Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 69

The Beginnings - Part 104: A GOOD CATHOLIC SCHOOLBOY

After a simple piano exercise the brain motor cortex changed as a direct result of their practice.-Ray KurzweilTHE SINGULARITY IS NEAR
The Beginnings – Part 104:   A GOOD CATHOLIC SCHOOLBOY
I brought some cookies in the office especially for Salima today.   She was pleased.
I accompanied my brother, Tony, and Helen for lunch today.   We went for a walk near Lake Merritt.   The conversation was interesting.   Helen mentioned a friend (some guy) who fooled around with some gal and now the gal is pregnant.“That’s wild,” I said.Helen added, “And it gets more complicated because the guy isn’t sure if he’s the father!”I said, “I’d hate to fall into one of those predicaments.”Tony listened and didn’t say much.
I napped at home after my work day until six-thirty when I received a phone call from Nici.She flirted.I replied, “I’m a good Catholic schoolboy.”She laughed hysterically.
Doug Siu called me while I was working out.   We had a short talk about ‘Critical Thinking’.   That’s the class that he is currently taking.   I changed the subject and asked Doug, “Did you hear about Michael Padazinski leaving the phone company to join the priesthood?”“No, my God…I had no idea!”It was fun to hear is shocking tone.   Doug knew of Michael but he didn’t know him well.   We continued gossiping about work and then I finally managed to hang-up.  
I worked out a little more with some QUAKE radio tunes while watching MAMA’S FAMILY on TV.   
While in bed I listened to some piano music.   Then I thought of Debbie Honcik and decided to give her a call.   We had a nice talk about the Park-Webster Condominiums that are for sale, the areas of Guerneville and Grass Valley, bike riding and hiking.   We plan to go on a nice walk together very soon.
I called Howard Edelstein.   He answered the phone I hung-up.    His voice brought back to many stressful memories.   Who needs it?
I called Helen Wong and we spoke for only a few minutes.I said, “Sweet dreams.”She was already half asleep. I tried called George at about 2:15PM today but there was no answer.   The last time I spoke to him was briefly on Wednesday at around 2PM.   What a creep!    I know he had the day off today.   
Tomorrow night is ‘Tammy Night’.   I wonder what perfume she will be wearing.
The most expensive perfume in the world, and one of the enduing classics, JOY, is a blend of two floral notes:  jasmine and lots of rose.-Diane AckermanA NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES

The Beginnings - Part 103: PLAY IT BY EAR

He bent over her hand with surging passion, and pressed his lips against it in a long, insatiable kiss from which, even though deep inside he urged himself circumspection, he could not break away from the sweet perfume of her hand, from the blissful rush of emotion. -Thomas Mann, Six Early StoriesFALLEN, 1894
The Beginnings – Part 103:  PLAY IT BY EAR
I was lucky to have a lot of CLOSED time (versus continuous incoming calls) today.   It’s because Salima was In-Charge and she’s too sweet to me.   It enabled me to get all caught up on my follow-up and call back work.    I didn’t bother to stay for overtime because I wanted to bike ride versus sit on my ass for another couple of hours. 
I thought I’d receive my FILMCO processed photos in the mail today.   I didn’t. 
The bike ride along the beach was tough.   The winds were against me and blowing hard.   I did get a lot of double-takes while wearing that yellow tank top.    What is it about that yellow tank top?   
I went to pops to eat dinner.   I also had to pick up my car payment/bill that is mailed to mom and pops address.
Nici Maurino phoned me, hoping to entice me with her sensual innuendo.   She does have a sexy voice over the phone.   I kind of want to screw her but then again there are times when I really don’t want to do that.   I’d rather save it for George.   I haven’t had any orgasmic moments since Sunday morning (with good ole George).  
I did speak to George today for another split-second.   It was short and sweet because his ride for work came just as we started to converse.  
I invited Nici over to my pad but I don’t know if she’ll actually ‘come’ because I don’t plan on being aggressive.   Sometimes I feel that she wishes I would attack her.   She is becoming more and more NMT (Not My Type):  she smokes, she’s tough-like.   She’s a questionable case. 
I also received another surprise phone call.   It was Tammy Duhr.I asked, “Did your brother tell you I called you on Saturday?”Tammy pleaded, “Oh Michael…No, I didn’t know.  I want to apologize about Saturday.   I went out with this character named Jeff.    I went to Reno with him and I feel so bad that I missed your phone call.  I never got the message.”“Oh…that’s okay,” I replied, but felt happy that she felt so bad about missing my call.Tammy continued, “I want you to know that I quit smoking.”“You did?”“Yes, it’s true.” I tried to listen to see if she was blowing smoke over the phone but I think she was being legitimate.   I do enjoy Tammy’s company.   It’s fun.  I can always smell her perfume.“Well, what are you doing this Friday night?”“Nothing…I’m free.”“Let’s go on a P.I.B.E. date.”“Okay…what’s P.I.B.E?”“Don’t you know?”“No, Michael.”“It’s a ‘Play It By Ear’ Date.”Tammy laughed as we continued our good talk.   We mutually agreed about how we both feel sorry for Frank and whatever he may be doing with that ‘old geezer’ (his boss).Tammy surprised me by saying, “You know…I don’t think George likes me.”“No, I think he was just kind of jealous of you for a while.”“When you talk to him please tell him that I still think he has nice hair and eyes.” I laughed, but I totally agreed with her opinion.  “I enjoy going out with you, Michael.”“You know I love going out with you, too.   I miss you.   So, I’ll see you Friday.”“Okay.”My Friday night date with Tammy is pretty definite; however the early evening is still open.
It was funny when I received another phone call.Ring…Ring…“Hello.”“Is Joe there?”“Michael Joe?” I asked.“Uh…the one that drives a Trans Am.”“Oh…you have the wrong number.”I thought it was funny how a material item (like a car) could describe who someone was talking about.
While at work I finally followed-up on the EF HUTTON fellow from June 25th.   He’s the one that I made that custom calling feature sale while working in the Public Office.   I spoke to the gent.Surprisingly, he remembered me.   We had a short—but nice—talk.   That was it though.   I didn’t get a new sale out of it. The gent said, “My office is planning a new move to Walnut Creek.”And so…I guess there will be no future sales or contacts with him.   Those are the breaks.  He’ll be out of my territory.
“I know what it is to live alone inside your head.”-as heard while watching the 2009 filmTHE YOUNG VICTORIA

