Tom's Diary

Dear sister Diane,

I’m here in Dayton now. All went well in Philly, as you know, and I take possession of the apartment on November 1st. I’m very excited and eager to return to that place, to continue my journey toward lasting fulfillment.

How’s it going?

I got here to work on Monday and learned that I will receive a 10% raise in my next paycheck. I was so psyched. Plus, my manager says he would have given me more, but they capped him out at 10%. He’s going to give me the rest when I get the promotion. Hopefully, that will be early next year. All in all, this has been a very successful trip.

Well, better get back to work. Talk to you soon. Say hi to the family for me.

Later,
Tom

Dear   [Lynn],

Congratulations!!! In the long run, this sacrifice [your daughter] made (giving up Tim) will probably pay off big time. Besides, she’s too young to be “attached”. Wish her well for me. What finally convinced her to cut ties with him?

This week’s news from Dayton: The Philly trip was a success on several fronts.

• I passed both MCSE exams. Now, I have one more to pass before the end of the year. Then, I’ll be completely certified as “an expert” in Windows NT 4.0 and the supporting networking infrastructure. The performance objectives for this year required that I only pass ONE exam. But since I’ve already passed TWO, and will likely pass the third one, that means I’ve exceeded the objective. And the financial rewards for this should be nice come next March.
• An apartment has been secured in Philly. I take possession on November 1st. Two bedroom, central air, in walking distance of an Acme grocery store, several shopping centers, and three busses. This is in a much nicer neighborhood than my last place but only costs about $65 more per month. Plus, the heat, hot water, and cooking gas are included in the rent. The place is located in the Bustleton section of the city (in the far North East), about 7 miles from where I lived last year. And the apartment is soundproofed. Encased in concrete, virtually no noise from the neighbors is heard. I’m very eager to get back.
• And, the manager tells me I’m getting a pay raise, that should appear on the October 15th paycheck. However, he has not yet told me the amount. That makes it fun to imagine the possibilties.

Well, I’m here on the Dayton campus for the next two weeks, and every day here is full. So I best get to work.

Take care, and I’ll 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

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

Dear   [Lynn],

Well, this is the last email you’ll receive from me – from Dayton. When next you get a letter, I’ll be in Philly once again.

Talk to you later,
Tom

[Lor]   and   [AM],

Just wanted to make sure we are still on for lunch today. I’ll meet you in the B5/B6 lobby at 11:30, if that’s okay.

Later,
Tom Hesley

Hi   [Chrissy].

Thanks for the well wishes.

No, working at home isn’t hard. Fortunately, discipline has not been a problem for me, although sometimes, I get sleepy after lunch and so, take a nap. Then I work an extra hour or two in the evening to make up for it. But having that flexibility is truly a hallmark of home based employment. I think one can be more productive at home.

Good luck on your home based business. What will you do?

The weather in Philly tends to be a few degrees warmer than in Dayton, and we often get the same weather Dayton has, but a day or so later, depending on how fast the jet streams are blowing in the upper atmosphere. But the past week, temps ranged between the 30s at night to the low 70s during the day. Not much rain.

Take care of the pinky. That’s right. I’d forgotten that you play volleyball. Perhaps you should sit out a few months to let your hand heal. And, with winter coming on, that shouldn’t be too difficult.

Haven’t seen many movies lately. I had been going quite frequently last fall and winter. But lately, I’ve just been visiting various parts of Philly, dining with friends, and reading lots of computer books, trying to stay caught up with all the technological changes going on right now. I bowl too, and do an occasional game of miniature golf.

Nothing to tell about the lady I’m seeing [Lynn]. At least, not yet. No marriage plans. I do not wish to be married anyhow. But she and I have been talking many hours on the phone over the past month and we’ve exchanged pictures. I’m flying up to see her in December. She lives near Portland, Maine., and has a big heart and loving soul. She seems well organized and responsible – qualities which these days, are very hard to come by. She definitely lights up a room.

Have you remarried? Any prospects?

Congrats on “grannyhood”. We’re all getting older, ‘eh? No biggie though. I feel better these days, both physically and emotionally, than I did in my 20s. So maybe getting older isn’t as bad as some folks would have us believe. No laughing here about you becoming a granny. Although I must confess that I’m having trouble keeping from envisioning you, wearing glasses on the end of your nose, and ending every sentence with the word “sonny”.

Are you going to be in Dayton in early January? I will be there from Dec. 29th through Jan. 8th.

Well, got to get going. Take care, and happy holidays.

Tom Hesley

Hi   [Chrissy].

Nice to hear from you. No, I’m still where you and I worked before; but I’m working from home these days, in Philadelphia. Yes, I am from central PA, and am much closer to home and family than I was in Dayton. Plus, I get around with greater ease here, with all the public transportation available. I am much happier as a result. Was glad to be rid of that big house in Ohio too. Too much responsibility for one. Been seeing an interesting lady from Maine. Work is going well. Sometimes I miss the Dayton crowd. But the big city is where I really had to be.

Tom Hesley

Hey   [Fos]!

Things are going well. I’m now located in Philadelphia, PA, Dee’s hometown. Still working for the company in Ohio. But now, am working out of my home and visit the Dayton office about once a year. Been doing that for just over two years now and really enjoy the flex hours. As long as I meet my objectives, they generally do not care when I’m on the computer, although they like me to be available between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM for phone calls. No problem.

It would seem that things are going quite well with you – new job and all. How do you like NY? I think at some point, I may end up living there. Have always wanted to experience that big city, at least for a couple years.

Well, going out book shopping today. So, take care and perhaps we’ll talk again soon.

Later.
Tom Hesley

Dear   [Lynn],

Sounds like you never stop working, even on the weekends, Honey Bee.

On Halloween: When I had the house, I got lots of trick-or-treaters. One year, almost 100 came by, although Miami Township was a budding neighborhood, so not many “big” kids came around. Most of the parents there were fresh out of college, and had been moved to the area by the company I work for and other local companies, and so were just getting started having kids. But those little kids could sure eat candy like the big folk.

Later,
Tom Hesley