September 2018

September ... School was in full swing, and we had a wedding! #1 son got married on the first, and had the reception on the 22nd. We also celebrated his birthday. Very full month for him! Eating and exercise for me was pretty good. I do better on the school schedule. Back to alarm clocks and early elliptical sessions. Carpools, homework help and other school stuff. It's been tough this year for #4, with anxiety issues.

NUMBERS:Weight started at 172.8 and ended at 173.1. High was 174.8 with the low at 170.8. Average was 172.91, which is down from last month. That's good. Average intake was 2287. Average burn 2814. Deficit for the month (-4305). Kept intake at/under goal 10 days. Had 14 days with 3000+ burn, and eleven 30k days.  Step average was 23430, with 679,457 total steps for the month. 255 logged miles.  Cardio minutes came in at 3437/3646 with 100min spent on strength training.

EXERCISE: I got my hour of elliptical in 21 days. Also 21 days of treadmill time, seven of those with double doses. Just 17 Zumba classes, down from my usual. Three times on the bike, and two full weight sessions, with a little extra on Abs.  OTHER ACTIVITIES: Even with the addition of carpooling kids home from school, my transport time stayed steady. Our carpool is moving, so that will add the morning drop-off to my day next month (and from then on). The usual grocery shopping, basketball games, lawn mowing. I generally don't shop much for anything other than groceries and home items, but with the wedding, there was some additional stores to hit. Family time for the wedding/reception and eating out for the wedding luncheon. #4's anxiety issues also brought me back to the school and a visit to the doctor.

 *** JenB's Journal ***

0901 (Saturday) Weight 172.8. Steps 6346. Total Burn 1998. Exercise Burn 0/204 (no exercise). Calories in 3000.  I was awake early this morning, but I was able to fall back to sleep and then slept until 8:00. Nice to sleep in some. Wedding day for #1 son, but no real rush for us this morning. I made french toast for breakfast. Hubs decided to purge his closet, and I went and pulled out a bunch of clothes he'd put in storage ... but he didn't even want to look through them, just off to the DI with them all. I looked though and set some things aside for the boys, but most will be gone as soon as I make another trip with donations. I know I should go through my clothes too. I found a box of capris I didn't know I had in storage, sizing that would have fit me this past summer. Not that I wore much other than my workout clothes most of the time. The wedding itself was at 11:00, and #1 headed there straight from his apartment (he had to be there early). All the "worthy" family members went to witness the ceremony at the temple. Unfortunately, Hubs and I don't fall into this category. I'm not a big fan of ceremony (weddings, graduations, swearing in of anything) so I didn't feel too bad, but Hubs wasn't super happy about it. We were there afterward though as they came out. Lots of pictures and then the wedding lunch at Olive Garden. Hubs went over to make sure things were being set up, and then the rest of us headed over. We had a little wait, but then things went pretty smoothly. I'd gone with the "primo" menu, which was the less expensive option (I'd been quoted $14.95 per plate, but we ended up being charged $16.95, but didn't want to make a fuss so we just paid it). A few people didn't show (the best men and their women, two of my brothers had made it to the ceremony but said they couldn't stay for pictures or the meal) but then there were a few extra (we'd said no kids for the meal, but one family hadn't understood) but it worked out just about right. Hubs, who generally doesn't care much about saving money, but does like the fuel reward discounts, had picked up some gift cards at Smiths (4x points) so we'd get a little kickback. Then everyone headed their separate ways. I'd recommended The Anniversary Inn, as it's rooms are really unique and memorable, over any regular hotel, and they had decided on that. Hubs and I took a little nap at home. We both fell asleep for a bit, but didn't stay asleep long. Still ready for bed that night!

0902 (Sunday) Weight 174.6. Steps 9079. Total Burn 2365. Exercise Burn 0/328 (no exercise). Calories in 2300.  Argg ... awake early again. 5:00. Didn't get back to sleep, but didn't get out of bed until around 7:00. Hubs work up and we finished the episode (final one in season 1 of "Newsroom" which I've enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would) we had tried to watch last night ... until Hubs fell asleep. I made pancakes for breakfast, then Hubs had the idea to go up to Park City. The boys were game, so we headed up. Unfortunately, it was quite busy.  Almost $400 later and the boys had given up on the Alpine Coaster, as the line was over two hours long (and I'm really NOT exaggerating). They did the Alpine Slide once, and a game of mini-golf. Hubs and I had done two of the scenic lifts, and the boys went ahead and joined us on one ... then we gave up and went home. Disappointing day. Thought a Sunday might be less busy, but I guess it is a holiday weekend. I don't know that we'll ever just buy a full pass again, it's just not worth it at all.  Maybe on a day there was NO crowds and you could ride multiple times without waiting, but even then. $80?  Ouch!  #3 had to work. Hubs had prepped some meat and smoked it, making mashed potatoes too. I got the lawn mowed. Labor day tomorrow, long weekend. 

0903 (Monday) Weight 175.3. Steps 20145. Total Burn 2746. Exercise Burn 530/940 (30minElliptical, 34min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2000. We didn't really have any plans for the day. Hubs was off work, but both #2 and #3 had shifts. The littles got invited to go to Lagoon with Aunt Livi and cousins, and #5 went. Hubs ran some errands, grabbing some new blinds for the front room. The string had broken a bit ago making them impossible to pull up ... I like my light. My folks had "The Blind Doctor" come out and fix a bunch of their blinds and I was going to do that too, but the replacement went quick and easy. I guess they can cut them to size over at Lowes. After the success with the first, Hubs went and picked up two more for the family room, where several slats were ugly and broken. #3's room has a couple really bad ones, so they will be next, and then maybe we'll just replace them all, as they are all dirty and discolored.  Hubs then went out to my folks to put more labels on crates. I should have gone too, but I had a big "to do" list here at home. I worked in the garden some, pulling out old straggly sunflowers and pumpkin vines that were looking messy.  Then I finished looking though Hub's discards, getting everything ready for a DI run. I pulled out the rest of the boxes that had my clothes and some random baby stuff. I think I've given up hope that I'll ever fit into any of the cute, tiny clothes I bought when I lost all the weight at the start, so off they go too. I have so many boxes and containers of clothes I'm really not sure I can fit them all in my car. I vacuumed after, there had been some evidence of mice :(  but honestly you can't really tell a big difference, as the three stacks of boxes were just on the back wall, with other things in front. But it's good to downsize some. It will make it easier in the future if we move, and might as well have these things getting some use. I stayed busy with the boxes most of the day. The garbage is full, and the recycling is close, and even the green waste is near the top after my additions. I'll be looking forward to Thursday when the trucks empty everything. I also finished up my August blog post and prepped my weekly Monday one, but didn't quite get it done. Hubs was working in his garage for the evening hours. He bought a small refrigerator and hung it up on the wall (his goal is to have everything up off the ground) and he said he'll use it for his meats and such. I was figuring it was for other things. D. There's a small freezer too ... so I wonder if the extra one downstairs will still be "his" or if I might be allowed to use it. I really need to go through the big freezer. It was all organized as we moved and put everything in again, but over the months things get shoved in and covered up. I'm not sure how much hamburger we have left. We're pretty much out of butter and I need to restock the cheese.When Olivia dropped off #5 at the end of the day, she said he'd flipped out a bit in the car ride home, feeling sick. Just sweating and hot. Maybe some dehydration or over-excitement from the day of roller-coasters? Hoping he'll feel himself in the morning.

0904 (Tuesday ) Weight 174.8. Steps 33433. Total Burn 3476. Exercise Burn 1623/1670 (70minElliptical, Zumba, 40min/3.5milesTreadmill, WEIGHTS). Calories in 1900. Felt like Monday. Got the boys up and off to school, fitting in my hour of elliptical early. Off to Zumba. I hadn't prepped my playlist last night, so I quickly did that this morning before heading out. I ended up switching it up though. Cathleen, Kate and Mindy today. I got good stats, HR up anyway. 6251 steps. 2.8 miles. 535/442 burn. AvHR133. High166. In Zone 57 of the 63 minutes. I ran some errands today, hitting Kohls to return the unused wedding items (one of the two outfits I'd purchased for me, the two burgundy shirts and extra small tie). I still had $30 Kohls Cash that was expiring today so I looked around a bit and picked up a Nike swimsuit and shirt for #4. Nike just released a controversial ad, some praising it, others saying they are going to burn all their Nike stuff. I just bought it because my boys like Nike. At home I got in a couple treadmill times and did weights. It was a productive day. Kept calories in check too. Hubs was home around 6:00 and immediately asked "where am I?" meaning where was his phone (as I stalk him and the boys with the "Find My Friends" app. The phone was still at the office. Unplugged for the night ...

0905 (Wednesday) Weight 174.1. Steps 26529. Total Burn 3031. Exercise Burn 1177/1229 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2200. Got my first elliptical in. Made the mistake of commenting on a couple of fb friends political posts. Not that I'm particularly fired up about these situations, but sometimes it's hard not to say something ... but it doesn't matter. Their posts will only influence those who already believe the same way they do, and my comments won't change their minds at all either. Just took up some time. I was about to hit my second session when I saw that #4 was struggling. The school situation has had him overwhelmed. He'll have a bad day, then a decent day. Bad day this morning. It doesn't seem to be improving. I put a call into the school counseling center to see if there was someone we could talk to to see what the options were (changing classes, etc). I'll admit I was in tears. #4 in tears can do that to me. They said we could come in. I sent #5 with the carpool and then quickly got ready and headed out with #4. It seems the AP Geography class, with its hour of homework every night, was the main concern. The advanced math, honors English and honors biology, as well as the business assistant class has also had him concerned, but maybe with the one change, it will be enough? It won't change his overall attitude toward school, but at least maybe it will help him dread it less? He was so emotionally drained, he'd made himself physically sick this morning, so the counselor suggested he take a mental health day, and I took him back home. He just wanted to rest (he hasn't been sleeping, both being kept awake by stress, and purposely trying to stay awake to prolong the hours before he has to head back to school, sleeping makes it go by too fast). I asked if he'd be okay if I still went to class and he said yes, so I went. Got a good workout. Stats: 7486 steps. 3.44 miles. 544/494 burn. AvHR127. High156. In Zone 56 of the 68 minutes. Chatted a while afterward with one of my friends who also has a son with issues. I'd also thought about medication for the anxiety, and the counselor brought that up as well. #4 had been on meds years ago when he was struggling. I had never been sure if it helped. I've tried a few things and haven't felt like they really did anything. But ... figured we might want to try that. Even as a placebo effect. I called and the Dr. had an opening in the afternoon. I was able to arrange for a brother to pick up the middle school kids after school, as the appointment conflicted. Did a quick stop at DT to grab a few things and then home. I'd only got one elliptical session in early. I managed to get two more to equal my hour, but no other official exercise. Took #4 to the Dr and did get a couple prescriptions (one for everyday, one for panic attacks). Grabbed some pizza in the same shopping center there and took #4 home. I hit the store to grab the prescriptions a little later. One was a dissolveable one, which was really pricey. Not sure why, as he can swallow just fine. Maybe just because that's what was in the records from back when he was in 2nd grade? I figured we could wait a day, and the pharmacy will call and see if it can be changed for a basic pill. It isn't even the cost as much as I just think he'd prefer swallowing to having something he can taste. I know I would! Grabbed a few items while I was there. Back at home, I pulled up all the boxes from the basement to go to goodwill. It took me many trips up and down the stairs and my car is packed full! I did still have one open spot in the passenger seat, so I went and picked the zucchini, squash and cucumbers from the  garden to take to Zumba tomorrow. It's only been a couple weeks since I took a load in, but I still had plenty to pick. I was active enough with all my moving that it auto-registered as a workout on my Fitbit. Did my ducky duties ... with the stuff going on this morning, I hadn't gotten out first thing. By the time I did, after Zumba and such, one of the eggs was broken. I found one still intact ... and then on one of the other trips out later I found a miniature one. They do that occasionally. Hubs has mentioned re-homing them so I don't have to worry about them all winter. I may agree to that. It's a lot of work and stress.  I think I'd actually like to NOT do ducks at all again for a while, just take a break. I'm afraid Hubs and the boys will want to do ducklings again next Spring though. Hubs was working very late, not home until after 8:30.

0906 (Thursday) Weight 173.8. Steps 33044. Total Burn 3374. Exercise Burn 1037/1574 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 1800.  So #4 went off to school today, still understandably anxious (needing to walk into his "new" class this morning) but without tears or excess emotion. I got in my full hour of elliptical. I had even beat Hubs out of bed. He had a meeting here on this side of town, so that let him stay in bed a bit longer. Cleaners were coming, so I made sure we were prepped (counters cleaned off, sink empty, rags out, etc.) and I headed to Zumba. Took in my produce for people to take. I could feel my energy was a little lacking today. 6490 steps. 2.77 miles. 469/357 burn. AvHR112. High133. In zone 13 of the 63 minutes. Afterward, I did a stop at DT. Restocking the deodorant, soap, toothpaste and also got some new boxes for organization. Then I stopped at DI to drop off all the clothes and stuff. The old kids nightstand too. The new one came the other day and #4 ... and then #2 helping, put it together. One more stop at Sam'sClub. Grabbed an inflatable cow costume that I'd seen earlier, but then it had sold out, and it was back in. I don't know what for exactly, but it was just $30. I'd paid $75 for the dinosaur one.  Got in a treadmill time, picked up the kids, baked chicken and then brownies, mowed the lawn, took #5 to/from practice. Had to figure out a way for #4 to watch his beloved NFL. Direct TV and KSL, our local NBC affiliate are having a spat, and DTV isn't carrying NBC here! Luckily we were able to find it using an app on the Roku, and then he ended up watching on the Samsung tablet while in the hot tub. Hubs got a new knife sharpener ... he says he hopes I never find out what it cost.

