27Jun 2013 by CJ

Same-sex marriage – a victory worth celebrating

Love & Relationships
On Wednesday, a divided Supreme Court voted 5-4 in each of two decisions – throwing out part of the law that denied hundreds of federal benefits to same-sex couples, and once again clearing the way for gays and lesbians to marry in the state of California. While issues still remain, it seems Americans are finally understanding that everyone has the right to fall in love with whomever they choose and have that love ultimately recognized legally through marriage. Congratulations to all those who fight the battle for equality and are finally making strides – I hope your journey will soon come to a fair conclusion.   Read my previous post - The Ban on Gay Marriage - What are we so afraid of?
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19Jun 2013 by CJ

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love

Love & Relationships, Youth
On June 18, 2013 my beloved grandmother, Madeline Ruvere, peacefully passed away at the age of 92. [caption id="attachment_75" align="alignright" width="296"] A beautiful picture of grams with my great-grandfather.[/caption] Though her health was in continual decline over the last few months, it might sound strange but her passing was still a surprise. I realize it was probably expected given her age, but when you lose someone who once occupied a huge part of your living, laughing and loving, I assure you the loss is still profound regardless of how old you are. Over the last few days my memories of her have been very strong. Beyond the love and support she always provided me, I think the greatest gift she left me was a treasure chest of memories I can…
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16Jun 2013 by CJ

Sharing life with someone special makes the journey easier

Love & Relationships
“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” Fred Rogers Life is nothing more than a journey – a series of highways and byways filled with unexpected turns and roadblocks, which can oftentimes seem insurmountable. The pathways between our personal and professional lives; the joys and the sorrows often intersect in ways we never imagined possible and repeatedly complicate our ability to navigate and stay the course to utter happiness. But our journey through this chaotic and many times complicated existence becomes considerably more tolerable when not taken alone. To have someone to lean on for support and guidance when the terrain seems impassable is truly a blessing - especially when those individuals provide us with unconditional affection and appreciation and…
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28May 2013 by CJ

With you I am home

Love & Relationships
I've posted parts of this blog previously, but felt it needed a little repeating - not only for those around me, but for myself as well.   The term “walkman” refers to a portable audio cassette player, which was immensely popular in the 1980’s. Though now considered a relic and inferior by modern day standards, at its peak it allowed music lovers to enjoy their favorite tunes just about anywhere you traveled – as long as your AA batteries were fully charged. An avid music lover myself, I prolonged purchasing the latest portable audio technology for several years, while I tried to justify the cost versus the need. But eventually I succumbed to desire - aided greatly by a gift card I received for Christmas, which thankfully covered much of…
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23May 2013 by CJ

It’s good to be home

Love & Relationships
For the last seven days I’ve been calling a posh hotel in Chicago, IL “home” – though it felt like anything but. The room environment was stark and sterile, lacking the character and warmth I’m used to surrounding myself with at home. Because of this, I spent as little time as possible inside the walls of my hotel room – always feeling uncomfortable, uninspired and even a little depressed. It’s funny how the spaces we inhabit contribute to our overall mood. But beyond that, I think being away from our “homes” can oftentimes change the people we are – especially in mixed company. Frederick W. Robertson said it best. “Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of…
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