June 2014 (Daily Doings)

Daily Numbers & Journal Entries

Every month I take my Day to Day Doings logs and organize them in chronological order for the completed month. Along with a picture collage, it's a detailed look back at my days. June 2014 had the kids finishing up school, and #1 graduating. I got more involved in Zumba and continued participating in the various fitness reward programs. #2 actually beat me in steps (can you believe that?) and I donned my pretty pink bowling shoes taking the kids to the local lanes. Finally ... T-shirts for Flag Day.  I'll plan on posting an official monthly recap tomorrow. How was YOUR June?

• 0601 (Sunday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 151.5.  Calories in 1950. Fitbit Steps 21802. Total Burn 2730. Exercise Burn: 1031 (40minElliptical, 60min/4.5milesTreadmill ... 1mileJog, Intervals/Incline). Had an early morning meeting (7:00) over at the church. It didn't last too long. Got in my first elliptical session and made the kidlets breakfast. Walked to/from church. Very nice day out! Got in another elliptical session, and then I actually hit the treadmill for an hour in the evening. Kept calories in check today. 
• 0602 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.2. Calories in 2000. Fitbit Steps 24023. Total Burn 3068. Exercise Burn 1360 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 1mileJog, 45minWeights). A little sad at the bump up in weight ... I used to it Monday mornings, but I thought I'd had such a good weekend maybe I wouldn't this week. Oh well. Back at it ... last week of school. It will be interesting to see how the schedule shifts for summer. Got the kids to school then went to Zumba. At this point, I knew of three different Monday classes. I went to the closest one, which also sounds like it won't be happening any longer. My third time with this instructor, and for the third time, my HRM was higher than my Fitbit.  Maybe bigger arm movements, getting the heart rate up even though the steps on foot level are the same.  Just interesting to note. Snuck in a little sunshine when I got home, but #1 was getting home early as his afternoon classes are now over. He did stop at the DMV (we got a waiver for the emissions on his truck) but their computers were down and he wasn't able to complete the registration. I wasn't sure I'd get weights in, I wasn't in a weights mode ... but I did. Got in my mile too, but no bike. After carpools, #3 wanted us to make gingersnaps to take to school tomorrow, so that took a good portion of the afternoon. And yes ... I ate too many but did keep calories in check. 
• 0603 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.9. Calories in 2300. Fitbit Steps 24563. Total Burn 3048. Exercise burn 1341 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike). Kids off to school, then off to Zumba. We went to the other church again today (smaller, carpeted gym) as they said they didn't want us on the newly refinished gym floor quite yet. I was at the church on Sunday and it still smelled so strongly, I think it was a good move. For some reason, I couldn't quite get the heart rate up today. Sometimes, I'm aware that I'm a little off ... other times, I do think the HRM is a bit wonky! It would just sit at the exact same heart rate for several minutes when I'm sure it was changing. Gadgets! So lower reading on it today, Fitbit was about the average. Very small class, really just three of us and our two instructors. Hopefully we'll get more when we are back at the regular building. I don't want it uber crowded, but I don't want them to give up on it either! I had planned on going to my 2nd grader's class to help today (instead of the 4th grade, as I usually do) but then their party got pushed until the end of day, when I'm picking up middle school carpool. I snuck in a little sun again. #1 again tried to hit the DMV but everyone from yesterday apparently was too. You hear the horror stories of the waits, but this was literally two hours. He gave up and came home, but his extended registration expires tomorrow. He's already been pulled over once when it lapsed for a couple days while we figured stuff out  ($90!). I worked up a graduation announcement for him and sent it off to be printed. Feeling a bit blue today, a simple statement just dragged me down. Hard to shake. The big boys went up to Maga's house to help with the move again. Poor hubby was there all night, he didn't get home until after 10:00. Some running around of #2 and #3 as they went to hang with friends. Eating was ok ... a little emotional eating.  
• 0604 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.0. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 28732. Total Burn 3279. Exercise burn 1577 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 15min/1.25milesJog, 30minBike). Got the kids off then went to Zumba in Draper. Was able to get both devices over 400 for the burn. Stopped at Savers and Kmart on the way home. Kmart was busy ... well, they only had one checkstand open and that wasn't enough for those trying to check out. Got in some additional exercise throughout the day. Finished up my book "Ruins" and my next hold "Reached" just came in at the library, so good timing. After picking up carpools, I made some banana bread and muffins. The banana bread did push me high on calories, although still technically under my burn for the day. Hubby came home early today after moving Maga all day. They are about done now. 
• 0605 (Thursday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 152.7. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 20517. Total Burn 2659. Exercise burn 954 (40minElliptical, 60minZumba). Still had both carpools this morning, got the kids off then went to Zumba. Home again for  just a bit, then #1 and I snagged a ride with one of his classmates to get downtown for graduation. Hubby, MIL and SIL met us there. I did some walking around while I waited (as the grads had to be there a bit early). It was a good program. A couple beach balls appeared and were bounced around before being confiscated. After the ceremony, we went to Tepanyaki, yummy dinner. Home again home again jiggity jig ... glad to have this day behind me! 
• 0606 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 153.5. Calories in 2550. Fitbit Steps 25842. Total Burn 3163. Exercise Burn 1456 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12min/1mileJog, 40minWeights, 30minBike). Slept in a little. Got the elementary kids off for their last day, then was back at the school at 9:00 for the end of year awards ceremony. Each teacher chooses four students from the class to get a citizenship/Tiger'sPride award, and both my boys were selected by their teachers. I snuck out a little early (while awards for 5th&6th grades were being presented) and went to Zumba in Sandy. Third time there and I feel like I'm learning some of the steps better. Got good readings on my devices, so I think this sets the new day to beat for numbers. Picked up elementary carpool at 12:45, although just grabbed #4 and the other boy we take. #5 walked home with a friend and attended a movie with his family. I had a good exercise day, getting everything in. Food ... not so great. My banana bread I made the other day tempts me, and then it was National Donut Day and of course we had to celebrate. 
