Cherishing an image reflected from my mind's screen...
I’ve been without TV for nearly two weeks. As cited in Eva’s Byte #229:
On September 5th, at 11:00 PM, I couldn’t for the life of me, get a picture on my television. Attributing it to something I was doing wrong with the remote due to my lack of mechanical ability, I persisted by pressing the “on” and “off” button.
To no avail, I called my service provider who would have tutored me step by step in testing the cable box connection. My reluctance to do so based on my true confession of mechanical ineptitude, automatically negated the next suggestion: Unplug the cable box and trade it for another at their store. My only recourse was to wait for a service technician to make a house call on Tuesday, the 10th.
My TV was the culprit!
On a rare occasion when I can’t fend for myself, I rely on family. My cousin, Steven, the same one featured in my memoir, “Chalking It Up,” told me to shop online for prices and get back to him, fully intending to pick it up, install, and haul the old one away for me.
I found a merchant, all right! And, with my mindset of not wanting to inconvenience anyone, placed an order for the set. I also opted for installation at $149 and hauling for $20, padding my charge by $169!
Here’s where it goes downright “Rhode Island Italian”:
Feeling proud for having taken care of this within minutes online without anyone lifting a finger, other than my striking the keys, I called Steven. He disputed my paying the additional fees, telling me to cancel the order. I wouldn’t budge.
Dialing up my cousin, Gail, who arrived in Florida a few days ago for the snowbird stretch, I mentioned my problem and solution. She lectured me for spending money unnecessarily, and for making Steven feel badly about it. “This is what family is for. Cancel the order. Call him back…now! Then, I’m calling you tomorrow morning to find out if you listened.”
Outnumbered, I called Steven, trying to negotiate by agreeing to forego the installation, but keep the free delivery and hauling fee intact. He protested over how light in weight the set is for him to carry. After more bickering, he took the reins.
“Here’s what you’re gonna do. Get in your caaah, drive to the store, and cancel the order. Buy just the TV and have someone put it in your caaah. Call me when you get home, and I’ll head on over.”
A native Rhode Islander, I can attest we drop our r’s aplenty. Personally, I find the “r” overrated and speak accordingly, like a true native Rhode Islander.
The bigger picture is how close-knit we cousins have remained ever since our childhood when Gail’s mother hosted full-course dinners every Sunday without fail. Picture six pairs of aunts and uncles, and a brood of nieces and nephews gathered around two tables. It’s an image I cherish!
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you said 'It’s an image I cherish!'
and a wonderful memory, image and thought it is
It’s an image I cherish!
Sorry for the diversion. You are so lucky to have helpful cousins around. My last TV was purchased on Black Friday by the tenant of my partner who stood in line for hours to get it at a phenomenally low price, and then brought it to my house, installing it for free. The old one was fine and is being used by my partner right now. You shouldn't be so stubborn about your independence. Why not allow them to help you and save a lot of unnecessary money. My partner just bought a washing machine and got a local plumbing contractor that we know to install it rather than the atrocious fees that were required over the Internet.
Ron