Category: Bugs and boundaries
-
When the Hobby Has You: The Case Against Collecting
Is a hobby something you have, or is it something that has you? In this reflection, I’m taking a drastic departure from the usual collector’s mindset to explore why I’m stepping away from the pursuit of “catching ‘em all.” From the “O-ring dilemma” of 1980s G.I. Joes to the plateauing…
-
When the Armor Gets too Heavy
Is pushing past your “red line” a badge of honor or a path to burnout? Reflecting on the reality of “Teacher Armor,” the grit of a 1,000-day streak, and why knowing when to put down the burden is the ultimate act of resilience. Whether it’s Mother Nature or the mental…
-
No More Breadcrumbs: The Brands I’ve Left Behind
Exactly one year after walking away from Target, I’m drawing more lines in the sand. From WWE’s rising costs to the political shifts at Paramount and CBS, here is why I’m applying my “100% Policy” to my wallet and choosing “Option C” for my entertainment.
-
Shit or Get Off the Pot
What can you do today to make 2027-you proud? From pulling the trigger on a long-awaited baseball road trip to addressing the “middle school” status quo of a stagnant relationship, Rob reflects on why 2026 must be the year of “Shit or Get Off the Pot.” A deep dive into…
-
Racing Against the Clock (One Meal at a Time)
Turning 52 brings a sobering realization: an 18-year family countdown. Rob explores the “Cool Paradox” of fitness and why skipping one meal is a vote for a different legacy.
-
The 100% Policy: Why I Am My Own Twin Flame (And My Own Soulmate)
We often talk about “finding our other half” as if we’re walking around unfinished. For years, I believed that myth—that I needed someone else to “unlock” the parts of me that felt hidden. But after a few years of solitude and a lot of late-night reflection, I’ve realized the truth:…
-
Loyalty: The Two-Way Street and the Short Leash
From the “mafia boss” mentality to the “shorter leash” I keep on large institutions, I’m exploring why loyalty must be earned and—more importantly—why it can be revoked. Whether it’s giving the benefit of the doubt or choosing to walk away from a broken contract, the ultimate loyalty is always to…
-
The Classroom Mirror
As a teacher, I often learn more from my students than they do from me. Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a lens, I discuss the resilience of students facing food insecurity and why providing stability in the classroom is just as vital as “reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic.”
-
The One Where I Still Don’t Get It
Why is Friends still so popular 30 years later? I’m diving into the static humor, the lack of diversity, and the “platonic myth” that makes this show feel more like a fantasy than a reflection of real life. Part 1 of “The One Where I Still Don’t Get It.”
Rebuilding Rob 