The Beginnings - Part 102: SMOOCHIES

“I flatter you and yet you cry?   I think you cope quite sensibly with the difficulty of living.”-Franz Kafka, the Complete StoriesDESCRIPTION OF A STRUGGLE
The Beginnings – Part 102:   SMOOCHIES
Sunday, October 9, 1983
X marked the spot once again.  
George and I went for breakfast at COCO’s.   It was his suggestion.   I lounged around with him until around one o’clock.   Then it was time for me to head back to the East Bay.
I dropped by to see mom and dad for a while.   Mom came to visit me at my pad for a while, too.   We had a good time looking through some old family photographs.   It made us laugh.  
I watched a movie called THE MAKING OF A MALE MODEL starring this new guy named Jon-Erik Hexum.   It was an okay movie.   I just realize that George is my only best-friend.   I miss the guy a lot when I’m not with him.
The day just flew by because I was with George.   Time flies when you’re having fun.   It is true.   Too bad he was still a little sick.   I do think I helped to revitalize him though.
Monday, October 10, 1983
Work was balanced except when I noticed Barbara, crying her eyes out for some reason.   It seems that Kay critiqued a phone call she had with a customer.   The telephone lines went out for a short while.   It made me wonder if Barbara put a curse on the system.
I had to redo a few of my training exercises from last week.   That was kind of a drag.   I managed over $300 in sales for the day.   My afternoon meeting went well also.   Salima wasn’t there.   I miss it when she’s not in the office.
I bought John his vitamins.   I also bought an extra supply for myself.
I went to mom and dad’s house once my work day ended.   Mom had the day off and she was cooking dinner.   She really is a good cook when she plans a meal.   I was stuffed.   I was also quite sore from working out yesterday and the day before.
 I did speak to George Jones today.   We shared our usual ‘smoochies’ by phone.“I’ll call you tonight at around eleven o’clock,” George said.“Okay…if you can.   I’m looking forward to seeing BRAINSTORM with you on Friday.”
Tuesday, October 11, 1983
Apparently George is working the day shift on Friday (7AM to 3PM), so we will be seeing the BRAINSTORM (Natalie Wood) movie on Saturday night.   He is off from work on Thursday and Friday.   I wonder what plans he has for those two days.   I have none.  Helen invited me to Bobby McGee’s in Danville for Wednesday night.   I don’t know if I want to go ahead and do that yet.   Helen and I cruised over to San Francisco tonight in my car after dinner at her mom’s pad.   We found the HOLIDAY INN and found the lobby easily as Helen was invited to be part of a panel to grant an opinion on some new TV shows.   We were early so we went to THE REGENCY Theater to check out the billboard promotion of Natalie Wood’s new movie, BRAINSTORM.   We walked around the corner to some little Espresso Café on Polk Street.   We ate cheesecake and café au lait.    We then went over to see the TV previews of THE UGILY FAMILY and BUMPERS.   They seemed okay…but not great.   It was enjoyable, spontaneous fun.   I had a good time except I felt a little uncomfortable as I had noticed a blond fellow with a moustache who kept giving me ‘the eye’.   It made me feel rather bewildered.  
Helen enjoyed listening to my YAZ and INXS cassette tapes that were playing in my car.   I was happy that I got home early enough to work out for a while.
Fear is life’s only true opponent.Fear begins in your mind.-Yann MartelTHE LIFE OF PI

The Beginnings - Part 101: PERFECT TIMING

Anxiety is always present somewhere or other behind every symptom.-Sigmund FreudCIVILIZATION AND ITS DISCONTENTS
The Beginnings – Part 101:   PERFECT TIMING
October 7, 1983
Work was great.  I remained focused on my job even if I felt like hitching a ride to some faraway place.   I performed well with over $700 in sales of Telecommunication Services.  
After work I was to meet Dave Vigil for Happy Hour in San Francisco at LILY’s.   We talked and walked around the Embarcadero vicinity after the Happy Hour.David said, “I’m so excited, Michael.   My trip to Puerto Rico is this February.”“That sounds fun.”“It will be…oh my God.   I just got back from Vancouver.  That was really fun.”David is doing well in sales at work.  He won a camera and took one of his first photos of me right here in the Embarcadero.
George finally called me at around midnight last night.   It was perfect timing.   I had just taken a shower and was feeling relaxed and fresh.George announced proudly, “I stayed home all day thinking you were going to call me.”I was so happy I didn’t.   Although I felt a little sorry for him because his throat sounded raspy.   “Do you have a sore throat?”“Yes, a little…but I have your money.”I was happy to learn that he was feeling conscientious enough to want to pay me back.   I said, “Well, maybe I can drive over tomorrow night to see you and get the cash.   Besides, I have that special pen that I want to give you.”The call ended on a pleasant tone but it’s not all-the-way right, yet.
At LILY’s I hung out by myself initially.    I met some nerd of a guy named Joe.   I also met a tall blond named Janet who seemed ‘okay’.    When Dave showed up we mingled around with our cocktails in hand.   I was home in Alameda by 8:30PM because Dave had to end the night early.   He was planning a running meet at Stanford tomorrow.   I could tell he didn’t want to hang out much longer.
I went to bed sort of early.   I didn’t sleep very well.   The alcohol from the vodka gimlets were flowing through my veins.    I was glad that George had called me last night—even if it was a late phone call.   I called him back and we talked a little longer about how we missed spending time together.  
October 8, 1983
The training I experienced at work yesterday was kind of a drag.   It really didn’t register until I slept it off last night.  
I tried to telephone Tammy but her brother said, “She is out.   She probably won’t be back until late.”After her brother said this I decided to scratch the idea of a tentative date.
I took my print of Nastassja Kinski to get framed today.   It will have a gold frame to go with the brass bed.   It won’t be ready until October 22nd.    What a drag.  
I’ll be getting my FILMCO Prints from Westwood sometime this week.   It’s about time.   I can’t wait to see my latest photographs.
I drove down to the Sunnyvale BLACK ANGUS and had a drink by the bar for a while.   Then I went to see George.   He was there, showering.   I was so hungry so we went out to eat at some Italian hole-in-the-wall.   George liked my surprises.   I gave him a greeting card with an impressive gold pen, a back roller-massager and WONDRA lotion (of which he smiled at). 
After dining at the Italian hole-in-the-wall we went to this pad and fooled around.  X marks the spot.   It felt good to be together again.
“All boys are liars, you know that, right?”-James Mitchell ClarkeLUIS OF GUADALAJARA

