Annual Checkup

I'm pretty healthy, and SO grateful for that. I don't ever take it for granted. I did go into the doctor for my annual physical and got a clean bill of health. I'll admit ... I'm not that great at keeping track of things myself. When I'm given my blood pressure numbers, I have to wait for them to say "that's good" because I'm not really up on the standard. Cholesterol was fine. He checked a few other things, all which seems to be normal. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism many years ago and have been on medication every since. Unlike some others who really have hardships with thyroid issues, I've really never seemed to have it impact me much.  Checked those levels and got a new prescription (same dosage, just to get me through the year ... they only prescribe one year to FORCE you back to the doctor's office I think.) I'm also to take some iron as I struggled with anemia in the recent past.  Got a gynecological exam and an appointment at the women's center for a mammogram. Right as I was awaiting my appointment I came across this funny post on the MFP blogs (here) ... it made me laugh. Got my reports back that everything looked normal, so that is good. 

So another year down ... It was nice to be able to answer honestly about exercise when the Dr. asked ... I can definitely improve on diet, and hope to be in the "normal" weight range when I come again next year.

Are you up to date with your exams?  Here's a quick check list for you.
10 Health Screenings All Women Should Have.

Weekly Weigh-In #3

So last week, I was a bit disappointed, as my weight was actually up (just a tiny bit).  From one week ago, this is a 1.3 pound loss. It's only down .6 from two weeks ago, but my overall trend is still on track (see Trendweight's graph below).  A little frustrated with the body fat readings. Shifting around several percentage points this week and up again. Although I don't really put much stock in the body fat readings anymore (more on that here).

Day to Day (August2013)

This will be a post in progress ... updated as each day passes 

0801 (Thursday) Good Day.  Weight 164.3. Fitbit Steps 27362. Total Burn 3269. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1491. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 37minBike, 30DS3.4  Got out of bed a little earlier than I have been, as it was garbage day and I hadn't put the cans out.  Dropped #1 to pick up his truck after it's repair. I said he could stop for donuts on the way home. WHY do I allow donuts in the house? I ate donuts today. Decided to take the kids to Jump with some friends, so that was a few hours just sitting supervising. Without hubby home, I did get in a late workout before bed ... it doesn't seem to affect my sleep negatively at all.

0802 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 163.9. Fitbit Steps 26070. Total Burn 3055. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1280. Exercise: 100minElliptical.  Slept in today, so it was a slow start. Had several errands to run which took up much of the morning. Didn't eat breakfast and controlled calories thinking I wouldn't get in much cardio today (taking the day off 30DS and will make up tomorrow).  Mowed the lawn and did some gardening (turning over the soil in the flower bed actually got the heart rate up, I had my HRM just for heart rate reference). A little ping pong with #3. And I did end up getting my full 100min on the elliptical in (with hubby gone there was no Friday night date).

0803 (Saturday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 163.4. Fitbit Steps 21410. Total Burn 3042. Calories in 2200. Calories out 1275. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30DS3.5 Woke up around 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. The boys wanted french toast for breakfast. I love french toast. There has also been a long standing request for my cinnamon rolls, so I mixed up some dough and got them raising. Dragging a bit today, really didn't feel into 30DS. Hubby and #2 got back in the early afternoon.  Felt a bit off in the evening, some stress surfacing, PMS perhaps and the lack of sleep last night I'm sure isn't helpful either.

0804 (Sunday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 162.7. Fitbit steps 17656. Total burn 2719. Calories in 2400. Calories out 951. Exercise: 100minElliptical. 10minWiiFit. Made waffles as usual, I only had some bites from the boys, about a 1/2 at most. Church as usual, three hours of sitting. I did not get in my afternoon nap as I sometimes do on Sundays. I made scones (Utah style .. fried bread with butter and sugar). They tasted good ... good for me? No! But that wasn't the end of the bread ... breadsticks for dinner with chicken/veggie soup. And of course, homemade oreos. At least I got in some exercise to combat the caloric intake!

