Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 123

So-So News

"You create your brain from the input you get."
-Paula Tallal
Rutgers University

Twenty-five years ago today

April 23, 1986
Tuesday

I shared the news with my boss, Stephanie Bautista. She was most agreeable and she called Derek.
She asked Derek, "Does Michael need to be in the 'ready now' binder for management?"
Derek said, "No, the upper levels are just getting on me to fill these positions since I don't have one-hundred hands. I plan to meet Mike for lunch on Friday…and at that point I'll see."
Steph replied, "Okay, well here's the number to reach me if he should get job offered."
She proceeded to give him the number as I sat next to her and she also said to Derek, "Michael is a very hard worker, he's willing to learn and I am not sure whether he is skilled on the tasks and duties required of him."

Well, now I'm happy. It's a beginning. I just have to present a nice informational package about myself. I'm excited. I think I'm going to get this promotion because I believe Derek does believe in me. Then again—I suppose I should not keep my hopes up too high.

Today I enjoyed lunch at the SHERATON Palace Hotel from 11:30AM until 2PM. We ate shark! I had some blueberry cheesecake (naughty-naughty).

I went to the gym and worked out. I saw Mark and he gave me some so-so news.
"Mike, I'm going out with Lana on Saturday night!"
I gave a non-expressive look and asked, "You are?"
"Yeah, maybe you and Amy can meet us wherever we go."
"That's an idea. I'll have to ask her."
"Did you call Shari in San Jose again?"
"I don't really want to make it a habit of calling her."
He laughed.
We worked out on our abdominal muscles.

Phil and Sue were at the gym as well. I had them talking to Mark for a while, too.
I urged Mark, "You should run the Bay to Breakers with me on May 18th!"
And so, we may all meet at Howard and Spear Streets. It will be fun.


Mark and I noticed a girl at the gym wearing a Los Angeles T-shirt which got us to talking about going to L.A. for a weekend. Mark is all for the idea.
Mark said, "You know—I have some relatives near Newport Beach."
"Sounds good," I said, "We could go there."


I went home and telephoned Amy about this coming Saturday night.


I wonder if Mark will go through with our "Cowboy night" Friday idea. We shall see.


I had trouble sleeping. I am thinking about my hopeful promotion.

Things that are repeated many times can be remembered for an entire lifetime.
"What fires together wires together."
-Donald Hebb

George Michael

Einstein said, "Make EVERYTHING as simple as possible, but no simpler."

Twenty-five years ago today

April 22, 1986
Monday

This morning I spent a lot of time finding a new Residential telephone number for Mark Landreth. I had to call him at Texas Instruments on his office number a few times. I finally got him the number 415-276-LAND. He seems pleased.
"Oh Mike, I really appreciate it!"

Amy telephoned me at work to see if we were "on" for tonight.
"Well, I'm going cycling and then to the gym."
Silence.
I asked, "How about if we get together this Thursday?"
She snapped, "Well I have other plans!"
Give me a break. Whatever…

After work I drove to Steph Redding's place in Fairfield at precisely ten minutes after six. We went to Jean Pierre's Agency and I fiddled around with some other models. We were all waiting. It was kind of silly.
One gal smiled at me and said, "You remind me a lot of George Michael!"

Later, Steph Redding said, "They were very impressed with you."
I thought it was outrageous driving all the way out there. I did learn that the benefit is for missing, abused and homeless children. A few celebrities are going to be there along with the co-producer of the motion-picture "Jewel of the Nile". I actually met him tonight. His name is Jack Brodsky. It was fun.

When I got home it was 10:30PM. Denise Vinsonhaler telephoned just as I walked in the house. We spoke briefly about 'nothing much'.

Geneva telephoned me at around 11:30PM. When she talks on the phone it always sounds like she is whispering.
She whispered, "Michael, I just wanted to give you more incentive on getting Derek to hire you."
I thanked her for her insight and said, "I plan to do what I can. It's really up to Derek and I trust he will make the right decision."
I was thinking that 'after all' we are friends first.  So I do hope that will make a difference.

While I was at Jean Pierre's Agency we did a bit of walking on a ramp/runway along with some poses on video camera.  I had to give a short speech on the video camera.
I think I said, "My name is Michael Armijo spelled just like the local high-school in town. I like bicycling and I have a 12-speed RALEIGH and a SCHWINN. I want an Italian BIANCHI bike next. I had some raisin toast and milk for breakfast today. It's good. I wish for more sunshine."

Denise Vinsonhaler is too masculine for me to handle. She's sweet though.


I had fun calling Mark Landreth.
"So yeah—I called Shari in San Jose after all."
He got a kick out of hearing about the cute driver (Natalie Sweet) and her four year old daughter.


On Monday night when I left the gym I noticed Joyce on the LifeCycle. She gave me the eye as I left.  She still titillates me.


It was hard to sleep.  I kept thinking of my speech to Steph, my boss, and how I am going to tell her to call Derek to arrange an interview next week.  She better do it.  Why wouldn't she?  I'm qualified for it. Shit!  Why do I feel like they want to keep me imprisoned at the SDC (Sales Development Center)?
I keep telling myself, "Don't worry, you'll break out soon enough!"


When I have lunch with Derek Hibbard I will have to inform him about my continuous writing in my journal since December 1982. The fact that one can 'stick to something' for so long can always be a good sign to a new employer. I will have to prepare myself with a list of questions, too.

"Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking about them."
-Alfred North Whitehead, 1911

The Brunette Male Model

"It was total futility. I thought only of light things. We woke up and said to ourselves, where shall we go dancing? Where shall we eat dinner tonight? Who shall we flirt with? What shall we do to amuse ourselves? Day and night; it was the most insouciant period of my life.
-Alicia Drake
"The Beautiful Fall: Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 21, 1986
Sunday

I am anxious to talk to Derek Hibbard (Geneva's husband) about the Marketing Management position. I may have a chance at it since he is the interviewer. Please don't let me strike out again. Lord! I need this new job.

I telephoned Geneva this morning; and then I called Derek and left a message on his answering machine.
I asked, "Hey Derek, do you think we can have lunch sometime this week?"
If Derek gives me a chance I will work hard for him and his department. I briefly explained to Stephanie Bautista about the job opportunity.
Derek called me back and we have a lunch date set for this Friday. Derek actually came in to my Business Office today and provided me with a packet of information on their District Organizational Chart along with a couple of reports on Teleservices and the market they provide for.  It's all pretty interesting.  It's different and it's a challenge.  I'd love this career move.  I am qualified with my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with the Marketing Concentration.  My boss, Steph, may be able to help position me in as well.  I need to get Steph to talk to her boss, Larry Elkington.  Yikes!  If Dee Lyons got promoted I don't see why I can't either.

Margaret Lai and I ate out on Market Street. It was a beautiful day today.

I went home and napped and then headed out to the gym. Mark arrived in his sexy Sunkist half-shirt tee.
Mark said, "You know—Karen called me! You know---the twenty-one year old with the fourteen year old mentality."
I laughed.

I typed up my resume last night. I also called Mark for his work telephone number and other specifics in order to set up his Residential telephone service.
At that time Mark said, "I called Cathy and I'm going to call Lana on Wednesday. You should call that girl from San Jose."
And so, I followed Mark's advice and called the girl from San Jose. She couldn't believe it when I called.
She said, "I tried calling you around seven o'clock but you weren't home and I felt funny leaving a message."
"Oh, well I was at the gym."
We had a nice chat as I was typing away, preparing my resume. She was telling me that her girlfriend, Natalie Sweet, has a four year old daughter, who was also in the car when we met them. I was surprised about that as we didn't see a little girl in the backseat. I couldn't wait to give Mark that scoop.

Steph Redding telephoned tonight, pleading for my participation.
"Michael, do you think you could be part of a fashion show in Napa on April 27th?"

It all sounded so silly and I didn't really want to be part of it.
She continued, "You have to attend a model call at seven o'clock tomorrow night in Fairfield. A producer is going to be there named Chuck. You have to come because there's going to be this big event on June 14th. I want you to be the brunette male model."
"I don't know," I shrugged, "I'm skeptical—but I'll try it."

Amy Platt was supposed to drop by my place but I will get out of that and I am going to Fairfield tomorrow tonight.
While at the gym I told Mark, "I'm going to Fairfield to see a group of female models tomorrow night."
He merely smiled. He doesn't say much sometimes.
I didn't mention the fact that I'm being considered model material. It's kind of silly but if this producer works for Falcon Crest and such I may as well check it out. Steph insists I can get a movie role out of it. It may be exciting. Who knows? Besides that—I may meet some interesting new people.

"The further backward you look, the further forward you can see."
-Winston Churchill

A Little White Lie

Sometimes if we don't do anything, we help more than if we do a lot. We call that non-action. It is like the calm person on a small boat in a storm. That person does not have to do much, just to be himself, and the situation can change.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
BEING PEACE

Twenty-five years ago today

April 20, 1986
Saturday

There were tentative plans of going to the wine country today but I awoke at 10:20AM and quickly telephoned Mark Landreth. I had forgotten my car was still at the 24 Hour Nautilus gym parking lot in San Leandro. Mark actually reminded me of this fact!
Mark said, "You know—I can pick you up and take you to your car."
"That would be great. Maybe we can go to Santa Cruz after…since it is a Saturday."
Mark replied, "Okay, let's do it."

I called Amy with a little white lie.
"Hi Amy, I just wanted to tell you that I have to go pick up my car via my bike, so the wine outing isn't possible."
"Uh, but why?"
"Well, I got so sick last night and my car was left there so it's just not going to work this time."
That was that.

I did lay out in my postage-stamp sized backyard on my lounge chair, waiting for Mark Landreth to arrive. He finally came and it seemed to take forever to get to my car. It took even longer to get to Santa Cruz. We left San Lorenzo at noon and arrived and parked in Santa Cruz at approximately three o'clock! The traffic was bad. A couple of gals from San Jose entertained us. There were some other gals from San Mateo on a truck who were waving, flirting and communicating with us on the freeway too.

We found the San Mateo truck girls on the beach and sat near them. We simply lounged. I ate a Brutus Burger and a root-beer. Mark and I ate dinner at the Ideal Fish Company (good grilled fish). We left at 9PM and I didn't bet home to Alameda until 11:30PM.

Mark and I had a good time this weekend. Mark's my chum. He made me laugh at times. He is fun to be with.

"Time is elastic, isn't it? Moments can last forever, or else evaporate instantly. Time is really a function of our own view of the world."
-John Katzenbach
THE ANALYST

Relax

He wanted Mark physically as he had never wanted anything before, but he was convinced that Mark's chance of happiness lay in the other direction.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 19, 1986
Saturday

Amy Platt telephoned at 9:20AM to tell me she and Karen were off to the San Leandro Marina to work on Ed's boat.
Amy added, "We're off to dinner and dancing tonight…so if you're interested."
"Okay, I'll go," I replied even though I wasn't so thrilled with the idea.
I felt like I was being too nice and didn't know how to say 'no'. That's my nature. Then again…maybe the nicer thing to do is to be honest and lay it on the line. The 'animal magnetism' just isn't there for me where she is concerned.

I am writing now at Gomes Tire Service. They're going to give me new tires and an oil filter and lube job. It's 10AM. I plan to bicycle today…

I just received the bad news. My tires are going to cost me about one-hundred dollars for each tire. That's some four-hundred odd dollars. Yuck! Oh well…it is a necessity.

During my bike ride I'm going to search out Helen and Geneva who will supposedly be clam picking at Shoreline Park on Bay Farm Island today at approximately one or two o'clock.

I plan on calling Mark Landreth, too. I hope we can get-together again tonight to do something. I'd rather go out with Mark and scope new scenery than 'tread water' with Karen, Ed and Amy. I know that sounds awful but I want Mark to be my new buddy. Then again I do have such fun with Karen, Ed and Amy. Karen is one key to a good time actually. She's so effervescent, carefree, raring to be adventurous, outspoken and ready to explore. I love all of that. And she is most of all: "unpredictable".

