Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 111

Country-Style

"I always consider what people tell me to be LESS IMPORTANT than what they cannot."
-Freud's Last Session
Off-Broadway Play, NYC
April 30, 2011

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 21, 1986
Thursday

Oh no—there was no breakfast this morning. Boo Hoo. I had some orange juice and watched a bit of television as I enjoyed Connecticut living.

Ron and I left to do some shopping (for Ron). We ate lunch at a place called THE FILLING STATION in New Canaan, CT.  It was really good.  I love 'porking-out' while I'm on vacation.  It's strange how you drive a bit and you're in a different Connecticut town all of a sudden though.

After lunch we dropped in on Ron's grandparents. Then we hit the Pharmacy again. The bird was still in attack mode. We returned to the house to lounge.
By 4:30PM we were off for Massachusetts to see the new cabin that Ron's dad had built. I took pictures (though they were slightly blurred because of the evening lighting). It was fun. It was so beautiful out in Massachusetts.  It's so green.  It's so 'country style'here.

Ron's ma and pa had a drink with us at RAW BAR in Waterbury, CT just before we took our 9:15PM bus ride back to New York City. We slept during the bus ride. New York City here we come.

The human eye perceives motion much quicker than shapes and figures. Move slowly when you're scouting.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

Homemade Banana Cream Pie

And then, as if in gratitude, the tree released itself, little red pieces falling now, coating us, sticking in our hair like blessings.
-Paul Lisicky
"The Lawnboy"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 20, 1986
Wednesday

I tried to withdraw some money from Chase Manhattan Bank in New York but they weren't very helpful.  I charged some flowers to give to Ron's mom and dad.  Their anniversary time is near.  We just caught a taxicab in the nick of time and we took the 10:15AM Bonanza Bus to Connecticut.  It took only a couple of hours to get to Waterbury, Connecticut. Ron's mom picked us up at this Waterbury, CT bus station.  She was very friendly, outgoing and hospitable.

The Connecticut area seemed very beautiful to me.  Harwinton, CT (where Ron grew up and lived) was small, beautiful and very green.  I really liked Connecticut a lot.  Ron's mom made a bit of lunch for the two of us.  We showered and eventually got ready for seeing some local sights.

We visited the Pharmacy that Ron's father runs.  Their bird almost attacked me.
Ron cracked me up when he said, "That bird thinks he's a dog."

We went for a walk on the property connected to their home.  It was quite nice.  I took a photo of a tree frog, mushrooms and trees.   Of course, Ron had to give the tree frog a drag of his joint.  That clearly shows his sense of humor.

I ended up getting electronically zapped by a wire that was intended for cows.  The wire is intended for the cows to keep them off limits from wandering off in to other people's property.  I also snapped a photo of two of the Connecticut cows.  It has a country charm feeling here.

We prepared for dinner and I was impressed by Ron's capabilities in the kitchen. For dinner, Ron helped to prepare a rack of lamb. We also had fresh corn on the cob. It was delicious, so fresh. Ron's grandma made homemade Banana Cream Pie, too! It was too good. More friends and family arrived for the dessert. Ron did a few magic tricks and we talked about New York, Connecticut and California. It really was a nice evening. I enjoyed myself with Ron's family and friends. I could tell that Ron's folks liked me. Ron's father was a tad reserved but he opened-up a little.

PHOTO: Ron Leoni,
Harwinton, CT


I watched the movie AMADEUS before hitting the hay for bed. The musically-inclined AMADEUS movie made me think of Johnny Schaefer and his love for music.

It was great to sleep on a twin bed versus on the floor at Lenny's apartment in New York. I slept well. I like Connecticut.

He found a clear spot on the floor and lay down on his back to stare up at Michelangelo's ceiling with a wonder he had last felt watching summer sunsets with his three best-friends.
-Christopher Rice
"A Density of Souls"

Grassy Bush Areas

"I want to feel things--really feel things. How's that for an ambition?"
-The Family That Preys,
a 2008 Tyler Perry film

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 19, 1986
Tuesday

It's needless to say that my mosquito bites were killing me. I hung out at Lenny's for most of the day until it was decided that we should all go to the beach. We ended up doing the lie out in the sun routine in the outdoor patio of Joe's house. It actually faced the beach, so that was nice. I happened to be lying out next to this one chap that was fairly attractive. He was pretty nice, too. We both took a walk in and around the beach. I saw a deer and a couple of gross looking naked people near some grassy brush.
I forgot the nice chaps' name but he said, "I have my own business that relates to Public Relations."
We kept walking and the chap kept kidding around with me.
The chap said, "I really want to get fucked."
I couldn't believe that he said it. I felt very uncomfortable about it. How could one do that outside in the open? We toyed with the idea near an electrical section of the island. There was no succession with his wish. As we walked back to Joe's patio I began to realize that this was a common occurrence in and around these grassy bush areas of the beach on Fire Island. It's no wonder.

Before long it was six o'clock and we were off and ready to leave Fire Island for New York City again. When we disembarked from the ferry boat a limousine was waiting for us (Ron, Lenny, Steve and his girlfriend and 'me'). The limousine looked ugly. It was kind of maroon in color. They had some pot as they smoked and talked but the substance of the conversation wasn't very interesting.
Steve said, "I want to have a party on the island on September 20th. Ron, you have to come back and help me with the food preparation!"
Ron chuckled as I thought I would like to come to that event.

I couldn't believe that the limo ride was twenty-five dollars per person! Lenny backed it up as a pretty good deal. He's crazy!

Steve and his girlfriend were dropped off and then we went home to Lenny's apartment to shower and freshen-up. Lenny's so-called ex-boyfriend came over. He was a much older man named Bob. Bob had to be in his mid-fifties. Bob brought along his dog. Lenny, Bob, Ron and I all went out for Chinese Food. We walked through the Lincoln Center area via other shops and restaurants. I saw where they filmed ALL MY CHILDREN at ABC-TV. We walked by the main entrance to Central Park near Columbus Circle. By midnight or so we were exhausted. We turned in early for the night. Tomorrow's plan was to take a bus to Connecticut to visit Ron Leoni's hometown of Harwinton in Litchfield County.

"What am I to you--another puzzle to be solved?"
-The International
2009 thriller film starring Clive Owen

Twelve Cornish Hens

"I would be cured if I could simply make it through a storm."
-C.R.A.Z.Y., 2005
French-language Canadian film

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 18, 1986
Monday

This was probably the drabbest day of all. I felt so OOP (Out Of Place). There was a mild hurricane on Fire Island.  It had been raining heavily.  I guess I slept until noon.

The weather began to clear up to some extent as Ron was preparing for dinner by mid-afternoon. I went for a long jog along the beach. It was a beauty of a run. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Joe was in his house and he invited me to come in. I stayed there and hung out for a while. He let me borrow a red bathing suit and I took a dip in his pool for a few.  It wasn't long after my pit stop at Joe's that I decided to return to Lenny's house.  It was crazy.  I had taken an afternoon nap earlier but now I was just browsing through some magazines half of the time.  The other half of the time I watched Lenny and Frankie dance in partial-drag outfits to their 'yucky' disco-like tunes.  GMAB (Give Me A Break!).  I didn't thrill over it at all…believe me.

By 8:30PM or so dinner was ready. We had gone to the General Store for all sorts of goodies. I chipped in $20 or so for the groceries.

Ron prepared 'Twelve Cornish Hens' for dinner with green beans, salad, a giblet salad and apple tarts. It was filling and delicious to us all. There was more dancing and gallivanting going on.  I was having a fairly good time. I didn't dance much. I had no drugs and chose to avoid drinking much alcohol tonight (a good move on my part).

Ron and I (and a few others) went to Joe's house.  Joe and Steve attempted to throw me in the pool (but did not succeed).  We all went for a hike on the beach.  It was nice.  We didn't bother to go out on this night. I turned in for bed at around 2AM.  I slept in the same bed as Lenny.  I didn't 'try anything on him' (nor did he on me).  We simply slept.  It was a horrible night for me because every mosquito that could have been around was there.  I was tortuously bit all during the night.

"The human being is not a machine, so take care of yourself."
-Born To Be Wild:
The Leading Men of American Ballet Theater
2002 Documentary Film

Fire Island 1986: A Trip To Remember

"I can't think of one thing I'd rather have than somebody loving me."
-as heard while watching
"The Secret Life of Bees", 2008 film

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 17, 1986
Sunday

I went downstairs and bought seventeen postcards at a nearby newsstand. I also bought some bagels and coffee at the neighborhood deli and gift shop. I couldn't believe myself (eating breakfast at 3 o'clock in the AFTERNOON!).

I wrote out all of my seventeen postcards to the following people: Mom, Dad, Tony and Helen, John and Sherri, Anne Alberti, Jeanette Melcher, Mark Landreth, Chris Cordellos, Paloma Sanchez-Guerra, Ginny Hari of Pac Tel Info Systems, Barbara Reynolds, Steph Redding, Judy Geniella, Mary McTiernan, my Grandma Mary Genevieve Leyba-Lucero, Margaret Lai and Johnny Schaeffer. I guess that's enough for now. After completing the cards I took a walk (with Lenny and Ron) to the Port Authority Bus Depot. We made arrangements for a train ride to Seville and then onward via a ferry ride to "Fire Island".

The train ride gave me a fairly good overview of Brooklyn, Queens and other sectors of New York (including Long Island). The houses are very big and beautiful in other parts of New York.

The ferry ride was soothing and nice (quite relaxing). I liked the views. I really felt like I was on vacation. And guess what---I was! Ha-ha. There were a number of beautiful looking houses on this "Fire Island". I would later see Calvin Klein's house as it was pointed out to me. I also heard that CHER and a number of other celebrities have homes here on "Fire Island".

Lenny's house rental on the island cost him $5000 for the summer. I certainly feel that's a rip-off (but it's his money—I guess). Once we were on "Fire Island" we went to Lenny's and lounged around a bit. We went for tea time at a major club. I thought it was going to be afternoon tea but they just call it a "tea dance" at this very GAY club. Lenny had friends there: Frankie, Anthony (both Frankie and Anthony are hairdressers), Steve, Joe and more. I was a bit on the quiet side as I was quite plainly observing all of the people. Ron was going off on his disappearing acts for 'pot' and 'coke' and 'who knows what else. I noticed a lot of these guys were very much 'into' the whole pot and coke scene.

After the "tea dance" club we went to Joe's house where we all gathered and watched some Rome, Italy flick. The film was rather boring (I thought). Joe was a nice guy. He had an RH Factor (what I refer to as a Receding Hairline Factor). He made us eat some of his leftover dinner (pasta, broccoli, and salad). It was yummy. It hit the spot. We watched more of that movie.

By midnight or one o'clock in the morning we (Ron, Lenny and I) left to shower and change to go out! I wore my spandex bike shorts to the club (the same club on the island that we had visited earlier that was having the tea dance party). Before we entered the club we stopped at another chaps house. His name was Gary. There was a guy there (named Peter, I think) and I learned that he was big fan of Ann-Margret (like me). I could really relate to that. We all waited for Gary to come out of his bedroom because he was going to impersonate Patty LaBelle. It was pretty silly. Then Frankie and Anthony (the hairdressers) who have very long, long hair got all dolled-up in drag and did some improvising to the songs VICTIM and AMERICAN LOVE. They were two songs that were constantly playing while I was there. After the amateur drag show playing we went to the PAVILLION CLUB.   I took a couple of souvenir postcards for forthcoming events at the PALLADIUM (in New York City).   I one of the promotional cards had the words "A Trip To Remember" on it.   I thought that was interesting.

