Weekly Weigh-In #301 (171.9)

Well, after this past Mother's Day weekend (eating out twice) and not getting to the low from last week, I thought for sure the scale would be up for the official weekly weigh-in. It wasn't. And the average went down over one pound.  Eating was okay. Still keeping up with the Intermittent Fasting. Generally 16:8, but sometimes a little longer ... the weekend was off though. It was a good week for fitness Mon-Thurs. Here are my stats and steps ...

NUMBERS: Official weigh-in at 171.9 which was -.1 from last week. The average was down -1.09 to 170.84. I only had one day with eating under goal/2000, but four days with a decent deficit. Deficit for the week just -605 as I had some uber over eating days too. Average intake was 2286. Average daily burn 2802. Step average 23494 with 53.55 logged miles. Cardio minutes 948/1034/1024/1410. Ironically, the highest "active minutes" came in on the Charge2, which had the lowest step count of my three devices. Here's how mine and the family's steps stacked up.  90min w/weights.

STACKED STEPS: Wearing the One on my hip gets more steps than when I wore it on my torso (where I have the Charge2 now). The Versa on my wrist was between the two, but overall, the steps were pretty close this week. My sister and dad made it onto the list. I'm sure #3 would have, but he forgot to sync and so his report was missing Fri/Sat/Sun. #4 was pretty low, he wasn't very active, but also doesn't wear his Alta all the time. 

EXERCISE: Only achieved my hour of elliptical four days this week (Mon-Thurs), got a little in on Friday. Treadmill time five days this week, two days had double duty, and I also got a walk in. Four Zumba classes with some extra on my own. One time on the bike. Two weight workouts!   OTHER ACTIVITIES: The usual driving and grocery shopping. Out to eat twice ... ala Mother's Day. I actually spend a lot of time doing ducky duty, and just log the extra. We had a duck rescue this week that took some extra time. Yard work and lawn mowing should be making weekly appearances. No basketball games but I hung out at practice with #5 for an hour. A doctor's appointment for #4 and a food run. Went to Wendys. It had been a while since we'd been there last! Didn't get noted (just part of the "home" time) but I spent some time in the sun this week too. 

Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0506) Awake early. Got in my hour of elliptical, then Zumba w/Kirsten. Chatted with a Zumba buddy after class for a bit, then did a quick store stop. Treadmill time and some work in the yard the mowed the front lawn. Hubs was home late, dinner with a work buddy. 30110 steps. 3095 burn. 1800 intake. 
• Tuesday (0507) Not a great night, but a productive day. Got in my hour of elliptical, Zumba over at the church, two treadmill times, weights and a session on the bike! Very rainy weather today. 31909 steps. 3078 burn. 2200 intake. 
• Wednesday (0508) Hour of elliptical, Zumba w/MZL then a store stop for groceries. Shopping steps! Two miles on the treadmill too. In the evening, Hubs and I ended up rescuing 10 ducklings that had fallen through a grate, and reunited them with mama. 33708 steps. 3442 burn. 2200 intake. 
• Thursday (0509) Started the day with an hour of elliptical. Zumba w/MZL ... Cinco De Mayo celebration, had to switch church buildings due to no power. Cleaning day. I got in two treadmill times and a weight workout. Took #4 to a follow-up doctor appointment after school. It was pretty quick. Stop at Wendys on the way home. Hubs and #3 did a derby and I took #5 to basketball practice. Practiced a little Zumba while I waited. 33293 steps. 3276 burn. 2200 intake. 
• Friday (0510) Only one 20min elliptical session today. Got distracted helping #4 with homework that he'd "forgotten". Stop at Smiths after dropping the boys off at school. Planned on hitting the gym again, but #3 and friends were in it all afternoon. Took a walk along the canal. 15576 steps. 2482 burn. 2100 intake. 
• Saturday (0511) The littles got haircuts and then #1 took them to a movie (Detective Pikachu). Ended up adding an Xbox1 to our video game arsenal (#1 found it on FB marketplace and the littles bought it with their money). I got in a walk while watching the latest "Grey's Anatomy" and then mowed the lawn. Out to dinner with the folks and MIL for Mother's Day. 14357 steps. 2282 burn. 3000 intake. 
• Sunday (0512) Mother's Day. I peeked out the window and one of the ducks was on the wrong side of the fence, so I had to go walk her back. Out to breakfast with the whole family. Restful day, a little sun, a nap. Some popcorn and a show later, then GOT. 5503 steps. 1960 burn. 2500 intake.

