WWI #84 ... As Expected

For the past several weeks I've been alternating. 153 one week. 151 the next. Back up, then back down. I was 153.2 last week so what was I expecting this week? 151.2 ... and that's exactly what I came in at. But for the first time in a while, my Friday weigh-in was NOT the lowest. Back on Wednesday I hit 150.5.  Alas, I couldn't keep it and break the cycle ...

I've been struggling with a cold this past week. Saturday and Sunday weren't great. I had enough warning that I COULD have suspended my PACT commitment for the coming week, but I didn't. So I was still required to get in a daily workout (10,000 steps via Fitbit) and log my calories five days out of the week, even though I was under the weather. I didn't want to have to pay $5 if I missed a day!

I wasn't sure I was up for Zumba on Monday, so I skipped it. I still got in a little elliptical, and quite a few "cleaning" steps trying to finish up the work from the weekend rearranging rooms. I got my 10k that day, but barely hit my required 1200 calories for MFP. I didn't lose my appetite completely like when I had the Flu of 2013, but I wasn't that hungry.

Tuesday I probably would have skipped Zumba, but the instructor was actually out of town and had asked me and another gal to fill in teaching the class. I had the speaker box, so I was committed. The other gal had the music ... but she didn't show! I had several songs on my iphone (as I'm not an official Zumba instructor I didn't have any of the ZIN songs, just ones that I had liked that were available on Itunes) but by repeating a couple songs, we still got in a solid hour. I don't know if it was just the extra energy of being up in front ... but I actually felt pretty good during class. Had a 24k day total, and still wasn't that hungry, so kept calories low.

I think it was the keeping calories low Mon/Tues that caused the weight drop for Wednesday morning. Unfortunately after Zumba Wednesday I was STARVING and I ate and ate! I went to Zumba on Thursday as well, but only got in a little extra exercise both days. My poor "bike book" ... the one I HAD been reading while riding my stationary bike had been ignored (as I didn't get in any bike riding this week or last week). I finally just grabbed it and finished it up reading while resting in bed.

NUMBERS: Down two pounds (up/down/up/down), average went down -.26.  My average intake dropped to 1829, first time it's been under 2000 in I don't know how long. I credit that to my cold rather than any good eating or willpower. My average daily burn was 2626, lower than my usual but about what it was last week (also an off-week with exercise interrupted).  I managed a small deficit (-980) for the week ...

That was my week ... how was yours?

Linking up late with Weigh-In Wednesday ... wish my Wednesday weight HAD made it to Friday!

To Medicate or Not to Medicate

I've been battling a bug for almost a week now. Last Friday I felt fine, until I went to bed ... then there it was. A tickle in the back of my throat. I do think it's just a bad cold. Sniffly, sore throat, but no fever. The last few days a cough has come in too.

It's nice to have medical options in this day and age. The picture above is from my kitchen counter ... first, I guess you can see I'm a "generic" gal. I don't really care about the name brands (Let's same some money! $$ Thrifty Thursday! *Ü*) I also prefer to treat the individual symptoms ... rather than taking a combo pill, I generally will just hit what I feel I really need. If I'm just stuffy ... just the decongestant. I've had a headache ... and a bit of an earache too. I have been needing to add the ibuprofen and cough medication at times too though.

Sometimes during the day, I try to go without medication. I want to see how I'm really feeling. I don't just want to mask some symptoms if that then makes me continue to push too hard. I want a true judge if I'm feeling better or worse than the day before. At night though ... I want my sleep! So I will usually medicate. Even with it, my sleep lately has been lousy.

I have still been exercising a little, but I have toned it down this week. I tried going without medication Wednesday, but by afternoon I was pretty miserable and went ahead and popped some pills. I did make it through today without them though. Hopefully I'm on the mend.

Hubs had this a week or so before me, and still has some lingering coughs and sniffles. He says the it's really been going through the office at work. I've been trying to be careful to wash hands and such here at home, so the kids don't pick it up ... #3 has been sniffling though.

Just thinking out loud ... do YOU prefer one pill, or do you like to limit it to the specific symptoms? Do you ever try to tough it out without medication, or do you take advantage of modern medicine?

A HRM Hiatus

I own TWO Polar FT4 heart rate monitors. I bought my first one back in 2013, when I first started on my weight loss journey (again). I didn't love it. I didn't even wear it all that much. It took until July of 2014 before I even talked about it on my blog. When I started Zumba last year ... I started wearing it for that hour, and comparing the stats to those my Fitbit estimated (Zumba Stats). I did get a little addicted to the data, and to the motivation during the workout. I'd glance at the watch and check my heart rate, and if it wasn't high enough, I'd try to push myself a little harder.

But ... even though the Polar FT4 has really good reviews, it seems like after about 6 months of daily use, it just doesn't work as well. I'll admit, I'm not that good about washing the strap (it's recommended to rinse it after every use). I know at some point the battery would need to be replaced. I just ended up buying a new one. I'd started with the gray watch, then decided I wanted the pink after all. Sometimes when I'd work out twice in a day, I wouldn't want to put the soggy strap back on and ... a small part of me wondered if perhaps my original Polar was a bit wonky. So many people would say their HRM was giving them nice big numbers for a calorie burn. Mine wasn't. It's so hard for me to get my heart rate up. Maybe I'm super fit? Maybe I'm just a workout wimp? Anyway, I secretly hoped that with a new Polar FT4 I'd magically get better numbers. Yea ... that didn't happen. Pretty much the same.

My pretty pink Polar worked well for ... about six months. Then I started getting wonky readings. It wouldn't pick up a heart rate. It would, then it would drop to zero. It would seem to get stuck on a high or low number and not change. Grrrrrr.  Same as before. I ordered some new batteries and tried installing them in the old one (which had died completely) and got it up and running. Sort of. Still some struggles.

I wore my gray watch portion to Zumba last Friday. Later, when I was back home and went to record my stats from class ... I couldn't find it. Monday, I was feeling sick, and didn't go to Zumba. Yesterday, I went, but still feeling sick, I didn't think I could endure the tightness of the chest strap (I was having enough trouble breathing as it was!).  Anyway ... as I head out to Zumba today. I COULD strap on the pink Polar ... but you know what? I think I'm going to take a short HRM Hiatus. 

As motivating as the monitor can be ... if it isn't working right, it can be SO distracting. As I'm dancing along in class, I look and see it reflecting a big fact ZERO and what do I do? I STOP. I adjust the chest strap. I pause it and restart. I press it the transmitter more firmly into my chest. Then I give up and go back to dancing, but feel discouraged because I know it's not recording correct information.

Today ... I'm just going to dance.

Now, I'm not cRaZY ... I'll still wear my Fitbit of course! Linking up with Workout Wednesday ... wish me luck, I'm still feeling under the weather. I actually felt pretty good during Zumba yesterday and was glad I had gone. I actually really didn't have a choice,  as I had committed to helping out with the class. The instructor had gone on vacation to Mexico and asked me and another gal to take over the class and lead the songs. The other gal didn't show ... it was all me! My first (and last? A Zumba Instructor?) time leading a Zumba class (I actually don't know/didn't have the music for that many songs, so we had to repeat a couple to hit the hour).

A Couple of Cakes and a Caught Cold

This past weekend was my second son's 16th birthday. With all the crazy chaos the past week (getting #1 son off on his mission, rearranging the rooms for the kids) I wasn't really prepared to party. I hadn't really gotten gifts or anything (I have been buying him quite a few new clothes lately though, I should have saved them for his birthday). He actually needs cash (he's broke!) and I'll get him a couple belated presents. I did get him cake though! He wouldn't commit to choosing between triple chocolate or white buttercream ... so I bought both! We had one Saturday night (his actual birthday) with Hubs family over  and one Sunday night with my folks and his girlfriend (who had been out of town for the weekend). Yes ... I ate cake. It was yummy. The white cake is my favorite ... and it is gone, so at least it won't be around tempting me anymore.

I was fine Friday ... got in my Zumba and elliptical and continued working on the room rearrange that has been occupying the last several days (and getting me lots of non-aerobic steps and stairs!). As I went to bed that night, I felt that little tickle in my throat ...

