May 26th, 1975
I spend entirely too much time of my life on an airplane. It seems like I’ve spent more of this year in the air than I have on the ground. You would think going to all these different places would be a great experience, but the only sightseeing I do is between the airport and boardrooms. They should have called them "bored rooms".
May 28th, 1975
I’m on a plane again, heading for home. When I get there, I’m going to tell Deanne to cancel any plans I have to travel during the next couple of weeks. If it means losing a deal, so be it. My sanity is more important than another acquisition for Hart Industries.
May 30th, 1975
I looked into getting a corporate jet for Hart Industries today. It’s expensive, but I think it will be well worth the money. It will make traveling a lot more comfortable, and maybe I won’t dread it so much.
June 2nd, 1975
I never thought I’d be one to keep a journal, but lately, I’ve been doing a lot of things I never thought I’d do. I’ve been having strange thoughts too…thoughts like I may never have someone to share my life with or pass my legacy on to. Right now my will is full of donations to charity, along with a sizeable amount to Max, of course, but I wish I had someone in my own family to bequeath to. I guess I’m feeling lonely,…it’s a feeling I’m used to, but it’s taken on new meanings lately.
June 3rd, 1975
I cannot believe one of my vice presidents and an extremely valued employee told me I needed to get laid! I snapped at Marcus Wheeler, admittedly over something stupid, and that’s how he responded! I wish I could have confided in him; told him lack of sex certainly wasn’t the problem, but I wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing that. Marcus is a good friend, but he’s been married forever, and I don’t know if he’d understand what’s plaguing me. Instead, I just laughed and told him he’s not the first to tell me I needed to get laid. He isn’t.
Not by a long shot.
June 5th, 1975
I went to a charity dinner last night with Ramona Steele, Doug Steele’s daughter. He has been after me to go out with her for a long time, ever since the merger with his company. She’s an extremely beautiful woman, long blonde hair…big blue eyes…and the most dazzling white teeth I’ve ever seen. And her body…just amazing! I soon found out though, that she spent a lot more time developing her looks than her personality. Apparently, she spends her days at either the health club or her astrologer’s. I’m glad to know our ruling planets are in alignment, but after a half hour of this kind of talk, I was ready to call it a night. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned conversation? Ramona is definitely another one I’ll only be going out with once.
June 6th, 1975
I’ve gotten in the habit of writing in this journal at bedtime. There are other things I’d rather be doing, but not if it means doing them with girls like Ramona. Somehow, writing is much more rewarding.
It strikes me I haven’t sat down and thought about exactly what I’m looking for in a woman…at least not for a while. When I was ten it was easy. She had to collect baseball cards, and know how to bandage a skinned knee. Things are a lot more complicated now…and it’s going to take an extremely special lady to end my loneliness and give me something to do at bedtime rather than write in this journal. I think everyone has his own concept of the love of his life, and I’m no exception. I’m tempted to think along the lines of how I don’t want her to be, but that would be too negative. I’m going to give this issue some real thought, and write about it tomorrow.
June 7th, 1975
I had plenty of time to think about it today. Today was Sunday. Max and I watched the Dodgers murder the Mets, then he left to go to the movies with his latest lady friend. He actually invited me to go with them, but there’s no way I could do that. I know he was just doing it to be nice. Instead, I spent the rest of the day at the golf course, working on my putting. It gave me plenty of time to think.
Looks are important to me, but my ideal woman wouldn’t have to be gorgeous. As long as she’s pleasant to look at and takes care of herself, that’s more than enough for me. Usually the extremely beautiful women are the hardest for me to get along with.
Intelligence is a must, not necessarily book smarts, but she has to have good common sense, be able to use her head. She’s got to have a good sense of humor too, or she’d never be able to put up with me!
I want her to be feminine and gentle, but I also want a woman with a sense of independence. She shouldn’t have to rely on me to make all the decisions or cater to all my whims. She shouldn’t be afraid to disagree with me, or tell me when she thinks I’m wrong. I like someone who stands up for what they believe in.
Cooking would be a plus, but not a necessity. I’d rather have someone who’s good at conversation. I want someone I’d never get tired of talking to. I’d prefer her to be fairly athletic, someone who could hold her own on the tennis court or golf course. And it would be nice if she came with her own money, not because we’d need it, but because I could always be sure she wasn’t with me because of my bank account. I wouldn’t care whether or not she had a career, but I’d hope it wouldn’t hinder our time together. It would be ideal if she could work from our home.
