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.
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So I guess that I'll jump right to the resolutions.
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This year, I want to try to implement what I already know.
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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.
Friday, December 31, 2010
2011 Nanepashemet Peep of the Year
It’s December 31… the last day of 2010.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
It's Christmas Eve. A time to reflect on "Peace on Earth" and "Goodwill towards Men".
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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.
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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.
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So maybe we should hope to attain these states... but not necessarily expect them.
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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.
~
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 other day, that pseudo-intellectual moron, Nina Totenberg of National Public Radio excused herself for using the expression "Christmas Party".
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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".
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I'm actually past being aggravated by phonies like Nina... they are so out of touch, that they have become amusing.
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Scatch that.... they still piss me off. Egotistical Stupid Morons.
~
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
There has been a decent amount of discourse lately about the fact that the new Speaker of the House, John Beohner. is a weeper. He breaks down and cries easily.
~
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.
~
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
Seems like Ryan has made a hit with his Christmas Cards. Two Blogs, NorthShoreWaterMan and Harvey's Thoughts have been touting them and numerous Peeps have remarked about how nice they were.
~
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.
~
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
We went to the Lynn Museum tonight where Lou Panakio was being inducted as a "Lynn Legacy". It's a nice honor to be remembered as a contributor to life in a community, and Lou certainly deserves this recognition.
~
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.
~
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.
- Tuna Lips said...
-
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
The Patriots demolished the Jets last night, 45 to 3, in a battle for first place.
~
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?
~
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.
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