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