 0907 (Friday) Weight 172.3. Steps 22070. Total Burn 2862. Exercise Burn 1016/1070 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. I was awake from 3:00-5:00 in the night. Hubs was up and off around 4:30. I was going to just get up and get started on the day like last Friday when this happened, but then I was hit with the sleepies. As I could sleep in some with late-start, I reset the alarm and fell back asleep for a bit. One elliptical in early, made sure the kids were ready for their carpool pickup, then headed to Zumba w/MZL. Stats: 6298 steps. 2.77 miles. 433/408 burn. AvHR120. High152. In zone 24 of the 60 minutes. One the way home, I stopped by the elementary school to drop off the shirts/jacket branded with the TerraLinda name. Just asked if they had someone there that could use them and they were happy to accept them. Then I went to Smiths to pickup #4's second prescription (for panic attacks) and grabbed a few things. Got another elliptical session in, but wasn't super productive today. Worked some on a basketball video and did some laundry. Picked up the kids. #4 is happy it's the weekend. Set up a Roth IRA for #3 (saving money has been a push from Grandma, and all the kids had an IRA in their name with money from her, but now that he's 18, it can be in his own name) ... Grandma will be making deposits for #1's wedding, #3's birthday and #4's birthday. Hubs was home early, and needed to lay down for a little nap. I did my duck duty and watering, then hit the elliptical for my final session. I wasn't feeling well though, lightheaded, almost afraid I'd fall over. I stopped a couple minutes early and just lay down in the gym for a bit. #5 had practice, but instead of at the college (where I drop him off to get a ride there) it was at the church by Coach's house ...my Zumba church I'd just been to that morning. So I had dropped him off, and went to pick him up, and then just went to bed after that. 

0908 (Saturday) Weight 173.1. Steps 14794. Total Burn 2422. Exercise Burn 629/626 (60minElliptical). Calories in 1600. My awake at 3:00 has been the norm of late. Did get back to sleep. Didn't really have much on deck today. Basketball starts back up again next week. I finally got around to working on some video, made a muvee. Still have two games to go through and should do a blog update for the summer season. Hubs got to work switching out the blinds in #3's room (two of the three were warped and discolored). I pulled the curtains down and got them washed, and put the others back up in the living room. Was able to pick up one egg this morning ... there were two more I wasn't able to get to until afternoon as Quinny decided to sit today. I'd used up eight eggs in my brownie batch the other day, but we are still overflowing, as #2 hasn't been eating eggs as much lately (he left to St. George yesterday for a weekend gathering with his girlfriend's family). Hubs also looked at my elliptical, but the part (not broken yet, but clanking) isn't made any more. So ... not sure what will happen there. I did get my hour of elliptical in today, but that was it for exercise. #5 has lost his Fitbit. It was a Zip. I think that's the third one gone missing while he was wearing one. I went through our Fitbit box and organized everything, and asked if he would be willing to try a wrist one. I had an old ChargeHR that #4 had abandoned when he switched to the Alta. So I got that set up for him. He got invited to a friend's house in the evening. I drove him out, and they brought him home (past my bedtime).

0909 (Sunday) Weight 171.9. Steps 15250. Total Burn 2411. Exercise Burn 640/622 (30minElliptical, 30min/2milesTreadmill, Bike). Calories in 2100. Awake in the night. Again. Hubs went into work today. #3 had the day off, but was texting with the manager, who wasn't even going to open the store today due to both a drain backup, and two cooks quitting. I got in a two mile walk early, a bike ride a little later, and then some elliptical. Did some laundry and dishes. Made Cool Whip Dessert. Ate some too. We hadn't done our big breakfast without Hubs home. Cooked some hard boiled eggs in the InstaPot. Found one egg randomly on the lawn in the morning as I fed the ducks. Quinny was staying on the nest, but as she shifted I could see there were two eggs there. A bit later, GiGi joined her on the nest too! Later in the afternoon they were off it, so I went to get the eggs, one was smashed. Not pecked and broken like we've had trouble with Blackfoot's eggs, but I wonder if one of them stepped on it or if GiGi is just too heavy! #4 likes Sundays, because of football. There is a free trial of "Red Zone" but I looked into it, and while regularly $300, I think it should be included in our plan. We'll likely end up changing next year as our promotions will run out, but for now he's good.

0910 (Monday)  Weight 172.2. Steps 30820. Total Burn 3219. Exercise Burn 1400/1344 (60minElliptial, Zumba, 47min/3milesTreadmill, Bike). Calories in 1900. I think I slept through the whole night! Hubs on the other hand, had a bad night. I was up before he was. I got in my three elliptical sessions. It was very noisy, and the clanking throws off my balance. Not sure how much longer this machine has in it. #4 did seem down, but I guess that's not uncommon, especially for Monday mornings. After the boys were off, I headed to Zumba. I want to go back and hit Southziders one of these times, but it starts later and has the travel time. I just don't get home until quite late. I don't get that great of a workout at Kirsten's class though. Stats: 5492 steps. 2.4 miles. 402/324 burn. AvHR119. High147. In zone 30 of the 58 minutes. After class I went to Reams to grab some groceries. I wanted to pick up another ice cream cake, but they didn't have one in cookies&cream. I ran the car through the carwash since I was right there. #1 stopped by for a bit before heading into work. I hit the treadmill for two miles and the bike for bit. Then it was time to pick up kids from middle school. #4 seemed in a much better mood after school ... again understandable. I made chicken pillows for dinner. It's one #3 likes and he didn't have work, or so we thought. He got a call and ended up going in. I made brownies too. Sol stopped by and I sent some leftovers home for her and #1.

0911 (Tuesday) Weight 171.7. Steps 30565. Total Burn 3133. Exercise Burn 1389/1344 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 53min/3milesTreadmill). Calories in 2600. Awake in the night. Again. Hubs was up and off around 4:00. I fell back to sleep and was so tired at 5:50 when it was time to get up. I did my three elliptical sessions. #4 and I discussed some school worries, upcoming tests, etc. He'd left his water bottle at school on Friday and hadn't found it yesterday. I told him to check with the teacher (he remembered which class he left it in) and then the school lost and found (he did find it). They got off to school, and I headed to my Zumba class. Still subbing for Marian. No one was there at 9:00, when it is supposed to start, but they trickled in soon after. One gal came back after quite a break (over a year) and one of the regulars from Daybreak had contacted me to ask where I was teaching, and she came out. Carma was there, as were our other three regulars. Good class. Stats: 6455 steps. 2.77 miles. 541/406 burn. AvHR124. High150. In Zone 48 of the 63 minutes. I wasn't super productive today. Should have done weights, but just didn't get around to it. I was feeling a bit light-headed again. I ate something, then did a walk. Two miles for one session, then another mile a bit later. Picked up the kids. Snacky day, just kept eating things. Did some laundry and dishes and made stroganoff for dinner, as well as prepping the chicken for Tinga tomorrow (#1 said he'd stop by, it's his recipe I still have yet to learn). I mowed the lawn, did some weeding and watering. Hubs stopped by to look at an elliptical, same brand, different model. He'd probably just use it to get the part needed to fix ours. He made some caprisi salad and had some of the strog. #4 was subdued more than yesterday, even though he had his SRI today and done well on it. He said he wasn't feeling well. Never sure if he might actually be sick, or if it's the anxiety manifesting physically. I had felt off today, and Hubs had mentioned his head was a bit fuzzy, so maybe there is something going around. I tried to encourage #4 to finish up some homework, but it seemed to push him to the edge of breaking. Hard to know exactly how to handle this. 9-11 ... lots of FB posts. I put the flag out.

