Shoveling Dirt

"Everybody has certain talents."
-Character, 1997 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 30, 1986
Monday

It’s “bye-bye” day for Johnny. We parted ways and I’m sure the weekend wasn’t as “sexciting” as he may have expected. I just wasn’t ‘into’ him. We parted on this morning. I drove off to work after dropping off the videotapes at MAGIC VIDEO.

When I reached the parking lot in San Francisco the (QBL) questionable construction worker was there again. He was on a tractor this time, shoveling dirt.

I need to tell Mark about my bisexuality…soon enough. He called me on Friday and I could feel the “vibes” of ‘I’m calling you because I like you’. Sure, he mentioned Cindy had been calling him and had come by his house to see him.
“She asked to spend the night…so I let her,” said Mark.
It’s going to be time to tell him.

Johnny couldn’t choose just ‘one’ of my photos to take with him. He wanted copies of them all. Give me a break!

I’m growing facial nubs like Mark Landreth has started to do.

I’ll freak Ron Leoni out if I do choose to drive down South this weekend. There just aren’t enough weekends to fill the gaps of what I want to do. I want to tour mom around San Francisco. I want to bicycle. I want to take my niece, Ashley, to the zoo with Margaret and her son, Lance. I want to go to Sacramento to visit my coworker, Judy (and possibly try out the canoeing). I want to go to Santa Cruz.

I am feeling horny this AM. It’s been since Saturday morning. Yikes.

I wouldn’t say the day was successful—but it was an okay day.

I telephoned Mark Landreth at his work number.
When I recognized his voice I asked, “Is Mr. Abdominals of 1990 there?”
Of course he replied, “Yes,” clearing his throat, “This is he.”
We discussed going to Santa Cruz on Saturday, July 12th. We may also do an extensive bike ride on July 13th.

I telephoned mom and urged her to schedule a doctor appointment because of a little bump on her shoulder that she was complaining about.
She had previously said, “I did, I made the appointment.”
She lied, so I got pissed and hung up on her.

I haven’t spoken to Ron. I need to tell him to get our tickets for the New York trip in August. He’ll be pleased. I miss him. He’s so much fun. I get good ‘vibes’ from knowing him. I feel progressive ‘vibes’. After all, we’re both Gemini’s and he’s born the same day as my brother, John.

John, Sherri and Ashley left for DISNEYLAND this morning. Ashley will love it.


I met Cathy Boldacchi while walking in to work today. I saw her again as I was leaving.
Cathy said, “You look good in a beard.”
I like her. Too bad she’s married.


After work I did go bicycling and then hit the gym. I received two messages from Johnny Schaefer.
Johnny said, “I just wanted to tell you that I made it to Porterville okay.”


Mom also called me to invite me over to her house to eat. I didn’t go because I was still pissed at her for not going to the doctor.


When I was at the gym Mark and his brother, Phil, showed up. Phil just got a job at AB METALS. Phil was all excited about it.


To my amazement I thought I saw Chad at the gym but it wasn’t him after all. Then, to my amazement I did see Steve Green! He had a new Sci-Fi book in hand.
Steve said, “I’m going to LA this weekend with George Jones, Ric and Doug.”
After some fact-finding I learned that Ric is, of course, Steve’s roommate and Doug is George’s current roommate; however, George used to room with both Ric and Doug. I didn’t even bother mentioning to Steve that I may be going to Palm Springs. Steve was polite enough. It was almost as if we’d just met for the first time again.

Janette was at the gym as well.
I hinted, “We ought to go on a bike ride outing together.”
I guess that was a direct hint. She nodded.
“I’m bored. I’m not working,” Janette announced.
“You should write.”
She looked at me funny.
She added, “I’m leaving for Hawaii on Friday though.”
“Lucky wench,” I thought silently.
She’s cute. Mark was raising his eyebrows at me from the distance as I was speaking to her.


Mark and Steve did the 8:30PM aerobics class. I didn’t go. Instead, I worked out a bit more and rapped with Dave Trapp and Phil (Mark’s kid brother).


While Dave was in the locker room with me he said, “You ought to start yourself out on a program of free weights.”
“I just may do that.”
I appreciated his advice. I just may do it. Dave’s a cool guy.


I decided I was contradicting my own logic (Enjoy Life While You Have Life). So, I decided to go and see mom at her house after all. She would enjoy seeing me as I would her. I decided I would not hold a grudge because she didn’t call the doctor. We watched PEE WEE HERMAN together. It was funny. We cracked-up over his silly antics. PEE WEE makes me laugh. I ate dinner at mom’s house, too. I left at 10:10PM.


I showered; JO’d and went to bed.


Oh yes, Tim O’Brien called me. He’s planning on a trip to Palm Springs tomorrow.
Tim insisted, “Just call me and we can possibly meet with some of my friends down there.”
“We’ll see,” I said, using the common line that my cousin, Mandy, uses.  That is her line.

"Being different made me stronger."
-GLEE, TV series
Episode 9: WHEELS

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A Porn Star

"Why am I doing all of this?"
-Philosophical Statements Book
by Michael J Armijo

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 29, 1986
Sunday

Johnny Schaefer and I went to Ole’s Waffle Shop for breakfast. We dropped by MAGIC VIDEO and we rented three films: PEE WEE HERMAN, OXFORD BLUES and BACK TO THE FUTURE. We lounged and watched movies all day. We took a break to eat at the Ice-Cream Dock.

I read aloud some of my Philosophical Statements. I also wrote down some new, interesting acronyms. We just plain lounged on this lazy Sunday.

I went to mom’s house for a short spell. I gave her a copy of the taped movies.   I took some goodies to my place.

One of the new acronyms I wrote was TIBO (Tomorrow It’ll Be Over).  I guess I was looking forward to Johnny’s departure.  I needed some space.  I guess knowing that both Ron and John were temporary guests had cramped my style (for a while).  Ron’s a bit more outgoing and fun (except I cannot stand his smoking habit).  John’s got a hang up or two. He isn’t exactly gorgeous—but he’s okay. Then again, Ron is hardly gorgeous either.  Am I?  John implies that he’s not exactly gorgeous.
John said, “You have a COD.”
“What’s that? Cash on delivery?”
Johnny laughed, “No, it means Chest of Death.”
I remember he also said, “You know, Mike—you really resemble a porn star named Jeff Stryker.”
I don’t know who that is—but I intend to find out eventually.

PHOTO: Porn star, Jeff Stryker

Sue Croce telephoned me the other night. I was recalling our conversation.
“You know, Michael…I met Steve Green at the gym after I’d met him at your party.”
“Oh, did he say something?” I asked nervously.
“Yeah, he did actually!”
“What?” I asked, knowing I was happy she couldn’t see the expression on my face.
“He blatantly said ‘I DON’T LIKE YOU’ to me.”
“You’re kidding me! He doesn’t even know you!”
“I know…that’s what got me.”
“Did you ask him why?”
“Well, I think it’s mainly because I left Rick for you at your Birthday party. That’s the way he sees it.”
I didn’t say much more, realizing that Steve must have some jealous possibilities sifting.


I telephoned Sue this morning but her mother answered the phone.
Sue’s mother said, “Oh, she’s gone all day.”
I thought that was odd. Her mother mentioned something about Steve and Chad. However, I don’t think Steve Green and Chad Mark Glen know one another. Who knows? And what does it matter?

"Make those eyes water if you have to, but converse (talk calmly) about the situation (to ____ or yourself) out loud."
-Philosophical Statements Book
by Michael J Armijo

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Prescription for Loneliness

"Sometimes you have to cut the tree to save the fruit."
-as heard while watching the Swiss film
VITUS, 2007

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 28, 1986
Saturday

It was raunchy waking-up to find Johnny Schaefer there. It irks me to the point where I wonder how we really met (at the airport, waiting for our flight). He’s a singer. He brought me a couple of tapes: “Always” and “Prescription for Loneliness”. They are two songs that he actually wrote. He also sang aloud two songs: “Cinnamon Sweater” and “A Time to Cry” of which he plans to record next month.

Last night Mark Landreth called me.
Mark asked, “Do you want to go to Manteca to some lake near there to water ski?”
I knew I didn’t want to go water ski. Water sports are not my favorite past time.
I asked, “How did you come up with this idea?”
“Ah, I met some girl at the store today and she invited me.”
“I wish I could go but I have a visitor here from Anaheim.”
I really did want to go. I could’ve been a spectator. I didn’t have to actually water ski.

John (aka Johnny) and I went for a drive to San Francisco with my Mustang convertible top down. It was fun feeling our hair blowin’ in the wind. We went to Ocean Beach and on through Geary and Fisherman’s Wharf and on through California Street. Ironically, we didn’t get out of the car until we hit Berkeley where we rummaged through a few shops. I bought some greeting cards. I also bought some cards earlier while at South Shore Shopping Center in Alameda. We had stopped at the Sandpiper Hallmark shop after our pastries at La Petit Boulangerie.

While in Berkeley I made another purchase. I bought a poster of an old-fashioned Papillon and Bicycle. I also bought a new Pink Panther on a bicycle figurine that I thought was really cool.


John and I ate at Larry Blake’s in Berkeley. After the meal we decided to return to my home.


While at my pad it was mutually decided that we ought to go and see a movie. I drove to Hayward and we saw A ROOM WITH A VIEW.   It was a British film which was kind of funny. I like those period stories. It was okay.


Then we just returned home after the move. I was tired. I simply hit the hay. Yawn.


"Try to love me a little more and want me a little less."
-Women In Love,
1969 film

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My Doorbell Rang

"I was acting. Couldn't you tell?"
-Dective Dee and The Mystery of the Phantom Flame
2010 epic motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 27, 1986
Friday

It’s Friday…everyone’s favorite day of the week.

I did something naughty at lunch. I went to The New Man Clothing store and bought a new pair of pants and a new shirt that cost me $150.00! Why did I do that? At least I entered a contest there for a trip to Hong Kong, too. Still…it was very bad of me. If only Margaret Lai were with me. I probably wouldn’t have made the impulse purchase if she were there. Margaret went shopping with Angela.

Ron Leoni called me while at work today.
“Mike, guess what?”
“What?”
“I found a new place to live in Palm Springs!”
“You did?”
“Yeah, it’s a studio apartment type of set-up. I really want you to drive down this 4th of July weekend to see it!”
I didn’t give him a definite answer but I think I will do it. Heck…why not? I only live once.

I telephoned Clare Chan, my new stock broker. She’s going to give me a call next week. At that time I will make a decision on my IRA Transfers. I should know the companies that I will actually invest with at that time as well.

After work I went home and relaxed on the couch when my doorbell rang. I freaked out. Who could it be? I thought it was a salesman or something. To my surprise it was Johnny Schaefer! It was 6:30PM and it was good to see him but I couldn’t help but feel awkward. I think he felt a tad strange about being there, too. He’s a friend (period). The mutuality is not there. Apparently his so-called back pain wasn't too painful for him to make the trip from Los Angeles.


Anyway, Johnny and I ended up going to Lung Kong for a Chinese dinner. We returned to my abode and watched that Natalie Wood movie I like called BRAINSTORM. Then we went to bed.

"I don't want to cause a fuss."
-The Good Doctor, 2011 film

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A Man For The 90's

"I don't feel real."
I think it is because I'm poised on the past as well as the present and what little there may be of the future.
-May Sarton
"At Eighty-Two, A Journal"

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 26, 1986
Thursday

Once again I continue to call Pac Bell Directory with no word as to what will happen with my job search.

I’ve been reviewing companies that I will choose to invest with by purchasing common stock. I may choose Gemini II, Chase Manhattan, Moore Corporation, Dean Foods and United Artists Corporation.

I also had a brainstorm idea today. I decided to send a great photo (if one can be found) of myself to J Walter Thompson Ad Agency and Ford Model Agency-New York and Out of Our Minds Agency in San Francisco. I can include a note ‘Jake Jaguar-A Man For the 90’s…you decide…Contact ‘Star-One Agency in San Francisco at 415-522-1986 (my telephone number) or Santa Rosa at 707-425-7031 (Steph Redding’s telephone number)’. I can send the same note and photo to major magazine Art and Advertising Directors along with companies like Calvin Klein, Levi Strauss and Alliance Films (just so I get some added exposure). Then I’ll send a letter to Stephen Freidman of Kings Road Entertainment and persuade him to take the risk on a screenplay written by me (along with my photo and a copy of my Marketing degree). I will need to have my photos duplicated first. Then I can type the letters after I acquire all of the addresses (and get the stamps). I will mail them and wait and see if I strike out or not.

Today I had lobster at the Front Page Restaurant for lunch. It was good. It was nothing like Ron Leoni’s lobster though! Eva Siler accompanied us for lunch. She was okay.

I had good intentions about going to the gym. I was even gung-ho about an aerobics class but I got into my common stock investment decision-making instead. Mom came over and cleaned-up my place a little bit.


Johnny Schaefer called.
“I hurt my back,” Johnny moaned.


Steph Redding called.
“My attorney contacted me and my ex wants to see Tabitha!”


Nici Maurino called.
“I’m just so bored. I needed someone to talk to about my troubles in the LAC. My managers are all gripes. I want to go to another department.”
I laughed and said, “Welcome to the club!”
I talked to Nici for over an hour. I shared a lot. I disclosed how much I want to go to Pac Bell Directory. I actually told her about my artificial insemination donation from a couple of years ago.


I don’t feel so poor when I think of my common stock holdings (approximately $10,000) and my Citibank Savings ($6000) and my Sacramento balloon payment from real-estate ($8600) and my Pac Bell Company Savings Plan ($3000). It’s just that the bills still have to disappear!

Each letter he would iron, laminate and file.
-MARY AND MAX
2009 Australian film

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You're In-Shape

With the intoxication of youth in him...
-Thomas Mann
"Fallen", written in 1894

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 25, 1986
Wednesday

I telephoned the Jobs Hotline last night at 4AM. I’m obsessed with getting into Pac Bell DIRECTORY now. I wrote Carol Ann McClain (the Placement Manager) a cover letter about me. I stressed how much I want to be a part of Pac Bell DIRECTORY.

