Robert's Random Ramblins

New Blog

2010-05-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog at rosecityrockerz.blogspot.com

Finding History One Piece At A Time

2010-01-20T22:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-12-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-25T10:26:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

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

2008-12-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

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.

I Have A Dream And It Has Been Fulfilled

2008-11-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

Unless you were on a journey to the center of the earth, you have heard that the new President of our country is Barack Obama. I know that not everyone agrees with his policies, or his political party. But I know that everyone can agree that this needed to happen to change our country for the better. Now I trust that he is going to make good on his promises he had said during his campaign. Even if he doesn't it still makes this country a better place and I will tell you why. During this entire election season we have been on pins and needles to see who will lead our country. Now for some people this is a easy decision, they just vote for whoever represents their party. For me, I found myself in a pickle. I had voted for George W for the past two terms and to be honest I was not satisfied with his performance. I know that is a gross understatement. But I looked at the two candidates and carefully combed through the media hype to find what I believe to be the real person. I chose to vote for the person who made me really feel like there is a change coming. I voted for the person who made me feel like I could truly believe in our system again. The final reason I voted for Barack Obama was to put it bluntly, because of his ethnicity. I know some will disagree with that last reason, but hear me out. I feel that we are long overdue to have a minority take the Presidency. I am a massively opposed to any type of racism or bigotry. This country is founded on the simple principal that we are as free as the person next to us no matter what color, religion, or gender. It is a principal that my Grandfather fought for in WWII. It is something that I take very seriously. I had a dream of seeing a African American, Asian, Hispanic, Indian, or any other type of minority take the Oval Office and it came true today.

A Blast From The Past

2008-10-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

Last night I was going through pictures on our back up hard drive, and I noticed a folder I had previously forgotten about. It was simply titled "Missing Jimmy." It has been a very long time since I have even looked at these. This was a very exciting, depressing, crazy time in my life. It was my time to put who I was on the back burner and live another life. I have some regrets for my behavior to certain people, but for the most part it was a very big part of me growing out of my shell. I was always the "Nice Guy" or the "Goody-Two-Shoes," and I had parent's who ran a tight ship. Putting those two together can go in two separate directions, one good, the other bad. Now let me clear something up, I didn't go off the deep end and get into drugs, or crime. I just broke out of my usual day to day Robert. Anyway, the most exciting part of this whole period in my life was I became a musician. A dream of mine since I was a child. All the years of air drumming had finally paid off. Because for the first time in my life I felt total peace when I was on stage. It was a feeling that I thought I would never get back, but then I had my Son. But when I was on stage and doing the thing I love the most, I felt so powerful, confident, and for the first time in my life, hot. I knew that for the time I was up there, the people watching me were there to watch me! I know that sounds redundant but it was great. I do miss doing it, and given the right circumstance, and scenario, I would give anything to do it again. So if you hear about Queens of the Stone Age, or any other band like Zeppelin, or Foo Fighters, or even Metallica needing a drummer, just let me know.

Here are some of the pictures I was referring to.

Me trying to grow my hair out. Epic Fail!
Us playing the Paris Theater in downtown PDX.
Me in the Zone. (Just a side note, it was not the "Auto Zone")

Calling All EODM Fans!

2008-10-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

If you are a true fan then this is information that you already know about, but for those who are not then listen up. On October 28th the greatest boogie woogie rock band Eagles of Death Metal drops their 3rd album titled "Heart On." I have been waiting for the last few months for this album to come out, and from what I hear, it is going to be awesome. I have in my play list some previous EODM tracks, and I have put in a video bar of the making of the new album. Check out the video "Heart On 3," it has my favorite song so far "Secret Plans." Enjoy!

Peace, Love, Death Metal

Happy Birthday Annette!

2008-08-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today is Annette's 26th birthday. We have already gone to the farmers market and had breakfast. Now her family is coming over for a impromptu BBQ. I love you so much sweetie. Happy Birthday.

