Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 122

An 'Okay' Event

The vocabulary of the average man is made up of 3,000 words; a real writer never uses any of these, because there are another 189,000 in the dictionary, and he is not the average man.
-Paulo Coelho
"Like The Flowing River"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 3, 1986
Saturday

I dropped by mom and dad's house for a quick minute breakfast. Then I departed for El Sobrante for Margaret Lai's Housewarming Party. It was an 'okay' event. The food was rather yummy. I talked to Neal and Winnie quite a bit (fellow PacBell employees). I left early to get a haircut. That was my excuse.

I did drive up to Concord to meet Chris Cordellos. We talked a good while but there was nothing too substantial to mention. Chris did urge me to go ahead and have a Birthday party. And so I have decided to have a Birthday Party on May 25th. What the heck. I've mentioned the party idea to Chris Cordellos, Amy Platt, Mom and Dad, Mark Landreth, Steve Green, Greg Manachevitz and Mike Miller already, so it's going to happen.

I was soon home and I decided to telephone Steve Green. We spoke of getting together tonight.

Mom helped me a lot with cleaning my pad today. She's a godsend and has the magic touch.

Steve telephoned me again and gave me directions to Terrance and Roland's house in San Francisco. I ended up arriving there before he did. When Steve arrived he walked in with another friend named Bill who was rather thin and a redhead. Rick and Rick arrived and we all drank wine coolers. After the buzzing kicked in from the wine coolers we all went to THE STUD at a fairly late hour. We had an 'okay' time. I felt the place was just too damn crowded.

Steve and I left. Steve accompanied me home. We……and slept.

"I am less sour now than I used to be."
-Paul Cushing Child, husband of Julia Child
"My Life In France"

A Few Other Options

All of them know I am the wittiest and the most stylish.
-Philippa Gregory
"The Other Boleyn Girl"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 2, 1986
Friday

Yesterday was payday. I took care of a number of things. My credit cards are getting there (much more presentable). I'll be eliminating and closing out two of my credit cards very soon.

Steve Green left me a couple of nice notes that I read when I arrived home. It made e smile. My shaving cream disappeared though. I'm not sure why he'd have taken it. Oh well…

Sue Miller telephoned me because she's in a predicament.
"Mike, I have to be out of my apartment by May 15th!"
I wasn't quite sure what she expected to hear from me.
I replied, "Well, a pal of mine—named Steve may be moving-in here…so…"

I had my own personal intentions of going out with Mark Landreth tonight (Cowboy night) but once I was home a few other options came up:
Steve Green called and asked, "Do you want to go to dinner with me and my fifty-two year old Professor friend, Peter, in Palo Alto at MacArthur Park?

Denise Vinsonhaler called and asked, "Why don't you meet me at Baxter's in Concord tonight?"

Karen Craven called and asked in her Kentucky-style accent, "Why don't you go out to Fat Fanny's and see Amy, Ed and all?"
I knew Mike Miller and Greg Manachevitz had plans to go to Fat Fanny's also.

Cedric Green called as he was still fishing and hoping I'd go out with him tonight.

Mark Landreth called to say, "Hey, I'm going out with Lana tonight—but why don't you meet us at Bobby McGee's tonight?"

And so, I decided to go and meet Denise Vinsonhaler at Baxter's in Concord. I arrived at 9:20PM and waited until around 10:45PM. When I clearly saw that Denise pulled a 'no show' I decided to drive to Fat Fanny's. It was fun. I saw Ed, Karen and Amy first. We had a nice talk. Amy gave me a phony line of bull by trying to make me mad and 'pick a fight'. It backfired. I was glad that I purposely did not call her all week.

I later noticed Mike Miller and Greg Manachevitz at Fat Fanny's as well. It was Mike's birthday at midnight.

Karen, Amy, Ed and I went out after midnight breakfast at DENNY's.
Ed asked, "Michael, why don't you come on a boat excursion tomorrow?"
I thought that was a nice invitation.  I doubt I'll take him up on it.

When I returned home to Alameda I chose to give Steve Green a telephone call.
"Hi Michael, I just got home."
I explained where I was tonight.
I said, "I actually had three Michelob beers at Baxter's."
We didn't talk long and I felt bad that I didn't go out to dinner with him and his friend.


Denise Vinsonhaler called me to apologize.
"Michael, I just wanted to tell you that I got to Baxter's late--like 11:15."
She pissed me off because we were talking and she didn't even recall my last name.
I hung up.
Then Denise had her friend, Kim, call me to defend her.
Whatever…
Yawn.

A memoir supposes. I think, distance, time: the whole point of a journal is the day-to-day struggle.
-May Sarton, October 25, 1993
AT EIGHTY-TWO, A Journal

Happy-Go-Lucky

...once you come to believe you have to be a certain way; you have entirely missed the point.
-Tony Parsons
"AS IT IS"

Twenty-five years ago today

May 1, 1986
Thursday

Steve works for a company called TRANSBOX. He is happy being there right now. I think I will be spending more time with Steve. He's cool. I like him. He's a go-getter, happy-go-lucky type. I like that. He gives me drive.

It was just another work day that went okay. There's no word from Pacific Bell Directory or from Derek on that Marketing Management position.

Margaret Lai and I had lunch at WENDY's.

I didn't call Mark Landreth today—mainly because I didn't show up at the gym. I didn't want to seem too pushy with excessive phone calling.

It hit me at 2PM this afternoon as to how tired I was feeling. After all—I didn't get to sleep until late last night. I let Steve lock up my place because I had to drive in early to San Francisco.

Once I arrived home I took a nap until 7PM. I went to the gym and both Mark and Steve were both there. Mark and I took turns, coaching one another on the abdominal machine.

Steve and I exchanged a few words.
Steve asked me point blank, "Are you going to dinner tomorrow night with me and the professor at MacArthur Park in Palo Alto?"
"I'm not sure because Mark and I had talked about going out."
"Ok, well I'll talk to you about it tomorrow afternoon."
Steve left the gym as he was on his way to another friends' home to see the latest episode of THE COLBY's.

I think Mark knows I like him a bit more than as just a friend. I tried calling him when I was home but his line was busy. When we go to the Country bar dressed as cowboys I plan to make like I am drunk and then reveal my attraction just to get a reaction. Hopefully, it won't interfere with the friendly bond we have now attained.


I went to bed. I like the way Steve Green made my bed. He tucked the sheets and everything.


I mentioned to Mark about the Housewarming Party I have to attend on Saturday afternoon. I didn't ask if he wanted to go though. Maybe I will do that. Then we can go to Sonoma or something afterward.

"The wind is changed since you've been here."
-Joanne Harris
"CHOCOLAT"

Champagne and Subtle Hints

Every face is a whole world.
"You, at least have COLOR there, and FEELING and DRAWING---the three essentials in art."
-Honroe de Balzac
"The Unknown Masterpiece"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 30, 1986
Wednesday

Margaret Lai pulled a 'no show' at the office again. I went to the Pacific Bell Placement DOES Center to drop a copy of my Bachelor of Science degree to support my documents for the Directory Sales Representative position in Sacramento.

I joined Cedric Green once again for lunch. This time we ate at Max's Diner. It was good. The vanilla milkshake was 'provassimo'.
Cedric was up to his old tricks.
Cedric asked, "Hey Mike, why don't we go out and do something on Friday night?"
"That sounds good but I already have tentative plans."
He shrugged.
It's true though. I sort of do have plans. I would rather go out with Mark a la our planned Country Cowboy night.

I rode my bike after work. As I was leaving the house in my bike gear my phone rang. It was Steve Green. He likes me. I can tell. He's a nice sort.
I cut Steve off by saying, "Well I'm about to go for a bike ride—I hope I see you at the gym."
It was a windy ride along the beach.

When I arrived at the gym Steve Green was there. Mark pulled a 'no show'. I guess Mark is moving-in to his house, unpacking boxes, etc.

Steve and I worked out together. He spotted me a little on the free-weights. He's a nice chap. As we left the gym together Steve made a call to a friend of his named Rick Green. Rick is the biochemist who lives in Hayward. We 'sort of' invited ourselves over for a Wednesday night screening of DYNASTY.

We watched DYNASTY and both Steve and Rick persuaded me to have some champagne. I did but it was very unlike me to do so. Steve was giving me subtle hints and I detected them all.

 
Steve ended up spending the night at my house (yes). Now Steve wants me to join him this Friday night at MacArthur Park in Palo Alto for his regular dining with his professor friend, the fifty-two year old from USC (University of Southern California).


As Steve and I talked further I realized that it is an even small world than I thought. Steve knows George Jones.
Steve said, "I'm a friend of one of George's friends in Belmont."
"Well…let's stop over and pay them a surprise visit—just for fun."
Steve shrugged his shoulders and didn't really reply but he did nod 'for' the idea.


Steve and I didn't get a whole lot of sleep. It was enjoyable. I'm glad he came over. A new start for my May Day 1986…that's for sure! I mentioned a few stories to Steve about my mishaps of the early 1980s, Paloma, Rachelle, George, a bit about Frank, Tammy and a little about Mark Landreth. The way Steve Green smiles tells me he likes me but one never knows where these sorts of things will eventually lead.
I also explained to Steve about my bid for these jobs in Sacramento.
"I'm crossing my fingers on this job transfer," I said.
And as far as Derek goes—there's no word on that job yet.

"My uncle believes trust is something you earn."
-as heard while watching
"FAIR GAME", a 2010 motion-picture

The Emergence of Steve Green

"Procedures exist to prevent contact. Not help it. People with small minds and vacant imaginations fill them with schedules and procedures. People of character know when to ignore protocol."
-John Katzenback
THE ANALYST

Twenty-five years ago today

April 29, 1986
Tuesday

Margaret Lai chose to take the day off due to her son, Lance, being ill.

During my first break I took a walk to Pacific Bell Directory which is located at a nearby building. I turned in my request for the Directory Sales Representative job in Sacramento. I telephoned the department later for more insight.
Catherine, the Pac Bell Directory Human Resources gal, said, "There are about a half dozen GA405 forms that were submitted. And those that were transmitted will be competitive with new hires who have applied off of the street."
I still think I may have a good chance.

If the Derek/San Ramon Marketing Management job doesn't fall through I still have this Directory Sales option. I just hate the idea of moving to Sacramento. It could only be for six months though. I could request a hardship transfer for some reason or another and transfer to Oakland or San Francisco. If the Derek connection comes through I will simply stay here. There is still no word from Derek yet.

Cedric Green and I ate lunch together at The Haven. It was enjoyable. He's okay. I agreed to Friday Happy Hour plans to join Cedric at El Torito. Mary and Brenda have cancelled. In a way—that's a good thing. I may end up going out with Mark Landreth later. I don't know.

I went to visit Sherri and my niece, Ashley. We went out for Chinese Food and then I left and went to the gym. I saw Bob Maloney at the gym. Mark didn't show up. He's probably moving-in to his house. I worked-out anyway. I noticed this one fellow giving me the eye but I didn't make anything of it. He was riding the Lifecycle next to me, reading a book of science-fiction called EMERGENCE by David R. Palmer. (The sci-fi book begins with Candida Maria Smith-Foster, an eleven-year-old girl, who is unaware that she's a Homo post hominem, mankind's next evolutionary step. Hominems have higher IQs; they're stronger, faster, more resistant to illness and trauma, and have quicker reflexes. Their eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell are superior as well.)


I began talking to this guy and we gave 'small talk' introductions as far as our names, workplaces and where we lived. He is planning on moving out soon. As we continued our workouts and as we both walked out of the gym I suggested 'that if he had the time' to follow me to my place to check out my pad. I explained that I was looking for a roommate. He works for a firm called TRANSBOX at the Oakland Airport vicinity. It's a sort of package and courier service. He followed me home and we seemed rather nosey as he checked out my pad. We shared some good conversation. As it turns out I learned that he is attending Cal State University, Hayward and he visits the gym about once a week.
He said, "I may go to the gym tomorrow night. It sounds like you have a lot of friends."
"Not really," I answered.
"Well, I have a lot of acquaintances but only about three friends that I can really count on. One of them is fifty-two years old. He's a friend of my folks as well."
"He probably provides some wise advice."
"Yeah, I live in Willits right now. Do you know where that is?"
A flash memory of Ron Waggoner came to mind. I had met him about three years ago and he was from WILLITS, CA.
"Yes, I actually knew someone from Willits!"
"Oh yeah--What's his name?"
"Ron Waggoner."
He said, "I don't believe it…Ron used to be my roommate!"
Whatever---time will tell. This guy is named Steve Green. Steve seems to be a level-headed, nice guy. It amazed me to learn that he lived in West Africa at one time. His folks were in the PEACE CORPS. He has two older sisters, too. Steve is twenty-four years old.


I am afraid, yet excited about getting this Directory Sales job in Sacramento.


Russia had a nuclear bombing accident in their labs a few days ago. It's the current talk in the US News and World Reports.


Steve Green, "I have a friend who is a biochemist. And I have some friends in San Jose, Aptos and Belmont. I guess I have more than a number of acquaintances—but then I guess you do, too."
I don't think I'll be writing Steve Green off for a good while. He's too nice and he's gullible (or so he says—like me). I tend to believe everyone. I am trusting. I liked that we shared that similarity.


I tried calling Mark Landreth at his new telephone number but there was still no answer. He was probably still visiting his folks.


Sherri, my sister in law, said, "I'm going to give Ashley a birthday party next Saturday, so don't plan anything."
"I won't."
I will have to find her something special.

Everyone has to move when it's time. And right now it's time for you.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Played With Fire"

Mr. Sunkist

We all know that when you're in the throes of a story, nothing else matters.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 28, 1986
Monday

It was a manic Monday. I called Mark while I was at work this morning.
"Amy is getting on my case about things like commitment and where we stand. What a pain!"
Mark moaned, "I can relate."
"It was great in Santa Cruz, huh?"
"Yeah, it's great there."
"Next time we have to be more selective."
Mark laughed.
I confirmed his new telephone number once again (276-LAND). It was being installed today.

I did not hear from Derek at all today. I don't really know where I stand in terms of his Marketing Management position. If things don't look up soon I will have to keep my eye open for other options. For example, there are the two Directory Sales Rep openings in Sacramento. I intend on submitting for them tomorrow. April 29th is the Closing Date for those openings. Something ought to transpire for me sooner versus later.

People at work noticed my Santa Cruz tan today. I look pretty good.

I went to the gym after doing some aerobics at home. Mark (Mr. Sunkist) was there. We worked on our stomachs with some other fellow of whom Mark went to high-school. Mark also introduced me to some girl named Lisa. She has gained weight and had a little too much make-up. She didn't look too hot.
Mark announced proudly, "You know—I'll be getting a new bike soon."
"That's great!"
I decided to leave very soon after that topic came about. Upon my arrival home I called 276-LAND (Mr. Sunkist's new telephone number) but there was no answer. Oh well…


Mark had mentioned our going out for a weekend in Los Angeles and perhaps another outing to the beach this weekend. I forgot that I have to go to Margaret Lai's Housewarming Party on Saturday from Noon until three o'clock.


"I'm very, very optimistic about what people can do who have the courage to try and the willingness to fail. Because without failure there is no success."
-David Geffen
"THE OPERATOR"

Running of the Mouth

"I've been lonely at times but there have been compensations."
-Gene Tierney as Lucy
in the film "The Ghost and Mrs Muir", 1947

Twenty-five years ago today

April 27, 1986
Sunday

I slept in until almost 11AM (or maybe it was really 10AM since I had to set my clock one hour ahead).

I was sun burnt, so I went cycling for only a couple of hours (if that) throughout this relaxing Sunday day.

I dropped by at mom's house for breakfast and also during the mid-afternoon. I lounged at mom's house and watched KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN there. It was a good movie!

I made a point of not calling Amy even though I did utter these words to her last night, "I will talk to you tomorrow."
She really made me run off after her 'running of the mouth' last night.

I stayed home and turned in early for the night, thinking of Mark (and wondering if he cut his front lawn today). I wondered how he was doing. We have plans to go to Hawaii in August. That should be fun. He's a nice guy—like me. We deserve the best and the hottest gals.

"Let me know if that's juicy enough for you."
-as heard while watching
BLACK SWAN, 2010 motion-picture

A Pretty Good Time

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
-Helen Keller

Twenty-five years ago today

April 26, 1986
Saturday

I woke up early (6:30AM). I was washing my car by 7AM. I drove to the gas station and the bank. I returned home and decided to give Mark Landreth a call. I woke him up.
Mark answered the phone groggily.
"Did I wake you up?"
"Yeah—why don't you come by at 9AM?"
"Okay, I'll be there," I said as I hung up the phone excitedly.

I drove to mom and dad's house for a couple of bananas and a glass of milk. Before I knew it I was at Mark's house in San Lorenzo. We arrived in Santa Cruz rather quickly because of the early start. Mark and I 'laid out' in our lounge chairs on the beach.
Shari shouted from the distance, "Michael!"
And so, Mark and I got up and went over to join Shari and Natalie which was the wrong thing to do. It tied us down for the rest of the day. Shari and I went on a roller coaster ride at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk together (Ugh). Mark went with Natalie and her little kid for a walking tour of the amusement park. It was as if they were their own little family.
I laughed 'to myself' at the sight of them walking together.
I learned later that Mark laughed 'to himself' when he saw Shari (Ms. Porker) walking along with me.
Oh well, it's only one of many forthcoming Saturdays.

