Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 130

Such Is Life

I lost myself in a forest of books. I took my sweet time before I found my way out again. Some might say that I am still lost in the woods yet a remarkable variety of experience can reach you in the shelter of trees. The light is softer and there are more shades of gray. The world looks less black-and-white.
-Christopher Bram
"Mapping the Territory"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 12, 1986
Wednesday

I've decided to make reservations in Sunnyvale at MICHAEL J's Restaurant as a special outing for Chad and I on Friday night. I've never eaten there and I've always wanted to try it.

Steph, my supervisor, was a real bitch yesterday.
At about quarter to five o'clock I asked, "Could you give me another couple of Job Transfer forms?"
She snapped at me in a very abrupt manner, "Go to Dolores for the forms!"
Her attitude was such a 'bitchy' one. I need to move-on. I can't be her pupil forever! Shit!

MICHAEL J's Restaurant in Sunnyvale was fully booked for Friday night.
I telephoned Chad to inform him that we couldn't get in.
Chad said, "It doesn't surprise me. I hate Sunnyvale and San Jose. I don't want to eat out there."
I don't necessarily want to eat out there either but he doesn't have to get all 'huffy and puffy' about it!
Chad changed his attitude and said, "I've been thinking of you a lot. I miss you."
Those words made me feel good.
"I've been thinking of you too, Chad."

I called the Oakland Placement Center and was informed that I must submit a portfolio for the Copy Service Artist position. I am really interested in that position. I'm going to work on my portfolio and see about entering a new transfer request. For now I plan to submit only for Directory Sales Rep. in San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco. I will submit another for Directory Office Rep. in San Francisco. In the meantime I can put together a portfolio that will be presentable enough for the Copy Service Artist job. Hopefully I will do something very artistic each night (or each week) for the portfolio. I intend to go to Michael's Art Supplies in The City for supplies. If only everything didn't cost money.

I went straight to the gym after work. Leonard Perillo happened to be there.
Leonard said, "Hey, Mike! A gal from the Placement Center called me. She was probing for a lot of details."
"Really," I said with a disguised gulp.
"Yeah, but I faked it well."
I smiled. Whatever.
I said, "Thanks."
Yet, his assistance was of no worth anyway since I pulled those Transfers because of my CLASS 3 ratings.

I was home by 8PM and Chris Cordellos came by. It was good to see him. He cut my hair while I was watching DYNASTY on TV.
"This is so nice of you to come all this way to cut my hair," I said.
"Yeah, I know," Chris said in his smart-alec, joking way.
"I know hair stylists don't usually do house calls," I said with a laugh.
A bit later he asked if I could loan him a few bucks. I didn't mind paying him three dollars for the haircut. Ha-ha.
I said, "You know, Chris, you can spend the night if you want."
We both fell asleep in the living room watching NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.

Denise Vinsonhaler called me.
"So what's up for this Friday night?"
It's Valentine's Day. That's a sure-fire hint that she wants to be my Valentine.
I replied, "I'm not sure yet."
"I think I'm going to BAXTER's, so maybe we can go to the Jacuzzi afterwards."
"That sounds tempting," I said.
Denise ended by saying, "Okay, I'll call you tomorrow night."
The Jacuzzi idea sounded familiar but I didn't tell her that. I also did not let on that Chad and I are going out. I will have to look into some good restaurants. Maybe AVANTI's is a good choice because everywhere else is probably booked on Valentine's night.  I shall try.

Chad telephoned around 10:20PM.
"What did you do tonight?" Chad asked.
"I went to the gym."
I didn't bother to tell him about my 'house call' haircut. I thought I'd surprise him when he sees me. He said some mushy stuff and I returned the same sort of stuff. Chris Cordellos happened to still be at my place when Chad called but I didn't tell Chad. I didn't want Chad to suspect anything. There was no need for suspicion. Chris and I are friends and 'that's it'.

Chad was a bit aloof and snobby. I'm learning to deal with it. He better watch it though. I mean—I'm an easy person to get along with. He's pushing it sometimes, making it hard for me to get along with him. We'll see.

