I'm not a big party goer on New Year's Eve. For me, this time has always been the time for quiet reflections. What went right last year? and what went wrong? There have been years when I've actually gone through my calendars and travel records and stuff to try to reconstruct the year. Tonight, I'm not that ambitious.
~
So I guess that I'll jump right to the resolutions.
~
This year, I want to try to implement what I already know.
~
1. Avoid being judgemental. In most cases, there is little difference between right and wrong, good and bad.... it's just your point of view. Go with the flow and stop judging and labeling the circumstances of your life.
2. Avoid carbohydrates. Lay off of the bread, pizza, potatoes and pasta. Although it is the ultimate comfort food for me, I can feel the difference in my overall wellbeing when I avoid these foods.
3. Get into a workout habit. Fitness is not luxury, it is a necessity to maintain regular health. Once again, at my age, you can feel the difference when you have been getting a burn in regularly.
4 Keep your fishing line in the water. This has to do with business marketing everyday. Even though we are great at operations at Nanepashemet Telecom, if we don't have the work in front of us, it doesn't matter. So fish every day, both in areas where you have been sucessful and where you have come up short before..
5. Don't worry about business or making money. At this point in my career, I know that I have worth and can make the money that I need, doing the things that I know how to do. As long as the previous resolution 4 is implemented, trust that success will follow.
6. Actively plan time off. There is always work to do, and it won't end unless you end it. Get on the Boat and get up to North Conway at least once a month. Fit in a vacation. If the President can find the time, so can I.
7. Keep Blogging. I couldn't be responsible for letting you Peeps try to think for yourselves. So don't worry.... the Nanepashemet Blog will slug it through for yet another year.
So that's this set of resolutions. Absolutely no chance that they will be implemented fully, but I'll try to stick to them as much as possible.
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Friday, December 31, 2010
2011 Nanepashemet Peep of the Year
It’s December 31… the last day of 2010.
~
Man, that decade flew by didn’t it?
~
I should have some sort of reflection of the last 10 years. And maybe that will be the subject of a future post…. But not this one. This one is saved for that all important annual selection of the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for 2011.
~
Let’s be honest with each other. Despite all of the hype and high emotion that goes into this process, it’s just not that much of a big deal. Some poor bastard among you gets stuck with the title for a year… for whatever annoying/inspiring reason that can never be disclosed.
~
His or her life goes off on a 365 day supernatural jaunt of boring/outrageous experiences… the year speeds by and then another hapless Peep gets tabbed for the same gig next December 31.
~
So what’s the big deal???? Granted, outgoing POTY Jeremy Johnson was made a partner in a big Midwestern Law firm during his reign. And other POTY's had seen momentous personal chahges during their special years, but nothing is guaranteed.
~
I personally think that the power part of the POTY designation is a little overstated, but the prestige aspect is an empirical fact.... which brings me to this year's selection.
~
The Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for 2011 already has all of the prestige that he can handle. Especially since he has been marked up as a character in the upcoming screenplay about the Nanepashemet Blog.
~
By now, I'm sure you have guessed who it is, so I might as well tell you.
ANNOUNCING.....
Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for the Year 2011.
Tommy O'Shea
Yes... the famous Tommy O must now endure the exaltation and distain that will now engulf his life as he strives to get through the next 12 months.
~
Please join me as we extend our sincere congratulations/condolences.
Strap on your seatbelt TommyO, and enjoy the ride.
_________________________
TommyO said...
What a Day, What a Year.
First, Jay gets me into the Gerry 5 now this.
What an honor, Tommy M, Lauren, Murph and JJ. Their names are truly Ionic.
To be mentioned in the same breath as these POTY's is truly humbling.
The power of the blog is absolutely amazing, people come up to me in parking lots, supermarkets, hockey arena's and other sporting venues and shout out "TommyO"
As a Sales Guy out there on the road, I can only imagine the onslaught of business I will get with this gem on my resume.
I am sure there were many deserving candidates out there for this POTY and to them I say "nothing" because gloating and trash talking is not my nature. I only hope that some day you feel the awesomeness that I feel this first day of 2011. There are many people who are part of my life (you know who you are) that helped me along the way and I am grateful to you all.
I will do my best to represent the "title" of Nanepashemet Peep of the Year 2011. I look forward to your questions and comments. Anything having to do with "feet" is personal so don't even bother asking.
Thanks Jay
All my best to all of you for 2011 - TommyO
~
Man, that decade flew by didn’t it?
~
I should have some sort of reflection of the last 10 years. And maybe that will be the subject of a future post…. But not this one. This one is saved for that all important annual selection of the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for 2011.
~
Let’s be honest with each other. Despite all of the hype and high emotion that goes into this process, it’s just not that much of a big deal. Some poor bastard among you gets stuck with the title for a year… for whatever annoying/inspiring reason that can never be disclosed.
~
His or her life goes off on a 365 day supernatural jaunt of boring/outrageous experiences… the year speeds by and then another hapless Peep gets tabbed for the same gig next December 31.
~
So what’s the big deal???? Granted, outgoing POTY Jeremy Johnson was made a partner in a big Midwestern Law firm during his reign. And other POTY's had seen momentous personal chahges during their special years, but nothing is guaranteed.
~
I personally think that the power part of the POTY designation is a little overstated, but the prestige aspect is an empirical fact.... which brings me to this year's selection.
~
The Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for 2011 already has all of the prestige that he can handle. Especially since he has been marked up as a character in the upcoming screenplay about the Nanepashemet Blog.
~
By now, I'm sure you have guessed who it is, so I might as well tell you.
ANNOUNCING.....
Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for the Year 2011.
Tommy O'Shea
Yes... the famous Tommy O must now endure the exaltation and distain that will now engulf his life as he strives to get through the next 12 months.
~Please join me as we extend our sincere congratulations/condolences.
Strap on your seatbelt TommyO, and enjoy the ride.
_________________________
TommyO said...
What a Day, What a Year.
First, Jay gets me into the Gerry 5 now this.
What an honor, Tommy M, Lauren, Murph and JJ. Their names are truly Ionic.
To be mentioned in the same breath as these POTY's is truly humbling.
The power of the blog is absolutely amazing, people come up to me in parking lots, supermarkets, hockey arena's and other sporting venues and shout out "TommyO"
As a Sales Guy out there on the road, I can only imagine the onslaught of business I will get with this gem on my resume.
I am sure there were many deserving candidates out there for this POTY and to them I say "nothing" because gloating and trash talking is not my nature. I only hope that some day you feel the awesomeness that I feel this first day of 2011. There are many people who are part of my life (you know who you are) that helped me along the way and I am grateful to you all.
I will do my best to represent the "title" of Nanepashemet Peep of the Year 2011. I look forward to your questions and comments. Anything having to do with "feet" is personal so don't even bother asking.
Thanks Jay
All my best to all of you for 2011 - TommyO
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Must Be Nice to Be Barack
The Obama family is on vacation again.
~
Just to be upfront with you, I'm sick and tired of all the time that they have off.... Not to mention the 46 rounds of golf that Barack has played this year.
~
Question.....Before he was elected President, how much vaca did he get? I bet not close to this amount.
~
Do I sound jealous? Well It should because I am. Seems like we are working our asses off to stay in the same place, and this guy with the big government job has some unbelieveable time off perks.
~
Just to be upfront with you, I'm sick and tired of all the time that they have off.... Not to mention the 46 rounds of golf that Barack has played this year.
~
Question.....Before he was elected President, how much vaca did he get? I bet not close to this amount.
~
Do I sound jealous? Well It should because I am. Seems like we are working our asses off to stay in the same place, and this guy with the big government job has some unbelieveable time off perks.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
POTY Frenzy
The anticipation of the Peep of the Year Selection is in high gear lately with all sorts of nominations and suggestions being proferred in a somewhat irritating fasion.
~
Peeps.... It's important to remember that a Peep of the Year cannot be dead, or be an animal. So that eliminates fully 50% of your pathetic suggestions.
~
And it goes without saying, that the POTY must have done something particularly annoying or inspiring in the past year.
~
Think of the past title holders....
Tommy McMahon 2007
Lauren Rathbone 2008
Michael Murph Murphy 2009
Jeremy Johnson 2010
~
It's obvious what categories they fell into.
~
So if you have a need to make a nomination, please keep it within the boundaries of the simple freaking rules. And rest assured that your suggestion has almost no chance of being chosen.
~
Peeps.... It's important to remember that a Peep of the Year cannot be dead, or be an animal. So that eliminates fully 50% of your pathetic suggestions.
~
And it goes without saying, that the POTY must have done something particularly annoying or inspiring in the past year.
~
Think of the past title holders....
Tommy McMahon 2007
Lauren Rathbone 2008
Michael Murph Murphy 2009
Jeremy Johnson 2010
~
It's obvious what categories they fell into.
~
So if you have a need to make a nomination, please keep it within the boundaries of the simple freaking rules. And rest assured that your suggestion has almost no chance of being chosen.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Another Dud with a Sprinkle of Hack
The Blizzard was a dud.
~
Sure... there was a decent amount of snow, but it was just another snowstorm. Not the State of Emergency that Gov. Patrick predicted. We even got computerized phone calls from a local Town of Marblehead hack saying to keep your cars off the street and that trash collection will be delayed.
~
Really needed those life saving instructions.
~
Once again, the government has us in diapers and eating pablum. I resent it when they think that we don't know how to pick our nose. I know... and I'm very experienced at it.
~
Sure... there was a decent amount of snow, but it was just another snowstorm. Not the State of Emergency that Gov. Patrick predicted. We even got computerized phone calls from a local Town of Marblehead hack saying to keep your cars off the street and that trash collection will be delayed.
~
Really needed those life saving instructions.
~
Once again, the government has us in diapers and eating pablum. I resent it when they think that we don't know how to pick our nose. I know... and I'm very experienced at it.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Blizzard Anticipation
We are sitting back here waiting for a blizzard.
~
Since I'm an old Bastard, I have many memories of substantial blizzards over the past 50 years, including the Blizzard of 78. The Perfect Storm in October 1991 wasn't a Blizzard because of the lack of snow, but the flooding and property destruction that it brought makes that really memorable.
~
The coming Blizzard means a lot of extra work for us at Nanepashemet Telecom. Just to enter a cell compound will require substantial shoveling, and there is extra peril for our climbers going up the towers. And there is no way that we are compensated for winter conditions in this highly competitive business environment.
~
I'm betting that this storm will produce some memories too. The predicted accumulation keeps going up and they are now saying 20 inches of snow here in Marblehead. Plus it's not supposed to start until this afternoon, but there is a steady snowfall going on already at 7:30 in the morning.
~
So it's time to get my ass in gear, head up to the Sundance Building to prepare the hardwood for finish, and pull out the shovels. Then it's the Patriots v the Bills at 1:00PM.
~
Since I'm an old Bastard, I have many memories of substantial blizzards over the past 50 years, including the Blizzard of 78. The Perfect Storm in October 1991 wasn't a Blizzard because of the lack of snow, but the flooding and property destruction that it brought makes that really memorable.
~
The coming Blizzard means a lot of extra work for us at Nanepashemet Telecom. Just to enter a cell compound will require substantial shoveling, and there is extra peril for our climbers going up the towers. And there is no way that we are compensated for winter conditions in this highly competitive business environment.
~
I'm betting that this storm will produce some memories too. The predicted accumulation keeps going up and they are now saying 20 inches of snow here in Marblehead. Plus it's not supposed to start until this afternoon, but there is a steady snowfall going on already at 7:30 in the morning.
~
So it's time to get my ass in gear, head up to the Sundance Building to prepare the hardwood for finish, and pull out the shovels. Then it's the Patriots v the Bills at 1:00PM.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Bookmarks
Christmas is such a bookmark in time for people in this culture.
~
You can't remember what happened year after year on April 22, (unless that's your birthday or anniversary or something) but December 25 evokes all sorts of memories and emotions. I feel bad for Ryan and his companions at FreshAyer during this time when separation must make the emotions intensify.
~
On Christmas, your parents are young again, all of your pets are still alive, and you relive times when all of the bullshit that you have been sledgehammered with never hit.
~
Not that I would change a thing. All of the past Christmases add up to this morning.... here and now.
~
Merry Christmas.
