Our life raft was condemned today. We were given pictures for various sections of the life raft that showed leaks around valves and joints. Our salesman, Alexander, then showed us that we could have a new life raft for a mere 5800 bucks. I swallowed hard. Alexander then showed us a used life raft for a mere 2800 bucks. It, of course had only the most vague details about it: Chinese life raft. Is it an offshore life raft? What does it come with? What does it cost new? I swallowed hard again - my face was turning red. My heart started beating faster.
We told them that we'd think about it. Back at the boat I had some ideas of my own...

"Why don't we just keep our old life raft," I told Kathy matter-of-factly.
"Because it leaks!"
"Humph!" I was not impressed by her answer. "We've been using our life raft successfully for a year and a half. Has it ever let us down? How do we even know that these are pictures of our life raft?" Kathy just stared at me.

"If we start sinking, you'll be sorry that we didn't get a new life raft."

"Hey! We'll have bigger things to worry about if we're sinking." This reply didn't seem to satisfy her. I tried a different tack. "I heard on the net that someone has a 4 person life raft for sale for 300 bucks. Let's buy that."

"Isn't that too small? I don't think we'll all fit."

"Sure! But it's only 300 bucks. It's a good deal." I really like good deals.

"Do you think it'll be a good deal if we sink and can't all fit?" Kathy was getting sarcastic.

"But we'll probably never use it! I tell you what - I'll go down with the ship. That's what the captain's supposed to do anyway. That'll be enough room for everyone."

Casey not really hearing the conversation shouts from her bedroom, "Hey! I'm the Captain!"

I looked at Kathy and said, "Fine, Casey can go down with the ship." Kathy started nodding her head slowly. I could think of lots of cool things to do with 3K. I appealed to Kathy's vanity. "Come on! I can get a hair transplant for that kind of money! Think about it baby -- HAIR!"

"I don't know honey." She was sweet talking me now. I was doomed. "I think we shouldn't be cheap here."
"Fine." The conversation was over. We're getting a new life raft and that's that. We're trying to leave here next week so we'll have to think of something fast.
If anyone wants to contribute to Sean's hair transplant fund please let me know.