Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 131

A Pretty Good Idea

"We're already out on ice so thin that we'll need paddles rather than ice picks."
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 2, 1986
Sunday

Mom made a surprise visit to my house this morning. It was great to see her.

Chad and I went to Berkeley to check out the Durant and Telegraph areas. We just (sort of) bee-bopped around the neighborhood. It was pretty relaxing. Chad enjoyed it.
"This was a pretty good idea on your part…to come here today," Chad said.
The only sad part of the day was when I found a ten dollar parking ticket on the windshield of my car. Chad sort of smiled which was not really very comforting.

I bought a bicycling calendar. It's so neat.

We returned to my home after having started the day rather late (like 2:30PM). Chad made some 'f&%#ing asshole' remarks in order to mock my statements from last Friday night. He could tell I got pissed.
I looked at him directly, with piercing eyes and said, "IF you want to talk about it then let's talk about it—but don't give me that ridiculous mocking."
Chad just shut-up and went upstairs to read one of my MADISON AVENUE Magazines.

Bonni Jayne telephoned again. Stephanie Redding phoned as well.

Chad left for the night. We bid our farewells with mediocre pecks goodbye.

I went to mom's house and watch part of "SINS" (some TV movie). I returned home to sleep after the movie. Yawn.


"Where you're going you don't need roads."
-The last line from the movie "Back To The Future"

Armijo High School

The past had blown away like...ashes in the waste-paper basket.
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"

Twenty-five years ago today

February 1, 1986
Saturday

Chad and I woke up at 7:35AM to a phone call from Steph Redding. Steph was calling to provide brief directions to get to her house in the Fairfield-Vallejo area.

I said, "Goodbye" to Chad.
He had to go to Chabot College this morning to work and study.

I went to mom's house to pick-up Ashley. When I got home Margaret Lai and her son, Lance had just arrived at my place from San Francisco. Margaret, Ashley, Lance and I all left for Fairfield.

All of us (including Steph and her daughter, Tabitha) went to a local park in Fairfield. Margaret left with an agent she contacted to get tours of homes. Margaret wants to buy a house.
PHOTO: Margaret, Lance, Tabitha, Steph, Ashley

Steph and I went to ARMIJO HIGH SCHOOL in Fairfield. There was a Chief Armijo statue there. In 1891 Armijo High School began as a small one-room school house with 30 students, and grew over the past 100 years. The mascot for the high-school is the "Indian"; however, ARMIJO is NOT an Indian name. An Indian Chief was given the name of ARMIJO (by a Spanish explorer of that name) after donating his Native-American land for the school.


After the visit to ARMIJO HIGH (something I've always wanted to do) we went to CHUCKY CHEESE for the kids. We had a good time. I wondered if the people thought we were a family (Steph, me, Ashley, Tabitha and Lance).


I stopped at McDonald's when it was just me, Ashley, Margaret and Lance en route back to Alameda. We had the munchies. I was home by 5:40PM. It was a long, tiring day. I enjoyed myself.


I telephoned Chad at around six o'clock. He wasn't home yet.


I received a surprise phone call this morning from Bonni Jayne. We planned to get-together but didn't because I was heading out to Fairfield.


When Chad returned my call I explained, "I really want to spend time with Bonni. We've known each other for such a long time and we need to get together."
He understood.


So, I did see Bonni after all. I went to pick her up and we went to the Whale's Tail for a drink or two. Bonni and I reminisced about our junior high and high-school days.  Our waitress was Donna Blackwell, a fellow high-school student.   Donna graduated (with us) from Alameda High as well. I recalled that she had dated George Shuman (one of our neighbors in Oakland, CA when we lived there in the mid to late 1960's).
Bonni made me laugh when she said, "My prisoner, body-builder boyfriend jerked-off with a broom stick up his ass."
It's amazing what a couple of cocktails will do.
PHOTO: Bonni Jayne, 1986
Bonni and I went to my place and we watched the movie VISION QUEST together. We also played a game of SCRABBLE.


Larry telephoned, "I heard your message. I think you should call Chad at his mom's house."
"Okay, I will."
When I did call Chad at his mom's house I said, "You can come over her if you want."
I drove Bonni home.


