Yearning for Help

I stood in the light of my desk lamp staring at the half dozen or so unanswered letters that lay in an untidy pile, and felt reassured by them. I was trying to soothe myself by remaining busy.
-Ian McEwan
"Enduring Love"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 2, 1986
Tuesday

I called the JOBS HOTLINE telephone number today only to learn that there is a Staff Representative position available in San Leandro on Doolittle Drive (just minutes from my home). I immediately submitted for this job with my fingers tightly crossed. I have also decided to send my ‘yearning for help’ letters to the bigwigs at Pac Bell Directory. It’s not always ‘what you know’ but ‘who you know’. Maybe someone there can pull a few strings for me.

I was bummed out that it was so busy at work today. I didn’t want to be there. I made the best of it.

Margaret Lai and I walked to Chinatown. It was fun and a nice afternoon diversion. While Margaret has transferred out of the SDC-Sales Development Center we are still buddies. Luckily, she is working in the same building.

I was truly lazy last night. I had intentions of bicycling but I chose to take a nap instead. I didn’t even go to the gym. I ended up lounging, watching television and wrote out a few liability checks. I also wrote cover letters to the bigwigs I ‘sort of know’ at Pac Bell Directory. Then I simply went to bed.

We are having a Barbeque on Sunday at my house. Plans for Friday include a possible dinner or birthday party for Mark’s friend (who lives in Alameda). Saturday night still holds true for that possible foursome dinner with me, Mark, Patty and Anne.

I am ready for a change somewhere in my life. I hope I get this San Leandro position. It would save time in commuting. Time is money, too. The Directory Sales Position would be better; however, one day it will come. I am sure of it.

I will make some phone calls tomorrow for information on Mutual Funds. I want to review the prospectus on many that have interested me.

I still never did return Johnny Schaefer’s phone call. I must do that. I feel a tad guilty since he slipped this card in my luggage. The cover of the card had a quote from Oscar Wilde: “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” Inside the card was imprinted ‘Live it up!’
Then Johnny wrote:
Well, I think “live it up” is what we did this weekend, Mike.
Thanks for everything—I had a great time. I’m gonna miss you more than you know.
Come back whenever you want.
Always,
Johnny

Maybe we'll meet up for afternoon tea one day soon.

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."
-Henry James (1843-1916)