WWI #95 - Up Again

Struggling with the weekly weigh-ins lately. Up again. And there it is ... the tip into the 160s. Twice. I was really hoping NEVER to do that again. I am keeping quite active, what would happen if I wasn't getting in my oodles of exercise? I know it's the eating, I just can't seem to get a handle on it. I just crave, and cave to those cravings.  Here's a quick look back at the week ...

• Friday: Got in my usual exercise, 40minElliptical and Zumba. Quite a bit of chauffeur duty with the kids today, I felt like I was in the car a lot. Too many treats, ice cream indulgence. TOM too.
• Saturday: Pouring rain in the morning. I hit a free class at a local rec center, it was packed. A bit of a down day, got some house cleaning in, but it never seems to be enough. Got in my elliptical also, but ate a lot as well. I'd had some sea-salt caramels I'd been hanging onto till mother's day, and it was close enough, so I indulged today. High calories.
• Sunday: Mother's Day. The kids insisted I stay in bed for breakfast of waffles, bacon and hashbrowns. Got a record player! Had to hit church for a bit, then Hubs prepped a BBQ for extended family. We also got to talk to our missionary in Mexico. I didn't feel like I totally overate, but I was painfully full! High calories.
• Monday: Back to the routine! Actually had a good day. Kept calories in check, and got in a little additional exercise (Zumba, 60minElliptical and 30min on the bike). 
• Tuesday: Rather unproductive day, not sure why. Got in my 40minElliptical and Zumba, but nothing else. Went to watch #2 play in his basketball game at 6:00, and had to attend a parent meeting at 8:00 which triggered a bit of an emotional avalanche. Just worried about stuff ...
• Wednesday: Still down and dragging. Did go to Zumba, although I really didn't feel like it. Only got in 20minutes of elliptical. Checked the kids out of school early and went to the airport to see my SIL arrive home from her mission (been gone 18 months) and then spent the rest of the day with family. The kids still managed to get a ton of steps running around all day! Cookies and cakes and such out ... I didn't resist. I mowed the lawn when we got back.
• Thursday: Bit of a better day. Zumba in the morning, 50 minutes of elliptical during the day. Went to #2's basketball game in the evening, then hit half of Zumba anyway. Felt a bit more productive, but still ate too much. 

 Mother's Day Breakfast in Bed

Airport Welcome Wagon

NUMBERS: Up 1.3 from last week. Average came in at 158.70, which is 1.79 higher than last week. Not good. Average intake not good ... 2514. The calories just add up so quickly with bad food choices. Average daily burn was down a bit at 2737. Mostly just Zumba and elliptical. I got in the one bike session for the week, but no treadmill or weights. Crunching all the numbers, I didn't have a deficit, but was over by 1205 calories, in vs out, for the week. 

TOM was an annoyance this past week. I had Fitbit troubles over the weekend (but got my new ONE on Monday) ... glad to have that worked out, it affected my motivation! The constant overcast skies and rain made for some dreary days. There is some stressful stuff hanging over my head (minor compared to what so many are dealing with, yet still impacting my emotions). Basketball is wrapping up this week (for a few weeks anyway, until summer stuff starts up). 

Not a whole lot on deck this week ... I should be able to stay on track. Every time I even THINK about trying to improve my eating, I feel such an urge to just dive into a carton of ice cream. I need to try harder ...

A Little H2O

I've been tracking my food on MFP for a while now (I just peeked, and my "streak" is 727 days, so almost two years now). I've been tracking my weight and my workouts for much longer than that (I can probably give you stats for any day in the past eight or so years). But WATER? I've never really tracked that, even though plenty of people/places to (both MFP and Fitbit have water tracking as part of their program). I think I drink enough water.

When I first started going to Zumba a little over a year ago, I'd sometimes take a bottle of water. I'd seldom stop and drink from it though. I don't know if just starting out, I wasn't working hard enough to need a water break, or if I just wasn't used to hydrating during a workout. I felt fine without out.  At some point, I did start taking water to my Zumba classes, and now it would be a definite struggle to get through a class without it! I was just refilling one of the boy's old Gatorade bottles, but I recently switched to a hospital jug (you know, those ones they give you after having a baby or surgery ... I like them!), as I do prefer drinking from the straw to taking off the lid and trying to take a quick drink between songs at Zumba (yes, I've dribbled it down my chin and shirt a few times).

The one disadvantage to my jug, is it isn't quite as spillproof as the bottle with a twist on lid. In the picture above, I was actually showcasing my sad spillage ... much moisture in the car console after my drink tipped. It got in my gum ... my gum had to go. Gross gum.  At least it got me to clean out the car console!

Femme Fit Club is hosting a water challenge for May. And while I still haven't actually gotten to the point where I'm actually tracking my water intake,  I have been keeping my jug filled with ice water wherever I am around the house. I'll drink at my desk, or just when I walk by. I've been enjoying upping my water intake a bit. 

The boys like to take a bottle of water to school, as sometimes they can't get out of class to get a drink when they are thirsty. This is especially important as the weather warms up. So often the kids come in from recess, hot and thirsty, and there just isn't enough time/drinking fountain space, for everyone to get a drink. It's part of the morning routine ... the kids fill their water bottles and stick them in their backpacks. Often, my #5 says he refills his a couple of times at school too! 

Guess who also appreciates this? My houseplants! I'm pretty bad at remembering to water my poor plants! I have to have hardy plants, that can survive my irregular watering habits. Plants that can physically LOOK like they are dying (to remind me visually) yet come back once I water. As the boys have their water bottles around after school, I'll often empty out them out into my various plants. I'm not sure what we'll do during the summer ... I'll just have to remember on my own, without our school day water bottle fill-up. 

During the basketball season, the boys are taken care of my the team manager. He fills up water bottles for everyone, so they have them right ready during the games. Spring season is a little more off the books, no team manager. The boys are on their own ... and my boy NEVER remembers water! I haven't been that good at remembering for him either. I can see, when he has water, he drinks it! Occasionally if he's on the bench long enough and a drinking fountain is close enough, he can sneak in a drink ... but honestly, he's not often on the bench, and sometimes a drinking fountain isn't close by. I really appreciate that team manager during the season taking care of my son and the other players!

We have a drinking fountain in our house. It's one of those commercial ones. It was just one of those things we thought would be a fun and unique addition when we built. A drinking fountain! When the kids or their friends need a drink ... sure, we have a place for that.  Guess who LOVES the drinking fountain now? Kitty!

Almost every time we walk past the drinking fountain, Kitty will jump up on it expectantly. Usually, we will indulge him. We'll push until there is a small trickle, which he watches with fascination as it enters the drainage area. Sometimes we'll push a little harder, a full stream, into which he'll push his paw ... yes, we usually get splashed a bit too, and someone has damp paws for a bit.

