Good Company in a Journey

"I think it's terrific that people make their own lives."
-as heard while watching the 2011
TV series DOWNTON ABBEY

Twenty-five years ago today

February 11, 1987
Wednesday

Today is a conference day and only Rhoda, Lily and I are in the office. So it'll be a freebie sort of day with less tension than usual. I intend on leaving a tad earlier than my usual 5PM.

I'm looking forward to my L.A. Days with Mark this weekend.

I haven't talked to mom or Eileen since Sunday. I ought to purchase Valentine Cards for the two of them before the time passes.

Last Monday Phil and Mark were at the gym and they were so friendly when they saw me. It was fun talking to them. Phil is the typical nineteen year old chap. He's ready to go out and just pick-up that hot chick and all. I recall that stage. Mark does, too. I can't wait until Mark gets his Windsurfer Magazine Subscription in June that I purchased for him. Mark is my coolest friend.

Eileen is a sweetheart. I love the picture she sent me. I thrill over it every time I look at it.

Now let me read the verse on the bottom of this page of my new journal to see who, what or where comes to mind. The verse states: GOOD COMPANY IN A JOURNEY MAKES THE WAY SEEM THE SHORTER (by Mark Walton 1593-1683, English Biographer).

This verse reminds me of Lucia Junquiera Franco of Sao Paulo, Brazil. I met her in June 1979 while on an airplane bound for Honolulu. It also makes me think of Mark Beam, a Berkeley resident, that I met on my plane ride to Hawaii in November 1982. What is it about meeting people on a flight? It did—in fact—make the journey seem shorter. That's funny how I am so totally out of touch with those two now. I wonder if I will run into good company this February 1987 on my next plane ride to Hawaii.

Today was a laid back day but I still kept myself busy. Steve Flander (the delinquent customer) called. It seems that we (and Michael Amadeo) are still 'on' for drinks tomorrow night at Steve's home in Albany, CA. It may sound a little 'fishy' but I'll make the best of it.

Carla went to see her daughter, Priscilla, at lunch time. I took a walk to Maiden Lane and ate lunch outside by my lonesome. I love the vibes on that street. It was a nice day for it.

I left the office at about 4:45PM since I was the only one in the office.
I figured, "What the hell."

I took a nap even though I had intentions of doing my aerobics and a visit to the gym. My aerobics commitment has not been very committing. I did leave for the gym at 7PM. I actually arrived there at around the same time as Mark Landreth. How convenient is that? He took the aerobics class while I worked out with Phil (Mark's brother) for a good while. He's kind of cute too but he has brown hair while Mark's hair is blond.

While at the gym I saw Bill Davies and Mrs. Davies (Rachelle Davies brother and mom). I actually spoke to Rachelle's brother for a bit.
Bill said, "Yeah, I'm trying to get in-shape for football."
He is now attending Castro Valley High School. He's a nice chap. Rachelle's mom greeted me as well.
Bill also said, "You know…Rachelle got a new car. She's working two jobs and she's trying to get her own apartment."
"Good for her," I answered.
What else could I say? Whatever…
It seems that Rachelle now yearns for that feeling of control of her own destiny.

I'm glad I have Eileen Grabinsky in my life now. After my work out I hit the UNION 76 gas station, SAFEWAY and then went home and munched on FRITOS, a Cream Soda, a Black-Cherry Soda and a bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheat cereal. What a combo? I was so thirsty and hungry. I didn't care.

When I telephoned Eileen there was no answer. I learned later that she was in school because she promptly returned my call.
"Oh Michael, I loved my two cards!"

Pee Wee Herman was on the Tonight Show with Joan Rivers. I JO'd and then watched the Tonight Show episode. I couldn't help but fall asleep.

This weekend Mark and I should have a good time in Los Angeles. He's a cool friend. I wonder how his hand gliding experience went for him last Sunday. He did invite me to come along but I can't see myself doing something so daring.

I think I ate too much junk today. I had Red Licorice vines and a few Pepperidge Farm cookies. The banana nut bread dessert at lunch was so worth it though.

Eileen confirmed that she will be skiing this weekend. We talked about going out next weekend. It sounds good to me.

She did not like feeling beholden to anyone. She felt like a chess piece in a game she could not control.
-Stieg Larsson
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST