The key and the rhythm to my life
January 3, 1982
When I wrote the above journal entry, I was 26 years old. I'd been an attorney about 7 months. My first three years of practice were in Placerville, California. They were financially rugged years as I was in private practice. I did my first 5 jury trials during those years and was learning the legal trade.
In the 1/3/1982 entry, I document how hard life was then, but, also, how I was doing what I wanted to do, so, it was worth it.
In a 12/24/1987 margin note at the bottom of the page, I wrote "And this page marks the key and the rhythm to my life. I've always been content to have nothing and yet to have everything." That has been true of my life ever since.
On the left side of the page, I included an amazing margin note :
"They just flashed on the radio that by Christmas 2025, there would be metal Christmas trees in bubble homes where dinner flashes on the table at the push of a button. There will be men on Mars and on the Moon. There will be no post men, Christmas cards will flash on a screen. And, I'll be 70 years old."
Well, it's just about Christmas 2025 now ,and at least one part of the above prediction came true, I'm 70!
Following is a partial transcription of my 1/3/1982 entry:
Today was a little bit better. Spent it researching Driving Under the Influence information and watched some TV and was cold. It was snowing here in Placerville earlier tonight.
I've got enough to pay rent, both office and apartment. But, how I'll pay other bills I don't really know. It's scary. So, I'll just take it one day at a time! But, I will be strong. I will survive. I'm doing the best that I can. I am a little concerned that I'm not working hard enough. Too much goofing around. But, I need time to myself. I'll go crazy if I do any more. Maybe I'm not cut out for this. Maybe I am. Just keep going, Lew. You've got a dream. That's about all you got. So, go for it. The winter winds are whipping around outside now. Just like in my life. But in here, it's warm . I got me.
I don't feel like I'm being cheated because I've gone to school so long and now this. I never wanted or expected much. I've always been happy just doing what I was doing. I like what I'm doing now. This is what I want to do. So, it's worth it. It's because it's me. For others, forget it. But for me, it's OK."