Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 124

A Chance

"It's not the hours you put in;  It's what you put in the hours that counts!"
-Philosophical Statements
Michael J Armijo

Twenty-five years ago today

April 13, 1986
Sunday

Mark Landreth didn't show up at Bobby McGee's last night but it's just as well. He spent all Saturday windsurfing. He did say he was sore.

I drove Amy home and I won a $2.00 lottery ticket. I also found a $5 dollar bill in my shorts pocket. Not bad for $7.00 dollars I didn't expect to have.

I went to mom's house for breakfast and did a series of jump roping exercises in the backyard. I went back to my pad to get ready for Joey Armijo's birthday party (it beats the Tupperware Party at Margaret Lai's house). Ashley came along with mom and me. I found Joey's place in Fremont easily. We had a good time. My first cousins Donna and Mona were there. I don't see them often enough.

It was 4:30PM or so by the time we left. I was 'beat' tired. I went home and took a nap until I woke up naturally. I polished-up my artsy portfolio a bit more. I color penciled a neat picture of a boy eyeing the seashore. I really love it.

I returned to mom's house and ate a quarter pound burger while watching Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Steph Redding telephoned me with a very excited tone.
"Michael, the fashion show today was such a success!"
"That's great. I'm so glad for you."
"I wish you were there."
"I know---well, I may go to the next one."

I went to bed relatively early (9PM). Monday is my big interview. I have a chance.


A leader must be a dreamer, a thinker, a planner, yet a person who is compassionate and understanding.
-Philosophical Statements
Michael J Armijo

57 T-Bird

"It's just a bunch of machines now telling us what to do."
-Frank Langella as Louis Zabel
"Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps", 2010 Film

Twenty-five years ago today

April 12, 1986
Saturday

I casually mentioned to Mark Landreth about my friends 'Karen and Amy'. I promised I'd call Mark at his telephone number (276-4641) if we were to go out on this very Saturday night.

I telephoned Amy in the morning and she invited me for a walk to the Lafayette Reservoir.
"Sure, I'd love to do that," I answered.

Before I drove to Lafayette I stopped by my mom's house. I accompanied mom to Mervyn's and La Petite Boulangerie. I ended up buying Karen a little Birthday gift. I got one for little Joey Armijo, too.

It wasn't long until I was walking side by side with Amy along the Lafayette Reservoir. It was beautiful there. We went to Salima's baby shower for a little while. Amy was nice enough to accompany me. We stopped over at Karen's apartment in Walnut Creek. Karen and Ed were departing for San Francisco. And so, Amy and I ended up having Chinese Food together.

Amy allowed me to 'shower and shine' at her place after dinner. I telephoned Mark Landreth.
I asked, "Hey, what are you doing?"
Mark said, "I'm waiting for Renee to show up so I can go help him buy his windsurfer equipment."
"Well, why don't you just come over later?"
There was silence.
"It'll be fun," I added.
He's much too nice to say no.
Mark replied, "Okay."

We went to Bobby McGee's and it was fun. I saw a number of people from my gym including Randy, Mike, Ann Alberti (the aerobics instructor), and a few others that I don't know very well.  Mark never made it.

Karen and Ed walked in at about 11:30PM and we all danced. I was feeling wasted when Ed suddenly bought me a '57 T-Bird' cocktail (pineapple juice, rum, amaretto and who knows what else?). What a night! After the dancing and drinking we all went to the San Leandro Marina for breakfast on Ed's boat! Unfortunately, it was a horrible breakfast. It was still quite an experience though. We had a good time. It was fun. Amy spent the night at my pad—but it was 4:30AM that we were going to bed. We needed to sleep, so we did.

"How different people are.  Some people ski solo to the North Pole while some have to summon all their courage to cross a restaurant floor.
THAT must be what's meant by breaking boundaries."
-Elling, November 2, 2010
a Broadway Play based on the 2001 Norwegian film

At Least One Beer

"I would rather you be a man who did exactly as you please."
-Angelina Jolie to Johnny Depp
in the 2010 film,
THE TOURIST

Twenty-five years ago today

April 11, 1986
Friday

I parked in a new Parking Lot under the bridge for $2.75 per day. It's okay today since I was able to leave the office early.

