Dad: 'My Buddy'

You could always tell a gentleman by the way he kept his shoes.

-V.S. Naipaul
A WAY IN THE WORLD

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 16, 1987
Monday

Carla had the day off today and she forgot to tell me. What nerve! I shouldn't have polished my shoes this morning.

I made a quick arrangement with my coworker, Freddie Perilleat, for a lunch outing. We went to LITTLE JOE'S for a great beef stew.

I telephoned former coworker, Sue Fischer, and made arrangements to meet her for lunch on Wednesday.

I did keep my promise by calling Margaret Lai too. On March 29th we will try to meet up. It's a Sunday. She also came up with a business idea that she wants to discuss.
Margaret said, "I want to propose a partnership into buying a $79,000 townhouse together in El Sobrante. All you need is ten thousand dollars."
I asked myself, "Hmm…does she think I can come up with that figure easily?"
I simply said, "I'll think about it."
I really don't see how.
I am proud of myself because I went on an energetic bike ride along Alameda's South Shore beach after work today. It was a good workout. It was so good that it spurred on a continuation at my gym. After my gym workout I accepted my Dad's invitation to have a roast beef sandwich. Of course, I had a slice of mom's homemade cake for dessert. That's okay. I deserved it. I do feel I've gained some weight but I am working on it now at least. My legs feel very strong.

I left Dad a bit before nine o'clock. We're on such good terms now. He's being 'my buddy' now. I showered once I walked into my pad and watched an African-Ethiopian famine documentary. It was depressing, but spiritually worthwhile.

I called Gary Conger in L.A. and left him a reminder message to call me. He didn't. I'll likely see him hard at work at THE RAGE on Friday night. I plan to go to the Los Angeles Family Fitness Center and the Beverly Hills Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  The Polo Lounge is a big 'maybe'. I'd just like to venture in for a drink to see what it's like.

Carla telephoned but I forwarded her calls to her recorded message. I didn't feel like speaking to her because she pulled a 'no show' today. She knew I'd be mad and sad.

At lunch I searched within myself as I spoke to Freddie as to what else I wanted to do 'in life'. I know I want to be an Advertising Sales Rep on the one hand. On the other hand I fantasize about the concept of modeling or acting. The idea of being an author or writer is really tops in my book. I should pursue some writing classes again and quit 'thinking about it'. At least this journal is a form of writing. I know I would enjoy taking a Creative Writing course again. I want to save up a lot of money first. My credit card bills are hovering over my head. They will be gone soon enough. The word 'SAVE' will then become my middle name.

My weekend trip to L.A. with the rent-a-car ought to be fun. I am so looking forward to that weekend adventure. I need that time alone to ponder and discover.

"I'd like to indulge a whim of mine."
-Betty Smith
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN