Comments on: Fed up with the fast life http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/ FSB Features Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:30:20 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Daniel, Williamsville, VT http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-14137 Daniel, Williamsville, VT Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:49:42 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-14137 Indeed. This store has been closed for almost two years. Sitting empty in the center of the village. What is Mr. Goldenhill doing with it now? Tax write-off? Certainly not making Williamsville a more vibrant place to live. Too much money and too little interest in how his unilateral decisions have excised the heart of this wonderful place. His former partner is running the Newfane Cafe near the common in Newfane Village. Good food but I agree with life lessons...Maybe Mr. Underhill should sell the General Store to someone with a true interest in community who could reopen it as just a good old general store and wash away the taint of wall street money. Indeed. This store has been closed for almost two years. Sitting empty in the center of the village. What is Mr. Goldenhill doing with it now? Tax write-off? Certainly not making Williamsville a more vibrant place to live. Too much money and too little interest in how his unilateral decisions have excised the heart of this wonderful place. His former partner is running the Newfane Cafe near the common in Newfane Village. Good food but I agree with life lessons…Maybe Mr. Underhill should sell the General Store to someone with a true interest in community who could reopen it as just a good old general store and wash away the taint of wall street money.

]]> By: life lessons in VT... http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-13760 life lessons in VT... Mon, 04 May 2009 18:05:41 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-13760 I would love to see a follow up article on this... The store or "bistro" has been closed for years because they alinated the local population. They have since moved to another location in a near by town and are now in the process of putting the local market there out of business while the failed store sits vacant... I must say they do make good food but it is capitalism meets the country at its best. I would love to see a follow up article on this… The store or "bistro" has been closed for years because they alinated the local population. They have since moved to another location in a near by town and are now in the process of putting the local market there out of business while the failed store sits vacant… I must say they do make good food but it is capitalism meets the country at its best.

]]> By: Thomas,Tulsa,OK http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-351 Thomas,Tulsa,OK Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:27:18 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-351 In a heart beat!! Lost a great little restaurant 6 years ago today. Working like a dog and will turn 50 in two months. But I have my health!!! In a heart beat!!
Lost a great little restaurant 6 years ago today. Working like a dog and will turn 50 in two months. But I have my health!!!

]]> By: Leon Ramsay,Jamaica http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-163 Leon Ramsay,Jamaica Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:40:57 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-163 these companies are as we say in Jamaica "likkle but tallawah" these companies are as we say in Jamaica "likkle but tallawah"

]]> By: Rich E, Honolulu, Hawaii http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-148 Rich E, Honolulu, Hawaii Fri, 06 Jul 2007 01:11:48 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-148 Rob, I like your style! I was Rob's clerk nearly 20 years ago and it's good to see that he's made the right choices in life. My friend, it's great to hear that all is well! Aloha! Rob, I like your style! I was Rob's clerk nearly 20 years ago and it's good to see that he's made the right choices in life. My friend, it's great to hear that all is well!

Aloha!

]]> By: Yash Pal, Burlington, Ontario http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-147 Yash Pal, Burlington, Ontario Sun, 01 Jul 2007 15:42:13 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-147 The report provides very valuable information that can form the basis of making investment decisions. Wish the report delved into a little more information pertaining to whether the company is publicly traded - in the main body of the report. The report provides very valuable information that can form the basis of making investment decisions. Wish the report delved into a little more information pertaining to whether the company is publicly traded – in the main body of the report.

]]> By: Yadgyu, Harkeyville, TX http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-137 Yadgyu, Harkeyville, TX Tue, 12 Jun 2007 23:19:40 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-137 Forget that! I would rather work 80 hours a week, drink coffee all day, take sleeping pills at night, stay tired and stressed out and make millions of dollars. People think spending time doing things you enjoy is the way to live. But most people find out that this is boring because they can't share their experiences with their friends and family still stuck in the rat race. It's better to be in the rat race with everyone else than it is to be on the outside all bored and lonely. Working people don't want to hear the complaints of a rich retiree. They want to hear the mindless rants and problems and stress and confusion of other working class people. The purpose of life is to work until you die anyway. Forget that!

I would rather work 80 hours a week, drink coffee all day, take sleeping pills at night, stay tired and stressed out and make millions of dollars. People think spending time doing things you enjoy is the way to live. But most people find out that this is boring because they can't share their experiences with their friends and family still stuck in the rat race. It's better to be in the rat race with everyone else than it is to be on the outside all bored and lonely. Working people don't want to hear the complaints of a rich retiree. They want to hear the mindless rants and problems and stress and confusion of other working class people. The purpose of life is to work until you die anyway.

]]> By: Andy M., Portland, OR http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-38 Andy M., Portland, OR Fri, 04 May 2007 07:05:32 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-38 Give it up for the slow life? Sure! Most (or many) people would, but most people don't have the comfort of a few "units" in the bank to fall back on when the soup isn't selling. Rob's life is ideal, but he already has the luxury of not having to make a living at it. Give it up for the slow life? Sure! Most (or many) people would, but most people don't have the comfort of a few "units" in the bank to fall back on when the soup isn't selling. Rob's life is ideal, but he already has the luxury of not having to make a living at it.

]]> By: Marshall, Williamsville, VT http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-37 Marshall, Williamsville, VT Wed, 02 May 2007 15:21:42 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-37 Hi: I live in Williamsville, and have been to the store many times [it's closed for renovations at the moment]. Rob's done a great thing for this small town. True, the store is more upscale, but it has [or had pre-renovation] the basics. And he's extremely generous. the problem is due to location it's a near impossible place to really make money, but they couldn't have done a better job with the place. Hi:
I live in Williamsville, and have been to the store many times [it's closed for renovations at the moment]. Rob's done a great thing for this small town. True, the store is more upscale, but it has [or had pre-renovation] the basics. And he's extremely generous. the problem is due to location it's a near impossible place to really make money, but they couldn't have done a better job with the place.

]]> By: Peter Durkson, Makawao, HI. http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-35 Peter Durkson, Makawao, HI. Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:13:33 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-35 My wife and I let go of two decades of hard work on our Utah horse facility to "retire" to Maui. Now we're busy than ever with www.mauiventuresgreoup.com and www.huladogfashions.com. The big difference is the amount of time we spend on community service as well as our efforts to preserve our nest egg. Life just feels more fulfilling now. My wife and I let go of two decades of hard work on our Utah horse facility to
"retire" to Maui. Now we're busy than ever with http://www.mauiventuresgreoup.com and http://www.huladogfashions.com. The big difference is the amount of time we spend on community service as well as our efforts to preserve our nest egg.

Life just feels more fulfilling now.

]]> By: John, Stratford Connecticut http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-33 John, Stratford Connecticut Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:13:47 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-33 I enjoyed your story about Rob's new life in Vermont and the Country Store he brought back to like in Williamsville. I also been reading the blogs and was amused by the guy who states..."Just another NY guy bringing his dopy ways to Vermont" -- clearly a "native Vermonter" wrote that one...kind of a humorous statement but anything could be further from the truth. We often stop by the store for the most delicious home-made natural foods you can buy -- everything from fresh crab cakes, lasagna, salads, mac n' cheese, great coffee and breakfast sandwiches. If I lived (full time) in Williamsville or near by I'd be really psyched that Rob moved into town. And when you walk into the store the people who work there are really proud and enjoying their work (craft), and it's a really cool environment (also a beautiful, "natural Vermont" store. So I would say there really is no evidence of a New York guy's "dopy ways" -- just great food, awesome tunes, and nice people to help you out. So Rob, keep it going dude, without your team we wouldn't eat nearly as well when we visit Vermont. You are offering the community a great resource on many levels. PS -- we need a store this good in our CT. neighborhood. Why don't you expand it out?? Cheers. I enjoyed your story about Rob's new life in Vermont and the Country Store he brought back to like in Williamsville. I also been reading the blogs and was amused by the guy who states…"Just another NY guy bringing his dopy ways to Vermont" — clearly a "native Vermonter" wrote that one…kind of a humorous statement but anything could be further from the truth.

We often stop by the store for the most delicious home-made natural foods you can buy — everything from fresh crab cakes, lasagna, salads, mac n' cheese, great coffee and breakfast sandwiches. If I lived (full time) in Williamsville or near by I'd be really psyched that Rob moved into town. And when you walk into the store the people who work there are really proud and enjoying their work (craft), and it's a really cool environment (also a beautiful, "natural Vermont" store. So I would say there really is no evidence of a New York guy's "dopy ways" — just great food, awesome tunes, and nice people to help you out. So Rob, keep it going dude, without your team we wouldn't eat nearly as well when we visit Vermont. You are offering the community a great resource on many levels. PS — we need a store this good in our CT. neighborhood. Why don't you expand it out?? Cheers.

