See you soon...

Wow, I'm really bad at blogging. For somebody that has so much to say in real life and has an opinion 99% of the time, I'm bad at putting it in cyberspace. In real life I can be harsh, rash and unpredictable but for some reason when blogging I'm too afraid to hurt people's feelings or offend others. For those of you who know me well, you're really confused right now.

Anyways, I took a pretty big break from the blog recently, mostly because I've started dating somebody, she is amazing and for some reason writing blogs about us and our dating realities didn’t seem right or fair, but so many people out there do it. In fact, I read plenty of other blogs that are solely devoted to dating, my favorite is http://datingwithoutpants.blogspot.com (disclaimer: just because I read it doesn't mean I agree with it, but he is HILARIOUS and such a witty writer). Moral of the story is that so many times recently I've wanted to write about something I was curious about or dating questions in general, plus in the month of January I went on a total of 5 blind dates and 1 pseudo-blind date and planned to write about each and every single one of them. Then I met somebody, let's call her UTGirl, so I opted to not write about the other not important, ridiculous dates and rehash awkward but awesome experiences simply because I'm elated with where I ended up.

Basically everything is going great with us, but something happened that really threw me for a loop the other day. Let me preface this by saying that she is a nurse and works nights from 7pm to 7am and we usually don't see each other for the 3 or 4 day window when she's on the clock. So, we were out with a group comprised of both of our friends and we were walking out to the car to say goodbye, everything was normal we kissed and said our goodbyes and as she was walking away I said,

"I'll see you soon…"

I guess this wasn't the right thing to say according to Cosmo, Elle, or Seventeen magazines (didn’t know that they were the written truth on dating, but it turns out they are). Her friends were a gasp and everybody but me saw a major issue with this phrase. I guess in girl-speak "see you soon" really means "I don't want to see you ever again." In the words and infliection of Amy Pohler and Seth Myers "SERIOUSLY?...I mean SERIOUSLY"

Well, I just want to say that soon is defined in the dictionary as:

1) within a short period after this or that time, event, etc.
2) before long; in the near future; at an early date
3) readily or willingly
4) early in a period of time; before the time specified is much advanced

NOT one of those references even alludes to the concept of never. Our goodbye was on a Monday night and I was going to see her on Friday, that to me is soon and I even felt as though I said it as a sad puppy, noting that it wasn't soon enough, obviously I didn’t or I wouldn't have been in the doghouse. I guess you live and learn because if I had just said "I'll see you Friday" this would've never happened and I wouldn't have screwed up.

Lesson learned.

Mistake overturned so I call it a lesson learned
Another lesson learned
- John Mayer & Alicia Keys

The good news is that I finally like this season of Idol, it took me awhile to warm up to the new contestants and now I'm ready for the big guns. The final 10 (note: these are the contestants that will be on the summer tour), all of which I like in one way or another, except for Anoop. By the way America, I think that we made a bad decision by getting rid of Alexis Grace…while I think that her rendition of Jolene left much to be desired, I think that she was one of the best left.

Here is my rundown:


My Top 3: (so far)

1) Matt Giraud – HE IS AWESOME!!!! Randomly, he is the perfect blend of Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, Michael Buble and Jason Mraz. AMAZING! I have only ever voted twice in Idol history (Carrie Underwood and Carly Smithson) and I will let it be known that I'll be voting for Matt this season. I hope he wins and if he doesn’t win I hope he pulls a Jennifer Hudson/Daughtry on us and lives up to what he is capable of doing.

2) Megan Corkery – Yes, she has awkward dance moves and can be kind of different, but there is something about her that I can't resist, maybe it’s the sleeve tat (note: Carly Smithson had one too). I think she is great and given the right music choices, she'll do wonderful things.

3) Kris Allen – I think that he is just a tiny puppy that will eventually mature over the next few weeks. This guy has so much potential he has a voice that seems to adapt to everything he sings. If he figures out what he wants to be as an artist I think he'll go pretty far in the competition.


MOST ANNOYING:

1) Anoop Desai – He's just bad and I think that if it weren't for his Chapel Hill faithful from UNC voting every week, he would've been gone a long time ago. I mean he could probably easily win a karaoke competition, but other than that I've got no love for Anoop.

2) Danny Gokey – I know he has a sob story and I know that the judges love him, but I just can't get into him. For me he is a cross between Taylor Hicks and Clay Aiken and I just can't warm up yet, maybe in the coming weeks I'll figure out a way to like him.

3) Adam Lambert – A Broadway actor that has the talent and the ability to completely re-work songs to work for his style, too bad I don't really like his style. If he can figure out a way to tone down the dramatics I feel like I would like him more. He's a lot like David Cook in the sense that he takes a song and makes it entirely his own, barely even channeling the original version. Its obvious the producers like him best, he has the best lighting, usually song choice, staging, and order in the show.


For me the verdict is out on Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver, I don’t have a passionate opinion about either of them, sometimes I REALLY like them and other times I don't. I think the judges were really harsh on Michael this week, I thought his performance was by far the most fun of the evening.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Equinox...

So far, so good, I've lost about 19 lbs, give or take a pound depending on the time of day that I weigh myself. Plus, you'll be glad to know that I've only skipped 5 total days of working out since January 5th and lost about 2% body fat. Basically I need to lose 15 more pounds and 5% body fat, not sure how long that will take but I feel so much better, my clothes are starting to feel baggy and I get random compliments from people who haven't seen me in awhile. For me getting motivated to workout was finding a place that makes working out enjoyable with added amenities like a sauna and spa, I know it sounds weird but when something is relaxing and de-toxing it is so much more enjoyable for me.

I'm at the point in my routine where I don't know what to do from here as far as further weight loss, shifting the weight, toning and sculpting, etc. I've never been a big fan of working out so I'm slowly but surely learning my way around the gym. Because of my need for education and my impatience, I bit the bullet and joined the corporate mega-giant that is Equinox. It is a new facility in Dallas and it's really nice. I had my first session with my new best friend Colby, he will be training me over the next few months and was really positive. He told me that I've set very realistic goals and was encouraging, even noted that it is impressive that I know what I want to accomplish and that makes his job easy. Somebody should warn poor Colby that training me to do anything isn't exactly easy, but I'm trying to be flexible (literally, he's teaching me yoga poses to help with stretching) and I'm paying him which should be enough motivation for me to do anything that he says.

Tonight is our first workout together; last night was mostly testing, measuring and prodding. I'll keep you posted on how things are going.

Christine Caine...

I spent a few days at a Creative Church Conference about two weeks ago now and it was incredible. For me the highlight was a woman from the land down-under, Christine Caine. She is a phenomenal teacher/preacher and has the innate ability to speak directly to my heart through her excitement and realness.

I've just started it, but I'm reading her book "Stop Acting Like a Christian, Just Be One" and I love her message. If you want more information about her, youtube her or google her, you won't regret it, she is amazing.

24 things...

In observance of my 24th birthday this weekend, I give you…

24 things you may or may not know about Robbie…

1) I like to think there is a soundtrack to go with life, every song I hear reminds me of something or somebody…dum dum dee dum dum…

2) I love Tyler Perry movies…MADEA!

3) Contrary to popular belief, I’m actually sort of shy the first time you meet me

4) A friend once told people I work with/my boss, “Homecoming King is something Rob does well, if UBS needs a king, he’s your guy…”

5) I actually get a thrill out of completing a formula in excel and the numbers match what I’m trying to accomplish, that’s the nerdy banker in me…

6) The first time I got drunk was from a liquor aptly titled 99 Bananas…I get a headache just thinking about the hideousness

7) When I get upset about something I turn into “one-word Robbie”…I’m working on it…Nope, I’m fine…

8) I’ve lived in 7 states (Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey)

9) My favorite color is blue

10) The song that defines my life is “My Stupid Mouth” by John Mayer

11) If there is ever a movie about me I would like one of 3 people to play me…Jake Gylenhal, Paul Rudd or Bradley Cooper

12) Fall is my favorite season

13) I love/miss the rooftop of my apt in NYC, it’s my happy place…

14) Billy Joel is my favorite musician

15) Best concert I’ve ever attended was Justin Timberlake (Future/Sex-Love/Show)…and I’ve been to a lot of shows

16) I like giving nicknames…

17) People often tell me that they have a “Robbie” in their life...not sure how to interpret that, but I look at it as a good thing

18) I love laughing till my stomach hurts and my face aches from smiling

19) If I could only accomplish one more thing before I die, it would be to inspire people

20) I love to travel and would go anywhere

21) I’ve auditioned for the TV shows: The Real World and The Bachelor

22) Mi Cocina has a salad dressing (chili-vinaigrette) that I could eat on something every day of my life

23) I’ve read all of the Harry Potter books and I attend midnight showings of the movies

24) I don't like to do something unless I know I can do it well

Valentine's Day...part 2

Now gifts for women. I’m not exactly the expert (check my dating record for proof) but I think I have some good suggestions for the lady in your life. Valentine’s Day can be tricky, but be bold, smart, and observant. I think that this is the perfect opportunity for you to show somebody that you really know them and if they don’t like what you pick, maybe it’s a sign that you don’t know them well enough.

By the way, I’m a big planning person, so most of my ideas are events rather than physical gifts, but to each his own.