0912 (Wednesday) Weight 171.9. Steps 31924. Total Burn 3234.  Exercise Burn 1305/1445 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2200. Not a good start to the night last night. Hubs was out cold quickly ... and snoring. He doesn't do it often. I snore sometimes too, and Hubs will nudge me, and I immediately wake and shift (and apologize) but I did try nudging a couple times ... to no avail. Due to some big snoring sessions in the past, I'd tried to come up with some options.  Earplugs didn't do anything, but some earbuds plugged into the ipad with white noise (fan) going helped some, although I could still hear it (and feel it? Rumble). Either he finally stopped or I finally fell asleep anyway, I can't remember which. I woke a few times in the night and he was quiet ... almost TOO quiet. Had to check if he was breathing. He was actually awake much of the night (but not reading on his ipad as he often does). So not a great night for either of us. I beat him out of bed. I was a little surprised to come across #4 coming IN the house from the hotub around 6:00. He was downcast, and I tried to talk to him about school and upcoming tests. He did get off without too much issue. I fit in my three 20min elliptical sessions. Then Zumba w/MZL. Bonnie (the lady who came from the Daybreak class) came today and really enjoyed it. We had quite a few instructors there today. Stats: 7466 steps. 3.36 miles. AvHR123. High146. In zone 48 of the 67 minutes. After class I stopped by the post office and grabbed some "love" stamps and sent out some invitations. I'd looked up some addresses yesterday, and called a cousin (she was always great with Christmas cards, I hoped she'd have some on hand and she did!) Grabbed some groceries at Maceys afterward. I just crossed paths with #1 and Sol. They had come over (partially at my request) to make Tinga. I've told them we can cooperate on meals at times, we provide the ingredients and they prep it, and then we split it. I really just need to learn the recipe for Tinga myself. It's an easy one to use up excess chicken and Hubs and #4 really like it. I got in a treadmill time and then took a little walk around the neighborhood to deliver some wedding invitations. Then it was off to pick up the kids from school. I got a text from #5 asking if he could go home with a friend and I said okay. I'd just left with the other two kids when he texted again saying he did need a ride after all, and then again saying never mind it was okay ... I figured the friend had NOT asked HIS mom if it was okay and thus the confusion. I could have come back, but it worked out and he went to the friend's house after all. Maybe plan ahead a bit more? ;) I wish #4 would initiate some socialization with his friends. I've told him friends can come over after school at any time and I can even help with rides home if that is an issue, but #4 just isn't proactive about it. Did some work around the house, fed the ducks, picked tomatoes and watered the garden. No official dinner tonight. When I went to pick up #5 (around 5:30) we stopped and grabbed Little Caesars on the way home. I was helping #4 with homework for a while, and Hubs was helping #2 with a resume. He's looking into an apprenticeship as an electrician. He got a call back tonight and has an interview tomorrow. Some prep for the cleaners coming tomorrow. Put the garbage cans out for collection. I didn't make it back down to the gym, but I hit my 30k anyway.
 
0913 (Thursday) Weight 171.9. Steps 30296. Total Burn 3159.  Exercise Burn 1210/1368 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2100. Better night. According to my app, there was still some snoring, but either I was already asleep ... or it was me (not unheard of that I do it too). While I'm a light sleeper, I don't think Hub's snoring would generally wake me up. But it I am awake, it keeps me up. Even the ice maker downstairs (very slight sound) will keep me awake! Hubs was off around 6:00. He let Oreo in ... he'd been out all night, which is a risk when he goes out after dark and doesn't come in when we call. Everyone goes to bed and we don't hear or see him at the back door. I got in my first session on the elliptical, but was late to my second, waiting to get the boys off to school. #4 had a math test today and was having anxiety about it and I tried to talk him down. After they left, I did another 20minutes, but my timing was now off, and I only got a 10min session in for the third session instead of a full 20min. The morning was also busy with last minute prep for the cleaners, unloading the dishwasher and making sure the sink was empty. Putting #3's work clothes in the wash so they would be ready for him later (he's worked every day this week). Then I was off to Zumba. It was the MZL celebration for Mexican Independence Day, which isn't until Saturday, but there isn't class on Saturday. We'd been encouraged to wear red, green or white, there was a lot of decor up, some big sombreros, and all the songs were in Spanish. Carma came to see the "big" class too. I hadn't seen the cleaners arrive (via ring) but I checked with #2 and he said they were there. I can't believe the sadness I felt when I thought maybe there had been a problem and they weren't coming today! I shopped at Walmart, grabbing a few things. An under the bed box for Hub's silhouette stuff (moved the big chess under #5's bed), new black garbage cans for the boy's rooms (#3 and #4), another tin for the kitchen table to hold chips and bread... At home, the cleaners had hit the downstairs bathroom (yea!) and some kitchen cabinets, with a refresh of the two upstairs bathrooms. I got things unloaded. #1 stopped by to pack a lunch and say hi (and grab his "Invisalines" that he'd left the other day).  I got in a couple miles on the treadmill, then headed to the school to pick up the boys. #4 said he'd felt good about his test, and later checking the score had 98%. Hubs came home a little early and took #2 to pick up an older Nautilus elliptical, one that has the part we need to fix ours. $125. I got in my final elliptical minutes to equal my hour. I would have done a 20min session, but #4 came in and wanted to see if he could watch the NFL game on the gym TV (via the NFL app). So, I just hit my 10min and then worked with him to set it up. Then he jogged for 20minutes while watching. He'd also played a little basketball out front. Worked up quite a sweat, and hit 10k ... he admitted for the first time in a while. I've really been encouraging him to add exercise to help with his anxiety issues. I know it helps me, and ironically makes me feel less tired than laying around all day.  He said he's going to try and work in a morning workout ... that may mess with MY morning routine, but I'm more than happy to make any changes needed to get him to do it. Had to work with #5 to get his Fitbit to sync too. Had to reset it and struggle with it for a while, but finally got it to work. Unfortunately the battery had died yesterday while he was playing at his friend's house ... they were being quite active too! Missed out on tracking those steps.  He had practice in the evening. I dropped him off and then picked him up again after. Wasn't quite at 30k, but went just enough to get there before heading to bed.

0914 (Friday) Weight 172.2. Steps 21594. Total Burn 2762. Exercise Burn 1079/989 (60minElliptical Zumba). Calories in 2700. Stayed in bed an extra hour today. I had a good dream ... but then upon waking, I was sad. Because it wasn't real. I stayed sad the whole day. Just down. I've had bad dreams that have affected me that way, but never like this before. :( So, not super motivated. Just one 20min session on the elliptical early. I made sure the boys were ready for their pickup, then headed to Zumba. It was a good class. Stats: 6380 steps. 2.79 miles. 485/422 burn. AvHR123. High150. In zone 40 of the 60 minutes.  Straight home after, for a little alone time before school was out and the weekend was here. Got in another elliptical, then picked up #5 and our carpool kid. #4 was staying after to retake a math test. It didn't take him long though. I hadn't even arrived home before he texted saying he was ready for pickup. I quickly dropped #5 off then went back to the school to grab him. He'd gotten a D on the first take, but upped it to 100% here on the second try. #5's basketball practice had been pushed an hour, but our carpool was still going at the regular time (Coach and the girl's team were there) so I still dropped #5 off at 5:30. I took #4 with us, and he and I stopped at Walmart on the way home. I'd grabbed him a pair of knit shorts when I was at the store earlier in the week and mentioned they had some additional colors. He picked out one more, and I grabbed some joggers for #5. Then #4 and I went to Kohls and got him another pair of shorts (Nike) and a t-shirt (Adidas). Hubs had come home while we were out and parked behind my spot, so I had to park, then move his car, before I could pull in. He'd stopped to grab some meat to smoke this weekend. #3 was off to a football game.

0915 (Saturday) Weight 172.8. Steps 12704. Total Burn 2334. Exercise Burn 450/537 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2300. Woke early, but fell back to sleep and then slept in until around 8:00. Took care of the ducks. Needed to mow the lawn, but the smoke was so bad. There are a few fires, not super close to us, but the smoke travels. Some extended family has had to evacuate their home :(  #5 had a game at 1:00 ... they lost, and #5 didn't score. He wasn't very happy. And the second game at 5:00 was even worse! Only one basket for our team the entire first half. This league combined the upper/middle divisions ... we are middle and these top teams are literally out of our league, but still in our league. So tough start to the season. Hubs worked on the elliptical for most of the morning. Taking apart the old one and then putting in the pieces needed on mine. I got one session in before he did anything to mine, and one after he was done. My machine was MUCH better. The clanking and shifting was gone, it felt solid. In the evening we went over to see #1's apartment. I'd been once before they moved in any furniture, so it was fun to see it more set up.


0916 (Sunday) Weight 172.8. Steps 14733. Total Burn 2401. Exercise Burn 450/600 (40minElliptical). Calories in 3000. Hubs was up fairly early to put pork butt on the smoker for some pulled pork later. #1 texted asking if Sunday Circles were happening and I said sure. He and Sol came over for breakfast. They made the waffles and I prepped some bacon, sausage and hashbrowns and Hubs made eggs. I got a couple sessions on the elliptical in, and mowed the lawn. My MIL invited us over for taco salad. The pork was taking a lot longer than expected, so it wasn't going to be ready early anyway. We visited there for a bit then headed home. We ended up having some pulled pork later than evening. I had to run to the store quick to grab some rolls for it, and we were almost out of milk. Grabbed a few other things too, as always.

0917 (Monday) Weight 174.8. Steps 26519. Total Burn 2961. Exercise Burn1392/1155 (80minElliptical, Zumba, 31min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2900. I was awake around 5:00, but didn't get out of bed until just before 6:00. Got my first elliptical session in on schedule, but the second one was late. I fed the ducks and gathered eggs (just two today) and then #4 was off ... as he always seems to be of late. We had a talk, not that I do much good. He went to school. I got my second elliptical in after the boys left, but then my third one was late too. Too late to get a full session in and make it to Zumba. Unless I went to the later Southziders Zumba, which I've been meaning to do. But, I just stayed home. I was dragging. I did my third elliptical and did some stuff around the house. I ended up doing an hour on my own, although it wasn't a big burn. Mostly just reviewing some steps and such. Stats: 5690 steps. 2.34 miles. 395/283 burn. AvHR108. High125. In zone 4 of the 61 minutes. Not surprising not to get great stats when just working out alone like that. It was good to go over some of the songs though. I got in a treadmill time and a couple more small elliptical session for the day, but it wasn't super productive. Picked up the kids after school. #4 had his ups and downs. He'd seem fine playing video games, then he'd say he felt sick and just wanted to lay down. I had him print of some articles he needed to write an essay on for biology, and I read them and we discussed them. I wanted him to get that essay done but he wasn't feeling up to it and I'm not sure how hard to push.

0918 (Tuesday) Weight 174.8. Steps 24971. Total Burn 2916. Exercise Burn 1238/1110 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2700. Disturbing dreams. Again. #4 was not happy this morning, saying he felt sick and didn't want to go to school. We looked over his schedule and what he'd miss ... and I let him stay home, but told him this could not be a habit, and he'd need to work on his two essays. He hasn't been sleeping well. Not so much because he can't sleep, but because he doesn't want to sleep, because time goes too quickly when sleeping, and then it's time for school again :(  I was able to get in my three 20min sessions on the elliptical. I headed to the church, and I'm just never sure if anyone is going to show. A little after 9:00 Cathyleen and Barbara were there so we started. We had a couple more come later. It was just me leading today. Stats: 6061 steps. 2.66 miles. 446/390 burn. AvHR116. High136. In zone 17 of the 62 minutes. Home again, checked on #4. He said he'd slept a little. Had a bucket in case he threw up, but that didn't happen. He didn't feel up to working on school stuff until later, but we finally sat down and got the biology essay done. I hit the treadmill for a couple miles then picked up middle school carpool. Had some other "mommy fixes" success today ... #3 was unhappy with his false back pocket on his new shorts and I investigated and unpicked the pocket that had been sewn shut. He also needed columns for a school paper, and I figured out the tables in the Google Doc that worked. #4 and I worked on the second essay and got it finished up. Hubs had a derby, but #3 was working, #4 hadn't finished the essay and still felt a little off, #5 had homework too ... so I asked #2 if he would be willing. Hubs pays the boys, and thought someday one of the older boys might actually take it on themselves. I good little side job ... not for Hubs, but for the boys it would be. So, we'll see what he thinks after going and helping tonight. It's been quite a while since he's done a derby.

0919 (Wednesday) Weight 174.6. Steps 30446. Total Burn 3096. Exercise Burn 1219/1291 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2400.  Not sure if it's #4's anxiety getting to me, or my own stuff, but I've had a hard time getting out of bed in the mornings. I do it ... but I can't help but think about when I might be able to come back and just lay down again. I'm generally okay once I get going, although I have been having some curl-up time some days. I was able to fit in my hour of elliptical in early. #4 got off without much issue today. Three eggs from the ducks today. I need to get more frozen peas and corn, because the new girls look at me with such expectation now. They don't care for the tomatoes like our original trio does (well, Handiquack likes tomatoes) and disappointingly, none of them seem to like the grated zucchini. Too bad, as I have oodles of that. Lots of tomatoes coming, but I did run out of the frozen veggies this morning. I headed to Zumba with MZL. Stats: 5979 steps. 2.65 miles. 426/390 burn. AvHR119. High139. In zone 23 of the 57 minutes. I stopped at Walmart after, grabbed some frozen veggies and a few other items. Had some alone time at home. Got in two miles treadmill. Picked up the kids from school. #4 seemed okay today, has some homework, which we talked about ... but then he put off. He slept some, and I had to nag him a little as the evening wore on. I mowed the front lawn, made a couple pans of brownies (wedding reception prep), emptied garbages and put them out for collection tomorrow, cleaned up the kitchen and did some laundry. Hubs and I were on the final episode (series finale) of Newsweek, but didn't make it all the way through.

