A Bumble Bee

As the robustly sensuous painter Georgia O’Keefe once said: “In a way, nobody sees a flower really, it is so small we haven’t time—and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”
-Diane Ackerman
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 12, 1987
Tuesday

Work is so busy that it is beginning to get mind boggling. Both Rhoda and I feel we are doing the work of two representatives single-handedly. I am even at the point where I hate to take my break as I will get behind.

Dave Trapp said, “You look like a bumble bee.”
He said this because I was wearing my 'very short' vertical striped yellow and black shorts that Eileen bought for me.  Do I sting like a bee?

I ran into Steven Green at the gym. I hadn’t seen him in a while. He reminded me of what an obnoxious pain he could be.   I didn’t give him any mind and went on with my work out.

Angela came by me now and then for some simple flirtation time. I was happy that I burned 244 calories on the rower machine. It’s always a triumph to see that ending number light up.

I shouldn’t have done it but I took another nap after work. I heard Dad and Ashley at my front doorstep. I surprised them because they didn’t think I would be home until around 6PM. It’s nice to work the 8AM to 4PM shift.

The party is over. I received a parking ticket at my newly discovered free parking spot in San Francisco. I still came out one dollar ahead when you calculate the days that I did get free parking. Who is to tell whether I will get a ticket tomorrow? It’s not worth it to park there on a regular basis. I will be safe to park at my usual $2.75 per day parking lot.

Freddie called.
“I’ll be returning to work on Monday, May 18th, Michael.”
“That’s good news, Freddie, because we are overloaded with work. We need your help. I haven’t been taking my breaks but I’ve decided to just take them ‘no matter what’. That health break time is too important...you know.”

There’s still no response from Eileen after the ‘Dear Jane’ letter I sent. Perhaps she is simply a lost cause.

I still dream of going to London, England in November. I will do it if I really decide I want to do it. The second trip to Hawaii in July is still a likely happening.

The number ‘EIGHT’ means money. I foresee 1988 as a money year for me. My debts shall be gone. I will have more and more to build on and save. I must not forget that I will be going into commission sales sometime after April 1988, too.

That Steve Green pissed me off when he downplayed my Account Collections job. He’s such an ass. He acts like he’s Mr. Qualified Expert sometimes. As far as I’m concerned it makes me view him more as Mr. Imbecile.

Carla complimented my haircut yesterday. She also made an announcement that wasn’t too surprising.
“I have a new boyfriend.”
“How did you meet him?”
“Oh Michael, I’m in love. He’s visiting from El Salvador, my home country.”
Her eyes popped and her pupils dilated, making her look all the more sexy.
Carla added, “You know, I’m on a new FIT FOR LIFE ‘Richard Simmons’ weight loss program.”
“That’s great.”
I encouraged her, thinking that Mr. El Salvador must be rather sexy himself for her to want to get more fit.

I should take my Grandma out for dinner on her birthday in July. That would be a first for me. She deserves the love and the time.

Our pupils expand involuntarily when we’re aroused or excited.
-Diane Ackerman
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES