It's A Story

"I was beginning to contrive a dream of "us" being together."
-SOLDIERS GIRL
2002 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 4, 1986
Thursday

Frank, at The Placement Center, claims that the San Leandro Staff Representative position has been offered to someone.
He kept my hopes up by saying, “You still may have a chance at it though.”
So, who knows?

I didn’t bother to go to the gym today. Instead I evaluated my move to open a Capital Asset Account at CITICORP.

Mark Landreth telephoned. He was in good spirits as we made arrangements to go to Cindy Ostegren’s party tomorrow (Friday) night.

I did my aerobics tape at home for a good hour. Then I decided to ‘hit the hay’.

I wrote Mark Landreth a letter (See BLOG dated 07-14-2011, “The Guy”):
http://007gentleman.blogspot.com/2011/07/guy.html

I don’t know if I’d ever give it to him though.
It’s a story—a relatively true one.

"I have my music to warm my heart."
-Together,
2003 film from CHINA

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Two Of Hearts

How much does a man live, afer all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or for several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say "for ever"?
-Pablo Neruda

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 3, 1986
Wednesday

I cannot believe I arrived in San Francisco so early this morning. It’s 6:30AM. One just never knows how the traffic conditions will be on a given day. The 6:30AM time is the usual time that I’d be waking-up. Oh well-I’m getting paid a bit extra for this 7AM overtime. Is it worth my NOT getting a worthwhile amount of sleep? I feel a trite fat this morning. I had intended on doing some aerobics last night. I didn’t even get to do that.

That’s quite complimentary (as I recall) when Johnny Schaefer said, “You are out of my league.”
Perhaps I am out of a number of people’s leagues (even so-called millionaires) like Leonard and Chad (a kid that has doctors as parents). I am happy with myself right now. That’s of primary importance.

Ashley is with her other grandmother, Janet Lewis, until Thursday or Friday. I miss her already.
My mom said, “You know, I asked Ashley about her Uncle Mike going on the airplane.”
“You did?” I asked.
“Yes, and she started to cry!”
“That’s so sweet. It makes me feel so loved by her. She probably thought I was going far, far away and not coming back.”

You know—I keep hearing this song by Stacey Q called TWO OF HEARTS. It heaps my desire and drive. I just LOVE this tune. The other one by The Human League called HUMAN is a good one, too.
TWO OF HEARTS music video:

Emmy Pena, a fat, jolly and friendly man in my office has just returned from a vacation in Hawaii. He is very, very dark from being in the sun for so long. It’s unbelievable. He’s so dark!

Margaret Lai and I ate lunch at B and M Chinese today. Yummy.

Mark Landreth didn’t make it to the gym today. He couldn’t locate his gym ID card.

Anne Alberti was at the gym. We will all likely go out this Saturday night to HORATIO’s in Berkeley.

I was invited to Cindy Ostegren’s party in Alameda (as Mark Landreth had said I might). I had called Mark about it; thereafter, Cindy called me. Mark’s cool.

I decided to telephone Annabelle Montero and her brother, Mike, in Downey, CA once again. They both got on the phone and were happy to hear from me.
Annabelle said, “We may come up to San Francisco again in October.”
“That’s so funny. Mark and I were thinking of coming down to L.A. in October, for Halloween.”
I have to tell Mark about the conversation. He’ll be thrilled.

Kathy Ortega and Stu Western were at the gym. I rapped with them for a while. I feel OOS (Out Of Shape). The nautilus weight-training was hard for me tonight.
PHOTO: Fire Island

Paul Dean called me from New York. He’s the aspiring actor I met on Fire Island. I had written him a card. I was surprised to hear from him.
I said, “You know, Paul, you’re welcome to visit here in the Bay Area sometime…anytime.”
He thanked me. I wonder if I’ll ever hear from him again.

I also wrote a nice card to Jeanette Melcher in San Diego. I have yet to hear from her again.

I spoke to Suzy Miller today.
“You know, Suzy, you can move-in with me for three hundred dollars a month.”
She seemed stunned and made me feel like it was too hefty a sum for her. It’s a deal. Oh well, now I’m unsure about that one. She will likely not take me up on the offer.

I have to call Frank. He’s a friend of Margaret Lai’s that works at the Placement Center. He may be able to pull some strings for me on that Staff Representative position in San Leandro. We shall see.

Something new, a silent time of deeper thinking, had entered my life, and I associate it with those afternoons of silent reading.
-Janet Frame,
An Autobiography

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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)

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Art Deco Postings

"It's amazing what can be achieved with charm and a tight butt!
One flash--and even the waiters are friendly!"
-William Corlett
"Two Gentleman Sharing"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 1, 1986
Monday

While at DENNY’s I explained to Johnny Schaefer that I had no real commitments to anyone ‘at this time’.
He nodded with interest.

I think his roommate, Jeff, might like me. He seemed to carry a slight attraction towards me. He’s a blond, blue-eyed graphic artist.

Johnny asked, “How do you meet people?”
I laughed and explained, “I don’t know. It just happens. I don’t go out in search of people.”
I could tell that he seemed a bit disturbed because I didn’t comply with sensual suggestions that he made ‘under pressure’ tactics a la my leg on top of his. Ha-ha.
I explained, “I don’t want to rush into anything.”
I couldn’t hear myself saying, “I’m really not attracted enough.”
I had to be nice. In hindsight I now know that he was a mishap fling of initial excitement when we’d first met. There’s no more to it except friendship (if he wants it).

I am on my way back home now. All in all my Labor Day Weekend in Los Angeles was fun and eventful. The moral of my ‘trip’ story is ‘Have friends in every port…but leave limits where they belong and/or are appropriate’.

My AIR CAL flight got me in to Oakland International Airport in a timely manner. It was scary when I considered an Aero México flight that had crashed into a charter flight on Sunday. There were sixty-seven people on board. All of them were killed. How terrible to be wiped-out ‘just like that’. Yikes.

Ma and Pa picked me up at the airport. I tagged along with mom and Sherri to South Shore Shopping Center. Mom bought me a thermal shirt and two t-shirts. She’s a sweetheart. Why did she make these purchases for me? It’s because she loves me…I guess.

I ate at mom’s house and started to watch TV. It wasn’t long when I decided to go home where I spent most of the night attaching all of my postcards together into some sort of art form in the spare room wall where I do all of my ironing.

I spoke to Frank Vaconcellos today (886-0700). He is still living in Hayward. His mom was very nice to me over the phone. Frank and I haven’t seen or spoken to one another in months. We made a promise to get-together sometime soon.

Johnny Schaefer telephoned and left me a message on my recorder. I didn’t return his call yet. I believe he just wanted to be sure I made it home okay.  That was very kind of him.

My postcard art deco postings were inspired by Jeff (Johnny’s roommate) because he had done something similar to his room.

I don’t feel like going to work.  My car is acting up.  It won’t start-up smoothly—like it used to do. I am crossing my fingers that I won’t have trouble until the end of the week.  I will most likely take the car in for servicing on Saturday at some Auto Repair Shop.


We lived in a mist of half-shared, unreliable perception, and our sense data came warped by prise of desire and belief, which tilted our memories, too.
-William Golding
"Lord of the Flies"

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Selective Feelings

For all human sentiments there is a time of early blossoming, a day of generous enthusiasm that gradually fades until nothing is left of happiness but a memory, and glory is known for a delusion.
-Honroe de Balzac
"The Unknown Masterpiece"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 31, 1986
Sunday

By 10:30AM John and I were at DISNEYLAND to meet with Joel for our free passes. John lives only five minutes from DISNEYLAND.  He knows DISNEYLAND like the back of his hand as he had worked there for four years.  He gave me a grand tour.  The circle vision screen was miraculous. We did it all: Able Lincoln, The Bear Country, The Big Thunder Railroad, It’s a Small, Small World, Space Mountain, The Matterhorn, Mr. Toad, The Tea Cups (of which I somehow controlled).

We also left the DISNEYLAND Park and went to see the raving performance of Farrah Fawcett in her new movie called EXTREMITIES. It was really good. I enjoyed the in-depth look of decision-making over a violent act. The idea of ‘getting even’…How?

We returned to the DISNEYLAND Park and watched ‘The Electric Parade’. Johnny and I ate sundaes at the Carnation Co.  We made the ‘most of it’.


Oil Painting by Russian artist,
Antonin Ivanovitch Soungouroff  1894-1982:
Johhny Shaefer resemblance, 1986

We returned to Johnny’s pad by eleven o’clock. John was being very touchy-feely.
I blatantly explained, “I didn’t come to visit for hot sex!”
“I understand that,” Johnny nodded with a slight smile.
He definitely wanted hot sex though. He’s really NMT. We had a discussion and it made me feel uneasy.
Johnny said, “I feel like I’m out of your league.”

He was right in that I didn’t come up-front with him about my feelings. It was hard for me to explain that I am not out of his league but that I felt he was simply NMT (Not My Type). Johnny’s looks are attractive. He’s nice. His ambitious aura is an attraction.  It’s just that my own selective feelings override those qualities in him. He is a friend. He’s a good friend and that’s all he can—or ever will be.

I must be careful and yet…I am right. I am thankful I didn’t get deep enough to have hurt him.

You can't break me.  I don't have a breaking point (I was wrong).
-"127 Hours"
2010 motion-picture

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The Moody Blues

We can only live for as long as we care about ourselves.
-Ray Kurzweil
"The Singularity Is Near"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 30, 1986
Saturday

Johnny and I ‘slept in’. I went to use the potty in the early morning and I met one of Johnny’s roommates who happened to be munching on a bowl of CHEERIOS.  His name is Troy.  I was only wearing my underwear.

A little later I showered and was ready to experience more of L.A.

It was time for breakfast and Johnny, his other roommate, Jeff and enjoyed some French Toast.  We sat around the dining table discussing music, art, movies, last night, Jeff’s friend Becky.  Becky never arrived at LAX.  She was supposed to arrive from Guatemala.

After breakfast, Jeff drove us to Newport Beach.  Jeff grew up in the Tustin area—not far from Laurie Robertson apparently.  Laurie was the one I met in the early 1980s.  Jeff didn’t seem to recognize her name.

Newport Beach was very nice.  We were lucky to find such a great parking space.  We bought shaved ice cones.  I chose a cherry-pineapple flavored one (like a missile pop).  We decided to lie out on the beach for a strong part of the day (3PM-5PM).  By 5PM we went for pizza at a place called PERRY’s.

We headed home and that’s where we showered to get ready for the MOODY BLUES Concert outing.
I thought THE FIXX was very good.  I love their song “STAND OR FALL”.  The concert was relaxing. John’s music teacher, Wendy, did look like a go-go dancer on stage.  In my opinion it was a ‘let down’ for her professionalism.  She’s making big bucks to do it…so what the hell.

John kept giving me compliments about my ‘great looks’.  He was being serious.  The flattery was nice but I kept hearing the lyrics to “STAND OR FALL” in my head:

Crying parents tell their children
If you survive don't do as we did
A son exclaims there'll be nothing to do to
Her daughter says she'll be dead with you
While foreign affairs are screwing us rotten
Line morale has hit rock bottom
Dying embers stand forgotten
Talks of peace were being trodden

Stand or fall state your peace tonight
Stand or fall state your peace tonight

Is this the value of our existence
Should we proclaim with such persistence
Our destiny relies on conscience
Red or blue what's the difference

Stand or fall state your peace tonight
Stand or fall state your peace tonight

An empty face reflects extinction
Ugly scars divide the nation
Desecrate the population
There will be no exaltation
Its the euro theatre
Its the euro theatre
Its the euro theatre

Stand or fall state your peace tonight
Stand or fall state your peace tonight
Its the euro theatre
Its the euro theatre
Its the euro theatre
Its the euro theatre

It was fun to go back stage.  I enjoyed some hor dourves and met Wendy.  Johnny exchanged a few words with Justin Hayward.  Justin Hayward was born in 1946 and I hadn’t realized he was from Swindon, Wiltshire, England.  So he’s an English musician who is one of the main singers, songwriters and guitarists for the rock band THE MOODY BLUES.  We left right after that.

Johnny and I turned in rather early—at midnight or so.  I was tired.  His persistence was unavoidable ‘if one may catch my drift’.  I had to state my peace tonight.  It’s just that it’s a ONE WAY Street.  His feelings certainly override mine.  He is a friend (period).  How appropriate to see "The Moody Blues" tonight.

Day after day people mistakenly said that the heat wave had reaches its zenith and tomorrow must subside.
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

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Hard Rock

I could never get to know him.  He's from MARS--or I'm from MARS.  No native tongue in common.
-James Kirkwood
"Good Times, Bad Times", a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 29, 1986
Friday

I was so happy I had made arrangements to have myself ‘released’ from work at three o’clock today. Steph was very cool about that. She bought me a flower and some red licorice because I received a ‘third test call’ for the week. The test calls reflect on her performance and when I receive a ‘test call’ I can always tell and I handle it with such finesse. The frequency of this ‘test call’ crap is unreal though. I put the testy ‘old bag’ in her place after she tried to point out some select things that she felt did not ‘match up’.

My brother, John, drove me to the Oakland Airport. Ashley came along for the ride. Ash started crying when I let myself out of the car.   She’s so cute and it really made me feel so ‘cared for’.  I love Ashley Armijo.  Did she think I was flying away forever?

Today was Margaret Lai’s last day in the Sales Development Center Business Office. She’s only moving up to the seventh floor of this same building, so we’ll likely still be having lunch together from time to time.

