Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 105

A Job Offer

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.  Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
-Mark Twain

Twenty-five years ago today:

October 20, 1986
Monday

Judy Geniella is all hyped-up in curiosity as to whether or not she will be transferred to the Sacramento SDC (Sales Development Center) with Pacific Bell. More importantly, today was my day of reckoning. It happened for me today. I was 'job offered' by Pac Bell Directory for an Account Collections Executive position. I accepted. My strategy is to serve my 'time in title' requirement of eighteen months (April 26, 1988) and immediately apply for the first available Directory Sales opening (no matter where it may be). I will submit for that desired job before anyone else has a chance to blink. I will also beat out all of the competition within Pacific Bell because I will be a Pac Bell Directory employee. I'm sly. I'm proud of myself.

I had lunch with Dale Orlando, Al Martinez, Margaret Lai and Jeff over at B and M Chinese on Second Street. It was good.
Several people said to me, "I'm going to miss you."
Then again, many said 'nothing' even after they heard the news of my job offer. My boss, Steph, seemed a bit sad because she knows that she is losing someone productive and good in her section. I should be more ecstatic; however, I will jump for joy when I eventually get into Directory Sales.

After work I went cycling for an hour. I went to the gym after all. I saw Anne and Patty.
I asked Anne, "So, do you want to go out this Saturday to Tortola's?"
I knew Tortola's had just opened because I assisted with the installation order of their telephone service. I got dibs on a reservation per the owner.
Anne replied, "Well, I may go away this weekend. I'll let you know tomorrow."

Paul Margolis, the creep in the SDC-San Francisco office that saw me in Palm Springs, said, "How funny, Michael. I put in for that same Directory job!"
I thought, "Good thing I have more seniority than he does."

[image error] I also saw Mark Landreth at the gym.
I explained, "You know…I didn't even end up going out last Saturday."
He shrugged. We worked out on the abdominal machine together. I didn't work out for too long.

I went to mom's house to munch out a bit. When I went to my pad I called John Schaefer in L.A.
"Guess what?"
"What?" Johnny asked.
"I got a new job with Yellow Pages."
"That's great."
"Yeah, but it's in San Francisco and it's not the job I really want. I still may end up in L.A. someday."
"Bummer," Johnny sighed.
"So what's up with you?" I asked.
"Well, I am auditioning to sing on some movie. I really hope I get it."
"That's great. I hope you get it, too!"

I start working at Pac Bell Directory on Monday, October 27, 1986. My payroll day begins on October 26, 1986 (Sunday). When I look at my globe in my car the world seems so huge that my new job seems so minute and itty-bitty. I guess it is…but it's a nice change for me.

I wonder if there will be a Pot Luck celebration for me this Friday.

When fate hands us a lemon, let's try to make lemonade.
-Dale Carnegie

The Geography of a Man and Woman

To Accomplish Great things, we must dream as well as act.
-Anatole France

Twenty-five years ago today:


October 19, 1986
Sunday

I rode my bicycle for a few hours once again (after breakfast at mom's house).

Then I napped for a while. I heard the phone ring and learned (from my answering machine) that it was Mark Landreth. I didn't bother to call back.

I watched a good flick starring Lee Remick called OF PURE BLOOD. I also watched the movie CLUE during a second visit to mom's house. Ashley was around.

My sister in law, Sherri and my mom tagged along with me to return my videotapes at THE WHEREHOUSE.

I didn't see Anne all weekend.
I thought, "Later…for her!"

I don't' think I'll go to the gym all week. I am going to focus on cycling, aerobics (video-style), jump rope and use my bar bells instead. I will see what results come from the new routine.

I received a neat joke from my mom on 'The Geography of a Woman'. She was given the joke by her coworkers at the US Post-Office:

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A WOMAN--

Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa, half discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally beautiful!

Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe, well developed and open to trade, especially for someone with cash.

Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain, very hot, relaxed and convinced of her own beauty.

Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece, gently aging but still a warm and desirable place to visit.

Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain, with a glorious and all conquering past.

Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel, has been through war and doesn't make the same mistakes twice, takes care of business.

Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada, self-preserving, but open to meeting new people.

After 70, she becomes Tibet, wildly beautiful, with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the ages...only those with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for spiritual knowledge visit there.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A MAN


Between 1 and 70, a man is like Iran, Ruled by Nuts.

Honor Women!  They entwine and weave heavenly roses in our earthly life.
-Johann von Schiller

Excitement

[image error] Always laugh when you can.  It is cheap medicine.
-Lord Byron

Twenty-five years ago today:


October 18, 1986
Saturday

I woke up and had breakfast at mom and dad's house. I went for a bike ride for a while and then accompanied mom to Berkeley to buy her new VCR (Video Cassette Recorder).

Ashley was around, so I stuck around at mom's house.

I telephoned Mark Landreth later but I learned that his guest had spent the night.
Mark whispered, "I'm still entertaining her."

I decided to return Stuart Western's phone call. Unfortunately, he wasn't at home.

I called on my cousin, Mandy, who lives in Fremont.
"Mandy, you should go to that Hot Rod Club on Mowry Avenue. I know some friends that are going there."
I knew Stuart would be there but I didn't end up going after all.

I called on Anne Alberti at around eleven o'clock but she wasn't at home either. There was no answer. She didn't even have an answering machine.

Lottie and Mike invited me over for a spaghetti dinner. I didn't feel like driving two hours to Sacramento for a plate of pasta.  Of course, their company would have made it fun--I suppose.

Mom signed my house book (twice) for each time she came over to my place.  That was cool.  She wrote:

10-18-86
I'm visiting my son today.  We're going to Berkeley to buy my VCR.  Mike, I wish you all the luck in the future, hope you'll get to buy your Jaguar some day and pay all your bills and find a girl and get married.  That way I won't worry about you.
Your mom.
With Love.

10-18-86
...Came back from Berkeley to drop Mike, so I'll se you later, Mike.
Mom.
PS- I ain't coming bck if I have to sign your book.

It was not a very exciting Saturday night but that's okay. Some Saturday nights can be tranquil.

Think Excitement, Talk excitement, act out excitement, and you are bound to become an excited person.   Life will take on a new zest, deeper interest and greater meaning.  You can think, talk and act yourself into dullness or into monotony or into unhappiness.  By the same process you can build up inspiration, excitement and a surging depth of joy.
-Norman Vincent Peale

Hat Day

"As a singer I tried on all these hats, these voices, these clothes, and eventually out came me."
-Carly Simon

Twenty-five years ago today:


October 17, 1986
Friday

I failed to shave this morning. It's HAT Day at work today. What will they think up next? At least 'the powers that be' make the work environment a bit fun and different. I brought my black beret that I bought in Paris. I figured I'd be Parisian-style for a change.

I was in a pie eating contest during the HAT Day festivities. Those weren't extra calories that I needed but I joined-in for 'the fun of it'. Dale Orlando won, of course. We both had lemon meringue pie (my ultimate favorite). Cedric Green, Judy Geniella, Steph Bautista, Laverne Butler-Brewer and Pearl all joined-in the pie eating competition as well. Since Dale was the 'WINNER' our entire section is going to a Marriot Hotel for dinner and a hotel night stay. That should be fun.

I went home and called Mark Landreth to see what he was doing.
Mark said, "I'm going to some gal's for dinner."
"Oh," I replied, trying to not sound disappointed.
"She's some camping out friend that I've known for a while."

I telephoned Anne Alberti too. She was not at home. It was becoming one of those dull Friday nights.

I called my Dad. I wanted to watch a movie or the Louis Rukeyser Show with him; however, I later learned that he went to his sister's house (my Aunt Nellie) for a visit.

I did end up staying home. I watched Joan Rivers on THE TONIGHT SHOW. It was good. Hugh Hefner of PLAYBOY Magazine fame was a featured guest.   When Joan asked who he'd like to feature in PLAYBOY his answer surprised me.
Hugh said, "I'd like to have Vanna White of WHEEL OF FORTUNE as a featured centerfold story in PLAYBOY."  Interesting…I wonder if he'll be able to pull that one off.

Despite elevated taste, perfect courtesy and the desire to please, boredom was imprinted on every face.
-Stendhal
"The Red and The Black"

The House Book

Your creation is incomplete.  You had only power to breathe a portion of your soul into your beloved work.
-Honroe de Balzac
"The Unknown Masterpiece"

Twenty-five years ago today:


October 16, 1986
Thursday

Today is my assessment testing for the Account Collections Representative position at the Yellow Pages San Francisco office at 370 Third St. I'm sure I will do just fine but it's really Directory Sales in Santa Clara, CA that I want. Boo Hoo--maybe it will happen 'in due time'. Time will tell.

I had to select two of the six cases to call and collect monies. One of the case studies seemed okay to choose. I felt I did very well. The other case is probably one I shouldn't have selected. Oh well…we shall soon find out how I did.

