Return to Racquetball

Guess what my date with hubby was this past weekend? Racquetball! We hadn't played since about January, and even then it was pretty much a one time thing. I hope this is actually a return to playing with some regularity. My "skills" were definitely lacking! And have you heard the term "tennis elbow"? I have what I'm calling "Racquetball Arm" ... I could sure feel it in my right arm for a day or so after. As I'd pull a gallon of milk out of the fridge, I could barely hang onto it! I also really noticed some soreness in my ab area (afterward, when we were laughing or sneezing or something) ... from the twisting and reaching? I haven't done any other ab workouts to have worked those muscles.

I'm not sure if Hubs saw my Family, Fun and FOOD post from last week ... in which I bemoaned the fact that  family, fun (and dating) activities so often revolve around food. Back when I first lost the weight several years ago, we really made an effort to do non-food dates. We played a lot of racquetball. Unlike the movie theaters or restaurants,  the gym is NOT very busy on a Friday or Saturday evening.  After a while though, I can't remember if we just got busy (I think there was an injury involved too) we just didn't make it in as much. Over the past few years, we've only hit it here and there. So whether or not he saw my post and decided to try and get a non-food date in, or if it was just coincidental timing, I was thrilled when he suggested R-ball!

One downfall of racquetball is finding a place to play. Way back when, we'd invested in a gym pass, but that had long expired. Luckily Hub happened to find out that as an alum of a local college, he could still attend the gym there. My cost is only $2.50. A great deal for a really nice facility!

I got my Fitbit Charge back in February I think ... I knew we hadn't gone since I'd got my new gadget (although I get worn my Polar HRM a time or two). I was pleased I was finally going to get a chance to track this type of activity. 

 Now ... OUR racquetball is pretty low-key. Hubs takes it easy on me, and there is a lot of laughing (and even stealing a kiss or two). At times I'm admittedly a little lazy, just watching the ball instead of attempting to run for it "Great shot honey, I'm just watching that one go by ..." *Ü* Normally, I would have us try for a solid hour. On this day, we were running a little late and it closed at 5:00. But being our first time back in a while, forty minutes was fine. I was pretty pleased with my stats. An average heart rate of 121 ... if we make additional trips I can try and up my average and other stats. My Fitbit One came in with a pretty close calorie estimate of 258, just over 3000 steps.

I need to shake something up (although it's the eating I need to work on) ... but still, breaking up the activities with new and different workouts is great too!

Wayward Pines - Books vs Miniseries

Every month, I do a Tuesday post about what I'm watching, and another about what I'm reading. This past bit, I've read and watched the Wayward Pines series. So this Tuesday's post will be my thoughts on both.

Back in June, I was browsing through the Kindle Lending Library to choose my book for the month. I'd heard a bit about Wayward Pines, that it was going to be turned into a series for TV. I do generally like to read the book before seeing a "live" version, so "Pines" was my pick for the month.

Boy ... was it confusing and weird! I almost didn't make it through the book. Much of the confusion is intended. We,the reader, don't know anything more than poor Ethan Burke, the main character, who awakens in the small Wayward Pines town. Unable to really remember the accident, unable to contact anyone on the outside, and unable to leave the town. And that's not the end of the strange happenings. Time seems twisted, is there some time travel involved? There are strange creatures ... is this actually a vampire/zombie book? I did push through ... and everything WAS explained satisfactorily enough by the end that I was glad I had finished, and I was even eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. 

As soon as July hit, I borrowed "Wayward" ... having uncovered most of the mystery, this book was much more straight-forward than the first one. I finished it up and started watching the mini-series, planning on reading the final book as soon as August arrived (Kindle Lending Library limits you to one book per month).

The start of the mini-series was plenty confusing ... just like the book! If I hadn't already read the book and knew what was happening, I'm not sure if I would have made it through the first few episodes. I'm really not of fan of Juliette Lewis (but she is only in the first few episodes).  

As the book was brought to life, many things were as I had envisioned them in my imagination. It was pretty good that way. There were some distinct differences though (as is always the case as books are made into movies or TV). The main one, was Teresa and Ben (Burke's wife and son). In the book, Ben is just a young child at the start, and about 12 later on. In the miniseries, Ben is 14  the entire time. There were some major differences in the character of Pam (a nurse) as well. Although she is unlikeable in both, there is some redemption for her in the miniseries. In the book, she was a teen stray discovered by David Pilcher (the man behind Wayward Pines) ... in the miniseries, she is his sister.

There were main ideas in the books that were completely omitted from the miniseries ... and then there were things in the miniseries that were never mentioned in the book. Not that this is at all unusual in book to live action converts.

Watching the miniseries, I stopped at episode nine. That was basically where book two had ended, and I figured I should read the final book before continuing on. I don't know that I really needed to wait though. There was only one episode left in the mini-series ... and it was completely different from the third book. Seriously, absolutely nothing in common whatsoever (except the characters. Completely different storyline, different ending). 

So now ... I'm done with both. I don't know that I enthusiastically endorse either. They were both alright. I'm not sure which ending I prefer either, I really don't! Neither was particularly satisfying.

With the basic premise behind the town ... it was a little hard not to compare it to "The Walking Dead" a bit (especially as Hubs has recently been catching up on Season 5). There were some similarities. The perfect little town, the new addition being made constable, the monsters outside the walls. I couldn't help but wonder if the people of Wayward Pines COULD come together and make things work, although those in TWD were also still struggling.

Well ... there you have it. My thoughts on all things Wayward Pines.  Have YOU heard of this series? Read the book or seen the television production? Your thoughts?

WWI #106 - Still There Don't Care

Still in the 164 range ... weight is up just a bit from last Friday, but the average actually went down a tiny bit. Things stayed pretty steady this week, and I just didn't care. In the past few weeks, there were days I really tried on the eating end. This week ... not so much. I didn't have one day under 2000. My average in was  2817. Yikes! It was higher than my average daily burn (2704). Of course, no deficit with stuff like that ... over by 2912. I guess I'm lucky the scale didn't shift up more than it did.

There are just these last few weeks of summer. I guess I'm hoping that when school shifts back into gear and we return to the routine, that maybe that will be the push I need to start the scale moving in the other direction. I KNOW you shouldn't do the "when this happens I will ..." thinking, but the school schedule has always been a good motivator to me. No more sleeping in, uninterrupted hours during the day, back to bed at a reasonable time. Of course school does have it's challenges too, with carpools, making lunches, homework help. I guess we'll see. 

Here's the quick weekly recap ...

• Friday (0731): Hit Zumba in the morning but it wasn't a great class, left it unsatisfied. Got in some elliptical and bike, so still a decent day for exercise. Eating was fairly high. I want sugar!
• Saturday (0801): Back to basketball today. Easy win for our guys. Hubs had been out running errands and brought home donuts from a downtown deli. They were delish. Activity included elliptical, lawn mow and grocery shopping. In the evening we had went to my brother's house to sign some legal documents, and have pizza (they got MY kind, just cheese and white sauce). Stopped at Cabellas on the way home (we each got a small fudge sample, yum!)
• Sunday (0802): We didn't do our usual Sunday Circle breakfast, as we were having waffles later  with my side of the family. Knowing this, I had laid out croissants to rise for our breakfast instead. Walked to/from church. Nap in the afternoon, then the big family activity.
• Monday (0803): Started off the day with double Zumba! Hit an 8:30 class, then my usual 9:30 class. I was late getting there but they hadn't started yet. Quick stop at Kmart, then Smiths on the way home. It was a cool and rainy morning, and just felt like soup and breadstick weather. At home, I whipped up the dough and got breadsticks rising. A little later I made the soup and turned some of the dough into cinnamon rolls. We had #2's girlfriend and our neighbor boy over for dinner. It was yummy. The leftover soup never seems to get eaten though. While I often can manage a low-calorie day on Mondays ... not today.
• Tuesday (0804) : Started good with Zumba, but then had to run #5 to the dentist for some work. I did run some errands quick rather than just waiting, but stuff like this disrupts my day and I can't quite get my mojo back. Should have been a weights day, or at least bike, but all I did was a little elliptical. Wasn't feeling good in the evening, and then sliced my thumb, which made me even more woozy. Amidst all this I still managed to eat a lot.
• Wednesday (0805): Zumba in the morning, with a quick stop at the store for things I'd forgotten in Monday's grocery store run. A bike and elliptical during the day. The gym floor is being refinished a the rec center, so the kids can't play basketball this whole week, but I did drop them off to swim for a while. Kept calories a little better today. 
• Thursday (0806): Zumba in the morning, with ANOTHER store run ... I haven't been keeping a good check on what we need (out of milk!) Got in elliptical and bike. Hubs took a couple of the kids to see a climbing competition in Park City. I hit Zumba and grabbed Crazy Bread on the way home. Calories spiraled a bit out of control today, even with a bit of activity.

A little shooting at Cabellas Saturday night.

 

Last picture of all three ducks together, as on Sunday morning ... two of them flew away. It wasn't unexpected, they had been trying their wings for a while now (see the video in last week's recap post). One ducky, our egg hatched one stayed, but she seems a little lonely now. 

 Rainy days and Mondays ... means soup and breadsticks.

 Daddy and a couple boys watching the Psicocomp in Park City.

... and video of the week. We are STILL struggling with the second kitty. 

They attack each other if they are in the same room.

It's been over two weeks and we still have been unable to integrate the kitties. They attack each other almost immediately. Not sure what to try next... #twocattroubles #blackhamkitty

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on Aug 5, 2015 at 5:45pm PDT

Conserving Cash at Kohls

It's Thrifty Thursday ;)

I hadn't heard of Kohl's before it moved into a shopping center right by our home. It's not a store I frequent, but I have found some deals and steals there. Have you?

If you live close by, and you take the local newspaper, you might be lucky enough to get some little coupons with the paper every once in a while. It's usually a $10 off a $30 purchase. What's great about Kohl's coupons, is unlike most other places that only allow one discount per purchase, generally I can stack this with another of their percent off specials (they regularly have 15/20/30% deals going on). Then of course, they often offer the Kohl's Cash with many purchases (good on your next purchase, during certain dates). Kohl's Cash can also be combined with coupons, percent off savings and sales. It pays to watch and wait with Kohl's. Never pay full price!

My boys love Nike socks. I almost always buy them at Kohl's. They often go on sale there, with a buy one get one half off offer. This is cheaper than the Nike Outlet (which is in the same shopping center). Up until recently, all coupons and additional percent off points were good on Nike merchandise ... but on my last visit, Nike had been added to the list of exclusions. Dang it! There went my super sock savings.

When my son needed socks, I checked online and saw that the Buy 1 Get 1 1/2 off sale was going on. I ran over to the store and ... it wasn't on sale at the store. They wouldn't honor the online price either. So I went back home, ordered them online with free store pickup, then went back and picked them up. It took another trip, but did save me $8. 

That is something to watch. Often online prices are not the same as in the store. But often, you can purchase online and have the items held at the store for pickup, thus getting the sale price. Another thing to keep in mind is if you order something from home, you usually have to pay shipping - but if you order the exact same item from the kiosk in the store, they will ship it to your home for free. It's just good to be aware of the different policies and possibilities to save a little cash!

I got another little Kohl's moneysaver when I added the app to my iphone. I received $5 in credit on my next purchase, and will continue to get some credit with their store rewards program, even though I don't really shop here regularly.

I often find it humorous as I check out ... "Your original cost before all sales/promotions/credits was $100, your cost is $15. You saved $85"  Can you say "inflated original prices?" ... it seems almost everything is always about 40% off at Kohls ;) But with the sales, clearance, coupons, percent off savings, Kohls Cash and rewards, you really can get some steals and deals if you are willing to watch for them!

Do you shop at Kohls? Any great deals? Any other tips?

