Stay That Way!

Now they seem cast in a play they cannot stop.
-Ian McEwan
"Enduring Love"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 23, 1986
Saturday

Ron and I were successful in catching our first flight out of New York but it didn't get into the air until 10:10AM! And now we are set to arrive in Denver at 11:50AM which means we'll barely make our connection flight to San Francisco. Hopefully our luggage will make it in time, too.

Ron and I had separate seat assignments on the airplane to Denver. This was a good thing because I needed my space away from him. I hope he decides to leave for Los Angeles today (Saturday) versus tomorrow (Sunday). This way I can really feel relaxed tomorrow. I hope I have no luggage problems.

In-flight there were two guys that sat next to me. They were QBL's (Questionables) but totally NMT (Not My Types). The fellow seated closest to me was from Paris, France and on his way to Boulder, Colorado to attend school for a year. That sounded like fun for him. His English speaking skills weren't at the very best. He was nice though. I was telling him that I stayed in Glaciere while I was in France. He seemed to know the area.

The flight from New York City was—in fact—delayed, so we caught an alternate flight in Denver. This means we will not land in San Francisco until 2:25PM. I tried to call Margaret but she'd left for the day. I left a message on her recorder. I so hope she'll wait and/or learn of what had happened.

I truly feel that Mr. Ronald Leoni is a drug addict. I continue to believe that the friendships we choose is the foundation of our progress. Ron will no longer be a recurring friend in my life as far as I'm concerned. His association with drugs, etc. is too overwhelming for me to handle. I don't need that "slop".

It was funny at that After Hours Club called TORY's in New York City. There was some elder fat lady that came and sat next to me while we were there.
She said, "Your friends are being selfish and greedy."
She made this comment directly to me because they weren't sharing their 'coke' with me.
I replied, "Oh, it's all right. I can live without it."
I wish I had photographed the look on her face. She was so shocked by my statement. She was actually pleased to hear me say that.
I think she responded by saying, "Stay that way!"
I smiled.
She continued, "I was born in San Jose, California and I've been addicted since I was twenty years old. Seriously, stay away from coke."
"Don't worry," I replied.
It was actually nice to hear her say these wise words.
She also said, "That drug will ruin your life. I'm living proof. It's ruined my life."
It was amazing to hear her.
Suddenly, I am almost about to land in San Francisco. I am bummed out because I left my black leather jacket in Lenny's New York City apartment closet. I wonder if I'll ever see it again. I will get his telephone number and bug him until I get it back. Wait…what is Lenny's telephone number? I'm not sure. I know where he lives. I better get my jacket back.

Michael had followed the crowd. His excitement had subsided.
-Jules Verne
"Paris in the Twentieth Century"