Tues 31 Jan

Much as I enjoy morning buns, it feels better to get back to my usual higher protein, less sweet breakfast cereal. Stays with me longer, too.

I find as I have gotten more accustomed to the Burn It Up DVD, I don't feel as strong a need to add the stretching video quite as often. I really needed it in the first week or two to combat soreness.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 86 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, 0% Chobani vanilla yogurt, slice pecan tea ring, orange
12:45 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
2:15 pm 1 Crunch Crisp fun size bar
6:00 pm 138 g spinach cheese ravioli, .75 tbl butter, .5 tbl shredded parmesan, Market Pantry cranberry fiber applesauce, 12 oz skim milk, Jello sugar free dark chocolate pudding cup


Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Mon 30 Jan

Hope you had a good time in Mpls and didn't party too hard.

I'll be ready to move on back to more variety in my exercise program after I finish the 6 weeks of this program. It's good, but doing the same thing every day does start to get old.

Yummy supper! We bought a package of precooked chicken sausage links with smoked mozzarella with artichokes and garlic from Costco this weekend. I took two links and chopped them into slices, sauteed them with onion, green pepper, and portabella mushrooms, and added some arrabiata sauce and shredded parmesan over whole grain pasta. I'm sure the links would also be good in a variety of other ways, but this was a winner!


Food:

7:00 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 76 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am 2 crab rangoon, 1/4 c rice noodles, 1/2 c honeydew, 1/2 c sliced pork & veggies, 4-5 pc sushi, 1/2 c chocolate pudding, tea, fortune cookie
1:45 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
2:15 pm Small 1x2" pc marble cake w/whipped cream frosting
6:15 pm 1 c Ronzoni whole grain thin spaghetti, .75 chicken sausage, 1/8 c chopped onion, 1/4 c chopped green pepper, 1/4 c chopped portabella mushrooms, 1/3 c arrabiata sauce, .5 tbl shredded parmesan, 3/4 c broccoli, 12 oz skim milk




Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Sun 29 Jan

Had a very nice time at Samba. Glad we went early as it became extremely crowded as the night wore on. Didn't taste anywhere near all 24 wines, but had plenty to enjoy. The walk to and from Monona Terrace was nice, too.


Food:

6:45 am Morning bun, 100 g blackberries, coffee
12:00 pm 1 1/2 eggs, spinach, veggie mix, 1/2 c hash browns, 2 slices buttered raisin toast, coffee
3:45 pm 60 g pecan tea ring
6:00 pm 1/6 asparagus bacon quiche, 1 orange, 12 oz skim milk

Sat 28 Jan

Hope you're having a good time in Mpls. Enjoy the new climbing wall. We'll be coming down to Madison, probably in the afternoon. Dad forgot to buy his breakfast bars at Costco last week and I want to stop at Clasen's for morning buns to eat in the hotel tomorrow morning. Knowing us, we'll probably think of a few other things we want to pick up as long as we have access. BTW, the blackberries and grapefruit have been marvelous!

Looking forward to the wine tasting and Samba experience tonight. Should be fun.

Will head downstairs after breakfast, start the laundry and get my exercising in. Desperately need to shave legs today, resembling Chewbacca.


Food:

7:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, fresh blueberries, & soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 95 g blackberries, coffee
12:30 pm 26 g Dubliner cheese, 28 g TJs multigrain corn chips, 100 g blueberries



Exercise:

9:45-11:00 am Burn It Up and Slim & Limber DVDs

Fri 27 Jan

Going out to dinner tonight with Kurt & Barb. We're going to Mickey's; haven't been there for years so it will be a time trip.

Realized that I can't take my usual exercise rest day tomorrow because I won't have time in the morning at the hotel on Sunday to work out. I shall feel abused tomorrow.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 106 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, 56 g sourdough bread, 1 egg, 1 oz skim milk, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1/4 tsp cinnamon sugar, 1 orange
2:00 pm Chocolate covered pretzel rod
3:45 pm Lindt dark chocolate mint truffle
6:30 pm Baked fish filet w/crab & hollandaise, cole slaw, french fries, buttered rye bread, small sliver chicken cacciatore pizza
8:00 pm TJ's chocolate drizzle star cookie



Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Thurs 26 Jan

You'll have to let me know where you go for Madison Restaurant week and what kind of delicious food you get. I looked at the website, drooled over the menus, and bemoaned that Madison is too far to drive for a weeknight dinner out. Even if Point did a Restaurant week, we don't have the kinds of restaurants to put out food like that. Hope you had chance to try one or two.

Coworker evening out after work night - first of what we hope will become a monthly event. Margaritas at El Ranchito, and a few of us stayed for dinner.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 96 g blackberries, coffee
12:45 pm Blueberry soy shake, 58 g sourdough bread, 1 egg, 1 oz skim milk, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1/4 tsp cinnamon sugar, 1 orange
1:30 pm Dark chocolate sea salt caramel
4:30 pm Margarita, chips & salsa, chips & queso fundido, poblano shrimp, 2 tortillas, 1/4 c salad



Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Wed 25 Jan

More tired than usual this morning, but woke up frequently in the night, albeit briefly. Hopefully, I'll perk up a bit as the day wears on.

We're going to Mickey's with Kurt and Barb for dinner on Friday evening. A much belated thank you to them for coming to the house to care for Jordan when we were gone on more than one occasion. I miss chatting with Barb when it's not hiking season. They are such good people.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 107 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 59 g sourdough bread, 1 egg, 1 oz skim milk, cinnamon, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1/4 tsp cinnamon sugar, med orange
12:45 pm Dark chocolate sea salt caramel
6:00 pm Ham rotini casserole (leftovers), cup Mott's cinnamon applesauce (from Costco sample lady), 12 oz skim milk, 4 TJ's dark chocolate star cookies
7:15 pm Matcha green tea



Exercise:

4:45-6:00 am Burn It Up & Slim & Limber DVDs

Tues 24 Jan

This morning my alarm clock would not shut off when I hit either the snooze or the off buttons. I had to sit up, turn on the light, read the manual (which was useless), and then just unplug it to shut it up. Fortunately for Dad, he had been restless and gone downstairs to sleep on the couch in the middle of the night so he wasn't treated to the lights and sounds of frustration.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee
10:45 am 3/4 c popcorn (Fleet Farm)
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 1 1/2 c leftover udon w/veggies & 1 shrimp
12:45 pm 1 pc English toffee
2:15 pm White chocolate peppermint pretzel rod
6:15 pm Casserole w/whole grain rotini, cubed ham, sauteed onions, peppers, bella mushrooms, shredded cheddar; 2/3 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk, dark chocolate sea salt caramel



Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Mon 23 Jan

Michael came over this morning and told us that he proposed to Aly last night and she said yes. He is so happy! And they are wisely going to wait to marry until they are better established, but they will know they have made the commitment. He will use his bottle of dessert wine to celebrate with her. I am happy for him.

Spent some time looking at the online menus for Restaurant Week and am envious that you live in Madison where these things are accessible. Sounds like some awesome food available.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 86 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1/2 c leftover gnocchi/veggie dish from Graze, med orange
12:30 pm 1 TJ's Salted Caramel butter cookie
2:15 pm See's pumpkin spice lollipop
4:30 pm 1 dark chocolate salted caramel
6:00 pm Bowl chili w/meat & beans, 2 tbl shredded cheddar, 1 tbl light sour cream, small square cornbread, 12 oz milk
7:00 pm 4 oz Chocowine Espresso



Exercise:

4:45-6:00 am Burn It Up and Slim & LImber DVDs

Sun 22 Jan

Love having a fresh morning bun as a treat for breakfast. Nice little change of pace.

Starting week 4 of the Slim In 6 program. I notice more toning but no weight loss, but then I'm not following their specific diet though mine isn't that different.

Stressful morning with Grandma. She had a lot of difficulty with transferring in and out of the car, seeming to be fairly unable to bear her own weight to assist with usual maneuvers. She was also extremely slow, frustrating in the damp chilly weather. She was also extremely slow during the lunch at Olympic, so that when Dad and I were finished, she had barely eaten 1/4 of her one cherry crepe. She did eventually finish, but we sat for a long time waiting, not wanting to make her leave her food uneaten. I was glad we had early choir today so I can now relax after a nice 50-min nap.

Used the first of the beautiful pork chops from Costco tonight - nummy! (Although I know you wouldn't think so.)


Food:

8:00 am Morning bun, 1/2 grapefruit, 127 g strawberries, coffee
12:00 pm 1 crepe, 2 scrambled eggs, veggie mix, coffee
4:45 pm 1.4 oz milk chocolate
6:15 pm 4.25 oz curried mango pork chop w/ 1/4 c chopped mango, 1/2 tbl flaked coconut, 1 tbl raisins, salad w/1 c spinach, 1/4 c chopped green pepper, 1/4 c chopped tomato, 1/8 c chopped baby bellas, 1/2 c heirloom blend rice, 12 oz skim milk, 4 TJ's dark chocolate stars cookies




Exercise:

6:45-7:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Sat 11 Jan

Hoping to get out of here around 10 am, though I still need to shower and change a laundry load. Heading off soon to get started on that. Looking forward to seeing you. Seems like it's been a long time, even though it was only Christmas, less than a month.

Looking very good for getting on the road by 10; it's 9:40 and most everything is good to go. See you soon!

Really enjoyed spending time with you in Madison. And your recommendation for Graze was appreciated - delicious!


Food:

8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, blueberries, protein powder, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 106 g strawberries, coffee
12:45 pm Seafood yaki udon w/shrimp, scallops, crab, miso soup
Afternoon: Various samples at Brennan's, Costco
5:30 pm Really Magic Coffee (espresso martini w/amaretto & rum), gnocchi w/butternut squash and other veggies, nuts, dots of goat cheese, balsamic vinegar

Fri 10 Jan

TGIF! This week has seemed particularly long because I know I can't take any time off or I would lose the time-and-a-half for Sunday's two-hour call. It's mostly the principle of not letting the county get away with paying less just because I'd like to take some time during the week. It has not been very busy this week so I'm a tad bored in the office. I always try to tell myself to enjoy these rare slow times because it's usually too busy and stressful, but the slow time have their own kind of stress. I suspect you can identify after having been bored with not enough to do at Cap One.

Went out to Clancy's for fish tonight. Car heater never really warmed up even driving all the way to Custer. Brrr!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 111 g strawberries, coffee
12:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, 56 g sourdough bread, 1 large egg, 2 oz skim milk, 2 tbl soft margarine, 1 pkg Equal, cinnamon, orange
12:45 pm 2 Nyakers gingerbread cookies
4:15 pm 3 Nyakers gingerbread cookies
6:15 pm 1 shot Kahlua, 2 c coffee, 5 oz lemon pepper baked fish, 1/2 c roasted baby reds, 1/4 c coleslaw, 1/2 slice rye bread, 1/2 pat butter, 1 tbl tartar sauce, 1/2 pc apple raisin bread pudding w/brandy sauce


Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Thurs 9 Jan

Instead of a good night at the gym, I was about as sluggish as I could be, heating up leftovers and crawling in to bed early to read. Went to sleep about an hour earlier than usual, but I guess I needed the rest as I feel more like myself today than I did at any point yesterday. Not sure I'll try for the gym tonight since it's going to be so cold, but maybe I'll dig out the Zumba Wii when I get home if there is any energy remaining.

Do you have plans for Saturday? We have been home the last several weekends in a row, so I don't think Dad would mind driving down to Madison two weekends in a row. We could meet you and do the errand run and dinner with you this weekend and just come down for the Samba thing next weekend. We will stay overnight next Saturday so we don't have to drive home after tasting up to 24 wines with dinner. We'll head out first thing in the morning so we can still make it home to take Grandma to church. I got a Hotwire rate at the Hilton Monona Terrace (though I didn't find out til I had committed that they'll add on $13 for parking).

Let me know if you're up for this Saturday. I know there's the afternoon hockey game so it might not work, but we'd like to see you if you're not busy.

Had to call Dad to work after my Intake shift because my car did not like sitting out in the cold, windy parking lot for almost 5 hours and refused to start. Fortunately it changed its mind with a little extra juice from the truck's battery.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 106 g strawberries, coffee
1:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, macaroni and cheese, orange
3:30 pm 2 chocolate pizzelles, 1 milk chocolate square
6:00 pm 5 oz red wine (blend cab sauv, merlot, sangiovese, syrah - gift from Joan & Jack to dad), 144 g spinach ravioli, 1 tbl butter, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, garlic, cup pomegranate applesauce, 12 oz skim milk, 1 TJ's chocolate drizzle star cookie



Exercise:

4:45-6:00 am Burn It Up and Slim & Limber DVDs

Wed 18 Jan

Tired this morning. Not sure why as I got a full, good night's sleep. Probably due to the cold as it's truly a wintry weather day today. I'm bundled in Cuddleduds and wool, though, so I think I'm ready.

Tried to motivate to go to the gym after work but I'm just sort of zombie-esque today and couldn't do it.



Food:

7:00 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, blueberries, protein powder, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 89 g raspberries, coffee
12:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, 65 g ham, slice whole wheat bread, orange
1:30 pm Small homemade Snickers bar
3:30 pm 2 chocolate pizzelles
4:45 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
5:30 pm 1 1/2 c moroccan 3-bean stew, 1/4 c diced ham, 12 oz skim milk, 4 TJ's dark chocolate star cookies




Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Tues 17 Jan

Don't know how I missed my blog this morning, unless I typed it in and didn't hit Publish. Must have been more tired than I realized.

Making my 3-bean Moroccan stew with added chopped ham. I think it will blend well with the flavor profile.



Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 86 g raspberries, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice L'Oven 100% whole wheat bread, 2.5 oz ham, orange
1:30 pm White chocolate peppermint pretzel rod
5:15 pm 1 Ritz cracker w/1 tbl salmon spread
6:15 pm 1 1/2 c Moroccan bean stew, 1/4 c diced ham, 12 oz skim milk, 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel



Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Mon 16 Jan

No MLK holiday for the lowly county workers, but I suppose I should be glad because if I have any holiday, sick, or otherwise non-regular work time this week, I wouldn't get time and a half for the calls on Sunday. That would mean losing an hour of compensation.

Pretty flowers. What's the occasion?



Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 81 g raspberries, coffee
10:45 am Clementine
12:15 pm Blueberry soy shake, 2.25 oz pecan kringle, med orange
2:30 pm 1/8 c butter toffee peanuts
3:15 pm See's pumpkin spice lollipop
6:15 pm Homemade whole wheat mac n' cheese, 1/2 can sliced beets, 12 oz skim milk, 26 g molasses cookies



Exercise:

4:45-6:00am Burn It Up and Slim & Limber DVDs

Sun 15 Jan

I certainly hope I don't get paged during the Packer game tonight. I had to miss the exciting finish of the SF/NO game but that wasn't a big disappointment. I would not be happy to miss the Packers. Glad to see Tebow is going to be old news again.

2 more hours on the pager from the start of lunch at the Olympia through the first hour of choir practice. Enough already!

No pages during the game, but still not so much fun to watch. At least I don't have to waste any more weekends with football games til next fall.


Food:

8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed, blueberries, protein powder and soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 92 g raspberries, coffee
12:15 pm 2 eggs, 3 strips bacon, 1 1/2 6" pancakes, 1 tbl butter, 1 tbl syrup, coffee
7:00 pm 3.45 oz ham, sweet potato casserole, 3/4 c broccoli, 1 tbl slivered almonds, 1/8 cherry crisp




Exercise:

6:45-7:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Sat 14 Jan

Was out on a call last night shortly after we got home from dinner at El Ranchito for almost two hours. Have to follow up today.

Looking forward to having Michael and Aly for dinner tonight. Gonna make that ham since everyone is okay with it. Should be a nice evening (if I'm not called out again).

Had a very nice time having dinner with Michael and Aly. They left shortly after, and within 3 min the pager went off and I was out for another hour and a half. Enough already!



Food:

8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/blueberries, protein powder, flaxseed meal, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 91 g blackberries, coffee
1:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, small piece pecan kringle, medium orange
3:00 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
5:30 pm 4 oz pinot grigio, 3 oz ham, 2/3 c sweet potato casserole, 1 c broccoli, 1 tbl toasted almonds, 1/8 cherry crisp, 1/2 c light vanilla ice cream
8:00 pm 1 slice dark chocolate orange




Exercise:

10:30-11:45 am Burn It Up and Slim & Limber DVDs

Fri 13 Jan

Running a tad late from reading email. Had to respond immediately to Serena who was seeking advice on getting involved with a work-at-home scheme she clicked on from a sidebar on Facebook. Had to tell her to run, and to protect her finances from any info she may have already given out. Hope she listens; at least she solicited opinions before getting in too deep.

Sorry to hear we'll miss you on the 28th. We'll have to coordinate a visit in Feb with your schedule first. I didn't have much choice with the Samba thing because the other options were on Sundays.


Food:

7:00 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 Strawberry/banana soy shake, small piece pecan kringle, med banana
2:45 pm See's pumpkin lollipop
4:45 pm 26 g sugar cookies (last of the white ones)
5:30 pm Margarita, chips & salsa, 5 oz catfish sauteed in garlic, 1/2 c refried beans, 1/4 c Mexican rice, 2 corn tortillas, 1/4 c shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/4 c pico de gallo
6:15 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel

Thurs 12 Jan

No pages last night so a restful evening. Got the tree put away and all the decorations up to the attic, except the ones I will notice over the next week that I didn't see when gathering others to put away. Happens every year.

When I got up at 4:30 there was less than an inch on the ground. Continues to fall but predictions for accumulations are small. Nothing like that Alaska coastal town with over 15 feet on the ground.

This will be a quiet weekend at home since I'm on call. No plans at the mo.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 94 g blackberries, coffee
12:45 pm Chocolate soy shake, 52 g pecan kringle, 2 satsuma mandarins
1:15 pm .5 oz spiced pecans, 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
2:45 pm 1 c skim milk, 1 tbl chocolate syrup (coffee shop hot chocolate)
6:00 pm 145 g spinach/cheese ravioli, 1/2 tbl melted butter, 1 tbl grated parmesan, Market Pantry pomegranate sauce, 12 oz skim milk



Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Wed 11 Jan

Got paged at 11 pm last night after I'd already been asleep for more than 2 hours. Had to go to the ER to meet the person and kept saying, "Good morning!" to everyone. Oh, well. It only took an hour so I still got most of a night's sleep, but I am tired today. Pooped out a little toward the end of the exercise routine.

Weather was mild enough to warrant grilling out tonight. Pork chops taste better on the grill - really they do!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 91 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 68 g pecan kringle, 2 satsuma mandarins, 1 pc light string cheese
1:15 pm Small piece pineapple raspberry kringle, 1.5 c caramel cheerios snack mix
6:00 pm 4.9 oz grilled pork chop, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, Market Pantry pomegranate sauce cup, 12 oz skim milk



Exercise:

4:45-6:00 am Burn It Up and Slim & LImber DVDs

Tues 10 Jan

Forgot to drink some water before exercising this morning and noticed a definite decrease in energy (as well as a dry mouth). Hopefully that will serve as a reminder for future mornings.

How was your con in NY? Glad to see that Eli's hair is coming back.

Tonight we at least begin the defrocking of the Christmas tree.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 98 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 56 g pineapple raspberry kringle, 89 g pecan kringle, 2 satsuma mandarins
3:00 pm 2 chocolate pizzelles, small piece peppermint candy cane
5:30 pm Chicken stew, 12 oz skim milk, 28 g molasses cookies



Exercise:

4:45-5:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Mon 9 Jan

True to form, the Burn It Up is getting slightly more manageable with practice. I didn't need a break during the tough butt-blaster series today, so I basically made it through the whole thing. The stretching felt excellent at the end.

Unusually sleepy today. Don't know why.

A little excitement cooking dinner tonight. My broiled salmon became salmon flambe. Dad had to take the flaming pan outside and air the smoke from the house. Fortunately, I could just scrape the char off the top and the rest of the salmon was quite tasty once we could close the doors and bring the house back to temperature. Ah, well.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 110 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, L'Oven 100% whole wheat toast, 1 tbl Peter Pan Whipped PB, 2 satsuma mandarins
12:45 pm Dark chocolate sea salt caramel
3:15 pm Dairy Queen Strawberry Delight 12 oz smoothie
4:15 pm 4 butter toffee peanuts
6:30 pm 2.85 oz salmon, 1/2 c heirloom blend rice, 3/4 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk, TJ chocolate drizzle star cookie, 1 minty mallow



Exercise:

4:45-6:00 pm Burn It Up and Slim & Limber DVDs

Sun 8 Jan

Tired after the second day of Burn It Up, but a good tired and feeling a minuscule amount of progress over yesterday. The last level was really hard the first few days, but got better as the week progressed (while still feeling like a good workout).

Finished off the Deer Rock Red from Del Fosse last night. That is such a nice sit-around-in-the-evening-with-a-glass-of-wine drink. I'm so glad you took us to Del Fosse. Apart from the magnificent crepes, their wines are really nice. I'm planning to pull out one of the bottles of Chenin Blanc to chill for our next venture, though.


Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 large grapefruit, 98 g blackberries, coffee
12:00 pm 2 eggs over easy, 2 slices bacon, 2 crepes, 1/4 c berries, 1/4 c strawberry yogurt, 1 tbl granola, 2 tbl whipped cream, coffee
3:15 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
4:45 pm Russell Stover Marshmallow Santa
5:00 pm Chicken stew, 12 oz skim milk



Exercise:

6:45-7:45 am Burn It Up DVD

Sat 7 Jan

We now have two Living Social vouchers for one-night hotel stays, one in Milwaukee and one in Chicago. The Chicago one we'll try to do on a Friday night, taking the whole day off so we can get there in time to get to Frontera Grill around 4:30 to get in for dinner that evening. Both have to be used by the end of March, so I think we'll look at doing them the weekends of Feb 10 and 24 to be sure. Will make Feb a fun month.

I continue to have frustration with my Keurig; it works part-way beautifully, but has to be coaxed to finish the brewing and dispensing process. Aaargh!

Went from Ramp It Up to Burn It Up today. Not as drastic a feeling as the initial switch to Ramp It Up, but then I did it on the same day as the Start It Up so it's no surprise I was wiped. I couldn't quite keep up with everything on the max level DVD, but I figure I need something to work up to since I'll be doing it daily for 5 more weeks. I find I simply cannot do the overhead press with both arms together on this resistance band, but I do have a less tension band I may substitute for that exercise. Today I just took turns on either arm. That was always the most difficult exercise for me on the previous level as well. My shoulders just aren't my strongest feature.

Made a crock pot chicken stew with lotsa veggies. Nice one-bowl supper.


Food:

8:45 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, frozen blueberries, soy milk, protein powder, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee
10:00 am Cafe Express Chai Latte (K-cup)
2:00 pm Slice L'Oven 100% whole wheat bread, 1.85 oz Dubliner cheese, 2 tsp soft margarine, large pear
2:30 pm 22 g sugar cookies
5:00 pm 6 oz Deer Rock Red wine
6:00 pm Chicken veggie stew, 12 oz skim milk, 1/2 c Candy Cane ice cream, hot fudge



Exercise:

12:30-1:30 pm Burn It Up DVD

Fri 6 Jan

Decided to take my rest day from the Slim in 6 exercise program today, so I slept in this morning til almost 6! I will probably try to do the stretch video later after work, and may possibly even try the ab video today since the other muscles are still getting their rest.

The work holiday party last night at Grazie's was fun. I really appreciate what a nice group of people I have to work with. And our psychiatrist, Mo, graciously picked up the food tab for the entire group of 20 people! After she had already given us each a Starbucks gift card. She is so generous!

I had a first experience this morning. I was exiting a home in rural Portage County, the sun was peeking out, a warm(ish) breeze blew in my face, and for the first time, I experienced spring fever on January 6! I started thinking about planting my herb garden.

Okay, I'm officially an old lady now. I tried Zumba today for the Wii. And I kinda liked it. It provides a bit of a challenge even though the steps are pretty easy to keep in sync with the "instructor". It requires wearing the controller on an included belt and making sure your hips are properly aligned. It works fine when the tempo is relatively fast, but it can't seem to detect me at all when it's slow. There was one routine that was basically stretching and it didn't even realize I was there.

Thinking sushi thoughts tonight.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, bowl turkey soup, 2 satsuma mandarins
12:30 pm Dark chocolate sea salt caramel
5:15 pm 6 oz Del Fosse red
6:30 pm Sushi maki rolls, tea
8:00 pm 1/2 c peppermint stick ice cream, hot fudge


Exercise:

4:10-5:10 pm Zumba tutorial and about 1/2 hr easy routines

Thurs 5 Jan

Had a little less energy during exercise this morning. I may use tomorrow as my one day of rest since Saturday is pretty unscheduled (so it shouldn't be hard to fit in exercise then). I may also take the plunge on Saturday and try the next level up now that I'm not completely dying with the Ramp It Up any more. I may use next week as a transition, possibly doing the Burn It Up every other day if necessary. I really like it if I can also fit in the 15-min stretch routine afterward. I still haven't been brave enough to try the extra 10-min ab workout; maybe Saturday.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee
10:30 am 2 chocolate pizzelles
11:45 am 1 Hershey's kiss
12:45 pm Vanilla soy shake, L'Oven 100% whole wheat toast, 1 tbl Peter Pan Whipped PB, 2 satsuma mandarins
2:00 pm White chocolate peppermint covered pretzel rod
4:45 pm 15 g molasses cookie
6:15 pm 5 oz zinfandel, thin slice bread w/dipping oil, 1/2 c linguini, seafood in lemon marinara sauce, small salad w/balsamic vinaigrette on the side



Exercise:

4:45-5:50 am Ramp it Up and Slim & Limber DVD

Wed 4 Jan

I'm more tired today, which might be related to my response to a long day yesterday - I came home and took a short nap, followed by a flop on the couch for the evening with more Top Chef DVDs. I didn't even really cook as we had leftovers for supper. A totally sedentary evening doesn't usually lead to truly restful sleep at night.

Finally made the turkey soup.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee
12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, slice L'Oven whole wheat bread, 52 g Dubliner cheese, 2 tsp soft margarine, 2 satsuma mandarins
2:00 pm 3/4 c Chex mix
5:00 pm Lindt dark chocolate mint truffle
7:00 pm Turkey soup, 12 oz skim milk, 26 g sugar cookie, 26 g molasses cookie



Exercise:

4:45-6:00 am Ramp it Up and Slim & Limber DVDs

Tues 3 Jan

It was inevitable, but today is back to work day. At least I get to start the new year with a 4-day work week. It was really nice to have such a relaxing long weekend to recharge the batteries. I'm also feeling pretty good about the new exercise regime. Hopefully I'll still feel good about it when it's time to suck it in and move up to the top level.


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
11:00 am 2 Dutch mints, 1 pc butter toffee peanut
12:00 pm Bowl chili, 1/3 c shredded cheddar, 2 tbl sour cream, 1 breadstick
1:30 pm 1 Hershey's mint truffle kiss, 1 Bliss dark chocolate
3:45 pm 1/4 c butter toffee peanuts
5:45 pm Chicken biryani, 12 oz skim milk, 1 minty mallow



Exercise:

4:45-5:35 am Ramp It Up DVD

Mon 2 Jan

I could get far too easily used to this life of leisure. It's been fun having a four-day, minimally scheduled weekend. Michael came over for a visit this morning - he didn't realize we weren't working today, so we had breakfast and a nice long chat. I made your oatmeal again since I had plenty of time. I felt like I had plenty of fuel to exercise. By the fourth day, I'm definitely improving in stamina for the Ramp It Up. I think I'll be ready to move to the next level after my rest day this weekend. It does feel like heaven to have time for the Slim & Limber stretch routine afterward.


Food:

8:30 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed, blueberries, protein powder, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee
2:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, 2 butterhorns, 248 g pineapple
6:30 pm Chicken biryani, 8 oz skim milk
7:15 pm Lindt dark chocolate mint truffle, 2 TJ's chocolate drizzle star cookies



Exercise:

12:00-1:05 pm Ramp It Up and Slim & Limber DVDs

Sun 1 Jan 2012

Happy New Year! Went to bed at 10 last night so today is my first taste of Apocalypse year.

Did the Ramp It Up routine again; still wipes me out. I hope I'll be ready to move up to the next level in a week or so, but for now this level does me in. I do feel ever so slightly stronger than the first time or two, but it's gradual.

Enjoyed the Packer game, and am now settled in to start my new Top Chef season. Well, I did exercise this morning so now I can be a slug for awhile, right?


Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee
12:00 pm 2 eggs over easy, 2 strips bacon, 1/2 c hash browns, 2 cinnamon streusel pancakes, coffee
1:45 pm 2 slices TJ dark chocolate orange
6:30 pm 3.25 oz white meat turkey, 1/2 c stuffing, 1 tbl gravy, 1/2 c broccoli casserole, 1/2 c peppermint ice cream, hot fudge




Exercise:

6:$45-5:35 am Ramp It Up DVD