Weekly Weigh-In #299 (174.8)

I must admit, I was a little disappointed this week. After an original scale slide at the start of the week, it bopped back up again and stayed there. This was a good week. On schedule. Trying Intermittent Fasting, 16:8. Eating and exercise weren't perfect, but weren't bad, so the scale getting stuck was a bit frustrating. 

 

NUMBERS: Official weight up half a pound. Average was down a quarter pound. I did have a deficit for the week (-2377) with three days under goal. Average intake 2000. Average Burn 2790. Three 3000+ burn days, two 30k days. Step average 22408 with 52.81 logged miles. Cardio minutes 746/1040/950/1416 and 45min w/Weights.

10k difference for seven-day steps, in my One worn on the hip, and my Versa on my wrist. My old Charge2 worn on my torso was between the two. Got all the boys on deck this week. #2 topped 100k, and #5 and #3 were close. #5 doesn't wear his Fitbit during basketball games, and he had two. He also usually charges on Sunday, and misses out on those steps, so I think my ColtBolt really hit 100k also. Happy to have my #4 get some steps. Honestly, not all were "steps" per se. The boys got a new virtual reality video game (Beat Saber ... a little like Guitar Hero./Just Dance. Lots of arm movements), but he sure works up a sweat, and it is activity, so I'll take it. 

EXERCISE: Got my hour of elliptical in Mon-Fri, five of the seven days. Treadmill time four days, with double duty one day. Four Zumba classes, and a little on my own. On weight workout. OTHER ACTIVITIES:  Driving, low, but still my homebody high. Got my hair done, looong appointment. Two basketball games for #5. Some family time, out to eat with #1, wife and my folks. The usual grocery shopping, and a fast food run for some Popeyes. And I have a Hubs and five boys, but I mow the lawn, because I like mowing the lawn! Get in some steps and sunshine and the smell of fresh cut grass.   Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0422) Back to the school schedule after Spring Break. I was awake early ... 4:00. Got in my hour of elliptical, Zumba w/Kirsten and a little on my own. Two miles treadmill and I mowed the front lawn.  The boys have been enjoying their new "Beat Saber" video game. Made chicken pillows for dinner. Kept calories low, even with my stop at the store and clearance candy purchases. Got in yesterday's GOT. Steps 33419. Burn 3298. Intake 1300. 
• Tuesday (0423) Hour of elliptical, Zumba at the church, two treadmill times. Had to Uber #1 to/from work to a dental appointment as he and his wife are a one car family at the moment. Hubs had a derby up North that he went to straight from work. 32689 steps. 3160 burn. 2100 intake. 
• Wednesday (0424)  Hubs was up uber early, and then had to stay late for another derby. My exercise was the usual ... hour of elliptical, Zumba, two miles treadmill. Got all the Easter decor and such put away. My folks and #1 and wife were going to dinner and invited me along, so I went. Haven't been out to eat in a long time. Braza Grill, it was good. Eating was over. 26418 steps. 2947 burn. 2700 intake. 
• Thursday (0425) Weight was up! In addition to my usual exercise (hour of elliptical, Zumba and treadmill time) I got in a session with weights. Planned on walking during #5's basketball practice in the evening, but he ended up being able to get a ride, so I had the evening off. Kept eating in check. Cleaning day. Having some tooth trouble :( 27537 steps. 3014 burn. 1500 intake.
• Friday (0426) Just my hour of elliptical for exercise. Friday's are always a bit off schedule, and I was feeling my weight workout from yesterday. #3 had gone to see "Endgame" last night (or early this morning) and #1 was taking the littles late tonight... except #4 didn't end up going.  Got in a little lawn mowing (front again), although the weather turned and I got sprinkled on. Saving the back for tomorrow. Dropped off #5 to get a ride to practice, just to find out the college was booked ... so no practice. Hubs on his way home and nearby, so he grabbed the boys and brought them home. 17736 steps. 2520 burn. 1900 intake. 
• Saturday (0427) Started the day stressing when I found out #4 hadn't gone to the movie. He had been SO excited about it. Not sure if it was a depressive episode, or just too tired (movie didn't start until 11:30, uggg, way past MY bedtime) ... but he had a nap earlier. He's always tired :( Anyway, some stress eating. He said he was fine, just tired. But now, when will he see it and who will he see it with? Hubs went into work, but ended up coming back home as the internet was out. Got the back lawn mowed. Some ducky time ... Hubs had ordered mealworms. Hubs made steak for dinner, I added Brazilian Cheese Rolls. #5 had two games, at 7:00 and 8:00. Won the first, lost the second. Then he had a sleepover with a couple teammates.  Hubs was already asleep when I got back. No official exercise today. 10259 steps. 2365 burn. 2600 intake. 
• Sunday (0428) No exercise today either. Started the day with family breakfast. Nice weather outside again. Hubs and #2 and I tackled the trampoline in the back. The old basketball stand too. It had been great for the boys for a while, but was a little ratty, had a hole, and all the birds in the neighborhood love to land on it. Bird poop everywhere. So ... time for it to be gone. A neighbor took all the metal (from the tramp and stand) for scrap, and Hubs took what was left to a work dumpster. A little less shelter for the ducks, but more open space. My SIL Olivia had me scheduled to come in Thursday to do my hair (blondify me) but said she had some time tonight, and I felt like that would work better. Headed over at 5:30 ... didn't get home until 10:30! Hubs was asleep again. GOT will have to wait until tomorrow.  9065 steps. 2224 burn. 1900 intake.

*** What I Watched While Working Out ***

Three movies this week. I'd heard a lot of buzz about Crazy Rich Asians (2018, IMDB 7.0) when it was in theaters. It landed on HBO this week, so I watched. It was cute. I'd loved the first Pitch Perfect, the second ... not so much, enough that I hadn't really had much interest in the third installment (2017, IMDB 5.8). But, I noticed it was leaving HBO at the end of April, so, I figured I'd give it a try. I think maybe I liked it better than the second one ... or I was just more accepting of the ridiculousness. Finally, Mean Girls (2004, IMDB 7.0). Not a rewatch for me, this was my first viewing. I know, it's an iconic one everyone is supposed to know everything about. I'd just never seen it. Now I'll be able to get all the references out there.  I was sad there wasn't a new Grey's Anatomy this week. I finished up "The Last Ship" ... season five, which was the series end as well. I liked it a lot. Noticed "Humans" season three is now streaming on Amazon, so that's next on my list. 

Five Featured Photos

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A post shared by JenB (@jenbsjourney) on Apr 26, 2019 at 11:34am PDT

The boys and their new "Beat Saber" game ... 

#2 practicing his electrician skills, switching out a smoke detector. 

 Being blondified ...

 

The lilacs are starting to bloom!

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A post shared by JenB (@jenblackham) on Apr 27, 2019 at 3:41pm PDT

Lucky ducks ... Hubs bought them some mealworm treats!

Weekly Weigh-In #298 (174.3) Spring Break and Easter

Up a little this week. But ... it was Spring Break for the boys. No school, so no school schedule. Sleeping in. No early hour of elliptical. In fact, I only hit my hour of elliptical one day this week. Treadmill time was down, but Zumba was up. With no late-start drop-off, I was able to go to a Friday class. No weights or bike.  It was Easter also. Two family gatherings and lots of treats.  So, not the best for food or fitness.  I'll accept the .5 up.

Weekly steps and stats ...

NUMBERS: Up half a pound for the official weigh-in. Average up a bit more (.81).  Only had a deficit one day, one day under goal. Average intake was 2329. Average burn was 2715. An overage for the week of 255.  Step average was 19939 with 44.65 logged miles. Cardio minutes 701/825/905/1381. 

 

Not only were my numbers down (other than sleep, which I got a little more of than usual) I was a little off on my Fitbitting too. I forgot my One one morning as I hit Zumba and the store, missing out on 8000 or so steps. Then I left it off one night, missing out on the sleep tracking. Then I forgot my Charge2 another day (again for Zumba and a store stop), having put it on the charger for a quick recharge, then leaving the house without it. Usually I'm a little more on top of things (including keeping my devices charged and ready).    

The two littles didn't make it onto the chart again. #5 was close, with 43k, and he doesn't wear his Fitbit during his basketball games, and then forgets to put it back on, and forgets to sync. #4 ... hasn't been moving much, or wearing his Fitbit.

Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0415) Spring break. Sleep in! Just two elliptical sessions and Zumba w/Kirsten for my exercise. Rainy day put me in a baking/cooking mood. Made scones for the kids, then turned the rest of the dough into cinnamon rolls. Meatball subs for dinner. Cool Whip dessert for after. Aunt Olivia stopped by and took #3 and #5 (#4 didn't want to go) to a nearby trampoline park. #4 and I worked on a school assignment ... due today, on break! Steps 18831. Burn 1699. Intake 2400.
• Tuesday (0416) Actually got my hour of elliptical in today, the only day this week. Zumba over at the church, and a little over two miles on the treadmill. Turned on "Glory Road" hoping #4 would get interested ... it IS about basketball, and also about "privilege" which was the topic of yesterday's school assignment.  More rain. More baking ... made chocolate chip cookies. Steps 27389. Burn 2997. Intake 2500.
• Wednesday (0417) Hubs hasn't been sleeping well, and it was an especially bad night. He was up and off uber early (like 1:00). I got in a couple elliptical sessions and Zumba w/MZL. Also some additional practice on my own, while #3 and friends were in the home gym. Grocery shopping, and then organizing getting everything away. Finally a beautiful day with sunshine! #2 had a basketball game, and #3 was filling in and playing too, so I went along and watched my big boys play! Hubs prepped a brisket before bed, and had it on the smoker during the night (which required some night checking from him ... so sleep was still not happening). Steps 24405. Burn 2966. Intake 2300.
• Thursday (0418) I've been asking the boys if they want to do anything, and have encouraged #4 to invite friends over, but they've just been lazing around all day. Today I switched up my Zumba and went to Prairie Stake, as Kirsten was subbing and had asked if I'd help. She ended up not coming, and Heather B was there to teach. She's a fun one and I was happy to dance with her, and she still had me do some (I was fine with whatever). A stop at the library and Smiths on the way home. Cleaning day. I mowed the front lawn. Two elliptical sessions. #5 had practice in the evening, and I walked the track while I waited. I was sure Hubs would be asleep before I got back, but he wasn't, and we even got an episode of "Mad Men" in. Steps 30440. Burn 3136. Intake 1900. 
• Friday (0419) I got to hit Zumba on a Friday! Fun! Also ellipticalled while I caught last night's "Grey's Anatomy" episode. Mowed the back lawn, trimming and edging too. Dropped #5 off for practice and helped #4 with another school assignment.  Made Swig cookies. Steps 23106. Burn 2786. Intake 2300. 
• Saturday (0420) Fairly busy day. Started off with two and half miles on the treadmill. We had an Easter party with my side in the afternoon. Usually I bring the eggs, but my mom said she'd handle it ... not many littles to be looking for them. I packed up a basket with a bunch of little games and "ears" for pictures. I'd frosted the Swig cookies from yesterday and prepped them to take. We were there for a couple hours, then had to hurry home, as #5 had two basketball games. We just barely had time for him to change and he and I were off again.  They won both. I spaced of "bunny" duties until after I retired to bed, but figured I'd beat the boys up in the morning. Steps 14280. Burn 2404. Intake 1900. 
• Sunday (0421) Up early to be the Easter bunny. Very low key, just some candy and little toys. While I waited for the boys to wake, I started on roll dough. Made half into orange rolls, and have into regular dinner rolls. Also made jello cubes and Cool Whip dessert and rice krispie treats ... all for the family party (Hub's side) later in the day. Hubs smoked a ham. We still did breakfast, accented with Easter candy. I stayed pretty busy prepping and attempting to keep the kitchen cleaned up as I went along. We headed out and stayed a couple hours there. I could tell #4 was done, so we headed home. We'd missed #1 and wife, who didn't come, and #3 who had to work. No exercise today. My Versa steps were quite a bit higher than my One ... 9240 steps (14702 on Versa, usually lower!). Burn 2339. Intake ... 3000. Oops, over. Hubs totally bagged his diet for the day too.

***What I Watched While Working Out *** With Spring Break, sleeping in and being off schedule, I figured my gym time would be limited. I didn't commit to any movies this week. Watching "The Last Ship" which I've recorded off Hulu with my PlayOn service (so I can skip commercials). Most days, I just watched one episode (two 20min elliptical sessions). 

*** Five Featured Photos ***

 Jumping with cousins on Monday ...

 My two big basketball boys ... they won!

 Walking the track while waiting during #5's practice on Thursday. 

My one 30k day for this week. 

 My bunny boys ...

My big boys and their love bunnies! ♥

No excuses ... holiday and Spring Break behind us, I should be back on track now!

TV Tuesday - Originals ala Amazon/Netflix

Time for a TV Tuesday

In previous TV Tuesdays, I posted about some "Originals" that I really enjoyed. Amazon's "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "The OA" and "Travelers" from Netflix.  I'm pretty patient, but had my eye on when these second (third for Travelers) seasons hit streaming. Then there were some new additions I tried out too. All watched while working out ... some motivated me more than others.

• Travelers: I'd watched the first season back in 2017 when it aired (on Netflix, originally a Canadian production) and really liked it. Definitely ended up in the air, so I was anxious for season two. It didn't start streaming until a year later (Spring 2018). I remember I had to rewatch the final episode of season 1 to remind myself what had been happening. I didn't have to wait as long for the third, and final, season, which posted Dec2018. I didn't get to it immediately (as I had to finish up what I was currently watching) but it was at the top of my list. It was nice that it had complete closure to finish up the series. I was happy with it. 
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: I'd adored the first season of this Amazon original. It was another one that jumped right to the top of my "to watch" list as soon as it was streaming. I really enjoyed it again, and will watch more as it comes out.
• The OA: Like Travelers, this was another Supernatural Show that I watched way back in 2017. It took quite a while for this "Part II" to come about. Honestly, as much as I'd loved the original season, I wasn't at all sure where/how it would continue on. And well ... this second installment was WEIRD. I still liked it. I think. I didn't understand a lot (most) of it, but it kept my interest and got me back to the gym for another workout/episode.
• Homecoming: This one was pushed quite a bit by Amazon ... it took me a little while to get to it, as the previews didn't really capture my interest. I like Julia Roberts though, and when I didn't have anything in particular on my list, I gave this a try. Pretty slow. It was interesting. Some unique presentations (between the past and the present and the size of the screen). Overall I think I liked it, but it wasn't one I felt inclined to get in extra exercise because I couldn't wait for the next episode. I wasn't sorry when it was done.
• The Order: I'm into paranormal, so this seemed like it would be up my alley. It was a little (maybe a lot) over the top for me though. I finished the season, and might even watch more... maybe...  we'll see.  Definitely ended up in the air. 
• BodyGuard: Not really an "original" ... and only six episodes. I always have subtitles on anyway, but they were needed here, with the strong accents. I was caught off guard at some points in this short series. I liked it. Didn't love it. 

As the streaming services compete with the cable companies, they push the rating limits. I think these were all TV-MA, some with more language/sex than others. Enough that I'm never sure I can recommend them to my more straight laced family and friends ;)

Weekly Weigh-In #297 (173.8)

 Well, stayed exactly the same this week. At least for the official Monday morning step on the scale. I was able to hit a few lower marks, so the average went down a little. Need to be able to keep those for the official weigh-in, then drop out of the 170s. Changing that middle number ... Overall though, it was an active week. Better for fitness than for food, although eating was never completely out of control. Here are the Fitbit stats.

 NUMBERS: Official weight stayed the same, with the average dropping a bit (-.8 to 172.63).  Four days with a deficit, three days under goal. Average intake was 2171. Average Burn 2827. Deficit for the week (-2073).  Three days 3000+ burn/30k days. Step average 24491 with 63.15 logged miles. Cardio minutes 864/1117/1062/1407 and 45 min w/weights.

EXERCISE: Got in my hour of elliptical five days, and had one additional day with 40min. Five days with treadmill time, one with double duty, and then some track time on Thursday. Four Zumba classes. No bike. One weight workout.  

Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0408) Hour of elliptical, Zumba and two times on the treadmill. Kept calories in check too ... so I should be skinny by tomorrow, right? 32782 steps. 3139 burn. 1650 intake. 
• Tuesday (0409) And #4 is sick. Again. Hour of elliptical, Zumba and one treadmill time. Weather was so nice yesterday, but cold front coming in. 28715 steps. 2998 burn. 2300 intake.
• Wednesday (0410) With the wet weather, the worms were out, and I gathered some for the ducks. Lots of squats! Hour of elliptical, Zumba and a treadmill time. Store stop for groceries and gas.  After school, it was registration for #4 ... stressful two minutes! We got the classes he wanted, but some friends didn't move quick enough. 31471 steps. 3182 burn. 1950 intake.
• Thursday (0411) Hour of elliptical, Zumba, one treadmill time, WEIGHTS, and then jogged/walked the track in the evening at #5's basketball practice. Cleaning and lawn care came today. Hubs and #3 did a derby. 36342 steps. 3389 burn. 1800 intake. 
• Friday (0412) Late start, no Zumba. Got in my hour of elliptical and one mile treadmill. Made soup and breadsticks. Cinnamon rolls too. No practice tonight for #5. 18577 steps. 2563 burn. 2700 intake. 
• Saturday (0413) Started the day with two miles on the treadmill. Hubs ran into work, then had a derby. #5 had two games. Got the lawn mowed. 12958 steps. 2252 burn. 2500 intake. 
• Sunday (0414) Two 20min sessions on the elliptical for exercise. Big breakfast, and hubs made tri-tip for dinner. I added cheddar biscuits and steamed veggies. Hubs and I did watch the latest GOT. 10594 steps. 2265 burn. 2300 intake. 