Family, Fun and FOOD

 

Fairly often, Hub grabs the boys, and then grabs some cousins, and they go grab something yummy. Family fun and food, they just seem to go together, don't they? Can you have one without the other? It's a little hard! And as I struggle to control calories, often it's easier for me just to skip these outings. I know I can go and not partake, but I don't know that I have the motivation if I'm there (and, I admit it, I'm a homebody). But I have missed out on some family fun. 

Family, Fun and Food.

They just go together, like movies and popcorn.  

I haven't been in a movie mood this summer. The thought of just sitting, combined with the consumption of calories. As Daddy has taken the boys to Age of Ultron, Pitch Perfect 2, Inside Out, Minions and Pixals ... I didn't go.

When Daddy drove the boys up to Utah County

 to catch Krispy Creme with the Hot Light on

  ... I didn't go. 

(They still brought me home donuts)

We had a family outing to Pretzel Maker.
I went, and I did partake.

I actually could have gone on this "Hot Dog on a Stick" outing ...

I don't do corndogs. I wouldn't have been tempted.

But then, it doesn't really make sense for me to make the trip.

When we get together for birthdays, there is cake and ice cream. There are big family dinners. As we met up with my brothers this weekend to finalize some legal documents, we turned it into a pizza party. Almost every time a group gets together, food is a major factor.

Even just at home, I find food is how I show love to my family. 

They love it when I bake.

 Nutritious dinners just don't get the same response.

It's hard. This association we have with food and fun and showing love.  Valentines and other holidays are all associated with candy gifts. Dates are so often dinners out, or movies with popcorn and treats.  A few years ago, Hubs and I really tried to get away from the traditional dates with some healthy alternatives. We went hiking a lot, or went for a walk, or  (my favorite) played racquetball. But we've slipped back into less healthful activities. There have been times these past few months when Hubs has suggested going out for a quick mini-date to grab a treat ... and I've said no, because I didn't have the calories in the budget. A true definition of "controlling calories" ... they control me at times.

Just Thinking Out Loud ...
Can you have family fun without food?
What do you do?

Zumba July 2015

I hit 24 classes in July (same as in June). With the July4th holiday, and also the 24th (state holiday here in Utah) there were MANY class cancellations! Instructors were taking some well deserved vacations, often an entire week off, so I scrambled a bit to find back-up classes (and didn't over the 4th of July weekend). But I did hit some new classes, or at least ones I hadn't been to for quite a while. A couple Saturday classes too. I was a good Zumba month. 

 

 ... and the numbers, I didn't hit any new records. Had some highs, some lows. My highest calorie burn estimate for the month was 518 on the FitbitOne, in HeatherJones's fundraiser on Saturday, July 11. The highest step count was the day before, Friday July 10 with MZL; 7691 steps. The highest average heart rate happened in Marian's morning class, July 28 (130). 

*** Pictures from July ***

At Southziders ... 

there wasn't even a "pink shirt" memo, it was just coincidence!

At the Heather Jones Fundraiser - Four Zumba pros!

Cute Claudia ... Thursdays at MountainView

 Southziders ... in Draper. 

Nina is back!

 Me at MZL (Kearns location)

Marian's morning class in West Jordan

July 2015

July means full on summer.  A couple of holidays and our anniversary (23years!), Hub's European vacation, sleeping in and staying up late, water and sun, eating out, days at the gym playing basketball for the boys and ... a new kitten! We still have the ducks too. Full of family and fun, but not so great for food and fitness. I kept up with the exercise, even on the week of the 24th (our state holiday) where three of my Zumba classes took the week off. Food, well that wasn't great, and neither was weight.

Started the month at 162.9 and ended the month at 164.0. The low for the month was 162.5, and the high was 166. Average weight for the month was 164.31 which is up a couple pounds from June. 

*** JenB's Journal ***

0701 (Wednesday) Weight 162.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2824. Exercise Burn 870, 1067 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2100. On Wednesdays I usually hit MZL, or more recently the Sunset church. Both are fairly close and just a different set. But Southziders needed an instructor today as Marian was having some surgery, so I said I'd help out. It was funny, as Debbie, Amanda and I were all in hot pink matching shirts. Not planned! I didn't do my usual Kmart stop, but went to Walgreens to grab a photo I'd had printed, and picked up some crazy bread for the boys. #3 had me take him up to his friend's church to play basketball, and then I ran #4 and #5 and our neighbor to the rec center for their basketball, and then spent the afternoon running picking them all up again. Made toasted cheese sandwiches for dinner.  

0702 (Thursday) Weight 163.5. Not a Great Day. Total Burn 2752. Exercise Burn 600/992 (60minElliptical). Calories in 3050. I didn't get my morning Zumba in. My usual class was taking the day off for the holiday weekend. I thought about hitting an alternate class, but just didn't get the motivation up to do so. The boys had dentist appointments, so I ran them there. I got in some errands (picking up orders at Kohls, Sears, and then groceries at Sams). The boys wanted to hit the gym for basketball, so I dropped them off, and went back and grabbed them a bit later. Hubs and #3 went to do a derby in the evening, it was a bit further in Park City, but #3 got quite the tip. I was sad I hadn't made #2 go, as he was free and he owes us money from his recent basketball trip. Very bad eating today!

0703 (Friday) Weight 164.7. BAD Day. Total Burn 2109. Exercise Burn 200/342 (20minElliptical). Calories in 3200. I was just an emotional mess this morning. Hubs had the day off and was planning on taking the waverunners up to the lake. I did not feel like going. Just the anticipation anxiety of the drive, the crowds, the heat ... and being in a swimsuit. Hubs will often go without me, but usually our oldest has been around to help. He's in Mexico and I really missed him today. This was something that he loved. I did elect to stay home ... and pretty much did nothing. Fetal postition in bed most of the day. Their day didn't quite turn out either, as it was super crowded, the ramps were full, and they didn't even get to put the waverunners in the water. They did stay and play on the beach. My MIL brought my nephews up to join them, but they didn't connect. Imperfect day all around. I had some emotional eating.