 Once upon a time, we paid for a nice filtered water service. We had the big jug, the cooler. When the kids were young, it was pretty much a play thing for the kids and their friends though, and it was a little pricey (and damp) for that, so we gave it up. I do often keep some bottled water in the fridge, if there is a preference for WATER ... my guys like Dasani. I get after them if they just grab one and drink it in the house. I mean for it to be used on the go. Also in the fridge, I keep a big water dispenser filled with cold water, which is what I want everyone to use at home (unless they are drinking from the drinking fountain, that is good too, no glasses left out afterward). We do have one faucet with a filtration system ... I'm generally too lazy to sit and wait for it to fill, and if it's up to me, I'll generally just use tap water. I'm not picky. It's water. As long as it's cold, I'm good. 

My oldest son is currently in Mexico ... there, it's "don't drink the water".  Bottled stuff only!

We are a water drinking family (Liquid Calories). I do keep some soda in the fridge. Diet Coke for the hubs (I've never had it myself), rootbeer for the munchkins, an occasional Fresca for me, although I have a hard time with carbonation (gives me the hiccups). We have to refill our water jug a LOT. It's a huge pet peeve of mine when one of the kids just drains it dry and leaves it like that. FILL IT BACK UP! I like to put ice in it, so it's nice and cold. 

Yes ... we've had the occasional issue where it drips or drains... then I get to clean out the egg holder and some of the shelves. Once, when #4 had just refilled it, the entire side cracked, spraying water everywhere! That traumatized #4 for a while, he didn't refill the replacement for quite some time. 

We had such a mild winter here ... there are water worries for the summer. Will there be restrictions on watering lawns, playing in the sprinklers? Will the reservoirs have enough water for the wave runners? We are so lucky in today's day and age ... we need to remember how lucky we are to have water right at our finger tips!.

A bit of a ramble today ... Thinking Out Loud this Thursday ... about water!

WWI #94 - A Weird Week

This was an off week. Hubs was out of town, my Aria didn't register my weight one day, I just didn't get as much exercise in, and then ... my Fitbit died. Here's a day by day rundown -

• Friday: Hubs didn't go into work, but prepped for his weekend bike trip. I had the usual car trips getting the kids to school, then hit Zumba. Early out at the elementary, rush to the store to get a basketball that #5 NEEDED. NOW. Dropped Hubs off at the freeway, meeting a friend, and he was off. #3 ended up never coming home from school, sleeping over with friends (his first sleepover). Two basketball games for #2. Without Hubs home, I stayed up quite late working on the computer (blogging, making basketball videos, etc.)
• Saturday: I hadn't planned on Zumba in the morning ... I thought I'd sleep in after getting to bed so late and not sleeping well. But 7:00 ... awake. So I went to Zumba. #5 had a game at noon (an awesome game!) and #2 had a couple games later in the day. In between, I took #3 in for a haircut that he NEEDED. NOW. I sure have some impatient kids sometimes! 40min elliptical during the day. Another late night for me. 
• Sunday: Pretty usual, family breakfast, church ... stormy weather had #4 on edge, especially as we had to leave the house (his safe zone) to go to a family party at my folks. The weather did clear up though, and it was nice to have the extended family together. 
• Monday: Just NOT sleeping well. I am usually fine sleeping without Hubs around, not sure what is up (besides me!) this go-round. Zumba in the morning, stopped and bought flowers on the way home. The afternoon was spent mowing the lawn and getting the flowers planted. Got sprinkled on a bit, and #4 had to retreat to his "safe spot" when there was thunder. Not a good weather forecast this week! Hubs called for pickup. Good to have him home safe. With him home, I was ready for bed at 9:30! I did get in 40min elliptical today too.
• Tuesday: Usually Tuesdays are great days for me. I get a lot done. Started the day with Zumba, got in some elliptical (40min), but spent quite a bit of time on the computer. A lot of basketball video footage to go through, blog posts to update ... more than the usual amount of sitting.Stormy weather. Window well watch and expecting a call from the school from #4 (but he survived).  #2 had a basketball game in the evening. Then we went out to my MIL's ... ate too much, but it was yummy!
• Wednesday: Fitbit was giving me some issues ... made me late for Zumba. Just 40min elliptical in addition. #5 had scouts after school, and then basketball practice in the evening. More storms. Actually kept calories in check ...
• Thursday: Fun Zumba morning, with an old instructor I hadn't seen in a while coming back. Did a little grocery shopping after. 40min elliptical. #2 had a basketball game, so I didn't get my evening Zumba in like I usually do. I did stop for Little Ceasar's crazy bread like I usually do. Ate too much. Fitbit giving me fits! Won't sync, won't hold a charge! Grrrrrr.

NUMBERS: Weight is up 1.7 ... high was Monday morning as usual, with a drop by Tuesday as usual, but then it just didn't change much after that, even after my low calorie day on Wednesday (often that does cause a small shift in the scale). Average was up (.15) just a smidgen (156.91). Average in was 2429. Average burn was 2720 ... that's lower than it's been in a while, but I didn't get as much activity as I usually do. I've been back at an hour of elliptical lately, but only 40 minutes most days this week. No bike. No treadmill. No weights.   Didn't have a deficit, was over by 1520.

 Picture Hubs took Thursday night.

... and MY post to Instagram on Tuesday.
Featuring the view from my bedroom window
(as I sit at my computer)

Taking up window well watch duty, and wondering if Cooper is going to call ... #weatherphobia #itsrainingitspouring

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on May 5, 2015 at 12:01pm PDT

Between hubs being gone, the stress of the storms (with my little weather-phob), all the basketball and all the resulting video to go through (making highlight reels ... it's what I do), the Fitbit frustrations ... just an off feeling week!

I have talked to Fitbit customer service. I believe they are sending out a replacement. Until then, I suggested to the 9-year old that I pull out the Zip we have around for him to have, and I use his One. Just temporarily. He said no. He was quite emphatic about it. Luckily, Hubs volunteered up his One, so he has the Zip, and I have his One until I get things settled. I'm pretty much expert at setting up Fitbits at this point!

Late link-up with Weigh-In Wednesday ('cause my official day is Friday)

Thrifty Thursday - Fitness Rewards

I've posted several times about the many fitness rewards programs out there. As I continue on with the programs, I still want to share some of the great deals Ive been getting! You can get them too.

A while ago, I got an email from Acheivemint. This was just a general email to all the members asking if I'd like to participate in a little extra earning program. I went ahead and said yes (on my account only, I didn't bother with the Hubs or the boy's accounts). As a participation prize, I received an Amazon giftcard for a little over $4. The purpose was to purchase a sport wristband, but I supposed the credit could have been used on anything. I did go ahead and get the wristband, as I thought my dad might like it (he wears his Fitbit One in the sleep wristband all day long). My parents (also being signed up for Acheivemint) had also replied to the email, received the credit and ordered the wristband. So now Dad has two ... (of course last time I saw him he still just had the sleep band on! Silly Daddy!) Achievemint also offered some extra points for sending in fitness selfies ... I did it a couple times. Not sure if they were going to actually use them for anything, but I got 200 points for each (limit of one per day for a short period of time).

Generally, I don't think too much about Achievemint. I'm just slowly but steadily earning  points, getting to my next $50 payout (I've already earned a couple!).  I did hear back from my sister that at this point, Achievemint is only accepting applications for the waiting list. But go ahead and apply NOW! This is a great program!

Fitstudio is the fitness reward program associated with Kmart/Sears. Can I express how much I ♥ this program? *** UPDATE: This program has now been discontinued (Farewell Fitstudio). I mean what's not to love, free store credit! I have my account, Hubs has an account, the older boys have an account and my parents do too (they don't get to the store, so my mom tells me to go ahead and use their points ... and I do! Gifts from Grandma!) Seriously, sometimes I feel guilty I've gotten such great deals (walking away with free stuff is a pretty good deal!)

The other day, my son needed (NEEDED) a pink (PINK?) tie. Because said son had $6 credit earned in his Fitstudio account, I figured we could put that toward a tie. Sears is close by, but unfortunately ties are still around $30. Ouch. Except there was a pink tie on clearance. How much? $3. I bought two ties (as I have multiple sons!) What a deal! My younger son NEEDED (the emphasis comes from the kids, not me!) a new  basketball. With our Fitstudio points, and $5 in surprise points off a sporting goods purchase ... free basketball. The boys have picked up more shoes and clothes than I would normally buy them, because I'm not really spending much money.  I  have to laugh a little, as the cashier who checked me out regularly went out and bought a Fitbit and signed up for this program after seeing me in the store each week! Thank you FitStudio!

Now FitStudio does require some pretty active followup. I need to check and see how many points I have, when they expire (and they do expire quickly, use them or lose them), if I have any surprise points ... but the small effort is certainly worth the return!

Walgreens has a Balance Rewards program you can sync up to and forget about ... until it's time to redeem those rewards (My Walgreens Reward Redemption).

PACT is another program that I just do, and don't think about much. I've committed to five workouts and five food logs per week. It's pretty much a no brainer, I always get my exercise in Mon-Fri (often on Sat and Sun too, but I'm not committing just in case). I always record my food (but just give myself that leeway in case). I redeemed my rewards at the end of 2014, so my current earnings total is this year so far.

I've never had to pay out anything to Pact ... but with my dang Fitbit giving me issues yesterday/today, it actually does have me a little stressed. I've worked out today, that little bubble should be filled in! But my Fitbit isn't syncing, so while my device shows my steps, the actual online Fitbit record (which Pact connects to for authorization) does not. I do have a ticket into Fitbit customer service, I'd rather not have to deal with Pact customer service (I did my workout, I really did! It's Fitbit's fault!), so we'll see what happens. I may need to take a little PACT break until a get this resolved.

So there's just a little peek at the programs I've been using lately that have been making feel a bit thrifty! Check them out ... and check back for more Thrifty Thursdays!

Fitbit Friends

Back when I first got my Fitbit (about five years ago), I didn't know anyone else who had one. Through the Fitbit Community and such, I friended some people, and received friend requests. I have quite a few friends on Fitbit now. I have to admit ... I only know a very small portion of them. Some I have exchanged a text or two with,  others, I might follow on Facebook or on their blog. But I probably only have 20 or so that I actually know in real life. 

 Jane's son is on my boy's basketball team, and Terrilynne is my neighbor!

Love it when I see people I really know appear in my featured Fitbit friends!

Most everyone I KNOW, always comments about how I am #1 on their Fitbit friend list ... but you can see, looking at the image up top, that I am NOT #1 on MY friend list. And I don't think I ever will be! The top two on mine? They are consistently above 200,000 (a seven day day step total). I just can't compete with that, active as I am. I'm generally in 3rd, 4th or 5th place, although I do drop lower sometimes too.  You can see, looking at the three different "friend" lists featured up top, that many stay the same, yet other friends make appearances and shuffle up the list at times too. 

In the center list ... Scrapjen? That is me too! Wearing my ChargeHR. While it does seem to have a lower step count than my One, I think the discrepancy is more from my bike rides (I move the One to my sock, so it still picks up steps, but the ChargeHR on my wrist doesn't pick up any), and the fact that I don't wear it all the time (I take the Charge off at night, and often leave it off on Sundays, as I'm not anticipating much exercise and it usually doesn't go with my outfit). 

On the third list ... I love it when my family breaks into my featured friends! GrayBlack is Hubs! ColtBolt is #5 (my nine-year old ... active little kid, he never "exercises" he just plays!) Speaking of Fitbit Family ... they generally haven't added a lot of friends, so their lists are all just us (and a friend or two).

I've mentioned my oldest just left for a Mexico Mission. I sent him with a pedometer (unfortunately not a Fitbit, as due to religious restrictions he can't have his iphone or wifi access). But each week as he writes, he includes his steps as Mommy requested.

I then take them and manually enter them into Fitbit. It's fun to see where he falls compared to the rest of us. This past week, his 7-day total of 117.812 was his high to date. Ironically, he'd almost always claimed the #2 spot in all the previous weeks. This past week though, the family at home has been extra active. Hubs spent the weekend biking (he hasn't even made it onto Landon's List in past weeks, not even in the top seven). My basketball boy Callahan had multiple games this weekend, which pushed him up the list.  Even #4 (the 11-year old, SuperCooper) was extra active.

I do love seeing the Fitbit Family list! I wish Fitbit was a little more user friendly in their friends list. I wish I could make different "lists" that I had control over. Oh well ...

I must admit, at this point ... I don't accept every friend request sent my way. Not that I've been the victim of any stalking or inappropriateness, but sometimes when I get a random request from an unknown guy, and I can see all his friends are women. I'll pass. I'm a bit picky too ... something as simple as not having a profile picture. I don't care, it doesn't have to be an actual picture of the person, but I hate the generic silhouette.  And ... if I get a request and I can see this person has a really high step average... is it bad that I don't know if I want to add another unknown person that is just going to push me lower on my list? I know some people probably don't want to be friends with me, if it means I'll take up their top spot. I understand *Ü*

Linking up with Workout Wednesday ... 

I really need to take a few more steps to hit my 22K step goal for today!

Best get off the computer ...

