A Sheepherder

I was once asked if I’d like to meet the President of a certain country.
I said, “No. But I’d love to meet some sheepherders.”
The sheepherders, farmers and taxi drivers are often the most fascinating people.
-James Michener (1907-1997)
American author

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 6, 1987
Monday

Carla waltzed in to the office an hour late using the ‘I forgot to change my clock an hour ahead’ excuse. She’s such a bull-shitter. The ironic thing is that she gets away with it. We ate lunch together at NATOMA’s today.

I telephoned Eileen Grabinsky after work and gave her some new insight on her sixteen year old crank calling prankster. His name is Michael Dean and I looked at his phone bill.  He seems to be a spoiled South City brat with his own phone.

I was reading a book and realized that sometimes we ALL do things that we’re ashamed of. I pondered that thought, realizing that I haven’t really been so bad.

I went bicycling and made it to the gym as well.
Dave Trapp asked, “Hey, where have you been?”
I just shrugged my shoulders while pedaling hard on the Life Cycle.
Patty was there, too and she asked, “Where have you been?”
“I’ve been working hard,” I replied.
Patty continued, “I was even wondering what had happened to Mark.”
“Oh yeah,” I explained, “His gym membership expired so he’s waiting on a good deal before he joins up again.”

I arrived back home and returned a phone call to my Dad.
Before he could ask I said, “You can expect the rent check on my next pay period.”
We talked about the decreasing value of the dollar in Japan. That was kind of interesting.  Dad was being so kind and I don't even think he had planned to mention the fact that I was a few days late with the rent.
“So what else is new?” I asked.
Dad answered, “Well…you know mom is taking Wednesday through Friday off to help me with the income tax.”
“Oh yeah, that’s why you took your vacation week now.”
“You know, Mike, I’m going to retire when I’m fifty-five.”
“That’s great,” I said, wanting to make him feel good.
I was actually rather envious. I know he wants that farm in New Mexico someday and the concept of his father/my grandfather being a sheepherder at one time crossed my mind.

Carla and I read an article in the Wall Street Journal today about how AIDS is going to bring about an upswing in ‘virgin to virgin’ marriages, early marriages and fewer one-night stands. This could lead to more and more children like the 1950’s.
Carla disagreed with the article.
“It’s not true, Michael. I’m not anxious to get married.”
“You’re not?”
“No, are you?”
“No,” I answered abruptly.
Then I began to wonder whether or not I am actually anxious. Perhaps I do ‘sort of’ feel like having a family life sooner versus later.
I thought to myself, “Let’s just see where the next couple of years guide me.”

Bette Davis will be a guest with JOAN RIVERS on The Tonight Show tomorrow night. I really want to see that interview.

The journey--not the arrival--matters.
-T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
American born English poet