Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 132

Inner Beauty

It is always wise to periodically take a moment to assess, tote up the score, and then proceed.
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

PHOTO: Michael Armijo, Tony Armijo
and daughter, Lauren--1986
Twenty-five years ago today

January 23, 1986
Thursday

It rained this morning. It was pouring so hard as I drove over the Bay Bridge. In Alameda it wasn't raining, yet now upon arriving in to The City the sun is suddenly coming out.

Helen invited me to dinner tonight. I intend to be there. It ought to be fun.

I'm just going to hate the people that mention my healing chin today. It's not like I'm unaware that it's there. I don't need to be reminded of it. Oh well…

I hope they offer overtime next week or something.  Maybe I'll win the Publishers Clearing House. Ha-ha.

I was right.  I got a lot of comments regarding what had happened to my chin.  I tried to shrug it off, knowing full well people were looking at it when I was spoken to.  What the hell—it's a passing phase.  The accident will clear itself up eventually.  The best thing to remember about it all is that I can go on and ignore a mishap on my face without worrying about what other people think (knowing full well that it's my inner beauty that people should really like).

There were thirty-six baby pictures received in all.  Most of them were good.  Four employees (Tim Matthew, Diana Brock, Lanie (the order writer clerk) and Susan Bickley) all had thirty-three correct guesses when it came to identifying the baby photos. Personally, I think Lanie should be the winner because I don't think she really collaborated and compared notes with other employees.

My brother, Tony, joined me in my car after work.  We drove to his pad where we immediately could take in the aroma of the fresh lasagna that Helen was preparing.  I played with Lauren Michael.  She was being such a 'cutie pie'.  We were waiting for Don Starkey to arrive but he went to some stupid Career Directions Testing seminar which wasn't over until 7PM.  So we waited and waited (as my stomach growled) for the other guest to finally show up.  It was a fine dinner though.

I drove over to mom and dad's house, arriving at 9:05PM.  Mom was still sick with her cold.  Her nose was chafed from blowing so much.  I stayed with her for a while and she loaned me a couple of bucks for my parking tomorrow.  I confided with her about how I deposited my full $784 check in the bank to cover all of the checks I had written.  I'll have to ask Steph to cash the check I wrote to her on February 14th so that my other checks won't bounce.

PHOTO: Halloween, 1985
Michael J Armijo, Mary McTiernan
While at my place I telephoned Chad, leaving a message on his answering machine. When he called me back I learned that he had stopped at Seven-Eleven for junk food.
"So what do you think about that party next Friday at that new gym in San Francisco?" I asked.
"Which one?"
"You know---the one that Mary McTiernan wants you to go to--. And Ron Shelly's surprise party for Nancy is tomorrow but I'm not going due to a lack of funds and the scab on my chin!"
"Well that's okay if you don't go to that party. I'm invited to another birthday party tomorrow night."

I closed our conversation soon after, realizing I wouldn't be seeing him tomorrow.
I did about a half-hour of aerobics and ten minutes of non-stop jump roping. Then it was time to turn in and go under the covers.


I thought about how I don't really want Chad to see me with this ugly scab on my chin anyway. Maybe I'll ride my bike all day Saturday.  I know that I want to do more aerobics on Friday night, including go to the gym later in the night when there are fewer folks around.  I feel embarrassed to be seen with my scab on my chin.  I know I shouldn't, knowing that beauty is skin deep. So hell…


Chad received the card/letter I sent him of the Cadillac Convertible with a relaxing westerner in a desolate desert.  I guess he liked it.
Chad exclaimed, "I re-read it before I went to bed."
He had also mentioned some test he had in the morning, so I said good-bye and goodnight.

PHOTO: 1986, Ryan Hargrave, Bob Gross, Karyn Kossoff


A kind of neat thing happened today at the office.
Fellow coworker Bob Gross said to me, "Michael, you really look good today."
Despite the mishap on my chin I felt so appreciative of his words. It made me feel good. That made my day.


Paul Margolis, another coworker, supposedly likes me. This is what Cindy Chow is suggesting because Paul slipped me a BAR Magazine (a gay newspaper supplement). He is so "NMT" (Not My Type).


Margaret Lai guessed my baby picture to be the one that is actually Diana Brock. Ha-ha. Tomorrow I announce the winner of the Office Baby Contest.

I have to remember that when things are worst, there is always something that happens that lifts the heart.
-May Sarton
Journal entry December 6, 1993
"At Eighty-Two, A Journal"

The Wicked Witch

What treatment in an emergency is administered by ear?
Answer: Words Of Comfort
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 22, 1986
Wednesday

What can I say? At least it was only a half-day of work for me today.  Work is not really as bad as I make it seem.  I am just ready for something new and more challenging.

I am here in my car, waiting for my dentist to return from lunch.

Sometimes I wonder if Chad runts into other fellows throughout his day that tempt him. I wonder if his temptations would lead him on further. When I think about how we met it's a possibility—I suppose. The day I learn of his 'acting on temptation' I will be crushed.  His chapter may come to a close.  The memory of him would live forever for he's on a pedestal at this point.  I guess I am having these thoughts because I was sort of tempted today—but I immediately thought of Chad.  The thought of him told me, "No way!"

It's nice and sunny out today.  Come here quickly 'summer'.

I wonder if I will be getting my tooth bonded today.  What will the cost be?  Will my insurance cover it all?  I wonder what my chin blemish diagnosis will be.  I guess I shall find out soon enough.

I may be able to maneuver two-thousand dollars as a contribution to my Individual Retirement Account for tax year 1985.  I could get two five-hundred dollar cash advances on my VISA and another one-thousand dollar advance on my MASTERCARD.  Things may work out but these major credit cards must get paid off.

I think my insurance will cover all of my dental work.  I have another dental appointment on February 3rd for some composite bonding of my number seven upper tooth which will rid me of that stain that doesn't go away.

The dermatologist said the think on my chin was a wart.  I suddenly had visions of the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz.  He treated it with some 'freeze' stuff.  And later on this night (10PM) I poked it with a pin and did my own surgery because it looked too puffy and wart-like.  I didn't feel like appearing at work that way, so now I have a half-sized dime in diameter reddish blemish. That'll probably turn into a scab and hopefully that wart will then be history (considering I paid the doctor $57.50 for his mediocre treatment).

I went to mom's house after the doctor and slept off the minor stressors of the day.  I sort of watched PASSION FLOWER, a movie that I had taped for my mom last Sunday.

John came over and we ate a bit. I remained at mom's house until 7:15PM.  It was around this time that I decided to go to the gym.

I went to my pad to change clothes for the gym when I started to feel depressed.  It's because I got word from INTERNATIONAL MALE, a direct mail catalog company, that they had received a 'bad check' from me for $82.71.  How could that be?  I had received a notice yesterday which showed that they owed me fifty-six dollars.  I immediately wrote another check payable to International Male.  My checkbook balance shows a slight negative balance and I know that my paycheck tomorrow will not be very grand.  This news burdened me.  It made me lose all energy with regard to going to the gym.

PHOTO: International Male Catalog,
Summer 1986

Chad telephoned.
I shared with him the details of my visits to the dentist and doctor.  I didn't reveal my money problems but I did tell him how I wasn't in the mood to go to the gym.
Chad comforted me, "It's okay if you don't go to the gym. We're allowed every once in a while."
"I guess you're right. I don't feel so bad now since you approve."


I went to mom's house again and mom and I watched some show about "MISSING" people (including missing children).  After that documentary I went home and saw that it was already 10PM.


I thought about doing some aerobics but looking in the mirror at my chin depressed me.  I decided to go to bed for the night.  It's funny how money and one's negative appearance can be such a depressant.  At least I am working on both. In the long run things do turn out better, so I should just smile.

I thought about the parting words the dermatologist used today: "Now you can go on with the rest of your day." Words of comfort.

I've known what LIFE is--always thinking about what everything costs means we've never been free.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

An Ulterior Motive

I do not rate him very highly. His mental processes seem to me to be too simple. He looks neither to right nor to left, nor into the far distance; he runs around all the time, or rather revolves within his own little circle of thoughts.
-Franz Kafka
"Eleven Sons"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 21, 1986
Tuesday

I made it through some outrageous commute traffic. I managed to have an 'okay' day at work. I initiated a couple of telephone calls to Directory Yellow Pages in Los Angeles to learn of the outlook for movement to Advertising Sales. I have not heard any real positive news though. I saw Larry Elkington, our second line manager, and he gave me a dumbfounded smirk. It's almost as if he has an ulterior motive. Why do I distrust him?

