Wednesday, January 14, 2015

It's Wednesday ...

I like alliteration. If you look back on my blog posts, watch the wording of my terrific titles, you will probably see that. So many of the link-ups out there also adopt alliteration, Wednesday being one. There is Workout Wednesday, Weigh-In Wednesday, and What I Ate Wednesday, just to name a few. I wasn't sure which one to work on this Wednesday, so I figured I'd hit all three *Ü* Wonderful!


The scale said 154.9 this morning. Not wonderful.

I weigh-in every day, but my official day is Friday. I do usually join the Weigh-In Wednesday link-up late, only linking up on an actual Wednesday if I'm discussing something else weight related. I thought I would share my updated weight graph today. 2014 has come to a close, so I thought it would be good to post it in comparison to my previous years (last year's line is in gray). It was a pretty steady year, right there in my "comfort zone happy place" of 150-155 pounds for most of it. I did have a little dip Octoberish, but the packed on some holiday pounds to end the year. It's always interesting to take a really broad view of my weight, looking at it over years, not just the weekly check in.

 We had pancakes for breakfast ...

It's the eating! I actually enjoy exercise, but I have NOT mastered my eating. Thus the constant struggle. I to track on MFP at least, and try to control my calories. Because I don't have much good or inspirational eating advice, I don't participate in the What I Ate Wednesday link-up very often. But I have really been thinking about what I've been eating lately, as it's been SO hard keeping calories in check. I think one of the reasons is our big breakfasts. Normally, I'm not much of a breakfast gal. Yes, I know ... "most important meal of the day" and all, but I'm usually just not that hungry. If I eat, those are 200-500 calories that I wouldn't have consumed otherwise. Over the holiday break, I made quite a few breakfasts for the boys. Pancakes, waffles, french toast, muffins, cocoa and toast, cinnamon rolls (yes, we like the breads) ... sometimes scrambled eggs, bacon and hashbrowns too. Even with the boys going back to school, they are still expecting me to make them breakfast (go figure!) Before, it seems like they would just grab a banana or some cereal, things I didn't have to take time to make and then be tempted to eat myself. I'd think I'd do better off going back to eating my "breakfast" around noon ... 

Lastly, there is Workout Wednesday ( #wowlinkup)
 I do participate in the Workout Wednesday link up quite often. Working out ... that is something I seem to have endless ideas to talk about, things worth sharing. I like the exercise and activity part of this attempted healthy lifestyle! One of my main workouts is Zumba. I go Mon-Fri, to five different classes. While I love all my instructors, their different styles and steps, I don't know that I could go to the same class everyday without getting a little burned out. So I switch it up! Today, my Wednesday class was having a theme. "Black and White" ... ok, that is pretty much my usual attire (Lacking in Color Confidence).  These theme days can be fun though! It's their Wacky Wednesday ... look, more alliteration!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!








Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Recent Reads ~ 2014 Recap

I've mentioned here on this blog (Riding&Reading), I often combine my books and my exercise, reading while riding the stationary bike.

I've always been a reader. A few years ago, I became a "digital" reader. I love reading on my phone, Ipad or Kindle. The benefits of not needing a light, having a built in dictionary,  being able to highlight and search the text ... and of course, having so many books at my fingertips in such a small space! I've got over 500 books waiting in my Kindle Cloud, and my library wishlist is several hundred books long.
Good Reads has been another great discovery. My profile there is sh(e)reader.  It's such a great website to keep track of all my books. Those I have read, those I want to read. Looking up reviews and recommendations.Which books I have in my Kindle Cloud, which are available at the local library, those I need to get.  I love keeping quotes on hand, and looking at my stats for the years.

In 2013 I read 108 books. I didn't really set a goal to read a certain amount or anything, I just read what I wanted when I wanted and that's how it turned out. I didn't get through quite as many books this past year ... 75 for 2014.

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Like I said, I LOVE Good Reads! This quick recap of my reading for the entire year is great! I love the quick cover capture, just looking at them all and remembering my reads. I like the rating break up as well. I didn't read anything I considered a "one star" book. Only three books earned a five star rating (ones I loved!). Quite a few three and four stars.

This blog is mainly about fitness, a little about food. Watching my weight and accountability. But as reading is an incentive for exercise, and books are another passion, I'll be showcasing "What I'm Reading" on the second Tuesday of each month. So if you like to read too, be sure and check in.  I also have a GoodReads update in my sidebar (way at the bottom) showing my recent reads and reviews, and various quotes from my books shifting through there as well.

Are YOU a reader? Are you on Good Reads? 
Do you prefer digital or physical books?





Monday, January 12, 2015

Mondays and Marshmallows (Weekend Recap)

We've been having some nice weather (relatively speaking for January!) but today it's dark and dreary  and rainy. It started going downhill over the weekend. I came home from one of my outings to small white things all over the front lawn. I wondered if we'd been hit by a hailstorm. It wasn't hail. It was mini marshmallows. The marshmallows in this last bag I bought were covered by a chalky substance. I guess the boys thought it would be fun to throw them at each other (they left white marks all over as you can see in the picture above). That was just ONE of the goings on this past weekend. Other items were ...

  • Gadget Upgrades: My son upgraded my phone to IOS8 withOUT my permission. I had purposely NOT upgraded as I don't like change and had heard about some bugs. Oh well. I can't tell too much difference yet. I also went out and bought a new Fitbit. My old one died on Friday afternoon. Customer service may replace it, but I couldn't wait, I needed a new one NOW. I also got batteries for my Polar FT4 heart rate monitor and installed them (it wasn't nearly as intimidating as I thought it would be) so I really hope it will work better from now on!
  • Return to Racquetball: The Hubs and I used to play racquetball together quite, but it's been years. Hubs felt he was in shape enough to try it (without risking a heart attack) so we went over the weekend and it was so fun! Good burn without even feeling like a workout! I hope we can do it weekly.
  • Broken Nose?: Poor #3 got hit hard in his game on Saturday. His nose was bleeding bad and looked just a little crooked. We wondered if it might be broken. He stayed to support the team but didn't play for the rest of the game (and without him they lost by one). I took him to the Instacare to have it checked out. They didn't rule out a broken nose, but couldn't say if it needed further treatment or just rest and ice. We were told to keep an eye on it and follow up with an ENT if we felt it still looked or felt funny after a few days.
Spending a couple hours at the Instacare wasn't in the plan for the weekend, but I guess it could have been worse. We had a family dinner out at "Italian Village" which is famous for their "pizza benders". I don't do pizza, so I had fettuccine alfredo, which wasn't that great and not worth the calories. Some weekend splurges were Hubs yummy chocolate malt, and my yummy lemon jello cake.

So yes ... weight is up a little after the weekend, as it is wont to do. This coming week is a busy one! I'll be glad to get it over with. A lot going on with the boys basketball. I'm on duty to make lunches for their away game on Tuesday. There is a big dinner on Friday which each player had to sell tickets to, provide two $50 giftbaskets, and then we parents get to work the dinner. I'll be glad when it's over!

 Basketball practices and/or games every night of the week.  My oldest, in prep for his mission, is also going through the temple this week. So that's another thing complicating the week a bit. I hope I can still get in all my exercise and not fall into any emotional/stress eating!

Wish me luck! 
How was your weekend?
Linking up with MIMM.


Friday, January 9, 2015

WWI #77~ Three Pounds Down BUT ...

Last week there was a pretty big bump up in the scale. This week I'm down three pounds, which sounds great, but in the big picture, it's just putting me back in my plateau place where I have been for SO long. It's actually depressing to see the "26 pounds lost" MFP badge in my sidebar, and then catch that same badge on a "link within" previous post thumbnail and see that I was there back for WWI#12 over two years ago. I mean I am close to where I want to be for maintenance, but if I'm going to maintain, I want it to be under 150, I want that MFP badge to show 30pounds (or more) lost.

The scale shock last week did motivate me to have a pretty good weekend. I got quite a bit of activity in Friday and Saturday (I did have a rest day on Sunday). I thought I'd be totally ready to restart the week, with the return to the routine after the holidays ... but there was a hitch. I'd done a weight workout on Saturday, my first one in a while and I was SO sore!

My Monday morning Zumba, I wasn't quite my bouncy self, and I didn't have my "Motivated Monday" like I usually do. I was pretty much over it by Wednesday, and did manage to get the scale to move by mid-week.

It's the eating. It's always the eating. Still a stash of leftover Christmas candy calling out and tempting me. The Hubs has recommitted to food/fitness a few weeks ago. He admits how hard it was during the holidays (he maintained) but he's been back at it full force this past week. That SHOULD help me out, but I still snack way too much. 

So ... I am happy the number on the scale went down. I just need to get it down a little bit further (under 150) and then maintain. I really didn't want to see my weekly numbers back here where they are.  Speaking of NUMBERS ... down 3 pounds from last week, but the average actually went up (1.6 to 155.94). Average in was 2400 (too high), and average burn was 2826, which came out to a deficit of just -750. So according to the numbers I didn't earn a three pound loss, but I'm sure I didn't really gain that much before either. That scale is a tricky little bugger!

I saw this article from PopSugar with tips on weight management for the coming year ... it recommends a weekly Friday weigh-in.  I'll continue with my Friday Weigh-In postings, even though there hasn't been much change over the last year or two. I weigh in every day, but use my Friday morning as the "official" weigh in and to watch a weekly trend. I see some people weigh in on Mondays (after the weekend? That's almost always my highest day), or on Wednesday (but that's mid-week, other than the alliteration of "Weigh-in Wednesday" or Weight-Watchers, my OCD can't handle that as an official weigh-in day).

Do you weight everyday, once a week, or less often?

Thursday, January 8, 2015

My Yearlong Pact


 It was January of last year when I started the PACT program. I posted about it on this blog after I'd used it for a couple of months and redeemed my first "paycheck" (Pact and Paydays). Now that an entire year has passed, I thought I'd give a summary of my year with Pact.

When I first started last year, I committed to six days a week of exercise (10,000 steps via Fitbit, other options are available), and six days of food logging via My Fitness Pal. There were a few days I didn't hit 10k in steps, or forgot to log a meal ... but that's why I didn't commit to seven days a week. That day off gave me a little bit of leeway. If I had missed a day, I was under a little pressure to get in my workout on a Sunday, when I might have taken it easy otherwise.  I was already big fans of Fitbit and MFP and I was achieving my Pact goals already, and everything would sync automatically. In all of 2014, I never had to pay Pact once.

In July there was talk of a Lake Powell trip ... as it would be without wifi, I put my Pact on hold for that week. I had no trouble scheduling my "break" or resuming my routine. I lost a little motivation the last couple months of the year and I dropped my commitment from six days to five, and then to four. With the holidays here, I cut back my food logging a day too, just in case I didn't get around to it with all the busyness. 

After my initial withdrawals of $10 and $21.54 ... I planned and waiting until I hit $50 and then getting "paid". I just never got around to requesting another transfer to my Paypal account. I then decided to wait until the end of the year. $81.84. So that was $113.38 for the year.

I could have earned a bit more if I joined in the "Veggie Pact" option (but then again, I probably would have ended up paying out for that one!). I debated it, but never did join in ... it just seemed to be too much work (taking pictures), not definite (other users have to vote them up or down) and full of too much drama (cheaters). I just stuck with the fitness and food pact ... easy peasy.

My workout would usually sync to Pact very shortly after I hit my 10,000 steps (often in the morning after Zumba, but a couple of times I was getting in a few more steps just to hit that number before heading to bed). Luckily Pact doesn't penalize you for going OVER calories on the food logging ... just as long as the minimum 1,200 calories was logged over three different meals throughout the day.

I never had a problem with not getting credit for something. I never got sick or had unexpected items come up keeping me from completing my Pacts. I never had to contact customer service. I was never erroneously charged. My payout came shortly after it was requested. So all in all, a very positive experience for me.

For many, the motivation comes more from the risk of having to pay out ($5 per missed commitment). I did enjoy watching my money SLOWLY add up through the year ... and now I can buy me something fun!

Back to the routine ... 
I have changed my commitment to five days of food/fitness tracking.
My "earnings" are now back to zero.



Tuesday, January 6, 2015

TV Talk Tuesday - Catching Up

My home gym.
The TV center stage in front of my elliptical and treadmill.

Last week I went down to my home gym to jump on the elliptical and ... the television didn't turn on. OH NO! Whatever would I do? TV is my entertainment during exercise. My motivation to move. On the stationary bike I can use an Ipad to read or watch something, but my neck doesn't like looking down while I'm on the elliptical or treadmill. I could listen to music but ... I want to watch my shows!

Luckily, after I fiddled with things, turning everything off and on again, checking cords ... I did find one that had come unplugged. So I was back in business.

