#212 Weekly Weigh In

Before I get into my weight loss journey, I thought I would share my thoughts a bit. With the tragedies of last night, i thought i would wait till tonight to post. With a heavy heart, I am praying and thinking about all who are involved. I think everyone is still in shock. My heart is hurting. With that said, i will continue to  pray for  all those involved. 

Weekly Weigh In: The holidays are the the hardest for people trying to loose weight. as americans especially southerns,  we tend to eat a lot. When i say a lot i mean a lot, i mean a heaping plate full with some of us going back  for more. Each ear i try harder and harder to try to somewhat stay on plan. I really think this year it  sort of clicked.

A couple of weeks ago, for some odd reason my motivation surged through me. Don't ask me why cause I haven't got a clue. Anyway, around halloween, i joined a gym and really started following the plan.

The Results: For the last few weeks including Thanksgiving and Christmas i lost weight. I am back to a total  of 35 pounds lost which is 5 pounds from my smallest, which i couldn't be more happier about. I am actually feeling it in my clothing and in the mirror.

What Changed: I g to the gym like four times a week and i stop drinking soda Sunday night. So the lesson to be learned: follow the plan and it works.

So before you discount the plan or yourself, if I can do it, you definitely can.

I guess now over the next week I will be deciding my New Year's resolution for 2014. What will be new for me in the upcoming year. I am excited to see what happens.

#211 Weekly Weigh In

So Weight Watchers moved back to Thursdays and I couldn't be more happier.......I think I will get back track soon rather than later.

This is only the second week of Thursday night meetings and I already have progress. I lost 2 point 8 pounds this week. It could also be the fact that up until this week, I have been working out at least 4 times a week. I guess my body is finally showing some signs of all my hard work.....I guess that just gives me the motivation to continue my work outs at the YMCA, and I guess I need to continue getting up early on Saturday mornings to work out. It probably helps that I am tracking more and more and also drinking less DC.

Last week we had to set a goal for the holidays....my goal was to not gain weight meaning I don't want gain weight. If I do, I will be disappointed by that is life.

Tonight, my leader introduced tweak in the WW plan. I don't really know what to think about it but I will try it for the next 2 weeks like I promised....I need to read more about it before I can really understand it. What I can sort of take from this is that the new tweak is similar to the simply filling plan which I never quite got. WE will see how this goes. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this works. The plan is called Simply Start:

1. The meals and snacks are built from Power Foods (which are foods that help you fill up faster and stay fuller longer. You choose from these meals; they are like suggestions. You can swap options and flavors not to get bored.
2. Choose an unlimited amount of beverages from list of "free" beverages (i.e. water, diet soda, coffee or tea-without sugar and fat free milk)
3. If you like, indulge....your get 7 points plus each day which is basically just breaking down the 49 weekly points you get. These you can spend anyway you want.

Well we will see how this goes....wish me luck!!!

#210 Think about it Tuesday!!!!

Granted, I know it is 11:30pm and I am writing my first blog in quite sometime. Also, I do know most of you won't read it. So I am writing this for myself and those of you who will actually read this. My life has changed for the better, (1) I have a "real" job, which means I have a steady pay check, and (2) I am really working hard on my weight loss. I have the drive and motivation that has been lacking for a few months.

For the last few weeks I have been trying to get back on plan. I am slowly doing it. Each week at Weight Watchers (WW), we are asked to write something down that we are going to work on during the following week. Listed below are what I put every week:

1. Track: Lord knows that one of the most difficult thing for me is tracking...literally writing everything down that goes into my mouth. I don't why I don't want to do it. Mostly likely it is that I am lazy and don't really want to do it. I have been working hard on it and I can proudly say that for the last 3 weeks, I have written everything down even if I don't really want to admit that I had one thing or that much of another. 
2. Drink less soda: If you know me like I am sure most of you do. I love Diet Coke (DC). DC is my favorite thing to drink after a long day at work or when I watch a movie (especially when I go to see a move at the theater and yes I know how expensive they are!!!!). Anyway, Sunday is usually that last time during the week I have a DC. I am actually drinking more and more water each day. I think I am usually at 4 bottles of water a day. I try to drink half my weight in oz of water each day. This is very hard for me.
3. Eat more fruits and veggies: I pretty much bring my lunch everyday. The main part of my meal is a turkey sandwich. I have been bring two snacks everyday, which are carrots and grapes. Something both sweet and salty. A fruit and a veggie. 
4. Exercise: I, Lauren Elizabeth Mayet, joined a gym aka The YMCA, and I love it. I am earning more activity than I have ever done before. I go to Zumba Tuesday and Thursday each week plus on Saturdays I have been going in to use the elliptical. On the elliptical I usually do 30 minutes which for me is roughly around 2.5 miles. Yesterday, I took my first step class since high school. It was 45 minutes and nearly killed me. 
5. Stop going to the candy dish at work....I have actually gotten better at not going to the break room for a candy or bag of chips. This is really hard when it is staring me right in the face.

Well I am keeping my fingers crossed that some of my changes are working. Weigh In is tomorrow!!!!!! Yikes.

#209 Weekly Weigh In

I meant to post this last night when I got home from Weight Watchers, but I think subconsciously didn't want to admit it to myself or to the world, but my weight is creeping up again. I had a gain which I am very disappointed in myself for. However, I am still around 30 pounds lost.

I know I am the only one who can control what I do. Yes....I am tracking, religiously. Don't get me wrong, I am proud of myself of what I am actually tracking, but I really need to get back on the ball and actually follow the plan. It is one thing to track but it is an entire different thing then to eat healthier.

For one thing, with my new job (I will chat about that later), I earn about 2 to 3 activity points everyday without even trying. That's more than I was getting before. Now if only I could do some stuff after. Anyway....I start going back to Zumba at the YMCA. 1) It is like 5 minutes from work, and 2) I am going with my cousin. When she gets back from her vaca, I am going to join.

Ms. Cindy, my Weight Watchers leader, was telling a story about another member at another meeting. She was telling us how this person after some thought figured out she wasn't moving past a certain amount of weight because she didn't feel like she deserved this. This really hit home for me. I guess I have always felt like the "fat" one of the bunch. I know that is blunt, but it is sort my reasoning. Anyway, I have always been overweight. I don't ever remember being small even as a kid. So, I think, subconsciously that I don't really think I deserve to be "skinny." I think I have a mental block in my head that says when I reach 30 pounds loss I can't go higher. So I "let" my weight creep back up.

Another reason for the weight gain: So at my new job, there is this bag of small little bit size Hershey candies that just call my name. Some kind of way, I need to find someway not to eat them, but they are just too tasty.

NEW JOB
So if you follow me on Facebook, you know I have a new job. I am so happy with that job. I enjoy going to work. I am learning an entire new aspect of the graphic design business. That side is the Printing side of it. I am learning so much. Added to all that, I get to do my passion which is to create things for others. (I actually have a graphic design job. a job where I can actually use my degree.)

So I guess I need to sign off for the night. Sweet Dreams everyone!!!!

#208 First Day Jitters

So after getting my celebrity fill from People.com, E! Online, and US Weekly.com, I think it is time I post my post about the first day of my new job. First days on new jobs are always nerve racking. I can't speak for everyone else, but I had multiple questions going through my head. 

What is it going to be like? Will I like it? Did a make the right decision? What will they day be like? Will I like the people I work with?

There were more but these are just the ones off the top of my head. I had nothing to worry about. Day 1  went by smoothly. I enjoyed myself, and I think I have found my fit. I can't be completely sure but I am about 85% positive that I have found something that I like that can turn into something I love. The people I work with are so nice and made me feel welcomed, which is very much appreciated it.  All in all I think today was a great day.

On top of it all, the weather was gorgeous. Although it was still HOTT, but the hint of fall is in the air. Fall is my favorite time of year!!!!! Warmer clothes, coffee, and pumpkin spice.

Add Coffee to this please!!!!

Supernatural Freak (A Book Review)
Well the tittle of this book fits me perfectly. So many of you are probably wondering how I came across this book. Well, I was contacted by the author through Goodreads. This has never happened to me before, so I was happy to read it. I didn't know what I was about to read, but I am sure glad I read Supernatural Freak. It had everything that I usually like in a book; adventure, mystery, and a hint of romance. Take those things and add the world of werewolves, warlocks, witches and all things supernatural then you have this book and the genre that I love. There is great character development. I love all the characters in the book. I get the feeling that the lives of the characters in this story aren't finished yet. I can't help but hope for more romance between Robyn and James. I can feel something deeper there, but I don't know what. I look forward to reading more by Louisa Klein.

#207 Weekly Weigh In

Before I get into my weigh in....I have some really good news.

I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!

I couldn't be more excited. It is more in tune to my degree which is an added bonus. I will be glad to join the workforce...I will post more on this next week. I am both nervous and excited. I guess that is how it is with every new job. There is always concern to whether you would fit in or will you even like it? Those questions and many more are going through my head. I go tomorrow to fill out some paperwork and start Monday. Like I said, I will post more on Monday (if I remember too). I am getting closer to finally get to join the rest of world with an iPhone and a car. LOL

Weekly Weigh In
So last night was weigh in....I maintained my weight. Honestly, I was just glad I didn't gain anything. After my resent employment, the light bulbs went on in my head. I now know one of the reasons is that I had really no direction in my life. It is like when I was no longer working in the workforce, I was like whats the point? I pretty much let everything go. Maybe since now I have an income, other areas in my life will get back on track, well I least I hope so.

On a resent "road trip" with my sister, we chatted about my being happy. Honestly, when she told me "I want you to be happy," (cue in the tears), I thought I was. Well now I realize that I am sort of happy. We also discussed that I give myself and full year to get happy and get my life on track. Getting a job is the first step in that direction. My second step is getting back on track with my weight.

Right now, I am 15 pounds from my lowest weight. My goal, big or not, is to be back at that weight by Christmas. This may be a daunting task...but I think I am up to the challenge.

Last night's meeting was about weekends. Why is tracking and dieting in general so hard on the weekends? I know right now it is football season, but is that just an excuse? Could it be that I don't track because I just don't want to know? Or, could it possibly that I don't want to really lose the weight? I can honestly answer that last question. Yes I want to lose the weight. So the really question is this, what do I need to do to accomplish this goal? I need to track, change my eating habits, and get moving.

I commit 100% to tracking. 

The statement above is a big thing for me. We were asked to put out what one aspect of the plan we wanted to work on this week. Mine obviously is tracking.So far I have tracked what I have eaten today...Lets hope I can continue for the rest of the week.

Pretty Little Liars
My new obsession....I read books 1-8 a couple years ago right when the series was first coming out, but I never watched. Boy was I wrong to do that. For the last few weeks, I have been secluded in my dark room on my computer catching up. Yes, I know I am late in this obsession, but I have seen the light. However, one of the first episodes I watched was in fact was the summer finale in which "A" was revealed. SPOILER AHEAD...By now, everyone knows that Ezra is A. Now I know that's a little bit backwards, but it is kind of nice to watch and actually see how the writers could come to the conclusion. I am about 6 episodes from being totally caught up....I guess I have about a month till the Halloween 2013 episode airs. I am so excited.

#206 Weekly Weigh In

Good Morning....I hope everyone's Thursday morning is going smoothly.

So last night I couldn't stay for the meeting but I did actually go weigh in. To my surprise, I lost point 2 pounds. You may be curious and ask why are you surprised? Let me answer your question this way. Last night was the first meeting I have made in the last three weeks.

Yesterday I vowed to myself that this week I would start over as a "new member." So tonight I think I will take a photo of myself to show my weight loss progression. I will put on some workout clothes and take a photo of myself (I am really not fond of this but I want to show myself and the world my progression.) I think I will take my photos every 10 pounds.

I am unclear how much more weight I want to lose.

My goal: Right now I just want my driver's license weight and my actual weight to match. I am about 25 to go. Lets hope it doesn't take 2 years to do that. I am still 25 pounds total loss, so when I make my decision I will let the world know.

What do I need to do to accomplish said goal?
I need to track, track, track.
I need to eat more veggies and fruit. ( 0 point plus foods)
I need to drink more water and less soda.
I need to earn at least 3 activity points everyday.
I need an accountability partner.

Have I tracked today?
Yes.

I get 26 points plus total daily....I am seriously going to try to stay within those points this week. I get an extra 49 points weekly if I don't

Breakfast: I had a PB&J sandwich with a glass of skim milk. If my calculations are correct, breakfast was a total of 8 ppvs (points plus values)

Mid-morning snack: Venti Iced Non-fat Iced Latte from Starbucks which equals to 4 ppvs.

So for the rest of the day, I have 14 ppvs. Lets just hope I can stay with in my points.

#205 Hump Day/Remembering 9-11-01

I know it is Hump Day but it is also 12 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks that changed the New York City skyline while also changing the American people. I still remember what I was doing. I was taking my school photos for the yearbook. When I got back to my sophomore history class, the television was on which never happened.

For someone like myself, who never chokes up or shows any outward emotion, I just remember tearing up and wondering why would someone do such a thing....Over the the next few days, the media coverage went a little overboard. I mean it was on every channel.....MTV, VH1, etc. I remember thinking about all those people who perished in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and on the field somewhere in Virginia (I think). Then I started to think about all of those first responders who went in a did their jobs like it was nothing. They were saving the lives of many people that they did not know. So with a heavy heart, I still remember every thing I did that week 12 years ago; I remember every emotion from sadness to anger to curiosity.

That fateful day united the United States of America, but since then I can't help but notice since then our nation has been divided by race, politics, and religion. I just hope that one day we as Americans can remember how we felt about each other in the days that follow 9/11/01. It shouldn't matter whether we are black, white, yellow, purple, or blue, Republican or Democrat, or whether we are Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, etc., or gay or straight ; we should remember at the center of it all we are Americans. Lets not look down on our neighbors because of our differences, but embrace and celebrate them. I am just saying....Now thats enough of the mushy stuff.....