More baby pictures came in by our coworkers. It's pretty fun to see people when they were babies. I'm having fun posting them up on the board.

I went home and took a nice nap until 7PM. I telephoned Chad at about 7:20PM.
"Would you believe I was just getting in to bed for the night?" Chad asked.
"You must be tired. Well, I miss you."
"I miss you, too. I've set my alarm for four in the morning."
"That's early!"
"Yeah, and Larry is being his usual nuisance self. He's making all sorts of racket."
I gave him a briefing of my last couple of days and then hung up, allowing him to go to sleep.

I did my aerobics until about 9PM. It was a good full-hour workout. I showered and then received a phone call from Ron Shelly.
Ron said excitedly, "Hey Mike, I just wanted to remind you about this Friday's Birthday Gala Celebration for Nancy. It's going to be at HARRINGTON's."
"I'd really like to go but I don't think I can because of some money difficulties."
I thought about how I don't care much for Nancy. I don't even know her very well.

Steph Redding telephoned me again, of course. We talked briefly. I read her some SEX JOKES from a card that I had purchased recently. It made her laugh.
PHOTO: Allison Brown, 1986
I watched the MISS TEEN USA Pageant on TV. While watching I decided to write Chad a card/letter. After I finished writing I went to bed. Miss Teen USA 1986, the fourth Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from Daytona Beach, Florida.  At the conclusion of the final competition, Allison Brown of Oklahoma was crowned by outgoing queen Kelly Hu of Hawaii.


Tomorrow is a half-day of work. I have a dentist (1:30PM) appointment and a doctor (2PM) appointment for that annoying blemish.

"I must live my life by what is to be--not by what has been."
-actress Lara Parker as Catherine Harridge,
Dark Shadows, Collection 25

A Psych Lecture

"Just like everyone else on the planet. There are some things I know and some things you don't."
-as heard while watching the 2010 film,
BURIED

Twenty-five years ago today

January 20, 1986
Monday

I am here at a metered parking space in San Francisco on this early morning once again. I will only end up paying sixty cents—if all goes well—today.

I ought to take some time to write Chad a serious letter. Perhaps I shall do that tonight. I plan on going to mom's house for dinner tonight since she has Martin Luther King Day off. After dinner I'll go home to change clothes and run off to hit the gym. I may seriously outline and write-up Chad a meaningful letter this evening. To think I started this journal book ten days after meeting Chad. We've come a long way—but there's more of a journey ahead. We've hardly reached the core.

Last night my fortune cookie FORTUNE was 'Trust Your Feelings'.

Oh yeah! I saw Elizabeth Kools at the Video Store. We caught up on things. She is working in San Francisco now, too. I gave her my business card so we could hopefully meet up sometime. It's been a long time since our high-school Chemistry class days. She was always the smartest one in Chemistry. Thank goodness I sat next to her. I had a crush on her during those 'in-the-lab' days.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Kools, 1977

I was thinking tonight about how pissed-off Chad was feeling.
I blurted, "Don't give me a psych lecture!"
"I can't help it if that's the way I talk!"
I know I got on the wrong wavelength during that conversation. I truly hate to argue with him. I hope we work to improve our differences together. I forgot to write the 'special' letter to him last night. Perhaps I will do it tonight.


I made an appointment with a dermatologist for this Wednesday (after my dentist appointment). I figure I'd best get some medicine for this damn blemish on my chin that's been there for about two months now. I can't stand to deal with it anymore.


Dale Orlando asked, "Would you tradeoff your one-hundred and twenty-five dollars worth of travel vouchers for some of my PNS sales points?"
"Why?"
"Well, it's because I'm going to Florida in two weeks."
I know he was dying for me to ask where he was going and why. I didn't question him any further.
Margaret Lai came by, overhearing and asked, "Why Florida?"
I truly didn't give a shit; however, I am going to do him the favor only because he's in my Section.
I still consider him a fat, meddling mother f---ker.

It's the new Federal Holiday today: Martin Luther King's Birthday. It was a slow work day as there were a lot of businesses that were closed.


