My Coming Out Journey

Hello Everyone!

Man, I can't believe I have not posted anything for almost 2 years.  Where does the time go!  I remember when I would post here all the time.  Thankfully I save my valuable things (this site being one of them:)!

Ok, so I'm still in N. Carolina and there have been some ups and downs as one would expect moving to somewhere totally different.  I am in the Greenville area which is by the Coast. If there are any of my fellow New Jerseyans considering a move down here I will say mostly everyone is pretty nice.  I see at least 2-3 Jersey plates a day and more during the Summer. It makes me feel right at home...lol.  However, just like in NJ, NC has it's share of crime too so keep your Jersey skills sharp.  You know, lock your cars and be aware of your surroundings.  There are so many people from up north that have moved down here and buildings are going up like wildfire.  

When it comes to LGBTQ Greenville is pretty good.  I saw a funny bumper sticker on this big truck that said "Y'all means all" and had the rainbow flag...nice!  Raleigh is also the mecca for LGBTQ folks but more expensive but not yet as expensive as us by us but it's getting there.  Just google any town you may think about moving to.  Ok and here's some hot news I have not posted any where yet because I'm pretty private.  I met a guy down here! Yeah, I found love and get this he is from NY.  I made sure to put that I'm a NJ guy that has moved to NC in my online profile and was looking for other transplants like myself.  We are on our 3rd month and not only have I not met another guy like him.  I've never met another HUMAN BEING like him!  He has given me flowers, gifts and most importantly love.  Now, it's only month 3 so I don't know what's going to happen except just take it step by step and day by day.  In the short time that we've met we have gone to plays, museums, pottery classes (messy) and those tandem bikes, you know the 2 seaters. We're different, he likes to protest and I'm more in the Rosa Parks mold.  He's more outspoken so we've come up with some safe words...lol.  However, what I like about him is his willingness to bend and work with me.  I'm pretty private so I may not mention anything else, unless we take a walk down the aisle...lol.  However, he's such a good guy and I think it's very difficult to find love so I just thought maybe I'll just mention it here.  

It feels great to post again and everyone have a very Happy and Safe Summer!!!:)

Ronn

Hey Everyone! Can you guys believe we're almost at the end of the year! Where does the time go? OK, so I'm still trying to make it as a Radio/TV Host down here in N. Carolina. I will say that if any from Jersey are thinking about moving down, there are already so many of us here. I see at least 1 or 2 Jersey plates daily and have met a few that love it here. I am slowly finding some work but it's almost as competitive as up north. I actually now have a full time job and 2 part-time jobs at radio stations. Although, I gave notice to one this week and let me tell you why. I've been in this business for a minute now and I'm a little older. If you can't treat your employees with basic decency, then I don't need to be around you. All of us deserve that. Stay tuned and Happy Fall!

Ronn

Happy Pride Everyone!  It's been a while since I've last written so let me catch everyone up.  I'm still in North Carolina and so far so good.  For any of my fellow New Jerseyans that might be contemplating a move down here let me tell you that there are NJ license plates everywhere along with other states.  You will of course be a little homesick but it may not be that bad.  I currently work with 5 people that have moved down from NJ to North Carolina! So far I'm still doing pretty good.  I still have my steady 9-5 job along with my part-time radio job.  My ultimate goal is to do Radio and TV Hosting full time.  I've been in the biz for almost 20 years now and I definitely feel that I'm ready.  

Now in my last blog I promised to not be so sad but go back to my light, fun and frothy side.  So, the good news is my Mom is slowly coming back around we're actually at 90% back to normal.  It will of course be a different kind of relationship since I came out but that's ok.  My Mom is very religious so I know this isn't easy for her but just the fact that she is trying means so much to me.  I will actually be back in New Jersey in the Fall.  Everyone have a great Summer!  Stay safe! :)

Ronn

Hey Everyone,

Well, some sad news on my coming out journey that I started a decade ago this year.  I have been slowly coming out in stages and the last phases was my move to N.C. and the finale was telling my Mom.  Now my family is not gay friendly although I did find out recently that I have a first cousin who recently came out which I am trying to connect with and my sister has accepted me which I can't tell you how much of a blessing she has been to me.  When I told her (actually she guessed it and sensed I was trying to get it out) I could hear the emotion in her voice as she said "I support you".  She is actually a Producer in films and tv.  However, the very final move was telling my Mom and it was worse than I expected and trust me I expected bad but not this bad.  Let me tell you what happened.

