Monday, February 2, 2015

Wow, What A Weekend!

It was Superbowl weekend, and what a weekend it was. Very busy, but good, at least as far as family. Food and Fitness wise ... not so good. I was up three pounds Monday from Sunday's weigh-in, 4.7 from Fridays! Yikes! There were football sugar cookies (yes, I ate one) and our Superbowl Smorgasbord (steak, marinated chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls). It's a tradition. I don't have our 2015 family blog post up yet, but here's 2014, 2013, 2012 & 2011. I must admit, Hubs and I both totally forgot about the big dinner. #3 was having none of that though, and he bugged us until we caved and did it, even at the last minute.

I think we watched the game more this year than any year before. As I mentioned last year, we have family in Seattle, big Seahawks fans. So we were cheering for them. #4 has become a bit of a football fan, playing at school (just touch, not tackle) and so he was pretty into watching. It helped that it was a tight game too, kept things exciting. We were missing #1, who was down the street with some friends. Daddy and the boys were throwing a ball around the room too. Usually Daddy says "No throwing balls in the house" but on Sunday, he was the one doing the throwing. Even though our team didn't win, it was a fun night with family and food. 

It was a basketball weekend as well. #2 had a game on Friday. I videoed it, and made a highlights reel (here, my boy is #3). #3 and #5 had games on Saturday. I manned the video camera for their games too. #3's game highlights are here (my boy is #31), but I'm waiting until the end of the season to make one video of the little guy's games. So there was some sitting (both at the games, and at the computer, editing the videos). 

Saturday, we also had family photos taken. Now, I'm a snapshot kind of gal. We've NEVER done a professional family photo shoot. A couple of times we've had our picture taken with an extended family session, but we'd never set one up ourselves. But with #1 leaving in a couple weeks (he'll be gone for two years) we figured we should do it. 


Here's a couple snapshots of the professional shoot. I hope the pictures turn out good. That I remembered to suck in my tummy, push my chin out a bit ... prevent those stomach rolls and double chins that always seem to appear in pictures!

So that was MY weekend! It felt really busy. I still got my Zumba and elliptical in on Friday. Elliptical in on Saturday, and one 20min session on Sunday (and a walk to church). Not enough activity to combat the calories ... as evidenced by the scale shock this morning. But back to the routine ... although it's a bit of a crazy week. A couple crazy ones, as #1 finalizes his mission prep. Hope I can keep it all together!

Linking up with Marvelous in my Monday ...

Sunday, February 1, 2015

January 2015

January ... updated my weight graph for 2014, started recording workouts on a daily calendar (thanks #1 son!), mission prep for said son. Got a new kitty. Back to basketball, watching, recording and making highlight videos. As for the food and fitness ...

Arggg ... I did it again. The last day of the month, I need to log onto my Fitbit account and go to my profile page, where the past 30 days are summarized. I like to capture the month, the calorie burn vs the calorie intake (top right corner of the collage). If there is a way to manually adjust which days I view (I can do that on Walker Tracker!) I would love that. As it is, I always have to TRY and remember to grab the graph at the end of the day on the final day of the month. And, I forget half the time!. So instead of my graph showing Jan 1-Jan31, it shows the 2nd through Feb 1. Bother!

I peeked at hubby's graph, and he's been such a good boy! His lines don't touch or cross ... of course he does have a couple "0" entry days where he didn't log, but overall he's been doing amazing, and it shows!

As far as numbers go, they look pretty good. I started the month at 156.1, and ended it at 151.9. Unfortunately, those happened to be highs and the low of the month, not really showing the whole picture. While the numbers say I lost 4.2 pounds ... as I write this, the weight jumped back up to 156 after Superbowl Sunday.

January was a good month though. I really liked the return to routine. The weather has been unseasonably nice, not that it impacts me much (I'm an indoor exerciser). I was worried about the roads in bad weather. It would probably affect me getting to my Monday and Friday Zumba classes, as they are a little further away. As it was, I didn't miss Zumba any Mon-Fri for the entire month. My elliptical, which used to almost always be an hour, dropped to 40 minutes (one episode of whatever show I'm watching) and I was quite good at getting 10 miles on the bike most days (reading and riding). Got back to racquetball, I really hope hubs and I can make that a weekly outing! My treadmill time and weights weren't great for January. Need to at least keep up on the strength training! It can't all be cardio.

As always, I also copy my Day to Day Doings for the month into my recap post. I have been trying to  rearrange the entries into chronological order, but it takes so much time ... so they are oldest first. Bye January!

*** Jen's Journal ***

0131 (Saturday) Weight 153.5. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 13948. Total Burn 2397. Exercise Burn 400/693 (40minElliptical) Calories in 2000. Slept in a little, #5 had a 9:00 game. He got a couple great baskets and they won. We were having family pictures taken today. We'd picked out shirts a couple days ago, just wearing jeans. The little boys haven't worn jeans in ... who knows how long. Good thing I had them try some on early, as there were none that fit #4 (he's just a little chunky, needs the "husky" that my others boys have not). We made a run to Sears, I had some Fitstudio points, enough to get him a pair of jeans and a nice shirt. We did the pictures. This was the first "professional" family photo shoot we've set up for just our family (we've done a couple with extended family, but I'm more of a snapshot gal). Hope they turn out. #3 had a game at 6:00. They won. I dropped him off to watch the 9th graders play. Worked on some basketball videos. Picked him up around 9:00. #2 was out late but got a ride home. I was SO tired!

0130 (Friday) Weight 151.9. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21076. Total Burn 2908. Exercise Burn 829/693 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. Crazy Friday mornings. Back to early morning wake-up, getting #3 to 6:30 practice. After I dropped off the high school carpool just after 8:00, I went straight to the middle school to pick up #3. They have been getting out early, usually I've just returned home when I get the text to come pick him up. Of course today they were late. I had to have #1 drive the little ones to school. Good thing I had completed their lunches and had them all ready. I'll miss having #1 around when he leaves, it's sure been handy having another driver. Dropped #3 back at school for his late start and went out to Zumba. Good class, not as great of numbers on the HRM, but there are a lot of pauses, and my heart rate just drops! Stopped at the Rec Center on the way home to buy some extra tickets to an upcoming Jazz game. Nice to have that option (#5 gets two as part of his basketball package, but as long as Daddy is taking him, I'd like him to take the other boys too). I picked up the little boys from school, and #1 ran the kitty to the vet for some follow up shots ($154 later). I went to the high school to watch #2 play basketball. The other team was good and up at the first quarter. I wasn't sure our boys would be able to pull it out, but they did. Great game. #3 stayed to watch JV and Varsity, and I sent #1 to pick them up when they were over. Hubs and I hunkered down and watched "A Knight's Tale".