Margaret Lai didn't come in to work today. Emmalene Yee took me out to lunch to The Waterfront. It was nice. I felt underdressed. It was a good lunch. We talked about my career aspirations. We spoke of Pac Bell Publishing, Pac Tel International and the Project Victoria along with becoming an Account Executive versus getting in to Advertising Sales in Yellow Pages (and the drawbacks of Spanish Yellow Pages).

It's funny. I telephoned Step Redding and my mom yesterday, telling them how excited I was about the Spanish Yellow Pages in Los Angeles. Now I don't feel like I really want to do that. Oh well…Cest la vie.


"I don't like being told what to do. I don't like being summoned."
-actress, Angelina Jolie
"The Tourist", 2010 Film

In A Fish Bowl

"The more you look--the less you find."
-2000 French Film
"Just a Question of Love"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 11, 1986
Tuesday

What a morning! To start off—the nine people in the office that reached excellence for the month of JANUARY 1986 had their names written on small sheets of paper and placed in a fish bowl. The drawing winner received one-hundred dollars CASH! It was me! I won! I was ecstatic…to say the least.

The bad news came when the Oakland Placement Center called to tell me that my CLASS rating for the Advertising Sales Rep. transfer was going in as a CLASS 3. That was disappointing. The reasoning behind the low CLASS rating was that effective December 1985 the requirements were changed for a CLASS 2 with a minimum of two years of face-to-face commission sales experience. I don't have that experience. I only had eight months, so that was bad news. I received the CLASS 3 rating.

All day long I was making calls—on the side---on my behalf with regard to decision-making on how I should change my job transfer requests. I may change from Advertising Sales Rep. to Directory Sales Rep. or Directory Office Rep. or Copy Service Artist.

I had a brainstorm idea to try and get my foot in the door by getting an Advertising Sales Rep. position in Spanish Yellow Pages. I'll make some calls regarding that tomorrow. Then I may go forth and acquire new Job Transfer forms. This whole transfer business takes forever to get on file. The girl at the Oakland Placement Center recommended to my supervisor, Stephanie, to enter my name in the ODBE program as an Account Executive/Management Level Position. I hope that works out. I shall consider that another hopeful avenue that I'll need to research.

I remained home after work. It was a kind of a downer day except for the one-hundred dollar WIN, of course.

I briefly did some reading about my UC Berkeley interest in getting my teaching credentials. It was mind-boggling. I'll need to see a counselor.

I telephoned RAND Information Systems. They received my resume and cover letter.
The RAND lady said, "There are sale position openings."
"Great. I'll keep my fingers crossed."
I just don't know. Digital Equipment is supposed to call me back to let me know if my resume and letter were received.

I telephoned Chad, sharing the news about my one-hundred dollar win, the CLASS 3 rating. I also told him my idea to change two of my existing transfer requests. He made me feel a bit better.
Chad said, "I didn't go to school yesterday or today. I'm feeling sick."
"Oh, that's too bad," I empathized.

"In elite circles you never say NO. You say I'll think about it."
-1996 German Film
"A Girl Called Rosemarie"
Steph Redding called and she's all excited about working for Jean-Pierre International.
"Once I'm established," Steph exclaimed, "I'm going places!"
"That's great."
What else could I say?
Steph asked, "Would you like to go to a Fashion Show?"
"Sure, when?"
"It's tentative. It'll be at the Sir Francis in San Francisco."
"Well, sure. I'll go."

Cedric Green telephoned.
"Guess what, Mike! I accepted my job transfer request to come to your office starting March 3rd!"
"That's great."
What else could I say? I was glad to hear it. We talked a bit more, mostly small talk.

Chris Cordellos telephoned.
"Mike, I'll move to L.A. with you if you moved."
"You would?"
"Yeah, I think it's time to cut your hair, too."
"You can come over tomorrow night and cut it here at my place."
"Okay. You know…I was looking through some old pictures of us."
"Oh yeah—funny because I stumbled on that little St. Christopher 'Friends Forever' medal the other day. I still have it. I'm just glad we're still friends."
"Me too," Chris said happily.

I ate some sardines and folded some clothes. I had a JO session and fell asleep.

A Good Coach

"My life lacks something."
-2009 French Film
"Ne Te Retourne Pas" aka "Don't Look Back"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 10, 1986
Monday

Work was very busy…as usual. I received an early morning phone call from Steph Redding.
"Michael! The PacBell Oakland Placement Bureau called me!"
"You're kidding. I can't believe it. It's because I wrote you as a reference."
"That's right."
"So, what did you say?"
"Don't worry. I really commended you so well."
"Oh good, then I hope it works out for me."
Now I'm wondering if they'll call Leonard Perillo. Yikes. I'm sure it will all work out. I just hope I'll get a CLASS 2 rating versus a CLASS 3. I'll be upset if they rate me as a CLASS 3. The only way I'd get a CLASS 1 is if I had actually done the job I'm requisitioning for. I may have to change my transfer from Advertising Sales Rep (field) to Directory Sales Rep (telephone). They'd definitely give me a CLASS 2 for the Directory Sales Rep job.

I immediately went to the gym after work. I saw that girl named Christine Davidson there. We spoke for a short while. While I was working-out Bob Maloney tapped me on the shoulder.
Bob asked, "So how are you doing?"
"Oh pretty good."
I was surprised that Bob gave me any attention.

I also spoke to Mark Landreth a bit more today. I tried lifting free weights a bit more. It was a fair workout. I feel I should concentrate more on those free weights. If only Paloma were around to coach me. She was such a good coach that one time we worked out together. I will have to write to her and let her know that.
PHOTO: Paloma Sanchez-Guerra
There was overtime last night but I decided to go in early versus stay later.


I telephoned my sister-in-law, Helen, and Tony just before dinnertime. It was just a friendly out-of-the-blue kind of call. While at home I ate my two 'ham and cheese' sandwiches, watching parts of a movie called HAREM.


Steph Redding was talking very ambitious-like this morning. Maybe she really is going places.
Steph said, "In a couple of years I'll hire you as my Executive Assistant if you're interested."
It sounded so promising. She has just started working with GRIMME, a modeling agency. She intends on making a name there. She'll supposedly have a fashion article done as 'Lady Stephanie'.
"Right now I'm just teaching etiquette courses."
"Good for you," I said, wondering if she's just telling lies.
Who knows? I know she'll do well for herself.
I stirred her on by saying, "I'll quit my job just before your first article comes out in that posh fashion magazine…that I'm on the COVER of."
She laughed and said, "You know, that could be arranged."
Isn't she all talk and no action? Please. (?)

"Very strong people can do totally incomprehensible things."
-2001 film, "INTIMACY"

An Unguarded Moment

"When a woman is kissed it's because deep down she wants to be kissed."
-Rex Harrison
as Captain Daniel Gregg
"The Ghose and Mrs. Muir"

There is a song by THE CHURCH that was released in 1982 that has always been a favorite of mine. I share the lyrics today along with a YouTube video of the group, singing the tune:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osz-GQbX37o

So hard finding inspiration
I knew you'd find me crying
Tell those girls with rifles for minds
That their jokes don't make me laugh
They only make me feel like dying
In an unguarded moment

So long, long between mirages
I knew you'd find me drinking
Tell those men with horses for hearts
That their jibes don't make me bleed
They only make me feel like shrinking
In an unguarded moment

So deep, deep without a meaning
I knew you'd find me leaving
Tell those friends with cameras for eyes
That their hands don't make me hang
They only make me feel like breathing
In an unguarded moment

Twenty-five years ago today

February 9, 1986
Sunday

Chad and I were tired. We woke up at 11AM. I warmed my leftover Chinese Food from Friday night. I also warmed the cinnamon rolls that I had in the kitchen. Chad and I enjoyed the spur of the moment meal.

We decided to take a Sunday bike ride via Shoreline Drive and South Shore Beach and 'in and around' Bay Farm's SKYLARK 23 and through the Harbor Bay Island homes and lagoon trails. We returned to my house by 3PM.

The sun was shining on my bed. I just lay there as Chad was putting his contact lenses on. He was going to leave to cut the lawn and wash his car in Castro Valley. I knew he wouldn't end up doing either. (He didn't). I did learn later that he went to the gym though.

I slept for twenty-minutes after Chad had shut the front door. Then I went to mom's house and napped there. When I woke up I had a steak sandwich for dinner with mom and dad. After the enjoyable meal with them I proceeded to go to fill my car up with gas. I returned to mom's house to give her a few letters to mail. I brought the Natalie Wood (Memory of Eva Ryker) movie on VHS-tape for mom to watch. I watched a little bit of it again and then left for my place.

Actress Lindsay Wagner was on some child abuse movie called "CHILD'S CRY", so I watched it. I wanted to see it because it happened to Chad as a child. I was curious.
PHOTO: Lindsay Wagner
As I was watching "CHILD'S CRY" I received a surprise phone call from Rachelle Davies!
"Hi Mike!" Rachelle exclaimed.
"Oh wow, what a surprise."
"Do you know who this is?"
"Of course, I recognized your voice right away."
"I called you a number of times but you're hard to get a hold of."
I thought silently, "Yeah, sure!"
"So what's going on with you?" I asked.
"Well, I quit my job three days ago. I was working at Track and Trail' again."
"Oh well I haven't seen you at the gym in a while."
"I haven't been there in a while but I just renewed my membership."
"What time do you get out of school?"
"I'm out at eleven thirty every morning but I'll be in The City this week."
"Why don't you give me a call and we can have lunch?"
"Okay."


And so it seems I may be having lunch next week with Rachelle! It's funny how she happened to call me. Time will tell. I don't know what to make of it. It's such an unguarded moment.

"I have decided to rub onions under my armpits to repel her."
-Mary and Max,
2009 Australian film

Three Months

By letting go our fascination with the extraordinary and spectacular, we can allow ourselves to recognize the simply wonder that lies within the ordinary.
-Tony Parsons
"As It Is"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 8, 1986
Saturday

I drove into my garage hoping to see Chad's car parked there but it wasn't. I went upstairs, brushed my teeth and powdered my face. I was ready to jump into bed. I had looked at my bed before but I was in for a surprise at what I had NOT noticed. Chad had been lying flatly, so that I didn't realize he was there.

I got in to bed and said, "Oh My God" loudly. I realized someone ALIVE was in my bed. I realized, of course, that it was Chad but I didn't expect it. I took off his shorts and we embraced and caressed while lying in bed. Yes, it was a pleasant surprise. It was 4:45AM—or so—before I finally fell asleep.

Chad and I woke up and got ready for our Saturday outing. Chad did the driving to Sausalito 'in his car'. We had a good time, enjoying lunch at that HAMBURGER's joint. We ate outside on a marvelous day. It was a bit cold but so very clear. The sun was out.

We hit Mrs. Fields Cookies. Chad ended up running in to an old gal he used to tournament with 'dramatically' (whatever that means). After spending about an hour and a half in Marin County we drove in to San Francisco and bee-bopped around Fisherman's Wharf.

Chad had almost driven down a ONE-WAY street. His driving leaves much to be desired. I have invisible brakes on my side of the passenger seat that I find myself using often. We walked around PIER 39. I sipped a hot-chocolate near the actual pier while enjoying the view.
Suddenly Chad said, "I'll be out in front when you're done with the hot-chocolate."
When I was done I couldn't find him, so I figured the best thing to do was to go to his car. I remained at his parked car and he appeared after a while.
Chad explained patiently, "I was visiting a few T-shirt shops and watching two little black boys fidget and stand immobile while trying to collect money from strangers."
I shrugged in silence.

We returned to my place in Alameda where we had a 'top of the staircase' session. We relaxed on the downstairs sofa and fell asleep until Liz called. Liz is Chad's friend (who happens to live in Alameda). My call-waiting interrupted the Chad and Liz phone call. It was Stephanie Redding but I didn't speak to her.
Chad said, "Mike will call you back."


After our nap we got our acts together and decided to go out to see OUT OF AFRICA, the Oscar nominated movie. First, I drove to AlphaBeta for snacks. Chad went to a bank teller machine for some spending money. I continued driving in to San Francisco to the REGENCY I Theater. It's a very nice theater.


It was funny walking through Polk Street and visiting the HEADLINES store where they sell all sorts of cards and foolish gifts. While in line at the movies some man had his head in traction and we were glad he didn't sit in front of us.


I felt the OUT OF AFRICA was great in a cinematography sense. It was just too slow moving and not as touching as was THE COLOR PURPLE. I was falling asleep, feeling fidgety by having to sit there from 10:30PM until 1AM. We went straight home to my pad after the movie. We went home and fell asleep.


Bonni Jayne had called me in the early morning hours. I didn't return her call. I don't really care to spend a lot of time with her only because I feel as time has passed so have we (like two ships passing in the night). She's 'sort of' in another world that I don't feel like experiencing. She'll always be a loving friend but that's the extent of it.


Chad and I had our three-month anniversary tonight.
Chad jokingly asked, "It's three months, so now do we break up?"
He only said it because I had previously mentioned to him once that my relationships are far and few between in that they only last about three months.

He will only learn by repeating his gestures thousands of times, and by not being afraid to make mistakes.
-Paulo Coelho
"Like the Flowing River"

An Older Woman

"Possession isn't love."
-Dante's Cove,
Season III

Twenty-five years ago today

February 7, 1986
Friday

It's so nice when it is the end of the week. I received a call early this morning from the Placement Center in San Jose. They received my second Job Transfer Request submission. Now all I have to do is wait a couple more weeks for my status rating.

My section was all excited about our planned dinner tonight at YET WAH Restaurant.

I was amazed by a couple of shocking Installation order messes that I had to deal with (they originated with Judy, the new gal in our section who commutes to S.F. from Orangevale—near Citrus Heights).

After work I accompanied Margaret and Earl to the Castro Area. Earl's bank is there and he had business to attend to before dinner. The three of us made it to YET WAH in the Diamond Heights area of S.F. We had one grand meal. It was fun. We started with champagne and a lot of food!

After dinner I drove Margaret to her babysitter. Judy joined us and wanted to see Lombard Street, so we went down that crooked street. That was fun when you're tipsy with champagne. We headed over the Bay Bridge and I was thinking about what a beautiful view it was when I made a left on Market Street on to Clipper where the YET WAH Restaurant was located.

Out of the kindness of my heart I drove Judy to the CONCORD BART Station. Before I took her directly there we stopped at BAXTER's for a drink or two…actually, it ended up being a whole bottle of wine! And lo and behold…Denise Vinsonhaler and Gaylene were both there. Denise looked nice but she was so outspoken. There was some big older dude who was swooping on Judy. I ignored him. He was gross. Judy and I danced to an A-HA song that I like called TAKE ON ME.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EXxMlIExpo

Once 11:35PM rolled around Judy and I were feeling pretty washed-up for the evening, so we left. I drove Judy to the CONCORD BART Station (that's where her car was parked).
Denise had asked me, "Why don't you come back after you drop her off at BART?"
"Okay," I replied.

I didn't think Denise would think I'd actually return and that's why I did decide to go back. I was back at BAXTER's in no time.  Denise is nice and I like her. Judy seems to feel that I'm smarter than Denise and that we're both on two different levels (little does she know).  There may be some merit to what Judy said though. I tend to agree with Judy.  Although, Judy kind of shocked me because we actually "kissed" while at BAXTER's a couple of times.  She also gave me a quick peck kiss after I dropped her off.  Yikes! She's an older woman.  What am I—or could I---get myself into?  She's mid-thirties and has a fifteen year old son.

While at BAXTER's I was suddenly kissing Denise. Denise lost her ring and we were looking all over the place for it. Some fellow named Bill was swooping on Gaylene. He was from Santa Barbara but had recently transferred out to the Contra Costa area.
Bill whispered a question to me.
"So Mike, am I wasting my time on Gaylene?"
I wasn't sure what to tell him.
I said, "Probably not."

The four of us (Denise, myself, Gaylene and Bill) left BAXTER's and went to DENNY's to sober up. By 3AM I was on my way home. Oh what a night! I did enjoy myself. Life is too short not to--.

She was looking from him to me as if to measure the urgency of his desire.
-Philippa Gregory
"The Other Boleyn Girl"

Sushi Night

Inventing is a lot like surfing--You have to anticipate and catch the wave at just the right moment.
-Ray Kurzweil
"The Singularity is Near"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 6, 1986
Thursday

It's PAYDAY today!

Margaret Lai is treating me to Sushi tonight. Yum Yum!

I received a free Wall Street Journal at the entry to my garage door this morning.

I made a complete lunch this morning. I'm proud of myself.

Sometimes I feel like I am truly ready for a job and/or career change. My teaching credentials idea will definitely be my next route taken. It's a good option to always have...I think. I hope I get my job in Advertising Sales though. I'm making enough connections…I think. I plan on making more by calling people. Carol McClane is really good to me. I sent second submissions to San Jose and Los Angeles (via company mail) today as she instructed. I can't believe they have no record of the first submissions. They'd better receive them this time!

I'm glad I'm eating sushi tonight. Sushi can also lower your overall cholesterol. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that you allow two servings of fish a day. The Omega-3 fats also help prevent mental illness and can help in keeping your blood sugar levels at a healthy range. The benefits of Sushi can also include helping with depression, helping boost the immune system and it can help include the fat necessary to your diet. Go sushi!

I forgot to mention my fun lunch with Dean and Margaret yesterday. There were all of these grubby looking construction workers at this 'hole in the wall' hamburger joint. It was pretty fun. It was such a nice change of atmosphere. I enjoyed it. I had two and a half beers, too. I needed it as a relaxant after the disturbing parking ticket I had received only hours before.

My complete lunch that I prepared today was good. I gave Sue Fischer my dill pickle (since she's pregnant). Aren't pregnant woman supposed to crave them? She got a kick out of my gesture and seemed to enjoy the pickle.

We had a Social Committee meeting that was pretty fun.  We're planning a 50/50 Raffle tomorrow and Candygram sales for Valentine's Day.  We're slating March 7th for a 'sheet cake' for the office. It's the date William Graham Bell invented the telephone.

Mary McTiernan may have a cook out get-together at her place next Saturday (or the following weekend).
Mary whispered to Margaret, "Make sure you mention to Michael to have Chad come to my party."

Today Margaret was all hyped-up about our Sushi dinner date tonight. I admit I was getting excited, too.
Margaret said, "I have an X-rated type that you can borrow."
"Sounds interesting, Margaret."
I laughed, realizing I had no clue what she was talking about.
I went and had some vodka pineapple cocktails at a pizza joint near the CORONET THEATER on Geary called 'Avanti'.  They had pizza and other appetizers.  It was fun while waiting for the sushi dinner meet.

Paul Atura from Directory Sales-Los Angeles said, "The Spanish Yellow Pages is expanding. They really need people."
Perhaps I am not giving myself enough credit for my Spanish-speaking ability.  If things get shaky I'm going to urge those L.A. people in Directory to give me a chance at the Spanish Yellow Pages. I can do it. I know I can. After all, I am Spanish. I know a lot of words. I just have to put them together in sentences! Haha.

Margaret and I Sushi'd Out. It was 'delicioso good season'. I told Helen, my sister-in-law, about this Sushi place and she wants to go there now.

I telephoned Chad and he said, "I've been trying to call you!"
I noticed he had not been going to the gym for the last two weeks.
Chad continued, "I miss you."
I don't know how I happened to bring this up but I tried to phrase it politely (given that our relationship is not at its best).
I said, "You know...with a woman there's a lot you can experience sexually but with a man you can experience the best of both worlds."
Chad answered, "I'm sorry I can't fulfill you fully or sexually because I won't let you make love to me--but I don't enjoy it or like it."
Whatever.  Our relationship isn't totally based on sex but it's hard to deal with those limitations of which I agreeably 'do' and he will not.  I don't know what will happen.
Chad said, "I drove in to the City to get AIDS tested. In two weeks I'll get my results. You should get tested."
I said sternly, "I don't think it's necessary. If it happens I'll deal with it at that time."

