The personal accountings of Rob Potchak. Professional (yet independent) Comic Book Writer and Artist. All around man about town.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
518: 2 hours before work
- I hope the WWE turns Christian heel after his title loss and keeps him in the title picture. I want a good heel, though, one who thinks he's righteous, so before you know it, he turns face again and you love him even though you are supposed to boo him...y'know...like the ROCK.
- Lots of changes happening at the day job, and I worry for my boss. I think he sees the door closing on him, and it has a lot to do with his other managers. I was upset that my store fell from 99 in the company (out of 4400) to 223 this past week because of one bad week. But the ONE BAD WEEK, was absolutely the worst week my store has had in years. Sad thing is, most stores would have killed for a week at 3027. Notice the difference there?
- I got an invite to Nintendo's E3 press conference, so I am now on the list and just have to get myself to their shuttle pickup to go to it. I'm SUPER excited as they will be showing a NEW console for the first time since the Wii! WOWSERS!
- I haven't drawn anything in a while and feel as though I need to do more freehand work, instead of just the photorealistic work.
- My new attitude on things seems to be a hit, LOL. I am enjoying just being myself, but I really don't have a shut off valve for my mouth right now, so watch out. I feel if I were to meet some new people, I may be the hit of THEIR party, too.
- I have started watching Dr. Who (the new version), and I have to say, it seems like stupid british genius. I'm only two episodes in, but it's wacky and has a 70's Buck Rogers feel to it.
- I can't wait for White Collar's return. Or Burn Notice. Or The League.
- My dog won't stop whining and it is really beginning to piss me off. It's just damned annoying.
- You should play Portal 2.
- ach, time to bolt.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
517: the empty hole again.
trying to pull back up
thinking I'm too good
to be held back
taking my beatings
licking my wounds
drawing from my heart
seeing the world in new light
power radiates
burning from within
knowing I'm better
waiting for someone to see
that's why I'm me
in this empty hole again
---
Did I expect to write poetry tonight? No. Why should I? I haven't written anything like that in a very long time, nor do I typically feel prosey. As you can tell, the words I write in poetry are just fractioned sentences, feelings poured on the page. I don't consider myself good at writing poetry because I don't follow any of the rules.
The reason for this entry is because while I know I'm busting my ass at work and trying to sustain life as I know it, I am finding myself more and more listless. I want something else, and I'm starting to crave it, in a desperate frame, if you will. While I'm not begging or anything like that, I can feel the heart wander and demand, while I still sit back, holding myself back from going out and getting what I want.
I've started saying what I want and how I feel, but I am still not all there with that way of living. I am moving into that role, being me, liking me and selling me for top dollar. I'd love to just dive in, but my approach is babysteps, here...even though I know it CAN'T be.
oh well, what'cha gonna do?
Thursday, May 05, 2011
516: on my mind...Dissection of Rob:Body and Mind
1- You are a great guy, and someday, you'll make a woman very happy
2- You are cool people, and I like hanging out with you
3- Why are you single?
4- With all your talents, I can't believe you aren't with someone
So it's easy to dissect them, because all of these statements have come from women that I've been close to, wanted to be close to, or are just friends that have opinions that matter to me. Actually, some of them are just random girls I know, as well, but I hear these things constantly?
The rumor that it will find you if you aren't looking is NOT true. That's the biggest bunch of bullshit I've ever heard. What I don't get, though, is if I'm such a catch...why haven't I been caught? Many people would take this as a sign of depression, the ol' woe is me approach, but seriously...what am I missing, what am I lacking, and why, in the eyes of women who let me in the front door as a friend, am I really that great of a guy that will make someone happy?
I have no answers to any of these questions. Here's how I typically look at myself:
We'll start with my negative feelings about myself
I'm 33 years old
pale complexion with freckles
25 pounds overweight right now
when it comes to saying what I like, I'm shy. I have a hard time going to start the convo.
I'm short. 5'8"
I work in a field that is dominated by male customers, so women are hard to come by, and when they do, it's normally for their man.
I'm honest to a fault (some of these are huge positives, as well, mind you).
I'm a nerd, geek, and want someone who is not against these things (video games, comics, pro-wrestling, sports, scifi, horror, etc)
I'm T-shirt and Jeans...
