Weekly Weigh-In #294 (173.9)

Logged a loss. It was a good week for eating and exercise. 

Stayed pretty busy every day.

NUMBERS: Weight down -2.8. Happy with that. Average was even more impressive, down -4.39. Had a deficit six days, four days under 2000. Average Intake 1743. Average Daily Burn 2621. Weekly deficit of -5418. Average steps 23967 with 64.78 logged miles. Four 3000+ burn days, and three 30k days. Cardio minutes 954/1159/1070/1310 and 40min weights.

Here's how the steps stacked up ...

EXERCISE: On the elliptical six out of the seven days this week. Achieved my hour four days. Six days with treadmill time, two with double duty.  I also did a long walk off the treadmill. Five Zumba classes, as I was able to go on Friday. One weights session.  OTHER ACTIVITIES: The usual driving and grocery shopping. Four basketball games and I stayed for one of the hour practices. Some family time (looking at the house) and friend time (#5 to a birthday party ... he actually had two this week but I only had to go and wait it out at one of them). 

Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0318) Beats Hubs out of bed, in fact he didn't leave until after I took the boys to school. Zumba w/Kirsten. A stop at the middle school next door to the church to get #5's registration for next year in. Two treadmill times and my hour of elliptical for additional exercise. #5 had practice in the evening. I ran to the store and through the car wash. Steps 31892. Burn 3242. Intake 1700. 
• Tuesday (0319) Got in my hour of elliptical, Zumba over at the church, and two treadmill times. Double pickups after school. Hubs had a derby, and #3 was prepped to help, but then got the first clue to a scavenger hunt asking him to a school dance ... that took him a couple hours, so #5 went and did the derby with Dad. Steps 30062. Burn 3043. Intake 2200. 
• Wednesday (0320) A little off today. Hubs was up around 3:30, and I couldn't get back to sleep after he left. Just 30min elliptical today. Zumba with MZL and a treadmill time. Double pickups after school. #3 and friends were in the weight room. #2 had left for Spring Break in St. George in the morning. #5 had a basketball game, and then I took him out to Airborne where a friend was having a birthday party. Low calories today just because I was gone all evening. 20435 steps. 2699 burn. 1000 intake. 
• Thursday (0321) Regular morning, up with the alarm. Got my hour of elliptical in, Zumba w/MZL and one treadmill time. Also did weights. Cleaning, and shopping steps. #5 had practice in the evening. Just an hour, so not worth coming home. I just stayed, and walked around the track above the courts. Didn't need the extra steps today, but I also don't like to just sit and wait. 38024 steps. 3411 burn. 1400 intake. 
• Friday (0322) No school for the kids (end of term) so I'd planned on sleeping in, but then was up at 5:30 helping #5 with a bad bloody nose. He was able to go back to sleep, but I wasn't. Without the 9:30 school drop-off, I was able to hit Zumba today ;) Also got in my hour of elliptical, and 40min treadmill while watching last night's Grey's Anatomy. Stocked up on Easter candy  with the Smiths sale. #5 had practice in the evening. 26151 steps. 2915 burn. 2100 intake. 
• Saturday (0323) Hubs was up fairly early getting turkey and roast on the smoker. He had a big triple derby, #3 went along to help. #5 had three games, 12:00, 2:00 and 3:00. I got in 30min elliptical. Started looking over the school schedule for #4, and it stressed him out. He hung out with friends in the evening. I dropped him off and had #3 do the late pickup.  Steps 11374. Burn 2285. Intake 1500.
• Sunday (0324) Hubs was off to teach a friend in NSL how to use his new smoker. He'd prepped a brisket last night and left fairly early to get it on up there. He spent several hours at the office working while it cooked and then went back for mealtime. #1 and wife joined him ... #1 had also worked with Nate. I did two miles on the treadmill in the morning, then made breakfast for the boys. Made cookies later in the day.  #5 had a birthday party. #2 got back from his little trip. Steps 9828. Burn 2125. Intake 2300.

 Five Featured Photos ...

A kiss from Hubs ... looks a little scary here!

 Start of the scavenger hunt for #3 ...

 SO HOT in the gym! Seriously?

 New Nike Jackets for the Wolves ...

A certain little kitty is in heat ... it's the only time most of us can touch her. She normally only likes #3 and #4 and will swat, scratch, bite everyone else. But when she's in heat, she wants love, and she takes it from everyone. Except for Hubs ... she still hissed at Hubs.