0920 (Thursday) Weight 176.6. Steps 28539. Total Burn 3137. Exercise Burn 1100/1347 (60minElliptical, 60min/4milesTreadmill). Calories in 2000.  Needed the alarm to wake up this morning. Hubs slept in too. #4 was up already, but said he'd had a pretty good night, and that his alarm had to wake him as well (set for 5:30? Why so early ... he could sleep until 6:30). #4 seemed to be doing good this morning. Not excited for school or anything, but no signs of being down or anxious. I had gone to bed before he finished his homework, but he showed it to me. This one was a little more up his alley. Making a mascot/logo for a sports team, drawing a picture and describing its denotation and connotation and a few other things. My mornings have been a bit off schedule with his issues, as I often don't make it down for my second session before the boys leave, as I'm dealing with #4 then. I could have today, he was fine and ready, but I still waited and made sure he got off okay. Our carpool will be moving in a month and then I'll be driving them in the mornings too, so I'll have to adjust my workout schedule anyway (10min before, 10min after?). Zumba had to cancel today, as MZL's building had a conflict and none of the backup buildings worked out either. I could have still gone to Coriann's class, but ... the cleaners canceled this week as well, so I didn't HAVE to be out of the house. I've still got some more brownies to bake and ... maybe clean my own house? I figured I'd skip Zumba today and try to get in an extra workout on the elliptical or treadmill.  I did get a second treadmill time in, and I cleaned the house. #4 hadn't hung up his clothes from the week before, and the laundry I'd done yesterday was on his floor. I hung up the shirts and made him put the rest of the stuff away when he got home from school. Our usual gal in the carpool got picked up by her mom, so it was just my boys ... so we stopped at Little Caesars on the way home. It IS national pepperoni pizza day after all. They are redoing the shopping center there and I wasn't sure if the stores were still open as there was scaffolding and such all over, but they were. #4 wanted some Italian Cheese Bread too, but they didn't have that ready to go. I'd mopped the kitchen floor and vacuumed the upstairs while everyone was gone, and was getting to the basement. Ended up spending quite a bit of time in #4's room. We swapped his desk and his chest of drawers (with the TV on top) and I like the look of things more now. #1 stopped by and needed some of my craft supplies ... they do still come in handy from time to time. I finished up yesterday's brownies, adding the mint layer and the ganache topping, but I didn't get around to making any more. I hit 30k on my Versa, but not my One. I guess there were a lot of arm movements that got picked up today with my cleaning and such?

0921 (Friday) Weight 172.0. Steps 27177. Total Burn 30796. Exercise Burn 1262/1290 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 1900. I'd set my alarm for a bit later ... but then was rudely awakened at 5:00 by a beeping in #5's room (which is next to the master). I recalled #4 holding a Yoda alarm clock and saying he was going to prank his brother ... unfortunately it got me too. I was able to locate the hidden, beeping clock and turn it off. #5 fell back to sleep, but I did not. I'd already awakened once, as Hub hadn't had a good night and was up and off around 2:00. Well, I ended up getting in my full hour of elliptical early, which often doesn't happen on Fridays. I made sure the boys were ready... #4 was again fine (could the medication have kicked in?) and I headed to Zumba w/MZL. Stats: 6570 steps. 2.9miles. 488/439 burn. AvHR180. High138. In Zone 33 of the 65 minutes. Straight home after. I still had a couple batches of brownies to make, and #1 had texted asking "remember you said you could make us a video for the reception? Can you still do that?" By tomorrow? Yikes! And I'd still have to wait to get photos from Sol. Luckily I had #1's life digitally saved and easily accessible, as well as their bridals and wedding photos. So I spent some time on that too. Picked up the boys from school. #5 tried his TV ... and it wasn't working. It had taken a bit of a tumble this morning. My bad, as it really wasn't sturdy on the plastic drawer unit. Hubs had bought a warranty on it, but I'm not sure if it covers damage.  He might check it out when he has time. #5 had practice in the evening, I dropped him off to catch a ride, then came back and dropped #4 off at a friend's house where a group of them were hanging out. Stopped at Smiths on the way home to grab some groceries. Picked #4 up around 10:00. Normally I'm asleep by that time, but I was still up working on the video. I had #2 on standby though, if it had been later he would have been on pickup duty. #3 was out at the homecoming football game and after activities.

0922 (Saturday) Weight 170.8. Steps 9182. Total Burn 2104. Exercise Burn 0/321 (no exercise). Calories in 1900. Hubs was up around 7:00 putting a turkey breast on the smoker. #5 had a game at 9:00. Another loss, but this was closer. Our boys just could NOT get a shot to land. We grabbed donuts on the way home. Hubs was off running some last minute errands, grabbing plates and forks at #1's request. They had also decided to do a "photo guestbook" borrowing my SILs camera, but he had to find film, which took him across town before he did. I went to work finishing up the brownies and prepping them for presentation. At my niece's wedding reception a bit ago, they had cookies presented on paper muffin cups. I thought that would work for the brownies, and had grabbed some the other day when I was at Walmart. It did work out well, looked fancy and made it so they were easily picked up without mess. I'd refrigerated the marshmallow brownies and happily they weren't too hard to cut into squares (sometimes they stick something awful). I frosted the plain pan and got them cut and cupped. Then the two pans of mint brownies. Hubs had picked up some plastic platters, and that worked well. I finished up the video and transferred it to a card and got it going on our portable Samsung screen. #2 had gone early to help the caterers haul things in. Hubs and I and the two littles headed out with desserts and gadgets in tow. #3 came a bit later after finishing up a shift at work. We put him in charge of the photos, and he was a hoot, pretending he was a professional (with what was basically a Polaroid camera). He IS taking a photography class at school. When the real photographer showed up, #3 said "there is my nemesis!" I ended up taking some of the photos later in the night when he and the boys went off to decorate the newlywed's car. The reception went well. Saw some friends we hadn't seen in a while. Hubs gave a speech. #4 started to give out, and we had #2 run him and #5 home a little early, so they wouldn't have to stay during cleanup and such. We did do the farewell to the bride and groom with bubbles into the decorated car, although it lacks a little of the oomph when they really weren't heading off to their honeymoon. We took the gifts in our car and dropped them off on the way home. Sol's mom was cleaning up the decor they had brought, and the rest was done by the reception center, so it wasn't bad at all. Much better than doing it at a church where we would have had to put away the tables and chairs and such too. Home and to sleep!

0923 (Sunday)Weight 170.8. Steps 12032. Total Burn 2236. Exercise Burn 200/453 (35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2300.  Slept in a little. Hubs had made plans with his brother's family, who had flown in for the reception. I hadn't had a chance to chat much last night. I was a bit bummed he was just going to brunch with them himself. I'm not sure if he picked up on that, but he did change the plans to just having them over to the house, and inviting more family (including the newlyweds). It was crazy chaotic, and it seems like that would be something that would amp up my anxieties ... but I actually enjoy hostessing here at home with family when it's just casual. Hubs smoked bacon, made waffles and scrambled eggs. We had #3 make buttermilk syrup, I did french toast and some hashbrowns, just the crowns in the deep fryer. Unfortunately three appliances (the waffle iron, fryer and electric skillet) were all on the same fuse and it blew. Had to reset it and move one of the gadgets. Another blip was when #4 went to watch his RedZone football. Last week, we'd paid $49.99 and while it didn't say exactly how long it was for, I assumed a month. I mean $65 monthly gets you all the games and RedZone. I figured this was RedZone only. Turns out, that $50 had been a SINGLE DAY pay per view. What?? We had already missed out on the early pricing (which was $50 monthly instead of the $65 because we thought it was included in our "choice and above package" as it had been the first year, and said it was on their homepage, I didn't realize that was just for new subscribers). Anyway, lots of confusion on our part. I got through to a customer service rep on the phone, but of course they want to talk to the MAN (his name on the account). I really just meant for him to say (yes, whatever my wife says is fine) but the rep didn't let him return the phone to me and Hubs wasn't about to deal with this with all the family over and handed the phone back to me and ... disconnected. Or hung up on? Chat was busy, but the boys found a game on mainstream TV to watch.  I checked on chat later and it was available, and I was able to pretty much get things worked out. I was glad the rep took pity on us and the misunderstandings. She (he? Robin was the name, could have been either I guess, can't tell with text) ended up giving us the early bird pricing, so we get the RedZone for six $50 payments (#4 will pay half). She said she couldn't just wave the $49.99, but would work a discount of $5 a month on the account, which would end up covering it. Redzone was up immediately, so my boy and my BIL were happy. #4 was happy to connect with his uncle, who is also a football fan. There was a noisy game of "pirate" going on at the kitchen table. I got the kitchen cleaned up and quickly watered the plants and ducks ... I hadn't gotten to that yesterday. There were two eggs under the tramp, which would have required me crawling to get them, but I sent my little nephew to grab them. Hubs then needed the hose to empty the hot tub, the water had got a little green. Family headed out. I got the bills paid
 