Amy asked, "What did you do last night?"
I replied, "Don't ask—I just went out for pizza and beer."
I didn't choose to elaborate.
Amy said, "Ed and I were dying to go out. I got ready and everything and I ended up not going out at all."
"Oh, well I feel guilty now."
Amy replied, "You should!"
I secretly felt that I did have such a good time with Mark last night though. He's so cool. One sunny Sunday we may well go to the Great America Amusement Park in Santa Clara and get drunk, go on rides, flirt around and just plain relax. Last night I explained to Mark how "RELAX" was my favorite word. Mark is now beginning to learn some of my acronyms that I've made up, too. I like Mark a lot. I want him in a special kind of way that I'm scared to admit.

Ironically, I kind of want Joyce (the gal at my gym), too. I am slowly giving up on her though.

I hope I have a good chance for this Marketing Management spot in Derek's department.

It's 11:30AM and I am still having my tires changed. They had to order them from Hayward, so it'll be a while. What a drag! My afternoon will still be available at least. I was going to procrastinate on my tire repairs. I'm glad I didn't.

I hope Mark will want to go out tonight—or at least come over to my place. When I see him I am "tempted". I have fun scouting around for the "right" chick when I am with him. That's fun. If Mark asked me to be his roommate I'd be tempted. Then again…my current surroundings are one deal that I cannot pass over. It's too good, so I don't know.
Mark had said, "I may have a small party at my house as soon as I get it all settled."
That ought to be fun. I'll admit it: I like it when just 'he and I' go out. It's just a couple of the guys out for a good time.
That was funny last night when I spoke to Mark out-of-the-blue and said, "That girl in the white half-top—with the healthy chest---her nipples are getting hard!"
Mark looked straight at her breasts but I was only joshing him. Ha-ha.

While speaking to Amy I said, "You know—my friend, Mark, could pass as your brother."
Now that I dwell on it he probably could. They're both blonds. They're both 'together' people. It's true. We meet the best people later in life. Who is next?

I got my new tires. Hurrah! They gave me new brakes (in the rear) and an oil filter and lube job as well.


I went to mom's house for a quick late breakfast and then off I went on my bicycle. I happened to run into Rick and we shared a vanilla milkshake.
Rick said, "Chad's been calling me rather frequently."
"I wonder why."
"Well, I'm helping him move tomorrow back to his mom and dad's house."
I laughed to myself. Ha-ha. I could never move back to mom and pops.
I mentioned to Rick, "Mark and I went to FANNY's last night."
I am sure Rick will mention it to Chad.


I telephoned Mark and we confirmed that we are going out to FANNY ANN's again tonight.


Suzy Miller and her brother, Mike, came over to my place. Mike Miller answered my phone and pretended to be 'me' (as I suggested). He proceeded to tell Karen and Amy that I didn't want to go out, etc.
I telephoned Karen and left a detailed message that it wasn't me they spoke to. Amy was burning with anger, thinking that was "IT".
Amy barked, "I don't need this."
I straightened it out; however, I explained that I was going out with Mark tonight and Amy got all uptight again. I know she wants to see me.
So to keep things happy I said, "Why don't you go to FAT FANNY's and meet us?"
Amy settled down and quietly said, "Okay, we may meet you there at ten-thirty or so."
I really didn't want her to go. I wanted Mark and I to have the ability to 'scope the scene', relax and have a good time. I wanted it to be 'just us guys'. So now I guess we'll see how it goes. I want Mark to be my new good buddy. He already is---in a way, I guess. I trust tonight will be daring and adventurous.


I met Mark and we went to FANNY ANN's. Amy showed up and she was actually looking very good. Amy and I danced and I had a few too many Long-Island Iced-Teas. I saw a beautiful tan girl that turned me on. Cindy Vettes was also there. She was scooping on Mike Ryan (an old Alameda High School mate that I recognized). Pebbles, the blond girl, was there also.
Mark and I have plans to go out again as Westerners at the West 40 Club and as nerds, preppies, Miami Vice dudes and punk-rockers on other nights. That ought to be fun.
I joked to Mark, "We'll probably have our best luck on dork night!"


I was kissing and mooching on Amy a lot. Mark met Cathy Knowles. She was kind of petite—but cute. We left the club at closing. Mark drove me home. I vomited in my bathroom toilet. I recalled Mark driving me to my house.
I recalled my intoxicated feeling and actually saying to Mark, "You know—you're my good buddy!"
I know I touched his leg as he was driving. I'm embarrassed about that. He was cool about it and not very reactive.
I wasn't too drunk enough to remember that I said, "Mark, you can spend the night--if you want."
He didn't spend the night though.  He left.  I slept.  It was still a fun night.

Michael found that infinite time and patience were required now in order to give his lover release, and that ordinary techniques were of no avail.  They ALL had to be discarded and new ones invented and adhered to; but once the proper formula was discovered and followed, it was joy such as he had never known...
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Higher-Grade

Q: "What do you seek, Mr. Casanova?"
A: "A moment that lasts a lifetime."
-CASANOVA, 2005 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today

April 18, 1986
Friday

Traffic was horrible this morning. I arrived to San Francisco at 8:10AM.

I joined Margaret Lai and Dale Orlando for lunch at B&M Chinese today.

Sadly, Cedric Green inquired with me about the Copy Service Artist job.

After work I went and took a nap when something new happened to fall on my 'career idea' lap. Derek (Geneva's husband) is looking for a couple of management "Marketing" people. I am very interested. I heard from Helen (Geneva's sister, of course) that Derek is doing the interviews. I have a good chance of getting this Marketing job as one of the requirements is a Business degree and/or a Marketing degree. I'm crossing my fingers. The news of it goes to my boss, Stephanie, first thing Monday morning. I need to determine if I am releasable.

It's funny how things turn out. And it is so often true in that it's not always what you know (all of the time) but WHO you know. Since I have struck out in so many other avenues it could be that this one will work out. I am crossing my fingers on it. Again…time will tell.

It was eighty years ago today that the 1906 earthquake hit San Francisco at 5:12AM or so. It was a kind of creepy feeling. There were no jolts today—at least.

Amy Platt spoke with me by phone today. I initiated the call. We discussed the idea of a Wine Country outing on Sunday. It was Karen's suggestion. It sounds good to me. Karen was going out with Mike (her ex-boyfriend) tonight. Amy keeps me abreast of the latest.

Mike Miller invited me to a party in Hayward. It was a 'college crowd' party. Chris and Greg (Mike's geeky pals) were going too. I declined the invitation.
Mike said, "Oh, Chad told me that he moved out."
"He did?"
"Yeah, and I just told him 'I knew' because you had mentioned it to me."

Denise Vinsonhaler telephoned.
"Are you going to Baxter's tonight?"
"I'm not sure---but I'm talking to my sister in law and her sister right now, so can I call you back?"

After speaking to Helen and Geneva about Derek's job interview I got off the phone and called Mark Landreth. We made arrangements to meet at the 24 Hour Nautilus parking-lot. The plan was to meet there and go in one car to FAT FANNY's in Danville. I arrived first. Mark showed up we went on our merry way in his BMW. We had very little trouble finding the place.
I confessed, "You know, while I was waiting for you in the parking-lot I was writing in my journal."
He didn't inquire as to what I was writing, so I left it at that. We walked in to FAT FANNY's and saw a number of "lookers". It was clear that a number of those "lookers" were looking at us once we walked in to the establishment.
I approached one chick with a Pebbles top and asked, "Do you want to dance?"
She had nice hair.
"I don't really like this song," she replied.
I hate when girls say that. It blew me away.
When Mark asked her girlfriend with the "healthy chest", wearing a white dress to dance she answered, "Why didn't you ask me on the last one?"
Both of us were rejected. Oh well—NBL (No Big Loss).
I whispered to Mark, "NBL."
After I explained the meaning of NBL he said, "I like you way of thinking."
I like Mark.

Mark met some lady who was about twenty-nine or thirty who does facials for a living.
I overheard her tell Mark, "I just moved here from Hawaii a month ago."
She looked like she overdid it by spending too many hours getting ready for tonight.

I met Cindy Vettes who happens to have a six year old kid which turned me off right away. Both Cindy and I 'sort of' asked one another to dance at the same time based on mutual eye contact.

Mark ended up getting that lady's business card. Cindy memorized my telephone number.
Cindy said, "I'm the only Vettes n the book."
I thought to myself without saying it, "Oh well, there are better fish in the sea."


As we drove from the parking lot at FAT FANNY's Mark happened to drive by the gal with the Pebbles top that I had asked to dance.
I rolled my window down and said, "Thanks for dancing with me."
She replied, "No problem."
And we didn't even dance!


Mark drove me to my car at the 24 Hour Nautilus parking lot in San Leandro.
Once again, Mark asked, "Do you want me to drive you home?"
I replied, "No, I'm okay."
"Well, give me a call tomorrow."
"Okay, I will."
"I might call that girl."
I didn't think it was a wise choice for him to call that girl. I could see him with a higher-grade than that.


I was in bed by 2:20AM. I had two vodka gimlets (or was it three?) and two Long Island iced-teas. Yawn.

"Beauty is a form of genius--is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Attracted To Him

"Have you met your fate yet?"
It seemed an old-fashioned, even a Victorian expression.
-Janet Frame, An Autobiography

Twenty-five years ago today

April 17, 1986
Thursday

It was B and M Chinese Restaurant food with Margaret Lai for lunch today.

What a beautiful day. The clarity of the skyscrapers coming over the Bay Bridge this morning made me admire the City all the more. Although I now have this notion of transferring to San Jose because Mark Landreth is working in Santa Clara.  Then again---I am better off in San Francisco (I think).  The sales incentive prizes make it a little more worthwhile.

I didn't have a very productive sales day. My calls just weren't prospective enough. Oh well…

I went bicycling from 5:30 to 6:30 and then I went to the gym. I arrived by 7:30PM. The equipment was rearranged again. Mark showed up and we made a deal (and shook on it) to meet at Red Robin at 9:30PM tonight. It was time to celebrate because Mark closed escrow on his $108,000 home in San Lorenzo.

Now I'll have to find out when he can move-in so that I can set up the installation for his Residential telephone service. Mark's a real nice chap. He's especially nice to me, so I hope we're friends for a long time. I do want to tell him about my being attracted to him. My bisexuality (?)…all in due time.

Amy telephoned me at around 6:45PM. We talked.
Amy said, "I just got home from work."
I thought that was funny because she lives in a guest house next to where she works as nurse and nanny. She really has a long commute.
Amy said, "I've lost weight after being sick those last few days. I even bought a new skirt."
"Oh that's cool," I interrupted, "I can't wait to see it."
"It must look good since the construction workers whistled," Amy added.
I felt like her comments about the loss of weight and the new sensational look in the new skirt were a ploy to get me riled up into liking her more (or at least wanting to see her). I still don't feel that special magnetism like I did tonight with Joyce. I saw Joyce at my gym tonight as a matter of fact.

It's 9:15PM now and I'm heading over to Red Robin to meet with my new buddy, Mark. I am writing in my journal while sitting here in the 24-Hour Fitness parking lot.


It was fun at Red Robin. We both ordered two MICHELOB beers. We were both eyeing this gal with a great figure; however, there was a sleaziness about her because of her blouse and the zipper that was lowered enough to see way too much of her cleavage. I was able to get Mark to agree with my interpretation.


Mark and I laughed and drank our beers as we talked about his moving-in to his house.
"I plan to move in next week," Mark said.
"You know—I bought a house in Sacramento."
I went on to explain how I bought it while in college with a little help from my Dad and how I sold it after I finished school. Mark showed a bit of a surprise look on his face when I told him about my house at 10209 Countryside Way in Sacramento, CA.


Mark is my new buddy, so I want to tell him some of my innermost feelings.  I wouldn't dare—just yet.  We talked more about going to Old Sacramento tomorrow night—but no.  We decided on going to FAT FANNY's in Danville instead.  It ought to be fun to scope the scene with him.

