Back-to-School Savings

The state of Illinois will reduce sales tax charge on back-to-school items from Aug. 6 to Aug. 15.The 10 days of savings temporarily eliminates the state portion of the sales tax for clothing and shoes under $100. The break will also include school supplies such as binders, calculators, notebooks, paper, crayons and lunch boxes, but no computers.

Education is Sexy

Education is so exciting to me. I know to some that may sound dorky, and that is okay. I have found that highly educated people not only stimulate my mind, but they bring this attraction that can't be faked. An educated man is so freakin sexy to me, (smiling shyly), an educated woman is amazingly confident.

Anyone that knows me personally will tell you that I love to discuss all topics, from God to ghosts, I can dissect a topic and see the viewpoint from all angles. However, I draw the line in which whom I converse. People, you get two opportunities with me (fair enough) to hold a seemingly educated conversation. If you are a grown adult male and you can't stop using slang in your conversation and texts then we have nothing to talk about. If you are a grown adult female and you refer to your girls as "b*tch or hoe*, then you don't even get two chances to speak. People listen, we learned synonyms in elementary school, seriously you have got to use the dictionary or thesaurus and find other words to express your thoughts. So, I will say these people are just ignorant and leave it alone.

For college degree carrying men, being arrogant about your intellect, does not mean you are smart. Ever heard of an "educated fool"? It's a term my grandmother would use for someone that has education but no clue what to do with it. Let me break it down. Obtaining a degree by no means indicates that you are smart, it simply means you went to school and graduated. Now, the knowledge you gained from school combined with life and how you use these experiences will ultimately determine your status with me. I am not saying this is for everyone, a man that holds a college degree may simply be enough to turn some women on (so starts the ringing of wedding bells in her head), but not the case for me. In my opinion women and men need to dig a little deeper than the surface and start bringing and expecting more to be bought to the table.

On to the good part. The best part of it all is that, everyone has their preferences. What works for some may not work for others. It may be enough that you and your mate are not at the same intellectual level. For others, they may need to be on the same page to feel the "vibe". Whatever the case may be, for me there is nothing more attractive than a well educated (self educated or degree carrying), well spoken, intellectually stimulating man. I'll say it again, education is so sexy. Agree or disagree that is the question?

Food for Thought- July

If it means that much to you, let it be known. You'll lose out if you don't speak up. The world can't read minds, and being mute never got a song heard.

If it Were You...

You would think with the major changes that have taken place over the last few months, things would be a lot more simple. That's not the case. When I get stressed I worry about everything. I know, I know not the best habit to have. I am sitting here at 1:37 a.m. and my air conditioner just scared the life out of me (no joke). Okay, back to my point. I spend so much time thinking it is ridiculous, so I decided to write. Yeah this post has no real substance, just my way of getting it all out.

Dating: Oh my lawd, dating?? I think for the most part I have been fairly lucky with my encounters. However, it has come to my realization that people have no clue what they want, or they simply can't handle what they ask for. Could that be true or am I overstating the obvious?

Parenting: The school year is about to start. How do you all feel about your child going on play dates with classmates, neighbors, etc. with parents you haven't met? In my opinion if my child is going on a play date, I'm coming along. The world is too creepy and people lives are not what they seem. I can't trust my child at someone's home that I do not know. UNSAFE, advice from me to other parents, please checkout the parents and families before you send your child out to play. It is too dangerous out here. I'd rather be safe than sorry, and I'd rather be overprotective than regretful.

Weather: HOT as crap! I can't take it. That is all I can say.

Sleep: No freakin way. I am still up. This insomnia has got to end.

Well these are my random 2 a.m. thoughts. Now If it Were You, what would you do??

I'm Not High Maintenance, I'm Just Highly Maintained

I always say that I am not high maintenance, but highly maintained. I laugh and joke about that often, because I am probably the most frugal person I know with most things. I work hard on a daily basis to get and maintain a decent lifestyle.

No I don't drive the hottest new car, or live in a big expensive house. But I do have things that are mine, that I love dearly. I do my own hair, pedicures, manicures, cooking, etc. So then I wonder why people have a preconceived notion about who I am?? I do like nice things, (most people do). Please tell me why is that when a woman carries herself with just a little bit of dignity, she is considered demanding or a b*tch? It's funny because once someone actually gets to know me, I mean really know me, they find I am quite the opposite. Too bad for those that are blinded by material things.

Once again I say with pride "I'm Highly Maintained" and I owe that to God for all that he's bought me to and bought me through. I guess I need my circle to be reflective and not objective. Know what I mean? Any thoughts, or similar situations?

I Need a Real Vacay

Can you say tired? I can. I am still not resting well at night. The tossing and turning is beyond annoying and the insomnia leaves for a sleep deprived hangover in the morning. I really think I need a month to regroup. I need some private time to myself when I don't have to think about anything or anyone. I am thinking of sneaking away to get a massage or something. My body needs one, my muscles have been so tense lately and stretching doesn't seem to be doing much. I know I am long over due for a deep tissue massage. The last time I had a massage on my legs it was done with an ultrasound machine. OMG did it burn so good, LOL. The tissue in my legs felt like they were literally on fire, but a few days later I felt a thousand times better. I am gonna see if I can get one of those before the summer is up.

I also have got to get back on my exercise routine. I must admit, I have been slacking. Between being tired and trying to gain a social life (haven't had one in a longggggggggggg time, LOL) I just have put that to the back burner. I am not proud of it by any means, because my goal was to be toned by now, but hey fall off the wagon and get back on, right?

I am still in search of a camera. Doesn't look like my wish for the Nikon will be happening anytime soon (maybe it can be an X-mas gift to myself). I did see a KodakEasyShare that looks nice. I am not to sure of it though, if anyone has used one before, your opinions are more than welcomed. Well, looks like it is getting late, I'll write again soon. Sweet dreams.

When it Rains, it....

My writings, since the time I can remember, have always been about love. lust, hurt, pain, etc. Usually I take a host of my experiences and combine it with those of others and offer my input. I started this blog out of my love to talk, share, get and give advice to others.

Lately I've been thinking about the things that are important to me and why. As cliche as it may be, happiness and love are in the center of my heart. To many this isn't important or the last thing on their to-do list, but for me it is of significant greatness. Partially because I am a hopeless optimist, but mostly because I know forever exists for many. Pain on the other hand is something no one wants to feel and I personally avoid like the plague. I think back to those unhappy times and sometimes I feel as though I am incapable of crying anymore. The things that once hurt now seem so trivial. I'm sure there is a real tear in there somewhere.

The last few nights have been filled with terrible thunderstorms here in Chicago. I have spent the last few storms staring aimlessly at the sky. It amazes me how the sky turns so dark in such a short time and then a down pour of rain, winds, thunder, and lightening overpower the city. After the storm is over the city is calm again, but it leaves such devastation. So I sit and think.

 *Chicago Sky preparing for a 7 a.m. storm.

A storm is a lot like a bad relationship it is filled with disastrous moods and moments. Down pours of tears and gust of  pain can leave a miserable aftermath. After the relationship, before long life feels normal again, but somehow your heart never feels as calm. When it rains it is as if the earth is taking a bath. Think of the end of a bad relationship as an enema to cleanse your soul.

A bad relationship in comparison to a storm leaves for a brighter tomorrow. Eventually the sun will shine again.