I called Jan 2nd of this year and struggled to get the words out a little and when I did at first she laughed and thought I was joking and said yeah right...Ha! Ha! Yet, that laughter disappeared real quick when she realized I was serious.  We haven't spoken since then and I don't think we will.  She said she was GREATLY DISAPPOINTED in me, It's a choice and pretty much blames me.  My Mom just turned 80yrs old so I will always do my best to be respectful but between us our relationship is over.  My Mom and I have gone through so much together as most families do.  My Dad dying from cancer at age 44, my brother's heart transplant only 2 years ago and just her aging.  I'm her oldest child and I have tried to be the very best son to her I could.  However, to tell me I'm a great disappointment is not acceptable after everything we've been through together.  

I still have to come back to New Jersey and pick up my last few things and I am going to try and make this as civil as I possibly can.  I will say though at first it was really bad because we would talk all the time.  I think it doesn't matter the age when you don't have your parents you feel lost like who can I turn to now? Who can I trust? Who can I share my deepest thoughts and secrets?  My Mom was all that to me. One of my favorite memories of us was in the late 80's when I was a teen and won tickets from a radio contest to see Diana Ross at Radio City Music Hall (that might have been a clue right there...lol) I was shy and asked her to be my plus 1 and we went, from New Jersey we took the bus in and my Mom was screaming louder than anybody.  That's how our relationship has been until now.  It's actually difficult writing this.  I have been trying to prepare my Mom for this moment because I read somewhere that coming out is not only a change for me but for the people in my life and just like I needed time to adjust they also need time.  While I'm still hopeful I'm learning to move on without her and getting better.  

Who I feel really sorry for is the very young people who's parents do this to.  Some are even thrown out of the house and homeless.  I'm older and have a degree, an apartment and a job. Many young people especially teens don't have this. It still amazes me how a parent could do this to their own child.  

Well, that's it for now. I know up until this point I always keep my posts light, easy, frothy and fun and they will be again but I just thought I needed to get this out to my new LGBTQ+ family that I have now become part of.  Stay tuned!  I promise the next blog won't be so sad:)  

Ronn

Hey Everyone! Happy belated New Year!  I've missed writing to you all but as you can imagine getting settled in a new state and everything takes time.  Ok, so here's the skinny on my move so far.  I did find work in Radio and Marketing and I actually did my first VO (voiceover) for a local young film director.  For any one in New Jersey that might be thinking of moving down here let me tell you there are a lot of New Jerseyans here.  So far I've met some at my Gym, Mechanics, Work and Restaurant.  I will tell you that breaking into radio/tv is not as easy as I thought it would be.  While they are a little more nicer down here it's kind of like up by us and NYC.  No call backs or they just won't let you get pass first base.  A lot of the stations I researched are religious and I really don't want to get into that. I'm also working as a Radio Producer and while I'm so grateful to have the job my goal has always been on the air.  I'm a little older now and I'm not going to repeat what happened to me when I moved to Connecticut.  I was there for over 2 years and never went on the air.  If no one wants to give me that chance after seeing on my resume that I have been on the air and done my own show for years then it's time for me to move on.  I really feel that my number one priority is to host a show that is more LGBTQ focused.  There are so many other shows out there why not us too. We need to have more of a voice and I'm not a loud guy, I just want to make a difference in my own quiet way.  I spent way too many years being silent and I really feel this is my time and I better not waste a second.  I am well aware that North Carolina has it's struggles with LGBTQ but I feel they are really making some great strides.  I've met a few people already that are gay and my roommate is gay.  Oh and I think this really sums it all up.  I was driving around the other day and happened to look at the bumper sticker on a very big truck which had the rainbow flag with the caption "Y'all means everyone"! Lol....loved it.  