0924 (Monday) Weight 171.9. Steps 30193. Total Burn 3170. Exercise Burn 1327/1381 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 60min/4milesTreadmill. Abs). Calories in 1900. Hubs was off around 5:30, I got up shortly afterward. #4 was coming in from a soak in the hot tub. He'd awakened early and says he can't get back to sleep. I'm still attempting to get him to try exercise first thing. He was okay this morning. I was able to get my second elliptical session in (so I was downstairs when the carpool came) and then the third, finishing up my hour early. I'd debated hitting Southziders, but the other class is so close, and earlier ... but I don't get a great workout there. It's just not that high intensity and always seem to run just a bit short. And not very "Zumba" either. Only two songs were in Spanish, the rest were all American pop.  Maybe I'll try Southziders next week. Stats: 4976 steps. 2.18 miles. 329/279 burn. AvHR118. High144. In zone 19 of the 55 minutes. After class I stopped at Reams to grab some groceries. We were out of apples and they had a good price on frozen peas. They also had the cookies and cream ice cream cake now ... After shopping I drove through the carwash, then back home. I missed #1, who had stopped by to grab his birth certificate. #2 had left early, starting his first day as an electrician's apprentice. I got two treadmill times in during the day. Some jogging in the first, just walking the second. A couple loads of laundry, dishes, ducks ... finished up my weekly blog post and even wrote an email update to family. Ziti baking for dinner. #5 had practice, and we usually catch a ride, and could have, but I don't feel guilty when the other parents were planning on going and watching anyway. Today, Mai was just going to drop the boys off, so I said I'd do the drive today. Ended up taking Gage as well as Collin, and then Coach gave rides home, so I just dropped them off. Still about an hour round trip. But I do better going South and East than North, and traffic wasn't too bad and I got home before dark. Tried to do a little ab work, but had a hard time committing. Hubs shaved his smoked turkey and played with his knives. I whipped up a cheesecake pie for dessert.

0925 (Tuesday) Weight 171.9. Steps 32610. Total Burn 3299. Exercise Burn 1500/1511 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 46min/3milesTreadmill, Bike, WEIGHTS).  Calories in 1900.  Hubs left a little after 5:00, and I didn't feel like I fell back to sleep, but I think I did, as I needed my alarm at 5:50. I was a little slow pulling out of bed this morning, a little slow hitting the elliptical for my first session. But not late enough that I couldn't get the full 20min in. Got the kids up and ready. #2 was up and off earlier today, before his brothers were up. I got in my two additional elliptical sessions and then headed to Zumba. I got there a little before 9:00 to open the the door and prep the gym. I often have to open the middle screen and move some tables/chairs. A little after 9:00 ... and no one was there. At about 10 after Carma came (my other instructor) and we figured we'd just call class, as no one had come. Right as we were about to leave, Cathyleen came in, so we figured we'd do it with the three of us. Then two more came. They almost found locked doors! I got good stats, much better than if I'd attempted on my own (which I'm not sure if I would have). 6481 steps. 2.87 miles. 478/404 burn. AvHR125. High148. In Zone 45 of the 62 minutes. At home after, I got started on some cinnamon rolls, making the dough and getting it rising. I did the dishes and a few loads of laundry and vacuumed the house. Two treadmill times, one walk (w/incline) and one jog (to music). Then I picked up the middle school kids, and made scones. Hubs was home early, and he and #5 took off to do a derby. #4 had been planning on going, but then had homework. A friend in the class was attempting to facetime with him to help, but it kept cutting out. I told #4 I'd be happy to pick up the friend and bring him over, then take him back home. I wish #4 would be more proactive with initiating activities, even if it's just studying. I'll go above and beyond to help him out because I feel like he needs it so much. #1 came over when I told him I'd made cinnamon rolls. He ate a couple and I sent some home with him. I got in a weights session and did my ducky duties. I had about 30min left on my show (Black Panther) but got distracted by the new school boundary proposals. We've been anxiously awaiting them, as it will really affect the littles, especially #4 next year as he enters high school. Which high school? Still uncertain. His buddies are in a section that could go either way (to Copper Hills or West Jordan). The middle school boundary is really switching up too, and while I think #5's permit should still hold, he might elect to make the switch if many/most of his friends are affected. So much up in the air. Final decisions aren't for a couple months, but will be before the permit acceptance opens up. I took a shower, and Hubs was out cold when I got out. As I wasn't quite ready for bed, I figured I'd finish my show (Black Panther ... I liked it). I watched it while on the bike. Got a good burn today, while still keeping calories in check (I think). A little computer time, finishing up a couple book reviews and blog stuff. Keeping an eye on #4's head as he has a strange infection, as well as several bumps elsewhere on his body. Stress from school?

0926 (Wednesday) Weight 171.7. Steps 30192. Total Burn 3168. Exercise Burn 1250/1376 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2200. Hubs was off a little early, around 4:00. I fell back to sleep until my alarm. Got in my three sessions on the elliptical as I got the boys off to school. Zumba w/MZL. I'd picked tomatoes and zucchini last night and brought some in to share. Some eggs too. Stats: 6495 steps. 2.87 miles. 440/394 burn. AvHR118. High137. In zone 25 of the 63 minutes. Afterward I stopped at Maceys. Didn't need much, but they had butter, shortening, Goldfish and chocolate chips on sale. I also deposited a check (refund from an overpayment from #5's root canal). Didn't do any laundry today. Switched out a shower curtain and did a little prep for cleaners tomorrow. Worked in the yard, weeding, pulling up the zucchini plants in front ... they were looking peaked as the season comes to a close. Replanted my remaining petunia pots in their place out front by the birdhouse, and then pulled out my pumpkins, leaves and other autumnal decor for the frront steps. Switched out the wreath. I never got around to decorating last year. Picked the pumpkins in back and brought them out to the front/side flowerbed. Watered the garden and ducks. Mowed the front lawn and put the bins out for collection tomorrow. Hubs had a derby, and #5 went again, as #4 had homework again. #2 and #3 arrived home just barely before they headed out. #3 and #4 ended up taking afternoon naps ... hope they can sleep tonight. After my late night, I'm tired. Took a shower, after all the yardwork I felt filthy!

