That Blogger Gurl I'm not a player, I just blog a lot

Taking Before Photos & Measurements + Working Out, Again

Last night I started my adventures back into losing weight and working out. Thrilling, I know. And in an effort to stay honest and motivated, I decided it would be best to take a set of “before photos” as well as some measurements. Let me tell you, that was the most horrifying thing ever. Ok, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but it wasn’t fun at all. However, on the upside there is nothing more motivating like a hard dose of numeric reality. Not gonna lie, I stood in the mirror for quite some time staring at myself, and getting a bit swallowed up in weight loss depression. The only saving grace? At least I’m very tan. It’s a lot easier to stare at my out of shape body when it’s not vampire pale.

Now, don’t get me wrong, my working out and eating healthier isn’t just about numbers and weight loss. It’s also about treating my body better and living healthier in my body, mind, and soul. And with that being said, I’m going to stop obsessing over my scale on a daily basis. Yes, I’m totally that girl. I wake up daily and weigh myself. Embarrassing, I know. But, I’m going to put myself in check and only once a week — after I’ve completed each weekly level in the Jillian Michaels work out — I will be weighing and measuring my progress. I’m also going to be pushing myself to keep a food journal, as well as an emotional one. I know this sounds  like a lot overnight, but I need to kick myself in the ass. I’ve been stuck in a rut for way longer than I’d like to personally admit to myself, and it’s time to stop.

As far as working out goes, I started back up again on Monday morning. I’m definitely in overachiever mode, and I worked out twice yesterday. Once in the morning and again at night. As well as again this morning when I woke up. I know it sounds excessive, but this is the only way to get myself back into the proper mindset again. And let me just say that it hurts. My body is so sore, but it’s actually a good kind of sore that comes from working out. I hate it but I don’t. Once, I’ve completed the 20minutes of workout sessions, I feel better about myself, life, and just about every goddamn thing going on.

This morning, I even had a more productive day. I got to work and was able to churn out a good (and funny) blog post in less time than it usually takes me. And look, here I am — before Noon — getting in some daily personal blogging in as well. Maybe I’m high on endorphins or whatever the hell the word is. But, I’m going to ride this positivity wave all the way, hoping everything else will just fall into place. I also think that the end to Mercury Retrograde has something to do with it as well. ::shaking my fist at Mercury::

Life feels better already.

Weight Loss, Shopping Addictions, & Minimalist Living

April is officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited to see a new month. As I already mentioned, I’m getting ready to move into my new apartment this week. In the process of packing up all my things, I’m also transitioning into a new way of living — a minimalist lifestyle. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve got a bit of a shopping addiction. When I go out, I like to purchase new outfits. I often reward myself with unnecessary pairs of shoes or purses. As I kicked the alcohol drinking, I’d often reward myself with things at the 30 day marks. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good reward but the items are piling up and I’m left with little space. Additionally, many of my “old” things are left unworn and to collect dust. Not so good, right?

The other issue at hand is that my shopping is also directly related to my weight gain and loss. If I gain a few pounds, I’ll buy some new pieces. If I lose pounds, I’ll do the same. And all while I’ve yet to reach my goal weight, I’m just acquiring clothing that isn’t going to fit in a month, or six months. There is nothing good about that at all.

So, as I pack up my closet, I’ve decided it’s time to get rid of things. Things that don’t fit — too big or too small — things I haven’t worn in months, and especially not in years. Things that are torn or broken, basically, anything that is just not wearable anymore. But, as I get rid of things, this doesn’t mean I need to fill the space with new things. This is something I need to learn. Because, there is no doubt in my mind that once I get rid of this first round of stuff, I’ll still have a closet filled with clothing and shoes.

So, as the month of April begins, I’m going to challenge myself to not shop, and focus on my weight loss more. I need to spend less money on clothing and more money on healthy food, a few exercise classes (yoga & pole fitness!), and my savings account.

I’m sure this all sounds easier said than done, but it’s time to quit being lazy.

Happy April! Happy Spring!

New Apartment, New Outlook, New Me

Last night I got a phone call from my landlord saying that a smaller (& cheaper!) apartment was available in my building. This was pretty exciting news, considering I’d be thinking about downsizing for awhile now, but sadly my lease wasn’t up until July 1. After a few quick back & forths, it was decided that I’d be able to move in to a brand new apartment next week. Soon? Yes. Totally out of the blue? Completely. But, am I doing a little dance in my chair just thinking about it? Definitely.

This move couldn’t come any sooner. Aside from wanting to downsize, the energy in my current apartment isn’t at an all time high. I think there is just too much residual negativity lingering in the air, and not too mention the place upstairs is still haunted, and leaks in my apartment every now and then. As I think about it more and more — I promise this is so not me making excuses — it makes so much sense that although I’m living a happy life, it’s impossible to really stay positive and productive in an apartment that holds so many negative memories for me. So, with all that being said, April 1 couldn’t come any sooner and I’m so eager to get the hell out of my place.

There is definitely a lot of packing to do, but it’s going to give me a much needed chance to let a lot of things go. I’ve been putting off dropping off donations for far too long, and I refuse to take them with me into a new place. It’s time to let go.

I’m sure my internet will be wonky while in the process of moving, but I’ll probably update after I’m all settled in. And oh yeah, me and Brett are going on a lovely staycation to the Harbor Beach Marriott this weekend. I’m pretty much going to shut my phone, computer, and brain off until Monday.

Spring is looking up already.