I swoon over the beauties of the world but am reluctant, simply as a matter of reflex, to kiss a friend on the mouth.
-Michael Cunningham
"The Hours", a novel

Giving me 'The Eye'

"Action is character our English teacher says.
I think it means if we never did anything we wouldn't be anybody."
-AN EDUCATION,
2009 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today

April 16, 1986
Wednesday

I am wearing my new one-hundred percent cashmere sweater and black leather jacket today.

Tonight is another 'gym night'. I love the gym. I'm also beginning to realize that my job isn't at all so bad. They treat me well and I treat them well with the revenue I bring in. I wonder if I should consider a move to Silicon Valley. No, San Francisco is much closer. It's just that the Bay Bridge is a "bitch" in the morning (sometimes).

I hope Mark Landreth appears at the gym tonight. I am sure I will see Sue and Phil, too. They're cool. Rachelle Davies is now a big question mark.

That X-rated flick I rented (Leo and Lance) got me all riled up. It was disgusting in its own right and regretfully exciting at the same time (during some scenes). The Lance guy looks a little like Mark (maybe that's why I selected it).

I wonder…I keep thinking of Mr. Sunkist (M. Landreth). Do we have a chance as ___ (?). I don't think so. I do feel QBL (Questionable) vibes.

Mary McTiernan and I went to the Pizza Boat for lunch. We saw an interesting trio having lunch together at Max's Diner: Dale Orlando, Judy Ginella and Cedric Green. Mary is too sweet.
Mary asked, "So, have you found a new roommate yet?"
"No, I don't really think I want one."

We dropped a bomb on Libya on Monday. That's the National U.S. 'news front' news.

We all received the Tupperware we ordered in the office today.

Steph Bautista, my supervisor, is in Napa relishing her visit to The Silverado Club. It is thanks to our sales success in Section G that she is there. It's too bad she was the honoree and none of the section folk were able to attend.

I arrived home and felt like I had time on my hands, so I read through the US Magazine and watched a bit of television. I soon left for the gym. I would have gone biking but it rained today and it was wet on the streets (my bike is more susceptible to a flat tire on wet streets).

While at the gym I saw Michelle Olsen and 'Phil and Sue'. I think Sue has been giving me 'the eye' lately. I wonder if Phil and Sue are 'a couple'. If so, I wonder if I have a chance with Sue.

Mark Landreth and I worked out a little together. We made a deal. Tomorrow night we are going to share a beer or two. I was thinking we could go to Red Robin or LaVal's. We shall see. I wonder if I should tell Mark about my attraction towards him (and see how he responds). It's a scary thing to do. Then again—I'll never know unless I ask. And what if I don't ask and forever wonder…

It's hard to tell. If Mark Landreth was a 'long hair' in the past I could almost see it. I think we will be good friends (and possibly more). Would he agree?

Sue, Phil's gym pal friend, is pretty. I like her.

As for Amy…I am tentatively making her history. I did telephone her yesterday though. I had to let her know that her Tupperware had arrived. Yes, she placed an order. The magnetism between Amy and I is just 'not there'.

I haven't spoken to Mike Miller since the day he went to brunch with me and the gang. That was the day I told him that Chad was bisexual. I just wanted to resolve his curiosity since Chad had patted him on the head one day at Chabot College. Mike had a feeling. I wonder what Mike thinks of me. I feel I should have a talk with him to let a little air out of the bag.

Dale Orlando has officially divorced his wife, Dee. He is living in Lafayette right now with Paul (the friend who is a hairdresser).
Dale had confided with me, "Michael, I will be moving to Alameda in May. So if you want to commute in to the City let me know."
It may be a good idea. The way buildings are going up around the City the parking lots are disappearing and the parking lot prices are reaching all time highs. It is time to think of alternatives. I love to drive in to The City though. The San Francisco skyline view alone on a clear day via the Bay Bridge can be breathtaking at the beginning of one's day.

I watched some of DYNASTY tonight, and then I went to bed.

