Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 121

Huffy and Puffy

"Who can realize every dream? For some an illusion, even for a little while, is enough."
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 13, 1986
Tuesday

I woke up in the middle of the night with Steve pointing out my 'sexual frustrations' because of the way I unconsciously moved. I was thinking he was being humorous; and then I began to wonder if what he was saying was actually true. I slept soundly after I jerked-off (while he was in a dream state).

Jane Webster arrived at my house at around 7:20AM. We headed for the Walnut Creek technician station. We had an 8AM appointment there where we gave our "turfing" speech. Jane and I then went to Main Street in Walnut Creek where we ate breakfast. I got so wired from the strong coffee. We returned to The City by 11AM or so.

Margaret and I ate at The Pizza Boat. Cedric has been talking to me less since our last talk on Saturday. It is fine with me.

After work I went bicycling since I was able to leave the office at 4:30PM. I went to the gym as well. As I was leaving the gym I saw Mark Landreth just entering.
I almost wanted to say, "I know you detest my feelings for you!"
I refrained from doing so and he is still nice and friendly to me, so I'll leave well enough alone.

 
I made myself a salami and cheese sandwich when I arrived home. I swallowed down two cans of Diet 7-UP, too. I decided to turn in for the night when Steve Green called me.


We argued some more about the holes in his underwear. How can a man wear underwear with holes in them?
I also shouted, "And you know it's a bad idea to have one or two beers every night!"
I accused him of wrongdoings with his holey underwear and excess beer drinking.  He got all huffy and puffy.  We ended our phone call in NOT the best of usual terms.

All living things contain a level of 'madness'.  Something within their territory has 'frightened' them.
-Yann Martel
"The Life of Pi"

The Sauna

"Do you know what gives our relationship its most original and delicate charm for me? It is the close intimacy of our minds."
-Thomas Mann
AVENGED, 1899

Twenty-five years ago today

May 12, 1986
Monday

It went by fast (work).

Margaret, Dale and I ate together at B&M Chinese during lunch time. Dale made me specifically write down that Rick Clark was cordially invited to my Birthday Party. I wonder if he will actually come to the party.

I was invited for Brunch on Friday with Chris Roger and Rick Clark but I'm supposed to run the Bay-To-Breakers, so I took a rain check.

I went to the gym where I saw Mark Landreth working out with his old schoolmate, David. Mark and I ended up working out fairly well.

Steve Green came in to the gym a bit later. I had decided to leave around that time because I was feeling tired.
Steve asked, "Why don't you stay and go in the sauna with me for a while?"
"Sounds good…but I'm really tired," I replied.
I didn't really want to go in to the sauna as he suggested, so I went home.

Steve called me from Ron Waggoner's San Leandro house.
Steve was assertive.
"Listen," Steve said, "I'll be at your house in twenty minutes."

Steve ended up staying the night.
Steve says, "You're making gyration hip motions."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I answered.
Steve made a call to John Hudson, his so-called good-looking friend and his close confidant. He wanted to get his opinion. Meanwhile, I am sitting there as I pretend to be watching television. He quickly gets off of the phone and begins to study his Biology.
I thought, "Oh well…I think he means well."

As time passed the scholar came to accept the new circumstances with grace.
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

A Brief Piano Lesson

"Perseus, you're not just part man, part GOD--you're the best of both!"
-as heard in the 2010 motion-picture
CLASH OF THE TITANS

Twenty-five years ago today

May 11, 1986
Sunday

I awoke at 9:30AM to my phone ringing. It was Bonni Jayne.
"Hey Mike it's me, Bonni."
"I know it's you…I know your voice by now," I laughed.
"I have some news."
"What now?"
"I got a new job as a Computer Terminal Operator at the Oakland Tribune!"
"Really--now that is great!"
I was very glad to hear this news. She received my Birthday Party invitation on her birthday (May 7th).
"Are you coming?"
"Yes, I'll come…is there something I can bring to the party?"
That was too sweet.
"No, just bring yourself."

I went to mom's house and gave her an Estee Lauder gift, wishing her a Happy Mother's Day. I didn't stay too long and returned home.

I telephoned Steve Green and then Ric Green called and we discussed getting together at his place at around one o'clock today.

I went to mom's house again because Helen brought a Mother's Day cake for mom. I had to have a piece and join in the celebration again.

I feel guilty for not bicycling all this weekend. Oh well…I'll make up for it during the week. I also need to touch base with Chris Cordellos about another hair cut.

I went to Ric Green's house and arrived a few minutes before Steve Green. Ric's a good liar.
I asked Ric, "Did Steve tell you about his underwear?"
"No," Ric replied when Steve had already told me that he told Ric about tearing off his underwear because of all of the holes in it.

Steve handed me a funny Birthday card about underwear. Whatever—it made me laugh. We ate BBQ hamburgers and shish kabob and lounged around the backyard. I left at about 4:30PM. Steve was falling asleep. Ric gave me a brief piano lesson.

I went home and took a nap only to wake up to broad daylight. I made something to eat and watched some television. There was a DISNEY movie about some forty year old guy who wished to be seventeen years old again.
"What a bad wish," I thought.
Then I ate some JUST RIGHT cereal.

Cedric Green telephoned me Saturday night (yesterday) and wanted to get together or meet up. He kept pressuring me for a response.
Cedric said, "I've been thinking A LOT…in fact, TOO MUCH about you and I need to know if it's wise to continue to LUST."
I said, "No."
I didn't think it was wise for him to lust over me. I knew we could only be friends. He's the one that sent the two anonymous 'secret admirer' cards.

I telephoned Rachelle Davies Saturday morning (yesterday).
Rachelle said, "Of course I will come to your Birthday party."

I went to bed on this Sunday night when Steve Green telephoned. I expected him to come over but he ended up staying the night at Ric's.
"I'm just going to watch a movie here and catch up on my studying," Steve announced.
"Okay."
"Yeah, I have a nine-thirty appointment tomorrow in Hayward, so it's pointless for me to come by."
"I know."
I JO'd and slept.

"You see a droplet and imagine a flood."
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

A Real Space Case

Making a lie seem real is tricky work, he thought to himself.  It takes planning.
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 10, 1986
Saturday

Mike Miller telephoned today.
Mike asked, "Do you think I could spend the night at your house for a few days?"
"Well, not tonight…but sure you can."
"Okay…because I moved out from my mom's house and I'm living at Sue's right now."
I knew something was up. Mike must have had some disagreements with his mom. Their mom can be difficult to live with. I didn't say he couldn't stay over…so I don't know.

Steve Green and I woke up on this Saturday morning and went off to the gym.

I washed up and laid out for some sun rays in mom's backyard for a little while. I grabbed a bite in mom and dad's refrigerator and went to Ashley's Birthday Party that was beginning at one-thirty this afternoon. It was pretty fun.

My own Birthday Party is going to be pretty interesting. I know it. I can't even imagine how it will turn out with the variety of people who could be attending.

I telephoned Steve Green later but I had previously been in touch with Mark Landreth; whereby, Mark and I decided to go out to Fat Fanny's in Fremont. We decided we'd follow-up with a drop by at Bobby McGee's in Newark after the Fat Fanny's visit, too.

I explained to Steve, "I have plans with Mark tonight."
I'm not sure how he really felt about that but he said, "Okay."

Steph Redding telephoned as well.
"I'm going out, Stephanie."
"Michael, you are Mr. Most Eligible Bachelor of the Year!"
I laughed at my new title.

Greg Manachevitz called with some surprising news.
"Hey Mike, I called Amy—your friend---and told her to go to Fat Fanny's tonight."
That kind of pissed me off that he called her but I let it go and asked, "What did she say?"
Greg answered, "She said she would but I hope you'll be going too."
"Oh no…I have other plans but I won't rule out the possibility of my dropping by entirely."
I get the impression that Greg is trying to swoop in on Amy but that's his choice and her prerogative. I do think she's pretty lonely here in the West Coast. As far as I'm concerned Greg would be the last in terms of selection of top notch 'want to be around friends'.


I drove over to Mark Landreth's house in San Lorenzo. He was lounging in his shorts when I arrived. I know he can tell that I "feel" for him. How could he not? We talked and I learned he had the wrong telephone number for me. He was dialing 552 instead of 522. We cracked a few jokes. He had an ugly rash on his leg.
Mark said, "I think it's from the heater in your car."
I laughed and said, "Whatever...it'll go away."


Mark and I found the Fremont 'Fat Fanny's' establishment quite dead. We moved on to Bobby McGee's which had a long line outside. Once we got inside we realized it wasn't so hot in there either. Some ugly oriental gal danced with Mark. She was grody. Some weird gal came around and kept touching my gold and leather shirt (that cost me one-hundred and seventy-six dollars but had a value of $250).
The weird gal said, "You should put your driver's license plate on the back of your shirt…then girls would call you from everywhere."
She was a real space case.


Mark and I were not having a really great time, so we left. I drove Mark home. As we sat in the car before he got out of my car I gave him THE EYE but it didn't penetrate through to him.
I simply drove off after saying these last few words, "I'll see you Monday at the gym."


Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I fell asleep by 1:30AM. Yawn.

"Even if sometimes I don't know who you are...I love you."
-as heard while watching the motion-picture
I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (2009)

You Don't Own Me!

Our business model is to stay in the background and never be seen.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Played With Fire"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 9, 1986
Friday

Work was okay today.

I spoke to Helen last night and she said, "You know my second line manager, Teri Milham, is being a real bitch!"
"Oh, I never could stand her!"
"Yeah, there's a rumor that she may transfer to San Francisco!"
"Oh no, I hope NOT to my office!"
Helen also said, "You know, Michael…Derek is being pressured to hire people 'off the street'."
When Helen said that about Derek I figured that opportunity for me was out of the question.

Margaret Lai and I had lunch at B&M. During my last break I ditched Margaret, Cedric and Mary and went to my Patelco Credit Union teller machine. Margaret was all burned up because I left without her.
I ignored her bitchy-ness and thought, "Grow Up! You don't own me."

I kept thinking about Margaret making me feel guilty, so I called her during the evening to let her know that I received one and a half dollars from the U.S. Treasury.

Cedric Green had written me a note and left it at my desk.
He wrote the question: 'Are you busy tonight?'
I answered him later, "I am busy."
Of course, I wasn't busy and I ended up staying home. I took a nap.

Steve Green called, waking me from my nap. He ended up coming over at around nine-thirty or so. He was reading the newspaper in search of a car to buy. Then we went jogging around Harbor Bay Isle. It was fun. He tore off his underwear and I was kidding him about the holes in his "undies".

We returned to my place after visiting Skylark 23 (it's what I call that lookout post in that little park at the other end of Harbor Bay).

We watched most of the movie THIEF OF HEARTS and then turned in for the night.

I believe that the way to truly understand, to get to the bottom of things, is to smell the hot breath of reality, to touch the nitty-gritty.
I'm not convinced it's necessary to be there, to observe in order to know things, but being there is absolutely essential for things to know you.
-Robert Saviano
"Gommorah"

Maybe I'll Get Lucky

"Too many cooks might wreck the whole dish."
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 8, 1986
Thursday

My sales have been slacking off lately. I did learn that I made EXCELLENCE status last month 'once again' though. Margaret Lai did the same.

I was supposed to have lunch with Lorraine Garcia (the one who worked at my gym and moved to Santa Rosa) today. She stood me up! I waited until 12:15PM in front of my building as we had planned. Oh well—it's her loss is all I can say.

I have invited about ninety-two people to my Birthday party. I am estimating that a total of fifty will show up.

I ate up all of those pork chops that I bought last Wednesday night (after work). What a pig I am.

My sister-in-law, Sherri, called and asked me, "Are you up for a bike ride with me and Ashley?"
"Sure, I'm always up for a bike ride!"
And so I toured on my bike with Sherri and Ashley all around Harbor Bay Isle. We stopped to feed ducks. I gave Ashley her beanie hat with the little propeller. She giggled a lot which led me to believe that she got a real kick out of it. I can't wait until Saturday…for Ashley's Birthday Party. Her actual birth date is today.

I went to the gym, arriving sometime between seven-thirty and eight o'clock. Mark Landreth pulled a 'no show'. I saw Janette Melcher, a gal that I briefly spoke to on Monday that somewhat resembles my cousin, Mandy Lucero. She's cute. We worked out together for a little bit.
Janette said, "Tomorrow night is my senior ball."
"Is it really?" I asked.
"Yeah, and Dave, the guy that works here at 24-Hour Fitness is taking me."
"He's taking you?"
"Yep, but he's just a friend. I've been coming to this gym for three months now."
"Well, if you're not too busy you should come to my Birthday party."

I also gave Rick an invitation for my party. And yesterday…I got 'fired-up' and decided to invite Chad Mark Glen. Whether or not he will show up will be his decision.

Janette Melcher actually knows my cousin Patrick Markus. I was surprised to learn that she had just turned eighteen years old. She attends San Leandro High School.

It's too bad Mark Landreth was not at the gym today.

I arrived home and telephoned my sister-in-law, Helen.
"Hi Mike! I received your Birthday invitation."
"Oh great, I hope you can come."
We talked a bit about her 'at work blues' at the Downtown Oakland Residence Accounting Service Center. She went on about the hassles she's been having at the office.
I received word from Directory Yellow Pages that I have been denied for the Directory Sales Representative positions because two other applicants had a higher net credited service date (seniority). Oh well…maybe I'll get lucky next time.


I am getting more and more excited about my forthcoming Birthday Party. I hope everyone shows up. I know a number of them that are making a point of attending, so those few alone will make for quite a party.

Just because something makes you uncomfortable, doesn't mean you should ignore it.
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

The Nutty Professor

I was even getting to feel affectionate toward their various nuttyisms.
-James Kirkwood
"Good Times, Bad Times", a novel

Twenty-five years ago today

May 7, 1986
Wednesday

Traffic conditions were a bitch this morning. I left home at 6:45AM and arrived at my parking lot at 8AM!

I had a freebie morning at the office though. I had a very light workload; whereby, I sent out a few more invitations to my Birthday bash.

I confirmed a lunch date with Lorraine tomorrow. I also made plans for lunch with Amy in Lafayette for today. After my lunch with Amy I have to report to the Walnut Creek IC (Installation Center) for a problem-solving meeting. After that I will meet up with Chris Cordellos (in hopes of getting a haircut).

Amy prepared a good lunch for me. The chicken with bacon was great. My Walnut Creek meeting was pretty boring. I made the best of it. I didn't have a whole lot to say but my presence was there and I had enough to report back to the Business Office.

After the meeting I went to see Chris as planned. I met his friend, Roger. The three of us went to my brother Tony's Ice-Cream Shop but it was closed! Then we went to Carlos Murphy's and I had a couple of cranberry margaritas. I felt totally sloshed after drinking them. The waitress (Cheryl) was kind of cute. We waited for Roger's friend (Rick) to make an appearance. Once Rick showed up I left with Chris to see his sister, Paula, and his newborn niece, Natasha. I drove home to Alameda after that visit.

I came home to a note from Steve Green on my dining room table. I telephoned Steve but he wasn't at home. Steve eventually called me back.
I said, "Hey, so why don't you come over?"

The phone rang a few more times. Cedric Green called. Then Shari and Natalie both called me from San Jose. I invited both of them to my Birthday Party. Yikes…

I showered and hoped to hear Steve ring my doorbell but he didn't. And so I fell fast asleep.

The phone rang at 11:20PM. It was Steve calling from Rick's home. I got the impression that they were both drinking up a storm. I fell asleep after the phone call. The dream clouds began to appear as I recalled bits of my conversation with Steve.
Steve asked, "Why don't you come to MacArthur Park in Palo Alto tomorrow night?"
"Why in Palo Alto?"
"I want you to meet my Professor friend, Peter."
"Okay…maybe I'll come."
I may go. Why does he want me to meet this old Nutty Professor so badly? My gym outing has top priority.  Funds are slim…let me tell you.

The only thing that concerns me is to obtain answers.
-Franz Kafka
"Investigations of a Dog"

Fishing for Info

"My dear, dear friend," said I, "you've wounded yourself for my sake. You're in such a good position, you're surrounded by well-meaning friends...Oh, there'll be music, the sound of horses from afar, no need to worry."
"Oh God, that won't help. That won't make me happy."
-Franz Kafka
"Description of a Struggle"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 6, 1986
Tuesday

The AIDS scare is scary. There were seventy-one reported deaths in San Francisco alone for the month of April. It's a terror and I hate to think about it. It is a problem that's there. I feel fine and healthy—but who knows? I could be a victim—but then again---I'm usually quite selective.

I plan to send out a lot of invitations today for my Birthday Party.

I used a lot of intra-company envelopes to invite a number of people to the party. The number of people coming could be approximately ninety-two! I don't what I'm going to do. It should be fun though.

After work today I took a nap. It's becoming habitual. I did go to the gym. Rick was there and he kept prying about Mark and me. He was fishing for info—to see if we were 'you know what'. I didn't disclose a thing.

I received some helpful hints for my Birthday Party from Denise, Amy, Stephanie, and mom. Helen and Sherri will probably help me. Boy…this will be fun!

Steve Green telephoned. He came over to my place at 11PM.
This was beginning to be a regular thing and I wondered if it was right.