I've caught a cold. :(

Hubs has been under the weather, and I was really hoping it wouldn't pass to anyone else. Alas. It was a bad night. I didn't get much sleep at all. Saturday I was still able to get all the things done I needed (grocery shopping, a basketball game, continued clean up) but I wasn't feeling great. I didn't do any exercise ... and although I wasn't super hungry, I did still manage to eat plenty (unlike my sickness a little over a year ago. Flu x2). Another bad sleep night, and no exercise on Sunday either.

Really hoping I can kick this cold and not have it impact my exercise. I remember when hubby came down with it a week or so ago, he tried to continue to workout, but said it was really hard. Not the normal enjoyable runs and whatnot. 

Weight was actually NOT up after the weekend, so that's good at least.

That was MY weekend. How was yours? Linking up with MIMM.

WWI #83 ... A Busy Week

The last few weeks, my weight seems to be fluctuating between 151 and 153. Up two pounds. Down two pounds. Last week was down, so this week is up again. My average went down a smidgen. As for actual numbers .... Average intake was 2293. Average burn 2689. I didn't manage a deficit this week, (over by almost 1000 calories).

My weight was quite consistent this week, not moving much. My exercise was very consistent too. Mon-Fri I got in my hour of Zumba, then added 40minutes of elliptical throughout the day at home. No bike. No treadmill. No weights. No racquetball. I really wanted to get in some of these extra activities, but it was a crazy busy week.

The beginning of the week was packed with last minute prep for #1 son. A big "last supper" with extended family on Monday. Setting apart on Tuesday. On Wednesday, early ... (like getting up at 3:00 in the morning early) we took him to the airport. He is flying off to Mexico for two years. Our four other boys and Maga came to say goodbye.

 Family dinner at Bucca De Beppo

The airport ...and he's off.

The rest of us went out for breakfast (it was about 5:30 by then), then home to get the kids off to school. Hubs took a quick little nap before heading into work. I packed up the rest of #1's gear, and when #2 was home, we moved him into that bedroom. It was a complete room rotation. #2 and #3 had been sharing a room downstairs. #4 and #5 got moved in there and #3 took over their old room. Much more space for everyone (except #1, we'll have to figure out something when he comes back). Up and down the stairs SO many times over the next few days as we finished up the job. So many shirts, shorts, socks, shoes ... so many not being worn. It was a gigantic purge fest. Hubs took a trailer-full of stuff to the local good will. I'm still really not done. The boys are moved it, but there are still piles of clothes I have yet to sort through, and #3 needs some stuff (a new comforter, headboard, nightstand).

Like I mentioned above, I still got in my "minimum" workout on the weekdays. 100 minutes. An hour of Zumba and some elliptical. I really wanted to hit the bike! I've been wanting to continue on with my book. I've felt the urge to hit the treadmill too, but just had so many other things going on. Okay ... I admit I had no desire to do weights and racquetball really wasn't at all in the cards either. 

My eating was okay amid all the chaos and stress. Not great, but pretty much the norm for me. Hubs admitted he had some emotional eating going on.  Now the weekend is here. It's a birthday week (#2 turns 16) so there will be cake. But with the move mostly done, I should be able to get back into my routine. I hope to hit the bike and treadmill ... and I know I should do weights. I need to work harder to get the eating under control, because I know that is the key to losing a few more pounds and getting into the 140s where I'd like to be!

President's Day & The Weekend

It's President's Day ... the kids like it because they have the day off from school. I thought I'd use this holiday to share this incredible penny portrait my brother made several years ago. Isn't it cool? Ala Lincoln!

For my weekend accountability, I weighed in Friday morning at 151.1 ... after the weekend (Monday morning) the scale showed 153.2. Not horrible, I actually expected worse. This past Saturday was  Valentine's Day. It was kind of a crappy, unhappy Valentine's Day (and day before).

Hubs and I were/are a bit on the outs (it happens even in happy marriages, right?) He wants to completely redo the kitchen. I. Don't. I LIKE my kitchen, and the though of it completely torn up, and the cost (financial, time, inconvenience) ... totally stresses me out! I know, most women would probably love a new kitchen. Poor me! Add to that, and Hubby having a cold ... no smooching on Valentine's Day :(

I don't know that I slept at all Thursday night stressing about kitchen stuff. That doesn't make for a good Friday. All the Zumba posters always show everyone happy and smiling, and that is how I usually feel. In fact, I'd wondered if you COULD be sad at Zumba. You can. I couldn't kick it Friday. I had gone to an earlier class (taking advantage of having my oldest home to run #3 to school) because #4 wanted (well, insisted) me to come be a parent helper at the school valentine day party. After attempting Zumba, I gave up after 30 minutes. My heart wasn't in it (literally, I could NOT get my heart rate up, my stats were as miserable as me). I went to the school and did my duty there, then went home and curled up in bed until it was time to pick the kids up from school.

There are times stress and sadness take away my appetite. Sometimes I exercise more, using it as an escape. This wasn't one of those weekends. I didn't really go overboard on the eating ... but I did make a couple batches of sugar cookies (shaped as hearts, had to get into the valentine day a bit). I ate many of these cookies. Fri/Sat/Sun were pretty pitiful as far as fitness.

There was basketball, as usual. Games Friday and Saturday. At least they got me out of the house, out of the bed. You can see my #2 in action (he's #3 in the video) as I also spent some time over the weekend going through clips and making muvees ... http://youtu.be/camXwGPKWCE He had 16 points.

 Here's a picture ... love the funny faces the stills capture!

Isn't this an awesome shot? 

(I didn't take it, one of the other coaches did)

Sunday was church ... and then the afternoon helping #3 with a school assignment. Not exactly how Hubs and I wanted to spend the weekend, but I'm sure glad Hubs came to help. I always "love" homework for the parents too (although #2 did this same assignment a couple years ago with a friend without any help). Here is the finished product (in video form) ...

So that was the weekend ... linking up with MIMM. I really am glad it's Monday. Even if it's not a "normal" Monday, being a holiday with kids out of school. I did still hit Zumba and got in my 40minutes of elliptical. That's not my usual Monday, but it's good enough. Now out to dinner with the family ... a "Last Supper" for #1 who will be leaving early Wednesday for two years. And as soon as he's gone, it will be the GREAT ROOM REARRANGE (moving the remaining four kids into different bedrooms), which will impact exercise, but will still probably get in a lot of activity. It will be a good change but a lot of work. Maybe I'll be stressed enough I won't snack all the time!

WWI #82 - Not A Good Week But ...

Well ... down 2.63 pounds this week! Now before you go congratulating me, I've been losing and gaining these same pounds a LOT over the past couple years. This 150-155 range seems to be my spot. Up and Down. Back and Forth. Cha-Cha. Still aiming to get a foothold in the spot just below (the 140-149 range).

It really wasn't a good week as far as the numbers go. The weekend was really crazy (Glad This Weekend Is Over), with big food numbers and low fitness ones. I did pretty good back in the routine on Mon and Tuesday, but then got hit with some back pain (minor, but still impacting exercise a little) and tummy troubles Wed and Thursday. Too bad the tummy troubles didn't take away my appetite. I still managed to eat. If you want to know what the actual numbers were ...

NUMBERS: Average weight for the week was 153.6, which was down a smidgen. Average intake was 2457. Average daily expenditure was 2682. With the higher intake and lower output, I didn't even manage a deficit at all this week, I was over by 1712 calories. Not sure where the loss came from. Sometimes the numbers do not line up.

I have updated my Daily Doings ... if you wanted details on the day to day. 

I also updated my Weekly Weigh-In page where you can see my checkins over the past couple years.

Linking up with Fitness Friday.

"Fitbit Finder" Comes Through Again!

We are a Fitbit Family. The BTLExplorer screen shot above shows all of our devices as we went for a drive. There are seven people in our immediate family, and seven Fitbits (the "unknown device" is #1 sons new Charge). I downloaded the BTLExplorer app a while back when I heard stories of how it had helped people find a lost Fitbit. It was free, so I figured I'd have it on hand just in case. Then I needed to put the app to use (Lost and Found) and was so thankful I'd heard about it!

In addition to my immediate family being fitted with Fitbits, my extended family is too. My parents, brothers, SILs and sister all have one now. Last week, my mother copied me on an email my brother had sent. He was so sad, as he'd lost his Fitbit Flex. He had searched the house to no avail. I emailed him back and told him about this app. Here was a bit of our email exchange ...

• Me:  You do still have to be somewhat close...15 feet or so, but as Mom said I was able to find mine on a grass soccer field in the dark. It's worth a try.  I've attached a screenshot of the app while my family was in the car ... the One and Flex (with the smallest number) are me and Gray in the front seat of the car, Landon is right behind me (with the Unknown, which has now updated to show it is a Charge). Callahan is in the other second row seat, and the three little boys (two Zips and a One) are in the back. You can see how the numbers are higher when the Fitbit is further away from the phone. If you walked all around your house, hopefully it would pick up the Flex, then you could play "hot and cold" once you've narrowed it down to a room or something. IF it's in the house ... 
• D: Cool app! I'm using it now, and it says "Flex" under my "Peripherals" but I keep walking around and I can't seem to locate it. My numbers for the Flex are all negative (i.e. -92). I got it down to -60 or so in the garage but still couldn't find it anywhere! I'm scared that the battery is going to die on my Flex and then I'll be really out of luck! I lost it Monday night so the battery should be pretty well gone by now.  
• Me: I don't know if it's a negative or a dash (-), but regardless, 127 means you are in the same room, as you get closer, the number drops. Around 50-60 and you should be right on top of it. So go back to the garage, it's there somewhere! 
• D: Oh my gosh - I can't believe it, but that app totally worked. I found it! I went back to the garage and the lowest rating was right by my work shelf. I started rummaging through a box that I don't even remember using this week and there it was! I must have come off while I was working and fallen into this obscure box of random supplies! I wouldn't have found it for years! Thanks Jen! That app saved $99!

Aren't I a handy sister to have around?  It helped me in my "mommy" role too ...

Yesterday, #4 was looking around, and looking guilty! I asked him what was up and he admitted he couldn't find his Fitbit. I grabbed my phone and pulled up the handy dandy BTLExplorer app. I walked all around the house, but no extra One appeared on the screen. I checked the car, but it wasn't there either. I suggested we try going back to the school and retracing his steps. We went back to the elementary, and almost upon getting out of the car ... another One popped up on my app. It WAS here somewhere. I actually don't think we really even needed the app at this point, as it was in plain site there on the sidewalk (it must have fallen off as he and his brother raced to the car after school). If it had been out in the field though, the app would have been essential. It had been SO nice to know it wasn't in the house or the car though, so we didn't even spend any time looking there.

So if YOU have a Fitbit and an Apple product (ipod touch, phone or Ipad, I don't know if it's available for android) I really suggest downloading this app. It's free! play around with it a bit to get an idea of how it works (like my little screen shot at the top of this post). If your Fitbit disappears, maybe this can help you track it back down. 

Late linkup with Workout Wednesday!

 

Recent Reads - Digi Series

When I first discovered digital reading, I was a bit frustrated that e-books were often still as expensive as a physical copy. It just seemed like they SHOULD be less expensive, as they didn't require materials, printing, etc.  I have found that there are many e-books that are offered for free or greatly reduced prices. Today I thought I'd spotlight a couple of my favorite series I read last year.

I started the "Saving Mars" series in January of last year. Book 1 had been offered for free, and then the first three books were offered in a set for $.99. I read all three and really enjoyed them. Books four and five were out, but I knew there was a sixth book set. I postponed finishing reading the series until the final book was out for I could read them back to back... I'll also admit I was watching for any deals on the final three books too (I'm cheap!). I ended up buying the final three (about $4-$5 each, a deal was offered after I'd already purchased mine but I think the prices have gone up again). 

I really like how the covers are so consistent through the series. The individual books have run together a bit in my mind, yet I remember each book having a definite conclusion (no big cliffhangers) while leaving things open for the next book. Sometimes I just have to wonder where these authors come up with all the unique details and world building. This series takes place on a struggling Mars colony, and on Earth ... but there are some interesting changes here (re-bodying!).  Anyway, these books were fun and easy to read, and clean (from a parental perspective). As far as I know, this six series set is only available as a digital download.

Another series I read last year was "The Frost Chronicles" ... a set of five books.  I can't remember where I heard about this one, but as an Amazon Prime member, I get to borrow a book from the Kindle Lending Library once a month. I picked this as one of my selections.

This series introduced us to a small village in a harsh landscape. Out in the woods roam monsters called "Watchers" ... I couldn't help but recall the movie "Watcher in the Woods" from my younger days (I can't remember the actual plot of the movie, just the title). The setting also had some parallels to M.NightShyamalan's "The Village"(I wondered if the twist there might come into play, but it didn't.) At the end of this book, I couldn't help but think of "Stargate" ...

I really liked the book and was anxious to continue on with the series. Not quite anxious enough to spend money to buy the next books ... but I was always waiting for the end of the month to come, for my Kindle borrowing limit to reset, so I could download the next book. I'd finish them in just a few days (even though I had to read them exclusively on my Kindle, which means I couldn't read them on my phone while I was out and about). 

 ... I remember being a bit disappointed in book 2 (Thorns). Many books suffer as a series continues. It was just a little depressing, not much action. I was happy when  book 3 and the remaining books came back to the level of book 1. There is the stereotypical love triangle here ... no real winner between the boys for me, I'd root for the one that was the most present at the time. These books did tend to just END, leaving me hanging for the next book.

But both this series and the Saving Mars series had long term endings at the final conclusion. Like in Harry Potter, where it then quickly sums up years, giving the reader a glimpse of the future for the characters we've grown to love. That is always a definite ending for a series. The Frost Chronicles actually have a couple novellas ... which I haven't read. Like I said, I'm cheap. I have a hard time paying $2 for those tiny reads.

I do believe the Frost Chronicles are published in print, as well as digital format, but they are less expensive as an e-book. And if you are part of Kindle Unlimited, or Prime, you can read them for free.

Has anyone else enjoyed these series?

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Reading is part of my exercise routine. I read while I ride my stationary bike. I prefer the ease of digital reading and am featuring a "Recent Reads" topic the 2nd Tuesday of each month on the blog.

Glad This Weekend is Over!

Our oldest son, being 19 years old, is going on a mission for the LDS church. He'll be serving in Peublo, Mexico for two years. There has been a lot of prep, getting travel documents, new clothes, etc. One of the final events is a "farewell" talk in church, usually with an open house afterward (as some friends and family have come from further away. We have to feed them and have a chance to socialize, right?)

This past weekend was the farewell and open house. Hubs was pretty stressed about having people over in the house. This past week, he pulled up all the carpet in the front three rooms and had new carpet laid down (New Carpet/Couch). He bought a new couch, love seat and chairs and took loads to good will and the dump. If he'd had more time I'm sure there would have been a paint job and new tile too.

Then there was food prep. You never know exactly how many people are going to come. We ordered a bunch of mini croissants and pounds of chicken salad. My MIL offered to bring a fruit plate and a veggie plate. Years ago, Hubs purchased not one, but TWO chocolate fountains! We have used them quite often during the past years (A Fountain of Chocolate and the Aftermath). Of course one fountain was going to be milk chocolate. If we've done two, the other, smaller fountain would have either dark chocolate, white chocolate or caramel. This time, the boys had a brainstorm to try cheese. We tried it out the night before and it was a hit ...

Luckily, nachos do not appeal to me at all, 

but Hubs moaned that he ate way too much!

 The spread ... 

A closer look at the chocolate fountain and it's "dippers"

Lots of socializing.

Poor #2 sat down on the couch to rest.

Add an Uncle.

Then a brother.

Then another brother.

Then cousins.

No rest for the wicked!

Dogpiles just tend to happen in our family!

It was SUCH a relief later on Sunday afternoon. All the guests were gone, everything was put away. Hubs and I took a nap! This even has been weighing on us so we're glad it's over. It didn't really feel like a "weekend" it was so busy.  But Monday morning ... back to the routine.  Weigh in this morning was 155, not too bad after having a fountain of chocolate flowing in the kitchen!  Linking up with MIMM. At least this next week should be fairly normal ...

WWI #81 - New Carpet and Couch

Another week solidly in the 150-155 range. I did bump above it slightly for Monday morning ... but that was the day after Superbowl feasting, so that wasn't unexpected. It was a rather crazy week! #1 is preparing to leave on an LDS mission, and this coming Sunday is his "farewell" (the church has tried to step away from the term, but everyone still uses it). He'll speak in church, and then we'll host an open house afterward, as family and friends have sometimes come from further away. A chance to socialize ... and eat.

I love our house, but it isn't set up super for entertaining large crowds. Also, after 20 years with five active boys, it certainly has been through the ringer. In prep for having people over, hubs decided it was time to take some action.

The top two pictures are the "after" ... new carpet, new couches and chairs. The other pictures capture the process. Emptying furniture out three rooms, pulling up the carpet. New carpet was installed on Tuesday. I still had a great food/fitness day that day, as I really couldn't do much else (with the kitchen and living areas occupied) and I couldn't really get to the kitchen to eat either. I even did a weights session on Tuesday ... which I think ended up making me stiff and sore and impacting my energy for cardio the rest of the week. Still did double Zumba on Thursday.

So there has been a ton of work, moving, rearranging, cleaning. We've made a trip to the dump, and a couple truckloads of donations to the local goodwill. Daddy is putting the boys to work cleaning up the house and yard ... the weather has actually been so nice. Is this winter? There hasn't been much snow or cold, which it totally okay by me! Tomorrow the forecast is 60° and sunny, so we should be able to have people outside, which will help with crowding.

It will be such a relief to have Sunday over with. It's been stressful. Then we have our son for another week and a half before he actually leaves. Once he leaves ... we'll have chaos and change again as we rearrange the remaining four boys, shifting bedrooms for everyone. It will be a bit job, but will be a good change.

I'm dragging and feeling a bit burned out at the moment though.

Some stress eating. The urge to curl in a fetal position. 

As for actual numbers this week ... no loss. Up 1.7 pounds. Average was up a smidgen too. Crunching the numbers, I did actually have a deficit of -1829.  Average in was 2136. Average burn 2764.

Cha-Cha Challenge

Ah ... the Cha-Cha

I saw this quote the other day. Sometimes I get discouraged when I see a weight pop up on the scale that I was really hoping I wouldn't see again. Living in the 150-155, then finally some success and dropping to the 144-149 ... but then back up over 150. I turned off my weight notifications in MFP long ago, because I keep losing the same five pounds over and over and over again. Hopefully I'll Cha-Cha back down again!

Speaking of the Cha-Cha ... some time ago I heard a new Zumba song, Cha-Cha Swing. It is so catchy and fun! The one of the instructors did it in class and I fell in love with the routine. It is one that can get my heart rate racing.  The steps are the ones in the video featured below ...

Then the song appeared in one of my other Zumba classes ... with different steps. Generally, I always like whatever I learned first, but this had a few moves that seemed easier, more intuitive. I really enjoyed this routine too, although I really missed a couple of the moves in the video above.

I enjoy dancing to this song so much, I'd be a little sad when it wouldn't appear in the Zumba class rotation as often as I would like. What to do! It NEVER made an appearance in one of my classes ... one of the classes I occasionally step up to the front and lead a song or two, just to give the actual instructor a bit of a break here and there. If I lead the song ...

I pieced together my favorite choreography from the two routines and performed it for the first time last week. I hope I'll be leading it regularly in my Tuesday class, as it really is one of my favorites. I'll still look forward to the ones in my Wednesday and Thursday classes, lead by my instructors, but I like my compilation, and hope those in the Tuesday class do too!

Do you do either of these routines (or something different?) 

Which steps do you prefer?

Linking up with Weigh-In Wednesday and Workout Wednesday.

TV Tuesday - Aliens, Spies and Shopping in Old England

I've been getting in my exercise ... which means I've been getting in my television. They go together for me. I watch while on the elliptical, treadmill and even while doing weights (benefit of a home gym, being in complete control of the TV). Here are a few of the series I've seen this past month. I like variety!

I've always really enjoyed science fiction. The apocalypse tales so popular in fiction today are also fun to watch (well, maybe "fun" isn't the right word ... exciting, captivating). Falling Skies started a couple of years ago on TNT. It was one of those summer series, filling up those months with new programing when most of the networks are taking a break and airing reruns. I discovered Falling Skies when season 1 appeared on Amazon Prime's streaming. I think I caught season 2 there as well, then used Play On to stay up to date as Season 3 aired. Rather than recording and watching week to week as Season 4 started airing last summer, I just figured I'd be patient and wait (watch the episodes back to back AND have subtitles, needed for the noisy treadmill). When I noticed that Season 4 was available for streaming on prime ... it was time. I finished it up pretty quick and continue to enjoy this series.

I'd heard quite a few good things about "The Americans" (FX Original) so as I needed something new to watch, I figured I'd give it a try. I've liked Kerri Russel since her "Felicity" days. I do sometimes have trouble with 80's period pieces though. The clothes, the hair ... seriously, it's just hard to look at! But I do like the story. As with most cable programming, there are usually things that wouldn't be allowed on mainstream TV. Here, the sexual content is very high. There is violence, but it's not that bad, and there is no language. I watched Season 1, available on Amazon Prime Streaming. Season 2 is there, but I decided to wait, and switch styles in my series ...

I'm not all action and adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed "Downton Abby" and after watching it, I tried "The Paradise" which was about a lavish department store in early England. It was fine, I never really connected with the characters as I did on "Abby".   "Mr. Selfridge" seemed SO similar to "Paradise" I wasn't sure about watching it. I do like Jeremy Pivan though (from Entourage) and I really enjoyed this series. I've only watched Season 1 so far (finished it up this morning). It's available on Amazon for free streaming if you are a Prime member. Season 2 is available as well ... but again, I think perhaps I'll shift series again and come back to it in the near future.

If you are watching a series and the next season is available, do you continue on, or do you like to switch up what you are watching?  Do you like coming into a completed season, watching all the episodes back to back, or do you prefer to keep current and watch then as they air?

I have watched the latest Grey's Anatomy ... what other series have started back up?

Well that's TV Tuesday for February ... hmmm, what shall I watch this month?

Wow, What A Weekend!

It was Superbowl weekend, and what a weekend it was. Very busy, but good, at least as far as family. Food and Fitness wise ... not so good. I was up three pounds Monday from Sunday's weigh-in, 4.7 from Fridays! Yikes! There were football sugar cookies (yes, I ate one) and our Superbowl Smorgasbord (steak, marinated chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls). It's a tradition. I don't have our 2015 family blog post up yet, but here's 2014, 2013, 2012 & 2011. I must admit, Hubs and I both totally forgot about the big dinner. #3 was having none of that though, and he bugged us until we caved and did it, even at the last minute.

I think we watched the game more this year than any year before. As I mentioned last year, we have family in Seattle, big Seahawks fans. So we were cheering for them. #4 has become a bit of a football fan, playing at school (just touch, not tackle) and so he was pretty into watching. It helped that it was a tight game too, kept things exciting. We were missing #1, who was down the street with some friends. Daddy and the boys were throwing a ball around the room too. Usually Daddy says "No throwing balls in the house" but on Sunday, he was the one doing the throwing. Even though our team didn't win, it was a fun night with family and food. 

It was a basketball weekend as well. #2 had a game on Friday. I videoed it, and made a highlights reel (here, my boy is #3). #3 and #5 had games on Saturday. I manned the video camera for their games too. #3's game highlights are here (my boy is #31), but I'm waiting until the end of the season to make one video of the little guy's games. So there was some sitting (both at the games, and at the computer, editing the videos). 

Saturday, we also had family photos taken. Now, I'm a snapshot kind of gal. We've NEVER done a professional family photo shoot. A couple of times we've had our picture taken with an extended family session, but we'd never set one up ourselves. But with #1 leaving in a couple weeks (he'll be gone for two years) we figured we should do it. 

Here's a couple snapshots of the professional shoot. I hope the pictures turn out good. That I remembered to suck in my tummy, push my chin out a bit ... prevent those stomach rolls and double chins that always seem to appear in pictures!

So that was MY weekend! It felt really busy. I still got my Zumba and elliptical in on Friday. Elliptical in on Saturday, and one 20min session on Sunday (and a walk to church). Not enough activity to combat the calories ... as evidenced by the scale shock this morning. But back to the routine ... although it's a bit of a crazy week. A couple crazy ones, as #1 finalizes his mission prep. Hope I can keep it all together!

Linking up with Marvelous in my Monday ...

January 2015

January ... updated my weight graph for 2014, started recording workouts on a daily calendar (thanks #1 son!), mission prep for said son. Got a new kitty. Back to basketball, watching, recording and making highlight videos. As for the food and fitness ...

Arggg ... I did it again. The last day of the month, I need to log onto my Fitbit account and go to my profile page, where the past 30 days are summarized. I like to capture the month, the calorie burn vs the calorie intake (top right corner of the collage). If there is a way to manually adjust which days I view (I can do that on Walker Tracker!) I would love that. As it is, I always have to TRY and remember to grab the graph at the end of the day on the final day of the month. And, I forget half the time!. So instead of my graph showing Jan 1-Jan31, it shows the 2nd through Feb 1. Bother!

I peeked at hubby's graph, and he's been such a good boy! His lines don't touch or cross ... of course he does have a couple "0" entry days where he didn't log, but overall he's been doing amazing, and it shows!

As far as numbers go, they look pretty good. I started the month at 156.1, and ended it at 151.9. Unfortunately, those happened to be highs and the low of the month, not really showing the whole picture. While the numbers say I lost 4.2 pounds ... as I write this, the weight jumped back up to 156 after Superbowl Sunday.

January was a good month though. I really liked the return to routine. The weather has been unseasonably nice, not that it impacts me much (I'm an indoor exerciser). I was worried about the roads in bad weather. It would probably affect me getting to my Monday and Friday Zumba classes, as they are a little further away. As it was, I didn't miss Zumba any Mon-Fri for the entire month. My elliptical, which used to almost always be an hour, dropped to 40 minutes (one episode of whatever show I'm watching) and I was quite good at getting 10 miles on the bike most days (reading and riding). Got back to racquetball, I really hope hubs and I can make that a weekly outing! My treadmill time and weights weren't great for January. Need to at least keep up on the strength training! It can't all be cardio.

As always, I also copy my Day to Day Doings for the month into my recap post. I have been trying to  rearrange the entries into chronological order, but it takes so much time ... so they are oldest first. Bye January!

*** Jen's Journal ***

0131 (Saturday) Weight 153.5. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 13948. Total Burn 2397. Exercise Burn 400/693 (40minElliptical) Calories in 2000. Slept in a little, #5 had a 9:00 game. He got a couple great baskets and they won. We were having family pictures taken today. We'd picked out shirts a couple days ago, just wearing jeans. The little boys haven't worn jeans in ... who knows how long. Good thing I had them try some on early, as there were none that fit #4 (he's just a little chunky, needs the "husky" that my others boys have not). We made a run to Sears, I had some Fitstudio points, enough to get him a pair of jeans and a nice shirt. We did the pictures. This was the first "professional" family photo shoot we've set up for just our family (we've done a couple with extended family, but I'm more of a snapshot gal). Hope they turn out. #3 had a game at 6:00. They won. I dropped him off to watch the 9th graders play. Worked on some basketball videos. Picked him up around 9:00. #2 was out late but got a ride home. I was SO tired!

0130 (Friday) Weight 151.9. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21076. Total Burn 2908. Exercise Burn 829/693 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. Crazy Friday mornings. Back to early morning wake-up, getting #3 to 6:30 practice. After I dropped off the high school carpool just after 8:00, I went straight to the middle school to pick up #3. They have been getting out early, usually I've just returned home when I get the text to come pick him up. Of course today they were late. I had to have #1 drive the little ones to school. Good thing I had completed their lunches and had them all ready. I'll miss having #1 around when he leaves, it's sure been handy having another driver. Dropped #3 back at school for his late start and went out to Zumba. Good class, not as great of numbers on the HRM, but there are a lot of pauses, and my heart rate just drops! Stopped at the Rec Center on the way home to buy some extra tickets to an upcoming Jazz game. Nice to have that option (#5 gets two as part of his basketball package, but as long as Daddy is taking him, I'd like him to take the other boys too). I picked up the little boys from school, and #1 ran the kitty to the vet for some follow up shots ($154 later). I went to the high school to watch #2 play basketball. The other team was good and up at the first quarter. I wasn't sure our boys would be able to pull it out, but they did. Great game. #3 stayed to watch JV and Varsity, and I sent #1 to pick them up when they were over. Hubs and I hunkered down and watched "A Knight's Tale".

0129 (Thursday) Weight 153.3. Great Day Fitbit Steps 36313. Total Burn 3668. Exercise Burn 1980/1965 (60minElliptical, ZumbaX2, 10miles Bike, 1mileTreadmillWalk). Calories 2000. Good Zumba in the morning. They had me do "Chocolate" again. I stopped and grabbed drycleaning on the way home. #3 had practice and game conflicting in the evening. He chose practice (2hours of action rather than 15 minutes of playing time. His team is more than set without him too). It worked better for me as well, as the practice is close and the game was far. This way, I got to go to Zumba in the evening again. I actually did three numbers, Shaka Laka and Cha Cha Swing for the first time. Got good stats! Hubs and #1 were gone to a derby.

0128 (Wednesday) Weight 153.2. Good Day. Fitbit 26183. Total Burn 3086. Exercise Burn 1280/1384 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike) Calories in 2000. Got the kids off to school. It's the "wax museum" at the elementary today, so I'll need to go there straight from Zumba. I think I was a bit preoccupied, I didn't get my usual stats. The wax museum was cute, but I'm glad it's done. Felt a bit better about the day, kept calories a little more in check. #3 had practice after school, and then a game in the evening. It was a 9:30 one at West (which I don't drive to) so I just had him hitch a ride.  Hubs had a derby in the evening, but went straight from work.

0127 (Tuesday) Weight 152.2. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 26245. Total Burn 2904. Exercise Burn 1320/1365 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 3100. The day started out good, got my Tuesday 10x10 with a little elliptical and Zumba and then ... I started dragging. I even took a little nap. I was also starving after my low calorie day yesterday and couldn't stop snacking. #5 had his basketball practice in the evening. I usually get 5000 or so steps in during it. Today I wasn't feeling it and only did part, about 3000 steps. My shoes were uncomfortable and #4, who had come to shoot around also wasn't feeling it and snagged the ipad mini from me (it's easier to walk and read, being a bit bigger). Overall, I felt disappointed in the day.

0126 (Monday) Weight 154.1. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 26408. Total Burn 3102. Exercise Burn 1200/1395 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 1350. Hubs was up UBER early, poor guy couldn't sleep (off around 3:00 am). I got to sleep until 6:30, now that #2 is done with early morning driver's ed. I did get in a small elliptical session in the morning before getting the boys off to school. #4 was a little anxious, but didn't have me walk him in. Filled the car up with gas. It was $1.69 and I had $1 off with fuel rewards. Couldn't believe filling up for just over $15! It's been $100! Good class at Zumba. I debuted "Terrible" and it sure got my heart rate up. Very good stats for the class.  I had a bunch of Fitstudio points (glad the program seems to be working again after NOT working for several weeks) but didn't stop at Kmart, figuring I'd hit Sears tonight. Got my reading/riding in, didn't quite finish my book there, but did later in the day. Didn't have to pick up #3 as he stayed after for basketball practice. #4 was in good spirits as I picked up the little boys from school, so glad it went well. He had 12k, great for a school day (did have recess and PE). I had made brownies for lunches, and some homemade chocolate chip muffins. We like the Betty Crocker mix, but I'm almost out and they haven't gone on sale. The kids didn't like the homemade ones though. I'd planned on tacos for dinner, but #1 went out and picked up pizzas. #2 still insisted I make up some taco meat as I'd said I would as he wanted nachos. I took #3 and we grabbed some groceries at Sam's Club, then went to Sears. I was willing to spend my $40 in points on him, whatever he chose. We got some black jeans and gray jogger pants ... and it was covered completely by points and a coupon! I also picked up three orders I'd only paid minimally for (gray jeans, red shirt, blue hoodie) and got another $5 coupon there as it took them longer than five minutes to find my order. Hubs had come home from work exhausted after his early day and I'd encouraged him to go to bed early, which he had. I wasn't tired, and almost went down and hit the treadmill. I did go to bed and read for a bit, but had a hard time falling asleep. I really controlled calories today ... but I do think I was a little hungry and that was perhaps part of the not-sleeping problem.

