Fri 31 Jul

Nervous about the vacation rental in Virginia. It no longer appears on VRBO. Have an email out to the owner who already collected full payment back in March when the reservation was made. Hope to get it settled satisfactorily. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Slice 12 grain bread, 1/4 tbl butter, 1 tbl raspberry preserves, 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese w/fresh chives, 101 g raspberries Exercise: 4:50-5:30 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength YouTube 5:30-5:50 am Jessica Smith Power Mile YouTube

Thurs 30 Jul

Happy Birthday, Mommy! She would have been 97 today. She enjoyed celebrating and I miss her today. Sending warm hugs and thoughts her way. Didn't get any calls on the pager last night. Instead went to the store to get Project Fresh Start donations. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 10:30 am 1 Choco-nip, 1 Milky Way Midnight mini 12:25 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl Jif, 1 tbl raspberry jam, 104 g raspberries 2:15 pm Med DQ salted caramel truffle blizzard 6:15 pm 2 grilled drumsticks, 1/2 c sauteed zucchini Exercise: 4:50-5:55 am Leslie Sansone 5 Fat burning miles DVD

Wed 29 Jul

Not quite the temperature break I was hoping for today, at least it doesn't seem so in the house. Looks like a little rain fell last night. I slept better for having secured a substitute cantor for Sunday evening. I had not realized until recently that being on the pager and cantoring are a very poor combination if there is only one cantor scheduled. I did get a page already last night, so I would worry that it would require a response during Mass and I couldn't leave. Alicia Zalac's dad is taking the Mass for me. Food: 6:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 103 g blackberries, coffee 9:45 am Munching on Cheerios clusters 11:45 am Tokyo Steak House buffet: sushi, 2 crab rangoons, green beans, tempura veggies, 1/4 c chicken, small plate beef/crab/mushrooms/cabbage 12:40 pm 10 g dark chocolate almond BarkThins Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Jessica Smith Core and Weights walk DVD

Tues 28 Jul

Today I begin my last week of scheduled on-call for PCHHS. I hope that it is quiet and uneventful. I shall be glad to bit it good riddance, and I wish my coworkers could do the same. It is the bane of our existence at work. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:00 pm Slice Omega 3 bread, 62 g braunschweiger, 99 g raspberries 12:45 pm 2 c kettle corn, 2 coffee nips 3:00 pm 23 oz Diet Dr Pepper w/cherry & vanilla 5:15 pm 1 c cheerios clusters 6:15 pm Noodles & Co Pesto Buff Bowl Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Jessica Smith 3/5 mile walk DVD 5:30-6:00 pm Walk to Noodles 6:45-7:15 pm Walk home

Mon 27 Jul

Dad and I bought a large cronut at the Farmer's Market Saturday to share. Wow, does it look decadent! It has chocolate frosting, caramel drizzle, pecans, and is split and cream-filled. Yikes!!! Made homemade caprese burgers w/fresh sliced homegrown tomato and basil Food: 7:00 am 1/2 large filled cronut, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, fresh chives, 1/2 large sliced heirloom tomato, 103 g raspberries 12:30 pm 1 c kettle corn 2:30 pm 1 Milky Way Midnight mini 4:30 pm 11 g dark chocolate almond bark thins 4:45 pm 2 c kettle corn 6:00 pm Most of a pint of fresh picked blueberries 7:00 pm Caprese burger on whole wheat bun Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 5:45-6:30 pm Walk to Shopko w/Dad to get shoes

Fri 24 Jul

Amazing the difference a ceiling fan can make in the tolerability of the temperatures. Moving air feels so much more pleasant than stagnant. Got some resistance band work with the walking DVD this morning, though admittedly not much. Will need to give strength training more attention after retirement. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:50 am 124 g asparagus gruyere ravioli, 102 g raspberries Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Leslie Sansone 3/5 Mega Miles w/Jessica Smith cool down