I telephoned Ron Leoni once again. He was at Billy’s this time. He spent the night there. That’s one really nice place to stay the night (Morningside Country Club). I think he showed Billy some of our pictures.
I said, “Just don’t show him any of the ones in my underwear!”
Ron laughed devilishly.
“You better not!” I shouted.
“I won’t…don’t worry.”

Margaret and I ate at B&M Chinese as usual. I was stuffed from the WAR WONTON soup. Margaret was bitching a lot.
I remember saying, “You know Margaret I started a PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENTS book.”
Margaret asked, “Really?”
“Yes, I write lines, phrases, quotes or sentences that strike me. I think I even wrote something you said to me. If you want…I’ll bring in the book tomorrow.”
“Yes, yes…I want to see it!”

After work (and believe me I hardly worked because I was only open for calls for two and half hours today) I went to mom’s house. I finished my turkey-avocado sandwich and then went home with intentions of going on my evening bike ride. To my dismay my front tire was flat. So I just went to the gym.

While working out at the gym I saw Dave. I was surprised to see him since he’d pulled his hamstring. Mark showed up.
“So where have you been,” I asked Mark.
“Oh, I’ve been sick.”
He didn’t look too well. He looked rather pale actually.

I also saw Jeanette at the gym. She stopped by me and said her usual, “Hello!”
We shared some small talk.
When Jeanette left she looked me in the eyes and said, “l will see you manana.”

I went to mom’s house again after my workout. I sliced a couple of watermelon. While slurping I watched the end of an old 1974 Linda Blair movie called BORN INNOCENT.
PHOTO: Actress Linda Blair

When I left and returned to my pad I received a phone call from Steph Redding. She called me back while I was inserting pictures in my photos album from when Ron was visiting. There are a few really good shots of me (surprisingly).
Steph said, “I have something to tell you.”
I acted interested and asked, “Oh, what?”
“I’m marrying an airline pilot from United Airlines.”
I laughed silently. She’s such a bull shitter. I know it.


Dave made me feel good at the gym tonight.
I said to Dave, “You know…when I leave the gym I feel I’ve only done eighty-percent of what I could’ve done.”
Dave replied, “That just tells ya that you’re in-shape. That’s good!”
I smiled and said, “Yeah, right.”
Why does my gut feel OOI (Out-Of-It)?


I’ve been listening to the cassette tapes that Ron Gave me. They’re good. I like them. I hate to call Ron now because if he’s not there I hate to burden Michael or Billy by asking ‘Is Ron there?’ I feel stupid. It’s as if I’m calling Ron too much.


Judy Geniella, my coworker, wants me to go canoeing and enjoy a BBQ one upcoming weekend in July. I think I’m going to take her up on the invitation. She’s only one and a half hours away (Sacramento). She really is okay. Her fifteen year old son, Scott, is cool, too.


Wow, this weekend Johnny Schaefer visits. Next 4th of July I will go to Palm Springs to see Ronald Leoni. The following weekend I may go to Sacramento. Busy…Busy…

We have thousands of things which help us be away from ourselves.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
"Being Peace"

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New York

"Adventure beckons."
-Yann Martel
THE LIFE OF PI

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 24, 1986
Tuesday

I telephoned Ron from work. We made arrangements to leave on August 16th from San Francisco Airport to Denver and then on to New York. The return flight would be on August 23rd. It will be a full-week in New York. That’ll be fun. I know it. I can’t wait! We were able to get $99 flights (a total of $198). That’s quite a deal on UNITED AIRLINES.

I telephone Carol McClain, the Placement Manager at Pac Bell Directory.
Carol said, “You may have to take a typing test if it comes to you being offered the Staff position.”
I thought, “That’ll be a good sign if I am job offered.”
I actually said to Carol, “I’m crossing my fingers and toes.”

I went biking after work. It was a good ride. I was going to go to the gym but I stopped at mom’s house. I decided to stay with her for a while. I watched half of MOONLIGHTING, a TV show starring Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis with mom.

When I returned home and I went to bed.

I remembered that Johnny Schaefer is coming to visit this weekend. It’ll be okay. He’s nice…but…
I am always leery. So we shall see.

He enjoyed infinite possibilities, creating balance and coherence, contentment.
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

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Enjoy Life While You Have Life

“There’s a hole in your life—but I’m not the filling.   I’m an accident.”
-Regular Guys
1996 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 23, 1986
Monday

I like Margaret Lai’s line: “Life’s too short to moan and groan.”
I like my line, too: “Enjoy Life while you have Life.”

Dad accompanied me this morning for the drive to the BART station. I left for work and Dad kindly took my car in to Morris Landy FORD on Park Street. The serviceman tried to rip us off at first; however, he found another place in Alameda (on Eagle Avenue) and they’re going to replace my shattered rear window for $387.

I learned that I don’t have Auto Insurance. This was news to me. Steph Redding claims that she had told me it expired in March but that’s ‘bullshit’ because I remember specifically telling her about my speeding ticket that I received on April 12th. Her name is mud. I hate the fat bitch! Oh well…my car is getting repaired tomorrow anyway (and at a reasonable cost).

I telephoned Ron and shared the latest news.
Ron shared his own news by saying, “I got a new job starting July 16th.”
“You did…where?” I asked.
“It’s at some place called THE OASIS. Things seem to be going okay now.”
“I’m glad.”
“Yeah, and I temporarily moved in with a friend of mine named Michael.”
“Oh no, it’s not the old drunken looking, cocaine nosed-out one, is it?”
Ron laughed and said, “No, not him.”
I went home and went cycling and then hit the gym. I met up with Birda while riding my bike.
Birda said, “I was working in Pismo Beach and I got to ride there. You’d love it.”
She often mentions this place. It sounds appealing. We also spoke about the Bike Tour de San Francisco. Birda is so nice. I think she may like me—but I’m not so sure. We rode together for a few miles. I felt shitty at one point because some other cyclist passed me up. I am beginning to believe I am out of shape in the cycling arena. I have to get back into it. I want that new Italian BIANCHI bicycle that I saw at Pacific Bicycles in San Francisco. The price tag was only $600. Yikes.

My gym workout was good. Dave was there and we worked on our abdominals together. He pulled his hamstring and was all out-of-it. Mark Landreth never showed up at the gym tonight.


I left the gym, stopping at mom’s house. I watched an episode of "The Young and The Restless" and then went home to my pad.


Ron Leoni called and left a message on my answering machine. I didn’t return his call because I can’t afford to be calling to Palm Springs all of the time.

The joy faded from his powerful and earnest face as he compared his vast hopes with his slender resources.
-Honroe de Balzac

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A Few Laps

“Being a part of something special makes you special.”
GLEE,
Season I, Episode I

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 22, 1986
Sunday

I went bicycling this morning and I repeated a few laps along Harbor Bay Parkway.

I received a phone call from Ron Leoni. I explained the incidents of my rear convertible window, the disappearing globe onto the freeway and the outing to ‘Talk of the Town’.

I spoke to Johnny Schaefer for a while also. Johnny happened to call me again.

I tried doing some muscle motion aerobics but I didn’t get very far because of the Ron and Johnny phone calls. The telephone interruptions got me out of the exercise mood.

I dropped by at mom’s house for a while. Mom was watching some silly Disney flick that I couldn’t really get into. I simply went home and turned in early for the night.

Most of this day is kind of a blur. I don’t really think anything very significant happened. It was a lazy Sunday. I was still bummed out about my car.

Jake (me) still wants his Jaguar.

“You only do as you please anyway.”
-“Th Sky We Were Born Under”,
2011 Brazilian motion-picture

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Bummed Out

“Better NOT think too much.”
-as heard in the 1974 motion-picture
ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 21, 1986
Saturday

Well, today (or the weekend) has gotten off to a bad start.

I drove to mom and dad’s house. I was picking up mom and dad to attend Sonja’s wedding. Sonja’s father (Ernest Lucero) is one of my mom’s brothers. Anyhow, mom helped by unzipping my back window of my convertible per my request. The only problem was that she didn’t lay the rear window flat and the window crushed into a million pieces after I pressed the button for the convertible top to go all the way down! I was bummed out about it. I tried to enjoy myself at the wedding anyway. My cousin, Mandy Lucero and I danced a bit. She helped in my having a good time.

When we left the wedding party I noticed my Dad was a tad tipsy from too much beer. He forgot to guard my inflatable globe (the gift from Ron Leoni) that was hanging under my rear view mirror. When Dad opened the passenger window the inflatable globe flew out and onto the freeway! I was bummed out again.

I wanted to stay home the rest of the night. I didn’t. Greg Manachevitz and Mike Miller showed up and persuaded me to go to Vallejo to the new “Talk of the Town” club. I had the ‘shittiest’ time. There were nothing but a bunch of sleaze-type girls there. Greg and Mike were talking like the place was fabulous. The band was good but ‘that’s it’. I was glad to return home.


It was a FULL Moon, too. It wasn’t a good FULL Moon for me as per the aforementioned incidents. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to go in soon. I heard a mosquito a minute ago, and even if they don’t touch me, I’ll imagine they’re eating me alive, which will be just as bad.”
-Nial Kent
“The Divided Path”

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Laid Back

“Words have been given to man to hide his thoughts.”
--R.P. Malagrida, an Italian Jesuit who returned from thirty years as a missionary in Brazil to help the victims of the great earthquake in Lisbon in 1756, but in 1761 was burnt at the stake by the Inquistion for alleged treason.

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 20, 1986
Friday

I received a postcard from Paris from co-worker Barbara Louise Reynolds. That was nice!

The construction crew has blocked the sidewalk near my parking lot in San Francisco to dump some large amounts of dirt. The QBL (Questionably gay) construction worker is still there. I am writing in my journal now (while in my car). I think I shall depart for the office now and determine whether the QBL construction worker is more of a QBL than I thought. Ha-ha.

Work has been really laid back lately. It is because we no longer have to tally our sales results on a daily basis. It is now determined by our computer order entries. It’s probably more accurate that way. Steph is going to start observing and listening-in on our client contact phone calls though. That’s a drag!

I telephoned Pac Bell Directory via their employment hotline today. There is a Staff Clerk opening, so I put in for it. I hope I get it. I figure that as long as I am in the Pac Bell Directory subsidiary of PacBell I can work my way into sales from there.

Mom had the day off, so after work I went over to her house. It’s always pleasant, spending time with her.

Their calm attitude restored his own tranquility.
-Stendahl
“The Red and the Black”

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My Current Situation

If there was one thing that he had drummed into himself, it was always to retain the ability to walk away, without sentimentality, from a situation that felt unmanageable. That was the basic rule for survival. Don't lift a finger for a lost cause.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Played With Fire"

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 19, 1986
Thursday

I drove in to San Francisco on this usual work day. Near my usual parking lot I noticed a very QBL (Questionably Gay) construction worker. It was an OBV (Obviously Gay) construction worker actually. When he saw me in my suit I felt like he was having a secret fantasy with me. It’s weird when that happens.

My work day went by smoothly. I worked under no real stressors. I am bummed because there are still no openings for Pac Bell Directory Sales. They are only being offered to Pac Bell Directory employees at this point. I don’t seem to have a chance. I plan on continuing to be patient about it.

I received a few comments today about my inflatable globe ornament in my car. It’s the gift that Ron Leoni found for me.

Ron still had no idea where he was going during my last conversation with him.
He simply said, “All I know is that I have to be out of Room 109 by seven o’clock tonight!”

I had lunch with coworkers Margaret, Joshua and Neal at 'B and M Chinese'. On Sunday Margaret is having a small Barbecue at her house. I promised that I will make a brief appearance.

This Saturday will be the wedding of my cousin Sonja Lucero to Craig W Ferry.  This will be her second marriage and she is only twenty-one years old.

I had planned to bike ride after work but I took a nap instead. I didn’t even go to the gym after I woke.  I ate lasagna.

Mike Miller came over to my place and we watched the movie, “THE OUTSIDERS”.
Miller said, “I may go to Vallejo to some club I heard about.”
“Yeah, what’s it called?” I asked.
“It’s the ‘Talk of the Town’.”
I laughed.   “Well, if it’s called the ‘Talk of the Town’ and it really IS the ‘Talk of the Town’ it might be good.”
“Yeah, you should go,” Mike suggested.
I doubt that I will go. My funds are low.


Greg Manachevitz called. Steph Redding called.


I went to bed at 11PM. I didn’t do much exercise but Friday will be make-up day.


Mom has the day off tomorrow.


I was considering the move to New York but the idea is not profitable enough in comparison to my current situation.  If I get an offer that I just can’t refuse it could be another story.


I need to make time to write to Paloma. I will wait until my pictures are developed, then I can send her one.

"So, here is the game we are going to play:  You have exactly fifteen days, starting tomorrow morning at six a.m., to discover who I am."
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

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Energy Flowing

“If you think I want to be around a guy with his ego invested in his bank account…you really don’t get me.”
Wall Street, Money Never Sleeps
2010 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 18, 1986
Wednesday

I brought in some of the leftover lasagna (that I helped make with Ron Leoni) to the office for Margaret Lai’s POT LUCK Birthday. I knew everyone would love it. They did!

Margaret really liked the picture of me on the cliffs, too. Ha-ha.

The pot luck lunch was good. There is some silent commotion going on in the office. First, it was about my brother, Tony, passing the ASR (Account Service Representative) test. Secondly, Mary McTiernan has moved to my section and she is submitting a transfer to Priority or Major Accounts. Thirdly, Margaret has decided to submit a transfer to the TAS Group.

I telephoned Ron Leoni. He finally made it to Palm Springs. He was lounging when I called (as usual).