• 0607 (Saturday) Good Day. Weight 153.0. Calories in 1900. Fitbit Steps 30859. Total Burn 3311. Exercise Burn 1604 (60minElliptical, 60min Zumba x2). Hubs decided to take the boys and the waverunners up to the lake. I was staying home with the two little boys (#5 had a soccer game) while they hopefully worked out the kinks before we go as a family. I'm not big on spending all day at the lake, so I do sit these trips out a majority of the time. I had been thinking of hitting a Zumba class (the Fuze one in Sandy, $2 drop-in) but I hadn't planned ahead enough, and wanted to get the boys off. I figured I try it on my own with Youtube. I spent a little time putting together a playlist, and adding the YouTube channel to my Roku and it worked great! Happy to have that option. Did have the soccer game for my youngest. They won, he scored. #4 wasn't too happy about me having him come along too (even though there was a playground and basketball standards and his cousins and a friend there! He's a homebody like me). We hit Little Caeser's on the way home for some crazy bread. The big boys were home. #2 was in desperate need of a haircut, so I took him and #3 in. Dropped #2 off at friend's afterward ... Mr. Social! Hubs was asleep, so I went ahead and hit a 7:00 Zumba at a nearby church for a late calorie burn and step. Grabbed some groceries ... I'd texted hubs to see if he needed anything. He did, but didn't get back to me until I was home. So he went to the store two, taking the two munchkins. #1 went to pick up #2 ... I was going to, but hubs had taken my car, and I don't dare drive his truck (#1 LOVES to drive Daddy's truck). Not a good night for sleep though :( 
• 0608 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 151.7. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 9710. Total Burn 2216. Exercise Burn 516 (40minElliptical). Instead of regular church, it was "Stake Conference" and then we were also heading out to my brother's ward to hear my niece speak, just returned from an LDS mission. Over to my brother's house for a bit, then to my BIL's house, to celebrate my nephew's birthday on the other side of the family. I did get in elliptical to start and end the day. Made (and ate) some brownies which I took to both events. At least I don't really have any leftover ... leftover marshmallow brownies tempt me too much. Intake exceeded burn today ... 
• 0609 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.0. Calories in 2200. Fitbit Steps 25024. Total Burn 3127. Exercise burn 1420 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 1mileJog, 60minWeights). First official day of summer. #2 left for a church camp for a few days ... it will actually be rather nice not being on chauffeur duty for him. The other kids just played around all day, I'm sure sometime in the future they will be bored, but not yet. I got in Zumba and my other exercises. Hubs came home and suggested he and I hit a movie. We haven't had a date in a bit, so we went. I was glad I had all my exercise done and had kept eating in check, so even with popcorn and candy I wasn't too bad. Saw the latest X-men movie ... made me think I don't really remember the most recent one at all! 
• 0610 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 153.2. Calories in 2200. Fitbit Steps 28392. Total Burn 3191. Exercise burn 1483 (60minElliptical, 90minZumba, 1mileJog, 30minBike, 10minWiiFit). Hmmmm ... just another day! It's a little nice having #2 gone, not having to be his personal chauffeur (#1 can drive and the other kids are quite content at home, but #2 ...) 
• 0611 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 153.2. Calories in 1800. Fitbit Steps 24591. Total Burn 2975. Exercise Burn 1272 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba + Lawn Mow).  Slept in a little this morning, it was a slow start to the day. I didn't get in my morning elliptical session. Even with 9:30 Zumba, I was running a little late. Stopped at Kmart on the way home to spend my Fitstudio points. Got in my elliptical and mowed the lawn. Nice day out. Hubs came home early to finalize some moving stuff for his mom, which took him most of the evening. #2 returned from youth conference ... and asked me to drive him to the gym, where he bought a pass for summer. Then I had to pick him up a few hours later. He didn't want to go home, but to a friend's. I needed to gas up and get some groceries to I headed out to do that and figured I'd pick up the kid on the way back, but he ended up getting a ride home. Decent calorie consumption day. 
• 0612(Thursday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 152.2. Calories in 2560. Fitbit Steps 24529. Total Burn 2991. Exercise burn 1288 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 1milejog). Got up and got in my elliptical and then hit Zumba. Stopped at the store to pick up a Father'sDay gift (one of those anti-gravity chairs), then went to the gym to grab #2 (he'd gotten a ride there with a friend). I dropped them off at the high school and returned home for just a bit (unload, check on the kids) and then went back to the school for #2's basketball game. He didn't have a good game, couldn't land a shot and he was NOT happy. He was out the final minutes with a bloody nose that wouldn't stop. They lost. He stayed at the school and watched the other team and helped run the clocks. I went back at 3:00 for the second game of the day. They won this one. Again ... I just left the kid there. He never wants to come home. I ran to Sam'sClub later in the evening and then went back to the high school to grab #2 at 8:00 (he would have stayed later if I allowed it). Dragging today, and ate too much...I still counted yesterday as a "good" day, even though I was shy of my 3000 total burn by 25 calories. Again today, just under, but today my food was so much higher than when I kept calories in check yesterday. 
• 0613 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 153.5. Calories in 2800. Fitbit Steps 24933. Total Burn 3103. Exercise burn 1393 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike).  #2 had a 9:00 and an 11:00 game, so I had to miss my usual Friday Zumba. I was sad to miss it. Still got in an elliptical session prior to the game, and a couple more throughout the day. Better games for #2 today. They won both. One of the refs was one I had chatted about Fitbit's before (he's seen me walking during previous games and we'd talked about it). He had one, but said he had lost it. I encouraged him to contact customer service, as our experience with them had proved worth the ask. Not sure when I'll see him again to ask how that turned out. Funny to have little Fitbit connections out in everyday life. To get my Zumba fix, I went ahead and did it downstairs to my YouTube playlist.  Also got some time on the bike and finally finished up my book (Reached). The hubs was late getting home, participating in a work volleyball session. I was actually a bit jealous. I really enjoy volleyball. Not that I'm good at it, I just enjoy it. And, I wish the hubs had a Fitbit ... curious to know how many steps he got! Not a good eating day though ... just snacking on so many treats. Also the boys wanted some Mac&Cheese for dinner. I made a big double batch, but still they dished it all up. I was fine not getting any, as it's not exactly low calorie. But then one of them didn't finish their bowl ... and I did.  
• 0614 (Saturday)  Bad Day. Weight 152.4. Calories in 2800. Fitbit Steps 15163. Total Burn 2517. Exercise burn 813 (60minElliptical). One of the Zumba groups had mentioned having a 7:00 class this Saturday, but it didn't happen. Too bad, as while I do like to sleep in on Saturdays, hubs and the boys had to be up early to help with the scouts flags (it's Flag Day!). When they got back, hubs suggested going out to breakfast. I hadn't gotten downstairs yet, and I usually skip or push breakfast, but he doesn't suggest it too often. We went. It's a favorite place, but the pancakes had a bit of an after-taste to me (none of the kids complained) and their hashbrowns had changed. Maybe that helped me keep calories a little more in check than they would have been otherwise. #1 said we should pick up the Old Navy flag shirts for the whole family ... something we used to do. I gave him the go ahead and he went and grabbed some. I got a picture with my five boys.  #5 had his final soccer game of the season. Several players were out of town, so he played the entire game, which he was actually thrilled about. I'd love to strap a Fitbit on him and see how many steps he gets in during a game. I drive past a building called Soccer City on my way to one of my Zumba classes, and I looked into it and they have a women's open play. I might have to try that! I love soccer! Then #2 had his final basketball game of this tournament. They won. A friend of hubby was having a birthday party, so we went to that in the evening. Another high calorie day (I was surprised weight was down this morning after yesterday). No "binge" or anything, just a lot of little things adding up. 
• 0615 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 152.3. Calories in 3000. Fitbit Steps 11983. Total Burn 2350. Exercise burn 647 (40minElliptical, walk to/from church). Father's Day. Hubs said the breakfast yesterday was his "breakfast" and skipped the traditional breakfast in bed to go for a jog. We had church, and then a family party on my side. I'd made jello cubes and sweet chex mix ... I ate way too much of the chex mix! It was really fun to be with all my brothers and sister and all their kids. We take an annual family photo at this Father'sDay gathering. Lots of laughter this year. Fitbit talk as well (#2's Fitbit came and he was back up and running with it). Nine Fitbit's in our family. Again, not a good eating day, and even though I did get in a couple sessions on the elliptical, it wasn't nearly enough to combat the calories. 
• 0616 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 154.4. Calories in 1900. Fitbit steps 29166. Total Burn 3479. Exercise burn 1773 (90minElliptical, 60minZumba, 1mileJog, 60minWeights, 30minBike). #1 was up and off early to work. He's amazing for a teenager, getting himself out of bed. So I don't need to get up to see him off (he packs his own lunch too) but although he's not noisy, sometimes I can't sleep through his morning prep. Today was one of those mornings, so I got an early start, which isn't a bad thing. #2 was off early too. He and some basketball buddies are working out in the mornings with the cross-country team, a move recommended by their coach to keep them conditioned for the summer. It worked out well anyway, as he needed to be at the school at 10:00, but that is Zumba time! Zumba was fun, a couple different instructors helping out at this location. At 1:00, I dropped #3 off at the high school for his turn at camp, and picked up #2 and his buddies and dropped them at the local rec center. They bought passes for the summer. Then back for pickup, and then of course #2 wanted me to run him to hang with his friends. Mr. Social! I made dinner, but hubs had come home early exhausted and slept right through it. 
• 0617 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.8. Calories in 1250. Fitbit Steps 19428. Total Burn 3228. Exercise burn 1522 (100minElliptical, 60minZumba, 1mileJog, 30minBike).  Got in my cardio today between running the boys to the basketball clinic. Didn't eat much. It was strange, as I ended the day and saw I was so low, yet I wasn't starving. That never happens to me! 
• 0618 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 151.3. Calories in 2250. Fitbit Steps 24355. Total Burn 3021. Exercise burn 1323 (70minElliptical, 60minZumba). I was feeling a little more hungry after not eating much yesterday. Dropped #2 off at the school and hit the MZL Zumba. I haven't been to it lately, since Southziders started having a Wednesday class too. It was fun to go back, but it is so big. I do think I like Nina's better. After, I ran to Comcast to get the bill straightened out (still being charged for equipment I returned back in February). Hopefully that got it done. Feeling a bit run down today. Had a nasty foot cramp in the evening, and then a tummy cramp that just laid me low. 
• 0619 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 151.4. Calories in 2300. Fitbit Steps 23289. Total Burn 2924. Exercise burn 1226 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba). Felt a bit better in the morning, but then was hit with cramps again. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to class, but I did and felt fine. Hit Kmart afterward, and Big5, grabbing a badmitten set that I'd had my eye on. Took it a bit easy today. Last day of the basketball clinic, it will be nice not making four trips to the high school every day. 
• 0620 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 151.3. Calories in 2300. Fitbit Steps 26180. Total Burn 3185. Exercise burn 1487 (60minElliptcal, 45minZumba, 60minZumba, 30minWeights). I'd heard about another local (free) Zumba class and I'd planned on checking it out, but the instructor contacted me saying she was ill. But then another class came up ... so I hit it, in addition to my regular Friday class too. Fun! Got in elliptical and some weights. #2 had me drop him off at the rec center early, and then pick him up in the afternoon, bringing home three friends and having two more come. We are a little out of the way, and so my son is usually hanging at the other boy's homes. It's good to have the experience hosting ... I'm not sure how the other families do it on a regular basis. I was pretty stressed having so many wild boys in the house (even though I adore all his friends, they are all good boys!) 
• 0621 (Saturday) Bad Day. Weight 151.7. Calories in 3600. Fitbit Steps 20301. Total Burn 2818. Exercise burn 1118 (60minElliptical, 60minZumba). Planned on hitting the $2 drop-in Zumba class I'd gone to once before. The instructor is really good, but still almost all new routines and just too crowded. In the dark, so I can't check my HRM for feedback during the workout. Back at home, I've looked up a couple different possibilities I might try out in coming weeks. I stopped and grabbed some donuts on the way home. Why did I do that? One donut ... 600 calories. A pink cookie, another 600 calories. It wasn't a binge, other than eating the first donut all at once, I just picked and pieced and it added up during the day. Then we had a family party. It was pizza and chips and drinks and it was nothing that I liked, so I didn't eat anything, but was then starving and had a couple cupcakes and an ice cream cone. Holy moley calories when I added everything up. Decent exercise for a Saturday but it couldn't combat the calories! 
• 0622 (Sunday) Ok Day. Weight 153.1. Calories in 2900. Fitbit Steps 23765. Total Burn 2974. Exercise burn 1266 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba). My Omron battery died on Friday, I replaced it and reset the stuff, but goofed the am/pm. I didn't even bother to wear it today as it still had steps on from yesterday. I noticed it but didn't get around to changing it. It is ready for tomorrow now. Got in some elliptical and even an hour of Zumba in the basement. Made breakfast and then off to church. I walked to/from. Not comfortable in my sandals, but saw a cute mama duck and her babies. HUbs finished of GOT today (I had watched it while working out earlier). Worked on a video, soccer highlights for the little one. I do tend to snack when sitting at the computer. High calorie intake again.  
• 0623 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 154.7. Calories in 2500. Fitbit Steps 24893. Total Burn 3127. Exercise burn 1410 (80minElliptical, 60minZumba). Got up early to get #2 off to his basketball camp (needed to be at the school at 6:00). Got in some elliptical then hit Zumba. I drove off without my shoes, but luckily remembered before I was out of the neighborhood. There were chairs set up in the gym, so putting them away was the warm up. The kids have been pretty content to  hang at home, enjoying summer, but I had purchased a pass to Jump N Bouce (a local bounce house) and we hit that today. I could go play on the floor with the kids, I did ONE time many years ago, but you get burns from the rubber. It is a workout and so hot. Usually I just sit. We used to go with a friend and she and I would chat the whole time. That made it go faster. I tried to read and walk around a little (but someone needs to guard the valuables). The kids lasted for three hours! It felt like forever to me! I'm fine as long as I'm going, but when I have to stop and sit, the exhaustion hits. The hubs and I had talked about trying racquetball in the evening, but then he was hit with a dizzy spell (Meriere's Disease). Discouraging for him, as he's been eating right and exercising and that usually is helpful at keeping them at bay. It wasn't too bad an attack, he was feeling better by evening, but not up for r-ball. I had debated hitting an evening Zumba class, or getting in weights, but I didn't do either. Calories a little higher due to some snacking while waiting for kids at the bouncy place.
• 0624 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 154.1. Calories in 1900. Fitbit Steps 30286. Total Burn 3398. Exercise burn 1693 (70minElliptical, 60minZumba, 1mileJog, 45minWeights). It was a lovely morning, Zumba was at the church by my house, so I walked over. Got good numbers. Just feeling so happy walking home. Love Zumba! The kidlets wanted to hit bowling today, so we did. I have my own shoes (a $20 investment I figured would pay off after a few visits) and the size 9 fit #3. We got free games with the KidsBowlFree program, so the day cost us just over $7 (three shoe rentals). The kids often want pizza&pop and arcade tokens, but I had told them we were going to BOWL, and I wasn't going to pay any extra (we'll do that one day this summer, but not today). It was fun. I ended my day with a spare to get an extra roll there at the end, and got a strike! Fun finish. Of course I still didn't break 100 (and yes, I had the bumpers up and used them a couple of times). As I didn't get weights in yesterday, I did them today. Did my mile jog before. It was one of those disjointed days, where I'd start doing one thing, then get distracted and start doing something else, only to get distracted again (let's clean the bathroom... while the toilet soaks I'll clean up the kitchen. I'd like some music, so I need to update the Ipod, while I'm on the computer maybe I'll set up a Facebook page for #3 so I can tag him in pictures ... oh yea, gotta get back to scrubbing the toilet!) I considered making dinner ... but hubs didn't get home until very late, out house hunting with his mom. I did a quick chicken alfredo for the kids, a chicken TV dinner for #4 (he thought it was awesome, I was just trying to clean out my freezer!). I'd put off making a run to the grocery store, so I headed out around 9:00 in the evening, just as hubby was coming in. Over 30K day, and kept calories in check. 
• 0625 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 152.7. Calories in 1600. Fitbit Steps 26038. Total Burn 3137. Exercise Burn 1432 (70minElliptical, 60minZumba, Lawn Mow). Got a good start to the day at Zumba, where I hit a new high on the Fitbit, over 500 for the hour. Stopped at Kmart on the way home for my weekly spending of my FitStudio points. Got a $10 pair of shorts for #1 (for $3) and a pair for #2 (for under $2).  The kids wanted to hit Jump N Bounce again ... it's just not my favorite thing to sit and wait. #4 never lasts as long as the others either. It created some issues today. Got the lawn mowed. The lawn mower ran over something and spit it out at my leg, breaking the skin. Ouch. Stressing about this upcoming Lake Powell trip. Stay or go? The younger kids stay or go? I couldn't get to sleep at night, the stress was making me sick. Or it might have been TOM too ... :( 
• 0626 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 151.1. Calories in 2200. Fitbit Steps 26760. Total Burn 3045. Exercise Burn (80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 12min/1mileJog, 30min/8.1milesBike). My Thursday Zumba class is taking July off, so this was the last week for a month. I have found another class to try, and I plan on trying on some soccer too! The little one had been invited to go to a waterpark with a friend. With him gone, we didn't go anywhere. The remaining couple kids just hung out and played games (got out Monopoly, Blokus and Operation). I got in some additional workouts. The hubs had a pinewood derby, #3 went to help. I was wanting to eat more in the evening ... I don't know if I was really hungry, or if I just wanted to. But with weigh-in tomorrow, I did control myself. "Yea me" ... (we've had "Suite Life of Zack and Cody" on).  
• 0627 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 151.3. Calories in 1800. Fitbit Steps 25338. Total Burn 3064. Exercise Burn 1366 (60minElliptical, 120minZumba). Got up and hit a new Zumba class at 8:30. A newish instructor, I could tell. All the steps and such were new to me too. I was a little surprised I got as good a burn as I did (all the songs felt "slower") and I bet I could do better once I was more familiar with the steps. Not sure how often I'll try to hit it though. I went straight to my other Zumba class in Sandy. I was probably a little tired, didn't do quite as well as I had in the past. I stopped on the way home to get the waverunners registered for for the upcoming trip to Lake Powell. The kids wanted to go bowling, so we did. #2 headed home from his basketball camp, I picked him up around 7:30. The hubs was out late, as his company has a volleyball tournament, then one of his bosses took him to dinner. 
• 0628 (Saturday) Pretty Good Day. Weight 151.6. Calories in 2600.  Fitbit Steps 23279. Total Burn 2932. Exercise burn 1233 (40minElliptical, 60minZumba). One of the local groups was offering a Saturday Zumba session. Started at 7:00, which is a little early for me on a Saturday, but I got up and hit it and was glad I did. Then some cleaning and shopping. There was a neighborhood social over at the park. Dinner and games, dunking tank. We went and it was fun, several neighbors who had moved away came back for this. Then the hubs grabbed a movie (American Hustle) and made popcorn ... mmmm, popcorn! 
• 0629 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 152.2. Calories in 2600. Fitbit Steps 8944. Total Burn 2095. Exercise Burn 392 (40minElliptical). Started and ended the day with an elliptical session. Did our usual Sunday Circle breakfast, then we went down to American Fork for the missionary farewell of hubby's cousin. Over to the house afterward for food and visiting. The family is so large that we don't get together with EVERYONE very often anymore. It was fun to catch up. Huge, nice house! Home again, and a nap ... ahhh, slow Sunday. Rest day (even with my two elliptical sessions). Made tacos for dinner, which everyone likes but me. I'd already gone over calories for the day anyway. 
• 0630 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 152.8. Calories in 2300. Fitbit Steps 29688. Total Burn 3477. Exercise burn 1771 (90minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike). Got in a couple sessions on the elliptical before Zumba. Grabbed some groceries on the way home. Had a doctor appointment for #3 in the afternoon. Just a routine physical before scout camp. We stopped at the dollar store after, then grabbed #2 from the rec center on the way home. Busy prepping for Daddy and two of the boys to head out to Lake Powell tomorrow. Another trip to the store and lots of running around.

