29Jul 2014 by CJ

Funny how a four-legged friend really makes you smile

Life & Living
Today, while my wife and I were out for our morning walk, we encountered two very welcoming women walking a black and copper colored little dog. The one year old pup was a Yorkshire terrier named Dolly – and she was one of the most docile and affectionate little pups I’ve encountered in a long time. She immediately approached both my wife and I with a refreshing timidity – far too many dogs are only too quick to use repetitive barking to establish their dominance. But it wasn’t long before Dolly began wagging her stubby little tail – relishing the turns my wife and I were taking petting her silky smooth fur. We soon found out that the pup had only been in her new home for a week –…
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23Jul 2014 by CJ

Some differences between Colorado and New Jersey

Life & Living
Recently people have been asking me what it’s like living in Colorado after some 40 years in northern New Jersey. Well, in a word…different. And though it’s only been a month since my arrival, I’ve created a list of some of those noticeable differences and thought you’d all find them interesting and amusing. Here goes! New Jersey residents will do just about anything to avoid exchanging pleasantries with others roaming the planet - some include pretending to talk on their cell phones, staring down at their feet or hiding behind dark glasses. But here in Colorado, people just seem nicer - more neighborly. Everyone greets you with a smile and a “hello” as they pass you by. It’s nice not to be ignored for a change - what a concept!…
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22Jul 2014 by CJ

Job hunting is not as easy as you might think

Life & Living
“Every experience in your life is being orchestrated to teach you something you need to know to move forward.” Brian Tracy One of the things my wife and I had to sacrifice in moving from New Jersey to Colorado was the comfort and security of our careers. This was probably our biggest concern in making our final decision to relocate across the country. While the economy in Colorado is much different than that of the Tri-State area, searching for new employment is never easy – especially if you haven’t done it in a while. We knew we’d have the same career fate no matter when we chose to move – unless of course we waited until we retired. But by then we’d have wasted so much time on an indefinite…
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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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19Jul 2014 by CJ

Saying “I’m sorry” means setting aside your pride even when you think you’re right

Life & Living, Youth
When my wife and I first became engaged back in the year 2000, she was the first of three daughters to make her way down the aisle. And as with many first time mother’s-of-the-bride, her mother had her own vision for our upcoming nuptials – which is only natural. But her ideas didn’t necessarily align with those of my wife. My wife is a very loving, compassionate and patient person, but she’s also very head strong and not afraid to tell you what she does and doesn’t want – especially on her wedding day. Tensions began to build, words were said on both sides, and it wasn’t long before any and all forms of communication ceased. But during my wife’s bridal shower something amazing happened. Her mother pulled each of…
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