Trippin' Around- 2-4

Ladies and Gents, I finally am rested enough to update you on my June trips. I have spent much of the month on the road. The first week I went to Lousiana to visit my best friend. The details on that trip are on the blog already so we will move right along.

The second weekend of the month I made a quick trip to Panama City. Honestly, I floated in the ocean the entire time and I left my phone at the condo, so no photos of this trip. It was short and sweet.

The next week I went to Gulf Shores with my parentals, sister, and her friend. I have lots of food info and trip details on that one in a few...let me finish covering my location for the end of the month first.

The weekend after I came home from Gulf Shores I was suppose to make the trip down to Panama City to be with my other family. My parents are divorced, so I have double everything. The two families plan their beach trips around the same time every year. I decided against going for two reasons. I was exhausted from going non-stop and also because some people will be negative until the day they die and felt the need to create some gossip about me. To avoid an altercation I decided to stay home and have some me time.

On a side note, I have debated on saying anything to the creator of the newest addition of the lies floating around about me. For my own good as well as my families I am going to only call you out on my blog. Since you don't care about me, I figure you won't read this anyway, but hey maybe some of those people from your "grapevine" will get the message back to you....please only spread TRUE statements about me....maybe even run them by me before you get your gossip train rolling...oh any maybe say something believable...HA,you pay for something for me??....in my 22 years when has that happened!?!?!? Righhhtttt, so for any of the people on this said grapevine that has been told a juicy story about me, sorry sweets it isn't true...think about the info and your source...don't even bother listening to that!

Ok, now that I have called out the person who always brings me down I can get back to my FAB month!

I spent the entire weekend floating and sunning. I went to church and then hit the water again. I didn't speak to a soul for hours. This weekend I plan on having some girlfriend time, so we can catch up. This is a crazy change for me. I am always super busy and going non-stop. Part of my promise to myself was to make 2013 about me! I am doing things that make me happy, I am weeding out the people that bring me down, I challenge myself to be the best I can be, and I make my decisions based on what I want. I stopped being pushed around, I quit leaving my fate in everyone else's hands. The result, I am happier than ever, so I don't feel bad about vacationing the month away.

BACK TO GULF SHORES.....

A lot of lazy river, pool, beach time as well as shopping was part of our trip. I'm sure the part you all want to know about is my food. We ate at many different places that were all so yummy! I'll show you some of my choices....

The first night I picked up Bubbas for us girls. We were a little late getting there because I let the learning driver get us an hour in the drive (we didn't get too far in that hour). I had gumbo that night. I didn't do anything, but sit on the beach and talk to my friends until I was ready to go to sleep.


The second night...

 

This is Kimberly, most people call her Kimber, but I call her Lucy...she is the sister! The older she gets the more like me she sounds, she can be witty. She's a bit of a hippie or a tomboy...I'm not quite sure yet. She gets whatever she wants from me; yes, I spoil her. She will always be one of the loves of my life!

Kimber, Myself, and Abbie

These two are super quiet...it made for a long ride down. Haha!

I am starting to miss these chicks...girls night soon!

This night we went to the Original Oyster House. This is my favorite restaurant...ever! Dad and I love their salad bar and pickled okra. I didn't touch anything on the left side of the plate. Yummy Shrimp Scampi and Fish. (I think Mahi Mahi...can't remember)

The next day was all about catering to Lucy...

I thought she would kill me, but I talked her into some orange lipstick for about three minutes, uhh such a tomboy.

I love bringing some color to her life first thing in the morning.

Told you she was a hippie. The girls got lots of goodies at the Happy Shack.

I'm might not ever get as small as Lucy, but I am catching up.

They make me proud! Your mommas raised you right. ;)

 We went out to Wolf Bay Lodge this night, I forgot to snap a picture. I had grilled shrimp marinated in a pineapple sauce. My favorite part was watching a kid fish with his net. The kid had skills.

 Dad and I watched the sunset as the girls and mom shopped. I love spending time with him.