0704 (Saturday) Weight 165.7. Bad Day. Total Burn 2496. Exercise Burn 400/723 (30minElliptical and Lawn Mow). Calories in 3100. Trying to shake off my funk. PMS? Hubs suggested breakfast out, so we hit a local pancake place we like. My SIL called and offered to take the boys to the local theme park. #3 and #5 took her up on that (#4 has anxiety issues like Mommy and stayed behind). I got in a little exercise and mowed the lawn. In the evening, we headed out to my BIL's house for dinner and fireworks. Poor #4 had a major panic attack, as stormy skies rolled in. Hubs usually isn't around to witness how bad they can be. Poor kid completely broke down, he just wanted to stay in the safety of his room. I gave him a valium and between that and the skies clearing up, he did fine for the remainder of the night. With ariel fireworks being legal now, it seems you can get quite a show almost anywhere!

0705 (Sunday) Weight 166.1. Bad Day. Total Burn 2183. Exercise Burn 420/408 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2500. Well, weight continues to climb. I mean, I can't say it's unexpected or undeserved based on all my bad days. I feel like there's a little self-sabatoge going on. Hubs went into work. I skipped our usual Sunday Circles breakfast, because we were having waffles later in the day at my folks. I went to church, piano duty. I would have walked but it was raining. I did get in some elliptical today, rather than taking the entire day off. We went out to my parents, a monthly gathering with all the siblings and cousins.

0706 (Monday) Weight 166.1. Good Day. Total Burn 3211. Exercise Burn 1290/1436 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 1600. Okay, time to recommit! I was able to have a good day. Started with Zumba, stopped at a couple stores on the way home. Got in elliptical and bike. The boys did basketball at the rec center. #5 had practice in the evening, I had #2 drop him off, and then Daddy picked him up (and they stopped at Hot Dog on a Stick on the way home). I actually kept calories in check today!

0707 (Tuesday) Weight 163.8. Good Day. Total Burn 2834. Exercise Burn 1100/1079 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike, 30minWEIGHTS). Calories in 1750.  Zumba in the morning, I walked to/from the class as it's so close. We've been stressed, as Hubs is leaving for Italy tomorrow and his passport hadn't arrived. It came today, that was cutting it close! I took some of the boys to play basketball again today. #4 stayed home, as it was storming. He wanted to go but couldn't quite make himself face the weather. Hubs did his last minute prep and packing. My MIL, SIL and nephew stopped by, we chatted for a bit while watching the duckies play. Hubs will miss his evening duckie time as he's gone for a week.

0708 (Wednesday) Weight 162.5. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2850. Exercise Burn 1000 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2000. Hubs was up and off to the airport fairly early. He just drove the truck, rather than having someone drop him off and pick him up. And he's off ... TOM visiting while he is gone. I went to Zumba. I could NOT get the heart rate up. Got in some elliptical. The boys didn't seem in the mood to hit the rec center today. I picked up another version of Clue (The Simpsons) and they played that. I was going to Sam's Club and offered to take them along (they like to hit the food court while I shop) but they passed. I filled up with gas and picked up a couple orders at Sears while I was out. I got the lawn mowed while there was a break in the weather. Storms hit hard again in the evening! I was a little worried about the duckies, but they seemed ok.

0709 (Thursday) Weight 163.5. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 3144. Exercise Burn 1270/1384 (40minElliptical, Zumbax2). I didn't sleep very well with the storm and Hubs being gone. He checked in around 2:00 in the morning, having arrived in Rome. He's meeting up with his brother tomorrow. I hit Zumba in the morning. Fairly small class, but nice to have it after having it cancelled for a couple of weeks. I did a quick stop at Kmart on the way home, as I had some points expiring. #2 had the day free, so I had him take his brothers bowling, then drop them off at the rec center for basketball and swimming. Another monsoon storm hit, I kept expecting a call to come from #4, frantic about the weather, but then again he would be pretty insulated in the gym or pool. I picked them up around 4:30. I went to my evening Zumba. There were only four of us, but we still went ahead with class. Casual, but I got good numbers. Did go over in calories today.

0710 (Friday) Weight 163.6. FitnessGood/FoodBad. Total Burn 2973. Exercise Burn 1300/1214 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 2milesTreadmillWalk, 30minBike). Calories in 3300. The main thing that blew calories today was a package of Reeses eggs I found in the food room. Silly me, I opened them ... and ate them (and ate and ate). I did eat other stuff too and it all added up to a lot. I did get in good activity at least. Went to Zumba at MZL. It had been a bit since I'd been to MZL, and I'd missed a couple Fridays in a row, so it was good to be back. They even had me lead a number. They have such a large repertoire it was bit challenging to think of one I knew that no one else was currently doing.  Back at home, I had #2 take the munchkins to a movie ... Minions. I let him take his girlfriend too (and I paid) as recompense. I got in some elliptical, bike and time on the treadmill. More than I usually do on a Friday. Hubs checked in from Italy ... he had over 35K today!

0711 (Saturday) Weight 165.3. Ok Day. Total Burn 2760. Exercise Burn 916/989 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2500. The munchkin had a basketball game in the morning. They lost by three, but #5 had a good game. We stopped at Maceys on the way home and grabbed some groceries. I noticed on my Facebook feed an invite to a Zumba event at 1:00. I didn't have anything going on, the kids were content (I'd just upgraded cable to include NBA TV and they were busy watching the summer series) so I went. It was good to get a Saturday Zumba in. I did overeat, accidentally eating an entire bag of Chex Muddy Buddies (small bag, but 10 servings!). Mindless eating!

0712 (Sunday) Weight 164.8. Rest Day. Total Burn 1786. Exercise Burn 0/18 (no exercise). Calories in 1900. Took a rest day. Slept in, then did the church thing. Made the boys our Sunday Circles breakfast, then it was time for a nap. It was a nice nap. I did think about hitting the elliptical, but decided to keep it a complete rest day. Actually kept calories in check.

0713 (Monday) Weight 164.7. Good Day. Total Burn 2994. Exercise Burn 1130/1227 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 8milesBike). Calories in 1900.  My usual Southziders Zumba wasn't happening, but luckily another class close by just started up. It was early, at 8:30, so I was gone and home before the boys even realized it. Got in my elliptical and bike during the day too. The boys did want to go to the rec center, then #5 had basketball practice in the evening.   

0714 (Tuesday) Weight 163.1. Okay Day. Total Burn 2807. Exercise Burn 1050/1049 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2850. Started the day good, walking to Zumba. Many dogs barking at me today but at least they were all contained behind fences. Still does reduce the enjoyment. I had #2 take the boys bowling. They didn't care to hit the rec center today, but #3 wanted to go hang out with his friends. I had #2 drop him off, to much complaining that he is the family slave. I handled pickup, as #2 did work in the evening. Eating got a little out of control today,  but at least the Reeses Eggs are gone now.

0715 (Wednesday) Weight 164.1. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2744. Exercise Burn 890/980 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 1850. Started the day a bit earlier than usual, getting #5 off to cub scout camp at 7:45. He was NOT happy to be going. There were some tears. I had time for duck duty before heading out to Zumba. I'd debated which class to hit, and ended up at MZL. Perhaps I should have hit the Sunset Ridge one. It's a bit further, but starts on time at 9:00. MZL is supposed to start at nine, but as I pulled into the church, they were directing us to another building as the floors had been refinished. I did go still, but class didn't start until 9:30, and I was a bit rushed. I had to clean up at home and head across town to a funeral. My cousin's little 10 year old daughter. She had been diagnosed with MLD, a progressive and terminal disease with no cure eight years ago. The life expectancy is generally only until about age five. With the great care from my cousin and her husband she certainly outlived all expectations, although it's been such a hard road for them! It was a touching service, and good to see all the extended family. We stayed afterward for the luncheon, so I was gone most of the day. I hadn't eaten anything before, so I didn't do too bad on calories for the day. 

0716(Thursday) Weight 164.1. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2669. Exercise Burn 850/905 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2250. Hubs was supposed to be heading home today, to arrive late tonight. But ... he decided to extend his stay and continue on to Barcelona with his brother. I must admit to feeling a bit down about it. Now his return date is Monday. I hit Zumba in the morning and got some elliptical in, but wasn't very motivated for much else. Evening Zumba class was cancelled. 

0717 (Friday) Weight 164.0. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2703. Exercise Burn 800/940 (40minElliptical, Zumba) Calories in 2000. Hit Zumba with Debbie in Daybreak. Some of the boys wanted to hit the rec center, but #4 didn't. I had been laughingly thinking we should get a kitten while Hubs was gone (he was on vacation the several months ago when we got our Oreo). Looking as I had a few days to work on acclimation and such, I did look up in the local classifieds and found some fairly close. #4 and I went to check them out ... and came home with a 6-week old kitten! All the boys are thrilled! Well ... not Oreo.

0718 (Saturday) Weight 163.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2943. Exercise Burn 850/1180 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2500. I was awake rather early, so I decided to hit Zumba over at USSD. I was the only one there, but the instructor was willing to go ahead, and I got good stats. Then #5 had a basketball game. It was the team they played twice last season and lost to both times ... but we won it this time. The boys were working together good. Maga came over with a couple cousins to check out the new kitten and play with cousins. A little (okay, a LOT) out of control on the empty calorie eating today.
 
0719 (Sunday) Weight 163.5. Bad Day.  Total Burn 2017. Exercise Burn 0/257 (no exercise). Calories in 2600. I did walk to/from church today, but that was my only "activity" ... New bishopric today. Croissants in the morning, and Sunday Circles after church. I made homemade chocolate frosty in the evening. Not a good eating day.

0720 (Monday) Weight 164.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2860. Exercise Burn 875, 1092 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2200. Hubs IS starting his return today. I hit Zumba in the morning. Southziders ... Nina was back! There had been a couple birthdays, so there was a little party after Zumba with some refreshments and visiting. Stopped at Kmart quick on the way home, grabbed some kitty litter with Fitstudio points. The boys had me drop them off at the rec center. Hubs was texting as he returned to the US, but in New Jersey, the customs and security lines were so long and slow that he missed his flight. He was able to get another one, to hopefully still connect with his final flight home, but then the flight was delayed and he missed the flight again. There weren't any other flights to Salt Lake that night, so ... another night alone!
 
0721 (Tuesday) Weight 163.6. Bad Day. Total Burn 2760. Exercise Burn 830, 999 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 3550.  My usual Zumba was taking this week off, so I hit a class in the Park Stake. I forgot to bring the DVDs to return to the library though, dang it. I ended up heading that way again, dropping #3 off to play basketball with his buddies, so I did it then. Hubs did finally make it back! Yea. He did run into work for a bit. I went completely overboard on empty calories, and then ended up making spaghetti for dinner, which added even more.
 
0722 (Wednesday) Weight 165.1 Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2777. Exercise Burn 940/1007(30minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 2000.  Hubs was off to work. I hit Zumba, did the one out at Sunset Ridge today. Got in some elliptical and bike. Dropped the boys off at the rec center. We were hit with quite a sudden storm. Wind and rain. #4 hadn't planned on going swimming, and with the rain, he called for a pickup. We did a quick stop at the Dollar Store (which was pushing it for the kid in the weather).  Hubs headed home for our anniversary dinner out (23 years) and was able to grab the kids on the way home, saving me another trip out. We went to Tepanyaki, then stopped at Kohls afterward (getting his ring finger sized as he has misplaced his ring, which I then found in his truck when we got home). I had anticipated dinner out, so I hadn't eaten much, and dinner wasn't too bad, so calories weren't horrible (although I did indulge in some sugar when we got home).

0723 (Thursday) Weight 164.7. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2937. Exercise Burn  1170/1100 (60minElliptical, Zumba).  Calories in 2300. The brakes on the truck have been squeaking, so #2 and I dropped it off at the mechanic, then I dropped him at the gym. I didn't know if I would have to pick him up, when the truck would be done to need to pick it up, I dropped the  younger boys at the gym and didn't know when they would be done ... it meant an unproductive day for me, because I'm like that. I didn't feel like I could commit to a longer workout, so I just didn't get much done. I fit in some elliptical throughout the day. We did get the truck and kids picked up. Had quite a bit of ducky time in the evening.

0724 (Friday) Weight 164.3. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2312. Exercise Burn 405/547 (40minElliptical) Calories in 2000. Here in Utah, the 25th of July is a state holiday. Hubs had the day off work. He had wanted to take the kids up to Park City, but #2 had work, and I didn't want him to miss the fun. We postponed that, and Hubs took the kids to Krispy Creme instead. It's been years since we'd gone, as they don't have one local any more. There is one in Orem, but that's about 30 minutes away. I elected to stay home, as I despise driving and thought I might avoid some temptation. Of course they brought some home ... of course I did really want them do. And of course I ate some. They are delicious donuts! Then Hubs took the kids to see the movie "Pixals" ... again I stayed home. I really haven't been in a movie mood lately. I hate just sitting for long, and again, hoping to avoid temptation of candy and popcorn. Plus, the movie didn't get a great review and that impacted me a bit too (I do regret not going to see "Inside Out" with the family a bit ago). And after all that, I still had popcorn! Later that night, as Hubs streamed the movie "Chef" (he'd watched it while traveling and thought I'd enjoy it). Yummy popcorn. I'd actually been quite controlled on calories during the day, so it didn't really push me over badly, even with minimal exercise today.

0725 (Satuday) Weight 164.9. Pretty Good Day. Total Burn 2475. Exercise Burn 650/707 (40minElliptical, 30minBike). Calories in 2000. The munchkin didn't have a game today because of the holiday weekend. I do love basketball but it's also nice to have the break every once in a while too. Mowed the lawn, ran to the store, got in some exercise. I've been enjoying my book, so I hit the bike today (unusual for a Saturday). #3 had been wanting French Dip for a while, so I made that for dinner. Corn on the cob too. Nice long duckie time in the evening. Still working on the kitty integration ... we've had the baby for a week now and still can't leave the two kitties together without them attacking each other. It's hard to tell what is play and what we need to break up. Kitten is quite a terror herself! We all have scratches! 

0726 (Sunday) Weight 164.4. Bad Day. Total Burn 2135. Exercise Burn 0/369 (no exercise). Calories in 2500. Hubs went into work this morning, still catching up on the backlog from his vacation. Without him around, I just didn't get to making our big breakfast. He's usually our waffle maker. I've been using a mix when he hasn't been around, but just didn't bother today. Save on calories anyway, right? I do like our tradition of a Sunday family breakfast though, I don't want to lose it. But today, we were planning on a barbeque in the evening, so there was still a big family meal. I walked to/from church ... that was my activity for the day. I grabbed a little nap, then prepped a bit (laying out rolls to rise, marinating the chicken). Hubs does most of the work for the BBQ. He makes the best mashed potatoes! He wraps filet mignon in bacon and it is perfect too. Everyone was stuffed. We had the inlaws over for dinner and visiting. Skookie for dessert. Over calories, especially with no exercise today. 

0727 (Monday) Weight 166. Good Day. Total Burn 3060. Exercise Burn 1100/1285 (40minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike, 10minWiiFit). Calories in 1400. Okay, there is a bit of a bump in the scale, not surprising, but motivating for my Monday morning. Hit some elliptical even before Zumba. Class was good. Quick stop at Kmart for Fitstudio points. Went in to grab some toilet paper, but ended up buying a TopsyTurvy kitty toy ... which neither cat seems very impressed with. Should have stuck with the TP. #5 had basketball practice in the evening, so they decided to hit the gym later in the day (around 5:30) and then just stay for the practice. This gave me some time during the day to hit my elliptical and bike without interruption. I also did a little Wii, getting a perfect score on the soccer heading and the number one spot on Skiing.  I packed a nice lunchbox, with drinks, grapes, granola bars, etc to fuel the boy while there were at the gym for a few hours ... and then we left it home on the counter. Oops. Daddy went and picked them up at 8:30 and stopped at Hot Dog on a Stick on the way home. I actually really kept calories in check today, while I still had sugar (of course) I did try to have some decent stuff (grapes, cheese). Felt like it was a successful day. 

0728 (Tuesday) Weight 163.5 Good Day. Total Burn 3097. Exercise Burn 1340/1337 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike, 45minWEIGHTS). Calories in 1900. Yea, happy with the weight drop from yesterday. If only that could be a permanent and daily thing for a while ;) But motivating for another good day. Started with Zumba, my close class, so I walked to and from. Got in elliptical, bike and WEIGHTS. It has been a while since I've done weights! Controlled calories too, so that when in the evening when Hubs suggested a family outing to Pretzel Maker, I actually joined the family and went along. I know I could just go and not partake, but where is the fun in that? Pretzle bites were very yummy, although as I was inputting into MFP, the entries there had a large listed with less calories than a small on another entry. Always estimations! It was a fun night, wandered to the Apple Store, then the bigger boys wanted a Blizzard from DQ (I had one bite of #2's cookie dough one). The younger boys were amazed to have Pretzel Maker, DQ, Chick-Fil-A and Hot Dog on a Stick all in one place! 

0729 (Wednesday) Weight 164.0. Bad Day. Total Burn 2950. Exercise Burn 1060/1187 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 3400. I was a bit disappointed when weight was up slightly. I know, it fluctuates, and I had eaten a salty pretzel late last night, but according to my estimates, I still should have had a large deficit for the day. Not sure if it was that, or just hunger after two low cal days, but I couldn't stop eating today. Grabbed a Little Debbie Nutty Bar in the morning, before Zumba ... nice breakfast, right? And the eating was downhill from there. Sugar, sugar, sugar. I got in Zumba and an hour on the elliptical, but my eating outdid my exercise. I had a bit of driving duty as well. #5 had been invited to a birthday party from a former neighbor who had now moved quite a ways away. So there was the drive to drop him off and pick him up. I took the other boys to/from the rec center. Hubs was out late going to a show with a friend. We had a bit of a duck situation too ... our biggest (the boy) duck flew over the fence into the neighbor's yard and didn't seem to know what to do. Luckily their dogs weren't out! #3 ended up having to go over, and walk him back to our backyard. We do want them to fly ... but we want them to be okay too, and are just not sure they are equipped to life in the wild. We really want to see our male get his colors too. All the ducks are tucked safely back in the pen for the night. I was absolutely exhausted tonight too. Usually Hubs always falls asleep before me, but not tonight! I was out!