0129 (Thursday) Weight 153.3. Great Day Fitbit Steps 36313. Total Burn 3668. Exercise Burn 1980/1965 (60minElliptical, ZumbaX2, 10miles Bike, 1mileTreadmillWalk). Calories 2000. Good Zumba in the morning. They had me do "Chocolate" again. I stopped and grabbed drycleaning on the way home. #3 had practice and game conflicting in the evening. He chose practice (2hours of action rather than 15 minutes of playing time. His team is more than set without him too). It worked better for me as well, as the practice is close and the game was far. This way, I got to go to Zumba in the evening again. I actually did three numbers, Shaka Laka and Cha Cha Swing for the first time. Got good stats! Hubs and #1 were gone to a derby.

0128 (Wednesday) Weight 153.2. Good Day. Fitbit 26183. Total Burn 3086. Exercise Burn 1280/1384 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike) Calories in 2000. Got the kids off to school. It's the "wax museum" at the elementary today, so I'll need to go there straight from Zumba. I think I was a bit preoccupied, I didn't get my usual stats. The wax museum was cute, but I'm glad it's done. Felt a bit better about the day, kept calories a little more in check. #3 had practice after school, and then a game in the evening. It was a 9:30 one at West (which I don't drive to) so I just had him hitch a ride.  Hubs had a derby in the evening, but went straight from work.

0127 (Tuesday) Weight 152.2. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 26245. Total Burn 2904. Exercise Burn 1320/1365 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 3100. The day started out good, got my Tuesday 10x10 with a little elliptical and Zumba and then ... I started dragging. I even took a little nap. I was also starving after my low calorie day yesterday and couldn't stop snacking. #5 had his basketball practice in the evening. I usually get 5000 or so steps in during it. Today I wasn't feeling it and only did part, about 3000 steps. My shoes were uncomfortable and #4, who had come to shoot around also wasn't feeling it and snagged the ipad mini from me (it's easier to walk and read, being a bit bigger). Overall, I felt disappointed in the day.

0126 (Monday) Weight 154.1. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 26408. Total Burn 3102. Exercise Burn 1200/1395 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 1350. Hubs was up UBER early, poor guy couldn't sleep (off around 3:00 am). I got to sleep until 6:30, now that #2 is done with early morning driver's ed. I did get in a small elliptical session in the morning before getting the boys off to school. #4 was a little anxious, but didn't have me walk him in. Filled the car up with gas. It was $1.69 and I had $1 off with fuel rewards. Couldn't believe filling up for just over $15! It's been $100! Good class at Zumba. I debuted "Terrible" and it sure got my heart rate up. Very good stats for the class.  I had a bunch of Fitstudio points (glad the program seems to be working again after NOT working for several weeks) but didn't stop at Kmart, figuring I'd hit Sears tonight. Got my reading/riding in, didn't quite finish my book there, but did later in the day. Didn't have to pick up #3 as he stayed after for basketball practice. #4 was in good spirits as I picked up the little boys from school, so glad it went well. He had 12k, great for a school day (did have recess and PE). I had made brownies for lunches, and some homemade chocolate chip muffins. We like the Betty Crocker mix, but I'm almost out and they haven't gone on sale. The kids didn't like the homemade ones though. I'd planned on tacos for dinner, but #1 went out and picked up pizzas. #2 still insisted I make up some taco meat as I'd said I would as he wanted nachos. I took #3 and we grabbed some groceries at Sam's Club, then went to Sears. I was willing to spend my $40 in points on him, whatever he chose. We got some black jeans and gray jogger pants ... and it was covered completely by points and a coupon! I also picked up three orders I'd only paid minimally for (gray jeans, red shirt, blue hoodie) and got another $5 coupon there as it took them longer than five minutes to find my order. Hubs had come home from work exhausted after his early day and I'd encouraged him to go to bed early, which he had. I wasn't tired, and almost went down and hit the treadmill. I did go to bed and read for a bit, but had a hard time falling asleep. I really controlled calories today ... but I do think I was a little hungry and that was perhaps part of the not-sleeping problem.

0125 (Sunday) Weight 154.1. Lazy Day. Fitbit Steps 5686. Total Burn 1870. Exercise Burn 200/163 (20minElliptical). Calories in 2400. Hubs got up fairly early and went jogging, he said it was a hard run. #1 wasn't feeling well, up in the night with fever and chills. I wasn't feeling that great myself, so none of us made it to church. Well, I went for the third hour as I had my piano playing responsibilities. I made our Sunday Brunch, although Hubs stepped up and made the waffles from scratch (I just use a mix, he did the whole whipped egg whites, etc). Then ... nap time. I was out cold for a couple of hours! Then we took the kitty and went to visit Maga. Her kitty didn't like our kitty invading. I had really hoped to get a poster assignment for #5's school done, but even after my nap I was feeling really tired. We can work on it tomorrow night ...

0124 (Saturday) Weight 154.1.  Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 20767. Total Burn 2742. Exercise Burn 730/1035 (40minElliptical, 30minZumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 2400. #2 didn't have practice and #5's game wasn't until a bit later, so we got to sleep in a bit. #5's game was good, he made four baskets! They had pictures after. Hubs and #1 left to do a derby, a big one that would take most of the day. I dropped #2 at the high school so he could run the clocks for some of the younger kids games. It's part of the program for the high school ball. He was done at 4:00, just as I got there with #3 for his game. It wasn't a good game for us, there will be no highlight reel from it. Home for a bit, then both boys went to watch the 9th graders play. #2 was taking pictures for the coach there. Then both boys wanted to go to the local rec center to watch some friends play. They had a little time to kill so we hit Kmart looking for some "joggers" ... the latest style in pants. It was fun to just do some shopping with them. I dropped them off and returned home, sending out #1 to pick them up at 10:00 when the game was over.

0123 (Friday) Weight 153.1. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 16886. Total Burn 2565. Exercise Burn 875/864 (Zumba, 40minElliptical). Calories in 2400. The kids were out of school for end of quarter. I could have hit the closer (MZL) Zumba, but I wanted my dose of Heather ... and I was still in bed around the time the other was starting. Lazy morning. Zumba was good, but I forgot my phone! I feel so lost without it. Pretty lazy day at home with the kidlets, they were watching "Cupcake Wars" which I guess #2 had been introduced to at a friend's home. #2 had a game in the afternoon. I dropped him at the school to take the bus, but while it was away, it was still fairly close, so I figured I'd go watch and video it. #3 came along too. He wanted to stay and watch the JV and Varsity as well, and I had arranged with the coach for him to ride the bus back with the team, so I could just grab both boys and not have to make a trip back to the other school. Sophomores and JV won, the bus ride back probably would have been more fun for #3 if varsity had won too. Early evening in. Hubs had gone to work but come home early to help a friend build a derby car. He wasn't feeling great either, a bit dizzy, poor guy! Calories were a little high as #1 picked up donuts in the morning. I like donuts!