We went to the local 24-hour SAFEWAY together to buy some food.

Strangely enough...Steve called his ex and they had a 'heated discussion'. It made Steve feel very down and out.  This, of course, did not lift my spirits either.

A person becomes neurotic because he cannot tolerate the amouont of frustration which society imposes on him
...and it was inferred from this that the reduction of those demands wuld result in a return to possibilities of happiness.
-Sigmund Freud
"Civilization and its Disconents"

Party Plans

I had the clean, new feeling that one has when the calendar is hung on the wall at the beginning of the year.
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 5, 1986
Monday

I have decided to have my Birthday Party. I need to make party plans. I've already given notice to a number of people. It ought to be fun.

I called Paige LaBris today. She's moving to San Francisco in August to attend ART School a la a scholarship. Good for her!

I telephoned Pac Bell Directory but it appears that my bid for the Directory Sales job in Sacramento was outbid by a person with a better NCS date (Net Credited Service days with the company) or a person with higher qualifications. It could have been nabbed by someone who is doing the job now or within the last five years in another city.

Margaret brought some chicken and other goods for lunch. Yummy! We also went to the Wholesale Toy store. I bought Ashley a number of toys there.

After work I went home and took a much needed nap. I soon found myself at the gym and Mark, Phil and Sue were all there. I worked on my abdominal muscles. Mark's old high-school mate, David, was there and his mentality is a bit low. Regardless of that he kept bugging Mark to do free-weights with him. Mark and I decided to do Sharon's 8:30PM aerobics class. It was fun. We both managed fine.

I spoke with Gina (who is 'sort of' Mark Landreth's ex-girlfriend) after class. She seems nice and she's pretty, too.
Mark announced, "You know---I'll be in L.A. for the next couple of days."
I thought to myself, "Boo hoo, I wish I were."
I envy Mark 'in a way'—but then his visit to L.A. is a work-related thing. I like that he felt a need to let me know he wouldn't be around.

I was home by 10PM when I picked up my phone to call Steve Green.
"I'm so glad to hear from you."
"It's great to hear your voice, too," I replied.
We discussed my Birthday Party.
Steve announced, "You know—I have plans to go to Russian River but I will still come to your party. George Jones is going to Russian River, too."
"Well, I'm glad you'll come to my party," I answered without saying much about the George Jones remark.

I wish Paloma Sanchez Guerra and Jim Koran could come to my Birthday Party. I am sure that distance factors would not allow for it.

It is worth remarking that the genitals themselves, the sight of which is always exciting, are nevertheless hardly ever judged to be beautiful; the quality of beauty seems, instead, to attach to certain secondary sexual characters.
-Sigmund Freud
"Civilizations and its Discontents"

You're Always Welcome

A city is like a person. A city changes from year to year, just as people change. A book never changes because it is only words on paper.
-James Mitchell Clarke
"Luis of Guadalajara"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 4, 1986
Sunday

I drove Steve home because he was getting his hair cut by Ron Waggoner.
Steve said, "You know—Ron is starting to get fat!"
I laughed and said, "It happens."

After driving Steve home I felt tired. I stopped at mom's house for a light bite and then continued on to my pad to sleep.

Steve telephoned at 1:30PM. I made arrangements to meet him at the gym at 3PM.

I telephoned Mark Landreth and he gave me directions to his house in San Lorenzo.
"I may stop by today—or maybe I'll come by after the gym," I said.
Mark said, "Sounds good, you're always welcome."
So now I can see where Mark lives. He's too cool.
I slept and slept. I should have gone riding on my bike but I felt lazy today. I did drive to the gym and worked out with Steve a bit. We worked on abdominals a little, too. We dropped over at a video store but we found no movie we wanted to rent. So we went to the Ice Cream Dock in Alameda.

After the ice-cream we went to my house wand watched one of my old stand-by movies called DREAMSCAPE. We……and slept and awoke and washed and ironed clothes and ate again. We ended up eating at the new Catalina Mexican Restaurant on Harbor Bay Island. I shared some personal stories from the early 1980's. Steve ended up staying the night once again. I got to know him better this weekend. I like him. I can tell he feels for me, too. He's okay 'in my book' so far.

Odoardo Farnese described as 'a soft youth, and so given over to pleasures that he neglects almost everything else...and in summer he was more so.
-Peter Robb
"M-The Man Who Became Caravaggio"