Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 100

Terms and Conditions

"I believe that you should gravitate to people who are doing productive and positive things with their lives."
-Nadia Comaneci
Romanian Gymnast
and Winner of 3 Olympic Gold Medals, Summer 1976

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 9, 1986
Tuesday

It's 'Back to School'…or 'Back to Work' (same thing).

Our 'Delinquent' Pac Bell Directory Accounts were selected and distributed between all of us (myself, Rhoda, Paul, Lily). I received nine accounts. My primary focus is on San Mateo and San Mateo North County Yellow Page books right now. The close for new Advertising for those books is January 15, 1987. During my break I wrote some work-related notes for myself:

I find that evaluating a delinquent account can take me anywhere from five to fifteen minutes; whereby, it is very difficult to adhere to this daily schedule. It is especially difficult when I am in the middle of a complex account that advertises in many directories. I have to check each half hour as to whether I am open for incoming calls (or closed to research and make outgoing calls).


Yesterday, I noticed Lily and Paul were the only two required to be open for incoming calls, yet they were both making outgoing calls! I have decided to simply remain open for incoming calls 'whenever' I am at my desk, so I don't have to worry about whether I should be open or not. I sometimes wonder if maybe we should all be open for incoming calls since our unit is so small at this time.


One customer owes $2000 and complained to me.
The customer said, "I lost business this year because a competitor put in a bigger ad with false advertising!"
I explained, "We are not at liberty to discuss what type of ad your competitors are placing."
He asked, "Well…could I get an adjustment to compensate?"
"That's not likely."
"I see."
"I must refer you to the Advertising Order Contract Terms and Conditions page."
I believe he is going to pay now.


I find many customers give reasons and excuses for why they cannot pay. We can easily respond by referring to our Advertising Contract 'Terms and Conditions'.  I have written up an 'easy to read' terms and conditions form. I hope this will help. I've made copies to give to my cohorts.

I made it to my Patelco Credit Union and managed to withdraw twenty-dollars. I have decided to start doing all of my banking with them for the time being. I plan to close my Great Western Account for good.

Carla Guzman may go to Los Angeles. She has a "beau" there.
Carla confided with me, "Michael, he makes me think about settling down…you know…marriage."

I made it to the gym. I saw Kurt (Steve Green's buddy).
I asked, "Hey, how is Steve doing?"
"Oh, he's been studying like crazy."

Mark Landreth pulled a 'no show' at the gym tonight. Kathy Ortega appeared.
I telephoned Mark later.
"Yo Mark, you missed out. Kathy was at the gym tonight!"
"Oh…Whoa!"
"Well, I have to tell you…I went out with that blond girl, Eileen. She's onlynineteen."
"A baby…"
"Yeah," I said, thinking that Mark was cool.
I heard Mark eating.
"What are you eating?"
"Ah...just a TV dinner."
I was hungry.  I had hoped we could 'eat out' together.

I called Mike Miller to see about going to Lung Kong for Chinese Food to fulfill my craving.
Mike said, "Oh…well, I already ate at Pacific Fresh."

I tried calling my sister-in-law, Sherri, to see if she had eaten dinner yet. I forgot that my brother, John, had the night off from his bartending duties. They were watching 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' while Ashley was slowly falling asleep.

I wrote out about twelve Christmas Cards to get my mind away from my hunger pangs. There was some 'Circus of the Stars' show on television that I tried to watch with the corner of my eye. By 10:20PM I was in bed.

This Friday night Eileen and I will be going to get-together again. I am looking forward to it.

For some reason an old flame crossed my mind: CHAD. I think it's because Mike Miller had mentioned him.
Mike said, "I was just wondering about him because I haven't seen him at Chabot lately."
I thought to myself, "I ought to discuss 'in detail' my relationship with Chad to Mike."
I think I will.   How would he react?

And another old flame crossed my mind: AMY PLATT.I wonder what the latest happenings are with her. And what is going on with STEPH REDDING? She doesn't even know I work for Pac Bell Yellow Pages now. I informed her on her Christmas Card.

I worked out well tonight.  I will be harder on myself this coming Wednesday (I trust).
I blurted in a sportsmanship way to Mark, "See you on Wednesday!"

I can't believe this True Crime story I heard about. Some guy went out and bought eight rolls of toilet paper. Two days later all of the rolls of toilet paper were gone. The guy accused his brother, took out a gun and killed his brother based on the missing toilet paper! That's ridiculous when one realizes what other people get so stressed out about.

"My Aunt in Knoxville would bring newspapers up, which we used for toilet paper. Before we used it we'd look at the pictures."
-Dolly Parton

A Russian Princess

A penny here, and a dollar there, placed at interest, goes on accumulating, and in this way the desired result is attained. It requires some training, perhaps, to accomplish this economy, but when once used to it, you will find there is more satisfaction in rational saving than in irrational spending.
-P.T. Barnum
'The Art of Money Getting'

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 8, 1986
Monday

I probably should not have had a peach margarita, a white Russian cocktail and two Corona beers last night. Luckily, I have the day off.

I took my car to the local MOBIL Gas Station here on Harbor Bay Isle for a smog check, tune-up, oil, filter, lube, brake and power steering fluid additive. My grand total came to $144.  It was a much better cost than I had expected.
The gas station attendant said, "Your battery is low and you do need a radiator flush."
"Oh, okay…I'll do that next time."
And so, those are my next 'auto care' projects.

I wrapped Christmas presents.

Mom drove me over to the post-office as my car was being serviced.  I mailed John Schaefer a gift.  I sent him Grammy Awards that resembled book ends.

Eileen Grabinsky called me to confess.
"Michael, I just wanted to tell you that I don't live in that beautiful Hillsborough home."
"What?"
"I'm really just the nanny for the house. I take care of three little boys in that house."
"Oh…well, that's okay. I'm glad you told me."
"I felt awful keeping that secret. I'm also a part time housekeeper there. They're a really nice family."
"It's okay…really."
It's just as well.  It's not like I thought she was a Russian Princess.  We confirmed new plans to go out this Friday.  We may just go to a movie.  There will be no drinking this next time around.

I was at mom and dad's house.  My Dad still wasn't in the best of moods.  He was griping and complaining about everything and anything.  I wonder why.

I ran into a high-school pal that I'd known since sixth grade at MERVYN's named Janice Van Gundy. She looked short, a tad overweight, older…but still rather pretty. We talked for a while.

Janice said, "You know…Kathy Wright is married and lives in Quincy.  She had a little girl who will be a year old this coming February."
"Really…I can't believe it!"
Janice nodded.

I was glad that all of my Christmas shopping was done.

I think I am going to withdraw my IRA's and CD for a total of $13,000.  In addition, the $5000 I have made on my Pacific Telesis Savings will assist in clearing out my outrageous credit card debt that is charging from 9.19% to 14.9% in finance charges.  It's robbing me.  I know '1987' will be a clean slate kind of year.  I plan to spend money 'I have' with an emphasis on saving more.

I left and took a nap at my place.  I love my sleep time.

I tried to get a hold of Mike Miller by phone but he wasn't available.  Sue (Mike's sister) was studying for a final exam. I wanted to go out for Chinese food.  Oh well…instead I went to the gym.

I went to the gym and I noticed Mark when he walked in to the club.  Anne walked in and pretended NOT to see me.  She made sure I heard her voice though. Patty (Anne's friend) came by.
I announced to Patty, "You know…you and Anne stood-up Mark and me for dinner!"
She gave a surprised look. They had obviously forgotten.

I went home and I ate Pork n' Beans.  I felt an immediate need for protein.  I watched ANASTASIA, a movie about a Russian Princess starring Amy Irving.

True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are united.
-Alexander Von Humboldt

Aspiring Dreams

David Seville: "They're savings bonds. In seven years you will get to buy something really nice.
Alvin: Do you have any that you bought seven years ago?
--Alvin and The Chipmunks

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 7, 1986
Sunday

I (at least) went for a short bike ride today.

My Dad was in a grumpy mood.

Ashley wanted to watch RAINBOW BRITE and THE CHIPMUNKS (her Top Favorites in cartoon world).  I watched a bit with her.

I napped and then got ready for my date with Eileen Grabinsky. I drove over the San Mateo bridge in search of a grand home in Hillsborough.

I picked up Eileen. She looked really good. The house was quite nice. It had three garage doors. I drove into Burlingame at some Mexican Restaurant for a light bite and a drink. We proceeded to go to THE VORTEX for dancing.

Eileen and I actually talked a lot. We began to get to know each other better. She is nineteen years old. I learned that she is an aspiring actress.
Eileen laughed, "Of course I don't have any experience and don't know where to start."
I encouraged her to pursue her dreams.  We had a nice evening.

"All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them."
-Walt Disney

Rock Around The Clock

"In the imagination of many writers it is the untold stories that propel----Those vibrant, colorful, magical, historical swirls of humanity that make up our knowing."
-Edward P Jones, author of 'The Known World'
in writing about 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Diaz

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 6, 1986
Saturday

I started the domestic chore of laundry on this Saturday morning. That's the start of something productive.

I accompanied mom to MERVYN's at South Shore Shopping Center in Alameda. We ate at the Velvet Creamery.

Elieen Grabinsky telephoned. We confirmed a date for tomorrow (Sunday) night!

Mark Landreth telephoned. We decided to go out at ten o'clock tonight for a sneak peek at the Hot Rod Café in Fremont. I met a gal (who was kind of hippy on the hips) that asked me to dance. They played a lot of 50's music at this place. It was okay…just 'okay'. I don't feel comfortable dancing to ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK.


Mark and I departed by one o'clock in the morning. We popped in to Black Angus in San Lorenzo for q quick peek to see if we were missing anything. It was pretty dead.
Mark said, "Well, at least we didn't miss out."
I laughed, "Yeah, we didn't miss out!"

"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm."
-Winston Churchill

Why Should I Wait...

"I like to write when I feel spiteful; it's like having a good sneeze."
-D.H. Lawrence

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 5, 1986
Friday

Thank God I am off from work this coming Monday! My sniffles and sneezes are coming on. Ugh.

It was a quick and easy Friday.

I received a call from Carla during the evening.
"What are you up to?" Carla asked.
I was rather surprised to hear from her but we had a sweet talk.  She had the day off and didn't come by the office to visit (with her little girl) as she said she might do.

I had called Sue Miller earlier in the day about a possible movie but she didn't really respond with a 'yay or nay' which led me to believe she didn't really want to go.

I decided to go out 'on my own' to THE VORTEX in Palo Alto.  Why should I wait for someone to accompany me?

I actually had a good time. I met Liz and Lindy who are Graphic Artists at APPLE COMPUTER in Cupertino.  I also met a gal named Ashley Moss and a gal named "Newton".  I danced with all of them with 'no strings attached' and left.  The music there is so avant-garde eighties and similar to QUAKE radio. It's terrific.

Girls just want to have fun!
-This quote was made famous by Cyndi Lauper in her song, "Girls just want to have fun"!

It Tastes Good

The morning cup of coffee has exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.,
"Over the Teacups," 1891

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 4, 1986
Thursday

The Bay Bridge was a breeze today. Never again will I turn off my motor in the middle of traffic like I did yesterday.

I look rather collegiate today with my natural colored button up sweater and preppie natural colored bike shirt and olive green pants, white socks, white undies and my lounge shoes that I bought while in Carmel.

I meant to call Suzy Miller last night. I forgot. Oh well, I'll remember the next time.

I received a neat note from Nikki Bovee. She used the phrase 'team member' which leads me to believe that she read my most recent evaluation from Stephanie because those were the same identical words that she used many times in my evaluation. Nikki likes me (I think). Rumor has it that she can be a 'bitch'. I wrote her a note and she liked it, too. We have a very 'under toned' thing going that I like. I wouldn't mind 'making it' with her. Listen to me!

Carla went off with her model-type, semi-overweight gent (whom I have not met yet) for lunch today. I went walking on my own through GRODINS, the SHERATON PALACE HOTEL. I simply went walking for lunch today. I ate enchiladas on break, so I figured there was no room for more food.

Carla and Rhoda both have the day off tomorrow. Carla is going to get her PORSCHE 944 sports car back. She's so excited.

"Listen to you" and "Oh My God" are very common, frequent phrases that Carla tends to use.
Carla telephoned me tonight at 6:30PM and said, "You know, Michael, I may come in to the office tomorrow with my little girl for a visit."
We shall see.  She has a car now, so it'll be fun if we go to L.A. for a weekend. We've talked about it.

I haven't telephoned mom all week. I must do that.

I keep asking myself, "Why spend money I don't have?"
Whenever I say it to myself I just don't have any money (sad to say). It will be pretty soon that my $8618.00 and my $5000.00 checks will be coming in. That will relieve some of the financial swelling.

My left throat or gland is a bit swollen. I've been having coffee to soothe it, thinking that the warm liquid might help. I don't want to become a coffee addict but it tastes good.

I thought of Rachelle Davies briefly last night. She somehow reminds me of Nikki Bovee. Nikki is much older but it's probably the height similarity that makes me compare the two.

I may call Suzy Miller today to see about a movie tonight. I kind of miss her. In addition, I want to ask her how her Seattle Thanksgiving trip turned out.

My father described this tall lady who stands in the middle of the New York harbor, holding high a torch to welcome people seeking freedom in America.  I instantly fell in love.
-Yakov Smirnoff

The Longest Journey

The longest journey begins with a single step, not with a turn of the ignition key.
-Edward Abbey

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 3, 1986
Wednesday

Today did not begin very well at all. There was an accident on the Oakland-Bay Bridge which kept me at a standstill for a good twenty minutes. I turned off my motor and when it was 'okay' to go again my car would not start!
"Ahhhh," I thought, "it's panic time!"
I tried to remain, cool and collected. I got out of my car and walked to a phone booth, calling work since it was 8:25AM already. Luckily, I wasn't smack in the center of the bridge. Then I learned that the CAL TRANS tow truck was on the way to retrieve my car. And so, I returned to my car and 'lo and behold' the engine started-up! I took off and made it to my office at nine o'clock. Lucky me!

Right when I arrived at work I had a couple of customers calling-in for me. It was a busy morning. I didn't even get to my follow-ups until later that afternoon.

I had lunch with Pearl and Laverne (from my old office) because Carla went home. I happened to bump into Pearl and Laverne while I was at The Pizza Boat. It was nice to see them. I had a wine cooler. I felt it was necessary due to my hectic morning.

Work is going smoothly. I feel I am the most together and knowledgeable in the group. In fact I'm much more together than a few of the managers! In my opinion I am competitive with, Nikki Bovee, the second line-manager. I truly feel I override everyone else in experience and knowledge of the job and Pac Bell's network.

I tried to call Anne Alberti while at work today. She wasn't available. I left a message but she never returned my call.

I telephoned Julie of Ask Mr. Foster and spoke to Sue Myers.
I said assertively, "Just process my loss of my airline ticket claim.  It hasn't turned up!"

At one point in my day it was nice to hear my boss, Steve Adams, say to me, "Hi Ya Champ!"
I liked that. I wondered if he had read my most recent evaluation and saw how much training experience I have completed. I began to wonder if I could get promoted out of this unit. If I did I think I may take advantage of it. Hell…why not?

I did go to the gym on this evening. Dave and Mark were there. The longtime, old regular Bob showed up. He shook my hand and we rapped a bit. I noticed his gut wasn't as tone and trim as it used to be. He still looks in good shape though. I did a fair workout and made it home by 8:40P for DYNASTY.

I munched on cheese and crackers, a diet 7-up a strawberry-banana yogurt and a whole banana. I guess I can say I eat well. (Ha-ha).

I hit the hat at 10PM but I woke up mid-morning (at 3:20AM). I hate when that happens. It's hard to fall back to sleep.

Every day when I leave my office building in San Francisco there's a Filipino boy selling newspapers. He's a nice lad. I had a dream last night and he was in the dream. I ought to buy a newspaper from him one day.

I saw my second line manager, Nikki Bovee, briefly today and said, "Hi."

We haven't been able to chat between ourselves. I'd like to converse and get to know her better. I don't mean 'in that way' but for career advancement possibilities.
I thought, "Ah heck...I don't know. I think I'll just shoot for field sales. Time will tell…again as I often say."

"Someone receives a promotion, gets an important assignment, makes a major discovery, or moves into the president's office. ''He's lucky',' an envious person remarks. ''He gets the breaks; they're always in his favor'." In reality, luck or the breaks of life had little or nothing to do with it. So-called ''luck'' usually is found at the exact point where preparation meets opportunity. For a time, an individual may get ahead by ''pull',' but eventually someone with push will displace him. Success is not due to a fortuitous concourse of stars at our birth, but to a steady trail of sparks from the grindstone of hard work each day."
-Kenneth Hildebrand

Dancing Experience

There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good.

-Edwin Denby

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 2, 1986
Tuesday

I met with Steph Bautista today. She really boosted my ego with a very highly-rated evaluation. I deserve it though (smiles).