They Grow Up So Fast

2008-08-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

While I was checking up on some fellow bloggers, I noticed on Jayme's page she added photos from Jeb's birthday. She had a very cute picture of Little Robert which I had to copy and keep for myself. Looking at the picture I couldn't help but notice that a very big chapter in my life has been closed, my son is now a little boy not a baby. I knew it was going to happen, but I kept telling myself there is more time it wont be for a while. But, low and behold my son surprised us all by deciding he wants to walk now (See He's Walking And We Love It!) and on top of that his personality has completely shifted into the big boy mentality. He wants to do things on his own and on his terms. Which is fine sometimes. Anyway, here is to my son who I used to call Baby Robert, thank you for all the times of snuggling and our little chats. To my new son Little Robert, I look forward to many years of continuing to wrestle, goof around, and most importantly become Father and Son. I love you more than you will ever understand, that is until you become a Father some day. Until then, I will always be here for you no matter what happens in your beautiful life.

"The Keg"

2008-08-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

After reviewing the pictures from our backpacking trip, I noticed the gargantuan keg I call a stomach. Now I was on a crusade to lose weight, and lost 17lbs. But like anyone who is on a diet, I went AWOL and started eating bad. Gratefully my weight only went up a few pounds, and then went back down a few pounds.

So my goal is to simply cut back on my vice's such as, chocolate, pizza, and basically anything I eat. Hopefully as I post more pictures "The Keg" as I so lovingly call it will dissolve away.

3 Wonderful Years

2008-08-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Today marks three amazing years with my wife and best friend Annette. On this date at around 9:00am, we were on our way to officially start our lives together. With not much money and with our two best friends we were married at he Silver Bells Chapel in Reno, NV. Yep, we had a top notch Reno wedding. We barely had enough money to pay for the wedding license, let alone the actual ceremony, and Annette was 8 months prego. We ended up using Annette's old promise ring I gave to her ages ago, and Dave's ring for mine. Even though we were not in the best of circumstances, and aside from Dave and Carrie, we had no family with us. Mainly because we kept it a secret, which looking back I do regret, we still had a great adventure. So to my best friend, my partner in crime, my angel, my life, my wife, I love you more than you will ever know. Thank you for choosing me. :) I look forward to many years to come.

Us sealing the deal.

Our ghetto limo ride to the courthouse.

The actual courthouse where we applied for our license.

Tired from all of the driving we did, Carrie and Dave take a well deserved snooze.

I am so greatful that Carrie and Dave could share in our special day. Thanks guys.

The Rubberband Ball

2008-08-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

I have started a rubberband ball today at work. I work on it with the little windows of down time I have. I am hoping to use the entire bag which is roughly 15oo bands. So, I will keep you updated on my progress.

My Upcoming Birthday

2008-08-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

If some of you were not aware, my birthday is coming up. Now I don't want to put any pressure on anyone, but if you do feel so inclined I would really love a 1960 Aston Martin DB5. Just throwing that out there.

He Is Walking, And We Are Loving It!

2008-08-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to announce to all who read this, that our little monkey man is walking. It has been a long time coming, but he is doing it. I am so proud of his efforts. He insists on walking everywhere, even after he falls down he just gets back up and continues on. We were hoping for him that he would be walking by his third birthday, and I guess he had the same idea. Till next time.

Backpackin' 2008

2008-07-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

On July 10th, a group of six individuals set out for an adventure of a lifetime. The group consisted of David Dias, Calvin, Cody, and Chris Phillips, David Harbour, and myself. We were scheduled to hike up to Burnt Lake, in the Mount Hood Forest, but due to the late summer the snow pack prevented us from going. So, in an effort to save the trip, David, Calvin, and I frantically tried to find a comparable trail. Especially since we were supposed to be leaving in four hours. Finally David came up with a great trail that wasn't to far from home and would be challenging enough. It was the Jones Creek Trail head to the Keenan Creek day use area. The total trip was about 11-12 miles and was marked as moderate skill level. So without delay we set out for the Jones Creek campground to spend the first night there and then head out in the morning. The six of us had a great time hanging out around the fire, and enjoying our own brand of humor. At about six in the morning David woke me up because he was heading into town to get some sweatshirts, and especially pillows. In a sleep drunken state I told him I would like one. Anyhoo, moving forward we got to the ranger station at about 11 o'clock, checked in and took off. Our journey was taking us through some beautiful country that we as Oregonians take advantage of. It still amazes me that not even twenty minutes outside of the city you are in a completely different environment. It is what I love best about Oregon. When we started we were immediately greeted by a deer and other signs of wildlife. The day was hard, but fun. The amount of work it takes to backpack is completely overshadowed by the sheer beauty and peacefulness. We only had a few times where we either had to take off our packs to get across the trail, or help each other across. And our only incident was when Kira, our beloved mascot, fell down a 40 foot trail washout. She was able to put it in 4x4 mode and got herself out of there.

Cody and I getting the party started.

Our first obsticle, a mammouth log bridge.

Chris taking a break.

The area where Kira fell.

Dave calling back Chris and Harb with his peacemaker.

Finally done for the day. Man we were tired.

It was an overall great trip, and I am looking forward to the next one.

What Are We Paying For?

2008-05-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

I was fulfilling my usual Thursday night routine of "My Name Is Earl" and of course "The Office," when during M.N.I.E. they had one of the characters mention a "Klondike Bar." Now I do not mind an occasional ad placement in a television show or movie. It is just good marketing. But what I do mind is having an obvious ad placement, and then having a commercial for the same product. I am paying for cable which is already a burden, but now I have to sit through two commercial spots during the same show. This makes me very upset. Now I know that most of you probably could care less about my thoughts on this issue, but since you clicked on my link, I am going to keep going. I am so glad that I have invested in a DVR. It is one of the greatest inventions that I have ever seen. Forget the phone, the car, and the light bulb, the DVR is by far the king. Now knowing the kind of society that we live in, the big companies will find a way to ruin this as well. I am not begrudging people from trying to make some money, but for goodness sake telling me the CSI Miami will have a one hour episode, and having it take up half the screen is old. You all know what I am talking about. Anyhoo, I had to get that off my chest. Until next time.

The Kid: The Myth, The Mystery

2008-05-09T21:44:00.001-07:00

Well by popular demand, I have felt compelled to tell all of my loyal readers where the mysterious nickname "The Kid" came from. It all started on a crisp autumn day. The leaves were as amber as the sun setting behind it, and the air had a sweet comforting smell to it. I was walking down a narrow pathway, just minding my business, when I was confronted by a small toy dog. You know, the kind all the Paris' carry in their $300 purses. The dog stood in front of me like he was guarding a piece of prized meat. I tried to tell him that I meant him no harm. But he approached, sternly, yet cautiously. I stood still. He finally approached my feet and began to sniff them. Then he looked up to me and spoke. Of course I was taken back by his incredible vocabulary and the fact that he could talk at all.

He said "What are you doing in these parts?"

I told him I merely wanted to enjoy the changing season, and just wanted to pass him by.

"YOU CANNOT PASS" he said with a furious voice.

"Why" I asked.

He began to tell me that the forest was not just any forest. It was a place of wonderment and magic. He then told me that only the most skilled magicians may pass through safely. The stories he had told me of thousands of wannabe Houdini's from Tucson to Tallahoosa trying to beat the forest at its own sick game. This worried me, especially since I had only taken two semesters of magic in college, and it did not go well. He finished his story by telling me of a young man who was determined to be the only one to defeat the terrifying forest. His name was Herman Herbert Hershani. He stood about four feet tall, was about four feet wide, and to put the final nail in the coffin he was a smart and dedicated student. With a name like that and the fact that he was excelling in school, did not make him the most popular. In fact as you can guess he was picked on constantly. The only thing that kept him from going crazier than Courtney Love on crack, was the dream of being a bigger magician that the great Harry Houdini. Herbert worshiped him like he was a magic God. Which to many in the practice, he was. Herbert studied his every move, read every book about him, he even took a trip to visit his home in the German section of Harlem, New York. Magic was Herbert's life.

It was time for the annual school talent show. This was Herbert's year, he knew that his routine was down, and he was ready to take it to the people. He knew that the small birthday party parlor tricks would not do. He had to go big in order to get the respect from the bullies that tormented him all these years. He thought that if they saw him doing something dangerous, they would have to respect him. There was only one trick, the seductive and dangerous trick that nearly killed his idol. I am talking of course about the Upside Down Water Torture Cell. This was it! This would bring him to the next level.