Weekly Weigh-In #293 (176.7)

Things were a little off this week. Daylight savings shifted things up, but still the week started fine. Mondays and Tuesdays are almost always my best days as I get back to the schedule after the weekend.  Then we got hit with a pretty heavy snowstorm on Wednesday, and I stayed home and shoveled rather than venturing out to Zumba. Class was canceled on Thursday due to a funeral (one of the MZL instructors) and #4 stayed home from school sick Thursday and Friday. He wasn't super sick, and no trouble or complaints... pretty much just slept all day. But it really throws me off, and I stress about it (is it sickness, or anxiety issues?) Some duck distress also, and a possible new house also came up this week, which caused some sleepless nights ... some excitement, some stress. Looking back on all the events (in the day by day below) I had to think "that was all just last week?"

Fitbit numbers were down ...

 NUMBERS: Official weight up a smidgen (.3) but the average was down a bit (-.9 to 175.6).  The calories in control from last week ... not so much this week. Average was 2336. Only under goal twice. No deficit. Over by 441. Average burn was 2436. Just one day 3000+ burn, 30k steps. Step average was 20646 with 52.13 logged miles. Cardio minutes 687/925/806/1061. 60 min w/Weights.

Here's how my three, and the family Fitbits steps stacked up. Unfortunately I didn't get #5 synced in time for his weekly report. I think he was about 50k (manually adding it up after a sync). Without him in the mix, my dad made it onto the charts ...

EXERCISE: I've had quite the streak going with my elliptical, hitting it for at least 30min a day since the end of January ... but I took an official rest day this week and broke my streak. I did get on the elliptical six days out of seven, and achieved a full hour three of those days. Treadmill time six days as well. Two days with double duty. Only two Zumba classes. No bike. One weight workout.  OTHER ACTIVITIES: The usual driving and grocery shopping. Added an hour of shoveling snow. A couple basketball games with #5. Some family time checking out a house ... three different trips.   Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0311) The morning after Daylight Savings. I was awake early though. Hubs had a doctor's appointment so he slept in a little and hit the gym in the morning... during MY time. He was on the treadmill though, so I could still elliptical. Just switched the show to something we were watching together.  Zumba and some treadmill time later. Made brownies and roasted a turkey breast. The male ducks were fighting today, which stressed me out. Had to separate them.  Hubs brought up the possibility of buying a new house. We went to see it after picking up #5 from practice.  Steps 33964. Burn 3411. Intake 1600. 
• Tuesday (0312) Got my hour of elliptical in, although not all of it early. Zumba and two miles on the treadmill. Double pickups after school. #4 was happy, as he passed his Microsoft test. We did a little practice driving in the church parking lot. #5 had a game in the evening, we got whooped. Steps 24470. Burn 2862. Intake 1900. 
• Wednesday (0313) Ugg, snow. The drive to school was a little scary and took a long time. #2 didn't have work today which was good, as his car is terrible in the snow. He and his GF went sledding though. I spent an hour shoveling instead of trying to go out again to Zumba. Got my elliptical and two treadmill times in as well. The roads were fine later for after school pickups, and #5 had a game. Steps 26631. Burn 2925. Intake 2300. 
• Thursday (0314) The day was already going to be off, with no Zumba (funeral for one of the MZL instructors, before my time). I could have hit my backup class, but I didn't. #4 didn't go to school today either, said he was sick. No observable symptoms, no complaining, he slept most of the day. Still stress about it, especially with his anxiety/depression and missing more school. Threw off my day more. Just 30min elliptical and two miles treadmill. I did do weights though. Should have gone to sophomore orientation with #4, but he said he was still stick. Quick trip to the store.  Steps 18396. Burn 2598. Intake 2500. 
• Friday (0315) Oh, bad stress eating today. #4 said he was still sick. Sigh.  Still had #5 to drop off at 9:30, so no Zumba. Just feeling a bit down and discouraged. #5 was leaving on a weekend basketball trip. I checked him out a bit early and he was off.  Another trip to the house in the evening. Steps 15054. Burn 2449. Intake 3100.
• Saturday (0316) Prom day! #3 was up early to get the truck washed and pick up the corsage. He was having the group over at 11:00 for the day date, a cooking competition, so he asked the kitchen be clean ... and empty.  So no big breakfast today. #4 was still in bed. Hubs went off shopping (needs smaller pants, his diet is working). The crew came over. I went down to the treadmill for an hour ... still could hear when the fire alarm went off ;)  Then they were gone and the house was quiet again. A few dishes to wash. Checked in with #5, three games today, won two, lost one. Got some elliptical in. #3 came back to get dressed and ready. They had a limo to get downtown. Off to pictures, dinner and the dance. Hubs had a derby and #4 went along (a little unwillingly) to help. Steps 18277. Burn 2408. Intake 2250. 
• Sunday (0317) Haven't taken a rest day in a while, so did that today. Been awake in the night for a couple hours the last two nights. At least I could sleep in. Made breakfast. #1 and wife came over and made a bean tortilla dish for dinner. Being St. Pats, he asked if I was making cookies, so I did. Copycat Swig with green frosting. The boys played some spike ball. Another trip out to the house (#1 and #3 hadn't seen it yet).  #5 made it home in the evening and Maga came over ... with more cookies. Steps 7728. Burn 2212. Intake 2700.

