Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 125

Sophisticated Lady

"You're a very stylish girl...can't we end this stylishly?"
-George Peppard
"Breakfast at Tiffany's", 1961 Film

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 3, 1986
Thursday

Rachelle Davies said, "I'm getting a white convertible Mustang in a couple of months. I'm so excited!"
I thought, "What a teeny-bopper!"
I should have told her about my JAGUAR—but no. I will not mention it until I have it (by December 1987…maybe).

The parking lot situation in San Francisco is becoming a pain. I parked in a $2.50 lot that is closer to the freeway entrance but I just hope there's not a horrible traffic jam near there at five o'clock. If it works out I will park there all of the time. I just hate the fact that the car spaces are so small. It's crazy how Cadillacs, Campers and Semi-Trucks park here, too. Shit!

Let's see…what are my other options if the Copy Service Artist position is a 'no go'? Pac Tel Info Systems has openings for selling equipment in San Leandro. There's the modeling for Steph's agency idea. There's always Art School. Time will tell.

I arrived at my little $2.50 parking lot and was so happy that there were spaces available.

Donna called me and my interview is on for April 14th. It's a Monday and it's for the Copy Service Artist job. I hope they feel I am good enough. I feel I am ready now. I know I can do the job if I just get the chance. I told my boss, Stephanie Bautista, about it.
Stephanie said, "Michael, I think you'll get it."
I am still skeptical. It's probably because I am my own worst critic of my own work. Amy says my best piece is the 'Sophisticated Lady'. I think it's good but I think my other pieces are pretty good, too.
Mom says, "Shoot, it's all good!"
I'm going to ask Steph Redding's opinion this coming Saturday. I'm going up to go horseback riding. I still have two more weekends to work on more art-related pieces to include in the portfolio.

I went to the gym after work and I didn't stay very long. I did get a decent work out. Christine Davidson was there. She's still a tad heavy. I'm glad she's going to the gym. There was no sign of Mark Landreth. I left and went home and designed a few graphics. It was soon time for bed.

Chad still crosses my mind every once in a while. Then
Rachelle crosses my mind. Amy is a sweetheart. I appreciate here but time will tell where we are concerned.

I am kind of excited about my interview on April 14th. I am a bit scared, too. I hope I am chosen. I'd be so good at it. I'd even go back to school and get more intrigued with art and graphics.

Margaret Lai may be having a Tupperware party. She wants me to attend.

Salima is having a baby shower. I was invited. I may make a brief appearance. She's so sweet.

I'm ready for my Friday night dinner at Karen Craven's apartment in Walnut Creek. Yum.

I drove Pearl (the new girl in our section) to her house. She happens to live in Alameda on Broadway. It just happens to be the route I take, so I didn't mind.


"Fear lulls our mind to sleep."
"PERSEOPOLIS", 2007 animated film

Taking It Slow

"I'm not some waitress you bang in a snowstorm. Think of me as yourself...only with a vagina!"

-as heard in the 2009 film

"UP IN THE AIR"

based on the novel by Walter Kirn

Twenty-five years ago today

April 2, 1986
Wednesday

It was a so-so kind of day. I managed to talk to Donna Cambell-Walker of the Pacific Bell Graphics Department. She is going to set up an appointment with me and Darlene Gonzalez (who is from San Ramon). It should be interesting. I hope they appreciate me and my work. I am looking forward to meeting her.

I had a chocolate milkshake today. I had lunch with Margaret Lai (as usual).

Donna did not call me back to confirm an appointment, so I just may call her tomorrow. If I don't here from her tomorrow I will pay her a visit on Friday.

I went bicycling after work until 6:45PM. Then I made a visit to the gym. Rick was there (as usual). Mark Landreth and I worked out on our stomachs together (as usual). He's a nice chap. His friend, Jamie, is pretty nice, too (but NMT: Not My Type).

Mark and I are going to go and have a LOWENBRAU celebration one day after our workout soon. That sounds good to me.

I received a surprise shock. Rachelle Davies appeared at the gym tonight! We exchanged a few words but not too much. She had a NIKE shirt on that looked like it said MIKE.
Rachelle said, "I asked Phil to make sure you stayed here at the gym because I was coming to work out."
I thought silently, "Oh well…interesting statement as she apparently wanted to see me."