1) Concert Tickets - I think the key to Valentine’s Day is that you need to show your lady that she is special year round and what better way to do that than by planning a special night further down the road. There are some amazing shows coming to a city near you in the next few months, maybe even look at her ipod to make sure that she actually likes the artist that you choose (some say they like people because it makes them look cool in your eyes). I think it speaks volumes if you pick something that she really wants to see (even if it wouldn’t be your first choice). A few suggestions: No Doubt Reunion Tour, Billy Joel/Elton John Face 2 Face Tour, Taylor Swift (tickets are only $20), Coldplay Summer Amphitheater Tour, Keith Urban, Katy Perry…these are just some of the ones off the top of my head, but go to ticketmaster.com and check who is coming to your area.

2) Tiff’s Treats – everybody in their office is going to get flowers, why not send something original like COOKIES, not just any cookies, but cookies that are guaranteed to be delivered WARM, fresh out of the oven and with milk, they are sold in dozens so she can share with people in the office and they will know that her guy is AMAZING, not just boring old overpriced, wilting by the time they’re FedExed roses. http://www.cookiedelivery.com/ (don’t forget to have them delivered on the 13th this year, since Saturday the 14th nobody will be at work)

3) Drive-In Movie Night – I recommended this to a friend a few weeks ago and he said it went really well. Go to the grocery store and pick up some snack foods, if you’re talented, make a cheese tray/dessert assortment (don’t get too carried away if this is your first rodeo), grab a bottle of wine and head to the nearest drive-in movie theater. There are great movies out right now and it is creative, you can talk, hang out watch a movie outside, bring a blanket and sit on the hood of your car (that is if you’re not crazy over-protective of yours)…could be corny in the end, but what isn’t corny about V-day?

4) Adele - For the simple and to the point, buy her 19, the debut album from Adele, its romantic raspy and poetic. She'll love it if she likes Norah Jones, John Mayer, Sara Bareilles and/or Michael Buble. Its a great romantic and nice cd.

Hope some of these spark some interest or at least steer you in the right direction. I’m not a big fan of corny jewelry for women (such as the newest heart pendant from Zales), so I refuse to go down that route and I don’t think you have to spend a lot of money to have a great time, plus I think when you plan something it shows you care way more than just peeking into her medicine cabinet to replicate some expensive perfume that she already has and gets from grandma every year for her birthday, but if you’re bold and think you can pick out a pair of Tory Burch flats that she’s been dying for, then be my guest, she’ll love you just as much for knowing exactly what she wants.

"Love is the greatest refreshment in life."
-Pablo Picasso

Valentine's Day...

It has been awhile and I apologize for my absence, but I’m back and as excited as ever to talk about something that may or may not go over well...what to get your significant other for Valentine’s Day is on the mind of many lovers right now, so here I blog.

Since I’m a guy and know what I like and at times have been told that I have good taste, I’m telling you about things I would love for Valentine’s, hopefully your significant other will appreciate them too.

I think Valentine’s is the perfect holiday to get them something for spring/summer, it is right around the corner and everybody is over scarves and hoodies right now, so go in a warm direction.

Here are a few things that I think the special man in your life might like; well at least I like them:

1) Vineyard Vines Swimsuit – I LOVE VINEYARD VINES!!!! If you have a Valentine that can pull it off, their cool designs are really fun, very southern frat/waspy but they’ll be a big hit on the beach or poolside. (They also have plain for the boring ones)

2) VonZipper Sunglasses (not to be confused with vonducth) – If you know me well, then you know I love sunglasses of all shapes and sizes and VonZipper is the perfect blend of cost and style, plus nobody else has them, everyone in Dallas has stereotypical Ray Bans, don’t be like the rest of the crowd, branch out.

3) Vineyard Vines Necktie – If you have a professional man in your life these are great, they’re stylish, yet still fairly conservative because they blend. They always make for a great conversation piece at the office and are way less expensive and more fun than similar styles from Hermes, they’re young, fun, and professional.


4) New Cologne – You’re the one that has to smell him, it might as well be something you like, but go for a lighter scent something that isn’t musty and stuffy, again think outside of the box on this one, you can get top of the line scents for under $50 and then creatively package it with a new travel bag like pictured below. (nice clean scents include Ferragamo and Burberry Summer, but cosmetic counter will know hundreds of varieties, get creative)

Those are some of my ideas, I hope you like them and keep me posted if you decide to use any of them, I want to know how they go over.

For those that don’t know I’ve been at home with the flu for the past few days and it has been pretty miserable, but the good news is my DVR recordings are officially caught up and I’m back in action as far as the blog goes.

"Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition."

- Alexander Smith