0122 (Thursday) Weight 153.7. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 35624. Total Burn 3728. Exercise Burn 1450/2023 (ZumbaX2, 40minElliptical). Calories in 2700. #4 made it through school today, it was a short day, but still I was proud of him as they still had a sub. Zumba in the morning was Nina, who sometimes does a couple numbers. Today she was the only instructor for half. She had me come up and do my songs, the first time I've done them there on Thursday. Got great stats. #3 had a basketball game in the evening, but it was across town, so I just had him catch a ride ... and I went to Zumba :)  Another good session with good stats. Overboard on calories today though, no big meal or anything, just snacking on high calorie items that added up. Hubs made it home in the evening.

0121 (Wednesday) Weight 154.5. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 22803. Total Burn 2901. Exercise Burn 1000/1192 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 2000. #4 was anxious this morning but went to school. I hit Zumba, didn't quite get my normal burn for this class. Got in some additional exercise at home. Did get a call from the school with #4 breaking down. They had a sub again and it was just "too hard". Poor boy. I went and picked him up and we homeschooled for the afternoon. It was a good session with him. #3 had stayed after school for basketball practice. It ended at 5:15 and he had a game at 6:00. Just barely enough time to stop home, change and grab him something to eat. I videoed the game and it was a good one (highlights here).  Very close game. Nice to be done early. Hubs was still walking the strip late, and was upset when his Fitbit reset at midnight mountain time. He still got the step credit, just not on Wednesday, which was a high day for him.  I kept calories in check today.

0120 (Tuesday) Weight 156.8. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 31333. Total Burn 3299. Exercise Burn 1200/1577 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, Weights, BBWalk5000). Calories in 2000. I should have anticipated a bad morning with anxiety child more. He was still traumatized and worried about his teacher after Friday. He has a problem most Mondays back, and this was worse after a long weekend. I should have called to see if his teacher was back. #4 can't handle the change of a sub. Tuesday is early Zumba class, where I try to drop the kids early. Today, I had to walk #4 in, and he had a melt down when he found out his teacher was still out. I ended up taking him back home and setting up some home school for the morning. I still went to Zumba, but missed the first 20 minutes. When I got back, we did some side-by-side reading/writing work. I had him do some stuff on his own while I did 20 more minutes of Zumba to finish up my hour. He didn't want to go back to school for the afternoon, but that was the deal we'd made and I knew putting it off would just make things harder tomorrow. I went and checked him in. Back home I did get some additional exercise in. I had #1 pick up the elementary kids while I went to a neighboring high school to watch #2 play basketball. I think our boys had come in thinking it would be an easy game ... but we lost! Bummer. #3's practice ended, and then he wanted to go watch the JV and Varsity teams play, so another trip to the high school. #5 had practice, and I walked during it, getting in 5000 steps and finishing my book. We went directly to pick up #3, and then I had to go pick up #2. Happy to get back home and call it a night. Hubs texted from Vegas, saying he had 25k, certain he had beat me ... but I was at 31K!

0119 (Monday) Weight 154.5. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 21781. Total Burn 2909. Exercise Burn 855/1200 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. Hubs was still up and off early, but the kids and I slept in. No school due to the MLK holiday. I still had Zumba, and it was a crowded and lively class. Many of those kids who would have otherwise been in school were in attendance dancing along. I stopped at Kmart on the way home, picking up a Fitstudio order and checking out with some points. It doesn't seem like the program is really working again, but they did award everyone 7000 ($7) in points. I got a text from an excited 11-year old "guess what we got?" which I took to mean they had finally been successful in their kitty hunt. My oldest had taken the youngest two to the Humane Society and picked a 4-month old male named Oreo (perfect for our family, right?) The boys are pretty excited! I got a little elliptical in. In the early evening we headed out and met my family (parents, two brothers and their families) at Red Robin. I hadn't had fish and chips for a while. It was yummy. Hubs texted that he had reached Vegas ... there for a building conference.

0118 (Sunday) Weight 154. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 8746. Total Burn 2027. Exercise Burn 280/320 (1.5milesInterval/Incline) Calories in 2200. Early church ... a homecoming, so a little more crowded than usual and we didn't get our usual spot. We then went out to Maga's for taco salad and to meet their new kitty. Home again, and #1 made Otis, but they were a little overcooked. Hubs was ready for bed early (like 8:00)!

0117 (Saturday) Weight 153.4. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 13876. Total Burn 2372. Exercise Burn 425/669 (60minRacquetball). Calories in 2800. Started the day with #5's basketball game at 9:00. Hubs and I hit r-ball. I really hope we can keep it up as a habit. #3 had his game at 4:00. Hubs and I were doing some cleaning, getting the suburban ready for him to take on his Las Vegas trip. The weather was pretty nice and the boys were playing outside when ... crash! Broken window. Our first big break like that (even with five active boys). Did a little grocery shopping and the four youngest gor haircuts. Over on eating, no big indulgence, just snacking here and there.

0116 (Friday) Weight 152.5.  Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 17326. Total Burn 2647. Exercise Burn 700/949 (Zumba, 30minElliptical). Calories in 1900. Busy day! Friday mornings always are with #3's early morning practice in addition to the usual carpools. This week it worked out that I could pick him up from practice right after dropping #2 off, and still got home in time to get the elementary kids to school. I went to Zumba, a little bit smaller than usual but that is actually ok with me. More room to move (it's a small gym). When I picked up the kids from early-out elementary, #4 was distraught. I could barely get what was wrong out of him he was crying so hard. Apparently his teacher had a seizure at school today and had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. It sounded like it has happened before (epilepsy or something?) but poor #4 is simply traumatized and so worried about his teacher. We didn't have much time to dwell on it as we had to head over to the high school for #2's game. Usually just #3 and I go watch, sometimes Daddy will come. But this was a big dinner/fundraising game, so we had the whole family (including Maga, Aunt Ana and her two boys). I video taped it, and it was really close the entire time. At the end, with just a couple seconds left, game tied in overtime, MY SON hits a super deep 3-pointer for the win. The crowd went crazy and I did get it all on video! I posted it to Facebook and by that night it had been viewed over 1000 times *Ü*. Great game! We then went and ate our dinner. Then #1 took the little boys home and Hubs and I took our turns helping serve the dinner. Then we got to go home too. I'd been dreading the night (the dinner stuff) so I was glad it was over.


0115 (Thursday) Weight 153.9. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 30999. Total Burn 3343. Exercise Burn 1600/1637 (Zumba x2, 40minElliptical, 10milesBike, 1.5milesIncline). Calories in 2300. I was wondering if I'd still feel off, but I was ok once I got up and moving. Hubs said I did snore last night, which I don't normally. It's often a sign I am getting sick. Zumba in the morning was good. Got in my additional exercise. #3 had both a game and a practice conflicting tonight, he decided to skip the game (it was pretty far, and this team can win without him) and hit churchball then his practice. This also allowed me to hit evening Zumba. I was feeling it and I got great stats!

