National Weight Control Registry

It's that time of the year again when I receive my annual survey from the NWCR. It's a humbling experience if you've gained weight in the past year as I have.  I've gained 8 pounds since last July, putting me in a category of "gainers" instead of "maintainers" that I would prefer to be in. I'm not bummed about it though since I've really concentrated on exercise, fitness and weight training this year. My clothes still fit fine, my wedding ring is still loose most days depending on the humidity and I'm overall feeling great.  But, when you are asked to answer tough personal questions, it gets you thinking about motivation, why you eat, when you eat, and if you're happy.  It's a long survey and I know several people you have just stuck the survey on a pile if they've gained, but I know it's important to the overall project. 

Our trip to Disney World was a blast. Awesome weather, comfortable temperatures for the most part and the kiddos got along, which is always a plus.  I'll try to post a few pics on the family blog, but our computer is still sick as "Santa" somehow didn't leave the start-up disks for our computer, making matters a bit more difficult to fix. 

I do love going to Disney World and besides the amount of steps I can get in daily, the amount of food I eat seems to be less than I eat at home. 2 meals a day, 2 snacks a day...if I want more, I have to pay extra and as a cheap Milwaukeean, that ain't happening! I eat yogurt for breakfast followed by sensible lunches and dinners.  My kids love walking the steps in the hotel.  This year, we stayed again at the Pop Century and were in the Yo-yo buildings. All the kids wanted to walk up eat yo-yo; red, blue, and green yo-yo's that were each four stories high. We stayed in the green yo-yo building on the fourth floor, so there was plenty of step walking to be had.  My boys would have preferred to stayed at the hotel and climb stairs all day rather than head to the parks. 

My goal of getting more steps was met.  The first day in Disney I hit 29,600 steps. My low this year was 18,000, but for the most part, I had 20,000 steps daily.  By the end of the week, I was pretty tired.

Hoping for a good week, but today we have a sick 7 yr old; fever and throwing up doesn't make for a fun Sunday.

Off to Disney World

Computer's been sick all week, hoping it gets "magically" better while we're away.

I'll be tracking my steps and my goal will be to increase my steps from our last trip. My low last year was 20,074 and my high was 25,366.

Today, I relaxed most of the day. Our weather is beautiful! Sat outside in the morning till the kiddos pestered me enough to get off my comfy Androndeck to go swimming at the gym. That was the extent of my activity.

I'll be heading to the gym one last time tomorrow before our 1,200 mile, 24 hour straight trip down south. Thinking of hitting the weights since I know I'll get plenty o' cardio the next week and a half.

Off to visit Mickey!

Happy Independence Day!

Our computer has a cool little virus, so not sure when I'll check in again.

June 30 Deals

Yesterday, the boys and I had a day to ourselves as the girls spent the day with my sister and her two girls.  We had a fun day as Grandpa came over to visit too. First we went to the State Fair to get a few tickets. They are almost half price until June 30 and then for the month of July and into the fair, they go up in price. So, since it was the last day for cheap tickets we took a walk.  Alex, rode his bike. It was the first time he rode his bike farther than our block, which is very flat.  He had a few tough hills to travel over and was pretty worn out by the time we go home.

Of course, since it was the end of June, we also had coupons for free happy meals that were expiring too. Hop on the bike again young man! We walked the six blocks to McDonald's to get two free happy meals with apples and chocolate milk.  Grandpa sat and read the fair preview booklet and decided we needed to walk back to the fair for another bargain.  Cream puffs! A six-pack for $15! Only through June 30.

So, back to the fair we walked. And on our way home from the fair, I made Alex ride in the stroller and I could tell he was hot and tired.  So it was on the bike for the 3 yr. old, Benjamin! Again, the first time he had riden farther than our flat block.  We got home, and crashed.  Benjamin was asleep within 10 minutes and Alex took a good rest time, but never fell asleep.  I did!

After dinner, it was off to pick up the girls and have a campfire and my sister's house. We were up too late! The 3 oldest kids and my wife slept out in our tent last night in the backyard.  I felt so bad for Benjamin this morning when he saw Alex come in from outside.  His eyes welled up and he just balled! Maybe a camp out for the wee one tonight?

Off to "Cars 2" today!