The Service Committee got together. Mary and I kicked-off the baby pictures and posted about eighteen photos of our fellow coworkers. We expect to receive more baby pictures throughout the week. Steph, my boss, gave me my copies of my Job Transfer requests. Hurrah! I hope I get out of this office whether it's in Los Angeles or not. I believe Chad will go with me anyhow. I haven't heard from him all day—by the way.


After work I had dinner with mom. She had the day off and we watched 'The Young and The Restless' together. She got me up-to-date as to what is going on.


While at the gym I saw Mark Landreth but we didn't talk. Leonard Perillo popped in and we chatted for a little while. I continued with my workout and went back to mom's house to watch the end of that 'Bel Air' TV-movie starring Mark Harmon and Kirstie Alley.


Once home it was time to just hit the sack. I kept thinking the alarm clock was going to ring and it never did. When it finally did ring I didn't want to wake up. I wanted to return to my dream.

LIFE is like that.  You live it forward, but understand it backward.
-Albert Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Plaid Pants

"My motive is the simplest imaginable revenge."
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 19, 1986
Sunday

Chad wanted me to invite Mike Miller over last night. I didn't want to but I decided to give Mike a call today.

Chad and I went to La Petite Boulangerie this morning. Chad was very quiet and I wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that I let him order his own breakfast.
Chad made a snide remark, "You had a three course meal."
I had a turkey sandwich, coleslaw, water, milk and a chocolate croissant. He was being very 'hush-hush'. I later learned that he was thinking of going to visit his folks.
"It's my Dad's birthday today and I told him that I might stop by," Chad said.

Whatever the case, Chad decided not to inconvenience me, so he tagged along with Mike Miller and me to the Alameda Flea Market on this shabby, overcast looking Sunday. It was 'yucky' at the flea market today. Of course, Chad had to go off and say mean things. I bought a pair of plaid pants that I thought were cool.
Chad said to Mike Miller, "I wouldn't want to be seen with him wearing those plaid pants. That's for sure!"
It's those little things that hurt my feelings. Once again he doesn't think before he speaks.

Chad and Mike Miller shared a pizza at Round Table Pizza. I was too full to eat pizza. I watched a triathlon competition on TV while at Round Table.
Mike Miller said, "Mike, you don't look real excited."
I said, "Oh no, I'm okay. I'm excited."
Mike Miller's statement kind of got me because he and Chad were both just as neutral in their demeanor as I was. What was the big deal?


Chad, Mike Miller and I made our next stop at MAGIC VIDEO. I was going to rent the movie LIFEFORCE or BIRDY but both of them were checked-out. Mike Miller chose "BROTHER FROM OUTER SPACE" which was a stupid flick. I'm sorry it was chosen. Mike Miller likes weird things like that sometimes. After watching the movie at my pad I drove Mike home. Chad accompanied us for the ride.


I returned the "BROTHER FROM OUTER SPACE" movie at MAGIC VIDEO immediately. When Chad and I returned to my place we 'sort of' hugged after I suggested a walk in the neighborhood. We went to Shoreline Park and walked up this playful tower that I call 'Skylark 23'. It was kind of cool as we managed to take in the view of San Francisco from this point. It was very nice.


We thought of pizza and settled on Lung Kong for Chinese food. I used my VISA card to pay. It's okay once-a-month I guess. During our meal I got on Chad's case.
"I didn't like that snide remark you made about my plaid pants and other things that you say."
"Well, I can't be prissy, prim and proper!"
Chad thought aloud about being an abused child.
Then Chad said, "I don't know why I like Mike Miller. I figure it's because I feel sorry for him."
I wondered if he was testing my jealousy mode. Jealousy does not concern me with Chad.
Suddenly Chad apologized, "I'm sorry about my actions as of late. I do want us to enjoy our time together and NOT start to dislike our times together."
"I agree."
We have shared a lot of good experiences thus far.
Chad shrugged. "You do disagree with just about everything I say."
"That's not true. If I do—you do the same."
Chad shut up at this point.




Chad and I were watching CLUB MED while lying on my sofa. I kept thinking what fun a tropical vacation would be.
I recalled overhearing Chad tell Mike Miller, "Yeah, we might go to Florida."
I hope we do go to Florida.