Weight Watchers
I know it has been a couple of weeks since I posted anything about my weight loss journey....Well I haven't been to a meeting in a couple of weeks. Not to make excuses but the first meeting I missed I was with my sister in Houston, TX for her last week of her rotation. The second week I was at an 8 hour interview. (thats an entire different post; I am sure I will get to it sooner or later). So tonight is my first day back, and I don't even want to know the outcome. I am not going to lie; I am nervous cause I have no clue what the outcome.

Right now I have no motivation....I try to track but after a few days but then just stop.....I haven't done much activity. So tonight is my START OVER. I am going to start my own challenge. After tonight's meeting, I vow to put my new member hat on....Re-read all my new member books. I need to make a plan and stick to it. Who is with me? I know I need the help and the motivation. I need someone to be accountable for.

Over the last two days, I have moved into the "Condo." it is really a small apartment in my parents house. It was originally going to be used as our pool house. It is basically a studio apartment. It is a small one room apartment. It has a kitchen and bathroom connected. I think I will be happy here. Who knows?

Fifty Shades of Grey
So I have read this book series three times now; yes I said it and I repeat. I have read Fifty Shades of Grey 3 times. Close your mouths and put your eyes back in your head. Yes little Lauren Mayet has read Fifty Shades of Grey.

Of course, the first time I read the series, before it become so widely known for that matter, I was in utter shock to what I was reading, but when I really thought about it, it was a good book. If you take away all of the sex, you really have a great story with great character development with a crazy plot line. The second time I read it, I had forgotten some of what was happening.

I read it a third time cause I didn't remember a scene and it is not one of the ones your thinking of. (It was when Anastasia Steele drunk dial Christian Grey.) Why do women love Mr. Grey? I can't speak for everyone, but deep down he is a man who loves an average woman. Ana Steele is a girl who is your average Jane. He sees her for her true beauty. Ms. Steele doesn't put up with him and he likes that about her. In his own words, he is "50 shades f#&^ed up." Christian loves Ana for who she is. He makes sure that she is taken care of, love his momma, wants her to spend his money, and a great dancer. He is willing to change who is is for her. All that and great looks makes for a sexy and beautiful man. Anyway, the cast had just been announced and I was curious that I could picture Charlie Hunnam as Christian Grey.

At first I had no clue who either person cast was. So I was curious. Which I searched for the male lead, I realized I did know of him. He was the guy, Jax, from Son's of Anarchy. I haven't really seen the show but during last night's premiere, most of Facebook in fact watches. I guess I may need to watch this on Netflix to see what this show is about. After further research I learned that he was also that guy from Pacific Rim. Then when I saw a clean shaven face, I knew that face was a tad familiar. I then knew where I had recognized them. He is the guy from the movie Abandon staring Katie Holmes and Benjamin Bratt.....I remembered it from high school; I loved it.

There has been some for the lack of a better term backlash against the casting of the two main leads. I say why don't people just wait and see. Movie magic will transform these to actors into the characters readers have fallen in love with. Christian Grey in my eyes is more than a beautiful man. It is one thing to look like Christian Grey; it is an entire different thing to give the essence that is Mr. Grey. Can Hunnam be Mr. Grey? That I don't know. We will all have to wait and see.

For those of you who still can't see Charlie Hunnam as Christian Grey...Above are some other photos of him.

#204 Weekly Weigh In.

Hey all....

This will be a short post. I didn't go to Weight Watchers because I am in Houston with my sister while she finishes her last week of this rotation so that she has someone to drive with home on Friday. Since I don't have a job, I had the time to do so.

So while I have been here, I have tracked every last bite of food that I have eaten. The day we got here, I ate one of the best cheeseburgers I have ever eaten. We ate at Dry Creek and I ate the Dry burger (I think that's what they called it. It had onion rings (2) with bbq sauce lettuce and pickles with a side of the best french fries I have eaten in a while. This meal was definitely worth it.  I guesstimated the points to about 14/15 points plus. Anyway, since then I have basically eaten cereal and milk for breakfast and turkey sandwiches for lunch and dinner. I think I have lost weight but I can't be certain.

My sister took photos of the place we ate at, so I will try to get them from her and may edit this blog post to add them.

Thats all for now.....

#203 Weekly Weigh In

Hey all.....I realize I am two days late but I am still getting used to the move in date of my Weight Watchers meeting. That said I also still getting used to the move on dates with the actual "diet" stuff.

So I had another point 6 gain....THIS NEEDS TO STOP!!!!
Now I am back at around 25 pounds lost....which means to get back to 40 pounds I need to lose 15 pounds to get back to my smallest. That seems like a daunting task to say the least.