0114 (Wednesday) Weight 154.9. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 23249. Total Burn 2874. Exercise Burn 1300/1162 (Zumba, 40nminElliptical, 10milesBike, 1.5milesIncline).  Calories in 2300. When I hit Zumba at my usual late arrival, they had already started. I guess I'll have to be on time if they are going to start on time *Ü*.  Good class, but I didn't quite get my heart rate up and sustained as much. I stopped at the post office on the way home to drop of the phone power adapter. We gave up our home phone service as we now all have cell phones.  Got in additional exercise during the day. Busy after school with picking up kids, dropping off at practice, picking up from practice and going out to #3's game. They won, but it wasn't a great game. Both teams were just off. I videoed it, so I didn't get much stepping in. We were home pretty early and I thought I might get another elliptical session in, but I was feeling a little off, so I just went to bed.

0113 (Tuesday) Weight 154.5. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 23802. Total Burn 2992. Exercise Burn 1040/1283 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 30min/1.5milesTreadmillWalk). Calories in 2700. #1 was early, so I had him drive the boys to high school at 6:30 and I got in 10 minutes on the elliptical. I still took #3 and the elementary kids, even though that pushes me getting to Tuesday Zumba on time. My HRM worked today and it was so nice to be motivated instead of frustrated! Good class. Trying to get some stuff with a Sears order resolved, it's a pain. Cleaned and prepped for tonight, having the folks over in the evening. #1 is going through the temple in prep for his mission. It was at 6:00. The folks came over after for ice cream and we played a few games of Rummykub. I hadn't had ice cream in a while. That (and all my other evil eating) pushed me well over calories for the day.

0112 (Monday) Weight 155.6. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 23484. Total Burn 2957. Exercise Burn 1100/1241 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 2000. Dreary, rainy weather! #4 was affected a bit, but went to school without too much complaint. I went out to Zumba. I was thinking I was set with the HRM and new batteries but NO. It kept zeroing out. SO frustrating! I think I would have got good numbers. I didn't stop at Kmart on the way home. Fitstudio has been having problems and not recording points :( Too bad, there were some things I've been wanting. At home I got my blog post up and did a session on the bike and some elliptical. #4 called from school saying he wasn't feeling well. I went and picked him up. We didn't "homeschool" but he did some homework and then rested. I didn't have to pick up #3, as he had practice after school. I went early to grab #5 though, as it was raining still (it never stopped all day!). Usually I go a little late, after much of the pickup traffic is gone, just letting the boys play. But today with the weather and having checked out #4 I figured I'd be there waiting (which requires me to go 20 minutes early to get a spot). Traffic was SO bad by the school. People parked on the side, and a car waiting to turn left into the school parking lot totally tied up traffic. I made a trip to Sam's Club to pick up some groceries ... I have to make lunches for the basketball team tomorrow. I grabbed some chicken and popped it in the oven and then turned it into chicken and wild rice soup (I don't like it but the boys do, seemed a good fit for the cold rainy day). As I was in the middle of making dinner, Hubs picked up #3 when his practice was done and dropped off our requirements for the basketball dinner Friday (two cases of water and two $50 auction items). Then hubs and #1 said they needed me to hem some pants ... I thought they were joking because I'd hemmed some for the hubs 20 years ago and didn't do a good job (he never wore them again). I know it shouldn't be that hard but I was overwhelmed by it. I am easily overwhelmed. It wasn't how I'd planned on spending my evening (as it did take me a while). Not sure if I did ok, or if #1 just didn't dare mock me after that. 

0111 (Sunday) Weight 154.2. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 7810. Total Burn 2030. Exercise Burn 300/322 (30minElliptical). Calories in 2500. I finally got to sleep in :) It was Stake Conference ... which meant we were missing church today. Hubs went for a run at the high school track. #1 got up and started making the big breakfast, including the waffle mix (from scratch, with the egg whites and all). I came out and added bacon then did the cleanup. Then I took a little nap (that's what Sunday afternoons are for, right?) In the evening Hubs suggested we hit an Italian place he had loved in high school. He'd taken a couple of the boys, but it was the first time as a family. They got the pizza benders, I got fettuccine alfredo which was just ok. I shouldn't have wasted the calories on it. Hubs made chocolate malt at home, and I had made lemon jello cake, so it was a double dessert indulgence.

0110 (Saturday) Weight 155. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 16000*. Total Burn 2400. Exercise Burn 500/650 (10minElliptical, 60minRaquetball). Calories in 2300. The alarm went off at 7:00 which was far to early for a Saturday, but #5 had an 8:00 basketball game. So sad about my Fitbit. Enough that I determined I would go buy another today. I made a trip into Best Buy and grabbed one and got it set up and I'm back in business. Hubs suggested raquetball ... it's been years, but it's one of the things I'd been wanting to get back to. Our membership to Golds was gone, so we went to SLCC, where hubs has an alumni card and it was just $2.25 for me. We played for an hour and it was fun. My arm is sore now. In addition to being back up with the Fitbit, I replaced the batteries in my Polar HRM and so it was working well too. R-ball got the heart rate up pretty good without feeling like a workout at all. #3 had a game at 4:00. It was a pretty close game but the boy was doing pretty good. He tried to draw an offensive foul and got hit hard ... his nose was bleeding and looked a little crooked and we wondered if it might be broken. He stayed to watch the rest of the game (we lost by 1) and then I figured we'd take him to the Instacare just to get it checked out. He didn't have any of the "emergency" symptoms (uncontrolled bleeding, noticible break in the septum, other facial fractures ... I can't remember the fourth). So we are just to ice it and watch, and follow up with an ENT next week if we still feel it needs looking at. He was feeling better, enough that he wanted to go watch the 9th graders play. I grabbed him some Chick-Fil-A and then dropped him off while I hit Kmart and Smiths for a few items. Then back to get him, although the game was still going so I ended up watching a bit too. It was pretty intense, but our boys won. Home again and to bed.

0109 (Friday) Weight 154.2. Ok Day. Fitbit Steps 17000 (*estimated). Total Burn 2400*. Exercise Burn 825/800 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2200. Friday mornings are a bit crazy. Took #3 to 6:30 basketball practice. Home to get #2 up and off to high school. Back just in time to take the elementary school kids in, and #3 needs to be picked up at the same time. #1 was around today (and for the next few weeks) so I sent him after #2 while I did elementary drop-off. #4 was a bit anxious ("Golden Ticket" at school was due today and he didn't quite have enough points) and so I walked him in. Realized in all the confusion I'd forgotten to pack his lunch, but he liked the hot lunch so it was ok. I filled up the car with gas, as I was almost empty (filled my tank for under $50, it had been double that it recent memory). I took #3 to school then headed out to Zumba. I hadn't been to this one for a while with the holiday schedule. I was a bit down today, then to make things worse, my Fitbit died! I tried restarting and such to no avail. My motivation died with it. Hubs took the boys over to the church for some basketball in the evening. 

