I've Got A Graduate!

Wow ... how did THAT happen? I have a senior and he's graduating! That's my NSV for today, being mom to this kid. He's such a self-starter, always up early, got a little college credit under his belt already (concurrent enrollment, and hopefully passed the AP tests!) Having a kid in school, you know what is happening day to day. The next few years ... hmmm, it's going to be interesting!

Beyond the whole "this is hard" from a mom stand point, I have some additional issues. The graduation is downtown. I really dislike downtown and I certainly don't drive downtown. I'm not a big fan of ceremony. I didn't even want to go to my own graduation back in the day ... I do go, but I don't remember the actual ceremony at all. I do have a lot of pictures from afterward. I went to a junior college after that, and graduated there. Did the whole cap and gown thing again. When I moved onto the university after, I actually finished up off-schedule and didn't "walk" that final graduation. I was fine with that. Just give me my diploma.

I also dislike sitting. Between the car ride down, the ceremony itself, then dinner after ... there will be a lot of sitting. I'm not really anticipating a good weigh-in tomorrow. At least I'll have gotten in my morning workouts (elliptical and Zumba) before heading out. I'm sure there will be some walking and standing around too. But I must admit, I'll be very relieved when this is all over.

So the high school is pretty much done. #2 has "Lagoon Day" (our local amusement park) today, but his friends couldn't go and so he'd rather take the money I would have sprung for that to go toward a summer pass at the local rec center (where he plans to spend the summer days playing basketball with his buddies). The elementary school has field day today and their final day tomorrow, and both little boys are getting awards. I'll be in attendance at the assembly there that morning (depending on how long it is, I still might be able to hit my Zumba class if I'm willing to go in my workout wear). 

I'm SO happy to have my little ones finishing up school too. Last year, I pulled them from our boundary school, which is on a year-round schedule, to another school which was on a traditional schedule. I've LOVED not having the breaks during the year, and we'll love actually having a summer (the other school doesn't get out until July 3, then starts up again at the end of July). 

I do love my schedules. School does help keep me on a good routine ... but I think I'm ready for a little summer. Just Thinking Out Loud. Does the end of school affect you?

Hubby Happenings

Several months ago, I did a post (The Hubs Is On Board) as hubby was going to try to get back into better eating and exercising. He's had his ups and downs these past many years. Whenever he has put his mind to it, he has had success.

This time ... it didn't happen.

A few weeks ago, hubby recommitted. I've noticed his change in eating habits lately. I've tried to be helpful (not tempting him with yummy treats, trying to have healthy foods around, trying to pack him a lunch with nutritious options). Clean eating has never been my strong suit, but the hubs doesn't have my issues and in the right frame of mind, he actually enjoys the good-for-you stuff.

He's been exercising regularly as well. Many mornings he'd beat me to the elliptical. Squeak, thump ... our elliptical is having some issues. One day, we both went down to the gym at the same time. I beat him to the elliptical, so he went to the stationary bike. After that, he pretty much decided he preferred the bike (although it has a squeak too). Once he got some workouts behind him, and was fairly sure he wouldn't have a heart attack if he pushed a little more ... he went for a jog. That's probably his preferred exercise activity. After a run on Sunday morning, he mentioned to me how running outside in the beautiful day made 30 minutes just whiz by. I know this is how the majority of people feel ... but I'm still just an indoor exerciser (away from weather, strangers and dogs).

It's been great having the hubs back in the groove. Although ... he is a SWEATY mess when he comes home. It's pretty standard to hear shrieking and screaming as he comes home and attempts to give me or one of the kids a big hug.  I turned the tables on him the other day ... he was laying in bed as I finished a workout and I came in a jumped on him, giving him a kiss. He was like "ummm, you're kind of sweaty" ... and let me tell you don't get nearly as sweaty as he does!

I had picked up a Fitbit Zip for hubby back in November. It didn't take. He'd forget to move it from his workout wear to his regular clothes, or vice versa. He lost it after just a couple of days (it did turn up a few days later). He didn't particularly like it, he told me "all this is telling me is that I'm NOT moving."  When it was determined that he wasn't going to be using it, #1 son adopted it ... and then lost it (for good this time). I am wondering if now that hubby is back in the groove, if he'd be inclined to try it again.

He does have a Garmin, which he wears for his runs. It's one of the nicer ones, with a HRM and we like the GPS tracking display on the computer, showing his route. He also tried Runkeeper for the first time, and seemed intrigued. He just placed an order for an armband. I actually like the thought of him having his phone with him on runs (and I can track him with the Find My Friend app). 

He bought some new insoles for his shoes too. I've never tried insoles myself. He picked up some new compression shirts, and the laundry has multiplied since he has started exercising again. He has apologized for all the extra laundry, but I've told him it is just fine! I am absolutely alright with doing more laundry for a happy and healthy hubby!

He's even mentioned hiking or racquetball again! It's been years since we did that together. He has invited me to go walking a couple times, but it's caught me off guard and I wasn't ready to drop and go (and to wear shoes).

Linking up with Workout Wednesday and the Hump Day Blog Hop.

Random Reflections

As a rule, Monday - Thursday are my good days. Those with a set schedule, kids in school. I actually often dread the weekends, as I just can't keep up enough activity to combat an often increased caloric intake. It will be interesting to see how the schedule shifts in the coming months, as the kids finish up school this week. Starting next Monday, I won't have daily carpools, packing lunches, volunteering and homework help... which should free up some time. On the other hand, I tend to sleep in a little more when I don't have to get the kids up and off. There will be some summer activities, running the kids here and there. The boys will  be around all the time. It will be interesting to see how it affects MY exercise, activity and eating.

I actually had a great weekend though! I generally don't get Zumba on Fridays as the couple classes I was aware of run from 9:00-10:00. The middle school's 9:30 late start was right smack in the middle. I'd found a 10:00 session, a bit further away, but I could make it if I went straight after dropping the boys off. I did that these past couple weeks. I actually hit goal these last two Fridays (22,000 steps and a total calorie burn of 3000) ... that rarely happens!

Then I did even BETTER on Saturday! Hubby was off early helping his mom move, so I went to a 7:00 Zumba class I'd found out about on Facebook. Generally I get up and hit the elliptical first thing, but Saturday I went straight to Zumba. I took my usual photos of my Fitbit and HRM for my Zumba Stats, and then took notice of a couple other stats I don't normally register  ...

It was interesting to look at the different "minutes" perspectives of my different devices! The class itself was about 55 minutes long (you can see that reading on both the HRM and Fitbit). Of that almost hour, my Polar said I was "in the zone" for 33 of those minutes. My Fitbit said that 46 of the minutes were "very active" and my Omron pedometer (which I still wear too!) said 52 of those minutes were "aerobic" minutes. The different devices all have their particular calculations, but it was interesting to compare. Normally, my Omron aerobic minutes and Fitbit "VAM" have my morning elliptical and any other exercise, so while it isn't impossible to check these numbers every time, it would require writing things down and doing math ...

One of the other classes I attend announced they were able to secure the church at 10:00 on Saturday ... so I went again! Double Zumba! Back at home, I watched an episode of my current series (meaning I was on the elliptical for 40 minutes) and read (and rode the stationary bike) for 30 minutes ... I hit goal on Saturday too!

No Zumba on Sunday ... 

The LDS church buildings are being used for church meetings.

 I put on my shoes and HRM and hit the treadmill for an hour.
Interesting to compare the stats to an hour of Zumba.

 

60 minutes, 4.5 miles. Started off with a mile jogging at 5mph, then did some intervals (higher speed with walking breaks) and some incline (up to 10 for 10 minutes).  I disregard the treadmill's calorie estimate. 639 is too high, not sure where those numbers are coming from. The steps (almost 9000) are higher than I've ever gotten in an hour of Zumba, but the Fitbit and HRM calorie counts aren't too far off a good Zumba day. Let me tell you, I'll do an hour of Zumba any day over my treadmill time, even though I had my TV program on to entertain and distract me.  That 206 max heartrate? Not sure where that came from either, sometimes I'm not sure what my HRM is doing some of the time. I'm pretty sure a second after that high registered, I was back at 120 and for the first few minutes it wasn't registering anything. Gadgets! Great if they work, frustrating when they don't.

As the month of May ended, I blogged a bit, recapping the past 30 days (May Days) and pulled my Daily Doings into chronological order with my monthly picture collage (May Day By Day).

As I updated my activity calendar,

I  noticed that MONDAYS are always full.
**Motivation Monday**

I consistently get in four or five different types of activity on Mondays. I think I'm just ready to get back to it all after the weekend ... even after a good weekend (although yesterday wasn't great. It wasn't bad. Not a  rest day, but didn't quite get to goal).

So here's to Monday! 

We've wrapped up May and it's a new month. 

What will you accomplish?

Link Up with Motivation Monday then go get moving!

May Days ~ Monthly Recap

It's been a year since I started this journey (again). I didn't do a "month recap" in May last year, as I had just started tracking calories about midway through the month, but with THIS recap, I now have twelve monthly reviews here on the blog. I have all my "intake and burn" graphs located together on a page too, so I can look back at the past year at a glance. I'm pretty consistent with my intake and burn, but I can see that in the last several months my average burn has gone down slightly and my average intake has gone up just a bit ... so it shouldn't really be a surprise that weight has gone up just a bit too. Just slight ups and downs for the past several months. Still staying out of the "overweight" category (just barely) and feeling pretty good about myself most of the time.  

This May ... my starting weight was 152.3, that was also my ending weight! Exactly the same! Fluctuations during the month, I hit a high of 155.4  and didn't drop below 150 once (low was 150.9). I remember back in March I was able to log an entire week under 150 ... that is the goal!

I have yet to log an entire month where I keep my intake under my burn every single day. It seems like there is always one day where I'm not very active and I eat a lot. Looks like I popped over four times this past month ... but I finished May strong, even as it ended on a weekend!

Here's my activity calendar ... I stayed busy!

Mondays are always my best day ... there was even a Monday holiday this month (Memorial Day) and I still had a great day! I'm motivated on Mondays! About half-way through May, I started adding Zumba and Mondays and Fridays and Saturdays! Yes, I'm a Zumba addict. Still always getting my elliptical in almost every day. Some jogging/walking and bike. While I tend to prefer cardio, I always make sure I get in a good full-body weights session once or twice a week.You can check out details in my May Day to Day ...

It will be interesting to see how things change next month. The boys get out of school June 6 ... what will the summer schedule be? On one hand, I won't have daily carpools, packing lunches, volunteering and homework help... which should free up some time. On the other hand, I tend to sleep in a little more when I don't have to get the kids up and off to school. There will be some summer activities, running the kids here and there. It will be interesting to see how the shift affects MY exercise, activity and eating.

That was MY May ... how was yours?

May Day By Day

My days in May ...
(May Days Month Recap)

