All I can say is Wow!

At Weight Watchers yesterday morning I bought one of the pedometers. I really like it because I can program it to my weight and length of stride. I eagerly clipped it on this morning as soon as I got dressed, because I was curious as to how I'd do. Most everyone I know recommends using 10,000 steps as the goal to shoot for each day. Since I'm usually pretty sedentary I figure this was a good way to get myself moving more.

My friend Kim and I really enjoyed walking to Starbucks during the snow, and I knew it was great exercise. Now that our snow has gone and rain - hard at times - and wind has returned the walk isn't nearly as enjoyable. We both need to keep at it, however, so when she called this morning I agreed to go. I find it much easier to walk outside, especially when I have the reward of a great latte waiting for me at the midpoint, and sewing waiting for me at the end of the walk. So armed with umbrella and raincoat I set out this morning. The steps really added up quickly on that walk - a good way to start the day.

Once I returned home, however, I didn't get to sew. Instead I need to pack away all the Christmas decorations. I have no idea how many times I walked from the tree to the table where the boxes were sitting - must have been hundreds of times as we have that many ornaments. Plus walking back and forth packing everything else away also. Then standing in the kitchen to fix dinner. Now back to the living room with the vacuum as there are needles everywhere. I wanted to do a good cleaning so I moved every piece of furniture I could so I could clean underneath it.

Every now and then I stretched out on the couch for a short time to give my back a rest. I even fell asleep for a few minutes - I was listening to an audio book while working and suddenly realized the story had jumped ahead a bit. By and large I was on my feet the entire day, however. Every now and then I would look at the number of steps I was accumulating, as well as the activity points I was earning. As the number grew I was more and more amazed. I can't imagine how this total could possibly be correct! But as I wore the thing yesterday after I got home, when I didn't move much the rest of the day, and accumulated less than 4000 steps I figure it must be correct.

Tomorrow I'm going shopping with Kim - wandering a high end mall in Portland (Bridgeport Mall) as I've never been there before. Our plan is to accumulate a lot of steps tomorrow also!