One of the most important traits to me is that she has a great sense of adventure. I love a woman who’s willing to get her hands dirty or spend the night on the open ground somewhere. I’m not fond of timid women or women who would think it’s beneath them to do something like that.
It’s getting late, so I’m going to end here. Besides, it kind of brings me down to write this. Maybe my expectations are too high.
June 9th, 1975
I read back over what I wrote Sunday and I realize my expectations are definitely way too high. There’s no woman in the world that could fit all my qualifications. I think I’m going to have to reevaluate my standards. I wouldn’t lower them so much to the point of considering Ramona Steele, but I do need to loosen up somewhat.
June 10th, 1975
Saw a picture of Nikki Stefanos in Time magazine today. She was at Cannes this year, and looked as lovely as ever. Of all the women I’ve ever known, she probably fits my qualifications better than anyone. The biggest missing factor with her is the sense of adventure I want. Nikki was definitely not the daring type. If the truth were told, that’s probably the only thing that kept me from loving her. She told me she loved me, but I was never able to return the sentiment. I don’t regret that, but if I met another Nikki, I might not be so hesitant to give her my heart.
June 14th, 1975
I’ve been busy the last few days. I didn’t even get home from work until after 11:00 last night. Max wasn’t too happy with me. He had a big dinner all made, and it was pretty well-ruined by the time I got home. I wasn’t hungry anyway, since I got a bite to eat at the office, and that made him even madder. I apologized, and he’ll get over it. I’ve lost track of how many times this has happened before. Truth is, I’d miss it if it didn’t happen. Max is the closest thing to a parent I can remember.
My parents died when I was young. I barely remember them. I spent my youth in orphanages, and really didn’t know what a stable home life was until Max took me under his wing. To this day, I’m amazed at the good fortune I’ve had in finding Max. Max always said he was able to see potential in me, and I guess he was right, but I sure don’t know how he was able to see it. I owe him so much, and although Max says I’ve repaid him in full, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay him. He gave me a sense of self-worth, self-confidence, and a sense of fun. I was a pretty somber kid, and was well on my way to a life of crime, but Max showed me how to enjoy the good things in life. He has helped me get through a lot of rough periods in my life.
June 18th, 1975
I haven’t had much to write the last few days. I’ve got a business deal in the works that’s pretty big. It looks like I’m finally going to be able to branch out into the plastics industry, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I had been looking for an established company to merger with, but have decided to build from the ground up. I’ve owned some prime land in Reynolds, Iowa, for a long time, and almost forgotten about it. I’ve decided I’m going to do some traveling this month, after all. I’m going to spend a couple of weeks getting the logistics for the plant worked out. Max is going with me, but he’ll be on his own for the most part. I’ll be so busy I won’t have time for anything besides work. The community we’re building in is badly needing a boost to its economy. The unemployment rate there is almost twice the national average, and it’s one trend I intend to reverse.
June 19th, 1975
I’m worn out from packing for the trip. I’ve got to get up early, so I’m not going to write anymore before I leave. Maybe I’ll find a little time to write while I’m in Iowa.
July 13th, 1975
Well, so much for writing while I was in Iowa! I forgot to take this damn book with me. Oh well, I wouldn’t have had time to write in it anyway.
The trip was a success on all accounts. I hired an architectural firm, and the ground breaking could be as early as the first of August. Several employees from the main office have volunteered to relocate to Iowa, and they’ll be the ones getting it all set up. I was surprised it was so easy to get some of them, especially the younger ones, to move. Most of them said they were tired of the hectic life of LA. I don’t think I could ever get tired of LA life. There’s too much to do and everything is so convenient. Alan Landstrum and Matt Shore are the two key employees going, and I have no doubt they’ll make Hart Industries Plastics a success.
July 16th, 1975
It took me a couple of days to get back into the swing of things, but life is settling down again. The Dodgers are playing at Wrigley Field next weekend, and I’m going to free up my schedule so Max and I can go. Max doesn’t know it yet; he thinks we’re taking a business trip. He’s a fun person to surprise.