The lunch at OPTS was pretty good. Randy Jungst, our third line manager, is pretty nice. I am unsure about his impression of me. It doesn't really matter, considering I plan to transfer out eventually (I hope).

After lunch I drove straight to mom and dad's house where I opened up a SPIEGEL package that arrived. I received some pretty good stuff. I ended up bicycling from 4PM through 5:30PM.

After my bike ride I was soon at the gym and I saw Phil and Sue there. They're both a very nice couple. I like them. Then 'to my surprise' I noticed Mark Landreth showed up.
I asked, "You know Mark, it's Friday and we should celebrate with at least one beer tonight."
"Okay," Mark replied (to my excitement).

I ended up meeting Mark at CASA CARLITA'S at 9:30PM and we ended up staying there until closing time! I learned that Mark has a BMW and works at Texas Instruments as a Systems Designer. He's pretty 'together'. I like him a lot.

Mark said, "You know—I can drive you home if you don't feel up to it."
I guess my drunkard aura was in the air.
I said, "Oh no, I'll be okay."
However, next time I probably won't be okay and I'll let him drive me home. Ha-ha.


Anyway, Mark and I had a great time. We agreed on going out again sometime.
Mark smiled and said, "Feel free to rescue me when you see Jamie on my tail at the gym."
I laughed. Mark kind of hinted that she liked me, too.
"Yuck, she's NMT," I announced to Mark and proceeded to explain the meaning of NMT (Not My Type).


During my drive home I got the feeling that Mark may be attracted to MJA (me) and vice-versa.


Weeks passed--weeks of anxiety, of longing even keener than those that had preceded their evening together.
-Nial Kent
"A Divided Path"

A Big Scene

"Yves St. Laurent had this way of making you feel you were the most important person in the room. He would sort of half close his eyes as he listened to you as if you were fascinating. He had unbelievable charm."
-Alicia Drake
"The Beautiful Fall:
Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess in 1970's Paris"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 10, 1986
Thursday

I guess one could say the big news of the day was that I got a free lunch tomorrow at one o'clock. This will be followed by the remainder of my day being off 'with pay'. It's because our section attained the highest in terms of average sales per Representative for the first quarter of the fiscal year. I love those out-of-the-blue announcements.

I had intended on a bike ride and the gym today but I didn't go through with it because Frank Vasconcellos called me. He got me into a laid back mood. I ended up napping. Frank tells me he is dating some Hawaiian guy who just happens to live at The Timber in San Leandro (just above where I used to live for a while).

I was debating on whether I should have a birthday party on May 26th…or not. I want to and then again…I don't. It will cost me. Maybe I should just do it. I really don't know yet. I'm still pondering the idea.

After my nap I woke up with a craving for sardines. I sipped 7-UP along with the crackers and sardines while watching the dramatic TV-series THE COLBY'S. I also folded my clothes that were in the dryer. It was a real exciting night.

I did speak to Amy today while I was at work.
Amy said, "There was a big scene at CROGAN's last night!"
"What happened?" I asked.
"Well, I accompanied Karen, her mother and Ed to CROGAN's when suddenly Karen got right up out of her chair and accused me of trying to steal Ed away from her!"
"What?"
"Yes, can you believe that?"
"What did Karen's mother do?"
"That's the crazy thing—both Karen and Ed just ignore Karen's mother. Oh, I just got up and left and swore I'd never talk to her again."
"I can't believe it."
Amy continued, "And as I was walking out I heard Ed get up and say 'I'm going to the bank'. He exited the scene, too."
It sounded like quite a dramatic scene. To this very moment Amy still cannot figure out Karen's spur-of-the-moment explosion. Of course, they've both made up already.
Amy said, "I still want to go out this Saturday for Karen's birthday. You've got to come!"
Who knows what explosion the weekend will hold?

I may stop over at Sutter's Mill after our lunch tomorrow. Then I will perhaps go biking, do aerobics and hit the gym 'all in one night'. Those are my current intentions.

I looked through my portfolio last night. I saw a number of items that I wanted to keep in but I still feel like I should work on a more technical item this weekend. I just might do that.

I ordered a number of Collector's Guild items through SPIEGEL today. I bought a couple of sun tanning lounge chairs, a couple of dumbbells for at-home weight lifting and some new underwear (from the UNDERGEAR catalog). I also bought a few shirts, tank tops and a pair of pants and shorts from the INTERNATIONAL MALE catalog. I figure I deserved a treat. I like to give myself a warm fuzzy every once in a while. I deserve it.


The problem was, he thought, that all sorts of people played by their own rules.
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

Tupperware Party

"You keep a sharp eye on your surroundings, don't you?"
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 9, 1986
Wednesday

I cannot believe a RAM Van parked in my parking lot this morning in a space made only for compact cars! It's time for some raisin toast and milk in the cafeteria.

It was another day in the SDC (Sales Development Center). It's really not so bad.
It does make me laugh when I hear Judy Ginella say to me, "Oh Michael, I love being a Business Service Rep."
Give me a break! Even I wouldn't go that far to say that I "loved" this position.

I mailed Paloma a card/letter today. I still ought to write her another one only because she is so special to me.

I telephoned Amy and she's been busy (so she says). I'm sure she has been though.
Amy said, "Karen's mom arrived here yesterday."
So I imagine Karen and Amy are entertaining her in and around the Bay Area.

Margaret and I hit WENDY's after acquiring a salad from the SDC luncheon sale within the E-Team.

On Sunday I was planning to attend Margaret's Tupperware party. She keeps being so persistent about my attending. I won't be able to go now. I have a good excuse. I've been invited to my first cousin Joey's birthday party for his one year old son, Joe. I plan to go. It will be a nice family thing. I feel it's important to see my only ARMIJO first cousins.

After work I did over an hour of aerobics a la my Muscle Motion aerobics tape. It felt good and I did work up a good sweat. I even went to the gym afterwards. I didn't work out as hard at the gym though. Rick was there and we exchanged a few words. It was getting kind of late.
Phil was just leaving the gym and he said to me, "Rachelle plans on coming in tonight."
She didn't—not while I was there. The new leaf that Rachelle turned in terms of working out as a regular at this gym is not exactly a very good leaf.

This coming Monday is my big interview. I hope I get the damn job.

"When you're in the dark about something, especially something simple, what do you do? How do you shed light where there is only darkness?"

"Follow the simplest trail for the answer."
-John Katzenbach
THE ANALYST

Dumbo

"This is ART...not an oil change."
-DOLLHOUSE, Season I, 2008
Episode Two: The Target

Twenty-five years ago today

April 8, 1986
Tuesday

My glands under my throat seem to be swelling up. I think it's because of my bicycling out in the cold air.

I had a great sales order while at work today. I sold 8 WATS lines and it contributed to my total of 595 PNS points for the day.

Margaret Lai and I took a walk over to Michael's Art Supplies. I found a few more of those transparent sheets that I like. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring them home and left them by my desk.

I wrote—or at least started---a letter to Paloma. I miss her. When she receives my letter I will make her well aware of how much I am missing her.

Amy Platt called me at around 3PM today.

My brother, John, and Sherri were attending a Grand Opening Season A's game tonight. They asked if I would take care of Ashley. And so I most certainly did.

While I was babysitting Amy came over and brought her DUMBO video cassette tape. We sort of watched it, too. That was funny. Ashley was being very fun tonight. I taught her how to say "Amy".

By 11PM John and Sherri showed up. I hit the sack thereafter. Amy left for her home at that point also. I learned tonight that Amy was a bit pissed that I didn't call her back last Sunday. I gave a feeble excuse. Oh what the hell…she's right. I should have called.

I am still striving for this new position as a Copy Service Artist. I am crossing my fingers. That's for sure.

Dale Orlando returned to work today. I couldn't believe it but he went to San Diego and Tijuana with Rick Clark and his blond pal named Paul. I remember I used to find Rick Clark to be a very cool cat—but now I am skeptical.

Dale said to me in a whisper, "I told Rick that you've been keeping yours for a long time."
Leave it to Dale to start telling people all about my business. Dale brought a black leather jacket. I laughed quietly to myself because it reminded me of a Michael Jackson jacket (ugh).
I confided, "You know, Dale…Rick is in my journal from way back when and I just started Journal number fifteen the other day."
"Really now—the last I recalled you were on Journal thirteen."
I liked Dale's remark.