At 11PM Chad left for Castro Valley.
"I'll miss you," Chad said.
"Me too," I whispered.
I do feel the same way—but somehow I find his absence during the week may be for the best. I need time to think away from him. His rudeness bugs me (especially when he doesn't realize it). When I try to get even with him I seem like the bad guy. It's not right for me to throw an arrow after he's thrown an arrow. For the most part I do think he's wonderful.


I asked Chad, "If someone came along that you were REALLY attracted to—what would you do?"
"I'd explain that I was seeing someone," Chad answered, "but if I was REALLY interested I'd discuss it with the one I was seeing and see what transpired from that point."
All I can say is that I'd be 'old news' and strictly friends from that point on.


Chad wants to host his own show someday. I can believe he will be famous one day. Will I be in his thoughts at that time? Only time will tell.


I liked Chad's fantasy of sneaking into a model home and making it inside one of the bedrooms.
I said, "Hey, like two models in a model."
Chad laughed.


When Chad left at 11PM I went to bed alone. I felt a sense of loss from this past weekend with Chad. Perhaps next weekend we will revive our relationship. I may try harder. That's all I can do. I mean…I care a lot. I do love the guy.

True friendship is seen through the heart and not through the eyes.
"Mary and Max", 2009 Australian film

The Boy In Blue

"Relationships are like bulbs. They're fragile."
-Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,
2010 film

Twenty-five years ago today

January 18, 1986
Saturday

My one-year Anniversary at the gym is today.

I awoke with Chad beside me this morning.
Chad yawned, "I just remembered that I have to work from eleven until two at some radio station called KEAR on Hegenberger."
"Oh no…well, I'll just go for breakfast at my mom and dad's house during that time. And after that I'll go cycling."

I returned home by 3PM which was just about the time that Chad arrived.  We pulled one of our intimate stairwell scenes.

We followed that with getting ready to go out to San Francisco to see a movie. We were going to see THE BOY IN BLUE, starring Nicholas Cage a film about an oarsman canoe racing feat.  It's based on the life of Ned Hanlan, the late-19th century Canadian sculler and world champion.  Hanlan was one of the first scullers to successfully utilize the "sliding seat. It was an okay movie. We saw it at the GALAXY THEATERS.  I used my free tickets that I happened to win at work (for my ever rising sales results).  It would have normally cost me twelve dollars.

Chad and I thought of going to Ghirardelli Square, PIER 39, the Wharf or the Castro after the movie but we decided against it. Instead we went back to my house and cuddled as we watched excerpts of a flick that Chad had taped.

Chad said, "Oh you know what. I forgot to tell you that Denise Vinsonhaler called you earlier today."
This reminded me about my earlier call from Mike Miller. Mike had expressed an interest in going to the movies with Chad and I. I didn't invite him. Mike's a cool guy. I'll have to make it up to him. Sometimes he has an aloof, childlike nature that bugs me--in a good way.

Chad and I went to bed and slept rather well.  In the morning we did + + +.

"You're a good man, but you have a secret."
-actress Vilante Placido as CLARA to actor George Clooney
in the 2010 film, "The American"

A Star Baseball Player

He was a man who had a disapproving manner even when there was nothing to disapprove.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"


Twenty-five years ago today

January 17, 1986
Friday

It was a wonderful 'freebie' day. It's 6:50AM and it is time for breakfast. Steph Bautista, my boss, has the day off. Cindy Chow has the day off as well. This is kind of a relief to have both Steph and Cindy out of the office for a day. I get tired of their managerial 'somebody's watching you' forces.

My blemish on my chin has revived. I hate it. I'll have to make a point to see a dermatologist next week.

After work I went home and rapidly changed clothes to go to the gym. I met Chad there and we 'sort of' worked out together. I didn't appreciate Chad telling me about this baseball player.
"Oh Mike, do you see that guy?" Chad asked after I finished twelve repetitions on the bench press.
"Uh, yeah," I replied as I saw Chad nod in the guy's direction.
"He goes to Chabot College and he's a star baseball player."
"Oh well, so what."
"Well, I think he's a perfect ten."
I grinned, "Whatever!"
I continued with my workout.

Chad and I went to my house after our gym workout. We started to watch some dumb Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds flick. We just plain went to bed after that (and then some).