Is anyone ever completely ready for a new undertaking, especially in a profession like cooking, where there are at least a hundred ways to cook a potato?
-Julia Child
"My Life in France"

Comforting A Good Man

All sons should write down every word of what their fathers have to say to them.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 5, 1986
Wednesday

I managed to arrive at work at 7AM once again today. It was an unlucky morning though. I received a parking ticket. The 'broken meter' trick didn't work today! I couldn't do anything but try not to dwell on it. Margaret Lai was less than comforting. She kept going on and on with "should haves" and "should have nots".
"You don't have to yell!" I blurted firmly.
She shut-up real fast.
C'est la vie.

I had a few fouled up orders today. All went fairly well by five o'clock.

I received a call from mom. I like when she calls me at work.
Mom said, "You have a thirty-three dollar check here from Blue Cross for your dermatology appointment."
"That's great. I can use it," I said, telling her about the disappointing parking ticket.

I am anxious to inquire with a good beauty salon about a facial and a haircut.

When I arrived home I receive a phone call from Sherri.
"Could you walk over to our house and tell John to call me?"
I did as she requested and found John and Ashley watching cartoons in the family room. Ashley looked so cute. I didn't stay long. John and Ashley got ready to meet Sherri for dinner somewhere.

I went to see Dad for a while. I handed him the January 1986 monthly rent check. It's nice that I can be a few days late with that check (I know—more like a month). I talked to Dad for a while. He was kind of tired because he is doing a different job at Del Monte Corporation now that they moved his old job to the Modesto location.
I said, "Dad, any new job is hard at first. As you get to know it, understand it and get used to it--it becomes second nature."
Dad smiled. I think he liked what I said.  It comforted him.

I went to the gym and I saw 'Mark Landreth'. I see him practically every day now. Anne Alberti, the aerobics instructor, was there, too. She locked eyes with me.
I stopped her route to the aerobics room and asked, "Anne, are you ashamed of me for not attending your class lately?"
"Yes!"
I laughed, "Well, you've inspired me again, so I'll show up soon."
I just may go for it one more time. She's not easy.

After my weight-training workout I returned home to eats and DYNASTY. I did a little ESQUIRE Magazine reading, too.

THE COLOR PURPLE and OUT OF AFRICA ran away with a lot of Academy Award nominations. I think Anne Bancroft will win Best Actress for AGNES OF GOD (even though I haven't seen the film she deserves it).
PHOTO: actress, Anne Bancroft
as Mother Miriam Ruth

I read an article on AIDS and how so many fantastic and bright people are working on a cure. New discoveries are learned weekly but nothing as far as a total vaccine. The article sounded hopeful and very sure that one day (who knows when?) a cure will be found. If it becomes an epidemic in the USA and worldwide I predict a vaccine will be found soon enough.

As per Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio-
What he meant by good men:
'To me the term good man means someone who knows how to do things well-That is knows how to do his art well-
So in painting a good man knows how to paint well and imitate natural things well.
-Peter Robb
"M-The Man Who Became Caravaggio"

High Hopes

The young man felt deeply stirred by an emotion that must thrill the hearts of all great artists when, in the pride of their youth and their fist love of art, they come into the presence of a master or stand before a masterpiece.
-Honore de Balzac
"The Unknown Masterpiece"

This is one of my favorite scenes from a Frank Sinatra movie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcNyxxZvf8I
Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite movie scenes in which Frank Sinatra sings HIGH HOPES with little Eddie Hodges:

Next time you're found, with your chin on the ground
There a lot to be learned, so look around

Just what makes that little old ant
Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can't
Move a rubber tree plant

But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes

So any time you're gettin' low
'stead of lettin' go
Just remember that ant
Oops there goes another rubber tree plant

When troubles call, and your back's to the wall
There a lot to be learned, that wall could fall

Once there was a silly old ram
Thought he'd punch a hole in a dam
No one could make that ram, scram
He kept buttin' that dam

but he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes

So any time you're feelin' bad
'stead of feelin' sad
Just remember that ram
Oops there goes a billion kilowatt dam
All problems just a toy balloon
They'll be bursted soon
They're just bound to go pop

Oops there goes another problem kerplop
Oops, there goes another problem kerplop
Oops, there goes another problem kerplop
Kerplop!

