The Beginnings - Part 73: NOTHING REAL WILL COME OF IT

People are what matter.  They’re so much more fascinating than ideas.
-GOOD,
A 2008 motion-picture,
Starring Viggo Mortensen

The Beginnings – Part 73:  NOTHING REAL WILL COME OF IT

Saturday, August 20, 1983

Well, I spent the day painting the walls and ceilings at 3348 Solomon Lane, the Alameda Townhouse, with mom and dad. We made a great team and we accomplished so much. It was a job well done.

I found myself cruising my bike on Harbor Bay Isle again. I had missed the familiar roads.

When I arrived home I broiled a steak with veggies and a salad and fruit for dessert. Mom was surprised. I sure made it look good because I used mom’s China and set the table nicely. We ate and settled the ‘yucky’ feeling after all of our hard word.

Mom and I watched EXORCIST II which was on videocassette. I fell asleep before the very end. I guess I’ll never see the end of that movie.

I didn’t see George Jones tonight. It’s just as well because he was felling totally out-of-it. I was surprised that he didn’t even go to work. I’m glad the hot water with lemon and tea I recommended helped him.
George said, “Yes, it really helped by getting me to sweat the fever out of my system.”

Sunday, August 21, 1983

I drove to San Leandro to bring another load of my belongings to the Townhouse. I wanted to get a good head start. It is only one week and a half until September 1st. I was a little surprised when I checked my mailbox. I found a card from George. It was a neat looking scenic view of San Francisco. He wrote about how excited he was about our living together in Alameda. I know we’ll have good times there.

I scraped off one of the unpainted walls in the Townhouse. I tried to smooth it over while mom and dad painted the kitchen. The place was looking ‘hot’. I love it more and more each time I visit.

The latest media flash has stated that the Communication Workers of America have accepted a contract by AT&T. This means that I may be able to go back to work in Downtown Oakland. This cheers me up quite a bit.

I took a nice bike ride to the bank today. I have approximately five-hundred dollars in my savings account. I’ve got to build that balance to a more respectable figure.
This means that I must say to George, “Control your spendthrift ways!”
I mean, I love to shop, too. There simply has to be a limit.

AT&T’s contract includes job security and a 5.5% wage increase. Hurrah! I suppose that means the strike really is over. However, at my local level they say that an official settlement should be delivered by Thursday. I will have to call Ida, the Union steward, tomorrow morning for the latest scoop.

Sherri Lewis called at about 6:20PM. She thought I was John when I answered the phone.
I said, “No, it’s me.”
Sherri and I spoke of Hawaii, my moving back to Alameda (which she learned from John), the Gigolo music group and her ‘Road Show’ group that she saw at The Jazz Cellar.
Sherri wondered aloud, “I wonder if they’re the same group.”
“I’m not sure…great memories though. I love that group.”
I didn’t say it but I thought the lead singer was ‘A-OK’.

When my brother, John, arrived home tonight he confided in me about his latest news. He is apparently seeing his ex-girlfriend again: Sherri. In addition, he is seeing a twenty-nine year old married woman named Susan.
I asked, “Where did this Susan come from?”
“She works with me at GALLAGHERS.”
“Oh,” I said, “Well, you’re crazy to keep seeing the married chick when you know nothing real will come of it.”

Mom and I watched Jerry Lewis in that great movie called VISIT TO A SMALL PLANET. It was funny.   It's such a great movie.

We started to watch THE CHIPMUNKS, starring Alvin, Theodore and Dave, with my brother, Tony, when mom received a call from my Dad’s niece, Cecelia Markus. Cecelia loves to call and gossip with mom about ‘whatever’ every so often.

Tomorrow is another work day. At least Thursday is another pay day. It may be a relatively small amount but something is better than nothing right now.

“I hate psychology…it’s a soft science.”
“I know…but people are mostly soft.”
-BONES, TV series
Season I, Pilot episode