0805 (Monday) PrettyGood Day. Weight 167.6. Fitbit Steps 24105. Total burn 3030. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1260. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 30DS3.6, 15minPingPong, 10minHulaHoop Back to the norm (after having hubby gone on a scout camp for a few days). He was up and off early ... 4:30 early and I couldn't really get back to sleep. I probably should just get UP and start being productive, but you always do hope you will fall back asleep. I think I did eventually (or so my Fitbit sleep tracker says, although it didn't feel like it as I dragged myself out of bed).  Got in my first workout, then got three of the kids off to a waterpark with a friend. #2 wanted scones again and I had a little leftover dough, so now it is gone (but not before I added one to my tummy). More workouts (elliptical and 30DS) then I went and got my nails done ... I really should give them up to save time and money. As I got an hour of reading in during that (at least it isn't time JUST sitting) I didn't do the bike today, but did more elliptical. The kids have been clamoring for Papa Murphy's pizza, so I picked some up. The kids downed the cheese pizza, I chicken garlic for hubs ... half with only alfredo sauce and cheese which #4 and I ate ... and it was GOOD. It was thin crust, but I had some breadsticks too. So again, high calories for the day. Bread does that.  **This was one of those rare days where the Omron had more steps than the Fitbit.**

0806 (Tuesday) Ok Day. Weight 162.7. Fitbit steps 21623. Total burn 2729. Calories in 2200. Calories out 960. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30min/1.5mile Treadmill A bit of a slow start today ... got sidetracked blogging. Did get a couple elliptical sessions in. I finished up Downtown Abby. I put on my shoes and HRM and started up 30DS when CRAMP. My shoulder! The pain wasn't SO bad ... but I could not get in a deep breath. I mean I could breathe, but not a deep, satisfying breath. And I felt so lightheaded. I hadn't eaten much (a banana) and I don't know if it was some stress/emotional eating or if I really did need some sugar, but there was a fun size Snickers bar on my desk and I had downed it before I really even knew what I was doing. I continued to be starving, and I ate a little more, took some ibuprofen, applied some heat, tried working out the kinks a bit. It was still taking my breath away. As I still had my shoes and HRM on (and that is SUCH a pain) I thought I'd try to walk on the treadmill. I was able to do it, but it really was a workout just to walk. It did seem to improve a bit during the day. I was able to breathe and move around normally and got a couple more elliptical sessions in, although I could still feel the twinge. I considered trying 30DS again, but there are so many shoulder moves (pushups and planks) I think I'll it off until at least tomorrow. I'm a bit bummed to lose my momentum so close to the end, but I will finish, even if I'm a few days behind. Stroganoff for dinner (I don't eat it) ... but I had some corn on the cob. Does that count as a vegetable?

0807 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 163. Fitbit Steps 25468. Total Burn 3129. Calories in 1700. Calories out 1360. Exercise: 120minElliptical. 37minBike, 30DS3.7 Slow start again ... am I going to be able to get up early when school starts back up? My shoulder was feeling better, no problem with 30DS or other cardio today. The usual stuff: dishes, laundry, bills, grocery shopping, dinner.  Really kept calories in check, although "healthy" eating was still not reflected in my food diary. But there was an apple and a banana! Two fruits in one day!

0808 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 162.5. Fitbit Steps 22816. Total Burn 3001. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1234. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30DS3.8 + 10minHula Didn't sleep well last night, and wasn't able to get back to sleep after hubby left in the morning. Under 5 hours ... not good, I need my beauty sleep. Got in some cardio and then ran to a few stores. Mid-afternoon and evening I felt a little off. Not sure if it is the lack of sleep, something I ate (or didn't eat) or TOM.

0809 (Friday) OK day. Weight 160.9. Fitbit steps 20949. Total burn 3004. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1245.  Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30DS 3.9. Too many emotions today ... it drags you down (or me down anyway). Dang vacation stress, I'll feel awful no matter what I decide. Still managed to get in my elliptical and 30DS. The day actually started out good with a great weigh in! **Omron was higher than Fitbit today.

0810 (Saturday) Good Day. Weight 160.8. Fitbit steps 28009. Total burn 3311. Calories in 1600. Calories out 1556. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30DS 3.10 and lawn mow.  Decision made, so at least that takes the uncertainty factor out. Busy morning finalizing packing, quite a few trips up and down the stairs and all over the house. And they are off ...  Got in laundry, cleaned the house (and it should actually stay clean!), mowed the lawn. More elliptical and the last day of 30DS! I'm done! In the evening, I sipped on a "Squirt" citrus soda ... that taste doesn't go with cookies or chips, so I didn't snack on anything all evening long. I'll have to try that trick again ...

0811 (Sunday) Good Day. Weight 160.3. Fitbit Steps 23586. Total Burn 3104. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1349. Exercise: 120minElliptical. 37minBike.  It's so quiet ... got in quite a bit of cardio and more cleaning. A little sun too ...

0812 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 160.3. Fitbit steps 22254. Total burn 2964. Calories in 2200. Calories out 1210. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 60minWeights, 20minHula. Slept better last night. Nice quiet day again. Went back to my full body weight workout and it felt good. Did some hula, not sure if that really burns much, doesn't feel like a workout to me.

0813 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 160.0  Fitbit steps 25611. Total burn 3188. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1431. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 37minBike, 20minCardiDVD, 20minHula.  Still sleeping in too much, spending too much time on the computer. Not a lot on the to do list without the family around though. Enjoying the vacation more vicariously than I would be if I were there ...

0814 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 161.0   Fitbit steps 32820. Total burn 3539. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1779. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 60min/3.5miles Treadmill, 37minBike, 60minWeights.  Well, that was quite the workout day ... that is what happens when the kids aren't around and I don't have any "mommy" duties. I did actually get in a trip to the grocery store too.

0815 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 161.1. Fitbit Steps 30244. Total Burn 3313. Calories in 2100. Calories out 1553. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 40min/2miles Treadmill, 37min/10miles Bike, 20minDVD.  Did do a little cleaning, sorting through the closets too. I don't do official "back to school" shopping, just as needed. Watched Disney's "Brave" today while working out. Cute little show. I'm going to be trying various "DVD"s ... this was actually off Itunes and most others I try will be streamed from YouTube.

0816 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 160.1. Fitbit Steps 35232. Total Burn 3409. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1655. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 60min/3.25Treadmill, 38minBike, 10minHula, Lawn Mow.  My "alone" days are coming to an end. Got in some sun, grocery shopping and mowed the front lawn. Picked up a couple DVDs, watched "The Host" while on the elliptical/treadmill today. 

0817 (Saturday) Good Day. Weight 159.5. Fitbit Steps 30147. Total Burn 3302. Calories in 2600. Calories out 1548. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 60min/3.5miles Treadmill, 60minWeights.  Watched "Beautiful Creatures" during workouts. Overcast and cloudy, no sun today. Errands - store and library, picked up some cardio DVDs to try. Too many treats today + french toast and a cheesebread. Adds up quick.

0818 (Sunday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 160.2. Fitbit Steps 23746. Total Burn 3142. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1388. Exercise: 100minElliptical. 38minBike.  Last "alone" day ... did some more clean up/laundry. Hubby texted that everyone was hungry, so I had a spaghetti dinner waiting. Lots of unloading. Homemade oreos of course! They enjoyed their vacation, I enjoyed my staycation. It's good to have the family together again.

0819 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 160.7. Fitbit Steps 26786. Total Burn 3385. Calories in 2600. Calories out 1627. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 30minHICardio (JB), 60minWeights.  Back to normal, hubby off to work early. Kid chaos all around. Took #2 and #3 to the middle school to find their classes and lockers, got #3 switched to honors math (not sure why he hadn't been put in there in the first place). Family french toast for breakfast, chicken pillows for dinner with Skookie for dessert. Hubby not feeling well, down with a cold.

0820 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 160.6   Fitbit Steps 25815.  Total Burn 3263. Calories in 2150. Calories out 1508. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 45minBike, 30minJM S&S, 10minWiiFit.  Still able to get in the exercise with the kids around ... they just keep themselves occupied. Was going to mow, but it turned overcast and started sprinkling. Maybe tomorrow will be a bit better (I want to get sun on my shoulders). Hubby still down, early to bed (around 9:00).

0821 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 160.3. Fitbit Steps 24994. Total Burn 3175. Calories in 1500. Calories out 1420. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30minCardioCircuit, 60minWeights + Lawn Mow.  Nice sunshine, at least in the morning/early afternoon, so I got some sun on my shoulders as I mowed the lawn. Got in several cardio sessions and did weights. #2 had an ortho appointment, got the date for when he gets his braces off, so the countdown has begun. Quick stop at the store. French Dip for dinner. My food diary wasn't bad today, although the "empty calories" section still had too many entries.