Ok, stay tuned for more and everyone take care and be safe and ttys! 

Ronn 

Hey Everyone!

Well, this Jersey boy is now living la vida loca in North Carolina!  Yes, I finally made the move!  I will still be coming back and forth to New Jersey because my family is here! 

So, here's the scoop!  I have my apartment and roommate who is also gay....yay!  So far we are getting along and have a lot in common.  The way we met is I just don't trust FB so I found this site for LGBTQ realtors and I just called a bunch of them and told them what I was trying to do.  I think I must have called about 40.  Now most didn't want to give me the time of day because "they don't do rentals".  However, there were about 4 that were really very nice and one of them said he had this friend that was looking for a roommate and from our conversations he thought we might be a match.  Well, again the jury is still out but so far I think he was pretty good because we do get along very well....so far.  I actually am going to text him to thank him for introducing us.  

Now as you know my goal and primary reason for moving down was I heard the radio and tv market was easy to break into.  Well, folks I'm here to tell you it's still not that easy down here either.  It's a little bit better because people are little nicer and try to help you a little more so I can go pretty far with that.  It's also a little slower so If I don't get an immediate answer it sometimes means just calling back.  I was surprised at this.  Up here when they don't call back they mean it.  Down there when I called back some would say "Hey, how are you....I was thinking about you".  I did find a part-time job at a big radio station called Curtis Media as a Board Op and today I was offered a part time job which now gives me 40+ hours which is fantastic.  I also met a really nice young guy who is an up and coming Film producer and we just met for lunch today.  He likes my demo reel and feels we could really work well together.  So, today has been a really good day especially when I got the call about the other part-time job.  I also have a follow up interview scheduled for next Wednesday.  I'm really grateful because this was a big and yes scary move for me but it was one I felt I had to take.  

Oh and get this on my 3rd day I decided to check out the Planet Fitness Gym where I'm a member and guess what the guy behind the counter is from Rockaway, NJ!!!! Oh yeah!  He misses it up here but says most of his family is now down there and he doesn't miss the snow or the taxes....lol.  They pretty much have everything we have up including a Jersey Mikes which I was so happy about.  However, just like up here you do have to be careful because there are good areas and then there are bad ones.  However, being a native New Jerseyan we know all about being street smart and I try to be.  There are actually TV stations in town and again it is not that easy to break in but they give you a little more wiggle room to get your foot in the door so say a prayer for me.  

So my fellow Lgbtq New Jerseyans that's my report and stay tuned for more.  Have a great week everyone and a wonderful Holiday Season in case I don't get back here before then.   

Ronn

Hello Everyone! How has your Summer been so far (feel free to let me know).  I can't believe that Summer is coming to a close so fast.  It seems like just yesterday that Spring was here.  What?!  Anywho, just an update on my move to North Carolina.  I have pushed my date back to either September 1st or October 1st depending on me finding a job and apartment.  I think I may have a radio job.  While there are tons of more stations down in North Carolina than up here it's still VERY competitive.  However, I will say that it's a little bit better.  I actually may have a radio job.  The pay will be significantly less and it's almost full time but no benefits until I prove myself but I'm willing to take a chance.  I also applied for a Segment Producer position (I can do TV too) and the Director actually emailed me and said she like my CV and demo reel and that I have been "blessed with a great voice". What?!  Now folks It's been a looooooong time since I've heard that.  I've heard a lot of what was wrong with my voice.  One Connecticut PD said "oh I hear a little Jersey in your voice".  I never heard that before in New Jersey.  Anyway, I called my mentor and she said don't worry about it.  I also didn't let it get to me I just tried to work on improving my voice over time.  So, to all the young hopeful future broadcasters that may be reading my little blog don't EVER take no from any body!  We all deserve to go for our dreams.  You go for yours!!! Stay tuned:)