]]> By: Diana, Vermont http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-32 Diana, Vermont Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:57:16 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-32 My husband I have been living in Grafton, another small Vermont town near Williamsville, for 13 years. It took some getting used to, but I don't miss the traffic or the pretense. Yes, we're surrounded by some of those "drop-outs" that were mentioned, but I've also found people who are well-traveled, well-educated, and incredibly fun to be around. I'd say we have more friends down here than we ever had in Toronto. That's because we have the time to make and nurture those relationships. And can we talk about the summers? Divine. My husband I have been living in Grafton, another small Vermont town near Williamsville, for 13 years. It took some getting used to, but I don't miss the traffic or the pretense. Yes, we're surrounded by some of those "drop-outs" that were mentioned, but I've also found people who are well-traveled, well-educated, and incredibly fun to be around. I'd say we have more friends down here than we ever had in Toronto. That's because we have the time to make and nurture those relationships. And can we talk about the summers? Divine.

]]> By: Joe - Belair , MD http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-31 Joe - Belair , MD Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:49:14 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-31 What a crock - the article as well as most of the posts here. Let's get real. First, most people do not have the assets to reitre at 50 and go to one of the most expensive places in the country and buy everything in sight - including a little store that loses more money than the avergae family of 4 earns in a year. So with his toes in the middle age wading pool, some Type AAA guy decides he's had enough affairs, earned enough money, and let enough of his life pass him by. Big freakin' deal. If you'd have had your head out of your ass in your 30's you could have done it all, and been happy in the process. No balance in life is dangerous. How many millions did you/do you need? Being Type A isn't all about the "Benjamins" - it's about winning in life. If all you have to show for it is a broken marriage and a lot of money - you lost. What a crock – the article as well as most of the posts here. Let's get real. First, most people do not have the assets to reitre at 50 and go to one of the most expensive places in the country and buy everything in sight – including a little store that loses more money than the avergae family of 4 earns in a year. So with his toes in the middle age wading pool, some Type AAA guy decides he's had enough affairs, earned enough money, and let enough of his life pass him by. Big freakin' deal. If you'd have had your head out of your ass in your 30's you could have done it all, and been happy in the process. No balance in life is dangerous. How many millions did you/do you need? Being Type A isn't all about the "Benjamins" – it's about winning in life. If all you have to show for it is a broken marriage and a lot of money – you lost.

]]> By: Jud, Chapel Hill NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-30 Jud, Chapel Hill NC Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:13:45 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-30 I find it very hard to empathize with this guy. So what if he sold his soul to Wall Street? He made a ton of money and now has the means to slow down and smell the flowers. And what does he do with the opportunity but try to reinvent a corner of southern Vermont as "Westchester County North." Talk about your big-city know-it-alls; he turns a local institution into a store for the "carriage trade." and then says there's no room for froufrou. Who is he kidding? He turned his back on his VT neighbors in order to draw business from the wealthy New York and Connecticut crowd with whom he had always associated. In addition to all of the B&B's for sales in Vermont, I won't be surprised to see his store on the list in short order. My admiration is for those in the workforce who are cops or nurses or retail store clerks or hairdressers, etc., etc., who will never amass the funds to pursue their dream. Their jobs may be mindnumbing, but their souls are more than likely still intact. I find it very hard to empathize with this guy. So what if he sold his soul to Wall Street? He made a ton of money and now has the means to slow down and smell the flowers. And what does he do with the opportunity but try to reinvent a corner of southern Vermont as "Westchester County North." Talk about your big-city know-it-alls; he turns a local institution into a store for the "carriage trade." and then says there's no room for froufrou. Who is he kidding? He turned his back on his VT neighbors in order to draw business from the wealthy New York and Connecticut crowd with whom he had always associated. In addition to all of the B&B's for sales in Vermont, I won't be surprised to see his store on the list in short order.

My admiration is for those in the workforce who are cops or nurses or retail store clerks or hairdressers, etc., etc., who will never amass the funds to pursue their dream. Their jobs may be mindnumbing, but their souls are more than likely still intact.

