Author: H312ud1

So, you’ve popped the question, walked down the aisle, said I do, and celebrated those closest to you. Time ticks forward, the honeymoon phase passes, and you come to the unfortunate realization that you and your spouse may not be right for each other. Soon after you hear those four dreaded words “I want a divorce”.

While I hope none of you find yourselves in that position, the fact remains that it is very much a possibility. My own family has been plagued with divorces. It just seems to be one of those things that is prevalent in every community. But what do you do when you find yourself suddenly in the middle of one? What should your next steps be when you decide you want out or when your spouse slaps the papers on the dinner table? The short answer, call an attorney.

The long answer, find a competent

By Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW

When a romantic relationship or marriage ends, it’s natural to experience feelings of rejection, anger, sadness, guilt, or regret. Self-defeating thoughts can grab hold because you’re vulnerable and trying to make sense of things. However, it’s important to realize that this is a normal part of grieving and letting go after a relationship dissolves.

While it’s normal to go through a period of self-reflection when your relationship ends, it’s crucial that you keep things in perspective. Losing a partner, even if you made a decision to end the relationship, can disrupt your life on so many levels because your ex was undoubtedly a part of your daily existence. As a result, breakups can weaken your ability to sleep, eat well, and function at work and in social spheres.

To complicate matters, studies have discovered that experiencing a breakup can leave you with a diminished sense

December 30th is National Bacon Day. I assume it is a day to glorify and celebrate the many epicurean triumphs that bacon has brought to our society. Well, bah humbug. I for one, shall not be celebrating such a day.

Bacon, Anyone?

Bacon itself is not at all unpalatable. In fact, with eggs and toast in the morning, it is a perfectly delicious way to begin the day. Crispy or chewy, I actually enjoy the taste. Even more so if it is bacon from the butcher’s counter, rather than the prepackaged, wet, and brine-injected bologna that is trying to pass as bacon (which, even then, is still pretty good).

Even Canadian Bacon has its place at my table. Bacon fat also remains an interesting and delicious medium for heat transfer. Why then, given all this praise, that I decline to celebrate on bacon day? Because as a food it is

In the same vein as a previous post about starting new holiday traditions after separation, here are some fun ways Christmas is celebrated in other countries!

Holiday Celebrations Around the Globe

Japan: Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Christmas dinner of champions. Thanks to a marketing campaign in the mid-1970s, Japanese children associate the holiday with KFC. It is complete with the Colonel in Santa getups, themed containers for chicken and drinks, and a special Christmas combo bucket complete with all the secret spice chicken, salad, and cake. The lines get so busy that customers may wait up to two hours to get a bucket to go. Appreciation of food has no borders, and there is no reason why fried chicken can’t be the centerpiece to the Christmas dinner (except maybe health reasons).

The Netherlands: clogs for Christmas. Sinterklaas is the Santa analog over in the Dutch part of the