0108 (Thursday) Weight 154.5.  Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 28788. Total Burn 2905. Exercise Burn 1100/1193 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, 1.5milesIncline). Calories in 2200.  I did get in 10minutes on the elliptical in the morning. Thursday Zumba has moved to 9:30, which means I do come home after dropping off the elementary school kids. I really wasn't in too much of a rush to be on time, because Marian is the only instructor on time for these free classes and with the move in time I didn't think she'd be able to make it (as she has to get to work). So I was a little late, and Marian WAS there and it had started on time. My bad ... I didn't quite get in my full hour. It was nice to have my Thursday class, although the main instructor was there. Got in some more activity at home throughout the day. #3 had a basketball game in the evening. I walked while watching and got 6000 steps (even though my space was pretty small!) Ate too much candy today ... it was just calling and temping me!

0107 (Wednesday) Weight 154.9. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 29591. Total Burn 3209. Exercise Burn 1300/1497 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 2milesTreadmillIncline, 8milesBike). Calories in 2000. I've been having a hard time getting in a quick morning working before getting the boys to school. The elementary kids have been asking for breakfast ... pancakes, waffles, french toast, rather than just the easy self-serve stuff they have done before. That also makes it harder on ME calorie-wise, because I do usually eat some myself, when otherwise I skip breakfast. Got the kidlets off and went to Zumba. Went back to my other HRM, even with it's erratic behavior it seems a better judge than my cheapy replacement. I did get in some elliptical later in the day, but just 40 minutes (two 10minute, one 20) which seems to be the norm lately (one episode of a show). I did get in some bike and treadmill though. Food intake was a bit better today, at least kept it to 2000.

0106 (Tuesday) Weight 157.0. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 31746. Total Burn 3074. Exercise Burn 1250/1350 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, 30minIncline, BBP6000). Calories in 2700. Blah, didn't get my usual "Monday drop" at weigh-in this morning ... not that I deserved it with my eating. I had #1 drop off the little ones to school so I could make it to Zumba on time (Anxiety Child was NOT happy about that change). We had a good class and I walked home after. It's cold, but the sun was out and the snow almost all melted. I got in a bit of exercise at home throughout the day. I had initially planned on weights again, but my legs were still sore, so I didn't do it. #1 and I did a bunch of little things (checking on immunizations for him, medical stuff, flexible spending stuff). #2 stayed for practice after school, #5 had practice at 7:30 and #3 had practice at 8:00. Luckily Daddy was home to help with some of the shuffling (#1 was gone to a movie). I took the two little ones to the practice, #4 played around too. I walked the hallway and got 6000 steps. #4 had been asking for Chick-Fil-A for quite a while, and I told them we'd stop on the way home. Grabbed some nuggets, fries and shakes. I didn't order anything for myself but snuck just a bit from the boys. I HAD been good in my eating and then ... a bit of a binge with some Reeses Christmas Trees ...

0105 (Monday) Weight 156.7. Pretty Good Day.  Fitbit Steps 23159. Total Burn 2872. Exercise Burn 1000/1150 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike). Calories in 2600. I was really hoping to do better today, with the return to routine and the structure of school. I had a hard time getting to sleep after my long nap, so the night wasn't great. Back to early mornings and three separate trips getting the kids to school. I did get in a couple small elliptical sessions in the morning. #4 was a little emotional, but then seemed ok. He didn't even have me walk him in. I went to Zumba then went to Kmart on the way home (spending Fitstudio points). I was dragging though, I got in a little bit more exercise but I just wasn't feeling motivated. I took a mini nap before picking up the kids from school. I cooked a turkey for dinner ... I love the leftovers and as we didn't host Thanksgiving we hadn't had any. I like turkey cold! #4 had a panic attack about a school writing assignment, so I spent much of the evening helping him with that. Ate too much ... I'm just hungry and in a snacky mood all the time! I'd resisted the brownies when I made them last night, but I couldn't resist them today!

0104 (Sunday) Weight 155.4. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 6358. Total Burn 1905. Exercise Burn 200 (20minElliptical). Calories in 2700.  Our church time changed to 9:00, so I didn't get to spend a lazy Sunday morning in bed. I will miss that! The flip side is being out early. We didn't have time for a big breakfast before leaving, so we save it until after with this schedule. Hubs made his belgian waffle mix from scratch again. I was feeling sleepy so I went and took a nap. Several hours later I'm not sure if I was awake! The boys were doing some last minute prep as school starts up again tomorrow, things that they had put off the entire winter holiday. I made toasted cheese sandwiches for dinner and then homemade oreos for dessert. I also made some brownies for lunches tomorrow. Too many calories in today! No real binging, they just added up quick!

0103 (Saturday) Weight 155.9. Pretty Good Day. Fitbit Steps 17510. Total Burn 2617. Exercise Burn 1000/900 (60minElliptical, 20minZumba, 40minWeights, 1.5miles/30minIncline). Calories in 2200. Had a little sleep in, then Hubs and #2 and #3 were off to help Maga move. #1 was off to his last day at Barnes and Noble (he'd been hired on as holiday help, and now the holidays are over and he'll be leaving soon anyway). The two little boys and I had a quiet day at home. I got in some exercise and even did weights. In the evening, we went to Desert Star and saw "How The Grouch Stole Christmas" ... #3 enjoys it but the two little boys were moaning and groaning (they had said they were willing to go again before!). We just got a pepperoni pizza (rather than the usual cheesy bread) so I didn't overeat, although I had brought some treats in my purse.

0102 (Friday) Weight 157.2. Good Day. Fitbit Steps 29110. Total Burn 3203. Exercise Burn 1200/1478 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 10milesBike, 30minTreadmillIncline, 10minHula) Calories in 2400.  No basketball practice this morning, but Hubs was still up early and off to work. I went to Zumba, I went ahead and hit MZL (closer and earlier) but should get back to my Sandy Zumba next week. I stopped at the grocery store after ... Oreos were fairly inexpensive, so I stocked up. I can actually resist them, but they are a favorite with the boys. We took down the Christmas tree and other decor. Some laundry and cleaning, and also a bit of exercise. #2 had a basketball game, I dropped him at the high school as it was an away game. The rest of us had a pretty quiet evening at home. Hubs came home early and rested. #1 ran and picked up some Popeyes for dinner. We played some family games (Heads Up and Progressive) then #1 picked up #2 (all three teams won) and Hubs and I watched a movie (Life of Pi). Yes ... we had popcorn.

0101 (Thursday) Weight 156.1. Bad Day. Fitbit Steps 8402. Total Burn 2099. Exercise Burn 400/381 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2300. Slept in finally! We didn't have much on deck for the morning. I got in an elliptical session. We headed out to Maga's for her annual pastry wreath. I have NO idea what the calories are on that, I'm sure my estimation was off. We hung around there for a bit then headed home. I did get another 20min session on the elliptical in. Happy New Year.

Zumba Stats - January 2015

I've decided to update my Zumba Stats monthly for 2015 ...

Here's January!

For week 1, I got back to all five of my different classes!
I've been struggling with my heart rate monitor lately. Reading zero, or getting stuck on a number. Not really trusting the results. I tried out a different one for my Mon/Tues this week, but no matter the workout, it seemed to give the exact same results. Back to my Polar for Wed/Thur/Fri, and then I was able to get new batteries in and that should help!

I thought I'd totally be ready to get back to Zumba after the holidays, but Monday I was still struggling with being sore from my weight workout on Saturday. It did impact my energy, I wasn't my usual bouncy self, although I still did get great Fitbit numbers! Glad to get back to Marian's class after she was gone last week, but the soreness and HRM situation did drag me down just a bit. Felt good on Wednesday ... this class had many instructors and they usually switch off every song. They said they were going to try having an instructor do 20minutes as part of their training, so that is a small change. They also did more numbers on the floor, trying to draw more energy ... I myself prefer having them on the stage where I can see better. It was also great to get back to the Thursday class, which has pushed the time back to 9:30. So instead of going straight after dropping off the kids to school, I went home for a few minutes and was invariably late. I wasn't sure Marian would be there with the later start time, but she was (so class started on time) and my tardiness shorted me a bit from an entire hour. It had been a while since I'd hit my Friday class too. There were a couple new numbers, and I had forgotten the steps to MY favorite song. I don't know how the instructors keep all the steps in their heads!

I also included my Saturday Racquetball workout to compare. Also an hour ... not as many steps (so the Fitbit burn didn't come in very high) but the HRM (with new batteries) showed that my heart rate did get up. So fun, it doesn't even feel like a workout! My shoulder is sore now though!


Week 2
Five different classes. Double on Thursday & R-ball on Saturday.
I was so ready for my Zumba on Monday, and then my HRM was giving me problems. After a brand new battery and everything! My Fitbit stats were good and I'm sure the HRM would have had good numbers too. Luckily my Polar behaved the rest of the week. Thursday I was able to hit Marian's evening class, so it was a double Zumba day. I felt really good, and game away with awesome stats!


Week 3 ... hit all my different classes!
Double Zumba on Thursday. A little home session on Saturday.
Another really good week. Happy that my HRM finally worked on a Monday, and I got good stats. Nina was running Claudia's Thursday class too, and really brought the energy. She had me do a couple of my numbers, first time in that class. I think that elevates my heart rate (both nerves and just giving it your all when everyone is watching). Double Zumba again Thursday! Didn't get r-ball in on Saturday, so I did a little Zumba at home (trying to polish a couple new songs I could try if I'm asked to lead). 

Week 4 ... all five of my classes, with double Zumba on Thursday.
Great start to the week with Southziders. I think that might be a high for my average heart rate. Both devices estimating a 500+ burn and over 8000steps. Another great Thursday too, both morning and evening sessions. Haven't quite been getting the numbers in MZL (not sure why there, I guess they have usually been over an hour, but not these past few weeks) and Friday (longer pauses between songs add up and my heart rate drops).

I've sure enjoyed all my classes. The instructors all have their own styles. There are so many songs and steps out there, it's always a challenge to try and learn them. Some old songs, some new ones. I really enjoy my Zumba workouts and enjoy comparing the numbers to see if I feel they match up to how I felt the workout was. They usually do!

Saturday, January 31, 2015

WWI#80 and Five Indoor Workouts

Ah Friday
 ... time for the Friday Five and my weekly recap and weigh-in.

Although I haven't missed a weekly weigh-in, I've been a little slow at getting them up (usually on Saturday or Sunday). I have NOT been participating in the various Friday Five link-ups for a bit. I saw the theme the DC Bloggers (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) put out ... Five Favorite Indoor Workouts, and thought I'd link up this week. 

I am an indoor workout gal. The extremes in weather, bugs, traffic, people looking at you, dogs ... I just don't want to deal with it. I love having a home gym where I am super spoiled with equipment, in charge of what I watch, and it takes just one moment to go from home to gym and back again.  I do have FIVE main types of exercise that I rotate through ...

  • Elliptical ... is my go to machine. I almost always get in an hour a day. I never actually do an hour at a time, but small 10-20 minute segments spread out. Admittedly, I am usually in my workout wear (comfy clothes, sports bra) most of the day, but even if I'm not, I can still just jump on the elliptical for a few minutes for an energy boost, getting some "steps" in. I like that it's low impact, quiet, and I can wear slippers (I don't like shoes!). 
  • Treadmill ... I'll either hit the treadmill for a quick one mile run (ok, it's been a while since I've done that) or commit to a longer (30+min) workout. I mean, if I'm going to go to all the effort of putting on shoes and socks ... I know many dislike the "dreadmill" but I love seeing an exact count of my distance and speed, of putting on a program to watch and entertain me (although it is noisy, I need subtitles), and I really like the option of incline. Often I'll use the treadmill for "hikes" to up my calorie burn.
  • Stationary Bike ... I wasn't a fan of the bike. It was a pain in the butt (literally!) and I wouldn't get "steps" on my Fitbit. But, I've found it's the perfect time to read my book. Instead of laying or sitting down, I read while I ride. Admittedly, I'm not putting my whole heart into this "workout", it's pretty low-key, but I really enjoy my read/ride time and actually feel I concentrate better on my book!
  • Strength Training ... we have a nice weight set up in our home gym, but all I really need are some dumbbells and the bench. At times I've worked with a DVD (30DS for example) but more often I just have a full body workout I do on my own. I have been a little lax in my weights for a while, I need to get back, always getting it in at least once a week!
  • Zumba ... of course I can't leave out ZUMBA! I started one year ago and am absolutely addicted.  I go to classes Mon-Fri mornings. All different locations and instructors (and all free ... I love that, as I don't want to buy a gym membership for classes as I have my home gym which as outlined above, I am very content with!). I do occasionally workout out at home, sometimes a full hour, or just one song here and there throughout the day as I have a spare five minutes.

Because I not only have easy access to all these indoor workouts, but actually enjoy all these indoor workouts, I have no excuses! I do usually get in quite a bit of exercise/activity. I wish the fitness alone could keep me slender and healthy, but NO, food plays a part too. Dang it, I'm not nearly as good with my eating.  And with that I'll transition into my weekly weigh-in and recap of the week.


It was a pretty good week. Very routine, set structure. No excuses. I had a 1.2 pound loss from last week's weigh-in (average went up a smidgen though). I Zumba-ed each week day, double on Thursday evening. Elliptical and bike every week day too. Only one small treadmill time and ... no weights this week. Oops! I really meant to either on Tuesday or Friday but then it didn't happen.  I really controlled calories on Monday, then went totally overboard on Tuesday. My average intake for the week was 2236. Average burn was 2848. Crunching the numbers I ended up with a deficit of -2435. 

I've just spent SO long in this 150-155 range ... I just need to drop to the 140-149 range and then I'll be fine maintaining. So close, yet sometimes feels so far ...



Thursday, January 29, 2015

Comparisons

Apples to Apples.
My son LOVES that game!
Personally, I know better than to try and compare myself to others. There are so many variables at play. But I DO compare me to myself. One workout to another. Various estimates on different devices. How I do and feel day to day. I'm a bit of a numbers nerd. I collect and compare my stats, steps, calorie counts, weight ... almost anything I can assign a number to.