I've been doing a TV Talk Tuesday here on the blog for a little bit (the first Tuesday of each month). What I'm watching really does play a big part in my exercise program. It's interesting for me to look back at the year (as one is wont to do as the year ends) and remember what kept me entertained while I ellipticalled, which TV series I watched entirely while on the treadmill.

I only watch a few recent programs ...

I'd gotten a late start, not realizing many of these shows had started. But as they wrapped up their "winter finales" I got caught up on everything I'm keeping up with currently. Grey's Anatomy, The Good Wife and The Walking Dead were watched the very next morning. I just barely got caught up on Nashville and Scandal. I have one more Modern Family episode waiting for me (sometimes I like a little comedy  to balance out all the drama *Ü*)


Even if I only get in 40min on the elliptical a day (I've been trying for a solid hour, plus some treadmill time) current shows alone aren't enough to keep my occupied, so I started something new as well.

There were only eight episodes, and the remainder of the season won't return until April. I've read the books (1-4 anyway) so I'm not really waiting with bated breath. No big surprises ...

I've been watching all these shows using PlayOn/PlayLater ... I can record them where they are posted online, then stream them to my gym television via my Roku box. It's great. I'm LOVING the new "ad skip" feature, and I love that ABC includes captions on their programming (which is a necessity when on the treadmill. You can see I'm predominantly an ABC gal).

I'll keep current with my favorites when they return, and I have PLENTY in my Netflix queue and Amazon Prime watchlist to watch too. I'll occasionally add in some movies, but I haven't watched one down in the gym recently. I just haven't been much in a movie mood. The hubs and did go see "Guardians of the Galaxy" in the theater (just sitting and eating popcorn) and then we watched "Catching Fire" and "Life of Pi" at home (snuggled in bed and eating popcorn).  See, even I something just stop and watch.

That's what I've been watching this last month.


Monday, January 5, 2015

Return to the Routine

 I've said it several times on this blog ... I don't mind Mondays. I like the return to the routine after the wicked weekend. The same thing can be said for January! I'm not a big "New Year's Resolutions" type of gal, but I'm always happy when the holidays are over and we can return to routine. I really didn't do very well these past couple months and I'm hoping that I can lose these holiday pounds and get back on track with the structure of a schedule and the kids back in school.

The last "holiday" weekend. I did good on Friday and Saturday. After my highest weigh-in in a while, I got in some elliptical, Zumba, bike and treadmill. The boys and I were also busy cleaning up Christmas. We took down the tree and other decor. 

I love the handmade ornaments the boys have made at church or school throughout the years. I only got one new one this year. I think I'm going to tell the boys THAT is what I want each year, even as they grow older!

My oldest had given me a calendar of daily quotes for Christmas this year. I've decided to use it in my home gym to track my workout stats. I'll get some inspiration along with my daily exercise. See how good I did on Saturday? I filled up the little sheet almost completely with elliptical, some Zumba, weights and a ride on the stationary bike.

In the evening, we went to Desert Star theater to see "How the Grouch Stole Christmas" ... our last show on our season tickets there.We took the three little boys again. The two youngest hadn't LOVED it the first time, and I didn't press them to go again, but they had said "we'll try it" ... well that was their last try as they moaned throughout. #3 still enjoys it, so maybe we'll just take him in the future!
Normally I go over my eating at this establishment, with cheesy bread and rootbeer. On Saturday we just got pepperoni pizza for the boys (I didn't have any) so I kept calories somewhat in check.


 I took my usual Sunday Selfie yesterday ... I've cut off 6" of my hair (which I now regret) and our church time moved from the 1:00 hour to 9:00. I miss my sleep-in Sundays, but I got a nice afternoon nap yesterday. That didn't make it a very productive day.  I DID put on some pounds in Nov/Dec.  Just a lack of motivation ... decreased movement, increased eating. So starting back up now in January, I have some work to do! An NO excuses ... except that did I mention I did weights on Saturday. Those lunges and squats have left my legs super sore! That's a good thing I guess though, it shows I actually did something.

Well ... I've got some elliptical and Zumba done today, 
I think I'll go read and ride for a bit *Ü*

Linking up with MIMM.
Hope you are having a good Monday ... and a good January!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Sunday Stats

These past few weeks have been a little crazy with the holiday season. I still got in several Zumba sessions, but not my usual five a week. Here's a quick look at the classes I did hit for the past three weeks ...

 The mid-week of December was GREAT for Zumba ... except that I missed my Friday class (Anxiety Child insisted I help out at his school Christmas party). I had some really high numbers, even though I had major frustrations with my HRM (looking down and seeing it read zero!)  I did a couple numbers on Monday. Marian had me do "Echa Pa'lla" which I don't have the mirrored version down, so I think that threw off some of the regulars! Wednesday MZL's class was moved to a smaller church (with carpeting, luckily I had worn my non-tread shoes) and it was a themed "Santa Hat" day which was a little hot. Thursday was the last one with Claudia this year (as the next two Thursdays fall on holidays) and the class will switch to 9:30 in January.

 
Holiday week! Great start to the week with Southziders! There was a girls basketball team working out in the gym and they stayed for most of the Zumba class, which was already quite well attended for the day. It did add some extra energy for the day. Great numbers, maybe the first time my HRM has gotten that high for Zumba. Marian's class on Tuesday was really good too ... I enjoyed getting in the Christmas songs for the final time. I wasn't sure I'd make it to Zumba the morning of Christmas Eve as I did have quite a bit to get done. I told myself if I could get the roll dough mixed and rising I would go ... I did so I went. It wasn't very well attended, but I got great numbers (highest numbers on the Fitbit) and I didn't get any other exercise for the day, so I was glad I went. Didn't hit a Friday class as #3 had a basketball game at 9:00 that morning.

Going back to Zumba after four days off ... I think that's the longest Zumba break since I started going multiple times a week. Also battling the weather, as snow had moved in. The trip out to Draper was a little intimidating, I am worried about the weather for my Monday and Friday classes (the others are so close that I'll attend them no matter what).  HRM not working well. On Tuesday, my usual teacher was gone (humanitarian help in Mexico) so I hit one I went to back in the summer. There were only a couple of us there. It was fun to try some new numbers. HRM was misbehaving again! New Years Eve morning isn't as hectic as Christmas Eve, so I had no question of attending class today. For some reason I just wasn't getting great numbers today (the higher HRM was a NEW on and I'm not sure I was reading it correctly for the calorie count). Felt a little incomplete as I left. I went back on Friday (rather than my usual Friday one which I'll go back to next week). Better stats today (although still working with the new HRM while ordering batteries to replace in the old one).