When I phoned Chad again at 12:25AM his Dad answered.
"Is Chad there?"
"You have the wrong number."
I was sure it was his Dad's voice. Chad ended up arriving at my place at around 1:15AM. It excited me for some reason. I wanted to know what was going on.
Chad simply said, "I was at my folks' house until really late."
I believed him. Why shouldn't I?


I still cannot see that there is anything extreme in the idea that people should have what they need, particularly if they have had to go without it for most of their lives.
-Morag Joss
"Half Broken Things"

Solemn and Quiet

"Sometimes I wonder how beautiful nature can be and how unbeautiful people can be."
-James Kirkwood
"Good Times Bad Times", a novel

Twenty-five years ago today

January 31, 1986
Friday

Here it is. It's the last day of January. It's the day one realizes they're not really keeping up with their New Year's Eve resolutions.

I worked through my day just fine. I telephoned Chad to inform him that Mary McTiernan, Dave Vigil and I would be at a place called LILY's in San Francisco.
"We'll meet you there between five-thirty and seven tonight," I advised.
Chad seemed rather solemn and quiet. I think it's mainly because of where he is in his life. When he moves out in March from his 'free loading' environment with Larry it will be better.

I am thinking of telling Chad that he can move-in with me for only $250 per month. I can almost predict his response though. Well, he can take it or leave it. It's a bargain as far as I'm concerned.

Mary McTiernan and I went to LILY's and had a couple of drinks. I realized I'd missed LILY's. It's a fun place and we were having a fun time. David Vigil appeared and we all sat around at a table outside. There were no more signs of rain. It was a reasonably nice and cool evening. Chad showed up and we all sat together talking about the new aerobics gym where David is now working (in addition to his job at Pac Bell).

We soon left altogether. Once again I was feeling a bit on the drunken side. I was being friendly and I could sense Chad whispering negative shit about me to Mary and David. We were all window shopping. I put my hand on each of their shoulders and Chad quickly pulled away like I was an asshole drunk. It was as if he wished he didn't know me. I just let it go. I ignored him. We met David at his new gym called SYMMETRY.

We went to a restaurant next door to SYMMETRY and ordered a variety of hors d'oeuvres. We returned to the gym and there was music and dancing going on. Some gal named Sandra Dee was really nice to me. She (kind of) resembled Natalie Wood. We danced together. Chad and Mary danced together, of course. We left there by 10PM or so and went to David's apartment in San Francisco. I changed my shirt into one of David's sweatshirts that I liked. I tried on a pair of his tennis shoes. Chad and Mary left for BAJONE's (where David and I were to meet them).

While David Vigil was getting ready to go out on the town a friend of his named Paul stopped by. Paul kissed David in front of me. I just pretended not to notice. I went outside for a 6-pak of MILLER beer with money provided by David, of course. I got the feeling that David wanted to be alone with Paul for a short while.

We left for BAJONE's and there was a jazzy black band playing. I didn't like the vibes very much but we went in, paying the four-dollar cover charge. David was kind enough to treat, so it was cool. I was having a 'shitty time' there. It really blew over when I said the word, "Gemini." The music was so loud and I could hardly hear.
I thought I overheard Dave ask Mary, "You're a Gemini, right?"
I think he asked that because he heard me say "Gemini". I knew Dave was also a Gemini.
David gave me a puzzled look.
Mary laughed loudly, giving me this look that seemed to be asking 'where are you coming from?'
Suddenly, Chad said, "You should meet his parents."
And David added, "Oh, I know how he is…"
It all burned me up. I did NOT like it at all. I wanted to turn our table over and abandon them all. Instead, I centered all of my anger on Chad because he deserved it most.
I stated firmly and loudly, "What the FUCK do my parents have to do with it? What's wrong with my parents? I love them. There's nothing wrong with them you fuckin' asshole! You're a son-of-a bitch!"
Chad had a blank expressionless, in-control look on his face filled with shock and puzzlement.
David felt to blame.
Mary made a kind of smirk as she twinged. I was pissed-off.
I said, "I want to LEAVE."
Chad was quiet for a bit. He apologized. "I apologize. I don't know why I said that."
Chad couldn't even explain himself.