The Beginnings - Part 100: A SPLIT-SECOND

“Possession isn’t LOVE.”-Dante’s CoveSeason III
 The Beginnings – Part 100:    A SPLIT-SECOND
October 4, 1983, Tuesday
Otha McCain, my ex-supervisor presented me with my Evaluation Performance today.   It was a very, very good one.   I was pleased to say the least.
I went to pick-up my car at the ROUSE TIRE SERVICE after work.   The service guy who helped me out was very nice.   I started up my car and drove to Helen’s parent’s house in Oakland, near the Montclair area.   Helen was house-sitting for them while they are away in CHINA.   She invited me over.     I arrived a bit early and Susan Espino (our coworker) dropped by with her tantrum-like child, Michelle.   
I loved Helen’s homemade banana nut bread.   We ate a few slices together.   I also enjoyed some of Helen’s special apple juice brew.   Susan left and Helen and I ended up having dinner.   We also lifted weights and watched some television.  
I helped Helen select items to order in the company SALES FOR SUCCESS Catalog.   It was a nice, relaxed evening visit.    I ended up sleeping in her brother’s room.   It was late and she encouraged me to stay.   She’s the perfect hostess.
October 5, 1983
I received a surprise phone call from Frank Vasconcellos while at work today.   I was unable to reach him when I tried to return his phone call.    I decided to call Tammy to see if she knew anything.   We talked for a while and had a very nice chat about our latest happenings.    I really do miss the times with her.   She always made me laugh.   We talked about spending more time together.“Are you still going to the skating rink?” I asked.“Sometimes…I was there last night.  You know…I saw George Jones there last night.”“You did?” I asked.   I wasn’t feeling not too thrilled to hear this gossip. George had told me the previous morning that he’d be sleeping.   Oh well…I can see he found some energy to go to the gay skating rink.   We’ll see what he says the next time we talk.  He's in hot water.
I tried calling Frank and ended up speaking to his old fogey boss.   He seems to be overly protective of Frank.   Sometimes I think Frank is such a ‘dipshit’ to associate with these old fogey types.    This is his boss, so I guess there has to be an exception here.  
I finally reached Frank.Frank asked, “Would you like to go to LA this weekend?”“Uh…I don’t know.   I never thought of it.   It’s something to think about.   I would like to get a couple of days off to extend the weekend for a trip like that.”“I think you should go.”“No…maybe another weekend would be better.”I couldn’t help but wonder if he was at the skating rink last night.   Did he see George there?   Does he think my relationship with George is over now?
I finally spoke to George.   He wasn’t too open with me about going to the gay skating rink last night.   I had to drag it out of him.   I guess we are still ‘an item’.   Why does he do these things secretly?  Nici, the seductress, called me.I told her, “I was just leaving to go for a bike ride.”“Oh, I wanted to see you.”
“Why don’t you meet me along the beach?”She did meet me on Shoreline Drive and then drove over to my place later.   We watched DYNASTY together.   She was much tamer.   It was nice.   I felt comfortable.
George was also watching DYNASTY with Scott and Steve tonight.George had previously said, “I may call you later tonight if those guys don’t stay up too late.”I had the feeling he would not be calling.
I have a tentative date tomorrow night in Berkeley with Nici for those bicycle flicks that I wanted to see.
On Friday, I may join David Vigil for ‘Happy Hour’.
On Saturday, I may be going out with Tammy Duhr.    I don’t believe I’ll be driving down to see George this weekend.   I wonder if he’ll notice that I’m missing in action.
October 6, 1983
I spoke to George for a split-second today.   I was on my last break and he was getting ready to go to work.George said, “I tried calling you last night at eleven o’clock when I got home.”“You did?”  I asked, “I must have fallen asleep.”I was purposely trying to play hard-to-get.
After work I drove to Berkeley and saw one of the most fantastic bicycle movies.   I was pleased.   It was a very good documentary.   Nici was nowhere to be found.  When I got home I went to bed.   George didn’t bother to call me. 
“After this…we go DARK.”-actor Daniel Olbrychski as OrlovSALT, a 2010 motion-picture