I worked but not very hard. I telephoned Pac Bell Directory but there is nothing open for bidding right now. I intend on remaining as patient as possible.

It’s fun listening to all of the songs that Ron taped for me. I especially like identifying with a lot of the tunes that I like.

I arrived home from work and took a much needed nap. I had answering machine messages from my Dad, Johnny Schaefer and Tim O’Brien. When I woke up I received phone calls from Sue Croce, Ron Leoni, Suzy Miller and Johnny Schaefer.

I finally decided to get some energy flowing and I drove out to get some gas for the car. I also dropped some film in to SAFEWAY Photo to get developed.

I made it to the gym and found Rick there. I talked to Dave outside of the gym for a while.
Dave said, “Yeah, I’m really into this company now. I sell alarm systems.”
He sounded pretty good at what he did. I may drum up some business for him (somehow).

I worked out on the weight machines—but not very hard. When I returned home I warmed some lasagna.
Ron Leoni called to say, “That Nathan told me I had to be out of this Desert Palms Inn by seven o’clock tomorrow!”
“What?” I asked.
Ron was stressed.
“Why?” I asked.
Ron never gave me the full-story but he kept saying, “I’m not sure where or what I’m going to do yet.”
I got the impression he wanted me to urge him to come to me; however, I held back on an offer. I am not so sure if that’s too wise an option…just yet.

Johnny Schaefer called as well. He spoke a bit of his idol, Melissa Manchester. He also mentioned his Grandmother’s inheritance that he is expecting.
Johnny announced, “Once I get that small inheritance I want to buy a car and probably a condo.”
It sounded impressive. I knew he seemed pretty ‘together’.


I ate some ice-cream and went to bed. I know I ate some fattening things tonight but I am allowed ‘once in a while’. Am I not?

I like shade. I have caused my trees to be pruned to give shade, and I cannot imagine that a tree is made for anything else, when unlike the useful walnut, it doesn’t bring in any money.
-Stendhal
“The Red and the Black”

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Moving to New York

"There comes a time when we must grow, when the old things are not amusing anymore."
-"Two For the Road"
1967 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 17, 1986
Tuesday

It was Ron’s last day here in Northern California. He was feeling a bit down and tense. I tried to ease his mood by treating him to breakfast at Ole’s Waffle Shop on Park Street. We walked along Park Street and he had a good feel for the town where I had grown-up.

We took a nice walk along Shoreline Drive and South Shore Beach. We rested on the beach, discussing the idea of our moving to New York. It sounded so tempting. I am considering it.

We returned to my house. Ron packed his suitcase. We napped.

I drove to San Francisco on this last evening of Ron’s visit. Before heading to the Airport we visited ‘The Oasis’ and ‘Hamburger Mary’s’. The time had come to head out to the Airport.

I actually made it to the gym by 7:30PM in San Leandro where I had just missed Sue Croce and Mark Landreth starting the aerobics class. I worked out on the weight equipment and then I persuaded Sue and Mark to join me in the 8:30PM aerobics class given by Karen.  They did.  Wild.   

I was home by 10:20PM.


Ron telephoned at about 11:15PM or so (just as I was finished the leftover lasagna).   The meal went well with the Geyser Crystal Sparkling mineral water. He was in Riverside, waiting for a 2AM bus to take him to Palm Springs. What a bummer (as Paloma would say).
I went to bed and thought I had a restful, wonderful four-day weekend.


There are two sufferers in life. Those who suffer a lack of life and those who suffer from an over abundance of life.
-Waking Life
2001 Animated Film

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A Brainstorm Idea

One gains the impression that people did not know quite how to take him, that he was perceived as a character, a wit and a thinker, that he was distinguished, but it was hard to say quite how.
-Stendhal
"The Red and the Black"

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 16, 1986
Monday

I had a brainstorm idea on this Monday morning. I decided to take Ron to breakfast at The Cliff House in San Francisco.

It was a smooth drive.  Rush hour traffic had subsided.  We walked in and around the cliffs in awe of the coastline.  We took some wild pictures with my camera, too. It was as if I was doing an underwear model photo shoot.  Ron was shooting my camera at me like crazy.  I believe I was so brave to strip to my "undies' only because no one was around.  It was quite funny.

After getting the feel for the coastline we went to Fisherman’s Wharf.  Ron was being too kind. He brought nine recorded songs that he personally made on a cassette tape for me.  He gave me an inflatable globe, a MAUI  & Sons T-shirt and tons of QUORUM cologne accessories.

We went to Las Margaritas for a drink. We watched a magic show. Ron really liked the magic show. He raved occasionally about my company, too.


Ron is quite the adventurer and suggested we take a helicopter ride over The City. I wasn’t so gung-ho about it but he insisted.
“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Ron shouted.
I was still skeptical. He couldn’t believe I’d never been on a helicopter before.


We did it. We ended up going on a helicopter ride over the Golden Gate Bridge and on to the Oakland-Bay Bridge. It was $70 for the two of us. Ron insisted on paying for it. It was an experience. I will never go on a helicopter ride again!



PHOTO: Ron Leoni, June 16, 1986

Then we scouted through Lombard Street again, taking even more pictures all around The City.


Ron and I returned to Alameda. Ron had a brainstorm idea to cook a lobster/lasagna dinner! We bought two lobsters and all of the lasagna ingredients. Ron prepared the lobsters, salads and the lasagna. We ate together while watching one of my all-time favorite films: THIEF OF HEARTS. It was a great meal. Our tummies were so full.

We were so out-of-it from the wine that we both dozed off to sleep straightaway. Yawn.

"To be good is to be in harmony with oneself," he replied, touching the thin stem of his glass with his pale, fine-pointed fingers."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray"

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My Own Orbit

"He seems to think you're a genius."
-LOVE IN THOUGHTS
2004 German film

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 15, 1986
Sunday

Ron and I woke up and I decided to give him a tour of the Berkeley vicinity. We ended up walking here and there (via University Avenue, Telegraph Avenue and around parts of the UC Berkeley Campus). We left and ended up eating at the Ice-Cream Dock in Alameda. From there I drove out to Walnut Creek to give him a taste of Contra Costa County. I chose to take the Alamo Exit and drove through San Ramon and Castro Valley to Lake Chabot where we ended up renting a boat.

We bought cheese, fruit and a few non-alcoholic beverages to take with us on the row boat. It was quite relaxing. We had supreme weather on the Lake.

We returned to my house and got ready for an outing in to The City. We were both full from the cheese, so dinner was not a concern. I drove in to San Francisco and in through Geary Street. We had a few too many cocktails at the Mad Hatter bar. The bartender, Dave, was pretty cool. He gave us a free drink. He liked our personalities.

We went to the CORONET THEATER and saw a film called SPACE CAMP, starring Kate Capshaw. It was about these space-trained attendees of a space camp who find themselves in space for real when their space shuttle is accidentally launched into orbit. I was so drunk watching the flick that I was in my own orbit. I had four vodka cranberries and I drank them much too quickly.

I had some coffee and Danish before I went home. Ron was nervous about my condition. I think I was staggering a little bit.
I liked when Ron said, “We need to get you some coffee and Danish.”


We made it home and ‘conked out’.

"I just lost my planet.
I am emotionally compromised."
STAR TREK,
2009 motion-picture

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Accomplishments

“Everybody remembers fairy tales in their own way.”
-Facing Windows,
2004 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 14, 1986
Saturday

Mom and I cleaned my pad today. Then we went to OLE’s Waffle Shop for breakfast to celebrate our accomplishments. It was nice. I gave her a special Anniversary Card.
“Make sure you show it to Dad,” I said.
She smiled.
Mom and Dad were married twenty-nine years ago (tomorrow) on June 15, 1957 at the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales in Oakland.  The church was built in 1893.

I went bicycling and had apparently caused an accident. There was some gal who was going much too fast and hit a brick wall at the end of Shoreline Drive. It was a combination of this gal seeing me and being startled by me. She was going much too fast.

I was in a hurry. I got ready and drove out to get Ron Leoni at the San Francisco Airport. It was an easy arrangement. I ended up giving Ron a quick drive-by tour in to San Francisco via Lombard Street, Coit Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf, The Castro District and Market Street. It was a good, fun-filled drive thru.

Then I drove over the Golden Gate Bridge in to the area of Novato where we had dinner at a place called VALENTINO’s (perfectly Italian). Our waitress was named Julie. It was a good meal. Ron was his usual pleasant, appreciative self.

After dinner I drove back into The City and dropped by Café San Marcos for a brief drink. The next stop was my house in Alameda.

Then there were sighs, the deeper for suppression
And stolen glances, the sweeter for the theft,
And burning blushes, though for no transgression…
-Don Juan, Canto I, Stanza 74
From Lord Byron’s comical, satiric and romantic epic (1819-1824)

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Such a Slut !

“What we do not make conscious emerges later as fate.”
-Carl Jung

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 13, 1986
Friday

It’s Friday The 13th and another day of ‘working misery’. I shouldn’t look at it that way. I have a four-day weekend coming up!

I will pick-up Ron Leoni tomorrow night at the San Francisco Airport. It’s going to be fun. I will show him a good time. I’m sure. He’s never been to the Bay Area before.

I dressed a little spiffier than usual today. When I tell Steph, my boss, to remove me from the ASR Testing list I want to look presentable and knowledgeable.

I want money, money, money. Who doesn’t?
I am influenced by that 1979 song by The Flying Lizards, 'Money, That's What I Want':

I would use money to invest in the stock market, buy my Jake JAGUAR wheels, a new home here and there and maybe even a posh retail business called MICHAEL J Of….

I didn’t tell Steph I wanted “out” of the ASR. Could it be I want “out” because I know my brother is going to be there? Ah no, that doesn’t matter. I just don’t revel over that position. It’s more of the same.

Work flew by. I telephoned Mark Landreth and he is going to meet me at my home at 8PM ‘sharp’. It will be interesting to see Tammy Duhr and friends at ‘The Oasis’ tonight.

Mark and I went to ‘The Oasis’ but Tammy never showed up. I met some MADONNA-looking girl. Mark and I had to drive her home. She wanted me to stay the night!


I couldn’t believe it when she said, “Oh don’t be a wimp.”
Well, she shouldn’t be such a slut!


Mark and I left for Alameda after dropping her off. Mark dropped me off at my house. We chalked up another fair, memorable adventure.

Someone once said that to understand a woman, you need to know her father.
-Margaret Hawkins
“How We Got Barb Back”

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A Bit Distant

His tale is touching and engaging, romantic as much as cynical, and eventually sublime.
-Stendhal
"The Red and the Black"

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 12, 1986
Thursday

Tammy Duhr called me yesterday. She is going to ‘The Oasis’ with Sean and Frank on Friday night. I invited Mark Landreth; whereby, we may go as well.

I called Ron Leoni early this morning. I promised I’d give him a wake-up call.
“I appreciate it. You can call me anytime,” Ron said, groggily.
I like his Gemini ways. He’s cheerful and open.

I will probably go to ‘The Oasis’ tomorrow night.

I had lunch at B&M Chinese with Margaret Lai today. It was good. Laverne and Judy joined us.

Work has been such a drag lately. My brother, Tony, passed the first couple of ASR (Account Service Representative) testing phases. I learned this news from mom. I guess I’m supposed to feel ‘boohoo-ish’ but I don’t. In fact, I’m scheduled to take the ASR test. I don’t think I really want to take that career route anyway. I am going to be sure to tell Steph to cancel my name on the forthcoming ASR list. I am really not interested in ASR. My primary goal is Pac Bell Directory right now. I won’t give up until I get there. I struck out in Directory Sales in Sacramento because my seniority was too low. One day it won’t be. I’ll eventually hit a homerun.

I arrived at the gym at 7:45PM. Sue Croce was spotted out of the corner of my eye. She and I worked out together.
Sue said, “You know…I thought you acted a bit distant last Monday when I was with Phil…here at the gym.”
“Oh…I think it was just your imagination.”
We worked out together well as a team.
“You know, you’re a good coach.”
“That’s because my ex-husband was a professional body-builder, so I have experience with all of it.”
I was surprised to learn this tidbit revelation. She has got a small chest but I love her dynamic personality.

Mark showed up while Sue was training me on my bicep repetitions. I didn’t work out much longer after that. I drove home.
There were two nice answering machine recordings from Ron Leoni. I also received an invitation from Steve Green. I didn’t go to Steve’s place because it was so late though. Ron and I ended up having a nice conversation. I shared a little bit about Steve Green, Mark Landreth, Tammy Duhr, Frank Vasconcellos and Paloma Sanchez-Guerra.
Ron said, “I don’t have any friends out here in Palm Springs.”
“Well, it’s not like I have a lot of friends here either. Life is too short to moan and groan.”
Ron moaned and groaned anyway.


Ron is considering a move away from Palm Springs.
“I may move out to the Bay Area.”
“In a way…that could be nice,” I said.
Time will tell.


After work today, my sister-in-law, Sherri, stopped by with Ashley on the bike. We went cycling together. Then I rode some more on my own.


I ate some Oreos and chased them down with milk before bedtime.  It was a real “no-no”.

"Sometimes our light goes out, but it is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to those who have rekindled the light."
-Albert Schweitzer

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To Console You

Q: "Mom, why do we go crazy?"
A" "For thinking silly stuff, for hanging out with the wrong people."
-as heard watching the 2011 Brazilian film
"The Sky We Were Born Under"

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 11, 1986
Wednesday

Another day and another dollar… This Friday is Ryan Hargrave’s last day in the Business Office. He took an $80 a week cut-in-pay to accept a Staff Clerk position at Pac Bell Directory. I don’t know if I could do that. I’d switch on a lateral or upgrade…but why go backward?

At pizza lunch was catered in for our Section today, so I didn’t even leave the building at noon. I was also quite busy at the office today (even if my sales tally didn’t show it).