I danced with Ron and Lenny and some new fella that I met (his name is Paul Dean). Paul was 'ok'.
Paul said, "I work on ANOTHER WORLD and GUIDING LIGHT soap operas."
I assumed this meant that he was an aspiring actor.
Paul continued, "Right now I'm rehearsing a night club act in-between for some joint that I'm planning to connect with."
We exchanged address and telephone number information. Then I took a walk with Paul Dean through a street known as TINA TUNA Street. I thought the street name was funny. Paul led me to his house and it wasn't as nice as the place that Lenny was supposedly renting.  Alas, I stayed there for a while and had a relatively good time.

I walked back to Lenny's house at around 5 in the morning. Ron, Lenny and Frankie were all there getting high off of pot. They were smoking tons of it (I guess). Ron was massaging both Lenny and Frankie.
Frankie asked, "So where were you…out trashing around?"
"No," I answered, "I went for coffee off of Tina Tuna and just now got back."
Besides, I thought, it's my business what I do.
Suddenly I heard Ron ask me, "Where were you?"
I replied, "I just told you!"

I went and fell asleep on the couch. I think it was around 11AM when I woke up again.

"Have I done something to vex you?"
-Wives and Daughters
BBC mini-series, Episode #4

The Life of a Vampire

"Someone just told me you were fascinating.  I hope you won't disappoint me."
-Candace Bushnell
"Sex and the City"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 16, 1986
Saturday

It is four o'clock in the morning. Ron and I woke up early. Luckily, I did not hear his snoring (as I slept on the couch) because I fell asleep there while watching the TESS movie. We both got up and got ready for the trip to New York. We drove to El Sobrante and saw that Margaret Lai and her son, Lance, were there and 'ready to go'. We all got into Margaret's car and talked about the fast-paced cities of New York and Hong Kong. Margaret is from Hong Kong, so she knows it first-hand. Margaret's a sweetheart to drive us to San Francisco International Airport.

I couldn't believe it when Ron said, "I had some of the tequila in your cabinet this morning…'over ice'."
"Yuck!" I exclaimed, as I couldn't imagine how any one could drink in the morning.
I knew then that he's got problems. He's a habitual smoker. Now I believe he is possibly an alcoholic. How can someone drink in the morning?
Ron defended himself by saying, "It's because I'm so nervous about the flight."
If it's not one thing it's the other.

And so, Ron is my friend. I should be nicer to him from now on. He will be showing me a fun time in New York. We are on the UNITED AIRLINES flight now—as I write. We are leaving from San Francisco and stopping in Denver before we land in New York. It's direct versus non-stop. I always forget that direct has a stop. I hate that.

My stomach is empty. I could take on some pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs so easily right now. I am glad I am taking this trip. I will make the best of it. Ron's all excited. I hear it in his voice.
Ron says, "Michael, you're going to have a great time!"
I can't wait to see all of the sights and the people. Ron's friends (Arthur and Lenny) work out at the gym, so maybe I'll be able to get in a work out or two while in New York. I am hungry. I was just served French toast (yummy).

We landed in Denver, Colorado. The only problem was that our flight was delayed for an hour. Now we will be getting in to New York later than expected (5:30PM New York time). We enjoyed a snack (almonds, juice and a lunch that I didn't expect).

Ron said, "We're going to The Pavillion. We might go to STUDIO 54 even."
"What's STUDIO 54?" I asked.
"Oh man, it's The Palladium. Celebrity-filled 'who' bodies will be there."
"That should be fun," I grinned.
I'm going to have fun. I'll make the best of it. There will be limitations as far as Ron goes. I don't want to lead him on. His loudness and constant cigarettes are "ugh". I'll keep his friendship without hurting his feelings (I hope).

The arrival to New York seemed to take forever. The lunch, snack and my reading time of 'CHANGING TIMES' and 'PEOPLE' articles helped to pass the time. I find myself thinking of Anne Alberti, Jeannette and Mark often.

Once we landed at JFK Airport Ronald and I took a taxicab to Western Union. Ron was to pick up some cash that his mom had wired for him. We continued on to West 53rd Street (off of 8th Avenue) in New York City to The Encore Building. Ronald's longtime friend, Leonard Greco, lives in Room 21B.

Ron and I went up on the elevator of this high skyscraper apartment building. There was no answer at Leonard Greco's door.
Ron said, "Maybe we should go down and check out the laundry room."
I began to feel like things were looking bad when the front door suddenly opened. It was Lenny. He was a very good-looking, dark-haired, Italian chap. His friend, Arthur, was there also. Arthur was kind of 'buffed' Both Lenny and Arthur had ugly looking teeth (as does Ron…come to think of it). They don't seem to take that extra care for their teeth. It could just be the cause of too much coffee and cigarettes (yucky).

Ron and Lenny acted like two little kids as I observed them 'catching up on things' and reminiscing on old times. There were so many people and places that they mentioned (not to mention the latest goings-on). Later on, I found myself observing an X-Rated gay flick with Arthur in Lenny's bedroom! It was kind of gross…but hell. What the hell! Arthur and I also watched the end of Arnold Schwarzenegger's movie called COMMANDO.
We all left the apartment within an hour to go to dinner to an area that they called "The Village Area". The place we ate at was called ALFREDO de ICALDA (or something like that). I ordered tortellini pasta. It was delicious! We had wine. I also ordered a chicken entrée. We checked out some other sleaze bar and walked around "The Village Area". It was kind-of-gay. It was quite an eyeful for me as so much was going on and there were so many people.

We returned to Lenny's apartment building (which seems very much like a hotel to me). I don't think I'd enjoy living in that environment. Before long…after showering, shampooing, etc…we (Lenny, myself, Arthur and Ron) were off again into the night life of New York City. We went to some nightclub called THE SAINT. It looked like a gross, ugly, scummy joint from the outside. The inside was a completely other scene. I would later learn that there are a lot of "yucky" looking places on the outside (in New York City) with a surprise on the inside. THE SAINT was dark with many plants and three levels with cool staircases. There was an upper floor where the dancing took place over a domed ceiling. I was impressed by the effervescent pictorial lights that had design movements all over the place. I danced for a while and had a drink or two (I had PINE-VOKS aka Pineapple Vodkas). I snorted a little COKE, too. I met a guy named Bobby Janowe who was 'very much so' coming ON to me.
Bobby said, "I manage the Body Center."
I looked at him in a puzzled way.
Bobby continued, "It's a Fitness Club in New York."
"Oh," I said.
After seeing bits of that X-rated flick earlier tonight I didn't know what to think. Nevertheless, Bobby was nice. He gave me an ecstasy pill.
"Come on, try this," Bobby insisted.
"Yikes," I thought.
Ron saw that Bobby was making moves on me and Ron wanted to leave.
Bobby whispered to me, "Why don't YOU stay!"
I was a little tempted but said, "Maybe another time, another place."
"Well, call the Fitness Center and ask for me if you want."
"Okay."
I would later realize that I never had the chance to call him during my brief stay in New York. Alas, we ended up staying at this nightclub for too long. I was feeling tired—to say the least. How can anyone feel like a SAINT at 'THE SAINT'?

Ron and I finally left the nightclub and walked a ways to a magazine stand. I was amazed to see stacks and stacks of New York Times newspapers. We got home via taxicab. The swiftness of the taxi up the one way streets was so surreal and I wondered if I felt this only because of the ecstasy pill I had taken. Ironically, I found myself going to bed at daylight. It was actually the next day (Sunday). I was living the life of a vampire so-to-speak. I woke up at two or three o'clock in the afternoon. That's all I remember.

"For passion, like crime, does not sit well with the sure order and even course of everyday life;  it welcomes every loosening of the social fabric, every confusion and affliction visited upon the world, for passion sees in such disorder a vague hope of finding advantage for itself."
-Thomas Mann
"Death In Venice"

On My Nerves

"How curious it is, what the future brings us. You must take care, never to expect too much."
-Arthur Golden
"Memoirs of a Geisha"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 15, 1986
Friday

I was so glad that today was the last work day before my vacation. It was an okay sort of day…until I had a trying and stressful incident with Jim Booze, a jerk in the Major Accounts Center, who had a 'tizzy' because I placed an order for a political account which should have been taken by him. Big deal…

I sneaked out of work at 4:40PM since my boss, Steph, was not there.

