Let's get Ready for School

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Today I am going to the mall.  It's time to get Xavier prepared for school.  It's amazing what kids need these day to go back to school in style.  He's only 11, so what should he care. Actually, I want to be the one to make sure he's able to hang out with all the cool kids and get invited to all the cool parties and join all the cool sports. OK, it's time for me to get back to reality.  Xavier and I are in the mall and he wants to get some new clothes for school.

I take him to a popular chain store and he does not like any of the items in the store.  I am so upset.  How could he not like anything.  This is one of my favorite stores.  They have brand shoes, pants, shirts and jackets.  They even have the cool "Chucks" that all the kids his age are wearing.  He does not like anything.  I know this kid cannot be mine.  He must get his style genes from his dad.  We move on to the next store.  I am sure he is going to find something here.  This particuliar store has all the jeans, shirts and hoodies all the kids would ever need. 

Xavier tries on two pairs of jeans and a couple of hoodies.  He is satisfied and gives me the green light to make the purchase.  I am delighted that he has found two outfits to for his first tow days of school.  We head over to a popular shoe store to glance at some shoes.  Styles are always reoccuring.  I see boat shoes and Nikes that were all the rave when I was in high school. Xavier decides on a pair of green boat shoes.  GREEN, you have got to be kidding me.  Anyway, I purchase the shoes.  Hopefully he is going to be able to find a hoodie to match those shoes.

We leave the mall and Xavier wants to grab some pizza for lunch.  Kids are an adventure, but we all love them.  Maybe next week I will be able to persuade him to buy some dress slacks and dress shoes.  He definitely had my hair standing on end.

Sorry to Say So Long to Summer

Maybe it's just me, but summer is almost over.  It seems as if it just flew by.  I didn't get a chance to see all the places I wanted to see.  I didn't get to go all the places I wanted to go.  This just goes to show, you have to seize the day and enjoy the moments.  Although I didn't enjoy it to it's fullest, I did get a chance to go to the beach, visit Miami and have some unplanned fun.  Between baby showers, bar-b-ques, family reunions and birthday parties, I was very social.  So I must say so long summer, can't you stay a little while longer.

It's a Hairy Situation: The Gas is Rising at the Pump Again

It's a Hairy Situation: The Gas is Rising at the Pump Again

The Gas is Rising at the Pump Again

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Maybe it's just me. I filled up my tank to the jeep yesterday and noticed the cost was higher than usual.  It now cost $3.29 for a gallon of unleaded gas in the city of  Chicago.  Just when I thought driving in the city had become economical, I am thrown for a loop.  I know it''s time for me to get back on the trains and take advantage of a great public transportation system.  That way I can save money and become more open to people.  It's funny how many interesting and funny people you met when you are on a train.  If the prices continue to rise,  my hair will definitely stand in protest to the fleecing of Americans.

He's Stranded in the Loop

My nephew decided to come into the city today.  He lost track of his ticket.  Now he is stranded at he Jackson and VanBuren Southshore train station.  He called me to come and pick him up.  I just saw him this morning.  I taught him the rules of a traveler when he was 13 years old.  Always have your tripped planned.  Be prepared for change and go with the train. He's twenty years old.  He's grown.  He can make it back home.  And no I don't feel bad about it.  He's only traveling 30 miles from his home.  For this trip, I must admit, he's got my hair standing on end!!!