Looking back on the past few days, 
my workouts and numbers have been quite similar.

 Monday

 Tuesday

Wednesday

Each day in the morning, I had an hour of Zumba. I also had some small sessions on the elliptical throughout the days (10-20 minutes at a time. 40 minutes on Monday, and hour on Tues/Wed). All three days I spent 37 minutes reading while riding the stationary bike (10miles).

I felt really good about Mon and Wednesday, 
but felt like Tuesday was an off day. Why?

So much of it is perception. Expectation also. Tuesdays are normally really good days for me (often 30k in steps).  I started out strong, hitting my 10x10 and then ... I had some lazy hours. Also, after really keeping calories controlled on Monday, I caved to cravings and went way overboard. In the evening during my little guy's basketball practice, I usually walk while I wait, getting in 5000 or more steps. I did do some walking, but I just wasn't feeling up to it. I'd worn bad shoes, my other son who had come along too decided he didn't want to shoot and took my ipad mini that I'd been reading while I walked. Even in non-exercise attitudes, I just felt better about Monday and Wednesday (getting more "mommy" stuff done).

Another little "perception" ... if you notice on the graphs above, on Mon/Wed, the vertical axis extends to 3,000. On Tuesday, I didn't quite get enough steps in a 15min period of time to warrant that little graph increase. That actually affects me mentally! It just throws off the graph perspective. I really try to make sure I have ONE workout in the day that pushes the graph axis up, and on Tuesday I just didn't make it.

I was just thinking back on this past week, finding it ironic how I had some good days, and a bad day, when the numbers were so similar. Well ... the eating calories weren't similar on those day. I know the eating is where it's at more than the exercise. I wish I could get as much control and routine in my food as I do my fitness. It's a constant challenge!  Just thinking out loud ... and linking up late with Workout Wednesday.


Tuesday, January 27, 2015

TV Talk Tuesday - Cupcake Wars

My second TV Talk Tuesday this month.
This time the focus is on what the kids are watching.

I am SUCH a persnickety eater, that "food shows" have never really appealed to me.  I know there are a ton out there, but I just haven't paid much attention to them. Are any of them geared toward healthy eating? Not that THAT is my strong suit either. 


Imagine my surprise last Friday when the kidlets were out of school. They seemed glued to the television, and what had caught their interest? Cupcake Wars!

I guess #2 had been introduced to the show at a friend's house. There is a "Cupcake Wars Collection" on Netflix, so the boys are watching that (although we do have cable for sports, so I assume we have the food channel and could catch current episodes). I wouldn't have thought my boys would have been so interested in such a show, but they are. #2 is apparently quite the expert, having watched more episodes than the other boys, making comments like "oh no, don't add the stuff to the batter. It will sink to the bottom and the judges won't like that."

As a finicky un-foodie, it's actually a little hard for me to watch (I never sit and watch, but I'll catch glimpses as I'm in the kitchen prepping dinner or doing dishes). Some of the themes and required additions (um, pepperoni and pastrami? In a cupcake?) are downright disgusting!

Well, I suppose it's not as bad as some of the things out on television today. The kids haven't seemed inspired to actually try baking anything themselves though. As for me ... I'll only catch a snippet of the shows here and there. It's not something that intrigues ME enough to make it onto my list of what to watch while working out. While WATCHING a show about cupcakes isn't as bad as eating a bunch of cupcakes, my boys aren't getting any steps on the Fitbits sitting around watching Cupcake Wars!

Monday, January 26, 2015

Monday ... Back at It

Monday ... back to the routine!
I started the day with Zumba, but I forgot my hat!

No hat means sweaty, straight bangs in my eyes. I need to remember my hat! But happily my HRM was working today and I got good stats!  535 calories, "in zone" 54 of the 69 minutes and an average heart rate of 135. Fitbit sait 541 calories and 8035 steps. 

I always really like getting back to the routine on Monday. I had an absolutely lazy day yesterday! I didn't even hit 6000 steps for the whole day. I did pretty good on Saturday though, hitting 20k. Better than Friday, when I only hit 17k (I blame TOM).  

My weight went up slightly after my weigh-in on Friday, but then it's stayed exactly the same for Sat/Sun and this morning (154.1). Usually I have a bit more of an "up" on Monday mornings.  



Hubs got home from his trip to Las Vegas late Thursday.
It's good to have him home.
 
He had done pretty well there he thought. Controlled calories (and tracked with MFP) even with all the temptations. He started each day with a jog through the city. He really kept up with me on the steps. He had a Fitbit Funny when his Fitbit reset at midnight mountain time (and he still had an hour on Vegas time). He felt totally gypped out of those steps being added to that day's count! I love that he's liking his Fitbit! *Ü*   He did a Friday weigh-in too and was NOT happy with the result. Poor Hubs, he was very down on Friday and Saturday (it affects the guys too!) He weighed again on Sunday and had a substantial drop. That's why I weigh myself every day, just in case that ONE weigh-in is off.

I had hoped to get in a weekend weights session ... but it didn't happen. We didn't get our racquetball in on Saturday this week. It was very busy with the boy's basketball. Games for #3 and #5. The little one had some great shots, I need to make a highlight video. The other game? We're just going to try and forget about it! #2 had a game Friday, and Saturday he needed to go to games to "work" running clocks or taking pictures and then just cheering on friends. I did a lot of running kids around. Hubs had a huge pinewood derby Saturday too.  I did really miss our racquetball session.

After all the schedule shifts last week (kids out of school two days, hubby gone, addition of a kitty, anxiety issues resulting in homeschooling some days, TOM...) I think we should be back to a regular routine this week.  Hoping to control calories and have a drop by Friday's weigh-in, for me (under 150)  and Hubs (under 200) ...

Well, enough sitting at the computer, time to hit my home gym again!
Time for some reading and riding!
Linking up with MIMM.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

WWI #79 ... An Off Week

Well ... didn't go down this week. Last week's weigh-in was the lowest it went as I look back on this past week. It wasn't a bad week, but it wasn't quite the usual routine.

  • School out: The kids were home Monday (for MLK) and Friday (end of quarter). They boys are really good, so having them around doesn't impact me negatively, but I just don't get up as early and get moving. 
  • Hubs out of town: Hubs left Monday and got back Thursday. He always gets up and off early, so that encourages me to do the same. Without him around (and #2's early morning driver's ed concluded last week) I did sleep in a little this week. Often I do stay up later, and sometimes get more evening stuff in when hubs is gone, but not this week.
  • Anxiety issues: #4 really struggled going back to school on Tuesday after the long weekend. Add to that the incident last Friday (his teacher had a seizure) , and then his teacher was still out ... my poor child had a meltdown. I ended up homeschooling him part days on Tues and Wed. We did do a lot of one-on-one stuff, it was good. I was proud he made it back to school for Thursday (it was a short day).
  • TOM: It's that time of the month. I hate it. 
  • New kitty: We haven't been a pet family, but the kids have wanted a dog or cat for a long time. I finally caved on the kitty front. #1 had been looking for the past several weeks and Monday he took the two little boys and picked up a kitty from the Humane Society. His name is Oreo (that was actually his name at the shelter, but it is a perfect fit for our family). He's four months old and the boys are very happy to have him. While he hasn't really impacted my routine ... I think he makes me a little lazy! I mean HE is always sleeping, and I stop to pet him often when I usually keep moving.
A couple kitty pictures ...
 Hubs can't blame me for this clog!

 Silly Sleeper

I really tried to control calories better, as I know that is the key to getting the scale to move. We went out to dinner Monday night with my folks. I didn't feel I went overboard, but the scale did jump the next morning. I had another bad eating day on Thursday, nothing in particular, just lots of snacking. Cookies! Exercise was pretty much on track. I got in my elliptical and Zumba Mon-Fri. I did some bike and treadmill too, and also did a weight workout. 

NUMBERS: Up .6, but the average went down -.41.  Average intake was 2286. Average burn was 2902 which ended with a deficit for the week, albeit a tiny one. -510.

As usual, there were basketball games and practices. I did spend some time at the computer this week turning the video clips into a highlight reel. You can see the video here. I'll be watching a couple more games on Saturday. That's the life of a basketball mom!

Next week should be pretty normal. Routine and structure. Hopefully I can control my calories and shift the scale to under 150 again ...










Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Still FitBitting

Lights Out :(

Just over a week ago ... Friday, January 9, there was a death in our Fitbit Family. MY Fitbit. My last sync had been at 3:14. I attempted to look at my stats around 4:00 and ... nothing. No lights. I didn't panic immediately. In my four years of having a Fitbit, I think this (or having the numbers showing but frozen) had happened once or twice. Previously, resetting the Fitbit had got it working again.

This time ... the reset did not work. I tried a few times. I pulled out an alternate charger to try the reset. I left it on the charger just in case the battery had somehow gotten that low without me noticing. No luck. My Fitbit wasn't the only thing to die that afternoon. My motivation died as well. As many pedometer people may ask ...

I mean OF COURSE they do. But ... I could have, should have hit the elliptical again, but I didn't. I wanted to get some reading in, and I usually ride (with the Fitbit on my sock to pick up "steps") ... but I just read in bed. No motivation if I wasn't going to get a little spike on my activity graph. 

Now, Fitbit is renowned for their great customer service ... but, I had purchased my Fitbit almost two years ago, so I really didn't think I'd have much luck. Besides, even by chance if they would replace it, that would mean WAITING. I was NOT willing to wait! All my thoughts Friday evening were of going out and getting a new Fitbit. I should have just done it that night.

I am a frugal sort. I did want to get the best deal I could at short notice. Amazon had the best prices, but even with Prime and 2-day shipping, that would require a WAIT. I had built up $35 in credit (thanks to my old Fitbit) at Walgreens, but while they sold Fitbits online, they didn't have them at the store for immediate pickup. Bed,Bath&Beyond did, and I usually have a 20% off coupon around (Fitbit was not listed as one of the many exclusions), but all mine were expired. I finally just gave up and went to Best Buy, where it was $94.99 and we got points for our purchase.

It felt SO GREAT to be back in business!

I have since heard from Fitbit customer service and go figure, they ARE sending out a replacement one! I suppose I could return my new purchase, but I think I'll just hang onto the extra one so I'll never be in the terrible situation of being without a Fitbit again. I know #4 would like a ONE, rather than his Zip (backlight) ... although he really wants the new Charge!

I've mentioned Fitbit Customer service before. It really is great. Because everyone in our family (immediate and now extended too) has a Fitbit, we have had a few problems here and there. I had recently contacted customer service about some of our silicone cases. I do think the design of the ONE is an improvement over the original Ultra, but the cases are not without their issues. A couple of the little tips had come off of our Ones and Zips. It makes them really had to put on. The metal tip poked through the material of my bra on occasion, and my son, wearing his on his waist had received a good scratch.

I simply sent this photo to Fitbit and asked if replacement cases were a possibility and they immediately sent new ones out. We'd had to do this once before with #1's Flex (when he was wearing the Flex). Hubs is now using the Flex, but he just slips it into his pocket rather than wearing the wristband.

Speaking of the Hubs ... He's TRYING to catch me!

He's in Vegas on a business trip. Lots of walking, and he was still making exercise a priority as he packed. He was pretty proud yesterday, asking me if I'd seen his steps. He was at 25K. Very impressive. I ... hit 31K. What can I say, I had a good day. I'm sure glad my Fitbit was up and running to catch all my steps!

Linking up with Workout Wednesday.

Monday, January 19, 2015

It's Monday?


It doesn't feel like Monday. The kids aren't in school due to the MLK holiday. There was sleeping in, a late breakfast, and we're going out with family tonight. Not my usual "Motivated Monday"  but I'll still do my best!  It was a great Zumba class this morning and I've done one elliptical session so far. My littlest one had some homework due tomorrow. A worksheet on Martin Luther King Jr. It was fun to help him work through it and learn a little more about the man myself.

As usual for my Monday, I'm linking up with MIMM and recapping the weekend. It was a memorable one. On Friday, #2 was playing in a big basketball game over at the high school. Normally it's just me and #3 coming to watch, sometimes Daddy will try to hit the game. But this week, it was a big fundraiser dinner, so all the brothers, Maga, Aunt Ana and her boys, were there. And what a game it was! This was against our main rival, and it was ending up tied at the end of every quarter ... including the fourth. So into overtime. Just a second left on the clock, it's tied up again and MY SON, from way behind the 3-point line is passed the ball ...

Check out the video below!



It was SO awesome! A link to all the game highlights is here. I spent some of my Saturday and Sunday going through the clips and making the video. I have video from two other basketball games (#3 and #5 played on Saturday, I'll need to get to them at some point too *Ü*  Basketball Mom!)

Also on Saturday, Hubs and I played racquetball again. I'm so glad we've got back to the court! We used to do it all the time. I hope we can keep it up, it's a perfect Saturday activity for me! 

Another Saturday event ...

With five active boys, we've never had a broken window! The weather was quite nice on Saturday, and the boys were playing outside. Makeshift baseball with a piece of pipe and a hard ball. The pipe ended up flying. It was quite the crash for those of us in the house! Broken glass everywhere, inside and out. Right now we have a nice piece of cardboard over the broken pane, I'm not sure when we'll get around to having it replaced.

Even though we just HAD Saturday, it SO feels like a Saturday today! This week will be a little off schedule. Hubs will be out of town for a few days, which can impact my days/nights. The kids are out of school on Friday too (for the end of the quarter).  My son's early morning driver's ed is now done (YEA!) so I don't need to make an additional early morning carpool to the school every day. I SHOULD still continue to get up early and get started on my day, but, we'll see.

How was your weekend?



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