0822 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 159.6.  Fitbit Steps 25584. Total Burn 3342. Calories in 1850. Calories out 1591.  Exercise: 100minElliptical, 45minBike, 45minCardio JM S&S, PingPong. Got an early start as I had to drop #3 at school (half day, just for the 7th graders). Back to school night in the evening with #4 and #5.

0823 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 159.0.  Fitbit Steps 31547. Total Burn 3548.  Calories in 2000. Calories out 1799.  Exercise: 120minElliptical, 45minBike, 30minCardioCircuit, 10minHula.  Happy with the middle number change on my weigh in this morning. Got in some grocery shopping today. Hubby was home from work early but then had a family project to consult on and a "mandate" with a buddy ... so I got in more workouts than I usually do on a Friday ..

0824 (Saturday) Good Day. Weight 159.2  Fitbit Steps 26220.  Total Burn 3103.  Calories in 1900. Calories out 1354. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 45min/3miles Treadmill, 20minStep.  Started the day going out to Virg's for our "end of summer" breakfast.  Still got in my cardio. Got hit with hail in the afternoon. Tacos for dinner ... I don't eat tacos.

0825 (Sunday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 159.3.  Fitbit Steps 18808. Total Burn 2781. Calories in 1700.  Calories out 1034. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 40min/2.25miles Treadmill, 30min/8milesBike, 10minWiiFit.  Sundays are sometimes my rest day, but we were having a family party later ... with cake, and I wanted to eat some cake. I made breakfast bit didn't eat too much, and actually didn't have much lunch or dinner. Got in some cardio before/after church and then ... I ate cake at the party. And some ice cream. It was fun to get together and see all the cousins play.

0826 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 158.9.  Fitbit Steps 28149. Total Burn 3496. Calories in 3496. Calories out 1900. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 37minBike, 60minWeights + Lawn Mow.  First day of school, managed to get out of bed by 6:00 and get in a workout before getting the kids off to school. Carpools x3. Everyone had a decent day. It's nice to get back into a routine.

0827 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 159.5. Fitbit Steps 30829. Total Burn 3359. Calories in 1950. Calories out 1609.  Exercise: 100minElliptical, 50min/4miles Jog/Walk Soccer Park, 45minBike.  Got the kids off and decided to try running outside. It was ok, my shoes rubbed and my feet hurt. Nice and cool and overcast. Some rain in the afternoon, wind in the evening. But there was a double rainbow.

0828 (Wednesday) Ok Day. Weight 159.4. Fitbit Steps 24670. Total Burn 3146. Calories in 2600. Calories out 1391. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 45minWeights, 10minHula.  #4's birthday today, got him off with treats for school. Also made him some treats for after school ... why are we so treat related as a society? It's just hard not to jump on board the bandwagon. I did still get in cardio and weights. It was the first sunny day in a while, I did spend a little time outside in it. Made #4's favorite dinner and had Oreo ice cream cake after. **Omron was higher than the Fitbit today.

0829 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 160.2. Fitbit Steps 31781. Total Burn 3546. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1791. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 30minCardio, 11.45minMile, 45min/12mileBike, 10minHula. The day didn't start great with weight up a bit and me feeling discouraged, but I managed to shake it off and after eating a Nutty Bar for breakfast, I was pretty good the rest of the day. Oodles of exercise.

0830 (Friday) Bad Day. Weight 157.1.  Fitbit Steps 19174. Total Burn 2823. Calories in 2750. Calories out 1080. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 11.27minMile.  Happy with the weight change this morning! But Fridays are a bit crazy, today more so. Late start for the middle school, so a bit of a sleep in. Early out for the elementary. I made brownies and a cake for a family party later in the day. We went to a waterpark for a few hours, then back to my BILs house until late in the evening.

0831 (Saturday) Good Day. Weight 158.3   Fitbit Steps 28986.  Total Burn 3330.  Calories in 2700. Calories out 1587. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 45minBike, 1mileTreadmill, Lawn Mow.  Happy birthday to #3. The plan was to go with the family to the lake today, but #5 did NOT want to go. There were many tears, so he and I ended up staying home. I did get in more exercise staying home. Eating still wasn't great ... ate some leftover brownies from last night, and a little ice cream cake in the evening.