 

Recent Reads ... First in a Series

I've been getting a LOT of reading in recently! Most of it while on the stationary bike. Last week, I did 30minutes of reading/riding on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (in addition to my elliptical and Zumba).  I haven't been back on the bike since. I miss my reading/riding, I've just been filling my time with other stuff I guess.

As I read my books, I try to make sure I update my Goodreads account with a quick rating and review. This is more for me then for anyone else, but hopefully it might help others too. I know I appreciate all the ratings and reviews out there! I don't always get to my review immediate upon finishing my book, but I've tried to make it a habit to review any books I've finished during the week over the weekend. I've done well lately, and I've been reading so much, I was often reviewing 2-3 books a week!

I just looked back and several of my recent reads and realized many were all the first book in a series. Another common feature, I enjoyed them all (a nice change after the "blah books" from my last Recent Reads post). I plan on reading the next book in all my recent reads!  I thought I'd feature five of them here for my monthly book report. 

• Son of War. Daughter of Chaos: I picked this up for my April Kindle Prime borrowed book. While I want to continue on with the series, book 2 isn't written yet ...
• Mila 2.0: I quite liked this story, and the sequel was available immediately from the library ... but I did decide to deviate and pick up another book and come back to this one. I will in the very near future, but a couple of the other book sequels do have dibs.
• Bloodlines: I read the entire Vampire Academy series a couple years ago and really enjoyed them. This spin-off series was available back then (at least the first couple books) but I decided to wait. I've now started up again (and am currently reading book 2).
• Marked: This is available as a FREE Kindle download. Many authors (especially independent ones) will do this to introduce readers to a series and get them hooked. This one did that for me! Luckily I don't have to buy (I'm SO cheap!) as the sequels are available in the Kindle Lending Library. I'll grab book 2 as my borrowed book for May. **Parental perspective, this is an adult book (sexual content and language).
• Grasping at Eternity: I paid $.99 for this book, but I see as I'm writing this that it is also available as a free Kindle download (probably temporary though, grab it while you can). I quite liked it ... and its sequels are not available in the lending library, or my local library, so I may have to actually shell out some money to read them (they aren't very expensive at least, about $3 each). 

Back when I was reading growing up, there were several series out there. The Dragonriders of Pern, Anne of Green Gables, All Creatures Great and Small ... these were some of my favorites. I actually LOVED finding a series,  because then I KNEW what I'd be reading next. Now though ... it seems like there are so few stand alone books! Everything is a series. Sometimes I'm not sure I want to commit myself to reading several books back to back ... but waiting and reading others in-between often ends up with me forgetting storylines and characters.

With the exception of the first book I listed, I do believe the other series are complete (with three or more books to the series). I do want to read them, maybe in a future blog post I'll revisit and write about how it goes ... :)

You can check out my GoodReads account for full reviews/ratings of these five books.

Biking, Basketball and a Box of Childhood

This past weekend just flew by. Busy with basketball. 

Watching. Videotaping. Cheering. That's what I was doing. 

Hubs was gone, busy with biking (a weekend camp/bike trip). 

He just barely got home (left on Friday).

My 16-year old had EIGHT games this week. In addition to the time spent going and watching him play, the basketball continues when I get home. I man the video camera during his games, and so I need to go through the clips, discarding those where nothing memorable happened. I then take the remaining highlights and make a Muvee ... again going through the clips to highlight the important parts, adding a title/credits, and music. It can take a lot of time where I am just sitting at the computer. I was pretty happy when #2 and one of his friends did the first "going through the clips" portion. Saved me several hours, and I was able to get straight to the muvee making. I also updated the Basketball Blog, where I showcase the YouTube links (and I've been getting into Instagram and Twitter more too, as that's what the teenagers are using most these days.)

Here's #2 in action ...

... Wednesday's game against Riverton is up on YouTube. Here's a Cal clip...

A video posted by BlackhamBall (@blackhamball) on May 2, 2015 at 8:28pm PDT

Saturday, I also went to watch my nine year old play. I often jog the track during his games, if one of my other boys will come man the video camera. As they weren't willing, I was the videographer this week. I was glad I was, because the munchkin had an AMAZING game! Normally I only get one or two usable clips from these games, but on Saturday I had enough to make a muvee of just that game!

Between all the basketball ... I DID hit Zumba on Saturday. With Hubs gone, I stayed up late on Friday night. I really thought I'd sleep in ... but I was awake around 7:00, so off to Zumba I went. On Sunday, the boys and I went to my folks for a monthly celebration (all the current birthdays), and my brother brought "a box of childhood" in the form of records that he had somehow ended up with. I'm not sure why, because some of these records were MINE. 

I've been searching online for any updated digital editions of the "Animals" and had never had any luck. I had located "Music Machine" but not the Chip and Dale "Little Red Caboose" ... that one definitely did belong to my brother. He's apparently not as sentimental about it as I am though, as I ended up coming home with the box of records. Now ... I need a record player!

That was my weekend, it was marvelous. Weight actually stayed about this same Sat/Sun, but did bop up this morning, as it is wont to do. 158.9 for Monday morning ... back to the schedule, return to the routine!

April 2015 Zumba Stats

 Ah April ... lots of Zumba this month!
31 different classes!

Although I'm a little loath to stop dancing long enough to take a picture, I have been quickly grabbing  shots in some of my various classes. I need some illustrations for my blog post, right? And I'm an unofficial Zumba ambassador, trying to spread the word about these free Zumba classes (Free Zumba in Utah), so I'm also sharing them there. Above ... Dancing with Debbie in Daybreak!

** click on image to enlarge **

I'm a gadget girl. I have my Fitbit One, which counts steps(speed and impact) to calculate a calorie burn. Then I have a PolarFT4, which uses heart rate. It can be a little unreliable ... and uncomfortable (with it's chest strap), so when Fitbit came out with the ChargeHR, I picked it up too. I wear all three, and compare the different stats. My goals for class are a calorie burn of 400 or more, at least 6000 steps (but 7000 is really what I'm reaching for), and upping the average heart rate. At least in the 120s is the goal ... In the graph above, when two numbers are listed, they are the readings from the Polar/Charge respectively. If only one number is listed in the HRM columns ... it's the ChargeHR (my Polar must have been misbehaving!)

I hit a couple new classes, Nicole (I'd been before, but it was a long time ago) and then a class at USSD (a local karate studio)  ... I also threw in a jogging (track) workout, just to compare the numbers to a Zumba workout.  31 total Zumba classes for the month.

Looking back on the stats, the "winners" for the month are ...

• Highest Heart Rate ... goes to Southziders on Monday, April 20, with an average HR from the Polar at 149, and 138 from the Charge. Both had calorie estimates over 500 for the class. Charge HR snag shown above. 18 minutes in peak (often I don't have any). What was different about that day. Actually ... I lead SEVEN songs as Nina was out with a sick child. Being up on the stage does make a difference I guess!
• Highest Calorie Estimate Average: I take the three calorie estimates, then take the average. The day after my Heart Rate High, I went to support Marian as she subbed in Debbie's Daybreak class. I did help lead a few songs, and was "up front" even when I wasn't leading. This lead to an calorie burn average of 518! (The second class on April 21, in the evening). 
• Highest Steps: The highest steps award for April goes to MZL, on Wednesday April 29, with 7887 steps. Class did go a little over (68 minutes) so that does affect it. But MZL also always has their songs back to back, no waiting at all in between ... so that often helps them win the high step award :)

Here's a few snapshots from the past 30 days ...

 Marian's Tuesday Class on Leslie Dr.

 Marian/Mountain View Zumba ... 9000 S and 2900 W

 SouthZiders in Draper ... 12100 S 700 W

 Debbie in Daybreak

Heather Jones in Sandy

 MZL in West Jordan ... on this day, a youth group was gathered at the church for a different activity, but seeing Zumba going on, they joined in for a few minutes, even though they were dressed in their Sunday best. It was so fun to see them participate!

Check back to see who the "winners" are for May, 

and if I can top the highs from April!

April 2015

Ah April ... it was a pretty good month for exercise, but you can't out cardio your calories. Still struggling with the food (I think I always indulge in Easter eats!) and thus, not so good for the numbers on the scale.  Having some Fitbit troubles too. I couldn't log onto my profile page to get my 30-day graph. I had to make my own! I am enjoying the ChargeHR (did a review) though, and of course, still enjoying Zumba. Lots of Zumba in this month (April Zumba Stats) and got a new high on my heart rate! Basketball is back keeping us busy, lots of games (including the family going to a Jazz game) ... and the teenage boys invaded MY gym.  NUMBERS: Average weight for the month was UP ... 157.28. Not good. The high was 159.9, and the low was only 154.9. Hopefully I can improve in May. Maybe?