Five Featured Photos ...

#4 passed his Excel test ... wouldn't pose for a picture (showing his face anyway)

These two took advantage of the snow day for some sledding.

 Crocs? For Prom?

 What a group of guys!

 My two oldest, starting Scrabble.

Weekly Weigh-In #292 (176.4)

The scale shifted this week. It's the eating. Trying a new tracking system, maybe I was a little more motivated? Kept calories in check every day except Saturday (and that was UBER over). Exercise was on track.

NUMBERS: Official weight down -3.2 pounds! Average was down too, -2.8.  Definitely had a deficit this week (-5359). Six out of the seven days intake was below burn, under goal. Intake average was 1743. Burn average 2838. Three days with 3000+ burn, 30k steps.  Step average 23641 with 66.75 logged miles. Cardio minutes 1047/1059/1311 with 40 min w/Weights.

Here's how the Fitbit Family steps stacked up. 

EXERCISE: I was on the elliptical every day this week. Five days I achieved my hour. Treadmill time five days, four of those were double duty. Zumba four times. Bike once. Weights once.   OTHER ACTIVITIES: Mainly the usual ... driving, getting groceries. Had family over for a few hours. Went to watch a couple basketball games for #5.   Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0304) Awake pretty early. Got my full hour of elliptical in early. I did have to do a quick stop for gas, so I was a little late to Zumba. As I was short, I did some on my own at home to make sure I got a full hour in. Also treadmill time. #5 had practice in the evening. I dropped him off, then checked out the new Lucky grocery store. They had some good sales. Home to unload, then back for after practice pickup, and to bed. First day with Noom tracking, and I kept calories in check. Steps 30236. Burn 3107. Intake 1500. 
• Tuesday (0305) Full hour of elliptical in again. Zumba at the church. Half the gym was set up for a dinner, but we just needed half as we are pretty small. Good workout though. 130HR average for the hour. Treadmill time and Bike for additional workouts. A friend came home with #4 after school, which was fun for him. I grabbed pizza when I went back to grab #5 from Intramurals. Hubs had a derby, and #3 went along to help. #5 had a 9:00 basketball game.  Managed to keep calories in check again. Steps 31128. Burn 3181. Intake 1500. 
• Wednesday (0306) Morning was a little off schedule, started with my 20min elliptical as normal, but then just two 10min ones before heading to Zumba w/MZL. Back at home I got in my final 20min elliptical session and some treadmill time. Double pickups after school. #5 had a 6:00 basketball game. I've been keeping my intake pretty consistent these days. Can I keep it up? Steps 28091. Burn 2983. Intake 1500. 
• Thursday (0307) Awake early. Got my hour of elliptical, Zumba, treadmill time and WEIGHTS. Some shopping steps, hitting Sam'sClub for groceries. Some talking time with #3, double school pickups. Hubs worked very late!  Steps 30365. Burn 3095. Intake 1600. 
• Friday (0308) I thought I might sleep in ... but Hubs alarm went off at 5:00. He kept snoozing, but I went ahead and got up. Some snow - I had #2 take my Durango as I didn't trust his Charger in the canyons. Late drop-off. Stop at Smiths and Walgreens. Hour of elliptical and treadmill time while I watched last night's "Grey's Anatomy" episode. #3 showed up with a few friends for lunch. #5 had practice in the evening. Hubs was doing meat prep for smoking and BBQ tomorrow. I had NO candy/treats today! Steps 22558. Burn 2819. Intake 1400. 
• Saturday (0309) Not sure if 7:00 is sleeping in, but that's when I woke up. Woke starving and had some cereal ... then made breakfast for the boys, and ate again. Exercise motivation goes out the window on weekends. Just 30min elliptical for the day. We'd invited the folks over for dinner. Kabobs and steak with all the extras (potatoes, corn, Brazilian cheese rolls). Did NOT keep calories in check today. Skookie for dessert. Games with the Grandparents. Steps 11690. Burn 2386. Intake 3000. 
• Sunday (0310) Daylight Savings ... lost an hour. I was awake at the new 5:00, but after an hour, I fell back to sleep and stayed in bed until 9:00. French toast, hashbrowns, sausage for breakfast. #1 and wife missed it, and made German Pancakes when they came over later.  Hubs did burgers on the BBQ in the evening. 30min on the elliptical for exercise.