***What I Watched While Working Out ***

Three movies ... a WW2 tale, a post-apocalyptic horror, and a "based on a true story" type. The Debt (2010, IMDB 6.9) was okay. It was one that as the end rolled around, I thought "why did they tell this story?"  I'd heard a lot of buzz about A Quiet Place (2018. IMDB 7.6) when it was in theaters. The kids went to see it. I was interested in it, then ... I heard spoilers, and, well, it spoiled it for me. I was no longer willing to pay to go see it, but figured I'd wait until it was streaming. It was good. I liked it, even knowing the spoiler. I had seen Invictus (2009. IMDB 7.3) before, but noticed it was on the "leaving soon" list on HBO, so I figured I'd give it a quick watch again. I really liked it, and it went along with some of the stuff my #4 has been studying in school.  My non-movie workout time was my weekly "Grey's Anatomy" and season 4 of "The Last Ship) which I finished up on Sunday. On to the next season, which just hit Hulu. 

Five Featured Photos ...

 Tulips

 A neighbor's kitty passed away (15 years old) and she didn't want their extra supplies to go to waste, so she brought them to us. Our kitties said thank you.

School assignment for #4 ... culture of you

A few weeks ago I posted an 82° gym temp.
This 70° was MUCH better!
A little cool for me, but I'm sure the basketball boys appreciated it!

Saturday night smores.

Epic Eight by James Maxwell

Time for a Recent Reads post ...

I had a three month Kindle Unlimited deal, and I was trying to "read" books that had audio options also. Because I can multi-task ... listen while driving, cleaning, mowing the lawn, etc., I can get through more books than I would otherwise. I listened, and loved, both of these four-book epic fantasy sets by James Maxwell. Narrated by Simon Vance.

 I started with The Evermen Saga ... I love the consistency of the covers.

The first book is 600+ pages. The others are around 500 pages each.

We are first introduced to the Alturans, land of the enchanters (other Houses are elementalists, illusionists, animators, builders, sailors, artificers, cultivators). We follow Ella and her quest to become an Enchantress, and her brother Miro, as he becomes a Bladesinger. Listening, at first I wondered if the narrator had said "Bladeswinger or Bladeslinger" but no ... singer. The magic is done with runes and then chanting/singing to activate the spells. In addition to a "Zenblade" (I'm thinking a little like a lightsaber) they have Armorsilk, a thinner, but enchanted covering. Depending on which spells they envoke, the armor can become stronger for protection against attack, or allow flexibility, shed rain/head, or even camouflage them with invisibility. Kind of cool. I love the imagination of authors! Of course these warriors need to be singing most of the time to keep the spells up. A little hard to do when fighting and running. There are TONS of enchanted things. Small lighters, lamps, little prismatic orbs (bombs). A touch of steampunk with dirigibles and mechanical creatures. A "drudge" pulling carts, golems that glow, colossus, woodmen/ironmen, and a sacred book for each house, the "Lexicon" which fuels all the magic, and must be renewed to keep it all going. There are epic battles in each installment while coming to the final conclusion.

While the author included a map at the beginning of the book (obviously not something that could be captured in the audio edition ... so I was very glad that Kindle Unlimited allows for both the digital download in addition to the audio. I did refer to the map, and the text, numerous times during the book). I would have appreciated somewhere having a list of all the houses, their specialty/color/symbol, maybe a list of characters that I could reference to remind myself who was who.

This had a bit of a "Lord of the Rings" or "Game of Thrones" feel to the expansive world. I haven't read those books, but have watched the movies/series. In addition to the broad scope of the storyline and the many characters and fantasy feel, there were other parallels. The "living" trees, an army of the dead, etc ...

I devoured these books. I listened whenever I could, and read when I could.  I was sad when it all ended. All the names had become second nature by the time I finished the fourth book. The narrator was excellent, and his refined accent added ambience to the fantasy feel. 

I saw there was a second quartet by the same author.
The Shifting Tides series.

While a similar set-up with the map, this was a completely different world.  

This series started with a bit more of a historical, rather than fantasy, feel. While not placed in ancient Greece, this setting seemed very similar. From the very title of the book, to names of the people (ie Aristocles), and names of places (Phalesia, Sarcican Sea, Temple of Aeris, Gates of Annika), to Greek words like lyceum and agora, and then there's the oracle, and many references to "the gods" ...

... of course, there were dragons. And giants, and serpents, and ogres, merfolk and furies. So, there's the fantasy. These creatures are actually people/shifters, the eldran. If they stay too long in one of these forms, they "lose" themselves and become wild (wildren) and attacks by wildren have strained relations between eldran and humans. There is also magic tied to metals...thus the theme of the titles. Again, wonderful consistency of covers!

I'd become so entrenched in the world of the Evermen, I wasn't sure I was going to like this new series as much. And I don't think I did to start. But then, I was finishing up the fourth book and again I had fallen in love with the world and the characters, and again, was sad to say goodbye. 

These books were also around 500 pages each. While I love reading, and I'm a fast reader, I just don't know how long it would have taken me to get through these two series if I hadn't had the audio option.  

You can check out my Good Reads profile ... sh(e)reader ... for more in depth reviews on each on of these books, and my other recent reads.  

Weekly Weigh-In #296 (173.8)

Well, up a smidgen, but I'm okay with that, considering it wasn't a wonderful week and it ended with uber eating Sunday night, right before Monday weigh-in. I'm glad it wasn't worse! As per usual, I started off the week well. Monday and Tuesday were good for both eating and exercise. I even did weights. Sometimes I'm not sure if that's a good idea so early in the week. Then I'm a bit sore, and it impacts my activity and motivation Wed/Thurs. If I do weights Thursday or Friday, I'm already wimpy on the weekends and it probably won't affect me much. There's been some continued stress (#4, school and scheduling), non-sleeping. After those first couple days, it went downhill ...

NUMBERS: Official weight up .4. Average weight down a tiny bit (-.24).  Only two days with a deficit, also only two days under goal. Average intake 2279. Average Burn 2725. Itty bitty deficit for the week (-100). Two days with 3000+ burn, and 30k days. Step average 20873 with 48.83 logged miles. Cardio minutes 699/861/809/1080 with 45min w/Weights. 

Here's how MeX3 and the family stacked up our steps ...
I need to get my SuperCoop moving more ... and wearing his Fitbit more.

EXERCISE: Only on the elliptical five days this week, and only achieved my hour three of those days. Treadmill time four days, one day with double duty. Zumba four days. No bike this week, but I did do weights once.  OTHER ACTIVITIES: Driving was down, grocery shopping was up. One basketball game. Lawn mowing and a pizza run ... Here's the day by day:

• Monday (0401) Bad night.  I managed to get my hour of elliptical in, Zumba w/Kirsten and some additional practice on my own. One treadmill time. Store stop. Marinated chicken and had Hubs BBQ it when he got home. Homework help with #4. 28807 steps. 3070 burn. 1700 intake. 
• Tuesday (0402) Another bad night. Elliptical in, Zumba, an hour on the treadmill (got distracted by my movie) and even did weights. Homework help with #4 after school.  Hubs and #5 did a derby and #3 answered his upcoming dance date. 30027 steps. 3060 burn. 2400 intake. 
• Wednesday (0403) Bad night. Again. So stressed about #4 and school and schedules and such.  Hour of elliptical, Zumba w/MZL and two miles treadmill. Glad I got it all in early, as #3 and a friend went to workout after school. Stop at Smiths to pick up prescriptions.  Steps 28067. Burn 2948. Intake 1700. 
• Thursday (0404) My bad nights generally have been me waking up around 3:00 and not being able to get back to sleep. Last night, I couldn't get to sleep. Felt sick, stuffed up, tickle in my throat. Slept in a little. No elliptical in early ... or at all. Still hit Zumba. Mowed the front lawn. Hubs and #3 did a derby. #5 normally has practice, but we had been given the night off. Stress eating! 16356 steps. 2483 burn. 2900 intake. 
• Friday (0405) Just 40min elliptical today ... catching last night's "Grey's Anatomy". Stopped at a store after dropping the boys off. Case lot sale. Spent some time getting everything in and organized and put away. #5 had practice tonight. #3 had his dance date. 16465 steps. 2655 burn. 2050 intake. 
• Saturday (0406) Hard time getting to sleep (some snoring) and then awake in the night. Again. Got a couple elliptical sessions in. The boys got much needed haircuts. More homework help. #5 had a basketball game with a pizza party afterward. 13226 steps. 2441 burn. 2200 intake. 
• Sunday (0407) We had our big family breakfast. French dip for lunch and Hubs sous vide steaks for dinner. Then, we had double chocolate fountains and a gathering (official meeting of #2's girlfriend's family). 13164 steps. 2421 burn. 3000 intake. 