~
You can't remember what happened year after year on April 22, (unless that's your birthday or anniversary or something) but December 25 evokes all sorts of memories and emotions. I feel bad for Ryan and his companions at FreshAyer during this time when separation must make the emotions intensify.
~
On Christmas, your parents are young again, all of your pets are still alive, and you relive times when all of the bullshit that you have been sledgehammered with never hit.
~
Not that I would change a thing. All of the past Christmases add up to this morning.... here and now.
~
Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Peace on Earth
~
Course... we don't have "Peace on Earth". And the "Goodwill towards Men" sometimes seems lacking as well. But Christmas reminds us, that these goals are laudable and should be striven for.
~
The life of Christ, for whom this holiday is originally dedicated, doesn't give rise to visions of peace and goodwill..... although his words did.
~
So maybe we should hope to attain these states... but not necessarily expect them.
~
The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. - Theodore Rubin
~
I think that Ted is on to something here. Peace on Earth is not a situation without problems. It is the ability to face and deal with the problems of life that inevitably arise. And even rising above that.... aren't problems just a bend in the road from your own perception of "what should be" and God's plan for "what is"?
~
So many times in my life, I've been dissapointed by setbacks and outcomes initially, yet time shows that these bends in the road were the best outcome for all involved.
~
Attaining "Peace on Earth" must mean that we let go of our singular and egoistic notions of how things should be and allow God and his Universe to show us the way.
~
I'm still working on the "Goodwill toward Men" part. There are some Assholes out there that I just can't offer the goodwill to. You know who you are.
~
So Merry Chistmas everyone.... or just about everyone.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
No Deterrence
Peeps....
This morning, I cannot be deterred....
~
Not by Phoney Lefty Moonbats.... not by Prospering Passing POTY's.... not by Nanepashemet Telecom ToDo's......nor by the majority of you Pervasive Pestering Peeps.
~
This morning, I must finish laying down the Brazilian Cherry hardwood kitchen floor at the Sundance house. And I cannot be deterred. The floor has to be completely nailed down so that I may rent a random orbital floor sander the Sunday after Christmas for sanding and polyurethaning the floors for the rest of the Holiday week.
~
Some highly deserving Peeps wish to share some Holiday cheer in downtown Boston this afternoon, and I won't be lifitng a glass unless I've laid that floor.
This morning, I cannot be deterred....
~
Not by Phoney Lefty Moonbats.... not by Prospering Passing POTY's.... not by Nanepashemet Telecom ToDo's......nor by the majority of you Pervasive Pestering Peeps.
~
This morning, I must finish laying down the Brazilian Cherry hardwood kitchen floor at the Sundance house. And I cannot be deterred. The floor has to be completely nailed down so that I may rent a random orbital floor sander the Sunday after Christmas for sanding and polyurethaning the floors for the rest of the Holiday week.
~
Some highly deserving Peeps wish to share some Holiday cheer in downtown Boston this afternoon, and I won't be lifitng a glass unless I've laid that floor.
Nina Stupidberg
~
The fact that Christmas is an official national holiday, signifying peace on earth, goodwill toward men, and characterized heavily by a non-secular Santa Claus.... seems to have been misplaced by the self-absorbed, lefty "journalist".
~
I'm actually past being aggravated by phonies like Nina... they are so out of touch, that they have become amusing.
~
Scatch that.... they still piss me off. Egotistical Stupid Morons.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Futuristic View
The internet and it's information revolution have given us powerful tools that will profoundly change the way that we act in the next generation.
~
For the most part, the demand for office space and retail space should curtail dramatically. With Skype and other tools, there simply is no reason for people to have to congregate in the same physical space to conduct business. And on-line purchasing negates the need for retail stores to a large extent.
~
Online banking and direct deposits have dramatically reduced the time needed to go to a branch bank office.
~
The fact the people continue to go to offices to work, and stores to shop is a habitual mode of thinking that will become increasingly obsolete as the next generation emerges with no such behavioral habit.
~
The shift that this will cause in employment and land use practices will be profound. All new homes will be equipped with home work station offices, and low paying retail employment will shift to logistical, delivery services. Retail shopping will evolve to "Demo" rooms where people go to actually see the stuff that they will then order on-line, and shopping centers will be characterized more by restaurant choices and entertainment venues.
~
Course... all this depends on the Mayans being wrong about the end of days in 2012! And if the Internet power sources are interrupted by any means, the new order will come crumbling down.
~
For the most part, the demand for office space and retail space should curtail dramatically. With Skype and other tools, there simply is no reason for people to have to congregate in the same physical space to conduct business. And on-line purchasing negates the need for retail stores to a large extent.
~
Online banking and direct deposits have dramatically reduced the time needed to go to a branch bank office.
~
The fact the people continue to go to offices to work, and stores to shop is a habitual mode of thinking that will become increasingly obsolete as the next generation emerges with no such behavioral habit.
~
The shift that this will cause in employment and land use practices will be profound. All new homes will be equipped with home work station offices, and low paying retail employment will shift to logistical, delivery services. Retail shopping will evolve to "Demo" rooms where people go to actually see the stuff that they will then order on-line, and shopping centers will be characterized more by restaurant choices and entertainment venues.
~
Course... all this depends on the Mayans being wrong about the end of days in 2012! And if the Internet power sources are interrupted by any means, the new order will come crumbling down.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Powerful POTY Partner Promotion
As most of you know, this Blog monitors the goings on at the Minneapolis, Minnesota law firm of Grey, Plant, Mooty very closely.
~
That's because our 2010 Peep of the Year, Jeremy Johnson, has been an associate grunt there for the past few years. Generally, my opinion of lawyers is pretty low, unless they are protecting me or mine, and I was concerned that our POTY might have surrounded himself with the wrong kind of crowd.
~
But GPM did the right thing recently and made the POTY a Partner.
~
Peeps.... I hate to have to state the obvious.... but once again we see an example of the overwhelming and undeniable power of the Nanepashemet Blog. Here Jeremy was laboring year after year as a low rung legal grunt at a huge Minnesota law factory. Then, with his designation of Peep of the Year, he rises to the top of the ladder in this momentous last twelve months.
~
Freaking Powerful POTY Promotion.
~
Congratulations Jeremy. You have served your POTY year admirably and reaped the appropriate rewards.
~
Soon, another will receive the coveted mantle, and witness the supernatural powers that the POTY title conveys.
Jeremy said.....
~
That's because our 2010 Peep of the Year, Jeremy Johnson, has been an associate grunt there for the past few years. Generally, my opinion of lawyers is pretty low, unless they are protecting me or mine, and I was concerned that our POTY might have surrounded himself with the wrong kind of crowd.
~
But GPM did the right thing recently and made the POTY a Partner.~
Peeps.... I hate to have to state the obvious.... but once again we see an example of the overwhelming and undeniable power of the Nanepashemet Blog. Here Jeremy was laboring year after year as a low rung legal grunt at a huge Minnesota law factory. Then, with his designation of Peep of the Year, he rises to the top of the ladder in this momentous last twelve months.
~
Freaking Powerful POTY Promotion.
~
Congratulations Jeremy. You have served your POTY year admirably and reaped the appropriate rewards.
~
Soon, another will receive the coveted mantle, and witness the supernatural powers that the POTY title conveys.
Jeremy said.....
Jay, thank you for the props and the free marketing. The power of the POTY designation is undeniable. Exhibit A: Recent photo of me dazzling a jury. Next year's POTY better prepare for a whole lotta snappin' necks and cashin' checks.
___________________________
Excellent likeness Jeremy.
Grey, Plant, Mooty and Johnson..... has a nice ring to it.
___________________________
Excellent likeness Jeremy.
Grey, Plant, Mooty and Johnson..... has a nice ring to it.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Rented
We rented Beverly Ave. today. There were a lot of good times in this house, and not all of them by our family. It is definitely a place of growth and joy.
~
I hope that the new family that is renting has the same experiences.
~
Looking ahead, the Sundance West Shore Drive house has the potential to be awesome for our family, our friends and our grandkids. Lots of boats to be built, Thanksgiving Eve bashes, and lobster dinners. A new venue, but maybe a little bigger and more comfortable for you Peeps.
~
Granted....TommyO, Rinda, Kelsey and Kate won't be living across the street.... we'll just have to intercept them on the way to the Community Store.
~
I hope that the new family that is renting has the same experiences.
~
Looking ahead, the Sundance West Shore Drive house has the potential to be awesome for our family, our friends and our grandkids. Lots of boats to be built, Thanksgiving Eve bashes, and lobster dinners. A new venue, but maybe a little bigger and more comfortable for you Peeps.
~
Granted....TommyO, Rinda, Kelsey and Kate won't be living across the street.... we'll just have to intercept them on the way to the Community Store.
Friday, December 17, 2010
No Crying Shame
~
You would think that a Mountain of a Man like myself would condemn this type of response as that of a wussified girlyman.
~
And you would be wrong... as usual.
~
A real man isn't afraid to cry, to let his emotions show. People who don't cry generally don't give a shit. They are not committed enough to give their all to a job, a relationship, or a situation. I'm not saying that you have to be a blubbering crybaby..... but a genuine tear is no sign of weakness.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Cool in the Cold
It's cold.
~
Normally, winter weather doesn't bother me this time of year, but it seems to have gotten really cold, really fast.... and I haven't taken the time to mentally adjust. I find myself running out the door in a sweatshirt, then feeling the frigid bite.
~
The key to beating the cold is to recognize it, and dress accordingly. Katelyn said she bought me a work coat from Duluth Trading Co. for Christmas this year.
~
So I'll be warm, but still look cool.
~Normally, winter weather doesn't bother me this time of year, but it seems to have gotten really cold, really fast.... and I haven't taken the time to mentally adjust. I find myself running out the door in a sweatshirt, then feeling the frigid bite.
~
The key to beating the cold is to recognize it, and dress accordingly. Katelyn said she bought me a work coat from Duluth Trading Co. for Christmas this year.
~
So I'll be warm, but still look cool.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
No Complaint
I've been trying to get back to the Brazilian Cherry hardwood floor job at the Sundance building. Every day missed is a big slip in schedule.
~
But Nanepashemet Telecom has been keeping me pre-occupied. Rightfully so.
~
The wireless telecom business always gets crazy as the year draws to a close. Lots of companies have bonus plans based upon completion of site construction milestones, and people get nutty to make the numbers. I shouldn't complain, because the compulsion to reach milestones usually means that our end of year is filled with billable events.
~
But it is a little annoying to see everyone else rev down as you are forced to gas things up. This year, the move to West Shore Drive cranks things up even more.
~
Once again.... I'm not complaining..... just observing.
~
A Mountain of a Man rarely complains.
~
But Nanepashemet Telecom has been keeping me pre-occupied. Rightfully so.
~
The wireless telecom business always gets crazy as the year draws to a close. Lots of companies have bonus plans based upon completion of site construction milestones, and people get nutty to make the numbers. I shouldn't complain, because the compulsion to reach milestones usually means that our end of year is filled with billable events.
~
But it is a little annoying to see everyone else rev down as you are forced to gas things up. This year, the move to West Shore Drive cranks things up even more.
~
Once again.... I'm not complaining..... just observing.
~
A Mountain of a Man rarely complains.
Christmas Card Originals
~
From an artistic or literary standpoint, they aren't particularly noteworthy.... but they are proof positive that it's the thought that counts.
~
You can sit around and be pissed off about your situation, or you can spread a little cheer. I've seen both choices in action, and I'm really proud of Ryan's choice.
~
Next year, there will be no more FreshAyer, and probably no original cards either. But this year, they have served a good purpose.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Ready for Cherry
Peeps....
~
How the hell do you expect me to meet my goals at the Sundance building if you continue to email me and text with your pathetic inquiries into my current progress????.
~
I can't afford to pay attention to these annoying, persistent pleas for information.
~
Yet... despite these irritating contrivances, I was still able to meet all of my lofty objectives today, as we picked out and ordered the counter top granite, ripped up the vinyl as well as well nailed plywood, and prepared the kitchen floor surface to receive the Brazilian Cherry 2 1/4" hardwood.
~
The day ended suitably when Jim and Kathy Peabody dropped by at 5:00 PM with some Sam Adams and wine to check on the progress.