All I know is that no one and especially no friend of mine is going to make fun of my folks—my central bloodline who are the key to my existence. No friend of mine will ever make fun of my folks. I didn't say much to Chad the rest of the night. I know I did put a damper on everyone's evening with my reaction. Chad walked Mary to her car at the end of the evening while David and I stood at a corner. Chad returned and we both said goodbye to David.
"Don't you guys want to go for coffee at my place?" David asked.
We decided against it.

During the drive over the Oakland-Bay Bridge Chad said, "I hope one incident; however negative would never break us apart because I do care for you very much…a lot. I love you."
We held hands on the way home and I had a lump at my throat from sadness and happiness.
I didn't and couldn't say a thing except to say, "I didn't understand your remarks!"

Chad had parked at the Fruitvale BART station which meant that he intended on spending the night.
I said, "I hope you will spend the night anyway."
He followed me to my home. We cuddled. We slept.


Chad knew I was pissed--.
I was thinking what David said to me privately when we were standing at that corner: "I have never seen you like that."
I was sure that Mary shared that identical sentence to Chad.
All in all—all turned out better when Chad and I returned home to my place.
Chad later said, "I could feel David look at me. David could read the care in my eyes for you."


Whatever…I can't quit caring or loving someone with just a snapping of my fingers.


"The world is full of MALICE, and people smooth the path for it."
-Franz Kafka
"The Village Schoolmaster"

On The Same Wavelength

She had never thought of herself as a lesbian. She had never brooded over whether she was straight, gay, or bisexual. She did not give a damn about labels, did not see that it was anyone else's business whom she spent her nights with. If she had to choose she preferred guys--and they were in the lead, statistically speaking. The only problem was finding a guy who was not a jerk and one who was also good in bed.
-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 30, 1986
Thursday

The scab on my chin is still not totally gone. It's kind of depressing but it's slowly deteriorating. I was thinking about purchasing some facial stuff for men to preserve and care for my face. I will have to look into it. Maybe I'll get a facial somewhere and then see what they recommend in terms of products.

Brushing my teeth with baking soda proved clean and easy and my cavity-ridden feeling is gone.

Tonight is the party at the gym with the Chippendales and a Playboy Playmate by the name of Kim Morris. I'm not so sure I will attend. I think Chad said he may go. Perhaps I will go if he calls me tonight.

My brother, Tony, is working in my office now. He is on the other side of the grand office though. He does come over to my section every now and again to check on Judy, his training partner.

My cold that was coming feels better. I think the saltiness of that baking soda really helps to soothe my throat (as well as my teeth).

Coming in to work at seven o'clock in the morning isn't as bad as I expected. The time goes by so fast. I eat breakfast and it's very relaxing in the office (not that it isn't throughout the day but it is definitely busier).

I saw a neat bumper sticker on a car today: "Forget the Whales…Save the Starving People."

I worked as diligently as usual. Larry, the main boss, gave me a special assignment to call a friend of his in his Executive Club to firm up his PREMIERE telephone service.

Steph, my supervisor, had a section meeting with us about the ECC room for Telemarketing Seminars. She kind of looked at me when she mentioned how invaluable our jobs are and how many AT&T Representatives want to come back to PAC BELL. I guess Steph and Larry know I'm ready for a more challenging job/change.

After work Chad telephoned me at six o'clock. He was kind of down and out. He was primarily pissed-off because Larry (his roommate) didn't cook dinner tonight.
Chad complained, "Larry knew I would be home at five forty-five. I just helped myself to some soup and you know what Larry yelled out?"
I asked, "No, what?"
"Company! That meant that he was referring to Randy and some other friends of his who were coming. And so I may stop by at the gym for that party just to get out of here."
"Well, I'll meet you there."

I ended up meeting Chad at the Video Store. We went to the gym and tried to get an autographed photo of Kim Morris but it was much too crowded. We ran into Randy and Mike and then I saw Joyce.
I said, "Hi Joyce!"
Joyce smiled, "Oh, Hi!"
Then Joyce suddenly looked at the older looking lady that she was with (!).
I didn't see Joyce after that brief greeting.
Later, when I told Steph Redding about it Steph had her own opinion.
Steph announced proudly as if she were Ann Landers, "You know, Michael. I believe that Joyce only showed up at that gym for the party to see you."
"I don't know about that. We'll see."