I arrived home and found Ron Leoni folding clothes that he'd washed. I was being a little mean to Ron, making smart-ass comments. I could feel my uptight ways. I'm not used to having someone at home. I had a stressful day and that was my only excuse. I wrote out a few checks to pay some bills.

Ron and I went to my mom and dad's house where I read a pretty neat 'Bon Voyage' note that my mom had left me.

We went to fill my car with gas. I withdrew one-hundred dollars in cash from my automated teller machine. We hit WALGREENS for some film, too. We ate at LUNG KONG for dinner.
Ron said, "I'm short of funds until we arrive in New York."
Oh well, I certainly didn't make a scene about it. His smoking and the loudness of his voice get on my nerves sometimes.   I sometimes felt a need to escape.

While back at my pad we watched the movie LIFEFORCE together. Ron is a nice guy. Why I have been such a creep to him lately is beyond me. Actually, I do know why. I truly believe it is because I don't want him to 'like' me to any further extent. I really believe I want him to 'dislike' me. Isn't that it? Perhaps it is not. I do value his friendship. We tried to sleep but ended up getting up and started to watch the movie TESS. I began to fall asleep right at the start of the movie.

It looks like Ron has gained weight, too.

I telephoned Mark Landreth while I was at work today.
Mark said, "If you want…I can drive you to the airport."
"Oh, that's nice of you to offer but Margaret in my office is already taking care of that. Thanks though."

Paige Labris called me from Sacramento.
"Guess what, Mike?"
"What?"
"I'm moving up there! I'm going to be an Art student at the San Francisco Art Institute."
I began to wonder what Paige looked like now. Her rear end was always a bit on the hefty side. Besides that slight issue she is a gorgeous girl. We had a nice, brief talk.
I ended by saying, "I am leaving for New York tomorrow."
"Well, expect a call in a couple of weeks."
"Okay, that's great!"
I wondered if she might begin to get on my nerves.

Anyone who lives in her own world is crazy. Like schizophrenics, psychopaths, maniacs. I mean people who are different from others.
On the other hand...you have Einstein...Columbus...Edmund Hillary (convinced that a man could reach the top of Mount Everest) or The Beatles (who created an entirely different sort of music and dressed like people from another time circa 1960s).-Paulo Coelho
"Veronika Decides To Die"

"I'll Be In Touch..."

"If a man hasn't found something to die for.  He isn't fit to live."
-Martin Luther King

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 14, 1986
Thursday

What a stressful day! Not only was it busy but three of Mr. Patrick Brent's telephone lines that I suspended were SNP'd (Disconnected) for non-payment. I was bummed out to say the least. I fixed the situation though.

I had lunch at the Telemarketing EDD Center. It was okay and nice to get the free lunch.

After work I immediately went home to change and get slicked-up for my date with Janette. We ended up seeing ABOUT LAST NIGHT. We both liked it. It was with Rob Lowe and Demi Moore. They were trying to have a romantic affair, despite their personal problems and the interference of their disapproving friends. I really enjoyed her company. We kissed goodnight.
And even though she is departing for San Diego I said, "I'll be in touch with you."
Janette smiled. Who knows?
I telephoned Annabelle Montero from my office today. She's the knockout beauty that both Mark and I met on the same night while dancing at The Oasis in San Francisco.
Her mom answered the phone and spoke with a cute accent, "Oh, Annabelle is in Hawaii."
I tried to call via a three-way call with Mark 'in on it' but he wasn't home when I made the attempt.

I have a slight case of strep throat. My runny nose is coming along with hopes of recovery.

I arrived home from the movie and received a phone call message from Ron Leoni.
"Mike, I'll be at the Greyhound in Oakland between 11 and 11:30 tonight. I'm calling from Fresno."
I picked him up. He slept over. His snoring was a total burden to my night rest. Shit! I hate that!