~
Tomorrow, I hope to get a good portion of the cherry installed.... barring interruptions.
~
How the hell do you expect me to meet my goals at the Sundance building if you continue to email me and text with your pathetic inquiries into my current progress????.
~
I can't afford to pay attention to these annoying, persistent pleas for information.
~
Yet... despite these irritating contrivances, I was still able to meet all of my lofty objectives today, as we picked out and ordered the counter top granite, ripped up the vinyl as well as well nailed plywood, and prepared the kitchen floor surface to receive the Brazilian Cherry 2 1/4" hardwood.
~
The day ended suitably when Jim and Kathy Peabody dropped by at 5:00 PM with some Sam Adams and wine to check on the progress.
~
Tomorrow, I hope to get a good portion of the cherry installed.... barring interruptions.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Project Focus
I know that many of you are concerned that the Sundance home renovation is taking too long and might not be ready for the move on February 1.
~
I too share this concern.... but remain confident that my Mountain of a Man abilities will eventually win the day and see the project through on time.
~
Tomorrow morning at 7:30, Joanne and I have to go pick out the granite countertops, and by mid-morning, I hope to be ripping out the kitchen subflooring in order to install the Brazilian Cherry 3/4" hardwood that I bought from Lumber Liquidators in Woburn.
~
A layer of 3/4" particle board, together with 1/4" plywood underlayment and lineoleum tile have to be removed in order to get to a level where the Brazilian Cherry can meet the existing Red Oak Hardwood.
~
The contrast of the dark cherry and the light oak will be a nice demarcation between the open kitchen and living room areas.
~
I bought an air powered hardwood flooring nailer from Amazon, then tried to cancel when I saw how cheap it could be rented at Home Depot, but it was too late, and the Amazon shipment showed up today. Hopefully, I will install enough flooring in the next few years to justify ownership of the tool.
~
With the great price for quality hardwood flooring at Lumber Liquidators, and the evolution of random orbital disk floor sanders that are easy to use and cheap to rent, it should be possible to install quality hardwood floors in the next few properties that we invest in.
~
With a little luck... scratch that... a lot of luck... the subfloor will be ripped up and the hardwood will have been substantially underway by the end of the weekend. Then I'll rent the floor sander and sand down all of the existing oak and the new cherry at the same time... about 800 SF worth.
~
Four coats of oil based polyurethane with light sandings between each coat will take at least four days of work with curing time. So if the floor is done by the end of next weekend, I'll be pretty psyched.
~
There is a lag period in the project until January 25, when the kitchen cabinets will be delivered. During that time, we'll concentrate on the second floor raised panel wainscotting and crown moulding.
~
I'm fairly certain that most of the finish work will be complete by the February move in deadline. Course the issue of a the boat workshop is unresolved. That, and the deck will absorb the warm months of 2011.
~
In the meantime, I have stay focused on the business boom that Nanepashemet Telecom has experienced over the last few weeks. It's hard to do both, but that's where the Mountain of a Man tendencies kick in.
~
I too share this concern.... but remain confident that my Mountain of a Man abilities will eventually win the day and see the project through on time.
~
Tomorrow morning at 7:30, Joanne and I have to go pick out the granite countertops, and by mid-morning, I hope to be ripping out the kitchen subflooring in order to install the Brazilian Cherry 3/4" hardwood that I bought from Lumber Liquidators in Woburn.
~
A layer of 3/4" particle board, together with 1/4" plywood underlayment and lineoleum tile have to be removed in order to get to a level where the Brazilian Cherry can meet the existing Red Oak Hardwood.
~
The contrast of the dark cherry and the light oak will be a nice demarcation between the open kitchen and living room areas.
~
I bought an air powered hardwood flooring nailer from Amazon, then tried to cancel when I saw how cheap it could be rented at Home Depot, but it was too late, and the Amazon shipment showed up today. Hopefully, I will install enough flooring in the next few years to justify ownership of the tool.
~
With the great price for quality hardwood flooring at Lumber Liquidators, and the evolution of random orbital disk floor sanders that are easy to use and cheap to rent, it should be possible to install quality hardwood floors in the next few properties that we invest in.
~
With a little luck... scratch that... a lot of luck... the subfloor will be ripped up and the hardwood will have been substantially underway by the end of the weekend. Then I'll rent the floor sander and sand down all of the existing oak and the new cherry at the same time... about 800 SF worth.
~
Four coats of oil based polyurethane with light sandings between each coat will take at least four days of work with curing time. So if the floor is done by the end of next weekend, I'll be pretty psyched.
~
There is a lag period in the project until January 25, when the kitchen cabinets will be delivered. During that time, we'll concentrate on the second floor raised panel wainscotting and crown moulding.
~
I'm fairly certain that most of the finish work will be complete by the February move in deadline. Course the issue of a the boat workshop is unresolved. That, and the deck will absorb the warm months of 2011.
~
In the meantime, I have stay focused on the business boom that Nanepashemet Telecom has experienced over the last few weeks. It's hard to do both, but that's where the Mountain of a Man tendencies kick in.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Multiple Lifetimes
~
Lisa Rowe and Superpeep Maria Rowen were justly proud of Lou.
~
Harvey Rowe told a freaky story of Lou's wife, Marcia, who is deceased. Apparently, today Harvey randomly played a recording of one of her last messages on his tape recorder.... like she wished all to know that she was part of the proceedings. Like I said... pretty freaky.... but nice.
~
I also had the chance to renew some acquaintances with old friends who I haven't seen for two decades. People like Ed and Sue Calnan, Jansi Chandler, Sean Potter, Al DiVirgilio, Nick Mennino, and Ann Marie Leonard. They all got quite a bit older looking, but it didn't take long to peal back the years and see them precisely as I remembered them.
~
Seeing these people, after twenty years or so seems like a time warp.... like all of the stuff that went on in the interim really never occurred. But of course it did.
~
In each life, it seems that we lead a series of lives.... with separate occurrences and relationships in each. And every now and then, you get the chance to step back and remember what it was like in a previous life.
~
That's what tonight felt like.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
POTY Training
Joanne asked me tonight if I knew who the Peep of the Year was going to be this year. In truth, I haven't even thought about it.
~
Outgoing POTY of 2010, Jeremy Johnson was a shoe in. I mean.... who else could have been chosen last year?
~
But this year the selection seems to be wide open.
~
Of course, I'm obviously open to input and nominations from the Peep Population at large.... not that I would give it any consideration whatsoever.
~
In the past, some of the POTY selections were pretty controversial..... with quite a bit of hate mail received after the Tommy McMahon and Laren Rathbone coronations. Michael "Murph" Murphy and Jeremy didn't cause as much of a ruckus, but there still were ruffled feathers galore.
~
I'd like this year to be a tad less emotional.... although, in keeping with the honored tradition... I really don't give a shit who gets the final nod.... or what the hell you think of it.
~
Outgoing POTY of 2010, Jeremy Johnson was a shoe in. I mean.... who else could have been chosen last year?
~
But this year the selection seems to be wide open.
~
Of course, I'm obviously open to input and nominations from the Peep Population at large.... not that I would give it any consideration whatsoever.
~
In the past, some of the POTY selections were pretty controversial..... with quite a bit of hate mail received after the Tommy McMahon and Laren Rathbone coronations. Michael "Murph" Murphy and Jeremy didn't cause as much of a ruckus, but there still were ruffled feathers galore.
~
I'd like this year to be a tad less emotional.... although, in keeping with the honored tradition... I really don't give a shit who gets the final nod.... or what the hell you think of it.
-
Whith all yer cogitatin' and real estate maneuverin', don't overlook the
season tide. Throw a yule log on the bonfire and gather your
neiborlike folks to join hands and drop them house keys in the fuzzy bag
- its Yankee Wife Swappin' Time! Ho ho ho! Hoooooooeeeee!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Facebook Assholes
Facebook is such a double edged sword.
~
On the one hand, I've reconnected with some people who really interest me, and it's nice to see how they have grown and prospered.
~
On the other hand, I keep running into people who I thought were assholes before, and every time I see them post, I remember what douche bags they were and how they annoyed me. There is one guy from my old neighborhood in particular who was a real untrustworthy backstabber.... one of those me-first, lying, bastards who didn't give a shit about other people.
~
Now he is a Christian minister in the MidWest, praising Jesus, and raising money for his ministry. I defriended him because the dichotomy seemed so hypocritical. Everytime I see his now bald head and read his pious posts on FB, I get a nauseous grip in my stomach.
~
Really don't need to renew these emotions. They were nice and buried in a dusty spot in my mind, and now, here they emerge fresh and lively as if the years had never passed.
~
I like to think that I have changed since my adolescent, formative years. And the douche bags undoubtedly have changed as well. I should give them the benefit of the doubt .... but I bet they're still assholes.
~
On the one hand, I've reconnected with some people who really interest me, and it's nice to see how they have grown and prospered.
~
On the other hand, I keep running into people who I thought were assholes before, and every time I see them post, I remember what douche bags they were and how they annoyed me. There is one guy from my old neighborhood in particular who was a real untrustworthy backstabber.... one of those me-first, lying, bastards who didn't give a shit about other people.
~
Now he is a Christian minister in the MidWest, praising Jesus, and raising money for his ministry. I defriended him because the dichotomy seemed so hypocritical. Everytime I see his now bald head and read his pious posts on FB, I get a nauseous grip in my stomach.
~
Really don't need to renew these emotions. They were nice and buried in a dusty spot in my mind, and now, here they emerge fresh and lively as if the years had never passed.
~
I like to think that I have changed since my adolescent, formative years. And the douche bags undoubtedly have changed as well. I should give them the benefit of the doubt .... but I bet they're still assholes.
J E T S Jets, Jets, Jets
~
It was a virtuoso performance by quarterback, Tom Brady, who is showing us how perfection in a football game can appear.
~
It can be no coincidence that Brady did this against the Jets, who had beaten the Patriots earlier this year. Plus the Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez was the only QB in the league that had a winning record against Brady.
~
Nice to be a New England Patriots fan this morning!
~
Maybe I'll call my buddy, Rich Berliner, later today. I still have the cool Jets T-shirt that he gave me. Won't be any trash talking though. Can't be kicking people when they're down.... right Rich?
Monday, December 06, 2010
Mirror Image
This week is a big one for Nanepashemet Telecom.
~
There are four great opportunities on our plate.... and all are attainable.... if we orchestrate our resources correctly and present our capabilities appropriately.
~
I always like to present the facts in situations like this. Here is your challenge, and here are the resources that we can bring to bear to make you successful. It's usually as simple as this. But then you have to add a dose of sincere committment and passionate dedication to reaching the goal.
~
Because this gig is not just about making money. First and foremost, it's about looking in the mirror and being proud of what you see. And you can't do that without committing 100%.
~
But the money takes a huge second.
~
There are four great opportunities on our plate.... and all are attainable.... if we orchestrate our resources correctly and present our capabilities appropriately.
~
I always like to present the facts in situations like this. Here is your challenge, and here are the resources that we can bring to bear to make you successful. It's usually as simple as this. But then you have to add a dose of sincere committment and passionate dedication to reaching the goal.
~
Because this gig is not just about making money. First and foremost, it's about looking in the mirror and being proud of what you see. And you can't do that without committing 100%.
~
But the money takes a huge second.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Birthday Bargain
We celebrated my grandson, Ethan's birthday yesterday. He is two years old.
~
I don't think he's special just because we share the same birthday. He'd be special even if he had his own birthday.
~
But now, because of Ethan, nobody forgets my birthday.... Mike gave me this cool Texas A&M Aggie Football gear and Kate gave me George Bush's memoirs.
~
These are the best birthday presents that I have gotten in years!~
Poor Ethan only got a toy truck and a dinosaur, so things are looking up for me!
After this post, Harvey and Lisa Rowe came by with Superpeep Maria Rowen with some very thoughtful birthday gifts including some chocolate pastries that Lisa felt had some sexual connotation and an instruction kit to learn Ballroom Dancing.
~
If Ethan was old enough, he would be so jealous. I definitely won the score on birthday gifts this year.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Bear Meat
Peeps...
~
Sometimes.... even though I'm a bona fide Mountain of a Man.... the magnitude of my accomplishments impresses even me.
~
This was one of those weeks when everything came together... like a freaking Swiss Clock.
~
For a year, I've been chasing a major wireless carrier to build sites....got the first order today. For six months, I've been trying to get a capabilities meeting with another one of the big four carries..... meeting set up for next week. For two years, I've been trying to get some major work in upstate NY where some of our best assets reside.... meeting on Monday for a major deployment. And our standby biggest client gave some insight into a substantial amount of work coming our way in January. Plus, today.....closed out a final payment with a troubleseome customer who we'll be avoid doing business with in the future.
~
Sometimes you eat the Bear, and sometimes the Bear eats you.
~
Man, that Bear meat tastes good. Need some toothpicks and dental floss.
~
Sometimes.... even though I'm a bona fide Mountain of a Man.... the magnitude of my accomplishments impresses even me.
~
This was one of those weeks when everything came together... like a freaking Swiss Clock.
~
For a year, I've been chasing a major wireless carrier to build sites....got the first order today. For six months, I've been trying to get a capabilities meeting with another one of the big four carries..... meeting set up for next week. For two years, I've been trying to get some major work in upstate NY where some of our best assets reside.... meeting on Monday for a major deployment. And our standby biggest client gave some insight into a substantial amount of work coming our way in January. Plus, today.....closed out a final payment with a troubleseome customer who we'll be avoid doing business with in the future.
~
Sometimes you eat the Bear, and sometimes the Bear eats you.
~
Man, that Bear meat tastes good. Need some toothpicks and dental floss.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
References and Credit
This morning, we show Beverly Ave. to another prospective tenant. I haven't told you that we decided to lease and hold this place ... mainly due to its sacred status as the birthplace of the Nanepashemet Blog.... but also because the real estate sales market was so flat.
~
But the rental market is very strong, which I attribute to the fact that people wish to live in nice areas and are accumulating downpayments instead of buying. There has been a steady stream of nice people who are interested in leasing this house.
~
The only criteria that we have is no smoking. Don't want the place to stink. I don't mind pets though. People who don't like pets are not my kind of people. We don't have anymore cats, don't want a dog that I have to walk and handle curbside feces, but I've kind of adopted the birds at the Feeder.
~
Animals add to rhe richness of life.... As long as you clean up their mess.
~
By the end of the week, I'll be choosing the Lessee based upon references and credit.
~
But the rental market is very strong, which I attribute to the fact that people wish to live in nice areas and are accumulating downpayments instead of buying. There has been a steady stream of nice people who are interested in leasing this house.
~
The only criteria that we have is no smoking. Don't want the place to stink. I don't mind pets though. People who don't like pets are not my kind of people. We don't have anymore cats, don't want a dog that I have to walk and handle curbside feces, but I've kind of adopted the birds at the Feeder.
~
Animals add to rhe richness of life.... As long as you clean up their mess.
~
By the end of the week, I'll be choosing the Lessee based upon references and credit.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Passing Year
2010 is drawing to a close. It's December already. Seems like it went by fast in some ways and unbelievably slow in others. Time is indeed relative.
~
Are we hurtling towards the Mayan End of Days? Maybe. If you surf the nerd channels on cable like I do, it seems like an asteroid, mother earthquake or mega tsunami is just around the corner.
~
I've got my contingency plans in place.... the primary one being to hop into my dinghy parked on a trailer in my driveway, put my head down through my legs, and kiss my ass goodbye.
~
Maybe I'll take a few bottles of Lagavulin into the dinghy. Certainly couldn't hurt as we are all swept into oblivion.
~
Actually, I kind of doubt that the Mayans have it right. I feel that we will all have to live out the duration of our lives, without some grand Apocalypse speeding everybody's demise in one huge crescendo.
~
Which is fine by me. It would be a lot less dramatic.
~
Are we hurtling towards the Mayan End of Days? Maybe. If you surf the nerd channels on cable like I do, it seems like an asteroid, mother earthquake or mega tsunami is just around the corner.
~
I've got my contingency plans in place.... the primary one being to hop into my dinghy parked on a trailer in my driveway, put my head down through my legs, and kiss my ass goodbye.
~
Maybe I'll take a few bottles of Lagavulin into the dinghy. Certainly couldn't hurt as we are all swept into oblivion.
~
Actually, I kind of doubt that the Mayans have it right. I feel that we will all have to live out the duration of our lives, without some grand Apocalypse speeding everybody's demise in one huge crescendo.
~
Which is fine by me. It would be a lot less dramatic.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
No Heavy Lifting
Lots of feedback on the movie idea. I'm actually working on plans for the sequel.
~
Other than that, the Sundance house renovation is going the way of most projects... overly optimistic schedules, sabotaged by unforeseen techical mishaps.
~
It's not for lack of trying, as my pain wracked body can attest to. And I will get to the finish line.... the instatllation of the downstairs carpet... by this Thursday, but not without some huge contingencies.
~
The major issues on the woodwork schedule occurred when the raised panel stile router bit chipped when the router spun out of its router table cradle. I hadn't locked it down before I turned the router on for a classic idiotic move. Luckily, the Gilbert and Cole lumber yard in Marblehead had the same Freud bit, but I had to buy the whole raised panel set to get it. A $150 mistake.
~
That set the workwork completion schedule off.
~
But the biggest mistake was relying on my HVLP paint sprayer to do the priming and paint job. Naturally, it wouldn't spray latex at any production rate. So I went to Home Depot and bought a Ryobi sprayer that clained that it would handle latex with no dilution. An $80 mistake. The freaking thing is useless and made a huge mess.
~
So the contingency plan is to prime and paint by brush all baseboards that will be in contact with the carpet this Thursday. Then I'll tape down plastic everywhere, and finish the spackle and paint job.
~
That takes the craziness out of the schedule, plus the need to finish this part of the project slacked off after the kitchen cabinet delivery moved to January 25.
~
That's the new deadline for all of the main living area to be complete, with the hardwood floors being the gating factor.
~
In the meantime, I have to fit in some work at Nanepashemet Telecom, and rent Beverly Ave.
~
I agree that this is beyond the capacity of the average man, but no heavily lifting for a Mountain of a Man.
~
Other than that, the Sundance house renovation is going the way of most projects... overly optimistic schedules, sabotaged by unforeseen techical mishaps.
~
It's not for lack of trying, as my pain wracked body can attest to. And I will get to the finish line.... the instatllation of the downstairs carpet... by this Thursday, but not without some huge contingencies.
~
The major issues on the woodwork schedule occurred when the raised panel stile router bit chipped when the router spun out of its router table cradle. I hadn't locked it down before I turned the router on for a classic idiotic move. Luckily, the Gilbert and Cole lumber yard in Marblehead had the same Freud bit, but I had to buy the whole raised panel set to get it. A $150 mistake.
~
That set the workwork completion schedule off.
~
But the biggest mistake was relying on my HVLP paint sprayer to do the priming and paint job. Naturally, it wouldn't spray latex at any production rate. So I went to Home Depot and bought a Ryobi sprayer that clained that it would handle latex with no dilution. An $80 mistake. The freaking thing is useless and made a huge mess.
~
So the contingency plan is to prime and paint by brush all baseboards that will be in contact with the carpet this Thursday. Then I'll tape down plastic everywhere, and finish the spackle and paint job.
~
That takes the craziness out of the schedule, plus the need to finish this part of the project slacked off after the kitchen cabinet delivery moved to January 25.
~
That's the new deadline for all of the main living area to be complete, with the hardwood floors being the gating factor.
~
In the meantime, I have to fit in some work at Nanepashemet Telecom, and rent Beverly Ave.
~
I agree that this is beyond the capacity of the average man, but no heavily lifting for a Mountain of a Man.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Nanepashemet - the Movie
This morning, around 7:00AM, someone from a server in New Hampshire hit the Blog for the 100,000 time.
~
Yet everything seems the same.
~
I still hold out the hope that the Nanepashemet Blog morphs into some kind of Facebook phenomenon that will spill out millions in cash and end up in a movie about me. I'm thinking maybe Harrison Ford for the starring role because of his toughness and rugged good looks. Or maybe Chevy Chase for other reasons.
~
Ben Affleck can play my son Mike with Sandra Bullock in the Katelyn role. Not sure who would represent my wife Joanne, but there are a lot of hot, sizzling actresses who could handle the part. Probably would have to go with Michelle Pfeiffer. For Ryan, it would be Mark Wahlberg. Course the grandkids, Will and Ethan will play themselves, because there just isn't any other kids as gifted or talented.
~
The story line is obvious.... how a rough, tough, hard to bluff, mountain of a man builds boats, makes a killing in business, scores some Lagavulin and constantly seeks a path of isolation from annoying, irritating Peeps who won't leave him alone.
~
It will be a dramatic, comedic shocker... with plenty of gratuitous sex scenes.
Maria Rowen said...
Mitch Rapp should play the MOAM...The casting couch coach should also consider the cast of characters you call friends... How about...The incredible Mr. Limpet for the fish with lips...and...Pierce Brosnan for Harvey...This peep prefers to play a peep...gratuitously...
dougmaxfield said...
Should Harrison need a stunt double for those sex scenes I would love to throw my proverbial hat in the ring. Just saying...
TommyO said...
I am thinking the role of TommyO would be played by some sort of cross between Richard Gere and Lenny Clark.
~
Yet everything seems the same.
~
I still hold out the hope that the Nanepashemet Blog morphs into some kind of Facebook phenomenon that will spill out millions in cash and end up in a movie about me. I'm thinking maybe Harrison Ford for the starring role because of his toughness and rugged good looks. Or maybe Chevy Chase for other reasons.
~
Ben Affleck can play my son Mike with Sandra Bullock in the Katelyn role. Not sure who would represent my wife Joanne, but there are a lot of hot, sizzling actresses who could handle the part. Probably would have to go with Michelle Pfeiffer. For Ryan, it would be Mark Wahlberg. Course the grandkids, Will and Ethan will play themselves, because there just isn't any other kids as gifted or talented.
~
The story line is obvious.... how a rough, tough, hard to bluff, mountain of a man builds boats, makes a killing in business, scores some Lagavulin and constantly seeks a path of isolation from annoying, irritating Peeps who won't leave him alone.
~
It will be a dramatic, comedic shocker... with plenty of gratuitous sex scenes.
Maria Rowen said...
Mitch Rapp should play the MOAM...The casting couch coach should also consider the cast of characters you call friends... How about...The incredible Mr. Limpet for the fish with lips...and...Pierce Brosnan for Harvey...This peep prefers to play a peep...gratuitously...
dougmaxfield said...
Should Harrison need a stunt double for those sex scenes I would love to throw my proverbial hat in the ring. Just saying...
TommyO said...
I am thinking the role of TommyO would be played by some sort of cross between Richard Gere and Lenny Clark.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
POTW Week 48
This week featured the renowned Thanksgiving Eve Bash at our Beverly Ave. Marblehead House. Hopefully it is the last one that Ryan will miss but even without his hijinx, it was a raucous affair.
~
We have a lot to be thankful for this week, and even though you have your share of challenges and heartache, there's always ample blessings around if you take the time to recognize and cherish them....
~
So stop your whining and self-centered bullshit, and thank God for the good stuff.
Announcing......
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 48th week of 2010.
Brendt D'Orio (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Maria Rowen (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Bob Wojcik (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Kim Reny
Emily Engardia
Brady Boyle
Next year, the Bash will be a whole lot different at the West Shore Drive house with Ryan back. Better start planning now.
~
We have a lot to be thankful for this week, and even though you have your share of challenges and heartache, there's always ample blessings around if you take the time to recognize and cherish them....
~
So stop your whining and self-centered bullshit, and thank God for the good stuff.
Announcing......
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 48th week of 2010.
Brendt D'Orio (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Maria Rowen (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Bob Wojcik (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Kim Reny
Emily Engardia
Brady Boyle
Next year, the Bash will be a whole lot different at the West Shore Drive house with Ryan back. Better start planning now.
Friday, November 26, 2010
100,000 Hit Milestone
Sometime this weekend, one of you hapless Peeps will hit this Blog for the one hundred thousandth time. That's 100,000 occasions when you have sought the solace, knowledge, wisdom, and aggravation that flows freely from this little anchor in cyberspace.