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

Three movies this week. I'd read the book Annihilation (2018. IMDB 6.9) so when I saw it streaming on Amazon, I figured I'd give it a try. I'd seen the previews and was interested. But honestly, I didn't love the book (even though I read the sequels in the trilogy too) and could say the same for the movie. Ehhh. I'd seen a bit of buzz about a couple of Netflix original movies. Dumplin (2018. IMDB 6.7) was cute, I enjoyed it. In fact, I had just thought I'd do my traditional two miles on the treadmill, but then got caught up in the movie and went a little over, so then I stayed on until I hit my hour (and finished the movie). Bird Box (2018. IMDB 6.7) had certainly received quite a bit of buzz, and I liked it, even though there were some things that didn't make sense (beyond the basic crazy concept, smaller inconsistencies).  Ironically, the gal from Dumplin was in Bird Box too! When not watching movies, I was watching "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" which I really, really like!

Five Featured Photos ...

 On one hand, I like it when the ducks lay their eggs in the dog/duck house. It keeps them clean and safe. On the other hand, I'd have to get on my hands and knees and climb inside to retrieve them. Hubs got me this little grabber tool, and I LOVE it ... especially as one of the male ducks gets a bit protective of the eggs. I really don't want my face at his eye level. 

 Red face after Zumba ... took over an hour and a cold shower to get back to normal. 

 #4 had a friend over after school ... fun to see him interact with his buddies.

 I'd tried to fix my fraying cord with electrical tape. 

The little cord clips are a little more effective though. 

Keeping it all together ;)

My five boys all together! ♥

Weekly Weigh-In #291 (179.6)

Well, Hubs lost eight pounds since his last weigh-in (a couple weeks ago, he's trying Keto). While I've never mastered the eating, I've exercised quite consistently for years. Hubs definitely has his ups and downs, but when he's on, he's ON. I can't even comprehend Keto, keeping carbs at 20? This is a good time for me to TRY to revamp my eating though, as some temptations will be down (eating out, popcorn, big dinners, etc.) 

It was a good week for activity ...

NUMBERS: Official weigh-in was down,  -0.5 from last week. Average down slightly too, -0.39. Ended with a slight deficit (-609) for the week. Kept calories under burn three days, under goal one day. Average intake was 2500. Average burn 2866. Four days with burn 3000+, also four 30K days.  Step average was 24739 with 78.54 logged miles. Cardio minutes 984/1110/1105/1341. 40min w/Weights.

Family Fitbits

My #3, KGB, looked at this chart and said "Hmmm, I got beat!"

EXERCISE: I was on the elliptical every day again this week. Achieved my hour five days. Treadmill time six days, with double duty four of the days. Four Zumba classes. One time on the bike, and one workout with Weights.  

Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0225) Only got two elliptical sessions in early, but got the third in a little later. Ended up teaching Zumba today, subbing for Kirsten. Got in an hour walk on the treadmill, and then some stationary bike before bed. Glad I got my gym time in early, as #3, #2 and even #4 were in the after school. Steps 32484. Intake 2200. Burn 3178. 
• Tuesday (0226) Got in my hour of elliptical, Zumba at the church, an hour treadmill walk. Double pickups after school. #5 had practice last night and was scheduled for tonight too, but it ended up not happening. #5 was glad, he wasn't feeling great and fell asleep on the couch and napped for a couple hours.  Steps 30140. Intake 2100. Burn 3081.
• Wednesday (0227) Hubs started the day with a workout. Early enough that I still got my hour in early. #3 was off school today. Zumba w/MZL, then I hit a couple grocery stores. Loved having #3 home to help bring everything in and get it put away. Hubs had a derby. #4 had been on deck to help, but wasn't feeling well and had fallen asleep. #5 didn't have anything tonight, so he went instead.  Steps 34315 steps. Intake 1900. Burn 3360. 
• Thursday (0228) Hubs was smoking ribs for his work crew today. I got in elliptical, Zumba, two treadmill times and WEIGHTS. Off schedule for me, but cleaning got off schedule, and it worked out. Also stopped at the library to pick up the last book in the series #5 is reading. Uber overeating today. Steps 30965. Intake 3000. Burn 3108.
• Friday (0301) Looks like the ducks are laying again. Found five eggs this morning (only have four females, so one or two must have been from the day before, I just hadn't found them until today. Luckily it hasn't been freezing.) Late school dropoff, no Zumba. Stopped at the store on the way home. #5 had practice in the evening, and #4 was invited to hang with friends, but late, so luckily brothers were around to help, as I wanted to go to bed! Steps 20205. Intake 2600. Burn 2760. 
• Saturday (0302) Hubs hosted his annual derby workshop in the garage ... providing help and tools to any neighbors building pinewood derby cars for the upcoming race. He had a good turn out. I made a big breakfast for the boys. Got in a little exercise, just 30min elliptical. Caught some of the 6A boys basketball state tournament. Steps 10550. Intake 3200 (oops). Burn 2179. 
• Sunday (0303) Made breakfast, but not as big as usual ... no breads, just hashbrowns, bacon and sausage. Hubs got some ribs smoking for dinner. #1 came over for food and Jackbox games. I got in 30min elliptical and two miles treadmill. Steps 14515. Intake 2500. Burn 2393. 

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

Ready Player One was one of the movies I'd had my eye on when it was in theaters. I'd read the book and liked it, and wondered how it converted to the big screen. I liked the movie, although felt like it missed a lot more of the 80s trivia ... and I haven't seen The Shining either (I don't remember that being a big part of the book, not like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, mentions of Ladyhawke and lots of other stuff.).  I had been aware of Rampage ... but um, that was dumb. I was just rolling my eyes at the acting and the circumstances. Why did the alligator grow 3x as big as the other creatures? I had not heard of Self/Less, although it has some recognizable names. Reminded me a little of Criminal (also with Ryan Reynolds) with the whole mind swap, remembering what was in the initial body/mind thing. I'd seen About Time before, but felt the urge to watch it again. I rarely re-watch movies or shows, but I really like this one, just as much the second time around. 

*** Five Featured Photos ***

 Sweaty Selfie ... I usually wear black, so you can't see the "boob sweat"

Girl Scout Cookie time ... ummmm, Tagalongs!

 #5 ... reading! The 8th and final book in "The Missing" series.

Love catching kitty in the window too ;)

Five eggs ... I only have four female ducks.

I must not have done a thorough search yesterday (or the day before).

I'd only been getting one off and on during the winter.

I guess it's egg time again!

 Just a little look at the garage set up for Hub's annual derby workout. He found that many just didn't know how, or didn't have the tools, to build a pinewood derby car for the upcoming race. Every year, he opens everything up, including all his knowledge, and helps anyone who wants to come.

The Glittering Court Trilogy

Time for a "Recent Reads" and Book Review ...

Trilogies seem to be SO popular these days. This one had a unique approach, one I haven't really encountered anywhere in my reading experience. These three books are completely connected, but not building on each other chronologically. Parts of each overlap each other, from different perspectives, each book a different point of view. I have seen that done in novellas, as an add on or extra scene to a full length novel, and I'll always remember Anne McAffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. Two different trilogies, that had points where they overlapped, and I'd see a scene from a different perspective. But here ... it's three full length books, each on from the point of view of one of the main girls. Adelaide, Mira and Tamsen. All three girls play pivotal parts in all three books, but each one comes from a different perspective, giving light to scenes not seen in the other stories.

This trilogy has a fantasy feel ... but there is no magic, nothing paranormal. This could be traditional England and the American colonies, but it isn't. It's a made-up world that mirrors our own. More mock-historical. Men have gone to the new world to colonize. Women are scarce, so a sort of "mail order bride" situation is set up. The Glittering Court.   A company entices women who want something better. Promising them education, presentation and the opportunity to pick a wealthy partner and start a new life. The men in the colonies will get a chance to woo the women.  The women basically will have a "price" paid by the men to the company (reimbursement for the time/travel/lodging/education/clothing ... and a little profit). A win/win/win project really.  It is all above board (if it wasn't, that could be a different story).

