Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 101

Ball In My Court

If you want to win her hand

Let the maiden understand
That she's not the only pebble on the beach.
-Harry Braisted

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 29, 1986
Saturday

Another day passed; whereby, I should have spent it biking. I didn't. I guess I am a bit down and out due to a lack of funds. I really want a new bike. An Italian BIANCHI is my coveted wish.

I did do about twenty minutes of aerobics while at home. That is an accomplishment 'of sorts'.

I went to my mom and dad's house to hang out again, too. My niece, Ashley, was there. I played with her for a while. It was 'lazy holiday' me who decided to take a nap again. I love the sleep zone.

Last night I watched four movies (COMMANDO, A TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, MY FIRST WIFE and THE RUNAWAY TRAIN) with ma and pa.

Tonight I decided to 'go out'.

I called Eileen Grabinsky, the girl I had met recently at Le Paradis. We had a nice talk over the phone. I like the way she giggles.
"So what are you doing tonight," I asked.
Eileen replied happily, "Oh…I think I'm going to CITY LIGHTS in San Francisco with my girlfriends."
I didn't feel like she was inviting me, so I simply said, "Sounds fun."
"Why don't you call me again?"
"Okay."
I didn't like how our conversation ended. She was smart to leave the ball in my court though.
PHOTO 'Eileen' sent me, she wrote 'Eileen '86' in Nordstrom's Bathroom:

I decided to go out to THE VORTEX in Palo Alto. Eileen had mentioned this place and it sounded appealing. When I arrived there I learned that it was 'Comedy Night', so I had to wait until ten-thirty before I was allowed in to the dance club.

I didn't feel like waiting. I chose to drive back to the East Bay and ended up in Berkeley. It was dead…and I was feeling exhausted from the whirlwind drive-a-long, so I was back home by a quarter past midnight.

It was time for bed. Yawn.

Let moderation on thy passions wait
Who loves too much, too much the loved will hate.
-Robert Herrick

A Couch Potato

Do all the good you can,

In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
-John Wesley

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 28, 1986
Friday

I should have gone for an extended bike ride today. Instead I chose to 'eat more' Thanksgiving leftovers.

I went to mom and dad's house and spent another day there. I ate and ate and lounged and lounged. I watched television and felt like a couch potato. I guess that's what happens on holidays. They are meant to be spent this way…aren't they?

I still don't know if I am going to Los Angeles next weekend or not as it depends on Air Cal allowing me to board the plane after I inform them that I lost my ticket. The 'Ask Mr. Foster' Travel Agent that I used from work is the 'dildo brain' that screwed it all up. The agent sent my tickets to my business address without denoting my Suite or Floor. I never received them!

My sister-in-law, Sherri, has agreed to drive me to the airport on Friday night. I will worry about it at that time. I dislike ever having to worry.

I received answering machine messages from Chris Cordellos, Johnny Schaefer and Bonni Jayne today. Unfortunately, I could not reach any of them when I tried calling back.

I ended up getting my haircut by Roy at AVANTI's in Alameda for twenty dollars. I feel he did a pretty good job. I was recommended by them to become a male model.

I brushed it off by saying, "I guess I'll have to look into it."

The secret of life is never to have an emotion that is unbecoming.
-Oscar Wilde

Things to Worry About

Dear Pie:

Things to worry about:
Worry about courage.
Worry about cleanliness.
Worry about efficiency.


Things NOT to worry about:
Don't worry about popular opinion.
Don't worry about dolls.
Don't worry about the past.
Don't worry about the future.
Don't worry about growing up.
Don't worry about anybody getting ahead of you.
Don't worry about triumph.
Don't worry about failure unless it comes through your own fault…
Don't worry about parents.
Don't worry about boys.
Don't worry about disappointments.
Don't worry about pleasures.
Don't worry about satisfactions.


Things to think about:
What am I really aiming at?
How good am I really in comparison to my contemporaries in regard to:
a) Scholarship?
b) Do I really understand about people and am I able to get along with them?
c) Am I trying to make my body a useful instrument or am I neglecting it?
With Dearest Love,
-F. Scott Fitzgerald
From a letter to his daughter, Frances, 1933.

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 27, 1986
Thursday

It's Thanksgiving Day.

I slept in nicely and it was nice to have that feeling of a four-day weekend.

By noon I was at mom and dad's house. My brothers and sister-in-laws arrived.  It was festive family fun day.   It was nice having 'kids' around as I played with Ashley and Lauren in the indoor patio.

I took a number of POLAROID shots.

We ate the feast.  It was fun.  John couldn't wait to dive in to the turkey.  I was anxious for the sweet mashed potatoes.