I made a phone call to Eileen Grabinsky. I also pulled up her telephone account and learned that she is a housekeeper/nanny (probably for some very wealthy family in the Hillsborough area).
Eileen had said, "I work part-time for a Mercedes dealership."
Eileen and I may go out to THE VORTEX in Palo Alto for a Saturday night of dancing.  She has my telephone number now. She may call me to confirm this tentative date soon.

I had a pretty good work day. I'm happy about next Monday because I have the day off. I can take my car in for proactive repair.

I submitted my request for a five-thousand dollar withdrawal from my Company Savings Plan. I should receive the payment before the end of February 1987.

I telephoned my friend, Jim Koran, in Los Angeles to update him on my ticket problem for Los Angeles this weekend.
I explained, "I called AIR CAL and they told me the tickets were just like money…and without it I would not be allowed to board."
Jim said, "That's crazy."
"I know…I never received them! They told me I would be forced to purchase a new ticket at regular rates! That really pissed me off."

I also called Johnny Schaefer in Los Angeles. I decided to inform him of my hopeful trip to L.A.
I added, "The only problem is that it looks like the trip won't even take place at this point."

I took off for the gym. I was rapping with Dave Trapp when Anne Alberti appeared in a white sweatshirt with the "M" (for Medium) label still on.  She looks so good dressed in 'white'.
Anne insisted, "You have to take my class tomorrow!"
"Okay, when is it?"
"It's at six o'clock."
"Well, I get off work in San Francisco at five o'clock now, so it's highly unlikely."

I thought I ought to give her a phone call from work. I tried calling her tonight but there was no answer.

I did see my 'favorites' at the gym: Dave, Mark, Anne, and Stuart. They're all such gym regulars. It's nice to see them when I go there. I had a good work out, too. I will go again tomorrow night.

I went to SAFEWAY and the Christmas pine trees smelled so good when I walked-in to the store.

I telephoned my sister-in-law, Sherri, "I think I can safely cancel you having to drive me to the airport on Friday."
"Oh, okay," Sherri replied, "You should come over now to see our Christmas tree."
"Okay…I'll be right over."
When I arrived Ashley licked her tongue out at me. That was rude.
Of course, Ashley pouted, "Don't leave now," when I started to leave.
I gestured, "On lips…"
And Ashley gave me a kiss goodbye. It's the little things like that that make me feel so "touched".

I thought of Paloma today. I am not so sure where to write to her now. I should simply write to her in Paris at her mom's address. It will eventually get to her that way (at least).

I watched a Barbara WaWa (Walters) TV interview with Lionel Ritchie and Richard Pryor tonight.

I am going to pay off all of my bills. Once I'm clear I will only spend money when I actually have it (one day).

Experience ties in with the word "Experiment".   I currently feel that my experience with the male gender in my past was just that: 'an experiment'.

I have been thinking a lot of Eileen Grabinsky lately. I am looking forward to seeing her again.

Bisexuality immediately doubles your chances for a date on Saturday night.
-Woody Allen

Problems Are Made

Let not thy will roar, when thy power can but whisper.
-Thomas Fuller

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 1, 1986
Sunday

It is the start of a new month again. It is funny how time flies. I've been on my new job for a full month already. I love it. It is so laid back, free and easy. When I don't get a real crabby customer it's especially nice (but that isn't too often).

I enjoyed lunch alone today because Carla escaped the office for lunch at home. I ate at PASTELS. There was a thin, long-haired brunette with blue eyes and braces who really looked pretty. She caught my eye and I could easily envision her beauty without the braces. Maybe I will ask her out one day (unless I ask that blond who works at that A TOUCH OF CLASS dress shop).

Perhaps I ought to continue with my consideration of Eileen Grabinsky in Hillsborough. Wow! I actually have three new choices. Maybe I'll ask all of them out and see what happens. Three is company.

Carla and I shared our late afternoon breaks together. She looked pretty 'beat tired' by the end of the day. She gives me the impression that she has been "partying" a bit too much lately.

Mike Miller went to Seattle, Washington for THANKSGIVING with his sister, Sue, and his mom.

Greg Manachevitz telephoned and asked me, "Hey Mike, do you want to go see SOUL MAN at South Shore?"
I declined. I decided it was against my better judgment.
Greg continued, "Well, I developed some pictures from Palm Springs."
"I'd be curious to see those. I'm sure they'll bring back some memories!"
He laughed in agreement.

