Cuchi Cuchi Coo

“I’ve always believed that we have to find our own path in life.  No one can tell another how to live.”The world was peopled with minds, whirling faster than any wind, in search of distraction and escape from the predicament of change, the dilemma of life and death—seeing purpose, security, enjoyment, trying to make sense of the mystery.  Everyone everywhere lived a confused, bitter search.  Reality never matched their dreams; happiness was just around the corner—a corner they never turned.And the source of it all was the human mind.  We all make our own sandwiches--Way of the Peaceful Warrior, a Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman
Alan was thrilled to learn of my job offer at CHARLES SCHWAB & CO; however, I think he knew my time would be limited with this new full time job.  Alan spontaneously says, “Let’s go to Hawaii before you start on the 18th.”“What?” I asked, “We can’t.  I have to get ready.”
“For what?”
“I don’t know.”“Let’s just go.”And so, Alan makes the travel arrangements and before I knew it we were on a flight to Honolulu.   Upon our arrival I quickly wrote mom a postcard:
3-12-92Hi Mom,Here’s where I’m staying.  It’s raining here.  We got here at 4:30pm.  It took 5 ½ hours.  We are two hours behind you.CHARO is playing in a night club act at this hotel.  We will probably go see her.  Do you remember how dad liked her “cuchi cuchi coo”? Ha-ha.Love, Michael

Before I left for Hawaii I finally sent the photos I had promised to send mom from the September 1991 wedding of my first cousin, Shonette West to Andrew Freestone.  They are expecting a baby this year.  That was fast.
Photo: Shonette West While in Hawaii we enjoyed the grilled fish and went out to see the recently released new film called THE GLADIATOR.  It was impressive and inspired me to be bold and courageous at my new job.  It’s a little scary to fly back to California, knowing I start the new job the following day.
Upon arrival to my condo in West Hollywood I found a new card from Dorothy Rua.  The card was a vintage photo of two little kids playing football.  It reminded me of the days when my brothers and I would play tackle football in our front yard at 356 Magnolia Drive in Alameda.  That was fun.  Or as Edith Bunker says, “Those were the days.”
3-16-92Dear Michael,
Take a good look at those two kids and you tell me how they’re going to work this game out!  Love to be there when he reaches for the ball.  Interesting how the photo was tinted reminding you of those old water-coloring books we all used to have.
Speaking of color…loved your last card with the bright colors and the festive scene!  I love the outdoor café on the beach with boats sailing on the bright blue sea, cold tropical drinks, palm trees swaying and a good friend to share it all.  Fun….with a capital F.  No one could appreciate your cards more than I (except maybe you).
And you…you rascal---how dare you call me while I was lying in bed recovering from yet another laser treatment to tell me you are head for HAWAII!  I’m finally out and about and back at work but I can’t help thinking of you guys enjoying your tropical jaunt.  Yes, I’m jealous.  I want to be there, too!   All kidding aside I hope you enjoyed every minute of your visit and hope you two stayed out of trouble.  I still remember your PARIS story!
Your phone call was actually a very welcome surprise and did cheer me up.  I’m anxious to hear whatever you do for CHARLES SCHWAB & CO.  As I said on the phone it seems like a perfect fit for you.  My positive thoughts will work their way down the coast to you and SCHWAB.
By the way, another reason I was feeling frustrated when you called is my older sister (by 2 years), Liz, had called me from Guam a few days before.  She was headed to Vancouver and wanted me to join her last week, all expenses paid by her!  Including airfare!  And I couldn’t cancel my laser appointment because my doctor has a 3-month waiting list, so there went a wonderful opportunity.  We talked on the phone several times which made me want to be there even more but like she said, “We’ll have other opportunities” and hopefully she’ll be able to give me more notice.  So goes life…
Well guy, I hope you’re having (“had” by the time you get this card) a great, great time!  Until later…Love, Dorothy
I’m not sure when I will be going to Alameda again now with my new job.  The photos I sent mom recently made me a bit homesick for everyone.   Time will tell.   I get every weekend off and that is a major perk in-my-book.

I did manage to send mom one last Hawaiian postcard of the Super Pool at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  I wrote:

Hi Mom,
I just spoke to you about half an hour ago.  I'm tired of hearing your voice and NOT seeing you.
It's relaxing here.  And that's exactly what we are doing:  RELAXING.
On March 18th I start the new job as an Investment Specialist at Charles Schwab & Co.  It will be fun and different.  More later, Love You, Michael
“LIVE as if your body is a temple.”--Colin Channer, WAITING IN VAIN, a novel