Mike Thoennes called me also. I talked to him for a while.

Denise Vinsonhaler called before I left for the movies.
I felt rushed but said, "I'll call you later."
I never made a definitive time as to when I would call her back.
Frank Vasconcellos called me too. He simply left his current telephone number and said, "Call me."
His words made me think of that song by BLONDIE. When I called him back there was no answer.

It's nice to have heard from Mike, Chris, Denise and Frank recently. I hadn't spoken to any of them in such a while. It amazes me. It makes me feel good at the same time. It's as if no time has passed and they all like me (so-to-speak). I really have some nice-to-know friends (namely Mark, Anne, Janette, Paloma, etc.).  They're fabulous.

"Don't ever say fabulous.  It's not a straight word...say awesome."
-Dorian Blues,
2004 film

Our Movie Date

I felt that life was very serious now. I thought sometimes, with curiosity and apprehension, about the state known as the future.
-Janet Frame, An Autobiography

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 13, 1986
Wednesday

I asked Janette to go to a flick with me tomorrow night since she's off to San Diego next Thursday. And I know I'll be in New York at that time. Who knows? Janette and I may have fun. I love her reddish hair.

I didn't go to Anne's aerobics class. I chose to not be predictable. I did receive a message on my answering machine from her. That's a good sign.
I like when she said, "Oh, I also want to apologize for my telephone mood last night. I heard some bad news and that's why I sounded the way I did."
I think someone else may have been at her house though. Could it have been her ex-beau, Jeff? I just don't know.

Steve Green was at the gym tonight. He tried to pry for some information about my New York trip.
"Who are you going with?"
"Oh you don't know them."
I truly don't care for his snoopy nature or his 'acting' like Mr. Maturity or Mr. Somethin'. He's really just a pip squeak twenty-four year old student. He's gained weight, too.

I went home and Mark and I had a good talk over the phone.

I called Ric Green.
"I'm sorry I can't make the party but I had made plans for this trip to New York for quite a while."
Ric replied, "It's okay—the next one."

I also called Janette. I confirmed our movie date for tomorrow night.

Anne Alberti called me, too. I bet she was looking for me during her 6PM aerobics class. Yippee!

She may have been as cruel as a spider, but she was more lovely chewing on her fingernail than most looked posing for a photograph.
-Arthur Golden
"Memoirs of a Geisha"

I Don't Want To Rush

"He's not one of these 'cookie cutter' molds!"
-Scarlett Johansson
VICKY, CRISTINA BARCELONA

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 12, 1986
Tuesday

I had to remind Steph about Judy Geniella's birthday tomorrow. Now I have to bring drinks, cups and paper plates for the pot-luck. I hate that.

I didn't make it to the gym tonight but I did ride my bike for almost an hour. I went to SAFEWAY and I saw a couple of QBL (Questionable) guys. I purchased the drinks for Judy's Birthday celebration.

I telephoned Anne Alberti. She had just arrived home from Jeff's aerobics class. I wondered why she would take his class if he is officially her ex-boyfriend. Somehow Anne persuaded me to take her 6PM Aerobics class tomorrow though. I don't want to rush our relationship. Perhaps I won't go to her aerobics class after all and use an excuse: "Oh, I forgot my tennis shoes!"
I don't want her to feel that I'm so easy of a catch. She insists I come to her class and then I come running…no way!

Chris Cordellos called me. That's a name from the past.
"Michael, you won't believe this. I have a tumor in my groin area and I'm having surgery on Friday."
"What?" I asked. I was feeling quite shocked about this news.
"Yeah, uh huh, and my mom has been very ill, too."
Chris is very troubled to say the least.
I soothed his mind by saying, "You know, Chris…just remember that for every bad thing a good thing will come along."
"I like that. Thanks Mike."

Anne didn't seem so ecstatic about my surprise phone call. I wanted her to be (or maybe she was but didn't express the emotions enough).

"You naughty girl. I hardly recognize you."
"I hardly recognize myself."
-Woman On Top, 2000 Film