Chad and I didn't stay at the gym festivities for very long. His mind seemed preoccupied. I finally got one of Kim Morris' last composite photos with her autograph. We exchanged a few words after I saw her write 'All My Love'.
I smiled and said, "I was hoping you'd write that."
"We are on the same wavelength," Kim said with a flashy smile.

PHOTO: Kim Morris, PLAYBOY Playmate 1986

Chad and I went to my car and talked for a while. He's going to meet me in The City tomorrow night with Dave Vigil and Mary McTiernan. That should be fun. We parted ways and I simply went home.

I finally watched the ending of that Natalie Wood movie, "The Memory of Eva Ryker". I watched the TV Drama DYNASTY spinoff called "The Colby's", too.

I telephoned Chad very quickly to verify and confirm tomorrow night.
I closed by saying, "Great. I just wanted to make sure you're going to go. I'll call you with directions."

Chris Cordellos called me out-of-the-blue just before I went to bed.
"Yeah Mike, my mom's been really ill. She just got out of the hospital again."
"Oh man, I'm sorry. I hope she gets better."
"Me too—I'm still going to beauty school. We should get together on Sunday or Monday."
"That sounds like a good idea," I said, realizing that he's usually all talk.
Then I added, "Oh wait, this Saturday Margaret, a friend from work, and I are going to Fairfield…but it's pouring outside, so I don't know if we'll actually go."


We are threatened with suffering from three directions: from our own body (which is doomed to decay); from the external world (which may rage against us); and finally from our relations to other men (perhaps more painful to us than any other threat).
-Sigmund Freud
"Civilization and its Discontents"

Bachelor Duties

She realized that the tragedy of death had to do entirely with what was left unfulfilled.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 29, 1986
Wednesday

Yesterday history was made because the Space Shuttle Challenger blew up (seventy-three seconds into its flight) near Florida.  All seven crew members were killed (Michael J Smith, Dick Scobee, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis and Judith Resnick).  It made me sad to learn that Christa McAuliffe was a high-school teacher from New Hampshire.

It's pouring rain this morning. I forgot my duck handle umbrella, too. Boo-Hoo.


I had a poor sales day.


My teeth were bothering me. It's as if I had a couple of cavities coming on. I think it's cleared up.


At lunchtime my section had a PacTel luncheon that included spare ribs. It was a filling meal. My supervisor, Steph, mentioned Elizabeth Center's promotion to management after she recently transferred. Coincidentally, I had a dream of this happening. I wonder why. I guess I wish I were in that predicament. Do I find it to be a problem? We usually dream our problems you know. Oh well—whatever. Steph also shared her experiences at the recent Branch Conference at the Concord Hilton over the last two days. It sounded fun.


At 5 o'clock sharp I went home instead of choosing to work overtime. I decided I should go home and brush my teeth. I also needed to go grocery shopping for food. I need baking soda and other goodies. I accomplished a lot.


I did visit my gym. I was surprised to see that all of the equipment had been rearranged. I saw Mark Landreth. He was working out with such concentration. He's a nice guy. I find him to be very reserved. He reminds me a bit of myself at times.

I shopped at SAFEWAY in Alameda and went home to see the end of DYNASTY. I unpacked all of the groceries. I had the munchies and chose to eat half of my almonds while sipping a glass of Diet 7-UP. I wanted to make myself lunch for tomorrow but I forgot to buy baggies and lunch bags at the store. These little tidbit bachelor duties are endless. There's a lot I still have to learn.


I was in bed by 10 o'clock. It's funny because last night (and tonight) I woke up around midnight. I thought it was already time to get up and go to work. Tonight I woke at midnight because of the telephone ringing. I have no idea who it might have been. Maybe it was a computer line number being crossed with my line.