I received a phone call message from Ron later in the day.
I called him back at around four o’clock. We had a nice talk. We’re both looking forward to our 4-day weekend.
Realizing his current bartending duties, I said, “When someone comes in to order a White Russian…just think of me.”
Later that night (after 11PM) Ron told me that three guys came in and they all ordered White Russians! Ron was in such a tizzy over that. It was ironic because I had previously told him (the other day) to think of me once someone ordered a Tom Collins and that happened, too!

I had a lot of ‘shit work’ today. I intended on a bike ride after work but I received a Great Western VISA bill with a payment debit. It depressed me and I still don’t understand what happened. I plan to call tomorrow morning to get some answers. I actually called Ron to discuss it with him. I was so down. I realized that life is too short to moan and groan.
I went to the gym after all. I spoke to Dave for a good while. Mark was doing an aerobics class. I worked out fairly well with the weights. I went home, fulfilling my orange juice craving. I watched a bit of television. There was a program on about priests who were pedophiliac-types (child molesters).


Ron Leoni called me while I was in bed. I was so startled by the ring that I hung up on him, thinking the phone was the alarm clock. He called me again and I woke up that time.
Ron said, “I was just concerned because you had such a bad day and I wanted to console you.”
He really made me feel better. I JO’d twice.


Filled with the warmth of his sentiment, he locked himself in his room and gave himself over, with totally new pleasure, to studying the exploits of his hero.
-Stendhal
"The Red and the Black"

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He Likes Me

PHOTO: February 13, 1987
Mark Landreth, shaving before a night out at The Vortex...

"We didn't break-up...we never started."
-Ashton Kutcher to Natalie Portman
in the 2011 romantic-comedy "No Strings Attached"

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 10, 1986
Tuesday

Work went along as any other day. Once again I checked with Pac Bell Directory for any openings (just like any other day). As it turns out, there are no current openings. I am told to keep checking daily.

I made a few calls to Ron Leoni. He received my card and photographs that I sent him recently.

Margaret and I took a lunch order out to-go and we ate at the park on top of Crocker Bank’s roof. That was pleasant. Margaret made an upsetting scene about the scheduling for the Pleasanton County Fair though. There’s going to be a Pacific Bell booth there and Margaret was all upset because she wasn’t paired with me ‘at the booth’. She got so riled up about it. Dale Orlando got on her case about it which created even more of a fiasco.

After work I went and took a nap. My brain needed rest.

Greg Manchevitz called and woke me.
“Hey Mike, do you want to go to a movie with me, Mike and Chris tonight?”
I felt groggy and answered, “I’m going to have to take a rain check this time because I had a hard day at work.”

Johnny Schaefer called from Los Angeles. We had a nice talk. He’s pretty cool. He’s going to drive up to the Bay Area for the last weekend of this month.

I went to the gym a little later than usual again. Phil and Sue were still working out together. Mark Landreth was sure to point out that fact.
Mark whispered, “You know they stayed late because she was waiting for you.”
I laughed it off. I actually worked out with Phil and Sue for a little while, too. Then I did my own workout routine.

When I arrived home I telephoned my cycling pal, Birda. She wasn’t at home. I tried calling Bonni Jayne but she wasn’t home either. I left messages for both of them.

I decided to call Johnny Schaefer. His line was busy.

I telephoned Steve Green.
Steve said, “Ric and George Jones are going to L.A. over 4th of July weekend.”
“Oh, how funny—I’ve wanted to see George for a while now.”
Steve misunderstood my statement and thought I wanted to be ‘set-up’ with George as a sort of matchmaking scheme. Give me a break!
“You know, Rick told me he saw you recently in San Mateo.”
“I told Rick that I was dating you.”
“You did?” I asked in a surprised tone.
“Yes, I did and Rick found it hard to believe.”
I found it hard to believe myself. Steve acts like a real child a lot of the time. He consulted Rick (Ric’s ex) about my party and how Sue Croce embarrassed him ‘and other nonsense stuff’. Steve seems to be a meddler and a gossip. I can tell that Ric Green and Steve Green are like two women only ‘with male genitals’.
PHOTO: December 23, 1986
Geeky self-portrait, wearing the SUNKIST half-shirt
gift received from Mark Landreth

I telephoned Mark Landreth for some relief. Steve Green had pissed me off.
Steve announced nonchalantly, “You know, Mark knows about you because Sue told ‘Rick and Mark’ that ‘Steve and Ric’ are ‘you know what’.
“I don’t know anything about that,” I retorted.
I believe that Steve is just putting hogwash in my mind. He’s having a party Thursday night. I may or ‘may not’ go to the party. Steve didn’t stay at my party for very long. I mentioned that fact to him as well.
I also stated, “Steve, I’m playing tour guide for a visitor this weekend.”
Steve didn’t ask any questions. I didn’t volunteer.


At least I went to Alpha-Beta for a few goodies. Mark Landreth seemed to be in a good mood when I called him. We talked about how ‘geeky’ Tim O’Brien was last Saturday night.
Mark also said, “And you know that girl, Tina, at the gym is such an airhead.”
I laughed. Mark makes me feel good to have a friend like him. He’s mellow in a lot of ways. I can tell he likes me—or else he wouldn’t be my friend.  I guess that makes good sense.

A New York Times article about measuring happiness:
'They now say it's mostly a function of brain chemistry, genetics, but that certain conditions affect it, like having friends, and that money doesn't, in the long run.'
-Margaret Hawkins
"How We Got Barb Back"

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Uncle Vito

Those pointless equations, to which no solution exists, are called absurdities. (a + b)(a - b) = a2 - b2 + 1
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Played With Fire"

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 9, 1986
Monday

I telephoned Ron Leoni and wished him a ‘Happy Birthday’. He’s so funny. I just hate the idea of his coke, drinking and smoking habits so much. Ron cheers me up though. That’s for sure.

I went to McDonald’s all by my lonesome today. I felt drab all day. I guess I am feeling depressed about not getting in to Pac Bell Directory as soon as I would like. Ryan Hargrave just got a demotion acceptance into Pac Bell Directory as a staff clerk. He was once a Telephone Sales Rep. there and foolishly left the department. Now he’s trying to find a back door entrance back in to the commission sales team. I am not so sure that his move was an admirable one. I will have to keep my eyes and ears open. If that “one” opportunity arises I cannot pass it up.

Bicycling after work today lasted for about an hour. I settled home with a Diet-Coke after the ride.

I did go to the gym this evening. I caught Sue Croce as she was coming out of the gym. We exchanged a few words.
“I’ll call you tonight,” I said as my parting words.
I ended up doing Sharon’s aerobic class per Mark Landreth’s persuasive suggestion. I worked-up a good sweat from the class. I showered quickly and returned home.

I had an answering machine message from Steve Green.

I chose to call Sue Croce first. We talked for about an hour about stocks, her moving-out, her possible new Management Position with Granny Goose Foods and our going to dinner together sometime soon.
After our conversation I returned Steve Green’s phone call.
Steve asked, “How was your weekend?”
“It was okay,” I replied as I began to realize that we had not seen each other since I’ve been back on June 1st.

Tomorrow is June 10th.
I hinted to Steve, “I’m sure there’s someone new that has captured your attention.”
“No way,” Steve answered.
I know better though.
I asked, “Well, what are you up to this Friday night?”
He said he was free, so we may do something. I don’t know. I kind of wanted to ask Sue Croce out but I failed to do that.
I said to Sue, “I’m playing tour guide this weekend for my friend Ron who is coming from Southern Cal.”
PHOTO: Golden Gate Bridge, June 16, 1986
via Helicopter View

Ron telephoned while I was speaking to Steve, so I hung up from Steve immediately.
Ron suggested, “I think we should go in to San Francisco when I come.”
“We will. It’s in the schedule.”
“Great.”
I liked ending with these words, “I will see you on Saturday!”
He’s a cool cat. He really makes me laugh. We are the same age.
Ron says, “I’m crazy about you.”
Feeling flattered I said, “I guess I could say the same about you.”
He’s a great friend number one at this time. It’s true. He does have an Uncle Vito and another Italian Uncle who are deep in the syndicate in New York (so he says). They have oil and wine import/export business that covers as a front for importing and exporting everything else you can imagine.
Ron said, “I never got into it. It’s scary to me if I got involved. What happens is once you’re “in” you live by their rules so-to-speak because you know too much.”
Yikes. It all sounded so exciting though. Anyway, Ron and I talked until one o’clock in the morning about what we may do this weekend.
“I’m so glad I have Monday and Tuesday off from work.”
Ron said, “Yeah, we’re going to have fun!”

Old (Italian syndicate) bosses used to be listened to out of respect, even when they proposed outdated ideas or gave ineffective orders; their decisions counted precisely because of their age.
-Rovert Saviano
"Gommorah"

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Ellie-Mae

His life abounded with new starts, erotic escapades, friendships, aspirations and dissatisfactions.
-Stendhal
“The Red and the Black”

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 8, 1986
Sunday

Oh, it’s 2AM and I have about three messages from Ron Leoni, discussing arguments he’d had with Peter (the guy he works for and his so-called friend). And so, I telephoned Ron at 2:20AM based on the urgency in his voice. We had an “okay” talk.
“Peter just has such a rambunctious attitude and he has such a feel for power.”
I agreed with how annoying that could be in a person.

I went for breakfast at mom’s house once I woke up on this Sunday morning. I asked how my brother Tony did in his entering of a second-chance drawing for the California Lottery.  I’m not sure yet.

PHOTO: Tony, with lottery tickets, and Ellie-Mae June 1986

I went bicycling and I ran into Erik Fairfax, Suzy Miller’s friend from her old apartment building.  He rode his bike over to my place. He’s into aerobics and he said he knows David Vigil (the flamboyantly gay, avid aerobics, running chap who works in my office).  Based on this fact I wondered if he might be gay.  I didn't utter a word, he didn't make a move.  He liked my place and left.   I'm fishing for a roommate but he's probably not a good choice.


I spent some time at mom’s house with Ashley, Sherri, Tony, Helen and Ellie-Mae (Lauren Michael).  I randomly thought of a Lauren nickname (Ellie-Mae) on this day.


I continued with some biking for a little longer until I decided it was time for a nap.


I received a phone call from Ron Leoni who shared a new fiasco incident.  It was some nonsense that Ron described where Peter pulled the blame on Ron about some glass-breaking incident.  Ron seems nervous about it.  Once we finished our conversation he became a bit more calm, cool and collected.
“I won’t let it get to me,” Ron insisted.


I ate dinner at mom’s house and then returned to my pad with intention of a good night’s sleep. Ron telephoned again at about nine-thirty.  I got up for a while and turned-in again.  I did get a lot of sleep this weekend.  I think the extra sleep was a good thing.

"Every day of my life I expect more out of myself."

-GLEE,
Episode I, Season I

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If He Only Knew

“Whether or not we are happy depends on our awareness.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh
“Being Peace”

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 7, 1986
Saturday

I received a phone call this morning from Johnny Schaefer. He was calling from Los Angeles.
“Mike, I have time off around June 28th. I was thinking of coming up there for a visit.”
I replied, “Okay.”
I hesitated a moment.
“That’d be fun,” I added.
Johnny is a nice guy. He is. I had to thank him for the card he sent me.
“Thanks for sending me that card with the bunny rabbit on the bicycle. I really liked it.”
He laughed. “It seemed so YOU.”

I went downstairs and Mike Miller was still here! I guess he fell asleep after watching POLTERGEIST. He stayed the night and I didn’t even know.
I said, “You know—you could have slept upstairs.”
“Oh well…the couch was so comfortable.”
Whatever--Mike left because he had to drive his mother to the Oakland Airport. Mrs. Miller was flying north to Seattle to visit Renee Miller who had recently moved there.

Mom and dad called me, inviting me over for breakfast. I went over in a flash and I ended up taking my niece, Ashley, to the South Shore beach and Lincoln Park.

After breakfast at mom’s house and the excursion with Ashley I returned home to receive a happy answering machine message from Ron.
“Hey Mike, You are really something…I got your Birthday present. Thanks so much!” Ron exclaimed.
He seemed to really like it. He kept repeating four words in his message, “You are really something.”
It made me feel good to know I made him feel good.


Ron is actually going to fly up here next weekend!  I’ll show him a good time.  I already have tentative plans for us: Valentine’s Day in Novato, Café San Marcos for drinks in The City, Gallagher’s at Jack London Square, Wine Country, Lake Chabot, Spenger’s Fish Grotto in Berkeley, a movie, a San Francisco tour of the City, Alameda and some spontaneity thrown in for good measure, too.  I have to see about getting next Monday and Tuesday off.


I napped for a while. I received a phone call from Tim O’Brien again. I made arrangements to meet him tonight at Houlihan’s in San Francisco.


Mark Landreth finally called and left a message. I returned his call and I persuaded him to come over to my place.  We ended up going to Houlihan’s together.  Our bartender at Houlihan’s was named Suzanne and it was her birthday.  Tim O’Brien appeared and he looked like a goon with his shorts and baseball cap.  He was a bit obnoxious.
Mark whispered a funny question, “Where did you find him?”
I laughed, thinking ‘If he only knew’. Imagine if I had said a gay hotel swimming pool area in Palm Springs.

Then we went to The Oasis in hopes of meeting another Annabelle Montero (the one that got away and neither of us ever heard from again). I met a gal named Katie Bean. She’s an Arizona State College gal who is originally from Alameda. I also met Teena from Finland. We left by 1:30AM or so. Mark and I bid our farewells to Tim.


Mark liked the Palm Springs T-Shirt and postcard I bought for him (I think). He didn’t stay the night over my house. We had an ‘okay’ time tonight. It was funny to see Cindy (was that her name?), the gal with the six year old that we’d met at Fat Fanny’s at The Oasis tonight.  She’s still searching.  Aren’t we all?

He was destined to continue in his position of chief playmate, companion, and confidant for several years to come.
-Nial Kent
“The Divided Path”

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