Saturday, January 31, 2009
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)
Lunch: Apple (110), 1 oz. almonds (170); 1 oz. cheese (100)
Dinner: Square of lasagna (400); meatballs (250); olive oil (240); salad greens (40)
Drinks: Coffee (50); Propel (25); Two Pilsner Urquells (300)
Walked 25,600+ steps
2008 - 15,000 (443,650) AU=6 (193)
2009 - 25,600 (689,300) AU=2 (97.5)
Slept about 9 hours last night - needed it. All this walking and the cold weather conspire to make me tired at night. But feel great though. It was a crisp, cold day today (never higher than upper 20s) yet I got three very decent walks in for nearly 13 miles total.
The end of January is here and I've lost a ton of weight while walking at least 10 miles for 28 of the 31 days. Most of my pants are now getting too loose to wear.
Took youngest teenage son out on road today for some white-knuckle highway driving. Also went to library and got more books and currently trying to finish "Cruel Miles" which is about Alaskan dog teams racing some vaccine to Nome, Alaska back in 1925.
28-1/0-12
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Blackened Swordfish (10m)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar Sardines (150)
Dinner: (Fishbones) Blackened Swordfish (400); green beans in sauce (150); salad greens (40); olive oil (120)
Drinks: One hot coffee (50); Propel (25); Fosters oil can (300); two Chimay Ales (600)
Walked 21,400+ steps
2008 - 13,000 (428,650) AU=5 (187)
2009 - 21,400 (663,700) AU=4 (95.5)
27-1/0-11
One year and one day ago, I complained in this blog about a horrific commute to Boston and $32.00 parking fee. Well same thing today. A very long trip into Boston and a $34.00 parking bill (as prices rise each year).
But once in Boston, not a bad day though not very productive (workwise). Took a long walk through South Boston and basically spent most of day doing emails in Boston.
After work, took dog for another walk and went to fish restaurant with wife for a nutritious dinner.
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar Sardines (150)
Dinner: (Fishbones) Blackened Swordfish (400); green beans in sauce (150); salad greens (40); olive oil (120)
Drinks: One hot coffee (50); Propel (25); Fosters oil can (300); two Chimay Ales (600)
Walked 21,400+ steps
2008 - 13,000 (428,650) AU=5 (187)
2009 - 21,400 (663,700) AU=4 (95.5)
27-1/0-11
One year and one day ago, I complained in this blog about a horrific commute to Boston and $32.00 parking fee. Well same thing today. A very long trip into Boston and a $34.00 parking bill (as prices rise each year).
But once in Boston, not a bad day though not very productive (workwise). Took a long walk through South Boston and basically spent most of day doing emails in Boston.
After work, took dog for another walk and went to fish restaurant with wife for a nutritious dinner.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Lost and Found (10m)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar sardines (150)
Dinner: (Longhorn's) - Chicken nugget appetizer (300); 10 oz salmon (595); rice (245); broccoli (100); salad, dry (40); olive oil (120)
Drinks: Coffee (50); 25oz Sam Adams Spring Ale (340)
Walked 20,300+ steps
2008 - 15,000 (415,650) AU=7 (182)
2009 - 20,300 (641,300) AU=2 (91.5)
26-1/0-10
Didn't want to get up this morning as I was in deep sleep again with vivid dreams (can't remember). But felt much better after getting out for walk. Everything was going well at work until I realized my new 8GB USB drive was missing. It was in my front pocket but must have dropped it out when taking keys out of my pocket. So I presumed it lost for good.
Good news with the old laptop, some additional RAM arrived for it and after install, it runs almost as fast as my regular laptop. Work was quiet this morning but quite hectic in afternoon. After returning home, realized my wife had found the missing USB drive on the garage floor. Must have dropped out there when getting the keys out of my pocket to go to work. We went to Longhorn's to eat.
A few weeks ago, I bought a pair of jeans that was very hard to button. Well today I was able to wear them and got my belt to the 23rd hole. A little tight but not uncomfortable at all. I'm slowly getting there.
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar sardines (150)
Dinner: (Longhorn's) - Chicken nugget appetizer (300); 10 oz salmon (595); rice (245); broccoli (100); salad, dry (40); olive oil (120)
Drinks: Coffee (50); 25oz Sam Adams Spring Ale (340)
Walked 20,300+ steps
2008 - 15,000 (415,650) AU=7 (182)
2009 - 20,300 (641,300) AU=2 (91.5)
26-1/0-10
Didn't want to get up this morning as I was in deep sleep again with vivid dreams (can't remember). But felt much better after getting out for walk. Everything was going well at work until I realized my new 8GB USB drive was missing. It was in my front pocket but must have dropped it out when taking keys out of my pocket. So I presumed it lost for good.
Good news with the old laptop, some additional RAM arrived for it and after install, it runs almost as fast as my regular laptop. Work was quiet this morning but quite hectic in afternoon. After returning home, realized my wife had found the missing USB drive on the garage floor. Must have dropped out there when getting the keys out of my pocket to go to work. We went to Longhorn's to eat.
A few weeks ago, I bought a pair of jeans that was very hard to button. Well today I was able to wear them and got my belt to the 23rd hole. A little tight but not uncomfortable at all. I'm slowly getting there.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Another day of slow laptop
Thursday, January 28, 2009
Breakfast: Brown Cow Blueberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110)
Dinner: Two chicken wings (300); two chicken legs (400); olive oil (120); squash (100)
Drinks: Two coffee (100); Propel (25); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 14,100+ steps
2008 - 13,650 (400,650) AU=3 (175)
2009 - 14,100 (621,000) AU=0 (87.5)
25-1/0-9
Woke up to snow this morning after another night of deep sleep. I actually woke up in the middle of the night last night thinking it was close to getting up time but it was only 12:30PM! Felt good to go back to sleep knowing I still have another 4+ hours to go. The snow picked up in intensity during day but then suddenly changed to sleet and then pouring rain so much of what fell (about 4 inches) is quickly melting away. But still plenty of snow left from the earlier storms so we will about break even on snowcover.
It is really a pain to use my old laptop as it is excruciatingly slow. Had to leave office and load Office 2007 on my home computer so I can get some real work done.
Noted in last year's blog that I was up to notch 17 on my belt. Today, I'm on notch 21.
Almost wiped out in car today driving home. I was missing my merge on the highway and drove across a snowbank. Car fishtailed at about 40mph but I got it under control.
Broke my streak of 25 days in a row walking over 20,000+ steps. Had to happen sooner or later.
Evening walk could have been longer but the conditions were miserable. Streets were slop with huge puddles and after about three miles, I had had enough. At least it felt warm with temps about 33 degrees.
Breakfast: Brown Cow Blueberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150); raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110)
Dinner: Two chicken wings (300); two chicken legs (400); olive oil (120); squash (100)
Drinks: Two coffee (100); Propel (25); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 14,100+ steps
2008 - 13,650 (400,650) AU=3 (175)
2009 - 14,100 (621,000) AU=0 (87.5)
25-1/0-9
Woke up to snow this morning after another night of deep sleep. I actually woke up in the middle of the night last night thinking it was close to getting up time but it was only 12:30PM! Felt good to go back to sleep knowing I still have another 4+ hours to go. The snow picked up in intensity during day but then suddenly changed to sleet and then pouring rain so much of what fell (about 4 inches) is quickly melting away. But still plenty of snow left from the earlier storms so we will about break even on snowcover.
It is really a pain to use my old laptop as it is excruciatingly slow. Had to leave office and load Office 2007 on my home computer so I can get some real work done.
Noted in last year's blog that I was up to notch 17 on my belt. Today, I'm on notch 21.
Almost wiped out in car today driving home. I was missing my merge on the highway and drove across a snowbank. Car fishtailed at about 40mph but I got it under control.
Broke my streak of 25 days in a row walking over 20,000+ steps. Had to happen sooner or later.
Evening walk could have been longer but the conditions were miserable. Streets were slop with huge puddles and after about three miles, I had had enough. At least it felt warm with temps about 33 degrees.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Blue Ridge Mountains (10k)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (160); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150), raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar sardines (150)
Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); wheat spaghetti & sauce (500); olive oil (120); meatballs (350); apple (110)
Drinks: One coffee (50); one Propel (25); three Pilsner Urquell (450)
Walked 21,500+ steps
2008 - 15,000 (387,000) AU=8 (172)
2009 - 21,500 (606,900) AU=3 (87.5)
25-1/0-9
Didn't want to get up this morning as I was sleeping so good (and it was warm in bed). Another frigid start to the day, in the single numbers. Due to having to use my 6-year-old laptop at work, I was very unproductive as this laptop is extremely slow and it hangs doing the simplest tasks.
Did visit branch office for first time of the company we acquired last year. Looks like this merger will go smoother than the one of a few years ago.
After work, took dog for two decent walks to drive my steps past 20,000 once again. I think my 20K streak will end at 25 days however as there will be a major storm going on most of day tomorrow and also I'll be up at New Hampshire office working on a presentation. So I'll at least get the 10,000 for something like the 1100th day in a row!
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (160); blueberries (20); oatmeal (150), raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar sardines (150)
Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); wheat spaghetti & sauce (500); olive oil (120); meatballs (350); apple (110)
Drinks: One coffee (50); one Propel (25); three Pilsner Urquell (450)
Walked 21,500+ steps
2008 - 15,000 (387,000) AU=8 (172)
2009 - 21,500 (606,900) AU=3 (87.5)
25-1/0-9
Didn't want to get up this morning as I was sleeping so good (and it was warm in bed). Another frigid start to the day, in the single numbers. Due to having to use my 6-year-old laptop at work, I was very unproductive as this laptop is extremely slow and it hangs doing the simplest tasks.
Did visit branch office for first time of the company we acquired last year. Looks like this merger will go smoother than the one of a few years ago.
After work, took dog for two decent walks to drive my steps past 20,000 once again. I think my 20K streak will end at 25 days however as there will be a major storm going on most of day tomorrow and also I'll be up at New Hampshire office working on a presentation. So I'll at least get the 10,000 for something like the 1100th day in a row!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Orchestral Maneuvers (10m)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (160); Blueberries (20); Oatmeal (150); Raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar Sardines (150)
Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); 1 oz. cheese (100); chicken pot pie (700); mashed potato (150); olive oil (120); apple (110)
Drinks: one coffee (50); two glasses red wine (360); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 21,200+ steps
2008 - 18,500 (372,000) AU=6 (164)
2009 - 21,200 (585,400) AU=4.5 (84.5)
24-1/0-9
Up early this morning with zero degree weather. Once I got the blood circulating on the walk this morning, I was mostly okay but not a big fan of this deep cold. Work was not too bad at all except the end where things got a little crazy. Then I hit a massive traffic jam coming out of work and it took me about a half hour to reach the highway. Once I hit the highway, it was clear-sailing home. Had time for another long walk at long and I continue my streak of 20,000+ steps per day.
Notice that my blog nearly one year ago talks about the dog having diarrhea. Well, the dog has diarrhea again.
Snowstorm in forecast for Wednesday. It will be an interesting week.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (160); Blueberries (20); Oatmeal (150); Raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); King Oscar Sardines (150)
Dinner: 1 oz. almonds (170); 1 oz. cheese (100); chicken pot pie (700); mashed potato (150); olive oil (120); apple (110)
Drinks: one coffee (50); two glasses red wine (360); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 21,200+ steps
2008 - 18,500 (372,000) AU=6 (164)
2009 - 21,200 (585,400) AU=4.5 (84.5)
24-1/0-9
Up early this morning with zero degree weather. Once I got the blood circulating on the walk this morning, I was mostly okay but not a big fan of this deep cold. Work was not too bad at all except the end where things got a little crazy. Then I hit a massive traffic jam coming out of work and it took me about a half hour to reach the highway. Once I hit the highway, it was clear-sailing home. Had time for another long walk at long and I continue my streak of 20,000+ steps per day.
Notice that my blog nearly one year ago talks about the dog having diarrhea. Well, the dog has diarrhea again.
Snowstorm in forecast for Wednesday. It will be an interesting week.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Dharma (10m)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Blueberry Yogurt (160); blueberries (20); oatmeal (210); raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); Apple (110); Almonds, 1 oz (170)
Dinner: Salad greens (20); 1 oz cheese (100); pollock (150); broccoli (50); rice (300); olive oil (480)
Drinks: Two coffee (100); two glasses wine (360)
Walked 21,700+ steps
2008 - 13,500 (353,500) AU=4 (158)
2009 - 21,700 (564,200) AU=2.5 (80)
23-1/0-8
Very cold day today but maybe I'm getting used to it because it wasn't so bad. About 3 degrees this morning when I went out for first walk and never got out of low 20s during day. Had a very pleasant day of walking, getting caught up on podcasts (mostly Coverville) and reading. My family was out of house most of day so I had house to myself (when I wasn't outside). Cooked fish dinner at night and did some more reading by fireplace.
On the negative side, my work laptop crashed again, just after finally getting it back from repair!
Breakfast: Stonyfield Blueberry Yogurt (160); blueberries (20); oatmeal (210); raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); Apple (110); Almonds, 1 oz (170)
Dinner: Salad greens (20); 1 oz cheese (100); pollock (150); broccoli (50); rice (300); olive oil (480)
Drinks: Two coffee (100); two glasses wine (360)
Walked 21,700+ steps
2008 - 13,500 (353,500) AU=4 (158)
2009 - 21,700 (564,200) AU=2.5 (80)
23-1/0-8
Very cold day today but maybe I'm getting used to it because it wasn't so bad. About 3 degrees this morning when I went out for first walk and never got out of low 20s during day. Had a very pleasant day of walking, getting caught up on podcasts (mostly Coverville) and reading. My family was out of house most of day so I had house to myself (when I wasn't outside). Cooked fish dinner at night and did some more reading by fireplace.
On the negative side, my work laptop crashed again, just after finally getting it back from repair!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Apple (10m)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Blueberry Yogurt (160); oatmeal (210); raisins (120)
Lunch: Apple (110); ounce cheese (100); ounce almonds (170)
Dinner: Salad mix (20); olive oil (240); pot roast stew w/potatoes and carrots (600); crackers (150)
Drinks: Two coffees (100); Propel (25); three Pilsner Urquell (450)
Walked 21,300+ steps
2008 - 11,500 (340,000) AU=6 (154)
2009 - 21,300 (542,500) AU=3 (77.5)
22-1/0-8
Vivid dreams again last night, one that stands out is that I traveled to Germany to visit family there that I know and first thing I wanted to do when I got there was go out and take a long walk around the neighborhood. Just as I was about to go outdoors, I wake up.
Slept very good last night - close to 9 solid hours. Just about completely kicked the cold but my body is still quite sore. Nonetheless, I got out for some more good walking and topped 10 miles for the day yet again.
Weight loss is steady but still obvious I have a long way to go. I did get to the 21st hole on my belt which is good but I still got my gut spilling over my belt when wearing tight pants.
Weather started out on mild side but got colder as day went on. By late afternoon, there were deep blue skies with temps in low 20s and going down to near zero tonight.
Went to library and still checking out all kinds of books. Got books "City Dharma" which is about handling stress in the big city, "White Coat" which is about becoming a doctor at Harvard Medical School and "The American Paradox" which is about how it is the best and worst times to live in America. Still reading two other books I have out from library, one of which is a true story of how Alaskan dog teams brought serum to plague-stricken Nome, Alaska during the 1925 diptheria outbreak ("Cruelest Miles).
Breakfast: Stonyfield Blueberry Yogurt (160); oatmeal (210); raisins (120)
Lunch: Apple (110); ounce cheese (100); ounce almonds (170)
Dinner: Salad mix (20); olive oil (240); pot roast stew w/potatoes and carrots (600); crackers (150)
Drinks: Two coffees (100); Propel (25); three Pilsner Urquell (450)
Walked 21,300+ steps
2008 - 11,500 (340,000) AU=6 (154)
2009 - 21,300 (542,500) AU=3 (77.5)
22-1/0-8
Vivid dreams again last night, one that stands out is that I traveled to Germany to visit family there that I know and first thing I wanted to do when I got there was go out and take a long walk around the neighborhood. Just as I was about to go outdoors, I wake up.
Slept very good last night - close to 9 solid hours. Just about completely kicked the cold but my body is still quite sore. Nonetheless, I got out for some more good walking and topped 10 miles for the day yet again.
Weight loss is steady but still obvious I have a long way to go. I did get to the 21st hole on my belt which is good but I still got my gut spilling over my belt when wearing tight pants.
Weather started out on mild side but got colder as day went on. By late afternoon, there were deep blue skies with temps in low 20s and going down to near zero tonight.
Went to library and still checking out all kinds of books. Got books "City Dharma" which is about handling stress in the big city, "White Coat" which is about becoming a doctor at Harvard Medical School and "The American Paradox" which is about how it is the best and worst times to live in America. Still reading two other books I have out from library, one of which is a true story of how Alaskan dog teams brought serum to plague-stricken Nome, Alaska during the 1925 diptheria outbreak ("Cruelest Miles).
Friday, January 23, 2009
Ice Dams (10m)
Friday, January 23, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Blueberry Yogurt (160), oatmeal (210), raisins (150)
Lunch: Banana (110), almonds (170)
Dinner: Wheat Pasta (600); Olive oil (200), small amount tomato sauce (100)
Drinks: One hot coffee (50), one Propel (25), one Foster's oil can (300), two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 20,000+ steps
2008 - 15,500 (328,500) AU=3 (148)
2009 - 20,000 (521,200) AU=4 (74.5)
21-1/0-7
Had some very vivid dreams this morning including having my manager die (not that I want that to happen in real life), and other weird stuff. Didn't want to wake up at 5AM as I was sleeping so good. However, got myself up and it was comparatively warm outside for first walk (around 26 degrees). Later in day, it got close to 40 and was quite balmy.
Work was a little crazy plus heard from wife that ice dams were leaking lots of water into the house so I left early to deal with that. Basically I put a ladder to the house and knocked all the icicles down and got as much snow off roof as I could. But it's going to take some serious thawing to get all the snow and ice off the roof. But at least we stopped water from coming in.
Got heads up that big announcement will be made at work Monday concerning reorganization so looking forward to that.
Having gotten home early (well before dark), took dog for a long walk around neighborhood and made up for not taking my lunchtime walk.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Blueberry Yogurt (160), oatmeal (210), raisins (150)
Lunch: Banana (110), almonds (170)
Dinner: Wheat Pasta (600); Olive oil (200), small amount tomato sauce (100)
Drinks: One hot coffee (50), one Propel (25), one Foster's oil can (300), two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 20,000+ steps
2008 - 15,500 (328,500) AU=3 (148)
2009 - 20,000 (521,200) AU=4 (74.5)
21-1/0-7
Had some very vivid dreams this morning including having my manager die (not that I want that to happen in real life), and other weird stuff. Didn't want to wake up at 5AM as I was sleeping so good. However, got myself up and it was comparatively warm outside for first walk (around 26 degrees). Later in day, it got close to 40 and was quite balmy.
Work was a little crazy plus heard from wife that ice dams were leaking lots of water into the house so I left early to deal with that. Basically I put a ladder to the house and knocked all the icicles down and got as much snow off roof as I could. But it's going to take some serious thawing to get all the snow and ice off the roof. But at least we stopped water from coming in.
Got heads up that big announcement will be made at work Monday concerning reorganization so looking forward to that.
Having gotten home early (well before dark), took dog for a long walk around neighborhood and made up for not taking my lunchtime walk.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Raindrops in the kitchen (10m)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); Oatmeal (210); Raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); two hard-boiled eggs (140)
Dinner: (Outback) Grilled Salmon (410), Chicken Wings (580); Broccoli (80)
Drinks: One coffee (50), one Propel (25), two 23-oz Fosters Lager (600)
Walked 20,500+ steps
2008 - 16,500 (313,000) AU=3 (145)
2009 - 20,500 (501,200) AU=4 (70.5)
20-1/0-7
Definitely kicking the cold today but body is sore all over. Still, got three solid walks in for another 10-mile day. Day at work was hectic but fun. Not a bad week at all to come back from vacation. Went to Outback with wife after work and had salmon, first time I've had fish in a while. Quite good.
Definitely sick of all this cold weather. Actually looking forward to spring but it's still months away. On the way home from work, ambulance was coming up behind me and I pulled over to let it pass. I followed it all the way to my house, where there was already fire engine and police car! Fortunately they came for the guy across the street (unfortunately for him, of course).
Water from the leaking ice and snow on my roof is leaking into my house. Need to try and get the snowpack off the roof over the weekend.
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); Oatmeal (210); Raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); two hard-boiled eggs (140)
Dinner: (Outback) Grilled Salmon (410), Chicken Wings (580); Broccoli (80)
Drinks: One coffee (50), one Propel (25), two 23-oz Fosters Lager (600)
Walked 20,500+ steps
2008 - 16,500 (313,000) AU=3 (145)
2009 - 20,500 (501,200) AU=4 (70.5)
20-1/0-7
Definitely kicking the cold today but body is sore all over. Still, got three solid walks in for another 10-mile day. Day at work was hectic but fun. Not a bad week at all to come back from vacation. Went to Outback with wife after work and had salmon, first time I've had fish in a while. Quite good.
Definitely sick of all this cold weather. Actually looking forward to spring but it's still months away. On the way home from work, ambulance was coming up behind me and I pulled over to let it pass. I followed it all the way to my house, where there was already fire engine and police car! Fortunately they came for the guy across the street (unfortunately for him, of course).
Water from the leaking ice and snow on my roof is leaking into my house. Need to try and get the snowpack off the roof over the weekend.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Outwalking the Flu (10m)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); Blueberries (20); Oatmeal (210); Raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); Two hard-boiled eggs (140)
Dinner: Three servings wild rice (660); two tablespoons olive oil (240); Chicken/cheese/broccoli casserole in mushroom soup (600)
Drinks: One hot coffee (50); two Propel (50); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 20,500+ steps
2008 - 20,000 (296,500) AU=6 (142)
2009 - 20,500 (480,700) AU=2 (66.5)
19-1/0-7
Started getting flu symptoms a couple days ago and they really hit me last night and I went to bed a little early. Most of today, I was feeling miserable but think the worst is over here at nightime. Still, the flu symptom didn't slow me down much as I still got three solid 3 miles walks in out in the cold. Was about 1 degree this morning and got no higher than 20s during day.
I notice last year's blog on this day noted that I could bring my belt to the 16th notch. Well today, I hit the 20th notch. I think around Christmas it was around the 14th notch so quite a change in only three weeks!
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); Blueberries (20); Oatmeal (210); Raisins (120)
Lunch: Banana (110); Two hard-boiled eggs (140)
Dinner: Three servings wild rice (660); two tablespoons olive oil (240); Chicken/cheese/broccoli casserole in mushroom soup (600)
Drinks: One hot coffee (50); two Propel (50); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 20,500+ steps
2008 - 20,000 (296,500) AU=6 (142)
2009 - 20,500 (480,700) AU=2 (66.5)
19-1/0-7
Started getting flu symptoms a couple days ago and they really hit me last night and I went to bed a little early. Most of today, I was feeling miserable but think the worst is over here at nightime. Still, the flu symptom didn't slow me down much as I still got three solid 3 miles walks in out in the cold. Was about 1 degree this morning and got no higher than 20s during day.
I notice last year's blog on this day noted that I could bring my belt to the 16th notch. Well today, I hit the 20th notch. I think around Christmas it was around the 14th notch so quite a change in only three weeks!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Dog Paws (10m)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); Blueberries (20); Oatmeal (210); Raisins (120)
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs (140); banana (110)
Dinner: Two oz. cheese (200), eight crackers (120); almonds (170); King Oscar sardines (150); shredded wheat (200); blueberries (50); milk (45)
Drinks: One coffee (50); one Propel (25); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 21,700+ steps
2008 - 12,500 (276,500) AU=10 (136)
2009 - 20,700 (460,200) AU=2 (64.5)
18-0/0-6
Back to work today after 10 days off and it was dead quiet! On the way in, listened to mostly acoustic music and when I got to office, spent most of morning getting my old laptop on email as my current one is in for repair. Hardly any phone calls or any kind of action. Had time to take a long walk at lunch. Weather was cool but not at all cold, started out in teens and got to about 30 or so but colder air moving back in tonight.
Breakfast: Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); Blueberries (20); Oatmeal (210); Raisins (120)
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs (140); banana (110)
Dinner: Two oz. cheese (200), eight crackers (120); almonds (170); King Oscar sardines (150); shredded wheat (200); blueberries (50); milk (45)
Drinks: One coffee (50); one Propel (25); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 21,700+ steps
2008 - 12,500 (276,500) AU=10 (136)
2009 - 20,700 (460,200) AU=2 (64.5)
18-0/0-6
Back to work today after 10 days off and it was dead quiet! On the way in, listened to mostly acoustic music and when I got to office, spent most of morning getting my old laptop on email as my current one is in for repair. Hardly any phone calls or any kind of action. Had time to take a long walk at lunch. Weather was cool but not at all cold, started out in teens and got to about 30 or so but colder air moving back in tonight.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Last Day Before Work (10m)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Breakfast: Oatmeal (210); Raisins (100); Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20)
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs (140); banana (110)
Dinner: Hamburger Helper/Pasta (225); Beef (350); Peas (235); Olive Oil (120); blueberries (20)
Drinks: Two coffees (100); one Propel (25); three Pilsner Urquells (450)
Walked 20,500+ steps
2008 - 16,000 (264,000) AU=11 (126)
2009 - 20,500 (438,500) AU=3 (62.5)
17-0/0-6
Last day off before going back to work. Woke up to another 4-6 inches of snow this morning so had to shovel out all over again. Looks like at least a foot of snow between yesterday morning and today. Weather got much milder though (mid 30s) and bought some salt for the driveway and walkway so that we can finally see pavement again.
Can't believe how warm 34 degrees can feel after several days of being out in near zero weather with wind chill. But it really did feel like spring.
Breakfast: Oatmeal (210); Raisins (100); Brown Cow Raspberry Yogurt (170); blueberries (20)
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs (140); banana (110)
Dinner: Hamburger Helper/Pasta (225); Beef (350); Peas (235); Olive Oil (120); blueberries (20)
Drinks: Two coffees (100); one Propel (25); three Pilsner Urquells (450)
Walked 20,500+ steps
2008 - 16,000 (264,000) AU=11 (126)
2009 - 20,500 (438,500) AU=3 (62.5)
17-0/0-6
Last day off before going back to work. Woke up to another 4-6 inches of snow this morning so had to shovel out all over again. Looks like at least a foot of snow between yesterday morning and today. Weather got much milder though (mid 30s) and bought some salt for the driveway and walkway so that we can finally see pavement again.
Can't believe how warm 34 degrees can feel after several days of being out in near zero weather with wind chill. But it really did feel like spring.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Getting low on firewood (10m)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (160) w/blueberries (20)
Lunch: 1 oz Almonds (170); one bowl oatmeal (220) w/raisins (120)
Dinner: Banana (110); Chicken breast (500); Brown rice (100); Mushroom soup (35); Broccoli (63); olive oil (120)
Drinks: One coffee (50); Two Propel (50); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 22,200+ steps
2008 - 14,500 (248,000) AU=7 (115)
2009 - 22,200 (418,000) AU=2 (59.5)
16-0/0-5
Woke up this morning to snow after some vivid dreams. Drove to Ayer trailhead in the snow to walk about 6.5 miles. With 4-6 inches of new snow on ground, it was even a tougher walk. Then came home only to spend another hour shoveling snow as well as another 2.5 mile walk! So very active day and burning lots of calories.
Today was another bitter winter day as it never got out of the teens. When it gets in the 20s tomorrow, it is going to actually feel warm!
Sunday weigh-in shows I lost 3 pounds since Wednesday. Not surprised at all but won't be able to keep this pace up next week as I go back to work.
All in all, a very restful day once again. Watched some NFL football and did some reading rest of day. Tomorrow is my last day of vacation and then I'll have to go back to the work routine.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (160) w/blueberries (20)
Lunch: 1 oz Almonds (170); one bowl oatmeal (220) w/raisins (120)
Dinner: Banana (110); Chicken breast (500); Brown rice (100); Mushroom soup (35); Broccoli (63); olive oil (120)
Drinks: One coffee (50); Two Propel (50); two Pilsner Urquell (300)
Walked 22,200+ steps
2008 - 14,500 (248,000) AU=7 (115)
2009 - 22,200 (418,000) AU=2 (59.5)
16-0/0-5
Woke up this morning to snow after some vivid dreams. Drove to Ayer trailhead in the snow to walk about 6.5 miles. With 4-6 inches of new snow on ground, it was even a tougher walk. Then came home only to spend another hour shoveling snow as well as another 2.5 mile walk! So very active day and burning lots of calories.
Today was another bitter winter day as it never got out of the teens. When it gets in the 20s tomorrow, it is going to actually feel warm!
Sunday weigh-in shows I lost 3 pounds since Wednesday. Not surprised at all but won't be able to keep this pace up next week as I go back to work.