*** Jen's Journal ***

• 0401 (Wednesday) Weight 155.2. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2782. Exercise Burn 857/1069 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. No April Fools around here. Zumba was fine, my HRM didn't get up too much, but still got good stats/steps on the One. Wednesdays have been wimpy, only getting in 40min elliptical the rest of the day. It was early out at the elementary, now the kids are off for Spring Break. Hubs had a derby in the evening.
• 0402 (Thursday) Weight 156.5. Good Day. Total Burn 3179. Exercise Burn 1529/1458 (60minElliptical, Zumbax2). Calories in 2500. Slept in with the kids not in school and barely made it to Zumba on time. Good class. Stopped at Kmart and grabbed some Easter candy. The kids have been filling eggs, and we needed more stuff. Got in some elliptical during the day. The kids just played around and enjoyed their day off. Hubs had another derby in the evening. I went to Zumba, very small class tonight. 
• 0403 (Friday) Weight 155.5. Ok Day. Total Burn 2799. Exercise Burn 877/1084 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. Another sleep in. I went to MZL Zumba, staying close and early when I don't have middle school late start. #2 brought his girlfriend over and I put them to work filling eggs. We were still a little short (we have a LOT of eggs to fill) so the two little boys and I went to Dollar Tree, they had been wanting to hit the dollar store again anyway. It was a lovely, sunshiney day and the munchkins ended up putting on swimsuits and playing outside in the water.
• 0404 (Saturday) Weight 154.7. Bad Day. Total Burn 2383. Exercise Burn 420/672 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2650. Hubs went and picked up a Fitbit Surge! I actually was thrilled. I guess that is my Easter present to him? He tried it out jogging to my parents for the Easter party. It's about 10 miles, and we caught up to him around mile 6 and he said he was done and hitched a ride with us the rest of the way. It was a fun, family gathering. I was pretty pooped by evening though, and very ready for the kidlets to get to bed so the Easter Bunny could come ... and then go to bed! 
• 0405 (Sunday) Weight 157.2. Bad Day. Total Burn 1756. Exercise Burn 0/31 (no exercise). Calories in 2500. Easter Sunday! The boys are old enough that they aren't clamoring to get to their Easter baskets. Some years I go a little overboard, but it was pretty small this year. 
• 0406 (Monday) Weight 159.1. Good Day. Total Burn 3373. Exercise Burn 1422/1648 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 1mileIncline, 8.3milesBike). Calories in 1850. Kids were still out of school, so some sleeping in. Hit Zumba. Got in additional exercise at home and kept calories in check. We also went ahead and dyed some eggs ... I had neglected to get it done before Easter but the little boys still wanted to do it. Got the rest of the Easter stuff put away. Good day! 
• 0407 (Tuesday) Weight 157.2. Good Day. Total Burn 3175. Exercise Burn 1300/1453 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 1.5milesTreadmill, 40minWeights). Calories in 2500. Back to the routine, kids off to school, early Zumba today. Got in additional cardio and WEIGHTS! Had to get them in early, because teenage boys invaded after school. Dinner was a pot roast and some Brazilian cheese rolls. Started the day out eating good, keeping calories in check, but then caved toward the end of the day. Hubs had a derby, and the kids brought back cheese curds and shake for me to try. 
• 0408 (Wednesday) Weight 156.7. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2825. Exercise Burn 859/1099 (40minElliptical, Zumba) Calories in 2500. I really should be able to get in a little more on Wednesdays ... not sure why I'm so wimpy. Boys in the gym in the afternoon again. Hubs and the older boys had mutual. #5 had scouts in the afternoon, and then basketball practice in the evening. I just dropped him off, then picked him up again, as I didn't want to leave #4 home alone. He has been stressed, as his school class is going downtown tomorrow for "Biz Town" and he now doesn't want to go. Stressful for me too, as I'm not sure what to do. 
• 0409 (Thursday) Weight 157.2. Good Day. Total Burn 3311. Exercise Burn 1378/1588 (40minElliptical, Zumbax2). Calories in 2200. So, I tried to talk #4 into going without forcing him to, but there were tears and I caved and let him stay home. I dropped off #5, then brought #4 to Zumba with me and made him participate the whole time. We stopped at Smiths on the way home and I talked to him some about prices and money (that's what the field trip was) and we filled up with gas. We home schooled for the day, but I still got in some quick 10min sessions on the elliptical here and there. The teenagers came to my gym again in the afternoon. I had my second Zumba in the evening. I left before the Hubs got home, and he wasn't home when I got back either. He had come, taken the two little ones and gone to see cousins. I had stopped and picked up Crazy Bread at Little Caesars for the boys ... but luckily they like it leftover too.
• 0410 (Friday) Weight 156.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 3219. Exercise Burn 1250/1496 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 60minWeights, 8.1milesBike). Calories in 3200. I had one of those days where I weigh in, it's up, I remind myself I need to eat better and then BAM ... I eat bad, bad, bad! Croissant for breakfast, cold cereal for lunch. Ice cream out of the container, kids Easter candy ... I did exercise quite a bit, but still. My usual Friday Zumbas were taking the day off, so I hit the one on Grizzly Way. I dropped #3 off and he walked to school, getting there early, while I was still a few minutes late. Amanda and Charmel joined me there. The teen boys came and hit our gym again. Hubs had taken the day off to go to his mom's, as she was getting a shed put in and he wanted it done right. Hubs ran some additional errands and prepped the garage for the derby workshop tomorrow. I mowed the front lawn and did some gardening, pulling out the old plants and leaves from the flowerbeds.
• 0411 (Saturday) Weight 157.7 Hmmm Total Burn 2981. Exercise Burn 1190/1253 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 4milesTrack). Calories in 3700. Hubs with busy with derby stuff in the morning. I decided to try a local Zumba. I'll probably go back, buy a pass and see how long it lasts me. I don't feel up to Zumba every Saturday. The house was crazy with kids and parents making cars when I got back. I was soon gone again, Colton had a game. This one was quite close, and Colton made a basket to tie it up near the end. He was pretty excited. Keaton got it on video, as I was jogging. I look at the calorie intake today ... how did I do that? I overindulged in ice cream, that's for sure. Hubs made his popcorn, and we ate it and watched the last episode of House of Cards. Had some of the Twix minis I got for Easter too. Calories add up!
• 0412 (Sunday) Weight 159.5. Bad Day. Total Burn 1841. Exercise Burn 0/102 (no exercise). Calories in 3000. We actually went to church on time today. It was hard for me to sit through the whole meeting. I hate sitting. Back at home, we had our Sunday Circles. Hubs had been on duty for making the waffle mix from scratch. Got in a little nap, then we went out to Olive Garden for dinner... so of course I was over calories. 
• 0413 (Monday) Weight 159.9. Hmmm ... Total Burn 3165. Exercise Burn 1300/1426 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 3200. Got the kids off to school and made a quick run to Sam'sClub to grab a few things. I was rushing to make it to Zumba, still putting my hair in a ponytail in my hat, turning on my phone, getting my HRM settled ... all as the warm up was going on. Stopped at Kmart on the way home, grabbed some new joggers for #5, ordered some new shoes from the store kiosk (thus getting free shipping). The sun was out and it was beautiful, so I enjoyed the outdoors for a bit. The weather forecast isn't good for the next couple days. Got in some additional exercise ... knowing the boys are invading after school does make me use my time wisely. In the evening we headed downtown for a Jazz game. My brother had seats in his suite, the boys hadn't ever had that experience before. I don't enjoy the drive downtown, but it was much better than regular seats (even great ones) as I could stand and walk around, and there was a bathroom right there. Pulled pork was served for dinner, and it was good. The dessert bar was decadent! Obviously over calories!
• 0414 (Tuesday) Weight 159.0. Good Day. Total Burn 3305. Exercise Burn 1400/1570 (60minElliptical, Zumbax2, 40minWeights). Calories in 2050. #4 was stressing about school and wanted me to walk him in, but I made him go (I had just babied him last Thursday). I did send an email to the teacher asking about what he's stressing about (his SRI score improvement as a requirement for Free Time Friday). Went to Zumba, but I am struggling to get good numbers the past several classes. The weather then turned horrible! Windy, blowing up dust and turning the sky a strange color. I was almost expecting a call from the school from #4. Hopefully he wasn't too close to a window to be aware of what was going on. I ended up going early to pick the elementary kids up, so I'd be there waiting as soon as they got out (usually I come a little late, letting them play and allowing the traffic to clear out some). #4 really wasn't as stressed out by the weather as I expected ... at home he did retreat to the safety of the basement after a while. The teenagers didn't show up to use the gym today, of course #2 neglected to tell me that, so I had been holding off going and getting anything else done. I wasn't feeling great though. TOM, and really trying to keep calories in check. Hubs and #3 went and did a derby. I ended up hitting the Zumba in Daybreak. It doesn't start until 8:45 which is quite late. I was tired, but it was fun. Hubs was asleep when I got back though. I don't feel like I even saw him today. 
• 0415 (Wednesday) Weight 157.8. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2979. Exercise Burn 1170/1251 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 2700. Woke to snow today. Not really a surprise. It was in the forecast and it was obvious something was blowing in yesterday. #2 isn't used to having to scrape off his truck, in fact we couldn't even locate a scraper! We were trying to clear it off with a snow shovel, rag, and kitchen scraper. #3 had me drive him to school as it was so cold he didn't want to walk from where #2 usually drops him. I didn't blame him either. It does make me miss out on my morning elliptical though. When I took the little boys to school a bit later, it was an absolute blizzard! We could hardly see at all. I still went to Zumba, as it is nice and close, but it was obvious the weather was affecting others, it was a small showing and got started even later than usual. Back at home, I did get my elliptical and bike in, which I don't always do on wimpy Wednesdays. I did pull out the hot chocolate maker and indulged in some chocolate treats. Hubs took #3 to the Apple Store at the mall and tried on the Apple watch. They are both fascinated by it. I can't believe neither one took a picture while they tried it on. They stopped at Cheesecake Factory and bought some slices to bring home, as Hubs had a gift certificate to use up. I took #5 to basketball practice in the evening. It finally stopped snowing. 
• 0416 (Thursday) Weight 157.8. Good Day. Total Burn 3185. Exercise Burn 1404/1457 (50minElliptical, Zumbax2). Calories in 2500. Still snowy and cold, so I drove #3 to school again. #4 was stressing about a test in his school, so I walked him in and we talked to his teacher. It was a rough morning for him, I stayed a little later than I anticipated and missed the warmup at Zumba. It was a good class though, I finally felt like I was out of my funk. One of the other instructors came and brought a few of her followers, so it was a slightly larger group, which is great. Plenty of room there. The sun came out the the snow soon melted away. I still went early to pick up the kidlets from school, wanting to be there when #4 got out (I've done this the past few days, and it adds an extra 20 minutes of sitting, but what are you going to do?) We had a little friend of #5 over for the afternoon. I went to Zumba in the evening. Hubs came home and took the younger two to Macey's and got ice cream cones with friends ... they had let me know they were gone, so I didn't do my usual stop for Crazy Bread at Little Caesars. #4 was actually very disappointed I didn't still pick some up, but I was already over calories for the day. 
• 0417 (Friday) Weight 157.8. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2781. Exercise Burn 805/1053 (40minElliptical, Zumba) Calories in 2400. Little bit of a sleep in on Fridays. #4 was anxious and upset as I dropped him off, I hoped he'd make it through the day. I dropped #3 off at middle school then headed across town to Heather's class. It's been several weeks since I'd been there. I think I finally remember the choreography for one of my favorite numbers (one I have the music for so I can do it at home). I'd picked up a Flex charger as I'd noticed Heather not wearing hers (she said she had misplaced the charger). I had found a cheap replacement ... good to know, as I'd had to buy a $20 replacement back when #1 misplaced ours originally. #3 has been wearing the Flex, which makes me happy. I ordered some additional bands for him, but they haven't come yet. Hubs decided the Surge wasn't exact enough for him, so he returned it. He HAD been using the Flex, but as #3 was wearing it now, I set him up with an extra One we had around. He's even wearing it in the case (he always just wore the small piece in his pocket before). I got in a little elliptical during the day ... I practiced the song from Zumba and think I do have it down. Maybe I'll do it in one of the classes next week. Early out at the elementary ... I ended up dropping #3 at a friend's, and they went to play basketball at Kearn's Rec (by the Olympic Oval). I then took the two little ones in for much needed haircuts. We picked up pizza and crazy bread, then I had to go pick up #3 and his friend. I really prefer dropping off, as it usually goes quicker. I ended up waiting for a while, and the whole trip took almost an hour. 
• 0418 (Saturday) Weight 158.2. Ok Day. Total Burn 2785. Exercise Burn 800/1280 (60minElliptical, 30minBike) Calories in 2300. Didn't have Zumba on the schedule. #5 had his basketball game in the afternoon, but #3 was not coming to video, so I decided not to jog the track so I could man the video camera. I hadn't watched a game this season from the floor. I still did get elliptical in, and bike a little later on. #3 ended up having several friends over (pretty rare for him) and they stayed almost all afternoon. They started a movie, and #4 was distraught as he wanted to watch the NBA playoffs (and the boys were watching on the only TV that actually gets cable). I figured out that we could access the ESPN channel on our Roku, so luckily technology solved the problem today (not until after tears had been shed though). Hubs went out to his mom's house, and I had him pick up some pizza on the way home. I actually didn't do horrible on calories today. Not under 2000, but not too far over. A bit of a down evening ...
• 0419 (Sunday) Weight 158.4. Bad Day. Total Burn 1721. Exercise Burn 0. Calories in 3000. Totally slept in this morning ... like still in bed at 9:00 when church starts sleeping in. Hubs had gone into work. I still had to hit the third hour to play the piano in primary. I made breakfast for the boys and then went. I should have walked, as the weather was absolutely gorgeous, but I was running a little late. After church I took a little nap. Love Sunday naps. Made toasted cheese for dinner and homemade oreos for dessert. We played some Scattergories and hubs and I watched the latest Game of Thrones. 
• 0420 (Monday) Weight 159.5. Good Day. Total Burn 3449. Exercise Burn 1553/1711 (80minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike) Calories in 2550. Back to the routine. Nina wasn't able to make it to Southziders as she had a sick child, so the rest of us had to fill in the time. I ended up doing seven numbers and got my highest HRM stats yet! I stopped at Kmart on the way home, grabbing some cat food and TP with my points. It was a nice sunny day, so I spent a little time outside in it. Got in more elliptical and bike. The teenagers didn't end up coming after school, but I just never know. Made spaghetti for dinner. I had kept calories fairly in check, but then ended up over. 
• 0421 (Tuesday) Weight 157.1. Good Day. Total Burn 3566. Exercise Burn 1800/1842 (60minElliptical, Zumba x2, 30minBike). Calories in 2350. Big day for #5, he had his field trip at school and pinewood derby in the evening. He wanted to make sure he was on time (not that we're ever actually late) but that was good, it got me to my early Zumba on time. After Zumba I got in some elliptical and bike. I should have done weights, but Hubs said the window repair guy was coming, and that throws me off. I feel like I have to stay upstairs and wait. Our front window had broken a bit ago (kids!) and we had two others that were cracked. The window guy had come out to measure and stuff a a bit ago and they were ready to be put in. I am glad to get that front one taken care of! I don't feel like I can go hit the gym when someone is over working in the house, so I worked on the blog a bit (my missionary son's one). #2 had a basketball game at 6:00. It's been a while since I've seen him play. #3 came along to watch too. Hubs and the two little ones went over to the church to set up the pinewood derby. As soon as the basketball game was over, #3 and I headed over. Got there just as they were ready to start. #2 won his game, and #5 won the derby! I then went to Zumba. I might not have after such a busy day, but I had helped arrange for Marian to sub in Debbie's class. I like to go support Marian, and help out. Amanda was there too, so we both were pretty much up front. I got really good stats in that class too. Hubs was asleep when I got back ... it did take me a while to wind down. 
• 0422 (Wednesday) Weight 155.8. Good Day. Total Burn 2920. Exercise Burn 1040/1203 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2000. When I got to Zumba I realized I'd forgotten the watch part of my Polar HRM. Duh! Oh well, at least I do have the ChargeHR to get a heart rate reading. I do like the Polar, as it's display is on and readable (I have to push a couple buttons to see the HR on the Charge). Class was pretty crowded today. Sometimes I'm not quite comfortable without enough personal space. After class I stopped off at Sears and picked up a couple items I had waiting for me there. I was dragging, so I did take a little nap. Kitty came and snuggled. It started to look a little stormy, and #4 called from school just wanting to make sure I was there right when school got out (sometimes I like to come five minutes later so some of the traffic has cleared). I left immediately to make sure I was there, I really didn't think I'd get a spot as I hadn't left as early as I usually do, but I had no trouble getting a spot. #2 and buddies ended up coming over to use the weight room, so I didn't get in any after school exercise. I worked on making a muvee of yesterday's basketball game during that time. Still need to make a derby video too. Then the teenagers went to scrimmage another team, Hubs and #3 went to mutual over at the church, and I took #5 to basketball. I came back home (finished up my 10minutes on my show) and then went back to pick him up. I tried to read a little before bed, but couldn't keep my eyes open! So tired. Did keep calories in check today though. 
• 0423 (Thursday) Weight 156.1. Good Day. Total Burn 3359. Exercise Burn 1473/1640 (60minElliptical, Zumba X2). Calories in 1900. Zumba in the morning. Got in some elliptical at home. #2 had a game (but too far for me to attend), Hubs and #3 had a derby. I invited my mom to attend the evening Zumba with me and she said yes! She and my dad came out, Grandpa stayed and played games with the little boys. Another day keeping calories in check! 
• 0424 (Friday) Weight 155.6. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2612. Exercise Burn 840/896 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2000. Grey's Anatomy was on last night ... I was not able to avoid spoilers, so even though I hadn't seen the episode yet, I was very sad. It seriously affected my morning, getting the kids off, and Zumba. A little hard to get the heart rate up. When I got back home, I did watch the episode while on the elliptical. Yes ... I cried. I've been a Grey's follower for years. I tried to keep calories low, as Hubs and I were joining my folks and my brother and his wife for dinner. It was Chinese, which isn't as bad as some places for me. No rolls to overdose on, no dessert other than a fortune cookie. It was a nice evening out. 
• 0425 (Saturday) Weight 156.5. Bad Day. Total Burn 2325. Exercise Burn 450/604 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2850. Slow step day, only a couple sessions on the elliptical. I had #5's basketball game, but instead of jogging the track, I manned the video camera. In the evening, we went out to the cemetery ... it was the 23rd anniversary of Hub's dad's passing this past Thursday. We did the annual visit to the grave, picture ... then out to eat. Just to Crown Burger, basically fast food. I had fish and chips (fries) and a big shake (my fry sauce) then we stopped at Nelson's Frozen Custard for dessert ... but I was already full from my shake. It was a lot of sitting in the car (the cemetery is on the other side of town) ... I really should have hit the elliptical again when we got back home, but I was feeling lazy!
• 0426 (Sunday) Weight 157.4. Bad Day. Total Burn 2177. Exercise Burn 400/451 (40minElliptical). Calories in 3100. I actually got in a little exercise, but also ate bad. Croissants in the morning, Sunday Circles after lunch ... snacks and popcorn in the evening. Gotta get back at it tomorrow!
• 0427 (Monday) Weight 159.6. Good Day. Total Burn 3004. Exercise Burn 1200/1266 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 2200. Kids off to school and I hit Zumba. At one point, the music just stopped. Usually that means a child has gotten into the chapel and is playing with the speaker buttons, but today, it took some time to get things back up ... my heart rate drops with any break. So not the usual stats today. Back at home I got in elliptical and bike. Love reading and riding! Hubs had planned to help out a friend build a derby car, but they cancelled, so it was a quiet evening at home.
• 0428 (Tuesday) Weight 157.5. Good Day. Total Burn 3694. Exercise Burn 1800/1968 (60minElliptical, Zumba x2, 30minBike, 40minWEIGHTS). Calories in 1700. I kind of had a crazy controlled day today. Oodles of exercise, and kept the calories low. Started with Zumba, and I had time to hit weights, bike and elliptical during the day and after picking up kids from school. Hubs and #3 went to do a derby. #2 had a game at 6:00 over at the high school ... then, even though I was almost at 30k, I went ahead and went to Zumba. My visiting teacher has been trying to get with me, and she finally just came to Zumba with me! I did "Chocolate" in Debbie's class ... and then forgot to pick up my phone after. Debbie looked on the phone and could tell which was a family member (as #2 has input his contact info as "Callahan Your Favorite Son") so that is who she called. She was actually heading out to the airport to pick up her hubs, and I was on the way, so I met her just off Bangerter to get it. So nice of her to do that though! My sweet hubs was out cold when I got back, he does get up so early that it's not surprising.
• 0429 (Wednesday) Weight 155.8. Good Day. Total Burn 3149. Exercise Burn 1300/1432 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 1700. MZL Zumba in the morning, got really goo numbers. Got in elliptical and bike during the day. #2 had two games in the evening, at 6:00 and 8:00 (lost the first, won the second). Hubs and #3 were gone to a derby. Busy day ... but maybe that's why I was able to keep calories in check.
• 0430 (Thursday) Weight 154.9. Good Day. Total Burn 3307. Exercise Burn 1430/1595 (50minElliptical, Zumba x2). Calories in 2400. Zumba in the morning ... Marian had to leave a little early, so I took over and did three high intensity songs in a row (because I've realized high intensity ones are really the only ones I have on my iphone). Silvia came back in and I turned the time over to her. Whew. Sweaty! Stopped at Kmart again, as I had some more points to spend. Got in some elliptical during the day, and then #2 had a game at 4:00. It wasn't on the original schedule, but luckily there were no conflicts for me being able to go watch. They won, but it was a close one! I went to Zumba in the evening, but I was feeling a bit off. Tummy cramps. Pushed through and still got decent numbers though. Had to take a back way to the church because of road construction my usual route. I stopped and grabbed some crazy bread, and Hubs, who'd been off doing a derby, stopped and grabbed some Popeyes. Even if I'm not that hungry, I can't seem to resist Popeye's chicken ... so I ended up over eating.