Thurs 23 Jul

Good to be feeling well again. Did my DWTS DVD this morning after a long absence. I had kind of forgotten about those DVDs so it was nice to get back to them. Looking forward to Green Bay/Door County this weekend, and especially picking fresh cherries. Finally had to trim my toenails, clean off outgrown polish and quickly (and messily) redo them. I'm being a bad girl today and wearing my dressier flip flops (in violation of the new dress code). If they really object, I'll have to come home and change shoes. Oh well. Stopped in to visit Michael on my walk. Helped him figure out what to cook for dinner tonight. Came home and stir fried chicken breast, pea pods, zucchini, and Visalia onion w/fresh herbs. Serving with frozen brown rice. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 99 g blackberries, coffee 10:45 am 1 Milky Way Midnight mini 12:30 pm Peach soy shake, slice Omega 3 bread, 1 tbl Jif, 97 g raspberries 1:20 pm 2 Coffee Nips 5:00 pm 1.5 tbl peanuts 6:50 pm 4 oz chicken breast, 1 c pea pods/zucchini/onions, 1/2 c Birdseye brown rice Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am DWTS DVD 5:25-5:45 pm Neighborhood walk

Wed 22 Jul

Back to feeling fully myself again today. Had a very brief hike at Waupaca last night, cut short by excessive bugs and a late start and an appetite for Wheel House pizza. Scale aptly up this morning after pizza and ice cream last night. Hard to complain when it's self-inflicted. Did have a good workout this morning though from my newest Jessica Smith DVD. It will be a good strength-training day option with a nice combination of workouts. Confirmed my reservation at O'So's for Fri 18 Sept after work for my retirement party. I will bring in food and people can buy their own beer or whatever. Had a beer at the bar while discussing the arrangements. Food: 6:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 99 g blackberries, coffee 11:55 am Blueberry soy shake, slice cranberry oat bread, 100 g raspberries 3:15 pm 1 Milky Way Midnight mini 5:30 pm 16 oz stout w/chai tea 6:15 pm Leftover sausage mushroom tomato pizza Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Jessica Smith Women's Health Workout DVD

Tues 21 Jul

Stomach is much better today. Woke up with a bit of a headache, but the ibuprofen is helping. Should be no problem resuming regular routine. Food: 6:50 am Honey bear pastry, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:05 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, fresh chives, slice oatmeal cranberry bread, 1/2 large tomato, 100 g raspberries Exercise: 4:50-5:55 am Jessica Smith 4/5 Walk On DVD

Mon 20 Jul

My belly does not feel good this morning. If I didn't have several appointments scheduled today, I would stay home and rest. As it is, I'm not sure if I can do it. I couldn't face getting up to exercise, and I've had to lay down once for a few minutes after showering and getting dressed. Feeling the urge to do so again, and breakfast is not calling my name. Called in sick and went back to bed. Woke up about 10:45 and finally have an appetite so I'm eating my breakfast now. If my stomach is okay, I'll go to work after lunch. Or perhaps at 12:30, after my normal lunch time. Or perhaps, I went back to bed from 1:00-3:00ish. Better yet. Food: 10:45 am Chocolate croissant, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 99 g blackberries 3:15 pm Bamboo Lane rice roller 5:00 pm Bamboo Lane rice roller 6:10 pm Asparagus/gruyere ravioli w/Deb's fresh pesto & shredded parmesan, fresh snow peas in olive oil/herbs

Sun 19 Jul

Hot & sweaty exercise this morning, but I made it to the end, though I did cut the cool down a wee bit short. I had stretched enough and wanted breakfast. Food: 8:05 am Gibassier pastry, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 6:50-7:10 am Jessica Smith Power Mile Walk YouTube 7:10-7:40 am Cardio Salsa DVD

Sat 18 Jul

Walked to Farmer's Market with Taylor this morning for our weekly pastry fix and some fresh summer produce. Just now settling down to enjoy a cherry almond swirl danish. Walked to Chuck & Deb's to get some pesto and so Dad could look at a window replacement project Chuck wants to do. Had a very nice visit. Food: 8:45 am Cherry almond danish swirl, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, coffee 3:00 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, fresh chives, slice cranberry oat bread Exercise: 7:30-8:30 am Walk to and around Farmer's Market 10:45-11:30 am Mow lawn w/Fiskars 12:25-12:45 pm Walk to Mcreicyls 2:10-2:30 pm Walk back home

Fri 17 Jul

Today I submit my letter of intent to retire to the powers that be. I'm feeling very good about it, hoping it's truly the right decision. It feels right. Also feeling bad for the former coworker who let his alcoholism win this round. Hoping he can pull it back together and move on successfully for the sake of his family as well as himself. May God help him. Food: 6:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 67 g braunschweiger, med peach, 34 g apple cinnamon kringle Exercise: 4:50-5:55 am Jessica Smith Strength and Walking DVDs

Thurs 16 Jul

Spent most of yesterday late afternoon/evening in tears/deep sadness because I felt I couldn't in good conscience desert my coworkers by following through with my retirement plan, even though I have put so much thought and soul-searching into coming to the decision. Having to abort at this late stage was breaking my heart. This morning I had an encouraging thought, however. The personnel situation with the other coworker could conceivably drag out for some time before they could give my boss the approval to begin the rehiring process. It does appear that is the direction it is headed, though they can't say anything for legal reasons. If I proceed with the plan to hand in my letter of intent tomorrow, they will have 9 weeks to prepare. Personnel should hopefully allow them to advertise, screen candidates and start interviews during that time since it is a known date for the vacancy. Nothing stops Amy from screening for two candidates since it would be basically the same position advertised. This is the first hopeful feeling I've had since yesterday afternoon. I would like to think I might be doing my coworkers a favor rather than deserting them in time of need. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 10:30 am 1 Musketeers mini, 1 Heath fun size 12:55 pm Peach soy shake, 72 g apple cinnamon kringle, 70 cal Bel Gioioso fresh mozzarella balls 2:00 pm 2 butter rum Nips 4:45 pm Chips & salsa, 2 12-oz margaritas, chicken quesadilla, 1/2 c guacamole, 1/3 c lettuce Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am Leslie Sansone 3/5 Mega Miles DVD

Wed 15 Jul

Week seems to be passing fairly quickly. We did an abbreviated hike on Rib last night. Dad was having some digestive issues that made him a little nervous to walk too far. Had supper at the Dane; we haven't been there for quite a while. Should be another really nice day today. Food: 6:45 am Morning bun, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 99 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 4:50-5:25 am Jessica Smith Stride & Strength YouTube 5:25-5:40 am Jessica Smith Fast Fat Burning DVD

Tues 14 Jul

Feeling progressively more comfortable with the decision to submit my letter of retirement this Friday, with the end date set as Fri 18 Sept. It's scary, but it still feels right. It would be the first time not being employed since Mar, 1973. But I think it's time to move on to the next phase of life. There are things I have neglected for far too long that need attention. Food: 6:55 am Morning bun, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 70 g apple cinnamon kringle, 100 g raspberries Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Jessica Smith HIIT and Stride, Stretch, Relax Walking DVD

Mon 13 Jul

Somewhat physically tired today, not sure why. Perhaps a little wilted by the warmth/humidity, perhaps that I'm up a little on weight so not as resilient. I felt bloated with excess water throughout, even in the fingers. Maybe that's it. Eating up the NOLA North leftovers tonight. I have a full plate of fried seafood, 2 hush puppies, and 1/4 c coleslaw. Dad has a good 4-5 oz braised pork shoulder, 1/2 c pearl couscous, and some brussels sprouts. And this is just what we didn't have room for at the restaurant! Couldn't eat it all this time around either; gave Dad one of the catfish filets. Food: 6:45 am Morning bun, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm 64 g apple cinnamon kringle, caramel macchiato Greek blend yogurt, 101 g raspberries 6:00 pm 4 fried shrimp, 1.5 filets fried catfish, 2 hush puppies, 1/4 c creamy coleslaw Exercise: 4:50-5:40 am Jane Fonda Complete (truncated) video 5:50-5:50 pm Walk to Schmeeckle

Sun 12 Jul

Forty years ago today, I married Steve Zemblowski. Oh, well, nobody's perfect. We had a magnificent trip this weekend, starting with a successful retirement consultation in Madison, continuing to some nice time spent with Laura and a nice lunch at Sushi Murimoto and a Costco run, Laura and I each got our first pair of Lululemon. We had a nice drive to Mayville and checked in to a lovely room at the Audubon Inn where they had a carafe of lemon cucumber water waiting for me! Did some walking in the town before dinner reservations, Bob got a nap in, and dinner was amazing! A charcuterie plate to start that was incredible, a large portion of fried Louisiana seafood (shrimp, Oysters!, and catfish, hush puppies, good coleslaw) I couldn't make much of a dent in my entree after thoroughly enjoying the appetizer, and we did have a fridge in the room so I will enjoy it another time. For dessert, they brought two huge beignets and a slice of flourless chocolate torte. We shared the torte and still have yet to crack the beignets. In the morning, we waited til 9 am for their brunch to begin, and again we were not disappointed. I had French toast with vanilla maple syrup and a side of praline bacon; Dad had shrimp and grits. After brunch, we drove to the boat landing and purchased our tickets, then used the intervening time to drive up to the Visitor Center for the Marsh and do a short hike (with black raspberries). They showed a video before the boat tour on the project to restore whooping cranes, then took us out for an hour in a pontoon boat with a guide who has lived there all his life and pointed out all the birds we were seeing in between his narrative of the history of the Marsh. After the ride, we enjoyed a dish of ice cream in town, then returned to the Visitor Center to look it over and to do one more hike. We drove back into Mayville to a little trattoria owned by a husband and wife and recommended by our very personable waitress from the Audubon Inn. Their homemade pasta was delicious. I had frutti del mare and Dad had scallops w/arrabiata sauce and we shared a delicious tiramisu before heading home. Have to cantor for 8 am Mass today. Planted new bush/trees flanking front door today as one arbor vitae had died. Moved the survivor to the corner of the raised bed around the house. Planted four lovely red tiger lilies on the west side and a new flowering hydrangea bush to replace the globe arbor vitae that had gone wild on the left of the garage. Food: 7:15 am Chocolate chip danish, 1/4 very large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 12:30 pm Beignet, sun tea 1:30 pm 100 cal tropical fruit Greek yogurt, 98 g raspberries Exercise: 2:15-3:25 pm Park Ridge walk w/Dad

Fri 10 Jul

Up even earlier than usual this morning, but no time for exercise. (Wasn't willing to get up before 3 am to do some.) Hoping to be on the road by 5:45 in case it's difficult to find the building/room for the meeting. This is really the last step before making a firm decision to go ahead with plans for this year or to wait another year, and it will primarily be based on the effect on our income of one more year's work. I'm hoping the difference isn't sufficiently substantial to tempt me. I'm feeling pretty ready to make this change now. Food: 5:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 55 g blackberries, coffee

Thurs 9 Jul

Had a "Don' wanna" morning re: getting up to exercise this morning, but made myself do it anyway. Wasn't tired muscles or illness, just laziness. Now I feel somewhat virtuous for following through. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 9:15 am Peach cobbler 12:35 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, fresh chives, 62 g chocolate chip brioche, med peach 3:30 pm 2 Snicker's minis 5:20 pm 1/4 c Quaker Oat Squares 6:35 pm Fit & Active turkey sweet Italian sausage, L'Oven whole wheat bun, 1 tbl ketchup, 3/4 c potato salad, 1/2 cucumber, 2 oz cherry wine Exercise: 4:50-5:50 am Jessica Smith 4 Fat-Burning Blasts DVD 4:50-5:20 pm Mowed lawn with manual mower

Wed 8 Jul

Got the new Jessica Smith DVDs I had ordered yesterday and tried the Core and the Strength workouts this morning. Very good; I'm a little wiped. Ought to have just about enough blackberries to last til we can get back to Costco on Friday. Food: 6:55 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee Exercise: 4:55-5:25 am Jessica Smith Core Walk DVD 5:25-5:55 am Jessica Smith Strength Walk DVD 6:40-7:25 pm Neighborhood walk

Tues 7 Jul

Had Taylor sign an actual lease for 2308 last night so we are a little more official. Now I just need to get my butt in gear and take care of probating the house. Good retirement project. Food: 6:50 am 56 g chocolate chip brioche, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 100 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am Slice 8 grain bread, slice cheddar cheese, 1/4 tbl butter, med peach Exercise: 4:50-5:45 am 4/5 Leslie Sansone Fat Burning Miles DVD

Mon 6 Jul

Didn't sleep very restfully last night, except for the 4 hours after I took ibuprofen to settle down. They wore off and I was right back to restlessness. Did get up to watch the fireworks through Laura's bedroom window, albeit through a screen of trees. Food: 7:00 am Honey bear pastry, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:45 am 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, fresh chives, med peach, 1/2 pc rhubarb kuchen 12:30 pm 1 pc Nut Exactly snack bites 2:30 pm 2 red Twizzlers 5:45 pm 1 c Priano basil pesto tortellini, 1 tbl Priano basil pesto, .5 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 c fresh carrots w/dill weed Exercise: 4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video 6:35-6:55 pm Jane Fonda Mile Walk YouTube

Sun 5 Jul

I've been fortunate on the pager to not have more than the one call so far. It still impedes your ability to go places and plan things, but it's been nice to go to bed and not be awakened by a nasty beep. Only today and tomorrow evening then one more week in late July. If I follow through with retirement in September, I would be done with the pager altogether. That is a big incentive. At least I still have YouTube on the basement TV. I will resist allowing it to do software updates as long as possible. Food: 7:55 am Chocolate croissant, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:40 am 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, fresh chives, med peach, 1/2 pc rhubarb kuchen 4:45 pm 2 cold chicken drumsticks, 3/4 c potato salad, 1/3 sliced cucumber, rhubarb coffee cake Exercise: 6:10-6:50 am Jessica Smith Cardio Ball Ballet YouTube 6:50-7:10 am Jessica Smith 1 mile Power Walk YouTube 9:45-10:00 am Walk to church 11:00-11:20 am Walk home 5:35-6:35 pm Walk w/Dad to Schmeeckle

Sat 4 Jul

Happy Independence Day! Enjoyed the Here Come the Mummies concert at Riverfront from my bed while reading last night. They're quite good. Michael and Taylor were really looking forward to their performance. Didn't feel comfortable going down and joining the crowd since I'm on the pager. If it went off, I'd likely have to walk several blocks away to hear the phone call. I got a nice taste of the music from my own room. Looking forward to similarly enjoying Gaelic Storm tonight. Food: 8:45 am Gibassier pastry, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 102 g blackberries, Nespresso cappuccino 12:40 pm Slice 8 grain bread, 72 g braunschweiger 1:00 pm Med peach 5:00 pm 5 oz black sangria w/lots of blackberries 6:15 pm 2 grilled chicken drumsticks, 3/4 c potato salad, 2 slices grilled pineapple, 3/4 c green beans, 5 oz white peach sangria, 1 1/2 pc rhubarb coffee cake Exercise: 7:45-8:30 am Walk to and around Farmer's Market 2 trips to and from 2308 Center St walking

Fri 3 Jul

I feel like today is a preview day for retirement. I have the day off for the holiday but Bob is working because the weather is great and he has a job that needs finishing. We don't have any plans since I'm on the pager, so I can structure my day to get some things accomplished and enjoy the sunshine as well. I started by sleeping until 6:45 am. I'm having breakfast with Bob as usual, then will go exercise afterward and then shower. I like doing morning exercise, but it's nice to keep breakfast together even if we are both on our computers. There's companionship in being side-by-side. Sun finally broke through so I set out a jug of sun tea to brew. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:20 am 52 g chocolate chip brioche, 92 g raspberries 12:45 pm 1/2 c 1% cottage cheese, fresh chives, 1/3 cucumber w/peel Exercise: 1:15-2:00 pm Walk to hospital and back to pay bill 3:00-3:40 pm Jessica Smith 2/5 Fat-Burning Miles DVD

Thurs 2 Jul

Unusually tired of muscle this morning. Not sleepy and feeling like I got a good night's rest, but sluggish. Exercise was a mental effort as well as a physical one, but I did get it done. Food: 6:50 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, small peach, 101 g blackberries, coffee 12:25 pm Spinach mushroom individual quiche, 100 g raspberries, 51 g chocolate chip brioche 1:30 pm Crunchy rice roller 7:45 pm Culver's shaved prime rib sandwich 8:30 pm Jello Sugar-Free dark chocolate pudding cup Exercise: 4:50-5:20 am Salsa Dance DVD 5:20-5:45 am Reggaeton DVD 5:10-5:30 pm Neighborhood walk

Wed 1 Jul

First half of the year is history; on to the quicker half. Somewhat tired this morning in spite of an extra hour's sleep last night. Came home from my haircut, ate a little, and fell into bed. I had been quite tired all day yesterday. Oh well, it's a short work week if you don't count being on the pager. Thankfully, it was quiet last night. Food: 7:00 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 sm cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee 11:10 am Slice Omega 3 bread, 69 g braunschweiger, 99 g raspberries 2:30 pm 2 cinnamon graham crackers 4:50 pm 5 oz blackberry sangria 6:15 pm 10" flour tortilla, 3 oz taco meat w/homemade seasoning, 1/4 c chopped tomato, 1/8 c chopped lettuce, 1 tbl shredded cheddar, 1 tbl pineapple salsa Exercise: 4:50-5:10 am Kathy Smith Upper Body Workout DVD 5:10-6:00 am Jessica Smith 3/5 Fat Burning Miles DVD