Working Under Pressure

Van progress was slowed for a few weeks by THE WINDOW PROBLEM. We wanted to have two new windows installed - one in the door on the passenger side, one in the wall on the driver side. We found only one glass place willing to cut holes in our van for us. The windows would have to be ordered from the dealership. We ordered the window for the door and had it installed first, to make sure the window and the installer were both what we hoped. The glass man - let's call him Norbert - said we should leave the van with him for a few days, as he wasn't sure how long the installation would take. We drove to glass place in separate cars (a 1 1/2 hour or so drive), dropped off the van right before the shop's closing time, and drove home. At 7:30 the next morning, our phone rang - Norbert! The van was ready! We went to Manchester to retrieve the van, and then we ordered Window Number 2. Sandeep called the glass place and very politely asked if Norbert could install the window while we waited, to save us an extra trip. Norbert: "I cannot work under this pressure! I don't want the job!" Sandeep: "Umm....maybe I'll call back later?" We eventually came to an agreement. Norbert would, in fact, do the job, and we would not pressure him. We drove to Manchester again, dropped off the van as casually as possible, sauntered away in a non-pressuring manner, and waited for a week or so very patiently. We did eventually, cautiously, call to see if the van was ready. Norbert's co-worker: "It's been ready. Didn't Norbert call you?"

So, now our little Sprinter is home with us again, with two lovely new windows. One window even opens (and closes!). We have covered the interior with silvery bubble-wrap-type insulation, and, today, we installed a solar-powered roof vent!