WWI #93 - Fluctuations and Staying the Same

Generally, Friday is my lowest weigh-in of the week. I do badly over the weekend, and I recommit with the return to routine on Monday, working the weight down over the next few days. This week, Thursday morning was a little lower, and Friday came in exactly where I weighed in at last week. Here's my weekly recap ...

• Friday: Zumba in the morning, and 40minutes of elliptical a little later in the day. I watched Grey's Anatomy ... I am sad. Seriously, I think it impacted my day! I really tried to control calories as we were going out in the evening with my family. 
• Saturday: I had planned on getting in some jogging while watching #5 play basketball, but my videographers (sons #2 or #3) backed out, so I manned the camera during the game instead. Got in 40 min on the elliptical, but a slow step day. Not a low calorie day, as we met up with Hub's side of the family and it included eating out.
• Sunday: I actually got in some exercise ... 40min on the elliptical. But there was also a LOT of laying around, and lots of calories consumed. Bad eating day!
• Monday: Back at it ... Zumba in the morning, not quite the usual stats as there were some technical problems. Got in 60 min of elliptical, and 30min on the bike, reading and riding. Calories were over 2000, but not out of control.
• Tuesday: Zumba in the morning, 60 minutes of elliptical during the day. Also got in weights and bike. #2 had a basketball game at 6:00. Hubs had a derby. I went ahead and hit evening Zumba too, taking one of my neighbors with me. In addition to the oodles of exercise, I actually kept calories in check!
• Wednesday: Zumba in the morning. An hour of elliptical during the day. 30min reading and riding on the stationary bike ... three days in a row, I finished my book. #2 had two basketball games today, at 6:00 and 8:00 (lost the first, won the second). Hubs had a derby. Another day keeping calories in check.
• Thursday: Zumba in the morning. Only 50 minutes of elliptical. #2 had a 4:00 basketball game.  I went to Zumba at 7:00, but was feeling just a tad off, but pushed through. Hubs had a derby, and stopped and picked up Popeyes on the way home. I have a hard time resisting their fried chicken ... and I did eat. A little over on calories.

NUMBERS: Weight fluctuated during the week, hitting a high of 159.6.  No weight change for the official weigh-in, but my average went down slightly. -.8 to 156.76.  I did have a deficit of 1970 for the week. Average intake 2279. Average daily burn 2895. 

And that was my week ...