July - A Look Back

With the kids on year-round school, "summer"  doesn't start until July (the elementary school got out July 2). So while the older boys were out during June, MY official summer schedule didn't kick in until July. The differences between school and summer schedule aren't too great for a SAHM, but there are changes.  I think the main one is sleeping in. When the kids are in school, I'm generally up around 6:30. When the kids are not in school ... it's more like 7:30 or even later.  Not having daily carpool and homework help does free up some time, but then there are many fun summer activities that can take up an entire day. The weather is nicer (although sometimes too hot), but I'm an indoor exerciser, so that actually doesn't make an impact in my personal routine. Luckily my home gym is in the basement where it is always nice and cool. 

The graph above is a great snapshot of July. Now my goals are an average burn of 3000+ and an average intake of 2000 or below ... so you can see I did not quite get there this month, although it isn't too far off. Another goal is to NOT let the lines cross or even touch. Again, unsuccessful. Trouble spots were ...

• The 4th of July (crossed). That is somewhat understandable, right? Holidays, full day of family fun makes it hard to get in the exercise and good eating.
• Mid-Month (two touching) was a Saturday/Sunday. Saturday I just wasn't able to get in enough activity to counter-act the eating (donuts!). Sunday I was sick and didn't get in ANY activity, but then did feel well enough to eat by the end of the day.
• The lines got close there 3/4 of the way through the month. Sunday (RiceKrispieTreatTrouble) and Monday (friends in town & anniversary dinner).
• Touched again near the end of the month ... another Sunday. Couldn't quite combat the calories even though I did get in quite a bit of exercise (which doesn't always happen on a Sunday).

What I have learned looking back on July ...
1. I need to get up and going earlier, even in the summer.
2. Sundays and holidays are hard.
3. I like donuts.

Weigh In Wednesday

So ... as part of my journey, I like to visit weight loss/fitness blogs and see other people's stories and success, and even frustrations and failures. As I was browsing tonight I came upon a blog hop hosted by Heather at PrettyStrongMedicine.

I weigh in every day, and my faithful Fitbit Aria scale automatically sends that weight to my computer to sync with Fitbit, and Trendweight, and MFP ... this does often make my MFP ticker slide around, and unfortunately sometimes go backwards. I'm happy to say that it is showing a 16 pound loss, so that's better than my 15 pound post just a bit ago (much better than the 13 pound it had backtracked to in recent days). 

Now this morning ... hubby was home. Usually he is gone to work hours before I'm up and weighing myself. I locked the bathroom door and stood on my scale and weighed myself, in my birthday suit as I always do.  I heard the door opening ... hubby was coming in! Now, not that he hasn't seen it all before, but I'm not really a parading around naked kind of gal.  Even if/when I get to goal weight, I don't think I'm that comfortable in my own skin ... in ONLY my skin.

The Fitbit Aria Scale is fairly fancy ... all automated as it is, it can keep track of up to eight different people. However, if two people are close in weight, the scale will "ask" you who you are. In my mad dash to grab a towel this morning, I didn't see the scale ask if I was me, or my son. As I didn't correct it, it sent MY weight record to my son's Fitbit account. 

So I had to jump onto the computer to straighten that out, and re-weigh, making sure my measurements went to my account. 164.5 ... my son's last reading was 155. I guess the scale needs more than 10 pounds to verify a difference.

I was a little perturbed by the bodyfat readings though ... as my reading went to my son's account, it came in at 18.5%. When I weighed again and made sure the reading went to my account, my body fat reading was 37% ... Ummmmm, I was the same person both times, the only difference was who the Aria THOUGHT I was. So this experience definitely puts the "bodyfat" reading validity into question ...

Things are looking on track for my official weigh in on Friday.

July is NOT the easiest month for good eating and exercise. Two holidays (July 4th, and July 24 ... that one's just for Utah), the summer schedule (sleeping in). New wave runners, which mean trips to the lake (not much exercise in), kids out of school and fun, distracting activities ... I know some people find the summer easier, I am not one of them. But at least it's moving in the right direction!

The Irony of my Omron

When I first started walking, I went through MANY cheap little pedometers. They varied in accuracy and were quite easy to lose.  I looked over all the reviews and upgraded to the Omron Pocket Pedometer and it served me well for a long time now. It is a bit big and bulky ... through the years I've had people ask me what it was, or mistake it for a diabetic pump. Even when I bought my Fitbit ... I just couldn't give up my Omron. I continued to wear it. It was my "watch" and it was a little easier to check my steps on (as I usually had my Fitbit on under my clothes). It also came in handy for those odd times I would forget to put one of them on ... I had the other as a backup.

The other day, the clip broke ... the pedometer itself was fine, but without the clip, I couldn't fasten it to my pocket or waistband.  I wondered if perhaps, it was time to let the ol'Omron go.

I keep all my numbers in an excel file. I have my Omron steps and my Fitbit steps, Fitbit is almost always just a bit higher.  I went ahead and put June's daily step counts into a graph ... you can see that the two pedometers are actually very close. It makes me feel pretty good about the accuracy of both devices *Ü* and as the numbers ARE so similar ... I really should be able to get by with just the Fitbit. Right?

The Omron does have one additional feature that Fitbit does not ... the counting of "aerobic" steps. 10 minutes or more of consecutive steps. I don't know how important that really is to know, but it's an interesting statistic, and between the Omron and Walker Tracker, I've been logging my aerobic steps and aerobic minutes for five years. It's just a little hard to let go of.

So ... the Omron  is called a "pocket" pedometer. The day after the clasp broke, I removed it from the plastic case and slipped it into my pocket and wore it that way. Guess what? I like it SO much better! Without the case, it isn't nearly as bulky. You can't really even see it (although I can easily take it out to check the time or my numbers). I can't believe in all the years of wearing my Omron I didn't ever try taking it out of it's case and putting it in my pocket rather than have it dangling off my pants. Now granted, I don't always have a pocket, and the case is still needed for those times. I did happen to find an extra case laying around (from an older Omron that had died) so I'm still set no matter what I'm wearing. But now ... I'll be taking it out of the case and slipping it into my pocket whenever that is a possibility.

... it only took me six or seven years to figure it out.

10 Things That Make Me Happy (FMM)

What makes you happy? This was the topic of today's link-up from AllTheWeigh. For a moment, it was a little hard to come up with a list of 10 things, but then the ideas started flowing. Thinking about what makes me happy, taking the time to write them down and share them ... it was a worthwhile way to spend my Monday morning.  

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

1. Family: Hubby and my five boys. Sometimes just looking at them makes my heart hurt~ love overflowing. It's so fun to see them happy and interacting, or even just watching them sleep. When I started exercising, I hung up pictures in front of my elliptical and treadmill so I could have visual reminders of all the memories ... it's my happy place.

2. Being Alone: That sounds a little contradictory to the one above ... but as much as I love my family, there are those times when everyone is gone and the house is quiet. Blissful silence. I wouldn't want it all the time, but there are moments when it makes me absolutely giddy.

3. Books: I've always been an avid reader, but I went for years without really getting much in ... just busy with other things. Last year I discovered e-reading and it has made a HUGE difference. I have oodles of titles available at my fingertips and I can read anywhere/anytime (as I always have my phone with me). GoodReads is a great place to keep track of what you have read, what you want to read, and get recommendations and reviews.  I've started working in reading to my workout routines ... my Kindle fits perfectly on the stationary bike.

4. Sunshine: I love, love, love sunshine. A sunshiny day will lift my spirits, while I tend to struggle a bit when it's gloomy. I have a complete Pinterest board devoted to sunshine (HERE).  If there is no sunshine outside, sometimes I have to pop in there for my fix.

5. Yummy Stuff: What is it about cookies and donuts and chocolate. I actually feel happier when indulging... at least momentarily. I love to bake and share and see others enjoy as well. Food is so integral to so many happy memories.  It's a dangerous road ...

6. Flowers: I do love pretty flowers. Lilacs, roses, daisies, orchids, lilies, little purple pansies. I don't really like gardening, but I have a small flower bed (that's all I can commit to tending to). I spend a few moments every day among the flowers. I love fresh flowers inside to brighten up the house as well.

7. Exercise: Exercise wasn't something I did much of for years and years ... then it kicked in. I actually ENJOY exercise now. It is an escape - sometimes I just zone out, no worries or cares. And I don't know if there really are "exercise endorphins" but I know I always feel better on days I exercise ... and I feel off on days that I don't.

8. Music: Music is so powerful. Our Itunes library is so full of songs for every mood. I have an "up songs" playlist that I can't help but bounce around to.

