, 1 chocolate-covered biscuit, 1 pizzelle, coffee 4:15 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:30 pm 5 oz baked cod, 3/4 c roasted red potatoes, 1/4 c coleslaw, Irish coffee 6:30 pm 1 dark chocolate ginger biscuit Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Brand New Butt DVD

Thurs 20 Dec

I have to run a check for Courtesy Carriers over to PCH this morning so they will transport Grandma to Whispering Pines. I will meet her there to show her the new room and do the admission paperwork. I'll also hang out with her for awhile and have lunch there before returning to work. Grandma is settled in to the new place. I had lunch with her; food was okay if not exciting. They had beef tips with rice, sliced beets, and a slice of buttered cranberry bread for dessert. They gave Grandma a cookie and coffee when she arrived while I was completing the paperwork and she said it was very good. This afternoon they have a music group coming followed by the rosary in the chapel and then cookies and coffee so she should have a busy afternoon. When they went to put her coat on to leave the County Home, the gal looked in the pocket for her gloves and found an envelope Grandma had stashed there and forgotten about when she got cash from the bank in August. There was $169 in it. They kept it at the office at PCH so she wouldn't lose it en route, so I have to hike over this afternoon to pick it up for her. Wow, intense exhaustion set in this afternoon. Apparently I was more keyed up about Grandma's move than I realized and when it was done, I crashed. Could hardly stay awake at work this afternoon and took an hour nap after hot tubbing as soon as I got home. Will likely head up to read awhile and sleep early anyway. Food: 6:45 am 72 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 2 oz beef and mushrooms in 2 tbl gravy over 1/2 c white rice, 2/3 c sliced beets (mine and Grandma's who doesn't like beets), slice cranberry bread w/butter, coffee 12:45 pm 1 pc fudge 2:45 pm 1 Reese's miniature 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:30 pm 2 small cookies 6:15 pm 142 g spinach cheese ravioli, 3/4 tbl melted butter, 1/2 clove garlic, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 2/3 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk 7:00 pm 2 Moravian chocolate cookies Exercise: 4:45 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 DVD

Wed 19 Dec

I'm kind of excited about setting up Grandma's new room for her this afternoon/evening. I hope that putting the hospital bed back together doesn't prove too frustrating for Dad and Michael. There is another lady at the County Home moving to Whispering Pines at the same time tomorrow, so it's possible Grandma can ride with her via Courtesy Carriers and save me the need to transfer her in and out of my car, especially if we get the promised snow tonight. Did the Kristi Yamaguchi workout DVD today for the first time in quite awhile. My muscles are sore! I need to change up more frequently as I get stuck in routines. Finally got Grandma's Power of Attorney forms updated on the most recent forms. Included Dad as my backup if I'm not available, and listed you as third in line on one of them (can't remember offhand if it was finances or health). I'll let you know at Christmas. Food: 6:45 am 88 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 65 g cinnamon crumb cake, clementine Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Kristi Yamaguchi workout DVD

Tues 18 Dec

Today we have a birthday lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings, first time I've ever gone to one. I looked up their nutrition info on the web and it's a minefield. I decided I can order naked tenders and a side salad or a grilled chicken sandwich. Everything else is abominable. I was appalled to find out that the Jane Fonda Workout that feels so intense only gave me about 700 steps on the pedometer because your feet don't move much while the rest of your body does. Seems unfair. Buffalo Wild Wings was really slow getting the food to us. Also wouldn't let me order off the kids' menu - sigh! Had a weak moment at work and snarfed two truffles from the upstairs candy dish. Ooops! And then Dad brought home fresh krumkake from the lady he is working for who is an ace baker. Today is not going to be pretty on the calorie front. Made fudge for the holidays tonight. Will take some to our pre-holiday staff meeting party tomorrow, take a tin to Grandma when she moves in to her new place, and have plenty left over for us. It makes a lot. Food: 6:45 am 84 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/2 grapefruit, 103 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Grilled chicken sandwich w/pepper jack, 1/2 c mandarin oranges, 1 bite turtle sundae 3:15 pm Hazelnut and dark chocolate truffles 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:45 pm 2 krumkake 7:45 pm Licking fudge pan Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 17 Dec

Hope you have a little time to relax this week with classes done and just the final ahead. Looking forward to spending time with you over Christmas. Looks like we may be able to move Grandma to her new assisted living home, Whispering Pines, by the end of this week. We will try to move her stuff in and set up the room on Wed night. I think she will be glad to be settled before Christmas. Then you can also see her new home when you visit. Yup, I'm taking her to her new home on Thurs at 10 am. She'll be in room 14. I'm happy. When shopping tonight, we found a little ceramic Christmas tree with snowman that lights up, blinks, and changes color. Just the right size to cheer her new apartment. Also a little poinsettia. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 32 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1 c Shreddies, 1/2 c light original soy milk, orange 12:45 pm Oreo truffle ball 2:30 pm 5 g peanut brittle 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:30 pm 4 oz chenin blanc/viognier 6:00 pm 175 g pasty, raspberry applesauce cup, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:35-5:45 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 16 Dec

Still can't get the Dailey Method DVD to play on my regular player, so back to the original ballet DVD. Even though it doesn't allow many steps, I feel the toning and ballet practice is good for flexibility and strength. And I was happy today that my knee made it through all the plie section without any real modification. I did opt to run in place instead of the second faster set of jumps as my knee had enough percussion by that time. Food: 8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g raspberries, coffee Exercise: 6:45-7:35 am Ballet DVD

Sat 15 Dec

Wow, Christmas is approaching quickly! I have most of the day available to get things done, so I hope my resolve and energy keeps up. I was up at 7:30 and have a load of laundry in the washer and one in the dryer already and breakfast is done. I'd like to go through the dining room table, take care of any unpaid bills or other mail, clean off the kitchen counter, possibly make cranberry bread and fudge, and maybe get a start on wrapping presents. Some can spill over til tomorrow as it sounds like an awful lot for one day. We are singing at St. Paul's Lutheran evening service as a thank you for letting us rehearse in their space, but that should not be more than an hour or two. 11:15 and the table has been sorted and a lot of junk disposed of; Christmas tablecloth in place. Last load of laundry in the washer. Probably heading to the shower next. Food: 8:00 am Laura's oatmeal w/protein powder, flaxseed meal, 1/2 c wild blueberries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g raspberries, coffee 11:15 am 1 krumkake 1:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, slice oat bran bread, 1 tbl Jif, 2 clementines 1:30 pm 1 lebkuchen cookie 6:45 pm Bowl turkey vegetable soup, oatmeal flatbread, 12 oz skim milk, chocolate calcium chew

Fri 14 Dec

First of two choir concerts tonight. Good night to not have to worry about getting much for supper as we have the Christmas lunch at work today and I'm going for breakfast with my client this morning. I should have enough time for a bowl of Shreddies which is all I'd be likely to want. Food: 6:45 am 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g raspberries, .7 oz shortbread cookie, coffee 8:15 am Large bowl oatmeal, 2 tbl raisins, 2 tbl brown sugar, 2 oz 2% milk, coffee 11:45 am Broasted chicken breast, drumstick, 1/3 c mashed potatoes w/gravy, 1/3 c coleslaw, 1/3 c broccoli salad, 1/2 c green beans, 6 oz punch, 1" square 7-layer bar, 1" square chocolate peanut bar 1:30 pm 2 wintergreen LifeSavers 4:30 pm 1 c Shreddies, 1/2 c light original soy milk Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am The Firm Bootcamp DVD

Thurs 13 Dec

I had nearly forgotten how dumb I could feel doing a new exercise video. I did aerobics on a video that only lasted 20 min so I popped in a shorter step video I usually pass over because it is short. It is quite advanced, throwing out terms for moves without explanation and moving so quickly through routines that I frequently got lost. Hard to think that much at 5 am! Having issues with painful stomach gas this afternoon. No idea why as nothing I ate today was unusual. Hope it stops soon. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 88 g blackberries, coffee 9:30 am 1 Reese's miniature 12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, slice oat bran bread, 1 tbl Jif, 2 clementines 1:30 pm Small cookie 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:15 pm Large bowl turkey vegetable soup, oatmeal flatbread, 12 oz skim milk, Vitamix frozen smoothie w/1.5 slices fresh pineapple, .5 c frozen peaches, .5 small frozen banana Exercise: 4:45-5:05 am Jane Fonda Stress Relief aerobics 5:10-5:45 am Step DVD

Wed 12 Dec

Happy Aaron Rodgers Day! 12/12/12! I'm wearing my Packers sweatshirt to work in honor. His fun running touchdown Sunday was a nice lead-in to this day. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 92 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, slice oat bran bread, 2 oz roast pork, 2 clementines 12:30 pm 2 Moravian chocolate cookies 3:15 pm 5 small white frosted pretzels 6:00 pm 6 oz riesling, 4 pc kamikaze roll, 4 pc Canada roll, 4 pc Manhattan roll, 1 pc Anaki roll 7:15 pm Mini snowball cake roll Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 11 Dec

It's Secret Santa week at work. Yesterday I got a nice fleece throw from my Santa. Today I'm giving two pair of Christmas socks. Made Easy Chicken Biryani, but had no raisins so substituted orange craisins and used brown basmati rice which remained a tad crunchy. Interesting. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 1 slice oat bran bread, 1 tbl Jif, orange 12:30 pm 1 1/2 lebkuchen cookies 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:15 pm 5 oz Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier 6:45 pm Easy Chicken Biryani, 12 oz skim milk, 2 rosettes Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout

Mon 10 Dec

Aaron Rodgers can hold his head high on Wed when the state celebrates Aaron Rodgers Day. I went to bed at halftime, but watched a clip of his running touchdown this morning. Nice way to start the day. Going to the doctor's office this morning to have them look at a very small area on my right breast. It started as a blood-filled pimple that burst. I put a bandage on it and left it for three days, and when I took it off to let it heal in the air, it bled again right away. I bandaged it again for a couple of days and took it off yesterday. It's not bleeding, but still looks like it barely started to heal. Had a horrible time falling asleep last night as my right knee was giving periodic throbs in spite of ibuprofen and arthritis rub. Couldn't find a position that would control it. Stayed in bed this morning instead of getting up to exercise as it felt so good to finally be sleeping. We're being bad and skipping the choir rehearsal tonight with orchestra just to review the Messiah choruses. Just don't feel like it. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 105 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1 slice oat bran bread, 2.5 oz roast pork, cinnamon chip cookie, oreo truffle cookie 1:45 pm 3 Gobstoppers 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:00 pm 1 1/2 c turkey vegetable soup, smoothie w/1 c frozen peaches, 3 fresh pineapple rings, 1/2 large banana, 1 1/2 lebkuchen cookies Exercise: 7:00-7:30 pm Treadmill program 3 plus 2 sets of 15 crunches on the ball

Sun 9 Dec

Decided to give another try to the Daily Method ballet exercise this morning. I've only done it once since I bought it because it was really tough, so I thought it was time to try to master it. Unfortunately, it would not play on the DVD player. It would play on the player hooked up to Bob's monitor for watching while he does the treadmill, but he has that TV set to deliver sound through headphones and I could not figure out how to put it back on room speaker. He had a difficult time getting it in headphone mode initially as I remember. I decided it was not meant for me to do Daily today, so I pulled out a Lotte Berk 30 min video and finished off with Cardio Hula to get some steps on the counter. Nice that choir practice was early today so we have the evening free. I'm finally getting a chance to make my turkey soup. Am looking at new assisted living options for Grandma where she can use the EZ Stand machine and not have to face her fear every time she has to get up from bed or wheelchair. Talked to her today and she was mightily relieved by this. May happen soon. This year's turkey soup has some new additions: kale, sauteed leek and fennel. Hope it's yummy! Food: 8:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 103 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 1 c iceberg lettuce, slice homemade white bread, 5 oz roast duck, 1/4 c stuffing, 1/3 c candied sweet potatoes, 1/8 c very salty canned green beans, coffee, 1/2 c blueberry pie ice cream 2:45 pm Chocolate covered gingerbread cookie 3:45 pm Lindt white truffle Exercise: 7:00-7:30 am Lotte Berk Basics video 7:35-8:10 am Cardio Hula CD

Sat 8 Dec

Singing at St. Mary's this evening, have to leave around 2 pm as the Mass is at 4 pm. At least we'll likely get home quite early. Will try to walk over to Church of the Intercession this morning for their Victorian Christmas fest. Singing went okay, not as well rehearsed as it should have been. Nice to have it early and be home before 8 pm. Food: 8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c wild blueberries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee, chocolate Oreo truffle 1:15 pm L'Oven Fresh hamburger bun, 1/2 c pulled pork, orange, 10 oz skim milk 5:30 pm 6 oz cabernet sauvignon, fruit, pea pods, beans, shrimp w/cocktail sauce, 3 meatballs, 2 pastry cups, small square torte

Fri 7 Dec

Somewhat tired this morning after workout. Did weights which I have been neglecting in an effort to do things that count as more steps. Felt like my weight training videos that mix in with cardio weren't quite enough. Added a short cardio workout to the end. Breakfast with my client again this morning and a potluck surprise retirement party at CIC at lunch time. Food: 6:45 am 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, pumpkin pudding cup, coffee 8:15 am Mushroom swiss omelet, 1 pc wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 11:45 am 1/2 c pasta salad, 1/2 c fruit salad, 3 baby carrots, choc chip cookie 12:45 pm Trader Joe's dark chocolate-covered ginger cookie 2:30 pm 2 c pomegranate herb tea 4:30 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:15 pm L'Oven Fresh hamburger bun, 1/2 c pulled pork, 140 g Honey Crisp apple, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:25 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights 5:25-5:40 am Coach Nicole 12-min cardio blast and cool down

Thurs 6 Dec

Happy St. Nick's Day! Had a nice time at the drug company dinner last night. We could order whatever we wanted from the regular menu. I had a cosmo to drink and rack of lamb for my entree. They also brought out plates of bruschetta with goat cheese and tomato and plates of fried calamari with remoulade sauce for the table before we ordered. There were also several dessert options offered, and they volunteered to pack them to go as most people were quite full. I had a very nice tiramisu. The speaker was one of our own docs, Anna Cothron, and I found her talk interesting. It was nicely informal as we were only a table of about 10-15. Toured Wellington Place as a possible assisted living for Grandma today. It is a nice location, just before the McDill bridge, and seems like a nice place. They will assess Grandma next week and let me know when they will have an opening. Had my hair cut and colored tonight. Sue was doing my eyebrow wax and dropped a fairly good-sized gob of hot wax on the bottom of my eyelid, effectively waxing my top lashes shut. It was interesting cleaning it off. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 9:45 am 3 rosettes 1:15 pm Blueberry soy shake, oatmeal flatbread, .9 oz espresso Bellavitano, Royal Riviera pear 5:30 pm 3.5 oz roast pork, 1/2 c mashed sweet potatoes, 1/3 c asparagus, 12 oz skim milk 8:03 pm Lebkuchen cookie Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Step DVD

Wed 5 Dec

This evening I'm going to a drug-company-sponsored dinner at Michele's to listen to one of our docs give a presentation on Latuda, a newer anti-psychotic that many of my folks take. We get drinks, dinner, and dessert with the presentation at no cost to us. Most of my coworkers are going, too. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 am Generous sample Merlot Bellavitano cheese, parmesan cheese, smoked turkey 11:30 am Vanilla soy shake, .8 oz Espresso Bellavitano, 22 g oatmeal flatbread, Royal Riviera pear 2:45 pm 1.1 oz cardamom shortbread cookies 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 4 Dec

Going to lunch at Ranchitos with ladies from work today. Always nice to get some time to chat since work is so busy, but I'll miss my short nap! Flautas were the special of the day so I opted to try them. Wish I hadn't as they were quite greasy. Most of the Thanksgiving leftovers are now history. Still need to make the turkey carcass into soup this weekend. Food: 6:45 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:15 pm Chips & salsa, 3 shredded pork flautas, 1/2 c refried beans, 1/2 c shredded lettuce 2:30 pm 3 wintergreen Lifesavers 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:45 pm 3 oz turkey breast, 1 tbl gravy, 1/3 c stuffing, 1/4 c honey glazed carrots, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Fat Burners video

Mon 3 Dec

Got to get the Christmas tree up and decorated this week. Saw Kathy at church yesterday and she said that possibly Charlie and Mary will join us for brunch. If Pete shows up, the whole gang will be together! It's been awhile since we could say that! The risotto continues to be yummy! Food: 6:45 am Raspberry danish, 1/2 grapefruit, 98 g blackberries, coffee 10:00 am 1" pc candy cane 12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, cinnamon roll, Royal Riviera Pear 12:45 pm 2 sm cinnamon cookies 3:00 pm 1 wintergreen LifeSaver 5:15 pm Sm choc mint cookie 5:45 pm 3.5 oz broiled salmon, 1/4 tbl butter, 1/2 c baked acorn squash, 1/2 c butternut leek risotto, 12 oz skim milk, 1 rosette Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 2 Dec

It's frustrating that the ballet DVD, while a good workout that I feel is a good part of my fitness regimen overall, burns so few calories and only gives me about 450 steps on the day. On a Packer game Sunday, I'm just about assured that the day's step count will be pitifully low. I suppose I could put the game on the downstairs TV and walk on the treadmill while I watch, but Packer games are supposed to be a time to relax! (And now I have a kitchen full of holiday sweets - yikes!) The risotto is excellent! We had some with Dad's leftover ribeye from Ruth's Chris and there is enough for at least one more meal. Yum! GO PACK! Food: 7:00 am Blueberry danish pastry (from Amherst bakery), 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 11:15 pm Small 1.5" sq coffee cake, white chocolate cereal cluster, marshmallow w/cereal coating 12:00 pm 2 eggs, 3 slices bacon, 1 slice French toast, 1/2 tbl whipped butter, 1 tbl syrup, coffee 1:30 pm 2 small pc shortbread 5:00 pm 2.75 oz ribeye, 1/2 c leek butternut risotto, 1/2 c cranberry waldorf, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 5:45-6:35 am Ballet DVD

Sat 1 Dec

We will go soon to Amherst to explore the bake and craft sales and check out the bakery where they have a very good Austrian baker. From there, we will head down to Madison. We'll give you a call when we are close. If we are in Amherst from 9 am to no later than 11 am, we should be to Madison around 1 pm. Food: 7:45 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c frozen wild blueberries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee

Fri 30 Nov

November is almost done, with the rest of the year almost over, too. Wonder what kind of winter it will be. Breakfasting at the restaurant with my client this morning. Was feeling stressed this morning so decided to stay in my bed for the hour I would have exercised. Probably not a great decision, but worked at the time. Food: 6:45 am 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 8:15 am Mushroom/swiss omelet, 2 pc homemade wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, Royal Riviera pear 4:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:45 pm Margarita, chips & salsa, 1/2 carnitas quesadilla, 1/2 of 3 fish enchiladas (not deep-fried) Exercise: 4:10-5:00 pm The Firm Bootcamp DVD

Thurs 29 Nov

Low energy this morning in spite of 8 hrs sleep. Got through the step DVD, but felt like I was moving through mud. Still tired after. Don't know what's up with that. Grandma's apartment is completely cleared out. Another chapter closed. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm 2 scrambled eggs, 2 two-bite pumpkin scones, Royal Riviera pear, raisin-filled cookie 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 8:15 pm 1 c Shreddies, 1/2 c light original soy milk Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Step DVD

Wed 28 Nov

Had a restful evening finishing a book last night and a full eight hours' sleep so feeling pretty good today. Michael's truck had the brakes lock up on him around Menasha yesterday. He handled it well and got off the road before they seized up completely. Dad drove down to pick him up and he will have a friend give him a ride back to the repair shop to pick up the truck today. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 2 two-bite pumpkin scones, med pear 12:30 pm Lebkuchen cookie 3:15 pm Small square filled lebkuchen 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:00 pm 1 c whole wheat spaghetti, 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1/4 c onion, 1/2 c green pepper, 1/2 c chopped fresh mushrooms, 1/2 c Grandessa caramelized onion/garlic spaghetti sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 4 oz cup raspberry applesauce, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD 6:30-6:55 pm Wii Zumba

Tues 27 Nov

Sleepy this morning. Did get 7 1/2 hrs so no good excuse. Too bad every weekend isn't four days long. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 2 two-bite pumpkin scones, orange, lebkuchen cookie 2:30 pm Baby Ruth mini 5:15 pm 3.9 oz venison backstrap, 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1/2 c mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 c sweet corn kernels, 12 oz skim milk, almond tart Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Fat Burners video

Mon 26 Nov

Happy Cyber Monday! Not really in need of ordering anything online today unless something irresistible comes along. Got a start on Grandma's apartment yesterday and would like to possibly finish emptying it tonight. Might need to wait til later in the week. BTW, you got the point for the Yourmometer today based on the title of the strip. Groan! OK, and then I was inspired to make a roux for supper, actually my Jarlsberg cheese sauce for the pumpkin pasta pouches. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, 79 g chocolate chunk danish (Half!), med pear 12:45 pm 1 chocolate-covered lebkuchen cookie 3:30 pm 100-cal pack Emerald cocoa roasted almonds 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:15 pm 4.5 oz pumpkin pasta pouches, 2 tbl Jarlsberg cheese sauce, 2/3 c asparagus, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 25 Nov

My brother Mark would have been 61 today. Happy Birthday, bro! Had a nice time in Madison yesterday. When we stopped in Brennan's for morning buns, we ran into Chris who apologized that he didn't have any beers open for us to taste because he was trying to get out by 4 pm to go to Minnesota. He said he would have some for us next weekend, so we should make a point of stopping in. Ruth's Chris Steak House was quite a nice place but expensive! Our $50 Groupon covered less than half and we only ordered one drink (red sangria) apiece and the prix fixe dinner which appeared to be less expensive than a la carte steak and sides. The food was very good but I don't need to spend that kind of money to get a nice dinner. I didn't do my homework before purchasing the Groupon, but now I know. At least we saved $25 on the total by using the Groupon. Bought a small box of chocolate-covered lebkuchen at Clasen's yesterday. Delish! Went to Grandma's apartment today and packed up quite a lot of stuff. For now, we left most of it in the apartment. We'll figure out where to store it when we have to move the furniture this week sometime. Took her some of her clothes and her own walker. Also visited for a bit with Alice Faust. Food: 8:00 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 2 eggs, 3 strips bacon, 1 slice French toast, 1/2 tbl whipped butter, 1/2 tbl pancake syrup, coffee 1:00 pm 1 pc chocolate-covered lebkuchen 4:30 pm 3 oz white meat turkey, 1/2 c stuffing, 1 tbl gravy, 1/2 c glazed carrots, 1/4 c sweet potatoes, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 6:45-7:35 am Ballet DVD

Sat 24 Nov

Today I will finish the last of the laundry, maybe erect the Christmas tree, and then we will drive down to Madison to do a little shopping and use the Ruth Chris Steak House Groupon before it expires. We will come down to Madison again next weekend to spend time with you. Annoying how quickly blackberries mold, even in this weather. I try so hard to pick packages where I can't see any mold but there is often some hiding on the bottom layer. Food: 8:00 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/3 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries 11:15 am .75 Vitamix smoothie w/frozen berries, 1/2 large banana, 2 leaves kale, Chobani 0% plain yogurt, 1 tbl flaxseed meal

Fri 23 Nov

Happy Black Friday. It is now about 9 am; I will head to the showers soon and then we will go do a somewhat leisurely tour of a few stores trolling for bargains. No must-haves this time so if it gets odious, we'll stop. Just ordered a camera lens-shaped mug from Think Geek for John Hartman and a book on breathing meditation to let go of stressors for Kathy. Two less things to shop for out and about. (Also splurged $5 on myself for a Star Trek Science case for my iPhone.) Suddenly got kind of light-headed and sweaty, and now I'm a little chilled. Hope this is something momentary and not the precursor of illness. Found a nice way to deal with some of the turkey leftovers. Made crepes and rolled them around some warmed-up turkey breast and cooked asparagus, then added a tbl of cranberry compote. Yum! Food: 7:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 98 g blackberries, coffee 1:15 pm Buffet at Bamboo House: 1 crab rangoon, 4 pc sushi, 3 cucumber slices, 3 pea pods, 1/4 c hibachi chicken and shrimp, 1/4 c veggie lo mein, 4 pc tempura veggies, green onion bun, sugared donut, 1/4 c chocolate pudding, mini cream puff, tea 3:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:15 pm 2 crepes, 3 oz turkey breast, 3 spears asparagus, 2 tbl cranberry compote, 12 oz skim milk

Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving to my sweet daughter! Wish you were here to share our turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, etc. We will all be thinking of you. Turkey is in the oven at 7:30. I did decide to get up and exercise early, though not til 5:30 am. Started with step but my knee started to complain at about 17 min, so switched to Jane Fonda Low Impact Aerobics. Successfully brought Grandma over for Thanksgiving and it was nice to see her eat her entire plate of food, including a slice of pie. She and Leone had a nice opportunity to visit. Haven't done much since the meal. Food: 7:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 98 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm 6 oz ginger beer 1:00 pm 5 oz Naughty Girl, 3 oz turkey light meat, 1 c stuffing (including seconds), 3 tbl gravy, 1/2 c sweet potatoes, 2 tbl cranberry compote, 1/2 c cranberry waldorf, 1/2 c honey-glazed carrots, cranberry pudding pie 4:30 pm 1/2 pc pumpkin cheese pie, Lindt coffee truffle 6:30 pm 2 oz turkey light meat, 1 tbl gravy, 1/2 c stuffing, 10 oz skim milk Exercise: 5:43-6:15 am Step DVD 6:15-7:00 am Jane Fonda Low Impact Aerobics video

Wed 21 Nov

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at the busy day ahead, both at work and at home to prepare for Thanksgiving. My work schedule is almost completely filled with appointments, leaving little time for phone calls or responding to things as they occur. I need to pick up celery and green grapes from the grocery (though I can send Dad if I don't get time), and I have a prep list of things to complete tonight for tomorrow's meal. I did get the table cleared and a fresh tablecloth on last night and put the turkey into the brining solution early. The directions said it should brine for 24 hours and it would have been shortchanged if I started it this evening so I decided it isn't likely to hurt in the fridge if it's in the solution a little longer. Work day is finished, not quite as stressful as anticipated but busy enough. Already popped the sweet potatoes in the oven to bake, so a start on the evening's tasks. I am pleased with myself. Both pies are in the oven before 6 pm, so all that's left for after supper is chopping the veggies for stuffing and chopping the cranberries for the salad. This evening may be manageable yet. And dad's picking up cheese fries - his idea, bless him! - so I don't have to come up with dinner. Ah, delight! Just enough leftover calories for the day to enjoy a glass of wine. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 2 slices struan toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, orange 12:45 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel 3:00 pm See's pumpkin lollipop 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm 5 cheese fries, 3 oz baby carrots, 2 clementines 7:00 pm 5 oz Naughty Girl Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 20 Nov

Nice to get back to my basic usual breakfast. You can easily get tired of restaurant breakfasts, even when they are delicious. Plain food is nice as a basis. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 102 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Trader Joe's 8 oz pumpkin Greek yogurt, 2 slices cinnamon struan toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, large pear 12:30 pm Pumpkin chocolate truffle 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:00 pm Grilled chicken thigh, 1/2 c butternut squash, 1/2 c purple fingerling potatoes, 1/4 tbl butter, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video

Mon 19 Nov

Just finished reading the blog of a woman who ran the 50-mile ultra-marathon in Madison in September. Very emotional writing brings you with her through the whole experience. It's on SparkPeople if you're interested. Breakfast with my client this morning as I was not around to go with her last week. She has been quite depressed again. Just bought a deal through Travelzoo for one night at the Hotel RED in Madison for $129 including two breakfasts in their restaurant and two cocktails at their bar. Can be used most any night up til Feb 28 so we will plan an overnight visit this winter and check out the new fancy hotel. Food: 6:45 am Slice cinnamon raisin struan toast, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 8:15 am 2 eggs over easy, 1 1/2 slices homemade wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 12:45 pm Vanilla soy shake, 2 slices struan toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, orange 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:15 pm 175 g pasty, 3/4 c canned sliced beets, 12 oz skim milk, Lindt dark chocolate mint Lindor truffle Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Thurs 15 Nov

Very restless night last night, especially in the middle. Actually got up and finished the last two chapters of my book, something I never do. I had taken a cold tab that includes a small dose of acetaminophen, and my muscles were restless. I really wanted some ibuprofen, but you can't mix pain relievers safely. I did start sleeping better for about an hour at a time toward morning, so I opted not to get up and exercise but to take another hour for sleep. Don't want to walk around tired all day if I can help it. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 91 g raspberries, coffee

Wed 14 Nov

Thanksgiving brunch at work today. Our section is in charge, so most of this morning will be dedicated to helping set up, serve, and clean up. At least it will be more active than usual. Going to try not to eat a huge amount. Brought home some brunch leftovers to reheat for supper. Cold feels worse so I don't feel like cooking. Food: 6:45 am Slice cinnamon raisin brioche toast, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1/4 cantaloupe, 92 g raspberries, coffee 9:45 am 2.5 oz ham, 1/2 c scrambled eggs w/veggies, 1/8 c cheesy potatoes,1/4 c cranberry/apple fruit salad, 1/4 c peaches & strawberries, 1/4 c veggie casserole, 1"x2" chocolate peanut butter bar, 2"x2" pumpkin bread pudding w/cool whip 1:15 pm 1.5"x1.5" pumpkin streusel cake 3:30 pm Small wedge chocolate cheesecake 6:15 pm 2.4 oz ham. 1/4 c mashed sweet potatoes, 1/4 c veggie casserole, 12 oz skim milk, slice Panera chocolate babka Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 13 Nov

Cold definitely took a turn for the worse yesterday. Needed drugs to sleep again. Maybe I'll be able to shake it somewhat in the next couple of days before Minneapolis. Dad is working for a Norwegian lady who made fresh krumkake this morning and sent some home. They are always delicious but even more so when absolutely fresh! Did something I rarely ever do for dinner tonight - an exact repeat of last night's supper. I had to bake 2 cranberry pudding pies for the Newman student supper and a pumpkin streusel cake for tomorrow's Thanksgiving brunch at work and I was burned out. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 2 small slices cinnamon raisin brioche, 1.4 oz cheddar, 2 tsp soft margarine, large pear, 2 krumkake 3:15 pm 1 apple cinnamon pizzelle 6:15 pm 1 c homemade beef stew, slice canary bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Fat Burner video

Mon 12 Nov

Hard to believe November is already almost half over. The end of the year passes so quickly! I won't be sorry to finish my last on call night for the year today. Cold feels a little worse today. Echinacea tea helped; may need another dose before bed. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 37 g raisin brioche bread, 1 oz Dubliner cheddar, 2 tsp soft margarine, med orange 2:45 pm 1 Reese's peanut butter cup 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew, echinacea tea 5:45 pm 1 c homemade beef stew, 50 g canary bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 11 Nov

In checking out the website for Napa Valley Grille where we plan to eat on Thurs night in the Mall of America, I found that if I joined their online community, they would send me a coupon for a free wine flight. I thought that was a worthwhile investment, and I did get the promised coupon in my email this morning. Free wine is always nice. I am frustrated that the ballet exercise routine is only good for about 400 steps and very low calorie burn. I still feel the strength and flexibility is worthwhile so I don't want to switch Sundays to something more energetic, but then I feel obligated (though I don't always follow through) to try and do something else in the afternoon. Food: 8:00 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 11:15 am Small chocolate cookie, slice pumpkin pound cake, lemon cookie 12:00 pm 2 eggs, 3 pc bacon, slice French toast, 1 tsp whipped butter, 1/2 tbl syrup, coffee 4:15 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, med pear Exercise: 6:45-7:35 am Brutal ballet DVD 4:00-5:00 pm Wii Zumba beginner routines

Sat 10 Nov

Hoping that the pager continues to be mostly silent and looking forward to a quiet weekend at home. Need to plan the Thanksgiving menu and get the groceries. Need to bake something for the Newman coffee tomorrow. Need to visit Grandma. Need to do laundry. All pretty reasonable tasks. Dad wears a size 10 shoe. Making beef stew and Bryan Voltaggio's recipe for cranberry riesling compote. Good excuse for a glass of wine while cooking. Goodness gracious! Half hour later and I'm feeling the wine! Must not have eaten things that absorbed alcohol yet today. Stew and cranberry compote were both very yummy, as was the canary bread from the Amherst bakery. Food: 8:00 am 165 g caramel roll, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee 11:45 am Caramel apple w/nuts, 37 g cinnamon brioche raisin bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, 20 cal Nestle Fat Free cocoa 3:30 pm 6 oz riesling 6:00 pm 1 c beef stew, 1/4 cranberry compote, slice canary bread, 1 tsp soft margarine, 12 oz skim milk

Fri 9 Nov

Breakfast with my client again this morning, so just fruit and coffee at home. Was disappointed that the last container of blackberries had some significant moldy spots. I ended up throwing out about half the berries. I had hoped to have enough left for tomorrow, but I guess that's not gonna happen. Very early dinner at Clancy's tonight. Makes for a longer evening in jammies with my book, provided the pager stays quiet. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, 118 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 75 g Austrian braid w/raisin/apricot filling, med pear 2:00 pm Butterfinger mini 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:15 pm 5 oz Prairie Fume, 5 oz baked fish, 1 c garlic red potatoes, 1/4 c vinegar coleslaw, 1/4 slice rye bread w/butter, 1/2 pc cranberry bread pudding w/Irish whiskey butter sauce Exercise: 4:45-5:43 am Step DVD w small weight segment

Thurs 8 Nov

Tonight we go to a Renewal presentation at Newman given by Fr. Mark. He will be talking about the Gospel of Luke that will be read for next year's liturgical cycle. It will be nice to see and hear him again. I expect they'll get a good turnout. Hopefully my pager won't go off during the presentation - so far so good this week. Thank goodness the big bowl of Heather's homemade caramel corn is almost empty. I limited myself to about 3-4 little pieces this morning. I made up some of the little pumpkin pasta packets for dinner tonight, and decided to be adventurous (if not exactly healthy) with the sauce. I made a cheese sauce with Jarlsberg seasoned with nutmeg. I thought it was delicious! Pager went off for a call to go check someone out at the hospital just as we were getting ready to leave for Fr. Mark's presentation. I was able to wrap things up fairly quickly at the hospital, so I went about 10 min late. He does a nice job, a very animated speaker. Good to see him again. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, slice Double Protein bread, 1 tbl Jif, med pear 1:15 pm 2 chocolate Moravian cookies (30 cal each) 2:15 pm 4 M&Ms 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:45 pm 4.5 oz pumpkin pasta packets, 1/4 c Jarlsberg cheese sauce, 1/3 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk 8:45 pm Powdered sugar crescent pastry Exercise: 4:45-5:42 am Kickboxing DVD

Wed 7 Nov

It truly is a good morning today! It hasn't often happened that everyone I voted for won an election, but it's a good feeling. I'm also very happy that Elizabeth Warren won, and that Maine and Minnesota voted to honor gay marriage. A good day for Wisconsin and for the country. And Obama carried Wisconsin so we are still a blue state! Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 98 g blackberries, coffee 9:45 am 1 c homemade caramel corn 11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 2 slices cinnamon bread, 2 tsp soft margarine, med pear 3:15 pm 1/2 c homemade caramel corn 6:15 pm Roasted vegetable lasagna, 1 c Birdseye Steamfresh green beans, 12 oz skim milk, chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD 5:20-6:00 pm Wii Zumba Beginner Class

Tues 6 Nov

For better or worse, today is the final day to decide so many political races. I just hope and pray that everyone will choose to cast their vote and will have the opportunity to do so without pressure or obstructions. And I would pray that this time tomorrow brings good news for the people of our country and our state. Took a walk in the drizzly snow this afternoon with my client. Thought she'd want to stay indoors, but when I arrived at her house, she went straight for her coat. It was chilly, but helped me get some steps in today. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee Morning: 3 Cold-Eze sugar free cocoa lozenges 12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, English muffin, 1 tbl Jif, 1/2 large grapefruit 2:45 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel 4:00 pm 1/2 c homemade caramel corn Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video 1:25-2:05 pm Walk with client

Mon 5 Nov

Yesterday was kind of weird in that I didn't feel much like eating all day even though I didn't feel at all sick. I guess I've been eating a bit much lately and the body just wanted a day to scale back. Sleepy! Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, coffee 9:30 am 3/4 c homemade caramel corn 11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 82 g blueberry scone, 1/2 lg grapefruit 1:30 pm 3/4 c homemade caramel corn 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:45 pm Costco roasted veggie lasagna, 1/2 c acorn squash, 1/2 tsp soft margarine, 12 oz skim milk, slice banana chocolate chip pound cake Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 8:40-9:10 am Walk with client

Sun 4 Nov

Knee is somewhat better today after a rougher day yesterday. I got through all of ballet except the second, fast set of jumps. I just high-marched around the room. Particularly good morning bun today. Nice to have it a little lighter to exercise this morning, but it's frustrating knowing it will only last a couple of weeks and we have to pay for it by early evening darkness. This Packer game was better than last week, but still frustrating to see all those dropped passes as well as further injuries. We need the bye week! Walked to County Home to see Grandma who seemed in a pretty good mood. They had put a boot on her again, but we got them to take it off and remove it from her room. Food: 7:45 am Morning bun, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Crepe, 2 scrambled eggs, veggie mix, coffee 3:15 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:15 pm 1 c Shreddies, 1/2 c light original soy milk Exercise: 6:45-7:35 am Brutal ballet DVD 3:15-3:35 pm Walk to PCH 4:20-4:40 pm Walk home

Sat 3 Nov

Looking forward to coming down to Madison to see Laura today. Today we will give thanks for having such a wonderful daughter since we won't have the opportunity to be together on Thanksgiving. We may be able to come down again on Sat 1 Dec for another chance to be together before the Christmas holidays. What a very nice day with daughter! Enjoyed the French restaurant Bon Appetit for lunch, successful shopping, tour of Capitol Brewery, and the Alchemy for dinner. Food: 7:30 am 132 g caramel roll, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 12:15 pm Vegetarian tagine, tabouleh on arugula, coffee Afternoon: Various samples: fruit, cheese/crackers, etc. 4:30 pm 16 oz beer 6:00 pm .6 grilled cheese sandwich w/broccoli/tomato/pesto, wasabi green beans, few bites mashed potato 8:00 pm Fun size Milky Way

Fri 2 Nov

Going for breakfast with my client again today, if she remembers. I usually only have fruit and coffee at home before I go, but I couldn't resist a piece of Emily's cinnamon bread toast. I'll probably order a little smaller at the restaurant to compensate. Food: 6:45 am 1 slice cinnamon toast, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 8:15 am 2 eggs, 1.25 slice wheat toast, 1 tsp butter, .75 tbl orange marmalade, coffee 11:30 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1/2 large blueberry scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 12:30 pm 1 pc chocolates 4:45 pm 5 oz vodka/cranberry/ginger ale cocktail, assorted small nibbles of Tastefully Simple items 6:30 pm Chocolate calcium chew, Woodchuck Pumpkin cider 6:45 pm 4.35 oz grilled sirloin steak, 3/4 c roasted root veggies (beets/parsnips/sweet potatoes) Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am The Firm Bootcamp DVD

Thurs 1 Nov

I'm ready for my cold to be done any time now, thank you. I'm tired of needing decongestants to sleep and then still not sleeping very well. I opted out of morning exercise this morning because I felt like I was finally resting better when the alarm went off. I won't be able to squeeze in a nap at lunch today, so I felt that the extra hour of sleep this morning was more beneficial, even though I probably won't have much opportunity for exercise unless I can muster the energy at the end of the day. Not winning the battle to find energy to work out at the end of the day. Sigh. Food: 6:45 am 142 g caramel roll, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 106 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am 1/2 blueberry lime scone 1:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:15 pm 1 c cheese tortellini, 1/2 c carmelized onion & garlic pasta sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 c baked acorn squash, 1 tsp soft margarine, 12 oz skim milk

Tues 30 Oct

Looking out on a tranquil Lake Superior from the window of our lodge room. Looks to be another lovely, if a bit cool, day. We will breakfast in the hotel dining room, then head out for a morning hike. I wanted to eat at The Pie Place last night but it is only open for breakfast and lunch this time of year. We will go there for lunch after our hike. In the afternoon we will likely choose another short hike, then return to change into regular clothes. Food: 8:15 am. 2 eggs, 2 pc bacon, 2 pancakes w/ 1/2 c pecans, coffee

Mon 29 Oct

Off to the North Shore as soon as Dad gets his dentist appointment out of the way. Was able to get up at the normal time and get my exercise in which is always nice before a long day in the car. I'm encouraged by how well my knee feels today. Maybe it took catching a cold to focus my attention elsewhere. God bless 12-hour Sudafed for being able to breathe all night. Nice drive on a beautiful sunny day. Lunch at the Sputh Shore Brewery in Ashland was delicious. Arrived at the lodge around 3:30 pm. Our room is cosy with a lovely view of the lake. Headed out right away to Grand Marais lest shops be closed when we arrived. Puttered a bit in the Ben Franklin which carries everything from Nordic sweaters for $300 to Halloween candy. Walked down the street to find that the restaurant I had been hoping to try closed at 3:00 pm, but we can try to get there tomorrow for lunch. Ate at the Gunflint Tavern which was quite satisfactory. Quiet evening reading in the room. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 153 g blackberries, 103 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am. 5 oz broiled whitefish, bun, sliced tomato, lettuce, garlic aioli, sweet potato fries 5:45 pm. Wild mushroom ravioli, mixed greens salad, shiitake mushroom dressing, 12 oz Bell's Oberon Ale, 1/2 oc chocolate cake Exercise: 4:40-5:50 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 28 Oct

Think I'm coming down with a cold so fed on Cold-Eze yesterday and will probably still do some today. Will also try to drink more water. Would prefer not to get drippy if it's all the same. Knee still won't allow full participation in the ballet DVD, but it's getting better. Plies are just a bit short of full grand plies, and the second set of jumps I had to do at half time. Not too bad. Will run to PCH to visit Grandma as soon as the game is over. Trick or treat doesn't start til 4 pm this year so I should have time for a short visit before I need to come back and give out candy. Damn! The cold has caught hold in spite of numerous zinc lozenges. The worst of it hit during choir, and there was only one other quiet second soprano and a part-time newbie besides me to carry the entire soprano line. Food: 7:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 171 g blackberries, 100 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am Crepe, 2 scrambled eggs, veggie mix, coffee 1:30 pm Fun size M&M peanuts 5:45 pm Slice harvest vegetable quiche, 12 oz skim milk 8:15 pm Chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 6:35-7:25 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 27 Oct

Pet peeve of the day: Buying a lovely box of blackberries which says on the package that it contains 170 g, then measuring them on my food scale at 144 g for the whole package. I thought the packs I bought did not look as full as they should have. Knee is gamey again this morning so I will need to see how it progresses during the day. Tonight is the Moon Walk WI for which we are signed up to do 12 miles. Granted it's on level ground, but I won't push it if the knee isn't working properly. Decided to test the knee by walking to the Farmer's Market and back. Dad is working on Leone's tub surround, so I got to carry all the purchases (beets, cabbages, carrots, peppers) home. Jury is still undecided about 12 miles later today. Tonight we will try the frozen tamales from the Mexican lady at the Green Bay Farmer's Market. Two chicken tamales should be good fodder for a 12-mile walk which I am determined to at least try. Discretion required that I turn around at the 4-mile marker rather than go on to the 6-mile turnaround. My knee is glad I did. Food: 7:45 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 144 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Bowl vegetable soup, slice Double Protein toast, 1 tbl Jif 1:30 pm .55 oz Reese's PB cup 2:15 pm 1.5 oz Abergele portabella mushroom cheese 3:00 pm Nestle fat free cocoa 5:00 pm 2 chicken tamales, 12 oz skim milk During walk: 6 choc-covered pretzels, 2 large apple slices w/caramel, 1 pc string cheese, few pretzel thins, pumpkin cake w/cream cheese frosting, 2 Halloween Oreos 9:00 pm 1.5 oz Fulton's pumpkin cream liqueur Exercise: 10:25-11:15 am Walk to Farmer's Market, around, and back 5:35-8:35 pm 8 mi Moon Walk WI

Fri 26 Oct

Trying to psych up for what I expect to be a very busy day. Nice that we're invited to Hartmans for dinner tonight so something to look forward to when I'm spending the afternoon trying to get my whiniest client to complete three application forms in between his tirades. Maybe it won't be as bad as I fear. Just hope my breakfast client shows up as she hasn't touched base this week. Decided to challenge my knee recovery which is coming along quite well and do a step DVD this morning. The more challenging part was the constant movement, slightly more than the average aerobic DVD, so it was more of a stamina thing. The knee held up well, though I didn't do any of the hops on that side. I voted today! Food: 6:45 am 114 g strawberries, large banana, 1 scoop protein powder (Vitamix smoothie), coffee 8:30 am Mushroom/Swiss/onion omelet, 2 slices wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice Double Protein bread, 1 tbl Jif, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 3:30 pm 2 apple cinnamon pizzelles 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Victoria Johnson step DVD w/weight segment

Thurs 25 Oct

Had a pretty good time at the conference but ate like a bad girl. Coupled with too much sitting in the car and at the conference, not good. Only had one cocktail with the Kinky and diet Squirt, but indulged in some of the candy that the vendors gave away and had way too many goodies at the breakfast buffet. At least I got back early enough for Dad and I to hike at Rib yesterday afternoon. We split a 12" margarita pizza at the Dane, so supper wasn't too bad. At 4:15, the cookies in the reception area called my name. Dammit. Went to see Sue in her new location. She sold the Hair Co and is just working on her own, renting a chair at A Cut Above. She loves the freedom of not running the business. And I love not being blonde any more. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g strawberries, coffee 12:45 pm Vanilla soy shake, English muffin, 1 tbl Jif, 1 c vegetable soup 2:15 pm Butterfinger fun size candy bar 4:15 pm Kwik Trip chocolate chip cookie 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:15 pm Half beef sandwich w/red & green peppers & mozzarella on pretzel roll, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 23 Oct

Got up at 4:30 but didn't get to exercise today as I have to leave at 6:00 to pick up coworkers and drive to the Dells. Not much hope for any movement later with sitting through a conference and an evening with coworkers for dinner and hotel. Hoping to hike tomorrow when we get home though. Food: 5:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 129 g strawberries, coffee

Mon 22 Oct

The rest of October is bound to fly by. I go to a conference at Chula Vista tomorrow and Wed with coworkers, Saturday is the Moon Walk WI, Sunday I cantor and it's Trick Or Treat day, and Mon through Wed next week Dad and I are going up to the North Shore. I feel like I'm sprinting toward November. I'm having fresh strawberries for breakfast in late October in Wisconsin. Somehow it just doesn't seem right. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 167 g strawberries, coffee 11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice whole wheat bread, 1 tbl Jif, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), 2 oatmeal raisin cookies 2:45 pm 1 pc espresso chocolate 5:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm 3 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 5 spears roasted asparagus, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 21 Oct

I was disappointed not to have a sunny, warmer day yesterday as the weather guys had sort of promised for this weekend. It does look like the sun is shining today, though. Perhaps I can get out for an afternoon walk. I managed one grand plie today and a couple fairly close ones before backing off to demis, but I only got through one set of jumps before the twinges told me to stop. Went hiking at Rib this afternoon to celebrate the beautiful fall weather. Made it to the top of the tower and down the hiking trails, but my knee is feeling it. I don't think I exacerbated the injury, but I certainly stressed the healing knee a bit. Food: 7:45 am Morning bun, 1/4 large cantaloupe, yellow kiwi, coffee 12:30 pm 2 eggs over easy (sort of), 3 strips bacon, 1 slice French toast, 1/2 tbl whipped butter, 1/2 tbl pancake syrup, coffee 5:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:15 pm Roundy's plain 0% Greek yogurt, 2/3 c pumpkin spice granola, 1 lg chocolate white chip cookie Exercise: 6:45-7:35 am Brutal ballet DVD 2:25-4:40 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower

Sat 20 Oct

Slept in til 8 am today for the first time in quite awhile, at least at home. Think I may have slept til 8 once or twice on vacation. At any rate, I'm feeling really rested. Empty bowls today. Already have the sheets done in the wash machine, but I may wait til after my shower to see if it's warm enough to hang them outside. I WILL go through everything on the table today and deal with anything that needs attention. I did get to the bank yesterday to get Grandma's money transferred from a CD to pay the County Home, though I haven't yet written them the check. Used the last of the raspberries this morning so likely no more til the next Costco run. They're too expensive in the stores. Maybe I'll occasionally make a morning Vitamix smoothie with frozen berries. Nice to talk with Tom Pease a bit at Empty Bowls and to hear a couple of his songs before we left, including Banana Slug. Have a huge vat of vegetable soup on the stove with farmer's market cabbage, leeks, parsnips, as well as onions, celery, carrots, canned tomatoes, and kale and herbs from my herb garden. I will need to freeze some as we will tire of it long before we dent the huge pot. Wish you could have been with us for dinner. The mega-veggie soup was yummy! Made Vitamix fruit smoothies to accompany. Food: 8:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 108 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm Bowl pork sausage stew, breadstick, 4 cookies, Minute Maid juice 2:30 pm Dark chocolate sea salt caramel 4:00 pm 1 pc chocolates 6:45 pm Large bowl veggie soup, Vitamix fruit smoothie (red grapes, banana, frozen mixed berries, plain Greek yogurt)

Fri 19 Oct

TGIF! I get done about an hour early today because of long days Mon & Tues, but I need to take care of some of Grandma's finances that I have been letting slide. I need to get to the bank to transfer money from her CD to pay Portage Co Home over $8000 and put some money on account for her to get her hair care done. I have been ignoring bills on the table for far too long also and absolutely need to take care of them today or tomorrow. Breakfast with my client today. This was an exhausting week. Glad it's over. Ahh, Friday night with cheese fries and a really good movie. Nice way to top off the week. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, 91 g raspberries, coffee 8:15 am Omelette w/mushrooms, Swiss cheese, onions, 2 slices wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, cinnamon scone, SweeTango apple 4:30 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:30 pm 12 g venison jerky, 4 cheese fries, large honey crisp apple, 12 oz Capitol Oktoberfest beer Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am The Firm Bootcamp DVD

Thurs 18 Oct

Really is nice now that Fitbit has partnered with SparkPeople. I only need to enter my food and fitness minutes once and both sites share the information. I get the benefits of SparkPeople with it's articles and better food tracker and Fitbit reminding me all day of how many steps I have (or haven't) taken and how that affects how many calories I should eat. And my latest replacement Fitbit has been working beautifully! Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g raspberries, coffee 9:30 am .75 oz Reese's peanut butter cup 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, cinnamon scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 6:30 pm 3.5 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c purple potatoes, 1/2 c parsnips, 1/2 tbl butter, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:50-5:35 am Denise Austin Power Zone DVD

Wed 17 Oct

The week goes on.... Enjoyed Chuck's birthday party last night, just a quiet get-together for a few people. We walked there and back and the evening was absolutely lovely. We would like to take advantage of more of these nice fall evenings just to walk the neighborhoods if we don't have time to hike. Was able to do the Burn It Up at close to full intensity today. Lacked a little stamina on the floor section that is always tough, not so much because of the knee as because I had a couple weeks off from this routine. Knee was a little fatigued on occasion but I believe it is continuing to get better. OMG, the Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur is delicious! Wow, supper was also amazing! My coworker gave us fresh venison steaks so I seared them in a little butter, sauteed some portabellas & onions, baked a squash, and roasted some small farmer's market sweet potatoes. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 99 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm 4 oz boneless chicken breast, 1 oz cheddar cheese, 1/4 c broccoli, bun 3:30 pm Small Kit Kat fun size 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm 2 oz pumpkin spice cream liqueur 7:00 pm 3.45 oz venison steak, 1/2 c roasted sweet potato, 1/2 c baked squash, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/3 c portabella mushrooms, 1 tbl chopped onion, 1/4 tbl butter, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 16 Oct

Knee is a bit stiff this morning after last night's hike. When we hike with Barb, we tend to keep a somewhat faster pace even though she is most willing to slow down if I need it. The new route works better for me and also shortens it enough to accommodate the lessening light. It is darkening by the time we finish, but since we come down on the paved path, there are no roots and rocks to avoid and we can't lose the path. Busy morning taking a depressed client to be admitted to the hospital. Invited to the McReichl's tonight to wish Chuck a happy completion to his 70th year. OK, so Deb's message was confusing and she really meant Chuck was finishing his 70's, ergo turning 80 tomorrow. And my homemade card was just wrong. OK. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 c extra large cantaloupe, 102 g raspberries, coffee 9:30 am 1 sm square dark chocolate bar 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, blueberry scone, SweeTango apple 4:00 pm Emerald 100 cal cocoa roast almonds 5:30 pm 4 oz red wine, 2 oz Hallowine, 2 3" turkey subs, kettle chips 7:30 pm Jello sugar free double chocolate pudding cup Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video 5:00-5:15 pm Walk to Reichls 7:15-7:30 pm Walk home

Mon 15 Oct

Today should be a better exercise day. Yesterday I was pretty much a slug except for morning ballet which counts very low on the calorie-burn scales. Hoping to hike the short loop with Barb tonight. Yay! Supposedly my Fitbit is now synched to my SparkPeople account so I should only need to enter my food on one of the sites for it to appear in both places. We'll see.... Made it - did the hike and the knee is still functional and not too uncomfortable. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 extra large cantaloupe, 102 g raspberries, coffee 12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, blueberry scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 7:45 pm 1 c butternut squash soup, 1.4 oz portabella mushroom cheese, SweeTango apple, Woodchuck pumpkin cider Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 5:25-6:50 pm Hiking Rib Mt, abbreviated version

Sun 14 Oct

Renewal Sunday at Newman today. Fr. Tom has been pushing for everyone to come so I expect the crowd will be larger than usual. At some point, they have Fr. Mark coming to do a presentation on Bible history but I don't remember when. I think it's an evening thing. Sure enjoyed spending time with you on Saturday. I'm glad you're close enough geographically to make that possible most months. Knee would still not do grand plies today, but closer to a passe. Making use of a couple of my pumpkin purchases already. Made pancakes for lunch and having a cup of the herbal pumpkin tea with mine. Nummy fall supper w/Costco chicken, mashed sweet potato, and sauteed eggplant in panko/parmesan. Food: 8:00 am Morning bun, 1/4 extra large cantaloupe, 100 g raspberries, coffee 11:15 pm 2 butterscotch krispie treats, 1/2 pumpkin donut, coffee 12:45 pm 2 1/2 pumpkin pancakes w/margarine & maple syrup, 2 slices turkey bacon, pumpkin herbal tea 3:00 pm 1 pc artisan dark chocolate w/elderberry 5:00 pm 3.6 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c sauteed eggplant slices w/seasoned panko parmesan, 1/2 c mashed sweet potato, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 6:55-7:45 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 13 Oct

Took a little longer to get started today than anticipated, but I will have my sheets washed and perhaps another load in the dryer and the last load in the washer before I leave. We will head down to Baraboo first, walk around a bit and get a good crepe from the French crepe man, then head down to Madison. Food: 8:45 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/4 extra large cantaloupe

Fri 12 Oct

Today inertia won out and I did not get up to exercise. Felt nice to get a little extra sleep, but there is the guilt.... Hopefully I will find the energy to make up for it later today. Breakfast with my client today who left me two phone messages yesterday reminding me not to eat at home. Going to try to do a half hike today! I'm excited. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 8:15 am Omelette w/cubed ham & American cheese, 2 tbl hash browns, 1 slice homemade whole wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 12:15 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, cinnamon scone 4:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:45 pm 4 oz meatloaf w/BBQ sauce, 1/2 c onion haystack straws, 1 c green beans, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 8 oz filtered wheat beer Exercise: 4:50-6:20 pm Hiking Rib, shortened version

Thurs 11 Oct

Knee is getting progressively better. It works pretty well now in a straight plane, or side to side without twisting. I still can't bend it far enough to do the quad stretch, but it's getting closer. I also didn't feel discomfort in bed last night which allowed for better rest. Loving the butternut squash soup! Great warm-up for lunch. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, 1 c butternut squash soup, cinnamon scone 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm 1 c cheese tortellini, 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1 tbl chopped onion, 1/8 c chopped red pepper, 1/2 c arrabiata sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 c roasted beets, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:40 am Jane Fonda Fat Burner's video

Wed 10 Oct

Scale continues to climb upward even though I think I'm still eating pretty well and doing my best to exercise and move, even when the knee is gimpy. I hope this is temporary. We had my (belated) birthday lunch with my coworkers today at El Ranchito. I tried a new dish, Puerco w/Salsa Verde. It consisted of chunks of roasted pork in a salsa verde sauce to be eaten wrapped in tortillas. Unfortunately it was not particularly attractive on the plate, being a bunch of chunks swimming in a thin green liquid. Tasted quite good, though. My car is at the shop, replacing the starter and possibly the cable. Will be nice to have a car that starts again. In the meantime, they gave me a Corolla as a loaner. Got a nice pot of butternut squash soup simmering on the stove. Used a couple of recipes as a base and added my own touches. Hope it turns out yummy! It did, it did turn out yummy! And the immersion blender makes the puree work so easy! Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 12:00 pm Chips & salsa, 5 oz roast pork, salsa verde sauce, 3 homemade corn tortillas, 1/3 c refried beans w/cheese 1:00 pm Small piece applesauce cake 4:45 pm Green tea w/mint 5:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 7:00 pm Bowl butternut squash soup, blueberry scone, 5 oz pinot grigio Exercise: 4:45-5:25 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights 5:25-5:35 am Aerobic warm up and beginning of Brand New Butt

Tues 9 Oct

I know I have a busy schedule at work today, but it's better than time on your hands. Looking at taking a mini-vac to the North Shore Oct 29-31, hoping not to encounter snow. Living Social had a good deal at the Lutsen Resort so we're gonna go for it. I missed the North Shore in spring because Dad was too busy at Karlens and our usual fall hike would have happened right around the time of our big vacation. It will be nice to get up there once this year. Thinking about buzzing down to Madison this Saturday afternoon to evening. We're going to Baraboo for the Faire on the Square, probably around lunch time, and would head to Madison afterward. Hoping I can motivate (and keep my knee sufficiently functional) to hike at Devil's Lake before the Faire. What is your schedule like this Saturday? Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g raspberries, coffee 12:45 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, blueberry scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 2:30 pm 7.8 g Van de Walles dark chocolate 6:30 pm 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1/8 c chopped onion, 1/4 c chopped red pepper, 1/2 c arrabiata sauce, 1 c whole wheat spaghetti, 1 tbl grated parmesan, 12 oz skim milk 8:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 8 Oct

Slept well last night. Always nice when you get up feeling well rested. Joe Biden's son is visiting the local Democratic headquarters this evening between 5:00-5:45 pm. Not sure if I'll wander over there. Nope, going to Ranchitos for a margarita after work with coworkers won out over Biden's son. Margaritas were much more fun than politics! We all ordered dinner and they brought us each a piece of tres leches cake on the house. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 77 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, cinnamon scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 3:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:45 pm Chips/salsa/queso fundido, pollo poblana conqueso, 1/2 c refried beans w/cheese, 3 homemade corn tortillas, small piece tres leches cake Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 7 Oct

We had a very nice little mini-weekend in Green Bay/Door Co. Got to Green Bay in time to check in and do the requisite wine tasting at Captain's Walk. I like their wine tasting guide sheet in that it describes each wine and also gives residual sweetness and alcohol content for each wine. I wish all wineries did that. We had a bottle of champagne in our room and had a glass before dinner and took one along to the restaurant as well. Had Irish stew at St. Brendan's. They served a mound of mashed potatoes in the middle that must have been at least 1 1/2 cups, most of which stayed on the plate, but the lamb was tender, the gravy delicious, and lots of root veggies. Ordered dessert as it is usually good there, but the apple crisp was really mediocre. Should have had the sense not to eat it all, but didn't. St. Brendan's does a nice little breakfast with modest-sized made-to-order omelets and homemade cranberry scones. We then walked to the nearby Farmer's Market and got some more fall veggies. The tamale lady was there, so I now have a dozen homemade tamales in my freezer, 6 chicken and 6 pork. Hoping they will be yummy. Forecast had been for cloudy, chilly, drizzly day but the sun dominated the morning. Some clouds as we drove in to Door Co, but enough sunshine to make the peak color come to life. It did cloud over and we had a couple of minor sprinkles later in the afternoon, but nothing overwhelming. Bought some good Honey Crisps to supplement our remaining Galas. Today we need to visit Grandma, and I'd like to find time to roast beets and squash before choir. Knee was gimpy yesterday, though not as bad as Thursday. I was limping more after walking to the Farmer's Market which may have been a bit much for it. As the day progressed, I would be worse after periods of sitting. Today it seems better but I couldn't manage more than a demi-plie during the ballet DVD and I couldn't bend the right knee all the way to passe. Not a fun Packer game to watch. Did manage to roast my beets and a butternut squash. Food: 7:45 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, 1/2 c blueberries, soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 76 g raspberries, coffee 12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, cinnamon scone, large honey crisp apple 2:30 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel 4:30 pm 5 satellite wafers 5:00 pm 4 oz chicken hardwood sausage, 2/3 c butternut squash, 3/4 c roasted beets, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 6:45-7:35 am Brutal ballet DVD, modified for gimpiness

Fri 5 Oct

My knee is surprisingly significantly better today. I was dreading getting up to exercise and almost took a bye, then decided late to get up and do the Crunch Pilates which is only 42 min and a little more gentle on the knees. I was glad that I did as it always helps to work it gently. Breakfast with my client this morning. I hope she wants to go to Ranchitos. I could go for machaca. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, med banana, coffee Exercise: 5:05-5:45 am Crunch Pilates DVD

Thurs 4 Oct

Knee is complaining today after last night's hike, though I'm not certain it isn't more due to the weather change upcoming. Shall need to be a tad careful with it while still making sure to keep it exercised. Was interesting to do the Power Shaping DVD again after quite a long hiatus. Multiple repetitions with light 4 lb weights leave my arms noticing the work. Went up to Wausau AT&T tonight to consider an iPhone 4 since mine keeps buzzing intermittently. They were all sold out of the 4s they had in stock, but the clerk did a hard restart on mine (something neither of us had heard of). If it stops the buzzing, I won't need to replace the current phone. Food: 6:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 10:15 am 100 cal pack cocoa-dusted almonds 12:30 pm Peach soy shake, 2 slices Jarlsberg lite, 2 sm slices cranberry oat bread, 2 tsp soft margarine, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:15 pm Grilled cheese sandwich w/sliced tomato & pesto, 1 c green beans, 4 oz Oktoberfest beer Exercise: 4:45-5:30 am Power Shaping DVD

Wed 3 Oct

Today I finish the 10-week weight loss challenge at work and not only did I not meet the modest 6-lb goal, I'm afraid I'm going to finish worse than I started due to the breakdown at Rocky's last night. Lots of sodium in that pizza slice makes the scale higher than usual today. I plan to keep weighing myself weekly at work in addition to the home scale to keep working back down again even without the formal challenge motivator. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 1 Gala apple (Vitamix sauce), coffee 12:15 pm Hamburger, bun, lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, 3 French fries 3:00 pm 1 Wintergreen LifeSaver 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 8:15 pm 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, Yoplait chocolate raspberry parfait Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD 5:10-7:10 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower

Tues 2 Oct

Planning a walk along the river this evening if it's as sunny and nice as predicted. There should be opportunities to view nice color there. We're planning to hike at Rib tomorrow evening with Barb, so I want to see more trees! We're also thinking about Fri night at St. Brendan's in Green Bay, then day-tripping into Door Co on Saturday for some leaf-viewing and apple-buying. Skipping a ladies' birthday lunch today in favor of a nap when I'm done eating. Good girl: long walk after work even when we were tired. Bad girl: Stopped at Rocky's and consumed Super Slice for energy to get home. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 102 g local raspberries, coffee 11:30 am Blueberry soy shake, 108 g cranberry orange scone, Gala apple (Vitamix sauce) 2:30 pm 100 cal pack cocoa dusted almonds 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 7:00 pm Super Extra Cheesy Sausage Mushroom slice, chocolate Starlite mint Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video 5:20-7:00 pm Walk around river and Northpoint Dr 7:30-8:00 pm Walk home from Rocky's