Hmmm…the saga continues…

"Suffering is like time itself.   It has to be tamed."
-Children of the Century,
1999 French Film

Totally Satisfied

"I was blind but now I see."
-LIMITLESS, 2011 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today

April 7, 1986
Monday

This new parking lot I found raised their fee from $2.50 to $3.00 as of today. It kind of bums me out but what's a guy to do?

Cedric gave me a kind of 'How ya doin' speech and left it at that. I could sense a bit of tension when he stopped by my cubicle/desk today.

It was raining, so Margaret Lai and I settled on a soup and sandwich lunch at ELSIE's.

Steph Bautista said loudly, "Michael, it looks like you've gained some weight."
This really made me feel good (only kidding, of course). I couldn't wait to get to the gym after work today after hearing that surprise comment.

Traffic was light at five o'clock. I rode alone. Pearl didn't need a ride today. When I arrived home I ate some of my mom's homemade potato salad that I love so much. I popped open a Diet 7-Up and sketched a flyer for Wednesday's Office Salad luncheon.

I skedaddled over to the gym and Mark Landreth showed up. We worked on our stomachs by way of the abdominal machine. It was an all right workout. I never feel totally satisfied. I always wished I worked out harder after a few hours pass.
While at the gym I said to Rick, "I plan to go to Palm Springs in May and I might have a birthday party on the 26th, so I'll keep you posted."
"Yeah, let me know."
I added, "And when I see you on the beach in Alameda again we'll for a milkshake."
"I like that idea."
Rick is a nice guy. He's only twenty-one but he seems okay.

By nightfall I was home watching bits of some movie about a woman who had a lesbian affair after years of marriage and having two children. I also finished-up some graphic art samples and sketched a caricature of a man and a woman. Then I went to bed with high hopes of getting this graphic artist position.

"If I wasn't moving forward I thought I was going to explode."
-LIMITLESS,
2011 motion-picture

I Left It At That

"I know what pleasure is," cried Dorian Gray.
"It is to adore some one."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 6, 1986
Sunday

Cedric left my house early while I worked on my art.

Before Cedric left I said, "You know, Cedric--what you told me last night has to "sink in" for a day or two."
Cedric just laughed aloud.
I don't really know what he expects me to say. I left it at that.

I worked on my graphics, waiting for Julie Waller to show up. Julie is the Vietnamese girl I've known since high-school. She got lost so I had to drive to SAFEWAY to guide her to my townhouse. Bonni Jayne arrived soon after. Sue Miller came over along with her roommate and her brother, Mike. It was a mini-high school reunion. We all enjoyed a good brunch at The Royal Oak. We had a good time. After the meal we returned to my place.

Mike Miller shocked me with a pointed question.
"Mike—just between you and me…is Chad gay?"
I answered with my own direct question, "Why do you ask?"
"Well, it's because of the way he talks."
"Oh," I laughed.
Mike Miller continued, "And one day he patted me on the head or something."
I laughed a little once again and said, "Well, he's bi."
I left it at that—but I do feel I need to talk to Mike Miller more on this subject. I may pull the same episode that Cedric pulled on me (and see what happens). I may pull that on Mark Landreth, too.
Ha-ha…Now I'll have to think about that.

After the group left my house I went bicycling to feel the breeze and release any anxieties. I recalled that I had told Amy Platt that I'd call her; however, my bike is my first-love.

I saw Heidi, my sister-in-law's (Sherri) friend while I was on my bike.  We exchanged glances and waved at one another.

I had a good ride. I stopped by mom's house for BBQ chicken and her homemade potato salad. My brother, Tony, and Helen were there. After dinner Helen accompanied me to go for ice-cream. She defended Tony on his high PNS sales excellence points over the last two months. Give me a break! Tony is going to Acapulco with Dennis Reno in a couple of months. Dennis won the trip and asked Tony to accompany him. Big Deal…

I remained at mom's house and watched the first half of THE KILLING FIELDS while sketching an alligator from the postcard that Paloma had sent me from Africa.  I like how Paloma is working at CLUB MED now and keeping me posted on each adventure.  She hopes we will meet up sometime soon (as do I).