9. A Clean House: Oh dear, if my husband happens to check out this post he is going to laugh and laugh and laugh! But it's true, I DO love a clean house. Looking at my house you would think I actually hate it. I don't ... I just really don't like cleaning.  Oh those rare occasions when I do accomplish the impossible (and a room is clean and stays that way for a few minutes) I find myself walking past and looking at it over and over with a smile on my face.

10. Accomplishment: This wraps up a LOT of things into one. That feeling you have when you have completed a project and you actually have something to show for it.  It can be as simple as a dinner for the family, a clean house, a scrapbook page ... or something bigger, like achieving a weight loss goal.

Friend Making Monday is a weekly post on the blog AllTheWeigh ... a topic is thrown out (sometimes weight/fitness related, sometimes not) and bloggers answer on their own blogs, then post the link back to the original post (HERE) in the comments section. It's a great way to connect with other bloggers on their own journey, and maybe find some friends and more motivation.  So what makes YOU happy?

Weekly Weigh-In #2

So ... If you look back at my Monday post, I knew this week would be a bit of a challenge, and it was. I think I actually did better than I expected.  I note "good, ok, bad" (based on eating/exercise for the day) in my Daily Doings.  I did manage to have two "good" days (big steps, nice deficit), and managed to keep the other days "ok" (at least not going over my total burn for the day). I even got in exercise on Sunday and the holiday! 

The scale ... it is UP from last Friday's weigh-in. That day was my low. Little ups and downs since that low. At least today my MFP ticker IS back to showing the 15 pound loss. I'll take that as a win after this week. And TrendWeight tracks a little differently ... while it does record your ACTUAL weight, it also works an average shifting them into a "trend" ... and while for the first time since I started I had a couple weigh-ins during the week that actually came in above my trend line :( ... I'm still on track.  But I know I can't take it easy. I know I  need to work on improving the eating ... if you are what you eat, I'm still SUPER sweet *Ü*

Just a few more days in July ... I'm still doing the 30 Day Shred. I will finish up Level 2 tomorrow (I did miss it on Wednesday the July 24 holiday) and move to Level 3 which I think I'm happy about. Level 2 is hard. I'm super sad basketball is over (last game was Tuesday). I'll SO miss my 5-mile jogs on Tuesdays/Saturdays ... I know I CAN still do them, but without the basketball push, I don't do it. I think I only got in one bike ride this entire week ... maybe I can get back to the bike (and the book!)

Hubby and #2 (and maybe #3) will be leaving for scout camp this coming week. That MAY give me a little extra exercise time (no running the kid to the gym, no Friday night date with hubby, some later workouts with hubby not home in the evenings, not making big dinners). Hubby has mentioned a family vacation he wants to take coming up in August. I am NOT a vacation girl. I've actually sat out a family vacation before ... is that bad? I did do the Disneyland vacation last November ... and it probably would have been better if I had stayed home. #4 is a homebody also, I'm not sure if he would choose to stay or go. 

Two Tracks

My boys LOVE basketball, and I love watching them play. But I have to admit, when their games are at the rec center with the track above the court I love it even more. It is the ultimate two-fer. I can support and cheer on my sons, AND get a workout in.

I'm not really comfortable running outside. Weather (too hot, too cold, too windy) and dogs tend to dissuade me. I like the treadmill fine, but I do enjoy the freedom a track provides. Changing speed without pressing buttons, being able to just jog without worrying about hitting the sides and taking a tumble ... and it is just easier. I know I wouldn't get in the same workout at home in the basement. As entertaining as my shows are at home (with my TV/DVD sitting there in front of my treadmill) watching the game makes the time fly by ... and I can listen to my music too.

I put both #2 and #3 on the same team to ease up on the schedule this summer. It was a 7th/8th grade league. #2 is in 8th, and #3 is in 6th.  But #3 wasn't the only 6th grader playing up and wasn't the only small one in the league ... although he was definitely the squirt on THIS team.  The games were played at two different gyms ... and BOTH gyms had a track above. Yea for me!

Gym #1, in the main rec center we go to (close to our home). It's a pretty small track, you have to cycle several times (I think 16, but don't quote me) to make a mile. It circled the entire basketball court and gave me a great view of the game, especially if I could stick to the inside edge. I only almost ran into a pole a couple of times. Generally I had the track to myself  as the games were played mid-day on Saturdays - not a prime workout time for others. *Ü*  The boys also practiced at this gym, I and would have worked out then too, but there was a circuit-training class taking place during that time ... and 30 people on that small track? No thanks!