Anxiety Issues

Anxiety issues. I think we all struggle with them at some point. Different levels, various triggers. Everyone has their own personal experience. 

I didn't think much about "anxiety" really, until my fourth child started having some issues. He'd always been a very anxious child. He had several irrational fears ... water (swimming was a no go, even baths were difficult), elevators (we always had to take the stairs), dogs (I share this fear) and ... Tom Bergeron. That's right - the host of America's Funniest Home Videos. Totally freaked my kid out (those parts where they superimposed his BIG head onto other bodies during some of the videos). Seriously, my poor child would run screaming from the room and we had to stop watching the show for a few years.

When he was in 2nd grade, he developed a weather phobia. He'd nervously check the forecast dozens of times a day. Thunder and lightening would dissolve him into a quivering, crying puddle, but even clouds caused concern. School was a challenge. We had to make arrangements for him to stay inside during recess. I was getting calls and would have to come get him from class when he was distractingly upset. I hung a big quilt over his bedroom window and his room became his little cave of safety ... sometimes I'd have to bring meals to his room as he didn't want to come into the kitchen where there were just too many windows.

I did a lot of reading on the topic. We got some counseling and finally some medication.  He's doing a lot better (he'll be starting 5th grade in the Fall), he's no longer on medication. Although we all watch him whenever it is stormy,  and he still doesn't like it,  he can generally stay in control.

As I read up on the subject, the books said that anxiety and other issues are often hereditary. I looked a little closer at some of my "concerns" and irrational fears and I think they could be classified as such. With the weather phobia, it was so difficult because we had little or no control over that. My issues are a little more avoidable. I do avoid them for the most part, and feel "normal" ... until a situation arises and I have a confrontation with my concerns:

•  Cars: I hate driving in the car. For small trips around the neighborhood, errands and such, I'm fine. But add in any complications ... unfamiliar streets, driving in the dark, weather, traffic, construction, speed/multiple lanes (I don't do freeways), tricky turns (these continuous flow  intersections, even just left hand turns) and I can have a full fledged panic attack. Often the anticipation anxiety is worse than the actual event ... although it is usually so great that I don't end up doing the driving. For the most part, we've learned to adapt as a family. The hubs has to make up for my lack. If he's not available, I have to make other arrangements or miss out.  I'm struggling even when I'm not doing the driving. Even as a passenger I'm tense and miserable and dread any long drive (and my definition of "long" is getting shorter and shorter).
• Food: I've also mentioned before about my food issues. I don't know if that is "anxiety" per say, but again, much of it anticipation anxiety. People say "just try it" and I can't. I just know I'll gag and throw up and I can't overcome that. Knowing that I can't/won't eat so many things does create anxiety when going out to a social gathering. Dating was difficult.
• Social: I was super social when I was young. Heavily involved in theater. I'd perform on stage, singing and acting in front of big audiences, never being nervous. I'd host parties gathering all my high school and college friends.  But now ... I'm uncomfortable at most social gatherings. I CAN still converse with people, but it's a bit of a struggle. I hate crowds. You couldn't pay me to go to a big concert. Disneyland was a disaster for me.   
  