*** What I Watched While Working Out ***

Three movies this week ... no big action/drama, but Disney and musicals! I remember being aware of "Saving Mr. Banks"  (2013. 7.5 IMDB) when it was out, but had never gotten around to seeing it. I noticed it was streaming on Netflix now, so, there we go. I liked it a lot. Love Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson. Not really a huge Mary Poppins far, but have seen it (it's been a while) and it was enough to connect. Got a full hour of treadmill time in when watching, when I'd really thought I'd just do two miles, but then missed my mark (I was distracted by the dancing) and just stayed on until the end. I'd seen the first Mama Mia in theaters (with my mama no less) and liked it a lot. I'd had my eye on this sequel (2018. IMDB 6.8), but as I don't really hit theaters much anymore, and this really wouldn't have been one Hubs would have been interested in, I was waiting for it to hit a streaming service. I appeared on HBO this past week, and only my  playlist too. I liked it.  Then back to the Disney idea, with Christopher Robin (2018. 7.3). I had perhaps seen a preview. I didn't think this would really be my cup of tea ... but it was wonderful. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this newer realistic animation style, but it worked. Loved the familiar voices for the characters (having had the cartoons on for the kids a lot in younger years). Loved the storyline. Thumbs up!  As for series (filling in after movies and on days when I wasn't in the gym for a full two hours) ... started the Amazon original "Hannah" but haven't finished up episode one. Looking at Hulu (which I only have for a year on a $1 a month deal) I figured I'd watch "The Last Ship" ... I'd seen the first three seasons, so started season four. And "Greys" of course ...

Five Featured Photos ...

 #3 off to the dance ... no, they didn't really take the Segway. 

Yes, we do actually own a Segway.

 Pizza party after the game.

#4 enjoying the hot tub ...

 Mmmm... Brazillian Cheese Rolls

Gluten free ... but not carb/calorie free.

Sunday selfie

March 2019

While I didn't keep my Intake and Burn lines completely separate ... I did quite a bit better. Hubs started the Keto diet this month (and he's had some amazing success so far), so I figured it was a good time for me to try to get back on track ("back" ... I guess as my eating has never been good I can't really get back). I've been trying out Noom. Have had some initial success, but eating is always a struggle for me. Quantity and quality.  We had big snow and spring flowers. The ducks are laying. Girl Scout cookies. Basketball. Prom. A sick son (twice!).


NUMBERS: Started the month at 180.3. Ended at 174.2. Low 171.9. High 180.3. Average 175.38. With an average intake of 2094 and average burn of 2653, I managed a nice deficit for the month (-9289). I had 18 days with a deficit, 14 under 2000, ten 3000+ days, and nine 30k days. 682,104 total steps for March. Average 22,003 with 263 logged miles. Cardio minutes 3643/4439. 140 min w/Weights.

EXERCISE: I was on the elliptical 28 days this month, achieving my hour 18 of those days. 25 days with treadmill time, 9 with double duty. 15 Zumba classes. Twice on the bike. Three sessions w/weights.

OTHER ACTIVITIES: As much as I dislike driving, and I know mine is likely a lot less than most people out there, I am the mommy chauffeur. At least I am often getting in an audiobook at the same time. Quite a bit of basketball ... #5 on two teams and a few leagues. Grocery shopping. Some family time, friend time (me waiting while #5 was with friends). Snow shoveling AND lawn mowing this month! I have duck duty every day that I don't record, but as it warms up I know I'll spend more time out in the garden and with the birds. A few fast food trips, pizza and Popeyes.

**My Media**

*** March Movies ***

... as movies are around two hours, that's just 12 hours of exercise while watching. I did more workouts than that. I'll be doing a TV Tuesday post, as Feb/March I watched three series I had been anxiously awaiting the next seasons on (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Travelers, The OA) and three new ones I figured I'd give a try (Homecoming, The Body Guard, The Order).  Still on my Kindle Unlimited deal, and listening to a ton of audiobooks anytime I can multitask.

Weekly Weigh-In #295 (173.4)

This final week of March didn't go quite according to schedule. #4 was sick again, missing three days of school right as the new quarter starts. School stress and other stuff.  Here's the stats ...

NUMBERS: While weight was down a bit (-.5), average too (-.37) I didn't hit the low I did last week. With four deficit days, two under goal, I managed a deficit for the week (-1089). Average intake 2264. Average Burn 2806. Two 3000+ burn days, which were also 30k days. Cardio minutes 866/1024/997/1348. No weights this week  Step average 22723 with 61.25 logged miles. One steps 159058. Charge2 steps 153699. Versa steps 151094. #2's steps were at 112058. #3 at 57192 ... Grandpa and Aunt Wendy beat him again.  #4 didn't really have any, being sick so many days, and #5 had forgotten to wear his for a few days.

