Letting Gault

Fri 17 Feb

2012-02-17T07:04:00.007-06:00

Going to O'So Tap Room tonight after work to celebrate a long-time coworker's 60th. Dad will drop in too since he knows her husband. People are bringing hors d'oeuvres but they don't serve food there, so I expect it will be a short drop-in.

Let us know what time we should come to Madison to hang with you for a bit tomorrow before the Plunge. I'll email also in case you don't read this.

Food:

7:00 am 83 g Breadsmith coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee
10:45 am 1 1/2 potato pancakes, 1 pat butter, 1 tbl sour cream, coffee
12:15 pm 1 large pear
3:15 pm 1 Hershey's chocolate heart, 1 fun size bag M&M Minis
4:45 pm 16 oz amber-style beer, 4 sm squares yellow cheese, 4 crackers
6:45 pm 3 pc salmon roll, 3 pc salmon/tuna/yellowtail roll, 4 pc Canada roll, tea, fortune cookie

Exercise:

4:45-5:42 am Denise Austin Power Zone DVD

Thurs 16 Feb

2012-02-16T07:01:00.008-06:00

I like the Woot t-shirt today.

I'm glad I chose to skip the morning and go to the gym after work instead yesterday. Gave the sore muscles time to recharge and got me motivated to get to the gym. Couldn't believe how crowded it was. I was a little nervous when I arrived and a lady was walking out talking on her phone to someone, saying she had to leave because there was no equipment available. I dreaded getting dressed in workout clothes and not finding a machine. Fortunately there was one of the best ellipticals ready when I was. Wow, it had been awhile since I did an hour on an elliptical!

Bought a new pizza stone from a coworker's Pampered Chef party as my old one broke. Am trying out a homemade yeast whole wheat pizza dough, using sliced chicken sausage w/artichoke and smoked mozz from Costco, onions, peppers, and portabellas. Almost forgot the cheese, had to open the oven to add it.

Pizza was very yummy. Dough didn't really rise, but it rolled out nice and thin and then got sufficiently crispy to hold up to the toppings without getting soggy.

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
11:30 am BBQ on bun, pickle spear, Reese's heart
12:15 pm 1 pc chocolates
1:15 pm 130 g strawberries, i dark chocolate sea salt caramel
6:15 pm 2 slices pizza w/whole wheat dough, sliced chicken sausage, onion, peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella, 12 oz skim milk
6:30 pm 4 TJs dark chocolate stars

Exercise:

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

Wed 15 Feb

2012-02-15T07:13:00.003-06:00

Was so achy in my muscles all day yesterday, through the night, and continuing when I woke up, that I opted to skip the morning workout and will hopefully try to get to the gym after work this evening instead. At this point in time, it feels like it was a very good decision.

Food:

7:00 am 103 g Breadsmith coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee
9:45 am Frosted brownie
11:45 am 134 g Breadsmith currant scone, vanilla soy shake, pear
6:45 pm 135 g spinach cheese ravioli, 1/2 tbl butter, cranberry/raspberry applesauce w/fiber, 10 oz skim milk, Michael's homemade mint ice cream cake

Exercise:

4:45-5:45 pm Elliptical

Tues 14 Feb

2012-02-14T07:10:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope we can come down Saturday to take you out to eat and treat you since you will always be our Valentine! I will have to text you if you aren't back on the Internet to make sure you're available.

Had Valentine's lunch at Oakridge with Grandma. Food wasn't too bad.

Food:

7:00 am 105 g Breadsmith coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am 1/2 Cornish game hen w/orange glaze, 1/2 c steamed sweet potatoes, 1/2 c steamed asparagus, 6 oz skim milk, coffee, 1/2 c mint chocolate chip ice cream

Exercise:

4:45-5:35 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 13 Feb

2012-02-13T07:18:00.005-06:00

Here we go Monday, oh! Hopefully the cold snap will pretty well have played itself out so it won't be so bad. It's been interesting to get back to the old exercise routines. Seems strange not to be doing Burn It Up after so many weeks. Maybe once later this week.

Food:

7:00 am 1/6 Breadsmith coffee cake, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 117 g Breadsmith pecan scone, orange
12:45 pm .9 oz dark chocolate peppermint bark
6:00 pm 5 oz baked pork chop, 1/2 tbl Kikkoman Teriyaki Baste N Glaze, 1/2 c Steamfresh brown rice, 2/3 c broccoli, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

4:45-5:55 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 12 Feb

2012-02-12T08:12:00.004-06:00

Driving down on Friday in the snow was quite stressful for Dad, but the drive home yesterday was beautiful. The car heater kept us cozy in spite of the once-again-winter temps.

Next Saturday, Feb 18, is the best day for us to drive down to Madison to visit you if you are available. I'd like to take us to Cilantro to use up a $30 voucher that expires in March. We could make it your Valentine if you're amenable (and available!) Let us know your schedule.

I was nervous that going back to the ballet DVD after several weeks of doing another exercise program would be doubly brutal, but I was pleasantly surprised that the other routine seems to have kept the requisite muscles in tone.

Grandma is getting harder to transfer, but I was better prepared for it today. I need to find ways to protect my back while putting more lift into her assist. I suspect this will continue to be necessary.

Food:

8:00 am Pistachio croissant, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee
12:00 pm 1 crepe, 2 scrambled eggs, 1/2 c flaked smoked salmon, 1/4 c asparagus, 1/2 c hash browns, small salad w/viniagrette, coffee
2:30 pm 1 pc chocolates
3:15 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
5:15 pm 1 c asparagus cheddar soup, large chunk challah, large pear, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

6:45-7:35 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 11Feb

2012-02-11T07:32:00.004-06:00

Had a wonderful time last night at the French cafe, so much so that we plan to return for lunch before heading home today. I had two glasses of chenin blanc and scallops and prawns over braised fennel and manchego risotto. Dessert was a heart-shaped Schaumburg torte filled with chocolate mousse and garnished with spectacular berries. Even the coffe was excellent.

Hotel is great - a refurbished art deco hotel. Neighborhood is less desirable -near Marquette University. We were stopped by a panhandler when pulling out of the driveway. Dad learned not to roll down the window for someone approaching the car. They aren't just asking directions here.

We'll go down to breakfast soon then maybe relax a bit before heading out. There's a funky hardware store near the French cafe, and I'd like to find a place with watches as mine is officially dead now and I miss having one. I have been using the cell phone, but I far prefer a watch.

Food:

8:00 am Omelette w/mushrooms, brie, bacon (though I had asked for prosciutto), 1/2 c southwestern potatoes, 2 pc homemade wheat toast w/butter & jelly, coffee
12:00 pm 2 crepes w/mushrooms & crab, mornay sauce, small portion greens w/horseradish viniagrette, large cappuccino, chocolate raspberry dome dessert (layers of chocolate and raspberry mousse, 1 large raspberry, thin layer pistachio cake, covered in chocolate)
5:00 pm 2 pc chocolate
6:15 pm 56 g challah, 77 g Dubliner cheese, 99 g blackberries, 1/2 c French hot chocolate

Fri 10 Feb

2012-02-10T08:35:00.002-06:00

Grandpa would have been 96 today. Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Finished my 6th week of the Slim in 6 program. I'm no slimmer, but I do feel well toned. I plan to incorporate the Burn It Up routine somewhere in the weekly rotation since it's a good overall workout. I'm looking forward to increasing the variety again.

Filled up fully on chocolate last night, and the food smells around us in the room after we were done eating but waiting for the raffle were starting to make me nauseous. I won a little table decoration sort of like an oversized Scrabble letter tray that holds four decorative photo/letter tiles spelling out WISH. Also a $20 gift certificate to a boutique that sells women's clothes and home decor in Plover called Cate & Co.

The one frustrating part about having your oatmeal blend for breakfast is that I feel like I have to get up and rinse the bowl immediately after I finish and before I proceed to the rest of my breakfast or the bowl turns to cement.

Food:

8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/blueberries, flaxseed meal, protein powder, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 124 g strawberries, coffee

Thurs 9 Feb

2012-02-09T07:11:00.002-06:00

I had more energy for exercise today thankfully. It's just Wednesdays that seem to be consistently draggy. Going to Lion's Camp with the crew for the day, followed by the Evening of Chocolate tonight at the Country Club. I need to take some walks around the lake at camp to prepare for chocolate overload.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 134 g strawberries, coffee

Exercise:

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

Wed 8 Feb

2012-02-08T07:10:00.005-06:00

Somehow Wed mornings are always the toughest for exercise. I always seem to lack energy to really push, but I manage to get through it anyway. Not sure what there is about the middle of the week.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 142 g strawberries, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, 50 oz sourdough bread, 1 egg, 1 oz skim milk, 1 tsp soft margarine, cinnamon sugar, orange
12:34 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
2:45 pm 1 See's pumpkin spice lollipop
6:00 pm Casserole w/roast pork, whole grain rotini, onion, pepper, portabellas, mozz/provolone blend, 1 c sliced carrots, 12 oz skim milk, 4 TJs dark chocolate stars

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

Tues 7 Feb

2012-02-07T07:04:00.010-06:00

Tuesday morning, nothing exciting comes to mind. Onward.

Was able to go back in my blog history to figure out that this is week 6 of my Slim In 6 program. Next week I will return to more variety, but I expect I'll keep the Burn It Up routine in the rotation as it is a good workout.

Oh, my goodness! Freshly made pasties from Heather's parish bake sale are awesomely good!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 133 g strawberries, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice L'Oven 100% whole wheat toast, 1 tbl Peter Pan Whipped PB, orange, green tea
2:15 pm White chocolate peppermint pretzel rod
2:45 pm 2 chocolate pizzelles
4:45 pm 18 g milk chocolate Santa
5:10 pm 4 oz Chocowine Espresso
6:30 pm Fresh pasty, 4 lg spears asparagus, 12 oz skim milk, 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel

Exercise:

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

Mon 6 Feb

2012-02-06T07:09:00.005-06:00

Mondays aren't quite as odious when you have a day of vacation scheduled on Friday. This is our first Living Social voucher for an overnight in Milwaukee at the Ambassador Hotel. Barb has recommended a lovely French cafe called Le Reve where we will likely do dinner. Just a one-night getaway, but those can be among the most relaxing.

Ooops, got to eating some butter toffee peanuts from the jar at my desk and didn't know when to stop.

Finally tried out my crepe pan for tonight's dinner. Not too bad for a first attempt.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 116 g strawberries, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice L'Oven Fresh 100% whole wheat bread, 56 g ham, orange
12:45 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
2:45 pm 1/2 c butter toffee peanuts
6:45 pm 2 crepes, 3.5 oz ham, 4 large spears asparagus, 1/2 c swiss cheese

Exercise:

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

Sun 5 Feb

2012-02-05T08:13:00.006-06:00

Oatmeal really hit the spot this morning. I have also been enjoying the Matcha green tea often.

Got confirmation of my Living Social voucher. Now I'm waiting for confirmation of the requested reservation so I can confirm flights. Then I will really believe we are going on spring break. In the meantime, there's a nervous tension as some pieces fall into place but not the whole picture.

Food:

8:00 am Laura's oatmeal w/flaxseed meal, protein powder, blueberries, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 76 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am 2.5 whole grain pancakes, 2.5 tbl almond butter, 1 small banana, 1/4 c granola, coffee
6:45 pm 3.6 oz roast pork loin, 1/2 c roasted potatoes, 2/3 c Steamfresh sweet corn, 12 oz skim milk, 12 oz chenin blanc, 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel

Exercise:

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

Sat 4 Feb

2012-02-04T09:05:00.005-06:00

Had my first bottle of Chenin Blanc last night - excellent! Thank you to my Christmas elf!

Got a Living Social offer today for a 5 night stay in a funky little beach cottage resort in Jamaica in Little Bay. Includes a kayak rental to tour the bay and a tour of Bob Marley's cottage. Think we're gonna do it in March for our spring break.

Cantored tonight at church but it was chilly in the sanctuary. May take me awhile to feel warm again. The hot tub is calling.

Food:

7:30 am Date morning bun, 68 g blackberries, 106 g strawberries, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, 132 g raspberry ginger scone, large pear
6:30 pm 1 chicken smoked mozzarella artichoke link, Archer Farms whole wheat bun, 1 tbl peach pineapple salsa, 1/2 c Bush's Baked Beans, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

10:50-12:05 Burn It Up and Slim & Limber DVDs

Fri 3 Feb

2012-02-03T07:17:00.003-06:00

Decided to make today my rest day from exercise since I'm home tomorrow. I prefer exercising a little later in the morning after breakfast and some rest time, so Saturdays allow for this.

The Christmas chenin blanc is delicious. A good complement to the yummy coconut lime shrimp recipe from my SparkPeople cookbook. A definite delicious dinner, and nice to know it's low in calories. I stopped at Cafe 27 today and bought one piece of orange rum flourless chocolate cake to share for dessert. Nice dinner!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g blackberries, coffee
11:30 am Blueberry soy shake, 168 g cherry almond scone, large pear
5:00 pm 6 oz chenin blanc
6:30 pm 4 large coconut lime shrimp, 1/2 Birdseye brown/wild rice blend w/veggies, 1 c broccoli, 12 oz skim milk, 1/2 slice orange rum flourless chocolate cake

Thurs 2 Feb

2012-02-02T07:06:00.007-06:00

Happy Groundhog Day! Supposed to be cloudy this morning so the Groundhog shouldn't see his shadow. Not that this winter has been too odious anyway. Or that it will really end sooner than six weeks from now regardless. Or even six weeks from now would be better than last year.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 83 g blackberries, coffee
12:30 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 116 g ham, slice L'Oven whole wheat bread, large pear
1:30 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
4:45 pm 1 cinnamon M&M
5:30 pm Slice asparagus bacon quiche, 1 c spinach, 1/4 c sliced strawberries, 1/4 c sliced portabellas, green tea, 4 TJ's dark chocolate star cookies
7:45 pm 1 cinnamon M&M

Exercise:

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

Wed 1 Feb

2012-02-01T07:18:00.003-06:00

Nice to have such a warm day yesterday, especially since Sunday was quite chilly. I believe it's supposed to be fairly mild all week. I'll take it.

Dad and I both felt like doing something out for dinner tonight and I have been missing our dinners at the Great Dane so that won the toss.

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, 55 g sourdough bread, 1 egg, 1 oz skim milk, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1/4 tsp cinnamon sugar, orange
12:30 pm 1 cinnamon M&M, 1 small truffle
5:45 pm 8 oz German Pilsner, 5 oz buffalo burger, large bun, slice tomato, lettuce, 1 oz provolone, 2 pickle slices, .5 tbl ketchup, 1 c sweet potato fries

Exercise:

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

Tues 31 Jan

2012-01-31T07:04:00.007-06:00

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

2012-01-30T06:56:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-29T16:08:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-28T07:38:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-27T06:59:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-26T07:10:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-25T07:13:00.007-06:00

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

2012-01-24T07:01:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-23T07:19:00.008-06:00

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

2012-01-22T08:20:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-21T08:26:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-20T07:17:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-19T07:16:00.008-06:00

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

2012-01-18T07:12:00.008-06:00

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

2012-01-17T11:56:00.006-06:00

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

2012-01-16T07:03:00.007-06:00

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

2012-01-15T08:27:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-14T08:22:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-13T07:26:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-12T06:56:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-11T07:07:00.005-06:00

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

2012-01-10T07:01:00.006-06:00

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

2012-01-09T07:04:00.007-06:00

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

2012-01-08T08:21:00.006-06:00

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

2012-01-07T09:38:00.006-06:00

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

2012-01-06T07:10:00.009-06:00

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

2012-01-05T07:06:00.007-06:00

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

2012-01-04T07:06:00.006-06:00

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

2012-01-03T06:56:00.009-06:00

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

2012-01-02T13:38:00.006-06:00

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

2012-01-01T08:21:00.004-06:00

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

Sat 31 Dec

2011-12-31T08:17:00.008-06:00

Bonne Anee! (or almost!) (Saw that on my Page-a-Day calendar so I needed to pass on the sentiment while I could remember the words.) We are planning a quiet New Years Eve in, with pan-seared scallops, oysters, baked cranberry walnut brie, broccoli, and Buche de Noel. We will open sparkling wine and probably play board games or watch a movie.

Your oatmeal yesterday really stuck with me, keeping me well-filled. I had no desire to snack, even with the plethora of goodies in the house. I'm having it again today, but it remains to be seen if I will go to the work on a busier day. Perhaps if I consolidated all the ingredients so they were more easily accessible, but even so it seems puttsy compared to pouring my TJ cereal. I'm not wild about the taste of the protein powder, and it does seem contrary to my attempt to eat more whole foods, but I recognize that this is what keeps me feeling full til lunch.

The second day of the workout shows that it remains challenging. I just did the Ramp It Up, but followed with the 15-min separate stretching segment. The regular workout has 6 min of stretching/yoga at the end as a cool-down, but it felt wonderful to do the longer stretch as well. I'm feeling this workout in my thighs and butt as well as my arms. It also has a higher level of intensity than my usual selection so I'm breathing heavier throughout. I'm going to try to keep it up for the 6-weeks before working some of my others back in to the mix. There's one more level, Burn It Up, that you're supposed to do minimally for the last four weeks. I will give the Ramp It Up at least a week before moving on. There's also an extra 10-min ab workout if/when I feel the need for a little more. I thought about trying it today, but after the ab section of the main workout, I felt it was enough.

Very nice NYE dinner, a bit early but that's us. Oyster stew with fresh oysters, pan-seared scallops, broccoli, heirloom rice, cranberry/orange baked brie, Spanish sparkling wine. And the Buche de Noel is thawing for later. Using my new fancy Patron flutes with the jingle bell wine charms.

Ate too many goodies to ring in the new year. Played 3 rounds of Trivial Pursuit with Dad.

