Champagne and Subtle Hints

Every face is a whole world.
"You, at least have COLOR there, and FEELING and DRAWING---the three essentials in art."
-Honroe de Balzac
"The Unknown Masterpiece"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 30, 1986
Wednesday

Margaret Lai pulled a ‘no show’ at the office again. I went to the Pacific Bell Placement DOES Center to drop a copy of my Bachelor of Science degree to support my documents for the Directory Sales Representative position in Sacramento.

I joined Cedric Green once again for lunch. This time we ate at Max’s Diner. It was good. The vanilla milkshake was ‘provassimo’.
Cedric was up to his old tricks.
Cedric asked, “Hey Mike, why don’t we go out and do something on Friday night?”
“That sounds good but I already have tentative plans.”
He shrugged.
It’s true though. I sort of do have plans. I would rather go out with Mark a la our planned Country Cowboy night.

I rode my bike after work. As I was leaving the house in my bike gear my phone rang. It was Steve Green. He likes me. I can tell. He’s a nice sort.
I cut Steve off by saying, “Well I’m about to go for a bike ride—I hope I see you at the gym.”
It was a windy ride along the beach.

When I arrived at the gym Steve Green was there. Mark pulled a ‘no show’. I guess Mark is moving-in to his house, unpacking boxes, etc.

Steve and I worked out together. He spotted me a little on the free-weights. He’s a nice chap. As we left the gym together Steve made a call to a friend of his named Rick Green. Rick is the biochemist who lives in Hayward. We ‘sort of’ invited ourselves over for a Wednesday night screening of DYNASTY.

We watched DYNASTY and both Steve and Rick persuaded me to have some champagne. I did but it was very unlike me to do so. Steve was giving me subtle hints and I detected them all.

 

Steve ended up spending the night at my house (yes). Now Steve wants me to join him this Friday night at MacArthur Park in Palo Alto for his regular dining with his professor friend, the fifty-two year old from USC (University of Southern California).


As Steve and I talked further I realized that it is an even small world than I thought. Steve knows George Jones.
Steve said, “I’m a friend of one of George’s friends in Belmont.”
“Well…let’s stop over and pay them a surprise visit—just for fun.”
Steve shrugged his shoulders and didn’t really reply but he did nod ‘for’ the idea.


Steve and I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep. It was enjoyable. I’m glad he came over. A new start for my May Day 1986…that’s for sure! I mentioned a few stories to Steve about my mishaps of the early 1980s, Paloma, Rachelle, George, a bit about Frank, Tammy and a little about Mark Landreth. The way Steve Green smiles tells me he likes me but one never knows where these sorts of things will eventually lead.
I also explained to Steve about my bid for these jobs in Sacramento.
“I’m crossing my fingers on this job transfer,” I said.
And as far as Derek goes—there’s no word on that job yet.

"My uncle believes trust is something you earn."
-as heard while watching
"FAIR GAME", a 2010 motion-picture

Read More

The Emergence of Steve Green

"Procedures exist to prevent contact. Not help it. People with small minds and vacant imaginations fill them with schedules and procedures. People of character know when to ignore protocol."
-John Katzenback
THE ANALYST

Twenty-five years ago today

April 29, 1986
Tuesday

Margaret Lai chose to take the day off due to her son, Lance, being ill.

During my first break I took a walk to Pacific Bell Directory which is located at a nearby building. I turned in my request for the Directory Sales Representative job in Sacramento. I telephoned the department later for more insight.
Catherine, the Pac Bell Directory Human Resources gal, said, “There are about a half dozen GA405 forms that were submitted. And those that were transmitted will be competitive with new hires who have applied off of the street.”
I still think I may have a good chance.

If the Derek/San Ramon Marketing Management job doesn’t fall through I still have this Directory Sales option. I just hate the idea of moving to Sacramento. It could only be for six months though. I could request a hardship transfer for some reason or another and transfer to Oakland or San Francisco. If the Derek connection comes through I will simply stay here. There is still no word from Derek yet.

Cedric Green and I ate lunch together at The Haven. It was enjoyable. He’s okay. I agreed to Friday Happy Hour plans to join Cedric at El Torito. Mary and Brenda have cancelled. In a way—that’s a good thing. I may end up going out with Mark Landreth later. I don’t know.

I went to visit Sherri and my niece, Ashley. We went out for Chinese Food and then I left and went to the gym. I saw Bob Maloney at the gym. Mark didn’t show up. He’s probably moving-in to his house. I worked-out anyway. I noticed this one fellow giving me the eye but I didn’t make anything of it. He was riding the Lifecycle next to me, reading a book of science-fiction called EMERGENCE by David R. Palmer. (The sci-fi book begins with Candida Maria Smith-Foster, an eleven-year-old girl, who is unaware that she's a Homo post hominem, mankind's next evolutionary step. Hominems have higher IQs; they're stronger, faster, more resistant to illness and trauma, and have quicker reflexes. Their eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell are superior as well.)

I began talking to this guy and we gave ‘small talk’ introductions as far as our names, workplaces and where we lived. He is planning on moving out soon. As we continued our workouts and as we both walked out of the gym I suggested ‘that if he had the time’ to follow me to my place to check out my pad. I explained that I was looking for a roommate. He works for a firm called TRANSBOX at the Oakland Airport vicinity. It’s a sort of package and courier service. He followed me home and we seemed rather nosey as he checked out my pad. We shared some good conversation. As it turns out I learned that he is attending Cal State University, Hayward and he visits the gym about once a week.
He said, “I may go to the gym tomorrow night. It sounds like you have a lot of friends.”
“Not really,” I answered.
“Well, I have a lot of acquaintances but only about three friends that I can really count on. One of them is fifty-two years old. He’s a friend of my folks as well.”
“He probably provides some wise advice.”
“Yeah, I live in Willits right now. Do you know where that is?”
A flash memory of Ron Waggoner came to mind. I had met him about three years ago and he was from WILLITS, CA.
“Yes, I actually knew someone from Willits!”
“Oh yeah--What’s his name?”
“Ron Waggoner.”
He said, “I don’t believe it…Ron used to be my roommate!”
Whatever---time will tell. This guy is named Steve Green. Steve seems to be a level-headed, nice guy. It amazed me to learn that he lived in West Africa at one time. His folks were in the PEACE CORPS. He has two older sisters, too. Steve is twenty-four years old.


I am afraid, yet excited about getting this Directory Sales job in Sacramento.


Russia had a nuclear bombing accident in their labs a few days ago. It’s the current talk in the US News and World Reports.


Steve Green, “I have a friend who is a biochemist. And I have some friends in San Jose, Aptos and Belmont. I guess I have more than a number of acquaintances—but then I guess you do, too.”
I don’t think I’ll be writing Steve Green off for a good while. He’s too nice and he’s gullible (or so he says—like me). I tend to believe everyone. I am trusting. I liked that we shared that similarity.


I tried calling Mark Landreth at his new telephone number but there was still no answer. He was probably still visiting his folks.


Sherri, my sister in law, said, “I’m going to give Ashley a birthday party next Saturday, so don’t plan anything.”
“I won’t.”
I will have to find her something special.