EXERCISE: On the elliptical six of the seven days this week. Achieved my hour five days. Treadmill time six days. Four Zumba classes. Once on the bike. No weights.  Here's the day by day ...

• Monday (0325) Not much sleep. Stressing some and awake during the night. Slow start to the morning, just 30min elliptical. Zumba w/Kirsten and two miles on the treadmill. A store stop. #4 had a friend over after school, then Hubs and the boys went to the Jazz game. Steps 24030. Burn 2898. Intake 1600. 
• Tuesday (0326) There was some sniffling and coughing from #4 yesterday, and today he said he was too sick for school. Stayed in bed all day. I managed to be productive still. Got in my hour of elliptical. Zumba at the church, a treadmill time and I hit the bike while #3 and a friend were using the weights. Outdoor work too. Mowed the lawn. Weeded the front flower bed. Reworked the duck pen. Cleaned up the kitchen. Hubs sous vided steaks for dinner. 31882 steps. 3353 burn. 1750 intake. 
• Wednesday (0327) Pretty sure it's just a cold for #4 ... cough, sniffles, sore throat, but no fever. He stayed home from school. Again. Still trying hard not to let it throw me off. Got in the exercise, but the eating went a little off. Hour of elliptical, Zumba w/MZL, two treadmill times. Store stop for groceries and some computer work. #2 came home from work with some similar sick symptoms, but he still went to play basketball and beat me in steps for the day. Steps 30761. Burn 3136. Intake 2500. 
• Thursday (0328) I really wanted #4 to attempt school, but he got emotional. Really struggling. Still feeling yucky, overwhelmed, and anxiety over it all kicking in. I told him I wanted him to at least TRY, and said I'd take him to 4th period/Math (his hardest). I got #5 to school, got some elliptical in (finished up my hour by end of day) and hit Zumba w/MZL. #4 wasn't happy about it, but I made him try the one class. More trips for me, but I think this will help overcome some of the anxiety so he can go back for the full day tomorrow. Grabbed some Popeyes on the way home. Cleaning day. One treadmill time. Stopped to grab some insoles for #5 on the way home from picking him up from school. He's been having some heel pain. I did the drop-off to practice and another parent brought home. Stormy night. I was glad to get home to #4. While no longer suffering from his weather phobia like in years past, this night had gotten to him and he had retreated downstairs away from the windows. The skies were ominous and even had me feeling unsettled. Glad to be home, shower and to bed. Hubs had a derby, and #1 helped him. Steps 27035. Burn 2915. Intake 2700. 
• Friday (0329) Got #4 off to school today. Hopefully he can get caught up without too much trouble. Grades have crashed. Stopped at Smiths after dropping the boys off. Got in my hour of elliptical. Wasn't really feeling the fitness, when I remembered I had last night's "Grey's Anatomy" waiting, so I walked for 40min while watching that. Dropped #5 off for practice. Made gingersnaps. Steps 19515. Burn 2509. Intake 2200. 
• Saturday (0330) Hubs was up and off to work ... on the weekend. I got in an elliptical session early then made breakfast for the boys. More work out in the backyard, reworking the duck pen and the tarps. Made more gingersnaps (from yesterday's dough) and some merenge nests... Easter tradition. #5 had two games, 5:00 and 6:00. Won them both and he hit a few three pointers. The insoles seem to be helping his heel pain.  March Madness in the evening. Steps 14546. Burn 2527. Intake 2600.
• Sunday (0331) Slow Sunday. Nice sunny day. We did our family breakfast. I got a little nap. #5 had a birthday party. I hadn't planned on exercising, but I ended up doing a two mile walk in the evening before bed. Steps 11289. Burn 2307. Intake 2500. 

 What I Watched While Working Out ...

I haven't been getting many movies in, not enough to include on my weekly blog post. Maybe one a week? I've been liking some series, which I'll spotlight in an upcoming TV Tuesday (The Order, The OA).  But I was hearing a bit of buzz about the Netflix Original Triple Frontier (2019. IMDB 6.5). Not all good feedback, and there were some spoilers between when I started and finished the show. It was just ehhh for me. I love Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, so the movie Becoming Jane (2007. IMDB 7.1) appealed. I liked it but didn't love it. Not really a happy ending like in her books. Another unhappy ending, The Boy In The Striped Pajamas (2008. IMDB 7.8). Heart wrenching! 

Five Featured Photos

 Kitten has still been crazy ...

 Hubs (on Keto) and #3 ... caprese and avocado

 Sunday Sandwiches

 Signs of Spring 

Sick son, and kitty keeping company