]]> By: phoebe, cebu, philippines http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-29 phoebe, cebu, philippines Sun, 29 Apr 2007 23:24:16 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-29 i'm a fresh college graduate and got hired recently...i discovered i kind of hate the job but i need money for my own upkeep...if only i could i would really quit and do something i love. it's wierd coz lately i've been coming accross articles tackling about quiting your present job for something you love. is this a sign?hmmmm i'm a fresh college graduate and got hired recently…i discovered i kind of hate the job but i need money for my own upkeep…if only i could i would really quit and do something i love. it's wierd coz lately i've been coming accross articles tackling about quiting your present job for something you love. is this a sign?hmmmm

]]> By: George W. Central, Texas http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-28 George W. Central, Texas Sat, 28 Apr 2007 06:51:59 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-28 Happiness is best described as being content with what you have. Rob's journey isn't unique-just different. Realizing what is really important during one's journey is the eye opener. For me, it was in my late 40's in Dallas. Tired of managing others, driving the crowded toll roads and constantly raising the bar to reach our next financial goal - the family moved to the hill country and slowed our lives down multiple gears. These days I'm more concerned with the weather and diverting drainage on my property. Simple living, and if we decide we want to catch a show or eat Thai - Austin is a short 45 minute ride. Life is how we manage our journey and how much thought we put into it. Keyword: thought. Suggestion: don't think too much. Happiness is best described as being content with what you have. Rob's journey isn't unique-just different. Realizing what is really important during one's journey is the eye opener. For me, it was in my late 40's in Dallas. Tired of managing others, driving the crowded toll roads and constantly raising the bar to reach our next financial goal – the family moved to the hill country and slowed our lives down multiple gears. These days I'm more concerned with the weather and diverting drainage on my property. Simple living, and if we decide we want to catch a show or eat Thai – Austin is a short 45 minute ride. Life is how we manage our journey and how much thought we put into it. Keyword: thought. Suggestion: don't think too much.

]]> By: Michael, Wilmington, NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-27 Michael, Wilmington, NC Sat, 28 Apr 2007 04:36:07 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-27 It seems to me that a large, unfortunate number of people in life are just uncapable of being happy. The same qualities of hard work and sacrifice that built our country have somehow transformed into greed and self-involvement. Sadly, all these qualities help to advance our capitalist society; but the ideals on which our nation was based are now corrupted. There are people that are happy no matter where they are in life, and then there are people that are unhappy no matter how many advantages they have. In my experience, I'm beginning to think that happiness is a personality type, not a goal to be achieved. Every single person on this earth has something to be thankful for. Focus on those things, and you'll be on your way to true happiness. It seems to me that a large, unfortunate number of people in life are just uncapable of being happy. The same qualities of hard work and sacrifice that built our country have somehow transformed into greed and self-involvement. Sadly, all these qualities help to advance our capitalist society; but the ideals on which our nation was based are now corrupted.
There are people that are happy no matter where they are in life, and then there are people that are unhappy no matter how many advantages they have.
In my experience, I'm beginning to think that happiness is a personality type, not a goal to be achieved. Every single person on this earth has something to be thankful for. Focus on those things, and you'll be on your way to true happiness.

]]> By: mike david , california http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-26 mike david , california Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:50:27 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-26 enjoy your cigerrettes! enjoy your cigerrettes!

]]> By: Danny, Fort Worth Texas http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-25 Danny, Fort Worth Texas Fri, 27 Apr 2007 23:22:39 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-25 I retired at 47, 7 years ago. Since then I sold my house and bought an RV and my wife and I have traveled primarily in the west. We have volunteered for the BLM from time to time protecting archeological sites. We have bicycled extensively. We have joined the Peace Corps and are about to volunteer in South America for twenty-seven month. If one has some money, health and imagination, retirement can be wonderful experience. I retired at 47, 7 years ago. Since then I sold my house and bought an RV and my wife and I have traveled primarily in the west. We have volunteered for the BLM from time to time protecting archeological sites. We have bicycled extensively. We have joined the Peace Corps and are about to volunteer in South America for twenty-seven month. If one has some money, health and imagination, retirement can be wonderful experience.

]]> By: Wade, Bigfork, MT http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-24 Wade, Bigfork, MT Fri, 27 Apr 2007 22:04:54 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/3/#comment-24 Like many fly fishermen in western Montana where the summer days are almost Arctic in length, I often do not start fishing until the cool of the evening. Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters. Like many fly fishermen in western Montana where the summer days are almost Arctic in length, I often do not start fishing until the cool of the evening. Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.

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