Vacations are just a total trifecta  ... there will be driving. I won't have access to my kitchen, my home. There will be crowds and social situations. ANXIETY! I've mentioned this vacation anxiety last year. When hubs and the boys went to New York a few months ago, I was invited but did not even consider trying it. With my issues ... it's just SO much easier to stay home.  Home is my comfort zone. I can feel "normal" at home. I tease my hubby that I'm a future shut-in ... except there is some truth to it.

This week, the hubs planned a Lake Powell trip with another family. I have fond memories of Powell when I was a teen (although I don't water ski, or enjoy the boat/waverunners). The drive isn't awful ... five hours or so. So I considered it. I did worry about food, I looked at the menu provided and nothing worked for me (hamburgers, hotdogs, ziti, tacos, fajitas).  Five days without my kitchen, without my home, A/C, bed ...  without my EXERCISE. Like the quote below says, I really believe exercise helps me cope with stress. I need that outlet.I'm sure there would be some great moments, but I also know I'd have some miserable moments. I'm afraid I'd have more of those.

So I've had a little anxiety this past week. Should I go? Should I stay? The hubs is supportive in whatever I choose. Unsurprisingly, I've decided to stay home. It's going to be so HOT there (100°). Even though I feel better about my body, I'm not really ready to live in a swim suit for days. Given the choice, the two little boys have decided to stay home too (#4, my anxiety boy is also a homebody, and I was a little worried about hubs watching the munchkin on his own *Ü*) and even #2 is now saying he is staying (I actually WANT him to go). Even though I feel better having the decision made, there is still some stress in getting everything prepped for those who are going.

My mom and SIL have encouraged me to talk to my doctor about my anxiety issues at my next physical. Although this does feel like anxiety, I do have the panic attacks ... for the most part I'm able to avoid the triggers. I tried some counseling sessions once (different issue though) ... I dreaded them. Having to drive to the appointment, talking/crying, filling out forms. I'd often be more depressed afterward. It seems pills are so easily prescribed, but I just don't know if that is the path I want to take either. Even without the actual anxiety ... I don't know that my tastes (for food or entertainment) would change. I'm just a homebody at heart and for the most part, I'm ok with that.

I do try not to turn to food when I'm anxious ... food logging helps keep me from mindless eating, helps me realize what I'm doing and hopefully stop. I do turn to exercise often, so it's doubly hard when the exercise option is off the table (there are ways to exercise on vacation, but it's hard!)

Do anxiety issues impact you or your family?

Sorry - not a super motivational post for this Motivation Monday. But it is something I need to overcome. We all have issues that affect our motivation ... what do you do? I wonder if anyone even read this whole, long thing. Sometimes writing a post is more for myself ... you know?

A quick weekend recap for MIMM (the Marvelous In My Monday link up with Healthy Diva Eats).  Zumba has actually been really good for me and my anxiety issues. I've pushed myself to try new classes, driving to new locations (carefully mapquested out beforehand) and meeting new people. I went to a new class on Friday morning! Saturday, there was a neighborhood social. Even with people I know, it can be an uncomfortable situation for me. I did go, and pushed myself to talk to people and I actually enjoyed it. Sunday, we went to a big family gathering. It did require a drive on the freeway (I was just a passenger) and crowds, and food that didn't necessarily work for me. Again, I did fine and enjoyed it. Baby steps!

WWI#50 and Random Facts About Me

It's Friday. Time to weigh-in. Looky there, I'm exactly the same weight as I was last week! I did NOT have a good weekend (I bought donuts on Saturday ... why do I do that? Then I eat donuts!). Saturday was very high on the intake. I did pretty good the rest of the week and managed a weekly deficit of 2534. Still, my average intake was 2429. That's high, even with my activity, which averaged out to a 3098 daily burn. I do really enjoy my activity.  Zumba every day. Elliptical every day. Some strength training to keep/gain muscle. A jog here and there (ok, THAT is only "exercise" ... I don't enjoy jogging). Getting some reading in while on the stationary bike.  It's not that I'm trying to out cardio my calories, I really NEED to stay active and moving and ... ok, I am trying to out cardio my calories. If you want more details on the day to day ... (Day to Day Doings) *Ü*

I'm linking up with  Fitness Friday with Jill and Aubrey  

and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Onto the Friday Five ...

The DC Bloggers (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) had a fun topic this week: Five Facts about You. I remember some years ago, there was a "25 Random Facts" thing going around Facebook. I filled it out then, and looked up mine. Most were still applicable. I had one ... "I don't know if I can live without Caller ID, Tivo and Blockbuster Online" which isn't really true anymore. I HAVE given up Tivo (PlayOn/PlayLater has taken over) and Blockbuster went out of business, so I really didn't have a choice there. I DO still need CallerId!). Anyway, I trimmed my list by five ... still leaving 20. I didn't know which five to focus on *Ü*

1. I wear a pedometer and record my steps every single day.
2. I always watch DVDs/Streaming with the subtitles on.
3. I’ve been para-sailing, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling and gone for a ride in a hot air balloon.  
4. I am a total homebody.  
5. I was the lead in my high school musical.  
6. I prefer Word Perfect to Microsoft Word.  
7. I have a scar on my chin from falling on the edge of our family fireplace when I was two  years old. It isn’t very noticeable, but when it was showcased how Harrison Ford’s  character got a scar on his chin (the 3rd Indiana Jones film) everyone suddenly noticed  mine too.  
8. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from BYU.  
9. I didn’t get my ears pierced until I was out of high school.  
10. I like to use ellipses ...
11. I’m afraid of dogs.
12. I ate a peanut butter and honey sandwich every single day for lunch until Jr. High ... and  I’ve never had once since. Same story with Cheetos (well, I didn’t have them every day,  but I loved them. Then I bought a big bag with my own money, ate half, and have never  had another).  
13. I’ve got an entire room full of unused scrapbooking supplies.  
14. I think the test for gestational diabetes (having to drink that horrid drink) is the worst part of a pregnancy.  
15. I was never able to potty train one child before the next one came along ... I went for 15+ years changing diapers with NO break.
16. I subscribe to ALL the fitness magazines (Shape, Self, Women’s Health, Fitness, Health,  Prevention). Used to be the scrapbooking magazines ...
17. I am nervous behind the wheel of a car ... I hate driving on freeways or places I haven’t  been to before. My parents had to FORCE me to get my driver’s license.
18. I had a cancer scare when I was a junior in high school. For about 36 hours, I thought I  was going to die. (Misdiagnosis of a lumpy lymph-node ... turned out to be nothing).  
19. I love to eat kids cereal for breakfast ... or dinner ... (mmmm .... Cocoa Puffs, Apple  Jacks, Capn. Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, Cookie Crisp).
20. I’ll never say never again.

Soccer Stuff

A lot of people are talking about and watching soccer right now, as the World Cup takes center stage. I consider myself a soccer lover. I played when I was a teen. I coached my kidlet for a few years. I even joined an adult league for some pick-up games a few years ago (Soccer: Past and Present). I don't really get into watching professional soccer ... I watch on the lower levels though. Rec ball!

All my boys played soccer for a year or so ... then my older boys moved onto basketball. #4 broke his arm during a game and said he would never play soccer again :(   But my baby boy ... he's still kicking the ball around.

He just finished up his Spring season. This past Saturday he came up to me and asked "Mom, what time is my soccer game?" and I had to remind him that the season was over. I went through the video clips and made a highlight video of his soccer season. Between my son and another little boy, our team dominated and had an undefeated season. The coach (my BIL) would "rest" our star players, or separate them (one on defense, one on offense ... that really would make a huge difference when the boys didn't have each other to work with) to try and give the other teams a sporting chance. 

 

 My kid is #13

While I do love watching, it's a little painful ... especially when the kids are so young. They are getting better at spreading out around the field , passing and playing as a team. This was the first year they played with goalies (and there were some good little goalies out there! Our boys would have made quite a few more goals if their shots hadn't been stopped). As I enjoy playing soccer myself, sometimes I just want to jump out on the field and join in (I NEVER have that feeling with basketball ... that's just a spectator sport for me). 

As I've been driving to a new Zumba these past few weeks ... there is a big building called "Soccer City" along the way. Signs on the road indicated adult leagues, and just out of curiosity,  I looked it up when I got home. I don't know that I could (or would dare) commit to an actual team or league, but there was "open play" offered, and this has intrigued me. 

Hmmmmm ... do I dare? It's indoor. I've never played indoor, but the meet-up group I played with a few years ago did hold one session on some revamped tennis courts. Still outdoors, but similar to indoor play (I imagine). I remember really enjoying it. 

So while the world is watching soccer ... I've been thinking about it on a smaller scale. Thinking out Loud this Thursday (when I'm hitting my Zumba as usual today, but my Thursday group is taking July off. Is this soccer situation meant to be?) Will she? Won't she? I guess you'll have to come back and see ... I've pushed my anxiety issues trying all these new Zumba classes (an NSV for me). Is it time to overcome my anxieties and try something new again?

Walker Tracker

I've been a pedometer person for about eight years. Ever since I first lost weight back in 2006. I kept my daily numbers in a handy-dandy excel file. At the end of 2008 ... I discovered Walker Tracker.

Walker Tracker is basically just a website where people can enter their step numbers. The site has cool graphs and can foster a lot of social interaction.  When I first joined, December of 2008, it was extremely motivating to me. I made many online friends, participated in challenges and my steps reflected that. 

Things change over the years, as they always seem to do. In 2010, I got my Fitbit. On Walker Tracker, I had to enter the numbers from my Omron pedometer manually. With the Fitbit, everything was automatically updated. Fitbit was SO easy. One of the things I loved about Walker Tracker were the many graphs, but Fitbit had some cool (and similar) graphs as well. The Fitbit site also ranked you against your friends for competition and comparison. I found myself drifting a bit from Walker Tracker, even though Fitbit never really had the same level of social interaction that WT did. I have many Fitbit "friends" but I  have never really exchanged any conversation with most of them. I was very social on MFP when I joined that last year (but again, drifting ... although still tracking my food every day). I've been tracking activities on Daily Mile too. How many trackers and social sites does one need/want ... or can one even keep up with?

There were a few times I gave up on Walker Tracker. I still had my excel file. I had my Fitbit graphs. I'd get behind making my entries and then feel overwhelmed when I'd try to catch up. Yet ... I would. I came back to Walker Tracker every time. Why can't I just make a break?

I do LOVE Walker Tracker's graphs ... and I have my information there from December of 2008. I am a numbers gal, and I do love to look at my trends, especially over YEARS. This next graph is looong, but the information in it is so valuable to me ... I KNOW I faltered in my exercise and activity at the end of 2012, and the start of 2013, but these numbers really shine a spotlight on the drop!

I could come up with these numbers on my own (my monthly total steps, and my average) but I just don't know if I would get around to adding it up myself. Here on WT, I enter my stats everyday (or catch up at the end of the week) and then it calculates these numbers for me. It's interesting to compare year to year, watch for trends in certain months, etc.

 I had been VERY behind in my Walker Tracker entries. It's June now, and I had only entered through April ... nothing since then. I decided to get caught up ...

 I'm looking pretty good for June ... Over goal as of now.
(I was sick in December - I'll be happy when that dip is gone from graphs!)

I have used the graphs in my monthly updates here on the blog.

I like this "Day of the Week" focus too. It's interesting to see visually how your days average out as far as your activity. Sunday is my slow day, not surprising ... Thursday surprised me, I thought I was a little MORE active the day before official weigh-in! I have been doing a lot better on Fridays/Saturdays since I started doing Zumba on those days too.

I think there is a beta program in the works, that will automatically sync with Fitbit (as mentioned, I haven't been very active on the WT site to keep up with what new things are happening) ... which would save me the time of the manual entry. As of now, I actually still use my Omron numbers (yes, I still wear my Omron pedometer too. I like that it gives me "aerobic step" numbers, something that Fitbit actually doesn't do, but that is a separate number that Walker Tracker keeps track of. It's interesting to see how many of my steps are from "exercise" and how many come from regular daily activity.

Just thought I'd give a little shout out to Walker Tracker today. The tracking program I can't quite give up on. Maybe some of you out there might like to try it out. Linking up with WOW and the Hump Day Blog Hop.

Fitness Reward Updates

I've posted several times on my blog about reward programs that I have been participating in. I don't know that any of them actually motivate me to move more ... I'm going to be doing that anyway. But if I can get a little something back, besides better health, burned calories and feeling good, then hey, I'm all for it. I love it when companies recognize and reward people for their fitness. I've spotlighted all these programs before, and expounded on my experiences. I thought I'd offer an update on each of them, as I continue on with the various programs.

• Achievemint: You can see my original review of the program here (Achievemint Update). Since that update, I had earned another $50 reward. My father earned his $50  around the same time, and I check on my oldest son's account (he had managed to earn enough points for a $25 reward prior to losing his Fitbit). All three were redeemed and requested in April. They say it can take 30-60 days to process the reward. It did take that long. I wrote an email inquiring about my reward and received a reply that it was coming, they were having some struggles with the company funding them. But I did receive mine, my dad got his and my son got his. I did have to contact customer service again recently, as my Facebook and Instagram activities weren't registering. It really doesn't make that much difference, as I believe there is a daily cap (250 points) and I usually hit that with my Fitbit and MFP.  In my original review, I had only connected with my Fitbit, but now I have multiple apps hooked up. I DID roll over one time (changing from the original $25 reward to a $50 one) and it appears once you do that, you do NOT have the option to go back to $25, but automatically start going for $50 again (I was offered a tiny incentive to roll over to $100, but it wasn't enough to entice me).
• FitStudio (ShopYourWayRewards/Kmart&Sears):I did a pretty thorough blog post about this program (Fitstudio Fitness Rewards) and have really been liking and using these rewards! There have been some frustrations here and there (the fine print in using the reward points and other surprise points or coupons ... sometimes they can be combined, other times they can't). I'll spend a little time logging on to sign up for challenges or goals, approving friend requests, etc. Little things like that will earn you more points.  I've shopped online and then just picked up my order in the store (everything works quite well online, easy and simple to see your points being used).  I've generally just been making a weekly trip into the store to spend my points. ** Update - This program was discontinued 02/2016 (Farewell Fitstudio).
• Everymove:  When I originally posted about Everymove and did my  Everymove Update, I mentioned some nice rewards I'd received, and the donation to Make-a-Wish when there wasn't anything that interested me. Well ... lately the rewards have gone downhill in my opinion. Just discounts in disguise. The Make-a-Wish is sometimes still there, but has dropped to $1. It's been more of  a hassle than it's worth keeping up here. Sometimes after I earn my reward, it signs me up for some random one that I end up "earning" before I change it. I don't even bother to redeem when that happens. I earn "active days" where I can share 5 points with friends ... but I rarely get around to doing it. ** Update ... this program still exists, but doesn't offer rewards.
• Earndit: I totally forget about Earndit most of the time. I reviewed it pretty recently (My Earndit Experience) and nothing has really changed since then. I suppose I should log in and see if there are some charitable donations I can contribute to ... ** Update - this program has ended.
• PACT: I started Pact in January, and did a review a bit ago (Pact and Paydays). I have debated joining the Veggie Pact portion, but have decided against it. I think I'm really only comfortable with Fitbit and MFP and their automatic sync. I really don't do anything other than what I would usually do (getting in 10k a day in steps, and eating at least 1200 calories spread over three meals, recorded in My Fitness Pal). I haven't had any problems with things not getting recorded. I've never had to pay anything, and although the payout isn't big, it adds up week to week (I've earned about $60 total since I started). I had no trouble transferring my funds out when I wanted to.
• Walgreens: When I first started with my Walgreens Rewards, I would check in pretty often. I ended up shopping at the store more and trying to augment my walking points with some purchase points. Lately ... I haven't checked into it much lately. I just peeked, and I have $10 in credit waiting for me there. It adds up pretty slowing, especially compared to the Fitstudio program (but at least it doesn't expire quickly, and you can let it sit and build up). You can check out my original blog post about the program here (Walking with Walgreens).

As I said ... these programs don't really motivate me to move, but they do reward me for it! I have a Fitbit. I simply link it to these programs and then all my information is transferred automatically, with no further work on my part. I like to say my Fitbit has more than paid for itself! If you don't have a Fifbit, many of these programs accept other trackers, and some ever accept manual entries (if that is worth the work for the reward). Give these programs a peek and see if you can earn a little kickback for your fitness! 

What programs have you been working with lately? 

What motivates you? 

Link up below with Motivation Monday!

Just a quick weekend recap for MIMM ... it was NOT a good weekend for eating. After my good weigh-in on Friday, I'm UP this Monday morning. Not really surprising. A family party and dastardly donuts contributed to that. Here's a glimpse into some of the weekend happenings.

A big boy dogpile with cousins and an uncle

(I was a moment late with my camera and it came tumbling down)

I was surprised I caught this shot, #1 taking #2 down.  I knew it was going to happen at some point, so I had #2 take off his Fitbit to show his uncle, and #1 took that as tacit permission to throw his brother in the pool. Poor #2 wasn't happy with #1 OR me!

I do try to walk to church, weather permitting. It was a little warm, and my sandals were less than comfortable. But it made me happy when I saw a mama duck and her babies swimming in the canal (we see ducks there often, but this was the first time this year I'd caught a glimpse of the babies). The boys in the car with Daddy missed out!