Even when he had been at his most passive, he had really been in charge.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Ready to Claw

Knowledge shall be promoted by, frequent exercise
Art polishes and improves nature
Fortune is a fair but fickle mistrefs
Yesterday misspent can't be recalled
Vanity makes beauty contemptible
Wisdom is more valuable than riches.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 16, 1986
Thursday

I parked my car at a meter for the first time because I ended up getting a twenty-dollar parking ticket yesterday.  I guess one could say I'm experimenting with new parking locales.  It worked out.  I paid eighty-five cents and then at noon I moved my car to the 370 Third Street parking lot.  It only worked out because I started work at 7AM today.  How often will I be doing that?  I wonder.

Work was truly busy.  I took seventy-seven incoming customer calls today!  It's been one hell of a busy week.  In fact the last two weeks have been extraordinarily busy.

Margaret Lai, Mary McTiernan and I made it to the Pizza Boat for lunch.  It was fun.  I had a spicy meatball sandwich.

Our office was supposed to tally one point per person in sales today to cause 'a tizzy of excitement' with Larry, our second-line manager.  It didn't work out too well (mainly because Josh photocopied a dollar bill and put it on each person's desk).  This act of counterfeiting caused confusion (not to mention the federal offense).  I didn't know what to make of it.  We all ended up tallying our sales the usual way.

After work (which was at 7PM for me on this evening) I drove home and it was pouring rain.  The traffic conditions didn't allow me to get home until 7:45PM.

I telephoned Chad and learned that he has an Algebra test tomorrow.  This meant that his visit to the gym tonight was not very likely.   Chad and I have such a good rapport at times.   Yet, once in a while I feel like a 'black cat' ready to claw.   He's insensitive to my feelings sometimes.  Every once in a while he doesn't think before he speaks.  He more than makes-up for it later.  I must say I've learned quite a bit about the Sagittarius man in the last couple of months.

Chad doesn't want our relationship to end…nor do I.  I feel we are getting closer at times.

PHOTO: Michael Joe Armijo, 1986
While at the gym on this evening Mark Landreth was there when I arrived.  He left before I did.
Mark asked, "How you doing?"
"Tired," I replied with a smile.
He's a QBL (Questionable).  I felt I worked out rather well, considering I had not weight-trained since last Monday.


After the gym I went home and wrote $801.00 worth of checks to pay bills.  I hope my overtime pays off.  The paycheck I received on January 23, 1986 compensates for the bills I just paid.  It's funny how the more money one makes it seems like the less you have.  I heard that on the radio today, too.  Right now I can vouch for that statement. By 1987 that won't hold true.  I'll be a 'saver vs. a spender'. My money management forecast for the future will get increasingly better.


It's time for a bit of sleep.  It's true.  I will be at work in San Francisco at 7AM tomorrow…once again.

I squeezed my eyes shut and turned invisible and carried myself to a place where I was completely alone and no one could share my thoughts.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

A Black Cat Ready to Claw

Knowledge shall be promoted by, frequent exercise
Art polishes and improves nature
Fortune is a fair but fickle mistrefs
Yesterday misspent can't be recalled
Vanity makes beauty contemptible
Wisdom is more valuable than riches.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

Twenty-five years ago today

January 16, 1986
Thursday

I parked my car at a meter for the first time because I ended up getting a twenty-dollar parking ticket yesterday.  I guess one could say I'm experimenting with new parking locales.  It worked out.  I paid eighty-five cents and then at noon I moved my car to the 370 Third Street parking lot.  It only worked out because I started work at 7AM today.  How often will I be doing that?  I wonder.

Work was truly busy.  I took seventy-seven incoming customer calls today!  It's been one hell of a busy week.  In fact the last two weeks have been extraordinarily busy.

Margaret Lai, Mary McTiernan and I made it to the Pizza Boat for lunch.  It was fun.  I had a spicy meatball sandwich.

Our office was supposed to tally one point per person in sales today to cause 'a tizzy of excitement' with Larry, our second-line manager.  It didn't work out too well (mainly because Josh photocopied a dollar bill and put it on each person's desk).  This act of counterfeiting caused confusion (not to mention the federal offense).  I didn't know what to make of it.  We all ended up tallying our sales the usual way.

After work (which was at 7PM for me on this evening) I drove home and it was pouring rain.  The traffic conditions didn't allow me to get home until 7:45PM.