All in all, a very restful day once again. Watched some NFL football and did some reading rest of day. Tomorrow is my last day of vacation and then I'll have to go back to the work routine.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Eroica (10m)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (160)
Lunch: Almonds (120); Shredded Wheat (190); Milk (40); Blueberries (50); Banana (110)
Dinner: Raisins (120); Mancotti (340); Olive Oil (200); Spinach (35)
Drinks: One coffee (50); Propel (25); Red Wine (360)
Walked 20,700+ steps
2008 - 14,000 (233,500) AU=5 (108)
2009 - 20,700 (395,800) AU=2.5 (58)
15-0/0-4
Walked Two Rod Road from Carlisle to Concord for about 13,000 steps and it was tough going due to the snow as the trail wasn't broken very good. A pretty uneventful day but very restful. Slept well again last night.
Listened to Beethoven's Third on the second walk. Very cold today and didn't get out of the teens after starting the day below zero. Some snow is in forecast for tomorrow.
First vacation in a while that I'm actually looking forward to getting back to work. Not that the vacation was bad but because it was actually very restful and now I'm recharged.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt (160)
Lunch: Almonds (120); Shredded Wheat (190); Milk (40); Blueberries (50); Banana (110)
Dinner: Raisins (120); Mancotti (340); Olive Oil (200); Spinach (35)
Drinks: One coffee (50); Propel (25); Red Wine (360)
Walked 20,700+ steps
2008 - 14,000 (233,500) AU=5 (108)
2009 - 20,700 (395,800) AU=2.5 (58)
15-0/0-4
Walked Two Rod Road from Carlisle to Concord for about 13,000 steps and it was tough going due to the snow as the trail wasn't broken very good. A pretty uneventful day but very restful. Slept well again last night.
Listened to Beethoven's Third on the second walk. Very cold today and didn't get out of the teens after starting the day below zero. Some snow is in forecast for tomorrow.
First vacation in a while that I'm actually looking forward to getting back to work. Not that the vacation was bad but because it was actually very restful and now I'm recharged.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The White Silence (10m)
Friday - January 16, 2009
Breakfast: Banana (110)
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs (140); almonds (200); raisins (150)
Dinner: Swiss Cheese (500) and crackers (480)
Drinks: Two coffees (100), one Propel (25), one 23-oz Sapporo (280), two glasses red wine (360)
Walked 21,300+ steps
2008 - 11,000 (219,500) AU=10 (106)
2009 - 21,300 (375,100) AU=2 (55)
14-0/0-4
Woke up to -8 this morning. Did a 4 mile walk in Billerica/Carlisle forest to start with. At first, my fingers numbed up but they got better so I thought I'd be okay. But about 2 miles into the walk, my legs and chin started getting painfully numb and I got back to car as fast as I could to avoid doing damage to my skin. Just unbelievable coldness that just penetrated my clothing. Next time it goes below zero, remember to wear long underwear and a ski mask.
Did another four mile walk up at Harold Parker forest in Andover. Found a great trail that merits more exploring later. Than dropped by my north office to drop laptop off for repair. Then hit the library before going home.
During the extreme cold this morning, I got a good sense of what it must be like in the Jack London Arctic stories I"ve been reading. Lack of movement can kill in this kind of cold!
Breakfast: Banana (110)
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs (140); almonds (200); raisins (150)
Dinner: Swiss Cheese (500) and crackers (480)
Drinks: Two coffees (100), one Propel (25), one 23-oz Sapporo (280), two glasses red wine (360)
Walked 21,300+ steps
2008 - 11,000 (219,500) AU=10 (106)
2009 - 21,300 (375,100) AU=2 (55)
14-0/0-4
Woke up to -8 this morning. Did a 4 mile walk in Billerica/Carlisle forest to start with. At first, my fingers numbed up but they got better so I thought I'd be okay. But about 2 miles into the walk, my legs and chin started getting painfully numb and I got back to car as fast as I could to avoid doing damage to my skin. Just unbelievable coldness that just penetrated my clothing. Next time it goes below zero, remember to wear long underwear and a ski mask.
Did another four mile walk up at Harold Parker forest in Andover. Found a great trail that merits more exploring later. Than dropped by my north office to drop laptop off for repair. Then hit the library before going home.
During the extreme cold this morning, I got a good sense of what it must be like in the Jack London Arctic stories I"ve been reading. Lack of movement can kill in this kind of cold!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
January halfway over (10m)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Banana, cashews, almonds, two egg yolk
Dinner: (Outback) Five chicken wings, 14-oz New York Strip, double-order broccoli
Drinks: Two coffees, two large Foster beers
Walked 23,ooo+ steps
2008 - 12,000 (208,500) AU=5 (96)
2009 - 23,000 (353,800) AU=4 (53)
13-0/0-4
Temps in low teens most of day and was below zero by bedtime. Not much wind so didn't feel as bad as it could have. Still, got some minor frostbite on legs and tips of fingers during walks this morning. Did about 16,000 steps on the Nashua River bike trail and then another 5,000 steps at Harry Rich Forest.
Work laptop died today so had to transfer work files and email to home computer. Took out the Christmas tree. Was pretty tired by end of day. Might take it easier tomorrow on the walking. Now almost 150,000 steps ahead of last year's pace and only mid-January.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Banana, cashews, almonds, two egg yolk
Dinner: (Outback) Five chicken wings, 14-oz New York Strip, double-order broccoli
Drinks: Two coffees, two large Foster beers
Walked 23,ooo+ steps
2008 - 12,000 (208,500) AU=5 (96)
2009 - 23,000 (353,800) AU=4 (53)
13-0/0-4
Temps in low teens most of day and was below zero by bedtime. Not much wind so didn't feel as bad as it could have. Still, got some minor frostbite on legs and tips of fingers during walks this morning. Did about 16,000 steps on the Nashua River bike trail and then another 5,000 steps at Harry Rich Forest.
Work laptop died today so had to transfer work files and email to home computer. Took out the Christmas tree. Was pretty tired by end of day. Might take it easier tomorrow on the walking. Now almost 150,000 steps ahead of last year's pace and only mid-January.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Colder weather has moved in (15m)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, banana
Dinner: (Moe's Southwest Grill) - Fajitas: Ground beef, onions, peppers, mushrooms, shredded cheese, lettuce, three tortillas
Drinks: Two coffees, one Propel, one Amstel Light, three Pilsner Urquells
Walked 30,300+ steps
2008 - 12,000 (196,500) AU=7 (91)
2009 - 30,300 (330,800) AU=4 (49)
12-0/0-3
Took today's walk along the Nashua River rail trail. Wind chill was definitely a factor as temps stayed in teens all day. Face was frostbit! All the walking in snow and ice is taking toll on the feet. No big deal to walk on hard surfaces but slogging through several inches of snow is painful!
After walk, read some Jack London Arctic short stories (to get me in the mood for the cold weather) and watched some TV on the iPod.
Weighed myself for first time in several years today. Actually not as bad as I feared (no doubt the "boot camp" of the past two weeks helped) but a long way from where I wanted to be when I started this blog last year. I think this year, the added component of counting calories will be key to getting the weight loss I want. Just exercise by itself won't get it done if I don't keep track of what I'm eating. Once thing that amazed me is how many calories I consumed last year on drinks. That is why the drinks are way down this year.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, banana
Dinner: (Moe's Southwest Grill) - Fajitas: Ground beef, onions, peppers, mushrooms, shredded cheese, lettuce, three tortillas
Drinks: Two coffees, one Propel, one Amstel Light, three Pilsner Urquells
Walked 30,300+ steps
2008 - 12,000 (196,500) AU=7 (91)
2009 - 30,300 (330,800) AU=4 (49)
12-0/0-3
Took today's walk along the Nashua River rail trail. Wind chill was definitely a factor as temps stayed in teens all day. Face was frostbit! All the walking in snow and ice is taking toll on the feet. No big deal to walk on hard surfaces but slogging through several inches of snow is painful!
After walk, read some Jack London Arctic short stories (to get me in the mood for the cold weather) and watched some TV on the iPod.
Weighed myself for first time in several years today. Actually not as bad as I feared (no doubt the "boot camp" of the past two weeks helped) but a long way from where I wanted to be when I started this blog last year. I think this year, the added component of counting calories will be key to getting the weight loss I want. Just exercise by itself won't get it done if I don't keep track of what I'm eating. Once thing that amazed me is how many calories I consumed last year on drinks. That is why the drinks are way down this year.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Hills of Westboro (10m)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs; banana
Dinner: Eight water crackers, hamburger & pasta, mixed vegetables, olive oil, butter, one ounce raisins, slab of cheese, 16 sunflower seed crackers.
Drinks: Two coffees, one Propel, three Pilsner Urquells
2008 - 10,500 (184,500) AU=7 (84)
2009 - 28,300 (300,500) AU=3 (45)
11-0/0-2
Today I decided to explore the trails in Westboro/Southboro/Northboro area and found an excellent place for future walks. I started off by parking in a hospital parking lot but later found a parking area right by the trailhead. The first section of the trail wove through some swampland and into a piece of forest before tunneling under the main road and emerging at the foot of a hill with two water towers on top. Climbed that hill and went on to another hill that was actually a plateau that is being maintained by some preservation society for birds. Not a lot of birds today but I can imagine that come spring, the place will be full of them. Walked down and up the same hill by another trail and finally moved on to a connecting road that took me around an old farm. Then I looped back and eventually ended up at my car - about 11 miles of total walking, much of it up and down hill.
The walking was very tough and I definitely sprained or pulled some muscles in my feet from all the walking over snow cover. My leg muscles were exhausted by time I got back to car. Got home early afternoon and had yet another quiet evening of vacation.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs; banana
Dinner: Eight water crackers, hamburger & pasta, mixed vegetables, olive oil, butter, one ounce raisins, slab of cheese, 16 sunflower seed crackers.