Last week, I started tracking which lasted about 2 days. Now my goal this week on the tracking issue is to get to more days of tracking. (I mean to honestly track and not just track for what I think I ate.) I really don't know why tracking is so difficult. Part of me believes that subconsciously I don't really want to know what I am eating. I also think the other part of me is lazy and just doesn't want to do it.  I need to take accountability for myself and start to change my actions.

One of my friends posted this on her Facebook page. I kept it because
I absolutely love it. 

So far I have honestly tracked everything for the last two days. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can continue this.

I recently joined a fitness challenge with a friend from high school. This is what it entails:

Join me in an accountability/fitness group! It's a small group of 4-6 women who are looking to loose weight, eat healthier, and are tired of struggling alone. 
You are far more likely to continue your new eating habits and fitness routine when you have support! I'm looking forward to helping you reach those goals.

#202 Friday

Hey guys I know it has been a while since I posted something. Last week my sister and her hubby's freezer broke so we have been eating lots and lots of protein aka meat......So that and the fact that I quit tracking my food intake after the first day, I had a gain. (The reminds me....I need to track today's food intake.) I didn't gain much, point 6 to be exact, but it is a gain and on that makes me disappointed in myself.

I really need to get back to the whole exercise thing. I don't know whats wrong with me. I just can't seem to get it together. Today I earned a little activity by moving bricks form one pile to another, but with the heat and all I sweat my butt off, but earned little activity. I guess I may do a little tread mill time, but don't hold your breath cause that probably won't happen. I just don't have the will power right now.

I miss going to my zumba class but I can't seem to want to pay for a class when I don't have a job. (I need to get on that, but that's a whole different ball game that I don't even want to chat about.)

I found myself today, while I was moving those bricks while listening to the music, wanting to just dance like a little girl in her room while she thinks no one is watching. I know that sounds silly, but when I was still living by myself in the A-Frame (long story) I use to do it all the time. I mean I did take dance since the age of 2. So there is nothing wrong with dancing like a fool by yourself, right? Yeah, I know y'all are laughing at this, but dance is good exercise. Put it this way...I am in my own way creating my own Zumba or my own Hip/Hop ab exercise routine.

So what's my deal? What don't I have any motivation? I had made a deal with my cousin Elyse that we would both do what is in our power to try to loose weight by Christmas, but I don't think I am going to make it.

Well enough of my babbling, so I guess I am going to sign off. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

#201 Operation get life back on track

Today marks the first day that I will start Operation get Life back on Track to get my life back on track. I am asking myself how am I going to do that. There are two things I need/want to do:

1. Find a job.
2. Lose weight.

How am I going to do this? I guess I can tackle both at the same time or just do one at a time....I think I am up for a challenge, so I guess both at the same time for this one.

Find A Job: I need to decide what I want to do. My dream job is to have enough freelance work so sustain the life I want to live, but until that happens I need a steady income. Now lets get back to the "real world." I need an income. I would love to get something in my field of study....Graphic Design. Here in south Louisiana there aren't many of those jobs here. So I need a job for the time being.....So again I ask myself....what do I want to do? That is the ultimate question here right? Right now, I don't have any clue what I want to do. 

I tried banking and discovered it really wasn't for me; now I need to try something else. I don't mind really doing anything except cleaning up throw-up cause as soon as that smell hits my nose, I will be puking my guts up as well. 

Lose Weight: Since our Weight Watchers meetings have moved to Wednesday I have to start my "diet" earlier in the week. So far I have tracked (written) everything down; that's a start right? 

Now I need to change my eating better and exercising. Some kind of way I need to get my motivation back. 

Well I don't want ask my readers this, but if anyone has any advice let me know!!!!!!!

#200 Weekly Weigh In

First off, I am sorry that this is so late, but to be honest I wanted to finish a book that I had been reading over the last few days

I am sitting here listening to Strip Me by Natashia Beddingfield. The video is below.  I absolutely love this song. It is very motivating. Anyway I am sitting here thinking that this is my 200 blog post and it should be good. So I will give you what I can. But first we need to handle some business. 

Since it is my Weekly Weigh in blog, I guess I need to give you my update on my weight loss journey. Before I do, this is my last weekly weigh in on Thursday. Our meetings are moving to Wednesday, so logistically I will try to post them on Wednesday nights. This week we had another stumble. I again point 6. Don't get me wrong, I am disappointed but point six isn't that bad considering I had my 10 year class reunion (will post more on that another time) over the weekend and that I didn't track. I actually thought it would be more. Now I need to get on with this with weight loss thing. I will accept any advice/encouragement that anyone wants to send my way.

I think I know why I have not motivation. In fact, I can pretty much tell you it is because I don't have a "big girl" job. However, I won't get a job if I don't start looking. That's another problem.....I need to just get out there. I don't want to give any of my readers any worry about me; I am okay. I am just coming to the realization that I need to get on with my life. Whatever God's plan for me, it will happen. I just have to be patient and trust in him. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Here is the video. 

#199 Weekly Weigh In

Hey all......

First off, I really need to thank my readers, family, and friends who responded to my last blog. It really was helpful and means a lot. So,
Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

I really didn't mean to sound so depressed, but I want to share my truth. I not only want to share the good in my weight loss but also share what happens during set backs, and how it truly feels on the inside when you have those.

Although my weight has kind of crept back up, it now heading in the right direction. Last week I lost almost 2 pounds ( 1.8 to exact) and this week I lost another point 8 pounds. Although this progress is slow, I am proud of the progress I have made. I have tracked pretty much everything I have eaten the last week. I drank more water and less Diet Soda. Now if only I could buckle up and add working out back in my life. I have decided to take one meal at a time and one day at a time. I an only do my best.

I feel like I have always been the "skinny fashionista" on the inside. Well I don't wont to really be "skinny."I would rather been healthy and fit with more tone.

I found the above picture on Pinterest and it could not be more perfect. It says:

I'm not getting fit so some guy will love me. I am not getting fit so people can stare at me in a bikini. I am not getting fit for compliments. I'm getting fit so I can be so I can be HEALTHY. So I can feel good about myself. So I can be proud and say, 'My hard work and perseverance really paid off.' So I can live a long and healthy life. This why I'm getting fit for ME.

#198 It's time...

Tonight I am sitting here just thinking about a bunch of things....The first and foremost thing on my mind is my weight. Over the last few weeks, it has crept up week by week. I promised my self that this week was going to be different.....but I didn't change anything. Well I changed a little, I tracked a little more (every days thus far). This is a start but I need to get back into the mindset I was in before.

I really think I am sabotaging myself and I think I know why.

First things first; I am going to say this and I don't mean to sound sad or depressed, but it is the truth and I promised my readers that I would give them the truth. That said here is my truth.

1. I feel like an utter failure. I am 28 year old who is jobless and gaining my weight back. I have no idea what I want to do next. I am not even going to get into the fact that I have never had a boyfriend. That stuff is just way to depressing.

2. I need to get with the program. I need to like the Nike slogan says..."just do it." I really truly need to get of my butt and do something. Tonight I did just that. I applied for a job at a local paper....it is a start right? Now I need to decide what I really want to do.

It seems like just a few months ago my life was on track. Now everything is just so blah. (sorry this is the only word I could come up with)

I need to get back to the nitty gritty with weight watchers. I have started tracking but now I need to add the exercise and eat a little less of the sweet stuff and more of the veggies and grilled chicken. Earlier today I had a diet coke (my weakness) and I am hell bent and determined that it will be my last one for the week. I am praying and keeping my fingers crossed that it will happen.

So you are probably wondering why tittle this one "It's Time..." Well that is because it is time for me to get on with my life.

Thanks for reading. Sorry about the vent session.

#197 Its been awhile....

Hey y'all,

I know it has been awhile....I am sorry about that. Anyway, here it goes:

I had been working at a bank since February. As of last week, I no longer work there. I had made a couple of sort of big mistakes so I think you can guess why I am no longer in the banking industry....but don't worry. I think know I will be just fine. Don't get me wrong, it was a big sting at first and there was some tears shed but I realized that maybe "banking" wasn't for me. I loved the people I worked with and loved seeing and helping the customers that came every single. I know I will find my niche in this world sooner or later. It will be something that isn't so stressful something I was meant to do. I will let y'all know when I get another job.

My weight loss journey has seemed to be a at stand still yet again. So I need to get back my motivation and drive to be successful again. I am still at around 30 pounds lost....but I need to get my tush back in gear cause my 10 year high school reunion is about 40 days away...yikes.....I would like to be back at least at 40 pounds lost. I know I can do it.  I have to believe in myself yet again...

What needs to be done?

• track everyday....yes I need to write it down.
• exercise at least 4 times a week.
• eat more fruits and veggies.
• DRINK MORE WATER AND LESS DIET SODA.
• set small goals.

So if anyone has any advice feel free to send it my way.  

#196 Hump Day

According to my blog, the last time I blogged about something was January 23, 2013. That is almost 2 months ago. I am sorry about that by my life changed. There is a lot going on in my life.

Career Change: I have had a career change; I no longer work for my father at Tradewind's Travel. I got a job working in banking. After some major praying and really thinking about what I wanted out of life and what I really want to do with my life. After some major so searching and chatting with friends of mine that are in the graphics world, I came to the conclusion that right now I don't want a full time job in the graphics world especially since I want to be around where I grew up at. However, I will still do graphics on the side. So far I absolutely love the banking industry, which I didn't think was possible. Since working for the Walt Disney World Resort, I have found myself wanting to work more with the public, which for those of you who have known me my entire life know how completely opposite of how I was before college or Disney or before moving away.

Banking is something I never thought I would like much less love. I am still a little bit nervous dealing with so much money in my responsibility, but I think like with anything the more I do it the more confident and comfortable I become. In turn, the easier it will become.

Graphic Design: I have been doing some stuff on the side. I will post some stuff on my Mayet Graphics blog sometime this week. I need to do a photo shoot before I can do it. However, I did create a "home office" for myself at my parent's house in my old room.

Weight Watchers: My weight loss is at a stand still. It seems like I loose a pound or two and the next week I seem to gain it. I started tracking again so now I need to just eat more of the right stuff. So way back during Mardi Gras I decided to give up diet coke, however the next day i had one. I am normally good about this, but for some reason this year I can't seem to get off them. So that's the goal, I guess I will start it Saturday. The goal: STOP DRINKING DC. The other goal: DO MORE ACTIVITY OTHER THAN ZUMBA. I really don't know what my problem is. I will take any advice.

Hopefully now I will make an effort in writing these blogs.

#195 Confessions

• I haven't posted much here. I am sorry for that. My life has been a tad busy. 
• There are some changes in my life that will happen in the next few weeks. I am not ready to share with the world just yet. It is for the better. When I am ready I will let everyone know.
• Last week at weigh in, I lost point 8 pounds. I wish it was more but hey it is headed back in the right direction. I need to get my butt back in gear.
• I lost my ActiveLink. My sis and I were running a tad late for Jersey Boys on Sunday, so we had to run. It fell off. I guess I have to shell out some money to get another one. 
• New Kids on The Block are going tour again; this time with Boys to Men & 98 Degrees. I so want to hit this concert up. I hope they come to either New Orleans, Lafayette, or BR. 
• I really don't know what else to write about so I guess I need to sign off. I hope everyone has a great Hump Day.

#194 Facing the Scale

Tonight I will be facing the scale and I can honestly say I have no idea of the outcome. Monday and Tuesday I was sick so I was pretty much home both days except the few hours in the morning when I tried to go to work. So I didn't move much. We will see tonight; I know I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Image off the Internet

The above image is from the Internet. A while back I read Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. Since then I have been hooked on the series. Before reading the first book, I always wanted to read the series since the first film came out. I can see why it is widely popular. Rick Riordan is a brilliant author; he has the ability to draw readers in and keep them in. I can't wait to finish the series and move on to The Kane Chronicles. 

I kind of put Percy Jackson on hold while I read The Caster Chronicles. Beautiful Creatures is the first book in the series. I am hooked already. In my head I am reading with southern draw; I am talking about the wrong one that you hear in movies. I started this book because of the film that is coming out which was shot in New Orleans.

Have a blessed day!!!!

#193 Confessions....

• I wanted to get this one out early today, so here it is. For my confessions blog post, I will try to get about 10 in everyday. Wish me luck.
• Saturday, I am attending and photographing a A Gatsby Gathering. I am so excited. I am not so patiently waiting for my dress to come. The photo to the right is my dress. I have read reviews and they say it is a little short. I am glad it is winter and black tights are in. (lol). I need to find a black shrug to wear as well. I am so excited. 
• If you know me, then you know I am all things entertainment. I love reading out celebrities, but I think I have had enough about Kim Kardashian. E! News is all about her being pregnant with Kanye West's baby. I know the Kardashian's are E! News' royal family, but I think I just about had enough. Kimye is all over their website. Yes, they are having a baby congrats to them, but get over it. (A) I am  NOT a fan of Kanye West in the first place; (B) Why do we, as a society, condone celebrities having children out of wed lock? I know mistakes happen, but celebrities whether they like it or not are role models for the youth of America and the world. So I ask this, don't you think they should be a tad more careful in their lives? Just a thought to think about.
• Yesterday was Day 1 of my Zumba class. Last night's class was a blast. Zumba Fitness with Tamaira surely knows how to kick me in the butt. The Lord up above knows I needed. Today, my body is a little sore. Tamaira, our instructor, through so many new songs at us. I think I was a tad confused but by next week I will have caught on. 
• Tonight, I have no actual class but I will try to do some kind of activity. I may do an hour of Zumba Wii Core or something else. Who knows?
• Also, I have been tracking everything. WW 360 has a lot to do with routines and making habits. Tracking is something I really need and want to work on. I know it is what works. If I do it, the weight comes off. So I can honestly say that I am doing it; I am doing it religiously and I am be honest about it. 
• Today is the first day of no diet coke. I am tad proud of myself. Last night on the way home, dad stopped to get mom a DC from McDonalds and I didn't get any. That is a huge accomplishment.
• Yesterday I started reading the second book into Percy Jackson series. I know it is a Young Adult book but I love mythology and the first one was written so well. Plus they are quick reads and will help me on my 55 book challenge.
• Mom and I watched the new show Deception...OMG so good and it will only get better, but now we have a dilemma. We have 2 other shows that tape already on the DVR for Monday night; they are Hawaii 5-O & Castle. Both are really great shows and I love them. What will we do?
• Last confession...10 are really hard to come up with by the way. I am addicted to Fbook and Pinterest. I use Pinterest as my virtual closet. I look at an outfit I like and try to use the clothes I have to come up with something similar. 

#192 Monday Monday

It is Day 7 of 2013. I am sitting here contemplating what I will talk about today while I sit here drinking my morning McCafe (don't worry its 2 ppvs and non-fat with splenda).  The picture to left is my 40 pound photo. Over the next few weeks, I will be working hard to get back to 40 pounds and ultimately go to 45 and then on to 50 pounds. I am really ready for this weight loss thing to be done. I say that and believe I know that I will struggle/deal with my weight for the rest of my life. Thats the product of where I have grown and genetics.

They (the ones before me) say that maintenance is so much harder than losing the weight in the first place. I just a hoping and praying that I don't totally gain all my weight back, which by far is something I fear greatly.

Anyway, one of my resolutions/routines that I am working on is to track. This past weekend was really my last hoorah for a while; I will try to go to Easter Sunday. So I guess what I am say is that I am starting lent early. My lenten promise every year is this: no fast food or soda till Easter. I do it every year.  However, this weekend I tracked everything and even earned some activity.

On Friday, I said that I would test out my new Zumba Core game; I did. However I did it last night instead of Friday. It was so much fun and so intense.  There is more popular music than on other games. Also there is less time between songs. My abs are a little tight this morning. I think I am going to try to do this on days that I don't have my actual Zumba class. Lets hope I can keep it up.

Saturday our cousins on my dad's side came in from Arizona. My dad's cousin has two daughters, Elyse & Yvette, my sister and I 's age. Over the last year or so, we have become closer. Any way we ate at Landry's Seafood on the Lake Front.

Everyone at Landry's.

I ate my heart out. I had the Basil Crusted Tilapia. It had shrimp caprese and I got them to hold the tomato. It also had a spinach salad with hot bacon dressing. It wasn't WW friendly I can tell you that. Any it was good but it wasn't my favorite, but I was really glad I tried it. The kicker was that I ate desert. Two scoops of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Anyway Elyse has been sending me clothes, hand me downs, every so often. She brought some more with her. When we got home, I tried every piece on and loved them. I am so grateful. Below is a photo taken after dinner. Elyse is the one all the way to the right. Yvette is third from the left.

Sorry this is so long. I had a lot to say.....I will be doing another blog post today. It will be about Tuesdays with Morrie and the movie Lincoln.

#191 Weekly Weigh In

It is Day 4 of the 2013. I vow to do a little better with my blog. On of my New Year's Resolutions is to get back into losing weight. I am ready to be done with this whole weight loss thing. I am sort of ready to be in maintenance so that I can be a lifetime member and possibly work for Weight Watchers in some kind of capacity. Who knows?

The holiday damage has been done. I gained 3.6 pounds over the Christmas and New Year holidays; this brings me back to a total weight loss of 36 pounds. That is a lot better than I thought it would have been. I honestly thought it would have been at least 5 pounds gained.

My motivation is back and I think it is better than ever. I so ready to head back to my Zumba class on Monday. Granted I know it will be tough since I did absolutely nothing over the holidays. My body needs a good kick in my butt. For Christmas I got some money, I decided to use it to purchase the Wii Zumba Core game. I haven't tried it but I am super anxious to do so.

I have read some reviews and they tell me that this game is more intense than the previous ones. There is also less time between songs. I will so have to write my own review once I try it out which I am hoping is tonight. Wish me luck!!!!!

Last nights meeting was what I needed. I really truly needed to face the scale to see the damage done. When I received the damage, I was surprised by the number. Like I said previously in this post, I honestly thought I had done more damage. Anyway, I learned something that sort of helped me with my sweet addiction. I learned that it isn't my lack of will power that I can't steer clear of the desserts.

The weight watcher doctors have discovered that our brains are geared to want those over processed and heavy sugared foods. 

Thank God that it isn't just me. I need to just change my thinking. I need to ask myself do I really need that piece of cake? 

Saturday, we have our last family holiday gathering with cousins from out of town. I am so excited to seen them and catch up. We are going to the same restaurant we usually go to Landry's Seafood on Lake Pontchartrain. So last night with my motivation back, I started to look at the menu. Should I get a salad with some grilled chicken so that if we go for beignets I will have accounted for them? I have no idea what I will get.