Johnny Schaefer called. I've known him six months to date already. He's a character. He's a nice chum (though NMT). John sent me a cool card with a woman on a bicycle. I love it.
He wrote:
Hey Michael-
How's life? Great, I hope! As I write this, it is just 20 days until my 25th birthday. I'm looking forward to lower insurance rates but that's about it. '25 and still not a star—oh well, I'll have to push it in '87.
Well, 6 months ago today I was lucky enough to meet you. Perhaps, with any luck, I'll see you more the NEXT 6 months than I did this one. I think I'll call and chat with you answering machine tonight to celebrate.
Keep an eye on the mail for your Christmas package. I'm mailing it Friday. You can open the outer box but don't open any of the wrapped presents inside until Christmas!
John

I did some aerobics once I arrived home and quickly headed out to the gym. Dave Trapp was there and he rapped with me the way he usually does. I also bumped in to Stuart Western who confirmed receipt of my phone call from last Saturday. I recalled how I had called him because I didn't have anything exciting to do.
Stuart asked, "What are you up to this Saturday?"
"Oh, I may be going to L.A. if all goes well," I replied.
I continued with an explanation of my ticket problem.
Stuart said, "Ah, Air Cal will probably let you on anyway."
Stuart's a nice guy. I sometimes feel he's QBL (Questionable) if you know what I mean. It's no matter. He's cool.

Mark Landreth was at the gym. I noticed his face had really broken out. It looked kind of gross because I think he picks at his blemishes for some reason. I guess because of his complexion it doesn't look all that bad. I know if it were me it would look conspicuously horrible.

I spoke to mom briefly over the telephone while I was at work. She's such a sweetheart.

Problems are made. I've made no serious ones for myself but it all boils down to more money in order to give my car a work over (and pay bills). I won't bother to mention the new BIANCHI bicycle or the JAGUAR.

It's amazing when I hear the eighteen year old tennis star Boris Becker of Germany winning $100,000 and up into the millions in tournaments (over one tennis match) while here we struggle to make $30 Grand a year. My day will come. I wonder if I should pursue the 'modeling' plan like my hair stylist urged last Friday. Well, if I do…it will be done of my own accord. It's just like my choice of wanting to lift weights to build strength.

I'm still not totally satisfied with my physique. I need to work harder at the gym to build-up. Working harder and more often leads to perfection in any profession (or activity), so I've learned.

Tomorrow I visit my ex-boss, Stephanie, to get my last six months performance evaluation.

It is the part of a wise man to feed himself with moderate pleasant food and drink and to take pleasure with perfumes, with the beauty of growing plants, dress, music, sports, and theaters.
-Benedict Spinoza

Muscle Bound

At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely.
-W. Somerset Maugham

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 30, 1986
Sunday

I had good intentions of bike riding for the third day in a row and I still didn't (sadness).

I did drive over to mom's house and we 'hit' WALGREEN's. I also enjoyed breakfast with mom and dad.

My sis-in-law, Helen, dropped by at my parents' house with the cutie-pie baby, Lauren. Helen and I lounged in the living room and watched a movie called WOMEN OF VALOR. It was a story of a group of U.S. Army nurses in the Philippines during World War II who are captured and imprisoned by Japanese troops during the invasion of the Philippines. It was starring Susan Sarando, Kristy McNichol and Alberta Watson.

My brother, Tony, arrived after a day of cutting lawns with his sidekick, Dennis Reno. It's a job they love. I know they had a good work out. I'd rather be biking. When Tony arrived we watched A CHRISTMAS STORY.

Tony and Helen left and I decided to 'stick around' and keep ma and pa company. Mom prepared homemade hamburgers that were yummy. We watched the CLINT EASTWOOD Tribute Party.

Cary Grant died yesterday. I wonder if he ate too much turkey. It's a sad day because he stars in one of my all-time favorite films (NORTH BY NORTHWEST).

I proceeded to go home and watched a film called A HIGH PRICE FOR PASSION. It was about a prostitute who is killed by her 'JOHN' (customer) who happens to be a Professor.

I decided to go to bed but I had tomorrow on my mind. It will be the first of December and it is my resolution day because I don't intend on waiting until January 1st (like everyone else). I shall start with vigorous exercising in a quest to become more muscle bound. I will also focus on better eating habits. No more candies for starters.

If you wish to grow thinner, diminish your dinner,
And take to light claret instead of pale ale;
Look down with utter contempt upon butter,
And never touch bread till it's toasted—or stale.
-H.S. Leigh