I remained there all day and night.

I think I fell asleep after my brothers left. When I woke up I ate again and simply watched TV with ma and pa.  I'm lucky.  I don't really have a lot to worry about.  I am Thankful.

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. There is nothing more potent than thought. Deed follows word and word follows thought. The word is the result of a mighty thought, and where the thought is mighty and pure the result is always mighty and pure.-Mohandas K Gandhi

Le Paradis

Advice on a Beauty Regime: Soap, lots of fresh water and a good hand lotion—because you can use it on your body, hands and face. I'm serious; cleansing with soap and lots of water, using your hands—I think that's the best.-Elizabeth Taylor

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 26, 1986
Wednesday
It is nice to have a Wednesday that's like a "Friday". It was really laid back today. I worked from 8AM until 4PM (Thanks to my coworker, Rhoda).
On this very morning as I was paying my parking there was some black 'wino' guy who tried to bum a dollar from me so that he could go to Oakland. I gave a negative response by merely saying, "No."Then he asked, "What if I said I had a .45 in my pocket?""Show it to me," I answered, calling his bluff.He laughed and started to joke around with me after that (lucky for me). As I walked on he politely said, "Have a Happy Thanksgiving!"

Carla invited me for dinner for Thanksgiving Day at her mom's house. I thought that was so thoughtful. I explained that my mom was doing dinner and she understood.

Carla and her girlfriend are to meet Mark Landreth and myself at Le Paradis tonight.  It should be fun.

I made it to Anne Alberti's aerobics class after all. We talked a bit. That was 'that'.
After I showered I set up my POLAROID camera and took a self-portrait of myself, thinking it might be a good GIFT photo as a Christmas Card. I was nude, holding a gift box in front of the crowned jewels.

While Mark and I were at Le Paradis Night Club in Foster City (near San Mateo) I met some bitch named 'Angela'.  She didn't want to dance. Carla and her girlfriend were nowhere to be found.  I did meet a more pleasant blond gal named Eileen Grabinsky.
"Where are you from?" I asked while dancing.
"Hillsborough," she yelled.
She's a-okay…To be announced…

Mark and I waited in such a long line to get in to this place. It was clearly the hot spot for the night. I took a set timer photo of 'us' at Mark's house in San Lorenzo before we left. When I arrived at his house he answered the door with only a blue towel on! I should have taken a photo at that time. He sure knows how to 'get to me' sometimes.
We chalked up the Foster City outing as yet…another experience.

There are rules of courteous behavior to be learned, fixed methods of procedure tested by long experience and handed down by tradition to make life more pleasant. Manners improve with practice. Don't be polite today, impatient and uncivil tomorrow; morose and sulky at home, affable at the office; obliging toward your friends and unfriendly toward strangers. Don't reserve your best behavior for special occasions. You can't have two sets of manners, two social codes—one for those you admire and want to impress, another for those whom you consider unimportant. You must be the same to all people.
-Lillian Eichler Watson

It's A Hard Life

A prospective friend is a face that lights up when they see you.
-Michael J Armijo
Philosophical Statements

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 25, 1986
Tuesday

It's a hard life but sometimes certain things happen that seem like destiny. For instance, I bought this new journal right after finishing up my work out at the gym today. Lo and behold, guess who was right behind me in-line at ALPHA BETA? It was none other than Anne Alberti.
I exclaimed in a surprised tone, "Oh you…are you avoiding me by any chance?"
I just felt a need to clear the slate because that was how I was feeling. I, myself, had not telephoned her in recent weeks.
She shrugged without a straight answer while acting demure and innocent. We made small talk about our forthcoming plans for THANKSGIVING with our respective families (of course).
"I do have some good news," I announced.
She smiled, "Tell me!"
"I got a new job with Yellow Pages…not exactly what I wanted but it's a stepping stone."
"That's great."
"Yeah, but it's kind of mentally draining right now."
I lied, wanting to make it seem that I had a lot on my plate. As we walked out of the store she drove me a short distance in her car to my car. We seemed to part on such pleasant terms.
I couldn't help myself but say, "I'm going to take your six o'clock aerobics class tomorrow night."
"Oh good, I'll see you there then!"

I knew I had traded hours for the 8-4PM shift tomorrow, so the 6PM aerobics class wouldn't be a stretch for me to arrive on time.

