Tom's Diary

Hey you [Lynn],

Welcome home. Ironic, isn’t it, that the rain was threatening you, when you were about to visit the flood plains.

It’s been a nice fall here in Dayton also. Lots of sunshine the past three weeks. Only rained once or twice. And there’s still much color around. However, Mom says that in Altoona, most of the leaves have assumed those “muted” colors that they do when they’re about ready to come down. Yep, winter is approaching. What a year this has been.

I don’t have the new title yet, as I have not yet been promoted. The raise I mentioned was a separate thing. Hopefully, if I can complete this strategy assignment by the end of the year, the promotion will be granted shortly thereafter.

The two new contractors are coming along and almost up to speed enough to begin contributing. My job here is almost done. Looking forward to getting back to Altoona on Sunday.

Had dinner with [Emeebee] last night. Very nice. She said that her boyfriend was jealous that she was coming to meet me, and wanted to know where we were eating. She did not tell him. Then, later, she related a story of how they had broken up for a time because he had abused her physically, and she asked me if I thought she should leave him. This made me a bit nervous. I kept imagining this crazed person entering the restaurant with a gun and running a muck. But, that didn’t happen. However, I think I’ll stay away from her until this guy is out of her life.

Well, I have two hours of training today (as a student, not a teacher) to prepare for. So I’d best get going. Take care. Talk to you soon. Will probably give you a call sometime next week.

Later,
Tom

Dear   [Tad],

Hey, thanks for the info on Broadpoint. I’ve never used one of these services before. It’s nice to know how they work.

[Ron G]. Now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a very long time. I wonder what he ever did with his life?

Well, I’m off to work. More later.

Tom

Dear   [Tad],

Thank you sir, for the information [on the long distance carrier]. No, I probably wouldn’t like the commercials. I’ve been using this AT&T prepaid calling card while here in Ohio, which I bought at Sam’s Club. I purchased one thousand minutes for about $60. Not a bad deal at all, and it’s always six cents per minute, no matter when you call. This is even cheaper than many home long distance plans. Check one out sometime.

But beware of using this card on payphones, because they charge you five minutes right up front, even if you only talk for one minute. This is a payphone surcharge that lines the pockets of the payphone owner.

Just curious. How often do they play the commercials while you’re talking? And, can the person you’re talking to hear them as well?

Later,
Tom

Dave,

Hey, it’s Tom Hesley. How the heck are you? Got your email address from   [Tad],  and only just now realized that you and me haven’t talked in over 13 years. That’s just way too long.

Anyway, some tidbits about me these days:

• I’m living in Altoona, PA right now, but getting ready to move back to Philly in November.
  I still work for [...], in Dayton, OH. But I do the job at my house now, so can live anywhere I wish, as long as there are phone lines. Nice.
• The health is very good, although I’d like to shed about 20 pounds.
• Still single. Dated several ladies over the years on and off, but still have not yet found my true love.   :-)
• Before leaving Dayton, I did own a 2-story, 4-bedroom house close to work. Home ownership was enjoyable, but I don’t see myself doing that again for a very long time. Cost lots of money to maintain the house, and while I liked the work for the most part, homeowner chores really weren’t my favorite activities. Playing with and studying computers are more enjoyable activities for me.

Well, write back when you have time and tell me what’s been going on with you.   [Tad]  didn’t say too much but he did mention that you and [your wife] were separated (sorry to hear about that).

Are you still in touch with Jim K? I heard that he is married. Does he have children?

Well, gotta run. Hope you’re healthy, and write back if you like. You can also call me at 814-742-xxxx. Send along your phone number and I’ll give you a call sometime.

Later,
Tom Hesley

Dear   [Tad],

Yes, the talk was fun. I will email Breeze immediately. Thanks for his address.

And once I get my phones set up in Philly (probably around mid November), I’ll let you know what they are.

Well, off to work on the software release we’re doing later tonight. So, take care, and we’ll talk soon.

Later,
Tom

Dear   [AM],

That works for me. I’ll meet you in the B5B6 lobby at 11:20.

Until then,
Tom

Dear   [Tad],

Hey there.

Had a nice chat with [your wife] last night. Sorry I missed you. Give me a call later this week if you wish. Or, I’ll try you back sometime over the weekend or next week.

I’d love to come visit you. However, it’s a 7-hour bus ride from here to Pitt. I used to ride that bus often, and in order to get there Friday evening, I’d need to take off work on Friday. Can’t do that this week, because we have a software release scheduled for Sunday morning at 1:00 AM. And, unfortunately, I need to be here for that. However, I did tell [your wife] that I’d love to visit you whenever Rich has his Christmas party. Perhaps I could stay with you for a day or two after (or before) the party. How’s that?

Cool joke you sent.

Well, gotta run. Take care, and I’ll talk to you soon.

Tom

Dear sister Joann,

Things are going fine here. Been struggling with a cold the past week. But it’s breaking up now and I feel much better today than over the weekend. I tried those Cold-Eze lozenges that have the zinc in them. Seemed to help. The illness cleared up within a couple days. Normally colds take a couple weeks to leave MY system.

I have a date with [Emeebee] set up for next week, and also one with a young lady named [Kristen]. I have lunch with a long-time coworker named [CVL], and lunch with a manager I had a few years back. The social calendar here is really filling up. I asked the hotel desk clerk to join me for a drink. Said she would but that hotel regulations forbid her from “fraternizing” with the customers. But she told me that if ever I am in Dayton, and not staying at this hotel, that she’d love to go out. Cool. That made my day.

One woman I’ve known for several years turned down my offer of a foot massage [Carlene J]. She would have done it I think. But her husband was upset at the proposition, and she didn’t want to jeopardize her marriage by going ahead with it. They share everything with each other of course. Guess I’ll just have to wait until I get home, and do Krista’s again.

Looks like I’ll miss the Halloween bash at RJ’s. I’ll not be getting home until the evening of October 29th. Then, the following weekend, I must go to Philly to get the keys to the new apartment. Looking to move in around the middle of November. Yes, I’m very excited. I think my arrival time on October 29th at the Altoona airport is 6:13 PM.

Hey, you stopped SHOUTING. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Well, must get to work. Thanks for writing and I’ll call soon, probably over the weekend coming up.

Tom

Dear   [Lynn],

Yea, but in Maine, isn’t it below 10 for most of the winter? I guess I’ll be envied to death this year. I like when you’re playful like this — cheerfully arguing as you put it.

How long are you going to be in Oregon?

Later,
Tom

Dear   [Kel],

We still on for today? And can you meet me on the 741 side b5b6 atrium entrance? What vehicle are you driving these days? What color is it?

[She said yes.]

Great. See you at 11:35.

Later,
Tom