0125 (Sunday) Weight 154.1. Lazy Day. Fitbit Steps 5686. Total Burn 1870. Exercise Burn 200/163 (20minElliptical). Calories in 2400. Hubs got up fairly early and went jogging, he said it was a hard run. #1 wasn't feeling well, up in the night with fever and chills. I wasn't feeling that great myself, so none of us made it to church. Well, I went for the third hour as I had my piano playing responsibilities. I made our Sunday Brunch, although Hubs stepped up and made the waffles from scratch (I just use a mix, he did the whole whipped egg whites, etc). Then ... nap time. I was out cold for a couple of hours! Then we took the kitty and went to visit Maga. Her kitty didn't like our kitty invading. I had really hoped to get a poster assignment for #5's school done, but even after my nap I was feeling really tired. We can work on it tomorrow night ...

0124 (Saturday) Weight 154.1.  Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 20767. Total Burn 2742. Exercise Burn 730/1035 (40minElliptical, 30minZumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 2400. #2 didn't have practice and #5's game wasn't until a bit later, so we got to sleep in a bit. #5's game was good, he made four baskets! They had pictures after. Hubs and #1 left to do a derby, a big one that would take most of the day. I dropped #2 at the high school so he could run the clocks for some of the younger kids games. It's part of the program for the high school ball. He was done at 4:00, just as I got there with #3 for his game. It wasn't a good game for us, there will be no highlight reel from it. Home for a bit, then both boys went to watch the 9th graders play. #2 was taking pictures for the coach there. Then both boys wanted to go to the local rec center to watch some friends play. They had a little time to kill so we hit Kmart looking for some "joggers" ... the latest style in pants. It was fun to just do some shopping with them. I dropped them off and returned home, sending out #1 to pick them up at 10:00 when the game was over.

0123 (Friday) Weight 153.1. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 16886. Total Burn 2565. Exercise Burn 875/864 (Zumba, 40minElliptical). Calories in 2400. The kids were out of school for end of quarter. I could have hit the closer (MZL) Zumba, but I wanted my dose of Heather ... and I was still in bed around the time the other was starting. Lazy morning. Zumba was good, but I forgot my phone! I feel so lost without it. Pretty lazy day at home with the kidlets, they were watching "Cupcake Wars" which I guess #2 had been introduced to at a friend's home. #2 had a game in the afternoon. I dropped him at the school to take the bus, but while it was away, it was still fairly close, so I figured I'd go watch and video it. #3 came along too. He wanted to stay and watch the JV and Varsity as well, and I had arranged with the coach for him to ride the bus back with the team, so I could just grab both boys and not have to make a trip back to the other school. Sophomores and JV won, the bus ride back probably would have been more fun for #3 if varsity had won too. Early evening in. Hubs had gone to work but come home early to help a friend build a derby car. He wasn't feeling great either, a bit dizzy, poor guy! Calories were a little high as #1 picked up donuts in the morning. I like donuts!

0122 (Thursday) Weight 153.7. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 35624. Total Burn 3728. Exercise Burn 1450/2023 (ZumbaX2, 40minElliptical). Calories in 2700. #4 made it through school today, it was a short day, but still I was proud of him as they still had a sub. Zumba in the morning was Nina, who sometimes does a couple numbers. Today she was the only instructor for half. She had me come up and do my songs, the first time I've done them there on Thursday. Got great stats. #3 had a basketball game in the evening, but it was across town, so I just had him catch a ride ... and I went to Zumba :)  Another good session with good stats. Overboard on calories today though, no big meal or anything, just snacking on high calorie items that added up. Hubs made it home in the evening.

0121 (Wednesday) Weight 154.5. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 22803. Total Burn 2901. Exercise Burn 1000/1192 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 2000. #4 was anxious this morning but went to school. I hit Zumba, didn't quite get my normal burn for this class. Got in some additional exercise at home. Did get a call from the school with #4 breaking down. They had a sub again and it was just "too hard". Poor boy. I went and picked him up and we homeschooled for the afternoon. It was a good session with him. #3 had stayed after school for basketball practice. It ended at 5:15 and he had a game at 6:00. Just barely enough time to stop home, change and grab him something to eat. I videoed the game and it was a good one (highlights here).  Very close game. Nice to be done early. Hubs was still walking the strip late, and was upset when his Fitbit reset at midnight mountain time. He still got the step credit, just not on Wednesday, which was a high day for him.  I kept calories in check today.

0120 (Tuesday) Weight 156.8. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 31333. Total Burn 3299. Exercise Burn 1200/1577 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, Weights, BBWalk5000). Calories in 2000. I should have anticipated a bad morning with anxiety child more. He was still traumatized and worried about his teacher after Friday. He has a problem most Mondays back, and this was worse after a long weekend. I should have called to see if his teacher was back. #4 can't handle the change of a sub. Tuesday is early Zumba class, where I try to drop the kids early. Today, I had to walk #4 in, and he had a melt down when he found out his teacher was still out. I ended up taking him back home and setting up some home school for the morning. I still went to Zumba, but missed the first 20 minutes. When I got back, we did some side-by-side reading/writing work. I had him do some stuff on his own while I did 20 more minutes of Zumba to finish up my hour. He didn't want to go back to school for the afternoon, but that was the deal we'd made and I knew putting it off would just make things harder tomorrow. I went and checked him in. Back home I did get some additional exercise in. I had #1 pick up the elementary kids while I went to a neighboring high school to watch #2 play basketball. I think our boys had come in thinking it would be an easy game ... but we lost! Bummer. #3's practice ended, and then he wanted to go watch the JV and Varsity teams play, so another trip to the high school. #5 had practice, and I walked during it, getting in 5000 steps and finishing my book. We went directly to pick up #3, and then I had to go pick up #2. Happy to get back home and call it a night. Hubs texted from Vegas, saying he had 25k, certain he had beat me ... but I was at 31K!

0119 (Monday) Weight 154.5. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21781. Total Burn 2909. Exercise Burn 855/1200 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. Hubs was still up and off early, but the kids and I slept in. No school due to the MLK holiday. I still had Zumba, and it was a crowded and lively class. Many of those kids who would have otherwise been in school were in attendance dancing along. I stopped at Kmart on the way home, picking up a Fitstudio order and checking out with some points. It doesn't seem like the program is really working again, but they did award everyone 7000 ($7) in points. I got a text from an excited 11-year old "guess what we got?" which I took to mean they had finally been successful in their kitty hunt. My oldest had taken the youngest two to the Humane Society and picked a 4-month old male named Oreo (perfect for our family, right?) The boys are pretty excited! I got a little elliptical in. In the early evening we headed out and met my family (parents, two brothers and their families) at Red Robin. I hadn't had fish and chips for a while. It was yummy. Hubs texted that he had reached Vegas ... there for a building conference.

0118 (Sunday) Weight 154. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 8746. Total Burn 2027. Exercise Burn 280/320 (1.5milesInterval/Incline) Calories in 2200. Early church ... a homecoming, so a little more crowded than usual and we didn't get our usual spot. We then went out to Maga's for taco salad and to meet their new kitty. Home again, and #1 made Otis, but they were a little overcooked. Hubs was ready for bed early (like 8:00)!

0117 (Saturday) Weight 153.4. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 13876. Total Burn 2372. Exercise Burn 425/669 (60minRacquetball). Calories in 2800. Started the day with #5's basketball game at 9:00. Hubs and I hit r-ball. I really hope we can keep it up as a habit. #3 had his game at 4:00. Hubs and I were doing some cleaning, getting the suburban ready for him to take on his Las Vegas trip. The weather was pretty nice and the boys were playing outside when ... crash! Broken window. Our first big break like that (even with five active boys). Did a little grocery shopping and the four youngest gor haircuts. Over on eating, no big indulgence, just snacking here and there.

0116 (Friday) Weight 152.5.  Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 17326. Total Burn 2647. Exercise Burn 700/949 (Zumba, 30minElliptical). Calories in 1900. Busy day! Friday mornings always are with #3's early morning practice in addition to the usual carpools. This week it worked out that I could pick him up from practice right after dropping #2 off, and still got home in time to get the elementary kids to school. I went to Zumba, a little bit smaller than usual but that is actually ok with me. More room to move (it's a small gym). When I picked up the kids from early-out elementary, #4 was distraught. I could barely get what was wrong out of him he was crying so hard. Apparently his teacher had a seizure at school today and had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. It sounded like it has happened before (epilepsy or something?) but poor #4 is simply traumatized and so worried about his teacher. We didn't have much time to dwell on it as we had to head over to the high school for #2's game. Usually just #3 and I go watch, sometimes Daddy will come. But this was a big dinner/fundraising game, so we had the whole family (including Maga, Aunt Ana and her two boys). I video taped it, and it was really close the entire time. At the end, with just a couple seconds left, game tied in overtime, MY SON hits a super deep 3-pointer for the win. The crowd went crazy and I did get it all on video! I posted it to Facebook and by that night it had been viewed over 1000 times *Ü*. Great game! We then went and ate our dinner. Then #1 took the little boys home and Hubs and I took our turns helping serve the dinner. Then we got to go home too. I'd been dreading the night (the dinner stuff) so I was glad it was over.


0115 (Thursday) Weight 153.9. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 30999. Total Burn 3343. Exercise Burn 1600/1637 (Zumba x2, 40minElliptical, 10milesBike, 1.5milesIncline). Calories in 2300. I was wondering if I'd still feel off, but I was ok once I got up and moving. Hubs said I did snore last night, which I don't normally. It's often a sign I am getting sick. Zumba in the morning was good. Got in my additional exercise. #3 had both a game and a practice conflicting tonight, he decided to skip the game (it was pretty far, and this team can win without him) and hit churchball then his practice. This also allowed me to hit evening Zumba. I was feeling it and I got great stats!

0114 (Wednesday) Weight 154.9. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 23249. Total Burn 2874. Exercise Burn 1300/1162 (Zumba, 40nminElliptical, 10milesBike, 1.5milesIncline).  Calories in 2300. When I hit Zumba at my usual late arrival, they had already started. I guess I'll have to be on time if they are going to start on time *Ü*.  Good class, but I didn't quite get my heart rate up and sustained as much. I stopped at the post office on the way home to drop of the phone power adapter. We gave up our home phone service as we now all have cell phones.  Got in additional exercise during the day. Busy after school with picking up kids, dropping off at practice, picking up from practice and going out to #3's game. They won, but it wasn't a great game. Both teams were just off. I videoed it, so I didn't get much stepping in. We were home pretty early and I thought I might get another elliptical session in, but I was feeling a little off, so I just went to bed.

0113 (Tuesday) Weight 154.5. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 23802. Total Burn 2992. Exercise Burn 1040/1283 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 30min/1.5milesTreadmillWalk). Calories in 2700. #1 was early, so I had him drive the boys to high school at 6:30 and I got in 10 minutes on the elliptical. I still took #3 and the elementary kids, even though that pushes me getting to Tuesday Zumba on time. My HRM worked today and it was so nice to be motivated instead of frustrated! Good class. Trying to get some stuff with a Sears order resolved, it's a pain. Cleaned and prepped for tonight, having the folks over in the evening. #1 is going through the temple in prep for his mission. It was at 6:00. The folks came over after for ice cream and we played a few games of Rummykub. I hadn't had ice cream in a while. That (and all my other evil eating) pushed me well over calories for the day.

0112 (Monday) Weight 155.6. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 23484. Total Burn 2957. Exercise Burn 1100/1241 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 2000. Dreary, rainy weather! #4 was affected a bit, but went to school without too much complaint. I went out to Zumba. I was thinking I was set with the HRM and new batteries but NO. It kept zeroing out. SO frustrating! I think I would have got good numbers. I didn't stop at Kmart on the way home. Fitstudio has been having problems and not recording points :( Too bad, there were some things I've been wanting. At home I got my blog post up and did a session on the bike and some elliptical. #4 called from school saying he wasn't feeling well. I went and picked him up. We didn't "homeschool" but he did some homework and then rested. I didn't have to pick up #3, as he had practice after school. I went early to grab #5 though, as it was raining still (it never stopped all day!). Usually I go a little late, after much of the pickup traffic is gone, just letting the boys play. But today with the weather and having checked out #4 I figured I'd be there waiting (which requires me to go 20 minutes early to get a spot). Traffic was SO bad by the school. People parked on the side, and a car waiting to turn left into the school parking lot totally tied up traffic. I made a trip to Sam's Club to pick up some groceries ... I have to make lunches for the basketball team tomorrow. I grabbed some chicken and popped it in the oven and then turned it into chicken and wild rice soup (I don't like it but the boys do, seemed a good fit for the cold rainy day). As I was in the middle of making dinner, Hubs picked up #3 when his practice was done and dropped off our requirements for the basketball dinner Friday (two cases of water and two $50 auction items). Then hubs and #1 said they needed me to hem some pants ... I thought they were joking because I'd hemmed some for the hubs 20 years ago and didn't do a good job (he never wore them again). I know it shouldn't be that hard but I was overwhelmed by it. I am easily overwhelmed. It wasn't how I'd planned on spending my evening (as it did take me a while). Not sure if I did ok, or if #1 just didn't dare mock me after that. 

0111 (Sunday) Weight 154.2. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 7810. Total Burn 2030. Exercise Burn 300/322 (30minElliptical). Calories in 2500. I finally got to sleep in :) It was Stake Conference ... which meant we were missing church today. Hubs went for a run at the high school track. #1 got up and started making the big breakfast, including the waffle mix (from scratch, with the egg whites and all). I came out and added bacon then did the cleanup. Then I took a little nap (that's what Sunday afternoons are for, right?) In the evening Hubs suggested we hit an Italian place he had loved in high school. He'd taken a couple of the boys, but it was the first time as a family. They got the pizza benders, I got fettuccine alfredo which was just ok. I shouldn't have wasted the calories on it. Hubs made chocolate malt at home, and I had made lemon jello cake, so it was a double dessert indulgence.

0110 (Saturday) Weight 155. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 16000*. Total Burn 2400. Exercise Burn 500/650 (10minElliptical, 60minRaquetball). Calories in 2300. The alarm went off at 7:00 which was far to early for a Saturday, but #5 had an 8:00 basketball game. So sad about my Fitbit. Enough that I determined I would go buy another today. I made a trip into Best Buy and grabbed one and got it set up and I'm back in business. Hubs suggested raquetball ... it's been years, but it's one of the things I'd been wanting to get back to. Our membership to Golds was gone, so we went to SLCC, where hubs has an alumni card and it was just $2.25 for me. We played for an hour and it was fun. My arm is sore now. In addition to being back up with the Fitbit, I replaced the batteries in my Polar HRM and so it was working well too. R-ball got the heart rate up pretty good without feeling like a workout at all. #3 had a game at 4:00. It was a pretty close game but the boy was doing pretty good. He tried to draw an offensive foul and got hit hard ... his nose was bleeding and looked a little crooked and we wondered if it might be broken. He stayed to watch the rest of the game (we lost by 1) and then I figured we'd take him to the Instacare just to get it checked out. He didn't have any of the "emergency" symptoms (uncontrolled bleeding, noticible break in the septum, other facial fractures ... I can't remember the fourth). So we are just to ice it and watch, and follow up with an ENT next week if we still feel it needs looking at. He was feeling better, enough that he wanted to go watch the 9th graders play. I grabbed him some Chick-Fil-A and then dropped him off while I hit Kmart and Smiths for a few items. Then back to get him, although the game was still going so I ended up watching a bit too. It was pretty intense, but our boys won. Home again and to bed.