The Beginnings - Part 99: I ALWAYS SEE YOU

My favorite remained the basic roast chicken.   What a deceptively simple dish.   I had come to believe that one can judge the quality of a cook by his or her roast chicken.-Julia ChildMY LIFE IN FRANCE
Twenty-five years ago today:
Photo:  Mom, Oct. 10, 1987 A photo I took of my mom before she was leaving to work for her swing shift at the US Postal Service.

Photo:  Lauren and Helen, Oct. 10, 1987
A photo of Helen Wong-Armijo and my niece, Lauren Armijo in a relaxed moment in time at my Townhouse in Alameda, CA.

The Beginnings – Part 99:   I ALWAYS SEE YOU
Monday, October 3, 1983
My work day passed quickly.   Helen is on vacation.   I decided to take a walk to the Ordway Building.   While I was there I filled out four job transfer forms in preparation for November 3rd(my 18-month required time-in-title date).
My afternoon client meeting went over quite smoothly, too.   It changed the monotony of the usual work week.    I sold over $500 worth of Telecommunication Services today.
I cruised in my car to mom and dad’s house after work.   Mom had said, “I made a roast chicken with zucchini, so if you want some…come over.”How could I refuse a scrumptious homemade meal?    I had a glass of orange juice to go along with the dinner.
I returned to my pad and rested a while until I decided to ride my bike along the beach until 7PM.   I returned home and made myself some hot-chocolate.  
While sipping my hot-chocolate I saw a preview of the new Natalie Wood film (BRAINSTORM).   It’s her final movie and I really must see it!   
I called Barbara Reynolds and we had a nice chat about her lover doldrums with Robert.   We also talked about places Canada and New York and the concept of transferring out of our current rat race.
While I was on the BART train today a dirty looking fellow noticed me.   He greeted me with a fond, “Hello there.”I replied, “Hello.”I didn’t want to appear all stuffy and stuck-up.    He surprised me when he said, “I always see you on the BART train.”It was only the second time I had ever noticed him.   He’s muscular and fairly good-looking but has a kind of a ‘dirty look’.   It’s probably because of whatever he does during his job in Richmond.   Is he a mechanic?    Whatever…it was a short conversation.   I wonder if I’ll ever see him again.
I tried to call George at 2PM today but his phone rang continuously.   At 7:30PM his line was busy, busy, and busy.   At 8:30PM his mom answered the phone and said, “George has gone out for some ice-cream with God knows who.”
George did call me back.   “How was the ice-cream?”He laughed and said, “Oh yeah…I went with Kevin and his sister to bid her farewell before her trip to Hawaii.”We didn’t talk for too long because his mom was there.    I didn’t even have a chance to tell him about the Nici ‘seduction attempt’ or the mechanic-looking dirty dude on the BART train or about my new, sensual Nastassja Kinski print.    I thought, “Oh well…I guess George can deal without me for a while.”I decided to refrain from calling him.   I intend on unplugging my phone for a couple of days.   Let’s see how he deals with not being able to reach me.   Will he even try to contact me?    I’m skeptical.  
Tomorrow is the ‘getting my car tire’ fixed during my lunch hour day.   There’s always something.
Michelangelo Morisi had all the right attributes of the social rebel:   Pride, murky ambition, contempt for society, untrustworthiness and denial of the rules of honor even in personal relations. -Peter RobbM-The Man Who Became Caravaggio

The Beginnings - Part 98: ON SEXUAL OVERDRIVE

…being naked with a guy I liked suggested intimacy, trust.-Christopher BramSURPRISING MYSELF, a novel
Twenty-five years ago:Photo:  Polaroid of me-October 9, 1987 The Beginnings – Part 98:   ON SEXUAL OVERDRIVE 
 Sunday, October 2, 1983
Today I enjoyed breakfast with mom and dad and was reasonably productive given that I washed my car.   Mom came over to my pad and we went to Sun Valley Mall in Concord together for a change of pace.    
I saw a cool print of Nastassja Kinski with a snake wrapped over her naked body and had to have it.   Now it will hang on my bedroom wall.
It was a treat to spend time with mom at Sun Valley Mall.   We were back in Alameda by 3:30PM.   I still had time for a bicycle excursion that lasted until 5PM.   I happened to run into Suzy Miller who was with her new beau.   He seemed to be a nice-looking, well-mannered chap.   He seems to be making her happy.
I returned to mom’s house to munch on some mixed nuts and SENECA grape juice.   My thirst is on overdrive after a bike ride.    I napped at home after my snack and beverage.   I ended up sleeping until about 7:30PM; whereby, I showered and felt all refreshed again.
I went downstairs and craved milk and cookies.   As I poured my milk into a glass the phone rang.   It was my mother.   Then, the doorbell rang.   It was Nici Maurino.I got rid of mom to deal with my unexpected visit from Nici.  
George called a few minutes later and I said, “Let’s talk later because Nici is here.”“Oh…okay.   Be good.”“…Very funny.”
Nici went all out.   She wanted me to make love to her.   What got into her?  I was flabbergasted.   She was on sexual overdrive.   We merely kissed a bit more than we are used to.    She does remind me a bit of this girl from high-school named Terri Baker that I had a mad crush on forever.   Nici got into bed with me but nothing came of it.   I just didn’t feel right about it.   I was almost feeling like she just wanted to ‘use me’.   I said, “I think we should date some more before we just get right into the hot stuff.”“Okay.”“I just want to feel more secure in our relationship.”“I know what you mean.”I didn’t get into the fact that I wanted to be sure that she was only seeing me.   I would have to do the same, of course.  Ha-ha.   It was a strange and unexpected scene.   I like her but she says she has a kid (of which she does not have custody).   She also smokes once in a while.   She’s really NMT (Not My Type), so what’s the point?   All I can write now is:  ‘what a weekend’.    I’ve an intimate screw with a young man (George), a close call to death with three hoodlums in a car while riding my bike and an almost seduction.
“I’ve arrived at the romantic stage.”-as heard in the 1999 filmAN IDEAL HUSBAND