Food:

8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/blueberries, protein powder, soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 100 g blackberries, coffee
11:30 am Chocolate soy shake, bean casserole, 196 g pineapple
3:00 pm Lebkuchen cookie
3:15 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel
5:00 pm Small spoonful of hot fudge sauce
6:45 pm 3 pan-seared scallops, 3/4 c broccoli, 1/2 c heirloom rice blend, 1/10 baked brie, bowl oyster stew, 5 oz sparkling wine
8:00 pm Slice Buche de Noel, 1 Minty Mallow, several molasses and sugar cookies

Exercise:

10:15-11:25 am Ramp It Up and Slim and Limber sections
4:00-4:20 pm Wii Fit balance games

Fri 30 Dec

2011-12-30T08:28:00.007-06:00

I made your oatmeal this morning for breakfast and I couldn't believe how creamy it is! I had regular-sized blueberries in the freezer as I haven't had the wild blueberries on hand, but everything else was pretty much as you listed. I even bought a small can of APC whey protein vanilla flavor so I could try it out for awhile. (It would be faster if I didn't store all the components in different places.) I expect with the protein powder, it will suffice to keep me satisfied for quite awhile.

If I make a New Year's resolution this year, I think it will be to work toward eating more whole foods and less processed. I think we move well in that direction already, but perhaps I can find a way to track so I can see the amount of progress.

We just got back from the annual Seafood Sale at Trig's with some most awesome booty! Enough sea scallops for tomorrow night and another meal, a container of fresh oysters!!!, some gorgeous gigantic shrimp in the freezer for another day, as well as a couple of New York strip steaks which will grace our grill this evening and a package of 96% ground beef for another time. Also got carrots and milk and a few other things, but much of what we bought was of the whole food ilk so we're on the right track. Now to be sure we use it all in a timely fashion. I have downloaded a couple of recipe/instructions for thawing and searing the scallops so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Decided that a day off was the best time to try the new Slim in 6 DVD that was part of the fitness package I won in Amherst. I am impressed with the workouts. It is meant to be part of a 6-week program including nutrition guidelines, vitamin and other supplements, and exercise. I think I'm going to shelve my usual workout routines over the next 6 weeks and try keeping up with that part of the program 6 days/week as suggested. Their nutrition is quite similar to what I already do, and I do take vitamins and use the soy shake at lunch already. I also drink more than their recommended minimum 8 glasses of water daily. My muscles are a little quivery already as I did the 25-min Start it Up and the 50-min Ramp it Up versions today. They recommend that you progress to the 60-min Burn it Up level for at least the last 4 weeks, and there's a supplemental 10-min Ab workout as well as a 15-min stretching sequence for your day off and any other day you choose to do it. We'll see how it goes.

Yum, supper was good! Fired up the grill for NY strip steak, mashed some sweet potatoes, and topped some sliced cooked carrots with dried parsley from my herb garden. Life is good!

Food:

8:15 am Laura's oatmeal w/protein powder, flaxseed meal, soy milk, and blueberries, 35 g raspberries, 65 g blackberries, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
2:00 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, cheesy potatoes, 196 g pineapple
3:45 pm 1/4 c spiced pecans
4:45 pm Chocolate mint truffle herbal tea
6:45 pm 4.5 oz NY strip steak, 2/3 c mashed sweet potatoes, 2/3 c sliced carrots, 4 oz malbec, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

12:30-12:55 pm Start It Up DVD
1:00-1:50 pm Ramp It Up DVD

Thurs 29 Dec

2011-12-29T06:44:00.006-06:00

Nice evening with Mary, but sometimes I forget how long she can talk. I was getting a little restless toward 8 pm since she had picked me up at 5:30. She did tell me about an amazing Christmas light display at the Marshfield zoo of all places. Apparently the whole zoo is full of lights, some synchronized to music, and you can walk through it. We may go check it out tonight if it isn't too cold. It would be a chance for a little walking in a pretty place.

My Christmas gift from my boss was a small jar of butter toffee peanuts which are ridiculously addictive. I'll be glad when they're gone.

Christmas lights in Marshfield were very pretty.

Food:

6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g raspberries, coffee
9:00 am 1 Reese's bell
10:30 am 1/4 c butter toffee peanuts
12:30 pm Blueberry soy shake, bean casserole, med pear
5:00 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel (20g)
5:30 pm Lamb stew, 11 oz skim milk
6:00 pm Chocolate pretzel rod
7:45 pm 6 oz York Peppermint Pattie cappuccino

Exercise:

4:50-5:40 am Fat Burners video

Wed 28 Dec

2011-12-28T07:19:00.004-06:00

It was nice to see the scale dip down a wee bit today, even though I know that fluctuations are generally just that. My black cords are actually slightly less tight also which is a nice corroboration. I would really like to get started on the weight loss journey again. For me, once I get going, it's not too difficult but breaking the barrier to start with is really tough.

Going to dinner at Red Mill with Mary Hofer tonight since we never managed to schedule our birthday drinks nights out. Mary texted me this afternoon that Karin and Kathy would join us if we wanted to go after 7 pm. I asked Mary her preference but we ended up sticking with the original plan. I'm glad; I don't know the others that well and it wouldn't have been nearly as nice.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 99 g raspberries, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, bean casserole, satsuma mandarin
3:00 pm 1/4 c butter toffee peanuts
4:30 pm 10 g molasses cookie

Exercise:

4:50-5:50 am Denise Austin Power Zone DVD

Tues 27 Dec

2011-12-27T07:06:00.007-06:00

I like 3-day work weeks! It's not so hard to motivate to go to work when you know the week is short. There's also the hope that things will be a bit more laid back between the holidays. It would be nice if Peace on Earth came home to daily life, too.

BTW, they had the LOTR Pez set half price yesterday so I caved and treated myself.

Since that lamb roast was not stellar, I decided to trim all the fat and gristle and chunk up what was left into a stew. Added onion, carrot, parsnip, potato, and sweet potato and a can of diced tomatoes. Hope the result is tastier than the initial roast. I was sorry that I couldn't serve you a roast that was as good as the first one we had.

Success! The lamb stew far outweighed the lamb roast for savory goodness. Wish I could share some with you.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 101 g raspberries, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, bean casserole
2:00 pm 2 TJ's Minty Mallows
5:15 pm 1 dark chocolate sea salt caramel (20g)
6:00 pm Bowl lamb stew, 12 oz skim milk, 4 oz malbec, 1/2 c peppermint stick ice cream, hot fudge

Exercise:

4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Mon 26 Dec

2011-12-26T07:59:00.003-06:00

Twas the day after Christmas.... So nice to wake up when I was ready to wake up instead of to an early alarm. Looking forward to the day in Madison today, catching a bit more fruit and perhaps some post-holiday bargains.

Had fun lunching on Indian buffet followed by shopping in Madison. Picked up my free spice gift at Penzey's. Bought a few unneeded but very reasonably-priced treats to supplement the bounty at home. Got home around 8 pm.

Food:

7:45 am Butterhorn, chocolate-covered lebkuchen
8:30 am 2 eggnog pancakes, 1 tsp soft margarine, 1 tbl maple syrup, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 pm 3 oz white meat turkey, satsuma mandarin, 2 molasses cookies
1:45 pm Indian buffet
4:45-remainder of evening 2 dark chocolate-covered marshmallows, 2 dark chocolate sea salt caramels, grocery store samples

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T12:32:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas to All! Got up early to get food underway. Michael arrived at an excellent time to lend a hand so we could get things underway before settling down to presents. I just kind of was absent yesterday and didn't do some of the prep that I ought to have done ahead, but I believe everything is caught up now.

Wonderful presents and a pleasant morning with our nuclear family! Looking forward to the remainder of the day also being pleasant, and hopefully topped off with a Packer victory this evening.

Food:

10:00 am 2 butterhorns
1:30 pm Turkey, stuffing, gravy, bean casserole, cheesy potatoes, baked corn, cranberry waldorf, broccoli cheese casserole, Prairie Fume
3:30 pm Cookies
6:00 pm 3 oz turkey, cranberry pudding pie
7:15 pm 1/2 c peppermint stick ice cream, 1/4 c homemade hot fudge sauce, 4 oz 7 dessert wine

Sat 24 Dec

2011-12-24T05:28:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve! We won't get out of here at 5:30 am because I'm still finishing my breakfast, but we'll get going as soon as we can. We don't need to be at Hartman's til 10:30.

Food:

5:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1/8 med cantaloupe, coffee
10:00 am 2 butterhorns, 1 satsuma mandarin
11:15 am Slice quiche, 1 c fruit salad, 1/2 c fried potatoes, homemade cinnamon roll, coffee
3:15 pm 1 oz milk chocolate, 1 butterhorn
6:30 pm 4.5 oz lamb leg roast, 1 c roasted root veggies, 6 oz Malbec, small frosted sugar cookie, buckeye, wedding cake cookie w/kiss inside

Fri 23 Dec

2011-12-23T08:27:00.005-06:00

Nice to have a day off today to tie up loose Christmas-prep ends. I'm looking forward to the whole holiday weekend. Anxious to have you home with us for a little while.

Got quite a bit done already, more to do this evening.

Wowsers, that was a nummy supper. Lamb shanks braised in cabernet sauvignon with my own rosemary and thyme dried from my herb garden, along with roasted super-sweet potatoes.

Food:

8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
12:15 pm Half turkey veggie wrap w/mango salsa, cup mushroom barley soup w/spinach
3:45 pm Small pretzel stick w/white chocolate, lebkuchen cookie
5:30 pm 4 TJ's dark chocolate stars
7:15 pm 5.5 oz braised lamb shank, 1/2 c carrots/onions/tomatoes in braising liquid, 1 c roasted sweet potatoes, 12 oz milk, 4 oz cabernet sauvignon
10:15 pm Butterhorn

Thurs 22 Dec

2011-12-22T07:01:00.006-06:00

Slept like a rock last night. I don't even really remember going to bed. Was surprised by the alarm and had to drag to get up much more than usual. Tomorrow is a day off work so I will sleep in, especially since we'll be getting up extremely early on Saturday. We'll plan to pick you up at 7:30 am.

I love Feltz Lumber! Because Dad does so much business with them throughout the year, they send me a $50 gift card to Wellness Spa for Christmas. So nice!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
10:00 am 1 pc Russell Stover
12:30 pm 2 large scrambled eggs, 1/3 c chopped green pepper, 10g shredded Dubliner cheese, 54 g fruit stollen, large pear
4:45 pm 1 pc English toffee, last 3 oz Prairie Fume
5:45 pm Slice harvest vegetable quiche, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

4:50-5:45 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000

Wed 21 Dec

2011-12-21T07:14:00.006-06:00

Still a little wiped from last night's 2 1/2 hr overtime stint at the hospital. And of course it will be paid at straight time since there is a holiday this week so I won't actually be "working" over 40 hours. Prior to September, that wouldn't have mattered.

Bad girl at work this afternoon. Set the rest of the cookie plate I had brought and the small dish of M&Ms on my desk during a stressful afternoon and most disappeared.

I'm not sure I didn't go to LOTR because of fear. I remember that I was really afraid they'd ruin it, but I think I always planned to see it for myself. I think I was sick.

CONGRATS on the A in Organic Chem!!!!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Kibitzer sandwich (grilled cheese w/sauteed mushrooms, tomato, and onions), 1 c fruit salad, 2 small mints
1:45 pm Small sugar cookie, molasses cookie, 7 cinnamon M&Ms
2:45 pm 3 molasses cookies, 1 sugar cookie, 1/3 c M&Ms
6:15 pm 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1 tbl chopped onion, 1/3 c chopped green peppers, 1/2 c arrabiata sauce, 1/4 tbl grated parmesan, 12 oz skim milk, 1 cookie bar

Exercise:

4:50-5:50 am Brand New Butt DVD

Tues 20 Dec

2011-12-20T06:49:00.005-06:00

Slept better last night, to the point where the alarm surprised me this morning. Most mornings I'm awake a bit before it goes off. Sang the Ole song in the shower this morning. Body is awake now, but mind still feels a tad sluggish.

Trying unsuccessfully to remember why I didn't go to LOTR with you and Dad at the theater. Was I sick?

Didn't end up having dinner with Mary Hofer as planned because I was at the ER with a client til I ducked out at 7 pm. I felt bad because I'm pretty sure the car parked next to mine in the hospital ramp belongs to my coworker, Heather, who must also have been in with one of her clients (hopefully not with one of her kids!)

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, satsuma mandarin, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, 61 g fruit stollen, 27 g Dubliner Irish cheese, 196 g fresh pineapple
2:45 pm 3 Christmas cookies (molasses half-dipped in white chocolate, frosted pretzel twist, molasses w/white icing trim
5:30 pm 16 oz cappucino (gas-station type)
7:15 pm 3.15 oz leftover lamb, 12 oz skim milk, 2 satsuma mandarins, 12 oz sugar cookies, 15 oz molasses cookies

Exercise:

4:50-5:40 am Jane Fonda original Workout video

Mon 19 Dec

2011-12-19T07:05:00.006-06:00

A lot of extra sleep last night, aided by ibuprofen when achiness was keeping me awake, seems to have helped me wake up this morning feeling a bit better. Hopefully it was just the end of the cold along with lingering sadness from Jordan's passing that made me feel yucky yesterday.

Ole!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 53 g blackberries, coffee
10:30 am 23 g molasses cookies
11:45 am 1/2 teriyaki veggie wrap, 1 c fruit salad
4:45 pm 13 g sugar cookie
5:45 pm 4.5 oz broiled salmon, 1/2 c lightly sauteed parsnips, 1/2 c mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 tbl butter, 12 oz skim milk, 59 g fruit stollen

Exercise:

4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 18 Dec

2011-12-18T08:06:00.004-06:00

Got more stuff accomplished yesterday than I expected, so maybe I can watch at least some of the Packer game today without feeling guilty. It would be nice to have time in the evening to watch another Christmas movie. We'll see.

Not feeling the greatest today. Mild headaches, overall lethargy. Going to call it an early night.

Food:

6:30 am 5 g molasses cookie, 7 g sugar cookie (had to sample the wares!)
8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 101 g blackberries, coffee
11:15 am Chocolate cookie
11:45 am Crepe, 2 scrambled eggs, veggie mix, coffee
1:15 pm Extra-large piece English toffee
6:00 pm 5 cheese fries, 2 satsuma mandarins, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

6:50-7:40 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 17 Dec

2011-12-17T08:59:00.005-06:00

Spent a lot of time this morning looking at a Healthy Gift Suggestions slideshow from a SparkPeople email. They had some excellent products in a variety of categories. One of the most interesting was a Fruit-of-the-Month club that features locally-grown in-season items from small farms, unlike the Harry and David mega-business. They have regional centers, with Chicago being the Midwest hub. All the items come from within 200 miles. The current weekly package on the website has several varieties of apples, acorn squash, radishes, kale, and thyme. I bookmarked the site, so I may look into it in the future. They offer small, med, and large boxes and I would feel better about them than the huge companies.

I made out very well at work yesterday. I had a home visit in the morning with a very sweet client who has a black cat like Jordan. We have often talked about our kitties, so I told her that I had to put Jordan down. It was pretty obvious that I was feeling down and depressed so I had felt the need to explain my lack of enthusiasm. I came up from lunch and she had brought in the most gorgeous vase of a dozen roses interspersed with pine boughs with a note hoping that it will help me feel better. I swore, I cried, and I took them to my boss' office to ask what to do since I'm not supposed to accept gifts from clients. She agreed that it couldn't very well be returned, so I could take it home and just have a talk with her that she should use her money for her family's needs and that her sympathy was enough - our relationship is about her, not me. I called her in the afternoon to tell her this which she promptly blew off to tell me that she really appreciates my involvement in her life and her family's. The roses are absolutely gorgeous.

I also won the basket raffle for the kitchen gadgets with all manner of fun stuff, and my Secret Santa who had not given me anything all week came through with a Coach wallet and a lovely black knit scarf. I passed the wallet on to Michael as a Christmas gift for his girlfriend who will probably appreciate it more than I would have since my current wallet is in good shape and functional. I plan to have fun going through my box of kitchen goodies today.

Made the dough for sugar and molasses cookies; hopefully will bake them tonight. Kurt & Barb stopped over with some Satsuma mandarins from Chuck & Karen. The one I sampled was delicious.

Ran out to Fazoli's to try their <400 cal menu before tackling cookie baking.

I can get free 2-day shipping at REI for the pedals, but I need to know which ones to order. Some are $269, some are $150. You can have whichever ones will work best for you, but you need to direct me which to order.

Food:

7:30 am Hodgson's Mills multigrain hot cereal, 1/2 c blueberries, 12 g pecans, 2 oz light original soy milk, 100 g blackberries, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:30 am Satsuma mandarin
12 30 pm 3.5 oz roast lamb, 57 g stollen, 1 c fruit salad
6:30 pm Fazoli's chicken pepper penne pasta, 1 breadstick
7:00 pm 1/2 c skim milk, 3 tbl TJ sipping chocolate mix

Fri 16 Dec

2011-12-16T06:32:00.004-06:00

Did a shorter exercise tape today so I will have time to make my fruit salad fresh for the Christmas lunch today. Thought about making it last night, but it never looks as good if it sits in the fridge overnight. Not feeling very jolly for the festivities. I never did get a Secret Santa so I have been having fun giving my gifts to a coworker who I don't believe has any clue they are from me. It is weird not to be getting anything. I so enjoyed the idea of getting a present every day when I came to work this week but I don't really need the stuff.

How is the end-of-semester prep going? Are you managing to stay healthy again and get your work done without too much stress? Any word whether you will ride home with Keaton? If not, we can come get you very early since Hartmans are hosting brunch.

What time will you be ready? We usually go to Hartmans by about 10 so we should probably shoot to be at your place by 7:30 to be safe, eh?

Food:

6:30 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 60 g raspberries, 40 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am Hot beef sandwich, fruit salad, various potluck items, 8 oz skim milk, 8 oz ginger ale punch
2:30 pm Sugar cookie
6:00 pm 4 cheese fries, large bowl fruit salad, 4 oz Prairie Fume
8:45 pm Piece English toffee

Exercise:

4:45-5:25 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights class 2

Thurs 15 Dec

2011-12-15T06:51:00.004-06:00

Now I really feel like we are empty-nesters. Didn't really realize how much company Jordan was, always being around somewhere. House seems very quiet now.

Food:

6:45 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 lg grapefruit, 100g raspberries, coffee
12:30 pm Blueberry soy shake, cranberry orange scone, orange
5:15 pm 3.4 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/3 c garlic mashed potatoes, 1/3 c steamed corn, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

4:50-5:35 am Jane Fonda Low Impact Aerobics video

Wed 14 Dec

2011-12-14T07:14:00.006-06:00

Jordan is doing okay this morning, breathing somewhat shallow but able to get up and move around a little better than last night. Hopefully a good, solid dose of medicine and fluids will further strengthen him today.

My cold is trying very hard to establish itself, but I'm still fighting back. I debated this morning between an extra hour of rest and exercise, and this time exercise won out. I think it was a good choice.

Damn, I think the cold is gaining ground.

Vet called just before the end of lunch to say Jordan is not doing well. His body temperature has dropped to 92° (normal is 101), his gums are turning blue so they have him in an oxygen tent. We're going at 5:30 to pick him up.

We got to spend a little time with Jordan petting him before the end. He was breathing very shallowly, but it was nice that we could pet him and show him we love him. The house seems emptier already.

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 raspberries, coffee
12:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, cranberry/orange scone, orange
4:00 pm Dove Promise
4:45 pm 1 shortbread cookie
6:30 pm 3/4 c spinach cheese tortellini, 1/2 c arrabiata sauce, 1 tbl shredded parmesan, 1/2 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk, peppermint pretzel rod

Exercise:

4:50-5:47 am Denise Austin Power Zone DVD

Tues 13 Dec

2011-12-13T06:51:00.005-06:00

I believe I'm definitely fighting off a cold now, not just ginger tea-stressed sore throat. I started hitting the Cold-Eze yesterday afternoon and had one right away when I got up this morning. This still feels beatable.

Still fighting the cold, but I'm nowhere near as bad as poor Jordan. He took a substantial turn for the worse this afternoon. He sees the vet at 9:40 tomorrow morning, but I wish they would have agreed to see him tonight. We called back and they did agree to see him now (for an extra fee as yet unknown). They did xrays and blood work. It may be pneumonia or it may be some kind of blockage in his lung, she couldn't be sure from the xray. She gave him some antibiotics tonight and some fluids under the skin for dehydration and we'll take him back at 8 am for IV fluids and antibiotics during the day. They aren't set up here for overnight care. He looks a little better just for the care he's already received so I feel better now about how well he'll do overnight. We'll keep you posted.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, 108 g blackberries, coffee
12:15 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, blueberry scone, med orange

Exercise:

4:50-5:40 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 12 Dec

2011-12-12T07:08:00.005-06:00

I'm beginning to wonder if the throat tenderness might not be due a bit to sinus drainage, and an unfortunate precursor of a cold. Fortunately, I have an abundance of fresh fruit in the house as well as a fresh supply of Cold-Eze so I will do my best to prevent further deterioration. My muscles have been a tiny bit sore with no real provocation, so I may have something to fight off.

I had hesitated to mention it this weekend, but there is a reason I stopped knitting several years ago and preferred crochet. The slipped stitches are extremely frustrating. You will learn but you will also swear.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 99 g blackberries, coffee
11:45 am 2 tamales w/mole sauce, 1/4 c shredded lettuce, 1/2 tbl sour cream, 1/2 c refried beans
5:00 pm 1 shortbread cookie
6:15 pm 3.5 oz roast lamb, 2/3 c mashed sweet potato, 2/3 c canned sliced beets, 12 oz skim milk, 1 oz soy milk (last of carton)

Exercise:

4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 11 Dec

2011-12-11T18:51:00.004-06:00

Sure had a nice time with you yesterday. Grandma is looking forward to seeing you at Christmas. Hartmans are hosting brunch and hoping we can get you here, too.

My throat has been raw all day from the ginger lemon tea yesterday. The Packers did not help it to recover. But I forgive them.

Aldi's leg of lamb roast came out rare and delicious from the rotisserie, just the way I like it. Tasted even sweeter in the fourth quarter of the game.

Got some ornaments on the tree. Not sure if I'll finish tonight as I have a library book that has to be back Tuesday and reading is sounding better every minute.

Food:

8:00 am Morning bun, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 104 g blackberries, coffee
12:15 pm 2 egg omelette, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, 2 slices raisin toast, butter, 1/2 c hash browns, coffee
3:00 pm Orange
4:00 pm 1/2 pc fudge
6:15 pm 4.15 oz roast lamb, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 1/2 c mashed acorn squash, 1 tsp soft margarine
6:45 pm 3 cinnamon M&Ms

Exercise:

6:50-7:40 am Brutal ballet DVD
5:30-5:40 pm Resistance band biceps curls, tricep kickbacks, standing abduction

Sat 10 Dec

2011-12-10T08:24:00.003-06:00

December is flying by, as always. Looking forward to heading to Madison as soon as caroling is done.

Food:

7:45 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee

Fri 9 Dec

2011-12-09T07:17:00.006-06:00

Slept in and didn't get up to exercise this morning since I got to bed late after St. Mary's yesterday. It's nice to skip a morning now and then as long as it doesn't become habitual.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. We have to do caroling with the choir at 10:30 at Church of the Intercession, but we will leave as soon as we're done and head down to Madison. Hopefully we can get there by 1:00 or shortly after; we'll call when we're close.

Clancy's for fish makes for a nice Friday evening relaxation.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Blueberry soy shake, caramel pecan roll, 2 clementines
1:00 pm White chocolate pretzel rod
3:45 pm Hershey mint truffle kiss
6:00 pm 4 oz Prairie Fume, 5 oz lightly breaded baked cod, 3/4 c roasted red potatoes, 1/4 c cole slaw, 1/2 slice rye bread, 1/2 pat butter, 1/2 pc apple bread pudding w/whiskey butter sauce

Thurs 8 Dec

2011-12-08T07:07:00.002-06:00

We have a double retirement lunch potluck today at work. It's always a little strange to see the people who have been there as long as I have retiring one by one (or two by two). I'm still younger than most of the ones who are retiring now, but often I've been at Human Services longer, sometimes significantly so.

How's your cold coming? Are you finally getting back to reasonable good health?

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee

Exercise:

4:50-5:50 am Kickboxing DVD

Wed 7 Dec

2011-12-07T06:55:00.006-06:00

Baby, it's cold outside! And I have to stop at the gas station on the way in to work because I was too lazy to go last night. I can't take my client to her appointment in Marshfield on an empty tank. Brrr!

Went out to Target after work to buy the stuff for Newman goodie bags and ended up doing a bunch more shopping. Walnuts from Fleet Farm, milk from Aldi's and a bunch of Christmas stuff from all three. Had to try a package of cinnamon M&Ms. Verdict is okay, cinnamon is pretty understated.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, caramel pecan roll, 2 clementines
4:00 pm 1/2 pkg Trader Joe's seaweed snack
4:45 pm 2 rosettes
5:00 pm 2 eggs over easy, 2 pc cinnamon bread, 2 tsp soft margarine
7:15 pm 6 g cinnamon M&Ms

Exercise:

4:55-5:45 am Pilates with resistance band video

Tues 6 Dec

2011-12-06T06:55:00.007-06:00

Happy St. Nicholas Day! Sorry St. Nick didn't send anything out this year. With Michael out of the house and you in Madison, it seemed a little remote. But I'm sending my love, if that counts for anything! (It has less calories than candy.)

I think I'm going to call Wellness Spa to see if I can get in for a massage this week or next. I still have some gift cards stockpiled and it would be very nice to treat my muscles.

Going to Wellness Spa at 6 pm. Megan says hi; she'd love to see you when you're in town for Christmas.

Ahhhhhh, massage is so nice. Poor little girl had to work really hard on some of the knots in my shoulders.

Food:

7:00 am Caramel pecan roll, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
12:30 am Blueberry soy shake, 2 pc cinnamon bread, 2 tsp soft margarine, 2 clementines, 2 rosettes, 1 pc fudge
3:15 pm 2 chocolate pizzelles
4:45 pm 1 cookie bar
5:15 pm Bowl chicken stir fry leftovers, 56 g lefse, 1/2 tsp soft margarine, 1 tsp dark brown sugar, 12 oz skim milk
7:30 pm Hot chocolate from Keurig, sandbakkele

Exercise:

4:55-5:45 am Jane Fonda original workout

Mon 5 Dec

2011-12-05T07:04:00.003-06:00

The baker from the current Amherst bakery knows his pastry. I was impressed that he pronounced croissant correctly, but I'm more impressed with how he makes them. I believe he's German (a la Bernard) but all his pastries looked authentic and excellent. The chocolate and almond croissants certainly were.

I hope you will be less sick by Saturday, too! In fact, I hope you are feeling better already!

Made up one of my impromptu stir fry dishes for supper and it was yummy! Sauce gets creative with a little soy sauce , a little Chinese cooking wine, a little hoisin sauce.

Food:

7:00 am Almond croissant, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
9:30 am 1 miniature Reese's PB cup
11:30 am Blueberry scone
12:45 pm Blueberry soy shake, clementine, small cookie
5:15 pm Chocolate peanut butter ball
6:00 pm 3 oz chicken breast, 1/4 c green pepper chunks, 1/8 c onion, 1/4 c fresh asparagus, 1/4 c pineapple tidbits, 1/4 c mandarin oranges, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/8 c cooking wine, 1/2 tbl hoisin, 3/4 c brown/wild rice blend w/veggies, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 4 Dec

2011-12-04T08:07:00.005-06:00

It was a little hard to get up this morning, probably because I knew I could only have 7 hours sleep and I didn't have any day this weekend to sleep in at all. I'm okay once I'm up and going, but I feel gypped if I didn't get to sleep in at all. Today will be fairly busy with taking Grandma to church and lunch, 2 pm choir concert at Bron's, and rushing home to catch as much of the game as possible. At least then I can relax. We still have two more choir activities this semester with St. Mary's on Thursday and the Victorian Christmas carol singing at Intercession on Saturday morning.