~
And yet, I have not received dollar one for this immense contribution to humankind's body of knowledge.
~
Granted. I've picked up a couple dozen bottles of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch.... and maybe that is compensation enough. And for those of you who think that the Nanepashemet Blog is just a big scam so that I can score Lagavulin from you.... maybe you're on to something.
~
But a bottle of the King of Scotch from time to time seems fair trade for the psychological benefit/trama that this Blog exudes to the clamoring masses. Plus, the donors get the ultimate recognition.... automatic selection as Peeps of the Week.
~
So, I think that you are really getting the better deal in this scam.
~
And yet, I have not received dollar one for this immense contribution to humankind's body of knowledge.
~
Granted. I've picked up a couple dozen bottles of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch.... and maybe that is compensation enough. And for those of you who think that the Nanepashemet Blog is just a big scam so that I can score Lagavulin from you.... maybe you're on to something.
~
But a bottle of the King of Scotch from time to time seems fair trade for the psychological benefit/trama that this Blog exudes to the clamoring masses. Plus, the donors get the ultimate recognition.... automatic selection as Peeps of the Week.
~
So, I think that you are really getting the better deal in this scam.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Bash Aftermath
If you want to know what happened at the Bash last night, you won't be finding it in the Marblehead Police Log.... because there were no reported incidents whatsoever!
~
That's always a big accomplishment, and an annual source of pride.
~
But it's not to say things didn't get loud, obnoxious and a bit over the top.
~
For starters, there were THREE AUTOMATICS!!! That's three Peeps who were courageous and audacious enough to show up with a bottle of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch, and will be enshrined in perpetuity as Automatic Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week when the selections are made later this weekend.
~
For the record, the enlightened and high class peeps were Maria Rowen, Bob Wojcik, and Brendt D'Orio. They deserve the vast amount of recognition and praise that undoubtably will be coming their way during this holiday weekend.
~
Mark Vona claimed that he searched three liquor stores for the King, and came up short. Normally, I would dismiss this like a pile of horse manure, but since it was Vona, he gets a pass. I believe you Mark.
~
I really can't name anymore names and events, not because I don't remember, but the details are fuzzy. However....Firepits, Scotch, Dark and Stormies, and Macaroni and cheese come to mind. Plus, if you weren't there, it's none of your business, and if you were, you know what happened anyway. So there is no need for me to memorialize any of the frivolity.
~
I did get a chance to play my banjo riff that always sets Steve Lewis off though.
~
That's always a big accomplishment, and an annual source of pride.
~
But it's not to say things didn't get loud, obnoxious and a bit over the top.
~
For starters, there were THREE AUTOMATICS!!! That's three Peeps who were courageous and audacious enough to show up with a bottle of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch, and will be enshrined in perpetuity as Automatic Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week when the selections are made later this weekend.
~
For the record, the enlightened and high class peeps were Maria Rowen, Bob Wojcik, and Brendt D'Orio. They deserve the vast amount of recognition and praise that undoubtably will be coming their way during this holiday weekend.
~
Mark Vona claimed that he searched three liquor stores for the King, and came up short. Normally, I would dismiss this like a pile of horse manure, but since it was Vona, he gets a pass. I believe you Mark.
~
I really can't name anymore names and events, not because I don't remember, but the details are fuzzy. However....Firepits, Scotch, Dark and Stormies, and Macaroni and cheese come to mind. Plus, if you weren't there, it's none of your business, and if you were, you know what happened anyway. So there is no need for me to memorialize any of the frivolity.
~
I did get a chance to play my banjo riff that always sets Steve Lewis off though.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Bash Rules
The frenzy has begun.
~
It's like a huge drum is beating louder and louder.
~
I don't get it.
~
Every year for the last twenty years or so, the night before Thanksgiving Day Bash at Nestor's has been a ritual event with the same rules.
~
1. There are no invitations, but if you don't come, we will be insulted, and talk about you behind your back.
2. The Cuisine is classic American Trailer Park- lots of stuff deep fried in the Turkey fryer.
3. Be prepared to drink with moderation - the beer will flow like wine. Plus, we have wine.
4. Clothes are mandatory. Commando will not be tolerated.
5. Bad jokes and loud, obnoxious behavior is encouraged.
6. And, what should go without saying, the gift of the King of Scotch, Lagavulin Single Malt, will win you an automatic selection as a Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.
~
So that's it. Six pathetic rules. You would think that it could be easy enough for people to remember.
~
This is the last year for the Bash to be held at Beverly Ave. Next year, we will be up at the West Shore Drive house that borders Gerry Playground...... which may require the promulgation of additional rules.
~
It's like a huge drum is beating louder and louder.
~
I don't get it.
~
Every year for the last twenty years or so, the night before Thanksgiving Day Bash at Nestor's has been a ritual event with the same rules.
~
1. There are no invitations, but if you don't come, we will be insulted, and talk about you behind your back.
2. The Cuisine is classic American Trailer Park- lots of stuff deep fried in the Turkey fryer.
3. Be prepared to drink with moderation - the beer will flow like wine. Plus, we have wine.
4. Clothes are mandatory. Commando will not be tolerated.
5. Bad jokes and loud, obnoxious behavior is encouraged.
6. And, what should go without saying, the gift of the King of Scotch, Lagavulin Single Malt, will win you an automatic selection as a Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.
~
So that's it. Six pathetic rules. You would think that it could be easy enough for people to remember.
~
This is the last year for the Bash to be held at Beverly Ave. Next year, we will be up at the West Shore Drive house that borders Gerry Playground...... which may require the promulgation of additional rules.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Bash Preview
It's only two nights to go before the biggest event of the year... the Thanksgiving Eve BlowOut Bash at the Nestor's replete with Buffalo wings, White Trash Balls, Macaroni and Cheese, and of course... the King of Scotch, Lagavulin Single Malt.
~
For those insidious Wussys among you who complain that drinking Lagavulin is like drinking terpentine (BLASPHEMY!) there will be Sams and Guinness flowing like wine. And there will also be wine.
~
This year, like every other in the pathetic series, we have not issued invitations... but if you don't come, you will be talked about incessantly concerning all of your earthly foibles and weaknesses.... so I'd come if I were you.
~
This year, as a special treat, we've asked Prince William and his newly betrothed, Kate to attend and they've graciously accepted. The word is that the Prince is a big fan of my Wings and White Trash Balls, so come early in case he decides to make a pig of himself and eat the whole platter.
~
Judiciously, I've decided not to invite Sarah Palin. Joanne knows how she turns me on, and I don't want to make everyone uncomfortable. So as a Mountain of a Man, I've taken the high road once again.
~
Most of the usual suspects will be here though, and I'm pretty sure that Tuna Lips will make his annual appearance, even though his identity can never be revealed.
~
For those of you who continue to ask me the annoying question of dress code, my answer is the same now as it's always been. Clothes are mandatory. Anybody showing up in full commando will be turned away.
~
This is a classy affair... for Cripes Sakes.
~
See you there.... or feel your ears burn.
~
For those insidious Wussys among you who complain that drinking Lagavulin is like drinking terpentine (BLASPHEMY!) there will be Sams and Guinness flowing like wine. And there will also be wine.
~
This year, like every other in the pathetic series, we have not issued invitations... but if you don't come, you will be talked about incessantly concerning all of your earthly foibles and weaknesses.... so I'd come if I were you.
~
This year, as a special treat, we've asked Prince William and his newly betrothed, Kate to attend and they've graciously accepted. The word is that the Prince is a big fan of my Wings and White Trash Balls, so come early in case he decides to make a pig of himself and eat the whole platter.
~
Judiciously, I've decided not to invite Sarah Palin. Joanne knows how she turns me on, and I don't want to make everyone uncomfortable. So as a Mountain of a Man, I've taken the high road once again.
~
Most of the usual suspects will be here though, and I'm pretty sure that Tuna Lips will make his annual appearance, even though his identity can never be revealed.
~
For those of you who continue to ask me the annoying question of dress code, my answer is the same now as it's always been. Clothes are mandatory. Anybody showing up in full commando will be turned away.
~
This is a classy affair... for Cripes Sakes.
~
See you there.... or feel your ears burn.
-
I am looking forward to many white trash balls...Prince Harry is much
more interesting and...Will there be full body scanners or pat downs by
any chance...?
____________________________________________________________________
Maria -
We will provide as many white trash balls as you can handle. Didn't invite Harry. Too much red tape, plus he doesn't have a hot fiancee. And yes..... There will be a lot of full body scans, especially in your case. Good luck with the pat downs.
- MOAM
Security Measures
I don't get the beef over the new airline safety procedures.
~
The TSA is just there for our safety. And even though every single airline terrorist has been a Muslim, let's not profile. Let's feel up everyone. Let the minimum wage TSA professional morons grope away.
~
And... while they have the rubber gloves on, might as well go with a full body cavity search.
~
Can't be too careful! The government is there to help us.
~
~
The TSA is just there for our safety. And even though every single airline terrorist has been a Muslim, let's not profile. Let's feel up everyone. Let the minimum wage TSA professional morons grope away.
~
And... while they have the rubber gloves on, might as well go with a full body cavity search.
~
Can't be too careful! The government is there to help us.
~
-
I has no problem, filosifizin wise, about pullin my man tackle out fer
thems to check. "Shock and Awe" and just some Gulf War jingoism.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Cornhusker Ass
eighth ranked Nebraska.~
No surprize to me.
~
The Aggies are the Official Nanepashemet Division 1 NCAA College Football Team, anchored by our own Benny Martin, who is an offensive line coach.
~
So it just goes without saying that they would manhandle a wussy team like the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
~
Ben had a small contingent of Marblehead Peeps help him with this one though. Not sure what help Scott McBurney could bring, but SuperPeeps Nate Clarke and Mike Nestor obviously added some value to the win.
~
I hope the post game festivities didn't get out of hand.
~
Way to go Ben. Kicking Cornhusker ASS!!!
(just kidding, Scotty Boy.)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
No Comparison
89 year old Geneva Sozanski was outside of the Lynn Eastern Ave. two family home where she has lived for fifty years or so. ~
At one o'clock in the afternoon, a 30 year old punk, named Nicholas Christian, made it his business to jump out of his car, slam her to the ground with such force that she was bleeding and unconscious so that he could steal her purse.
~
Christian is 30 years old.
~
Mrs. Sozanski is a greatgrandmother with two sons... both Dentists.
~
She has lived a long life of grace and dignity... and you can even now see the goodness in her beaten face.
~
I first met Mrs. Sozanski when I was in the 7th grade, hanging out with her son, Stephen. She was instrumental in my decision to attend graduate school at Boston University. I ran into her outside of a bakery on Lewis Street in Lynn in the summer, shortly after I had graduated from UMASS and taken a job as a Planner for the City of Lynn.
~
Mrs. Sozanski was happy to see me and we exchanged greetings, then she asked me where I was going to graduate school. I explained to her that I had a job now and probably wouldn't be going back to school. The look on her face was of shock and concern. "Oh, you shouldn't stop now, John, You have to get your Master's Degree," she said in a firm voice that I thought was uncharacteristic of her. We exchanged a few more niceties, then went our separate ways down the street.
~
Later on that week, I looked into the Master's Program of Urban Affairs at Boston University and enrolled in night school for the fall semester. The firm nudge from Mrs. Sozanski was the catalyst.
~
She is a warm and kind lady, and her comments to the media about the incident characterize her perfectly.
~
So Christian... back to you. If you have to knock old ladies senseless so that you can steal the paltry contents of their purses for your addictive fix, then, the worth of you as a human being speaks for itself. Sadly, there will always be slime at the bottom of the barrel like you.
~
But what makes me high on life is the Geneva Sozanski's that I have run into. People like Mrs. Sozanski make our lives so much richer, that we can afford to dismiss the depravity that you have made of your worthless life. She makes us able to endure the likes of you.
~
Good luck in the future, Christian. People like you rarely make it to age 89 like Mrs. Sozanski ... odds are, you won't be seeing 39.
Friday, November 19, 2010
POTW Week 47
Tommy McMahon, former POTY took the time to remind me that I missed the Peep of the Week selections last week.
~
No shit Tom.
~
Maybe I didn't miss it though... maybe I chose to ignore it.... and maybe I had a real good reason to do so.
~
Or... Maybe not.
~
Anyway, I'm going through the pathetic process today, so that I don't get any annoying reminders in a day or so.
~
On to the Weekend.
~
No shit Tom.
~
Maybe I didn't miss it though... maybe I chose to ignore it.... and maybe I had a real good reason to do so.
~
Or... Maybe not.
~
Anyway, I'm going through the pathetic process today, so that I don't get any annoying reminders in a day or so.
~
ANNOUNCING....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 47th week of 2010
Barbara Kessel
Tommy McMahon
Sam Khairi
Bill Hillegas
Susan Raiche
Eugene Noel
On to the Weekend.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Breaking News
Prince Will is getting married to Kate Middleton.
~
I know this.... because that's the only thing that the "Newscasters" on ABC can talk about for the last few mornings. It's even bigger news than Bristol Palin making the finals in Dancing With the Stars.
~
Neither issue concerns me. When you're a Mountain of a Man, you can't be detered by trivial voyeurism... even though Kate seems pretty hot.
~
I know this.... because that's the only thing that the "Newscasters" on ABC can talk about for the last few mornings. It's even bigger news than Bristol Palin making the finals in Dancing With the Stars.
~
Neither issue concerns me. When you're a Mountain of a Man, you can't be detered by trivial voyeurism... even though Kate seems pretty hot.
-
It will be a great irony if Queen 'Liz outlives Charlie Boy. He has been
the man who would be king for four decades since his playboy days in
the early '60's. And now, the Brits are rooting for Liz to hang on. The
crowd favorite for the king job is Will. And, of course, they are
falling in love with Kate just like they did with Di.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Bank of America Scam
So I bring the check that I received from the United States Treasury to the pleasant teller in the Bank of America, Vinnin Square, Swampscott office and make the deposit. She politely informs me that there will be a hold on the check until it clears.
~
Honey.... I don't mean to sound condescending, but if that check doesn't clear, then you and your big bureaucratic, faceless bank can kiss your ass good-bye. If a check from the US Treasury bounces, then we all better buy a 22 caliper rifle from LL Bean and head to the woods to kill rabbits, because we won't be eating otherwise.
~
Let's face it. Bank of America is holding my money because they are scammers. They just want the free use of it. I put up with this Bullshit because I have so much time and information invested in their on-line Internet payment system to my vendors and creditors.... and that's it.
~
One of these days, I'll stop being so lazy, pull my money out, and find a better deal.
~
Stupid, big, bureaucratic bank. I feel bad for the people who work there, because they are eunuchs, with absolutely no decision making power whatsoever.
Alex Ferrier said...
With interest rates where their at your better off just keeping your money in your house hidden in a safe.
dougmaxfield said...
Personally, I like small, local community banks that care. Anyone know where I can find one?
Tuna Lips said...
In the great American tradishuns of our forebears, Ise will be stuffing myself a bird and giving thanks fer such. Henrietta Thistletwat is Ole TL's latest muse.
~
Honey.... I don't mean to sound condescending, but if that check doesn't clear, then you and your big bureaucratic, faceless bank can kiss your ass good-bye. If a check from the US Treasury bounces, then we all better buy a 22 caliper rifle from LL Bean and head to the woods to kill rabbits, because we won't be eating otherwise.
~
Let's face it. Bank of America is holding my money because they are scammers. They just want the free use of it. I put up with this Bullshit because I have so much time and information invested in their on-line Internet payment system to my vendors and creditors.... and that's it.
~
One of these days, I'll stop being so lazy, pull my money out, and find a better deal.
~
Stupid, big, bureaucratic bank. I feel bad for the people who work there, because they are eunuchs, with absolutely no decision making power whatsoever.
Alex Ferrier said...
With interest rates where their at your better off just keeping your money in your house hidden in a safe.
dougmaxfield said...
Personally, I like small, local community banks that care. Anyone know where I can find one?
Tuna Lips said...
In the great American tradishuns of our forebears, Ise will be stuffing myself a bird and giving thanks fer such. Henrietta Thistletwat is Ole TL's latest muse.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Panel Cutting Rack
This week is crucial to getting things done. Next week is Thanksgiving which will be full of nice disruptions and distractions. Got a ton done on the Sundance building this weekend, but this week will be key to meeting the deadline of carpet in the first week of December.
~
Yesterday I got the system down for transporting sheets of MDF. Have some Home Depot guys help in the loading at the store, and when I get to Sundance, slide it off to a cutting rack of 2x4's that are mounted onto portable work benches set up at pickup gate height. The MDF slides off of the back of the F150 and onto the rack with literally no heaving lifting, where they are cut to sizel using a 7 1/2" circutlar saw with a straight cut jig.
~
Pictures to follow.
Tommy McMahon, former POTY said.....
You realize you didn't do a peep of the week for last week when probably the most deserving peep, Shalane Flanagan, should have been named?
You're better than that J, come on now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You're right, Tom.... I'm so ashamed. Flanagan did deserve it.... with her second place in the NY Marathon. But then again... she let that African beat her, which was hard to overlook.
~
Yesterday I got the system down for transporting sheets of MDF. Have some Home Depot guys help in the loading at the store, and when I get to Sundance, slide it off to a cutting rack of 2x4's that are mounted onto portable work benches set up at pickup gate height. The MDF slides off of the back of the F150 and onto the rack with literally no heaving lifting, where they are cut to sizel using a 7 1/2" circutlar saw with a straight cut jig.
~
Pictures to follow.
Tommy McMahon, former POTY said.....
You realize you didn't do a peep of the week for last week when probably the most deserving peep, Shalane Flanagan, should have been named?
You're better than that J, come on now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You're right, Tom.... I'm so ashamed. Flanagan did deserve it.... with her second place in the NY Marathon. But then again... she let that African beat her, which was hard to overlook.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
No Doubt on Deadline
We're half way through November and the deadline to complete the ground floor of the Sundance building is starting to loom large. Plus we have Thanksgiving and the Annual Night Before Bash within that timeframe.
~
I've got a ton of stuff to finish, including drywall mud, raised panel wainscotting, crown moulding, baseboards, and finally painting all of it. The carpet is due in the first week of December.
~
There's no way that I won't be ready. As I Mountain of a Man, there can be no question that the work will be done, and at the highest quality by the time the carpet is delivered.
~
Pictures to follow.
~
That's how I roll.
~
I've got a ton of stuff to finish, including drywall mud, raised panel wainscotting, crown moulding, baseboards, and finally painting all of it. The carpet is due in the first week of December.
~
There's no way that I won't be ready. As I Mountain of a Man, there can be no question that the work will be done, and at the highest quality by the time the carpet is delivered.
~
Pictures to follow.
~
That's how I roll.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Stupid Costco Run
Peeps...
~
Remember when I told you how stupid it was to have a couple of beers at lunch on a Friday afternoon, then stop in a Costco on the way home?
~
And how you end up buying $300 bucks worth of bulk goods????
~
Like 16 sticks of salted butter, 40 packets of microwave popcorn, three pairs of boxer shorts, two gallons of margarita mix (naturally a liter of tequila... and I don't even drink tequila), and 2 lbs. each of slice provolone, cheddar and harvarti cheese.
~
Because when you have two beers and a scotch chaser in you, money is no object. You can afford anything because nothing can stop you.
~
But by the time you pull up in front of your house, reality sets in.
~
Stupid.
~
Remember when I told you how stupid it was to have a couple of beers at lunch on a Friday afternoon, then stop in a Costco on the way home?
~
And how you end up buying $300 bucks worth of bulk goods????
~
Like 16 sticks of salted butter, 40 packets of microwave popcorn, three pairs of boxer shorts, two gallons of margarita mix (naturally a liter of tequila... and I don't even drink tequila), and 2 lbs. each of slice provolone, cheddar and harvarti cheese.
~
Because when you have two beers and a scotch chaser in you, money is no object. You can afford anything because nothing can stop you.
~
But by the time you pull up in front of your house, reality sets in.
~
Stupid.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veteran Service
Today is Veteran's Day. I'm not a Veteran.
~
My Grandfather, my Father and my Father-in- Law served in World War I, World War II and the Korean War respectively, and all three were disabled American Veterans. I'm so proud of them and thankful for their service.
~
My turn was Vietnam. A decent amount of guys who graduated ahead of me at Lynn English did tours there. In those days, the draft was in place, and you had a number placed on yorur birthday based upon a drawing.
~
I was at UMass, Amherst, and had gone through the first two years of a very unpopular Army ROTC program where I had attained the rank of Corporal by the end of my sophomore year. I actually enjoyed it. We learned about military strategy in wars from the ancient Greeks to World War II. We learned how to march and conducted drills in the athletic field.
~
It was tough in the dorms, because we had to wear full military dress uniforms and had to keep our hair short, which was a problem in the early 70's. We were open targets to anti-war hippy types. That never bothered me though. I think I intimidated the Hippy's a lot more than they did me.
~
Those of you who know me can probably picture that.
~
Aaron Boykin and I were the only kids in the James House dorm who dressed up in uniforms twice a week to go to ROTC Class. Aaron was a black kid from Springfield, MA in the 70's with a full 70's afro that went way past the ROTC dress code. He played lead guitar in a rock band, and most of the time, really looked the part.
~
The morning before each ROTC class, Aaron would grease down his afro so that his hair would fit under his military dress cap. Since we never took those hats off in class, he got over every week.
~
The morning came when Aaron didn't have the time to go through the greased down hair routine. He lived across the hall from me, and we got dressed in our uniforms and headed for the half mile walk to the ROTC building. The whole way, Aaron kept trying to stuff his Afro hair into his Cap. When he stuffed it in one way, it stuck out the opposite site. It was freaking hilarious.
~
By the time we got to the ROTC building, we were running a little late, and the Captain in charge of the program was standing outside the door. I forget this guy's name, but he was bit of a Psycho, had a bad temper, and there were a lot of wild stories circulating around about what a crazy bastard he was. Plus he had a huge scar on the side of his head.
~
Right away, the Captain started in on us. "Gentlemen, you are running late... don't you know what time class starts?"
~
Aaron and I tried to shuffle by quickly , but then the Captain zeroed in. "You... Corporal Nestor... fix Boykin's hat."
~
I positioned myself behind Aaron's head so that the Captain couldn't see my face. Aaron had his back to the angry Captain. So there we were face to face positioned so that the Captain couldn't see either of our expressions. Every time I tugged one way, that freaking cap popped up the other way.
~
Boykin and I were killing ourselves with suppressed laughter. I was summoning every ounce of my then developing Mountain of a Man power to keep from breaking out into an unrestrained howl. Finally the Captain ended our predicament by bellowing for us to "Get the Hell into class".
~
After that Sophomore year, my draft number came up at 354. There was no way that I would be drafted. I folded up my uniform, took it to the ROTC building and handed to the officer there, telling him what my number was. We both understood that Reserve Officer Training Corps had ended at UMASS for me and I would not be signing a contract in my Junior year.
~
Vietnam ended anyway a short time later, and I never would have gone.
~
So I never served. Which I regret today.
~
But there is a deep resevoir of gratitude that I hold for those who did. It is incomprehensible how different our life would be today, if those in our direct families hadn't made such sacrifices for us.
~
For starters... we don't talk German, Japanese or Russian. English is still the official language here.... although that is probably the topic for a different post.
~
Thank you American Veterans. For preserving our way of life in the greatest country in the world.
~
My Grandfather, my Father and my Father-in- Law served in World War I, World War II and the Korean War respectively, and all three were disabled American Veterans. I'm so proud of them and thankful for their service.
~
My turn was Vietnam. A decent amount of guys who graduated ahead of me at Lynn English did tours there. In those days, the draft was in place, and you had a number placed on yorur birthday based upon a drawing.
~
I was at UMass, Amherst, and had gone through the first two years of a very unpopular Army ROTC program where I had attained the rank of Corporal by the end of my sophomore year. I actually enjoyed it. We learned about military strategy in wars from the ancient Greeks to World War II. We learned how to march and conducted drills in the athletic field.
~
It was tough in the dorms, because we had to wear full military dress uniforms and had to keep our hair short, which was a problem in the early 70's. We were open targets to anti-war hippy types. That never bothered me though. I think I intimidated the Hippy's a lot more than they did me.