In the meantime, he was content the way things were, treasuring each hour with him, writing it up that night in his diary so that it could be cherished forever.-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Time

"No matter how much money you make you'll never be rich.
The most valuable commodity I know is TIME."
-Michael Douglas
"Wall Street Money Never Sleeps", 2010 Film

Time (Clock of the Heart) by BOY GEORGE
PHOTO:  Boy George, August 1986
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9gKgdCWeSg

Twenty-five years ago today

January 28, 1986
Tuesday

I want to feel what it's like to be able to say, "Oh—another payday again," like I used to do in the past. I seem to be living up to each Thursday for my payday just to survive. I'll balance it out sooner or later. I wonder how much I can expect from my income tax refund this year.

I am hot from wearing a heavy sweater this morning. I must try not to think of it.

"Today's another day," was my first thought when I woke up this morning. All I could think of was coming home and napping. Now I just want to do aerobics and go to the gym. We'll see.

It really was another lax day at the office because all of the supervisor's were at their Branch Conference.

Margaret Lai had her lunch with the red-headed bearded fellow from the Union Hall. She didn't seem to feel he was very interested in what she had to say. She is attracted to him.
Margaret confided with me by saying, "I've made my move so now it all depends on him. That's my way of thinking."

I had a pizza at lunch time. I decided to stay in the building.
PHOTO: Margaret Lai with her son Lance, 1986

After work I did do my aerobics and made it to the gym. I saw Leonard Perillo but pretended not to see him. Who knows? It may not have been him. Chad wasn't there either. I just concentrated on my workout and skedaddled on home.


Steph Redding, Salima Nassardeen-Hamilton (a former coworker who is now 6-months pregnant), and Denise Vinsonhaler all telephoned me. Oh yes, Frank Vasconcellos called me earlier to say he was joining my gym (24-Hour Fitness). How thrilling! (Of course, I am being sarcastic.)


I watched a bit more of that Natalie Wood movie, "The Memory of Eva Ryker". I made a taped copy of the movie while I was enjoying a Cup-O-Noodles soup.


I finally decided to go to bed as I thought about Salima's phone call. She just wanted to touch base with me. At first I didn't know who she was. She's working in the Walnut Creek RASC (Residence Account Service Center) now. She's on disability at the moment because of her pregnancy.


Chad actually returned my call. We spoke briefly. We exchanged those 'missing you' sorts of words.


Denise Vinsonhaler went on and on about her condominium and her newly scheduled trip to Germany. She will be traveling with her Dad.
Denise added, "And then a few months later I'll be going to Hawaii."
"You're lucky. I think I'll talk to you tomorrow night because tomorrow is one of those be-at-work at seven o'clock kind of mornings."
"Okay, good night."
"Good night and sweet dreams."
Yawn.

I can feel the currents, but I steer clear of them.
-Franz Kafka
"The Warden of the Tomb

Club Med, BRECK Shampoo and PLAYBOY

The world turns on our every action, and our every omission, whether we know it or not.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 27, 1986
Monday

Paloma telephoned me from France today. She gave me her new telephone number.
"I'm moving out this weekend from my mom's house," she said.
I was not sure if she was moving out 'alone' or with a roommate. I am not sure I really want to know.
She did say, "I won't be in Paris any more starting May 1986."
I asked, "Why not?"
"I got a job with Club Med and I will keep you informed of my traveling adventures, then maybe you can take a Club Med vacation."
"That's so great! I'm so happy for you. I will write to you."
I kept my word. I wrote. I sent an Air-Mail letter today.

Steph Bautista, my supervisor, was at a Branch Conference in Concord along with most of the other managers. She will be there tomorrow also. Dale Orlando called-in sick today (no big loss).

Some asshole doctor customer kept me on the line well after 5PM today. I hate that.

I went home after work and immediately got ready for the gym. I met a really cute girl named Joyce.
The first thing I said to her was, "You know, your hair would make a great BRECK Shampoo TV commercial."
She certainly seemed to like what I said.  I don't think anyone ever used that line on her before.


While I was riding on the Lifecycle next to Joyce my pal, Leonard Perillo, came by and spoke to me briefly.
I asked, "So how are things with you?"
"Business is good. Have you seen Chad lately? What's he up to?"
"Oh…the same—he's very in to school right now."
"Is he still living up there in Castro Valley?"
"Yeah, but he may move out in March."
"Where to…Alameda?"
Leonard was obviously fishing.
I answered frankly, "It's a possibility. I rode my bike from Alameda to his place just last Saturday. That was an exhilarating ride."


Mark Landreth bid me a brief "Hello" today.  Rick (Chad's friend) said, "Hello" too.
I asked Rick, "What's up?"
He shouted, "I'm heading home to see the American Music Awards."
I continued working out fairly well. I may make a return gym visit tomorrow because I feel fat lately.


After the gym workout I returned mom's shampoo that I had borrowed.  I ended up not even using it because our showers have no hot water at the gym.  I borrowed some fresh grapes from mom's fridge. I also took the extra quarters that she found and left for me (for my parking meter fees).


I showered when I arrived at my place and watched the ending of Natalie Wood in "The Memory of Eva Ryker". It was sad because when I stopped watching the movie last night Clare Ryker (the character played by Natalie Wood) had been killed and left to drown amidst a torpedo stricken ship called the Queen Anne.  It's a good movie, yet the connection to her true life drowning death was unusually uncanny.


This Thursday night some Chippendale's men and some Playboy bunny named Kim Morris are supposed to be at this party at my 24-Hour Fitness gym.  I may attend—even if my chin is still in the recovery stage.
PHOTO: Kim Morris, Playboy
Playmate March 1986
By 10PM I decided to go to dream land. I was glad I had gone to the gym earlier because it made me feel much better.


I thought of calling Chad but I figured he'd be asleep.  I don't want to bug him too much.  Our intimate episodes of last weekend were nice though. I miss him.  I can't wait until we can meet up again and share more good times.

"I really believe that, at a certain point, if you're born in '60-something or whatever, you got ripped off—you know what I mean?  I always felt like I was meant to have been born in another era, another time."
-actor, Johnny Depp
VANITY FAIR,
January 2011 Issue

My Hero

"A man whom the people elect to an important place in their government is always blamed for everything that goes wrong," my father said.
-James Mitchell Clarke
"Luis of Gudalajara"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 26, 1986
Sunday

Chad and I awoke rather late this morning. We both washed our cars. We both showered and went to La Val's Pizza for a large combo.  We watched the Super Bowl together on La Val's large TV screen as we munched on our pizza.

Chad shocked me when he said, "Ronald Reagan is my hero."
I made a negative sigh.
He resented me for it.
It still surprised me to know that he considers him a 'hero'.

After our pizza we went to my place and continued to watch the Super Bowl game. It was a long drawn out game. We went upstairs, screwed around and napped a bit.


Before we knew it the time was 4:30PM. Chad readjusted himself and got ready to leave. I could tell that was his plan. He did leave.
I had taped a Natalie Wood movie called "The Memory of Eva Ryker" while I had gone to mom and dad's house for dinner.


My chin blemish (or wart) is getting better. However, I did say that a month ago.


Mom had me accompany her to SAFEWAY for a few goodies. Mom made me a homemade meatloaf sandwich for lunch tomorrow. What a sweetheart.


I returned home and spent the evening with Natalie Wood (by way of watching that movie, "The Memory of Eva Ryker") until 9:30PM. I knew it was time to turn in, so I did.


"Do you survive because of what is in you?
Or because of what isn't...?"
-Richard Price
"Lush Life"

A Nudist Camp

"People have two sides--a good side, a bad side--a past, a future and we must embrace both."
-Angelina Jolie
"The Tourist"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 25, 1986
Saturday

I think Ashley and Sherri are arriving tonight from their trip to Oklahoma.

I woke up at 7:15AM and went on a cycling tour from 8AM until 9:15AM.  I rode to Marina Park in San Leandro via Doolittle Drive.  After that ride I went and had a bit to eat at mom's (a good breakfast).

I telephoned Chad from mom's house but he was still sleeping.
"Call me back at 11:30 or if you're home I'll call you," Chad had said.

At 11:30AM Chad telephoned me at my place.
"I drove to that girl's party last night and I couldn't find a parking space.  At the last minute I decided not to go in," Chad revealed.
I laughed.
"That sounds like something I did once. No kidding?" I asked.
"Yeah."
"Well, do you want to go bike riding today?"
Chad was reluctant but I persuaded him.  I impressed him by bicycling from Alameda to his house in Castro Valley in one-hour and ten minutes.  It wasn't so difficult a ride.  It's easier returning home because it's more downhill.

Chad and I rode all the way to the end of Cull Canyon Road.  We visited a nudist camp called Sequoians:  http://www.sequoians.com/home.php
The facilities weren't much to brag about.  The girl who was President had a hair on her tit (per Chad's good eye).  There were two old men and two women that were nude.  They were nothing to speak of.  We left after discussing the cost of membership and a briefing about their events.  We gave our addresses for brochures to be sent.  It was funny.  That was my 'first ever' nude establishment visit.   There was none of the scenery that I had hoped to see.

We continued our bike ride and went to Chad's (Larry's) house.  Chad was really tired but I could have continued riding.  I had some Diet Coke and an apple as a refresher.  Larry offered to drive me part of the way home.
"It's okay," I said reassuringly to Larry.


Larry, Chad and Hannah (the dog) were going to drive out to Half Moon Bay to the beach.  I simply rode my bike to mom's house and had dinner there.  I hung out there for a bit until I decided it was time to go home for a nap.  I needed rest after my eventful cycling day.  Cull Canyon was very green countryside.  It was scenic.

Mike Miller telephoned.
"Hey Mike, I was just wondering what you were up to tonight."
"Not much…why don't you call me a little later though."


Stephanie Redding telephoned. She always cheers me up.
I explained, "Yeah, so this Collection Agency note arrived from Miller's Outpost and it was so upsetting."
Steph laughed, making me feel that it was really nothing to talk about.  It really was nothing when I really think about it.


I woke from my nap and got my laundry chores going.  I am supposed to call Chad if I get a brainstorm idea for tonight.  I kind of feel like dancing.  Then again…I don't know.  I could put a band aid on my chin like I did today and probably have a good time.


Chad seems 'wishy-washy' lately. Sometimes I feel like he doesn't want to spend time with me because I'm boring—or at least I get the feeling he feels that way.  Maybe he would like to do other things---as I would---but money is a problem.  I am going to call him and suggest dancing at HMS or Bobby McGee's.  The worst he can do is say, "No."


I am not really sure I want to go out but I'll call him anyway.  It's mainly because I L--- him.
I dialed his number and Larry answered the phone.
Larry said, "Chad left for the gym just fifteen minutes prior to your call.  I told him to take his overnight gear in case he runs into you."
I learned that he did—in fact—take his overnight gear but didn't say a word to Larry. That means he was giving Larry the silent 'all right already' treatment.  It was Chad's way of saying, "I won't spend the night here."
Larry added, "You should go to the gym and meet him there."
Larry tried to convince me to go but it's almost 9PM and the gym closes at 10PM tonight; whereby, I decided not to go.


I hope Chad calls me after his workout.  I do not understand why he didn't call me before he headed out for the gym.
Larry explained, "Sometimes he feels he needs his space to himself."
I can surely relate to that.  My therapeutic bike rides are 'my' time and space for myself.


I was watching some Saturday Night sit-com when Steph Redding telephoned to give me the news.
"I have a new job title as Property Manager at Century 21, Michael!"
"That sounds great."
What else could I say?  Steph recommended that I read "Texas Temptress", the paperback book tonight.  It's the romantic tale that she says she wrote under a false name.  I decided to read it.


I was just getting into the book when I heard my front door opening.  It was Chad.  We hugged.  He went outside again in order to park his car into the garage.  Sherri happened to be driving by outside at the same time.  She thought Chad was me because he was moving my car so that his car could fit in the garage.  Sherri had just arrived tonight from Oklahoma.
Chad later said, "Sherri reeked of marijuana…or the inside of her car sure did!"


Chad, Sherri and I all decided to go out for a drink at Gallagher's in Jack London Square.  My brother, John, was working and he treated our first round of drinks.  I went up for a second round but the other bar tender took my order which meant I had to dish out nine dollars.
John said, "You have to pay every once in a while.  You should make your friend pay because it seems like he's moochin'."
When John even detected Chad's mooching ways it made me wonder.  In fact, since I've met Chad I have spent a number of dollars on him.  He doesn't treat me very often at all.  I know about his tight finances but mine are tight as well. Oh well…I didn't choose to dwell on it.


