Thursday

Yeah, I'm going to be staying at Jenna's for a while - 1107 Vilas, over by the house I lived in last year. Don't know if I'll be able to make it back for the show, but I'm going to try to sometime next weekend. Hopefully by then she'll be more able to take care of herself, or someone else might be able to stay with her or something. But I'm sleeping on an airbed, which isn't that bad, and it's warm. But I can't really do homework when I'm there, because I'm mostly keeping her company, so I'm under a lot of pressure right now to get everything done here. Ick.

Food today:
9:15a - Cheerios and soymilk
11:45a - Dole Ruby Red Grapefruit juice (15.2 oz), Peanut butter Clif bar

Exercise today:
9:20-9:30a - Bike to campus

Thurs 31 Jan

Well, my shoulder doesn't hurt today so I guess the R&R day really did the trick. I didn't wake up in the night in pain either, and only took ibuprofen at bedtime as a precaution. Now I just need to use my brain in making sure I exercise intelligently.

Let me know where you'll be (at Jenna's) and whether you can come home for a performance of Grease.

Surely Jenna will understand that you need to get your homework done too while you're there. If she's back in classes, she must have homework to do too? If you can make it home next weekend, I could come pick you up Sat afternoon and take you back on Sunday. (I could pick you up Fri afternoon and take you back Sat also if that's easier.)

Food:

7:00 am 2 small slices coffee cake, 6 oz OJ, coffee
10:45 am 1/6 c raspberry craisins
11:45 am 1 c vegetable soup, 1 small slice coffee cake, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
2:00 pm 1 orange Jelly Belly
3:30 pm Act II popcorn ball
6:30 pm 4 leftover scallops (rubbery) w/tartar sauce, 1 leftover crepe w/sliced bananas, 6 oz homemade yogurt w/vanilla
9:30 pm 2 thin slices honey ham (feeling protein deprived)


Exercise:
5:20-6:13 pm 30 min treadmill, Prog 4 plus mini-Pilates mat

Wed 30 Jan

Sorry to hear you're feeling sick - what is it? Cold, stomach flu, cramps? Take good care of yourself and give yourself a hug from Mom!

I overdid the strength training things with weights earlier this week and my left shoulder is rebelling. I had to get up and take ibuprofen a couple of times in the night, and I'm going in later than usual today, taking it a little easy. I'll stick to abs and lower body work for the rest of the week, I think.

School is cancelled here today because of blowing snow and severe wind chills. Pacelli was supposed to do a rehearsal performance of Grease this morning for the local senior citizens and Grandma had planned to come on the bus from her building, but so much for that. Michael thought they might have a mega-rehearsal if school was cancelled starting around 10 am.

Too bad you're out of fruit when you most need the nutrients to fight off the sore throat and yuks. Take some vitamin C tabs if you have them as a next best thing and see if you can't guilt someone into getting you to the grocery store. It's nasty cold here too. I went into work and found that even just doing work on the computer sent uncomfortable feelings up my shoulder. I decided to use some of my accumulated sick hours and take the afternoon at home, out of the cold, to rest. I'll just read or watch a movie for a few hours. Right now, I've got the microwaved herbal wrap thing on my neck and shoulder and if feels WONDERFUL!

It's really nice that you'll be keeping an eye out for Jenna for awhile - I'm pleased with your compassion and what a good friend you are. Don't lose sight of caring for yourself too. You shouldn't have to eat so differently - maybe you can help Jenna enjoy some healthy food too. Where will you be and will you have a comfortable bed to sleep on?

What a wonderful afternoon I had - I don't even feel guilty because I rested my shoulder as I needed to. I napped for an hour after a dip in the hot tub, then baked a coffee cake and made a superb pot of vegetable soup with sauteed leeks (they DO have them at County Market!), garlic, carrots, parsnips, yellow pepper, celery, and crushed tomatoes. It was delicious! I then watched two episodes of Schlock while resting on the couch before supper. My shoulder feels much relaxed as do I. Wish I could share the coffee cake and soup with you!!!!


Food:

8:00 am 6 oz homemade yogurt, 1/2 c PomegranPlus granola, 6 oz OJ, coffee
12:30 pm Chocolate soy shake, banana
3:30 pm 2 small slices coffee cake
5:30 pm Bowl vegetable soup, 1 small slice coffee cake, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Skipping exercise to rest the weary muscles.

Wednesday

Feeling sick again. Ugh. It's mostly sore throat and fatigue; I came home right after class (and HOLY BALLS it's cold) and I'm going to take some cough syrup and a nap. I'm moving over to spend an indefinite amount of time - anywhere from the rest of this week possibly up to spring break - with Jenna, to make sure she doesn't collapse in a pile of broken ribs when no one's around. So my eating habits will probably suffer. I'll try to keep this updated, though.

Busting out the Tootsie rolls today, too, since I'm out of fruit and I needed something sweet. Why is it so friggin' cold, I can't do laundry (have to walk around two houses to get to the basement), I can't go to the grocery store... *cries*

Food today:
7:45a - Peanut butter Clif bar
10:15a - 1pc whole wheat toast with Nutella, 3 Tootsie rolls
1:00p - small bowl leftover baked red potatoes, carrots, mushrooms
3:15 - 3 Tootsie rolls, 1 Ghirardelli chocolate square
3:45 - Shredded wheat and 2% milk (out of soy)

Exercise today:
8:20-8:35a - Bike to campus (gasp, choke)
9:45-10:00a - Bike home (gasp, choke)

Tues 29 Jan

Sounds as though the state is in for interesting weather today after a warm respite yesterday. Oh, well...


Food:

7:00 am Homemade yogurt, 1/2 c PomegranPlus granola, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:00 am 1/6 raspberry craisins
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, orange
1:45 pm 16 oz diet Coke
2:30 pm 90 calorie Honey Nut granola bar
6:15 pm 3 oz coconut crusted mango fish, 1/2 c roasted garlic rice-a-roni, 1 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk


Exercise:

5:15-5:55 pm Perfect Pilates DVD

Monday

These 8:40am classes are going to be the death of me. Sigh. At least biking in today was a LOT less odious.

Food today:
7:50a - Peanut butter Clif bar

Exercise today:
8:15-8:25a - Bike to campus
9:45a - Climb 4 flights of stairs

Mon 28 Jan

Slept well last night and woke up refreshed. Will be taking the yogurt out of the maker soon - several jars have a layer of liquid on top. Don't know if that means they didn't gel well or if it will be fine when that is skimmed off. Guess the tasting will tell.
Had a homemade yogurt with lunch - very good!

Michael got his temps today! If you get a chance, congratulate him. He's in the last week of rehearsals now for Grease. BTW, have you figured out a day you can come to Point to see him? He asked if you were coming. Performances are Fri, Sat, Sun this week and Fri, Sat next weekend. It would be easier for me to come to get you either this Saturday or next Friday or Saturday, though I can reschedule my Fri afternoon appointment this week if that's your only option.


Food:

7:00 am 1/2 c Grape Nuts Trail Mix cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:15 am 1/6 cup raspberry craisins
11:45 am 6 oz homemade plain yogurt, chocolate soy shake
2:00 pm Buddy Squirrel popcorn ball
3:30 pm 1 Dove egg
5:45 pm 13 oz light vanilla soy milk
6:30 pm Sloppy Joe on a bun, cinnamon applesauce cup, 4 oz champagne


Exercise:

5:00-5:45 pm Power Shaping DVD

Sun 27 Jan

Need to do potluck for choir tonight - no idea yet what I'm going to make. Don't usually have a lot of spare time on Sunday, especially since we need to be there by 5:30. Thinking about making a batch of baked corn.

Got an email from Yoshi; he heard from Masa. Masa is married now to a Vietnamese woman, and is heading to India to work for the Japanese embassy there. I sent him (Masa) a brief email greetings to congratulate him and to update him on our family.

Gonna make the yogurt tonight. Hope it turns out well.

Food:

8:00 am Vanilla soy shake
12:00 pm 2 plain crepes w/sliced bananas, coffee
5:00 pm Potluck: 1/2 c hamburger tater tot casserole, 1/2 c baked corn, small piece turkey sausage, 1/2 c mixed fresh fruit, 1/3 c orange fluff, 1 chocolate chip cookie, 1/2 c raspberry trifle
8:30 pm 1 ginger cookie


Exercise:

3:30-4:00 pm Victoria's AbLab video

Sat 26 Jan

Good morning! More snow on the ground, more falling.

I was proud of myself yesterday for getting through the potential pitfall eating situations well. I managed to skip the buffet at Pizza Hut and order a cup of tomato basil soup and make a simple salad at the salad bar. Still cost me almost $6, but I didn't really mind paying since I hadn't blown the whole days calories, fat, and sodium on the buffet. After work, I went to a coworker's Tastefully Simple party where the focus of the party is sampling a whole array of dips and sauces with chips and bread cubes, little pieces of cake, samples of soup....Yikes! But I came home and pulled up the nutrition info on their website and tried to honestly evaluate how much I had consumed and it only came to about 460 calories. Could have been a whole lot worse, and I did my social duty.

Hope you get a chance to look at tablets today - good luck!

Got my yogurt maker in the mail yesterday; hope to give it a try tonight. I'll let you know if I get decent results.

We went to the Bamboo House w/Michael for supper tonight and they were out of chopsticks! Yipes!


Food:

8:00 am 1/2 c PomegranPlus granola, 60 cal Dannon Light N Fit vanilla yogurt
10:30 am 1 oatmeal cookie w/craisins and white chips
12:00 pm 1/3 ultra thin crust Beallatoria margherita pizza, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
2:00 pm One Choxie chocolate
6:30 pm Egg roll w/1 tbl sweet sour sauce, 1 c lettuce, 1 tbl shredded carrots, 1 tbl soy ginger dressing, 1 c hot and sour soup, 1 c white rice, curried shrimp and chicken, fortune cookie, jasmine tea
8:30 pm 4 oz white wine


Exercise:
2:20-3:10 pm Mini-Pilates mat and 30 min treadmill Prog 4

Friday

Yeah, I don't really have a relaxing day ahead of me either. Not feeling much better, class in 40 minutes, gotta pick up the next round of birth control, advisor meeting, work...

Food today:
7:45a - Shredded wheat and soymilk
11:40a - 7.5" Cousins' turkey breast sub on wheat, light on mayo

Exercise today:
8:15-8:25a - Bike to campus
9:50a - Climb four flights of stairs
11:00-11:05a - Walk to UHS
11:15-11:20a - Walk back to CS

Fri 25 Jan

Yay, Friday! I have a busy schedule, none of which looks like much fun but nothing totally odious, up through early evening. But once I'm done, it's weekend! (Then I get to do Suzuki marathon, laundry, cantor on Sat, John Knowlton's party, church, grocery shopping and choir - how relaxing!)


Food:

7:00 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, orange, coffee
11:15 am Cup tomato basil soup, salad w/romaine lettuce, 3 cherry tomatoes, 6 slices cucumber, 1/2 c broccoli/cauliflower, 1 tbl shredded cheese
1:30 pm Popcorn ball
4:45 pm Tastings of variety of dips and sauces w/corn chips or bread cubes, 1 oz wild rice soup, small square apple cake (Tastefully Simple house party), 2 oz chardonnay mixed w/3 oz Fresca
7:30 pm 1/5 Tombstone Light Veggie Pizza, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk

Exercise:

6:10-6:15 am 15 Power Plies, 15 slow incline pushups against sink
Before and after supper About 20 min Power Plies, 15 slow outer and 10 slow inner leg lifts each leg

Thursday

Not looking forward to biking in today. -8. Ew.

As far as the tablet is concerned, I could cover half of it. I'm going to go to Best Buy tonight with Erica and see if I can try out some tablets - I don't expect they'll have a Cintiq, but hopefully they'll be able to tell me where I could go to try one out. I don't want to buy anything without experimenting first.

Had a coughing fit at the gym and had to stop early. It hasn't really let up; I hope I'm not coming down with something.

Didn't get to Best Buy, no luck on tablets. I'll try to find someone to take me this weekend.

Food today:
8:30a - Shredded wheat and soymilk
12:30p - 90 cal yogurt cup
3:00p - bowl oatmeal with soymilk and raisins, 1 orange, lots of plain raisins
6:15p - 1 orange
8:00p - 1 Golden Oreo, mug of herbal tea

Exercise today:
9:15-9:25a - Bike to campus (not fun)
11:00a - Climb 4 flights stairs
2:00-2:05p - Bike to gym
2:10-2:30p - Cardio (1/2 mile run)
2:35-2:45p - Situps/stretching
2:50-2:55p - Bike home

Thurs 24 Jan

Yum, a nice warm bowl of Cream of Wheat with vanilla soy milk! Nice way to start a cold morning.

Good idea to "try before you buy". Maybe Circuit City would have a selection also? Check out Internet options for actual purchase prices and estimated delivery times. I've found a lot of the techno items have pretty good delivery turnaround. I'm sure you're anxious to get your hands on the item ASAP. Yourmometer is missed!

Needed somethng warmer and more substantial than a soy shake for lunch today.

In case you are coming down with something, and even if you aren't, your diet is decidedly low on protein today. Make sure you get a little more this evening so you can shore up your resistance for the late season bugs.

Any luck on tablets?

Food:

7:00 am Bowl Millville Hot Wheat cereal, 1 tsp packed brown sugar, 2 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
11:45 am 2 slices Double Fiber whole wheat bread, 3 tsp margarine, 1.5 oz cheddar cheese (Grilled cheese sandwich), 1 pear, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
4:30 pm 1 Bailey's chocolate
5:30 pm Pasta Italiano (SparkPeople recipe w/minimal ground beef, diced tomatoes, sliced green pepper, broccoli, and whole wheat noodles), 12 oz skim milk, 4 oz French champagne, 1 ginger cookie


Exercise:

6:10-6:15 am 15 power plies, 10 slow incline pushups
6:15-7:05 pm Ball/band DVD, Level B

No news yet, just an 8:50 8:40 class that I really am not awake enough to be going to. I'm going to have to start going to bed at 11:30 on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday...

I'm thinking that instead of getting a new scanner I'm going to get a tablet of some sort. I've been wanting one for a while and this is as good a time as any, seeing as I'm going to have to fork out for tech anyway. Just means I can't get the super spiffy, thousand-dollar one I was hoping to save up for; probably a good thing anyway.

**This is what I'm possibly maybe considering. I'd love the ability to work directly on the screen, and really this is all the space I'd need. Expensive, though. :-/

Food today:
7:50a - Shredded wheat and soymilk
11:00a - Large mug green tea
1:00p - Sesame chicken, egg roll, rice
evening - quite a few Golden Oreos, handful raisins, roasted potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms, glass soymilk

Exercise today:
8:30-8:40a - Bike to campus
12:40-12:50p - Walk to Hong Kong Café
1:20-1:30p - Walk back to CS
3:45-3:55p - Bike home

Wed 23 Jan

Wow, it's cold out there this morning! Good test for your new jacket. Any news on replacing your scanner?

Sounds like a good idea to go with the tablet if it will do the work you want. Did you use the scanner for other things, and if so will the tablet work for those applications too? As I said, let us know if you need help with the purchase. (I can't afford the several thousand dollar model at this time either though unfortunately.)

Would you be able to afford part of the cost if this is the tool that would work for you? I suspect Dad and I can kick in for at least half, possibly more if needed. If you don't have any money to contribute, that's okay too. Just go ahead and order it and we'll do whatever you need.

I'm so disappointed - I was really looking forward to a glass of champagne with my liverwurst sandwich for supper and Bob finished it! Bummer!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Maple/Brown Sugar Mini-Spooners, 1/2 c skim milk, 1/2 grapefruit, coffee
10:00 am 1/4 c raspberry craisins
12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake
2:00 pm 90 cal Dark chocolate/cherry granola bar
3:30 pm Small box raisins
5:00 pm 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
8:25 pm Slice Double Fiber whole wheat bread, 1 tsp margarine, 2 oz braunschweiger, apple


Exercise:

6:35-6:40 am 15 "power plies" (4 slow counts down, hold 4, 4 counts up), 10 incline pushups at sink
5:45-6:35 pm Pilates mat
7:00-7:07 pm Brisk walk inside FAC w/Mary

Tues 22 Jan

Hmmm, wonder where you got the inspiration for today's Yourmometer? Anyway, welcome back to grad school. Hope this semester is enjoyable and productive.

Oh, I broke down and ordered a yogurt maker (to be delivered next week). Going to try making my own so I know what goes into it and it's always nice and fresh. I'll give you the critique after my first batch.

Damn, now the scanner goes too! If you need help with buying another, let us know. Sorry you haven't been having the greatest luck lately. Maybe you're storing up good luck for something really great!

Food:

7:00 am 1/2 c Nature's Path pumpkin flaxseed granola, Dannon Light N Fit 60 cal vanilla yogurt, 4 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, Gala apple
3:00 pm Act II popcorn ball
3:30 pm 1 Dove egg
5:30 pm Turkey leg (w/o skin and bone), 1/2 c Stove Top cornbread stuffing, 1/2 c mashed sweet potatoes, 2 tbl cranberry chutney, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1 ginger cookie

If It's Not One Thing, It's Another

First the coat zipper breaks, then the scanner breaks. I got Tuesday's comic scanned before it stopped working, but don't expect anything else any time soon.

Son of a bitch.

Mon 21 Jan

Boo hoo, Packers! Wasn't a very fun game to watch. Brett never really took charge of his team and it showed. Time to move on.

Hope your semester gets off to a good start tomorrow. Wish it wasn't going to be so darned cold though.

Glad you found a jacket you like that fits well. Take a digital pic and email me if that's possible with your techno tools. Don't worry about the cost. You're right, if it lasts as long as the last one, you'll be fine. BTW, Sarah said Columbia warranties their zippers, possibly lifetime. We may be able to send the old one in and have them replace the zipper so you'll have a backup.


Food:

7:00 am (Last) ponczka, 6 oz OJ, coffee
12:15 pm Strawberry/banana soy shake, apple
2:00 pm 90 cal dark chocolate cherry granola bar
4:30 pm 10 g square Lindt Holiday Spice dark chocolate
6:30 pm 1 1/2 c homemade mushroom beef stew, 3/4 c countryside couscous, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

5:00-5:55 pm Advanced Australian Pilates DVD

Sun 13 Jan

I'm really glad Keaton took pity and drove you to the mall right away to get a new jacket. Hope you found one you liked! Were there good deals to be had since it's late in the season?

I broke down yesterday and bought a package of prune ponczkas - sigh! Very high in calories but what a treat! I promise to eat some of these and not buy more if I can help it. I also bought a bottle of champagne and drank a small glass with supper. Slightly more satisfying than milk, if not as nutritious. The French Women Don't Get Fat lady claims you could have wine every night with your dinner and not have a problem. (Of course, she also works for one of the premier champagne houses of France!) I think as long as I have a glass of milk sometime during the day and get other calcium, I should be okay occasionally. There are only about 20 calories per ounce, and I believe the small champagne flutes hold about 4 oz.

Today will be busy: church, groceries, and lunch with Grandma as usual, choir moved up to 1:15-3:15 pm to make time for the Packer game at 5:30 pm. GO PACK!


Food:

8:00 am Prune ponczka, 6 oz OJ
11:30 am Small square sample of ham on a pretzel stick
12:00 pm 2.33 crepes, 1 tsp butter, 1 tbl syrup, 8 oz OJ, coffee
5:30 pm 4 crab rangoons, 3/4 c Countryside Couscous, chocolate soy shake, 4 oz champagne


Exercise:

4:00-4:55 pm Step video

Saturday

While I was out for dinner and drinks with a few of the Cardinal girls and Erica last night, the zipper pull on my jacket broke. Irreparably. So I basically can't zip my jacket anymore - not what I wanted to happen in subzero weather when no one who has a car wants to drive me to the mall and it's too damn cold to wait for a bus to take me out there, especially when my coat doesn't, y'know, zip.

Sigh.

Sat 12 Jan

Looks to be a fairly relaxing, though frigid outside, day. Laundry, run a few errands, sneak in some exercise, maybe make something fun for dinner.

The cooked wheat cereal with the vanilla soy milk was really very nice! Like cheerios, it picks up the vanilla taste for just the right sweetness.

The Countryside Couscous was exceptional! I believe you would really like it. It has a wonderful combination of spices and gets texture from craisins, chopped dried apricots, and pine nuts. Wow!


Food:

9:00 am Millville hot wheat cereal, 1 tsp packed brown sugar, 2 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1/2 grapefruit, 1 c Mayan chocolate drink (50 cal)
12:30 pm 1/4 (sample) packet South Beach Granola
1:30 pm 1 pc Double Fiber Whole Wheat bread, 1/3 tbl butter, 2 oz braunschweiger, 1/2 grapefruit, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
5:30 pm Prune ponczka
7:00 pm 1 1/2 c homemade mushroom beef stew, 3/4 c Countryside Couscous, 2 tbl cranberry chutney, 4 oz champagne


Exercise:

3:05-4:45 Simply Pilates and Simply More Pilates DVD

Fri 18 Jan

Sure was nice to see you last night, however briefly! Hope you can plan on one of the Grease weekends. I'll be glad to provide any needed transportation. I'm not aware of any conflicts at this time, so either a Friday or Saturday night might work.

The SparkPeople recipe of the day for the country couscous looks excellent. If I get to the store soon, I'm going to pick up some pine nuts and dried apricots so I can try it. Sounds like something you'd like, too.

Payday today - yay!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Maple/Brown Sugar Mini-Spooners, 1/2 c skim milk, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:40 am Cappucino soy shake, orange
2:00 pm Popcorn ball
3:45 pm Cup ginger tea, small macadamia/choc chip cookie
7:00 pm Italian vegetable stir fry w/chicken, Mixed Berry Lite applesauce, 3/4 c brown rice, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk

Exercise:
5:30-6:15 pm Power Shaping II DVD

Thursday

In a few minutes, I'll be heading over to Keaton's and then up to Wausau for the day! We're not going to stay overnight, but I'll definitely pop by on the way back and say hello.

Food today:
8:45a - Shredded wheat and soymilk

Thurs 17 Jan

Well, after noon today, it's legal for the snow to accumulate. We ordered a new snowblower from Sears on Sunday and it's supposed to come in on their truck today and dad can pick it up after lunch. As long as it doesn't snow too much and delay the truck!


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Maple/Brown Sugar Mini-Spooners, 1/2 c skim milk, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, slice cranberry bread
2:00 pm Ghirardelli Espresso Intense Dark Square
3:15 pm 2 small ginger cookies
5:30 pm 1 c macaroni n' cheese, 1/2 c beets, 12 oz skim milk
8:30 pm Ghirardelli brownie


Exercise:

5:00-5:10 pm Shoulder squeeze w/band, Lying side abduction w/band, triceps extension w/band

Wed 16 Jan

One thing I haven't managed to incorporate from French Women Don't Get Fat is not to eat in front of the computer. She suggests you don't have any distractions like TV, etc so you can focus on your food and appreciate the textures, aromas, and varied flavors, but I really like breakfast and lunch at the computer. I'm trying to pay attention to the food at the same time, but maybe I'll have to bite the bullet and change my habits, too. I do plan to only weigh myself twice a week instead of every morning as I had been doing since getting a decent scale for Christmas.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Maple/Brown Sugar Mini-Spooners, 1/2 c skim milk, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2 tbl Simply Jif peanut butter, 1 orange, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, 1 sugar cookie flavored Marshmallow Peep
3:00 pm Popcorn ball
6:00 pm Banana/walnut pancake w/1 tbl maple syrup, 1/2 c apples/cranberries, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

4:45-5:45 pm Coworker exercise class

Tues 15 Jan

Well, I broke down and shaved my legs for the first time this year. Probably the first time in 4-5 weeks. It was getting to the point where I had to decide between the shaver and the curling iron.

This morning our boss is treating us to breakfast at the Wooden Chair.

Got a new book Sunday called "Why French Women don't get fat". Actually, it's got some good sound advice about not being so anal about calories and pounds, but eating small portions, eating food slowly and savoring it, more water, more fruits and veggies, more variety. I'm only part way into the book, but I like the approach. There are also recipes including one for a leek soup (nothing but leeks and broth and seasonings) that you use for the first weekend to cleanse your body and start your journey. You have a cup of broth every couple of hours and eat some of the leeks for meals or whenever you're hungry. Then you have a light meal with meat and veggies for Sunday dinner. I'm tempted to give it a try, but I'm not even sure if local stores have leeks!


Food:

7:00 am Orange, coffee
8:30 am 1 large banana walnut pancake, 1/2 pat butter, 1 tbl syrup
11:45 am Strawberry/banana soy shake
3:00 pm 1 square Ghirardelli Intense Dark
3:30 pm 1/4 c cranberry trail mix
7:00 pm Whole Grain chicken, broccoli, cheddar Lean Pockets, 1/2 c mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 c apples/cranberries, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk

Mon 14 Jan

Darn, the cold I thought I had shaken seems to be back for another run. Not too bad yet, but enough to rob me of an hour and a half of sleep until I broke down and took some cold medicine last night. Now I'm tired today. Hopefully it will pass during the day so I still have energy for working out tonight.


Food:

7:00 am 1/2 c pumpkin flaxseed granola, 60 cal lemon yogurt, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, cameo apple
2:00 pm 70 g rice krispie treat
6:30 pm 3.5 oz chicken kecap manis, 1/2 c mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 c sauteed parsnips, 12 oz skim milk


Exercise?:

5:15-6:05 pm Very slow yoga DVD, almost anti-cardio

Sun 13 Jan

Wow, January is starting to fly by. We're getting snow this morning - starting to look like Lambeau!

I read somewhere that it's a good idea to eat a healthy snack, more carbs than protein, within 2 hrs after a good workout. Your body is in a better mode then to metabolize the carbs.


Food:

8:15 am Cappucino soy shake, slice cranberry bread
12:00 pm 2 eggs, 1 c hashbrowns, 2 pc raisin toast w/butter, 8 oz OJ, coffee
5:30 pm Small piece gingerbread, orange



Exercise:

4:35-5:15 pm 30 min treadmill plus 10 min warmup/cooldown stretches

Saturday 12 Jan

Got the vast majority of ornaments off the tree last night, but haven't tackled the rest yet. I need to find another storage box as I either didn't pack as tightly as I usually do or I really have more this year. Am enjoying being leisurely this morning.

GO PACK!!! How 'bout dem Packers, hey!


Food:

10:00 am 1/2 c pumpkin flaxseed granola, 80 cal blueberry yogurt, 6 oz pineapple orange banana juice
3:30 pm Slice cranberry bread, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, small square gingerbread
5:00 pm 1/8 c chocolate covered raisins
7:00 pm BBQ shredded beef on 1/3 hoagie, 1/2 c strawberry applesauce, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk, small square gingerbread w/2 tbl Cool Whip


Exercise:

2:25-3:15 pm Ball/band video, level B

Fri 11 Jan

Yesterday's sodium overload didn't affect me as badly as I feared. I drank more than usual amounts of water after eating it which may have helped.

Heading to western WI for my review visits today, so a longer-than-usual but probably relaxing day. Too much sitting in the car though.

Have you worked out details to come up to see Jenna and stop overnight?


Food:

7:00 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 6 oz pineapple orange banana juice, coffee
11:30 am Cup New England clam chowder, 1/3 roast beef hoagie w/cheese, lettuce, sauce, coffee
2:00 pm Good-sized Rice Krispie treat
6:30 pm 1 c shrimp stir-fry (w/fresh mushrooms, green peppers, onions), 3/4 c steamed broccoli, 1/2 c brown rice, 12 oz skim milk

Thurs 10 Jan

Scale was down to 147.8 this morning - nice way to start the day. I'm scheduled for a birthday lunch at Tempura House today though which is always heavily salt-laden no matter what you choose from the buffet. It will be an interesting exercise in making healthy choices from a less-than-healthy array.


Food:

7:00 am Strawberry/banana soy shake, 6 oz pineapple orange banana juice, coffee
11:45 am 2 crab rangoon, 1/2 c udon-type noodles, 1/2 c steamed veggies, 1/2 c hibachi chicken and shrimp, 1/2 c canned pineapple, 1/2 c canned peaches, fortune cookie
2:00 pm Mini box raisins
3:15 pm Popcorn ball
6:30 pm 4 coconut-breaded shrimp, mango chutney dipping sauce, 9 tater tots, 1 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk
9:15 pm 1/4 c Quaker Oat Squares



Exercise:

4:55-5:45 pm Pilates mat

Wednesday

Well, we're working on coming up to Wausau to visit Jenna and make sure she's all happy and has friends; if that works out, I'll probably try to crash at your place for the evening with most likely just Keaton (who can easily be relegated to the basement futon). I'll let you know as information progresses on that.

Food today:
11:15a - Bowl shredded mini wheats and soymilk
12:00p - 90 cal granola bar
3:00p - small plate hamburger helper

Wed 9 Jan

Scale has been down for 2 days in a row - let's hope it's not a fluke! I've also managed a good workout 4 days in a row, and I have coworker exercise class this evening.

Not sure when we'll get the left-behinds down to Madison. Do you need me to mail them?

Would be great if you were able to stop here for the night! We'd love to have you and Keaton too! Let me know if I can make you dinner.

Having an extremely frustrating morning at work dealing with bureaucratic idiots! Is it possible to have PMS when you're two years post-menopausal?


Food:

7:00 am 1/2 c Pumpkin flaxseed granola, 80 cal peach yogurt, 6 oz pineapple orange banana juice, coffee
11:45 am Chocolate soy shake, orange
2:00 pm Ghirardelli Intense Dark mint square
2:30 pm popcorn ball
6:00 pm Bowl pumpkin soup, 1 slice whole wheat toast w/1 tbl peanut butter, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk
7:30 pm Pizzelle


Exercise:

4:45-5:40 pm Coworker exercise class

Tuesday

Football game was fun last night; looking forward to another day of doing almost nothing. Might go work out, might not, I dunno.

Food today:
10:20a - Bowl shredded mini-wheats and soymilk, last leftover brownie
12:30p - Bowl Hamburger helper
afternoon - some random snacks, don't remember all what
6:00p - 2pc whole wheat toast (1.5 pb, .5 nutella), orange
evening - cookie bars YAY

Exercise today:
7:00-7:15p - walk to Keaton's (got a ride back)

Tues 8 Jan

Well, the scale is heading back in the right direction with 3 days in a row of exercising. And even with going to Pizza Hut for supper! The Veggie Lovers pizza didn't seem quite as salt-laden as others have been. Here's hoping I can keep the momentum!

It's so nice to hear you are having fun and relaxing! You deserve it! Love ya lots!!!


Food:

7:00 am 1/2 c Pumpkin FlaxPlus granola, 80 cal blueberry yogurt, 6 oz pineapple/orange/banana juice, coffee
11:45 am Cappucino soy shake, orange
2:00 pm 1 square Ghirardelli Intense Dark Espresso square
3:30 pm popcorn ball
6:30 pm 9 butternut squash ravioli, 1/2 c Prego, 1/4 c shredded mozzarella, 1 c green beans, 12 oz skim milk, 2 ginger Christmas cookies
7:00 pm 1 Reese's miniature


Exercise:

4:55-5:45 pm Ball/band DVD Level B

Monday

Sorry, I'll try doing it again. I was just very much enjoying a completely unstructured vacation time, including paying zero attention to what I was eating... (-:

Food today:
11:30a - 1 serving oatmeal with soymilk
2:00p - 2 pc whole wheat toast (pb and nutella), 1 can mandarin oranges
6:30p - .75 serving hamburger helper, 1 orange, little brownie batter...
evening - 1 brownie, 1 bottle Sprecher's root beer, 1/4c vanilla ice cream

Exercise today:
3:15-3:40p - cardio (about .75 mile running, the rest walking)
3:45-4:20p - vigorous weightlifting
6:50-7:05p - walk to Keaton's for football game!

Mon 7 Jan

Miss you on the blog; it was nicer when it felt like conversation. Sigh! Nice to have you back! It's good to pay attention to the food, if only to make sure you get enough nutrition. I'm so glad the break has been relaxing, and hopefully energizing, for you. I know how much I loved the holiday time off I had this year.

Another Monday with a long week ahead. Hopefully work won't be too stressful - it seems to be moderate at this point. My scale took another upward leap a couple of days ago and is slowly coming back down again. I suppose the lesser activity level because I didn't feel well took its toll. Hopefully my cold is on the recession and I can get back to putting the diet in gear.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Cheerios, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 6 oz pineapple/orange/banana juice, coffee
12:00 pm Bowl spiced pumpkin soup, 1 pc whole wheat toast w/1 tbl Simply Jif peanut butter
2:00 pm 90 calorie granola bar
5:45 pm 2 slices Veggie Lover's Hand Tossed Pizza Hut pizza, water
8:15 pm 1/2 c peppermint ice cream


Exercise:

7:10-8:00 pm Step exercise video

Sun 6 Jan

Choir resumes tonight - bye-bye free Sunday evenings! But I do enjoy singing so I guess you can't have everything....


