December 7, 1989
Dear Everyone:
The transformation of the second bedroom continues.
Actually, the second bedroom currently looks like a train wreck.
Equipment everywhere, an enormous box shove into a corner.
Enter at your own risk.
However, the pre-planning is going exceedingly
well. Which is to say,
“Jeannie” and I went out last weekend and spent about $900.
First we went to Futons To Go which is in the shopping center
across the street from my place.
We looked at all the different styles, colors and sizes and
picked out a really nice full size sofa-recliner-bed with an extra firm
futon (mattress) which we will pick up next Saturday.
We had already been there before, looking around, so it didn’t
take too long to eliminate the unacceptables and find the best one for
me.
Then, flush with the first success, we headed for
Circuit City to find a TV.
This was even easier as I knew how high I was willing to go and what
features I “had to have”, like remote control.
(Query: It is
possible these days to buy a TV that
doesn’t have remote control?)
We flagged down a salesman and made the purchase in a matter of
minutes. They must love
people like me: No
questions, no in depth demos; just hand over your MasterCard and pick up
your purchase.
Then, of course, we had to get it home, which makes
me glad I don’t live upstairs.
Every time I have to get something large and/or heavy into my
apartment, I’m glad I don’t live upstairs.
Now, you may think that $900 is a lot of money to
spend in under 3 hours, including travel time; but remember that I’m due
for a raise. Way back in
January, when the powers that be did “Ranking”, they decided how much of
a raise I should get to reward me for the terrific job I did in 1988.
Round about March or April, “Alma” and I had a meeting in which
she told me that I would be getting a “substantial” pay increase because
of my job performance last year.
However, other powers that be decided that my pay increases would
always go into effect in December.
So, the raise that I earned in 1988 will show up just in time for
1990.
At any rate, “Alma” and I had another meeting last
Tuesday when I finally learned what “Alma” regarded as a “substantial”
raise.
$3400 a year.
Yes, I would call that substantial.
I will also be calling it MasterCard’s money for a while; but
that’s OK because I’m going to have a terrific room to enjoy for many
years.
The next step will be to punch a hole through the
wall to move the cable into the second bedroom from the master bedroom.
This is exactly what the cable man did in “Jeannie’s” apartment –
I was watching to see how he did it.
If it works out OK, “Murray” is going to try it at his place.
Maybe we could have a wall-punching party.
After that, it’s just a case of pulling out the
closet doors, moving the roll top desk, yanking the bookcases, putting
up the supports and brackets, installing the shelves, etc. and the room
will be all cozy by the time the folks arrive on the 20th.
Piece of cake.
My (hush-hush) Christmas Project is going well.
I finished the machine work last Sunday night.
The paperwork was completed yesterday, so all I have left to do
is the hand work and, of course, mailing the out-of-towners.
I still haven’t heard
from “Frankie” and “Diana” about their kids’ sizes, so I may just fake
it.
Note to Santa’s helpers…
“Jeannie’s” Polaroid camera has never been the same
since she dropped it, getting out of the car, then stepped on it and
kicked it. She could really
use a new one (with built-in flash).
Actually, just about anyone could use one (hint).
Mother,
on the other hand, would like a piece of the Berlin Wall.
Not necessarily for Christmas; Birthday, Mother’s
Day, any time will do. She
just wants a concrete piece of history.
Or, if you will, an historic piece of concrete.
Anybody want a piece of the Marina District?
There’s a lady selling “San Francisco Earthquake Sand” in small
containers. Guaranteed to
come from the quake; her basement has been filled with sand since
October 17, 1989.
Only six and a half (working) days until I start my
vacation. I can hardly wait.
Love, as always,
Pete
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