Drinks: Two coffees, one Propel, three Pilsner Urquells
2008 - 10,500 (184,500) AU=7 (84)
2009 - 28,300 (300,500) AU=3 (45)
11-0/0-2
Today I decided to explore the trails in Westboro/Southboro/Northboro area and found an excellent place for future walks. I started off by parking in a hospital parking lot but later found a parking area right by the trailhead. The first section of the trail wove through some swampland and into a piece of forest before tunneling under the main road and emerging at the foot of a hill with two water towers on top. Climbed that hill and went on to another hill that was actually a plateau that is being maintained by some preservation society for birds. Not a lot of birds today but I can imagine that come spring, the place will be full of them. Walked down and up the same hill by another trail and finally moved on to a connecting road that took me around an old farm. Then I looped back and eventually ended up at my car - about 11 miles of total walking, much of it up and down hill.
The walking was very tough and I definitely sprained or pulled some muscles in my feet from all the walking over snow cover. My leg muscles were exhausted by time I got back to car. Got home early afternoon and had yet another quiet evening of vacation.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Farrar Pond (15m)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Banana; two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner: Bowl of pot-roast, butternut squash, olive oil, one ounce cashews, two ounces raisins
Drinks: Two coffees, two Propels, two glasses red wine
Walked 31,500+ steps
2008 - 13,500 (174,000) AU=13 (77)
2009 - 31,500 (272,200) AU=3 (42)
10-0/0-2
Woke up early for my first "weekday" of vacation. Drove to Lincoln/Concord area to walk the parks around (but not including) Walden Pond. Ended up walking 13 miles in mostly snow/ice covered terrain. Last year on this date, the blog noted that the steps were "well-earned." Same goes for today. Towards the end of the walk, it was brutal. Not so much all the walking (I could have gone on all day) but the conditions. Walking through several inches of snow is much more labor intensive than walking on plain ground. At many places on the trails, I had to slow down to a near stop to avoid falling down. There was just no traction on the downslope.
Anyway, I got to discover a lot of new territory for later walks. Looking forward to seeing this area in warmer weather!
Temps were in low teens this morning but warmed into the mid 20s. Nothing compared to what we will see later this week.
Spun the dog around the neighborhood for a "mere" 2 1/2 mile walk after dark.
Overall, the day was exactly how a winter vacation day should be. A lot of outdoor activity followed by a quiet evening in a warm house.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Banana; two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner: Bowl of pot-roast, butternut squash, olive oil, one ounce cashews, two ounces raisins
Drinks: Two coffees, two Propels, two glasses red wine
Walked 31,500+ steps
2008 - 13,500 (174,000) AU=13 (77)
2009 - 31,500 (272,200) AU=3 (42)
10-0/0-2
Woke up early for my first "weekday" of vacation. Drove to Lincoln/Concord area to walk the parks around (but not including) Walden Pond. Ended up walking 13 miles in mostly snow/ice covered terrain. Last year on this date, the blog noted that the steps were "well-earned." Same goes for today. Towards the end of the walk, it was brutal. Not so much all the walking (I could have gone on all day) but the conditions. Walking through several inches of snow is much more labor intensive than walking on plain ground. At many places on the trails, I had to slow down to a near stop to avoid falling down. There was just no traction on the downslope.
Anyway, I got to discover a lot of new territory for later walks. Looking forward to seeing this area in warmer weather!
Temps were in low teens this morning but warmed into the mid 20s. Nothing compared to what we will see later this week.
Spun the dog around the neighborhood for a "mere" 2 1/2 mile walk after dark.
Overall, the day was exactly how a winter vacation day should be. A lot of outdoor activity followed by a quiet evening in a warm house.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Pileup on I-93 (10m)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, one handful raisins, banana
Dinner: None
Drinks: Three coffees, One Propel
Walked 22,700+ steps
2008 - 11,500 (160,500) AU=8 (64)
2009 - 22,700 (240,700) AU=0 (39)
9-0/0-2
Woke up to about 6 inches of snow. Helped my younger son shovel out and then took 8 mile walk with dog through neighborhood and then out for some coffee. Felt pretty good all day despite some soreness in the legs. A couple more short walks during the day made it 9 days in row over 10 miles of walking.
Went to birthday party for some family members and watched some playoff football, including seeing Philadelphia beat the NY Giants. Skipped dinner entirely as I just wasn't that hungry. At night, somewhat watched the "24" debut but mostly setup a spreadsheet to track calorie/steps/etc. for the year (while comparing against last year).
Weather forecast shows much cold and maybe some more snow this coming week. Tomorrow morning, I'm going to try to find a new place to hike as I'm on vacation.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, one handful raisins, banana
Dinner: None
Drinks: Three coffees, One Propel
Walked 22,700+ steps
2008 - 11,500 (160,500) AU=8 (64)
2009 - 22,700 (240,700) AU=0 (39)
9-0/0-2
Woke up to about 6 inches of snow. Helped my younger son shovel out and then took 8 mile walk with dog through neighborhood and then out for some coffee. Felt pretty good all day despite some soreness in the legs. A couple more short walks during the day made it 9 days in row over 10 miles of walking.
Went to birthday party for some family members and watched some playoff football, including seeing Philadelphia beat the NY Giants. Skipped dinner entirely as I just wasn't that hungry. At night, somewhat watched the "24" debut but mostly setup a spreadsheet to track calorie/steps/etc. for the year (while comparing against last year).
Weather forecast shows much cold and maybe some more snow this coming week. Tomorrow morning, I'm going to try to find a new place to hike as I'm on vacation.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Mexican Meat Loaf? (15m)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Breakfast - Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch - Two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner - Mexican meatloaf, rice, olive oil, some cheese, one handful raisins, two handfuls cashews.
Drinks: Two coffees, two Propels, Sapporo (22oz), two glasses red wine
Walked 32,000+ steps
2008 - 17,500 (149,000) AU=6 (56)
2009 - 32,000 (218,000) AU=4 (39)
8-0/0-1
Despite waking up sore from all the walking recently, had tons of energy today. First walk went for 8 1/2 miles in Carlisle/Concord woods over the packed snow and ice. Afterwards, did some errands including getting some warmer gloves up in New Hampshire as it is going to get very cold around here in the next few days. Even today was cold, started out in single digits and never got past mid-20s. Second walk was at the quarry and despite treacherous ice, I didn't slip and fall once and the 5,000+ steps in those woods was well-earned. Yet another walk in the icy cold after dinner while light snow was falling. In between I did a little reading and watched a little football.
Was supposed to be a major snowstorm tonight and tomorrow but it looks like accumulations will be on the light side. We'll see in the morning as it's coming down steadily right now.
Song of day was Shooter Jennings "Walk Of Life" - a Dire Straits cover.
Today's 32,000 steps (16 miles) was the furthest I've walked in at least a year and a half. I feel like I am quickly getting back in the shape I was in a few years ago when I lost all the weight and if I continue on this pace, I'll have all my excess weight shed by summer.
Not a bad start to the vacation.
Breakfast - Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch - Two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner - Mexican meatloaf, rice, olive oil, some cheese, one handful raisins, two handfuls cashews.
Drinks: Two coffees, two Propels, Sapporo (22oz), two glasses red wine
Walked 32,000+ steps
2008 - 17,500 (149,000) AU=6 (56)
2009 - 32,000 (218,000) AU=4 (39)
8-0/0-1
Despite waking up sore from all the walking recently, had tons of energy today. First walk went for 8 1/2 miles in Carlisle/Concord woods over the packed snow and ice. Afterwards, did some errands including getting some warmer gloves up in New Hampshire as it is going to get very cold around here in the next few days. Even today was cold, started out in single digits and never got past mid-20s. Second walk was at the quarry and despite treacherous ice, I didn't slip and fall once and the 5,000+ steps in those woods was well-earned. Yet another walk in the icy cold after dinner while light snow was falling. In between I did a little reading and watched a little football.
Was supposed to be a major snowstorm tonight and tomorrow but it looks like accumulations will be on the light side. We'll see in the morning as it's coming down steadily right now.
Song of day was Shooter Jennings "Walk Of Life" - a Dire Straits cover.
Today's 32,000 steps (16 miles) was the furthest I've walked in at least a year and a half. I feel like I am quickly getting back in the shape I was in a few years ago when I lost all the weight and if I continue on this pace, I'll have all my excess weight shed by summer.
Not a bad start to the vacation.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Vacation starts today (10m)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Banana
Dinner: (Acapulco's) A few tortilla chips, about 5-6 quesadilla nuggets (Mexican appetizers); at home, two handfuls raisins, two handfuls almonds, two handfuls cashews, a hunk of cheese (about 3-4 oz).
Drinks: One hot coffee, two Propels, two Silver Patron margaritas, two Pilsner Urquells
Walked 21,600+ steps
2008 - 15,000 (131,500) AU=6 (50)
2009 - 21,600 (186,000) AU=4 (35)
7-0/0-1
Woke up on time to a cold morning. Not so much the temperature but the wind chill. It was bitterly cold all day. Had big quarterly meeting at work with all the guys in. Morning flew right by and I took a midday walk around the lake. Very busy getting all loose ends tied up before my vacation and ended workday with a manager's meeting at Acapulco's where I bought them some appetizers and margaritas. Got home and was slammed with 24 more emails. Got those addressed and finally slammed laptop shut around 6:30PM.
Took long walk with dog around neighborhood and had quiet night at home. Turning in early to begin what is hopefully a restful 10 days of vacation.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Banana
Dinner: (Acapulco's) A few tortilla chips, about 5-6 quesadilla nuggets (Mexican appetizers); at home, two handfuls raisins, two handfuls almonds, two handfuls cashews, a hunk of cheese (about 3-4 oz).