Chad, Sherri and I hung out and watched all of the folks until we decided to split at 12:45AM. We went to NATIONS Burgers. Chad seemed like he was 'moochin' by telling me what he wanted to order.
I said, "Well get it!"
He got it and he paid, so he had a little cash somewhere.


We then went home and Chad and I had a sensual night.  It was very much so. Maybe our semi-drunkard state made us more daring and intimately inclined. It was nice. We slept and awoke in the middle of the night for more. Then we slept again.

What incredible discoveries one could make with one's eyes closed.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Talk To Me

The mind was fragile, fickle, but the human body was resilient.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Stevie Nicks and I share common ground in that we are both born on the same day: May 26th (different year; she's eleven years older).  I thought of her while doing my blog today because her TALK TO ME song was a big hit in 1986. Here are the lyrics to TALK TO ME:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZHJxP7EsNQ

I can see we're thinkin' bout the same things
And I can see your expression when the phone rings
We both know there's something happening here
Well, there's no sense in dancing round the subject
A wound gets worse when it's treated with neglect
Don't turn around there's nothing here to fear

You can talk to me
Talk to me
You can talk to me
You can set your secrets free, baby

Dusty words lying under carpets
Seldom heard well must you keep your secrets
Locked inside hidden safe from view
Well, is it all that hard
Is it all that tough
Well, I've shown you all my cards now isn't that enough
You can hide your hurt
But, there's something you can do

You can talk to me
Talk to me... talk to me
I can set your secrets free, baby
La, la, la, la...

Though we lay face to face and cheek to cheek
Our voices stray from the common ground where they
Could meet
The walls run high, to veil a swelling tear
Oh, let the walls burn down, set your secrets free
You can break their bounds, cause you're safe with me
You can lose your doubt, cause you'll find no danger
Not here

You can talk to me
Talk to me
You can talk to me
You can set your secrets free, baby
Oh, I can see you running... I can see you running
I can see you running all the way back home
I can see your expression when the phone rings
And I can see that you're thinkin' bout the same things
Is it all that hard
Is it all that tough
Well, you've taken all there is now baby
Isn't that enough
Well, I can see you runnin'... I can see you runnin'
All the way back

Twenty-five years ago today

January 24, 1986
Friday

What can I say about another day at the office? It was my second day showing up for work with an ugly scab on my chin. There were fewer comments regarding it. I announced the winner (Tim Matthews) for the baby picture contest. I—kind of—dressed especially nice so that I'd at least look good everywhere else other than my mid-chin.

Karyn Kossoff came in to the office at around 4:30PM or so. We exchanged a few words.
"Mikee, are you going to the outing tonight?"
I knew she was referring to Ron Shelly's surprise party for Nancy.
"Probably not," I answered, acting disappointed.
I simply didn't want to go because of my facial appearance and my lack of funds.

After work I went straight to my mom's house and enjoyed dinner with her. We watched a taped episode of "The Young and The Restless". It was fun spending time with mom and seeing that she was feeling better.

I went home by 8PM. I thought about going to the gym but I didn't go because I received a depressing note in the mail about a 'returned check' to Miller's Outpost for a mere $11.75. How aggravating! I took care of it immediately. When one debt creeps up after another it is so irritating.

I napped myself to sleep at 8:30PM and was awoken to the shrill of a telephone ring. It was Chad calling me at about 10PM.
"I am going to some Birthday party that some girl invited me to," Chad announced.
"Oh, okay."
I'm pretty sure that was all I said.
"The party is near Livermore, so I'll probably just go home after."
"Okay," I replied.
We didn't talk a lot. I went to bed and was actually glad that he wasn't coming over. I hate the scab on my chin. I don't really want him to see me until I am all healed. I still can't believe I got a wart (and on my chin of all places!).

Greg Manachevitz telephoned, wanting to come over to visit.
"Greg, I'm figuring out my 1985 tax return right now and then I'm hitting the hay."
"Oh, okay."
Mike Miller telephoned while I was asleep at midnight.
"Hi,"Mike said.
"Hi, it's okay that you just woke me up."
"Oh, sorry."
"Bye."
Click.

"It is a sad thing to think of, but there is no doubt that genius lasts longer than beauty."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray"