Equality…

Dear Readers:

This is a subject that I have many strong feelings with, and as well, have come to an understanding and an acceptance about a few things… So before anyone judges me, please be aware that I am not passing judgement on others with this post; I am simply stating my opinion.  After all, that is what my blog is all about: my thoughts, my opinions.

Equality… what does this mean?  According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary it is “The state of being equal, esp. in status, rights, and opportunities.”  By this definition alone, I feel every human being has the right to be treated equally.  No… that doesn’t mean that everyone should be given a house.  No… that doesn’t mean that everyone should be given the most earned job.  No… that doesn’t mean that everyone should be able to enjoy the “finer things in life”.  I am simply stating… Everyone should have the opportunity for education.  Everyone should be able to be employed (given that the individual fits the description/requirements of that job).  Everyone should be able to have the opportunity to improve their lives.  Everyone should have the right at life.  Everyone should treat each other how you, yourself, would like to be treated.  I could go on… but you can see the point I am trying to make.  Everyone should have the right of live.

My view points on abortion and capital punishment of more of a conservative approach.  I believe in Pro-Life; however, I have also come to the conclusion that some people don’t believe in that.  And because of this conclusion, who am I to force my opinion upon them?  Also, I believe that if someone murdered another(s), that I would rather sentence capital punishment than let them live the rest of their life in prison.

Again… these are my view points.  My opinions…  I am not being a bigot.  I am not being racist.  I am not forcing my view points on someone else to make them have to follow.  I am simply stating what I feel is the correct choice.

When it comes to equality of marriage… I stand in a very confused state.  I feel that humans were created to love our neighbors as you love yourself.  That we should live a life that makes “you” happy, and uplift others to spread your joy.  After all… a loving and caring world is better place to live than this judgmental and hatred one we have right now.

I did go to church when I was young.  I have read a majority of The Bible.  I have an understand of how to walk the path of Jesus Christ.  Do I religiously follow this path? No.  Should I be? Probably.  Why don’t I?  This question goes full circle back to my very confused state.  According to The Bible… Homosexuality is a sin.  According to The Bible… All sins where forgiven when Jesus took his life for ours.  According to The Bible… Christians are suppose to love everyone and bring people closer to Jesus Christ.  So… according to what I have learned… I am suppose to be accepting and understand of your quote-on-quote sin, and I am suppose to love you and help you understand about Jesus Christ.  I am suppose to teach you how following His word will bring peace and acceptance into your life.

Is homosexuality a sin?  Depends on who you ask.  I believe that everyone sins.  We all have faults.  Am I know being a bigot and saying your fault is homosexuality? No.  I am simply stating that we all have personal issues that we can fix to make each of us a stronger person.  As to my knowledge… homosexuality is considered a sin if you believe in Christianity and a few other religious groups around the world.

Again… I am not forcing my opinions on anyone.  This is just my opinion.

Do I believe in protecting “marriage”?  Yes.  I feel marriage is a very special occasion between a “man” and a “woman” with God.  However… I do believe this opinion is biased because I believe in the Christianity definition of that word.  If you are not a Christian, you’re feelings/beliefs my be different.

So where does that bring me…

I have learned/accepted, as stated above, that people live around this world with different opinions.  Is anyone right?  No.  Is anyone wrong?  No.  After all… it is your opinion and not mine.  I am not the one in power to be judgmental… only one person can do the judging.  I have come to the conclusion that I cannot force my opinions/beliefs on others when it comes to the issue of marriage.  I have come to the conclusion that if you love someone, no matter who that someone may be, who am I to stand in the way of your happiness?

On a different but similar subject… I feel the LGBT is more upset over the governments definition of marriage than the religious beliefs of it.  Until yesterday… the government only viewed marriage as between a “man” and a “woman” (signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton).  Because of this view-point, it denied many LGBT couples in having the same tax benefits and health benefits that all marriage couples currently have.  With a 5-4 ruling yesterday from SCOTUS, this view point has changed in the government.  SCOTUS voted to reject DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act), which depicted that a marriage is only between a man and woman, and because of this rejection; will allow homosexual couples the right to benefits that heterosexual couples have had for years.

Will everyone embrace homosexual marriages?  No.  This is something that the homosexual community must understand.  There will always be people that will see this lifestyle as inappropriate.  There will always be people that will see this lifestyle as a sin.  There will always be people that will see this lifestyle as disturbing.  So why force to change their mind?  Who cares… if you are happy with yourself and with the government for accepting your lifestyle… then why worry about what other people say?  To this I say… live life.  If you are happy… then why change?  I understand, from a state/federal government standpoint… you want equality.  I do believe the LGBT is on the right path to finally getting this equality, but everyone must understand that just because the government approves of it, it doesn’t mean everyone has to accept it (the lifestyle).

Will I ever accept it?  Probably not fully.  I don’t mind talking with, hanging with, partying with, homosexuals.  I have no problem with their presence. I have no problems being friends with them.  Will I ever attend a wedding in sharing his/her love with another?  Probably not.  Not because I am being rude… I just don’t, in my opinion, feel that lifestyle is appropriate.  But again… that is my opinion and I don’t force that on anyone.

But you are a Conservative… so by nature you are forcing your opinion…

To this, I say, my view points don’t match the few points of others.  Just because I choose to live a conservative lifestyle, that doesn’t mean that I am forcing my lifestyle on others.  So this argument needs to be put to rest with me.  There are many conservative Christians that have an understanding and acceptance of the lifestyles that another chooses.  And… these same conservative Christians don’t go out in the world and force their opinions.

Let me know your thoughts and opinons in the comments…

robert1ee

You Will Be Surely Missed…

MissYouThey say… Friends in life come and go…  Best friends in life never truly leave.

I have been best friends with Chimere Lawshe since 9th grade.  If you do the math, that would equal over 15 years of friendship.  Yup… that is half of my life, if you did that math.  I have been blessed to have such a wonderful and caring person walk into my life… one that I probably don’t deserve to have, but I am truly grateful to have.

Within the end of this month, she will be moving on to new beginnings… a new chance, at allowing her to become the woman that she wants to be for her daughter to see, and to allow her daughter the best opportunity.  I am not saying that what she has around here (in Indy) is bad… I am simply saying that she will have more opportunity to grow, within her company, with her daughter, than she currently has.

We have lots and lots of memories together.  We know each other’s families very well.  Her parents are awesome and fun folks.  I have enjoyed conversations with them.  Her siblings are all great.  Her brothers and I use to have fun, back in the day, with the different car audio systems I would have.  Her Grandmother (big ma) made the best sweet potato pie I have ever had.  In fact, because of her grandmother’s sweet potato pie, I started liking pies.

Her daughter is simply… beautiful.  She is a bright-minded, athletic, loving little diva.  She has tried almost every sport she can for her age.  She loves baseball and basketball, and I am for sure if football would allow her to, she would of knocked a few boys off their own feet. lol  Chay… your Uncle Rob will miss you.

As for my best friend… Chimere… you have been around through thick and thin with me.  Even at times when I have completely turned my back to you, when I needed you there, you still showed me love and gratitude.  What makes a true friend true?  Is being there for someone when in need, comforting and listening to his/her problems, and not expecting anything in return.  You have definitely showed this character.  You have a big heart, and you will bless many people in your new city with that, just as you have blessed many people in Indy with it.

Your drive with your career is strong.  You are going to fill your new position with ease and come out swinging when that first pitch is thrown.  You have organized some very cool events in Indy.  From the employee award parties to preparing for the Super Bowl, you have amazed me and many people at your talents.

I don’t like saying Goodbyes… I feel more like saying… “I’ll see you later.”  Cause after all… one way or anther… we always will ‘see each other later’.  Take care of yourself.  Take care of the little Miss.  Take care of the family.  We will all visit soon.  You will not be forgotten.  You have made your markings in Indy… and every person that has met you, will agree that you are a loving person.

Love Forever and Forever my Best friend,

Robert (aka Robbie aka Jon B aka Chad)

How My Life Has Changed…

Almost six months ago it was the first of the year… I told myself, as the ball dropped, that this new year will be the follow-up to last years “being my year”.  I told myself that it was time to seek hope.  It was time to seek life.  It was time to seek love.

As the year started… everything seemed like it was the same ol’ same ol’.  I didn’t notice anything changing.  I seemed to continue to walk the same path that I had for the past year.  It seemed no matter how hard I actually tried, I couldn’t push myself into a new direction.

I was talking to someone online from time to time that I had hopes for, but I knew in the back of my mind that it wouldn’t lead to anything… story of my life. lol  However, Valentine’s Day was coming and I thought to myself… Maybe she’ll want to be my date?  I asked her and was shot down, but something else arose from my question… she asked me on a date the week before.

We ended up going out to a restaurant a few days after that conversation.  We went one evening after I got off of work (Thursday night, Feb 7th) to Scotty’s Brewhouse.  We had a great time.  The dinner was fantastic.  The conversation was fantastic.  The mood was fantastic.  It seemed like we both really enjoyed each other’s company.

Flash forward to today…

We have moved in together and have a love for each other that seems, hmmmm… almost as if we have known each other all of our lives.  Maybe it was from a past life??? Maybe true love/soulmates really do exist.  I really do not know how or why, but I do know that it feels like home.  It feels like I have never been complete until she was introduced into my life.

My family loves spending time with her.  She loves spending time with my family.  A BIG DIFFERENCE from my past relationships, and this is something that is very important to me.  I love spending time with her family, as well as they love spending time with me.  Everyone has accepted our relationship and has approved of our relationship… not that we need the approval; however, it is nice when family stands behind you and supports your decision.

We both have started to workout… become more fit… Get active.  However you would like to word it.  I have seen a major change in my health.  I have gone from 235+ lbs to 198 as of yesterday.  My body is becoming more toned as I hit the weights hard and use Insanity as my cardio.  My lady has seen her body tone up and become more stronger.

I am for sure that many more changes and surprises are still to come with this relationship.  We have a chemistry that I have never experienced before, and it is an amazing feeling.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds…

To Be Continued…

robert1ee

 

Life…

life

Take Care Of The Golf Balls First…

Saw this on Facebook today and had to share!  This lesson is amazing and also… so very truthful!

robert1ee

golfballs

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “YES”.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things – God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else — the small stuff.” he said.

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are
important to you…” he told them.

“So… pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first — the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled and said, “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

A Glimpse Into My Life… Pt. XVII

Closing a chapter in your life is one of the hardest things to do…

chapters

 

I have walked many paths in my life.  I have seen more than I feel I should have.  I still dream of a “perfect life”, but I will settle for a life I see perfect.  There are many things in my life I am not proud of doing, however, even though I am not proud with some of my past, I still have to thank my past for the adventures I took.  If it wasn’t for my past, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.  Being able to take a step in the right direction, and to continue that step in the right directions, takes courage and strength.

Let It Go…

There is nothing more bothersome than thinking that you can save something, but to find out it’s way past dinner time.  Once you start this path, there is no going back.  You are closing this chapter.  You are never again going to focus on the subject, and if you do do-so, you will put yourself into a mental state of mind that is not healthy.

There is nothing that can prepare you for finally making that first step.  It’s like having a child… you can read all the books you’d like to; but until you have that experience, you won’t really understand how to handle it.  But handling it, you will.

Soul Searching…

Love thyself. Accept thyself. Forgive thyself. And be good to thyself.

Very important lesson I had to learn.  You can not accept a new beginning if you don’t first accept you in a new beginning.  I had to learn to accept my past, accept my failures, and forgive myself for the past that I had.  I had to learn to love myself and be true to myself. Only then… can you be ready for your new journey.

Let Happiness Find You…

The last thing I had to learn was harder for me than the rest… I needed to stop pushing for love.  I need to stop looking for that special someone.  I had to learn how to accept that fact that my love to myself was good enough until someone walked into my life that I could share that love with.  Searching only hurts the heart.  Only scars the soul.  Once I stopped searching for this… someone walked into my life that changed me forever.

Take Your Breath Away

 

To Be Continued…

robert1ee

 

Judgmental…

tumblr_mdva3hs9Wr1r23mn0o1_500

 

It still amazes me how some can think they know what’s best… but what amazes me more, is when they “think they know what’s best” is pushed upon you… “Be curious… not judgmental” -Walt Whitman

 

Found Love…

I sincerely apologize for not posting to my blog much of late…

What has happened to me over the past month is nothing but a miracle.  I have met someone.  Someone that I didn’t think was possible to find in my lifetime.  I would describe her as a soulmate… even though I don’t quite believe that a soulmate does exist.  What this woman has shown me, has done for me, is amazing and has taken my heart away.

Is it crazy to say you can be ‘In Love’ after only a few weeks?  Is it even possible to be in love after just a few weeks?  I know I am.  I know she is.  We have expressed this to one another and both feel just as comfortable with one another.  Its almost as if… we have known each other all of our lives.

She has met one side of my family and I have met her mother… and even though the time we had with the families was only a few hours with them, our family members have told us (he or she) was the one.  They really liked “Us”.  Again, they felt completely comfortable, almost as if, we have all known each other forever.

There is a good chance, in a few short weeks, we will be moving in together and start a life of “Us”.  I can’t wait for this moment, and she can’t wait for this moment either.

To my readers… Love is out there, the trick is… act like you don’t want it for it to find you.

To Be Continued…

robert1ee

P.S. I will get my blogging habits in order… I won’t go a month of no post again! lol

the end and the beginning…

As this year has come to an end… I look back at everything that has happened this year, and I am grateful. I told myself to make 2012 my year… And I think I had a great year in doing just that.

I started the year off with a great birthday party with amazing friends. I love each and every one of you. You have no idea how much your presence helped me get through this year.

I finalized my divorce. That was a hard one. I need to move on with my life, as did she, and so as we closed this chapter in our lives, we both have moved on to live our own lives.

Very close friends of mine became engaged! I couldn’t be more happy for the two of them! Tiffany and Aaron, you two are amazing and I can’t wait to see you two on your wedding day! Love you guys!

I officially broke into the DJ business. I did two parties and everyone had positive comments on how I performed. That has made me decide to get into this business and start doing gigs. My first wedding is already booked, and I can’t wait to make memories for them.

I feel my best friend and I have spent more time this year hanging out than many of the past years. I love her and her daughter to death. They both are amazing people in my life, and without them, it would be hard to make it through some weeks.

My sister got married and had a baby! She is also expecting a second one that will be due in 2013. Her husband, Kane, is a wonderful guy and I’m glad he is my brother-in-law. He is a great addition to our crazy family! Lol. You two are perfect for each other. Love you guys!

My personally life wasn’t as great as I had hoped it would be… However; this year wasn’t about me having relations, it was about growing myself and finding myself. I went through many personal changes and have started to improve myself in many ways.

My roommate, Christyna Smith, has been amazing. Right when I absolutely needed a roommate, you just happened to want to be my roommate. You are an amazing woman, you are an amazing cook, and you actually like to helps keep the house clean. Thank you for everything.

I have met many new friends along this year, and I have lost many friends this year too. People will come and go in your life, and that’s ok. I have learned to let go and let the past be the past. Which is always very hard for me to do.

I started working for a new company this year that has been amazingly beyond my expectations. Not only does this job fulfill my goals of working in a field of my degree, but it is a very fast pace, exciting, and motivating opportunity as well. I love this job, I have an amazing boss, and I can’t wait to see what 2013 will become of our company.

I hope everyone had amazing year and let’s make 2013 another amazing year!

P.S. If I forgot to mention you… No worries, I’m just trying to write a quick summary of the year, and I’ll add to this as more memories come to mind.

To Be Continued…

robert1ee