Drinks: One hot coffee, two Propels, two Silver Patron margaritas, two Pilsner Urquells
Walked 21,600+ steps
2008 - 15,000 (131,500) AU=6 (50)
2009 - 21,600 (186,000) AU=4 (35)
7-0/0-1
Woke up on time to a cold morning. Not so much the temperature but the wind chill. It was bitterly cold all day. Had big quarterly meeting at work with all the guys in. Morning flew right by and I took a midday walk around the lake. Very busy getting all loose ends tied up before my vacation and ended workday with a manager's meeting at Acapulco's where I bought them some appetizers and margaritas. Got home and was slammed with 24 more emails. Got those addressed and finally slammed laptop shut around 6:30PM.
Took long walk with dog around neighborhood and had quiet night at home. Turning in early to begin what is hopefully a restful 10 days of vacation.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Under The Milky Way (10m)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: King Oscar Sardines (Mediterranean Style)
Dinner: (Outback) 6 chicken wings; 14=oz Ribeye steak; two servings broccoli
Drinks: One hot coffee; two Pilsner Urquells, three Foster's Ale
Walked 26,000+ steps
2008 - 14,500 (116,500) AU=5 (44)
2009 - 26,000 (164,400) AU=5 (31)
6-0/0-1
Morning not off to a good start at all. I did have a very deep and restful sleep and I woke up around 4AM to dog scratching door. My arm had completely fallen asleep. Got back to bed and next thing I new, it was almost an hour after the time I was supposed to get up. I still got the morning walk in with the dog but as soon as I was leaving for work, I discovered I had a flat tire so I had to pull off the road and put the donut spare on.
So got to work a little late but the day went much better after that. Got some work done and around lunchtime, took car to tire place to get the tire repaired. During that time, I took about a 6 mile walk around the neighborhood.
Weather was somewhat mild today (upper 30s) but around mid-afternoon, the colder air started filtering in and on my way home from work, I went through a snow squall. After work, my wife and I went to Outback to eat but it was too crowded and not enough time to wait and then pick up my son at drum practice so we went back home, I walked the dog another couple of miles while she picked up my son. Afterwards, we went back to Outback.
It is now about midnight and I am absolutely tired and ready for bed. Temps outside are in low 20s with brutal wind chill. One more day of work and I'm on vacation.
Song of day is "Under Milky Way" cover by The Dear and Departed
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: King Oscar Sardines (Mediterranean Style)
Dinner: (Outback) 6 chicken wings; 14=oz Ribeye steak; two servings broccoli
Drinks: One hot coffee; two Pilsner Urquells, three Foster's Ale
Walked 26,000+ steps
2008 - 14,500 (116,500) AU=5 (44)
2009 - 26,000 (164,400) AU=5 (31)
6-0/0-1
Morning not off to a good start at all. I did have a very deep and restful sleep and I woke up around 4AM to dog scratching door. My arm had completely fallen asleep. Got back to bed and next thing I new, it was almost an hour after the time I was supposed to get up. I still got the morning walk in with the dog but as soon as I was leaving for work, I discovered I had a flat tire so I had to pull off the road and put the donut spare on.
So got to work a little late but the day went much better after that. Got some work done and around lunchtime, took car to tire place to get the tire repaired. During that time, I took about a 6 mile walk around the neighborhood.
Weather was somewhat mild today (upper 30s) but around mid-afternoon, the colder air started filtering in and on my way home from work, I went through a snow squall. After work, my wife and I went to Outback to eat but it was too crowded and not enough time to wait and then pick up my son at drum practice so we went back home, I walked the dog another couple of miles while she picked up my son. Afterwards, we went back to Outback.
It is now about midnight and I am absolutely tired and ready for bed. Temps outside are in low 20s with brutal wind chill. One more day of work and I'm on vacation.
Song of day is "Under Milky Way" cover by The Dear and Departed
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Accretion Rates (10m)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner: Bowl of chili w/cheese, handful of cashews, two handfuls of raisins
Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, three Pilsner Urquells
Walked 20,200+ steps
2008 - 17,500 (102,000) AU=4 (39)
2009 - 20,200 (138,400) AU=3 (26)
5-0/0-1
Dog woke me up just after 4:00AM with barking and scratching and never did get back to sleep. So I got up about 4:40AM and went through the morning routine. It was snowing out with sleet starting to already mix in. About 2 inches on ground. Forecasters were calling for it to turn to freezing rain for rest of day so I was concerned about losing power again. But the ice never really did accrete to any serious extent so we dodged a bullet on this one.
Work was extremely slow but I was consumed by major sales event that was going on so I couldn't really benefit from it. Still, it was a pretty decent day and I'm in good shape for taking vacation Friday. Due to the rain, I didn't get much walking in during the day but more than made up for it when I got home as I was able to take a very long walk.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner: Bowl of chili w/cheese, handful of cashews, two handfuls of raisins
Drinks: One hot coffee, one Propel, three Pilsner Urquells
Walked 20,200+ steps
2008 - 17,500 (102,000) AU=4 (39)
2009 - 20,200 (138,400) AU=3 (26)
5-0/0-1
Dog woke me up just after 4:00AM with barking and scratching and never did get back to sleep. So I got up about 4:40AM and went through the morning routine. It was snowing out with sleet starting to already mix in. About 2 inches on ground. Forecasters were calling for it to turn to freezing rain for rest of day so I was concerned about losing power again. But the ice never really did accrete to any serious extent so we dodged a bullet on this one.
Work was extremely slow but I was consumed by major sales event that was going on so I couldn't really benefit from it. Still, it was a pretty decent day and I'm in good shape for taking vacation Friday. Due to the rain, I didn't get much walking in during the day but more than made up for it when I got home as I was able to take a very long walk.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Just send me to hell or New York City (10m)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner: (99 Restaurant) - Steakburger w/Swiss cheese, tomatoes and lettuce
Drinks: Two hot coffees, one unsweetened iced tea, two glasses red wine
Walked 26,000+ steps
2008 - 11,500 (84,500) AU=7 (35)
2009 - 26,000 (118,200) AU=2 (23)
4-0 0-1
Another day of serious walking! Got out this morning in the pre-dawn darkness at about 21 degrees and walked 6,000+ steps. Then to the office and left for a customer appointment but not before walking another 6,000+ steps in the woods. After the customer meeting, went to 99 with some co-workers and did another 5,000+ or so in the woods before going back to the office. Then another decent walk with the dog after I got home! We are expecting nasty weather tomorrow so I don't think I'll get much walking in then.
Reading last year's blog, I noted that work was getting incredibly busy. It has not hardly reached the level yet this year but definitely a little busier today. Stayed in office until about 7PM as we were setting up for major sales event tomorrow. I have pretty much all my work done this week except the meetings and I guess I'm all set to take vacation.
The wooden snowman got taken down across the street - a true sign that the Christmas season is over. I'm going to have to get my own tree down soon.
In the news today, Apple announced that they were going to be removing DRM from all their songs in iTunes by the end of March. This is very good news and a long time coming. I have probably downloaded close to 1,000 songs with that DRM and I expect that they will give me the opportunity to download fresh DRM-free copies or at least give me some kind of key to unlock the DRM on them.
Song of Day: Hank Williams JR - If Heaven Ain't A Lot Like Dixie
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner: (99 Restaurant) - Steakburger w/Swiss cheese, tomatoes and lettuce
Drinks: Two hot coffees, one unsweetened iced tea, two glasses red wine
Walked 26,000+ steps
2008 - 11,500 (84,500) AU=7 (35)
2009 - 26,000 (118,200) AU=2 (23)
4-0 0-1
Another day of serious walking! Got out this morning in the pre-dawn darkness at about 21 degrees and walked 6,000+ steps. Then to the office and left for a customer appointment but not before walking another 6,000+ steps in the woods. After the customer meeting, went to 99 with some co-workers and did another 5,000+ or so in the woods before going back to the office. Then another decent walk with the dog after I got home! We are expecting nasty weather tomorrow so I don't think I'll get much walking in then.
Reading last year's blog, I noted that work was getting incredibly busy. It has not hardly reached the level yet this year but definitely a little busier today. Stayed in office until about 7PM as we were setting up for major sales event tomorrow. I have pretty much all my work done this week except the meetings and I guess I'm all set to take vacation.
The wooden snowman got taken down across the street - a true sign that the Christmas season is over. I'm going to have to get my own tree down soon.
In the news today, Apple announced that they were going to be removing DRM from all their songs in iTunes by the end of March. This is very good news and a long time coming. I have probably downloaded close to 1,000 songs with that DRM and I expect that they will give me the opportunity to download fresh DRM-free copies or at least give me some kind of key to unlock the DRM on them.
Song of Day: Hank Williams JR - If Heaven Ain't A Lot Like Dixie
Monday, January 5, 2009
Quiet start to workweek (10m)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner: Two bowls hamburger helper/pasta; olive oil
Drinks: Two hot coffees, one Propel, two Pilsner Urquell, two glasses red wine
Walked 20,100+ steps
2008 - 12,500 (73,000) AU=8 (28)
2009 - 20,100 (92,200) AU=4 (21)
Woke up around 5AM and took about 20 minutes to get going. Was out by 6AM with dog and did a little extra on the walk this morning. Decided to work out of the "northern" office today and was good decision as I got almost all my December reporting done away from the madness of the main office. It was a good, productive day back at work.
At lunchtime, took a decent walk in the Harold Parker State Forest in Andover and in the afternoon, got a visit from an ex co-worker who may soon become co-worker again with the merger pending real soon. Also, the trucking company we use went out of business last week so now we need to find another trucking company. The next four days at work promise to be very busy but at least I have most of the December reporting now out of the way.
After work, took a brisk 3+ mile walk around the neighborhood after dinner while listening to some Bob Dylan podcasts. I notice that I am walking much more briskly the last couple of days. The new diet/increased exercise is working out well though I think I might have pulled some kind of muscle in my left foot. I'm going to rest it the rest of the night and hope the injury is a minor one.
Weather was tranquil today but it appears that we are about to go through at least a two week period of serious winter weather starting about Wednesday. Quite a contrast to last year at this time where the weather was getting mild and it seemed like the winter might be a short one.
Song of Day - "Layla" by Derek & Dominoes. Good to hear this classic song again on the radio during the trip home from work.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs
Dinner: Two bowls hamburger helper/pasta; olive oil
Drinks: Two hot coffees, one Propel, two Pilsner Urquell, two glasses red wine
Walked 20,100+ steps
2008 - 12,500 (73,000) AU=8 (28)
2009 - 20,100 (92,200) AU=4 (21)
Woke up around 5AM and took about 20 minutes to get going. Was out by 6AM with dog and did a little extra on the walk this morning. Decided to work out of the "northern" office today and was good decision as I got almost all my December reporting done away from the madness of the main office. It was a good, productive day back at work.
At lunchtime, took a decent walk in the Harold Parker State Forest in Andover and in the afternoon, got a visit from an ex co-worker who may soon become co-worker again with the merger pending real soon. Also, the trucking company we use went out of business last week so now we need to find another trucking company. The next four days at work promise to be very busy but at least I have most of the December reporting now out of the way.
After work, took a brisk 3+ mile walk around the neighborhood after dinner while listening to some Bob Dylan podcasts. I notice that I am walking much more briskly the last couple of days. The new diet/increased exercise is working out well though I think I might have pulled some kind of muscle in my left foot. I'm going to rest it the rest of the night and hope the injury is a minor one.
Weather was tranquil today but it appears that we are about to go through at least a two week period of serious winter weather starting about Wednesday. Quite a contrast to last year at this time where the weather was getting mild and it seemed like the winter might be a short one.
Song of Day - "Layla" by Derek & Dominoes. Good to hear this classic song again on the radio during the trip home from work.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Exploring the meaning of LOST (10m)
Sunday, January 4, 2009 - 1st Post
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, 2-3 handfuls raisins
Drinks: Two hot coffees
Posting this around 12:30PM so I'll add dinner and total steps for day later. Took dog for a 6-mile walk on Groton bike trail this morning. During the walk, I thought I'd start posting last year's steps to this year's total steps in an effort to outdo myself this year. We'll see how time consuming this ends up being and if it is worth it to continue. Anyway, I won't count the 12,000+ steps I've already done today yet as I'm still going. The following are 2008 vs 2009 steps as of January 3:
2007 - 49,000
2008 - 48,600
I'm surprised how close this is to last year at this time! Obviously I've been in the same routine for quite some time. But I'm going to attempt to push the envelope this year with my walking and try to significantly outdo last year. The only thing working against me is time. It takes about an hour and a half to walk 10,000 steps so trying to get to 20,000 steps a day will require three solid hours each day of walking - very tough to fit that amount of time in my busy schedule. So I'll try to get as close to the 20,000 step a day benchmark as I can.
Also, with the pedometer I'm using, it's getting old and seems to be missing a lot of steps so I'm going to get a new one today. So in reality, I think I'm ahead of last year with regard to steps walked.
Too bad I have an office job. If I could do life over again, maybe I'd be a park ranger or a mailman! As I love to walk, just don't always have enough time for it.
The iPod is crucial to my being able to tolerate this amount of walking. After my walk this morning, I updated the Podcasts and may start supplementing it with some audiobooks. After all, you can only listen to so much music! Even though I do have over 11,000 songs on it right now.
If I can increase my walking while decreasing my calorie intake over last year, I'll definitely be able to achieve my ideal weight this calendar year. However, it is way too complicated to calculate calories consumed each day in any kind of accurate manner that would satisfy my need for being precise, so all I'll do is post the foods and drinks I consume and compare them to last year at this time. SO far, the foods I have consumed this year are similar in quality to last year. But as last year went on, I gradually started getting more and more junk into my diet. I've got to maintain the healthy eating too.
In the news this morning, more swarms of earthquakes in the Yellowstone National Park area. Some alarmists on the Internet are predicting the end of the world as we know it! I don't believe them but if they end up being right, I won't be able to post here that they were right anyhow!
AU 2008 = 15
AU 2009 = 13
Sunday, January 4, 2009 - Part 2
5:11PM, just caught up on email after walking about 4 more miles with dog. This dog will be getting very tired with all the walking I plan to do this month!
Went to Barnes & Noble this afternoon to spend my gift certificate. Very weird thing happened. I had exactly $100 in gift certificates and I picked out six books to buy. When my discount was factored in, the price came to exactly $99.99 and I got a penny in change. I had no intention of hitting it on the money like that. I was expecting to either have some money left on the cards or spend a certain amount over. But had I set out to do that, it would have been almost impossible to spend exactly $99.99 on book!
The books I got were:
60 Hikes within 60 miles of Boston
This Is Your Brain On Music - Daniel Levitin
Don't Eat This Book (Fast Food and the Supersizing of America) - Morgan Spurlock
The World Is Fat - Barry Popkin
The iPod Book - Scott Kelby
Google-pedia - The Ultimate Google Resource
Obviously there is a theme here. A lot of music, reading and hiking in the days ahead as well as eating better.
With the four library books I took out yesterday, I have a lot of reading to get done.
Sunday, January 5, 2009 (Final)
Dinner: Spicy Chicken Fajita Soup (Whole Foods), water crackers, two handfuls cashews, two handfuls almonds.
Drinks: Two hot coffees, one Propel, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine
Walked 23,500+ steps
2008 - 11,500 (60,500) AU=5 (20)
2009 - 23,500 (72,100) AU=4 (17)
Blew ahead of 2008 on walking today as I took three very decent walks. Spent the evening reading and listening to Sirius. Most of what I read was book on TV show Lost.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, 2-3 handfuls raisins
Drinks: Two hot coffees
Posting this around 12:30PM so I'll add dinner and total steps for day later. Took dog for a 6-mile walk on Groton bike trail this morning. During the walk, I thought I'd start posting last year's steps to this year's total steps in an effort to outdo myself this year. We'll see how time consuming this ends up being and if it is worth it to continue. Anyway, I won't count the 12,000+ steps I've already done today yet as I'm still going. The following are 2008 vs 2009 steps as of January 3:
2007 - 49,000
2008 - 48,600
I'm surprised how close this is to last year at this time! Obviously I've been in the same routine for quite some time. But I'm going to attempt to push the envelope this year with my walking and try to significantly outdo last year. The only thing working against me is time. It takes about an hour and a half to walk 10,000 steps so trying to get to 20,000 steps a day will require three solid hours each day of walking - very tough to fit that amount of time in my busy schedule. So I'll try to get as close to the 20,000 step a day benchmark as I can.
Also, with the pedometer I'm using, it's getting old and seems to be missing a lot of steps so I'm going to get a new one today. So in reality, I think I'm ahead of last year with regard to steps walked.
Too bad I have an office job. If I could do life over again, maybe I'd be a park ranger or a mailman! As I love to walk, just don't always have enough time for it.
The iPod is crucial to my being able to tolerate this amount of walking. After my walk this morning, I updated the Podcasts and may start supplementing it with some audiobooks. After all, you can only listen to so much music! Even though I do have over 11,000 songs on it right now.
If I can increase my walking while decreasing my calorie intake over last year, I'll definitely be able to achieve my ideal weight this calendar year. However, it is way too complicated to calculate calories consumed each day in any kind of accurate manner that would satisfy my need for being precise, so all I'll do is post the foods and drinks I consume and compare them to last year at this time. SO far, the foods I have consumed this year are similar in quality to last year. But as last year went on, I gradually started getting more and more junk into my diet. I've got to maintain the healthy eating too.
In the news this morning, more swarms of earthquakes in the Yellowstone National Park area. Some alarmists on the Internet are predicting the end of the world as we know it! I don't believe them but if they end up being right, I won't be able to post here that they were right anyhow!
AU 2008 = 15
AU 2009 = 13
Sunday, January 4, 2009 - Part 2
5:11PM, just caught up on email after walking about 4 more miles with dog. This dog will be getting very tired with all the walking I plan to do this month!
Went to Barnes & Noble this afternoon to spend my gift certificate. Very weird thing happened. I had exactly $100 in gift certificates and I picked out six books to buy. When my discount was factored in, the price came to exactly $99.99 and I got a penny in change. I had no intention of hitting it on the money like that. I was expecting to either have some money left on the cards or spend a certain amount over. But had I set out to do that, it would have been almost impossible to spend exactly $99.99 on book!
The books I got were:
60 Hikes within 60 miles of Boston
This Is Your Brain On Music - Daniel Levitin
Don't Eat This Book (Fast Food and the Supersizing of America) - Morgan Spurlock
The World Is Fat - Barry Popkin
The iPod Book - Scott Kelby
Google-pedia - The Ultimate Google Resource
Obviously there is a theme here. A lot of music, reading and hiking in the days ahead as well as eating better.
With the four library books I took out yesterday, I have a lot of reading to get done.
Sunday, January 5, 2009 (Final)
Dinner: Spicy Chicken Fajita Soup (Whole Foods), water crackers, two handfuls cashews, two handfuls almonds.
Drinks: Two hot coffees, one Propel, two Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine
Walked 23,500+ steps
2008 - 11,500 (60,500) AU=5 (20)
2009 - 23,500 (72,100) AU=4 (17)
Blew ahead of 2008 on walking today as I took three very decent walks. Spent the evening reading and listening to Sirius. Most of what I read was book on TV show Lost.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Whatever the Case May Be (10m)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, some cashews, a few crackers with cheese
Dinner: Four pieces chicken (legs and wings), peas, olive oil, some cashews, couple handfuls of raisins
Drinks: One hot coffee, three Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine
Walked 21,200+ steps
Woke around 7:15 after a restful sleep. Took dog for long 4 mile plus walk to start the day around the neighborhood. Then went to Home Depot to get a few things and then the library. Got books on the Antarctic, the TV show "Lost", on classic rock music and a novel by Dean Koontz (Odd Thomas). Took dog for another walk around sunset and yet another walk after dinner. Really trying to eat better and exercise some of the weight off I've gained over the past few months.