Cathy Boldocchi may become a Service Representative in our office (instead of an Order Writer). I hope she does it. She could easily be in my section.

I arrived at LAX-Los Angeles International Airport by 6:15PM. It was an easy flight. Johnny Schaefer was there, waiting. We went to and through the Inglewood area by mistake. There were a lot of lower income dwellings. The people had iron clad bars about the windows of their houses.  We stopped by Johnny’s church where he sings.  The church is called Blessed Sacrament Church.  It’s a very big church.  Johnny implied that it is a major landmark in Los Angeles.  I had never heard of it.

PHOTO: Howie Mandel

Johnny and I continued on over to the HARD ROCK Café in West Hollywood to ‘supposedly see’ some good-looking people.  We didn’t see very many. It was very crowded and many seemed to be in search of something.   I don't think many of them knew what they were looking for.   Was it just 'to be seen'?  Actor Howie Mandel and Olympic US Swimmer Steve Lundquist were there—but they’re no big deal.  So what.  Steve Lundquist had a slight resemblance to Ron Leoni--something around the eyes--but he was blond.   Do blondes really have more fun?   Perhaps if they're Olympic swimmers...I suppose.





PHOTO: US Swimmer,  Steve Lundquist

After waiting for dinner seating at the HARD ROCK Café for one and a half hours we decided to just leave. We drove to the area of Westwood (near UCLA). There were all sorts of shops around there. It was fun browsing at the creative T-Shirts at one shop. There was one T-shirt with a two hogs humping logo with the copy ‘See Dick Pump, See Jane Skid’. We laughed. There were all kinds of cute rhymes and pictures on these T-Shirts.

We had some Italian ice. That was refreshing---until we saw a mouse run across the sidewalk as we left Carl’s Jr’s. This Westwood area appeared clean but the mouse was “ugh”. To imagine that there’s a movie theater here, there and everywhere and that mice could be prowling about one’s heels was just overbearing for me to imagine.

After the Westwood visit Johnny drove further south to the Anaheim area. We arrived at Johnny’s place. He did buy a brass bed just like mine. Creep! Ah…it is okay, I guess. His brass bed is there…and mine’s here. We went to bed. He’s really NMT (Not My Type). He’s a good friend. I tried to sleep.

An hour later, fatigue and the pity he felf for himself disposed him to a softer mood.
-Stendhal
"The Red and The Black"

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Chatter, Comparing Notes

Everywhere you went there was someone who wanted to draguer you, a word that literally means to chat up, but a word that in France denotes a fine art conducted with teasing glances, nuance and candid desire. Sexual freedom was another new post-1968 reality: it had long been practised by the higher strata of French society behind the smokescreen of marriage, but now it was available to all, with or without the alibi of a spouse.
-Alicia Drake
"The Beautiful Fall: Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess in 1970's Paris"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 28, 1986
Thursday

I would have received my third ‘test call’ today because I answered my line and it was Arlene (the test caller) again. She asked my name and decided to call back, realizing she had tested me twice already. When she called back she got Margaret Lai. Ha-ha…Cest la vie.

I really had to use the bathroom at 11:30AM today. I think it’s because I had two bananas, chocolate milk and a yogurt all before 8AM. Oh yes, I also had a chocolate bar donut filled with custard with a glass of milk at around 10AM. That explains it.

I telephoned Mark Landreth while he was rummaging through paperwork at home.
I reassured him by saying, “I hope you find a check that you forgot to cash.”
He laughed and added, “Oh you know that girl, Cindy Ostegren, is having a birthday party.”
“Oh yeah?” I asked.
“Yes, she may call and invite you.”
“Sounds good to me,” I said, realizing that would be next weekend.
Mark and I continued to chatter, comparing notes about Anne Alberti and Patty and other small talk. Mark is ‘by far’ my best-friend these days.

Steph, my boss, was nice enough to come by my desk and rub my shoulders at around 5PM (while I was speaking to one of Judy Geniella’s semi-irate customers).

I went bicycling after work. It felt so good to spin the wheels. I dropped by mom’s house and granted myself with chocolate chip cookies that were made by Helen. How sweet!

I received a bike card from Stephen Green. He wrote:
Howdy!
Hope you had a great time in New York. My party was a hit. About 60 people showed up! I had a great time. Give me a ring. I want to hear about your trip.
Friends,
Stephen G.

Greg Manechevitz and Mike Miller called me again.

Johnny Schaefer called me too. We confirmed that he will be picking me up tomorrow at LAX-Los Angeles Airport. We’re going out to Westwood on Friday night. Then we will go to the beach on Saturday. The concert will be on Saturday night, of course. Disneyland is scheduled for Sunday. It all sounds good to me. He’s a pal.

I made a tentative arrangement for a reservation on September 21st at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. I may cancel it and save it for another day. Money, money, money…don’t we all wish we had more of it?

How blinded we are by money.
-Yann Martel
"The Life of Pi"

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A Tough Class

"I'm going to run away one day--you'll see and I'll never come back."
-Brazil: The Sky We Were Born Under
2011 Brazilian motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 27, 1986
Wednesday

My driving-in to work as early as 7AM is allowing me only to write short “briefings” in my journal.

I had my second ‘test call’ in a row today. It’s ridiculous. I put in for a new Service Representative position in the San Ramon area. I want out of this San Francisco Business Office.

I made it to Anne Alberti’s aerobic class tonight—after a good nap. It was a tough class. Patty and Mark were there. We discussed the idea of a foursome dinner together. We’ve tentatively set September 6th.

I happened to mention my weekend trip to L.A. for this coming weekend.
While standing next to Anne and Patty Mark said, “You have to look up a friend of mine.”
I knew he was referring to Annabelle Montero (the beautiful gal we both found at The Oasis).

I bought some ‘much needed’ groceries after my aerobic workout. I drove home and watched RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARC. It was time to go to bed. Yawn.

"We learn good and bad--a lot has to do with our parents."
-Steven Zlutnick
HUMAN SEXUALITY Graduate Class Notes
January 26, 1989

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My Lonesome Self



Hitchin' A Ride

"You have to understand our past because you are our future."
-REIGN OF FIRE,
2002 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 26, 1986
Tuesday

Steph, my boss, gave me an ‘okay’ on my leaving early on Friday for my trip to Los Angeles. Hurrah!

I didn’t bother going to the gym tonight.
Birda called, “Hey, are you going biking tonight?”
I took a rain check. It was my first time with my lonesome self for a while.  I liked the quiet time.  I simply remained at home, evaluating bills and watched a video.

Mike Miller came by unexpectedly. He was with some gal from his Chabot College Tennis Class. I thought she was cute but she had these sleazy tie-up front pair of pants. Ironically, she knew Rachelle Davies. Yuck!

Greg Manachevitz called me, too.

Ron Leoni called me COLLECT from Kings City, California.
“Mike, you won’t believe it. I got two tickets at thirty-five dollars a snap for hitchhiking!”
“You’re kidding me!”
“No, that’s California for ya.”
I hated when he calls me collect.  I won’t hear from him too often anymore though.  After he hung up I thought of that song from the 1960's called "Hitchin' A Ride" by Vanity Fare.

I wonder if I was missed at the gym while I was away. I have to go to Anne’s aerobics class at 8:30PM tomorrow night.

I wish I had more cash.

"You can crawl from the rubble and slowly rebuild becaue after disaster strikes the important thing is that you MOVE ON...and, if you're like me you just keep chasing the storm."
-Veronica Mars,
2004 TV-show

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Shifting Gears

A man can gloom away his whole life.
-Jules Verne
"Paris in the Twentieth Century"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 25, 1986
Monday

All right—it’s time for shifting gears as I am back to work again. I know this week will fly by. I only wish Ron Leoni would fly sooner versus later. I’m sure he will. I will call him today from my office and settle things (I hope). I plan to tell him that I am going to Sacramento this weekend.

It was a trying day. Ron called me at my office before I could call him.
Ron asked, “Could you give me directions on how to get to San Francisco?”
I explained. He chose to take the bus in to The City. I arranged for him to meet me at 2nd Street and Folsom. We drove home to Alameda together when I was released from work.

I read some of my Stock Investment and Reinvestment issues about CITICORP. I think I shall invest. I will try to go for $250 monthly (if that’s possible). I have to start somewhere.

Mary McTiernan’s last day was today. She is moving on to the PRIORITY ACCOUNTS desk. Margaret Lai is the next one to depart (on Friday). Oh well…

Ron is leaving tomorrow morning (Tuesday).
“What are your plans?” I asked.
“Oh, I’ll just hitchhike,” Ron answered proudly.
I frowned. Then I thought quietly, “It’s just as well.”

I am flying Air Cal on Friday and intend to arrive in Los Angeles at 6:11PM on Friday. Johnny Schaefer and I are going to have a fun weekend. The backstage passes to see The Moody Blues and The FIXX will be really fun.

Sherri and Ashley dropped by.  Sherri dropped off a blank videocassette in hopes that I would tape more cartoons for Ashley.

I am planning to work overtime tomorrow. I need the cash.

I saw Mark Landreth at the gym on this evening. He persuaded me into taking Jim’s cardio class at 7:30PM. And so…I did it.

Another Mark (the 4-eyed one with the eyeglasses) inquired with me, “Hey, let me know when you go to the San Francisco 24-Hour Nautilus. I’ll meet you there one day.”
I thought that was rather brave of him.
I simply answered, “Okay, sounds good.”

I was considering a Hawaii trip in November but money is of serious value to me right now. I may scratch that idea for now.

I finally reached Birda yesterday to thank her for the vase and flowers. That was truly sweet of her. How can I repay that thoughtfulness? +$%#x! her? Well, I couldn’t---she’s not even interested…or is she? I don’t know if I want to spark something when there may not be any real flame.
I left a message for Lenny Greco in New York City.
“Hey Lenny, I think I left my black leather jacket in your closet.”
I had to say that on his answering recorder because he wasn’t home. I will try calling him again next week. After all it is my two-hundred dollar jacket!

"Objects are safer than people."
-Freud's Last Session
Off-Broadway Play, April 30, 2011

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A Wanted Man

PHOTO: The 'young' Karl Lagerfeld

"Plastic just complicates your life."
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 24, 1986
Sunday

Once Ron and I arrived at San Francisco International Airport I was happy to see Margaret Lai there, waiting for us. We all went to the Taiwan Restaurant in Berkeley for a bite to eat. Sweet Margaret insisted on treating us. Margaret and her son, Lance, took us back to their home in El Sobrante where my car was waiting for me.

I decided to just feel comfortable about the fact that Ron Leoni was still here with me in Alameda. We didn’t say much to each other. There’s definitely a communication barrier of some kind. I went through all of my personal mail. I had to report my Security National Bank MasterCard stolen.
Later, Ron finally opened his mouth and said, “I can’t rent a car unless I have a major credit card.”
Now I am beginning to suspect that he took mine. I can’t wait until he leaves. Believe me—it’s doubtful that he will reenter my life in any real significance any time soon.

As I think back I was rather appalled by some of his New York friends. I mean…drug dealers, etc.! It’s not too promising. One gal, Cathy and her friend, Nancy (who worked at Merrill Lynch) seemed really nice though; however, both of them were still too much into “cocaine”.

While I was gone I received voice mail messages on my recorder from Suzy Miller, Nici Maurino, Steph Redding and Johnny Schaefer.
Johnny shouted excitedly, “I have tickets to the Moody Blues with BACKSTAGE Passes on Saturday!”
And so, I am thinking I may fly down to Southern California for the fun of it. I know the Moody Blues are famous for the NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN song.

I went to mom’s house on this Saturday night and we had a NATIONS Burger together. I shared tidbits of my trip. When I returned to my pad Ron was still asleep (in snoring mode). I unpacked and was feeling total happiness when I discovered my silver chain and little bike necklace that had been missing since October 1984 (when I went to visit Jim Koran in Los Angeles). I found it! It was almost two years ago now. The good luck charm is back in my life. I hope it won’t be that long until I see my black leather jacket again.

I washed my car on this very Sunday morning. I left for mom’s house and had a quick breakfast there. When I returned to my place Ron was—once again—still sleeping; however, he was just waking-up. I chose to lie on the downstairs sofa while watching the TIME TUNNEL. I was reading my book (EXTRAORDINARY INVESTMENTS FOR ORDINARY INVESTORS) during the TV commercials. Ron came down and watched a bit of television as well. I decided to take a nap and when I woke up went off for a bike ride.

When I returned to my pad I learned—from Ron—that Sherri and Ashley had stopped by.

Margaret Lai called me, too.
“Guess what, Michael?” Margaret asked.
“What now?” I asked back.
“I bought a new BMW!”
“Oh—congratulations,” I said.
I went to John and Sherri’s house to deliver the book I purchased for Ashley from the MUSEUM OF MODERN ART in New York City. Ashley wasn’t in a very friendly mood, so I left. She wouldn’t kiss me good bye. As I was leaving she did say, “Bye.”

Ron made some pasta. I ate some of it. He kept smoking out in the patio.
Ron finally said, “I think I may leave tomorrow—Monday—but the car rental idea is out of the question.”
“I wish I could help you there but my credit cards were at their limits,” I said.
I believe he understood. He had to forget that possibility.

I thought the worst any friend could do is steal from me. Why do I think he took my MasterCard? I may be wrong but I can’t help but not feeling like I trust him. I am crazy to leave him alone in my house. I figured it helped when I said, “Just to let you know…my Dad might drop in while I’m at work tomorrow.”

Judy Geniella, my coworker, telephoned to say, “Michael, there’s a pot-luck for Mary and Margaret on Monday.”
I replied, “Oh, okay…I’ll bring something.”
I decided I would not bring anything though. Everyone always brings more than enough.

Mark Landreth telephoned as well.
“Hey Mike, I got your postcard.”
“Oh great, what’s new?”
“Well, I no longer work at TEXAS INSTRUMENTS and I have this week off.”
“That’s great…when do you start the new job.”
“I start working at SIERRA SEMICONDUCTOR on September 2nd.”
I realized that I had missed Mark. Maybe he called me because on the postcard I specifically remember writing “To my best-buddy” or “How’s my best-buddy?” I learned that he’s been windsurfing in Alameda all week.
Mark added, “I only went to the gym once this week.”
I thought to myself, “I almost wish I wasn’t going to L.A. this weekend because dinner with Mark and perhaps Anne and Patty might have been a nice outing instead.”

I was pleasantly surprised on Saturday to find the black vase and flowers that were left for me on my doorstep. They were from Birda, my ‘sometimes’ bike-riding partner. That was too sweet of her. It looks like I am 'a wanted man’ by Judy, Birda (perhaps), Anne (perhaps) and then some…then again, maybe NOT.

"At least make it a challenge for me."
-as heard while watching the
2011 film "THOR"

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Stay That Way!

Now they seem cast in a play they cannot stop.
-Ian McEwan
"Enduring Love"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 23, 1986
Saturday

Ron and I were successful in catching our first flight out of New York but it didn’t get into the air until 10:10AM! And now we are set to arrive in Denver at 11:50AM which means we’ll barely make our connection flight to San Francisco. Hopefully our luggage will make it in time, too.

Ron and I had separate seat assignments on the airplane to Denver. This was a good thing because I needed my space away from him. I hope he decides to leave for Los Angeles today (Saturday) versus tomorrow (Sunday). This way I can really feel relaxed tomorrow. I hope I have no luggage problems.

In-flight there were two guys that sat next to me. They were QBL’s (Questionables) but totally NMT (Not My Types). The fellow seated closest to me was from Paris, France and on his way to Boulder, Colorado to attend school for a year. That sounded like fun for him. His English speaking skills weren’t at the very best. He was nice though. I was telling him that I stayed in Glaciere while I was in France. He seemed to know the area.

The flight from New York City was—in fact—delayed, so we caught an alternate flight in Denver. This means we will not land in San Francisco until 2:25PM. I tried to call Margaret but she’d left for the day. I left a message on her recorder. I so hope she’ll wait and/or learn of what had happened.

I truly feel that Mr. Ronald Leoni is a drug addict. I continue to believe that the friendships we choose is the foundation of our progress. Ron will no longer be a recurring friend in my life as far as I’m concerned. His association with drugs, etc. is too overwhelming for me to handle. I don’t need that “slop”.

It was funny at that After Hours Club called TORY’s in New York City. There was some elder fat lady that came and sat next to me while we were there.
She said, “Your friends are being selfish and greedy.”
She made this comment directly to me because they weren’t sharing their ‘coke’ with me.
I replied, “Oh, it’s all right. I can live without it.”
I wish I had photographed the look on her face. She was so shocked by my statement. She was actually pleased to hear me say that.
I think she responded by saying, “Stay that way!”
I smiled.
She continued, “I was born in San Jose, California and I’ve been addicted since I was twenty years old. Seriously, stay away from coke.”
“Don’t worry,” I replied.
It was actually nice to hear her say these wise words.
She also said, “That drug will ruin your life. I’m living proof. It’s ruined my life.”
It was amazing to hear her.

Suddenly, I am almost about to land in San Francisco. I am bummed out because I left my black leather jacket in Lenny’s New York City apartment closet. I wonder if I’ll ever see it again. I will get his telephone number and bug him until I get it back. Wait…what is Lenny’s telephone number? I’m not sure. I know where he lives. I better get my jacket back.

Michael had followed the crowd. His excitement had subsided.
-Jules Verne
"Paris in the Twentieth Century"

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After Hours

"It's not that I don't trust--it's your private thoughts that give me qualms!" -Kathy Bates
"The Family That Preys" film

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 22, 1986
Friday

We arrived in New York City by midnight. We changed our clothes with intentions of going to THE PALLADIUM for a night out on the town. First, we made a brief visit to Cathy and Nancy Gallagher. Cathy has huge dogs!

THE PALLADIUM was huge. I found it pretty fun, too. We met up with Bob.  Bob is the “cocaine connection”.  I had some (just a little).  We left and went to the BB (Boy’s Bar). The BB was really “punk”. I kind of enjoyed that though. It was really fun. I met some guy named Dan Andersen who was nice. I danced and was wasted. Who wouldn’t be between the cocktails and the ‘coke’?

Before I knew it the time was 6 o’clock in-the-morning. So, of course this meant that Ron, Bob and I were going to the ‘AFTER HOURS’ Club called TORY’s. I felt OOP (Out Of Place) there for some reason. We were somehow able to get in to the VIP section. Bob kind of liked me (I think). We went to his place before TORY’s. He has a PC (Personal Computer). Bob’s apartment wasn’t all that bad looking either. He entered my name on to his computer.
I thought, “That could be dangerous—given that he deals in cocaine—but life is too short to NOT have some excitement in one’s life.” Ha-ha.

TORY’s was a weird and very dark bar. While we were in the VIP section there were a few that caught my eye. I sensed that I caught their eye, too.  Richard and some other guy (who gave us a free drink at THE PALLADIUM) were there with us for most of the night.  By nine o’clock in the morning we decided to go together to see the Statue of Liberty. Mind you…I didn’t sleep ALL NIGHT!

The blond guy from THE PALLADIUM decided to NOT go with us at the last minute. It was simply me, Richard and Ron.

While waiting for the Circle Line Ferry boat I took a photo of Richard, resting on a park bench.  I also browsed the US Vietnam Veterans Memorial and found an ARMIJO from New Mexico listed name Ermilo T Armijo.  It made me wonder about him.   On May 4, 1985, Mayor Edward I. Koch dedicated The Vietnam Veterans Plaza in honor of the 250,000 men and women of New York City who served in the United States armed forces from 1964 to 1975, especially those 1,741 who died fighting the Vietnam War.

We took the Circle Line and found ourselves in the middle of a lot of tourists. It was fun. We took the subway back uptown after the tour. We ‘sort of’ fell asleep on the subway (which—believe me—is dirty and a sight for sore eyes). Yucky!

Ron went home and slept. I still felt a boost of energy and went to the Museum of Modern Art. I bought some T-shirts and some gold earrings for mom. Then it was time for me to go to bed. It was three o’clock in the afternoon but I knew I needed to snooze. I woke up at 7PM.