0730 (Thursday) Weight 164.5. Good Day. Total Burn 3347. Exercise Burn 1330/1581 (40inElliptical, Zumba x2, 30minBike). Hubs started the day with a bike ride with my brother. Took a bit of a tumble too. I went to Zumba, and it was all Claudia this morning (although I did one song, as did Amanda and Silvia). It was fun to have Claudia again, she has such energy and enthusiasm. Huge smile all the time. The local kids were gathering for a youth conference kick-off, so we had to end right at 10:00, which meant class was a little short, as we'd started a bit late. I did an additional 10 minutes at home to round up my numbers/stats to a solid hour. Got in some elliptical and bike too. The kid's pass to the rec center had expired yesterday, but I figured it would be worth it to get another month pass, as we do have almost four weeks until school starts back up. They did go play basketball for a while ... the pool is closed this week for repairs, so no swimming. I had my evening Zumba class, and stopped for crazy bread on the way home. Hubs had let the ducks out and Alex had flown a large loop, and returned to the yard, albeit with a fairly rough landing! Other than the crash landing, that's what we would like. Stretch those wings! Even with indulging in a couple sticks of crazy bread, I kept calories in control today.
 
0731 (Friday) Weight 164.0 Okay Day. Total Burn 2692. Exercise Burn 1050/929 (50minElliptical, Zumba, 30minBike). Calories in 2600. Totally slept in this morning ... okay, I've been doing that almost every morning. It is going to be hard to go back to early rising when school starts back up.  I hit MZL for Zumba. The 9:00 class started at 9:20, and then they went straight into some numbers with tricky, changing steps instead of a warm-up. Twenty minutes in and my heart rate wasn't even over 100 yet. There has been a little gal with Downs Syndrome attending the classes, dancing along. Today, she was up on the stage, but there she wasn't dancing, and I'm sorry if it is politically incorrect, but it was quite distracting to me. She was often right in the way of the instructors, and they'd have to modify steps to avoid colliding. She wasn't dancing most of the time (which before when she has been on the floor she has seemed to move more) ... similar situation in Tuesday's class when a little girl went up to dance and talk with the instructor. Distracting. Between, that, the late start, the struggling with songs and steps, still feeling sore from Tuesday's workout, sleeping late ... and it just being Friday, I was actually surprised I even got the stats I did. I did manage to get in some elliptical and bike, which is more than I often do on unmotivated Fridays. Calorie intake though ... while not as bad as Wednesday, was not good today. Give me SUGAR!

WWI # 105 - Stuck

These last few weeks, the weigh-ins have been about the same. Small changes up and down but no real movement. I realized I hadn't updated my Weekly-WeighIns for a while (since April) and it was depressing to go enter the numbers from the past few months. To watch the slow but steady gain. Finally hitting the 160s the third week in June, and then a four pound jump the week after that. Then ... stuck. The numbers haven't been going up any more, but they are not going down either.

I did TRY this week, or at least I felt like I did. I upped the exercise. I did control calories ... at least for a few of the days (Mon/Tues/Thursday were very good days). Not sure what happened on Wednesday. I went a little crazy. Maybe the closest thing to a binge I've done. I just could not stop myself from eating. So, NUMBERS ... weekly weight was down .3, but the average was up .27. Average daily intake was 2157, and the average daily burn was 2768. This resulted in a deficit of 1285 for the week. Happy it's a deficit, but I need to get it to at least 3500 to match "lose a pound" numbers. Here's a quick recap ...

• Friday (0724): A holiday here in Utah. Hubs had the day off and took the kids for donuts. I tried to avoid temptation by staying home, but they brought back. You know I wanted them to. Krispy Creme. Yummy. Because I ate donuts I tried not to eat much else. Hubs took the kids to see Pixals. I ended up having popcorn that night as we watched "Chef" at home. Not very motivated today ... just 40min on the elliptical.
• Saturday (0725): Got in 40min on the elliptical, 30min on the bike, and mowed the lawn.  Hit the grocery store too.  No basketball game this week because of the holiday. . There were some leftover donuts, but not anymore. French Dip for dinner, which I don't really like (I'll sneak a little roast beef) and I actually did keep calories in check at 2000. 
• Sunday (0726): Hubs headed into work, trying to catch up after his vacation. With him gone, and anticipating a BBQ for dinner, we didn't do our usual Sunday Circle breakfast. I walked to/from church, but that was it for "exercise" (if you can even call it that). Had the inlaws over, with yummy mashed potatoes, rolls, marinated chicken and steak ... with Skookie for dessert. Hard not to go over on calories, especially with low activity.
• Monday (0727): Ok, ready to get back at it! Started the day with Zumba, got in 40min elliptical, 30min bike and even a little WiiFit. Kept calories in check too. Duckie duty, took the kids to the gym for some basketball time (the pool is closed this week) and #5 had basketball practice in the evening. Monday's we hear from our missionary too (and I update his blog). Kept calories in check at 1400.
• Tuesday (0728): Happy with the drop in weight after my good day yesterday, motivated me to be good today. Zumba, elliptical, bike and WEIGHTS. It's been a while since I've done them. Again, kept calories in check (1900) even with going with the family to Pretzel Maker in the evening.
• Wednesday (0729): Didn't sleep well last night, my legs were aching after the workout. Grabbed a Little Debbie Nutty bar before Zumba, and my eating went downhill from there. I just could not stop. I just wanted sugar. It was pretty bad, as I do have a ton of stuff around. Not quite as motivated for fitness either, although I did get in an hour of elliptical in addition to my Zumba. I did have to spend a bit of time shuttling kids around today (#5 had a birthday party, the other boys went to the gym).
• Thursday (0730): Trying to shake off the uncontrolled eating from yesterday. Zumba in the morning, 40min of elliptical, 30min bike, and then my evening Zumba class. I did my usual stop at Little Caesars on the way home, grabbing some crazy bread. I did have a couple sticks, but I had keep calories in control enough that I was still under 2000 for the day.

Am I just a corn on the cob snob?

I NEVER would have picked the middle corn 

stuck in the middle, out of sight!

Me and kitten ...
STILL working on integrating the two kitties!

 Worms! These are mealworms, and of course they arrived during the day when Hubs wasn't home so I had to deal with them (transfer them from the box into smaller containers with oat bran. This did involve TOUCHING then a bit, luckily the boys helped out). I do NOT like mealworms (treats for the duckies), I'm better with earthworms ... good thing I guess, as the day before these grubs came, I received a package of them and had to prep soil and such for them!

Speaking of the duckies ...

Duckies take flight! They have been flying across the yard for a bit now. We weren't sure if they would fly, one being a domestic duck, and considering how very well fed they are (fat duckies). Will they fly away at some point? #daddysduckies

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on Jul 27, 2015 at 6:04pm PDT

A day or so after I took this video, the boys and I were letting the duckies out of the pen for their evening outdoor time. It was all similar to this ... except when Alex (the biggest one, the male) flew over the fence into the neighbor's yard. Luckily, their dogs weren't out. I was hoping he'd just fly back, but he just sat there looking confused. We had to go into the yard and walk him back to ours. The night after that, he took flight again, making a wide circle in the sky and returning to our backyard (and a rather rough landing, still working on those!). Unsure about what the future holds for our flying feathered friends ...

So, back to the WEIGHT issue. Obviously it's the eating. I know this. I just have NO cravings for "good" food whatsoever. Really. I see healthy eaters post stuff all the time, things they rave about, and for me? It's stuff I'd have to be starving to eat (and I'm just talking normal stuff like smoothies and salads and such, not even any of the "out there" stuff). I admit it. I'm not normal. I've got Eating Issues. I guess what frustrates me is that this is nothing new ... I've been successful in spite of it all, it just doesn't seem to be working anymore. And then I get frustrated and eat ice cream out of the container ...

Another Achievemint Update

Time for a quick Thrifty Thursday post, and another Achievemint update. It was quite a while ago that I first mentioned Achievemint (my Reaping the Rewards post was back in Aug of 2013). I then did an  Achievemint Update in January of 2014 after receiving my first payout. I mentioned Achievemint again in a general review of  the programs I was still participating in (Fitness Rewards), that update verifying I had received another $50 payout. *Ü*

But alas ... I guess MY Achievemint journey is done. Originally, there was no mention of limits on payouts, but I always thought it was too good to be true if it went on indefinitely.  After my sister got a Fitbit, and I recommended my favorite fitness reward programs,  she told me she had attempted to sign up with Achievemint, but was told that they were full, only accepting applications for the waiting list. 

It didn't really surprise me when, having achieved another $50 payout last month, when I also received an email saying I had reached the $100 threshold (I actually earned a bit more than the $100, but they still honored my current earning goal until the reward was earned). My father also reached his threshold, as did my son. So we three have been kicked off ... hopefully three people on the waiting list have now been welcomed into the program. 

Happily, all of our last payouts were quite prompt as well. They sent a GiftRocket gift e-card, which is easily redeemable (I just had it deposited in my Paypal account). 

I just thought, as I've posted about Achievemint several times, I should add this information in a final update. I'll actually still be monitoring Achievemint, as I still have a son in the program, and my mother is still on it as well. Hubs is on the waiting list. While there were a few bumps along the way, it's really a "no risk" reward program ... and I earned quite a bit. Thanks Achievemint!

Our Fitbit Family Saga

So last week Hubs was taking the boys out for a bit (Mommy alone time ... ahhhh) when I received a text from Hubs ...

#3's Fitbit Flex ... just the band, without the small Fitbit device in it. I quickly checked the charger in his room, and there it was, with it's little lights a glowing. That's better than being lost, but #3 was bummed about missing out on his steps that morning.

As we are a Fitbit Family,  there is generally enough happening in any given month, that I thought maybe I'd try to make this a monthly installment. Check back, we'll see how that goes.

#3 (my 14-year old) was the last one in the family to get a Fitbit. He didn't really even want one, but I wanted him to have one. He actually wasn't crazy about wearing it. He had a One, clipped to his shorts, and he'd complain that he'd bump it with his hand and it would be uncomfortable. He said he wasn't allowed to wear it during his basketball games (although #2 always wears his, out of sight so no one says a thing). 

When Hubs decided to invest in the Surge, I figured I'd switch out the #3's One for a Flex. He did seem slightly interested in trying the wrist one (originally purchased for #1 son almost a year ago before he decided he'd rather have a clip on version). It's been a pretty good match for him. I even invested in some additional bands (you can get them in a gazillion colors/patterns on Amazon or Ebay) and some of the "protector" bands to keep it on more securely. 

If you read the Surge post, you know Hubs ended up returning it. I had actually passed the One onto the 9-year old (replacing his Zip) and he was NOT about to swap back. He liked the One. So ... Hubs got the Zip. It is actually a good fit for Hubs though. He wasn't wearing it bed to track sleep, didn't really care about stairs, and not having to constantly recharge the battery is a win for him.

I ended up buying another Zip too, because #2 lost his One. He'd been playing basketball in a tournament, and later realized it was missing (the clip was still there, just no One in it, it got sweaty and slipped out).  I told him he should have at least tried using the BTLExplorer app (Fitbit Finder) but alas he had not. I just picked up the least expensive option for him, as it's mainly just steps he's counting as well. 

So that's the family Fitbit saga from the past few months ... #2 and Hubs have achieved the number one spot recently. I'm slipping!