Thoughtfulness

"...we can't expect our life to be pat, our future to be a decided and fixed thing...Especially when you are young and the world lies before you and truly anything is possible. One must be pliant, one must not be afraid to say one doesn't know where one is going, to simply stand still without moving until the path one must take becomes clear. Otherwise a person is quite liable to grab on to the first thing that comes along and live to regret it all of their life."
-Shyam Selvadurai
"Cinnamon Gardens", a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 31, 1985
Saturday

It seemed like I had a million errands to do today. I managed.

I drove over to Berkeley to get some of Paloma’s things at Bonnie’s house (where she was employed as an au pair). I was going to go to Hayward to see about a new garage door opener but I decided NOT to have the gadget replaced. Instead, I called them and got a figure as to how much I would be deducting from Marty’s rental deposit.

I was going to lie in the sun for a while but I didn’t. I did manage to squeeze in a bike ride. I saw windsurfer Ron. He looked bigger. Maybe he just came from working out or the windsurfer excursions are helping his physique.

I went to visit John, Sherri, Ashley and now “Heidi” since she temporarily moved-in with them. Heidi is one of Sherri’s best-friends. I guess it’s a good idea for John and Sherri (financially speaking) to have a border. I got Ashley’s dress size (2T). I will have to find her an outfit in Paris.

I went to mom’s house for dinner (after my gym workout). Lorraine Garcia gave me a Bon Voyage jump rope and book to take along on my trip. That was extraordinarily thoughtful of her. She’s so sweet. I love her thoughtfulness, but I know I am not in love with her.

I stopped at my Grandmother’s house to pick up some authentic New Mexico Chile that my mom wanted. That was nice. My cousin, Sandy Gallegos-Frits, and her new husband, Mike, were there. Sandy’s always so quiet. Her new “hubbie” was rather quiet, too. Whatever. They’re family.

Mom set up a nice dinner for me, Sherri, John, Tony and Helen. It was pretty good. It was especially nice to be all together for a dinner. They all bid me a ‘Bon Voyage’.

I watched the movie “Windy City” with Tony and Helen. Then I went home and watched the movie “Blind Date” again.

Those family gatherings mean a lot to me. I am lucky to have such a heartwarming family that loves me and vice versa.

While home I was drifting off to sleep when Rachelle Davies telephoned with her pal, Heidi, on the other line. They called to say that Heidi is ‘for sure’ not attending the WHAM concert.

I fell asleep but woke early to a 6AM surprise phone call from Nici Maurino. I hadn’t spoken to her in months. I invited her to the WHAM concert.


However great the hardship, pursue with firmness the happy end.
-The Tirukkural, v.669
(as read in "Cinnamon Gardens", a novel)