• 0501 (Thursday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 152.3 Fitbit Steps 24083. Total Burn 2848. Calories in 2600. Calories out 1145. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 30minBike. Zumba just wasn't great today, not sure what it was. I think I was feeling a little stiff and sore from my weights workout yesterday. I think that may have played a part. Also, SO many new songs, very few that I was familiar with. I think I was just standing around with a confused look on my face for much of the class. But of course every song was new at some point, I know I've still got a good workout in before. I don't know. For the first time, I felt I might have been better off at home on the treadmill or elliptical or something. I went ahead and went to Kmart after, spending my Fitstudio points on some flowers for the garden. School carpools in the afternoon. #5 had soccer practice, but he was busy playing and it is far enough away that unless the kid really wants to go, I'll let myself off the hook. In the evening, I took #3 out to his basketball game. They lost, which we anticipated (this was an undefeated team) but our boys held it, at least for the first while. Late game, 9:00 start, so we didn't end until after 10:00. #2 was at the high school needing pickup, and I was grateful that #1 was willing to stop and grab him, as I would have been running quite late! Hubby was home, but asleep. He didn't even hear me come in (I do try to be quiet!) 
• 0502 (Friday)  Pretty Good Day. Weight 152.5. Fitbit Steps 26421. Total Burn 2829. Calories in 2400. Calories out 1131. Exercise: 60minElliptical. 18min/1.5milesTreadmillJog, 30minBike, 45minWalking. I slept in a little today, as I can on Fridays with late start at the middle school. Did my carpool duties then stopped at the grocery store. Still feeling a tad sore from weights, so I decided not to do weights again today (I had dropped that DVD back at the library as well, I do think I will purchase it to have on hand though). Got in some cardio throughout the day.  Showered in the afternoon before taking #2 to his basketball games in the evening. A double header at 7:00 and 9:00, so an hour wait in-between. I found a deserted hallway and walked up and down it, getting in 5000 steps and some reading. One of the dad's mentioned I could have just stepped outside to the track ... hmmm, I guess I could have done that as it stays so light later and it was a nice day. I'll keep that in mind if we have more double headers at this location ... although I did have my video camera plugged in and recharging and did need to keep an eye on it as well. Our boys won both games easily. It was so fun to see my #2 playing. I'd missed the first three games of this spring season. He's played with all these boys before, but it had been a while since he'd been on the same team as a few of them. I really like this group of boys and really enjoy seeing them play together as a team.  I really wish my other boys had such a large group of great friends!  
• 0503 (Saturday) Ok Day.  Weight 151.3. Fitbit Steps 19628. Total Burn 2513. Calories in 2700. Calories out 815. Exercise: 40minElliptical, 50minWalking. Slept in a little, and then it was off to soccer with #5. I'd missed his game last week, as it conflicted with basketball. Last week it was cold and rainy, but it was nice today. I lucked out! He did great, I do love watching him play. While I enjoy watching the boys in basketball, I can't play basketball myself. I would love to jump on the field and play a little soccer though! Years ago after I first lost the weight I did look up an adult group and joined in for some pick-up games. It was a blast. I've coached the kids in soccer and we'd have fun kicking the ball around. My BIL is the coach of this team, and as I mentioned in Thursday's entry, I just haven't been able to make it to the Thursday practices. Right after soccer, it was time for #3's basketball game. This is for the recreational league he's in. He said he didn't care if I videoed the game, which was good, as the recorder was dead after I'd used it at soccer. There was an empty set of bleachers, so during the game I walked back and forth, or stepped up and down. 5000 steps during the game. Hubby had a productive morning at home, taking the boys in to get the Sunday suits fitted (the boys just keep growing!) and updating service on a couple of cell phones (#3 now has a phone). He picked up the waverunners which had been in storage, and set up the trailer as we are going to try and sell it. We haven't taken it out camping in several years, but still memories as he put it up and had the boys clean it up. I finally got around to planting the flowers I'd purchased the other day. We'd talked about going out to dinner, but hubs had picked up Chick-Fil-A, and that had spoiled everyone's appetite. He and I ended up going out to a movie. The latest Captain America. It has been a while since we'd gone to a movie. I have a hard time sitting still that long! Also ate too much popcorn and candy.
• 0504 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 151.7. Fitbit Steps 7397. Total Burn 1975. Calories in 2200. Calories out 275. Exercise: 20minElliptical. Sunday sleep in. I did get in a session on the elliptical, then made our big breakfast. Church as usual ... the two little boys and I walked home. It's not far, but did register as 10 aerobic minutes on my Omron pedometer. I did make homemade oreos for the Sunday treat. 
• 0505 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 26857. Total Burn 3123. Calories in 1600. Calories out 1411. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 30minBike, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 60minWeights. Back to the routine ... except that #4 was moaning in the morning with a tummy ache. Not that he's really any trouble, just the last couple times he just doesn't seem very sick. I let him stay home, and while he stayed in bed all day, he didn't seem very sick. He was playing by evening. I got in my workouts and kept calories under control. Hubby helped a friend and son build a derby car in the evening. #2 and #3 had basketball practices. 
• 0506 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 153.0 Fitbit Steps 26947. Total Burn 3156. Calories in 2250. Calories out 1449. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike. Zumba was good today. One of the instructors from the Wednesday class came and did a couple numbers. I'm fine with it, as I'm familiar with the moves from Wednesday (and she's come to the Thursday class a couple times too) but I do think it might intimidate a couple of the other regulars, so older women who I think only like our original instructor. We are such a small group, I don't really want to lose anyone! I don't want them to cancel the class. It was a good class for me, decent numbers. There was testing going on at the elementary, so the teachers said she didn't need me to come in for my usual volunteer hour. I have been dragging a bit though, feeling so tired. Just want to lay down for a little nap during the day. I got in my elliptical and bike, but didn't feel up to my mile jog today. In the evening Hubby had a derby. He took #4 to help (although being younger, he isn't as much help). I took #3 to his basketball game. It was playing the undefeated team in our pool play, so I was expecting a trouncing. Our boys actually held the lead for almost the entire game. The other team did come back at the end for the win but it was a really good game. Proud of our boys! 
• 0507 (Wednesday) Ok Day. Weight 152.4. Fitbit Steps 20751. Total Burn 2799. Calories in 2700. Calories out 1095. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba. Zumba wasn't as good, for a Wednesday. My stats were better yesterday. Stopped at the grocery store on the way home. Dragging today worse than yesterday! Didn't get in bike or my mile, and only a few elliptical sessions. Should have been a weights day as well. After school, I did spend quite a bit of time helping #2 with a school assignment (needed to write a short Shakespearean play). He ended up falling asleep on my bed (while I was typing up his assignment on the computer there), and I noticed #1 asleep in his room. I guess the need for a nap was hitting everyone today! I made chicken pillows/fried chicken/yellow rice for dinner but didn't eat much myself, as I was already over calories. I'd made a lemon jello cake too and had a small slice. Not a good eating day, IF calorie estimates are correct, then I barely maintained today, but I'm sure the scale will jump a couple pounds. #2 had basketball practice in the evening, while hubs and the older boys had their young men's at the church. I was SO ready for bed, I shut down at 10:00 and was out!  
• 0508 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 154. Fitbit Steps 30922. Total Burn 3130. Calories in 1400. Calories out 1417. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 40minTreadmill (Jog1mile, then walk), Hallway Walk. I've been a bit disappointed in Thursday Zumba for a few weeks now, but today was a good day. I mentioned to one of the instructors how much I liked one of her numbers, and although she hadn't planned on teaching that day (a slight food injury) she actually put it into the rotation and did it just for me. That was fun :) I did my usual stop at Kmart to spend my FlexStudio points ... had a problem again with them not coming off properly.  I'm sure I'll get it worked out, but still, disappointing. They had some candy on clearance. Good for the kids lunches or bribes ... or my secret stash that I'm actually quite good at only having one a day from ... quite hypocritical of me to buy candy with my fitness points, huh? I did grab some black sport socks too, I'll wear those for workouts. My weigh-in this morning WAS up after yesterday. With official weigh-in tomorrow, at least I did feel motivated to try and have an extra good day to see if I could at least get back down to last week's weight (or yesterday's weight ... pretty much the same thing). I did really keep calories in check. Got in my elliptical and did my mile on the treadmill. I was not feeling great though, I had thought about doing intervals but just ended up walking after (watching the first episode of the new "24" series). Then it was basketball time. Another double header for #2. First game was at 6:00, so we had to leave a little early to deal with the work day traffic while heading across town. They won both games, and I walked the hall in-between games for another 5000 steps, and a 30K day.  
• 0509 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 152.3. Fitbit Steps 15218. Total Burn 2516. Calories in 2500. Calories out 808. Exercise: 80minElliptical. Not sure why this was a low day ... Fridays are always a little off, with late start and early out. But still ... I hadn't prepped my blog post, or caught up on my weekly entries, so that took some time. We didn't have anything planned in the evening, I wondered if hubs and I might get a date night, but he was exhausted when he got home. Usually I'll get in an additional workout or two if I have the evening free. Not sure why I didn't. Good thing I had my Grey's Anatomy to catch up on today, or who knows if I would have even got in those last couple workouts! 
• 0510 (Saturday) Ok Day. Weight 153.1. Fitbit Steps 13201. Total Burn 2301. Calories in 2200. Calories out 593. Exercise: 40minElliptical. Hubby was up early as he was hosting a Pinewood Derby Car building workshop in the garage for the neighborhood. He does this every year, knowing that not every family has the skills or tools to build a derby car (the scout derby is a week from Tuesday). He and #1 were so busy helping that MY two boys will be building their cars on a different day when they have Daddy to themselves. It was pretty crazy crowded in our garage in the morning. I did a quick store run and then took #3 to his basketball game at noon. Then there was a soccer game for #5 at 2:00 and another game for #3 at 3:00 ... so I couldn't do both. I had hubby take the little one to soccer and I did basketball again. Then both #3 and #2 had a game at 6:00. I had to just drop #3 off alone (as I'd already seen him play twice today) and I went to watch and video #2 (then back to grab #3). #3's team got slaughtered, which ends their season (he still has one more game next week for his rec league). #2's team started out behind but came back for the win, so the proceed into the playoffs with another game on Monday. I was SO tired when we got home, I went to bed early.  
• 0511 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 152.8. Fitbit Steps 2816. Total burn 1702. Calories in 3000. Calories out 0. Rest Day. It was Mother's Day. My little ones had told me I had to stay in bed, as breakfast in bed is pretty much a mother's day tradition. I ate ... then considered exercising but decided to just take a rest day and relax and read my book. Church, then to the inlaws. Hubby had made mashed potatoes and put Rhoades rolls out to rise. BIL smoked a pork loin, then made homemade donuts (into strawberry shortcake) for dessert. My SIL called from her LDS mission to say hello (they are only allowed to call home twice a year, Christmas and Mother's Day). It was rather cold, but the rain had stopped so they kids did end up playing outside a bit, jumping rope. We didn't make it out to my mom's, so we still owe her! 
• 0512 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 154.8. Fitbit Steps 22077. Total Burn 2867. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1150. Exercise: 90minElliptical, 60minWeights, 12min/1mileTreadmillJog, 30minBike. Back to the routine, gotta shake off the weekend and the Mother's Day blues. Scale is showing the indulgences. Got in my workouts, cardio and weights. Carpools, then #2 had a basketball game at 5:00. They won, so another game tomorrow. #2 had his open gym still, so I dropped him off at 9:00 then stopped to gas up the car and grab a few groceries. Hubby was on the treadmill when I got home. I actually did ok on eating today.
• 0513 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 153.3. Fitbit Steps 27800. Total Burn 3151. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1442. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 35min/2milesTreadmill (mostly walk, a little incline, a little jogging). Got the boys off to school and went to Zumba. Went into the elementary for my volunteering ... put together some packets for science today. Got in some workouts and then carpools. #2 had his game at 6:00. They won so onto the championships tomorrow. He had open gym still, so I dropped him at the high school after and had to pick up at 10:00, but I wasn't already in bed at that time, so it worked out. Did pretty good on food today, barely kept it at 2000.  
• 0514 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.2. Fitbit Steps 25513. Total burn 3050. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1347. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike. Carpools in the morning, then I did a quick run to Sam'sClub after dropping off the elementary kids, before Zumba. I was pushing it a bit time-wise, I thought I was late for sure. I mean, I WAS late, but it hadn't started yet. Wednesday Zumba is notoriously late. Cinco De Mayo day today, I had worn red. It was a good workout, I felt hot and sweaty. I stopped at Macey's for a few more groceries ... hubby is trying again, and I wanted to fill the fridge with some healthy options. It was finally a nice day (we've had so much rain!) I was thinking I might lay out in the sunshine a bit, but #1 son was home early. Afternoon carpools, then #2 had his game at 5:00. They lost ...  badly.  
• 0515 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 151.2. Fitbit Steps 28753. Total Burn 3250. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1553. Exercise: 100minElliptical. 60minZumba, Lawn Mow. It's teacher appreciation week at the school, I had prepped some stuff last night, so the kids were happy taking a bag into their teachers. Dropped them off then went to Zumba. Made my weekly trip to Kmart (had $10 in points). Got in my elliptical, and some sunshine *Ü*  As I read outside, I didn't make it onto my bike. I also didn't get my mile in  ... on the treadmill anyway. I did mow the front lawn and that registered as 2000 steps (about a mile) in 20 minutes.  #1 son had a dinner dance for school, #2 had his last open gym. I'll be glad those, and their 10:00 ending time, will be done, although I'm sure the kid will still want to stay out with his friends anyway. Stayed under calories, controlled quantity ... not quality though.  
• 0516 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 151.5. Fitbit Steps 20566. Total Burn 2818. Calories in 2600. Calories out 1119.  Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minBike, 12min/1mile Treadmill, 40minWeights. Actually got up at the usual time, although I can sleep in a bit, as the middle school has late start. Hubby has been exercising in the morning and I can't sleep through that, so ... might as well get started on the day. Friday's blog post always takes a bit as I make sure my numbers and everything is up to date. Got the kids off to school, carpools x2, then stopped for a few groceries. Home for some workouts. I've got a couple library books ... due dates motivate me some, but more than that, I just want to read! I spend an hour on the bike reading/riding today. Finished my novella and started "The One" (book three in "The Selection" series). Did my mile and weights, only three sessions on the elliptical. Calories got a little out of control today too, no big thing, just a lot of snacking. 
• 0517 (Saturday) Ok Day. Weight 152.4. Fitbit Steps 19426. Total Burn 2468. Calories in 2400. Calories out 764. Exercise: 40minElliptical, 60minWalkingBBG. I didn't get to my Grey's Anatomy yesterday ... season finale and all. I love Grey's Anatomy. I watched it today. Hubby took my car in to have its brakes fixed, they have been sounding horrible! Then he was busy in the garage weighing in pinewood derby cars and finishing up the cars for our two cub scouts. The derby is on Tuesday.  #3 had his final basketball game at 10:00.  I drove #1's truck with my burb in the shop. We had seen the opposing team play a couple times, demolishing the other teams, so we weren't expecting much today. I went over to "my" bleachers, but some people came and sat on them (usually no one does). I was afraid my walking/stepping would be bothersome, shaking things, so I went down and walked back and forth in a space between the two sets of bleachers. I think it was actually better, being more solid ground. I actually got 6000 steps during the hour. Not that I'm a parent who yells or anything, but walking does give that nervous energy an outlet.  And, although it was a bad start, our boys WON the game! #5 had a soccer game later that day (at 3:00) so I went and watched and filmed him (they won as well, my baby scored two goals). I dropped him off at a birthday party after. Maga and Aunt Ana and her two boys (the inlaws) stopped by for a bit. I wasn't feeling super motivated to get more exercise in ... I should have read my book on the bike, but I read it in bed. Ate too much too, hope I managed to at least break even. 
• 0518 (Sunday) Ok Day. Weight 153.3. Fitbit Steps 15410. Total Burn 2504. Calories in 2400. Calories out 795. Exercise: 40minElliptical. We CAN sleep in, yet we haven't these past couple days. I guess it's just habit, and the fact that it gets light so early. Grabbed my book and did some reading ... finished my book I just started on Friday. Got in a workout then made breakfast. Did some cleaning/vacuuming. With the downstairs family room straightened up, we put the ping pong table down and #1 and hit a ball around. The it was time for church. #2 was so mad because the pants we got back from being altered are just the same ... or worse. Too small. Walked to and from church. It was a nice day out. #1 had his seminary graduation, so hubs and I walked back over to the church for that. Another hour of sitting. Eating wasn't great today, just a lot of grabbing a handful of snacks.
• 0519 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 21718. Total Burn 3046. Calories in 2500. Calories out 1334. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 20minZumba, 18min/1.5mileTreadmill(Jog), 60minWeights, 30minBike. Went to try a new Zumba class today, on of the instructors from the Thursday group,  but just her for her own class. At the church where I've dropped #2 off a number of times to play basketball with friends. I had the info wrong though, got there at 9:30 when it started at 9:00, so just a partial today. Got in my jog, weights and bike, although only an hour of elliptical. Caught up on yesterday's shows. Season finale of Good Wife. I had invited my folks out to dinner. Made haystacks and then we played games.
• 0520 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 24413. Total Burn 3142. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1430. Exercise: 70minElliptical, 60minZumba. Got the boys off to school then hit Zumba. One of the better classes, got the Fitbit and HRM over 400. Then I went to the school for my weekly volunteering. The teacher had me bind the books ... I'd prepped the pages last week. I hadn't run a binder before, but it was easy. There is a really nice supply support center there at our elementary. I had always wondered what it was! Now I know. In the evening, it was the Pinewood Derby. Hubby went over early to set up. I brought the video camera and caught it (highlights here).  Neither boy placed, but their cars sure were cute! 
• 0521 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 153.5. Fitbit Steps 24045. Total Burn 3088. Calories in 1700. Calories out 1378. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba. Kids to school ... I was going to do my quick store stop, but #1 was home and did it instead. Off to Zumba, another good number day. Stopped at the thrift store on the way home. Didn't plan on weights today, but had hoped to get in a jog or bike, but it didn't happen. Did read a little in the sunshine. Kept calories in check. 
• 0522 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 152.4. Fitbit Steps 23478, Total Burn 2990. Calories in 1400. Calories out 1286. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike. Just didn't pull the numbers at zumba today. Not sure what it was. I still felt like I was working about the same as the previous two days. There were a few new songs that I wasn't as familiar with, but I did notice the ones I was most familiar with were the times I was able to bump my heart rate up a bit. Went to Kmart after, grabbed some wiffle-balls for #2 and they were a great deal! Lucky find. Did get in some reading on the bike today and I'm almost done with my book. I am ready for something new. Controlled calories again ... I was hungry in the evening but held off. Having hubby eating better is helping ME I think. When he says he's trying not to eat after 7:00, I feel inclined to do the same. 
• 0523 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 151.9. Fitbit Steps 25319. Total Burn 3036. Calories in 1400. Calories out 1335. Exercise: 40minElliptical, 2x60minZumba, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 40minWeights. Got the kids off to school then I drove across town to hit a new Zumba class I'd heard about. It's interesting comparing the differences/similarities. Stopped at a thrift store on the way home, then needed to fill up with gas (I was running on empty) then went to the high school to sign up #2 for some summer basketball ($465, yikes! But he's going to have SO much fun). Afternoon carpools ... did manage to squeeze in some more exercise, getting in my jog and weights. Hubby was working late, so I went to an evening Zumba class. Stopped for a few groceries and to pick up Mr. Social (#2) on the way home. Really kept calories in check today.  
• 0524 (Saturday) Bad Day. Weight 150.9. Fitbit Steps 16391. Total Burn 2470. Calories in 3500. Calories out 775. Exercise: 60minZumba. 40minElliptical. Rainy morning. Hubby was off early, his mom is moving and he is helping all day. He enlisted the two older boys to help, but not before #1 went and got donuts. My weight was down a bit, as I've had a few decent days. So ... let's eat ALL the things! I did hit a new Zumba class, my first paid class (just $2). A little crowded, and in the dark, all new steps, but very energetic instructor. Then I turned into a slug for the day. Hard to find motivation to move on Saturdays. No games as it's a holiday weekend (glad there was no soccer as it was so wet). It did finally clear up, and the little ones got swimsuits and went out to play. It was only 60°. Dropped Mr.Social off to hang with friends and restocked milk from SamsClub. I don't really like going on Saturdays. The hubs suggested going out to dinner, so we hit Tepanyaki. Yummy, but I was very fat and full, but STILL wanting to eat. TOM is coming. 
• 0525 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 154.4. Fitbit Steps 13516. Total Burn 2290. Calories in 2800. Calories out 575. Exercise: 40minElliptical, 30minBike. Hubby got up and went to jog the track at the high school. He invited me along ... but I'm just not that spur of the moment. I would have needed to have planned for that (had my shuffle charged, been prepared to actually put on shoes) ... I did hit the elliptical. Made breakfast for the family, and even got in a 30min bike ride/read. I've been reading a lot lately, as I've had some books I've really liked, and two more holds just became available. ♥ reading! Then church. I really wasn't feeling well at church though. Reminiscent of my pregnancy days when I would almost pass out. I did feel lightheaded, had a little trouble seeing the music as I attempted to play piano. Did walk to/from church, but laid down for the rest of the afternoon. Daddy and the boys played a little baseball. The wiffleballs I bought for #2 have got all the boys interested. 
• 0526 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 155.4. Fitbit Steps 26304. Total Burn 3140. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1419. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 50minZumba, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 60minWeights, 30minBike and Lawn Mow. Memorial Day today. Hubby was off early to help his mom move. The little boys had to get up and to the church to help with scout flag duty. One of the Zumba groups was still having class today, so I went out to it. I hadn't been to this location before, and I got the address wrong in my head. I went to 7th East, when it was 7th West ... which took me way out of the way. I got to the church finally, but was almost 30 minutes late. They actually hadn't started yet as there was a problem with gym and they were relocating to a church down the road. So I still got my Zumba in, although not quite an hour. Still got in quite a bit of exercise when I got home too.   
• 0526 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 155.4. Fitbit Steps 26304. Total Burn 3140. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1419. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 50minZumba, 12min/1mileTreadmill, 60minWeights, 30minBike and Lawn Mow. Memorial Day today. Hubby was off early to help his mom move. The little boys had to get up and to the church to help with scout flag duty. One of the Zumba groups was still having class today, so I went out to it. I hadn't been to this location before, and I got the address wrong in my head. I went to 7th East, when it was 7th West ... which took me way out of the way. I got to the church finally, but was almost 30 minutes late. They actually hadn't started yet as there was a problem with gym and they were relocating to a church down the road. So I still got my Zumba in, although not quite an hour. Still got in quite a bit of exercise when I got home too.   
• 0527 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 28873. Total Burn 3344. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1632. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike. Back to school, at least for a couple more weeks. Zumba was at a different church, as the floors were refinished at the Stake Center. Good class today. Then off to Cooper's class. The teacher had me take down all the stuff hanging on the walls. I was pretty active for the hour. Home ... and a little sunshine time. It was HOT. #1 grabbed pizza, as he hadn't yesterday (usual Papa Murphy Monday). Hubs and #3 went to do a derby. #2 stayed after and went to the high school to play basketball, I went and grabbed him around 8:00. Kept calories in check yesterday and today. 
• 0528 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.5. Fitbit Steps 23802. Total Burn 3072. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1367. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 50minZumba. So I have my usual Zumba I've been going to on Wednesdays ... one I enjoy and it's nice and close. I guess there has been some drama, and one of the girls has gone off on her own and now has a Wednesday class. It's a little further, but I do like that group, it is more personable, they actually know who I am and am encouraging me to come. So I went to that one. I guess it is "gym floor refinishing time" as our church gym was out of commission this week, and so was the stake center we were going to. We tried going to the backup church as we did Monday, but that floor had also been refinished ... so we Zumba-ed in the parking lot! I'm generally NOT a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of gal, but I didn't really have anything (as some of the other gals did) and outdoor Zumba was rather fun. I'd worn my cute cap, and I was glad I had. At first when things were going wrong, I thought to myself that I should have just hit the other group today, but this was a fun memory, so I guess I'm still glad I went. I stopped at Kmart on the way home, as it is right on the way home. I'd placed an online order with my FitStudio points that I just needed to pickup, and while there I checked out using my folks account, as my mom said they weren't going to get there to use them. While there I placed another order in store (using the points my son's Fitbit has accumulated) ... it was money saving, but it also was a little time consuming. Hmmmm. I was lacking a little in motivation when I got home. I got in a couple more elliptical sessions but that was it. After school pickups, rather than getting back down to the gym again, I helped (and by helped, I mean I did it all) #2 prep a "Shakespearean Costume" and mask (and descriptive paragraph) for school tomorrow. He is SO excited ... NOT.  I did finally get back down for one more elliptical session. It was the Fitbit that drove me to it. I was close to "goal" ... which is a totally random number picked by me (22,000 steps and 3000 burn) but I knew one more session would get me there, and I'd miss getting a "good" day if I didn't. So I did. Kept calories in check. Picked up some grapes the other day and ate some today. They were yummy. 
• 0529 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 152.5. Fitbit Steps 23578. Total Burn 3011. Calories in 2350. Calories out 1307. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba. Kids off to school, then off to Zumba. Again, I had two choices, I did go with my usual group. Very few people there at the start, but then quite a few more showed up. Able to get over 400 on both Fitbit and HRM. I usually stop at Kmart after, to spend my weekly points, but I'd done that yesterday. I did stop at the grocery store to grab a gallon of milk and some grapes. Snuck in a little sunshine. Headed to the elementary school at 1:30 for the 4th grader's school program and he begged me to check him out after, so I did.  Carpools x2, as usual. Just NOT feeling motivated in the afternoons. I read and finished my book... but not on the bike. Eating was a little high too, I was hungry! 
• 0530 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 153.2. Fitbit Steps 23426. Total Burn 3053. Calories in 1950. Calories out 1345. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba. The middle school boys said they will just take hot lunch for the last few days, as they don't have lockers anymore. That does free up a few minutes in the morning (that I was spending prepping lunches). Late start at the middle school. Dropped them off and went straight to Zumba. The timing works perfectly. Caught a little sun, then I just felt like I was on constant carpool duty. Picking up elementary school, picking up middle school, dropping off #5 at a birthday party, #4 had scouts, pickup #5 from the party. Dropping #3 off at a friend's house. I stopped for some groceries while I was out. Hubby worked late so I did get an evening elliptical session in. I sent #1 to grab #2 and #3 at 10:00 as I was going to bed! Managed to get to goal on a Friday! It doesn't happen often. Kept calories in check too.
• 0531 (Saturday) Good Day. Weight 152.3. Fitbit Steps 27687. Total Burn: 3099. Exercise Burn: 1395 ... 60minElliptical, 60minZumba (x2), 30minBike. Calories in 1700. Hubby was off early, trying to finish up getting his mom moved. I'd found a free Zumba class meeting not too far away. 7:00 in the morning ... a tad early for me, as I usually sleep in a bit on Saturdays, but I went and it was fun. A new group, new numbers, although a couple were familiar. Another class said they were able to get the church gym, so would be holding a 10:00 class ... so I went to that too! Once upon a time, Saturday mornings were completely booked with boy's games, but I've been rather free for several weeks. I did have #5's soccer game, but it wasn't until 1:00. He did great, got a couple goals. Picture day afterward. Then suprise, surprise, Mr.Social (#2) asked me to take him to a friend's house. We stopped and filled the car up with gas on the way (me teaching him the ropes, as he's 15 and will soon be driving). When hubby got home, we took the four boys (#2 was still gone) to try and hit the new Popeye's, but it was SO packed. We went to Chick-Fil-a instead. To Subzero for some ice cream for dessert. I did eat some dinner and ice cream, but I'd been very conservative in my calories up until then, and didn't go overboard. Calories still in check. Actually got to goal on a Saturday too!

WWI#46 and a Peek In the Gym Bags

So I had a really good Friday last week ... double Zumba, controlled calories. Saturday morning I'd dropped a bit more, closer to the "under 150" where I want to be. But then ... #1 son went and got donuts. And I ate a donut. In the evening, hubby asked if I'd like to go out to dinner. I hadn't planned on it, hadn't "banked my calories" if you will, but we hadn't gone on a date in a bit so I sure didn't want to say no, and I was hungry. When the scale jumped the next morning, I really wasn't surprised. Again, not surprised when it inched up again for Monday morning.

Even though Monday was a holiday (Memorial Day) and that can throw off my routine ... it was a great day. Lots of exercise and kept eating in check. Tuesday was good too. While Wednesday and Thursday were "good" (I did get to goal), I was feeling a little unmotivated those days. They weren't as good as they could have been. You can see more details on my Day to Day Doings. I keep all my numbers and a daily journal entry there.

NUMBERS: Up 1.3 from last week. Average up .1. The high for the week was HIGH ... 155.4. The low was 150.9, so a shift of 4.5 pounds throughout the week. I had a couple bad days, the rest were good. I was able to get a weekly deficit of 2724. Calories in averaged 2236. Average burn was up slightly to 2909. 

Diane, at Fit To The Finish had an interesting blog post yesterday, about Setting a Line in the Sand. I posted a bit ago about some of my "lines" (My Milestones) those numbers that have particular meaning. I've been stuck just over the 150 pound mark (one milestone) but staying under the next couple "numbers" (153.3 and 155). I was disappointed this week to blip above 155 (and was able to correct that pretty quick) and I have been keeping my Friday weigh-ins under the 153.3. I'm keeping an eye on my "lines" ...

I'm linking up with Fitness Friday with Jill and Aubrey,  and a late Weigh-In Wednesday. 

Now onto the FUN stuff ...  
Five for Friday!

I'm always a little late getting my Friday post up. I can't really prep my post the night before, as I don't have all my "numbers" in yet. I've also got into the habit of checking in on the DC Bloggers, who often have a "theme" for their Friday Five. Today, it's "Five Things In My Gym Bag" ... so, linking up with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia and then also jumping onto the other Friday Five linkups out there. Five on Friday at The Good Life, Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In.

Now I am a homebody. I've got everything I need right downstairs (J&GsGym). So I don't really have a gym bag, as "going to the gym" for me is simply walking down to our basement. Occasionally, I would hit the indoor track while the boys played basketball and I'd have a small bag for those trips. I have been heading out to Zumba this year, but my classes are close, so I'm ready as I leave the house, not needing to take anything extra. Today (and last week) ... I traveled a bit further, and went after dropping the kids off at school. There would be a lag time of about 30minutes from when I left the house to when I started my workout. That's TOO much time to have shoes and a HRM on! So this picture is MY five things I needed ... shoes, socks, and the three pieces to my heart rate monitor. I'd be in trouble if I got to Zumba and was missing any one of these five items.

The boys are finishing up school this week, and they cleared out lockers yesterday. My son wanted his gymbag for after school (hanging out playing basketball with his buddies) but had no place to put it. I told him to leave it in the car, and I'd meet him after school. BIG MISTAKE! His bag SMELLS so bad! I had to take it out of the car. I went ahead and checked what was in his gym bag ...

His basketball shoes (I bought him some of those sneaker balls to help combat the smell but they just aren't strong enough I guess), an extra shirt, some deodorant, a charger for his iphone and a snack.

I figured I'd check out the 13-year old's gymbag too ... shoes, a basketball, a water bottle, a sweat towel, some first aid supplies (band-aids, wrap, kneenex for bloody noses) ... he had a few of his jerseys in there too.

What are five things YOU have in your gym bag?

Pet Peeves

A few weeks ago, Lindsey at The Lean Green Bean did a post about "minor annoyances" in her life. It was fun to read, and I'd seriously been thinking of doing a "pet peeve post" myself. Just those little things that drive you cRaZY! First world problems if you will ... Here's my list:

• Hair, Hair Everywhere: I shed. The amount of hairs coming off my head every day should be quite alarming, and it would be, if there wasn't still plenty still stuck in. It just seems like every time I touch my head, I'll pull off a strand or seven. And these hairs, besides the obvious problems of clogging the sink or catching in the vacuum ... they will land on me and then prick my arm. I hate the feel of that! But they are so small and light, it's sometimes a trick to find the offender. Anyone else have shedding issues?
• TV Troubles: On Tuesday, I did a TV talk post, mentioning how I don't really watch "live" programming anymore. Because of this, I have become so used to NOT having commercials, that if I'm exposed to them (Hulu or Network online offerings, or live radio) ... they drive me crazy! Another TV pet peeve is seeing parts of a show before I'm actually watching it. The kids have ruined several series for me, as I've seen too many bits and pieces for me to ever watch the programs myself now.
• Grammar: I'm not one who corrects or calls people out, but I do cringe when I see "your" when it should be "you're" (I'd even prefer UR). Other offenders, "their/they're" or "to, two, too" ... the absolute worst is if I look back and see that I have accidentally written it wrong! The horror! I know I overdo the ellipsis and put the punctuation outside of the parentheses ... but I don't care about that part of grammar (I'm sure that is a pet peeve for someone else though, right?)
• Flies Inside The House: That buzz, the little black body whizzing by. Instant insanity! One good thing about winter, there really aren't flies around. As soon as summer hits and doors are left open ... it's fly time. I will grab the fly swatter and go after them, and I'll put the kids on the job too. Flies - stay out of my house (and out of my kid's ear ... yes, that actually happened once! The story is here, along with some other interesting injuries from our our family).
• Garbage Cans on the Street: I actually really love garbage day! Weird, I know. But we usually have our garbage can and our recycling filled to the brim and I love having it emptied, knowing I have an empty can for a while at least. It is garbage day today, and on garbage day, of course the cans will be out on the street. But after the trucks come ... pull those suckers back up and off the street! When it's a couple days past and they are STILL out there. Come on! I've wondered about pulling them up for people ... would it be appreciated? Or just annoy or anger others ("What are you doing touching MY garbage cans??")  I honestly don't know!

Are these my top five pet peeves? I'm not sure (the hair one gets me multiple times every single day ... should I just copy the hubs and cut it all off? And in a house of all boys, everyone knows I'm always the culprit). I've got other peeves, but  these were the ones that popped into my mind. Just a little random Thinking Out Loud today!

Zumba Firsts

On Sunday, I posted a funny little video, a public service announcement about the dangers of addiction to distance running. I mentioned there, that I think I am safe from any running addiction (although I know there are those of you out there in trouble) ... but Zumba? I DO think I might have a slight addiction. Not enough that I need an intervention just yet.

I had never been to a Zumba class before this year. I never thought I would. I can't dance, and I exercise on my own. When my church offered a free class, I pushed myself (and believe you me, I had to PUSH) to give it a try (I Hope You Dance). I wasn't hooked after the first day, it took a few times. But then ... I wanted more. In addition to my Tuesday class, I started attending a Thursday class. Then I added a Wednesday class. I figured I'd be fine with my Tues/Wed/Thurs schedule ... but I wanted MORE.

I had a few Zumba "firsts" this past weekend ...

• ANOTHER NEW: All three of the classes I'd been to had a common denominator ... my original instructor. She was the one who introduced the additional classes. She attended them all and taught a couple numbers at the Wed/Thurs.  So I had some familiarity even as I attended them for the first time. On Friday morning, I went to a completely new class all on my own. I'd found this one through a Facebook group. It's a little further, but I think I'll go again if I don't have an option closer to home.
• IN THE EVENING: One of the instructors from the Thursday class was holding an evening class. All my Zumba to date had been in the mornings. This was my first evening class ... and my first double day (this was also on Friday).
• 1ST PAID CLASS: So far ... all my Zumba classes have been free ones, at local churches. I was in the mood and had some free time Saturday morning, so I found a class. It was $2. It was different ... in a studio. In the dark with flashing strobe lights. The music was more modern (lots of Top20 type hits). It was a single instructor, but she sure kept up the energy! It was pretty crowded (a smaller room). I don't know if I'll do this every Saturday, but it's nice to have the option there.

I am NOT one for change or trying new things, so these are pretty big moves for me (NSVs for sure!)! My Zumba experience so far has been interesting. I've now gone to eight different locations, over a dozen different instructors, so many different songs and steps.  I'm enjoying it all!  I've found out about a couple Monday classes, so I'll be adding that into the rotation. I keep all my numbers (HRM and Fitbit Stats) and it's so interesting to compare them class to class ... sometimes they line up to how I feel, other times I'm a little mystified, unsure why I'm not getting the heart rate up for a better calorie burn (just like weight loss ... or the lack thereof after adding up the numbers).

Yesterday's numbers ... 450 calories burned according to the HRM. 487 according to Fitbit (sometimes these two estimates are very different). In the "zone" 45minutes  of the hour, over 7000 steps and my average and max heart. One of my best days.

 Today ended up being ANOTHER first ... a little outdoor Zumba. The church it was supposed to be held at had it's floors refinished, so we relocated only to find that church also just had it's floors refinished. So we just danced in the parking lot! My first outdoor Zumba ... it was actually quite fun!

Do YOU Zumba?
If you live in Utah, be sure to check out my Free  Utah Zumba Classes post!

Linking up with WorkOutWednesday and The Hump Day Blog Hop. 

TV Talk Tuesday

I was reading the newspaper, when I came across this article...  TV Networks Plea To Viewers: Watch This Now! I had to laugh a little. I am the TV Networks worst nightmare. Well, not the worst, I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who shun television completely. Me? I do love many of the TV programs available, my "to watch" list is huge ... but I don't watch anything "live" anymore. I'm completely content to wait.

 Live TV is rarely on in our home. Now ... the TV itself is on a lot, but it's Netflix or Amazon or a DVD.  PlayOn keeps me current for shows not on other platforms (there is a fee, but it's less than HuluPlus and I love being able to record programs so that I can fast forward through the commercials). I hate commercials! Ironically, we have not given up cable yet (although I'd love to break up with Comcast completely). I haven't been able to figure out how to let the boys watch their basketball without having cable.

It's that time of year ... when almost all the shows wrap up their seasons. I've had to bid farewell to Grey's Anatomy, The Good Wife and Scandal. Season 3 of Scandal is already on Netflix! If I had know it would appear that fast, I think I would have waited and watched all the episodes back to back.  I am going to miss my Mon/Fri motivation ... I'd always be a little excited to get to my workouts to watch these shows that had aired the night before.

I have been keeping current with Game of Thrones, and there are a few more episodes of it before it finishes up (but nothing this past week). I am a "24" fan, in fact, "24" was THE show that got me hooked on watching while working out. It totally compelled me into coming back, and would feed my adrenaline ... I mean how can one not be energized seeing Jack run around saving the world? I'm happy to have Jack back, and am watching the new "24" series. Just finished up last night's episode.

For my workout inspiration ... I do like the "hour" (40+minutes without commercials) programs more than the shorter ones. I prefer action/drama to comedy. I prefer the shows with a serial story, one that carries from week to week, rather than a single-story loop per episode. It just keeps me coming back (to the gym, where I watch while working out).

I did just finish up watching Modern Family (at times I DO watch the shorter/comedies too) as it finished up it's season. I've been waiting for Cougar Town to come to DVD, but I've been waiting for a while (seasons 1-3 are, but season 4 has been done for a while and still not available). I turned to PlayOn and have been catching up on that. I've also been making my way through Drop Dead Diva (currently in Season 2) ... I have to laugh a little that I'm watching TWO shows right now where there male lead is named Grayson! It's a very uncommon name ... but it's my hubby's name too!

Back to the article I mentioned at the top ... I know I'm not the prime audience TV Networks are after. The "waiter" ... but you know, I DO get around to watching a lot. I'm just slow. The way we watch TV is certainly changing.

Amazon Prime just added a bunch of HBO shows to their line-up. Hubby and I have already watched many of them, but Hubs loves having them at his fingertips to rewatch with ease. I'm not really into watching things more than once anymore ... there is just SO much out there! I'd rather see something I haven't seen before. I try to keep track of what I've watched (What I'm Watching). I'm a little OCD like that, I like to keep a list. It's not complete of course, more the last year or so ...

What about you? Do you stay current with TV programs? Do you prefer drama or comedy? Which TV alternatives do you subsribe to? Do you like to relax or workout while you watch?

Free Summer Bowling

Today's Motivation Monday falls on Memorial Day. The kids are out of school. They tend to stay pretty busy on these rare breaks throughout the school year, but summer is coming shortly. After days on end with no school ... the inevitable whine of  "I'm bored, there's nothing to do" is bound to happen. What to do ...

What about bowling?  Our family has had some fond bowling memories (Blackham Bowling ). When the kids were on year-round school, off-track bowling was something we did to fill the time. For summer ... there is the KidsBowlFree program. Just go to the website and see if there is a location  near you participating. Two free games of bowling per kid, per day, all summer long.

Of course ... it generally isn't totally free. You do still have to pay for shoes unless you happen to have your own. I DO have my own bowling shoes. Not that I'm a big bowler! I picked some up for $20 a few years ago, figuring it would be worth the investment for me. With kids constantly growing, it may not be worth a purchase ... and rental shoes are SO cute!

If your kids are anything like mine, they beg for arcade tokens and want some drinks and pizza every trip too. That can add up quick ... and of course I'm sure that is the impetus behind the "free" offer. Sometimes I splurge on the extras ... other times I'm the mean mom and we "only" bowl (I mean, that IS what we went there to do, not to eat or play video games). The free also only applies to the kids (15 and under). If YOU want to bowl too, you'll have to pay, but there are family deals that accompany the program. This is the first year I have actually added on a "family" plan, for me and my 18-year old son. $25 and we both get a couple games each trip too. I figure four trips and we'd probably recoup that cost. I do like to participate too, and I think the kids enjoy beating me ... at least they can try!

I know bowling isn't the MOST active thing the kids can be doing this summer ... but it's better than video games or watching TV. A nice air-conditioned bowling alley can be a welcome relief on a hot summer day. 

I'm hoping that my purchasing a pass ... actually paying $25 (for two adults) will motivate me (ala Motivation Monday! *Ü*) to use our free bowling coupons more this year. I think we only made it in a couple times last year.  It doesn't burn a bunch of calories (have you seen comedian Jim Gaffigan's take on bowling? We love Jim), but you are moving and using some muscles you might not otherwise.

I must admit ... I like to leave the bumpers up.

And now a quick weekend recap. Friday was better than usual ... I got in a double Zumba (morning and evening) and kept calories in check. Saturday started with donuts and ended with ...

#datenight #toomanycalories

Sunday ...

#ilovereading #twoholdscomeinatonce

#baseballboys


It's a little hard when the new week starts off with a holiday.
Off my routine ... but it's going to be a good day *Ü*