The Beginnings - Part 62: I SEE THE LIGHT

There was this thing of being so insecure – that has to do with youth I suppose – one didn’t know what to be, how to make it, what to accept, what to do.

-Alicia Drake

A BEAUTIFUL FALL

Twenty-five years ago today:

Here is one of the last photos I took of my dad (with his blue FORD truck in the driveway).

This other pic was taken on September 3, 1987. It’s of my Aunt Lillian and Aunt Betty (my mom’s sisters) and my Grandmother (mom’s mom), helping set up for after the funeral of my father tomorrow (September 4, 1987).  It’s a surreal memory.

The Beginnings – Part 62:  I SEE THE LIGHT

July 25, 1983

Barbara Reynolds returned to work today. I had missed her. Now I miss Pat Overschoun who is now on vacation.

I telephoned George during my first break.
He wasn’t home but I left him a message: “I just want to thank you for the plums you left in my fridge. I love plums.”

Once home I took my SCHWINN to the bike shop. I had my car washed and then came home to a very ugly American Express bill. It was seven-hundred dollars! How did that happen?

I drove to MACY’s to drop my payment off at the Bay Fair Shopping Center. I also mailed in a roll of film for developing. It’s cheaper to send it in via mail order.

When I spoke with George again he had a surprising announcement.
George announced, “I may go to Napa with Kevin to visit his sister.”
I kept it to myself but I’m sure he was going there to get some fresh ‘dope’. It must grow like wildfire there. I know that area is their source. Maybe Kevin’s sister is their supplier. Who knows? As long as he keeps that marijuana out of my presence it’s fine.

I was surprised and happy to receive a phone call from Debbie Honcik. She is coming to my apartment for dinner and a dip in the hot tub this Wednesday night. I love a spontaneous activity like that. It will be fun to see her again.

My chest is slightly sun burnt from lying out by Lake Almanor. I feel it when I scratch there.

Oh yes…Doug Siu called and had me speak to some tall, blue-green eyed blond from El Cerrito who has been making crank survey calls to him. That was kind of dumb.

I feel unfit from a lack of cycling lately. I haven’t been on a ride since last Wednesday. It will be a full-week since I’ve gone on a good ride. I plan on going on an adventurous ride tomorrow after I pick up my bike from the bike shop. I will feel so HAPPY when I see my bike. Funny…that’s exactly how I feel when I see George…HAPPY. I hope he calls me soon. It’s almost 10PM. I have to go to sleep.

July 26, 1983

I picked up my bike at the SCHWINN bike dealer.
He said, “You know…the back wheel was thrashed.”
I wasn’t surprised, considering my attempts at trying to put it back together. It just means that I was using it extensively. At least it is in tip-top shape now.

Helen Wong wanted me to meet her along the San Leandro Marina. When I rode there I didn’t see her anywhere. I rode to her place and she was there. We ate some quiche and had some old-fashioned butter-scotchie cookies for dessert. We had a good talk. It was fun when we were ‘beating it’ (the cookies…that is). All we needed was Michael Jackson’s song to play that BEAT IT song as we made the cookies. I left Helen’s and waited in my apartment for George to call me.

Apparently, George was skating at the San Leandro skating rink since 8PM. I learned this when he finally called me. I went to pick him up so we could lounge and watch TV together. We ended up engaging in ‘floor show’ activities while looking at our reflections on my mirrored cocktail coffee table. It was fun.

By midnight we were at PRINGS, having a midnight breakfast mushroom and cheese omelet in San Leandro. I also munched on a few of George’s dietetic cookies. Helen’s butter-scotchie cookies are much better.

I always have a great time with George. We now have a tentative date on Friday to see the LIGHT SHOW and a movie. We want to see the new Jacqueline Bisset movie called CLASS.

July 27, 1983

George left me a message on my work number. It was a very loving message. Work just happened. I barely recall what happened during the day. I only remember George’s message and my walk to Lake Merritt. At lunchtime I took off my shirt and chose to lie out near the Children’s Fairyland sign. It was relaxing.

After work I received another message from Debbie Honcik. She needed my address verified.

Then I received a call from Tammy. I really don’t know where I stand with Tammy anymore. She informed me of her escape to Los Angeles and San Diego. From what I heard I think she was planning to screw around with the beach bums and surfer dudes. Who knows what she did? Will I ever find out?

As I was waiting for Debbie Honcik to arrive I was speaking to my neighbor, Ted.
Ted said, “You should come by sometime and we’ll go for a beer or check out a video movie.”
I may take him up on that offer whenever I get a free night.

Debbie, my walking partner (and former 411-operator coworker) showed up. She brought chicken, zucchini, mangoes, strawberries and a big smile. How wonderful is that? I smiled. She is so much fun and such a doll. I miss not seeing her. It seems like such a long while since we got together.

The dinner was delicious. The hot tub was soothing. We fell asleep watching a repeat episode of DYNASTY.

My phone rang. It was George. Debbie left soon afterwards.

July 28, 1983

I just went to visit mom today after my work shift. We watched a couple of episodes of THE EDGE OF NIGHT together. Her recovery from the surgery on her gums was remarkable. She was feeling great.

We watched a classic Ingrid Bergman film called JOAN OF ARC on her VCR. I really love that movie. I crashed at mom and dad’s house for the night. The Queen-sized brass bed was so comfortable. It’s much better than my futon mat.

July 29, 1983

I drove to work with my brother, Tony, today.

I ate lunch with Helen. We spoke of going on walks together during our lunch hour again. The plan is to do it at noon each day. She ‘sort of’ invited me to GALLAGHERS in Jack London Square.
I replied, “I’d do it…but I already made plans to go to this LIGHT SHOW with my friend, George.”

The LIGHT SHOW in Sunnyvale was great. I really loved it. Before we went to the LIGHT SHOW we cruised over to Los Gatos to see Ken and Dan. Ken’s obnoxious brother, Corby, was there. I didn’t care for the ‘vibes’ when we arrived there. I just feel out-of-place. Perhaps it’s because I barely know these guys. Ken and Dan seem to be okay as they are warming up to me.

George and I went to SWENSON’S CREAMERY. The DeAnza College LIGHT SHOW was really worth it, too. I think I see the light.

The gates of his heart had swung open and he felt light on his feet, he felt weightless, he felt lithe.
-Junot Diaz
THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO