Open Up Your Eyes, Look Up To The Skies

Time was necessary in order to gain information, to understand, to strategize.--Taylor Stevens, THE INFORMATIONIST
I keep hearing this song during my drive to work in the morning called YOU’RE NEVER GONNA GET IT.  It’s so “catchy”.  I found out it’s really called MY LOVIN’ (YOU’RE NEVER GONNA GET IT) by En Vogue.   The lyrics are so brainwashing.  I guess it is playing for all of those that want to play HARD TO GET, Ha-ha.   
The other song that I’m really hooked-on though is by QUEEN right now called BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY.  I love it:  “Is this the real-life, is this just fantasy?  Caught in a landslide no escape from reality…Open your eyes; look up to the skies and SEE…I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy…”
Well, this week is going very well.  I’m much more comfortable on-the-job at Charles Schwab & Co.  I have regular clients who want to only deal with me.  I must have a bit of charm for the chosen few.  I like these two twin girls from Taiwan named Su Ling and Su Ping.  They’re UCLA students but they love to play options and they’re the richest students I’ve ever come across.  I guess their parents trained them at a young age.   They like me and always come to see me ‘together’.  It’s twice the fun (or is it double-trouble).  They don’t speak the best English but they’re very smart!I received another sexy, seductive looking card from Dorothy Rua (a Black and White of a man and a woman in a warm embrace while dancing).  Dorothy wrote:
Dear Mike,I received your last letter.  I opened the envelope and then I realized it was from you!   Who else would be creative enough to figure out a workable way to keep those cards in the envelope?   I do want to let you know how much I appreciate you.  Your note and cards truly lifted my spirits more than you’ll ever know.  You ARE special.
As I mentioned in my card, Carmel by the Sea was beautiful.  I could not have picked more perfect weather.  I really enjoyed the MISSION RANCH INN which has a beautiful view of the ocean, sheep grazing on the green grass and goats too!  I had a great dinner there while watching the sun set.  You would enjoy it there—it’s your kind of place, too!
Best of all though was walking on the white, white sandy beach with the huge waves crashing so close by.  I thought of you as I strolled between the beautiful ocean and the equally beautiful homes while I was on the shoreline.  I could fully appreciate your need to live where you are (close to the ocean and sunshine).   All that was missing was your palm trees!   Having grown-up on an island (GUAM) the ocean is so much a part of me.  I sometimes feel I’ll go nuts if I can’t see it or feel the sand between my toes.  My older sister (who still lives in Guam) often says she’d rather not live if she can’t live by the sea.  I understand.  Did I have to be physically dragged while screaming to get me out of Carmel?  Almost!  Ha-ha.
The question now is how do I fall back into the pattern of everyday life in suburbia?  I don’t know.  I truly don’t—but as you often say:  “I’ll manage somehow.”  Lord help me if I ever get out of her for more than a few days.  I may never return.  Ha!
I could get into news of the work/job scenes and I do have a few things to share but I’ll do it another time.  I can’t seem to get in that mode today.
I’d rather discuss your New York City trip.   I don’t even know how long you were there.  It sounds like you made the most of every minute…and how wonderful it all must have been!   Three great plays and who knows what else during just one trip.  You know I’ll want all of the details and I can’t help but be a little jealous of all of your fun!  My stronger feeling is happiness for you.  You were ready to get away!   And you did it!   Alan must be a great travel partner and friend.  He did accompany you, didn’t he?
Aside from my usual allergy problem I am glad Spring is finally here.  I’m ready for this kind of weather.  My body really can use some fresh air.  I feel like I’ve been in a (winter) cocoon forever.   
My clothes feel tight.  Thank God all of the OREO’s are gone!   Well, not quite…some are still on my thighs, etc.!  Ha!  After doing nothing these past few months I finally went on a 4-mile walk this morning.  And yes, I am sore…very sore!   But the thought of putting a pair of shorts on will keep me going.  I wish I had your beach in Malibu!  You don’t even thing about the exercise, just the beauty and power of the place…
Let me know what you’re up to after you wonderful jaunt to NYC!Also Thinking of You,Love, Dorothy
I immediately sent Dorothy a postcard to acknowledge receipt of her card.  I also wanted to keep her eyes open for a new film coming out from South Korea called THE LOVER.  I saw the preview and it looks like one extraordinary drama.  I can’t wait to see it.  Of course, I’ve already informed Alan that it’s a must-see.

A day or so later I received a letter from April Stosur (my cohort that I met during training in Indianapolis for CHARLES SCHWAB).   April wrote:
June 11, 1992Hi Michael –I love the cards.  Keep them coming!
I’m writing you from my car at lunchtime.  I normally take lunch in the car as there are no restaurants that service anyone with only a half hour lunch.   And getting out of the office is a MUST.
The only lady in the office I get along with is leaving.  This means no more “fun” work atmosphere.  One hundred percent of the remaining staff (2 people) are weird, so hyper.   I don’t think I’ve used the words “CHILL OUT” so much in my entire life.  Oh well…I probably should have called that FIDELITY guy back. 
My furniture arrives from Seattle in five days—not too soon.  I’ve been without my stuff since March 25th (just about 3 months).  It amazes me how meaningful all of it is to me:  my couches, my tables, my lamps, my towels…   I had absolutely no idea I would feel so uncomfortable without it and with using other people’s stuff in the meantime.  I’m not easily adapting to the changes.  I must be getting old and ‘set in my ways’.  I’ll let you know how I feel about things once my “stuff” arrives.
My job consists of lots of customer service and very few trades per day (only 3 or 4).  I’m in charge of calling on all outgoing money, checks, Transfer Out of accounts, SREG details and to find out why they are taking their money out and if we can win them back.   I’m also involved with making sales calls over the phone to bring in more money.
We have to do to Downtown Chicago for a PCF II Training next week.  Whoopee!  I have to listen to Al Leitz and Terry (?) tell us how to be customer forward.  I should have returned that call from FIDELITY.
I sure do wish we could go out this evening to THE GRILL for some dessert and coffee (without that woman---see, I remembered…what was her name again? just kidding). 
Well buddy, a half hour passes quickly.  I have to go back.  The office is like a record playing at 78rpm—just a little spastic (and those are polite words). 
Write again.  I love getting the cards.  I would have sent one but have about used up the supply in Winnetka, IL.  I will buy some more when I get to the City.P.S.  I loved the PARIS card (the writing on back was in Latin so I have no clue as to the meaning).Love, APRIL That was about all of the interesting mail for the week.  I’m still quite excited to see the upcoming film called THE LOVER.  In the meantime, Alan and I are making good use of our evenings.  If it’s not a casual dinner it could be a semi-elegant one.  And if it’s not a movie at the AMC in Santa Monica or in Century City we are fine with just staying home.  I encourage a game of chess now and again. I often say, “Chess is a good way to stop, observe and come up with a strategy…slowly.”
“Maybe we can discuss it over a bottle of Cabernet and a game of chess.”--Taylor Stevens, THE INFORMATIONIST