It will be nice to have the holidays over, get back to the structure of school, the return to routine ... and getting back to my five different Zumba classes. I've missed my Thursday class after missing it for a couple weeks, and my Friday class after missing it for even more!


Friday, January 2, 2015

WWI #76 ... Don't Look


Oh dear! I don't even want to post my weekly weigh in this week it is so bad. Talk about the stereotypical holiday weight gain. I really don't have much to say.  I crunched the numbers and while they don't account for the 2.6 pound gain since last week (and similar gains for the past few weeks) they weren't good. Average intake was 2621, average burn was 2431. I think that is the only time since I started that my average intake was more than my average burn. It equaled out to an overage of 3580 for the week (so a legitimate one pound gain) and I have to admit while I have continued to track food, I haven't been good at complete accuracy (entering it immediately, weighing/measuring) ... and all the estimations can be so off already. I'm assuming the overage is probably even more.

The good news ... the scale this morning did nudge me into action. I had a good exercise day for a Friday (almost 30K, 3200 burn by Fitbit calculation). I still REALLY need to get my food intake under control. In Sept/Oct I was able really get it down without feeling deprived or hungry. Not sure what I was doing differently back then. No more excuses though ... the holidays are over. Return to the routine, sticking to a schedule. I really hope that as fast as the weight jumped on, I'll be able to get it back down. Under 150, then back down to 144 (hit that twice in 2014). Hopefully maintaining in the 140s, with an ultimate goal of 135.

I post my weekly weigh-ins ... the good and the bad. 
This one was bad.
Shake it off ... It's a new year!

Here's my cute boys playing with their cute little cousin New Years Day.

Hubs and his mom and her annual pastry wreath.
Too many calories consumed!
 
2015 here we come.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

December 2014

I was working on my current journal entries and it wouldn't save ... and indication that I'm out of space on that particular post. Once I'm positive my Daily Doings have been re-recorded in the monthly update, I'll link to that month and delete the original entry. As I was double checking - it appears I never did a December 2014 post! I created my collage. I'll have to check and see if I have the stats.

Anyway ... here's my JenB's Journal. 
Glad I checked before I deleted my original!

1201 (Monday) Weight 150.5. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 30985. Total Burn 3468. Exercise Burn 1750/1781 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, 2milesIncline). Calories in 2000. I was anticipating a bad morning with Anxiety Child after the long weekend but ... it didn't happen! As I dropped him off at school (and he got out of the car without me walking him in) I told him how proud I was. He replied "I even surprised myself!" So ... good morning. I even went home quick and updated some things on the computer before heading out to Zumba (I had prepped to go straight if drop-off was difficult causing me to stay at the school for a while). Zumba was good. I lead a few numbers again (as there weren't a lot of backup instructors again today). I went to stop at Kmart on the way home to grab an online order (ship to store) and use up some points, but their doors were closed! Computers down. Oh well. I stopped at SmithsMarketplace and grabbed a few things (#1 son had made a list). Then home, got some additional exercise and mommy stuff done. Afternoon carpools. #3 had basketball practice in the evening, actually double practice. #2 just stayed after school until his practice from 5-7, then stayed during #3's practice until 9:00, just practicing free throws. I picked them both up at 9:00. Then off to bed!

1202 (Tuesday) Weight 149.7. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 33944. Total Burn 3652. Exercise Burn 1900/1970 (60minElliptical, Zumba, Weights, 10milesBike, 2milesIncline). Calories in 2300. Hey ... where's my little weight drop after my good Monday? I admit to being a little disappointed stepping on the scale. Another good morning with #4. I don't dare get my hopes up ... A good workout at Zumba. Home by 10:00 to get in more exercise, I did weights, bike and some treadmill. #2 had an away game after school. Hubs went to it and sent me text updates (they won).  I made tacos for dinner, then #5 had his first basketball practice of the season. He was so excited! #3 and #4 came along too, and played some ball at an unoccupied part of the gym. One of the ladies from Thursday Zumba has a boy on the team too. We hadn't really talked before, but we chatted during the practice. I walked a little, getting in around 3000 steps. I'd done pretty good on calories during the day (dang salted caramels keep tempting me though). But then hubs brought home some donuts. Donuts! Dang rainbow sprinkle cake donut. #2 got back around 9:30 (we had to pick him up from the high school). All three teams won!

1203 (Wednesday) Weight 150. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 36337. Total Burn 3716. Exercise Burn 1610/2030 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, BBWalk7500). Calories in 2100. Still no drop on the scale :( This morning ... Anxiety Child struggled. He wasn't too bad, no out and out crying or screaming, but I could tell he was very down. It was a dreary day weather wise too, that doesn't help. I went ahead and walked him in. It was an inside day anyway. Not that cold, but wet. They had the kids go to the auditorium to be supervised as the teachers were still in a meeting. I was able to pull away without much issue. I stopped in the office to correct an attendance issue (#4 had come in late last Tuesday, been marked absent and it hadn't been adjusted even though he had been in school that day). I went straight to Zumba, I was early today. I'd brought some toys as they were asking for donations. Did my dancing, then stopped at Sam'sClub for milk, apples, etc. #1 had the day off, so he was around. He went into work as they had called and said he'd won a prize ... turns out it was a set of Beats wireless headphones. Those go for almost $400! He was pretty pleased! Our garage door spring broke Monday, and the repairmen came out today and fixed it. At least the weather wasn't too bad while I had to stay parked outside. I was trying to figure out the practice schedule after school when I realized #3 had practice YESTERDAY not today. Ooops! It's so hard to keep everything straight. Dang it! He had a game in the evening. I walked while I watched and got almost 8000 steps. Easy win for the boys. I made chicken pillows for dinner (which I don't eat myself, although I had some plain baked chicken) and lemon jello cake for dessert.

1204 (Thursday) Weight 149.8. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 32411. Total Burn 3414. Exercise Burn 1631/1735 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, 1mileIncline). Calories in 2100.  Not the best day food-wise, lots of empty calories. Finishing up the Fall candy corn, opening another package of salted caramels for the holiday. Got in my Zumba and other exercise. #3 had a game in the evening. A bit of a drive. Not a lot of space for walking while watching, but I did do some pacing and got some steps. 

1205 (Friday) Weight 149.5. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 35314. Total Burn 2783. Exercise Burn 900/1102 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2200. A bit of an off day. Friday mornings get complicated with multiple morning carpools. I didn't get down to the gym this morning. I hit Zumba after dropping off the middle-schooler to late start. Early out for the elementary ... I just don't seem to have "my day" in between it all. At least the early out allowed me to get to the high school in time to see the start of the sophomore basketball game. #2 did great. I video taped his game, then walked during the JV game. I stopped and grabbed some Dominos pizza on the way home. It had been a long time since we had it, but although we loved the Parmesan bites, the pizza didn't really hit the spot.

1206 (Saturday) Weight 149.4. Decent Day. Fitbit Steps 18050. Total Burn 2549. Exercise Burn 500/868 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2150. No Saturday sleep in as #2 needed to be dropped off at the high school by 8:00 for his practice, and #5 had an 8:00 game. Luckily the two locations were close so I was able to easily combine the two trips. The little one won his game 20-0. Ouch! I really wanted the other team to make at least one basket! I picked up #2 after his practice, then took #3 and #4 out shopping. #3 wanted some jeans, as the cooler weather is coming (apparently none of the ones his brother's wore and handed down work) and #4 wanted some football gloves. Grabbed some jeans at Kmart (with my Fitstudio points), but weren't able to find the gloves. Tried a couple other stores with no luck. #2 was texting that he needed a ride to friend's ... per usual! I stopped home, looked online and made a stop on the way dropping #2 off. Grabbed him some knee pads for basketball (picked up some for #3 as well) and got the gloves for #4. He's actually a bit excited for school now to try them out at recess with his friends. #3 had an afternoon basketball game. No place to walk at all, so I ran the video camera. Hubs had suggested going out to eat and I was willing, but the place was booked, so we ended up staying in. Hubs did hit Sam'sClub to buy BBQ makings for tomorrow and grabbed some Popeyes chicken on the way home.

1207 (Sunday) Weight 149.9. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 10181. Total Burn 2150. Exercise Burn 250/467 (20minElliptical) Calories in 3600. I finally got my sleep in ... although I naturally woke earlier than I would have wanted. I made breakfast for the boys. We were almost out of the regular mix for the waffles. I suppose I could have made some from scratch. I used my more expensive mix (which is the only one I'll eat) and the boys actually prefer the cheap one! I ended up eating way too much at breakfast. I got hit with the sleepies after, and went and lay down. I figured it had been a while since I'd had a "rest day" and didn't really plan on exercising. But ... sometimes I just feel the need to move, and I did end up doing one session. I walked to/from church. The weather has been lovely for "winter" these past couple weeks.  I'll take it! Then we prepped for the BBQ. I had totally spaced off marinating any chicken! I always do it, I'm not sure why I didn't think about it. I hurried and put some tenders in and hubs grabbed some pre-marinated turkey to include with the steaks. We had invited my MIL, SIL and her two little boys over and wanted to make sure we had enough. I also failed on the rolls. I had checked for some frozen ones to put out to rise, but we were out. I considered making some from scratch, but decided to just go with the quick and easy Brazillian cheese rolls that we've been enjoying lately (ever since #3 made them for a Spanish class project). They were actually a huge hit with our guests. Of course the meat and potatoes were wonderful too. Again, I ate too much. And then there was dessert ... Skookie. NOT a good eating day, and not much activity to counteract the calories!

1208 (Monday) Weight 152.7. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 31996. Total Burn 3559. Exercise Burn 1650/1860 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 8milesBike, 2milesIncline). Calories in 1750. Well, my self-destructive Sunday showed up on the scale Monday morning. Not really a big surprise. It did motivate my Monday to be a good one. Got back on the hour/elliptical bandwagon, went to Zumba, and got in some additional exercise. It helped that #4 had gone to school without issue. The afternoon was a bit congested. After carpools, I had to take #3 back to the school for an appointment with the school counselor (just the standard 8th grade "lets plan the next four years" one). Back home for a bit, then back to the school again for basketball practice. Luckily another mom was helping out, or I would have had to make another trip at 8:00. I did go back for pickup at 10:00. #2 had a game in the afternoon, but it was away. It wasn't too far from Hubs work though, so he stopped in. They got beat though, their first loss this season. In addition to the oodles of activity, I kept calories in check too.

1209 (Tuesday) Weight 149.0. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 27744. Total Burn 2886. Exercise Burn 1130/1208 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2100. Happy that my hard work yesterday did get reflected on the scale. #4 was still doing fine as far as school, which is especially helpful on a Tuesday. It's the only way I can make it to class on time. I was feeling just a tad off, and my HRM was misbehaving as well. Frustrating! I made a run to Sam'sClub after Zumba to restock on some supplies (milk, eggs, bread, etc). I'm usually really productive on Tuesdays, getting in a weight workout in addition to cardio  ... but today? I was dragging. I took a little rest and ended up not really doing anything for a couple hours. Never did get the weights done. After picking up the kids from school, they begged to go to Airborne (a local trampoline park) and this was one of the only "two for Tuesday" deal days it would work out. So we went. That was another few hours of sitting (the drive to and from, plus a little over two hours there while they bounced). I tried walking around for a bit, but then it got too crowded to do it comfortably. We got back just in time for me to run #5 to his basketball practice. #4 came along too and shot hoops with one of the other brothers. I got quite a few steps in walking up and down the hall. Ok on calories today, but still ate too much junk. I was pretty pooped at the end of the day. Still had to go grab #2 at the high school, returning from another set of away games (they won, a sweep for all three teams). 

