Eat To Live! : Surprise Inside!!

I'm Baaaaaacccckkkkkkkk!!!

Good news Y'all! I didn't fall off the face of the earth; I simply took a break while I strived to hit my first goal. I decided not to post until that magic number popped up on the scale! While I was working my booty off...literally-I had a few adventures!

I took a vacation one week then spent the next on Spring Break. I voted to spend that week really getting into exercise. The following week after that was my Bday week...so I've been a little busy!

My vacation was really a reward, or more of a celebration. I was hoping to hit the big goal by the time I hit the road for the first vacay of the sunny season, but that isn't what the Lord had in store for me.

What happened on this vacay Cori?

My vacay was EXACTLY what I needed. I took advantage of the gym at the condo and worked out every night. While I was pedalling, lifting, and walking, I met a really nice retired gentleman that opted to work out in his robe and sandals. From what I gather that's his thing...and I'm cool with that. I have no room to speak ill of him because he can out walk and bench more than me any day of the week. He was a little beast!

Headed to the gym!

I enjoyed seafood every night, but in small portions. I ended up saving money because I shared plates or ordered gumbo. I love being money savy!

I made it home relaxed and happy....oh whhyyy???

I found a big sale on bakeware at the Outlet on the way home! After that I was very content riding home watching the Chew with all my new goodies wrapped up in my trunk! :)

Check out some of the temptations my family brought along....

On second thought...Don't look at that crap!

I made it...somehow...still not quite sure how though!

Next week....

Spring Break What?

I mostly take online classes now, so I can have an open work schedule, so not much changed this week except instead of hitting the books, I hit the pavement. I really got into walking....turns out I love it!

The first day I walked at home I went as far as I could....only one truck backed up to make sure I didn't need help.....HaHaHa

I wish you could have seen their eyes when I said I was out exercising. They were like "Huh?!?!"

Yes, I'm a big girl in progress....you've got to start somewhere, right?

Since then I have really gotten into a routine of walking most every day, playing a little Wii Fit, or doing one of my DVD's.

Birthday Week yyyaaayyy!

This is what I have been most excited about telling you guys about. So much happened this week. Since I didn't hit my goal weight by my vacation I really worked hard to make it by my bday, but it still didn't happen. The big day came around, I visited family, had dinner with the boyfriend, and spent the evening with my friends.

Now I realize this seems two levels more fun than watching paint dry, but to me it was just what I wanted!

You see, my friends, for the most part, all live in different states now. We see each other a few times a year. The fact that all of us would be together on my special day made me smile just thinking about it. (Not to take away from what the bf did because it was amazing, but he's on the blog a lot...others aren't) :)

When I arrived at Chris' (one of my oldest friends) we all road down to where the boys set up a fire and chairs (aren't they so sweet). We sat for hours talking about old times and our future plans (as we always do).

At one point I looked down at my phone and noticed one of my friends there had sent me a text that said "You look great, I can tell a big difference, so proud of you, keep it going". This friend always sends me motivation with his texts and is really a part of what gives me drive. Fighting back tears I responded "Thank you, I am trying so hard". You really don't know just how much it means for someone to compliment you on the hard work you are putting in.

After quite some time someone had the bright idea to go ride the ATV's in the freezing cold. There was a freeze warning all during this week might I add!

I don't have any photos of Chris or the other Brit :( I will get some of all of us next time!

Britt and I layering with EVERYTHING we have.

We all went and bundled up the best we could and took off into the woods! We road around laughing and talking until the wee hours of the morning. Any time we get together we do stay up all night just to spend as much time as we possibly can. We aren't at bars or whatever else is going on that late at night. We are always at Chris' land...staying out of trouble! We all crank our cars and go home as the sun is coming up, with smiles on our faces and circles around our eyes, from sleep deprivation.

Jonathan and Myself before we faced the weather...he was a little more prepared as you can see!

I look as big as I use to be with THREE jackets on!!!! These go in the books as some of the worst pictures, but at least you know I wasn't kidding about us bundling up or freezing.

~ Excuse our mismatchedness* these were the only clothes I had in my trunk!

Many people don't know this tid bit of info about me: I don't drink. So for all those little brains that are spinning, thinking "Yeah, she was around that fire drinking", you are incorrect. I have never had the desire to drink...plus I would NOT waste the calories on the junk! I have the type of personality that doesn't need alcohol to shine...I can be me, with my bottle of Smart Water all night long and my friends respect that. To each their own! I don't have an issue with people of the LEGAL age making their own decisions....mine is just to not partake.

After our adventure was over I went home feeling much like a popsicle. The next day I had so much energy that I worked out twice that day! The following day after that I walked a little further than normal. I realized how much I needed to see my friends to refuel my soul! I was on top of everything again, full of love and excitement.

At the moment, as I was walking up the biggest hill on my walk , I saw just how much those people mean to me! Even if we are ten hours away I would still be there in a minute if they needed me. I don't want to loose the feeling I have and am determined to see them all more! They are my second family....and we always need family to keep us going.

Chris and Jonathan

Both these boys have a special place in my heart. They don't come as great as these two, ladies... I am beyond lucky to have them as friends...and you will never hear me say they don't spoil me because they certainly make everything about us!

*Take Note Guys*

Whatever ladies walk down the aisle to these boys WILL be amazing...because they have to be approved by the Britt's and myself.

...there isn't a picture of all three of us girls, sorry!

So two days after my bday I jump on the scale and.....DRUM ROLL..........I FINALLY HIT MY FIRST GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess my friends gave me that push I needed.

I have officially lost 50 POUNDS!!!

50 down and not clownin' around!!

Wednesday morning when I stepped on the scale and saw that golden number I couldn't wait to head to work! As soon as I jumped in the car I dialed that number I've been waiting for...my grandparents. Shockingly my grandpa answered the phone...my grandmother never lets him get it first. When I told him he said, "Baby, I'm really proud of you"...that's all it took....I was fighting back tears again and I AM NOT a person that cries often. I always want his approval and the easiest is with school because it comes naturally, but I know how much getting the weight off means to him. As I strutted down the long hall to my office I had a huge smile on my face and a nice prancey pace!

So much has happened during the first 50 pound struggle! I have learned to love my flaws because I am a 'work in progress'. I still have many more goals to hit, but I am much further than I was and a lot further than all the people still sitting on their couches.

I am much more confident now! I'm getting 'the old Cori personality' back and am not afraid to leave anyone behind that can't love me for me! One thing for sure -I have not changed...I am much happier now and in return probably a little nicer. HaHa!

I never want people to think I am different because I can fit on all the rides at the fair now...aka because I have lost my butt...and everywhere else the weight has disappeared from, so I am more determined than ever to show people you can still be kind after a transformation.

Anyway...

I have a really good routine now and will keep going! Also I will have more 'Week of Dinners' for you all very soon. I am honestly still enjoying the moment I have looked forward to for months!

I only have a couple pictures of my birthday...it was way too cold...we all looked like little snowmen, but I do have photos along the way of my FIRST 50 AND THE BEACH! Beware I don't have makeup on in all of these photos ;)

I feel so lucky to be making progress!!!