Tom's Diary

Dear   [Lynn],

Yes, lots of changes and decisions. Those commodities seem to be the only constants in my life. But, this is a price to pay for “moving up” and getting a bigger piece of the pie.

Boy, it’s really getting hard to study for these tests next week. Strategic Planning has been very challenging this week, and by the end of the work day, I just don’t have much mental energy left to study. But I know the stuff pretty well and I do pass the simulation exams pretty consistently. So the odds are good that I’ll pass the real things.

Yes, Cubby managed to tie lots of strings of emotion around all our hearts. She was so friendly, purry, and vocal, and was very pretty.

But her young seem to have her personality. They climb all over my shoulders and purr in my ear each morning when I come into the office. In fact, they want so much attention that I have to fence them out when dialing into meetings.

We are not allowing the new cats outside. So far, they’ve been using the litterbox pretty consistently.

Lobsters for 22 [people]? How did you manage to cook all that in your little kitchen?

Ah yes, you know that winter is approaching when the cats hang around home more – especially Killer.

Well, time to go. Talk to you soon.

Tom

Dear   [Carlene J],

Hi you.

How are ya? Wanted to let you know that I’ll be coming to Dayton for a couple weeks between October 9th, and October 22nd, to train some new developers [...], and to develop a migration plan to move the [...] software over to more current technologies.

Lots to tell you about:

• I’m going back to Philly to live. I really miss the big city. Apartment hunting next week.
• But litigation with the previous landlord, over all that noise in the apartment below mine, still continues. They’re demanding that I pay them ~ $3000.
• Visited Maine, TWICE, this summer.
• Mom has a couple friendly little kittens here now.
• My role is changing at [work]. I’m moving away from development and into strategic planning and architectural design.

Questions for you:

• Have you gotten used to your new (not so new now) puppy?
• How’s the kitchen / dining room remodeling coming? Almost done now?

Let’s do dinner some evening while I’m there, if your schedule permits.

Talk to you soon.

Tom

Dear   [Lynn],

Cubby the cat was killed last week. Not sure how, as there was no damage to her body. But we suspect that she was bumped by a car.

We were all quite sad at the loss, as her personality was rather unique for a cat – very vocal and openly friendly to all – strangers included. Fortunately, she had just finished nursing her babies, who are all doing very well and growing like weeds. Mom bought a litter box for them and once we got them past eating the litter instead of using it, they’ve been quite good about going there, instead of on the carpets and furniture.

Tom

Hi   [Lynn].

Thanks for writing. Actually, my Philly trip is between September 30th and October 8th. There were some logistical issues at work which forced a delay in this vacation. So, the apartment hunting has yet to be done. Hope to have signed the papers on a place in the Bustleton section of the city by this time two weeks from now, although there is a chance that no apartments I would want are available at this time of year. So this effort may be put on hold until the spring.

But I have two Microsoft certification exams to take there next week, and so this week, I’ll be studying madly. They’ll happen on October 2nd and October 3rd. Then the rest of the week is for apartment hunting.

Then, on October 8th, I’ll be traveling to Dayton for two weeks, and working at the main campus. With my new assignment, I must train three new people [...], to do what I’m doing now. And we felt that an in-person visit would be best. Teaching over the phone can be a bit trying, especially without whiteboards. My manager even decided to spring for a hotel for the entire two weeks! What a guy. Also, I have to meet with about 30 other people during that period, ranging from senior engineers, to architectural gurus, to product managers, and senior directors, to gather information which will be used in this [...] migration plan I’m working on. Lots of lunches and schmoozing. A bit nervous I am. But this is the type of high level exposure I need to get the next promotion. So, it shall be done.

Should be getting a pay raise in the next few weeks. Don’t know how much yet but will find out on October 9th.

Sounds like your weather is about what it is here, although we’re in the upper 40s to low 50s right now and heading for the 60s today.

Bought several new shirts, ties, and pants this weekend, for the Dayton trip. Must look like a leader now, and dress for success – at least while there. *grin*

Mom, Curt, the sisters, and their children are doing well. They ask about you from time to time, sending their regards and well-wishes each time.

How are things up there? [your daughter] and Sarah settled in at school? How was [your aunt’s] party? Did your parents go back to Texas yet?

Well, time for work. Take care, stay healthy, and all that. Write soon.

Tom

[Tad],

Thanks for the numbers. I’ll try and call you sometime during the next few days.

By the way, did I ever tell you that I graduated to ham radio from CB? My call is N8UBU, and I hold the Extra Class license, the highest you can go in this country. Unfortunately, this achievement doesn’t impress many girls.

Later bud.

Tom

Hey   [Tad]!

Liked the Bogut article. Yes, we did banter about him didn’t we. In fact, as I recall, you were always insisting that the WTAE crew were so much better than Bogut. Well, who lasted longer in Pittsburgh? Bogut, or O’Brian and Geary? Hmmmmm???? *smile*

Anyway, how about sending along your home phone number? I got your voice mails in August but didn’t know where to call to chat.

Talked with [Mentat] the other night for almost 2 hours. He’s doing well. Good to reminisce with him. Always is.

On [your wife]: You wild man. I’ll do her feet as long as she wants. You know, I’d really like to do Connie’s. You know, the bus lady? Perhaps I’ll have to see if I can get hold of her, especially if she’s divorced now. It would be interesting to see how she’d respond to my overtures after 21 years.

Well, write or call soon, and as always, I hope you’re in great health, and that things are as you would have them. Take care of yourself.

Tom