I telephoned Mark when I got home, telling him about my random meeting with Anne. I had to vent and get it off of my chest with someone. He was a willing listener.
Mark changed the subject by saying, "Well, yeah…that Kathy Ortega has been bugging me even more at the gym…especially when I'm talking to another girl."
I laughed and said, "She doesn't want anyone to invade her territory."
He chuckled, "Yeah, and she somehow finds a way to butt in."
I asked, "Do you want to go to Le Paradis tomorrow tonight?"
Mark answered, "Okay."
I was thrilled that he was so quick to approve.
"My friend from work…Carla may go there too. It could be fun."

Earlier today:
My geeky boss, Steve Adams, was kind enough to give me December 8, 26 and 31 as days off (Lucky me!).

The stupid ASK MR. FOSTER Travel sent my tickets to 370 3rd Street without my department suite number! They're so stupid. I'm going to Los Angeles for the December 5th weekend and time is of the essence. I don't plan on spending any money while I'm there either.

I ate lunch alone. Carla had to go to her bank to take care of some financial matters (so she said). I went to WALGREENS and bought some popcorn, a wine cooler, cheese and crackers for $1.91 and sat outside, enjoying the rays of the sun on this November day near Moscone Center.

Paul Margolis tried to dish out a customer call on me.
"Shit!"
I just let him take the call. She wanted to speak to Paul and he never takes calls---or rarely does. He just tries to get out of doing work. What a creep!

I freaked Carla out when I kissed her in the elevator. She's really NMT (Not My Type) though. I don't think she has any 'solid' interest in me either. I better play it cool with her. There's no sense in leading her on or causing interference in our friendship.
Mom was thoughtful to prepare some of her sweet rice dish for me today. She didn't have any eggs to add the egg white whipped topping which is my favorite part though.

I persuaded mom to get some film for THANKSGIVING for my POLAROID camera.

I, at least, went to the gym. I saw Rick who called me later that evening.
Rick asked, "Hey Mike, do you think you might want to go to The Terrace in San Jose?"
"Oh, that sounds cool…but I already made other plans."

Johnny Schaefer called me tonight as well…and so did Mike Miller and Greg Manachevitz. I didn't return their calls. I will do so…in due time.

Where are you taking yourself tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next season? Next year? Ten years from now? And, the rest of your life?
-Michael J Armijo
Philosophical Statements

On My Good Side

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

-George Washington

Twenty-five years ago today

November 24, 1986
Monday

Rhoda Takeda tired to get on my good side by offering me the 8AM to 4PM work shift every Monday and Friday. That was a good idea on her part, considering I will be bridging my old seniority on May 3, 1987 and I will be number '2' in seniority of the '6' of us.

Carla and I ate lunch at B and M Chinese.

It was an 'okay' kind of day. I feel like I accomplished a few things.

My hair is the longest it has been in some time. I like it…so there!

I didn't even go to the gym for the Monday night work out. Mom and I hit WALGREEN's together. Then we went to the LUNG KONG Chinese Restaurant…but it is closed on Monday! So we went to the Ice-Cream Dock for dinner and dessert.

I need to buy a new journal. It will be Book Number '17'. I am on the last page.

I am wondering if Mark Landreth noticed my absence at the gym tonight. I wonder if he was even there at his usual time. He is off from work this week.

Carla had mentioned a place called La Petree (?) in Foster City. I might suggest it to Mark. Perhaps we'll go there on Wednesday night.

It's nice to see mom on weeknights for a change. This won't last much longer as she'll be starting back to work.

I'd best not eat much more with Thanksgiving around the corner.

I should visit my old SDC-Office soon. They may think I've chosen to disown them.

Get happiness out of your work or you may never know what happiness is.
-Elbert Hubbard

The Howling

Don't flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates. The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become. Except in cases of necessity, which are rare, leave your friend to learn unpleasant things from his enemies; they are ready enough to tell them.

-Oliver Wendell Holmes

Twenty-five years ago today

November 23, 1986
Sunday

I went bicycling to Lake Chabot. There was no sign of Mark on the running trail. I returned home and simply slept.

When I woke up I went to mom's house for a plate of spaghetti and some orange juice. I lounged around and watched a thriller called THE HOWLING.

At 8PM I went to NATION's BURGERS and came back to watch some Nazi movie starring Farrah Fawcett. I foolishly went to bed on a full stomach. It didn't feel too good.

I returned Carla Guzman's phone call.
Carla said, "Michael, don't you worry about the Camaro car rental. It's my problem."
"Okay, I'm happy to hear that."

If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old.
-Ed Howe

He Was Bigger

Unless you can find some sort of loyalty, you cannot find unity and peace in your active living.

-Josiah Royce

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 22, 1986
Saturday

I washed my car (at least).

I enjoyed some of mom's homemade pancakes. My brother, Tony, and my niece, Lauren, came by. Helen had to work today. Sherri and Ashley dropped by, too. Ashley was too cute as she was feeding me peanut M&M's one-at-a-time.