Everyone has to move when it's time. And right now it's time for you.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Played With Fire"

Read More

Mr. Sunkist

We all know that when you're in the throes of a story, nothing else matters.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 28, 1986
Monday

It was a manic Monday. I called Mark while I was at work this morning.
“Amy is getting on my case about things like commitment and where we stand. What a pain!”
Mark moaned, “I can relate.”
“It was great in Santa Cruz, huh?”
“Yeah, it’s great there.”
“Next time we have to be more selective.”
Mark laughed.
I confirmed his new telephone number once again (276-LAND). It was being installed today.

I did not hear from Derek at all today. I don’t really know where I stand in terms of his Marketing Management position. If things don’t look up soon I will have to keep my eye open for other options. For example, there are the two Directory Sales Rep openings in Sacramento. I intend on submitting for them tomorrow. April 29th is the Closing Date for those openings. Something ought to transpire for me sooner versus later.

People at work noticed my Santa Cruz tan today. I look pretty good.

I went to the gym after doing some aerobics at home. Mark (Mr. Sunkist) was there. We worked on our stomachs with some other fellow of whom Mark went to high-school. Mark also introduced me to some girl named Lisa. She has gained weight and had a little too much make-up. She didn’t look too hot.
Mark announced proudly, “You know—I’ll be getting a new bike soon.”
“That’s great!”
I decided to leave very soon after that topic came about. Upon my arrival home I called 276-LAND (Mr. Sunkist’s new telephone number) but there was no answer. Oh well…


Mark had mentioned our going out for a weekend in Los Angeles and perhaps another outing to the beach this weekend. I forgot that I have to go to Margaret Lai’s Housewarming Party on Saturday from Noon until three o’clock.


"I'm very, very optimistic about what people can do who have the courage to try and the willingness to fail. Because without failure there is no success."
-David Geffen
"THE OPERATOR"

Read More

Running of the Mouth

"I've been lonely at times but there have been compensations."
-Gene Tierney as Lucy
in the film "The Ghost and Mrs Muir", 1947

Twenty-five years ago today

April 27, 1986
Sunday

I slept in until almost 11AM (or maybe it was really 10AM since I had to set my clock one hour ahead).

I was sun burnt, so I went cycling for only a couple of hours (if that) throughout this relaxing Sunday day.

I dropped by at mom’s house for breakfast and also during the mid-afternoon. I lounged at mom’s house and watched KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN there. It was a good movie!

I made a point of not calling Amy even though I did utter these words to her last night, “I will talk to you tomorrow.”
She really made me run off after her ‘running of the mouth’ last night.

I stayed home and turned in early for the night, thinking of Mark (and wondering if he cut his front lawn today). I wondered how he was doing. We have plans to go to Hawaii in August. That should be fun. He’s a nice guy—like me. We deserve the best and the hottest gals.

"Let me know if that's juicy enough for you."
-as heard while watching
BLACK SWAN, 2010 motion-picture

Read More

A Pretty Good Time

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
-Helen Keller

Twenty-five years ago today

April 26, 1986
Saturday

I woke up early (6:30AM). I was washing my car by 7AM. I drove to the gas station and the bank. I returned home and decided to give Mark Landreth a call. I woke him up.
Mark answered the phone groggily.
“Did I wake you up?”
“Yeah—why don’t you come by at 9AM?”
“Okay, I’ll be there,” I said as I hung up the phone excitedly.

I drove to mom and dad’s house for a couple of bananas and a glass of milk. Before I knew it I was at Mark’s house in San Lorenzo. We arrived in Santa Cruz rather quickly because of the early start. Mark and I ‘laid out’ in our lounge chairs on the beach.
Shari shouted from the distance, “Michael!”
And so, Mark and I got up and went over to join Shari and Natalie which was the wrong thing to do. It tied us down for the rest of the day. Shari and I went on a roller coaster ride at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk together (Ugh). Mark went with Natalie and her little kid for a walking tour of the amusement park. It was as if they were their own little family.
I laughed ‘to myself’ at the sight of them walking together.
I learned later that Mark laughed ‘to himself’ when he saw Shari (Ms. Porker) walking along with me.
Oh well, it’s only one of many forthcoming Saturdays.

Mark and I drove home by 4PM and I was in Alameda at my place by 5:30PM.
I telephoned Mark again and we confirmed arrangements about meeting at Baxter’s in Concord.
While I was waiting at Baxter’s with Amy I was surprised to see Mark walk in with Cindy Ostergren (of Alameda) instead of Lana. The four of us all sat at a table upstairs. We tried to talk together over the loud Rock n’ Roll band. It was so loud and very difficult to communicate. We mutually decided to leave and go to Fat Fanny’s in Danville instead.

Mark and I were both ‘sort of’ ditching Amy and Cindy as we scoped the scene inside Fat Fanny’s. It made it more fun for the two of us to be mischievous. Mark agreed. Eventually we all sat together at a table and drank and made small talk. We were having a pretty good time. Cindy was cute and I liked the question she asked.
Cindy said, “Just you and Mark went to Santa Cruz today?”
“Yes, we were lying on the beach,” I said with a smile.
“I wish I’d have seen that!”
I simply laughed it off.

Amy felt I was ignoring her.
Amy whispered, “You aren’t the same fellow you were last Saturday.”
Perhaps I wasn’t in the same mood or frame of mind but I was the same fellow!
While I was driving her home she suddenly said, “What’s with us?”
Amy continued on with a sort of lecture before I dropped her off. It made me leery and scared of our relationship.
Yikes!
I was happy to drop her off.


"...it does not mean I am not smiling inside my brain."
-as heard while watching
MARY AND MAX, 2009 Australian motion-picture

Read More

Call Those Girls

Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.
-Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

Twenty-five years ago today

April 25, 1986
Friday

There are only twenty more business days until my vacation! Hurrah!

I had my lunch meeting with Derek Hibbard today. I am not too sure what to make of it. I tried to sell myself—but who knows? He will be interviewing other folks next week and I am not sure what my competitors are like. I will just let bygones be bygones (if it doesn’t happen for me). I will also have him on my gray list (at least he won’t be on my black list—Ha-ha).

After work I went for a bike ride. I needed to feel the wind.

I telephoned Amy after my ride but she wasn’t home. She went out on the town with Karen.

Mike Miller telephoned and he came over. We watched a movie called BLIND DATE. Unfortunately, Mike brought Greg Manchevitz along without asking me (Shucks!). The movie was a diversion as it starred Bruce Willis who plays a workaholic. He is set up with actress Kim Basinger and it’s a fun, cute, and unpredictable romantic comedy.

Mark did call me to say he had to go to his niece’s birthday party. Oh well… I would have wanted to go out with him but there’s always the next time.
Mark also said, “Call those girls in San Jose and tell them to go to the beach tomorrow!”
“Okay, will do,” I replied.
Sigh.

Michael knew his heart yearned elsewhere. Girls, girls...that's all he thinks about.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Read More

Five Simple Rules to be HAPPY

Information lasts only so long as someone cares about it.
-Ray Kurzweil
"The Singularity Is Near"

Today I am sharing a story shared with me by a dear friend named Mimi:

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.
"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied, "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time."

"Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do."

"Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away...Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!"

"Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still depositing."

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Twenty-five years ago today

April 24, 1986
Thursday

I learned today that there are two Directory Sales Representative positions open and available in Sacramento. If it doesn’t work out with Derek I will remember about these other opportunities.

I went with Stephanie Bautista to pick up the BBQ ribs at 11:15AM. She asked me to accompany her. It was nice to take a break out of my cubicle/desk. She’s sweet.

After work I took a long nap. The San Jose gals called me—specifically the one named Shari. We talked a bit and then I went to the gym. Mark was at the gym, of course. We talked a bit and did not make definitive plans for Friday or Saturday night.  Oh well… I’ve decided to ‘rest up’ this weekend anyway.

After my gym workout I went to see my Dad where we both enjoyed mom’s homemade tuna sandwiches together. We also sipped on apple juice with the sandwiches. For dessert Dad and I had ice-cream and vanilla wafers (with a tall glass of milk). A lot of good my stomach exercises have done after that meal.


I went home to my place and organized my stuff or my lunch meeting with Derek. I ironed clothes and hit the hay. Yawn.

"The most important thing is this:
To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."
-Charles Dubois

Read More

So-So News

"You create your brain from the input you get."
-Paula Tallal
Rutgers University

Twenty-five years ago today

April 23, 1986
Tuesday

I shared the news with my boss, Stephanie Bautista. She was most agreeable and she called Derek.
She asked Derek, “Does Michael need to be in the ‘ready now’ binder for management?”
Derek said, “No, the upper levels are just getting on me to fill these positions since I don’t have one-hundred hands. I plan to meet Mike for lunch on Friday…and at that point I’ll see.”
Steph replied, “Okay, well here’s the number to reach me if he should get job offered.”
She proceeded to give him the number as I sat next to her and she also said to Derek, “Michael is a very hard worker, he’s willing to learn and I am not sure whether he is skilled on the tasks and duties required of him.”

Well, now I’m happy. It’s a beginning. I just have to present a nice informational package about myself. I’m excited. I think I’m going to get this promotion because I believe Derek does believe in me. Then again—I suppose I should not keep my hopes up too high.

Today I enjoyed lunch at the SHERATON Palace Hotel from 11:30AM until 2PM. We ate shark! I had some blueberry cheesecake (naughty-naughty).

I went to the gym and worked out. I saw Mark and he gave me some so-so news.
“Mike, I’m going out with Lana on Saturday night!”
I gave a non-expressive look and asked, “You are?”
“Yeah, maybe you and Amy can meet us wherever we go.”
“That’s an idea. I’ll have to ask her.”
“Did you call Shari in San Jose again?”
“I don’t really want to make it a habit of calling her.”
He laughed.
We worked out on our abdominal muscles.

Phil and Sue were at the gym as well. I had them talking to Mark for a while, too.
I urged Mark, “You should run the Bay to Breakers with me on May 18th!”
And so, we may all meet at Howard and Spear Streets. It will be fun.

Mark and I noticed a girl at the gym wearing a Los Angeles T-shirt which got us to talking about going to L.A. for a weekend. Mark is all for the idea.
Mark said, “You know—I have some relatives near Newport Beach.”
“Sounds good,” I said, “We could go there.”


I went home and telephoned Amy about this coming Saturday night.


I wonder if Mark will go through with our “Cowboy night” Friday idea. We shall see.


I had trouble sleeping. I am thinking about my hopeful promotion.

Things that are repeated many times can be remembered for an entire lifetime.
"What fires together wires together."
-Donald Hebb

Read More

George Michael

Einstein said, "Make EVERYTHING as simple as possible, but no simpler."

Twenty-five years ago today

April 22, 1986
Monday

This morning I spent a lot of time finding a new Residential telephone number for Mark Landreth. I had to call him at Texas Instruments on his office number a few times. I finally got him the number 415-276-LAND. He seems pleased.
“Oh Mike, I really appreciate it!”

Amy telephoned me at work to see if we were “on” for tonight.
“Well, I’m going cycling and then to the gym.”
Silence.
I asked, “How about if we get together this Thursday?”
She snapped, “Well I have other plans!”
Give me a break. Whatever…

After work I drove to Steph Redding’s place in Fairfield at precisely ten minutes after six. We went to Jean Pierre’s Agency and I fiddled around with some other models. We were all waiting. It was kind of silly.
One gal smiled at me and said, “You remind me a lot of George Michael!”

Later, Steph Redding said, “They were very impressed with you.”
I thought it was outrageous driving all the way out there. I did learn that the benefit is for missing, abused and homeless children. A few celebrities are going to be there along with the co-producer of the motion-picture “Jewel of the Nile”. I actually met him tonight. His name is Jack Brodsky. It was fun.

When I got home it was 10:30PM. Denise Vinsonhaler telephoned just as I walked in the house. We spoke briefly about ‘nothing much’.

Geneva telephoned me at around 11:30PM. When she talks on the phone it always sounds like she is whispering.
She whispered, “Michael, I just wanted to give you more incentive on getting Derek to hire you.”
I thanked her for her insight and said, “I plan to do what I can. It’s really up to Derek and I trust he will make the right decision.”
I was thinking that ‘after all’ we are friends first.  So I do hope that will make a difference.

While I was at Jean Pierre’s Agency we did a bit of walking on a ramp/runway along with some poses on video camera.  I had to give a short speech on the video camera.
I think I said, “My name is Michael Armijo spelled just like the local high-school in town. I like bicycling and I have a 12-speed RALEIGH and a SCHWINN. I want an Italian BIANCHI bike next. I had some raisin toast and milk for breakfast today. It’s good. I wish for more sunshine.”

Denise Vinsonhaler is too masculine for me to handle. She’s sweet though.


I had fun calling Mark Landreth.
“So yeah—I called Shari in San Jose after all.”
He got a kick out of hearing about the cute driver (Natalie Sweet) and her four year old daughter.


On Monday night when I left the gym I noticed Joyce on the LifeCycle. She gave me the eye as I left.  She still titillates me.


It was hard to sleep.  I kept thinking of my speech to Steph, my boss, and how I am going to tell her to call Derek to arrange an interview next week.  She better do it.  Why wouldn’t she?  I’m qualified for it. Shit!  Why do I feel like they want to keep me imprisoned at the SDC (Sales Development Center)?
I keep telling myself, “Don’t worry, you’ll break out soon enough!”


When I have lunch with Derek Hibbard I will have to inform him about my continuous writing in my journal since December 1982. The fact that one can ‘stick to something’ for so long can always be a good sign to a new employer. I will have to prepare myself with a list of questions, too.

"Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking about them."
-Alfred North Whitehead, 1911

Read More

The Brunette Male Model

"It was total futility. I thought only of light things. We woke up and said to ourselves, where shall we go dancing? Where shall we eat dinner tonight? Who shall we flirt with? What shall we do to amuse ourselves? Day and night; it was the most insouciant period of my life.
-Alicia Drake
"The Beautiful Fall: Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 21, 1986
Sunday

I am anxious to talk to Derek Hibbard (Geneva’s husband) about the Marketing Management position. I may have a chance at it since he is the interviewer. Please don’t let me strike out again. Lord! I need this new job.

I telephoned Geneva this morning; and then I called Derek and left a message on his answering machine.
I asked, “Hey Derek, do you think we can have lunch sometime this week?”
If Derek gives me a chance I will work hard for him and his department. I briefly explained to Stephanie Bautista about the job opportunity.
Derek called me back and we have a lunch date set for this Friday. Derek actually came in to my Business Office today and provided me with a packet of information on their District Organizational Chart along with a couple of reports on Teleservices and the market they provide for.  It’s all pretty interesting.  It’s different and it’s a challenge.  I’d love this career move.  I am qualified with my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with the Marketing Concentration.  My boss, Steph, may be able to help position me in as well.  I need to get Steph to talk to her boss, Larry Elkington.  Yikes!  If Dee Lyons got promoted I don’t see why I can’t either.

Margaret Lai and I ate out on Market Street. It was a beautiful day today.

I went home and napped and then headed out to the gym. Mark arrived in his sexy Sunkist half-shirt tee.
Mark said, “You know—Karen called me! You know---the twenty-one year old with the fourteen year old mentality.”
I laughed.

I typed up my resume last night. I also called Mark for his work telephone number and other specifics in order to set up his Residential telephone service.
At that time Mark said, “I called Cathy and I’m going to call Lana on Wednesday. You should call that girl from San Jose.”
And so, I followed Mark’s advice and called the girl from San Jose. She couldn’t believe it when I called.
She said, “I tried calling you around seven o’clock but you weren’t home and I felt funny leaving a message.”
“Oh, well I was at the gym.”
We had a nice chat as I was typing away, preparing my resume. She was telling me that her girlfriend, Natalie Sweet, has a four year old daughter, who was also in the car when we met them. I was surprised about that as we didn’t see a little girl in the backseat. I couldn’t wait to give Mark that scoop.

Steph Redding telephoned tonight, pleading for my participation.
“Michael, do you think you could be part of a fashion show in Napa on April 27th?”

It all sounded so silly and I didn’t really want to be part of it.
She continued, “You have to attend a model call at seven o’clock tomorrow night in Fairfield. A producer is going to be there named Chuck. You have to come because there’s going to be this big event on June 14th. I want you to be the brunette male model.”
“I don’t know,” I shrugged, “I’m skeptical—but I’ll try it.”

Amy Platt was supposed to drop by my place but I will get out of that and I am going to Fairfield tomorrow night.
While at the gym I told Mark, “I’m going to Fairfield to see a group of female models tomorrow night.”
He merely smiled. He doesn't say much sometimes.
I didn’t mention the fact that I’m being considered model material. It’s kind of silly but if this producer works for Falcon Crest and such I may as well check it out. Steph insists I can get a movie role out of it. It may be exciting. Who knows? Besides that—I may meet some interesting new people.

"The further backward you look, the further forward you can see."
-Winston Churchill

Read More

A Little White Lie

Sometimes if we don’t do anything, we help more than if we do a lot. We call that non-action. It is like the calm person on a small boat in a storm. That person does not have to do much, just to be himself, and the situation can change.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
BEING PEACE

Twenty-five years ago today

April 20, 1986
Saturday

There were tentative plans of going to the wine country today but I awoke at 10:20AM and quickly telephoned Mark Landreth. I had forgotten my car was still at the 24 Hour Nautilus gym parking lot in San Leandro. Mark actually reminded me of this fact!
Mark said, “You know—I can pick you up and take you to your car.”
“That would be great. Maybe we can go to Santa Cruz after…since it is a Saturday.”
Mark replied, “Okay, let’s do it.”

I called Amy with a little white lie.
“Hi Amy, I just wanted to tell you that I have to go pick up my car via my bike, so the wine outing isn’t possible.”
“Uh, but why?”
“Well, I got so sick last night and my car was left there so it’s just not going to work this time.”
That was that.

I did lay out in my postage-stamp sized backyard on my lounge chair, waiting for Mark Landreth to arrive. He finally came and it seemed to take forever to get to my car. It took even longer to get to Santa Cruz. We left San Lorenzo at noon and arrived and parked in Santa Cruz at approximately three o’clock! The traffic was bad. A couple of gals from San Jose entertained us. There were some other gals from San Mateo on a truck who were waving, flirting and communicating with us on the freeway too.

We found the San Mateo truck girls on the beach and sat near them. We simply lounged. I ate a Brutus Burger and a root-beer. Mark and I ate dinner at the Ideal Fish Company (good grilled fish). We left at 9PM and I didn’t arrive home to Alameda until 11:30PM.

Mark and I had a good time this weekend. Mark’s my chum. He made me laugh at times. He is fun to be with.

“Time is elastic, isn’t it? Moments can last forever, or else evaporate instantly. Time is really a function of our own view of the world.”
-John Katzenbach
THE ANALYST

Read More

Relax

He wanted Mark physically as he had never wanted anything before, but he was convinced that Mark's chance of happiness lay in the other direction.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 19, 1986
Saturday

Amy Platt telephoned at 9:20AM to tell me she and Karen were off to the San Leandro Marina to work on Ed’s boat.
Amy added, “We’re off to dinner and dancing tonight…so if you’re interested.”
“Okay, I’ll go,” I replied even though I wasn’t so thrilled with the idea.
I felt like I was being too nice and didn’t know how to say ‘no’. That’s my nature. Then again…maybe the nicer thing to do is to be honest and lay it on the line. The ‘animal magnetism’ just isn’t there for me where she is concerned.

I am writing now at Gomes Tire Service. They’re going to give me new tires and an oil filter and lube job. It’s 10AM. I plan to bicycle today…

I just received the bad news. My tires are going to cost me about one-hundred dollars for each tire. That’s some four-hundred odd dollars. Yuck! Oh well…it is a necessity.

During my bike ride I’m going to search out Helen and Geneva who will supposedly be clam picking at Shoreline Park on Bay Farm Island today at approximately one or two o’clock.

I plan on calling Mark Landreth, too. I hope we can get-together again tonight to do something. I’d rather go out with Mark and scope new scenery than ‘tread water’ with Karen, Ed and Amy. I know that sounds awful but I want Mark to be my new buddy. Then again I do have such fun with Karen, Ed and Amy. Karen is one key to a good time actually. She’s so effervescent, carefree, raring to be adventurous, outspoken and ready to explore. I love all of that. And she is most of all: “unpredictable”.

Amy asked, “What did you do last night?”
I replied, “Don’t ask—I just went out for pizza and beer.”
I didn’t choose to elaborate.
Amy said, “Ed and I were dying to go out. I got ready and everything and I ended up not going out at all.”
“Oh, well I feel guilty now.”
Amy replied, “You should!”
I secretly felt that I did have such a good time with Mark last night though. He’s so cool. One sunny Sunday we may well go to the Great America Amusement Park in Santa Clara and get drunk, go on rides, flirt around and just plain relax. Last night I explained to Mark how “RELAX” was my favorite word. Mark is now beginning to learn some of my acronyms that I’ve made up, too. I like Mark a lot. I want him in a special kind of way that I’m scared to admit.

Ironically, I kind of want Joyce (the gal at my gym), too. I am slowly giving up on her though.

I hope I have a good chance for this Marketing Management spot in Derek’s department.

It’s 11:30AM and I am still having my tires changed. They had to order them from Hayward, so it’ll be a while. What a drag! My afternoon will still be available at least. I was going to procrastinate on my tire repairs. I’m glad I didn’t.

I hope Mark will want to go out tonight—or at least come over to my place. When I see him I am “tempted”. I have fun scouting around for the “right” chick when I am with him. That’s fun. If Mark asked me to be his roommate I’d be tempted. Then again…my current surroundings are one deal that I cannot pass over. It’s too good, so I don’t know.
Mark had said, “I may have a small party at my house as soon as I get it all settled.”
That ought to be fun. I’ll admit it: I like it when just ‘he and I’ go out. It’s just a couple of the guys out for a good time.
That was funny last night when I spoke to Mark out-of-the-blue and said, “That girl in the white half-top—with the healthy chest---her nipples are getting hard!”
Mark looked straight at her breasts but I was only joshing him. Ha-ha.

While speaking to Amy I said, “You know—my friend, Mark, could pass as your brother.”
Now that I dwell on it he probably could. They’re both blonds. They’re both ‘together’ people. It’s true. We meet the best people later in life. Who is next?

I got my new tires. Hurrah! They gave me new brakes (in the rear) and an oil filter and lube job as well.


I went to mom’s house for a quick late breakfast and then off I went on my bicycle. I happened to run into Rick and we shared a vanilla milkshake.
Rick said, “Chad’s been calling me rather frequently.”
“I wonder why.”
“Well, I’m helping him move tomorrow back to his mom and dad’s house.”
I laughed to myself. Ha-ha. I could never move back to mom and pops.
I mentioned to Rick, “Mark and I went to FANNY’s last night.”
I am sure Rick will mention it to Chad.


I telephoned Mark and we confirmed that we are going out to FANNY ANN’s again tonight.


Suzy Miller and her brother, Mike, came over to my place. Mike Miller answered my phone and pretended to be ‘me’ (as I suggested). He proceeded to tell Karen and Amy that I didn’t want to go out, etc.
I telephoned Karen and left a detailed message that it wasn’t me they spoke to. Amy was burning with anger, thinking that was “IT”.
Amy barked, “I don’t need this.”
I straightened it out; however, I explained that I was going out with Mark tonight and Amy got all uptight again. I know she wants to see me.
So to keep things happy I said, “Why don’t you go to FAT FANNY’s and meet us?”
Amy settled down and quietly said, “Okay, we may meet you there at ten-thirty or so.”
I really didn’t want her to go. I wanted Mark and I to have the ability to ‘scope the scene’, relax and have a good time. I wanted it to be ‘just us guys’. So now I guess we’ll see how it goes. I want Mark to be my new good buddy. He already is---in a way, I guess. I trust tonight will be daring and adventurous.


I met Mark and we went to FANNY ANN’s. Amy showed up and she was actually looking very good. Amy and I danced and I had a few too many Long-Island Iced-Teas. I saw a beautiful tan girl that turned me on. Cindy Vettes was also there. She was scooping on Mike Ryan (an old Alameda High School mate that I recognized). Pebbles, the blond girl, was there also.

Mark and I have plans to go out again as Westerners at the West 40 Club and as nerds, preppies, Miami Vice dudes and punk-rockers on other nights. That ought to be fun.
I joked to Mark, “We’ll probably have our best luck on dork night!”


I was kissing and mooching on Amy a lot. Mark met Cathy Knowles. She was kind of petite—but cute. We left the club at closing. Mark drove me home. I vomited in my bathroom toilet. I recalled Mark driving me to my house.
I recalled my intoxicated feeling and actually saying to Mark, “You know—you’re my good buddy!”
I know I touched his leg as he was driving. I’m embarrassed about that. He was cool about it and not very reactive.
I wasn’t too drunk enough to remember that I said, “Mark, you can spend the night--if you want.”
He didn’t spend the night though.  He left.  I slept.  It was still a fun night.

Michael found that infinite time and patience were required now in order to give his lover release, and that ordinary techniques were of no avail.  They ALL had to be discarded and new ones invented and adhered to; but once the proper formula was discovered and followed, it was joy such as he had never known...
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Read More

Higher-Grade

Q: "What do you seek, Mr. Casanova?"
A: "A moment that lasts a lifetime."
-CASANOVA, 2005 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today

April 18, 1986
Friday

Traffic was horrible this morning. I arrived to San Francisco at 8:10AM.

I joined Margaret Lai and Dale Orlando for lunch at B&M Chinese today.

Sadly, Cedric Green inquired with me about the Copy Service Artist job.

After work I went and took a nap when something new happened to fall on my ‘career idea’ lap. Derek (Geneva’s husband) is looking for a couple of management “Marketing” people. I am very interested. I heard from Helen (Geneva’s sister, of course) that Derek is doing the interviews. I have a good chance of getting this Marketing job as one of the requirements is a Business degree and/or a Marketing degree. I’m crossing my fingers. The news of it goes to my boss, Stephanie, first thing Monday morning. I need to determine if I am releasable.

It’s funny how things turn out. And it is so often true in that it’s not always what you know (all of the time) but WHO you know. Since I have struck out in so many other avenues it could be that this one will work out. I am crossing my fingers on it. Again…time will tell.

It was eighty years ago today that the 1906 earthquake hit San Francisco at 5:12AM or so. It was a kind of creepy feeling. There were no jolts today—at least.

Amy Platt spoke with me by phone today. I initiated the call. We discussed the idea of a Wine Country outing on Sunday. It was Karen’s suggestion. It sounds good to me. Karen was going out with Mike (her ex-boyfriend) tonight. Amy keeps me abreast of the latest.

Mike Miller invited me to a party in Hayward. It was a ‘college crowd’ party. Chris and Greg (Mike’s geeky pals) were going too. I declined the invitation.
Mike said, “Oh, Chad told me that he moved out.”
“He did?”
“Yeah, and I just told him ‘I knew’ because you had mentioned it to me.”

Denise Vinsonhaler telephoned.
“Are you going to Baxter’s tonight?”
“I’m not sure---but I’m talking to my sister in law and her sister right now, so can I call you back?”

After speaking to Helen and Geneva about Derek’s job interview I got off the phone and called Mark Landreth. We made arrangements to meet at the 24 Hour Nautilus parking-lot. The plan was to meet there and go in one car to FAT FANNY’s in Danville. I arrived first. Mark showed up and we went on our merry way in his BMW. We had very little trouble finding the place.
I confessed, “You know, while I was waiting for you in the parking-lot I was writing in my journal.”
He didn’t inquire as to what I was writing, so I left it at that. We walked in to FAT FANNY’s and saw a number of “lookers”. It was clear that a number of those “lookers” were looking at us once we walked in to the establishment.
I approached one chick with a Pebbles top and asked, “Do you want to dance?”
She had nice hair.
“I don’t really like this song,” she replied.
I hate when girls say that. It blew me away.
When Mark asked her girlfriend with the “healthy chest”, wearing a white dress to dance she answered, “Why didn’t you ask me on the last one?”
Both of us were rejected. Oh well—NBL (No Big Loss).
I whispered to Mark, “NBL.”
After I explained the meaning of NBL he said, “I like your way of thinking.”
I like Mark.

