To Be On-Guard

"It would be cowardice in me NOT to carry out an action which maybe could be useful to me."

-Stendhal
The Red and the Black

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 7, 1987
Wednesday

I continually have to blow my nose. At least it's not running non-stop anymore. It's definitely stuffed-up a bit.

Carla Guzman returned to work today. We ate lunch together in the cafeteria in memory of Pacific Bell's three-year birthday as its own company. There was a special luncheon served because of it.

Carla is having a birthday party on Saturday, January 10, 1987. She has invited me to attend.
"You can bring Eileen," Carla announced.
I was surprised about the invitation to include Eileen. That was sweet of her. She mentioned Mark, too but I hate to invite both Mark and Eileen because they I'd feel I'd have to be on-guard of both of them to ensure they had a good time. I think I'll just go with Eileen. Besides, she and I originally had a date set up for Saturday at the CARNELIAN ROOM. It seems we can never make it to that place.

I fell asleep as soon as I arrived home. I was awakened by a phone call by Greg Manachevitz at 6:45PM. How annoying is that? It seems that Mike Miller, Greg and some new San Mateo friend of theirs that recently moved here from Indiana was over and they were all going to a movie.
Greg asked, "Do you want to come with us?"
I was groggy and chose not to join them because my priority is the gym on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

I received a card from Greg Jonnson in Chicago. He supposedly slightly resembles Mel Gibson (according to Johnny Schaefer). He was also the culprit in the 'Johnny vs. Jeff Lindfors' Chicago person scandal. It was nice of him to send d me a card. I responded by sending him a card as well. How harmless could that be?

I received a message from Eileen.
She asked, "Hi Jake Jag, I was wondering if you could meet me at the Double Rainbow Ice-Cream shop for a coffee drink tonight?"
I was at the gym when she called. I tried to return her call but she wasn't home.

Bob Guild called and left a message also.
Bob asked, "Hey Mike, could you return my call when you get this?"
I returned his call and asked, "What are you up to?"
Bob politely stated, "I just made lasagna and I'm having dinner. Hey listen, I was wondering if you might be able to come over on Friday night to have dinner here."
"Sounds like a deal to me."
Bob's astrological sign is LIBRA. He was born on October 14th. I think we seem to get along rather well. I like him. I guess Friday night will be fun.

I really think I want to go to Hawaii in February. It's chilly here and I could use some rays of sunshine. I shall wait and see before I make the final decision.

I went on a break with Carla today. When I returned to my desk Nikki Bovee (my second line manager) and Bob (the fourth line manager) were at my desk, looking through my accounts. It almost seemed like a scene from THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR.  I felt a feeling of alarm.  It was as if I was being investigated without my knowledge.  Nikki started to commend me on my organizational skills. Her comments made me feel much better.

There's a Directory Sales job opening in Los Angeles. I cannot even submit for the opening until my time-in-title is completed for this current job. I have to wait until April 1988. It's only fifteen months away.

Mark Landreth was at the gym, wearing his half-SUNKIST t-shirt. He shows off his abdominal muscles and it looks really hot. I try to look when he doesn't notice though I am sure he can see me 'see'.

When Mark left the gym he said, "I have to rest up for the weekend."

I wondered if he wants to do something.

Then he added, "My ma and pa have that FIRST BLOOD videotape, so I may borrow it."

I wondered if he would bring the videotape over (on Sunday) to watch it at my house if I asked him. I felt a shy shadow reign over me and I didn't ask.

Happiness is available. Please help yourself to it. All of us have the capacity of transforming neutral feelings that can last a long time.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
BEING PEACE