As I continued my work out with Mark I was telling him, "She's okay—but she's just too young."
Whatever…

I am going to go to Fairfield on Saturday for horseback riding! I will also work on some especially designed graphics for my growing art portfolio on Sunday (after a long-distance bike ride).

George Jones telephoned me.
"Oh Mike, I have to work on Thursday night—but sometime next week we can schedule a meeting over at Fat Fanny's."
"Oh…okay, that sounds good."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, what else is up?"
"Well I have exciting news," George revealed, "I'm flying to Hawaii on April 27th."
"Oh wow—that's great," I said without revealing my plans for Palm Springs on May 27th.
It's no big deal. Well, at second thought it is a big deal to me. My going to Palm Springs will give me that necessary time to relax, lie in the sun and enjoy a drink or two here and there.

Let me evaluate how many fellow coworkers have left the Business Office since January. There's Angela, Carl, Tim, Linda Park, Earl, and Gwen. The transfers are supposed to be limited to one a month, so I wonder who it will be for July (to be announced). I hope I get to go next.
Amy invited me to dinner at Karen's house on Friday night. Ed will be there. I think I will go. It sounds fun. I really like Amy but I am not too sure about getting committed to a relationship so very soon. Once we fuck that'll be 'it' (probably). So I'm taking it slow for now.

After my work out I stayed and talked to Jamie and Mark Landreth for a while. They're both such nice guys. They both graduated from high-school in 1979. Mark turned twenty-five a few days ago. We both look about the same age (I think).
Jamie said, "You and Mark are built sort-of the same—in size and frame."
I still think that Mark is more tone and muscular on his stomach and biceps. It makes me jealous. I'm working on it though.

I need to take a few minutes to write to Paloma. I am so bad.  Perhaps I will do that tomorrow night.

"I'm not going to compete with you. I'm better than you are at what I do. And you're better than I am at what you do."

-Stieg Larsson

"The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest"

'Summer of 85'

"We will have effective software models of human intelligence by the mid 2020's."
-Ray Kurzweil
"The Singularity Is Near"

Twenty-five years ago today

April 1, 1986
Tuesday

Today is the big day that Cynthia Podren, the attorney, has her telephone service transferred to a new address. Cynthia Podren is an attorney that I helped out. She cried last Friday because she was being shuffled back and forth between Pacific Bell and AT&T. I hope it goes smoothly for her. I should call the IC (Installation Center) this morning to make sure all went smoothly.

It's April Fool's Day. I left home at 6:30AM just so I could get a parking space in my favorite parking lot. I did get there in a timely manner and I even had my favorite spot. It's 7:30AM and all of the spaces are taken now as I continue to write in my journal.

Maybe I ought to ask Cynthia Podren for a bit of legal advice regarding the Bay Area Women's Feminist Group and my unknown (donor) child. I know the child was born sometime during the 'Summer of 85'. That would be in August or September.

I telephoned George Jones and we may meet up at Fat Fanny's this Friday night in Fremont. No, I mean Thursday night. It will be good to see him again.

Amy Platt telephoned.
"I haven't heard from Karen since last Thursday. I'm a bit worried," Amy said with concern.
I said, "Well, I think it's only because she is spending her nights with Ed."

Sandy from the Placement Bureau has not called me to confirm my interview. 'Boo hoo' to that fact. After work I worked on some communicative graphics. I am ready to show my work. I just hope I will leave a good impression. And if not—there are other roads I may delve in to.

I caught Cedric Green and Steph Redding in downright lies. They both said they tried to reach me this last weekend. Ironically, I was home and I never received a call from either one of them. Steph wants me to come up to her Fairfield area on Saturday for a so-called modeling training. I really don't want to go. I might do it though—just so I can maybe go horseback riding there.

I talked to Amy for what seemed like hours on the phone while I was finishing up my graphic arts.

If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
"Being Peace"

Bread and Butter

Yves St. Laurent needed objects of fantasy. Fashion for him was like a play, a novel or a film peopled by characters with whom he culd fall in love, idealise, be infatuated with and conjure up through clothes.  He needed women around him to trigger his imagination and seduce him aesthetically.
-Alicia Drake
"The Beautiful Fall:
Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess
in 1970s Paris"


Twenty-five years ago today

March 31, 1986
Monday

Another San Francisco parking lot is being taken over by construction of a new building. This may mean that the lot that I currently park my car will soon be invaded by unwanted visitors. Oh well—such is life.

I called Sandy Delph of Pacific Bell's Placement Bureau today. She's going to arrange an interview for me with some lady named Dorothy in San Francisco for the Copy Service Artist position. I worked hard on my portfolio this last weekend. I hope she's impressed with my work. I intend to be honest and let her know what little work experience I have in the art world. I shall stress that I do have a Marketing-oriented mind and that I'd try my hardest (and damnedest) to perform well—if given the chance.

Steph Redding called me on Sunday night to tell me that she's a full-fledged partner with Jean-Pierre International Modeling.
"I may need a colleague in the not too distant future to help me out, Michael."
"Well, that's an idea—at least."
Who knows what could happen?

Anyway my interview with this woman named Dorothy should be on Thursday or Friday.

I walked with Margaret Lai to Michael's Art Supplies during my lunchtime. I purchased some transparent plastic pages for some of my sketches and graphic illustrations. After work I went to Standard Brands for more mat boards and frames, too. I hope this "art" time will pay off. I think I'm good and can get better. I finished up the Pc Bell drawing to the point where I feel it will pass. Then I went to the gym.
Rick was there.
Rick asked, "So how was your Easter?"
"Ah, it was okay...kind of boring."
"Yeah, it's kind of a boring holiday, huh?"
"I know. I guess it's because we can't go Easter egg hunting anymore."
Rick laughed.


I also saw Mark Landreth. He apparently bought a house not so long ago in San Lorenzo.
Mark said, "Yeah, I may need roommates in a couple months."
That's a funny, coincidental thing. I was going to ask him to be my roommate. I guess I can forget that thought now. I wonder if Chad will end up being Mark's 'roomies'. I doubt it. I picture Chad living alone.


My work out was hard. I think it's because I didn't bike or anything over this past weekend.


I worked on a few more graphics when I arrived home.


I bought this new record book at Alpha Beta. It's the new book for my Journal #15.


Amy telephoned me before I left for the gym. We actually had a very nice talk.
Amy said excitedly, "My brother, Jeffrey, is coming to visit in June. I'm excited."
She comes from a big family. I like her in a special way. Yet, again I am sort of afraid of a commitment of any sort. I am not ready for that. Am I? If it was 'right' in feeling I probably wouldn't have any doubts at all.


Sometimes I think of Chad and I hate him. He was useless to me. At this point his life is in limbo without any cash flow. It makes me think of that classic CASHFLOW song by Leisure Process from 1983:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sIG9ALShyc


I am sure Chad and I will run into each other again but it won't be the same. It's mostly due to lack of communication, of course (and not giving in—on his part).


George Jones crosses my mind occasionally. I do want to call and meet up with him sometime. I'd just like to catch up on each other over these last two and half years. It would be fun.

I ate a few almonds and a Diet 7-Up before going to bed. I was thinking of how envious I was of Mark Landreth buying a house. It was only yesterday that I was contemplating the purchase of a Jaguar for next year. Perhaps the house should come first.


I know Steph Bautista wants me to stay on with her section in the SDC (Sales Development Center) at Pac Bell. I do bring a lot of 'bread and butter' to her section. I just truly hope I get hired as a Copy Service Artist. It sounds appealing. I fell that I am good enough. Perhaps I am underestimating myself. I tend to do that.  Where's the confidence, Michael?


He took a lengthy, hot, soapy shower, which he enjoyoed from both a sanitary and sensual point of view.
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

Soap-Opera

"In Carl Jung's opinion we all have a sixth sense: Intuition."
-Almost Famous, 2000 Film

Twenty-five years ago today

March 30, 1986
Easter Sunday

I started more art work first thing this morning. I could tell something was on Amy's mind—sort of. I invited her to go with me to my folk's house for a while but she decided to go home.

After Amy left I went to mom's house and gave Ashley her Easter basket. She gave me one, too. I didn't expect that.

Once again I returned home and did more art project work in order to produce a presentable portfolio. Mom stopped by and we watched a tape episode of her soap-opera, The Young and The Restless. I was mentally drained and chose to nap until four-thirty.

PHOTO: Ashley M Armijo, 1986

When I woke up I went to mom and dad's house again to do more artwork. I needed a change of scenery. Mom and Dad were quietly working on their 1985 Income Tax return.

I received a phone call from Greg Manachevitz.
"Hey Mike! I just wanted to wish you a Happy Easter."
It was nice of him to make the call—even though it was a little strange.
I was having a nice time being with mom and dad.

I like Amy but her figure isn't what I require.

An earthquake shook me at 4AM.

"He's always attracted to the ART he isn't practicing."
-An Affair to Remember, 1957 Film

Advice and Counsel

"The secret of becoming a star is knowing how to behave like one."
-Velvet Goldmine, 1998 Film

Twenty-five years ago today

March 29, 1986
Saturday

Amy and I woke up and went to Standard Brands Paints. I wanted to buy a portfolio and some other art and craft items. We ate at Ole's Waffle Shop.

I began to work on several art projects as Amy provided advice and counsel.
I listened to SOUTHERN COMFORT (an Adventure-Thriller movie from 1981) while Amy watched it. I was busy working on an art project. I was 100% into my art because the Placement Bureau had called me at work, requesting a portfolio. Once she receives my portfolio she will arrange an interview with that department. I'm excited about it.

We watched the movie THIEF OF HEARTS together. Once THIEF OF HEARTS finished we went upstairs to my bedroom. We both had that fatigue feeling. We both slept.

"We all have secrets in this town. You just have to dig a little deeper for them."
-Armisted Maupin
Tales of the City, 1994

The Symphony

In 1877, Tchaikovsky thought marriage to a woman would shiled him from a homosexual sex scandal.
-as heard in the 2007 film
"Tchaikovsky"

Twenty-five years ago today

March 28, 1986
Friday

I had a two-hour lunch with Margaret Lai on this Good Friday. We went to Union Square. I bought my niece, Ashley, a giant Easter basket with a drum inside it.

After work out E-Team met at the Fog City Diner Restaurant and had a good dinner. I rushed home to change clothes afterward. I waited patiently for Amy to arrive.

Amy and I went to the Symphony in San Francisco. I like how my mind wanders when I listen to instrumental music. After the concert we went over to the Hard Rock Café.

I drove over the Oakland-Bay Bridge and we went to Jack London Square, stopping in at Gallagher's where my brother, John, happened to be bartending. John treated us to a couple of drinks. We went home and slept 'is all'.

"To write for oneself is a pleasant indulgence."
-Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
19th Century Russian Romanticism Composer

Gorgeous

"If only there was a mathematical equation for LOVE.   LOVE was not like Max's rubiks cube.   It could not be solved. The stars made more sense."
-MARY AND MAX, 2009 Australian film

Twenty-five years ago today

March 27, 1986
Thursday

I had my last E-Team Committee meeting today. Our dinner at the Fog City Diner Restaurant is tomorrow night. It will be fun. I'll have to head home by 7PM sharp to meet Amy because we'll be heading back to SF for the symphony.

I didn't go to the gym yesterday. I figured I should let my muscles (of what's there) rest. I may go on Saturday. I was supposed to meet Mark and have another great workout with him but that's okay. There's always the next time.

I stayed home a while. Amy telephoned and I went to Dad's house after our brief chat. I read through my new ESQUIRE magazine and the new US and World Reports magazine. By eight-thirty I was ready to hit the sack. Yawn.

I recalled how Karyn Kossoff came in to the office today. She came snooping over at my desk. I noticed her glance at Amy's picture that I posted on my desk. I made no explanation but word sure gets around in this office. I'm sure Kayrn talked to Irene who talked to Stephanie (who's a little gossip by the way).

Margaret thinks Amy is beautiful. Steph thinks she's gorgeous, too. I will have to third the option.
However, I didn't like when Amy said, "I feel that too much aerobics isn't good for you."
I guess that may be true but two times a week is excellent (I feel). Amy paid me a nice complement.
She stated, "You're very fit and in good shape, Michael."
That was very sweet of her but I feel there's still room for more shaping up…

Every day I think what a marvelous place this is and how lucky I am to have the constant presence of beauty in my life.
-May Sarton
"At Eighty-Two, A Journal"

Something vs. Nothing

It's essential to look like winners, for a business just as for an army. Whoever lets it be seen that he's in trouble, whoever escapes, disappears, or retreats, has already lost. Eat, drink, fuck. As if nothing had happened, as if nothing were happening.
-Robert Saviano
"Gommorah"

Twenty-five years ago today

March 26, 1986
Wednesday

It was a regular routine day: A day of work and a visit to the gym.

Mark Landreth and I did out usual 'gut workout' routine. It feels good. I learned that Mark lives in San Lorenzo.

There is still no sign of Chad.

Mike Miller telephoned last night.
Mike said, "Chad is going skiing with his younger brother and he invited me to go with him but I don't feel like going somewhere icy."
It thought that was interesting information. Mike came over to my house and we watched a movie called "The Killing Fields". Mike left after the movie. I was tired and went upstairs to bed before the movie was over.

I bought Joy a few items for her baby shower that is planned at work tomorrow.

Amy is still around. She telephoned me yesterday. She's sweet but I'm not sure whether I will 'tie down' with her. It's a big decision.

I can't wait until my brief getaway on my twenty-seventh birthday to Palm Springs.

I feel good about writing 'something vs. nothing'. I think this Journal #14 will be ending in a few days. My new Journal #15 will likely have Amy Platt as my primary personal topic.

I am told that, with a little practice, one can remember all that goes on or that one hears said during a day.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Played With Fire"

Confidence Builder

Life should be exceptional, not predictable.
-Alicia Drake
"The Beautiful Fall: Fashion, Genius,
and Glorious Excess in 1970's Paris"

Twenty-five years ago today

March 25, 1986
Tuesday

It's funny how Chad is becoming a distant memory now. When I heard the song "Separate Lives" by Phil Collins today I remembered how it—sort of---reminded me of him. It's because the song was released when we met. Now the lyrics seem to fit to us as well. Oh well…

I need to make some decisions by next Friday as to where I will spend my vacation week in May. I want to go to Palm Springs. So…I'll see.

Lyrics to "Separate Lives":

You called me from the room in your hotel
All full of romance for someone that you met
And telling me how sorry you were, leaving so soon
And that you miss me sometimes when you're alone in your room
Do I feel lonely too?

You have no right to ask me how I feel
You have no right to speak to me so kind
We can't go on just holding on to time
Now that we're living separate lives

Well I held on to let you go
And if you lost your love for me, well you never let it show
There was no way to compromise
So now we're living (living)
Separate lives

Ooh, it's so typical, love leads to isolation
So you build that wall (build that wall)
Yes, you build that wall (build that wall)
And you make it stronger

Well you have no right to ask me how I feel
You have no right to speak to me so kind
Some day I might (I might) find myself looking in your eyes
But for now, we'll go on living separate lives
Yes for now, we'll go on living separate lives
Separate lives

I did it. I'm leaving on May 27th, the day after my birthday from the Oakland Airport to LAX and then on to Palm Springs. I will stay at a place called Michael's Inn and I plan to have a relaxing, good time. I have already charged my airline tickets ($108.00) through 'Ask Mr. Foster's'. Sue Myers in Pac Bell Oakland Travel is taking care of prepayment at my hotel with my VIP 'sales incentive' checks. I only used $300, so I still have $125 left over for another trip.

I went to the gym last night. Mark Landreth showed up late. We exchanged a few words though. I also learned the name of the short muscular guy. It's David. He has a great physique but he has an ugly tattoo.

I had a good chat over the telephone with Amy.
Amy said, "I haven't hung out with Karen in what seems like a long time—but I saw her today."
"That's cool, how is she doing?" I asked.
"Oh she's fine. Oh…John asked for your phone number so you could set-up his telephone service but I didn't give it to him because I don't want you to get involved with him."
"Whatever you say," I replied.
I knew that John was a merchant marine. He does have a disheveled sort of look right now. I think it's because of being out at sea for so long. He's back now and if he could just shave and get a haircut he'd look better.

Steph Redding also called me. She's down and out because some guy she had been seeing lately turned out to be engaged.
"It just blew me away, Michael!"
"I'm sure!"
Then I thought it all sounded so silly and it was possibly another ploy to get me to like her.

I'd be lying to say I don't think of Chad but I'm beginning to feel whatever it was that we had is over.

I'm just so happy I have found Amy. I do like her sensibility and sound mind. She's a great confidence builder, too.

Joshua, Margaret and I ate at B&M Chinese food together today. The days have been so beautiful. I have seven more weeks until my vacation.


"It is most clear to me that the majority of society are judgemental and can't let go. They need to relax with regard to sexual behavior. It's a difficult and intese subject for most to discuss."
-Dr. Steven Zlutnick, January 1989
as written in my Class Notes in my Graduate 'Human Sexuality' Course
at University of San Francisco.