The night of the talent show Herbert was sweating buckets. He had never been so nervous in his life. The show went on as scheduled, and the talents were pretty mediocre. You had about 80% singers, 10% dancers, and 10% of random crap.

By the way, since when is farting into a microphone a talent?

Anyway, it was Herbert's turn on stage. The stage hands all knew where they should be and what they had to do. It was finally time to find out if Herbert was a mouse or a man. He began the show with very elaborate arm gestures, and a lot of stage smoke. He prepared for the trick. The mood was tense in the auditorium, not a sound could be heard. Finally the lid was closed and Herbert began to unravel himself from the restraints. He could see that all eyes were on him, the stares were going through him like white knives. He was running out of air, and began to panic. His straps were not coming off, they had become tangled up in his clothes. The stage hands rushed to get the ax to break the glass. He motioned that he did not want them to help him. Finally he was free and came up for the sweetest breath of air Herbert had ever tasted. The crowd immediately jumped to their feet. The roar of the crowd was so loud, but it could not drown out Herbert's pride. He had done it! He retired to the locker room to change, and on the way the kids who had been picking on him had given him the kind of respect and admiration he had always been looking for.

Later that night he was walking home and decided that with his new found courage, he would take the shortcut he had always avoided. This was through a dark forest that no one traveled through. But with the night on his side he proceeded without hesitation. Just as he started down the blackened pathway, a small dog stood in his way. He tried to pass, but the tiny pooch was persistent. The dog told Herbert that only the most skilled magicians may pass. Herbert knew what he was capable of, so he challenged the dog to a one on one magic free for all. This battle was so fierce, it made Harry Potter look like a sissy school boy with a crappy lightning bolt tattoo. Finally Herbert was weakening, the dog was too strong for him. He gave him two options. Either the dog would kill him, or he could take his place as the guard dog and live. Apparently if you cannot defeat the dog, you die, or take his place. Herbert didn't even think, he just blurted out of fear for his life that he wanted to become the guard dog. The transition was quick and painless. Before he knew it Herbert was now a trendy cliche. The dog told me that he was Herbert and he stood guard of that forest for 50 years alone. Until that day I came along.

Knowing what I did, I decided to back away from his challenge. Herbert understood, but I could tell that his haunting isolation was eating away at him. So I proposed that I come by everyday and chat with him. He immediately jumped at the chance, which ironically was a quality that put him in his current state. He told me that he always wanted to have a child of his own. But obviously due to his situation he could not produce an offspring. He continued to tell me that since I lent he a friendly hand, he would like to call me his son. Even though I was sympathetic to him, it kinda gave be the creeps to have a pretend canine father. I told him that he could give me a nickname instead, since he had so many from his dark bullied past. I just asked that it be a positive one. He thought for a bit, and said

"I will call you The Kid."

At first I though this was just like calling me his dog child, but I could tell that it meant a lot to him. So I agreed. It has been 23 years since that day, and I still talk to Herbert the magic talking dog.

Actually to be honest, the name came from a night of playing Call of Duty. We all wanted to have cool call signs, so I came up with "The Kid" since it sounded cool. But the story was hopefully entertaining, even though it was complete crap. Have a great day boys and girls!

You win Internet!

2008-05-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well the Internet generation has finally beaten me. I have spent my life trying not to fall into trends, due to my extreme distaste for them. Mainly because I hated the idea of falling into But alas I have now joined the millions of people who blog like its going out of style. I guess my first beef with blogs, was simply the name. Just the word blog strikes the wrong chord with me. The second is people who went around and said "hey man check out my blog (no offense Jayme ), and they usually call themselves blogger's. But when my dear friend Jayme showed me her blog, I saw how truly useful it can be. Not only can you use it to speak your mind on the world around you, but you can use it to update family and friends on your current status. Most of my family lives on the opposite side of country and it is hard to update them on my son. So in conclusion, I finnaly see the value in a good blog. Peace until next time :)