• The Glittering Court: Introduces Elizabeth, a high ranking lady who feels stuck in her life. She chooses to take the place of her servant girl, entering the Glittering Court in disguise. She is then "Adelaide" for most of the trilogy. 
• Midnight Jewel: Is Mira's tale. It actually starts a bit before Adelaide's story in a prologue, then jumps to all the girls together. It fills in some details, some events we heard about in Adelaide's story, but we get much more of Mira's adventures.
• The Emerald Sea: Is Tamsen's tale ... it starts a bit further in, still repeating scenes we've already seen (some twice), and again, giving new information, as Adelaide and Mira weren't together with Tamsen the entire time.

It was just really odd to read something new, but knowing what was going to happen (because you'd already read it from a different perspective). Ironically, this made me LESS likely to be compelled to continue immediately, like I often am ... especially with books that end in a cliffhanger. Here, each story pretty much wrapped up, and when I did get back to the series, it was easy to get back into. Normally I'm a little concerned I might forget some storyline or something if I wait between books, but here ... while I can't say the books could really be stand-alone novels, and you would want to read them in the above order ... they are telling the same story. So much was repeated, that I didn't feel like I necessarily had to remember what came before.   

I'd read Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series and really liked it. I enjoyed all the books in the Bloodlines spin-off too. This ... didn't pack the same punch for me. I liked it okay ... didn't love it. In fact, after the first book, I wasn't sure I was even going to continue (thus my wait in-between books). 

When I finally decided to go back to the series, I picked up book 2. My library had it in audiobook format, so I selected that. I'd listened to the first book too. Book 2 was a different narrator ... normally I like consistency in a series, but here, as the POV was changed, a different narrator was actually a good thing. Except here ... it was NOT working for me. Nothing against the narrator's voice really, it was the accent. Or the lack thereof.  Mira is the one telling the story, and Mira has a very distinct (English as a second language) accent. One that was part of her character. An accent that had been introduced in book one. An accent that was used when Mira spoke ... but not when she was "narrating" the rest of the story.  Again ... it's perfectly fine not to have an entire book told in an accent generally, if it's third person, a generic narrator ... but when it IS the character telling the story, she would still have the same sound when she's thinking as when she'd speaking. My brain could not handle it. I had to stop the audiobook, and get the Kindle copy from the library and read it on my own (and MY imagination had the accent the entire time).

My favorite was book 3. Maybe because I was already invested in the story by this time ... or maybe I just liked Tamsen best. Even after the first two tales, there were some things in Tamsen's storyline that had been left unaddressed. So with the third and final book, we finally got those answers.

Overall - I do think I'd recommend the series. 

February 2019

Someday, maybe I can keep my Burn above my Intake for the entire month ... maybe? I felt like I upped the exercise this month, but eating is still out of control most of the time. Weight average is up this month, just over 180. Uggg. This month the crew went on a cruise while I had some home alone time. There were a couple big snowstorms ... enough that they even canceled school! That doesn't happen here in Utah. Wrapped up some basketball with #5, while #3 went all out cheering on the high school team as they finished region play and went to state playoffs. #2 had a birthday.

NUMBERS: Starting weight was 181.3. Ending weight was 177.6. That was also the low. The high was 183.0. The average was 180.3. Average intake was 2534. Average daily burn 2870. Ended the month over slightly (479). Kept calories under burn 12 days, under goal five days. 3000+ burn 12 days, and 10 30k days. 666,500 total steps. Average of 23804. 269 logged miles. 3379/4070 cardio minutes. 120 w/Weights.

EXERCISE: I achieved my hour of elliptical 22 days this month (and remember, February only has 28 days, so that's pretty good!). Got some elliptical in six additional days which means ... I was on the elliptical every day in February. Treadmill time 19 days, 10 of those days had a double dose. 15 Zumba classes (always looks like more on the graph, as the time tracker counts arrival and departure time, and there is always some waiting before/after). Two times on the bike, and three sessions with weights. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES: Driving was down a little, as basketball slowed, and I had a week off driving the kids to school (plus a couple other days off).  There was still some basketball. The usual grocery shopping. I went out to eat twice this month (rare for me), had some family time, and friend time.

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

I haven't watched any movies for a while. I was watching some Starz Series and stuck with them for a while. But, back to movies a bit this month. Some blockbuster ones I was aware of in theaters (Antman, Wonder, Oceans 8, Ready Player One). About Time was a repeat. I'd heard of Rampage (um, it was dumb), hadn't heard of Self/Less, although I recognized big names. I liked it. 

Lots of reading this month ... a lot on audio (have a KindleUnlimited membership through mid-April). Reading isn't really while working out, but while doing ANYTHING I can multi-task (driving, cleaning, laundry, duck duty, even basketball games - live and video work).   

TV Tuesday ... Starz Series

When Hubs first got talked into trying Direct TV, Starz/Showtime & Cinemax were thrown in for free for three months. While we had them, we watched some shows, but as soon as we'd have to pay, we canceled. With Netflix/Amazon and HBO (free through our phone plan), we had plenty to keep us occupied. Then Hubs got a sales call and accepted Starz again a while later. While you can easily ADD programs yourself on the website, you have to call in to cancel. Uggg. Again, we'd been offered a special deal, so I figured I'd make the most of it for those few months. There are some series that are Starz originals ... and I ended up watching three of them.

I started with Counterpart. Sounded up my alley. At a point in history, our world split, and now there is a parallel existence ... but of course things don't stay the same. Only a secret agency is aware of this alternate universe, some agents communicate and travel between the two worlds. Enter espionage, action and intrigue. It's rated really high on IMDB on other TV trackers. I liked it, but didn't love it.  Just the one season existed as I started, with a second season starting soon ... but I don't feel compelled to continue.

I've always liked Kelsey Grammer. Here, he is not very likeable! Boss reminded me a bit of Netflix's House of Cards, but instead of featuring the President and the politics there, it focuses on the Mayor of Chicago. Still, so much corruption ... I know it's all fiction, but it does make me doubt the political system sometimes. 

As the show starts, Kelsey Grammer's character is diagnosed with a degenerative brain disorder (Lewy Body Dementia) ... but he hides this, trying to preserve his legacy, whatever it takes.  I'd never heard of this disease before, but shortly after I finished watching, I heard that the former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has been diagnosed with it. 

There are two seasons ... I watched the first, but didn't really feel like continuing on with the second. Even when I cancel Starz, if I decide I want to watch more, the second season (10 episodes) is just $7.00 on Amazon demand, or it's on DVD at my local library.

The third Starz series I started was Power. James "Ghost" St. Patrick seems to have escaped the streets to become a successful businessman, but it's a double life. He's still very much involved in the drug trade. There is a ton of violence and murder and sex. A lot of sex in this show! It is cable, and they make the most of the MA rating (nudity/profanity ... it's got it all. All three of these did actually).  This was one I'd definitely have to quickly turn off if one of the kids came into the gym. 

Sometimes I struggle to make a connection with characters, especially when they are ones I have nothing in common with ... but this show hooked me. There were five seasons, 10 episodes each ... and I watched them all back to back (gave up watching my movies for a while as I POWERED through). Season Six This is one I'll be a little sorry not to be able to watch when I cancel my Starz subscription, but it's not one I'd want to watch week-to-week either. So maybe once the season is complete, I'll sign up for a month on Amazon and watch the sixth (and final?) season. 

Now I just need to call and cancel my Starz subscription ... and it's back to Netflix/Amazon and HBO, and maybe more movies again too.

Weekly Weigh-In #290 (180.1)

Well, I managed to move back into the 170s (barely) but bumped back up a bit after the weekend. This week was fairly routine as far as school, I think the boys are finally caught up after the cruise. There was some basketball, a doctor's visit for #4, and a birthday for #2. Hubs was out of town Monday through Thursday. My stats were pretty good ...

NUMBERS: Official weight down .9, with average up a smidgen (.38 to 176.69). Average intake 2477. Just one day under 2000. Small deficit (-667). Average burn 2887. Three 3000+ days. Two 30k days. Step average was 24495 w/70.45 logged miles. Cardio minutes 840/1052/1024/1412 with 40min Weights.

... a look at the family Fitbits ...

EXERCISE: I managed to get  my hour of elliptical in every single day this week. I don't remember the last time that's happened (okay, I looked on my "streaks" app and it was May2018, but I did go almost an entire month once, 28 days straight!) Treadmill time five days, with double duty three of those days. Four Zumba classes. One time with weights.  OTHER ACTIVITIES: The usual driving and grocery shopping. Running #4 to the doctor, spending an hour after w/Zumba friends, a basketball game ... the "more" was the stop at school to check #4 out, and a pizza run. Not sure why sometimes small (10min or less) activities show up on the LifeCycle graph, and other times they get moved into the "more" section.

Here's the Day by Day ...

• Monday (0218) The kids were out of school for President's Day. #4 and I had a stressful day as I tried to get him to complete his catch-up work from the cruise. I made it to Zumba, got in my hour of elliptical and two times on the treadmill. Hubs went to work, then straight to the airport, away to Vegas for the Builder's Convention for a few days. Steps 28110. Burn 2980. Intake 1294. 
• Tuesday (0219) Woke to snow. It stopped before I took the kids to school, but roads were slippery and slow. Zumba at the church. Got in my hour of elliptical, hour treadmill time and I did weights. Pulled a muscle in my thigh - ouch! Both boys stayed after school doing make-up work. Stopped at Little Caesars on the way home. #5 had practice in the evening. Steps 33864. Burn 3380. Intake 1990.
• Wednesday (0220) Took the boys to school early as #4 was taking a test he'd missed. He got an A. I went to Zumba w/MZL, a store stop and car wash. I done my hour of elliptical early, and managed an hour on the treadmill in the early afternoon. Then back to the school to check #4 out for his doctor's appointment. We made it there in good time. I felt it went well. Trying a couple new prescriptions. Thinking about therapy. Stopped at Popeyes on the way home and still was home in time to go pick up #5 after intramurals (I'd had #3 on standby just in case ... he didn't have school today, Juniors taking the ACT). #5 had a 6:00 game in the evening. An easy win. Got a team picture while we had all 10 boys, they were wearing black, and happy after a good game. Steps 32056. Burn 3157. Intake 2150. 
• Thursday (0221) I got my hour of elliptical in early, then went to Zumba w/MZL. Meeting after, and a stop at Walmart. Just two miles treadmill today. Double pickups after school. Birthday for #2, 20 years old. I made crepes for an early dinner. He had class, and then we had cake. Snow in Vegas, and Hubs flight home was cancelled. He and the guys managed to rent a car and headed home. He didn't make it until after 9:00.Steps 27325. Burn 3004. Intake 2800.
• Friday (0222) Slept in a little. Got the kids to school, did a store stop. Got everything put away. Netflix is being weird today (exiting out of my profile) but it was okay, as I had a Grey's Anatomy on PlayOn waiting for me. #5 had practice in the evening. #3 was off watching girl's basketball (state playoffs) and then to watch, and perform in, the Drill review in the evening.  Steps 17356. Burn 2662. Intake 2200. 
• Saturday (0223) Store run. Breakfast with the boys. Haircuts. Donuts. Got in three 20min sessions on the elliptical during the day.  Steps 14013. Burn 2429. Intake 2700. 
• Sunday (0224) Not a good night. Started the day with elliptical, and got my full hour in by end of day. Treadmill time too.  Big breakfast with the family, waffles and homemade bacon. Emptied, cleaned, refilled the hot tub. Oscars in the evening. 18743 steps. 2600 burn. 2800 intake. 

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

We'd got talked into a Starz subscription with out Direct TV, and while I will be canceling, I figured I'd watch a few movies/shows. I'd gotten sucked into "Power"and  I stopped watching movies for a while. As I finished all five seasons, I've made my way back to movies, and to streaming services other than Starz. On Netflix, I finally watched Ant-man and the Wasp (2018, IMDB 7.1) I'd really enjoyed the first installment. I'm behind on my other Avengers movies, so I felt like I'd missed some stuff (why he was on house arrest) but I still enjoyed it. On Amazon, I watched Wonder (2017, IMDB 8.0) which I'd heard rave reviews about, and I'd read the book. I liked it. There were some tears as I elliptical-ed along. Finally, on HBO, I watched Oceans8 (2018, IMDB 6.2). I'd loved the first Oceans11 movie. I'd seen the previews for this and it had peaked my interest. It was a little over the top but it kept me entertained.  On my non-movie days, or for finishing up when my movie ended before a workout, I started watching "Travelers" (season 3) on Netflix. I'd really liked the first couple seasons and have heard this is the end and that there is closure, which will be appreciated. I also got in the most recent episode of Grey's on Friday.  Upstairs Hubs and I watched a couple episodes of Mad Men (season 2). The boys have recently started Brooklyn99 on #1's recommendation. 

*** Five Featured Photos ***

That's #3, in a white suit, for the White Out at the high school game ...

My #5 (who IS #5) and his Jags team. Not the final game yet, but as we had all 10 boys, they were wearing black (which I prefer to the white) and they won ... so there were smiles.  Perfect picture opportunity!

#2 is now the big 20! Got a cake and a kiss from Kate ...

That's homemade bacon! Hubs bought the slab of meat, brined it, smoked it, sliced it ... then we fried it up. #2 in the background there making waffles. 

#1 and wife have been into movies, and seen almost all the Oscar contenders. 

They were having a contest to see which one could predict the most winners. They ended up in a tie.