While my classmates were studying, partying or participating in extracurricular activities, I worked at Bealls and Foley’s Department Stores during high school and college. Prior to, and coincident with, working in air-conditioned malls, I earned money as a lifeguard, mowing lawns, and other odd jobs.
Before getting my driver’s license I would ride my bike to Capparelli’s Pizza where I worked as a dishwasher and at a variety of other tasks. The Blanco Road location is no longer there but the family still operates restaurants in San Antonio, since 1964.
As an early teen I was contemplating technology and designing skateboard trucks. My interests in skating were more focused on the technical than the technique. I was modifying and repairing equipment more than skating it. The neighborhood half-pipe ramp was built and battered in my parent’s driveway.
One of my first jobs was delivering newspapers in San Antonio. Here’s the front page from the San Antonio Light Newspaper, June 10, 1977 (note the “No Nudes is Good Nudes” masthead). The Sunday papers back then were anything but light. Nevertheless, I’d load up the shoulder satchels, hop on my bike, and block-by-block lessen the load on my wheels. Before the sun came up, I’d be back in bed.