In the news, Israel invaded the Gaza strip today and looks like this could set off a major Mideast war. Can't blame Israel though as they've been getting attacked by rockets all this time.
The Genius function on the new iPod is great. Making playlists on the fly while walking and discovering a lot of good music that's been hiding on my iPod all these years.
Weather was cold all day, barely hit freezing for a high and wind made it feel much colder.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, some cashews, a few crackers with cheese
Dinner: Four pieces chicken (legs and wings), peas, olive oil, some cashews, couple handfuls of raisins
Drinks: One hot coffee, three Pilsner Urquells, two glasses red wine
Walked 21,200+ steps
Woke around 7:15 after a restful sleep. Took dog for long 4 mile plus walk to start the day around the neighborhood. Then went to Home Depot to get a few things and then the library. Got books on the Antarctic, the TV show "Lost", on classic rock music and a novel by Dean Koontz (Odd Thomas). Took dog for another walk around sunset and yet another walk after dinner. Really trying to eat better and exercise some of the weight off I've gained over the past few months.
In the news, Israel invaded the Gaza strip today and looks like this could set off a major Mideast war. Can't blame Israel though as they've been getting attacked by rockets all this time.
The Genius function on the new iPod is great. Making playlists on the fly while walking and discovering a lot of good music that's been hiding on my iPod all these years.
Weather was cold all day, barely hit freezing for a high and wind made it feel much colder.
Friday, January 2, 2009
2nd Day of 2009 - Good year so far!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Garlic Bagel
Dinner: (Mexican Restaurant) A few tortilla chips, steak, shrimp, mushrooms, peppers, onions, rice, refried beans
Drinks: Two hot coffees, two margaritas, one 24 oz Sapporo beer, two glasses wine
Walked 14,700+ steps
Just like last year at this time, it was an easy drive to work but not quite as cold a day. Even though temperature was 7 degrees this morning, it warmed to the lower 30s in the day. This mornings walk was rather frigid but with no wind, surprisingly tolerable with my hat and gloves on. Made a Genius playlist off a country and western song and listened to that playlist most of day on iPod.
Got a lot done at work today, mindful of vacation I'm taking week after next, I'm getting most of my December reports out of the way. So a very satisfying and productive day at work with the field very slow. Most people still in holiday mode though things will get cranking on Monday.
After work, took dog for a walk around the neighborhood and just like last year at this time, it was rolling in snowbanks and loving the cold and snow. Last year I noted in this blog that the snow cover was as deep as I've seen it this time of year but the winter got a lot milder after that and most of that snow melted away. This year, there is a lot of cold and snow in the long-range forecast so this might be the winter to remember when all is said and done.
After the dog walk, went with wife to Mexican restaurant and in effort to really lose weight this year, I only had a few of the tortilla chips and skipped appetizer. For main course, I gave 1/3 of my steak to the wife and ate the rest of the dish. Actually feeling pretty good that I didn't stuff myself to the gills as I usually do when I go to this place.
Looking forward to a very restful weekend before a hectic week at work and then a 10-day vacation in which I hope to get a lot of hiking and book reading done!
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Garlic Bagel
Dinner: (Mexican Restaurant) A few tortilla chips, steak, shrimp, mushrooms, peppers, onions, rice, refried beans
Drinks: Two hot coffees, two margaritas, one 24 oz Sapporo beer, two glasses wine
Walked 14,700+ steps
Just like last year at this time, it was an easy drive to work but not quite as cold a day. Even though temperature was 7 degrees this morning, it warmed to the lower 30s in the day. This mornings walk was rather frigid but with no wind, surprisingly tolerable with my hat and gloves on. Made a Genius playlist off a country and western song and listened to that playlist most of day on iPod.
Got a lot done at work today, mindful of vacation I'm taking week after next, I'm getting most of my December reports out of the way. So a very satisfying and productive day at work with the field very slow. Most people still in holiday mode though things will get cranking on Monday.
After work, took dog for a walk around the neighborhood and just like last year at this time, it was rolling in snowbanks and loving the cold and snow. Last year I noted in this blog that the snow cover was as deep as I've seen it this time of year but the winter got a lot milder after that and most of that snow melted away. This year, there is a lot of cold and snow in the long-range forecast so this might be the winter to remember when all is said and done.
After the dog walk, went with wife to Mexican restaurant and in effort to really lose weight this year, I only had a few of the tortilla chips and skipped appetizer. For main course, I gave 1/3 of my steak to the wife and ate the rest of the dish. Actually feeling pretty good that I didn't stuff myself to the gills as I usually do when I go to this place.
Looking forward to a very restful weekend before a hectic week at work and then a 10-day vacation in which I hope to get a lot of hiking and book reading done!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's Day - A Frigid Start to 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009 - New Year's Day
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard boiled eggs, cashews, almonds
Dinner: Chicken pot pie, long grain rice, olive oil, almonds, cashews, two handfuls raisins
Drinks: Two hot coffees, one Propel, two glasses red wine
Walked 12,700+ steps
On the one-year anniversary of this blog, woke up to very frigid temps - around 3 degrees with wind chills far below zero. Like last year, took dog to Groton for a walk but not to the woods but to the bike trail as the snow was easier to navigate there. No getting stuck with the car and having to get towed this time which was a good thing as it was very cold and my legs and face were numb when I got to car. Temperature never left the low teens all day.
During the morning walk, the dog got ice caked in its paws and had to keep stopping to try and get the ice out with its teeth. When we came home, gave dog hot bath. Then another walk in the cold (around the neighborhood) in the afternoon.
Reading last year's first entries, I saw that the objective of starting this blog was to lose weight, exercise more and read more. The latter two objectives were definitely met but the weight loss did not happen. Though I have not weighed myself all last year, I figure I either stayed the same or put on 5-10 pounds. So this year, I will have to regulate my food intake a little better while continuing the exercise (at least 5 miles of walking every day).
Also like last year, got caught up on some magazine reading and hardly touched my books. Listened to Mozart's Magic Flute at night on Sirius. Probably will turn in early tonight. I work tomorrow and then have the weekend coming right up.
Breakfast: Stonyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Lunch: Two hard boiled eggs, cashews, almonds
Dinner: Chicken pot pie, long grain rice, olive oil, almonds, cashews, two handfuls raisins
Drinks: Two hot coffees, one Propel, two glasses red wine
Walked 12,700+ steps
On the one-year anniversary of this blog, woke up to very frigid temps - around 3 degrees with wind chills far below zero. Like last year, took dog to Groton for a walk but not to the woods but to the bike trail as the snow was easier to navigate there. No getting stuck with the car and having to get towed this time which was a good thing as it was very cold and my legs and face were numb when I got to car. Temperature never left the low teens all day.
During the morning walk, the dog got ice caked in its paws and had to keep stopping to try and get the ice out with its teeth. When we came home, gave dog hot bath. Then another walk in the cold (around the neighborhood) in the afternoon.
Reading last year's first entries, I saw that the objective of starting this blog was to lose weight, exercise more and read more. The latter two objectives were definitely met but the weight loss did not happen. Though I have not weighed myself all last year, I figure I either stayed the same or put on 5-10 pounds. So this year, I will have to regulate my food intake a little better while continuing the exercise (at least 5 miles of walking every day).
Also like last year, got caught up on some magazine reading and hardly touched my books. Listened to Mozart's Magic Flute at night on Sirius. Probably will turn in early tonight. I work tomorrow and then have the weekend coming right up.
New Year's Eve Clipper
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Breakfast: None
Lunch: A few cashews
Dinner: Cashews, almonds, slice blueberry pie (Chinese restaurant): Chicken wings, white rice, general tso's chicken
Drinks: One hot coffee, one Pilsner Urquell, two scorpions, three glasses champagne
Walked 11,700+ steps
Woke up this morning to the threat of snow. Started off around 24 degrees and the cloud cover was heavy and you could feel the snow coming. It didn't start coming down until about an hour after I got to work but it promptly got very heavy. A good six inches in about 4 hours as the "Alberta Clipper" moved over to us and exploded off the coast into a storm. A lot more snow to the southeast of the city.
It was an uneventful New Year's Eve and I left work a little early so I could get home and shovel out. The kids were at work so I shoveled entire driveway myself and took dog for walk at night fall with temperatures already crashing through the teens. By bedtime, temperature was down around 3 above.
Went to our traditional Chinese restaurant for New Year's Eve dinner and watched movie at home while youngest son went to his friend's house. Just a quiet night and it has been a full year of doing this blog.
Breakfast: None
Lunch: A few cashews
Dinner: Cashews, almonds, slice blueberry pie (Chinese restaurant): Chicken wings, white rice, general tso's chicken
Drinks: One hot coffee, one Pilsner Urquell, two scorpions, three glasses champagne
Walked 11,700+ steps
Woke up this morning to the threat of snow. Started off around 24 degrees and the cloud cover was heavy and you could feel the snow coming. It didn't start coming down until about an hour after I got to work but it promptly got very heavy. A good six inches in about 4 hours as the "Alberta Clipper" moved over to us and exploded off the coast into a storm. A lot more snow to the southeast of the city.
It was an uneventful New Year's Eve and I left work a little early so I could get home and shovel out. The kids were at work so I shoveled entire driveway myself and took dog for walk at night fall with temperatures already crashing through the teens. By bedtime, temperature was down around 3 above.
Went to our traditional Chinese restaurant for New Year's Eve dinner and watched movie at home while youngest son went to his friend's house. Just a quiet night and it has been a full year of doing this blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)