Mark met some lady who was about twenty-nine or thirty who does facials for a living.
I overheard her tell Mark, “I just moved here from Hawaii a month ago.”
She looked like she overdid it by spending too many hours getting ready for tonight.

I met Cindy Vettes who happens to have a six year old kid which turned me off right away. Both Cindy and I ‘sort of’ asked one another to dance at the same time based on mutual eye contact.

Mark ended up getting that lady’s business card. Cindy memorized my telephone number.
Cindy said, “I’m the only Vettes n the book.”
I thought to myself without saying it, “Oh well, there are better fish in the sea.”

As we drove from the parking lot at FAT FANNY’s Mark happened to drive by the gal with the Pebbles top that I had asked to dance.
I rolled my window down and said, “Thanks for dancing with me.”
She replied, “No problem.”
And we didn’t even dance!

Mark drove me to my car at the 24 Hour Nautilus parking lot in San Leandro.
Once again, Mark asked, “Do you want me to drive you home?”
I replied, “No, I’m okay.”
“Well, give me a call tomorrow.”
“Okay, I will.”
“I might call that girl.”
I didn’t think it was a wise choice for him to call that girl. I could see him with a higher-grade than that.


I was in bed by 2:20AM. I had two vodka gimlets (or was it three?) and two Long Island iced-teas. Yawn.

"Beauty is a form of genius--is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Read More

Attracted To Him

"Have you met your fate yet?"
It seemed an old-fashioned, even a Victorian expression.
-Janet Frame, An Autobiography

Twenty-five years ago today

April 17, 1986
Thursday

It was B and M Chinese Restaurant food with Margaret Lai for lunch today.

What a beautiful day. The clarity of the skyscrapers coming over the Bay Bridge this morning made me admire the City all the more. Although I now have this notion of transferring to San Jose because Mark Landreth is working in Santa Clara.  Then again---I am better off in San Francisco (I think).  The sales incentive prizes make it a little more worthwhile.

I didn’t have a very productive sales day. My calls just weren’t prospective enough. Oh well…

I went bicycling from 5:30 to 6:30 and then I went to the gym. I arrived by 7:30PM. The equipment was rearranged again. Mark showed up and we made a deal (and shook on it) to meet at Red Robin at 9:30PM tonight. It was time to celebrate because Mark closed escrow on his $108,000 home in San Lorenzo.

Now I’ll have to find out when he can move-in so that I can set up the installation for his Residential telephone service. Mark’s a real nice chap. He’s especially nice to me, so I hope we’re friends for a long time. I do want to tell him about my being attracted to him. My bisexuality (?)…all in due time.

Amy telephoned me at around 6:45PM. We talked.
Amy said, “I just got home from work.”
I thought that was funny because she lives in a guest house next to where she works as nurse and nanny. She really has a long commute.
Amy said, “I’ve lost weight after being sick those last few days. I even bought a new skirt.”
“Oh that’s cool,” I interrupted, “I can’t wait to see it.”
“It must look good since the construction workers whistled,” Amy added.
I felt like her comments about the loss of weight and the new sensational look in the new skirt were a ploy to get me riled up into liking her more (or at least wanting to see her). I still don’t feel that special magnetism like I did tonight with Joyce. I saw Joyce at my gym tonight as a matter of fact.

It’s 9:15PM now and I’m heading over to Red Robin to meet with my new buddy, Mark. I am writing in my journal while sitting here in the 24-Hour Fitness parking lot.

It was fun at Red Robin. We both ordered two MICHELOB beers. We were both eyeing this gal with a great figure; however, there was a sleaziness about her because of her blouse and the zipper that was lowered enough to see way too much of her cleavage. I was able to get Mark to agree with my interpretation.


Mark and I laughed and drank our beers as we talked about his moving-in to his house.
“I plan to move in next week,” Mark said.
“You know—I bought a house in Sacramento.”
I went on to explain how I bought it while in college with a little help from my Dad and how I sold it after I finished school. Mark showed a bit of a surprise look on his face when I told him about my house at 10209 Countryside Way in Sacramento, CA.


Mark is my new buddy, so I want to tell him some of my innermost feelings.  I wouldn’t dare—just yet.  We talked more about going to Old Sacramento tomorrow night—but no.  We decided on going to FAT FANNY’s in Danville instead.  It ought to be fun to scope the scene with him.

I swoon over the beauties of the world but am reluctant, simply as a matter of reflex, to kiss a friend on the mouth.
-Michael Cunningham
"The Hours", a novel

Read More

Giving me 'The Eye'

"Action is character our English teacher says.
I think it means if we never did anything we wouldn't be anybody."
-AN EDUCATION,
2009 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today

April 16, 1986
Wednesday

I am wearing my new one-hundred percent cashmere sweater and black leather jacket today.

Tonight is another ‘gym night’. I love the gym. I’m also beginning to realize that my job isn’t at all so bad. They treat me well and I treat them well with the revenue I bring in. I wonder if I should consider a move to Silicon Valley. No, San Francisco is much closer. It’s just that the Bay Bridge is a “bitch” in the morning (sometimes).

I hope Mark Landreth appears at the gym tonight. I am sure I will see Sue and Phil, too. They’re cool. Rachelle Davies is now a big question mark.

That X-rated flick I rented (Leo and Lance) got me all riled up. It was disgusting in its own right and regretfully exciting at the same time (during some scenes). The Lance guy looks a little like Mark (maybe that's why I selected it).

I wonder…I keep thinking of Mr. Sunkist (M. Landreth). Do we have a chance as ___ (?). I don’t think so. I do feel QBL (Questionable) vibes.


Mary McTiernan and I went to the Pizza Boat for lunch. We saw an interesting trio having lunch together at Max’s Diner: Dale Orlando, Judy Ginella and Cedric Green. Mary is too sweet.
Mary asked, “So, have you found a new roommate yet?”
“No, I don’t really think I want one.”


We dropped a bomb on Libya on Monday. That’s the National U.S. 'news front' news.


We all received the Tupperware we ordered in the office today.


Steph Bautista, my supervisor, is in Napa relishing her visit to The Silverado Club. It is thanks to our sales success in Section G that she is there. It’s too bad she was the honoree and none of the section folk were able to attend.


I arrived home and felt like I had time on my hands, so I read through the US Magazine and watched a bit of television. I soon left for the gym. I would have gone biking but it rained today and it was wet on the streets (my bike is more susceptible to a flat tire on wet streets).


While at the gym I saw Michelle Olsen and ‘Phil and Sue’. I think Sue has been giving me ‘the eye’ lately. I wonder if Phil and Sue are ‘a couple’. If so, I wonder if I have a chance with Sue.


Mark Landreth and I worked out a little together. We made a deal. Tomorrow night we are going to share a beer or two. I was thinking we could go to Red Robin or LaVal’s. We shall see. I wonder if I should tell Mark about my attraction towards him (and see how he responds). It’s a scary thing to do. Then again—I’ll never know unless I ask. And what if I don’t ask and forever wonder…


It’s hard to tell. If Mark Landreth was a ‘long hair’ in the past I could almost see it. I think we will be good friends (and possibly more). Would he agree?