I met Katherine Macy of Los Angeles. She's the lady who traveled up here to San Francisco to do the assessment for my possible new job. She was very nice. I liked her a lot. I'd like to try and become her good friend. In fact, even if I don't pass the assessment I am going to ask her out for lunch or dinner. She may not know a lot of people here in Northern California...but she could be a Southern California 'connection.   She has long, thick hair. I found her to be very nice.

When I returned from the assessment test I bumped into Dale Orlando and he was all 'questions'. It's none of his business. However, I did let him in on a bit of it.

When I left for Pac Bell Directory I noticed that Earl Kirk (another coworker in my section) had called Carol McClain.
I overheard Earl ask, "Could you call me back."
I gathered that he is hoping to transfer to Pac Bell Directory also.

I wasn't paid for five and a half hours yesterday. What a drag! Oh well…I needed a break. I'll be calling in sick soon anyway. I plan to 'get even'.

I took E-Time (Excused Time without pay) and was able to leave the office at noon today.

I drove to mom's house and surprised her for lunch. I took Ashley with me to SAFEWAY. She was pretty good. She talked a lot while we were in the store. I was still wearing my jacket and tie.
I napped after lunch. I went to my house (to nap some more) when mom left for work.

I received a phone call later from Mike Thoennes.
"What did you think of Lottie?"
I answered politely, "Well, she's so lively."
That's about all I said because I got the feeling he was calling to 'report to her'.

After Mike's phone call I decided to initiate a phone call to Lottie.
"Hello?" Lottie asked.
I thought if funny how she posed her greeting as a question.
"Hi Lottie, it's me--Michael. I just wanted to thank you for the house book you sent me. I really plan on using it."
"You better! Make sure every person signs it that comes to visit you."
"Okay," I agreed.

I did hit the gym for about an hour. I caught Anne's attention before she left the gym. She was all smiles.   Mark showed up at the gym. He's still around.

When I returned from the gym at around 9:30PM I was surprised by a visit from Lottie once again! I was actually shocked to see her.

While Lottie was visiting, Mark phoned me to get the inside scoop on the lobster dinner that Anne and Patty are supposedly cooking for us. I felt an urge to have Mark know that I had a woman in my place, so I handed Lottie the phone.
"Oh…Michael is flawless," Lottie said to Mark.
I set my ear to the phone and overheard Mark say, "Yeah, but Mike's getting fat in the stomach."
"It's true, too," I thought.
I am my worst critic when it comes to my waistline. Dave Vigil, my coworker, had mentioned the idea of my doing sit-ups. I feel it. I am going to become strict with myself. There will be more bicycling, video aerobics, jumping rope and my bar bell will play more of a key role in my routines soon.

Anyhow, I couldn't believe that Lottie came over again.  She's too much!  I'd rather be in bed with Mark than with her.  She's not my type.  I must be frank with her the next time (if there is a next time).

We spent time being creative with the cut and paste of my new "House Book".
Lottie insisted, "Michael, this is YOUR house book and you can do whatever you want with it!"
"Really?"
"Yes, of course."
"Well, maybe I should use that clipping of that boy looking out at the seashore and write something about Mark since he called tonight.   It's funny because he has a painting at his house that looks just like that."
"That's a great idea.  You can even clip anything and write whatever you want in your House Book," Lottie said.
"Well, then that means you have to write in it again because you came to visit."
"Okay, oh my God...what shall I write?"
I proceeded to tell her about my alias (Jake Jaguar) and Mark's alias (Ray Stingray).  She liked that and I sensed that she would write something about that fact.

It is a mess.   But we're in no position to simply mind our own garden...the garden needs quite a bit of minding.
-Christopher Bram
"Surprising Myself", a novel

I'm Falling In Love With You

Prince Korasoff told him:  "Always do the opposite of what is expected of you."
-Stendhal
THE RED AND THE BLACK

Twenty-five years ago today:


October 15, 1986
Wednesday

I am still full from the Italian-style Rabbit stew last night.

I must call Bronwyn today. We shall see how that goes (?).

Okay…I called Bronwyn but her Aussie cousin exclaimed, "She won't be in until Friday!"
It's just as well.

Judy Geniella and I shared lunch together at NATOMA's. She's ecstatic because the Rohnert Park office is closing all of their accounts and the plan is to move it all to Sacramento. It's likely that Judy will transfer to a Sacramento office soon. She's happy about that fact.