Twenty-five years ago today

February 4, 1986
Tuesday

I drove in to San Francisco and found a broken parking meter that remained constant with forty minutes remaining all day! That was a great freebie day for parking.

Work went smoothly until I learned some pretty shitty news. The job transfer requests that I submitted to Steph on January 9th were reviewed by me on January 16th; however, the Oakland Transfer Bureau says they received them on January 23rd. The San Jose and Los Angeles Transfer requests have not even been received yet! I'm pissed at Steph. Did she send them by mail or snail?
Steph said, "I sent all four transfers to Oakland."

After a few more phone calls it was recommended by the Los Angeles and San Jose offices that I have them resubmitted. I may just do that. I need to talk to that little Steph boss of mine. That wench tees me off! And then she has the nerve to recommend ASR (Account Service Representative Executive) for me. I don't think I'm ready for a move like that. I don't care to sell complex CENTREX services or do 'cold calling' for my current products. I want to sell advertising space.

I did speak to Paul Atura in Los Angeles. He sounded promising. He made me feel the outlook was good for me (or perhaps it was just my own inner high hopes at play).

I went home and did an hour of aerobics, then headed out to the gym. I made it home to see "SINS" (that TV movie).
Stephanie Reddding called.
"I mailed your resumes and cover letters to RAND Info Systems and Digital Equipment Corporation today."
"Oh thanks, I hope things work out. I'm ready to switch my career path."
"That's great," Stephanie said.
"I called UC Berkeley and inquired about getting my teaching credentials so that I'll have that 'good paying' option to teach…possibly at Armijo High."
Stephanie laughed.

Chad telephoned at 10AM. We had a nice talk.
He said, "You know—I ran into Mike Miller."
"You did?"
"Yeah, he's kind of a geek but I still like him. I feel sorry for him."
"I guess he can be a geek once in a while—but you don't need to feel sorry for him. I like him, too."

My new ESQUIRE Magazine was mailed to my mom and dad's house. I will have to straighten that out.


Chad also said, "I can barely pay my bills."
"That sounds familiar."
"Yeah, well Larry and I had an argument tonight."
"Why? What was it about?" I asked.
"He kept reminding me that I'm moving out in March."
"Well, if you move out I guess you'll have to get a job," I said with a smile that he couldn't see between phone lines.
Who knows? Maybe PacBell will hire him.

"What is your number? To walk away and live...?"
-actor, Shia LaBeouf as "Jake"
in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps", 2010

Follow Your Dreams

"Kids love athletes because they follow their dreams."
-George Clooney
"Up In The Air"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 3, 1986
Monday

I telephoned the Pac Bell Placement Bureau and referred Bonni Jayne-Ludovicy for a Service Representative position. I also got an 'okay' from Chad who is also interested in a Pac Bell job now that he knows that the company will pay for one-hundred percent of his college tuition once he's worked for six months. This reminds me of my intentions of going back to school. I might look at UC Berkeley to see about getting my Teaching Credentials. That's something I'd enjoy and like to have on the back burner. A Masters Degree wouldn't hurt either. I'm undecided. I really think I'd like to teach. The three months of summer off during each calendar year is nothing to frown about.

I went to the gym after a quick nap. I was released from work at 3PM today. The dentist fixed me up rather quickly. I, of course, had to write the dentist a check for one-hundred and seventy-six dollars.

I was surprised to see MaryAnn Munoz from Alameda High school days at the gym tonight. Mark Landreth and Buddy were there too. I spoke to a couple of new faces. The names escape me.

I telephoned Chad once I was home from the gym. He wants me to refer him to the Pac Bell Placement Center.
"I will," I said, hoping that things will work out for him.
It's like I was telling Chad's roommate, Larry: "I need more money."
Larry replied, "Doesn't everybody."

I exist somewhere in your past. You ruined my life. You may not know how, or why, or even when, but you did. Brought disaster and sadness to my every second. You ruined my life. And now I fully intend to ruin yours.
-John Katzenbach
"The Anyalyst"