~
Those of you who know me can probably picture that.
~
Aaron Boykin and I were the only kids in the James House dorm who dressed up in uniforms twice a week to go to ROTC Class. Aaron was a black kid from Springfield, MA in the 70's with a full 70's afro that went way past the ROTC dress code. He played lead guitar in a rock band, and most of the time, really looked the part.
~
The morning before each ROTC class, Aaron would grease down his afro so that his hair would fit under his military dress cap. Since we never took those hats off in class, he got over every week.
~
The morning came when Aaron didn't have the time to go through the greased down hair routine. He lived across the hall from me, and we got dressed in our uniforms and headed for the half mile walk to the ROTC building. The whole way, Aaron kept trying to stuff his Afro hair into his Cap. When he stuffed it in one way, it stuck out the opposite site. It was freaking hilarious.
~
By the time we got to the ROTC building, we were running a little late, and the Captain in charge of the program was standing outside the door. I forget this guy's name, but he was bit of a Psycho, had a bad temper, and there were a lot of wild stories circulating around about what a crazy bastard he was. Plus he had a huge scar on the side of his head.
~
Right away, the Captain started in on us. "Gentlemen, you are running late... don't you know what time class starts?"
~
Aaron and I tried to shuffle by quickly , but then the Captain zeroed in. "You... Corporal Nestor... fix Boykin's hat."
~
I positioned myself behind Aaron's head so that the Captain couldn't see my face. Aaron had his back to the angry Captain. So there we were face to face positioned so that the Captain couldn't see either of our expressions. Every time I tugged one way, that freaking cap popped up the other way.
~
Boykin and I were killing ourselves with suppressed laughter. I was summoning every ounce of my then developing Mountain of a Man power to keep from breaking out into an unrestrained howl. Finally the Captain ended our predicament by bellowing for us to "Get the Hell into class".
~
After that Sophomore year, my draft number came up at 354. There was no way that I would be drafted. I folded up my uniform, took it to the ROTC building and handed to the officer there, telling him what my number was. We both understood that Reserve Officer Training Corps had ended at UMASS for me and I would not be signing a contract in my Junior year.
~
Vietnam ended anyway a short time later, and I never would have gone.
~
So I never served. Which I regret today.
~
But there is a deep resevoir of gratitude that I hold for those who did. It is incomprehensible how different our life would be today, if those in our direct families hadn't made such sacrifices for us.
~
For starters... we don't talk German, Japanese or Russian. English is still the official language here.... although that is probably the topic for a different post.
~
Thank you American Veterans. For preserving our way of life in the greatest country in the world.
-
Good story, good thought. Thanks.
Addiction Fix
Even though Nanepashemet Telecom is crushing it with the normal end of the year business crunch, I've still found a way diversify our site acquisition offering with our highly touted Buyer's Brokers services. It's important to remember that the final output of any business is not just a product, service or a sale.
~
It's customer satisfaction.... or dissatisfaction as the case may be.
~
So when I found out that some Peeps had been screwed around with in the market and needed some real estate service to purchase a home.... what choice did I have???? We had to rectify the situation... creating some satisfaction.
~
But the funny thing about making people happy, is that it's a two way street. The happiness comes back to you exponentially. To the point where it can be addictive. Given my experience, strengths and weaknesses... the Buyer's Broker service that so many of you are asking for, is the perfect fix for me.
MORE
~
It's customer satisfaction.... or dissatisfaction as the case may be.
~
So when I found out that some Peeps had been screwed around with in the market and needed some real estate service to purchase a home.... what choice did I have???? We had to rectify the situation... creating some satisfaction.
~
But the funny thing about making people happy, is that it's a two way street. The happiness comes back to you exponentially. To the point where it can be addictive. Given my experience, strengths and weaknesses... the Buyer's Broker service that so many of you are asking for, is the perfect fix for me.
MORE
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
The Real Estate Opportunity
More
Ever since I've offered a $2,000 American Express Gift Card to anyone who closed on a real estate purchase using our Buyer's Brokers Services... It's been havoc.
~
Peeps... if you think that you are putting me to the test.... you're fighting out of your weight class.
~
I don't care how many of you sign up.... I said it and I'll do it. The more of you that sign up, just means that I have to dig deeply into my Mountain of a Man reserves.....
~
It's a Buyer's market now, and you have to make hay while the sun shines. With prices remaining stable and mortgage rates at an all time low, you'll be happy in a short time that you decided to buy a new home.
~
If you're willing to make the move, I'll be there to see this through with you.
~
Many of you don't know that former Peep of the Year, Michael "Murph" Murphy was one of the first to jump on this offer, and ended up with the home of his dreams.
~
Murph said....
"The best thing that I did was to hire J. Nestor to represent me and Beth as our Buyer's Broker. There are so many sharks looking to take advantage of you in the real estate business and we met our share of them until Nanepashemet stepped in and paved the way for us to fnd and purchase the house of our dreams.. I would recommend J and his company to anyone."
~
Contact jnestor@nanepashemet.com for details. Or call 781-727-6516 anytime.
~
Just don't wait to buy Real Estate.... Buy Real Estate and wait.
Click for More information
Ever since I've offered a $2,000 American Express Gift Card to anyone who closed on a real estate purchase using our Buyer's Brokers Services... It's been havoc.
~
Peeps... if you think that you are putting me to the test.... you're fighting out of your weight class.
~
I don't care how many of you sign up.... I said it and I'll do it. The more of you that sign up, just means that I have to dig deeply into my Mountain of a Man reserves.....
~
It's a Buyer's market now, and you have to make hay while the sun shines. With prices remaining stable and mortgage rates at an all time low, you'll be happy in a short time that you decided to buy a new home.
~
If you're willing to make the move, I'll be there to see this through with you.
~
Many of you don't know that former Peep of the Year, Michael "Murph" Murphy was one of the first to jump on this offer, and ended up with the home of his dreams.
~
Murph said....
"The best thing that I did was to hire J. Nestor to represent me and Beth as our Buyer's Broker. There are so many sharks looking to take advantage of you in the real estate business and we met our share of them until Nanepashemet stepped in and paved the way for us to fnd and purchase the house of our dreams.. I would recommend J and his company to anyone."
~
Contact jnestor@nanepashemet.com for details. Or call 781-727-6516 anytime.
~
Just don't wait to buy Real Estate.... Buy Real Estate and wait.
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Saturday, November 06, 2010
Checking the Polls
So many of you Peeps have emailed me, called me, or stopped me on the street to ask me what went wrong.... Why did the Democrats carry the day so completely in Massachusetts????
~
What the hell do you think I am?.... some sort of poltitcal pundit prophet??? I don't have any freaking definititive answers. I do have a theory though.
~
In Massachusetts, the Democrats had a huge wake up call with the victory of Scott Brown over Martha Coakley for "Ted Kennedy's" Senate Seat. The lesson learned was... nothing is given, and you have to work for things.
~
The Dems in this state may seem stupid and naive at times... but they are not lazy. And when it comes to elections, they know that, regardless of the issues, a political organization that is organized at the precinct level can guarantee election if the effort is sustained.
~
This involves the initiation and organization of precinct captains, poll checkers, telephone callers and drivers to the polls to a minute detail.
~
In the City of Lynn for example, there are seven wards and twenty eight precincts. With a separate precinct captain in each, and a small cadre of poll checkers and telephoners, it used to be a simple process to determine who had voted on Election day, and who had not. By the end of the day, with a little motivation like picking up people and driving them to the polls, we were able to guanrantee that all of the people who were in favor of our candidate had voted.
~
Every time we worked this system, our candidate won.... without fail. And I'm talking about some guys that were elected, who the pundits had ruled out without a doubt. It was a mechanical process... make sure that your supporters made it to the polls, and ignore anyone who was neutral or against your candidate.
~
By virtue of the fact that the majority of the voters in a community don't vote in elections, this process was highly successful.
~
Last Tuesday, as I went to my polling place in the Marblehead Senior Center, I noticed poll checkers sitting behind the ballot workers for the first time since I moved to Marblehead over 25 years ago. When I asked the checker who he was working for, he said, "the Democratic Party".
~
In Massachusetts, Democrats carried every Congressional seat as well as the Governor. The Democratic sweep here completely bucked the trend as nationally, Republicans picked up over 70 seats to capture the majority of the House of Representatives.
~
Did Scott Brown wake up the Democrats in Massachusetts? Maybe he did.
Tool Shop Owner said...
~
What the hell do you think I am?.... some sort of poltitcal pundit prophet??? I don't have any freaking definititive answers. I do have a theory though.
~
In Massachusetts, the Democrats had a huge wake up call with the victory of Scott Brown over Martha Coakley for "Ted Kennedy's" Senate Seat. The lesson learned was... nothing is given, and you have to work for things.
~
The Dems in this state may seem stupid and naive at times... but they are not lazy. And when it comes to elections, they know that, regardless of the issues, a political organization that is organized at the precinct level can guarantee election if the effort is sustained.
~
This involves the initiation and organization of precinct captains, poll checkers, telephone callers and drivers to the polls to a minute detail.
~
In the City of Lynn for example, there are seven wards and twenty eight precincts. With a separate precinct captain in each, and a small cadre of poll checkers and telephoners, it used to be a simple process to determine who had voted on Election day, and who had not. By the end of the day, with a little motivation like picking up people and driving them to the polls, we were able to guanrantee that all of the people who were in favor of our candidate had voted.
~
Every time we worked this system, our candidate won.... without fail. And I'm talking about some guys that were elected, who the pundits had ruled out without a doubt. It was a mechanical process... make sure that your supporters made it to the polls, and ignore anyone who was neutral or against your candidate.
~
By virtue of the fact that the majority of the voters in a community don't vote in elections, this process was highly successful.
~
Last Tuesday, as I went to my polling place in the Marblehead Senior Center, I noticed poll checkers sitting behind the ballot workers for the first time since I moved to Marblehead over 25 years ago. When I asked the checker who he was working for, he said, "the Democratic Party".
~
In Massachusetts, Democrats carried every Congressional seat as well as the Governor. The Democratic sweep here completely bucked the trend as nationally, Republicans picked up over 70 seats to capture the majority of the House of Representatives.
~
Did Scott Brown wake up the Democrats in Massachusetts? Maybe he did.
Time to get to the bottom line. We need to stand for something.
Offers Open for Heaven in Marblehead
Peeps....
Maybe I'm naive, but my expectation was that minutes after announcing that 32 Beverly Ave. was for sale, that you would be flooding me with offers.
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Even if the Nanepashemet Blog had not started here, and even if boats that are works of art had not been crafted in the hallowed garage... 32 Beverly Ave. would still be a great place to live.
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Tommy O lives across the street. That fact alone should spur you to make this life changing investment. Plus, I've thrown in the American Express Gift Card. Maybe I'll include a kayak or two.
~
C'mon.... I'm getting sick of waiting. Time to move on to West Shore Drive.
Maybe I'm naive, but my expectation was that minutes after announcing that 32 Beverly Ave. was for sale, that you would be flooding me with offers.
~
Even if the Nanepashemet Blog had not started here, and even if boats that are works of art had not been crafted in the hallowed garage... 32 Beverly Ave. would still be a great place to live.
~
Tommy O lives across the street. That fact alone should spur you to make this life changing investment. Plus, I've thrown in the American Express Gift Card. Maybe I'll include a kayak or two.
~
C'mon.... I'm getting sick of waiting. Time to move on to West Shore Drive.
POTW Week 45
I know that I've let a couple of weeks lapse in this weekly duty. Not sure why. October was the slowest month in the 5 year history of this pathetic blog.
~
I'll try to be a better person.
~
Announcing...
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 45th week of 2010
Brian Donovan
Pat Piscatelli
Stacey Butler
Charlie Baker
Emily Engardia
Tommy O'Shea
There.... now we are back to abnormal.
~
I'll try to be a better person.
~
Announcing...
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 45th week of 2010
Brian Donovan
Pat Piscatelli
Stacey Butler
Charlie Baker
Emily Engardia
Tommy O'Shea
There.... now we are back to abnormal.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Raised Panels
I've been busy this week making raised panel wainscotting out of medium density fiberboard plywood (MDF) for the family room at the former Sundance Pre-School on West Shore Drive. Still don't know if this is a good idea.
~
On the one hand....
MDF is a stable material, with no voids like other plywood, and it routs and cuts very cleanly and crisply. It doesn't chip like #2 pine, requires virtually no sanding and you have the option of unlimited panel size.
~
On the other hand....
It is heavy as hell. Even a Mountain of a Man like myself has a hard time lugging the 97 lb. 4'x8' sheets around the work area. And the sawdust that it exudes is fine and irritating. A dusk mask and vacuum is crucial, but the sawdust still gets out of control.
~
I haven't gotten to the point where I can evaluate the ability of the stuff to accept coats of primer and paint. That will come soon though because I have all of the stock cut to rails, stiles and panels and hope to have all of the wainscotting assembled by the end of the weekend.
~
I'm convinced that the raised paneling is a good idea though. It lends a lot of character to a room and is worth the effort. I had initially wanted to go with bead board throughout, but my daughter Kate thought that it looked cheesy compared to the raised panels. I agree, but the raised panels are super labor intensive.
~
Even with the router tables, and raised panel bit set that I invested in years ago, it is a time sucking activity.
~
Ultimately, since raised panel wainscotting is so expensive, or such a pain in the ass to do from scratch as I am doing. it generally adds value to the property.
~
That is my ulterior motive, but if I'm going to live there, I might as well be surroundied by the fine woodworking detail that I have become accustomed to.
~
On the one hand....
MDF is a stable material, with no voids like other plywood, and it routs and cuts very cleanly and crisply. It doesn't chip like #2 pine, requires virtually no sanding and you have the option of unlimited panel size.
~
On the other hand....
It is heavy as hell. Even a Mountain of a Man like myself has a hard time lugging the 97 lb. 4'x8' sheets around the work area. And the sawdust that it exudes is fine and irritating. A dusk mask and vacuum is crucial, but the sawdust still gets out of control.
~
I haven't gotten to the point where I can evaluate the ability of the stuff to accept coats of primer and paint. That will come soon though because I have all of the stock cut to rails, stiles and panels and hope to have all of the wainscotting assembled by the end of the weekend.
~
I'm convinced that the raised paneling is a good idea though. It lends a lot of character to a room and is worth the effort. I had initially wanted to go with bead board throughout, but my daughter Kate thought that it looked cheesy compared to the raised panels. I agree, but the raised panels are super labor intensive.
~
Even with the router tables, and raised panel bit set that I invested in years ago, it is a time sucking activity.
~
Ultimately, since raised panel wainscotting is so expensive, or such a pain in the ass to do from scratch as I am doing. it generally adds value to the property.
~
That is my ulterior motive, but if I'm going to live there, I might as well be surroundied by the fine woodworking detail that I have become accustomed to.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Election Results
Interesting Election.
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From what I saw, Barney Frank is a pompous idiot, but kept his job and Nancy Pelosi, that out of touch Facist, lost her job. So that was a wash.
~
I was happy for reasons that I won't be sharing with you that Deval Patrick and John Tierney kept their seats in Massachusetts.
Tuna Lips said...
Ise thinks Nan is one good pleasuring from behind by ole TL from seein' the light. Not so many is such a way. My work is never done.
~
From what I saw, Barney Frank is a pompous idiot, but kept his job and Nancy Pelosi, that out of touch Facist, lost her job. So that was a wash.
~
I was happy for reasons that I won't be sharing with you that Deval Patrick and John Tierney kept their seats in Massachusetts.
Tuna Lips said...
Ise thinks Nan is one good pleasuring from behind by ole TL from seein' the light. Not so many is such a way. My work is never done.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Sexual Preference
So today when I grabbed a quick peanut butter and jelly sandwich and glass of juice during a break in the action at Nanepashemet Telecom, I sat down and caught a little of the Oprah Show. Ricky Martin was proclaiming to the world that he was a Homosexual.
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What a shocker!
~
Lucky me that I picked that particular moment in time to randomly sit in front of the TV. Otherwise I might have missed this momentous occasion.
~
I probably don't have to remind you that this is one freaking phucked up world that we live in. I mean.... who gives a greasy fart which side of the green that you putt from. But just when we thought it couldn't get any weirder, I have this revelation to give to all of you.
~
I am a Heterosexual. A practicing Heterosexual. In fact.... I try to practice as much as possible.
~
All of these years, I've kept it pent up inside of me, busting to come out.... so to speak.
I've kept it from my family.... didn't think that they would accept my affinity for women.
~
I feel so free now.
TommyO said...
Holy Cow,
Pardon the pun,,,,
But Juice with Peanut Butter and Jelly. Come on Man... Milk is the only way to wash that baby down.... TommyO
~
What a shocker!
~
Lucky me that I picked that particular moment in time to randomly sit in front of the TV. Otherwise I might have missed this momentous occasion.
~
I probably don't have to remind you that this is one freaking phucked up world that we live in. I mean.... who gives a greasy fart which side of the green that you putt from. But just when we thought it couldn't get any weirder, I have this revelation to give to all of you.
~
I am a Heterosexual. A practicing Heterosexual. In fact.... I try to practice as much as possible.
~
All of these years, I've kept it pent up inside of me, busting to come out.... so to speak.
I've kept it from my family.... didn't think that they would accept my affinity for women.
~
I feel so free now.
TommyO said...
Holy Cow,
Pardon the pun,,,,
But Juice with Peanut Butter and Jelly. Come on Man... Milk is the only way to wash that baby down.... TommyO
American Express Gift Card
The experience of helping Michael "Murph" Murphy and his wife Beth find their home in Southborough was really satisfying. Regardless of some glitches in the process and a couple of hurdles to overcome, the result and good feelings in the end have made me decide to increase my activity as a Buyer's Broker, representing Peeps find homes and investment properties.
~
Even though there is no direct cost for this service, I've decided to sweeten the pot by giving a $2,000 American Express Gift Card to any Peep who purchases a property through my help. This will set them straight buying furnishings or appliances, and add to my overall good feelings.
~
And feeling good is what's important... Right??? Plus, if anyone of you decides to buy 32 Beverly Ave. in Marblehead, the Gift Card will follow as well.
32 Beverly Ave.
~
Even though there is no direct cost for this service, I've decided to sweeten the pot by giving a $2,000 American Express Gift Card to any Peep who purchases a property through my help. This will set them straight buying furnishings or appliances, and add to my overall good feelings.
~
And feeling good is what's important... Right??? Plus, if anyone of you decides to buy 32 Beverly Ave. in Marblehead, the Gift Card will follow as well.
32 Beverly Ave.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
For Sale
32 Beverly Ave. is for Sale - Buy the birthplace of this Blog and Seal your Spot in History.
Official Has-Been Hockey Team of Nanepashemet
Most of you probably know this already, but the Official Has-Been Hockey Team of Nanepashemet - MooseKnuckles, has a spin off team known as the Knucks. Mike Nestor, Dave Bruett and Scott Marcus spearheaded the split.
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Normally, this could create quite a dilemma. These are mighty Peeps who have left the officially endorsed team.
~
But being a Mountain of a Man for so long has given me King Solomon like, razor sharp judgement skills. I mean, if I had a bad fried clam from Hooked... would I take back the endorsement???
~
If my "ORDA FO NESTA" from Feng Yang came back with a little too much MSG.... would I immediately be searching for some different Chinese????
~
Course we'll be rooting for the Knucks, but the MooseKnuckles still have the official endorsement. How could it be any other way?
~
Normally, this could create quite a dilemma. These are mighty Peeps who have left the officially endorsed team.
~
But being a Mountain of a Man for so long has given me King Solomon like, razor sharp judgement skills. I mean, if I had a bad fried clam from Hooked... would I take back the endorsement???
~
If my "ORDA FO NESTA" from Feng Yang came back with a little too much MSG.... would I immediately be searching for some different Chinese????
~
Course we'll be rooting for the Knucks, but the MooseKnuckles still have the official endorsement. How could it be any other way?
- From Brian Donovan, Captain of the Mooseknuckles(Not your ordinary Nuck)
-As a long time listener, no time caller, I have become avid consumer of all things Nanepashemet. It is with great pride and humility that I accept the honor of “Official Has-Been Hockey Team of Nanepashemet”. Although I loathe diluting the distinction, it is worth mentioning that a small sliver of my satisfaction is due to the bitter pill that Mike “ORDA FOR NESTA” is digesting having lost the endorsement face-off. I do share some gratitude to Dave, Scott and ORDA for making the changes that needed to be made. I am a fan and wish nothing but success to the Baby Nucks; unless of course they are playing the real Nucks.
Far be it from me to correct a purveyor of such fine cuisine, but as a gentle reminder, there is no K in Nucks. - ___________________________________________________________________
- Kut the Krap on the K Korrection.
RIP - Attorney John N. Nestor
 This guy saved my life.~ When I was under economic attack in the early nineties, John beat back all of my attackers. Without his help, my career, and my life would never have recovered. ~ He had a life filled with remarkable experiences, from his childhood in the thirties as a scruffy Irish neighborhood kid in West Lynn, to the unwritten fact that during World War II, he flew 125 missions over Germany in a B-29 Flying Fortress and survived.....when the average pilot died within 25 missions. ~ When I asked him why he volunteered for all of those extra missions when he only was required to fly 25, he said that he never thought that he could die. ~ I once bought him a framed print from Kennedy Studios showing a couple of B-29's under attack by German Messerschmidt fighter planes. When I presented it to him, John stared at it for awhile silently. I was afraid that I made a mistake by stirring up some bad memories, and finally broke the silence by asking him if anything was wrong. "There certainly is something wrong," John said in a measured reply...... And I started to think that he would say that the gun turrents were in the wrong place or that the planes were painted inaccurately in some way. After another brief silence, he said, "The problem with this picture is that those fucking Messerschmidt's would have never gotten in that close to us." ~ But he never hung that print in his office for whatever reason. He also never forgave the Germans or the Japanese. ~ As a District Attorney, John tried many murder cases and once said that he didn't believe in the insanity defense, because if you saw the atrocities at crime sites that he had seen, then you would agree that everyone who murdered somebody else was at least temporarily insane. ~ Unlike many lawyers, John never made a big score. He certainly didn't score when he helped me climb out of bankruptcy while I was dead on my ass financially. But, he always helped people regardless of their ability to pay. ~ He had almost a childlike interest in things, and you could always see how some stuff shocked the hell out of him. ~ Yet he was tough as nails and had a compelling presence as a litigator in court. I saw him wade through deposition after deposition with major Boston law firms, patiently waiting for court trial where he shredded those high priced bastards with his adherence to honesty and the truth and his ability to convey that to the judge and jury. He didn't need a small army of paralegals carrying boxes of exhibits. Everything was all laid out in his head and exited in Court with a powerful voice. ~ I have to admit that when my own court appearance with him was beginning, I thought I was doomed since he didn't seem close to being as prepared as the three Boston lawyers with their boxes of exhibits sitting across the aisle. Then, when they gave their opening arguments, replete with twisted facts that seemed backed up by piles of documentation, I conceded that my life was over. ~ John handed me a yellow legal pad, and said, "Take Notes." My first note was "WTF!" ~ But when it was his turn to respond, he kicked the shit out of their arguments, off the top of his head. He annihilated their witnesses, and made their case look like what it was..... contrived, greedy and manipulated. I can still hear the words of Judge Carol Kenner when she announced her dicision... "I find the defendant not guilt of any wrongdoing WHATSOEVER." John and I put the yellow pad in my briefcase and were out of the courtroom in seconds. ~ When I asked John how he did it, he said that he didn't spend a lot of time on all of that out of court stuff. He said that he always let the opposition make the opening argument, and observed what they were saying and how the judge and jury were responding. Then he would craft his response. ~ On two social occasions I have spoken to sitting judges who knew John, and their admiration for him was genuine and complete. ~ Over the years, since we shared the same name, a lot of people would ask me if I was John Nestor the lawyer, and I would tell them that he was a distant cousin. The truth is that I'm not even close to being worthy of being confused of being him. ~ I just found out this morning that he died and feel really bad that I hadn't seen him for the last few years. ~ If there is a heaven, then John is sitting there now, surrounded by a huge crowd of people that he helped while he roamed this earth. ~ Thank you, John.
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