I napped a bit and then got ready for Cindy Chow's wedding banquet. I tried to look at the bright side of just plain having fun. I sat with former coworkers Neil, Ethel, Margaret and The Chan Family. Margaret and I left Lance with Sherri and Ashley. Lance seemed to have an 'okay' time.

After eating I went home to my answering machine phone calls from Mike Miller, Mark Landreth, Lottie and my Dad. Of course, I called Mark first.
Mark said, "Guess what?"
"What now?"
"I went to Anne's aerobics class today."
"Did she say anything?"
"Not really…she was talking to some guy who resembled you but he was bigger."
I frowned. "I wonder who that was."
"Yeah, and Jeff was helping her by handing her free-weights."
"Whatever…want to escape somewhere different tonight?"

And so, Mark and I went to FAT FANNY's for a while. Then we went to THE BOTTOM LINE (a new place which was pretty good). THE BOTTOM LINE had a 'live band' that was all right in my book.

If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect.
-Benjamin Franklin

A Trump Card

When making a decision of minor importance I have always found it advantageous to consider all the ors and cons. In vital matters, however, such as the choice of a mate or a profession, the decisions should come from the unconscious, from somewhere within ourselves. In the important decisions of our personal lives we should be governed by the deep inner needs of our nature.

-Sigmund Freud

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 21, 1986
Friday

It was decided that since Paul Margolis and I have the least seniority we will both be working the 8:30AM until 5PM shift.  How exciting!  However, I have a trump card because on May 3, 1987 I will bump Rhoda and Lily as I will bridge my seniority with time that I worked from 1977-1980 (before I left for college).  Then I will be working 8AM until 4PM.  You watch me!  That's only five months away.

Carla and I went to her place after work today.  I met her sister and nephew.  I accompanied Carla to MACY's.  I found mom an Estee Lauder gift at Emporium as I was doing some early Christmas shopping.  We ate at a place called JAX's that was right across the street from MACY's.  Carla took three of my instamatic Polaroid snapshots.  Bitch!  Oh well, she's a nice person.

I went to mom's house for a while and went back to my place to watch a bit of TV.  There was some interesting guy named Xavier on the television.  He captured my curiosity.

I fell fast asleep with forward intentions of jogging at Lake Chabot tomorrow.  I figured I'd see Mark Landreth there.  I intend on washing my car, too.

We ought not to isolate ourselves, for we cannot remain in a state of isolation. Social intercourse makes us the more able to bear with ourselves and with others.
-Goethe

No Solid Plans

"The secret to remaining young is never to have an emotion that is unbecoming."
-Oscar Wilde

Twenty-five years ago today

November 20, 1986
Thursday

My last day of that ridiculous training from Gladys Pino couldn't have come too soon. What a relief! On her instructor evaluation I did check her off as GOOD, GOOD, GOOD. There was no way I was going to check her off as EXCELLENT. I was being lenient.

I guess tomorrow will be my first official day 'on the job'. I'm looking forward to it (sort of). I think I'd rather be in sales…but I'll get there. It will happen all in due time.

It was actually an easy day today. I ended up in the cafeteria for lunch (which was 'okay'—no bigee). I ate with Rhoda Takeda who I am discovering to be quite nice. She's married and has a baby boy, so it's no bigee.

The car rental guy called me today. I have to get on Carla's tail about it. I won't be responsible for any of that. I'd better not see it on my credit card statement either. I should know better than to sign my name in order for her to benefit. This will be a test for her to 'make good' on my favor.

I ate dinner with mom (chicken) after I went to buy Cindy's wedding gift. I found some pretty fancy Champagne glasses. I thought that was a 'good enough' gift.

I have no solid plans for the weekend. I would like to see the new Ann-Margret movie that is due to be released called "52 Pick Up".

I've decided to cash-in some of my savings bonds in order to rid myself of my negative $600 balance. I'll be ahead of the game sooner versus later.

I received a CAL FED MasterCard bill with a finance charge of over $70! Outrageous! I must be paying more than my share of finance charges. I'm a fool. And I call myself an 'Account Collections Rep' now. That's even funnier. I forecast 1987 to be a much smoother time for me. I know it.

I watched the last episode of FRESNO with mom. I was back at my pad and anxious to fall asleep. I was tired. I know I'll feel better in the morning because it will be Friday.

"Don't weep my own darling. It's all right. Everything's going to be all right."
-Jonathan Rhys Myers as King Henry VIII to his Queen Anne
TUDORS, Season II, Episode 5