Can I Take a Vacation from the Vacation?

"Vacation. All I ever wanted. Vacation.  Had to get away"

 That's the Go-Go's singing. Not me.  

I'm just a homebody at heart. 

We didn't do a lot of family vacations when I was young. I wonder if I'd be different if I'd been raised as a traveler. My first trip to Disneyland was with my choir group in high school.  I'd never been on an airplane until I was in my mid-20s.  I'm not afraid of flying, but the lines, the waits, the cost... just makes it unappealing to me. Of course a car is even worse. I DO have extreme anxiety in cars, even as a passenger. Being on the road for hours is torture to me.

I HAVE gone on vacation ... hubby and I went to a dude ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona where we rode horses, shot skeet and floated in a hot air balloon. We went to Florida where we tried parasailing and swam with the dolphins. We went to Cancun and saw the sites. So ... I think I'm done now *Ü*

I don't have many pictures from these vacations ...

I didn't like pictures when I was overweight.

This was 2005. 

Mexico.

For family vacations, we've gone to Oregon a couple of times (hubby's brother lived there). We've taken the crew to Disneyland twice. There have been smaller trip to Moab and Bear Lake. There were good memories made, pictures taken. But every trip has the inevitable stressful stuff that seriously impacts my enjoyment. I'm do tend to have the rosy glow looking back, remembering the good more than the bad. But during the vacation, I often can't wait for it to end and fade into just the happy memories.

Oregon - 2006

Disneyland - 2009

A couple years ago, when Hubby planned a trip to Seattle (where his brother's family lives now) I just did not have it in me to make the 16+ hour drive there- and that's just one way! I elected to sit this vacation out. Child #4 (mama's boy and fellow homebody) decided to sit it out with me. The others went and had a great time. Back at home, we homebodies kept ourselves entertained and comfortable in our routine. I never regretted my decision. There were plenty of pictures from the trip and I felt I enjoyed it more vicariously than I would have had I actually been there.

Last Fall, we received early Christmas gifts ... tickets to Disneyland. This was to be a vacation with extended family (Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, cousins - although not all could attend).  Again ... I really debated staying home, but in the end I decided to try it.  The car ride actually wasn't too bad. I planned ahead with a portable DVD player, some audio books, and some Valium from my doctor.  I probably should have taken a pill at the park. The crowds, the lines, the chaos. The "Happiest Place on Earth"? Not for me. I really tried to put on a happy face, but I wasn't always successful. I did regret coming and think it would have been better to have everyone wish I was there, than to wish I wasn't there :(

The whole trip, the stress before, the depression after ... it really affected my eating and exercise. I just gave up a couple of weeks before the trip. What did it matter? I'd be spending hours sitting stationary in the car. While there is a lot of walking around the parks, there is also a LOT of just standing around in lines. My Fitbit Ultra was cracking a bit ... a worried it might fall off, or that it would get wet on one of the water rides. So I left it home. I took my Omron pedometer, but wouldn't you know it, it's battery died the first day. So I got no feedback for the steps I was taking. It was discouraging. Why not indulge in an overpriced churro or two?  Even if I had been trying to eat healthy, it would have been hard when the only options are fast food or snack items stashed at the hotel.  I gained 10+ pounds in just a couple months before/after Disney.

... So, guess what's on the calendar? Another family Seattle trip. What to do ...

I've been doing so well these last couple of months. I feel like I'm just in the habit forming stages. I've tracked every day on MFP for 85 days now. I'm down almost 20 pounds from where I was mid-May.   I wouldn't mind trying kayaking, but I'm not one for jogging on the beach or biking on the open road.  I know I wouldn't get in any "exercise" for an entire week. I NEED my exercise. I'm seriously addicted to it. And I have extreme eating issues, I don't want to have to have everyone plan menus around me ... but I don't want to starve or subsist on granola bars either.  Of course the car ride is the most daunting part ...

Child #3 and #4 have both inherited Mommy's anxieties (I'm SO sorry!). I'm not sure if they are up for the trip either. If I stay home, that gives them a choice.  If I go, they go. If I don't go, would they be ok without me there? If they go ... will I be ok home alone?

"Should I Stay or Should I Go" ... I opened this post with a song, and shall close with a song (it's by The Clash by the way, just in case you wanted to know) ... although I AM singing this one myself.

Does anyone else not like vacations, or is it just me?

Reaping the Rewards

Now for most of us ... FITNESS is its own reward. Just being healthier. Looking better. Feeling more confident. Being able to eat a few more calories. But as I've been actively being active ... I've noticed some programs that give you a little something back for your fitness. Even though I am going to work out for myself, I thought I'd check into what else I could get while I was at it ...

The great thing about these programs, is that most of them are linked with applications or devices you are already using.  For me, it's the Fitbit. I can just connect and forget about it.  All my stats and steps are credited to my various reward programs automatically. If you don't have a Fitbit, many other apps and devices link too ... Runkeeper, MapMyFitness, Garmin, BodyMedia, just to name a few.    Here's what I've been connecting to, my progress and reviews ...

Everymove was the first reward site I stumbled upon. It has many "connections" ... chances are there is something you are already using that will earn you points with this site. Like other social sites, you have a friend list, and you can give a few bonus points to others when you have an active day. There is an app, so you can check in easily on your phone. Now many of the "rewards" are really just discounts in disguise. I didn't find anything that appealed to me personally, so I started earning a $5 donation to the Make a Wish foundation. I've done that several times now. The rewards do change and some nice ones are only around for a limited time. I've been lucky enough to snag a $5 Amazon gift card more than once and my son earned five free rentals from Redbox.  Everymove is limited to US residents.  ( See my EVERYMOVE UPDATE post for my experience with Everymove).

Earndit is another reward site with several connecting partners. Again, many of the rewards are merely discounts, requiring a purchase. But again, there are charitable options as well. See my Earndit Update for my experience with them.

Achievemint offers a cash award of $25. It does take a while to earn the 25,000 points to collect the cash payout. I'm getting close ... I'll update if I actually do get a check!  It doesn't have quite as many connections, but Fitbit, Runkeeper and MapMyFitness apps are accepted. While it looks like anyone can sign up, you do need to be a US resident to redeem rewards. Bummer for those outside the US. (See my ACHIEVEMINT UPDATE post for my personal experience with this program). 

I had a Balance Rewards card from my local Walgreens, but honestly, I  wasn't earning any reward points ... until I discovered that I could get points just for walking! I simply connected my Fitbit, and I earn 1000 points per month (that is the monthly limit for steps, I usually get there about mid-month) ... 5000 points will give me a $5 credit. Since I've been paying a little more attention to their rewards program, I have added some points through purchases as well. If you don't redeem your credit immediately, it will actually grow more. 40,000 points, instead of being worth $40, is actually worth $50. There are a limited number of connections (Fitbit and BodyMedia for steps, Wirthings for weight) but you can enter your workouts manually if you were willing to go to the effort. (See my WALGREENS UPDATE for my review after using it for several months and redeeming my rewards).

These are the four reward sites I've been participating in. I just connect my Fitbit and forget it ... I'm not actually working out FOR these rewards. I'd be working out anyway, but hey, I'll take a kickback if it's offered. I'll donate a little to charity. And I'll keep on walking ...

When I first wrote this post, I said I had looked into GymPact and decided against participating. I work out in my home gym, I often do 20 minute segments (GymPact requires a full 30minutes). While there is reward, there is also risk. You must provide a credit card number and you get charged $5 if you commit, then miss a workout.

In January 2014 ... MyFitnessPal announced they were partnering with GymPact - now simply called Pact, as there were food pacts as well as exercise. At this point, I also saw that Fitbit was now an accepted partner, with 10,000 steps equivalent to a "workout" ... so I joined, and you can see my review here (Pacts and Paydays). 

Another very popular possible reward/challenge is DietBet. I have not personally participated in one of these, but I know of MANY people who have. Again, it is a little more involved then simply syncing my Fitbit. It does require an upfront payment, and pictures/proof of weight loss success. Like GymPact, losing money is as much of an incentive as winning money.

I like the first four reward sites ... there is no risk, just reward. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy. 

I update this blog post with my reviews of the various programs. Another one out there now is FitStudio, which gives you ShopYourWayRewards which is basically store credit at Kmart/Sears and LandsEnd. Check out my review of that program (FitStudio Feedback).  

** and another update, check out my latest experiences (June2014) Fitness Rewards Update 

Anyone had any experiences with these sites, good or bad?  Any other reward sites out there? Does something like this motivate you more, or is it just a perk to what you would be doing already?

Weekly Weigh-In #4

Woot! That's THREE pounds down from last week. 1.6 down from yesterday, which was actually a new low as well. I'd had a little up a couple days ago and wasn't sure if I was even going to get my 1 pound loss this week. But I did *Ü* yea! It's TOM right now too. I haven't been able to determine exactly how that affects me, I have started tracking it right next to my weight in my excel graph so I can watch for trends.

I had been a little worried about this week ... wondering if TOM and some stress would add up to some emotional eating. I did ok, better than I thought I would. I had my "injury" on Tuesday (shoulder tweak), in which I was extremely lucky again that it wasn't anything lasting.  This next week will be an interesting one~ it could go either way. It has the possibility of being a great week for exercise and eating (absolutely NO excuses) ... but I'll also be in a situation I've never been in before, so who knows.

Ode to the Elliptical

I love my elliptical. We picked up the Nautilus 3000 sometime in 2007 and put it in our home gym. It has gotten a LOT of use from me over the years. Earlier this year... a bolt broke. It was hard to be without my elliptical while we ordered the part and had it repaired. 

Everyone has "their" exercise, one that works for them for whatever reason. Running, biking, Zumba ...elliptical is my exercise of choice. And here is why ...

• It's easy: I guess I need to push it more if it is "easy",  but it's harder to get a comparable burn on other machines without a lot more effort. It's also easier on the joints than most other cardio exercise.
• It's quiet: I can actually hear the TV (it's hard while on the treadmill).
• It doesn't require any prep: I can hop onto my elliptical at almost any time. I don't have to change into my workout wear. I don't jiggle enough to need a sports bra (although I am usually dressed to workout while on it). Best of all ... I do not need SHOES. I hate shoes! I wear slippers on my elliptical ... just another benefit of a home gym. I'm not sure if that would acceptable elsewhere. *Ü*

Now my elliptical has quite a few bells and whistles. It shows me calories burned, average speed and distance. It  shows speed, revolutions, mets, watts. It can track heart rate. It has several levels of resistance. There are a number of different programs.

I'm pretty boring actually. Admittedly, I do get in a routine rut. I pick the steady, unchanging course. I up the resistance to level 8 and try to keep it at an average of 16mph or over. I'll use the arms for a couple minutes, then grab the middle bars and try for a speed interval for a minute ... and repeat. 

The default time on the elliptical is 20 minutes ... and that is about perfect for me. Beyond that, my feet start falling asleep. The default weight on the machine is 150 pounds. Since I've had the elliptical, I've been under that and above that. Instead of changing the weight with my changing weight, I just keep it on the default.  By keeping the weight constant, I can compare my workouts to each other ... my 20 minutes (around 2 miles) will generate a calorie count somewhere between 160-220 depending on my exertion. I just keep the machine calorie count as a reference, and go with what my Fitbit calculates for calorie burn.

I try to get in five 20min sessions on my elliptical every day ...

What is YOUR elliptical experience?

Work Out Wednesday

I've been on the lookout for link-ups lately. They have lead me to some fun post ideas and to other blogs (you can see my blog list to follow has been growing!) It's always inspiring to see what others are up to. So today, I'll share my workout as part of the Workout Wednesday link up. 

Here's my Fitbit burn so far ... you can see I had a SLOW start this morning (and most mornings of late). Ah summer, I have been sleeping in until around 8:00. That needs to stop. I mean it literally needs to, stop. School starts up soon and I have to drive a couple kids to middle school at 7:30, and then get a couple more off to elementary just after 8:00 (my high schooler is wonderful about getting up and off himself). I always want to get in one workout as soon as I'm up, so I have to start it by 7:00... but for now, it's summer.

I've jumped on the ELLIPTICAL twice (20min/2miles) so far today, and I plan on hitting it again at least three more times. That makes an even 100 minutes. I love the elliptical (see my "ode to the elliptical" post HERE), it's my workout of choice. I am in a bit of a rut with it though, I don't know how much it really pushes me. I have been doing this (100min most days) for several years now.

Also on the docket (as soon as I finish this post) is day 27 of the 30 Day Shred. That was actually on YESTERDAY's plan ... I put on my shoes and HRM and started the warm up when WHAM, shoulder tweak! What??? During the warm up? I'm warming up so I do NOT hurt myself.  It wasn't a super intense pain, but it did actually take my breath away. I could breathe, I just couldn't get in a deep, satisfying breath. I didn't get my 30DS in :(   ... I took some ibuprophen, applied some heat (or should it have been ice?) and rested a bit. I felt completely wiped out. And STARVING. I hadn't eaten too much to that point (a banana) but there was a fun sized Snickers sitting around and I grabbed it and snarfed it before I knew what I was doing. I can still feel a bit of a twinge there today, but I'm going to give it a try. I'm so close to the end.

If I have the time, I might try a 40min ride on the stationary bike too.  You can check in on my Daily Doings tomorrow to see what I actually got in for my Wednesday Workout or maybe I'll try to update this later tonight*Ü*   Enough sitting. Off to exercise ...

... and I updated!  It's 9:30 and I'm done for the day. I exceeded my exercise goal for Workout Wednesday. I got in SIX sessions on the elliptical. I did my 30DS and I did the bike. I kept my eating calories under control too. It was a good day ...

Wondering About a Fitbit?

"Should I get a Fitbit?" ... I've seen the question come across various fitness boards a many times. You know I am a fan! While I've done a few posts about the Fitbit here on my blog,  I thought I would do one that I could refer people to when they are thinking of buying one that shows just what you get with this device.

The Fitbit One is small and unobtrusive (unlike my Omron, a HRM or BodyMedia). I wear mine pretty much 24/7 (I take it off for showers and use that time to recharge the battery). It gives you feedback on your entire 24-hours, not just your workouts.  The graphs, available on the computer or app, give you a visual representation of your day.  I find it extremely informative and motivating. Here's a snapshot of a portion of my dashboard from a few days ago ...

• SLEEP. Included on the main dashboard is just a small peek at your sleep. There is more detail provided as you click on the tile or look in the "Log" section of the website (see my post here for more detail on the sleep tracking).
• FOOD: Fitbit does provide it's own food tracker, but many people (myself being one) find that other sites dedicated to this function may be a little more user friendly. I use My Fitness Pal, which syncs with Fitbit (as do a couple others). I personally look more to MFP for food info, but Fitbit does have some graphs and images to help you  calculate and control your calorie intake throughout the day. 
• ACTIVITY GRAPH: This is my favorite Fitbit feature! On the day pictured above ... I did five 20 minute sessions on the elliptical. See the green spikes? Those are my workouts. The orange section early in the day was some shopping. The yellow spike mid-day was a 40min ride on the stationary bike (I moved the Fitbit to my sock). The small yellow spike was a game of ping pong with one of my boys.  You can SEE when you move, you can see when you don't. It's a great motivator!
• INDIVIDUAL STATS: The Fitbit will show your total calorie burn for the day (great function if you want an informed estimate of your TDEE), your steps, your very active minutes, floors and distance. You will see the progression through the day ... here's a snapshot of today (so far) below ...

You can see I need to finish up this blog post and get moving!

The individual statistics move along through the day. The Fitbit is wireless, so whenever you get close you your computer (where you've plugged in the base) it will automatically update. Another WONDERFUL new feature with the One, is that it can sync with the app in my iphone too, I love being able to update even when I'm not at home, and all of the information is available on the app, and also on the device itself (just press the button to scroll through the different numbers.) The color in the dashboard boxes changes as you progress, from blue, to yellow, to orange ... green when you achieve your goal. You can customize your goals to the numbers of your choosing.

Beyond the day to day picture, Fitbit also keeps a 30-day snapshot to help you see trends in your activity. I really like the "Intake vs Burn" graph. This is my second favorite feature! Although, before joining MFP and tracking food calories, I didn't have the second "intake" line. The graph is SO much more informative and helpful when you track your food! I love seeing the average burn and average intake, and the graph to help you see the separation (or lack thereof).  MY goal is to keep those lines from touching or crossing ...  you can see I'm not always successful.  If you follow this blog at all, you'll see me capture and post this graph as I look back at each month.  You can see your steps and activity levels for the past 30 days as well. Can YOU tell which day I was sick last month?

The Fitbit is a STEP tracker ... so it doesn't create an accurate picture of weight training activities, swimming or biking. You can add these activities manually quickly and easily, and they will be added into your graphs and totals. Some people find the elliptical questionable (with any pedometer), but I'm quite comfortable with the results I get. The distance doesn't line up perfectly, but I feel that the calorie count is fairly on-track. You can "record an activity" for any individual workout and get specific stats ... Here's my elliptical workout from yesterday. My machine estimated 205 calories, my HRM said 150, and Fitbit estimated 168.

This is a snapshot of my jogging a couple weeks ago.

My HRM came in at 572.

... a another feature is the FRIENDS section. You can make Fitbit friends to compete with or compare to. It will show your steps for the past days ... one down day and I DROP way down.  You can opt out of being shown in lists if you want, but many people find it very motivating to try and climb a little higher. There is a community on the website for questions, groups and support.

That's just a small snapshot of what the Fitbit does.  The functions here are mainly for the One. I do find it an improvement over the original Ultra (which did have trouble staying on, I'm really surprised I didn't lose it in my three years of wearing it). The One slips into a silicone case which is quite snug. This doesn't mean it can't still get lost. I turn it inward so it presses against my body. So far so good. 

The Flex is a wrist Fitbit. Unlike the One, which displays all it's stats on the device itself, the Flex has lights that will show progression. You can't see the numbers themselves, but would need to check in on the computer or app for more information. The Flex does NOT track stairs, but does track activities and sleep. 

The Zip is a slightly less expensive Fitbit ... it does NOT track stairs or sleep. You can record an activity on the website to see the stats for an individual workout, but you can't record an activity directly from the device like you can on the One or the Flex.  The Flex and One have rechargable batteries (charge it every 5-7 days, it doesn't take long, I stick it on the charger during a shower) while the Zip has a replaceable one.

Updated April 2015 -- Fitbit now has the Charge, ChargeHR and Surge. You can check out my review of the two Charges (Charged) because, being a true Fitbit Fan, I HAD to try it out! 

No matter your device ... you'll also get a weekly report from Fitbit which is a great summary of your week~

There are other devices that do what the Fitbit does (or similar) ... Misfit, Striiv, Pebble. Body Media is one touted for accuracy (taking into account body temperature too, which I would think would be interesting to track). It seems a little bulky to me, and it requires a paid subscription to it's website (Fitbit does have a premium version for a fee, but the basic version is free ... everything shown here is available for free).  The JawboneUp and NikeFuel Band are similar to the Flex. I'm sure they are good too ... but we are a Fitbit family (I've picked them up for my two oldest sons, and my parents are now Fitbitters as well).

Another thing I LOVE about Fitbit, as that so many companies trust it enough to link with it. Fitbit  works with MyFitnessPal (which I also love, and love how they work together), and many different reward programs (Everymove, Achievemint, Walgreens, ShopYourWayRewards, PACT, Eandit ... they all accept Fitbit's steps, automatically linking and syncing. You can read more about the various reward programs here ... Reaping the Rewards).  I've actually earned enough to pay what I paid for my Fitbit! I've also been able to pay it forward donating to charity, just from my activity I would be doing anyway.

So is a Fitbit right for you? Which one? I hope this helped a bit *Ü*

Motivational Monday - Control

When I first lost weight several years ago, it felt great. Feeling fit and looking good was a wonderful change. But even more than that, there was a new confidence, feeling in control. Up to that point, I didn't really think I had what it takes in me to be able to lose weight.  Since then, as the weight has crept back on ... I still knew I had the ability, I just needed to take control. I was a little frustrated that my exercise didn't seem to be enough - I needed to watch the eating as well. Until I did that, I could not complain. Once I committed to counting calories, it has been gratifying to see the changes. I don't know that the eating will ever be easy, or become second nature as exercise has ... but it's nice to feel in control again.

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.