Mon 1 Oct

I have to admit I'm tempted by Woot's Bleeding Heart Liberal sweatshirt, but I've been buying too many shirts again lately. I would be proud to proclaim my political leanings. Only one more evening of on-call. I have had two calls, both just around 9 pm before I went to bed and both quickly managed. This has so far been a good week. Food: 6:45 pm 1/2 chocolate chip brioche, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 86 g raspberries, coffee 9:00 am 1" square mint brownie 11:00 am .5 oz baked tortilla chips, 2 tbl spinach dip 12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, 106 g cranberry orange scone, med pear 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 6:30 pm Grilled chicken thigh, large cob grilled corn, 2/3 c grilled purple potatoes/onions/green peppers, 2 tsp olive oil, 12 oz skim milk, Jello dark chocolate pudding cup Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 30 Sept

I feel guilty eating a delicious sweet roll purchased from the good Amherst baker at the Farmer's Market yesterday. That man does know how to make good bakery! Also have a dish of local raspberries as part of the feast. Shame to be so sleepy in the middle of a gorgeous afternoon, but need a nap. Oooh, nap was nice. Food: 7:45 am Honey bun sweet roll, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 96 g raspberries, coffee 12:30 pm Veggie skillet w/2 eggs over easy, mozzarella cheese, mucho veggies, hash browns, 2 pc wheat toast w/butter & orange marmalade, coffee 3:00 pm Dark chocolate sea salt caramel 5:30 pm 2 oz grilled pork chop, 1 gala apple (Vitamix applesauce), 1/2 raisin brioche Exercise: 6:40-7:30 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 29 Sept

Nice relaxing Saturday. I'm on call so we can't go anywhere out of town, so we'll get some things done here. I want to walk to the Farmer's Market as soon as I hang the sheets on the line, put in the next load, and shower. We will walk over to PCH later to visit Grandma. I need to go through the mail and pay bills. Otherwise, low key day. Grandma seemed to appreciate the visit. We took her out on an unused patio and they had a two-sided glider swing with a bench on one side and a ramp to bring the wheelchair up and lock it down on the other side so we enjoyed a civilized swing in the sunshine. Very nice dinner at Father Fats, the newest small plates evening spot on Clark St. We had a lovely walk with the evening sun on the beautiful trees, followed by a fun meal. Food: 8:30 am Laura's oatmeal (1/3 c old-fashioned oats, cinnamon, 1 tbl flaxseed meal, 1/3+c blueberries, 1 scoop TJ protein powder, 2 oz light original soy milk), 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee 10:00 am 73 g cherry strudel 11:30 am Smoothie (w/1/2 c grapes, 7 med strawberries, 1/2 lg banana, 1/2 pkt vanilla soy shake, 1/2 Oikos plain Greek yogurt, fresh mint), 1 lg slice cranberry oat toast, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1/2 apricot kuchen 7:00 pm Bourbon cocktail, baked chevre with toasted rounds, crepe w/asparagus and parmesan sauce, 3 black angus medallions, 1 tbl truffled mashed potatoes, asparagus salad, small piece redfish, 1 1/2 potato parmesan pancakes, 2 1/2 large slices carrot, 1/4 c cranberry sorbet, smear pumpkin ganache, bit of granola Exercise: 10:15-11:15 am Walk to and around Farmer's Market 1:40-2:00 pm Walk to PCH 2:45-3:05 pm Walk home 3:45-3:55 pm Walk to 2308 6:15-6:35 pm Walk to Father Fats 8:00-8:20 pm Walk home

Fri 28 Sept

I'm pleased that I made it through the full week including Sunday getting up at the early exercise time and completing my regular routines. My body is feeling it a bit, but bound to get stronger again as I get back in the swing. Even two weeks off for vacation sets you back a bit and requires recovery. I am really planning to try to get back to 2 evenings a week at the gym when the hiking season has to end due to early darkness. We can hopefully get some after-work hikes in for the next week or two, but that's likely to be it. The occasional Saturday hike can still happen, but it gets dark too soon to complete the Rib circuit this time of year. Fitbit #4 FIT4SUE is on the charger. May this be the one that holds its charge, keeps its display, and does everything else it's supposed to do. Clancy's for supper, always good. A man who Bob has worked for several times arrived when we did and joined us for dinner so there was abundant lively conversation. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 44 g raspberries, 138 g strawberries, coffee 10:15 pm Coffee 12:00 pm Peach soy shake, 1/2 pc apricot kuchen, med pear, sm piece cranberry oatmeal toast, 1 tsp soft margarine 4:00 pm 15 satellite wafers 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 5:15 pm Lemon pepper cod, garlic potatoes, 1/3 c steamed curried butternut squash, 11 oz Central Waters Oktoberfest, 1/2 apple cinnamon bread pudding Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am The Firm Bootcamp DVD

Thurs 27 Sept

The week is starting to speed up - can't believe it's already Thursday. Had a nice evening with Michael and his friends last night over dinner. Today I need to call the social worker at PCH to get the update from them on Grandma's condition/prognosis, and also call Oakridge about the cost of holding her apartment if that's the plan. Then I will need to get the costs of both the nursing home and Oakridge to the bank so they can come out of her CD. I should get Fitbit #4 in the mail tomorrow according to the tracking site. Hope this one works for a nice long time. Grilled my Costco pork chops with just a little sea salt and fresh ground pepper and a small bit of my fresh sage and rosemary, chopped. Delicious! Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 147 g strawberries, coffee 10:30 am 1 slice fresh pineapple, 1 oz mozzarella 12:30 pm English muffin, 1 tbl homemade peanut butter, smoothie w/soy shake powder, 12 green grapes, 94 g strawberries, 1 small banana 3:15 pm 4 Roundy's Reduced Fat triscuits (.5 svg) 6:15 pm 3 oz grilled pork chop, 1/2 c potatoes, 2/3 c roasted beets, 12 oz skim milk Exercise: 4:45-5:42 am Kickboxing DVD 6:45-8:00 pm Walk with Dad

Wed 26 Sept

Haven't made it over to PCH yet this week to see Grandma or to check in with the staff. Monday I just couldn't get motivated and yesterday was way too busy. Hopefully today. I feel good about continuing to get back in the exercise groove, but my body is slowly protesting a bit. It will be fine as soon as the muscles remember that they need to work to be effective. Made it over to drop in on Grandma briefly; she is looking fine but frustrated with being moved around by Hoyer lift. Reminded her that she needs to heal up and be able to bear weight and this will change. Michael brought a couple of friends who may move in with him for awhile for dinner tonight. They seemed very pleasant and personable. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, morning bun, pear 3:00 pm 15 flying saucers 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew 7:30 pm 4 oz roast beef, 1/2 c potatoes, small salad, 1 tsp vidalia onion tomato dressing, 2 slices grilled pineapple soaked in rum, 12 oz skim milk, 1/6 apple crisp, 1/4 c vanilla ice cream Exercise: 4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 26 Sept

Having breakfast at Blue Top this morning with my client, so just fruit and coffee at home. Then lunch at Hilltop for Brad's 50th birthday. Hard to get back into controlled eating, though it's easier in those venues than exciting places on vacation. Good to do the Jane Fonda Workout again this morning, though my body is feeling a bit pounded from the speedy return to regular exercise. Barb led a very fast pace on the hike last night so we wouldn't get caught in the dark on the way down and I had to struggle a bit to keep up. Food: 6:45 am 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g raspberries, coffee 8:30 pm 1 over-fried egg, 1 c oatmeal, 1 tsp brown sugar, 2 tbl raisins, 1/4 c milk, 2 pc homemade whole wheat toast, 1 container orange marmalade, coffee 12:45 pm 3 oz chicken breast, 1/4 c sauteed mushrooms, 1 slice swiss cheese, bun, 1 c fruit salad, 2 bites raspberries 4:45 pm Chocolate calcium chew Exercise: 4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 24 Sept

Back to work today. Oh, well, it was inevitable. I also need to contact PCH to make sure things are in order for Grandma and get a copy of the bill to the bank so we can also use her CD to pay PCH so her checking account is not depleted. Also, this is the only day this week that we can hike because I start a week of on-call tomorrow. Felt reasonably good to exercise this morning, though I certainly don't feel as easy in my muscles as when I have been in the routine. I was also pleased that while the scale was up a little, it wasn't as bad as I feared. Conscientious application of exercise and diet should be able to counteract vacation damage. Fitbit is going to send me yet another replacement unit since I can't get this one to hold a charge for any reasonable length of time. They remain cheerful about it so I shall also do so. Food: 6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g raspberries, coffee 11:45 am Bowl butternut/apple soup, 2 slices toasted cranberry oatmeal bread, 2 tsp soft margarine, blueberry soy shake 3:00 pm 100 cal pack cocoa-dusted almonds 8:00 pm Chocolate calcium chew 8:15 pm 1 Gala apple (made into Vitamix sauce), morning bun, Yoplait chocolate raspberry parfait Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 5:15-7:15 pm Hiking Rib Mt plus tower