"I like that girl, the quality of quiet graciousness."
-Hugh Marlowe
"All About Eve", Best-Picture 1950

Semi-Shocked

Johnny Depp as 'Ed Wood':
"You control everyone's fate. You're like the puppet master."
Martin Landau as 'Bela Lugosi': "I pull the strings!"
-1994 motion-picture,
ED WOOD

Twenty-five years ago today

April 5, 1986
Saturday

I awoke at 9AM and my destination focus was Fairfield. I was ahead of schedule, so I stopped at some bookstore on Telegraph Avenue and a certain section was pretty sleazy. I laughed. It was an experience. I arrived in Fairfield at around 10:30AM. I was pleased because Steph Redding liked my portfolio.

I went on a horseback ride on "Oakie" (that was the horse's name). I couldn't believe it when I saw Steph though. She had gained a lot of weight since I saw her last. We had a good time anyway. She made me a fresh biscuit and allowed me to borrow a book on THE SPANISH WEST.

I left at 1:30PM and drove home to nap. I was thinking how relaxing and beautiful the scene was up in Suisun as I was riding "Oakie", the horse. I enjoyed it tremendously.

I telephoned Amy Platt and we talked about nothing in particular.

PHOTO: Cedric Green lookalike
(British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor)
Cedric Green telephoned and sort of forced me into inviting him over to my place. It was hard for me to say no, having given him so many excuses before. He came over and we simply went to LaVal's for pizza and a pitcher of beer. He liked my art work.
"No, Michael…I'm really impressed," Cedric said.
This made me feel good, of course. After eating at LaVal's we had a few more beers at another place called The Royal Oak. We talked secretly about certain coworkers in our Business Office. We laughed up a storm.

Cedric and I went to my house and decided to watch "The Terminator".

As we watched the movie Cedric revealed something that "semi-shocked" me.  Cedric told me he was attracted to me!
Cedric said, "Michael, it's far and few between that I meet a guy that I'm attracted to…but you're one!"
I sort of half-smiled not knowing where to go with what he was saying.
Cedric smiled.
I was astonished.  I felt uncomfortable.  I didn't say much and continued to watch "The Terminator" without really concentrating.
I knew Cedric had a lot of beer and so I said, "You're welcome to stay the night." He accepted the invitation.

He did not sleep with 'me' by any means. We are still friends and that will be the extent of it. I know he was disappointed that I didn't make a move based on what he had said. I am not truly attracted to him. That's for sure. What will I say to him in the morning?

"Time will tell. And if one has enough time...it will tell everything."
-Diana Millay as 'Laura Murdoch Collins',
DARK SHADOWS TV series,
February 21, 1967 episode

Eggplant Parmesan

"Every one I know is pretty poorly constructed."

-"Dollhouse" Season II TV-series

Episode I, Vows

Twenty-five years ago today

April 4, 1986
Friday

Work was all right. I drove Pearl home to Alameda again. It's not so bad. It's right on my way. She used to be a staff clerk in San Ramon. She liked working in San Ramon.
"I wouldn't mind working over there," I said.

I was going to go for a bike ride but I was feeling lazy. Instead I went and chose to lie down to rest. Then I knew it was time to get ready for my date.

I drove to Karen's and Amy was already there. Ed was there, too. We had a home style dinner party. The eggplant parmesan was really good, too. I like Amy but I don't want to lead her on either. I am just not all that crazy and turned-on about her body. She's intelligent and then some. She's just lacking bodily wise as far as I'm concerned. Despite Amy's previous years of experience as a ballet dancer in New York she does not have a ballerina body.

 

After dinner we tried WFBL's but didn't get in just because I was wearing tennis shoes. We went to HMS Endeavor instead. We had long island iced-teas and danced and laughed up a storm. Karen is too funny. Ed's a pretty nice guy, too. He has a boat and has invited Amy and me for an outing on it sometime soon. Karen's birthday is coming up soon, too.

By 1:30AM I was heading home. I didn't stay with Amy all night because I feel I need to take it all very slow. I don't know that she'd want me to stay the night anyway. Besides that I had to get up early for the horseback riding adventure in Fairfield tomorrow.

"When one is in love, one always begins by deceiving one's self, and one always ends by deceiving others.  That is what the world calls romance."

-Oscar Wilde

"The Picture of Dorian Gray"