The Beginnings - Part 97: FRIGID, GROUCHY AND UNRESPONSIVE

Fashion Designer, Karl Lagerfeld, had his own word for his fashion method:  ‘vampirising’.   As early as 1975 he admitted, “I am a sort of vampire, taking the blood of other people.”-Alicia DrakeTHE BEAUTIFUL FALL
Twenty-five years ago today:
Photo: A Polaroid of me-October 8, 1987
The Beginnings – Part 97:   FRIGID, GROUCHY AND UNRESPONSIVE
September 30, 1983
Well, it was a reasonable Friday, considering the fact that I had a special training class from 2PM until 5PM to be informed about the intricate changes about the divestiture from Pacific Telephone and ATT.    We will be called PACIFIC BELL on January 1st and Pacific Bell and Nevada Bell will encompass its own holding company known as Pacific Telesis.   I had the option of going with ATT but I have decided to remain with PACIFIC BELL.
After work I dropped by mom’s house to see how she was doing.   She’s just fine.  Her gum surgery was more like getting a teeth cleaning.I said, “The best part is that you got all of these extra days off.”She laughed.   We had our usual good time.
I left for my home to get ready to see George.    It was raining, so I didn’t bother to bring my bike along.   When I arrived in Sunnyvale at seven-thirty George was sleeping.   He finally got up at nine-thirty.   The poor guy never worked so hard this week in his life.   I ended up driving him to work at the FIBERGLASS COMPANY for his 11PM shift.“I told you the graveyard shift will turn your world around.  You’re living like a vampire.”He raised his eyebrows.    We really spent a lot of time together (I’m being sarcastic, of course). 
October 1, 1983
This morning George arrived from work and he was just too exhausted to do anything.   He tried to sleep beside me but I couldn’t sleep without bothering him.   I finally got out of bed, realizing he had to sleep.   I went for a walk to the local park and then dropped over at CARL’S JR. for some coffee and a cinnamon roll.   
When I returned I found Mr. Sleeping Beauty.   Yes, he was still sleeping.   I tried to lie next to him again but it’s difficult to attempt intimacy when the other party is frigid, grouchy and unresponsive.  
I ended up getting dressed.   I feel utterly bored.   I am thinking of leaving for Alameda.   It’s clear that George needs to rest all day and night.   I can tell the graveyard shift has truly turned his world around.   He is unsure of when to fall asleep.   I am now trying to decide what type of note I shall leave for him.
I wrote:  ‘George, It’s because I care for you so much and your well-being that I’ve decided to let you rest.    I can see this new shift has turned your world around.   I am leaving and I want you to sleep all day and night to make up for all of the rest you have been missing.’
I left George who was sleeping soundly.  
Once I arrived in Alameda I stopped by mom’s house to watch part of a dumb movie.   It seemed almost X-rated.    Then I went bike riding along the beach and was almost hit by a car with three maniacal, black youth at the end of Shoreline Drive.    It was one hell of an experience.   Who knows?   I wonder if it was a stolen car.
I rode my bike back to my parent’s house and shared the news about the crazy, radical car that almost hit me.   I ate a little something and decided to go back to my pad to phone George.  It was 4PM.   I had just woken George from his necessary slumber.   We talked for a while and then I left for another bike ride.   I stopped to see Suzy and Renee Miller.   They were preparing for a baby shower for Helen Hayward (another Alameda High School chum).   I left after assisting Suzy in wrapping her gift.
I called George again once I arrived home.   We discussed the possibility of our moving-in together if I moved to the Sunnyvale vicinity and started to work in that area.  George said, “Kevin and I have talking about the possibility of getting an apartment together down here.”“I guess that’s always an option.”We discussed plans for the weekend of October 15th.   It was clear how we missed each other.   He actually almost talked me into going for another drive down there.I said, “I don’t think so.   The drive won’t be worth it when you have to be at work at eleven o’clock.   It’s already seven-thirty!”
I simply went back to see mom and dad.   We watched the film GHOST STORY.   It was so good.   I returned home, hoping I wouldn’t have a nightmare. 
Anyone can attract a man.   The trick is to keep him.-Philippa GregoryTHE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL

The Beginnings - Part 96: AN ORIGINAL IN A WORLD OF LIMITED EDITIONS

Leadership demands physical courage, personal dedication and a transparent character.-Michael J ArmijoPHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENTS
The Beginnings – Part 96:   AN ORIGINAL IN A WORLD OF LIMITED EDITIONS
September 28, 1983
I telephoned George this morning to get the scoop on his first night on the job.George’s voice sounded as though he was about to collapse.“I’m so beat tired!”It was funny to hear him realize the labor of eight hours on a job like this versus a retail video/record store.George continued, “I work on this assembly line.   It’s crazy.”“I can picture you as Lucy Ricardo on that candy assembly line.  That must be fun.”“Yeah…I itch all over and my arms and legs are so sore.   You can’t imagine.” “I have an idea.”“Can you come over this weekend?”“I might be able to.   Maybe I can bring my bike and we can go riding.”“I’m sure my legs would appreciate that.”I laughed.
Mom had oral surgery on her gums.   “Pobresita,” I said.I went over to visit mom after work and stayed there until after the latest episode of DYNASTY.   It was nice to see mom.   She’s a sweetheart.   “Don’t worry mom, you’ll recover before you know it.   You already seem as good as new.”
When I arrived to my place I went to bed and decided to call Nici.We talked for a short while and then I finally fell asleep.   Yawn.
September 29, 1983 My work day dragged on.   I spent my lunch hour with Helen and Cindy.   I didn’t appreciate their comments.Helen and Cindy both said, “You should work out at the gym.”I said, “Well, I like bike riding.”They seem to think that if I work out I’ll have no problem getting dates.   I figured that if ‘such and such’ doesn’t like me for exactly how I am…then forget it!   My bike riding and daily push-ups are enough for me right now.   Cindy is as skinny as a string bean.   She should be the one who starts working out.   Give me a break.
Salima is so loveable.   She always comes by to my cubicle and treats me good.    I love that lady.
After work I went for a bike ride.   
I went to SAFEWAY to buy some crackers for tomorrow’s luncheon celebration for Helen’s Birthday.   That was my required duty for my group.   I wrote a special Birthday Card for her.   I also wrote a card out for George because he’s ‘an original in a world of limited editions’.   
I also mailed a payment for George’s MACY’s bill.   I know he’ll love that gesture. 
I enjoyed dinner with mom.
Helen called me but I had already left my pad before I could talk to her.   I wanted to put air in my tire.  It seems to have a slow leak.   Crap!  Cars can be such a pain.   The only purpose a car has for me is that it takes me where I want to go.   I can care less about how it looks.   I’m glad my car looks rather sporty though.    Speaking of wanting ‘to go’…I heard that Natalie Wood’s last movie is about to be released.   It’s called BRAINSTORM.   It starts on Friday (tomorrow).   I cannot wait to see it!  It will be a mind-bending adventure.
I could experience adventure by reading a book.Adventures to me meant simply amazing escapes from physical danger, rescues, being lost and found and triumphing in disaster.-Janet Frame, an Autobiography

The Beginnings - Part 95: MY SOLITARY TIME

“You have to keep your wits about you.   Never let up for a second.   A machine is your servant and it is an excellent servant, but it makes an imbecile master.”-Alice Munro:  CARRIED AWAYOPEN SECRETS, Short Stories
Twenty-five years ago on October 6, 1987PHOTO:  Me, at home, looking rather dumbfounded while in the kitchen
The Beginnings – Part 95:   MY SOLITARY TIME
September 27, 1983
Work was dull.   I went to CAPWELL’s on my own because Helen wanted to fidget around in the company cafeteria (as usual).   
I called George to wish him luck.   Tonight at 11PM is the start of his first graveyard shift.   
I wanted to take Salima out for lunch.   Perhaps we will do that later this week when she will be switching to the 11AM-NOON lunch period (like me).
I examined my new INTERNATIONAL MALE Catalog clothes when I arrived home.   I was very pleased with everything except for the desert boot shoes.   They’re a little too big.   That’s okay though…I’ll just add some sock for extra cushion.   I also trust that one particular pair of pants will eventually ‘feel my fit’.   
I went to see EXPOSED all by myself at the UC THEATER.   I enjoyed it immensely.   I love Nastassja Kinski’s work.   She played a Wisconsin farm girl who leaves family and an English teacher/lover and escapes to New York City.   She soon makes a career for herself as a fashion model while in New York.   She is approached by this mystery man and his motives are suspicious.   I won’t give anymore away…but I really loved the intense dramatics.   I love escaping to film, art and love.   
After the movie I browsed at the PIGGY MALONES Card shop and bought some nifty new cards.   I enjoyed my solitary time.   I feel it is so important to enjoy solitude.   These moments can be very meditational while helping to silence the mind.
Up to that time I had repeatedly been inclined to doubt the real value and importance of the game.   After all, every neatly solved problem…could provide intellectual pleasure.-Hermann HesseTHE GLASS BEAD GAME