July 19th, 1975
I went out last night with Katherine Oliver, a lady whose path I’ve crossed more than once at various functions. She’s a nice lady, very funny and bright. I spent the night with her, which is unusual for me on a first date. Not bad…not bad at all. I’m seeing her again tomorrow night.
July 20th, 1975
That’s it…I’m looking into the priesthood! The first lady I’ve been attracted to in a long time called me a half hour before I was supposed to pick her up and told me she was getting back together with her ex-husband! She gave me the dreaded "nice guy" moniker, and dumped me flat on my face. I’m ready to give up.
July 21st, 1975
I had to spoil the surprise for Max. He told me he didn’t really want to go to Chicago, and asked me if I’d mind going alone. He wanted to spend a couple of days in Atlantic City. So I had to tell him it wasn’t really a business trip. He was delighted with the prospect of seeing the Dodgers and the Cubs play, but I hate ruined surprises.
July 28th, 1975
The Chicago trip was great! The Dodgers swept the series, and Garvey had a homer in each of the games. Bill Buckner played some of the most solid defense I’ve ever seen…he’s going to be a World Series All Star someday. Max and I visited all our favorite spots, and spent a lot of time just talking. It’s amazing how you can share a townhouse with someone for so long, and still lose touch with him. I’m really glad we took this trip.
August 3rd, 1975
I’ve got another business deal in the works, and this one won’t require any traveling. 1975 might not have been a good year for women and me, but it’s been a terrific one for Hart Industries. This one is with Nathaniel Brockhurst, who manufactures after-market car parts. It would be the perfect contract for the new plastics manufacturing company to get started with. Brockhurst has a reputation for being formal and stuffy, but I’m going to loosen him up. I’m thinking about meeting him with him here at the apartment. Maybe a homecooked meal will seal the deal.
August 4th, 1975
Brockhurst is a hard man to reach. The first time he can meet with me is a week from today. I hear he’s a tough nut to crack, but I don’t doubt my success.
August 16th, 1975
I haven’t felt like writing much lately. The deal with Brockhurst fell through. I don’t think the man ever had any intention of dealing with me. I’ve been kicking myself ever since. I should have seen it coming. I’m used to failures in relationships, but not failures in business. I hope this isn’t an indication of how the second half of 1975 is going to be.
August 21st, 1975
Maybe the Brockhurst deal falling through was for the best after all. I just learned there’s a company based in Philadelphia that’s about to go under, and they manufacture new car parts. The owner died about a year ago, and left what was a fairly profitable operation to his son. According to Marcus Wheeler, the son has "the ambition of a rock and the IQ of the moss growing on that rock". If the price is right, I’ll buy him out, and have a lucrative contract with Ford Motor Company.
August 23rd, 1975
The next month or so is going to be crazy. I’ve got to make a quick trip to Iowa, then it will be on to Philly. I’m not pressuring Max to go to Iowa with me, but he’ll be going to Philadelphia with me. Maybe we can catch a Phillies game while we’re there. The season will be over before long.
August 31st, 1975
Too busy to write much. I’m not even going to try to take this journal to Philly with me. I’ve got the feelings things will settle down when we get back. October has traditionally been a slow month for me. I don’t expect any changes this year.
September 10th, 1975
Home again, and this trip was definitely a success. I know Max was bored stiff, but he’s too good a sport to mention it. I’m going to try to stay home the rest of the year. I know I’ve written that before, but I’m really going to try to stick with it this time. Yeah right. I’ve made enough acquisitions this year already; I really need to settle down and make sure they all run smoothly. It seems like something important always comes up though.
I’m going to make another effort at establishing a relationship with someone too. Max has been kind of hinting that I’ve been a grouch, and he’s right. Frustration will do that to a man.
September 19th, 1975
I ran into Paul Whitten at the Gun Club today. I haven’t seen him in years. He wants me to go fishing with him this weekend in Northern California. I’m probably going to go. I didn’t have any other plans, and Paul’s always a good guy to swap stories with.
September 27th, 1975
What a trip! The fish were biting and the weather was great! Paul’s got a cabin right at the edge of the lake, and you could literally walk out the front door and cast your line. I’m going to have to get a cabin like that somewhere. It would be the perfect place to take a lady for a romantic getaway. Hearing Paul talk about the last few years kind of renewed my determination to find the right woman.
I’ve known Paul for years, we both started our businesses around the same time. He manufactures medical equipment, and has a successful business. He had always been a confirmed bachelor, and had a reputation as a playboy. He’s the last person I ever expected to see married, but married he was with a two year old daughter and another baby due in five months. He brought out his wallet which was full of photos of his family. He told me he had met his wife when he backed into her car in a parking lot. He hadn’t been looking for anyone, but found himself falling head over heels almost immediately. His wife and baby were visiting her relatives in St. Louis, and I lost track of how many times he told me he missed them.
I was happy for Paul, genuinely happy, but didn’t feel like confiding in him that I don’t think I will ever be as lucky as he has been. I don’t know if he knew what I was thinking, or if he just felt like sharing, but her spent the next half hour telling me the perfect woman for me was out there somewhere. She’d come along when I least expected it. By the time he was finished, he had renewed my hope, at least a little. Maybe I’ve been trying too hard…wanting it too much.
At any rate, I do feel a little more positive now, more than I have in a long time. Paul says I’d really like his wife’s sister, and he wants to set me up with her. I don’t normally like arrangements like that, but Paul convinced me I have nothing to lose. I called her earlier this evening, and we have a date next week. Her name is Tina.
October 2nd, 1975
Tomorrow night is my date with Tina. I’ve talked to her several times on the phone, and she has a pleasant soft voice. I even detect a bit of a Southern drawl, which I’ve always found very appealing.
I think I’m going to take her to Chasen’s and then we’ll go dancing. I’m debating on wearing an ascot. Women always seem to like them, plus, I must admit I like to wear them because I know Max hates them. He never says anything, but he gets this look in his eye that tells me he doesn’t approve. I know I shouldn’t enjoy irritating him so much, but I can’t help it.
I’m feeling pretty upbeat about seeing Tina. I don’t want to jump the gun, but I’m going to keep thinking positively.
October 4th, 1975
So much for thinking positive. Tina was very sweet and charming, but there was just no spark between us. I know she didn’t feel any connection either, and that’s why I gave her a quick goodnight kiss at the door, and didn’t even promise to call her. It would have been a lie, and we both knew it.
October 7th, 1975
Max is leaving tomorrow to spend a few days in Vegas. I have no idea what I’ll do while he’s gone. I even considered asking him if he wanted some company on the trip, but decided against it. Max takes this trip every year, and it’s good for him to get away and have some time to himself. He wouldn’t want my long face bringing him down anyway.
October 14th, 1975
Max is still gone. I’ve been keeping busy with work while he’s gone, and that helps somewhat. It keeps my mind busy, and without Max to chastise me, I’ve been bringing some paperwork home at night. It’s kind of nice to be able to roll up my shirt sleeves and relax while I’m going over reports. No phone calls, no messengers, no interruptions. Plus it keeps my mind off other things.
October 18th, 1975
I’m going to be traveling to London in the next day or two. I know Max is worn out from Vegas, but I really want him to go with me. I have the feeling I might need his help on this one.
I got a call from Tony Kingsford, which until recently was one of Britain’s most profitable car companies. We’ve had a lot of business dealings in the past, and have always had mutual respect for each other. Tony has run into financial problems though, and they’re of a rather odd nature. He wanted some advice. The only help I could offer though, seeing the situation he was in, was either to accept a loan from me or sell the company. I know he doesn’t want to sell unless he absolutely has to, so I’m going to meet with him and hopefully give him a loan to get him through this rough time. That is, if I can talk him into it. It has to be a top-secret deal, or he won’t go through with it. I’m glad we don’t have to deal with British propriety and royalty over here. I mean, I’m all for having pride in my business ventures, but if was desperate, I wouldn’t hesitate to accept aid from an international source. It’s not like that for Tony though. If anyone even gets an inkling I’m over there to help him out, the deal will be off and Kingsford will be bankrupt. I’d really hate to see that happen.
October 19th, 1975
We’re leaving tomorrow for London. It’s been a while since I’ve been there. The last time I was there, it rained the entire time. Somehow, I don’t think this trip will be nearly as exciting as that one. That’s all right though. This will strictly be a business trip.
