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Monday, September 14, 2015

Bye Bye Fitbit, Hello Charmin’ Garmin!

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It was a hard decision to make.

I *AM* mourning the loss of my beloved fitbit, a tried and true friend who stuck with me through thick and thin over the past nearly 2 years – until it didn’t stick, got dropped off of yours truly and decided to find a life of its own somewhere else.

I did try synching my phone to the fitbit in several places – knowing that if it synched, it must be close by.

But no.  From my car to everywhere in the house, all I got was that red exclamation point and the dreaded “Device not found”.

There was nothing left to do but to haul my broken heart into the car and go in search of something to replace it.

While Walmart seems to carry the fitbit at  a very reasonable cost, I started questioning myself if I really just wanted a duplicate of what I already had, or was there something better out there that I might like better.

Off to Costco we go!

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This??

Nope.  It doesn’t tell time, and the battery has to be recharged all the time.  Nothing is worse than forgetting to charge your battery, are half way through a trip, have walked a gazillion miles through airport connections and you find you have a dead battery.  And that not telling the time thing?  What’s with that?  If I’m going to wear something on my wrist and pay close to $100.00 for it, it better at least tell me the time!

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This?

Nope.  Same thing.  Needs to be charged every 3 to 5 days…and the wrist band is just to wide –and yes, I can say it because I AM a girl and I like color!!  BLACK is not my thing.  It just looked very masculine.  And I think I can do better than that price.

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Garmin Vivofit 2!

Okay, look past the point that it is pink.  I didn’t buy it just because it is pink.  But listen to this:  The battery lasts ONE YEAR.  Without charging.  It tells TIME!  It has the date too…which is also helpful with my “what day is it!?” brain.

Stats: 
  • Move bar w/audible alert- Reminds you to stay active throughout the day by displaying a red move bar and sounding an alert after one hour of inactivity. Additional segments lightup for every 15 minutes of inactivity. Walk for a couple of minutes to reset.
  • BACKLIT DISPLAY - The display is always on so you won't miss a beat. Turn on the backlight to see your stats, even in the dark.
  • ACTIVITY TIMER - Record activities with or without a heart rate monitor.
  • 1 + year battery life - vvofit 2 stays on for more than a year without having to change the battery, so you don't have to worry about recharging.
  • Auto Sync - vvofit 2 automatically syncs with paired mobile devices3 at strategic times throughout the day, such as when a goal is met or when several steps have been taken since the last sync. 
I got it at Dick’s Sporting Goods for $99.00 so it was right in there with the price I was willing to pay.

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For those days I don’t feel like pink!

I also found some really cute wrist bands on Amazon that will work with it, because let’s face it – if I’m going to have to wear this thing, it better be cute.  Because I’m a girl and I like things that way.

I’ll let you know how the Garmin vivofit2 compares to the fitbit as I get used to it. 

Things I know I will miss:
  • Tracking of stair and hill climbs.  I liked this feature of the fitbit ONE.
  • The little “Hello, Bonnie” messages that flashed across the display of my fitbit when I first started to move in the morning.  Yes, I know it was a computer thing, not a real person, but it was nice!  LOL! 

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When at Dick’s, shop for shoes!

I have loved my Brooks Ghost 7’s for about a year and a half.  Probably 9 months longer than I should, but it was time for something new.  I’m not just a “one brand” girl..all shoes have different fits and different good and bad points, and this time around I chose some Nike Air Zoom Pegasus after trying on several different pairs from several different brands and walking around the store.

These just feel really GOOD on my feet.

So guess what I’ll be wearing on Wednesday when I fly to St Louis and start my long Missouri journey??  From feet to wrist, I’m covered.

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Crumby Stars from yesterday’s Quilt-Cam!

Ah, the wonders of the internet! I got dropped from Google Hangouts right in the middle of quilt cam yesterday! No fear, no worries, we just started a second feed and embedded that also into the blog post! You can catch both tries by clicking the Quilt-Cam tab at the top of the blog where they are all archived.  The first segment is about 26 minutes long, the second, almost  90 minutes.  We had a good time! That is, once we got over the shock and panic of being booted off and got it working again.

I'm having fun sewing crumb blocks into the centers of these stars.  I only need about 100.  Give or take a few!

Oh and one more thing.


Me and my friend, Eleanor Burns!

This photo was taken when we were in Ireland a couple of years ago.  Such a fun trip!  Eleanor is having heart surgery this week and I am asking for your thoughts prayers and well wishes to be sent her way.  

This is a GOOD thing.  It’s a good thing that a problem was discovered, and a good thing that she is able to get it taken care of so she can keep on quilting the way we want her to.  There isn’t much that can keep Eleanor down, and I know she would appreciate your positive energy!

I know she will be back to throwing scraps over her shoulder in no time!

I’ll keep you up to date as I learn more.

Oh and…

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Make it a good one!


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27 comments:

WIPPYSPLACE said...

your posts always make me smile. thanks for sharing things with us!

Kristy said...

Please update as you use it! I have a fitbit charge that is blue, but I hate not being able to change the band. The band split after about 6 months, now the glue has come loose and it is falling apart! I got it for Christmas last year, so it only lasted 9 months. Like you I am looking for a replacement.

Anonymous said...

Hi Bonnie! Just wanted to let you know that I found Scotch Restickable Strips at Staples. They come in 1 inch squares or 1 inch by 3 inch strips. You can check Staples online for your store's availability.

Trudy Lapke tardytrudy@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

Please delete my message so my name and email address are not visible. Thanks!

Sherry said...

I think you will like the Garmin - I have had one since January and haven't had any issues with it, battery life was the selling point for me. It is a bit 'bulky' on your wrist if you aren't used to wearing a watch but I really like the band clasp. It has never come off when catching on something(my DIL lost her Fitbit during the winter while getting out of her car, they found it after the snow melted in the spring). Anyway, sometimes when it is really hot and it starts to annoy me to have something on my wrist or I and doing dishes, etc. - I take it off and clip the wristband around my sleeveless shirt OR bra strap or belt loop and it counts steps just fine. So now, I'd better go put some steps on mine! Sherry

Unknown said...

I switched from a fitbit to a garmin about 18 months ago. I really like it! I could never switch from my Brooks though. Only they fit my feet. Thanks for letting us know about Eleanor's surgery. Enjoy your Monday.

SJM said...

The Garmin VIVOfit has worked well for me and my hubby. I wanted the "2" but could not get it to sinc to my phone, returned it to Best Buy and got the "original." Would have liked the back light, though.

I am on a 95,000 step challenge, will be there or below until a knee problem gets corrected. The early sign-up for a 1/2 marathon in October might have been a waste of money. :-(

Happy walking and treadling.


Mary said...

Can you put it on your ankle to get it to count your Treadle steps? I like the colors, too. Black isn't for me either. I read about Eleanor on FB and send my positive thoughts and prayers her way. I'll always be thankful for her QIAD shows on PBS when I lived way out in the middle of Nowhere with my littles all day and no ADULT to keep me company. My children did't appreciate her voice but I watched it every time I could. I was so happy to meet her in Puyallup at EXPO. Such a fun, Strip-lovin lady.

susan sobon said...

i have been wanting to get a fitbit for ages but just never bit the bullet. i think i know why i waited! thank you for the info. will be picking up a garmin. so are you saying the fitbit could differentiate between stair walking and just regular? that does sound like a nice feature.

Wench5661 said...

I Love the little crumb blocks!! Have you ever used dryer sheets for foundation? Used or right from the box? I'm thinking of trying them for crumb blocks and not trying to tear them out. I was going to try the unscented kind. I'd love to hear (or read) your input. - Cindy from Laureldale Pa.

seveneleven said...

Enjoyed your evaluation, Bonnie. I have the FitBit Zip and "like" it but the Zip is not without problems--goes to sleep too often. Tell Kristy to contact FitBit--they will probably give her a new band--they gave me a new case for my Zip. Thanks again, Bonnie.

Unknown said...

Bonnie, all of us in the Kirksville, Missouri, area are looking forward to your workshop this weekend.

You had asked about antique stores in the area...on the way from STL to Columbia (Interstate 70) you'll find several. (Artichoke Annies is supposed to be good.) Also, in Kirksville, there are two nice ones. (Lawson Hill Antiques Mall & Princess Emporium) I'm sure the 2 1/2 hour drive from STL to Kirksville will turn into a longer one after you make numerous stops along the way...

I know you enjoy walking. Be sure to check out 1000 Hills State Park near Kirksville, close to where you will be speaking in Novinger. Beautiful trails, some paved. Free. Enjoy nature around our area.

And as a side note: my friend wears her tracker on her ankle--maybe your Garman will work there when you treadle!

See you soon!

Nancy Mc said...

Enjoyed quilt cam yesterday and your post today, you always put me in a good mood. I will keep Eleanor in my prayers.

Johanna said...

Love your crumb stars!

deanna turner said...

Bonnie, did you see that theHuntsvilleHeritageQuilters are havingaquilt show October 9,10&11,2015. They have a Bonnie Hunter pattern for a opportunity quilt.

Feathers in my Nest said...

Love your Crumb Stars!..and I miss making strings in our mystery quilts..Thank you for QuiltCam, always a good time.
Debra in Ma.

Susie Jensen said...

Bonnie, I found the adhesive strips at Office Depot. They had lots of them. You might try there.

Dar said...

Will be interested in hearing about your Garmin vs. Fit Bit One. I love my Fit Bit and when I lost my 1st one, I bought another. I don't want to have something on my wrist all the time and with FitBit put it in my pocket, or if no pockets, clip to bra strap. They have great customer service too if you contact with losing it. They sent a new one to a friend of mine recently when she told them. Sorry I didn't know that 3 years ago!

Love your crumb stars. Was not able to join you at Quilt Cam last night, so I will watch it tonight. Looking forward to seeing you soon in Mo.

Sharon J. Hughson said...

Goodness. I will be sending good vibes out to Eleanor. I remember meeting her in Jonesboro, TN and gave us her 'stripper' presentation. Geeshe, heart surgery.

Lorac.m said...

Love how you can change bands on your new Garmin! I have a Fitbit Charge and just wanted to let everyone know that if the band comes apart after a few months their coustomer service is really good about replacing it. They sent me a new one right away!

Unknown said...

Love your crumb blocks... They are so cute...

Thanks for your review of the Garmin... I use a counter on my phone,... It works for me, but I would like something smallest, that I could flip to my clothes, or bra...

I wear Easy Spirits.... My feet are extra tender, and Easy Spurit shoes are instantly comfortable... Love your new shoes, though... My small feet definitely limit what I can buy... No one carries 4.5's or 5's....

Prayers for EB... She is such a trooper... Can't imagine the quilting world without her...

janequiltsslowly said...

I have a Misfit activity tracker that I love. I don't like having to wear something in my wrist all the time. The battery lasts about 6 months and it's really cute.

Positive thoughts for Eleanor!

Love your little crumb stars.

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for Eleanor. senstrings (at ) yahoo (dot) com

QuilterinMotion said...

I am happy to hear of your find, Bonnie. I tried a Fitbit for one summer. It kept going to sleep and also need recharging at the most inconvenient times. I'm going to be looking for updates from you on how you like it. This might be what I wanted. God bless Eleanor; she's the reason why many of us started quilting in the first place with her Quilt in a Day patterns.
Marsha quilterinmotion(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers for a swift and complete recovery for Eleanor.
Hope you like your new gismo. lol

Jen said...

Please keep us posted on the Garmin. They've come a long way since I had my first jawbone. Love the pic of you and Eleanor. I used to love watching her show on tv.

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