Open Letters {post vacation rambling}

My vacation has ended but I have a few things to get off my chest. I wrote a few open letters to the things on my mind and heart this morning…
 

Dear Punta Cana,

I am back stateside and into day 2 of being back at work. I miss you Dominican Republic (not the lack of wifi but the beach).  Can I go back on vacation? Is it possible for me to climb into someone’s suitcase with an oxygen mask and a pillow?  Reality is not nearly as much fun as the dancing, drinking, and relaxing that occurred this past weekend. - LC

 

Dear 8 pounds I gained from vacation overeating,

I hate you! I want you to go away without me having to work out or eat right! Can’t you just evaporate into the abyss and leave me alone. The extra giggle and wiggle is unnecessary and cruel if you ask me! F -You!!! This heartburn you brought can kick rocks too! - LC

 

Dear Samsung Galaxy S4,

You are the best phone I have ever had. I love you more than life itself and I want to commit to living together (at least for the next 2 years). If you take care of me, I will take care of you. Case, screen protectors, blackberry sacrifices; whatever you want I agree to do.  Team work makes the dream work baby and together we will change the world. - LC

 

Dear Kitchen Sink,

Yes I mean you my actual kitchen sink. Now is not the time to spring a leak. I need you to stop pouring water in the cabinet underneath you! That doesn’t work for me or the wood at all.  It’s messy and inconvenient plus I really want to wash my dishes from last night’s dinner. I hope the maintenance man sets you straight and that you really think about what you have done so we don’t have a repeat of this incident. Learn from the bathtub (get right or get gutted)! -LC

Vacation LC

 

best phone EVER!!!!

5 minute 5 {Holiday Approaches}

It just hit me that this is a long weekend  (civil servitude means holidays off)! The excitement level associated with the realization of this fact is very high.  I decided to share five things I am going to do over the course of the weekend.
 

1. Dinner party - dining with some of my favorites (some folks are actually celebrating birthdays and graduations (i.e. Nita, Kels, Megs)!
2. Shopping – yeah so I leave for vacation in 9 days and all I really have at this point is one bathing suit that kinda fits and a ton of sun dresses. I am not ready for tropical weather and I don’t have a book picked out for the plane. Gap we have a date on Memorial Day, try to have a sale!
3. Packing – did you read the part where I said vacation in 9 days?!
4. Sweating – summer is creeping in with a vengeance. IT is supposed to be in the 80s this holiday weekend every fan I own will be on overdrive. My AC isn’t allowed on until late June (I’m a frugal weirdo like that).
5. Grillin and Chillin – it is Memorial Day so I need to get my cook and relaxation on. There will be grillin, there will be chillin, there won’t be Bobby Flay (which makes me sad).

 

Photo Credit: © Patrimonio | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

*what I wont be doing is riding a bike while carrying a flag!

 

Happy Tuesday (aka 3 more days until this weekend can begin day )!!!!

Family Matters

The past few days my family has been spinning as we have been dealing with a life game changer. As we move forward with decision making and overcome the challenges of what is coming, I have been reminded of the importance of family and the support it brings.

As I look forward to my wedding and the life that awaits me when I start my own family, I forgot what it means to really come together in a time of catastrophe. All the blessings going on in my life caused a temporary loss of sight for what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself; a whole bigger than the sum of its parts.

Family is a just that, a group of people bound by blood and heart working together for a common goal. A team of people likely to have never crossed paths if it wasn’t for fate and DNA sharing and building a legacy. We may have injured players or weak links but together we are strong. Together we provide support, strength, and love to each other.

I have a family of survivors and we will continue to do just that, no matter what the challenge. We are fortunate to have each other, even if we don’t always appreciate or understand that fact. Cordiers, Moores, Fells, Wards, and so many more have come together by birthright or marriage, or good ole fashion faith and we have created a network of believers, supporters, helpers, and providers. We created a FAMILY. And as we move forward we will need to rely on that community. We will need to keep building and expanding that so that what remains is a heritage, an inheritance of love and laughter that will live until the end of time (generation to generation).

We all go through hardships, we all share blessings, we all strive for something to be proud of but sometimes we forget that we are born with that; a last name that means something, relationships that withstand fire and ice, a community of people that want nothing more than our happiness and success.

So I am more than myself, more than the sum of my immediate parts, I’m a part of something much bigger than myself, a family! A family that I continue to be proud of, one that I continue to support; a legacy for which I hope to contribute my best self.

We may not always like each other, or comprehend, or agree but we will always have each other and love each other and that counts for something that I can’t honestly put into words.

Monday Morning Musing

Happy Monday peeps! I trust everyone had a great weekend, if not that sucks and I’m sorry. Today is a new day and I am feeling rested and ready to take on the week. With my Luna bar in hand I decided to recap my weekend warrior antics.

• No I did not go to the Sweet Auburn festival and yes I am slightly bummed about that.
• Yes I did spend a great deal of time at Hobby Lobby and that makes me an old lady and I am not ashamed.
• My bestie started her move to Florida
• International travel can be a nightmare but it brought my Kels back to me, to me…
• A special lady I know on crutches is now on my girls’ movie night summer activity list
• Dinner party, Dinner Party, Dinner party…planning
• The apartment above mine is leaking water (flashback to last year and the nightmare that caused).
• Glitter and tripods (they go together, you will see).
• Countdown to vacation is at 17 days!!!!
• Mother’s Day was celebrated! All the moms out there making the world a better place are pretty awesome!!

Have a great day!

 

Viva vacaciones!

The only thing on my mind on this “the busiest day for no reason” is my upcoming vacation.  I am going to the Dominican Republic in t-minus 23 days! I’m ready to dip my toes in the ocean, play in the sand, and party it up with friends.  I plan to leave my crappy blackberry in the hotel, grab my bikini and do absolutely nothing for 4 days.

It cannot come fast enough people!  I have so much to do in preparation for this trip and the events upcoming this month. All the crazy likes to happen when you are gearing up to relax. But the joke is on you month of MAY, my joy will not be impeded.  I will not fall victim to the crazy, I will get it all done and I will not care about it [sometimes you have to tell the month whose boss].

I’m getting in shape slowly but surely. I still have 2.5 more weeks to get my life and my abs together. I'm not exactly stocked up on necessary supplies and resources for international travel but my passport is ready and that is the most important thing.

What I don’t appreciate is you Mother Nature and all this rain and cold weather. I still have to shop for warm climates and this cold is making it difficult to imagine; plus it is just really annoying.

Vacation is a gift from the heavens that I am ready to accept and appreciate. Viva la vacaciones.

 

 

 

Who doesn't love balloons and ocean air?!

 

© Sundikova | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

 

5 minute 5 {Foggy Friday)

As I eat my morning breakfast (oatmeal) here are just 5 of the things running through my mind this morning:

• Why is the weather so drab today?  The rain and clouds are really putting a damper on my morning. It is really difficult to get out of bed and come to work when the weather is telling me it’s ok to sleep. Plus it is supposed to rain alllllll weekend. Damn you Mother Nature, you cruel wench.
• I need a laptop or a stylus pen for my ipad (one or the other). Those things would make my day better.
• This summer I really need to travel and visit the people I love! Ladies I am making summer rounds! I need to plan an annual girl’s trip (with wine, lots of wine).
• Joannne Chesimard added to the FBIs most wanted list … 40 years after the fact. She is the first woman and she is black -- no coincidence. Since when did killing one person or escaping prison make you a “terrorist”? I am sad for the victim and for Chesimard but want to point out that the 70s was a different time and I feel like in an age where real terrorist are committing crimes of mass destruction federal and local resources could be better spent. Good luck getting Cuba to extradite her if you find her…pick your battles better law enforcement. I’m just saying…
• Chris Kelly died a few days ago and it is so sad that it may be drug related. So many people are lost and it makes me sad.

I hope everyone has a good Friday!

Snake in the weeds

I am feeling some kind of way this morning about snakes in the weeds. We all know a few people that seem to work extra hard to make your life difficult or strive to knock your blessings.  Some people are selfish, unhappy, and envious of others (such is life).  I really dislike people that pretend to be on your team but are really lying in wait to throw you under the first bus they can.  

Reveal yourselves back stabbers; hell, wear a sign or something. I have been having a lot of conversations with people I trust and love recently about the authentic self. I strive to be me to everyone but I noticed that snakes aren’t honest with themselves or their “friends”.   You have to be real about your situation, your roles and responsibilities, and your outcomes. I don’t ask to know your business (you choose to share) and your inconsistency with storytelling lets me know a lot about the nature of your character.  I don’t care what you decide to do because the decisions you make are your own.  Stop lying to yourself and own your actions. Nothing good comes from being conniving and your tomfoolery is just that.    

Be careful who you associate with friends, my great aunt reminded me that snakes do what comes natural to them. God told us they were serpents and to beware because if given the chance, they will bite. At some point they will come across a Hawk or some other snake eating predator and will learn the error of their ways.  

So for the snakes out there please know this…

• You don’t know me like you think you do. Don’t assume shit.
• I’m at a point in my life where I can’t afford to lie to myself or others. 
• I try to say what I mean and mean what I say (i.e. I don’t want to be bothered with you really means I don’t want to be bothered with you).
• Stupidity is a self-inflicted condition and knowledge is the cure.
• Forgiveness isn’t my strong suit so don’t push the envelope.  
• I am non-discriminatory when it comes to my avoidance of people (I don’t talk to everyone equally), if you don’t like or that fact then leave me alone (no love lost, I promise).
• I may need to use more tact in life but all in all I’m letting you know what you are getting (my sarcasm comes from a place of love; my harsh tone isn’t personal it’s me being direct).
• Karma is a cruel and spiteful b*tch
• Kindness is not weakness; it is saving your life. I’m not a killer but don’t push me! 

 

I hate snakes (you can't take my place you back stabbers)!

Fully Recovered Monday

My weekend was fabulous and chaotic all at the same time!  I saw some of my family from Mississippi on Friday and hung with my Grandma! Baby shower, bike races, and catching up with old friends kept me out until 1am on Saturday.  I forgot how early 1:00am used to be (my college days are definitely over).  The rain held out until I was on the highway and for that I’m thankful. Sunday was a bit of a wash because I had a migraine which kept me out of commission for an estimated 14 hours (so I was told).

This morning I’m feeling renewed, most likely because of the medication! I actually brought my gym clothes to work because I WILL work out this afternoon. I’m detoxing from this weekend (I had beef and alcohol – bad decisions I know), I have some blog posts lined up, a dinner party in the works, Cinco de Mayo plans are firm, I got to work early (let that statement marinate), and I might actually do some laundry and clean out my closet later.

That was a lofty list (I’m still riding the breakfast energy high)! All in all, I am feeling pretty great (minus the fact that my stomach is trying to kill me from the inside)!  It will not rain on my parade (figuratively – it is actually raining here in Atlanta)! I will not be discouraged! It will not be a bad day!

ME: Monday you have been conquered…how does it feel?

MONDAY: Warm and tingly (I think).

Have a great day folks!!! OH and Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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5 minute 5 {Good News}

These are some random thoughts for the day and a quick recap of my week of greatness!!!!

1. Congrats to Marlene and Keith of their recent engagement. I am so excited I could burst! Equally exciting was the fact that we celebrated with Jamaican food!
2. More Good News -- Woke up to good news about a new job for my best friend. Congrats sweetie!!!! She is on the move and is coming to Florida. Not only is she closer but now I have a place to stay near the beach and a Florida resident to get me amusement park tickets! LC= 3, Life= 0
3. Scandal!!!!! It does it to me every 2-3 weeks (we need to talk about this schedule for real). Huck got his swirl on (and has a son), Olivia is back on her Love-Hate-Sex grind with Fitz, Mellie is still a thorn in the side of all that is right and holy; and this secret killing machine dead poets society is up to no good! Scandal you are the only show I watch in real time (no DVR for you, your too important to me).
4. I want to win something other than merit awards. I decided I really want to win a radio contest or the lottery. Something fun!! I was listening to a giveaway on my drive into work and decided it is time to try.  Show me the money!!!!
5. Twilight is this weekend and I’m going to Athens, after this baby shower on Saturday! I’m infusing some fun and beer into my weekend. It better not rain on my parade and I need to charge my camera battery!

                                                                                                                                                                                        

 Enjoy your Friday people (it is the only one you get this week)! 

© Tombaky | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Medicated Vampire Dreams

It never fails that when I am on medication of any kind outside the scope of my regularly prescribed migraine of GI meds I have they CRAZIEST dreams!  I really need to start a medicine dream journal. I mentioned last week that I've  been sick and the docs prescribed me ear drops for an infection and a coughing syrup “sleep aid” for my disgustingly bad non-smokers cough.

Aside from keeping me awake (as opposed to helping me sleep) the medication is giving me some crazy syfy dreams.  I am just going to give you a taste of the mini movie I endured last night. Yes I wrote it like a script and yes I know lichens are from Underworld (don’t judge me damnit)!

FADE IN:

INT. Downtown Louisiana

 (LC Bad ass vampire)

Louisiana Urban Jungle overrun by Swamps (organic plant life) in the year 2055.  Scene opens on a young African American vampire looking out the window of an abandoned office building at a swarm of vampire zombies eating the flesh of a newly turned decoy.

LC V.O. (voice over)

Look at them…vultures preying on the weak. When did my people become cannibals? How can one virus undo an entire species this way? I have got to find Remy and Ash, but how will I get back to the safe zone without being detected (PAUSE)

I will have to travel during daylight hours. It is the only way.

As the sun rise peaks through the buildings the zombie vampires scatter like cockroaches. Our protagonist makes her move, cloaked in curtains and covered from head to spiked boot toes.

CUT OUT

INT. Hospital Setting

(LC Bad ass vampire)

Open on dusk our protagonist has found a blood bank and is trying to stock up for travel. Humans have all been captured for breeding, said for a few pockets of rebel fighters. Raiding blood banks is the easiest way to avoid viral infection and the risk of a live feed calling the attention of zombie vamps. LC hides under some weeping willows on what used to be a back street that is now over run by river waters. A pack of 3 zombies is up ahead feeding on what appears to be humans (most likely a vampire kill gone wrong). The trio is in tattered clothes and carriers the virus mark (blotchy decaying hives covering their entire body). So occupied with the fresh meat they don’t even see HER turn down the alley.

LC

(WHISPER) Tthey are starting to expand their hunting zones; I have to cover more ground during the day. I’m going to need a boat. (HEARING a branch break in the wooded area to her left)

Get to higher ground LC. (Scaling a tree with speed and ease like a cat; she hits the tree tops to get a better view)

LC V.O.

(PANIC) Shit it’s Lichen

Lichens are animalistic breed of shape shifting vampire that hunts everything including the zombie vamps. They live in the wilderness and are the ultimate predators, vicious and merciless. I haven’t fed so I can’t take this one on and survive.

LC V.O. CONT

I have to hope it doesn’t see me. I should climb down and try to hide in the water, that’s my best bet.

FADE TO NEXT SCENE

Lying in wait under the surface of the water as the current sends leaves floating by; she turns her head and just as the lichen spots her. 

LC V.O. CONT

Ruuuuuunnnnnnn!!!!

SHE Flies out of the water as the Lichen begins pursuit, Swinging through tree branches trying to out run the hunter.  After a  mile she sees an end to the tree line and realizes she has to double back. Switching directions the Lichen continues to stay on her trail. She sees the zombie vamps finishing their kill and decides to use them as decoys.

LC

(CALLING out to the Zombie vamps) HEY!!! Hey… fresh meat over here.

They aLL turn and see her; the Lichen pauses to assess the situation.

(Speaking to the Lichen) You have plenty of options here; you don’t want to eat me. See fresh blood, fresh kill… go play with your food.

The Lichen moves toward the zombie vampires and attacks

LC V.O.

Now or never! R-u-n east, put some distance between you and the lichen before it gets bored with the easy meal. Stay in the urban jungle out of the woods, until you know it’s safe.

CUT OUT

This has been a LeShaundra Cordier dream sequence [Book coming soon] © LeShaundra Cordier 

Photo Credit© Chrisharvey | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images