Margaret Lai shocked me today by writing me a letter that stated "I'm falling in LOVE with you."
I couldn't believe it!  I was so surprised to read those words from her.  How do I react?  I think I will approach it as though I believe she is just having an infatuation. I must spend less time with her.

I went to the gym and I was pleased by Stuart's friendliness.
Stuart Western asked, "So Mike, what are you up to on Saturday night?"
"Nothing special…is something going on?"
"Well, maybe you and Mark can join me and a couple of my friends for drinks and laughs over at the HOT ROD CAFÉ in Fremont."
"Sounds good to me…I'll call you."

Tomorrow is BOSS Appreciation day.   I have an apple to give Stephanie for her desk.

I did an hour of aerobics before I went to the gym, so I was feeling fit when I walked in. I do feel a bit better.  I still have a long way to go.

I heard on the radio this morning that 'the more coffee you drink the more risk of heart disease'. They're always changing their minds about that fact. I don't drink coffee very often but I believe 'too much of anything' cannot be very good. My heart beats faster when I drink strong coffee. I can feel it.

He wanted to impress her with the elegance of his diction.
-Stendhal
THE RED AND THE BLACK

Italian-Style Rabbit

"What seems everyday to us may seem weird to everybody else."
-KYLE-XY
Season II
Twenty-five years ago today:

October 14, 1986
Tuesday

Ginny Hair and I had a long talk today. She applied for a new job in San Francisco with the Chamber of Commerce. We are on good terms. She didn't even mention Russ. I felt free to share with her about my hopes to get a new position with Pac Bell Directory-Yellow Pages.

Anne invited me for dinner at her mom's house in the Oakland Hills. I went straight to her mom's house after work. I really feel full now from the delicious Italian-style dinner. I feel like a slob.

I taped Joan Rivers on 'The Tonight Show' because I was too tired to stay awake to watch it.

Anne's folks were very nice. We ate rabbit and corn masa (of some sort) with jack cheese and sauce from the rabbit and broccoli. It seemed to be very authentic Italian. It was good—but filling.   Anne described the dinner as a typical everyday meal at her house.

Anne's mom and I played a little SCRABBLE. Her mom is good at word games. She plays all the time, so she had an edge over me.
[image error]
Mom called to leave a message on my recorder, "I have a package from SPIEGEL for you."
I didn't even make the time to pick it up.

I was home by 10PM.
Besides' mom's message about the package she asked, "Could you tape that movie that's on at nine o'clock tonight?"
Obviously, I didn't get home in time to tape it for her.

Lottie also phoned me, "Hi Michael, I just wanted to tell you that I sent you a package of sorts. I want you to be sure to be on the lookout for it."

I am still full from dinner. It will be 'only yogurt' for me tomorrow.

I was dwelling on Anne's words about the fun she had in Mexico. I shared the news about my most recent weekend, saying not much had happened.

To improve a relationship: 
'Share private thoughts on a regular basis.'
-KYLE-XY
Season II

New Meat

"I'm determined to control events, not be controlled by them."
-John Adams,
2008 Mini-Series

Twenty-five years ago today:


October 13, 1986
Monday

It was a mild-mannered day.

I ate lunch with Margaret Lai at 'B and M Chinese' on Second Street.

Judy Geniella and I shared a couple of breaks together. She makes me laugh. There's such a serious, goody two-shoes way about her.

It's Columbus Day and my mother and my sister-in-law, Sherri, both I have the day off. I had to work.
I did go over to my mom's house for dinner though. Ashley was there.

I went to the gym, too.  I saw Anne Alberti who happened to be with Jeff (her ex-boyfriend) in the aerobics classroom section of the gym.  When I spotted that interaction of them together I chose to simply vanish.  She didn't see me.  Why I chose to leave I'll never know. I should have just confronted her.  She left the gym and I didn't see her.  I didn't even telephone her.  Her friend, Patty, spoke to me. Patty shared a little about their trip together in Cancun. It sounds like they had a lot of fun.

Mark and I exchanged a few words while at the gym as well.
Mark said, "I notice some new meat."
He was referring to some new girls in the gym.  I'm not sure if he actually said those words---it may have been me.  It was funny (either way).

I had a shitty workout.  I didn't even stay at the gym for very long.

I was at mom's house before I knew it, watching part of a flick about some teenaged blind girl. Ashley fell asleep after I'd left.

Joan Rivers was on 'The Tonight Show' and that was good for a few laughs.