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

Three movies this week. I'd had Mr. Church (2016. IMDB 7.7) on my "to watch" list on Amazon or another streaming service, then it disappeared. But it showed up on Netflix. I enjoyed it. Interesting to see Eddie Murphy in something other than a comedic role. The Jane Austin Book Club (2007. IMDB 6.8) was one I hadn't heard of, although I recognized many of the actors in it. I love Pride and Prejudice, but haven't really read Austin's other works. I liked this movie, even though it didn't have a lot of action or adrenaline (which is helpful when working out). Then I figured I'd watch the Ted Bundy movie (2019. IMDB 6.7). I'd heard some people really liked it, while others found it extremely boring. It kept my interest and I was glad I'd taken the time to watch.  When my movies were done, I finished up Humans. Season 3 ... what to watch next?  I also finished up Reign (season 1) which is one I "watch" during my weight workouts. As I generally only do one weight workout a week, it's taken a while to get through the season. Caught the most recent "Grey's" and GOT and a couple episodes of Mad Men with Hubs. 

*** Five Featured Photos ***

 I tend to get sun on my shoulders with my yardwork and mowing, so I wanted to even things out and get a little color on my legs. I set this up in back and got my book to read ... and the cat thought I'd set it all up for him!

 I've been watching mama duck at my Wednesday Zumba church, checking on her each week. Last week I could see one egg out of the nest and knew the hatching had begun. This week, she and the babies were gone, with remnants of the nest left behind. Stay safe little duckies!

 Speaking of duckies NOT staying safe, a neighbor notified us (we are the "duck people" that others come to) of a mama duck and babies in distress over at our church. Hubs and I went over and mama and one baby were near a grate, a water retention pit, with peeping coming from down below. Hubs was able to get the grate off, needed a ladder to get down (it was around nine feet deep!) and rescued 10 little ducklings! Luckily they all seemed okay, even after such a fall. We reunited them with mama at canal next to the church. I say again, stay safe little duckies!

 #2 finished up his Wednesday night league - playing in the championship game (they ended up coming in second place. Still got t-shirts!

Heading out to breakfast ... four boys on their phones!

TV Tuesday - The Last of "The Last Ship"

 I first discovered The Last Ship back in 2016. It had aired a couple years before that, so I got to watch both Season 1 and Season 2 back to back (TV Tuesday - Is It The End Of The World?). I watched it via Hulu and PlayOn. We had cable with Comcast, I and could have followed up with Season 3 as it aired, but, I figured I'd wait until the season was complete. Sometime after season 3 finished up, I watched it. 

It has been a while since I'd thought about "The Last Ship" ... Hulu had offered a deal for $.99 a month for a year, which I took advantage of starting December 2018. I really didn't get around to checking out Hulu much though. I always seemed to have plenty to stream (commercial free) from Netflix and Amazon. But then, I remembered this series. I think it was the end of March, or early April. Season four was available in full, and season five was going to be added April 11. So ... it was time.  I must admit, I had to go back and watch some of the final episode there in Season 3 to remind myself what the situation and story was, even though that particular storyline had wrapped up, and a new one was starting up.

Season four was not my favorite. The basic premise was fine. The "red rust" ... the same virus that decimated the human population, was now affecting plant life, which would again put those who had survived at risk again.  But, it just got a little over the top, or a lot really. With Chandler meeting up with his old crew at a fighting arena, a madman scientist, constant betrayal, savior seeds. One small eye-rolling incident, when one of the women strips off her camo, and happens to be wearing perfectly white, sexy underwear, enough that she can slip into a pool party without drawing any notice, and happen to be able to attract the attention and seduce the main man there (who was their mark). I know, suspension of disbelief ... but definitely not one of the better seasons in the series.

I finished up Season four just in time to start Season 5 as it hit streaming on Hulu. I can NOT stand commercials, so I recorded the episodes with my PlayOn service (this does double my data per episode, which is a bit of an issue, with Comcast's data caps ... we use a lot of data in our family, and we were very close to going over for April!)  I really liked season five. It starts three years after we left our characters in Season four. No dearth of drama. Conflict between countries - not quite as far-fetched as the whole "super seeds" premise from last season. A lot of intense action, beloved characters in crisis, and not everyone makes it out alive (it's amazing how so many have miraculously survived up to this point!)  Really moving moments there at the end, I'll admit to some tears. This season finale did end up being the series finale too, and it worked to bring it all to a close. 

With a 7.5 rating for the series on IMDB, it has mostly positive reviews. I really liked it. The action and drama kept me coming back to the gym, and gave me adrenaline bursts as I worked out while watching. And, eye candy too. McSteamy and several other gorgeous guys easy on the eyes ;)

Weekly Weigh-In #300 (172.0)

Look at that ... a number other than 170s on the scale! Just barely there, and it didn't hold for the official Monday morning weigh-in, but still, it was motivating.  I'll try to keep it up ... I mean down. Been doing IMF (Intermittent Fasting), this was the second full week. 16:8 is the main thing I'm doing, although I did have some days where I went a bit longer. Basically, I stop eating by 7:00, then don't eat until 11:00. I know some people need a little something in their stomach before a workout, but I don't. My morning routine (elliptical, kids to school, Zumba) keeps me busy and occupied. Still trying to control calories during my eating window ... did pretty good with food and fitness. Mon-Thurs were great, the weekend could use work, as always.

Steps and Stats

NUMBERS: Official weight down (-2.7) to 172.0. Average down (-1.26) to 171.93.  I kept my calories in check four of the seven days this week. With average intake at 2029 and average burn at 2856, I had a deficit for the week (-2759).  Three days with burn 3000+, those were also 30k days.  Step average 24240 with 59 logged miles. Cardio minutes 876/1082/987/1470 with 45 min w/Weights. 

 How the family steps stacked up ... (and me x3)

The littles forgot to wear and sync, so they didn't make the list this week. 

EXERCISE: Got my hour of elliptical in five of the seven days this week. Six days with treadmill time, one day with double duty, and one day with time on the track. Four Zumba classes. No bike, but one weight workout.    OTHER ACTIVITIES: Three back-to-back basketball games with #5, was a bit down. The usual grocery shopping and some other errands. Spent about an hour mowing the lawn.

Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0429) Started the day with my hour of elliptical, then Zumba w/Kirsten, and did a little extra on my own. Some shopping steps, then mowed the front lawn. Two miles on the treadmill. 30759 steps. 3156 burn. 2200 intake.
• Tuesday (0430) Had a larger Zumba class, as MZL's Tuesday class had to cancel, and I mentioned mine if anyone wanted to come. Got a few extra :)  Also got in my hour of elliptical, and double treadmill time. Big storm, with loud thunder claps. Later in the day, there were jets flying by, making the house pulse. Grabbed pizza for the boys. Low key evening. 30141 steps. 3038 burn. 1800 intake. 
• Wednesday (0501) Hour of elliptical, then Zumba w/MZL. Checked on the mama duck there, and there had been some hatching! I saw a couple opened eggs. She was still sitting. It was a cold morning. There was even some snow. Hope the ducks do okay! Two miles on the treadmill when I got back home. Made bread. In the evening, #1 and wife stopped by, bringing Popeyes and their new kitten. They played Sorry with the littles. 25744 steps. 2914 burn. 2700 intake. 
• Thursday (0502) Got my elliptical hour in, Zumba, and two miles treadmill. Hit the store after classes, and cleaners came. I got in a weight workout. Hubs had a derby, #4 was supposed to help, but didn't ... #1 filled in. #5 had practice and I walked the track while I waited. Started my "fast" early, even though Hubs had made yummy steak late (I resisted).  35998 steps. 3471 burn. 1200 intake. 
• Friday (0503) Late start. Just elliptical and two miles treadmill for workouts today. I did also mow the lawn and get in some shopping steps. Full house during the day, with #2 and K8, and #3 and some friends. Dropped #5 off for practice. Hubs was home late. Dragging by evening. 23178 steps. 2820 burn. 1600 intake. 
• Saturday (0504) Got in two and a half miles while I watched this weeks Grey's Anatomy while on the treadmill. Ran several errands. #5 had THREE games, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00. The boys were tired for that last one, which was against the hardest team. They lost by four. #5 went to a sleep-over with teammates. 17983 steps. 2585 burn. 2000 intake. 
• Sunday (0505) Family breakfast. Sunday nap. Family dinner.  5877 steps. 2007 burn. 2700 intake.

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

Three movies this week ... the first two were based on books, books that I had read and enjoyed. It's been a while since I read either book. I remember really liking The Darkest Minds (2018, IMDB 5.7) ... the book was better than the movie. The movie was just ehhhh. I actually didn't love the book Everyday, but I thought they did a really good job with the movie (2018, IMDB 6.4). I liked it. My final movie was about a Book Club (2018, IMDB 6.1) ... and I have read 50 Shades (they book they read). I liked the movie, it kept me entertained, while making me not want to get older (even though these women are rocking the years).   Watching Humans (season 3) when I couldn't get a full movie in, and Grey's of course. Also watched the most weekly episode of GOT with Hubs (not while working out). 

Five Featured Photos ...

Mama duck and a discarded, hatched egg ... I wonder how many babies she has under there? I wasn't going to disturb her to find out. I've been watching her for weeks and knew hatching time was any day. This day, the first of May, was cold, there was even some snow. Good luck duckies! Stay safe! 

 Homemade bread

A game of Sorry

 #2 and his girlfriend and her brother's wedding.

#3 and a teeny, tiny kitten (#1 and wife adding him to their family).

 

April 2019

Well, no impressive drop like last month, dang it. There was Easter, and all the eating and treats that go with that, and Spring Break, which was a week off the school schedule ... No more Noom for now. I found the tracking app too clunky and inaccurate, and the psychology wasn't anything too interesting either. Hubs has added IMF (intermittent fasting) to his Keto (still having success, he's dropped a lot and shaved his beard ... he's a new man!) and I am giving it (the IMF, not the Keto) a try too.

NUMBERS: Weight started at 173.4 and ended at 174.1. But the high (174.8) and the low (171.6) were lower than last month, as was the average (173.25). I did have a deficit (-5984) with intake average 2182 and burn average 2786. Thirteen days with a deficit, twelve under 2000. Eleven days with 3000+ burn, and nine 30k days. Total steps for the month were 674,879 with the average 22,496 and 83.9 logged miles. Cardio minutes 3387/4295. 

EXERCISE: Achieved my hour of elliptical 16 days, and had another seven days with elliptical activity. 18 times on the treadmill, five days with double duty. 19 Zumba classes. Three workouts with weights.   OTHER ACTIVITIES: The usual driving and grocery shopping. A bit of basketball. Easter celebrations with family. Out to eat once (I don't get out much). Got my hair done. A couple walking sessions while waiting at basketball practice, and with the weather warming up ... more mowing!

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

Nine movies this month ... a couple musicals, a couple "Disney" themed, some old, some recently released.  April was also "The Last Ship" (Hulu/PlayOn) and keeping up with Grey's and GOT.  My Kindle Unlimited deal ended, so I'm back to library loans (which is fine, I have a list a mile long). 

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.