I telephoned Chad and learned that he has an Algebra test tomorrow.  This meant that his visit to the gym tonight was not very likely.   Chad and I have such a good rapport at times.   Yet, once in a while I feel like a 'black cat' ready to claw.   He's insensitive to my feelings sometimes.  Every once in a while he doesn't think before he speaks.  He more than makes-up for it later.  I must say I've learned quite a bit about the Sagittarius man in the last couple of months.

Chad doesn't want our relationship to end…nor do I.  I feel we are getting closer at times.

PHOTO: Michael Joe Armijo, 1986
While at the gym on this evening Mark Landreth was there when I arrived.  He left before I did.
Mark asked, "How you doing?"
"Tired," I replied with a smile.
He's a QBL (Questionable).  I felt I worked out rather well, considering I had not weight-trained since last Monday.


After the gym I went home and wrote $801.00 worth of checks to pay bills.  I hope my overtime pays off.  The paycheck I received on January 23, 1986 compensates for the bills I just paid.  It's funny how the more money one makes it seems like the less you have.  I heard that on the radio today, too.  Right now I can vouch for that statement. By 1987 that won't hold true.  I'll be a 'saver vs. a spender'. My money management forecast for the future will get increasingly better.


It's time for a bit of sleep.  It's true.  I will be at work in San Francisco at 7AM tomorrow…once again.

I squeezed my eyes shut and turned invisible and carried myself to a place where I was completely alone and no one could share my thoughts.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"

A Tizzy of Excitement

Knowledge shall be promoted by, frequent exercise
Art polishes and improves nature
Fortune is a fair but fickle mistrefs
Yesterday misspent can't be recalled
Vanity makes beauty contemptible
Wisdom is more valuable than riches.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"
Twenty-five years ago today

January 16, 1986
Thursday

I parked my car at a meter for the first time because I ended up getting a twenty-dollar parking ticket yesterday. I guess one could say I'm experimenting with new parking locales. It worked out. I paid eighty-five cents and then at noon I moved my car to the 370 Third Street parking lot. It only worked out because I started work at 7AM today. How often will I be doing that? I wonder.

Work was truly busy. I took seventy-seven incoming customer calls today! It's been one hell of a busy week. In fact the last two weeks have been extraordinarily busy.

Margaret Lai, Mary McTiernan and I made it to the Pizza Boat for lunch. It was fun. I had a spicy meatball sandwich.

Our office was supposed to tally one point per person in sales today to cause 'a tizzy of excitement' with Larry, our second-line manager. It didn't work out too well (mainly because Josh photocopied a dollar bill and put it on each person's desk). This act of counterfeiting caused confusion (not to mention the federal offense). I didn't know what to make of it. We all ended up tallying our sales the usual way.

After work (which was at 7PM for me on this evening) I drove home and it was pouring rain. The traffic conditions didn't allow me to get home until 7:45PM.

I telephoned Chad and learned that he has an Algebra test tomorrow. This meant that his visit to the gym tonight was not very likely.  Chad and I have such a good rapport at times.  Yet, once in a while I feel like a 'black cat' ready to claw.  He's insensitive to my feelings sometimes. Every once in a while he doesn't think before he speaks.  He more than makes-up for it later.  I must say I've learned quite a bit about the Sagittarius man in the last couple of months.

Chad doesn't want our relationship to end…nor do I. I feel we are getting closer at times.


PHOTO: Michael Joe Armijo, 1986
While at the gym on this evening Mark Landreth was there when I arrived. He left before I did.
Mark asked, "How you doing?"
"Tired," I replied with a smile.
He's a QBL (Questionable). I felt I worked out rather well, considering I had not weight-trained since last Monday.


After the gym I went home and wrote $801.00 worth of checks to pay bills. I hope my overtime pays off. The paycheck I received on January 23, 1986 compensates for the bills I just paid. It's funny how the more money one makes it seems like the less you have. I heard that on the radio today, too. Right now I can vouch for that statement. By 1987 that won't hold true. I'll be a 'saver vs. a spender'. My money management forecast for the future will get increasingly better.


It's time for a bit of sleep. It's true. I will be at work in San Francisco at 7AM tomorrow…once again.

I squeezed my eyes shut and turned invisible and carried myself to a place where I was completely alone and no one could share my thoughts.
-Abraham Verghese
"Cutting For Stone"