Mark and I drove home by 4PM and I was in Alameda at my place by 5:30PM.
I telephoned Mark again and we confirmed arrangements about meeting at Baxter's in Concord.
While I was waiting at Baxter's with Amy I was surprised to see Mark walk in with Cindy Ostergren (of Alameda) instead of Lana. The four of us all sat at a table upstairs. We tried to talk together over the loud Rock n' Roll band. It was so loud and very difficult to communicate. We mutually decided to leave and go to Fat Fanny's in Danville instead.

Mark and I were both 'sort of' ditching Amy and Cindy as we scoped the scene inside Fat Fanny's. It made it more fun for the two of us to be mischievous. Mark agreed. Eventually we all sat together at a table and drank and made small talk. We were having a pretty good time. Cindy was cute and I liked the question she asked.
Cindy said, "Just you and Mark went to Santa Cruz today?"
"Yes, we were lying on the beach," I said with a smile.
"I wish I'd have seen that!"
I simply laughed it off.
Amy felt I was ignoring her.
Amy whispered, "You aren't the same fellow you were last Saturday."
Perhaps I wasn't in the same mood or frame of mind but I was the same fellow!
While I was driving her home she suddenly said, "What's with us?"
Amy continued on with a sort of lecture before I dropped her off. It made me leery and scared of our relationship.
Yikes!
I was happy to drop her off.


"...it does not mean I am not smiling inside my brain."
-as heard while watching
MARY AND MAX, 2009 Australian motion-picture

Call Those Girls

Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.
-Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

Twenty-five years ago today

April 25, 1986
Friday

There are only twenty more business days until my vacation! Hurrah!

I had my lunch meeting with Derek Hibbard today. I am not too sure what to make of it. I tried to sell myself—but who knows? He will be interviewing other folks next week and I am not sure what my competitors are like. I will just let bygones be bygones (if it doesn't happen for me). I will also have him on my gray list (at least he won't be on my black list—Ha-ha).

After work I went for a bike ride. I needed to feel the wind.

I telephoned Amy after my ride but she wasn't home. She went out on the town with Karen.

Mike Miller telephoned and he came over. We watched a movie called BLIND DATE. Unfortunately, Mike brought Greg Manchevitz along without asking me (Shucks!). The movie was a diversion as it starred Bruce Willis who plays a workaholic. He is set up with actress Kim Basinger and it's a fun, cute, and unpredictable romantic comedy.

Mark did call me to say he had to go to his niece's birthday party. Oh well… I would have wanted to go out with him but there's always the next time.
Mark also said, "Call those girls in San Jose and tell them to go to the beach tomorrow!"
"Okay, will do," I replied.
Sigh.

Michael knew his heart yearned elsewhere. Girls, girls...that's all he thinks about.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Five Simple Rules to be HAPPY

Information lasts only so long as someone cares about it.
-Ray Kurzweil
"The Singularity Is Near"

Today I am sharing a story shared with me by a dear friend named Mimi:

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.
"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied, "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time."

"Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do."

"Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away...Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!"

"Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still depositing."

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Twenty-five years ago today

April 24, 1986
Thursday

I learned today that there are two Directory Sales Representative positions open and available in Sacramento. If it doesn't work out with Derek I will remember about these other opportunities.

I went with Stephanie Bautista to pick up the BBQ ribs at 11:15AM. She asked me to accompany her. It was nice to take a break out of my cubicle/desk. She's sweet.

After work I took a long nap. The San Jose gals called me—specifically the one named Shari. We talked a bit and then I went to the gym. Mark was at the gym, of course. We talked a bit and made not definitive plans for Friday or Saturday night. Oh well… I've decided to 'rest up' this weekend anyway.

After my gym workout I went to see my Dad where we both enjoyed mom's homemade tuna sandwiches together. We also sipped on apple juice with the sandwiches. For dessert Dad and I had ice-cream and vanilla wafers (with a tall glass of milk). A lot of good my stomach exercises have done after that meal.


I went home to my place and organized my stuff or my lunch meeting with Derek. I ironed clothes and hit the hay. Yawn.

"The most important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."
-Charles Dubois