Went out to the Wharf for a light show...very pretty.

The kids had a blast dancing...

 The entire trip was all about braids for me...Abbie has some mad skills. Thank you Thank you Chick!

This night the girls floated the lazy river while I avoided a nice security guard who kept coming over to chat. I don't know what it is with me and security guards...I must have a flashing sign that says COME GAB WITH ME! After much convincing from him I decided to get in, mostly to take a break from the conversation of his shoes and flash lights. The outdoor pool was completely empty so I opted to take that route to have a few minutes of quiet.

Bubble baths, balconies, and books is what this next day consisted of.

 

This little guy always reminds me of my friend Chris.

We ate at Bubba's this night...Shrimp for me!

I had a lot of quiet time to myself this trip. This is the first time I went alone in many years.

More shrimp...Hey I like my protein! Didn't have the roll or rice.

This trip was during Father's Day weekend! The man in the red is my hero, role model, and STEP father. I love my mother with my everything, but the fact that a man raised me as his own and taught me so many things makes him mean so much to me!

 

 He didn't have to put in the time with all of my school projects, driving lessons (starting from the age of 2), house projects, prom decor, just spending time with me etc. Not to mention I was a sick child, he didn't sign up for all the work, but he never treated me any different. If anything I was spoiled by his family as much as my blood relatives.

 

A couple years ago he had a stroke that turned out to be much more serious than we originally thought. I can remember sitting at my office as tears streamed down my face. Devasted is an understatement...like you are watching your life in a car crash. We are so lucky that he is still here and even if he is tiny, he's still my daddy! The man that will walk me down the aisle...if I ever jump on that ship.

 

 When I think of a man that I would want to spend my life with I think of all the qualities my dad has. I am so lucky to have both of my parents in my life that love me as much as they do, so even if I get down about the people that don't love me the way they should, I just think of the people I do have!

Random yes, but hello check out that D!

This was in front of my mom and I. Maybe I am old school, but this isn't ok. I wouldn't dare allow someone to do this. He was grabbing that thing like he was exercising his hand...true story!

The girls spent a lot of quiet time reading....told you they didn't say much.

Every night when we were downstairs the security guard would come sit and chat with me. The last night I was sitting on the edge of the pool alone, in the dark, hiding out. Well what would you know, Mr. security guard found me! He gave me this jacket to take home to a child. I couldn't get him to let me say no, but I couldn't take it home. I left it for the cleaning service. They can take it to their children or take it to lost and found.

 

Gumbo and Seafood potato from Blue Marlin...It's a must in my family.

This was my cheat meal. I only ate 1/4 of it, but it was super yummy. I never eat carbs anymore...I could barely eat any of it.

 

Kimber had peach cobbler and that hamburger back there....I don't see where she puts it all.

She also had this while we were there. Hope's Cheesecake.

 

I got home and brother came to visit me. He didn't get to come with us this trip. His name is Brock, I call him brother. I get it from my grandfathers family. They all call each other Brother and Sister. Yesterday I heard him call me sister, so I guess we are carrying on the tradition.

 

If you haven't noticed, my brother and sister are both thin and blessed! I am working very hard to be healthy and maybe in that I will one day be closer to their size.

 

Out of 5 grandchildren I am the one that was overweight. I haven't touched fried foods since 2007 (never liked the stuff) and don't really care for sweets, but that's how the cookie crumbled. I was the one kid that has been sick for years, but I thank the good Lord for putting all the sickness on me and not one of the other four. I know I am strong and can overcome what is thrown at me. I don't want any of them to deal with all the years I went through. I can honestly say I am stronger than ever and feel really good! You can beat any battle if you don't give up!

 

A few things changed this trip from the one in March....March I lost 50 lbs. This trip I am at 70 lb down! That's only 20 lb in three months, but I will take it. I aim for 2-3 lb a week. I stalled a little while in May, so I'm not complaining.