While at the gym I showered with what I thought were three QBL's (Questionables). Regardless, tomorrow night is beer night with Mark. I know it will be fun.


"For every problem there is a solution."
-as recently heard in the 2010
motion-picture, RED

Some New Fella

"You're only gay around the edges."
-Margaret Whiting to Jack Wrangler

Twenty-five years ago today

April 15, 1986
Tuesday

Well, thanks to mom I had a large dish of potato salad to bring to the office for the "pot luck" festivities today. It was good but I felt FAT afterwards. I gave mom a phone call to tell her how everyone loved her potato salad.
Mom replied proudly, "And you have some more SPIEGEL packages here."
After work I drove straight to mom's house to pick-up the clothes I'd ordered from SPIEGEL catalog. I ended up returning a few items and kept the rest. I accidentally broke a glass covering in mom's guest bedroom with the brass bed. The room was too crowded with stuff. It's too bad dad heard the loud crash. I could've blamed it on Ashley.

I went to the gym and Mark Landreth appeared as scheduled. He's 'sort of' my new buddy. He wore his half-SUNKIST t-shirt today. It quenches my thirst. He really is a buddy. I hope he'll go with me for a drink on Thursday or Friday again. We could maybe go to the Red Robin or LaVal's Pizza for a beer.

It was a fair workout. Rick was there, too. I couldn't believe Rick's comment.
Rick said, "There's some new fella in the aerobics class that I'm all ogle-eyed over!"
I didn't know how to respond. When I realized who he was talking about I had an answer.
I replied, "Oh, I saw him yesterday and I had my tentative thrill then."


When I left the gym I think Mark noticed my departure. I didn't bother to say good-bye because I didn't wish to make a scene in the free-weights area.


I drove home and watched some movie called CLASS OF 44. I decided to watch KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN but I couldn't really get into it.  My eyes were feeling heavy and I was falling asleep.  I went to bed.
Yawn.


"No, not here...someone will see!"
-1938-A Brief Encounter
December 2, 2009, A Noel Coward Play

What Happens Next

"Knowledge is the only weapon we have left."
-REIGN OF FIRE, 2002 Film

Twenty-five years ago today

April 14, 1986
Monday

Randy Evans crossed my mind this morning. I used to work with him. He died. No job, no 'anything' is more important than one's life! I can't wait to go to the gym tonight (mainly to see and workout with Mark).

My interview is today. I am excited.

I am down now. The interview was a flop. I did not succeed. First, I couldn't get into DIRECTORY SALES and then I couldn't win the GQ contest and now I couldn't nab the Copy Service Artist job. It doesn't mean I still cannot get into DIRECTORY SALES or in GQ or become a Copy Service Artist, of course. It will just take more time and effort. My next step is to see about working at Pac Tel Info Systems. Since Emmalene is making the bucks there perhaps I can, too. They have offices in San Leandro, too—so maybe…just maybe.

The interview was conducted by two old hags that have been brought up with the old Pacific Telephone corporate policies and rulings. That ultimately explains it. I shared the bad news with Stephanie Bautista, Margaret Lai, Amy Platt and Steph Redding. We'll see what happens next.

I ate lunch alone at Elsie's. I needed my alone time.

At least this week is payday.
I drove home, rummaged through my mail. I made a fast-forward move to the gym and bumped in to Phil and Sue. Mark Landreth showed up.
"You know, I'm sorry for pulling a no show on Saturday."
"Oh, don't worry about it," I said to Mark reassuringly.
He's still cool in my book. We worked on our guts (on the abdominal machine doing rep after rep after rep).


I had rented the movies KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN and LEO and LANCE. I was watching the movies as I munched on almonds and sipped Diet 7-UP. Then I decided to 'hit the hay'.


Oh yes, Denise Vinsonhaler telephoned me at 1:45AM. Is she crazy? She moved to Benicia and gave me her new telephone number (707-745-8358).
I was half asleep.  I couldn't believe she was calling.
I vaguely recall her saying, "I'll visit you tomorrow."

Go on a road trip adventure. You never know...you may enjoy it.
--as heard in the 2008 film, NIM'S ISLAND