I don't drive (currently)
Okay, I've downtrodden myself enough here, so let's go with the positives:
I am loyal
I'm devoted
I have an ungodly amount of charisma
I am brutually honest
I WILL make you laugh
I can sing
I can write
I can draw
I am outgoing to where I bring the party
I am good with kids
I love dogs
I love my family
I love my friends
So let's break this down...notice: EVERY single one of my "flaws" is physical and EVERY positive is something that you have to see or get to know. You can't beat those odds, because I know that while those are the things in my mind, it stems back to a long time before that, when I would hear it.
This is why I've taken my current approach of "Love me or hate me, I'm still me...and I WILL show (tell) you that." It isn't much different than how I've always been, but truth is, I am going to start telling you I think you are attractive, and I think I'm even going to start telling people that they are missing out, and you know why?
Because every girl polled knows it, and maybe its time the rest the them did, too.
Woot.
515: I don't feel like being on the computer all day, so about last night...
But what was funny about the whole situation, I shook his hand as I was leaving and as I left the bar, he followed me out and stopped me to chat. I don't know if I just didn't want to like the guy or whatever the case may be, but...this dude was boring. He just started talking about nothing, and it seemed that maybe, besides her, he wanted to have a friend here...and I just think I'd sympathize for him, but I couldn't help but yawn at him.
She came outside, and looked cold, I of course, wearing a jacket and offer it to her, she declines and then HE insists she take it...LOL, really? He wanted to continue talking about just random nothings. She's freezing, wearing my jacket and he wants to just continue with the blah blah blah.
He walked away to put out his smoke, and she kinda looked at me and shrugged her shoulders.
Wow...I guess if they really have something special when they are alone, that's one thing, but while I was worried about having things in common, I just think this guy's best act is to put others to sleep at night.
I know I sound like I'm hating, and I'm not trying to, but the reason why people like me is the personality, and he just seemed to be sorely lacking. The kind of guy that won't sing at the karaoke bar, while standing to watch with his arms crossed like he's ready to go.
And having been the person that found that lost love after a long layover somewhere else... it normally doesn't work out the second time for the same reasons it didn't the first time. The only problem is, you try to keep it going much longer the second time...and then it breaks you even harder.
It's no big deal, I've decided I'm just gonna be me and enjoy myself. I felt like a million bucks when I got back from vacation, and it's time to punch the depression in the mouth. Sure, coming home alone to the pups is a little disheartening, but I think I've put up a front and don't try to talk to people when I probably should...I want to try something else, and think I'm going to.
Friday, April 29, 2011
514: Try again...
There are no words to really describe how you feel about your oldest friends. Brother, "My boys" etc. Often times we do not say we love them, but you know it. The same can be said about a budding relationship that builds over time. You know it, they know it, but it isn't until it's said that it takes a foothold.
John explained to me that the first time he took Raquel out, he had started kinda seeing someone. But it wasn't until a few days after his first date with Raquel, when she called him to tell him she had a nice time that it took that hold. Me, I would have thought it would have been after she said yes to the first date being an AC/DC concert... I mean, that should have had john putting a ring on her finger there.
I don't know when they became a couple officially, but I
know that when I meant Raquel, john was trying to say it wasn't serious, while in a juvenile way was kinda motioning "check out what I landed! YEAH!"
John's always been very meat and potatoes...at least up til about 2-3 years ago, when he started traveling the world, and getting more cultured than his "Roll Tide" persona. He will probably disagree, but I bet it had to do with impressing someone.
I don't know Raquel well, but you can see that these two really enjoy each other, respect each other and finally, love each other.
They don't seem to question each other, they simply stand by each other knowing that they can handle anything that stands in their way. John's a special guy and Raquel must be special as well, for these two to have found each other and built a bond that stand the test of time.
None of us lose here, folks...we all gain. Some gain a son, others a daughter, a brother or a sister, or even those not related, gaining another piece to our lifelong friendsbips...Let's ring them in with a toast and wish them a lifetime of happiness.
513: The speech.
I'm going to write a little into this, a heads up if you will.
John and I have known each other for well over a decade, and he's probably the only friend I have never had a fight with. I'm not sure why, we have seen each other at our best and at what was probably each other's worst. We've seen each other go through nasty break ups, and even both got dumped on "Independence Day."
While most of our long conversations consist of sports, I know he's heard me break down, and I'm pretty sure I've heard him do it as well. Anyway, he's one of my best friends, and I probably should have known my marriage wouldn't last when he told me he couldn't make it. So let's try to write a speech.
Hmm...I have writers block. Haha...let's get back to it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
512: Okay, time to get passed it...