 

I feel so much better and I am the happiest I have ever been. I am not home yet, but I'm making great progress.

 

Until Next Time,

Be the best you can be!

XOXO
Cori

(Week of Dinners coming soon)

Trippin' Around- 1

I am finally back from my first vacation of June! I am slightly extremely tired, but it was so worth it! Where did I go you ask? I made the ten hour trip out to Louisiana to visit one of my best friends. You've heard about them before...we call him John Boy! We've been friends for years and he recently bought a house on the lake, so it worked out perfectly to go see the new house and get away for a while.

I debated on posting about this because people are cruel and love to run with some good ole' gossip. Problem with that is people are most always wrong. In true Cori fashion let me set all the records straight...I have a few friends in my life. They all mean everything to me. Some of them are males and some are females. I love them each and would travel anywhere to see them...John Boy is one of those people.

The trip rituals started Wednesday, I printed all my maps and knew the route pretty well. Mainly because my mother panics and I knew my daddy would tell me exactly how to get there, so I needed to be able to keep up. Even though I take a GPS daddy likes to tell me the roads I will be taking. I like making him feel special, so it's no big deal to take a few extra minutes to get the run down.

After Bible Study, I headed over to the parents house for our "see you later ritual". No matter where we are going we always make a point to swing by and speak to each other before we head out. You never know what could happen. Mom starts her "stressing" and dad starts the "she is grown and can handle this".

Mom begs me to take my brother along; I tell her ONE last time that I'm fine and that will not be happening. Ten hours locked in a car with him...no thank you! I cap out at the 4 hour trip to Gulf Shores twice a year with "the brother".

 Mom and I hug it out...which is a big deal...my sister and I are very much the "no touching" type of people. We love you, but we aren't overly touchy/emotional. Dad is covered in dust so we skip the hug. He's covered in dust because you know the normal thing to do at 9 pm on a Wednesday is tend to some trees....only in our house. They both watch me drive off like I'm moving to Europe for a year....they are getting way too emotional the older they get. ; ) Love you guys....

Thursday rolls around...

I head out after working and a days worth of errands on my way to Mississippi. I decided to make the trip a little longer and have a day of shopping! I get in the car and put in the CD another friend made...of course it's 20 songs that all mean something to us...so as I'm riding down the road dancing to "Ride that donkey" I realize this is going to be so relaxing! SO I think....

On my way to take care of my last errand the deputy patrolling the area I was traveling felt the strong urge to meet me. He pulls me over as I have nine minutes to get to my meeting....YAY ME!

He gives me a warning and sends me on my way. I forgot to mention how cool of a deputy he was. Thanks for the warning...I'm going slower now! ;) 

I  finally start the journey and realize when I said 

"Hey, stop and get gas now so I don't have to when I leave", I really meant "Hey, keep going I like living on the edge...let's see how far I can go on E". 

As I start the car to leave this is what I see...

0 Miles to empty....YAY ME AGAIN! 

I eventually get on the road and make it to the Mississippi state line around nine... 

Now if you know me you realize I am a lady from the south! I wave at everyone I see, flash them a smile, and say "Hey, how ya' doin'". As I walked into the rest area I did just that to the sweet security guard standing outside. When I walked back out to my car he was waiting for me. He had to be in his late 60's-70's. I spent the next 20 minutes listening to all of his adventures at the Alabama/Mississippi rest area. He handed me a souvenir and told me to come back and gab with him again...he is now part of my routine when I head back to LA. He reminded me so much of my late PaPa that I just stood and smiled while he talked the night away.

Of course this didn't go over too well when mom called to see where I was..."Don't talk to anyone else, Cori!" I have enough of my father in me that is probably not something that will be happening, but I agreed so she would stay calm.

I made it to Gulfport safely! Mom made me move a CHAIR in front of my hotel room door after she verified that I locked ever lock the hotel had made available to me....It took me three minutes to get the door open the next day! HAHA!

After some shopping I hit the road again....I made it into Louisiana quickly.

Louisiana is a very beautiful place where you see all kinds of things!

Along the interstate I saw a woman in a Hoveround picking up trash, an abandoned hurse, and some random people with their trucks backed into the woods.... I'm not asking questions!

There is also about 29 different types of bridges there....I went over all 29! I have pictures of each, but I decided to save you the boredom of staring at all of them.

There was a point when this was how I was feeling....OVER IT! Like, really, how many more interstates do I have to take! About that time my other friend that works in LA called, Chris! We haven't had much time to catch up lately; we are both so busy with life. Just to hear his voice for a few minutes was just what I needed. With a big smile on my face I moved forward!

I rolled into the redheads little town and realized we aren't in Alabama anymore! I was a little out of place with my Honda...Everyone there drives big, jacked up trucks....which is totally cool by me!

John Boy first became my friend because of his truck...ok not really, but I do love his truck, minus the fact that I have to go to the garage, dig out the ladder, set it beside the passenger door, and then climb up to the top step...just to get into the thing!

 As I rounded curve after curve the GPS took me around the lake and right to John Boy's door...which by the way, is in the middle of NO WHERE!

I was so glad to see my long lost friend! We talk every day, but haven't seen each other since my birthday.

As soon as I got there John Boy took me on a house tour and to the boat house we went! There I met two of his very sweet neighbors. One of them has ducks....tid bit of info about me and birds....we don't fly well together...as in I am petrified of them!

After I grasped the idea of birds walking that close to me, we jumped on the boat. We took off so he could show me the lake

...MISTAKE NUMBER ONE!

"You might get a little wet".....that statement should have been...."You are about to get drenched" When we pulled back up to the boat house I looked like I fell in the lake....true story! 

Odd thing, John Boy was barely wet at all....I'm pretty sure he planned that one. haha! 

After changing we made a trip to town to get the items for "some Cajun stuff"...I'll have to get the name of it again. On the way we decided to play "who can get the better gas mileage", as always, I lost!

The Cajun stuff looks like this....very yummy! 

John Boy can throw down in the kitchen...he definitely can give me a run for my money! 

We spent the next few days on the lake or fishing and catching up on life! John Boy is a bit of a workaholic so when we weren't on the water he was working on his house while I caught up on my reading. It was so nice not to have to deal with work, school, Troy Buy Sell Trade, family, friends, etc. I don't mind any of those things, but I was a bit tired and worn down!

I didn't catch a thing all weekend! 

I guess I got in some good practice though! 

On the day I left we decided to go out on the lake since the water was calmer....as in I wasn't suppose to come back looking like I walked through a thunderstorm. It was a Monday so there weren't many people out at all. It was so peaceful! I was suppose to leave early that morning, but it turned into me leaving at 4 pm. I decided it was definitely worth it, so I was in no rush to leave.

John Boy took me over to Texas and then back to a beach in LA.

  I sunned while he drove....

The lake is 112 miles of pure greatness! I can't gripe about him living so far away now...I totally see why he decided to make that his home. He will just have to deal with his Alabama buddies making road trips to come visit and float!

I packed my bags feeling a little red, but also very relaxed. I headed home knowing I was going to be up all night, but didn't mind at all.

Before I got out of LA I saw this....

.....that's a new way to show your respect I suppose. 

I got home at 1:48 with All or nothing playing...that felt very appropriate. 

I needed this trip to get my sanity back. I won't lie, I have had quite a lot going on the last few months. Some of those things have broke me down a bit...now I feel so rejuvenated and back to my old self. I am burnt, but being sunkissed isn't so bad when you are happy and relaxed! 

To my dear John Boy, thank you so so much for an amazing trip! You are a great host and an even better friend! You have me hooked...I will be back to LA soon, maybe Irvin and Daniels will also come along for the ride!

My next trip is next week, I'll update you with a much shorter blog...with all my food from that one! 

Until next time, 

Be the best you can be

XOXO

Cori