Rebuilding Rob

  • The Audacity of Staying Put (Or: 13 Years in the Middle)

    The Audacity of Staying Put (Or: 13 Years in the Middle)

    In this milestone reflection on the “Rebuilding Rob” blog, I examine the 13-year evolution of my personal growth journey. Surpassing 850 days of daily posting, I share lessons on surviving divorce, the reality of single parenting, and why “holding on” is the ultimate strategy for 2026.

  • The Mayor and the Machine – Is Kindness a Political Liability?

    The Mayor and the Machine – Is Kindness a Political Liability?

    Can kindness and integrity survive the “political machine”? As New York City swears in Mayor Zoran Mamdani, I’m reflecting on the “Audacity of Potential,” my own history with political hope, and why I’m choosing cautious optimism over cynicism in 2026.

  • Why I’d Pay Someone to Win the Lottery for Me

    Why I’d Pay Someone to Win the Lottery for Me

    Can money buy happiness? Maybe not, but it can lease it. From the ‘decoy winner’ strategy to the reality of the lottery math, here is why I’d pay to stay invisible.

  • 850 Days

    850 Days

    Today marks a massive milestone: 850 consecutive days of blogging! I’m taking a moment to reflect on this journey of consistency. From Midwest baseball road trips hitting stadiums in Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, to big family moments like college drop-offs in Madison, thanks for following along with “Rob’s Travels.”

  • Rob Reviews: Inglorious Basterds (2009)

    Rob Reviews: Inglorious Basterds (2009)

    I went into ‘Inglourious Basterds’ expecting a standard war movie and came out realized that Tarantino doesn’t care about history books—he cares about revenge. Between Brad Pitt’s over-the-top performance and a climax that rewrites the end of WWII, this is a masterclass in cinematic nerve. Here is my review of…

  • The Job I’ll Never Do: A Line in the Sand

    The Job I’ll Never Do: A Line in the Sand

    What is one job you would never do? From a family legacy in law enforcement to the economic hypocrisy of the immigration system, I’m drawing a line in the sand. Read why I’m choosing conscience over silence to start 2026

  • Rob’s Retro Review: Reservoir Dogs (1992)

    Rob’s Retro Review: Reservoir Dogs (1992)

    In this Retro Review, Rob dives into Quentin Tarantino’s first feature film, Reservoir Dogs (1992). Explore the plot of this classic jewelry heist movie, the “indie film legend” behind its production, and how it established the groundbreaking style seen later in Pulp Fiction. Includes the official trailer and a final…

  • Writing the Future (One Digit at a Time)

    Writing the Future (One Digit at a Time)

    As 2025 fades, I’m focusing on the small shifts that define the year ahead. Join Me as I move my 2026 blueprint into action—from intentional daily habits to a long-awaited East Coast baseball road trip. It’s time to write the future, one digit at a time.”

  • The Challenges of Gen Alpha: A View From the Classroom

    The Challenges of Gen Alpha: A View From the Classroom

    Exploring the unique challenges facing Gen Alpha, from the impact of social media on real-world socializing to the rise of artificial intelligence. A teacher’s perspective on generational shifts, political division, and the inspiring tolerance of today’s youth

  • Essential Breathing: Dreaming, Time Travel, and Dad Goals

    Essential Breathing: Dreaming, Time Travel, and Dad Goals

    From the “essential breathing” of Star Wars to the cinematic perfection of Back to the Future, Rob explores the magic of physical media and a major “Dad Goal” win.