I hope to leave right after the carol singing, hopefully around 11ish, and head down to Madison next Saturday. We haven't seen you for awhile and there is always more Christmas shopping to do. Maybe we can pick out your bike pedals? I hope that is a good day for you - let me know.

Made it home from choir concert before the end of the first quarter. The game exhausted me. BTW, I had two phone messages when we got home. I won a door prize from the Jensen Center craft show AND a basket in the raffle at St. James. I won't find out what I won til I get out to Amherst to collect them.

Food:

8:00 am Chocolate croissant, rosette, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
11:45 am Crepe, 2 scrambled eggs, veggie mix, 8 oz orange juice, coffee
1:00 pm Piece fudge
3:45 pm Chapel window cookie, peanut butter cookie w/chocolate star
4:45 pm Caramelized onion chicken burger, bun, 1 tbl fried onions, 3/4 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk
6:45 pm Small shortbread cookie

Exercise:

6:50-7:40 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sun 4 Dec

2011-12-04T08:07:00.001-06:00

Sat 3 Dec

2011-12-03T07:49:00.004-06:00

Amherst this morning, make fudge for tomorrow's bake sale this afternoon, concert this evening in Wausau, and fit laundry in between. Busy Saturday.

Amherst was fun, even if I was too late for one of the two available loaves of Finnish coffee bread. We got plenty of other goodies.
Now the trick is to not keep eating goodies until I'm sick (and fat!)

Food:

7:30 am 1 c Quaker Oat Squares, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 large cantaloupe, coffee
8:45 am Coffee
9:15 am Samples of goodies
11:30 am Cup butternut apple soup, 1/2 turkey cranberry wrap, 1/4 c applesauce
1:00 pm 2 rosettes
2:45 pm Rice krispie treat w/chocolate chips
4:15 pm Equivalent of 1 pc fudge from licking pan
4:30 pm Small bowl Kirkland chicken enchilada soup, slice beer bread, 12 oz skim milk

Fri 2 Dec

2011-12-02T06:57:00.008-06:00

This has been the first whole week I have worked for a while, what with Thanksgiving, the Minneapolis trip, the Hastings weekend and all. Technically it wasn't really a full week since I took Grandma to Wausau for her eye appointment late Mon afternoon, but that is like work in that I'm still responsible for someone else so it feels like a full week. Looking forward to the Amherst festivities tomorrow morning even if it does mean getting up early on a Saturday.

Check this out! Someone in Wales built themselves an adorable hobbit home. I could see you living in a place like this very happily. www.stumbleupon.com/su/5dCBZE/inhabitat.com/extraordinary-off-grid-hobbit-home-in-wales-only-cost-3000-to-build/

First concert done; none too exciting.

I'm really sorry you're feeling so crummy. Hope the docs are able to do something to set you on the right track.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 2 eggs, 2 slices cinnamon bread, 2 tsp soft margarine, clementine
3:00 pm Dove raspberry dark chocolate Promise
4:15 pm 4 oz zinfandel, 11 wine crackers
4:45 pm 1 c Fit N Active whole grain penne pasta, 1 oz chicken breast, 1/8 c peppers, 1/8 c onions, 1/8 c spinach/cheese sauce, 1/4 c reduced fat 4-cheese blend, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

5:00-5:40 am Jane Fonda Workout with Weights video
5:40-6:00 am Jane Fonda Stress Reduction aerobics section

Thurs 1 Dec

2011-12-01T07:16:00.003-06:00

It was easier to get up and move this morning, thankfully. Getting prepared for choir concerts this weekend as well as the Amherst bake and craft sales on Saturday morning. I'm supposed to bring something for the bake sale after the choir concert Sunday, so I need to figure out what I'm going to bring this year.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit
12:15 pm Sample sliver chocolate pound cake, chocolate peppermint promise
12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, 1/2 chocolate chip scone, clementine
6:00 pm Few chips/salsa, chicken leg/thigh, mole sauce, 1/2 c refried beans, 3 6" house corn tortillas, margarita, 1/2 pc flan w/whipped cream

Exercise:

4:55-5:50 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Wed 30 Nov

2011-11-30T06:59:00.007-06:00

Had a very hard time waking up and getting going this morning. Still don't feel quite on track. Struggled through exercise. Even chewing breakfast seems like work. Don't think I'm getting sick, just unusually tired. Not even really tired, just lethargic. Oh, well.

Thanks for the responses on the Christmas questions. It is undeniably easier to go with the Calphalon pan, but since I had not previously been aware of the Le Creuset option, I felt the need to offer it. The Calphalon pan is also more versatile.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm Vanilla soy shake, 2 slices cinnamon bread, 2 tsp soft margarine, Yoplait 100 cal parfait
3:00 pm Dove raspberry dark Promise, 2 chocolate pizzelles
5:00 pm 1 pc English toffee
6:15 pm 1 c leftover chicken casserole (light on the chicken), 3/4 c Carnival squash, 1 tsp soft margarine, 12 oz skim milk, 1 slice beer bread

Exercise:

4:50-5:50 am Brand New Butt DVD

Tues 29 Nov

2011-11-29T07:19:00.007-06:00

Got back from Wausau last night and dropped Grandma off around 7:30 pm. As I was turning on to Center St, my pager went off and I ended up spending about 1 1/2 hrs on the call. Perfect timing if it had to happen. Was too tired after all to come record my food consumption.

Hope you made it home safely and are nestled into your apartment again. Thought for an additional Christmas gift: Would you like a small space heater to take the chill off those under-heated evenings?

I just got an online offer today (which I am getting for myself) from Le Creuset for a dedicated crepe pan set with rake tool and a package of crepe mix. Would you prefer this to the 8" Calphalon pan? (I expect I could return the Calphalon without too much difficulty.) Here is the link: http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/product_Crepe-Pan-&-Crepe-Mix-Gift-Set_10151_-1_20002_50562__

Wow, was I hungry tonight. Guess half a pecan roll isn't a good lunch item to hold you through the afternoon. But the chicken casserole was yummy.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
9:45 am 1 Tootsie Roll midgee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 1/2 caramel pecan roll, 2 clementines
5:00 pm 1 Finn Crisp wafer
6:00 pm 1 c Fit N Active whole grain penne pasta, 3 oz chicken breast, 1/8 c green pepper, 1/8 c onion,1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 c Reduced Fat Four Cheese blend, 2 tbl Grandessa spinach/cheese marinara, 1/2 c asparagus, 12 oz skim milk, leaf-shaped chocolate bottom cookie

Exercise:

4:55-5:50 am Buns/Abs of Steel 2000 video

Mon 28 Nov

2011-11-28T07:00:00.003-06:00

Today I take Grandma to Wausau for her eye checkup. She looks forward to being able to tell the doctor that she doesn't feel she sees as well as before, even though she knows there's likely nothing he can do about it. Winters are harder because her eyes function better with brighter light and the winter days are often gray and overcast. I hope they come up with a cure for macular degeneration before it hits you and me. I find myself trying to drink in all the beautiful sights I can while I know my eyes are still functioning, and also thinking about how to do things without vision if necessary. I have no wish to be helpless.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, 2 slices cinnamon bread toasted, 2 tsp soft margarine, Babybel gouda

Exercise:

4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 27 Nov

2011-11-27T08:47:00.006-06:00

Hope you are enjoying your respite from school and work for the last few days. If you have an opportunity to get to a Market of Choice and can manage to transport a box of the oatmeal spelt scones on the airplane, a certain mom would appreciate a few. You could stick some in your freezer when you get home. I expect we'll get down to Madison the weekend of Dec 10 or Dec 17. We have a choir thing at 10:30 am on Dec 10 but it only lasts about an hour. The weekend just before Christmas is still open at this time. (Next weekend is filled with choir concerts.)

Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm English muffin, spinach/mushrooms/tomatoes, 2 poached eggs, 2 tbl hollandaise, 1/2 c hash browns, wedge cantaloupe, wedge honeydew, coffee
3:00 pm 25 g English toffee
5:15 pm King's Hawaiian dinner roll, 1.5 oz turkey, 1/2 c homemade applesauce, 12 oz skim milk, slice fresh-baked beer bread

Exercise:

6:50-7:40 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 26 Nov

2011-11-26T08:41:00.007-06:00

Nothing special on today's agenda except laundry. Will consider putting up the Christmas tree this afternoon. Actually looked longingly at fresh trees on the lot yesterday, but the urge passed. Maybe some year. Hopefully the pager will leave me alone - have had 2 calls this week but not too intrusive.

Ah, I'm enjoying all the old Christmas vinyl! Right now, Julie Andrews is Decking the Halls.

Got my new Jane Fonda tape in the mail today - Stress Reduction. Some of the aerobic routines are part of the Fat Burners montage. The overall tape is only 20 min aerobics (only one song that isn't in the other collection) but it has 20 min of good, slow stretching and a 10 min guided relaxation series. I felt relaxed but still needing more work when it was done, so I did the 50-min Prime Time Workout DVD (reads "meant for old people"). I don't know if I ever did the whole of that tape before. It is slower-paced but continuous in the aerobics section so your heart rate does rise a little. The combination of the two slower tapes was a nice relaxing Saturday workout.

Food:

8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:30 pm Vanilla soy shake, 2 slices cinnamon raisin toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, Babybel gouda, large apple, 1/2 tsp sugar
1:15 pm Last 1/2 pc cranberry pudding pie
5:45 pm 1 c lobster ravioli, 1/2 c spinach/cheese marinara sauce, 1 tbl grated parmesan, 1/2 c green beans, small slice pumpkin pie, Cool Whip Lite, 4 oz cherry wine

Exercise:

2:00-3:30 pm Jane Fonda Stress Reduction and Jane Fonda Prime Time Workout videos

Fri 25 Nov

2011-11-25T08:37:00.008-06:00

I really enjoyed talking to you yesterday to share a little of our Thanksgiving together. You were missed in Wisconsin by all. Grandma is really looking forward to seeing you at Christmas. Our dinner was a little unusual in that everyone except Grandma and Leone ate in the living room with Rodgers and crew, grabbing our food between plays. Christmas dinner may be similar, depending on game time.

Dad and I will head out soon to do some minor Black Friday shopping. I'm hoping to get going shortly after 9:00 as several stores have extra discounts just til 11 am.

I tried to estimate everything I ate yesterday to the best of my remembering, and I actually stayed within my calorie range for the day. I also realized today that several people commented after lunch that they ate really well but didn't feel stuffed and bloated. I wonder if that is because my Thanksgiving fare tends not to be high fat?

My brother, Mark, would have been 60 years old today. Happy Birthday, bro!

Food:

8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1 Two-Bite pumpkin walnut scone, coffee
11:30 am 3 crepes, 1 tbl lemon butter, coffee
12:30 pm Red Tootsie Pop
2:30 pm Pumpkin pie, Cool Whip Lite
6:30 pm 8 oz Kristin Regale black currant sparkler
6:45 pm 4.25 oz turkey, 1/2 c stuffing, 1 tbl gravy, 1/3 c sweet potatoes, 1/2 c cranberry waldorf, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

4:50-6:20 pm Neighborhood walk w/Dad

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T08:21:00.005-06:00

Happy Turkey Day! Hope the family gathering is a wonderful day - hugs to everyone! We will be a small group with Michael and Ali, Grandma, Leone and Mick. I tried brining the bird this year so I'm anxious to see if it adds layers of flavor. The pumpkin pie and cranberry pudding pies look yummy and all the accompaniments will hopefully be delicious, too. Take a photo of your Thanksgiving spread and send it to me. (Borrow someone's phone camera.)

Ate during the game (GO PACK!!!!!) and resultantly didn't really taste most of my food, but I think it was delicious. The brined turkey was very flavorful. I think I oversalted the gravy, but I'm not sure if I did it twice because I was watching the game or if I only salted once but the brine in the juices was also salty. Regardless, it still tasted good. And the Packers will be playing during Christmas dinner too!

Ooooh, of all the Thanksgiving goodies, the pumpkin pie most hit the spot. The brined turkey was delicious, too.

Food:

8:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
1:30 pm Turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry waldorf, baked corn, roasted asparagus, sauvignon blanc, slice pumpkin pie, Cool Whip Lite
5:30 pm King's Hawaiian dinner roll, 1.55 oz white meat turkey, slice pumpkin pie, Cool Whip Lite

Wed 23 Nov

2011-11-23T07:09:00.005-06:00

I don't do the Kathy Smith workout often because she overloads the muscles enough to make them sore. I'm feeling it already.

Gotta plan to come home tonight and bake pies, chop veggies, start cranberries. Hope the pager doesn't demand too much time. I spent an hour yesterday evening on a call.

I was thoroughly confused by your response yesterday until I finally realized today that I was not clear that I was asking about your piano keyboard. Do you know what brand/model it is and do you have any recommendations regarding a PIANO keyboard for Michael?

Busy afternoon. Tired. Two pies, prep for cranberry salad, prep veggies for stuffing and baking sweet potatoes still to go tonight.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:00 pm Blueberry soy shake, 2 slices cinnamon raisin toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, clementine, Babybel gouda
3:15 pm 1/2 pkg Trader Joe's seaweed snack
5:30 pm Super slice Rocky's Rococo-style pizza, 12 oz skim milk, leaf-shaped cookie

Exercise:

4:50-5:50 am Kathy Smith Weights DVD

Tues 22 Nov

2011-11-22T07:10:00.006-06:00

Hope you have a safe and wonderful trip to Oregon today! Hugs to all the fam from us! Relax and enjoy yourself...you deserve it.

Do you know the make and model of your keyboard? Michael would like a keyboard this Christmas and we need to start looking. Would you recommend one like yours? What features have you found most useful and what features are unnecessary?

I hope you have arrived safely in Portland and are resting in the bosom of your Western family. Love you!

Food:

7:00 am Caramel pecan roll, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, 2 slices cinnamon raisin toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, 1 clementine, 5.3 oz siggi's Icelandic style skyr (orange & ginger)
5:30 pm 1 chocolate leaf cookie
6:30 pm 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk
7:00 pm 1 large apple, 1/2 tsp sugar, cinnamon

Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Jane Fonda Original Workout video

Mon 21 Nov

2011-11-21T07:09:00.005-06:00

Back to routine for a few days. Felt good to get up and work out today, even though I really didn't feel like going down to work out at the hotel. Hope you are feeling better and getting everything together for your trip. I hope you have a wonderful time, but think of us, too!

Just heard from Megumi and they won't be joining us for Thanksgiving. They have been driving into the Cities every weekend for Yuki's lessons and orchestra rehearsals and are craving some time at home (smashed into Yoshi's 2-bedroom apartment). Megumi said she hasn't met any other Japanese in Brainerd. The other kids initially thought Yuki was an exchange student; now they think he's the brother of another kid with black hair. Sounds like adjustment is slow.

We had a nummy supper tonight, though you wouldn't have liked it. Pork chops were the main feature, seasoned with a spice blend and baked over sliced apples lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar. I roasted some wedges of organic sweet potatoes that had been brushed with olive oil and dusted with seasoned salt. Green beans rounded out the plate.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
12:15 pm Vanilla soy shake, 2 pc cinnamon raisin toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, 2 clementines, 1 Babybel gouda
2:45 pm 1 chocolate pizzelle
4:45 pm 30 flying saucers
6:45 pm 4 oz pork chop, 1/2 large sliced apple, 1/4 tsp sugar, cinnamon, 1/2 c green beans, 3 large wedges roasted sweet potato, 1 tsp olive oil, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 20 Nov

2011-11-20T17:25:00.003-06:00

Had a wonderful time in Minneapolis. Sorry your midterm trumped the massage; I'm sure it would have been wonderful. Oh, well.

Ate lots of good food and did not follow through on hitting the exercise room as we should have. Just didn't seem to be enough time. Did get a start on the Christmas shopping, though. We will need you to direct us regarding the pedals for your mountain bike as we don't have a clue which ones would be best.

Love you!

Thurs 17 Nov

2011-11-17T07:08:00.003-06:00

Enjoyed Thoroughly Modern Millie at UWSP last night. The lead female had terrible vocal tone though plenty of Ethel Merman-type volume and good pitch. The tone was occasionally grating. The comedy with the Chinese laundry guys was hilariously politically incorrect, but when they broke in to an Al Jolsen "Mammy" in Chinese, you couldn't help but laugh.

Heading out to Minneapolis for our annual excursion today. Looking forward to a few days R&R with good food and a nice hotel. Hope to hit the Expo at Midwest Mountaineering which is happening this weekend.

I see by your Twitter feed that coughing continues to be a struggle. Take good care of yourself! Hugs!!!!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 6 oz OJ, coffee

Exercise:

5:00-5:50 am Jane Fonda Fat Burners video

Wed 16 Nov

2011-11-16T07:22:00.006-06:00

Well, if there was a cold or something coming on, I've hopefully staved it off as I feel fine today. I was raring to get up and exercise today after not finding time for it yesterday. Hope it lasts.

We have our office Thanksgiving brunch today at 9:00 am. Always awkward because I really can't skip breakfast that long and when I have a meal at that hour, I don't know whether to skip lunch altogether or what. If I do, I'm famished by dinner. It usually means I get more food than I ought today, not just because of the bountiful buffet, but because of the disruption in the eating schedule.

Groupon is reminding me that you only have 9 days left on your massage coupon. I think you said you had the appointment scheduled, but please let me know when you use it. Thanks.

Food:

7:00 am OatFit maple/brown sugar instant oatmeal, 2 oz light original soy milk, 1 wedge med cantaloupe, 6 oz OJ, coffee
9:30 am Scrambled eggs, slice ham, sweet potato casserole, creamed veggies, cranberry waldorf, pineapple chunks, fruit kebab, spinach casserole, pumpkin mini-muffin w/cream cheese frosting, slice pumpkin bread (May have been some other things, but that's all I remember)
1:00 pm Jam-filled cookie
3:00 pm Scotcheroo
6:30 pm 3.9 oz Costco chicken breast, 1/2 c heirloom rice blend, 1/2 c cranberry waldorf salad, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

4:50-5:50 am Brand New Butt DVD

Tues 15 Nov

2011-11-15T07:06:00.006-06:00

Woo hoo! The day of recall approaches! Let's hope all Walker's Koch-funded dirty tricks cannot usurp the good intentions of Wisconsin's still-progressive citizens.

Check out Shirt.Woot today - it made me think of you. Would be perfect for the Portland Thanksgiving bash, but unlikely to arrive in time. Also short sleeves would be cold.

Stayed up late to watch my beloved Packers finish the game last night, and chose to sleep in this morning as I feel the vestiges of a cold lurking on the sidelines waiting to sack me at an inopportune moment. I want to start some Cold-Eze zinc lozenges today and take care to eat well to ward it off.

I haven't yet done much thinking about my own Christmas list either. If you could find a nice wine that resembled that Loire Valley Chenin Blanc without being too pricey, I would enjoy that. Maybe a nice Oregon wine would be similar? Dad could use liner socks for his boots, size 10.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 small cantaloupe, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, slice Country Hearth 100% whole wheat bread, 1 tbl Peter Pan Whipped PB, 2 clementines
12:45 pm 1 mini York pattie
2:15 pm 1 small Tootsie roll
7:00 pm 3.5 oz Costco chicken breast, large slice boysenberry swirl bread, small banana, 12 oz skim milk, 40 g chocolate covered peanuts

Mon 14 Nov

2011-11-14T07:09:00.006-06:00

I have a sore back today, presumably a result of that Pilates tape using some different muscles on Saturday. It usually takes a couple of days for new sorenesses to show up in my body. I also had sore hips and shoulders in bed last night; couldn't find a comfortable position to lay. Don't know if that's related. Just hope I'm not getting sick as sometimes soreness can be a precursor. We're heading out on our Mpls trip on Thurs and I want to be in good shape.

For once, I used fresh produce right away while it is still fresh! Helps that Dad cleaned the fridge on Sunday so I can see where everything landed. We had fresh salad greens with fresh green pepper and mushrooms. Even the burger buns are still fresh!

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, Clementine, coffee
12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, blueberry scone, large Fireside apple, cinnamon sugar
3:15 pm 2 chocolate pizzelles
5:15 pm Frozen carmelized onion chicken burgers, bun, 1 tbl peach pineapple salsa, fresh salad greens, 1/8 c chopped fresh green pepper, 1/4 c chopped fresh mushrooms, 1 tbl bleu cheese crumbles, 12 oz skim milk, 2 halloween oreos

Exercise:

4:50-6:00 am Jane Fonda Complete Workout video

Sun 13 Nov

2011-11-13T08:09:00.007-06:00

Newman is doing a benefit today for Casey Davis. He is a young man from our parish who worked for a landscaping service and had a tree fall on him (pinning his running chain saw to his groin area) a couple of months ago. He sustained extremely serious injuries and is in rehab in Colorado at present. Lower spinal cord injury means he will most likely be a paraplegic for the remainder of his life, but at least he seems to not have sustained serious brain injury.

I guess that makes me feel lucky for the aches and pains in my own feeble body from doing ballet this morning on the heels of that Pilates tape yesterday. I can definitely feel muscles that were not too active in the past, especially in the lats area.

Benefit was well-attended. Many parishioners made desserts to complement the hot beef and beans donated by Michele's. I could wish they would have divided up the parishioner donations so some would have made salads. There were plentiful sweets but no veggies. Nice basket raffle also so I hope they made good money for Casey. He and his wife appeared via Skype on the big screen to thank folks.

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling ill yet. Hugs!

Food:

8:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 167 g strawberries, coffee
11:30 am 3 oz hot beef, bun, 1/2 c calico beans, 3 cheese curds, peanut butter bar, large scotcheroo, 8 oz skim milk
3:45 pm 34 g chocolate covered peanuts
5:15 pm 3 oz extra lean ground beef, bun, 2 small slices Roma tomato, 1 tbl ketchup, 4 med baby carrots, 12 oz skim milk
5:45 pm 3 oz white wine (last of bottle)

Exercise:

6:50-7:40 am Brutal ballet DVD

Sat 12 Nov

2011-11-12T08:25:00.005-06:00

There are things going on today that we likely need to check out although I'm having extreme wishes to stay at home and do nothing. Responsibility will win out, I fear. Need to do the Community Day coupon sale at Younkers as I usually find good deals on Christmas things for Grandma such as sweatshirts and stretchy pants that she likes. Ski swap is today if we want to get cross country ski boots that fit or possibly look at snowshoes. Sigh, onward.

Actually had a good time doing the Younkers thing. Not nearly as many items on sale as other years (so we didn't spend as much). Did find a new winter coat for Grandma that has both a zipper and toggle buttons so if the zipper proves too difficult, the buttons should be sufficient. It is a wool blend 3/4 length in a nice not-too-bold plaid. She had so much trouble with her coat last year that this should be a welcome gift - I hope. I had a free eye shadow demo at the Clinique counter which qualified me for a free full-size eye shadow palette, and purchasing a bottle of a fragrance I had run out of got me a whole bunch more freebies from Estee Lauder. We tried out the new Brunch Kitchen that replaced IHop. I had heard that it was decent and we were quite pleased. They modified their special for me and got the requests correct which pleased me. I had them leave out the scrambled eggs and viniagrette from my chicken crepes. Should have axed the hollandaise also; it was very tasty but I could have done without the calories. Dad got a salad with his lunch and they brought a big bowl of fresh mixed dark greens with a light toss of viniagrette so there was enough for me to share.

I ordered a set of 3 Pilates videos that came with a toning ball and 2 resistance bands from Woot. I did the one with the toning ball today and I consider I made a good investment as it had me groaning and sore. Each one is 50 min plus so I should be able to use them in the morning.

Food:

8:15 am 2 eggs over easy, 2 slices cinnamon raisin toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 124 g strawberries, coffee
12:15 pm 1/2 portion of salad w/chopped tomatoes and viniagrette, 2 crepes, 1 c chopped chicken breast, 1 oz Swiss cheese, 1/2 c spinach, 1/4 c chopped tomatoes, 1/4 c hollandaise sauce, coffee
6:45 pm 1 c Sweetened Wheatfuls, 1/2 c light original soy milk, large Fireside apple w/cinnamon sugar, 32 g (small) chocolate croissant

Exercise:

5:40-6;30 pm Pilates Toning Ball DVD

Fri 11 Nov

2011-11-11T06:41:00.004-06:00

I was pleased that they altered my second leg of the conference to meet in Tomah instead of LaCrosse and to meet 9-1 instead of 8-12. Means that if I hit the road before 7:30, I should make it fine and I'll still be home by the normal day even with lunch at Burnstad's. Hope to pick up the final Harry Potter DVD for a cheese fries Friday night.

The peanuts were an indulgence to keep me awake on the drive home. (Excuse.)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt 2 has been successfully viewed. Wonder how many other households were also watching it tonight.

Food:

6:15 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe 135 g strawberries, coffee
9:30 am 1.5 c fruit salad
11:00 am Plain bagel, indiv container strawberry cream cheese
1:00 pm Cup tomato soup w/1 shrimp, 3 slices sausage, 1/2 roasted veggie wrap w/spinach
1:30 pm 2 frosted cookies
2:30 pm 3.5 oz chocolate covered peanuts
5:45 pm 4 cheese fries, large apple, 5 oz Sauvignon Blanc

Thurs 10 Nov

2011-11-10T07:00:00.006-06:00

It was fun to have a real snow for our first taste of the season yesterday. I am, however, prepared to let it melt and wait awhile til the next installment, preferably after our Minneapolis trip next week.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 133 g strawberries, coffee
11:30 am Slice maple walnut apple coffee cake
12:45 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, 2 slices cinnamon raisin toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, large Fireside apple w/cinnamon sugar
5:30 pm 1 c whole wheat spaghetti, 3 oz extra lean ground beef, 1/2 c arrabiata sauce, 1/8 c onions, 1/4 c green pepper, 1/2 tbl shredded parmesan, 12 oz skim milk, Jello Mousse Temptations chocolate mint

Exercise:

4:45-5:43 am Kickboxing DVD

Wed 9 Nov

2011-11-09T07:12:00.004-06:00

Finally remembered to change the time on the automatic thermostat this morning after being awakened early every day this week from the heat blasting in my face from the register next to my bed an hour earlier than usual. The first few days, I finally fell back to sleep once the house got up to temp and the blower stopped so I would forget to change the thermostat when I came downstairs. Today I made myself remember so I don't continue to have this problem.

Food:

7:00 am 1 c Trader Joe's multigrain flaxseed cereal, 1/2 c light original soy milk, 1/4 med cantaloupe, 108 g raspberries, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, 2 pc cinnamon raisin toast, 2 tsp soft margarine, 215 g Fireside apple, 1/2 tsp sugar, cinnamon
3:00 pm 2 chocolate pizzelles
4:45 pm 1 c caramel corn
6:15 pm 1/2 pasty, 1/2 c homemade applesauce, 12 oz skim milk

Exercise:

4:50-5:45 am Kristi Yamaguchi workout DVD