Some people seem to think that because I am single, I have more free time on my hands and should be available. Well, yes, I am single. I do have more time than married people, but I am a busy woman. While I do not have a family to care for per se, I do have a personal and professional life that takes up a good amount of time.

I need some people to know that my time is mine and I do what I want with it. I also need them to know that time is money. I am already generous with my time, and I have no more to give away for free.

ComEd also offers the following low-cost tips customers can employ to save money and energy this winter:

– Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. Each degree you lower your thermostat could save up to three percent on your annual heating costs.

– At night, draw shades and drapes to reduce heat loss. During the day, open shades and drapes on the sunny side of the house to add natural warmth to your home.

– Remove window air conditioners if possible, or install an air conditioner cover to eliminate drafts.

– Inspect caulking and weather-stripping around all windows, doors and any opening for utility services. A drafty house lets warm air escape and costs more to heat, so replace caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. As a rule of thumb, if you can see light through a crack, it needs weather stripping.

To learn more about weatherization tips and ComEd assistance programs, visit ComEd.com or call (888) 806-2273.

Save Money This Winter

According to a news report, Barack Obama has earned some significant historical firsts.

In addition to being the first Black person elected as President of the United States, he is the 1st ever elected from Chicago and the 1st from Illinois since President Lincoln since the 1860s which is almost 150 years later.  He also the most threatened President-elect ever in history.  Also, there were over 100,000 supporters in Grant Park in Chicago on election night.

According to the Ruth Lednicer, the media specialist at the Chicago Public Library, students who hang out at the library during school hours cannot be put out.  Library staff will never ask the students why they are there or make assumptions about their visits.  Neither will they call neighborhood schools or the police (unless there is a disturbance). 

The reasons given for this practice are:

1. It is the library’s mission not to turn people away.
2. There are about five different school schedules, so it would be unknown as to why they were there during the day.  They could be on break [from school] or home-schooled; they may have a free study period; or they could be working on a special project.
3. The library does not taking parenting role like the school does.

Ms. Lednicer did say that neighborhood libraries have relationships with schools in the area, so staff can mention patterns during their next school visit.  She also shared that there is a beat cop that makes regular rounds to the library.  Staff can also mention patterns to the officer.

While I truly understand and respect the library’s position as a public volunteer institution, I do wonder if the Chicago Public Library is contributing to truancy. 

I am about to speak about my neighborhood, Auburn Gresham.  There are two public schools and one library in close proximity.  I am almost certain, without having statistics available right now, that students ages 8 to 10 are not being home-schooled.  There may be a few, but that is not a common practice in my neck of the woods.  Yeah, teen visits are questionable because of flexible high school schedules.  But a 10 year old?? 

Again, I have to ask – is the Chicago Public Library contributing to truancy?

My Wish List

Following are items I want and need.  As soon as I have the funds available, all of these things will be mine!  According to my guess-timate, all of my stuff will run approximately $3,000 after taxes and warranties.  I do ask, though, if you see any of these items on sale at any time, please let me know. 

1. Snow Blower – I will not be shoveling snow this season if it’s God’s will
2. Roller Skates – can be used or new as long as they are good
3. Apple Ipod – any ol’ mp3 player won’t do 
4. HD Camcorder – Mini-DV please
5. DSLR Camera – it’s time to graduate to the next level in photography
6. Video Camera Pen from the Spy Store
7. Video camera binoculars from the Spy Store
8. Digital voice recorder with external microphone from Olympus – DS-50 or DS61 (the recorder runs $350 so I can wait for this)

Can I get this stuff before the end of March 2009?   Only God knows.  As of this writing, this list is in His hands.

Ok, I had to add the following items after my visit to Walmart this past weekend.

9. Flip Mino – I don’t need this, but I think it would be cool to have
10. HD TV – There was a nice 26″ Samsung I think.  Beautiful picture!

I have yet to take it.  I am taking a learn to swim class at Foster Park on 83rd & Loomis.  Last week the instructor took us to 9 feet and told us to step in.  Although he made it look very simple, and I’m almost certain that it was, I was afraid to do it.  I knew what to do once I got to the bottom; however, I was just afraid to take that first step.   

And so it goes with life.  Most people never get to find their treasure in life because they are afraid to take a step into the unknown.  It is already waiting for them, they just have to take the first step. 

I can honestly say that I am good with moving forward with a lot of things, but that water freaked me out.  Just know that I will be taking that leap of faith.

I am highly frustrated at this time. Let me tell you why.

I filed a legal claim with a law firm in July after paying my retainer. I was told to get additional documentation. Allegedly, the attorney assigned to me was going to help me research my information. That was highly questionable. Anyway, I got all of the information to him on September 2nd. I was told that the person was going to served in mid-September. The information was not served until October 24th! I am hot! My chocolate self has turned purple! I am NOT happy!!!!!!

I emailed a letter to the attorney on November 13th expressing my anger at how my case was being handled. A copy of the letter was emailed to owner of the law firm. He emailed me back and told me that my case was transferred to another attorney (the coward didn’t even call me even though I called him after I emailed the letter.). I contacted the new attorney on Monday, November 17th and learned that he was no longer with the firm. On top of that, my case had been given back to the attorney who was ignoring me in the first place. Great!

I made several attempts to contact the owner of the law firm on Monday, November 17th, Tuesday, November 18th, and on today. He has not called me back. That is totally unprofessional and I am not happy with that guy.

I did receive a call from the first attorney today and expressed my feelings. I didn’t use the expletives that I wanted to in order to remain professional. I wouldn’t be unprofessional like them at the law firm. I did let him know that I am angry about how my case was handled; I didn’t appreciate how he ignored and lied to me; and I wanted to terminate the relationship with the law firm. He gave some explanation (I’m sure he was trying to convince himself) and said that he would be in touch more often. Yeah, whatever. I know he’s going to piss me off again.

The next time it happens, I will disclose the name of the law firm.

Here are a few photos of products at the U-Spy Store in Chicago. If you think these items are interesting, check out http://www.uspystore.com/ for more cool stuff.

These are vaults

These are actually safes!

This is a safe

Can you believe this is a hidden camera?

Spy software and books

I want to extend a special thank you to Quentin in the copy department at Staples on 87th Street by the Dan Ryan in Chicago for excellent customer service.

He worked on a last-minute rush job for me on Thursday, November 13, 2008 and took care of me within 20 minutes.  That was great!  Quentin, thank you so much for excellent service.  You are truly appreciated.