Sue, Phil’s gym pal friend, is pretty. I like her.

As for Amy…I am tentatively making her history. I did telephone her yesterday though. I had to let her know that her Tupperware had arrived. Yes, she placed an order. The magnetism between Amy and I is just ‘not there’.


I haven’t spoken to Mike Miller since the day he went to brunch with me and the gang. That was the day I told him that Chad was bisexual. I just wanted to resolve his curiosity since Chad had patted him on the head one day at Chabot College. Mike had a feeling. I wonder what Mike thinks of me. I feel I should have a talk with him to let a little air out of the bag.


Dale Orlando has officially divorced his wife, Dee. He is living in Lafayette right now with Paul (the friend who is a hairdresser).
Dale had confided with me, “Michael, I will be moving to Alameda in May. So if you want to commute in to the City let me know.”
It may be a good idea. The way buildings are going up around the City the parking lots are disappearing and the parking lot prices are reaching all time highs. It is time to think of alternatives. I love to drive in to The City though. The San Francisco skyline view alone on a clear day via the Bay Bridge can be breathtaking at the beginning of one’s day.


I watched some of DYNASTY tonight, and then I went to bed.


While at the gym I showered with what I thought were three QBL’s (Questionables). Regardless, tomorrow night is beer night with Mark. I know it will be fun.


"For every problem there is a solution."
-as recently heard in the 2010
motion-picture, RED

Read More

Some New Fella

"You're only gay around the edges."
-Margaret Whiting to Jack Wrangler

Twenty-five years ago today

April 15, 1986
Tuesday

Well, thanks to mom I had a large dish of potato salad to bring to the office for the “pot luck” festivities today. It was good but I felt FAT afterwards. I gave mom a phone call to tell her how everyone loved her potato salad.
Mom replied proudly, “And you have some more SPIEGEL packages here.”

After work I drove straight to mom’s house to pick-up the clothes I’d ordered from SPIEGEL catalog. I ended up returning a few items and kept the rest. I accidentally broke a glass covering in mom’s guest bedroom with the brass bed. The room was too crowded with stuff. It’s too bad dad heard the loud crash. I could’ve blamed it on Ashley.

I went to the gym and Mark Landreth appeared as scheduled. He’s ‘sort of’ my new buddy. He wore his half-SUNKIST t-shirt today. It quenches my thirst. He really is a buddy. I hope he’ll go with me for a drink on Thursday or Friday again. We could maybe go to the Red Robin or LaVal’s Pizza for a beer.

It was a fair workout. Rick was there, too. I couldn’t believe Rick’s comment.
Rick said, “There’s some new fella in the aerobics class that I’m all ogle-eyed over!”
I didn’t know how to respond. When I realized who he was talking about I had an answer.
I replied, “Oh, I saw him yesterday and I had my tentative thrill then.”


When I left the gym I think Mark noticed my departure. I didn’t bother to say good-bye because I didn’t wish to make a scene in the free-weights area.

I drove home and watched some movie called CLASS OF 44. I decided to watch KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN but I couldn’t really get into it.  My eyes were feeling heavy and I was falling asleep. 

I went to bed. Yawn.

"No, not here...someone will see!"
-1938-A Brief Encounter
December 2, 2009, A Noel Coward Play

Read More

What Happens Next

"Knowledge is the only weapon we have left."
-REIGN OF FIRE, 2002 Film

Twenty-five years ago today

April 14, 1986
Monday

Randy Evans crossed my mind this morning. I used to work with him. He died. No job, no ‘anything’ is more important than one’s life! I can’t wait to go to the gym tonight (mainly to see and workout with Mark).

My interview is today. I am excited.

I am down now. The interview was a flop. I did not succeed. First, I couldn’t get into DIRECTORY SALES and then I couldn’t win the GQ contest and now I couldn’t nab the Copy Service Artist job. It doesn’t mean I still cannot get into DIRECTORY SALES or in GQ or become a Copy Service Artist, of course. It will just take more time and effort. My next step is to see about working at Pac Tel Info Systems. Since Emmalene is making the bucks there perhaps I can, too. They have offices in San Leandro, too—so maybe…just maybe.

The interview was conducted by two old hags that have been brought up with the old Pacific Telephone corporate policies and rulings. That ultimately explains it. I shared the bad news with Stephanie Bautista, Margaret Lai, Amy Platt and Steph Redding. We’ll see what happens next.

I ate lunch alone at Elsie’s. I needed my alone time.

At least this week is payday.

I drove home, rummaged through my mail. I made a fast-forward move to the gym and bumped in to Phil and Sue. Mark Landreth showed up.
“You know, I’m sorry for pulling a no show on Saturday.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it,” I said to Mark reassuringly.
He’s still cool in my book. We worked on our guts (on the abdominal machine doing rep after rep after rep).


I had rented the movies KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN and LEO and LANCE. I was watching the movies as I munched on almonds and sipped Diet 7-UP. Then I decided to ‘hit the hay’.


Oh yes, Denise Vinsonhaler telephoned me at 1:45AM. Is she crazy? She moved to Benicia and gave me her new telephone number (707-745-8358).
I was half asleep.  I couldn't believe she was calling.
I vaguely recall her saying, “I’ll visit you tomorrow.”

Go on a road trip adventure. You never know...you may enjoy it.
--as heard in the 2008 film, NIM'S ISLAND

Read More

A Chance

"It's not the hours you put in;  It's what you put in the hours that counts!"
-Philosophical Statements
Michael J Armijo

Twenty-five years ago today

April 13, 1986
Sunday

Mark Landreth didn’t show up at Bobby McGee’s last night but it’s just as well. He spent all Saturday windsurfing. He did say he was sore.

I drove Amy home and I won a $2.00 lottery ticket. I also found a $5 dollar bill in my shorts pocket. Not bad for $7.00 dollars I didn’t expect to have.

I went to mom’s house for breakfast and did a series of jump roping exercises in the backyard. I went back to my pad to get ready for Joey Armijo’s birthday party (it beats the Tupperware Party at Margaret Lai’s house). Ashley came along with mom and me. I found Joey’s place in Fremont easily. We had a good time. My first cousins Donna and Mona were there. I don’t see them often enough.

It was 4:30PM or so by the time we left. I was ‘beat’ tired. I went home and took a nap until I woke up naturally. I polished-up my artsy portfolio a bit more. I color penciled a neat picture of a boy eyeing the seashore. I really love it.

I returned to mom’s house and ate a quarter pound burger while watching Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Steph Redding telephoned me with a very excited tone.
“Michael, the fashion show today was such a success!”
“That’s great. I’m so glad for you.”
“I wish you were there.”
“I know---well, I may go to the next one.”

I went to bed relatively early (9PM). Monday is my big interview. I have a chance.


A leader must be a dreamer, a thinker, a planner, yet a person who is compassionate and understanding.
-Philosophical Statements
Michael J Armijo

Read More

57 T-Bird

"It's just a bunch of machines now telling us what to do."
-Frank Langella as Louis Zabel
"Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps", 2010 Film

Twenty-five years ago today

April 12, 1986
Saturday

I casually mentioned to Mark Landreth about my friends ‘Karen and Amy’. I promised I’d call Mark at his telephone number (276-4641) if we were to go out on this very Saturday night.

I telephoned Amy in the morning and she invited me for a walk to the Lafayette Reservoir.
“Sure, I’d love to do that,” I answered.

Before I drove to Lafayette I stopped by my mom’s house. I accompanied mom to Mervyn’s and La Petite Boulangerie. I ended up buying Karen a little Birthday gift. I got one for little Joey Armijo, too.

It wasn’t long until I was walking side by side with Amy along the Lafayette Reservoir. It was beautiful there. We went to Salima’s baby shower for a little while. Amy was nice enough to accompany me. We stopped over at Karen’s apartment in Walnut Creek. Karen and Ed were departing for San Francisco. And so, Amy and I ended up having Chinese Food together.

Amy allowed me to ‘shower and shine’ at her place after dinner. I telephoned Mark Landreth.
I asked, “Hey, what are you doing?”
Mark said, “I’m waiting for Renee to show up so I can go help him buy his windsurfer equipment.”
“Well, why don’t you just come over later?”
There was silence.
“It’ll be fun,” I added.
He’s much too nice to say no.
Mark replied, “Okay.”

We went to Bobby McGee’s and it was fun. I saw a number of people from my gym including Randy, Mike, Ann Alberti (the aerobics instructor), and a few others that I don’t know very well.  Mark never made it.

Karen and Ed walked in at about 11:30PM and we all danced. I was feeling wasted when Ed suddenly bought me a ’57 T-Bird’ cocktail (pineapple juice, rum, amaretto and who knows what else?). What a night! After the dancing and drinking we all went to the San Leandro Marina for breakfast on Ed’s boat! Unfortunately, it was a horrible breakfast. It was still quite an experience though. We had a good time. It was fun. Amy spent the night at my pad—but it was 4:30AM that we were going to bed. We needed to sleep, so we did.

"How different people are.  Some people ski solo to the North Pole while some have to summon all their courage to cross a restaurant floor.
THAT must be what's meant by breaking boundaries."
-Elling, November 2, 2010
a Broadway Play based on the 2001 Norwegian film

Read More

At Least One Beer

"I would rather you be a man who did exactly as you please."
-Angelina Jolie to Johnny Depp
in the 2010 film,
THE TOURIST

Twenty-five years ago today

April 11, 1986
Friday

I parked in a new Parking Lot under the bridge for $2.75 per day. It’s okay today since I was able to leave the office early.

The lunch at OPTS was pretty good. Randy Jungst, our third line manager, is pretty nice. I am unsure about his impression of me. It doesn’t really matter, considering I plan to transfer out eventually (I hope).

After lunch I drove straight to mom and dad’s house where I opened up a SPIEGEL package that arrived. I received some pretty good stuff. I ended up bicycling from 4PM through 5:30PM.

After my bike ride I was soon at the gym and I saw Phil and Sue there. They’re both a very nice couple. I like them. Then ‘to my surprise’ I noticed Mark Landreth showed up.
I asked, “You know Mark, it’s Friday and we should celebrate with at least one beer tonight.”
“Okay,” Mark replied (to my excitement).

I ended up meeting Mark at CASA CARLITA’S at 9:30PM and we ended up staying there until closing time! I learned that Mark has a BMW and works at Texas Instruments as a Systems Designer. He’s pretty ‘together’. I like him a lot.

Mark said, “You know—I can drive you home if you don’t feel up to it.”
I guess my drunkard aura was in the air.
I said, “Oh no, I’ll be okay.”
However, next time I probably won’t be okay and I’ll let him drive me home. Ha-ha.


Anyway, Mark and I had a great time. We agreed on going out again sometime.
Mark smiled and said, “Feel free to rescue me when you see Jamie on my tail at the gym.”
I laughed. Mark kind of hinted that she liked me, too.
“Yuck, she’s NMT,” I announced to Mark and proceeded to explain the meaning of NMT (Not My Type).


During my drive home I got the feeling that Mark may be attracted to MJA (me) and vice-versa.


Weeks passed--weeks of anxiety, of longing even keener than those that had preceded their evening together.
-Nial Kent
"A Divided Path"

Read More

A Big Scene

"Yves St. Laurent had this way of making you feel you were the most important person in the room. He would sort of half close his eyes as he listened to you as if you were fascinating. He had unbelievable charm."
-Alicia Drake
"The Beautiful Fall:
Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess in 1970's Paris"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 10, 1986
Thursday

I guess one could say the big news of the day was that I got a free lunch tomorrow at one o’clock. This will be followed by the remainder of my day being off ‘with pay’. It’s because our section attained the highest in terms of average sales per Representative for the first quarter of the fiscal year. I love those out-of-the-blue announcements.

I had intended on a bike ride and the gym today but I didn’t go through with it because Frank Vasconcellos called me. He got me into a laid back mood. I ended up napping. Frank tells me he is dating some Hawaiian guy who just happens to live at The Timber in San Leandro (just above where I used to live for a while).

I was debating on whether I should have a birthday party on May 26th…or not. I want to and then again…I don’t. It will cost me. Maybe I should just do it. I really don’t know yet. I’m still pondering the idea.

After my nap I woke up with a craving for sardines. I sipped 7-UP along with the crackers and sardines while watching the dramatic TV-series THE COLBY’S. I also folded my clothes that were in the dryer. It was a real exciting night.

I did speak to Amy today while I was at work.
Amy said, “There was a big scene at CROGAN’s last night!”
“What happened?” I asked.
“Well, I accompanied Karen, her mother and Ed to CROGAN’s when suddenly Karen got right up out of her chair and accused me of trying to steal Ed away from her!”
“What?”
“Yes, can you believe that?”
“What did Karen’s mother do?”
“That’s the crazy thing—both Karen and Ed just ignore Karen’s mother. Oh, I just got up and left and swore I’d never talk to her again.”
“I can’t believe it.”
Amy continued, “And as I was walking out I heard Ed get up and say ‘I’m going to the bank’. He exited the scene, too.”
It sounded like quite a dramatic scene. To this very moment Amy still cannot figure out Karen’s spur-of-the-moment explosion. Of course, they’ve both made up already.
Amy said, “I still want to go out this Saturday for Karen’s birthday. You’ve got to come!”
Who knows what explosion the weekend will hold?

I may stop over at Sutter’s Mill after our lunch tomorrow. Then I will perhaps go biking, do aerobics and hit the gym ‘all in one night’. Those are my current intentions.

I looked through my portfolio last night. I saw a number of items that I wanted to keep in but I still feel like I should work on a more technical item this weekend. I just might do that.

I ordered a number of Collector’s Guild items through SPIEGEL today. I bought a couple of sun tanning lounge chairs, a couple of dumbbells for at-home weight lifting and some new underwear (from the UNDERGEAR catalog). I also bought a few shirts, tank tops and a pair of pants and shorts from the INTERNATIONAL MALE catalog. I figure I deserved a treat. I like to give myself a warm fuzzy every once in a while. I deserve it.


The problem was, he thought, that all sorts of people played by their own rules.
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

Read More