New Blog

Check out my new blog at rosecityrockerz.blogspot.com

Finding History One Piece At A Time

I have been away for quite some time from my blog. Around 11 months to be exact, so I finally decided to start writing whatever comes to my mind from time to time. This time I can't help but think about this watch I saw in an antique store. It was a beautiful pocket watch from 1889. Not only was I interested in it because of it's beauty, and sophistication it portrays. But I was also fascinated in it's history. Who has worn and used this watch? Where has it been? It has been through several wars, assassinations, poverty, Presidents, Kings, and a more. I think that when you purchase something from an antique store, you can't help but wonder who touched this. A famous figure? A infamous figure? I think that is what captures my imagination. It is the ultimate example of the traveling dollar. If only there were a way to track all of it's locations that it has been to. Anyhoo enough about that.

Something Old, Becomes Something New

For the last at least twelve years I have been completely obsessed with grooming. Not to the point where I would consider myself OCD, but pretty darn close. I am always looking for newer and better products. I am under the firm belief that you get what you pay for. So I don't mind spending the extra dough to get a higher quality product. Now on to the point of this blog. Like every man I have been trying to make shaving a more enjoyable and efficient experience. I have tried shaving gels, foam, and other assorted products. I have tried 2, 3, 4, and yes 5 bladed razors. Through my quest for the perfect shave I realized that maybe technology isn't the answer, maybe it is time to reset my regiment. I started to do some research online and I found the answer. I had to reset the clock to the 1950's. Men on a daily basis had their own shaving routine using thick shaving cream or soap, a shaving brush, and most importantly a single blade safety razor. They not only got a great shave, but the razor burn and all of the other shaving symptoms that make most men cringe were non-existent. So after all of this research I decided to take the plunge. I bought myself a new razor that is modeled after a popular 50's model Gillette. It cost me $25 for the razor and 15 blades! Now when you break down the fact that my current razor is 3 for $6, and I have to keep throwing away the entire setup this is much more cost efficient. I have already used this once and aside from re-teaching myself how to shave, the difference is incomparable. It is going to take me a few more sessions to get it perfect, but I am very happy with the results. The difference with shaving this way is you have to take your time. It is nice for me to make that time for myself, especially when the rest of my day is so hectic. Now I am not trying to sell a product, but I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a better shave and who is willing to take the time to do it. If you spend five minutes or less on shaving, than this is not for you.

My New Years Resolutions

Well it's that time of year to look back and re access your life. What you have accomplished, what you wanted to accomplish, and what didn't even make the list. I know that these resolutions seem cheesy, but I think that they have some merit. So here is my list for the year 2009.




1. Lose the weight. Now I know that this is a very common one, but it really needs to happen. I have been struggling with my weight my whole life and it is time to take control of it. Not only for myself, but also for my family.


2. Eat out once a month. Even though restaurants are fun, they are also a HUGE waste of money. You literally crap it out the next day.



3. Spend more time with the Monks. He has been craving my attention more and more. I need to shut off the TV when I play with him and focus on his needs. He is my little guy and I know that nothing but good will come from it.



4. Save, Save, Save. I know how much money we could be saving each month to give ourselves a buffer. It is very important that we make sure to put aside money each and every month.



5. Pay our Tithing. Enough said.



6. Start school. I am scared to death but it is now or never.





So there you have it my New Year's Resolutions. Till next time.

MERRY X-MAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

It's My Blog And I'll Post It If I Want To.

I know those who read my blog get frustrated by my random postings (eg. Calling All EODM Fans!) but frankly I do not care. I was over at Jim's (Annette's Brother) the other night and we watched a special on Sturgis the motorcycle rally in South Dakota. What caught my eye on that show was one entry into the bike building championship known as the AMD Motorcycle Championship. The builder was from WI, and had a Board Track Racer entry that he had built from the ground up. It was modeled after the 1920's Board Track Racing bikes that used to defy death by racing their bike around a 3 60 degree, twelve foot high track made of wood planks. Anyhoo as soon as I saw this bike I immediately fell in love. It has everything I could want out of a bike. It has history, style, a soul, and it simply put looks bitchin. One thing you have to understand is I love things from yesteryear. I have always felt that aside for my love of technology, I should have been born in another era. I love Hot Rods, old bikes, vintage and retro styling, and anything with a history. I mean most of the music I listen to was made decades before I was even thought of. Anyway I am going on a tangent here. This bike is simply known as "The Nickel Bike." It has graced my dreams for the last two days and I hope it never goes away.

Goodbye Old Friend

Today was a very sad day for me. My parent's had to put our dog Peaches to sleep due to her worsening condition. She had a huge tumor growing out of her stomach that almost touched the floor. She has been a part of our family for the last 14 years. I will never forget the day we got her. I was twelve, and about to head off to school, when my Mom pulled up from work to take us. My Sister ran out to greet her only to return quickly shouting "we got a dog!" In my morning haze I thought at first that my Mom had hit a dog with her car, that is until this white little fur ball ran into the house sniffing and licking everything in sight. I immediately dropped to my knees in excitement and hugged her with everything I had. We unfortunately still had to go to school but when I got home it was party time. I think back on the memories shared with her. All of the road trips, the holidays, and the quality time we had with her. I remember after I had moved out of my parent's and I came home to spend Christmas Eve with them and spent the night. I was back in my old room and back in my old bed. I remember waking up in the middle of the night feeling trapped. I looked at the end of the bed to find the lump of fur laying on my legs. I felt so flattered to know that even after all that time away, she still remembered me and liked me enough to lay on me all night. It also didn't hurt that it made my Sister incredibly jealous. Just kidding Laura. I will miss you terribly Peaches, but I know it is for the best and I know you are in a much better place. Thank you for everything and I love you.