Gym #2 has a slightly larger track. Instead of circling completely around the basketball court, 3/4 of the track circled it and then ...

... there is a wall, and another, smaller court. So unfortunately, while the boys were playing at this gym, there would be a short span of time during each lap where I could not see the game. This actually FORCED me into intervals *Ü*  I would walk/jog around the large court, watching the game, then when I got to the wall I would sprint the remaining 1/4 track until I came back out on the other side of the wall. I would then slow and hope I hadn't missed anything too important. 

 Well ... the season has now come to an end. I will SO miss my basketball workouts! As many of the games were late on Tuesday evenings, I can tell you I certainly would NOT have worked out at home during the same time. At the end of an already active day,  I was tired, and I really didn't feel like jogging. But I really don't like just sitting and watching, not when I have such an attractive alternative. It always felt so good to get in so many steps (usually five miles) and a nice caloric burn. It's hard not to feed off the adrenaline from the game. To see the kids running and jumping and just match their energy. And not that I'm one of those crazy parents who yells from the sidelines, but jogging the track really does give me a place to put any emotional energy I might have.

The boys WILL play basketball again (they play year-round), but it probably won't be at either of these locations. Oh well, it was great while it lasted!

Let’s Talk About TV (FMM)

Each Monday, as part of a link-up hosted by AllTheWeigh,   a topic is thrown out.  Sometimes weight-loss related, sometimes not. Bloggers answer on their own blogs and include the link back to the original post (here) in the comments section. This is a fun way to connect with others. So I'm a day late and a dollar short, but as TV watching IS a big part of my weight-loss journey, I did want to jump in here on this topic (even if it is a week behind). 

Let’s Talk About TV

1.  Share your current “Must-See” TV shows.  I don't watch a lot of "current" TV ... I  tend to wait until programs hit Netflix or DVD then watch an entire season.  But shows I have gotten attached to and DO want to watch as soon as each episode airs are ...

2.  Do you prefer reality shows or sitcoms?  Sitcoms seem to indicate comedy to me, which is ok, but I tend to favor action/drama. I really like serial shows that carry the story from week to week and keep me wanting to come back.  Other than Survivor, I don't really watch much reality ...

3. Who is your favorite talk show host?  I don't watch talk shows ... just never have.

4. Which network(s) do you turn to for news?  I don't watch the news either ... (I'll try to catch written recaps online). 

5. Do you have Tivo or DVR?  If so, which programs do you have set to record?  I used to have Tivo, but have now turned to other ways of watching (I didn't have the Tivo in my exercise room).

6. Have you ever started watching a show simply because you heard so much about it on social media?  If so, which one did you watch?  I heard a lot of buzz about Downton Abby, so I'm giving that one a try now (it's on Amazon Prime).

7. List any TV series that you own on DVD.  I tend to only want to watch shows once, so DVD collections at our house are more for hubby and the kids. We do own the entire series of Friends, Seinfield, Home Improvement and Full House. 

8.  Do you have a subscription to Netflix, Hulu, etc?  If so, what kind of device do you use to stream it?  We have Netflix and Amazon Prime (more for the free 2-day shipping, but I have been watching some of the shows too) and I also use a service called PlayOn which allows me to watch current shows (that are available online, and almost everything IS available online somewhere) on my TV in the gym. Before I got PlayOn I couldn't keep current with any show (as I only watch TV when I'm working out).  I LOVE my Roku! It is the best streaming box out there in my opinion (and I've tried many of the different options). 

9.  If you could star in a TV show that already exists, which one would you choose? I actually used to be an "actor/singer" (school and local theater) but this question is a hard one ... I admit to imagining what it would be like to be a contestant on one of the singing shows.

10.  If you could bring back one TV show that is no longer on the air, which one would you choose? I'll join the original poster in wanting to see more 24 ... that was the first show I watched when I started working out to TV. It was such a great show to keep me completely captivated and wanting to go downstairs for just one more episode (thus one more workout). And it was hard not to feed off the adrenaline as Jack would fight his way through the day. 

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What are your TV habits? 

Check out the original post (here) and see what others are watching.

I'm also keeping a list of what I'm watching currently HERE ...