Working Feverishly

One works so feverishly at the office that afterwards, one is too tired even to enjoy one's holidays properly. But even all that work does not give one a claim to be treated lovingly by everyone; on the contrary, one is alone, a total stranger and only an object of curiosity.
-Franz Kafka
"Wedding Preparations in the Country"

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 11, 1984
Tuesday

I had a tremendously good sales day. I was also commended highly on the amount of business calls I took today: sixty-one! The most when compared to every one in my section.

I had lunch with Karyn at 'The Metro Cafe' once again. It was good. I had an avocado burger this time. Oh no...wait a minute--that was the other day! I had a one o'clock lunch and I ended up eating with Carl and Dolores (co-workers in my section) in the cafeteria. It was fun. Carl is a nice guy but a bit of a "complaining type". He needs to relax more.

After work I went to mom's to get my mail that had been delivered to that address. Then I returned to my place where I washed and folded clothes.

I decided to go ahead and call Bob Umland. I left a message on his answering recorder at 6:45PM. Then I telephoned him again at 8:30PM or so.
"Hello?"
"Hey Bob, it's Michael."
"Oh hi, I can't really talk because I'm expecting my friend Frederick for dinner."
I seemed to recall that he had mentioned his black pal named Frederick. I guess he's coming for dinner (reminds me of a movie). Bob was kind enough to invite me over as well.

"Oh Thanks a lot but I'm just not up to driving after my long day today," I explained.
Bob continued. "Well, I will see about getting an extra ticket to 'Beach Blanket Babylon' for this Saturday, then you can come with me and Nathan. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, that's great."
And so, I imagine I will receive his call tomorrow (Wednesday).

Ultimately, I showered for the evening and went to bed.

He stayed there all night, spending the time partly in a light slumber, from which his hunger kept waking him up with a start, and partly in worrying and sketching vague hopes, which all led to the same conclusion, that he must lie low for the present and, by exercising patience and the utmost consideration, help the family to bear the inconvenience he was bound to cause them in his present condition.
-Franz Kafka
"The Metamorphosis"