Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 70

The Beginnings - Part 94: A HONEYMOON

The sky was celebration blue.   Clouds floated by like spoonfuls of buttery mashed potato, and the verdant grasses below them were all sparkling with dew.
-Mavis Creek
MRS. FYTTON’S COUNTRY LIFE

 The Beginnings – Part 94:   A HONEYMOON
September 25, 1983
George Gregg Jones and I requested breakfast in our hotel room at the MARRIOT.   We just wanted to lounge and be lazy.  We frolicked and screwed around for a long period of time.   It was all thanks to me because I know how to prolong the intimate moments.   We entered the hot tub and enjoyed a relaxing lying out under the sun rays with our respective Pina Coladas.  
After the poolside time we returned upstairs to our hotel room to get ‘suited up’ for my cousin’s wedding reception.   Mona Armijo would soon become Mona Ebeling.   We also stopped over at the VALLCO Shopping Center for a memorable wedding card.   There was a Fashion Show going on at the mall and I had fun checking out the models.  
I departed for the reception.   George was not attending with me.  My cousin, Mona, was a cute, pregnant bride.   It was fun to see my cousins Paul and Steve Vigil.   I don’t see them very often.   I also talked to Mona’s maternal uncle, Fred Gallegos for a while.   I had a good time even though a lot of them acted rather teeny-bopper over the sight of my Mustang convertible.    It was a priceless moment when I saw Mona’s expression at the sight of the MONA LISA T-shirt that I found for her.     It made it all the more worth it to be there.
George called me when I arrived home.   We chatted lovingly.“I missed you so much,” George said.
“I missed you, too.”
“Wasn’t this past weekend as if we consummated marriage and had a honeymoon?”
I laughed, “Yeah, I guess you could say it was something like that.”

Joan Rivers is a blast as usual.   I watched her on the EMMY AWARDS.   She just cracks me up.
September 26, 1983
PHOTO:  George G Jones, 1983
It was a ‘back to work’ day.   My supervisor, Sue Reppert, is on vacation.   This didn’t stop the other Assistant Managers from pulling me off of the call center to make random ‘cold calls’ to sell Telecommunications Services.   I despise cold calling but I managed to sell to some of them.   What a waste of time as far as I’m concerned.   It’s much better to receive a call as it is already a warm contact (of sorts) and a sale is more approachable.     

I went for a great bike ride after work.   I think it’s kind of neat when a couple of gals honk their horn at me while I’m riding along.   It’s flattering.  Ha-ha.
I was in bed by 8PM tonight; however, I woke at 11PM and watched Joan Rivers on THE TONIGHT SHOW.
I did call Susan Low and left specific instructions with her mother.I asked politely, “Okay…could you please tell Susan to call me when she gets home?”
Of course, Susan Low never called me back.   This meant that our assumed date to see the Nastassja Kinski movie, EXPOSED, is off.   I will screen it on my own.   I don’t mind attending alone.  

George called me at around 8PM from Los Gatos.   “What did you do today?”  I asked.
“I spent the day with Kevin in Santa Cruz.”
“I wish I could have done that.”
“Me too…but the rest of my schedule this week will be hefty.”
“That’s right…the new job.   You’ll be okay.  It’s all part of work, work, and work.”

You must do whatever it is that you have to do, for whatever purpose that you have.-John Katzenbach
THE ANALYST

The Beginnings - Part 93: MELLOW OUT!

“I had no conception of the depths of your emptiness!”
-Uma Thurman to Robert Pattinson
BEL AMI, 2012 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago, October 4, 1987:
Photo:  Polaroid Shots from October 4, 1987

The first collage includes family photos while at my mom’s house that include mom, my brother Tony, my brother John and John’s wife, Sherri and mom’s two grandchildren Ashley and Lauren Armijo.



The second collage includes photos of my former coworker and friend, Margaret Lai, and her son, Lance.   Lance and Ashley are both born in 1984.   Margaret and Lance came by to visit me at the Alameda Townhouse.  The third collage includes photos of Mike Miller and Suzy Miller.   Suzy and I are in front of a Victorian house in Alameda.   Mike is in front of his cool, little sports car.   Mike is also munching out on a chicken meal fit for a King. 
The Beginnings – Part 93:   MELLOW OUT!

September 24, 1983
George and I had some home baked blueberry muffins for breakfast.   Before we knew it were on wild rides at GREAT AMERICA like The Demon, The Edge and The Wizzer.  
There were a lot of girls giving us ‘the eye’.   They were turning their heads at us.   They gave us the ‘up and down’ very intently.   It was funny.   We laughed it off.   George and I really had a great day.   By four o’clock we had checked in to the MARRIOT HOTEL.   We only had one tidbit of a fight.It happened when George abruptly said, “Mellow out!”
He gave this response after I had said, “You comb your hair too much!”

I guess I deserved the abrupt reply; however, he does have an obsession with combing his hair.    I really didn’t mean to hurt his feelings.   I only wanted to help him out.   It was only for his benefit because I love him.   That’s the only reason I say these things to him.  He simply takes it the wrong way.
We had a great late afternoon at the hotel.   We left for dinner at the local EL TORITO.   We were stuffed.   While dining we met a friendly girl named Janice.   She was cute but we were shocked to learn that she was ‘a dyke’.  
George and I shared a great evening in bed.   It’s so amazing how our friendship (and relationship) has lasted this long.    What next?
These games were little dramas, in structure almost pure monologues, reflecting the imperiled but brilliant life of the author’s mind like a perfect self-portrait.-Hermann Hesse
THE GLASS BEAD GAME

The Beginnings - Part 92: SPOOKY

“As always…whatever you choose to be you will have a proud and happy mother.”-Spock’s Mother to Little Boy Spock
STAR TREK,
the 2009 motion-picture

The Photographs in this BLOG are from Twenty-five years ago: 

October 3, 1987
The collage of photos taken on this day in 1987 are of family at mom’s house followed by an excursion to Sausalito, California with mom, Ashley and Sherri.   I was the designated driver.   We ended up eating lunch at a place simply called HAMBURGERS.
The Beginnings – Part 92:   SPOOKY
September 22, 1983
I received an anonymous phone call at 7:15AM.    Who could it have been?   Do I have a mysterious crank phone calling stalker?  It’s also funny that on this day I finally learned who sings that wild song called PSYCHO KILLER.   It’s by Talking Heads.   It’s spooky.
I telephoned George from work and he had good news.“Michael, I got the job.   I was hired by Fibreglass.   I’ll be working on Friday from six o’clock in the morning until three in the afternoon.”
“That’s great.”
“Yes, but starting Tuesday I’ll begin working the graveyard shift.”
“Oh no,” I said in a consoling tone, “I worked that shift when I was a Computer Operator and it really turns your world around.   Well…at least we’ll have the Great America weekend to celebrate.”

 I received a lot of what I ordered from the SPIEGEL catalog.  
 I also went to apply for my duplicate Driver’s License with the Department of Motor Vehicles.  
Once I arrived home I received a phone call from George.   I was acting a little on the grumpy side.   He managed to control himself despite his own bad mood.
Nici also called me and she came by my place for a visit.   We watched that sit-com MAMA’S FAMILY together.   I ironed a few shirts while we watched it.   We talked about work.Nici sounded stressed out, “Yeah, I was mad.   There was this chick who was trying to order me around.   I don’t like that.”
“Sometimes you have to play the game.”

Mom called me from work.    She doesn’t usually call from work but it was nice to hear her voice.   We had a nice chat.
Then I received a call from Doug Siu.   I hadn’t heard from him in a while.   We talked for a little bit but I didn’t have much to say.
I decided to drive to Sunnyvale tonight.   George agreed to help me find a wedding gift for my first cousin (Mona Armijo) tomorrow.  
September 23, 1983
Friday flew by and there must be a correction made here.   I drove to George ‘TONIGHT’, not last night.   He was at his grandmother’s house when I arrived but he came by soon enough.   We went to MACY’s together where I bought my cousin, Mona, a wine set.
 Later, George, Scott and I went to some club called BANDOLERO’s (or something like that name).   We had a ‘so-so’ time (or at least I did).   I didn’t really like the ‘vibes’ at this joint.   George and I ended up having a safe, secure and close-knit night though.
 “We’re just like everyone else.”“We don’t want life to just pass us by.”-Kathy Bates
THE FAMILY THAT PREYS, a Tyler Perry film

 
 

The Beginnings - Part 91: MRS. STUBBLEFIELD

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?
-Jane Austen

Twenty-five years ago today:

Photo: Mike Miller, and his Iranian pal – October 2, 1987

The Beginnings – Part 91:  MRS. STUBBLEFIELD

September 21, 1983

George never did call me last night because he went out with Dan, Ken and Richie. They went to the gay skating rink joint in San Leandro for about an hour. He did call me at 6:30AM, so that was reassuring.

I received AX (Absence without Pay) time at 3PM. It was offered to me and I just wanted OUT of the office at that moment. I couldn’t refuse it. It was great because I arrived at George’s house in Sunnyvale by 5:15PM. We did a lot of things. We went for a dip in the community swimming pool. We took a shower and both looked at each other in fear and alarm when we received an unexpected visitor. It was Mrs. Stubblefield. She’s a neighbor of sorts. It was like having Aunt Clara from BEWITCHED pop over.
I kept asking George “Is that name for real…Mrs. Stubblefield?”
We laughed a lot about Mrs. Stubblefield.  It was spontaneous fun.  She had no clue that we had been showering together.

George and I had dinner at MARIE CALLENDERS and went to the WHEREHOUSE RECORDS store at the Vallco Town Shopping Center. We stopped by a nearby park and sat on a nearby bench, listening to tunes by YAZ and INXS. Two groups that were introduced to me by George. I love their music now. I’m hooked. We had such a good time that we confirmed the realization that we are the very ‘Best of Friends’. We discussed the notion of going to Hawaii together during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“I only know I’m very fond of you.”
-REGULAR GUYS,
A 1996 motion-picture

The Beginnings - Part 90: FIDDLED WITH MY NIPPLE

Later, that dozy embrace solidified in his memory as the single moment of artless, charmed happiness in their separate difficult lives.
-Annie Proulx
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

Twenty-five years ago: Letter from Paloma dated October 1, 1987

AGDE, France
1st October, 1987

Dear Michael,
I really don’t know what to tell you. I am so sorry for you. I don’t want you to think I’m telling you this just to make you feel better. I really mean it. I am so sad. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I remember your dad very well. We talked in Spanish. It’s hard to tell you in a letter all that I feel. I wish I could have been with you. I think I would have tried to help you but I couldn’t have done anything. I just read your letter again. I am so sorry, Michael. I won’t talk about your dad anymore. I just hope your mom, you and your brothers are OK. It hurts me to think of the way you must feel.

Thank you for your pictures. You look gorgeous. I like your hair.

I’m very busy these days. We’re moving to our new apartment and I’ve been painting all of the furniture that goes in our room in black. I hope you’ll see it someday.

Tell me about your acting classes. I know I can’t act. When I was working at CLUB MED I had to…but I hated it. I was too scared. I really hope it works for you.

I’ll write a longer letter soon. I just wanted to answer you fast.

I wanted to tell you I’ll always be your friend. I feel something very special for you. I really wish I could make you feel better. Hope to read you soon…
Love,
Paloma

The Beginnings – Part 90:   FIDDLED WITH MY NIPPLE

September 20, 1983
At 6:30AM the phone rang again this morning. It wasn’t Nici. This time it was George!
George was anxious when he said, “I tried to call you last night but the line was busy.”
“Oh…I was on the phone with Nici, talking about her rape incident.”
I didn’t bother to tell him that we also talked about the possibility of our having a baby together and other nit-picky gossip sorts of things.
George said adoringly, “I miss you.”
It made me miss him, too; however, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was feeling guilty over something. Should I still feel suspicious? We talked until 7AM.

Work was okay. There’s a dude I always see who leaves the BART station when I arrive who is dressed in a sharp-looking suit. I get the feeling he has a physical attraction for me. He’s not too bad on the eyes either. He has a trimmed beard, moustache and a good build. He always looks at me in a kind of a funny way. He is definitely questionable.  I try to imagine him without the beard and moustache.

I found out some of the office supervisors are moving to other offices today. Liz Kennedy received a lateral transfer to the BSC (Business Service Center).

I am enjoying my recent walks to the BART station with Salima after work. I love her. She makes me think about things that I normally wouldn’t dwell on.

Susan Espino and I talked. She’s the single mother with baby, Michelle. We may go to see the Nastassja Kinski movie, EXPOSED, together if Susan Low doesn’t come through next week (Tuesday).

That girl named Toby Davis didn’t come to see the townhouse tonight. What a flake. She won’t be coming tomorrow night either.
Toby said, “It’s just that I might have another roommate move-in with me in my current apartment. I may not need to move after all.”
Oh well…such is life. Things can change on a dime.

I rode my bike to see Suzy and Renee Miller. We talked and caught up on our latest happenings. I ate a bit of Suzy’s steak and drank some Wyler’s Wild Cherry drink. It quenched my thirst. I didn’t stay very long.
“Why don’t you come over tonight or tomorrow night?” I asked Suzy.
“Maybe…I’ll call you.”
“Are you going to GREAT AMERICA on Saturday? It’s Pacific Telephone night…you know!”
“I don’t think so. I haven’t really decided.”

I continued my bike ride, feeling the autumn breeze. I had some curious eye contact with some blond fellow named Steve. It was an unbelievable experience. He was in his car and he followed me while I was riding my bike all the way to my pad! It was funny. It made my heart beat faster. It was a kind of an exciting rush.
When he parked on Holly Street he rolled down his window and asked, “Do you know what time it is?”I thought that was an odd way to break the ice. I told him the approximate time.
Then he asked, “Can I have a drink of water.”
I foolishly allowed him into my place and gave him a glass of water. It was all quite awkward. I didn’t make a move but I almost felt as though he wanted me to do something. Luckily, he had to leave.
Steve said, “Well, I have to go to pick up my roommate at MEL’S BOWL.”
I said, “Okay.”
I was wearing a ribbed tank top and he suddenly fiddled with my nipple for a quick second. I guess because my nipple was hard. It was a chilly autumn evening after all. I can only guess it looked good to him under my new, yellow Calvin Klein tank top. I actually bought the top today during my lunchtime with Helen.   I allowed him to 'cop the feel' but that was the extent of it.

I learned that Steve is from Castro Valley. He seems nice but she really isn’t my type. I ended up giving him my telephone number. I figured it was a harmless action. It didn’t mean a thing. I already knew this from my ‘Susan Low’ experience.

I now come to think of Susan Low. Her telephone number is 376-1234 and I haven’t seen her in a while. I finally made the phone call to her.
“Hello.”
“Hi Susan. It’s Michael.”
“Oh…I’m so glad to hear from you.”
“Yeah, I hadn’t heard from you and I know we talked about going to see that Nastassja Kinski movie.”
“That’s right. I’ve had the flu and I’ve been really busy with meetings with managers and producers regarding my music.”
“Oh…that must be good.”
“Yes, it is.”
She didn’t really get into any downright details. She probably didn’t want to make mountains out of mole hills. It was a good phone call. I somehow felt better, knowing that she had the flu. Who knows what will happen next?

I telephoned Helen also.
“Hi Helen…I was just wondering if you were the one who just called.”
“No, it wasn’t me.”
“Oh…well, I was talking to Susan Low. She said she had the flu and that’s why she hadn’t called me. I still made a tentative date with Susan Espino to see that EXPOSED movie next Tuesday though.”
“That’s good…no point in sitting at home.”
I like having Helen as my confidante. She gives good advice. I still wonder who may attend those bicycle-themed movies that I want to see.

I phoned Nici and we discussed our activities of the day. She complained about her own telephone bill and the cleaning of her apartment.

George will be calling me tonight. I must tell him about tonight; however how he will react to the delightful phone call with Susan Low and Steve’s mysterious following of me is beyond me. Perhaps some things are better off left unsaid.

I had learned the consequences of telling the truth were as dire as those of lying.
-Janet Frame, an Autobiography

The Beginnings - Part 89: IT MADE ME SUSPICIOUS

“Open your mind, examine your choices.”
-as heard while watching the 2009 film
THE YOUNG VICTORIA

The Beginnings – Part 89:  IT MADE ME SUSPICIOUS

September 19, 1983

Thanks a lot, Nici Maurino! Now that’s what I call ‘nerve’. She’s a horny wench. She had the never to call me at 6AM this morning.
When I answered the phone and realized it was her I shouted, “I’m asleep!”
I managed to get off the phone and then she called me again at 6:30AM. We talked…or I should say ‘she talked’ until 7AM. What is her problem? Of course, by 7AM I woke up and got out of bed. I had to get ready for work.

Nici was trying to talk me into inviting her over to cook breakfast. Any other morning I might have taken her up on the idea but it was a Monday! Get Real!

Work turned out to be all right today. Pearl Trobridge was having her last day at the office. She is an Asian girl who is transferring to New Mexico. The idea of Pearl leaving the office made me dwell on my November 3rd date. This is the day I can place a job transfer request to another department or place.
I telephoned George at WHEREHOUSE RECORDS in Sunnyvale at around 2PM. I was surprised that he wasn’t at work.  It made me suspicious.  I spoke to his boss, Scott, for a short time. The tone I heard in Scott’s voice seemed to be as if he were hiding something from me.
Finally, I said to Scott, “Well, I’ll just call George later.”
I haven’t made another call to him though. I hope he will be able to go to GREAT AMERICA with me on Saturday.
I already informed my coworker (and new tub mate), Rose Rodarte, that I was going to GREAT AMERICA. It almost makes it mandatory that I go there. I need the fun times of an amusement park for my weekend.

Susan Espino is still looking around for a new apartment. I would have mentioned my place but I don’t need little Michelle around. Susan is a single mother with a little girl named Michelle. In addition, I think a coworker would cramp my style. This mysterious Toby ‘girl’ that called me would be a good candidate. She has bartending hours.

After work I dropped my payment off at MACY’s at Bay Fair Shopping Center. I took the opportunity to get my hair trimmed at PROPER CUTS by some chick named Kathleen. She was ‘okay’. I am still wondering how the new haircut will grow out.

After my haircut I drove home and hopped on my bike to see the beautiful view along Shoreline Drive. The sky was pink and purple. As I was riding my bike some great songs came on including Elvis Costello’s “EVERYDAY I WRITE THE BOOK” and “RUNAWAY” by 1,2,3. It felt good to ride and hear these songs. My inner thighs feel a bit sore. Luckily, it’s a good muscle-building sore.

I kind of miss George when I haven’t seen him for a few days.

I wonder what happened to Susan Low. She hasn’t called me back or anything. It’s as if she has disappeared from the face of the earth. I am going to give her one more chance. I need to find out about next Tuesday night. We discussed seeing the new Nastassja Kinski film together called EXPOSED. I will call her later this week.

I am waiting for the Ann-Margret/George Burns Variety special. I am guessing that Ann-Margret may have finally received the cards I sent to her in care of NBC. They have not returned back to me. I hope she received them.

“Lead me not into temptation.”
-Richard Burton
THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, 1964 film

The Beginnings - Part 88: CHOICES

“Choices are sacrifices, so inevitably that means giving up on something that you want more.”
-WHITE COLLAR TV series
Season III

The Beginnings – Part 88:  CHOICES

September 14, 1983

Sweet Salima brought me two cookies this morning. How sweet she is! What a body on that girl!

I can’t recall anything eventful that happened throughout my work day. There was a point in time when Susan Espino and I were looking at the JOBS HANDBOOK. I was interested in two specific job titles: ANALYST and ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE. I will cross my fingers on November 3, 1983. That’s the date in which I can place a transfer for both of these positions.

After my work day I took a relaxed bike ride. It made for a more relaxed evening. It was a great feeling. I rode home and ate a slice of CELESTE PIZZA with a refreshing 7-UP.

I was getting ready for bed by 8:30PM. I knew it was another busy day tomorrow.

I was suddenly awakened at midnight by a phone call from George. He was so excited.
“Mike, I may get a job at Fiberglass Company, making ten dollars an hour!”
“That’s great.” I said while in half asleep mode.
Lucky him! Maybe he will move-in here after all. Who knows? We talked a bit more about how we don’t get to ‘get together’ enough. Soon it was time to hang up our respective phones. I tried to sleep but couldn’t fall back asleep, so I took a shower. It refreshed me. Then I went to bed and entered dreamland.

September 15, 1983

The week has gone by swiftly. It is already Thursday night and I haven’t received one call about the townhouse rental. Oh well…such is life. I can only ‘wait n’ see. Time will tell.

I went for another bike ride and noticed a trim fellow who always nods at me as he is jogging. He seems nice enough.  I

I haven’t seen Sharon while riding my bike lately. I did see a cute blond yesterday evening while I was riding. I didn’t see her tonight though. I love riding my bicycle.

I bought a greeting card today during my lunchtime at the Hallmark shop. I intend on sending it to George. It depicts two champagne flute glasses. It’s a classic, romantic picture.

I must write to Paige LaBrie and Maria (the one in Mexico) tonight.

I have my GREAT AMERICA Amusement Park tickets for September 24th. George and I will have a great time there. I can’t wait. We’ll have such fun on those action-packed rides.

My Lean Cuisine dinner hit the spot. It was excellent. I loved it.

I guess I cannot be totally surprised that my cousins (Mona Armijo and Cindy Vigil) are getting married. They’re “lookers”.

September 16, 1983

Work flew by. I had a nice chat with Elena Kasberg on the BART train. We discussed Ann-Margret, our current jobs and our future career plans.

I drove to Sunnyvale after work to attend Scott’s Birthday party. Scott is George’s boss at the WHEREHOUSE RECORD store. The party was at Joann’s (the Accounting Manager’s house) who is ‘doggish’ looking. She also has an illegitimate child. The party was a bit on the dead side.

The party aftermath was remedied when George and I went to see a movie that I rather liked called FLASHDANCE.

I spent the night with George. We couldn’t wait to get under the covers. We slept on his sofa bed. It was a bit lumpy but we had a good workout (as usual).

Earlier in the day while I was at work a customer by the name of Mary Martinez kept calling me.
She announced professionally, “I just spoke to a supervisor in your office and she told me you were a very conscientious worker and that they were looking for a way to promote you.” I just had to call back to let you know.”
“THANK YOU so much. I appreciate it.”
I was thrilled with this news. It made me wonder who in my office had said such kind things about me. I would love a managerial position. I wouldn’t mind the responsibility. I could handle it easily. The extra bucks wouldn’t hurt either.

September 17, 1983

George and I woke up to a little more action. Then we were greeted by George’s cousin, Richie, who happened to stop by. Richie is definitely NMT (Not My Type). We were also greeted by Toni, the black wench who also dropped by.

George, Richie, Toni and I went to CARL’S JR. a little later for a bite to eat. We bumped into Scott and Steve.

Toni joined George and me for a visit to Santa Cruz for a little fun in the sun. It was quite fun. We found ourselves unwinding to a bit of white wine. I couldn’t help gazing into George’s blue eyes while sipping the white wine. We really had a pretty good time. In fact, I usually do have a great time when I’m with George. We walked along the Boardwalk and I discovered some other sections of Santa Cruz.

George and I made a commitment to one another as ‘Best Friends’. I was happy about that. When Toni departed from George’s house I ended up staying the night again. We relieved each other a couple of times.
George said, “You’re an excellent lover.”
I had to second that statement for him. We had a good time this weekend. No two friends could be as close as George and I.

September 18, 1983

George and I went for breakfast at COCO’s (on my American Express card, of course). Rats!
George said this morning, “I have a problem deciding whether or not I should take that job with Fiberglass, knowing that I will be rotating between three shifts. School won’t be easy to arrange into this schedule.”
“School is important.”
“Yeah, I know…and our relationship could feel a dent with our not being able to see each other as much. The money of over ten dollars per hour is too good for me to pass up. I’m also tempted to just take this job at SIGNETICS, making five dollars an hour.”
“The decision is yours, George. You know you have to make your own choices. You have to weigh the pros and cons.”
He knows the pros and cons as well as I do. I merely pointed them out to him again.

Oh yes, I finally met George’s sister, Cathy, yesterday. She’s very nice looking and seems to be quite friendly.
George said, “Cathy and her roommate, Denise, are avid party goers.”
“Denise is so ‘not my type’.”
“Oh…but you could go for my sister, huh?” George asked.
“Maybe. She is cute…just like her brother.”

After breakfast I drove George home. We expressed our farewells after I helped him carry a dresser outside that is going to get refinished.

When I arrived in Alameda I was happy to have received my deposit from THE TIMBERS in San Leandro. It was a mere one-hundred and sixty-five dollars but it will come in handy.

Mom accompanied me to WALGREENS for a few things and we walked along Park Street. Park Street was closed off for a street fair. It felt like there was a nuclear war and we were two of the few remaining people left. It started to get more crowded though and we found it nice to walk along Park Street without the cars coming through.
Mom and I watched the film LADY CHATTERLY’S LOVER on her VCR. I found the story to be very good.

Michael Miller called after the movie and he came by to see the Townhouse.
“I like it.”
However, Mike is very indecisive about moving in as my roommate. I wish he’d just bite the bullet and go for it. We played a game of chess. I won but it was his first game so it’s nothing to brag about.

I received two calls about my newspaper ad while Mike was visiting but I asked them to call back. They were both girls named Toby and Terry.
Toby called back. She’s twenty-five and works as a bartender. I told her my brother worked at GALLAGHERS in Jack London Square.
Toby said, “How funny…I may get a job at GALLAGHERS. The townhouse sounds great. I’m also attending school. I work nights, of course.”
Toby seemed outgoing and friendly. She sounded decent-looking but voices can be deceiving. She will be coming by to visit on Tuesday evening. I will see what comes of it. She’s willing to pay $350 per month. That’s good news.
I advised Toby, “There’s no deposit required.”
I figured if I required no deposit it would entice a quick, positive decision. I know it was good news for her.
She surprised me when she said, “Some black dude had a place to rent but I didn’t think that would go over very well with my folks.”
“Oh…well, I look forward to meeting you, Toby.”
The other girl named Terry never called me back.
It was strange and eerie to watch KNIGHT RIDER, a TV show, because the main character is named Michael and he met an old flame named Stephanie Mason. I also had an old flame by that name it the memories came flooding back. I remember Stephanie Mason very well. I wonder if she saw this episode of KNIGHT RIDER and thought of me.

Mom noticed Paige LaBris’ photo (the one her mother gave me).
Mom said, “She’s beautiful.”
I was surprised that she said that. I guess one could say that she is but she does need to lose a few pounds.

“If in doubt…throw the first punch.”
-Glenn Close to Rose Byrne
DAMAGES, TV series Season IV

The Beginnings - Part 87: DRIFTING OFF TO DREAMLAND

“Who IS what they seem?”
-Rebecca Pidgeon
THE SPANISH PRISONER, a 1997 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago:

Photo: Michael Miller, September 28, 1987

…A visit from Mike ‘photo’ at 3348 Solomon Lane, Alameda, CA.

The Beginnings - Part 87:  DRIFTING OFF TO DREAMLAND
September 13, 1983

Work is fun with Salima Nasardeen nearby. She’s a beautiful black doll. I’ve been massaging her shoulders ‘now and then’ too. She loves it. Today, I walked with Salima to the BART station. We discussed ‘Susan Low’ of Moraga.
I said, “The only problem is that she hasn’t called me…what a wench!”
Salima cracked-up in laughter, “I love your way with words.”

Dad surprised me by painting the first coat of my living room wall. That was so nice of him and I let him know it.
I told Dad, “You know…I received two rental inquire phone calls today.”
One of the calls was from an older sounding gentleman. The other was a young lady but no one has called all evening except for George. It irked me because he called me COLLECT from Los Gatos! I hate when someone calls me collect.

I ordered over two-hundred dollars worth of clothes (and two pairs of socks) from the INTERNATIONAL MALE Catalog. Oops! It was naughty of me. I know I am low on funds but I need to look good for work. Oh well…I only live once. Heck.

Tonight I cruised over to mom’s house on my bike for dinner. I watched parts of THE EDGE OF NIGHT. I love when mom tapes those episodes for me on her VCR.

Nothing much happened today except for the fact that Sue Reppert, my new supervisor, gave me some closed time (from incoming phone calls) for a good hour to take care of call-backs and follow-up work.

While having lunch with Helen today there was this black dude from the RTOC (Residence Telephone Order Center) named Jesse who intruded on our conversation. It was okay. He was pretty friendly even though he looks like a bear.

I went to bed after I finished my Frusen Gladje Natural Strawberry Ice-Cream. I was wondering if George might call me or a new prospective rental inquiry. It didn’t happen. Just before drifting off to dreamland I was thinking how George really likes me a lot after our great encounters this past weekend. I feel the same way.

“Thoughts started taking precedence over feelings.”
-Narrator from VICKY, CRISTINA BARCELONA
A Woody Allen motion-picture

The Beginnings - Part 87: DRIFTING OFF TO DREAMLA

“Who IS what they seem?”
-Rebecca Pidgeon
THE SPANISH PRISONER, a 1997 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago:

Photo: Michael Miller, September 28, 1987

…A visit from Mike ‘photo’ at 3348 Solomon Lane, Alameda, CA.

The Beginnings - Part 87:  DRIFTING OFF TO DREAMLAND
September 13, 1983

Work is fun with Salima Nasardeen nearby. She’s a beautiful black doll. I’ve been massaging her shoulders ‘now and then’ too. She loves it. Today, I walked with Salima to the BART station. We discussed ‘Susan Low’ of Moraga.
I said, “The only problem is that she hasn’t called me…what a wench!”
Salima cracked-up in laughter, “I love your way with words.”

Dad surprised me by painting the first coat of my living room wall. That was so nice of him and I let him know it.
I told Dad, “You know…I received two rental inquire phone calls today.”
One of the calls was from an older sounding gentleman. The other was a young lady but no one has called all evening except for George. It irked me because he called me COLLECT from Los Gatos! I hate when someone calls me collect.

I ordered over two-hundred dollars worth of clothes (and two pairs of socks) from the INTERNATIONAL MALE Catalog. Oops! It was naughty of me. I know I am low on funds but I need to look good for work. Oh well…I only live once. Heck.

Tonight I cruised over to mom’s house on my bike for dinner. I watched parts of THE EDGE OF NIGHT. I love when mom tapes those episodes for me on her VCR.

Nothing much happened today except for the fact that Sue Reppert, my new supervisor, gave me some closed time (from incoming phone calls) for a good hour to take care of call-backs and follow-up work.

While having lunch with Helen today there was this black dude from the RTOC (Residence Telephone Order Center) named Jesse who intruded on our conversation. It was okay. He was pretty friendly even though he looks like a bear.

I went to bed after I finished my Frusen Gladje Natural Strawberry Ice-Cream. I was wondering if George might call me or a new prospective rental inquiry. It didn’t happen. Just before drifting off to dreamland I was thinking how George really likes me a lot after our great encounters this past weekend. I feel the same way.

“Thoughts started taking precedence over feelings.”
-Narrator from VICKY, CRISTINA BARCELONA
A Woody Allen motion-picture

The Beginnings - Part 86: DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SAN JOSE

Jagger to the other Israeli soldiers: “If I told you I was a faggot, what would you say?”
A period of silence…
One of the soldiers: “Shall I be honest…You’re very pretty, so I think we’d all want to fuck you.”
-as heard while watching the 2002 film from Israel
YOSSI and JAGGER

Twenty-five years ago today:

Photo: Siblings - Suzy and Mike Miller: September 27, 1987

I took this spontaneous candid photo of Suzy and Mike while we were dining at a local Alameda restaurant.
The Beginnings – Part 86:   DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SAN JOSE

September 11, 1983

“Good Morning Paige!”
Yes, Paige telephoned and I went to pike her up at the Holiday Inn. I doubt that is where THE POLICE was staying before their concert but never mind. She was there, wearing her ‘Valley Girl’ sweatshirt from MACY’s.

I brought her to Alameda and she ‘hit it off’ with George pretty well.

George, Paige and I went to breakfast together at OLE’S WAFFLE SHOP. George and Paige became better acquainted.
Paige kept saying, “I need a clove.”
She went on and on about craving cloves. They’re also known as clove cigarettes. My view is that ‘a cigarette is a cigarette’. George could identify with her as I learned that he was also familiar with clove cigarettes. I had never heard of them until today.
Paige said, “You can buy cloves at 7-11.”

After breakfast we went to South Shore Beach and I took a photo of George and Paige at a STOP sign on Shoreline Drive. After a few more snapshots we cruised over to the Alameda Flea Market. It was fun.

Eventually, I drove to Sacramento to take Paige home. George tagged along. We dropped her off at her house after a few other stops. I stopped over in Old Sacramento, my former school (Cal State University Sacramento) and my old house at 10709 Countryside Way in Sacramento.

Paige’s mother greeted us. She was very sweet to me. She also handed me a Senior Portrait photo of Paige. We took a few more photographs of each other before we left. I allowed George to drive my car back to Alameda. I wasn’t in the mood to drive. We made one stop at a ROUND TABLE PIZZA in Alameda.

Once home I said, “Let’s take a Calgon bath.”
That Calgon TV commercial worked on me. It was a nice idea. We took a bubble bath and felt so nice and clean. I felt like I was at a slumber party. I jumped on my bed and George followed my lead. We fooled around a bit and it was a very climactic episode.

September 12, 1983

I soothed George’s troubles today by getting money orders for him for a total of one-hundred and eight-nine dollars. I hoped he would appreciate it. I know he will. He knows how much I care, love and treasure his friendship. We have a dear bond. I can imagine how he must have felt being referred to an outside credit agency.

During lunchtime I was surprised by Helen’s kindness. She brought me some homemade butterscotch cookies and a macaroni salad. What a doll!

I arrived home from work at about six o’clock. Apparently, my dad had come over to the townhouse and he had a lengthy talk with George. George never gave many details but I guess it was a good talk.
George said, “Your dad is a nice guy.”
George was being doing domestic chores upon my arrival. He was watering down the small patio in his cute, little black shorts.

George and I went shopping for dinner.

I actually have to drive him home to Sunnyvale tonight because he has to make a vital payment that will clear his credit problem. I wasn’t in the mood to drive to San Jose but I did it. Ironically, that song by Dionne Warwick came on the radio while I was driving:  Do You Know the Way to San Jose.

“It’s always there…the chance to change your life.”
-as heard while watching the 2002
Swedish film, A BREACH IN THE WALL