So I'm telling myself I have to get passed the situation because I have a feeling I'm going to see her more often than I'd like, because at least our Wednesday social circles overlap, and I want to believe she was being honest on her "don't want to hurt you" statement. I do think that if she liked what was happening between us, it should have been the other guy she told she had something with someone else, but whatever. I know long distance things don't work, but I don't know what her deal is and I guess I shouldn't care, either...so I am going to move away from this.
Today, first day I was in NY, and it really felt good. I hadn't seen John in about two years and what's great is we just get along, give our opinions and our friendship has always been a shining spotin my life and I am honored and privileged to be his best man this weekend. Our trip to Atlantic City tomorrow is gonna be a crazy go round, though I've got to be careful with the money, as I really don't have any to waste, and I'll still be wasting some of it, lol.
Other friends show up tomorrow and while it has a chance to be THE HANGOVER, I don't think it will ever get that crazy, but what do I know?
Raquel, John's fiancee, seems great for him as they just get along and compliment each other well, which is good. I have seen him put himself out there in other relationships and this time, I think that it really has to do with the compliment feelig that drew him to her and he told me a story of how he met her and how he knew he wanted to continue talking to her after she called him back and told him she enjoyed it. She reached out and he liked that. He wasn't chasing her and she wasn't chasing him. It was a partnership from launch, and that's what he needed.
Wonder if I'll ever find that for myself...since I am not just "fun to chill with, " I typically make the party what it is.
511: Should I be hurting or feeling this much?
Over the past 24 hours, I have given people access to this blog that I normally think I would have just kept to myself, so that they may see how I felt, and what happened that made me think something was starting, before the train of fear detailed whatever may've been going on.
The people I discussed it with all said I had a reason to be not just upset, but mad, because they know I don't let the emotions start unless it is seemingly going to be worth the ride.
When I would look in her eyes, I saw something, sure, but I do think she mistook something, and I believe that I'm being true by saying I never asked for a relationship from her, but to see where a blossom was headed. The playfulness of the situation was new, fresh and witty to me. Sure, it made me feel things I hadn't felt in years for someone, but that led to excitement of all possibilties.
If I tried to put myself in her shoes, a single mom of two, who had been hurt not just emotionally, but physically, than I am 100% different than those that came before me, so psychologically, am something completely different than what she is used to or understands. (Hm, why do I tend to choose the broken projects? Maybe I'll come back to this in a minute or another post) I get the fear from her, but not the lying veil to create space.
Maybe I am part of the problem, too. My emotions here did not create a lash out, but a need for understanding and a desire for the truth. I have a strong personality. I know this, but I pretty much give everything to those I care about (at least in my mind) and give my opinion ALL the time (for better or worse ). It is who I am, and is definitely an underlying theme of this blog, if you hadn't noticed. Maybe she felt I was asking too much of her, or more than she is willing to open up, even though to me, that isn't an issue because I am an open book. I really do believe that being honest is key, and here there was already someone doing their damndest to NOT be honest.
The topic of this entry was whether I should be hurt or mad at her for this situation. If she really looked someone else in the eye and saw love at first (re)sight, I guess that's one thing. And even then, just TELL ME. I am a goddamned man, and I handle the truth better than most because I demand it. She fell into the normal trappings of wanting to ease her pain, and I think she expected me to get mad at her for it, and all I did was say, I wish you have just told me. At thhat moment, I don't think I was mad, but now, I am not so sure.
I'm bummed, that much is for certain, because, with my heart on my sleeve, it got sneezed on, the nose wiped and then thrown away, rather than embraced, or at least continued on with its innocence.
I have been told it's her loss by male and female friends alike, and while the sentiment is nice, they give me too much credit. I am a good guy, yes, but not without fault. Do I deserve someone nice, loving, and caring that "gets" me, sure, I think everyone does, unless they are a fucking prick, to which I don't feel they deserve the ground where they stand.
Alas, I am preparing to board a plane, knowing that while I am hurt, I have to bury that to send my bachelor friend off to marital bliss, and knowing that two other close friends also cemented their relationship foundation with an engagement this week. Good for all of them, I am happy, proud, and glad to be a part of the rides. This trip couldn't come at a better time bit I'm hoping I can be the ME I am rather than the me I am right this moment.
I guess I will continue to ponder whether I should be mad or not. I still haven't figured out whyI actually car about it this much...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
511: Decisions made for you...move on or wallow in selfpity
Or it can make you feel like shit.
Case in point. Last night, I was blown off by the girl I had been communicating with, feeling out the dating process, etc. Now, it wasn't your typical blow off. She still allowed me to sit next to her with a group of people, but something was wrong, and very standoff-ish. Someone with a substandard intellect could have seen that the same cuteness was gone. You know, along with the text messaging, whatever. So I finally asked, "you mad at me?" "No," was the reply. My retort, "Well, if you want me to leave, I will..." "Nah, you're cool to chill with." .......REALLY?
I'm not an idiot. I'm not exactly a rarebreed genius, but communications ARE my strong suit, as it allows me to excel in my chosen field. This is far from the feeling out the dating process line.
So, the night continues, and as her defenses subside with alcohol. new ones present themselves. Some in the form of other people, some in the form of moving from one table to another where she isn't sitting directly next to me.
Tino finished playing his set, and as everyone left, it was time for confrontation. I looked right at her, and she said that when she flew up to Maine to bury her friend, she rekindled something with someone that started like 6 years ago, and that she didn't feel anything like that for me.
The decision was made before anything could begin. I was told by a girl that less than two weeks ago was slipping up in her words like a highschool girl with her first crush, that there was nothing. Best part, she wouldn't look me in the eye. First rule of denial. She tells me she's sorry, and I ask why? "Because I like you as a friend, and I didn't want to hurt you." This time I get the eye contact. Her words are true there, after something she wasn't fully honest about. I turn to her and ask, "Well, if there wasn't anything there, how could I be hurt?"
I told her I was happy for her if she had found happiness, and she stated something along the lines that I helped her get there, as well as the untimeliness of her travels. I am not sure how a blooming SOMETHING with a person led you to full-blown romance with someone else, and I'd not care to find out.
At this point, her eye contact was more previlent, as if she were trying to make sure I was okay, while reassuring me that it wasn't me, and that it was her. Yes, I went there with this. Her speech was filled with a thick Maine accent, that really felt like it was more remembered than true.
Throughout the night, I found her minorly insulting different things I enjoyed, digging to push away, and now I knew why...a long distance relationship. Humorous as it may be, I held it together, not really one for emotion in these types of situations. I DID, however, laugh at her when she told me she didn't feel anything for me, and she asked, "why are you laughing?" Why not. While maybe not a bold faced lie, it wasn't the truth, and anyone that had seen us together, hanging out, knew that was the case. I'm not sure what made it feel right, but it did...
So anyway, I gave her a hug, and now, at 3:15am, she looked at me, tilting her head, I explained to her it's all in the eyes, and she didn't understand. I explained that my latest drawing of eyes were hers, and they said something different than the words coming from her lips. She let out a "hmph" and a sigh, to which I asked her to explain the sound, and she let me know that it would take another hour to explain, and then deflected by stating she had to be home to pick up her kids in a few short hours.

I told her fine, and she reiterated being sorry, and asked if we could be friends. I told her I liked her again, and said I wasn't sure about the friend thing. I told her it should be possible, if there really wasn't anything there, but who knows.
I can say, I'm glad I get to go to NY and get my head out of anything close to this for a week. My facebook status update explained my feelings in pure words:
Life's too short, I'm too old, looks like its back to the drawing board. I'll go ahead and sound conceited and say it isn't my loss, but the two weeks of nice change that I gained. Too bad the exploration ends on the surface, instead of really getting on the inside. Here's to tomorrow, friends.
Part of that statement, I'd be saying, looking you in the eye...the other part, I'd turn my attention away, because it isn't all true. But I have to start believing it, just as she has to start believing it was nothing.
Monday, April 25, 2011
510: Conclusions made...
Some conclusions about what's going on with me have been made. Some BY me, some apparently for me without equivocation. We all saw that I started writing about someone and began enjoying FEELING something again. Well, it all stopped, suddenly, and without my knowledge, it seems. This seemed to be going well, and she had a tragedy strike. Pardon me if I've written this much into the blog to date, but since then, we had two times that we were chatting and now, a full seven days later, there is NO COMMUNICATION back towards me from her.
I understand that people grieve differently, and I've apologized for telling her how I would have tried to handle the tragedy now, after having lived through a couple from people that were close to me...I understand that this was something I shouldn't have done without first being asked for said opinion, and that's why I apologized. I knew that while what I was saying may not have been wrong, it was not my place to say what I would do, something in my work field and typically in my life field, I have to do on the regular...so I apologized, and still, nothing. I tend to believe this means one of two things...
