There's something to be said about an elegant woman....

(Another older blog that I'm reposting - from February 28, 2007)

Do you know what the image of a woman is today? The popular media can hype them up to be waify twigs who eat nothing but lettuce for their 3 meals. I see this media influence in my classroom with females. In my head, I ask "what's your magazine du jour, Vogue, In Touch, Cosmo...what shall you read today in class before I take it up?" I've seen all sorts of items girls use to "improve" themselves: 1) makeup - twenty shades of compact foundation and twenty more shades of red for your lips, 2) tweezers - clamps for your eyelashes...now really? I had no clue what that was until I saw a girl use it, 3) eyeliners - colored pencils for the eyes? Can I try? No, never mind, because orange doesn't go too well with this light blue shirt I have on, and 4) weaves - Is it true that some of these come from horse hair...if it is, then why would you wear it on your head? Who wants Mr. Ed on your head...gee....

I've also heard "well, if I lose some more pounds here then so-and-so will date me or blah, blah, blah" or "he's so cute and is my hair straight enough because I have to see this boy in between 3rd and 4th period...." and it's well...it's maddening and it's no wonder why one thing goes in one ear and out the other during class instruction. I'm at an utter loss for words when topics like this come up. I exaggerate and it may be teen maturity issues but still, why does it matter for someone that age? Is it maturity or insecurity? Is it because I'm a guy and I just don't understand....

Thinking about this in my own life and the women I see in my own life, I'd rather have an elegant, classy woman - one who does not care how she looks. No need to get all dolled up to go to the gas station or to get some groceries (one time internal thought - got enough blush there, maam?...because you kind of remind me of Bozo the Clown). If a guy can't appreciate you for who you are, then forget him cause he sucks (mental thought - kick him to the curb, I say, but many men are shallow, superficial jerks too...yes, I just put my hand up too). If you are a Christian woman, in my opinion, you are an elegant and classy woman because you should know how to carry yourself respectfully (no, you're not perfect but you know how to roll with the punches that life throws at you so one blemish or pimple will not ruin your day, week, month or even your year). Sorry Andre Agassi because image is not everything (because you were an above average player with the "rebel" looks and when you went bald, simple with the dress & actually concentrated on your game, that's when you had the tennis world by the throat...humility's a wonderful thing to see). The world does not revolve around one person...namely you or even me....