1210 (Wednesday) Weight 149.1. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 23717. Total Burn 2976. Exercise Burn 1000/1297 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 3000. #4 was struggling today as there was a substitute at at school. I didn't want to burden a sub, and felt like he probably wouldn't be missing as much, and brought him back home for a home school day. I set him up with plenty of work (he is very self motivated) and I did hit Zumba. I was afraid I'd be late, but they were even later than I was and I still got my full hour. Back at home with the munchkin. He'd done well on his assignments and instead of giving him more self work, I did actually stay in "teacher" mode and we did some writing and vocabulary ... and the child was NOT that cooperative (slouching, being sloppy, complaining) and I told him that was NOT allowed, as I know he'd never act that way for a real teacher. I took him back (as we'd agreed upon) for the afternoon, as they had rotations, which would be the same even with a sub. In the evening, we had a family outing planned to Thanksgiving Point, to see the lights there while in a limo (set up by my MILs realtor as a thank you for her house purchase). Hubs ended up having to work late, which left the evening a bit up in the air. I do NOT drive on freeways, in traffic, at night ... the 19-year old could, but that wouldn't ease my anxiety much. We were going to try and meet my MIL and carpool with her, but had to pick up #3 from practice (#2 wasn't going to come as he still had practice until later). Hubs told us to meet him at the freeway entrance. Needless to say I was stressed and my anxiety was so high I was feeling physically ill. That and all the headlights, brake lights flashing gives me a headache. At least the weather was fine, snow and ice just would have added to the already extreme anxiety. I was sure we were so late that we were going to miss it and it would all be for naught ... but they waited. It was fun, my boys enjoyed being in the limo with all the cousins. We got hot chocolate after and saw a reindeer. We stopped at Popeyes for some dinner. #2 had gotten a ride home (good thing, as we didn't make it back until later).  My anxiety continues to plague me after such an event is over too ... I dwell on it and my shortcomings and sink into a depression. Fun stuff! With the hot chocolate and fried chicken, calories were high too.

1211 (Thursday) Weight 149.3. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21993. Total Burn 2830. Exercise Burn 1050/1150 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2250. #4 was in decent spirits and ready to go to school when he was hit with extreme stomach pains. I could tell this wasn't just anxiety. I'd ended up at the Instacare a year or so ago with #3, and they were going to rush him to the hospital for an ultrasound he was in so much pain ... when he had some explosive diarrhea (attempting to give a urine sample) and suddenly felt better. I was thinking this was the same thing, although I was looking up the medical information on our new insurance just in case. My oldest was home, so I quickly ran #5 to school. #4 had gone to the bathroom and the pain had seemed to pass. I was fine missing Zumba, but as the 19-year old was there, I told him to keep an eye on his brother and I didn't let myself off the hook. #4 was fine when I got back, and I went ahead and took him to school. With #1 home, I had him pick up the little ones from school while I went to the high school to watch #2 in his basketball game. I video taped it, so no walking, but I was standing most of the time (I prefer it to sitting). Then #3 had his game ... it was across town, really pushing my driving anxieties to the limit. We did make it, but I was quite stressed during the drive. My energy was completely sapped. I video taped some of the game, but could tell it wouldn't be a good one for highlights (they were getting squashed). We took the long way home (on side streets, I just wasn't up to the freeway again) and stopped at Kmart as the kid wanted a sweater to wear tomorrow as the boys dress  up before games. Used my Fitstudio points and got one for him for less than $1 out of pocket.

1212 (Friday) Weight 149.1. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 10385. Total Burn 2118. Exercise Burn 350/439 (30minElliptical). Calories in 2200.  I really feel like I've been dragging since Tuesday. Well, even back over the weekend. The thought of Zumba today was just too overpowering, especially as it wasn't a close one, but one across town. I debated trying to hit the closer MZL one, even though I'd only get in about 30 minutes with the middle school late start ... but honestly I wasn't sure I had 30 minutes in me. I just went back home and crawled back in bed. Early out at the elementary, then middle school pickup. The boys went back to the high school for a varsity game in the evening. Blah... Poor #2 isn't feeling very energetic either, he said it was hard to make it through the game (just watching). Very unlike him.

1213 (Saturday) Weight 149.2. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 10558. Total Burn 2054. Exercise Burn 300/375 (20minElliptical). Calories in 2800. #5 had an 8:00 game, so I didn't really get my sleep in. Hubs and #3 went to the church for a ward social. I asked the little ones if they wanted to hit it after the game but they were not interested. When #3 got back, we worked on his science fair project and got it completed. Hubs went to help his mom (unloading boxes and such) then he came home and took the kids to chick-fil-a, dropping #2 and #3 off at a local high school where they were cheering on the 9th grade team. I picked them up afterward. Hubs had brought me home some chick-fil-a too ... thus the high calories for the day.

1214 (Sunday) Weight 149.5. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 7173. Total Burn 1972. Exercise Burn 150/291 (10minElliptical). Calories in 2600. Ah ... I finally got to sleep in! Hubs had some work to do. I made Sunday Circles for the boys. The past two days, I still needed to hit 10K for my Pact, but not today. Still, I did feel like doing a small, 10 minute session. Went to church, then went out to my folks for dinner. My brother, his wife and two little girls came too. #2 stayed home as he was still feeling sick.

1215 (Monday) Weight 151.1. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21164. Total Burn 2881. Exercise Burn 800/1198 (30minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2300. #2 attempted to get up and said he almost passed out in the shower. I did take him to early morning driver's ed, but he texted and had me pick him up before school started. He couldn't make it. He came home and slept all day. #4 struggled a bit this morning. I usually just slip on slippers when I'm dropping kids off and staying in the car, but he wanted me to walk him into class, so I had to go back and put on shoes. He did ok, and I made it to Zumba on time. Good class. I didn't do my usual Kmart stop as I'd placed an online order recently and hadn't replenished my points yet, but I did stop at Smiths. Grabbed some prescriptions and groceries. #3 had basketball practice in the evening (but just one, not the usual two). #1 picked up Papa Murphy's for pizza dinner.

1216 (Tuesday) Weight 149.8. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 22682. Total Burn 2791. Exercise Burn 850/1108 (30minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2650. #2 stayed home from school this morning, which meant I got to sleep in a bit (without the usual 6:30 drop-off). #4 had a substitute again today, and again was freaked out about it, so I told him I'd homeschool him for the morning but he had to go in for the regular rotations in the afternoon. I prepped some stuff for him ... he is very self motivated, not needing me to stand over him to make sure he gets things done. I dropped off #5 then hit Zumba. It was a good class, over 400 on both devices. Back home to my two kids home ... had to check on #2 because he still wasn't up. Did some work with #4. I actually enjoy the homeschool somewhat, but it does cut into my day. He now knows the Preamble ... and I can't get the School House Rock song out of MY head! I dropped #4 off around 12:30, then #2 decided to try his final class (to make him eligible to play ball that day) so I dropped him at school too. Grabbed the kids when elementary got out and hurried over to the high school where #2's basketball game had already started. We were behind by 10, but #2 made a great basket just after I got there. The team couldn't ever quite pull ahead though and lost. I went home after the sophomore game (I often stay and watch JV in case #2 gets some playing time).  Baked up some chicken which I'll turn into soup or something ... although the kids like eating it plain right out of the oven. Basketball practice for #5 in the evening. #4 came too, although he was a little bored today as none of the other "brothers" came for him to play with. He'd been doing fine today, but suddenly had a complete melt down while we waited for practice to finish. He was laying on the floor sobbing about school. This is SO hard! We picked up #2 and #3 who had stayed to watch the varsity game (they won) and home. Hubs had a work party, so he hadn't been home until late. I had been invited of course, but I struggle so with social situations where I don't know anyone, plus the long drive at night, plus I had to be around to chauffeur the kidlets! Ate a little too much today, especially without as much activity to combat the calories.