0109 (Friday) Weight 154.2. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 17000 (*estimated). Total Burn 2400*. Exercise Burn 825/800 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2200. Friday mornings are a bit crazy. Took #3 to 6:30 basketball practice. Home to get #2 up and off to high school. Back just in time to take the elementary school kids in, and #3 needs to be picked up at the same time. #1 was around today (and for the next few weeks) so I sent him after #2 while I did elementary drop-off. #4 was a bit anxious ("Golden Ticket" at school was due today and he didn't quite have enough points) and so I walked him in. Realized in all the confusion I'd forgotten to pack his lunch, but he liked the hot lunch so it was ok. I filled up the car with gas, as I was almost empty (filled my tank for under $50, it had been double that it recent memory). I took #3 to school then headed out to Zumba. I hadn't been to this one for a while with the holiday schedule. I was a bit down today, then to make things worse, my Fitbit died! I tried restarting and such to no avail. My motivation died with it. Hubs took the boys over to the church for some basketball in the evening. 

0108 (Thursday) Weight 154.5.  Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 28788. Total Burn 2905. Exercise Burn 1100/1193 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, 1.5milesIncline). Calories in 2200.  I did get in 10minutes on the elliptical in the morning. Thursday Zumba has moved to 9:30, which means I do come home after dropping off the elementary school kids. I really wasn't in too much of a rush to be on time, because Marian is the only instructor on time for these free classes and with the move in time I didn't think she'd be able to make it (as she has to get to work). So I was a little late, and Marian WAS there and it had started on time. My bad ... I didn't quite get in my full hour. It was nice to have my Thursday class, although the main instructor was there. Got in some more activity at home throughout the day. #3 had a basketball game in the evening. I walked while watching and got 6000 steps (even though my space was pretty small!) Ate too much candy today ... it was just calling and temping me!

0107 (Wednesday) Weight 154.9. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 29591. Total Burn 3209. Exercise Burn 1300/1497 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 2milesTreadmillIncline, 8milesBike). Calories in 2000. I've been having a hard time getting in a quick morning working before getting the boys to school. The elementary kids have been asking for breakfast ... pancakes, waffles, french toast, rather than just the easy self-serve stuff they have done before. That also makes it harder on ME calorie-wise, because I do usually eat some myself, when otherwise I skip breakfast. Got the kidlets off and went to Zumba. Went back to my other HRM, even with it's erratic behavior it seems a better judge than my cheapy replacement. I did get in some elliptical later in the day, but just 40 minutes (two 10minute, one 20) which seems to be the norm lately (one episode of a show). I did get in some bike and treadmill though. Food intake was a bit better today, at least kept it to 2000.

0106 (Tuesday) Weight 157.0. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 31746. Total Burn 3074. Exercise Burn 1250/1350 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, 30minIncline, BBP6000). Calories in 2700. Blah, didn't get my usual "Monday drop" at weigh-in this morning ... not that I deserved it with my eating. I had #1 drop off the little ones to school so I could make it to Zumba on time (Anxiety Child was NOT happy about that change). We had a good class and I walked home after. It's cold, but the sun was out and the snow almost all melted. I got in a bit of exercise at home throughout the day. I had initially planned on weights again, but my legs were still sore, so I didn't do it. #1 and I did a bunch of little things (checking on immunizations for him, medical stuff, flexible spending stuff). #2 stayed for practice after school, #5 had practice at 7:30 and #3 had practice at 8:00. Luckily Daddy was home to help with some of the shuffling (#1 was gone to a movie). I took the two little ones to the practice, #4 played around too. I walked the hallway and got 6000 steps. #4 had been asking for Chick-Fil-A for quite a while, and I told them we'd stop on the way home. Grabbed some nuggets, fries and shakes. I didn't order anything for myself but snuck just a bit from the boys. I HAD been good in my eating and then ... a bit of a binge with some Reeses Christmas Trees ...

0105 (Monday) Weight 156.7. Pretty Good Day.  Fitbit Steps 23159. Total Burn 2872. Exercise Burn 1000/1150 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 2600. I was really hoping to do better today, with the return to routine and the structure of school. I had a hard time getting to sleep after my long nap, so the night wasn't great. Back to early mornings and three separate trips getting the kids to school. I did get in a couple small elliptical sessions in the morning. #4 was a little emotional, but then seemed ok. He didn't even have me walk him in. I went to Zumba then went to Kmart on the way home (spending Fitstudio points). I was dragging though, I got in a little bit more exercise but I just wasn't feeling motivated. I took a mini nap before picking up the kids from school. I cooked a turkey for dinner ... I love the leftovers and as we didn't host Thanksgiving we hadn't had any. I like turkey cold! #4 had a panic attack about a school writing assignment, so I spent much of the evening helping him with that. Ate too much ... I'm just hungry and in a snacky mood all the time! I'd resisted the brownies when I made them last night, but I couldn't resist them today!

0104 (Sunday) Weight 155.4. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 6358. Total Burn 1905. Exercise Burn 200 (20minElliptical). Calories in 2700.  Our church time changed to 9:00, so I didn't get to spend a lazy Sunday morning in bed. I will miss that! The flip side is being out early. We didn't have time for a big breakfast before leaving, so we save it until after with this schedule. Hubs made his belgian waffle mix from scratch again. I was feeling sleepy so I went and took a nap. Several hours later I'm not sure if I was awake! The boys were doing some last minute prep as school starts up again tomorrow, things that they had put off the entire winter holiday. I made toasted cheese sandwiches for dinner and then homemade oreos for dessert. I also made some brownies for lunches tomorrow. Too many calories in today! No real binging, they just added up quick!

0103 (Saturday) Weight 155.9. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 17510. Total Burn 2617. Exercise Burn 1000/900 (60minElliptical, 20minZumba, 40minWeights, 1.5miles/30minIncline). Calories in 2200. Had a little sleep in, then Hubs and #2 and #3 were off to help Maga move. #1 was off to his last day at Barnes and Noble (he'd been hired on as holiday help, and now the holidays are over and he'll be leaving soon anyway). The two little boys and I had a quiet day at home. I got in some exercise and even did weights. In the evening, we went to Desert Star and saw "How The Grouch Stole Christmas" ... #3 enjoys it but the two little boys were moaning and groaning (they had said they were willing to go again before!). We just got a pepperoni pizza (rather than the usual cheesy bread) so I didn't overeat, although I had brought some treats in my purse.

0102 (Friday) Weight 157.2. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 29110. Total Burn 3203. Exercise Burn 1200/1478 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, 30minTreadmillIncline, 10minHula) Calories in 2400.  No basketball practice this morning, but Hubs was still up early and off to work. I went to Zumba, I went ahead and hit MZL (closer and earlier) but should get back to my Sandy Zumba next week. I stopped at the grocery store after ... Oreos were fairly inexpensive, so I stocked up. I can actually resist them, but they are a favorite with the boys. We took down the Christmas tree and other decor. Some laundry and cleaning, and also a bit of exercise. #2 had a basketball game, I dropped him at the high school as it was an away game. The rest of us had a pretty quiet evening at home. Hubs came home early and rested. #1 ran and picked up some Popeyes for dinner. We played some family games (Heads Up and Progressive) then #1 picked up #2 (all three teams won) and Hubs and I watched a movie (Life of Pi). Yes ... we had popcorn.

0101 (Thursday) Weight 156.1. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 8402. Total Burn 2099. Exercise Burn 400/381 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2300. Slept in finally! We didn't have much on deck for the morning. I got in an elliptical session. We headed out to Maga's for her annual pastry wreath. I have NO idea what the calories are on that, I'm sure my estimation was off. We hung around there for a bit then headed home. I did get another 20min session on the elliptical in. Happy New Year.