18Aug 2014 by CJ

A lesson for all students on the first day of school

Information & Education, Life & Living, Youth
Isn’t it funny how time always seems to escape us? Aside from voting at my local school, I probably can count on one hand how many times I’ve stepped foot inside an educational institution since graduating college 17 years ago (yikes, it’s been that long?). School was never truly my forte – how ironic then that I find myself married to a high school teacher. As long as she doesn’t give me homework, we’re in good shape. And it’s because of my wife’s profession that I typically find myself walking the halls of the school she teaches in – there to lend a hand setting up her classroom before students fill her day with endless activity. It always amazes me how the interiors of schools always smell the same regardless…
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17Aug 2014 by CJ

It’s totally okay to be happy with a simple kind of life

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
“There was nothing wrong with being a homebody. There was nothing wrong with not wanting - not needing - the constant jostle and noise of a party or bar or... whatever.” ― Charles de Lint, Jack of Kinrowan The older I get, the more I realize that I’m a bit of a homebody. While I’m not averse to going outside of my house (I’m in no way a hermit), I find great comfort and delight in the simple pleasures of life, which are probably considered boring to much of society who’ve happily adopted a chaotic and frenzied lifestyle. I enjoy… Watching old movies at home - munching on a sweet or salty treat, while cuddled up with my sweetheart on the couch. Sitting outside on a beautiful evening with a…
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12Aug 2014 by CJ

He was able to make everyone else happy but himself – farewell Robin Williams

Life & Living
“That's the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it's impossible to ever see the end.” ― Elizabeth Wurtzel, Prozac Nation Today the world mourns the loss of an entertainment legend – Robin Williams. His incredible comedic, and at times, dramatic talents will live on forever in such memorable films as Dead Poets Society, The Birdcage and Mrs. Doubtfire to name but a few. He truly had an amazing legacy as an entertainer. Famed director Gary Marshall said of Williams passing, “He could make everybody happy but himself.” Williams was battling severe depression at the time of his death. Few people really understand what it means to be…
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11Aug 2014 by CJ

Sometimes cleaning and organizing can lead to positive feelings overall

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
“Rest and peace should not be left until you're deceased. They are two vital life ingredients everybody needs and seeks.” ― Rasheed Ogunlaru Whenever I’m feeling a little overwhelmed there are two things I can rely on to help ease my restless mind. One is going for a long walk in a picturesque environment – regardless of the temperature. There’s just something about being outside with nature that has a profoundly calming effect on me. The second might come as a bit of a surprise to some of you, but we’re all different, right? I like to clean and organize. There’s something about each process, which seems like a chore to some, that helps to rejuvenate my spirit even on the darkest of days. Maybe I should go work for…
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08Aug 2014 by CJ

We all need nurturing to survive in this crazy world

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
When my wife and I moved from New Jersey to Colorado almost two months ago, we decided to use an auto transport service to deliver both vehicles to our new state. I had my doubts they’d arrive unscathed after seven days on an 18-wheel car carrier, but to my delight they arrived just as they left – though much, much dirtier. Before our cars were ever picked-up in New Jersey, my wife had what she considered a brilliant idea – to pack her beloved house plants in the back of each car. While I was more than ready to give them away, I entertained her idea (with much skepticism). I reminded her that for seven days they’d be left in a car, with no ventilation, to bake in the hot…
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