Ronn

Hey everyone,

Well as you know I'm planning on moving to North Carolina. I'm excited, scared and hopeful! Here's the latest. I may have a place to stay in a job. Right now they're both up in the air but I am giving it my best! I think my blog will shift to being all about this Jersey boy going south. I have to say many have been so friendly and I know lots of New Jerseyans have moved down. I'm excited. I'm planning for August 1st so we will see and of course I will let you guys be the first to know. If I make it down there I can still do my blog since everything is virtual and I can give you all the hot spots to go to for LGBTQ.  Stay tuned and everyone have a terrific Summer!!!:)

Update to blog:

I forgot to add that North Carolina has a ton of radio and tv stations and I just may have a chance of doing what I love full time. I have never been able to do that before. I always had to have a full time job and just do it on the side.

Again nothing is guaranteed but I have been getting really good feed back from some stations. I would also like to continue doing some more podcast work. You guys will be the first to know. 

Hey Everyone!  Spring is here!  Yay!  So here's the latest, I may be moving to North Carolina in August.  I still think I can do the blog.  I think it would probably be more about being from New Jersey, Gay and now in North Carolina. I can give you guys all the info you might need on the hot gay spots in North Carolina and what it's like to be a Jersey boy in the South.  If you remember in 2020 I went down to check it out.  It was very difficult because we were in the midst of COVID.  I'm hoping now that things are a little better and opening up again it won't be so hard.  I know there are hurricanes down there but I also here it also depends on where you live and so many Jersey folks have moved down and really like it. I also have done some research and there are a lot of Radio and TV stations down there so who knows.  Besides I have family here so I will always be back to visit.  Well, that's it for now I will keep you guys posted and if any one has any tips or comments please feel free to leave them.  I have been thinking about other places I might want to live and this just seems right for me.  I have a little family there and a few friends and I think that's important rather than moving some where all by myself.  Well, here goes stay tuned for more and everyone: HAVE A TERRIFIC SPRING AND SUMMER!!!

Ronn:)  

Hey everyone! Have a happy, safe and healthy 2022! I know times are difficult right now but we can still keep trying to reach our goals. I am still going to keep pursuing my Radio, Announcer and TV Host career. I feel all these years have prepared me for this moment in time. Halle Berry once said "I have the experience, all I need now is the opportunity" so true and so me. I will as always keep you guys posted and if anything big happens. Moreover, please feel free to let me know what your goals are for 2022! Let's make our dreams come true in 2022! :)

Hey everyone! Guess what! I finished my very first podcast with season 1 now completed! Once I'm given the ok I will let you guys know the name and release date. However, it did not come without some drama.

First, let me start off by saying what an absolutely fantastic time I had! For me it just proved that interviewing and broadcasting is what I TRULY love doing. Since my return home in late 2019 and then COVID-19 hitting us all, it has really been challenging to find work. So, I'm so happy this came along! Yet here is the problem folks. The studio we shot in was very cramped and although I'm vaccinated I wore a mask. I didn't know the podcast was also going to be visual. In the beginning there was no issues. However, after the first or second episode there started to be problems with me wearing the mask. Now, I don't judge others and frankly now being part of the LGBTQ community how could I? If someone wants or does not want to wear a mask that is their choice but I also have a right to chose. I did take the mask off when we had photo shoots or when I hosted a segment by myself because I felt there was good social distancing. There are people still sadly getting the virus even after being vaccinated. So, I'm sorry but I don't feel comfortable taking that risk. I've been in the business a long time so I can tell when something is not working. In our last meeting I simply said I would be more than happy to be a fill in host whenever they need me. I didn't close the door. Moreover, one of the producers and some others did say that this first season was "trial and error", maybe we can get a bigger studio or just zoom or stream it. Another person mentioned most studios have a enough space and separate the hosts on all of their shows. I can't really do the zoom or stream because like I mentioned since moving back to NJ I'm really at the basics right now. I don't have those capabilities. You should see the little studio I'm renting... lol. Anyway, for me, I like going to the studio and getting out of the apartment.

That's the latest guys. I will keep you posted. I'm keeping the door opened and who knows what could happen. I will say that it has been amazing to work on this project and especially since recently coming out making new friends. It just felt great to belong. However, what I will say is in the LGBTQ community we have all felt discrimination's wrath and I feel we should not do that to each other. If I were in charge it wouldn't even be a question. I would find a way to keep that person... they're now family as far as I'm concerned.  Ok, stay tuned and everyone enjoy the holidays!!!!!

Ronn:) 

Hello All!

Here's the latest on the LGBTQ Podcast update. So far we now have done about 7 episodes. I'm learning a lot about podcasting but these days that's where everything is heading. I'm really excited and as soon as I get the release date you guys will be the first to know. Right now we're still in the production and editing phase. I feel so good that last year I did my first LGBTQ interview for Gay Parent Magazine and now this year I have the podcast. I am still pushing to do more and let me tell you why. While I am going to give this my all, I have been interviewing and working in Radio, TV and Print for 20 years (since college) so I know nothing is guaranteed. TV Hosts are disposable. You could come in one day and just find out you've been replaced... just like that. So, while I love what I'm doing, I'm on the lookout for my next project. Stay tuned! Be safe everyone!!!

Ronn:)

Hey all,

Guess what? I got the TV Hosting Gig! I will give you more details soon but it's a podcast and it deals with LGBTQ Business in NJ. I will be a Co-Host. We already have 3 shows completed and are being edited as we speak. I'm very excited and I am going to continue my goal to host more LGBTQ shows. What I really want to do is host my own LGBTQ radio show but there just doesn't seem to be much of a chance here in NJ for the kind of show I want to do. It's going to be a real up hill battle and struggle but I'm not giving up the ship yet. At least with this podcast I have taken the first baby step! Yay! Stay tuned!

Ronn:)

Hello everyone,

As you know the title of my blog is "My Coming Out Journey" and I appreciate all those who are coming along with me on this journey. So, with that said I am using my real name. I do know each of us has our own journey to take and forcing someone to come out before they are ready can really be disastrous. However, I feel I'm ready. Oh and I think I may be the co-host of a new lgbtq podcast that is in the works.

Everything looks pretty good and the producers seem to like me so I will keep you posted. I'm also hoping to do some more writing, radio and on-air work. Again everyone have a great Summer and many thanks to everyone for all their comments to my blog. They have ALL been very encouraging and positive which just says so much and means so much! THANK YOU AND HAVE A FANTASTIC SUMMER!!!!

Ronn:)

Ok everyone, I'm on the move so I have to make this quick. I am still on my coming out journey and yesterday was my birthday! Where does the time go? Anyway, while I'm happy to have returned to NJ, I really can't believe how there is not more media for LGBTQ. We are so close to NYC and really NJ is a melting pot.  I have been in Radio/TV/Print for over 20 years and the same walls that were up when I left are practically still there.  I'm I am sure most of you know what I mean by that. I did have a radio show on at Centenary College but because of COVID-19 the show has been put on hiatus. :( I actually went to North Carolina this past October because I was so frustrated. I decided to again return to NJ I would like to stay in my home state and make things happen for us in LGBTQ but it's an up hill battle. Stay tuned! Happy 2021!  

Hey everyone!

It's been a while and this COVID-19 has really taken a toll on us all. Hope everyone is safe and healthy.

I am still on my coming out journey and getting better and better at reaching my goal. I was thinking of moving to North Carolina because I have heard nothing but great things. I know they are working on some LGBTQ issues so I thought to take an 8 day trip. I was in the Greensboro area and checked things out and went on some job interviews. Since returning I have decided that I'm not yet able to make the move but who knows maybe in the future so for now I will stay in New Jersey. Ok, more later and please everyone BE SAFE! Ttys!

Ross:)

Hi everyone,

I know I'm back again pretty early but I have good news. I just finished my first LGBTQ article and received my first pay check which couldn't have come at a better time! Every little bit helps and I'm really grateful. I feel so good that maybe I'm finally on my way. It's really taken a lot of work and I have more work to do. However, finally I feel that I'm on my way to becoming who I truly am. I was very worried because the last article I wrote was 11 years ago! However, I guess my writing must have been ok. I have so much more I want to do....very excited!!! Stay tuned!

Hey there! I know I'm back pretty soon but I had to share this. A few days ago I just finished my first LGBTQ interview for a magazine. I was kind of nervous but I got through it. It's been a while since I've written but it feels great to be doing it again. The editor will review my story and then get back to me. I'll keep you posted! Have a terrific day!

Ross

Hi everyone!

I have now been back in New Jersey for 7 months! Wow! Where has the time gone! So, I think I'm finally getting close to finding work. This week I had some really fantastic job interviews and one guy really liked me. I applied for an Admin position because I figured I could work my way up. However, he looked at me and said "you're overqualified and from your sales background we could really use you."

Now, I don't know if you're like me but at this point I really didn't want to be in a position that might be more than I can chew because what happens next is I'm unemployed again. However, he explained the job is entry level and has plenty of training and would still keep me in mind for the admin spot. The VP feels I would be bored. To be honest I don't mind being bored especially if I'm getting a paycheck... lol.  I also didn't want to turn him down and appreciated his kindness so we'll see. I also have an interview this week for a Theatre Marketing position.

I'm really trying to work hard because my unemployment benefits have now run out and I have only a little savings left. Thank goodness I'm staying with family for now. I also will now start freelance writing for an LGBTQ publication which I'm very happy about.

I guess if I had to sum up 2019 the biggest lesson I've learned is just because it's LGBTQ doesn't mean it's going to be all roses. There are good and bad people in all walks of life. So, I'm a lot more careful these days with everyone. Although I am very happy in my life I wish I started coming my coming out journey a little earlier. I think this is probably going to be the biggest challenge of my life! Stay tuned and thanks for reading as always!

Ross:)

Hey Everyone! Happy New Year! 

I'm still looking for a job but I have been networking like crazy. Almost every week I have an interview. It's just very tough out here. I'm learning how to re-define myself. It's literally been down to me and someone else for the position and I just missed. I have also had some weird interviews. One job I didn't get because although the guy said he really liked me he felt the distance was too far (they don't take anyone that lives more than 30 minutes away). What?! I tried to explain that I have commuted over an hour at times in my career and was never late! However, sometimes you just can't change someone's mind. :(

Moreover, I also wanted to continue working in LGBTQ but at this point I will have to take what I can. Overall, I have found the LGBTQ community in New Jersey to be very supportive... it's just tough. I guess this is going to be another life lesson and growing chapter of my life. What I do to de-stress is make sure to hit the gym, go to Barnes & Noble to relax because I love books and look at the positive and stay calm. I know, easier said than done.

Oh and my love life, well, nothing yet. I was dating but we decided we are better as friends and we are!

It's 2020 and with a new year and decade there comes hope and possibilities! If there is any one going through something similar I would love to hear from you. All the best to everyone for a fantastic 2020! Stay Tuned!

Ross:)

Hi all,

I'm still job interviewing and I feel I'm getting close. As I mentioned last time, I do have a radio gig at an NJ University which I'm really enjoying. I really wanted to find a job before the holidays because as we all know once the holidays start it's almost impossible to find work. So say a prayer as I continue my journey. I must say it does feel great to be back home again. I'm just trying to not make the same mistakes that I did in the past. I'm hoping I can find a job where I can be relatively happy and go from there. Stay tuned and I hope everyone has a nice holiday!

Ross:)

Hi Guys,

I have now been in New Jersey for about two months and I may have my first radio gig. I'm not superstitious or any thing but until I actually start it I'm skeptical...lol. It is for a College University and I met for a second time with the PD (Program Director). I have my time slot and today went through training. Next week we will record my show promo and I think I will start then. It's a two hour slot with no pay but it's a start and I'm very excited. You guys might know this but in the radio biz the longer you're off the air then well... you get it. I also just love radio. I would do it for free (and I am...lol). I have had some paid jobs and then recently some no pay jobs. I just decided a few years ago that I'm doing it to "feed my soul". Hopefully something will lead to me being able to feed myself (I couldn't help saying that). I have also found a fill in TV Hosting job with a Gay TV News program in NYC. Again, next week I will meet with the Producers and other Hosts to see if we're a fit.

I know these are small steps but I feel very good about this.  What's the old saying "You have to crawl before you can walk".....stay tuned!

Ross:)

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to check in briefly and say hello. So, as you know I'm back in New Jersey trying to get settled in. My dream job would be to have my own Radio show but more of an LGBTQ friendly one. It looks as if I may again have to take another job to support myself as I pursue my dream.

Before coming back home I lived in Connecticut and lastly Boston. The competition is fierce and it looks like it will be the same here. I did manage to find some work in Connecticut but not in Boston. I worked at a terrific community radio station in Connecticut called WAPJ located in Torrington. They are true radio lovers and welcomed me with open arms. Boston did not. In Boston you actually have to pay a fee to be on a community radio station.

When I arrived back in New Jersey it seemed like everyone was going to welcome me back with open arms. I met with someone at William Paterson College who said they could use a speaker like myself with many years of experience. Then my old station that I interned at WRNJ said they might have something. Sadly, those all seem to have gone by the wayside. There may be some hope at Centenary University.

Now to anyone who is aspiring to get into radio in New Jersey here is what I've learned. Most stations only allow students to have radio shows... darn!  However, there are some that have a mix of Student and Community. There is no fee but students have first dibs. So out of all the many stations I've called there may be a glimmer of hope at Centenary. Stay tuned.

In closing, I will say that I'm a guy of a certain age and for almost all my life I have not been able to achieve my dreams which can be very frustrating and sad. However, I choose to focus on the positive. I have my health, a place to stay, friends, family and a state that I really feel at home in again!

If you're reading this and have had to put your dreams on hold or even abandon them I would love to hear from you! Thanks so much for reading and ttys!

Ross:)

Thanks so much Bonnie!!! Really appreciate it!  So, this is my first day back in New Jersey and it feels great!  Now the work begins....looking for work and then a permanent place to stay oh and love of course.  Again, for anyone that might be reading along with me (thanks again btw) I'm looking for work as a Radio or TV Host....maybe even do some more acting.  I'm also getting back into writing as you can tell.  Being a Radio or TV Host can really be highly competitive. You can be too tall, not tall enough or your voice too this or that. Yet I will give it my all.  This time around I'm definitely going to try and go for my dreams. If there are any of you out there here's what I've learned. You should always go for your dream because giving up and trying to play it safe really isn't safe at all. I'll tell why from my own little point of view. That little "safe box" can turn into a prison when dreams are unfulfilled. So, I always tell everyone! Go for your Dreams! So here I go! If there is anyone that's ever been in that situation or is in that situation would love to hear how you are: Going for Your Dreams!!!  Stay tuned.

Ross

Well folks, tomorrow's the big move to New Jersey! I'm very excited to be returning home again after being away 15 years. I'm trying to line up work but it looks like it will also be a struggle. I was hoping for radio work but so far after submitting my air checks no responses. For anyone not in radio, here's a little behind the scenes info. Radio is all about who you know and having the voice they want. If you don't have what they want, well, you don't get the call back. It doesn't mean you don't have a good voice... just not what they are looking for. I'm not going to give up. I've also done TV and voice-over work so I'm trying all avenues.

In Boston I worked for an LGBTQ digital publication and I would still like to continue working somehow in LGBTQ. I spoke with someone who said it's really grown in the last 15 years so I'm hopeful. Most of my family is in New Jersey so it will be nice to be around them for more than my weekend visits every season. Sometimes I wonder "why did I leave in the first place". However, I think we all do it as part of the journey in just discovering ourselves and exploring new places. Then, in the end, it's like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz or my favorite version The Wiz! Stay tuned and thanks for reading!

Ross