1217 (Wednesday) Weight 151.1. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 23434. Total Burn 2736. Exercise Burn 800/1046 (20minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2300. I'm just not getting in my morning elliptical, and then not really getting it in during the afternoon either. Both my boys home yesterday did go to school today. Zumba got switched to another church building, much smaller and with carpet. It didn't have the usual crowd though. I wore my santa hat. #3 made gingersnap cookies in the afternoon (after practice before his game) to take to his friend's and teacher's tomorrow. He did have a game at 9:00, but at least it was close this week. I walked in-between the two bleachers and got in 5000+ steps, but I should have videoed this game as the boy did great! He had four or five three pointers and other baskets and assists.

1218 (Thursday)  Weight 151.6  Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21690. Total Burn 2856. Exercise Burn 850/1163 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2300. #2 didn't have early morning, so I got a bit of a sleep in. #4 was being a bit hesitant about school and asked me to walk him in. I prepped all my Zumba stuff and still got there early. They are going to change to 9:30 come the new year ... I guess it's fine either way for me. Got in a good workout, then I hit Kmart and Reams (attempting to find the oreo ice cream cake that they no longer seem to carry). Got some presents wrapped and under the tree. Pulled out some t-shirts for the little boys to wear to school tomorrow. #3 had a 6:00 game at Churchill ... I didn't feel up to trying to battle traffic, so he hitched a ride. One of the boys we know better is now on this team, so that helps with carpooling. He had basketball practice scheduled for the evening but it was cancelled, so we actually had a pretty quiet evening at home. I debated hitting Zumba but just didn't have the energy.

1219 (Friday) Weight 151.6. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 14099. Total Burn 2516. Exercise Burn 410/815 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2000. The usual crazy Friday morning. Sent #5 off with his birthday treat. #4 was insistent I attend his class party, so I guess I don't get to go to Zumba today. Bummer was they really didn't need much parental help at the party ... I slipped out after an hour. I ordered a cake for the birthday boy to pick up tomorrow ... I think we're pretty set. He asked me when I was making cinnamon rolls again, so I whipped up a batch and set them to rising for birthday boy's breakfast! Calories weren't too bad today according to the count ... I'm thinking I probably forgot to log some stuff ...

1220 (Saturday) Weight 153.1. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 11617. Total Burn 2260. Exercise Burn 558. Calories in 2400. No 8:00 in the morning game today, which was nice. Baked the cinnamon rolls up for breakfast, then headed to the game at 10:00. They lost. Back at home, we headed out to bowling, as it was the birthday boy's request. For such last minute lack of planning, we were lucky to get our lanes and have the turnout we did (out entire family, Maga, Aunt Ana and her boys, the boy next door and #2's girlfriend). It was fun. We had pizza (well I didn't have pizza) and then the kids played in the arcade. #3 had a game at 2:00, they lost as well. They only had five players and I could tell poor #3 was just exhausted! He looked like he was about to keel over, but he'd pick it up when it mattered. Our boys almost tied it up there at the end but I was thinking "No, just let it be over! No overtime!" We played games in the afternoon, and then more with Grandma and Grandpa came over for cake and ice cream. Hope the birthday boy had a good day. I didn't get in any "exercise" today.

1221 (Sunday) Weight 152.3. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 4609. Total Burn 1914. Exercise Burn 211. Calories in 2300. I still woke rather early, even though I could have slept in! Made Sunday Circles then off to church. The primary sang in Sacrament Meeting and I played piano for it and for primary. #4 seemed in a jovial mood, although he had a headache toward the end which made him despondent. Gave him some Motrin when we got back home. We then went out to Maga's house for the annual Blackham pre-Christmas party. We had soup and rolls and plenty of dessert (I'd brought brownies, lemon jello cake and cinnamon rolls, and Maga had a pineapple dessert). We played the candy bar game (I won $10, #2 got $20) and Bingo. I like having Maga closer!

1222 (Monday) Weight 153.3. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21670. Total Burn 2836. Exercise Burn 940/1133 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 1800. With the kids out of school ... no early morning, no carpools. Hubby was still up and off early though. I went to Zumba and it was great. There was a high school girl's basketball team finishing practice in the gym, and they stayed and joined in. It added some energy, and there was already a decent sized crowd. I did my numbers, as Nina was the only official instructor there. Got great numbers on my devices, over 500 on both. Stopped at Kmart on the way home and grabbed a few additional things using up my Fitstudio points. Also stopped at Big5 and Smiths. #3 wanted a haircut, so I took him and ended up cutting off about six inches of my own! It's been a little unruly and not staying curled. We stopped at the library after and grabbed some DVDS of "Brain Games" which have interested the kids lately. Nice and educational too. #2 ended up going out to see the lights downtown with his girlfriend. Hubs hit the hay early (still adapting to the exercise exhaustion) and pretty much everyone was down by 9:00 (sans #2, who was out until past midnight).

1223 (Tuesday) Weight 152.1. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 19835. Total Burn 2726. Exercise Burn 910/1030 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2300. I made it to Zumba on time, but sometimes I think it is easier with the school schedule to keep me on track. Another good class, and we had quite a few people. I meant to take in a GC to the teacher but I forgot. I knew I should have prepped it ahead of time! I did prep chicken for soup, and made Chex mix for the party tomorrow. Hmmmm, what else happened? Writing in retrospect and nothing much is standing out! I need to stay more current!

1224 (Wednesday) Weight 152.7. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 15680. Total Burn 2499. Exercise Burn 600/800 (Zumba). Calories in 2600. I had told myself if I could get up and started on my stuff (roll dough, soup, etc.) that I'd hit Zumba. I did get the roll dough done, so I went. It wasn't very crowded, but I was glad I got a workout in. Back home to get the dough into breadsticks, make the soup and create the annual family slideshow. I thought I was doing really well, pretty much perfectly timed to get out the door and to my folks at 5:00 ... except that it started at 4:00. Not sure how I got that wrong! Dang it! They had already started eating, not sure how hungry people were anymore for my soup, breadsticks and brazillian cheese rolls (good for the gluten-free crowd, and everyone seems to like them anyway!)  Played the candy bar game, watched the slideshow, exchanged gifts. #4 gave out first, no surprise. Back home and the kids headed to bed while Hubs and I prepped santa stuff. Good night! Very tired.

1225 (Thursday) Weight 154.6. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 1945. Total Burn 1670. No Exercise. Calories in 2500. The kids didn't wake us up too early. We came out and celebrated our Christmas morning then headed over to Maga's house. There was snow, I'm so glad she lives closer now. #3 was in a bit of a funk over not getting stuff he wanted. I overindulged on some yummy eclairs. My little niece got a new pedometer (Misfit) so she was trying to get steps. We stayed there for a while then headed home. Hubs and I watched a movie. My body isn't used to so little movement and I was a bit stir crazy. I did consider going down to exercise some ... but I didn't.

1226 (Friday) Weight 154.6. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 18679. Total Burn 2486. Exercise Burn 500/776 (40minElliptical, BB5000). Calories in 3000. #3 had been invited to play with the "A" team for a holiday tournament ... rather like #2 sitting the bench for JV. It's cool to be asked but you don't know if you'll really get much (if any) playing time. He had a game at 9:00 (or I would have hit Zumba) at Soccer City. Basketball at Soccer City! That is where I had played my couple pick-up games ... and there were no basketball courts when I was there, so I was curious as to how it would be set up. It was a roll out floor, with portable baskets and netting. Four courts ...so it was hard to tell which whistle went with which game. #3 didn't get much playing time, just a couple minutes. The team won. I did have a little room to walk around and I got 5000 steps, but it was pure concrete. I'd have worn different shoes if I'd known. #3 and I stopped at Kmart on the way home, grabbing some shoe polish (his Sunday shoes are scuffed) and then grabbed some Christmas clearance (candy and cologne). I picked #2 up from playing basketball, then dropped him off at his girlfriend's house a little later. Hubs went out and picked up his brother from the airport, a holiday surprise for their mom. Then we all went out to dinner downtown. It was nice, the family is so funny reminiscing about days past. Such a spendy place though, I have a hard time enjoying expensive stuff! I did manage to overeat on calories by quite a bit of course!

1227 (Saturday) Weight 154.4. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 10445. Total Burn 2248. Exercise Burn 400/539 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2900. #2 had basketball practice at 8:00. I arranged for #3 to get a ride to his two games today (I didn't want to drive the distance and wait the two hours between games, he didn't even play in the second game at all anyway). I did drop him off for his carpool and went to the high school to grab #2, as his practice was supposed to end at 10:00. I gave up and went home at 10:30 and he called for pickup at 11:30. I ended up taking him out to hang with friends later too. #1 was working, and the hubs spent much of the day with his family/brother. That allowed #2 to have a late night, but I still got to bed early. I don't even remember hubs coming in (usually I'm a really light sleeper). High calories, trying to clear out all the chocolates and goodies before the new year ...

1228 (Sunday) Weight 154.3. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 3252. Total Burn 1829. Exercise Burn 121 (no exercise). Calories in 2800. Hubs had suggested we invite the family over for breakfast, which we did. The boys wanted to see Uncle Kolby while he was in town. Hubs made up some waffle mix from scratch, the way his dad used to. It was a fun morning. The family left for a bit, then we all got together again in the evening at Maga's house for brisket and pulled pork. Hubs made his mashed taters, I made Brazillian cheese rolls, and there were yummy regular rolls there too. Fun to be with family. There was snow, and #3 took a hard fall on the way into the house.  Much playing with the Kendama, the latest craze.

1229 (Monday) Weight 153.7. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 22766. Total Burn 2941. Exercise Burn 1120/1236 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2650. #2 had 6:00am practice. Hubs was heading into work, so he took him so I got to stay in bed, until 8:00 anyway, when I had to pick up from practice. The roads were bad, but I braved them to hit Zumba in Draper. A little smaller class than usual (weather/holidays) and my HRM was misbehaving. Time to change batteries I think. Stopped at Kmart on the way home and grabbed a neck massager that was marked down to $5 (#4 had wanted one and I had $5 in credit to spend). Back at home I did laundry, paid the remaining bills, caught up on some family blog posts ... and got in an entire hour on the elliptical. It's been a while since I've done that. I did take #2 out to a friend's, but #1 was willing to pick him up in the evening. I didn't want to make that trek out again. Hubs crashed pretty much as soon as he got home (around 7:00). The return to exercise is really taking it out of him! I went to bed around 9:00.

1230 (Tuesday) Weight 152.9. Decent Day. Fitbit Steps 15939. Total Burn 2575. Exercise Burn 800/875 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2500. #2 had 6:00 in the morning practice again, and I was on duty today. I climbed back in bed when I returned home. My usual Zumba was out of town, so I hit one I'd attended during the summer sometimes. My HRM was really misbehaving, but my Fitbit stats were decent. I did have to go back and grab #2 a little later. Got in a couple elliptical sessions. I made cookie press snowflakes, and then hubs and I went to a family party (his dad's side of the family, who we don't see that often). They had a catered dinner (I didn't like anything, so no extra calories there at least ... although of course I like dessert). We played "Heads Up" and it was pretty loud with laughter. Finished up by showing some photos Hubs had gathered (he's into family history recently).

1231 (Wednesday) Weight 154.4. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21173. Total Burn 2842. Exercise Burn 1050/1133 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2200. Another early morning practice for #2. #3 went along to watch, as the sophomores were scrimmaging the 9th graders. I picked them up later, then headed to Zumba. Not quite as good of stats as I usually get at MZL. Home again to prep for tonight, not a big party, but we have the grandparents over for games. #1 picked up some pizza's after work (he said Papa Murphy's was crazy busy). I cleaned up the house and did get a couple sessions in on the elliptical. I had 10 minutes left (on my show and my hour) I had forgotten about. I hurried down and did it right before our company came. My folks were watching my brother's boys, so we had two additional kids playing games. We played a LOT of games. Scattergories, Apples to Apples, Rummikub, Progressive Rummy and Heads Up. I had the new "Top That" and Hyper Slide out too. It was a fun evening. I was tired though (after my early morning) and Hubs wasn't feeling well and stayed in the bedroom most of the night.  He was awake when I peeked in for a midnight kiss (trying to grab my 30-day Fitbit graph but I was too late). #2 of course spent the evening with friends.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...