Everyone goes through changes in life. When I started this blog, my kids were very young, not even in school yet. My work situation was more stable and predictable. And everything was new and exciting as far as blogging goes. I’ve been doing this for six and a half years, and I think it’s obvious that I’ve been losing interest in it. Blog posts are not as in-depth, and posting has been more sporadic.
I’ve always avoided writing a “good-bye” post because, frankly, bloggers never really say good-bye and mean it. They’re back in a few days or a few weeks, unable to contain themselves. A moody bunch are we. So I’m leaving myself an out. I’m going on a sabbatical, if you will, and we’ll just see how it goes. If I don’t miss it and life seems to go on just fine without it, I won’t be back. If I find that I’m restless and can only find my rest in blogging, I will be back.
Now my kids are older and involved in more things, and I have a lot more responsibilities at work. The bottom line is, there are a lot more demands on my time, and so the time has come to bid a fond farewell to this hobby, if I can. I’ve enjoyed it, and maybe someday I’ll return to it. Maybe sooner than I think. And we can all have a good laugh about it, like we do with Emtronics when he quits every few months.
But if this ends up being good-bye, I just want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of me personally and this blog. I intend to leave the site up so the old posts will still be accessible and you can continue to comment on them if you wish, at least until everyone abandons it and there’s no more traffic, at which point I’ll probably take it down.
Best wishes to everyone, and so long … for now.
So sad but I understand. I enjoyed your thoughts and comments and those of the people that posted on your site.
Now you know how I feel. Things change. Good luck.
CJ,
I for one believe the loss of your criticism and study of local issues is a major loss for citizens in this area. You have been a lone voice willing to expend vast amounts of time to study and remark on local issues like no one else has done.
We are a weaker community with the loss of your abilities. And sadly, there does not seem to be anyone around to pick up what you are leaving behind.
Best wishes
Enjoy your hiatus!
Come on, man. You’re at your peak. You got picked up by Drudge. You hit the big time. Don’t leave us with Billy!!! š
Best of luck and while I’ll miss visiting this site daily – it’s clear that you have your priorities in order: Family, Church, Work, Hobbies. Though I think you made this more than a hobby — you treated it seriously and as a job. It’s hard to maintain two jobs and do both well.
Enjoy your sabbatical — you took blogging to a new height in Peoria and should be proud of the legacy you left.
Well, the city council is breathing easier now. No one to call them out on their insanity.
Well wishes in your retirement. Jordan came back…..
Needless to say, we bloggers will miss you and the city of Peoria government and District 150 will lose a valuable critic (which can be praise as well as blame)–the powers that be might not be so grateful, but they should be as they should be seeking to learn as much as possible about the opinions and stances of the taxpayers so that they can do the will of the people.
Yes, things change and in life we must move on. That being said, Peoria is going to be a sorrier place without your blog. Where will the public find the truth? You have scooped the Journal Star and given area citizens an opportunity to spout off. You have been a catalyst for change and a friend to people who felt they had no say in matters. You have given everyone an opportunity to see both sides of the story. It is a sad day for Peorians, but a happy one for your family and close friends. You obviously have your priorities straight. Enjoy! They grow up fast!
Well, crap. Crap crap crap.
I bet you post something when the Cardinals win the World Series!
CJ, I am truly going to miss you and all your insight. The very best to you and your family. I will be praying for you. You will still be in the community and knowing you you will still have your finger on the pulse of the community. And if you feel something needs doing you will let us know. But for now do as you said and go with your family, they do grow fast and you can’t afford to miss one minute of time with them. God Bless. Sharon Deckard
I will probably check in once a week or so, just in case. Your commentary on the Peoria community will be sorely missed.
Now this comes from left field…really. I guess we all have to take stock of our lives, but C.J., I really thought this was heading for something more for you and your family. Your reporting skills, your insight, your ability to research and get to the heart of the matter.
Dude, let’s face it. You’re a newsman. It’s your life, but I think you are missing the point. Hope you don’t miss the boat.
We will miss you! I hope you blog-rejuvenate after a sabbatical!
CJ- Wishing you the best. Hoping this is just a sabbatical. You’ve done a lot of great work in this community.
P.S. How am I supposed to torment Jon? I was just perfecting my one liners!
CJ – I bid thee farewell for the time being – but you are yet a young man and life has more in store for you! I wish you and your family the very best!
I have appreciated your reporting and have put more stock into your blog than the Journal Star. Hopefully someone else steps up and fills your place.
Best wishes on your sabbatical…enjoy the time off!
You are a very talented individual. I will miss you insights.
Thanks and be well.
I can only echo what others have said. You’ll be sorely missed, CJ.
Recent episode of ‘At Issue’ on PBS covers cumulative voting.
You have done an excellent job, hopefully, things will settle down enough that you might be able to do an occasional blog. I have enjoyed your work. Thank You
I appreciate your blog even when I disagreed with you. Take a little time off, then write an occasional post.
You have a very nice blog. No reason to quit cold. Just cut back the number of poss you make and the time you put into them
Thanks for your effort.
Major blow to the Peoria blogosphere. This was a nice source to get the other side of the story. C.J., you will be missed and hopefully you’ll be back soon. I’m sure the comment section will still be active, given the amount of stupid things the COP does.
I’m sure there are a lot of city leaders who aren’t heartbroken over this news.
‘Tis a short term victory for the status quo, but a long term loss for the community. Hope you’ll be back soon, CJ. Be confidant in the wisdom of our Lord. He is wanting you to rest – in preparation for your next journey. You have been blessed with too much talent to be silent for long. I predict a reincarnation, but it will be in His time and in His way. I know you know that. God Bless.
CJ: Thank you for your many efforts and the productive use of your talents to tell ‘the rest of the story’ on many topics. God be with you and your family in your new endeavors.
did you get called for jury duty again?
Thanks for your many years of telling us what the local media fails to. I undersand your decision, but please know that your blog will be missed. Hope you return soon!
Best wishes to you sir! Enjoy doing whatever it is you choose to do.
Enjoy life. Play a few gigs. Have some fun.
CJ, your writing will be greatly missed and I can’t thank you enough for everything your blog has taught me. It is my preferred source for local news and issues, and has increased my understanding tremendously. You have a talent that can’t be denied, and I hope it’s just a matter of time before you’re back in the saddle again… even if just a few posts from time to time. Thank you again for all you’ve done for this community, and best wishes to you!
CJ: My suggestion was that you turn the lights out and find a town that is an easier place to live. Instead you are curtailing your existence in Peoria Cyberspace.
Suggestion: why don’t we create a http://secondlife.com/ and all go there to set up a virtual Peoria, where you are on the City Council, Gary is Mayor……..and crap…what the hell would I do if there wasn’t any trouble to stir up…..occasionally visit?
Maybe we all should have a reunion in a year or so. Either at the great development hotel or the museum that we’re paying for. Good luck CJ in whatever decision you make. God Bless!
I guess all we got now is the fair & factual Journal Star.YIKES!!
Damn, now i have to find someone else to give $@#T.
Good luck.
Best of luck! The Rats in the COP are laughing though…
No, please say this is some sick joke. It’s not April Fools yet. This is where I always come to get the “real” news. I can’t fault you, but please know that many of us depended on your voice. I hope you enjoy your time off, but I also hope you come back!
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are—
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Good for you for putting your family first. Life is too short not to enjoy your kids! I must say that even though I didn’t read the blog a lot, I always enjoyed what I read. Thank you! God bless!!
Iām hoping that CJās retirement will follow the pattern of rapper Jay Z and actor Bill Murray. Both have claimed to be retired, but continue to do projects.
It’s tough to reasonably demand that you continue to pour untold, unpaid hours into the Peoria Chronicle, but I have to admit that I’m *this close* to doing it anyway. š
I moved out of IL entirely a few years ago, but that hasn’t stopped me from visiting the site every couple of weeks. The depth of coverage and level-headed analysis you provide are truly exceptional. I’ve always been more interested in national news than local, but the Chronicle was good enough that I read it religiously.
If I still lived in/near Peoria I’d be ticked. As it is now, I’m just sad that one more respectable news outlet is dead [or maybe just napping… ;-)].
tl;dr? Thank you for your service to the community. You will be missed.
-ben
Hey folks, been off a week on vacation, plus not on computer either. Sorry to see C.J. leaving, hope it’s not permanent. At least he is leaving the site up so we can still comment on various pressing issues, like crime, education, streets, the hotel, and the museum…no matter which side you’re on those last two.
Good luck CJ in whatever you do in the future, but don’t be a stranger, pipe in with a comment here and there.
Well 10 years ago we had Bob Hope, Steve Jobs, and Johnny Cash. CJ quit and now we have no hope, no cash, and no jobs.
Very good, Emtronics!
Can’t wait for the Return!
Citizen journalism wins again! Oh wait… nevermind.
Thanks for the great work you have done and most of all thanks for the memories…. You will be missed.. Good luck and your family is very blessed to have you..
Emtronics unretires before C.J.
Shocking.