Ron and I went to dinner at a French Restaurant. We had Beaujolais Villages red wine. I remembered that Paloma had ordered some of that when I was in Paris. It was good with the meal. Ron and I walked along and I saw more of the Rockefeller Plaza area. There were sheik shops (luckily they were not opened). We stumbled over at the HARD ROCK Café and ate some Italian ice. Yummy…I love the cherry-pineapple. It was 11PM and we agreed that it was time to ‘hit the hay’. I fell asleep quickly while some silly movie was playing. Yawn.

The most real of all splendors are not in outward things, they are within us.  A single secret of science is a realm of wonders to the man of learning.
-Honroe de Balzac
"Seraphita"

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Country-Style

"I always consider what people tell me to be LESS IMPORTANT than what they cannot."
-Freud's Last Session
Off-Broadway Play, NYC
April 30, 2011

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 21, 1986
Thursday

Oh no—there was no breakfast this morning. Boo Hoo. I had some orange juice and watched a bit of television as I enjoyed Connecticut living.

Ron and I left to do some shopping (for Ron). We ate lunch at a place called THE FILLING STATION in New Canaan, CT.  It was really good.  I love ‘porking-out’ while I’m on vacation.  It's strange how you drive a bit and you're in a different Connecticut town all of a sudden though.

After lunch we dropped in on Ron’s grandparents. Then we hit the Pharmacy again. The bird was still in attack mode. We returned to the house to lounge.
By 4:30PM we were off for Massachusetts to see the new cabin that Ron’s dad had built. I took pictures (though they were slightly blurred because of the evening lighting). It was fun. It was so beautiful out in Massachusetts.  It’s so green.  It’s so ‘country style’here.

Ron’s ma and pa had a drink with us at RAW BAR in Waterbury, CT just before we took our 9:15PM bus ride back to New York City. We slept during the bus ride. New York City here we come.

The human eye perceives motion much quicker than shapes and figures. Move slowly when you're scouting.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

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Homemade Banana Cream Pie

And then, as if in gratitude, the tree released itself, little red pieces falling now, coating us, sticking in our hair like blessings.
-Paul Lisicky
"The Lawnboy"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 20, 1986
Wednesday

I tried to withdraw some money from Chase Manhattan Bank in New York but they weren’t very helpful.  I charged some flowers to give to Ron’s mom and dad.  Their anniversary time is near.  We just caught a taxicab in the nick of time and we took the 10:15AM Bonanza Bus to Connecticut.  It took only a couple of hours to get to Waterbury, Connecticut. Ron’s mom picked us up at this Waterbury, CT bus station.  She was very friendly, outgoing and hospitable.

The Connecticut area seemed very beautiful to me.  Harwinton, CT (where Ron grew up and lived) was small, beautiful and very green.  I really liked Connecticut a lot.  Ron’s mom made a bit of lunch for the two of us.  We showered and eventually got ready for seeing some local sights.

We visited the Pharmacy that Ron’s father runs.  Their bird almost attacked me.
Ron cracked me up when he said, "That bird thinks he's a dog."

We went for a walk on the property connected to their home.  It was quite nice.  I took a photo of a tree frog, mushrooms and trees.   Of course, Ron had to give the tree frog a drag of his joint.  That clearly shows his sense of humor.

I ended up getting electronically zapped by a wire that was intended for cows.  The wire is intended for the cows to keep them off limits from wandering off in to other people’s property.  I also snapped a photo of two of the Connecticut cows.  It has a country charm feeling here.

We prepared for dinner and I was impressed by Ron’s capabilities in the kitchen. For dinner, Ron helped to prepare a rack of lamb. We also had fresh corn on the cob. It was delicious, so fresh. Ron’s grandma made homemade Banana Cream Pie, too! It was too good. More friends and family arrived for the dessert. Ron did a few magic tricks and we talked about New York, Connecticut and California. It really was a nice evening. I enjoyed myself with Ron’s family and friends. I could tell that Ron’s folks liked me. Ron’s father was a tad reserved but he opened-up a little.

PHOTO: Ron Leoni,
Harwinton, CT

I watched the movie AMADEUS before hitting the hay for bed. The musically-inclined AMADEUS movie made me think of Johnny Schaefer and his love for music.

It was great to sleep on a twin bed versus on the floor at Lenny’s apartment in New York. I slept well. I like Connecticut.

He found a clear spot on the floor and lay down on his back to stare up at Michelangelo's ceiling with a wonder he had last felt watching summer sunsets with his three best-friends.
-Christopher Rice
"A Density of Souls"

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Grassy Bush Areas

"I want to feel things--really feel things. How's that for an ambition?"
-The Family That Preys,
a 2008 Tyler Perry film

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 19, 1986
Tuesday

It’s needless to say that my mosquito bites were killing me. I hung out at Lenny’s for most of the day until it was decided that we should all go to the beach. We ended up doing the lie out in the sun routine in the outdoor patio of Joe’s house. It actually faced the beach, so that was nice. I happened to be lying out next to this one chap that was fairly attractive. He was pretty nice, too. We both took a walk in and around the beach. I saw a deer and a couple of gross looking naked people near some grassy brush.
I forgot the nice chaps’ name but he said, “I have my own business that relates to Public Relations.”
We kept walking and the chap kept kidding around with me.
The chap said, “I really want to get fucked.”
I couldn’t believe that he said it. I felt very uncomfortable about it. How could one do that outside in the open? We toyed with the idea near an electrical section of the island. There was no succession with his wish. As we walked back to Joe’s patio I began to realize that this was a common occurrence in and around these grassy bush areas of the beach on Fire Island. It’s no wonder.

Before long it was six o’clock and we were off and ready to leave Fire Island for New York City again. When we disembarked from the ferry boat a limousine was waiting for us (Ron, Lenny, Steve and his girlfriend and ‘me’). The limousine looked ugly. It was kind of maroon in color. They had some pot as they smoked and talked but the substance of the conversation wasn’t very interesting.
Steve said, “I want to have a party on the island on September 20th. Ron, you have to come back and help me with the food preparation!”
Ron chuckled as I thought I would like to come to that event.

I couldn’t believe that the limo ride was twenty-five dollars per person! Lenny backed it up as a pretty good deal. He’s crazy!

Steve and his girlfriend were dropped off and then we went home to Lenny’s apartment to shower and freshen-up. Lenny’s so-called ex-boyfriend came over. He was a much older man named Bob. Bob had to be in his mid-fifties. Bob brought along his dog. Lenny, Bob, Ron and I all went out for Chinese Food. We walked through the Lincoln Center area via other shops and restaurants. I saw where they filmed ALL MY CHILDREN at ABC-TV. We walked by the main entrance to Central Park near Columbus Circle. By midnight or so we were exhausted. We turned in early for the night. Tomorrow’s plan was to take a bus to Connecticut to visit Ron Leoni’s hometown of Harwinton in Litchfield County.

"What am I to you--another puzzle to be solved?"
-The International
2009 thriller film starring Clive Owen

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Twelve Cornish Hens

"I would be cured if I could simply make it through a storm."
-C.R.A.Z.Y., 2005
French-language Canadian film

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 18, 1986
Monday

This was probably the drabbest day of all. I felt so OOP (Out Of Place). There was a mild hurricane on Fire Island.  It had been raining heavily.  I guess I slept until noon.

The weather began to clear up to some extent as Ron was preparing for dinner by mid-afternoon. I went for a long jog along the beach. It was a beauty of a run. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Joe was in his house and he invited me to come in. I stayed there and hung out for a while. He let me borrow a red bathing suit and I took a dip in his pool for a few.  It wasn’t long after my pit stop at Joe’s that I decided to return to Lenny’s house.  It was crazy.  I had taken an afternoon nap earlier but now I was just browsing through some magazines half of the time.  The other half of the time I watched Lenny and Frankie dance in partial-drag outfits to their ‘yucky’ disco-like tunes.  GMAB (Give Me A Break!).  I didn’t thrill over it at all…believe me.

By 8:30PM or so dinner was ready. We had gone to the General Store for all sorts of goodies. I chipped in $20 or so for the groceries.

Ron prepared 'Twelve Cornish Hens' for dinner with green beans, salad, a giblet salad and apple tarts. It was filling and delicious to us all. There was more dancing and gallivanting going on.  I was having a fairly good time. I didn’t dance much. I had no drugs and chose to avoid drinking much alcohol tonight (a good move on my part).

Ron and I (and a few others) went to Joe’s house.  Joe and Steve attempted to throw me in the pool (but did not succeed).  We all went for a hike on the beach.  It was nice.  We didn’t bother to go out on this night. I turned in for bed at around 2AM.  I slept in the same bed as Lenny.  I didn’t ‘try anything on him’ (nor did he on me).  We simply slept.  It was a horrible night for me because every mosquito that could have been around was there.  I was tortuously bit all during the night.

"The human being is not a machine, so take care of yourself."
-Born To Be Wild:
The Leading Men of American Ballet Theater
2002 Documentary Film

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Fire Island 1986: A Trip To Remember

"I can't think of one thing I'd rather have than somebody loving me."
-as heard while watching
"The Secret Life of Bees", 2008 film

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 17, 1986
Sunday

I went downstairs and bought seventeen postcards at a nearby newsstand. I also bought some bagels and coffee at the neighborhood deli and gift shop. I couldn’t believe myself (eating breakfast at 3 o’clock in the AFTERNOON!).

I wrote out all of my seventeen postcards to the following people: Mom, Dad, Tony and Helen, John and Sherri, Anne Alberti, Jeanette Melcher, Mark Landreth, Chris Cordellos, Paloma Sanchez-Guerra, Ginny Hari of Pac Tel Info Systems, Barbara Reynolds, Steph Redding, Judy Geniella, Mary McTiernan, my Grandma Mary Genevieve Leyba-Lucero, Margaret Lai and Johnny Schaeffer. I guess that’s enough for now. After completing the cards I took a walk (with Lenny and Ron) to the Port Authority Bus Depot. We made arrangements for a train ride to Seville and then onward via a ferry ride to “Fire Island”.

The train ride gave me a fairly good overview of Brooklyn, Queens and other sectors of New York (including Long Island). The houses are very big and beautiful in other parts of New York.

The ferry ride was soothing and nice (quite relaxing). I liked the views. I really felt like I was on vacation. And guess what---I was! Ha-ha. There were a number of beautiful looking houses on this “Fire Island”. I would later see Calvin Klein’s house as it was pointed out to me. I also heard that CHER and a number of other celebrities have homes here on “Fire Island”.

Lenny’s house rental on the island cost him $5000 for the summer. I certainly feel that’s a rip-off (but it’s his money—I guess). Once we were on “Fire Island” we went to Lenny’s and lounged around a bit. We went for tea time at a major club. I thought it was going to be afternoon tea but they just call it a “tea dance” at this very GAY club. Lenny had friends there: Frankie, Anthony (both Frankie and Anthony are hairdressers), Steve, Joe and more. I was a bit on the quiet side as I was quite plainly observing all of the people. Ron was going off on his disappearing acts for ‘pot’ and ‘coke’ and ‘who knows what else. I noticed a lot of these guys were very much ‘into’ the whole pot and coke scene.

After the “tea dance” club we went to Joe’s house where we all gathered and watched some Rome, Italy flick. The film was rather boring (I thought). Joe was a nice guy. He had an RH Factor (what I refer to as a Receding Hairline Factor). He made us eat some of his leftover dinner (pasta, broccoli, and salad). It was yummy. It hit the spot. We watched more of that movie.

By midnight or one o’clock in the morning we (Ron, Lenny and I) left to shower and change to go out! I wore my spandex bike shorts to the club (the same club on the island that we had visited earlier that was having the tea dance party). Before we entered the club we stopped at another chaps house. His name was Gary. There was a guy there (named Peter, I think) and I learned that he was big fan of Ann-Margret (like me). I could really relate to that. We all waited for Gary to come out of his bedroom because he was going to impersonate Patty LaBelle. It was pretty silly. Then Frankie and Anthony (the hairdressers) who have very long, long hair got all dolled-up in drag and did some improvising to the songs VICTIM and AMERICAN LOVE. They were two songs that were constantly playing while I was there. After the amateur drag show playing we went to the PAVILLION CLUB.   I took a couple of souvenir postcards for forthcoming events at the PALLADIUM (in New York City).   I one of the promotional cards had the words "A Trip To Remember" on it.   I thought that was interesting.

I danced with Ron and Lenny and some new fella that I met (his name is Paul Dean). Paul was ‘ok’.
Paul said, “I work on ANOTHER WORLD and GUIDING LIGHT soap operas.”
I assumed this meant that he was an aspiring actor.
Paul continued, “Right now I’m rehearsing a night club act in-between for some joint that I’m planning to connect with.”
We exchanged address and telephone number information. Then I took a walk with Paul Dean through a street known as TINA TUNA Street. I thought the street name was funny. Paul led me to his house and it wasn’t as nice as the place that Lenny was supposedly renting.  Alas, I stayed there for a while and had a relatively good time.

I walked back to Lenny’s house at around 5 in the morning. Ron, Lenny and Frankie were all there getting high off of pot. They were smoking tons of it (I guess). Ron was massaging both Lenny and Frankie.
Frankie asked, “So where were you…out trashing around?”
“No,” I answered, “I went for coffee off of Tina Tuna and just now got back.”
Besides, I thought, it’s my business what I do.
Suddenly I heard Ron ask me, “Where were you?”
I replied, “I just told you!”

I went and fell asleep on the couch. I think it was around 11AM when I woke up again.

"Have I done something to vex you?"
-Wives and Daughters
BBC mini-series, Episode #4

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The Life of a Vampire

"Someone just told me you were fascinating.  I hope you won't disappoint me."
-Candace Bushnell
"Sex and the City"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 16, 1986
Saturday

It is four o’clock in the morning. Ron and I woke up early. Luckily, I did not hear his snoring (as I slept on the couch) because I fell asleep there while watching the TESS movie. We both got up and got ready for the trip to New York. We drove to El Sobrante and saw that Margaret Lai and her son, Lance, were there and ‘ready to go’. We all got into Margaret’s car and talked about the fast-paced cities of New York and Hong Kong. Margaret is from Hong Kong, so she knows it first-hand. Margaret’s a sweetheart to drive us to San Francisco International Airport.

I couldn’t believe it when Ron said, “I had some of the tequila in your cabinet this morning…’over ice’.”
“Yuck!” I exclaimed, as I couldn’t imagine how any one could drink in the morning.
I knew then that he’s got problems. He’s a habitual smoker. Now I believe he is possibly an alcoholic. How can someone drink in the morning?
Ron defended himself by saying, “It’s because I’m so nervous about the flight.”
If it’s not one thing it’s the other.

And so, Ron is my friend. I should be nicer to him from now on. He will be showing me a fun time in New York. We are on the UNITED AIRLINES flight now—as I write. We are leaving from San Francisco and stopping in Denver before we land in New York. It’s direct versus non-stop. I always forget that direct has a stop. I hate that.

My stomach is empty. I could take on some pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs so easily right now. I am glad I am taking this trip. I will make the best of it. Ron’s all excited. I hear it in his voice.
Ron says, “Michael, you’re going to have a great time!”
I can’t wait to see all of the sights and the people. Ron’s friends (Arthur and Lenny) work out at the gym, so maybe I’ll be able to get in a work out or two while in New York. I am hungry. I was just served French toast (yummy).

We landed in Denver, Colorado. The only problem was that our flight was delayed for an hour. Now we will be getting in to New York later than expected (5:30PM New York time). We enjoyed a snack (almonds, juice and a lunch that I didn’t expect).

Ron said, “We’re going to The Pavillion. We might go to STUDIO 54 even.”
“What’s STUDIO 54?” I asked.
“Oh man, it’s The Palladium. Celebrity-filled ‘who’ bodies will be there.”
“That should be fun,” I grinned.
I’m going to have fun. I’ll make the best of it. There will be limitations as far as Ron goes. I don’t want to lead him on. His loudness and constant cigarettes are “ugh”. I’ll keep his friendship without hurting his feelings (I hope).

The arrival to New York seemed to take forever. The lunch, snack and my reading time of ‘CHANGING TIMES’ and ‘PEOPLE’ articles helped to pass the time. I find myself thinking of Anne Alberti, Jeannette and Mark often.

Once we landed at JFK Airport Ronald and I took a taxicab to Western Union. Ron was to pick up some cash that his mom had wired for him. We continued on to West 53rd Street (off of 8th Avenue) in New York City to The Encore Building. Ronald’s longtime friend, Leonard Greco, lives in Room 21B.

Ron and I went up on the elevator of this high skyscraper apartment building. There was no answer at Leonard Greco’s door.
Ron said, “Maybe we should go down and check out the laundry room.”
I began to feel like things were looking bad when the front door suddenly opened. It was Lenny. He was a very good-looking, dark-haired, Italian chap. His friend, Arthur, was there also. Arthur was kind of ‘buffed’ Both Lenny and Arthur had ugly looking teeth (as does Ron…come to think of it). They don’t seem to take that extra care for their teeth. It could just be the cause of too much coffee and cigarettes (yucky).

Ron and Lenny acted like two little kids as I observed them ‘catching up on things’ and reminiscing on old times. There were so many people and places that they mentioned (not to mention the latest goings-on). Later on, I found myself observing an X-Rated gay flick with Arthur in Lenny’s bedroom! It was kind of gross…but hell. What the hell! Arthur and I also watched the end of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s movie called COMMANDO.

We all left the apartment within an hour to go to dinner to an area that they called “The Village Area”. The place we ate at was called ALFREDO de ICALDA (or something like that). I ordered tortellini pasta. It was delicious! We had wine. I also ordered a chicken entrée. We checked out some other sleaze bar and walked around “The Village Area”. It was kind-of-gay. It was quite an eyeful for me as so much was going on and there were so many people.

We returned to Lenny’s apartment building (which seems very much like a hotel to me). I don’t think I’d enjoy living in that environment. Before long…after showering, shampooing, etc…we (Lenny, myself, Arthur and Ron) were off again into the night life of New York City. We went to some nightclub called THE SAINT. It looked like a gross, ugly, scummy joint from the outside. The inside was a completely other scene. I would later learn that there are a lot of “yucky” looking places on the outside (in New York City) with a surprise on the inside. THE SAINT was dark with many plants and three levels with cool staircases. There was an upper floor where the dancing took place over a domed ceiling. I was impressed by the effervescent pictorial lights that had design movements all over the place. I danced for a while and had a drink or two (I had PINE-VOKS aka Pineapple Vodkas). I snorted a little COKE, too. I met a guy named Bobby Janowe who was ‘very much so’ coming ON to me.
Bobby said, “I manage the Body Center.”
I looked at him in a puzzled way.
Bobby continued, “It’s a Fitness Club in New York.”
“Oh,” I said.
After seeing bits of that X-rated flick earlier tonight I didn’t know what to think. Nevertheless, Bobby was nice. He gave me an ecstasy pill.
“Come on, try this,” Bobby insisted.
“Yikes,” I thought.
Ron saw that Bobby was making moves on me and Ron wanted to leave.
Bobby whispered to me, “Why don’t YOU stay!”
I was a little tempted but said, “Maybe another time, another place.”
“Well, call the Fitness Center and ask for me if you want.”
“Okay.”
I would later realize that I never had the chance to call him during my brief stay in New York. Alas, we ended up staying at this nightclub for too long. I was feeling tired—to say the least. How can anyone feel like a SAINT at ‘THE SAINT’?

Ron and I finally left the nightclub and walked a ways to a magazine stand. I was amazed to see stacks and stacks of New York Times newspapers. We got home via taxicab. The swiftness of the taxi up the one way streets was so surreal and I wondered if I felt this only because of the ecstasy pill I had taken. Ironically, I found myself going to bed at daylight. It was actually the next day (Sunday). I was living the life of a vampire so-to-speak. I woke up at two or three o’clock in the afternoon. That’s all I remember.

"For passion, like crime, does not sit well with the sure order and even course of everyday life;  it welcomes every loosening of the social fabric, every confusion and affliction visited upon the world, for passion sees in such disorder a vague hope of finding advantage for itself."
-Thomas Mann
"Death In Venice"

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