1) Leave her alone so she can continue to grieve on her own time and at some point, if there was anything, it will begin again if I haven't moved towards something else...
2) She decided that she wants nothing to do with a 33 yr old male who likes her and is worried about her after the tragedy and she wants to get through it with just those closest to her, since things were just starting between us.
I don't know which one is the answer, but I know my rebuttal...I'm going to continue to live my life. If she shows up and I'm somewhere, I'll deal with it...handle it...or do what I always do, and not make a scene and just be me and go on like nothing happened. Who knows, I really don't know what I'd do, except that I'm going to continue to do the things I do, because I shouldn't put my life aside while I wait for someone to figure out that I'm an awesome person to be around and wants to know what's going on with them...
Yes, that was the arrogance coming out that everyone knows I exude. Call it my charm, call it my humor...but make sure, you call it me. And I'm not going to stop being the guy I am now because I actually like me.
Success in everything...and nothing...all at the same time.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
509: More thoughts bummin me...
Anyway, I downloaded the droid app to start posting, so you may start seeing more but shorter posts...who knows, maybe not, too :).
Saturday, April 23, 2011
508: To give up or not...?
I don't know what to do here...but this type of thing urges me to want to try and fix the issue, but everyone is different here and if she is still grieving, she's got to have time for that...I know this, and I'm being unselfish, but I need to know if I should keep trying, or if I should just let it blow over, and start over, someone new...yada yada.
She needs her time and space, obviously, but I'm also wondering if this is going to be where she'll still show up at the same place as me one night and we'll just see where that goes...
I dunno. I'm freaking out over this, and I suddenly seem depressed, when I'm really not.
I dunno...I just keep wrapping my head around this really big zit...I just wish it would pop one way or the other...
507: 100% or nothing
The people that love me for it are wonderful...but I don't think everyone "gets it." So, due to that, the relationships I build tend to be for life, the ones that break tend to be forever and the ones that come back is typically because they learned a valuable lesson.
I'd walk on fire coals for people that I know care about me...why? It's engrained into me. It's how I feel. It's how I live.
Friday, April 22, 2011
506: not even an "oopsy"
How? ...I just opened my big mouth.
Why? I don't know...my mouth just opens sometimes.
Do I deserve forgiveness? Maybe.
Do I want it? Uncontrollably...yes. I don't know know, but I want to be forgiven and moved forward, rather than stepping back...sad but true.
Who knows where this is headed? We'll see shortly, I'm sure...?
Too bad, I had just started enjoying the situation outside of my norm.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
505: How I roll...

Monday, April 18, 2011
504: Preparing for work, and just more mindlessness
Sunday, April 17, 2011
503rd Blog: Day of movies, typing and not much else
My 502nd Blog...Yowsa. Confessions of a guy who doesn't understand dating.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
#501 - rambles...
Sunday, January 02, 2011
500th post on here! Here comes 2011!
1) HOME GAME: This is going to be a written and drawn comic strip from me about a weekly poker game and the banter that ensues between the players. This will play on everything from current events, movies, video games, comic books, tv shows, etc. I've already contacted a well known online comic publisher for distribution on this, and depending on where you are reading this blog, that may tip you off...
2) I've discussed a Re-Imagining of a series I wrote a long time ago that actually DID see print. We'd be looking at this as a digital graphic novel on sites like Wowio, Comixology, etc.
3) DEAD EAST: This is an old western idea that plays off my love of those movies. Add in some teenage angst and my love of Road to Perdition, and you have an idea of this project I'm fleshing out.
4) I also really like the idea of a Zombie/Undead Monster vs. the Old West, ala Undead Nightmare. I'm really trying to flesh this out, because I think I'll be able to utilize some REAL characters and change up history enough to really screw this all up. I'm getting psyched up with this story idea because I really have some awesome feelings about this and ideas that are just going crazy...no name on it, yet, but the ones I've thought of are pretty good takes on where I'd want to take this.
5) I'll still be adding more artwork, but this year, I want to do more writing, but every project I do I think I'll get to draw variant covers for, because I really want my art getting out there, too...
There is always the chance that one of my old projects could get restarted, as well, but right now I'm interested in where my imagination takes me with new stuff...
Happy New Year everyone...stay tuned for more info!
-Potsy