I dreamed I was hired for the Directory Sales job in Santa Clara.  We shall see if dreams come true.


Finding the right translations would transfer into musical notes.
-KYLE-XY
Season II

Sue Miller's 27th Birthday

"The advantage of travel is that after a while you begin to realize that wherever you go, most people aren't really all that much different."
-Joanne Harris
CHOCOLAT
Twenty-five years ago today:

October 12, 1986
Sunday

Anne Alberti has returned from her Cancun, Mexico beach escape. She telephoned me on this Sunday morning.
"I had a great time in Mexico."
"You did?"
"Yeah, I even got you're a little souvenir and a postcard."
"Oh, I can't wait to see them."

Lottie left.

Then Mike Miller and I went to South Shore Shopping Center to find his sister, Sue, a birthday gift (or two). I found her bubble bath, a "Sue" tape, a Cabbage Patch kid in a bathtub and a cup that says 'A Long-Distance Relationship Is Never Easy'.  Oh yes, I bought her some candy, too.

My hair is getting long. I think I like it.

I ended up having Sunday Brunch at The Rusty Pelican with Mike Miller, Sue Miller, Mike and Sue's mom: Mrs. Miller, Cathy (Sue's roommate) and Sally (Sue's church-going friend). We ate well. I was a little 'Champagned Out' from the good, conscientious waiter (who was also named Michael).
I thought to myself, "I ought to bring Anne here to The Rusty Pelican sometime."

I went home and napped.

By 6:30PM I was out the door again to San Leandro. Suzy and I went to see the movie starring Kathleen Turner called PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED. The guy from BIRDY and VALLEY GIRL (Nicolas Cage) was also in the movie.

I went home and telephoned Mark Landreth. I told him about Lottie and the fat, blond, zit-faced girl that Greg Manechevitz was going out with (that Mike and I happened to meet on Saturday). Mark and I had a nice talk.
I asked, "How did your Saturday go?"
Mark said, "Well, I had a pretty good time at that wedding that I went to on Saturday."

Lottie telephoned me.  Johnny telephoned from L.A.  Judy Geniella telephoned, too. I didn't return their calls.  I will have to do that.

Anne Alberti called to invite me to dinner for this Tuesday or Thursday night.
"Sounds good," I thought.
And then I thought for a second: Now there's Bronwyn.

Everything we do and are could be called a process that brings us to the river's edge.
-Tony Parsons
AS IT IS

Trivial Pursuit

"We're going on a mystery tour."
-127 HOURS
2010 motion-picture
Twenty-five years ago today:

October 11, 1986
Saturday

I slept in on this Saturday morning (nice). The doorbell rang and it was my mom, stopping by.

A little later I received a surprise phone call from Mike Thoennes and Lottie (Mike's pal from Sacramento).

I had actually telephoned Mike earlier and left this message on his recorder: "Hi Mike, I'm not going to make it to Sacramento after all. I'll take a rain check for next time."

I was especially in no mood to go out after I had received a parking ticket in San Francisco last night. I parked in front of a fire hydrant. I thought I would get away with it. I guess the twenty-dollar ticket won't put me back too badly.

Anyway, Lottie's voice was fun and likeable on the phone. She persuaded me to go to Sacramento. Then, after a bit of time passed I changed my mind again because Mike Miller telephoned.
Mike Miller asked, "Hey Mike, do you want to go to this party with some of my college friends?"
"Hey, that sounds like fun. Sure, why not!"
I figured going out with Mike would be much more fun (not to mention 'less of a drive').

Nevertheless, my rain check request didn't stop Lottie. She drove with Mike Thoennes from Sacramento to the Bay Area to see me!  She got lost in San Francisco and eventually made it to Alameda (at my house) at 7:45PM.

Mike Miller and his Iranian and Oriental friend came by my house as well. We all left for this party in Alameda (Lottie and Mike Thoennes tagged-a-long). We ended up eating M and M's, snacks, wine-coolers as we all played Trivial Pursuit until two-thirty in the morning!  It was fun.

Lottie ended up spending the night and 'slept with me'. She stayed on her side of the bed 'as did I'.  I know I could've had her.  I didn't though.  It's good that I was wine-cooler'd out.   She's thirty years old and 'sort of' resembles Jamie Lee Curtis with her short hair and all.   She is NMT (Not My Type).

"You can have sex without an emotional relationship for one to five years; but by the time that the power of sex wears off if you haven't built-up an emotional relationship to undershore sex you are in trouble."
-Michael J Armijo
Philosophical Statements