Food:

8:10 am Strawberry/banana soy shake
11:15 am Slice lemon bread, piece of vanilla fruity Christmas candy
12:00 pm Bowl oatmeal, 1 c cinnamon apples, 1/4 pecans, 1/4 c raisins, 2 oz skim milk, coffee
8:30 pm Bowl spiced pumpkin soup, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk



Exercise:
4:50-5:35 pm Ball/band exercise video, level A

Sat 5 Jan

Going to try to motivate to defrock the tree today. Have a bad cold and not feeling on top of my game. Haven't exercised for a couple of days and the scale has come to a halt until I get back on track, even though I'm eating okay.


Food:

9:00 am 1 serving hot wheat cereal, 1 tsp packed brown sugar, 2 oz skim milk
12:20 pm Cappucino soy shake, orange
1:45 pm 20 mg dates
2:00 pm 2 pfefferneuse cookies
7:00 pm 3x4" slice lasagna, green salad w/chopped tomatoes and cucumbers, croutons, nuts, 8 oz white wine, garlic toast


Exercise:

12:50-1:40 pm Pilates mat

Fri 4 Jan

First Friday of the new year! Had a little excitement at work yesterday with a coworker who has abused her sick leave for years - we counted the passage of each month because she always called in sick on the first workday of the next month. She just had carpal tunnel surgery and apparently came back Wed without a valid work release from her doctor. He said she could only be allowed to lift 1 pound and the job description requires lifting up to 15 pounds. Personnel called her and told her to get off county property immediately. She complained that she has no sick leave but this did not matter. I didn't hear it, but I understand she got into a screaming match on the phone with the personnel lady. Will be interesting to see how it resolves.

Food:

7:00 am 1 1/4 c Fruity + regular Cheerios (finishing boxes), 1/2 c milk, 1 orange, coffee
11:45 an Strawberry/banana soy shake, Starbuck's gingerbread macadamia nut biscotti
3:00 pm 1 pc butterscotch hard candy
5:00 pm 1 large banana

Thurs 3 Jan

Oh, it's cold this morning. And I'm coming down with a cold so I'm really not looking forward to bracing it. I hope you're keeping warm as possible.

BTW, scale is under 150 finally (at least first thing in the morning)!!! First mini-goal accomplished.

Food:

7:00 am 1/2 c Grape Nuts Trail Mix cereal, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 6 oz OJ, coffee
11:45 am Vanilla soy shake, banana, herbal blackberry tea
3:30 pm Popcorn ball
5:30 pm 1 BBQ on a bun, 1/2 c strawberry applesauce, 12 oz skim milk, 2 sugar cookies

Wed 2 Jan 2008

Back to work, sigh! At least I should have my coworker exercise group after work this evening. I noticed that I didn't sleep as well last night after being pretty much a couch potato yesterday, but I did enjoy watching the last Harry Potter movie and one entire disc of my new Sherlock Holmes collection. I love Jeremy Brett!

I got a new scale for Christmas that seems pretty accurate with the one I used at work. Having a decent scale at home gives me the advantage of being able to weigh more regularly and being able to weigh right out of bed in the morning which seems to be the lightest weight of the day by as much as a pound or more. My weight actually continued to go down a bit until Sunday when the effects of a salty dinner at the wedding gave it a frightening upturn. It's back now to where it was when I first got the scale, but not down to the lowest couple of days yet. I have been more free with eating some of the Christmas snacks, though keeping pretty much within the calorie limit from SparkPeople. Today I think I'll shoot for a little less sugar and a return to more fruit and healthier food. BTW, I like the Cheerios with vanilla soy milk - you're right, they have more flavor.


Food:

7:00 am 1 c Cheerios, 1/2 c light vanilla soy milk, 6 oz OJ, coffee
12:00 pm Chocolate soy shake, orange, herbal tea
3:30 pm Act II popcorn ball
6:00 pm 1 oz leftover pot roast, 3/4 c mashed potatoes, 1/2 c veggies (mushrooms, pearl onions, celery, carrots), 1 c apples/cranberries, 12 oz light vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

5:50-6:40 Coworker exercise class

Happy New Year!

Just got a New Year's well-wishing phone call from Geoff and Michelle. And returned from New Year's lunch at Rudy's with Grandma. Last day of R&R before returning to the real world tomorrow - sigh! Plan to finish watching Harry Potter 5 today, having watched 1-4 in the past few days. Then on to my new Sherlock Holmes series!

Food:

9:00 am Strawberry/banana soy shake
12:00 pm 1 chocolate cherry Hershey's kiss
12:45 pm 3 oz pot roast, 1/2 c mashed potatoes, 1/4 c veggies (mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions), 1 c fried onion shreds
2:15 pm 1 mint truffle Hershey's kiss, 1 hot cocoa Hershey's kiss
6:30 pm 3 oz turkey, 1/2 c apples/cranberries, 1/2 c cheesy potatoes, 1 raspberry eclair, 10 oz vanilla soy milk


Exercise:

Çhanging DVDs?