0927 (Thursday) Weight 172.4. Steps 33071. Total Burn 3154. Exercise Burn 1412/1359 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 70min/4milesTreadmill). Calories in 2400. I have to admit it's a little frustrating to see the weight go up, when I've been being so active and keeping eating in check. I guess that's one reason it isn't good to weigh in every day ... although a drop is motivating to me. I started the day with my three 20min sessions on the elliptical. Headed to Zumba w/MZL. I was running just a little late, and my usual spot was pretty filled, but I managed to squeeze in. Stats: 6229 steps. 2.7miles. 439/357 burn. AvHR119. High146. In Zone 27 of the 65 minutes. After class, I went to Walmart, mostly non-grocery. A red carpet for #3's room, cork board for #4's room, a Swiffer duster. Then Sam's, where I did get some groceries. The cleaners had come. They got to the bay window area, which was nice! The wall behind the garbage can had been SO bad. But even they hadn't been able to get rid of #5's "artwork" which has been there on the wall since he was small.  I got two treadmill times in, but just walking, although I added some incline to one session. Picked up the kidlets from school. Hubs had a derby, and #4 did go to help today. It was bumped from the church for a funeral, so they held it in a nearby Bowery.  When Hubs got back, he packed, as he's leaving for a little Seattle get-away in the morning. He hasn't felt well today, some tummy trouble. He hopes it clears up quick and doesn't impact his vacation.
 
0928 (Friday) Weight 172.9. Steps 25044. Total Burn 2930. Exercise Burn 1200/1135 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 3000.  Hubs was up and off early, around 5:00. I fell back asleep, and with late start, slept in until after 7:00. Our carpool had texted last night asking if I could drive to school this morning, so I worked that into my plan. I got 30min elliptical in and prepped for Zumba so I could go straight after dropping the kids off. I'd be late, but as I'd already be out and about ... and I still got almost a whole class. Stats: 4417 steps. 2miles. 287/282 burn. AvHr115. High282. In Zone 15 of the 47 minutes. #1 texted asking if he could borrow the Durango to grab a kitchen table for their apartment. I told him sure ... but that I was almost out of gas. So I got out of filling it up (although of course he charged it to our card). I still had dough, so I rolled it out for more cinnamon rolls. Got a treadmill time in, then school pickup.  #5 had practice and I was dropping him off to catch a ride. Prepped a plate of cinnamon rolls, then texted to ask if they could use any fresh tomatoes, zucchini or duck eggs and she said yes to all, so I quickly packed some of that up as well. Dropped it and #5 off. Now sometimes, when Hubs is gone, I'm MORE productive. Other times ... much less, and today was the latter. I was dragging and so tired and ready for bed early. Hubs had checked in. He'd flown first class (said it was actually cheaper) and had access to the first class lounge there at the airport, and he stayed there and lounged for much of the day, waiting for his brother who was flying in from his business trip.

0929 (Saturday) Weight 173.8. Steps 13673. Total Burn 2306. Exercise Burn 650/510 (60minElliptical). Calories in 2800.  Not a great night of sleep, not sure why. No snoring hubs! Not too much on deck today. #5 had a couple of basketball games. One at noon and one at 6:00. There had been a new episode of Grey's Anatomy on, season finale, Thursday night. Yesterday I'd recorded it, but couldn't see an option to enable the captions. I need my captions! I don't have Hulu anymore and was getting it from ABC's site. On their actual site I'd see a place to queue up captions, but not via PlayOn. Discouraging. I'd watched one episode yesterday, but can only do it on the elliptical. The treadmill is too noisy. It had been a two hour premiere, so I watched the second hour today while on the elliptical. Still watching Seven Seconds on Netflix, that finished up my hour today. For my final session though, I started feeling off, dizzy. I had to stop at 10minutes, and then come back later for the other 10min to finish up when I felt a bit better. #3 hit some stores for some clothes. His debit card ended up being declined (we'll have to look into that) so he charged ours and Venmo-ed. But he sent it to his dad, not me. It should be to me, as while Hubs earns all the money, I'm the one physically paying the bills ;)  It's all in the family. Then #3 had work. The first game for #5 was at Elkridge (his school, so still there even on a Saturday). It was an easy win, as GF had taken pity on our team getting smashed the first three games, and let us play one in the lower division. Not sure why they didn't divide the upper into middle and high to attempt to even the playing field. It's just not fun to play against teams that are "out of our league" whether they are too good or too easy. We haven't had one game that felt like it was a real game that could have gone either way. The second game was unfortunately the other way, and we were trounced. The other team was good, and they had a kid who hits the three point shot almost every time.

0930 (Sunday) Weight 173.1. Steps 11561. Total Burn 2243. Exercise Burn 200/447 (35min/2milesTreadmill). Calories in 2300.  Three days of sleeping in. #1 texted asking if there was going to be breakfast. No one else was awake at 9:30! I said to come on over whenever. I was just going to make pancakes, but he wanted waffles and if he's willing to make them, okay! We had bacon, eggs and sausage too. I got in a walk on the treadmill and watered outside. We've had a broken egg today and yesterday when I went to gather.  #5 got invited to a friend's house, so I took him over. Stopped by Smiths on the way home to grab some groceries and prescriptions. Also went to Little Caesars to get some pizza. It's just nice to have on hand, the boys go through it! I'd had my nails on (with reapplications) for this past week, since the reception, but took them off today to go back to nothing for a bit. Until next time. #4 watched his NFL all day on Red Zone. In the evening when the games move to the main networks, the DirectTV/KSL dispute reared its ugly head again. He'd been able to watch via the app last week, but now that was disabled too. I knew there wasn't much to be done, but a rep had mentioned something about a separate antenea or something when I called last. So I got on chat and was on there forever. The reps say they know about the NBC issue but they don't (as she kept suggesting we log onto NBC, when that obviously didn't work, and she said it was on the Sunday Ticket channels, which is isn't). She passed me to someone else and supposedly an antennae is being sent out ... I don't know that I'll dare deal with it though (as it seems that would disconnect everything else). We'll see. I guess I just wanted them to have another complaint on record so that they will do something about this dispute. It's been weeks and weeks now! Hubs and BIL's family have gone onto Portland now for a couple days. #2 unloaded the dishwasher (I'll have #5 do it during the summer, but when he's got school and basketball and derbies, I do it) and it was so nice! Then he loaded it too (also my "job") and asked "okay, give me a quick run-down on where to put things so you don't come and re-arrange everything after!" :) Being the end of the month, I thought to check our Smith's Fuel Rewards, and sure enough, we had 900 points ($.90 off a gallon) that expired today! I texted the three oldest boys to see if anyone needed gas, and #1 was the first to respond (the one kid we don't pay for the gas ... so it won't end up saving us, but I didn't want it to go to waste). I remembered to grab my graph from Fitbit. That's a win!

*** What I Watched While Working Out *** 

As I scrolled through Netflix, Amazon and HBO, trying to pick movies to watch while working out, nothing much was calling out to me. I only watched six movies this month. Some old, some new. I'd say Black Panther was the best, The Signal was the worst. I switched to series for the rest of the the time, returning to Sense8 (for the second season). I did the CBS All Access trial and watched the first season of The Good Fight, and then the Netflix original The Innocents. I haven't been great at getting up blog posts with my thoughts on my movies and series (or books, I've been reading a lot too!)