26Aug 2014 by CJ

Selfies – because nobody else wants to take your picture

Life & Living, Youth
Today I saw a t-shirt that made me laugh to myself. It read simply: “SELFIES…Because nobody else wants to take your picture.” Come on, that’s pretty funny! Selfies have become incredibly popular with teenagers, soccer moms and celebrities who sometimes pathetically ride the populous culture wave. What is this fascination with everyone snapping pictures of themselves (sometimes inappropriately for public viewing I might add)? Maybe the t-shirt is right…society is so insecure and longing for people’s attention that they feel the need to be thrust into a spotlight they’ve created for themselves. Forget about the fact that no one is an individual anymore – everyone has to do what everyone else is doing to stay relevant in society today. Sad actually. Reminds me of the Chinese proverb, “A wise man…
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25Aug 2014 by CJ

True friendship is all about endurance

Life & Living, Youth
I moved from New Jersey to Colorado two months ago now, and yet it feels like a lifetime since my departure from the Garden State. And while it’s natural for human beings to easily get acclimated to their new surroundings after a period of time, what’s not easy is adjusting to how much you miss those cherished individuals who’ve regularly blessed your life with their presence. Richard Bach once said, “Don't be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again after moments or a lifetime is certain for those who are friends.” I’m overjoyed that one of my “friends” has arrived in Colorado! I’ve been a little lost here in my new state – with both my career and house hunt somewhat up…
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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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07Aug 2014 by CJ

Self-confidence is all about trusting that you know more than you think

Life & Living, Youth
“I seek strength, not to be greater than others, but to fight my greatest enemy, the doubts within myself” - P.C. Cast I’ve always envied people who seem to have it all together. Who are just brimming with self-confidence and self-worth, which enables them to succeed in any situation or circumstance life will undoubtedly throw at them. I hate those people. Why you might ask? Because I’m NOT one of them. While I’ve made incredible progress from the days when insecurities would practically cripple me in any social or professional situation, whenever my self-confidence comes into question, I sometimes feel myself reverting. For those who’ve been at the same employer for a long period of time, have lived in the same house (and state) with any longevity, whose life has…
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21Jul 2014 by CJ

Remember that part of being a good friend is knowing how to listen

Life & Living, Youth
When I left New Jersey almost four weeks ago for Colorado, I left a very dear friend I’ve known for over 15 years. I met her back when the two of us were working in the corporate headquarters at the now defunct Mikasa brand - and we’ve been pals ever since! Our typical routine was to meet for coffee or dinner every week, where the two of us would discuss the trials and tribulations of life before just being silly – quoting one-liners from the classic TV sitcom The Golden Girls. It’s sad how often I took our time together for granted – a realization that hit me after 1,800 miles and a two hour time difference made those get-togethers impossible to sustain. One thing I’ve learned in the weeks…
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