Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 76

The Beginnings - Part 36: MY NEW WHEELS

History is made NOT simply with events, but by remembering those events, a double drumbeat like a heartbeat. History can be written NOT only with books but with ceremonies. Yet a real event read about in a newspaper is NOT always more important than a fictional one in a novel or play or poem.
-Christopher Bram
EMINENT OUTLAWS

Twenty-five years ago today: 

August 8, 1987
On this day (8-8-1987) I remember buying a round birthday cake made with whipped-cream frosting for my Dad's 52nd Birthday.   I bought two candles with the number '5' and '2' and lit them...and walked into the living room, singing 'Happy Birthday'.   He smiled from ear-to-ear.  He did not expect it.  I can still see his look of surprise.  It made him so happy.   It made me happy.

The Beginnings – Part 36:  MY NEW WHEELS

June 1, 1983

It was a mediocre first day of June. There’s nothing too exciting to report, Dear Diary.

I saw Beatrice Castillo with Barbara Raupe. Both are classmates of mine from my 1st through 5th grade St. Anthony’s School Days. They didn’t seem too impressive. Diane Melendres was out to lunch when I stopped by the IMPERIAL BANK in Downtown Oakland to see her.

Barbara Raupe and I made tentative plans for a movie. It has yet to come through. We did talk on the phone. It was a pleasant conversation. She actually knew where a lot of our classmates were at this point in time.

I went for a twenty-minute hot tub relaxation period. I returned to my apartment to shower and sleep.

Tomorrow is Thursday. This means it’s payday and that’s always a good thing. Then Friday is next and my vacation time will be here again. Hurrah. I am planning a tentative escape trip to Los Angeles and Sacramento.

June 2, 1983

Today was a ‘record day’ in sales for me. I sold a total of $1054 in telecommunication services. That amount alone is worthy of my two week vacation.

Once my day was over I joined Helen for a work out in her aerobics class at Chabot College. We went for a dip in my apartment hot tub and pool afterward. We ate pizza (frozen) and had fresh cantaloupe and vanilla ice-cream for dessert.

I also called my tub mate, Pat Overshoun. She remembered my phone number and I gave her the news of my phenomenal sales day. She had the day off.
My June 10th weekend to Los Angeles is cancelled because Nici Maurino cannot seem to get that time off. What a letdown. It would’ve been fun if she had accompanied me. I’ll find some other spontaneous things to do. I am sure I will. For example, I may take a quick drive down to Santa Cruz or up to Sacramento. Who knows? Los Angeles and Honolulu are both still possible. Bicycling in and around Walnut Creek or San Francisco has appeal as well. There’s also the simple plan of lying out on the beach.


June 3, 1983

Well, it is my last day of work before my relief time of two weeks. How nice it will be to be free again.

After my last break today I went to a special meeting about the ATT Divestiture as the company will be split into seven different companies. PTT (Pacific Telephone and Telegraph) will become PACIFIC BELL. I actually have three choices as an employee. I may stay where I am at PACIFIC BELL or go to EBO (an entity of ATT) in either Fremont or Napa. I think I will remain where I am in Oakland.

When I arrived home dad called me.
“How are you doing?” Dad asked.
“Pretty good,” I replied.
I thought it was nice of him to call. I got the feeling that he missed me. I missed him, too.

My cousin, Sandy, called also. We did go bike riding and found a great yogurt shop near Davis Street in San Leandro. After the ride I suggested Sandy accompany me to Fremont to the STARGAZE club. It was kind of dead, so we left at about 11PM. After I dropped her home I meandered over to that In-Between Bar. I left after one drink because it seemed lonely. The bartender was very friendly though. It was scary because when I drove out of the parking lot. I got the feeling some dude was following me home. Luckily, he turned right at some side street just before I turned left on San Leandro Boulevard. I doubt I will be stopping there again. I didn’t like the ‘vibes’ there. I’d rather stay home and read my book.

June 4, 1983

I woke at 7:30AM and cruised on Tony’s bicycle. He never uses it and the bike is pretty good. I rode to Alameda only to stop and eat a bowl of sugar Frosted Flakes and some Cocoa Pebbles. As I started to head back to San Leandro Tony started to make some snide remarks about ‘his bike. I got upset and left the bike at the house.

Mom started to cry over Tony’s attitude. I could tell she wished Tony could just share the bike with me. Tony is stubborn (as the TAURUS can be). I persuaded mom into driving me back to San Leandro. I refused to ride his bike again.

Mom drove me to San Lorenzo where we went to the MERVYN’s store there. Mom bought me some new tennis shoes. After that she drove to my apartment and I took mom for a ride in my car to MOVIN’ ON CYCLERY. I chose to buy my very own SCHWINN 12-Speed Super Le Tour bicycle. I was ecstatic over my new wheels. I love it so much! Mom drove my car to my apartment and I rode the bicycle from the bike shop to my pad.

Suzy phoned and I asked her, “Why don’t you come over?”
She arrived around 4:30PM and we did a lay out by the swimming pool routine. It was relaxing. There were actually quite a few people out today. The only one of any interest (on my part) was Suzy and the blond who was wearing a RED SOX T-Shirt.

Suzy and I ate at the RED ROBIN at Bay Fair Shopping Center for dinner and I had ‘One Heck of a Spud’. That’s what they call they baked potato with all of the fixings.
Suzy made me laugh when she said, “That potato probably comes from the Amazon.”

There was a great looking, thin blond hostess at RED ROBIN tonight. There was also a blond surfer looking dude in the restaurant. His eyes were squinting in my direction. He was a customer at the restaurant but I couldn’t help but notice his eye contact. I was more infatuated over new hostess. Perhaps because she wasn’t give me the eye contact.
After dinner Suzy and I watched the MISS CALIFORNIA BEAUTY PAGEANT and an episode of that sit com called DIFFERENT STROKES. Suzy left and I still felt like doing something.

I decided to hop into my car and drive to ECHO BEACH in San Francisco. I wanted to dance.

While at ECHO BEACH I met a broad named Denise.
Denise said, “I’m from San Mateo.”

There was another girl named Lauren Brief who was interesting.
I asked Lauren, “Where are you from?”
She asked me, “Do you mean originally?”
“Yes.”
“New York.”
Lauren was nice but she was a little overweight. It was good that she was dancing to work it off. I gave her my phone number. Maybe she will call me.

The night wouldn’t have been complete without meeting someone of the male persuasion. And so, I met a calm, cool, clean cut and collective guy who looked a mere twenty-one years old. I thought he could pass for seventeen or eighteen. He actually reminded me a little bit of Michael Miller. He seemed so shy while he was speaking with me; however, I could tell he was ready for ‘anything’. No, I didn’t take advantage. It was an okay night.

June 5, 1983

I had planned on a new bicycle ride with my cousin, Sandy; however, she backed-out at the last minute.

Helen Wong and I contemplated a trip to the San Francisco Zoo but that didn’t happen either. I suggested bringing along my cousin Shawn and Shonette but I learned that my cousin, Shawn, was at home with poison-oak. My Uncle Howard said that my Aunt Lillian and Shonette were at my Grandma’s house. And so, I simply cruised on my new wheels to Lake Chabot for a freedom and independence ride. It was such an invigorating excursion. I love my new bicycle. The escape was rewarding. I plan to do it again. The ride uphill was a challenge.
Of course as I was pedaling up that hill I said to myself, “Never again!”
Now that I’m home I feel I can do it again.

After the bike ride I drove with my convertible top down to Alameda. I ate some of the red chile enchilada casserole that my mother made. I gulped down two cans of Mountain Dew. I felt so thirsty and I desperately needed the fluids. I ended up staying at my mom and dad’s house for most of the night. I watched a couple of good movies on my ex-VCR: ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK and TEX. I sold my VCR to my mom for five-hundred dollars yesterday. She really wanted it and wanted to pay me for it. I didn’t feel I needed a VCR any longer. The cash helped me out, too.

“Old habits are easier to break than we think.”
-Judi Dench
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
2012 motion-picture

The Beginnings - Part 35: ECHO BEACH

One does not need to fall in love with a man to become emotionally connected with him.
-Christopher Bram
EMINENT OUTLAWS

The Beginnings – Part 35: ECHO BEACH

May 27, 1983

I woke up at 5:30AM and took a shower at Helen’s house. I met Geneva’s new boyfriend (Derek Hibbard). He seemed nice.

I couldn’t believe I had to go to work today. Helen and I arrived at the office at precisely 8:25AM. It was a close five minute call. We had to make a run for it.

Everyone teased me a little while at work, calling me ‘a drunk’.
Pat exclaimed with laughter, “I didn’t know you were such a drunk!”
I laughed it off.  I was simply having a good time because it was my Birthday. A few people did notice that I was wearing the same clothes today. Ooops.

It was an ‘okay’ day despite the fact that the Assistant Manager named Moe had observed a couple of customer contact phone calls with me. One call came in from Nici Maurino in repair and we had a ‘too lengthy’ and ‘too friendly’ conversation.
Moe said, “Don’t worry—I won’t count it against you.”
I guess Moe took my tipsy condition last night into consideration. Moe is cool.

After work Helen treated me to an early dinner at a place in North Oakland called YOSHI’s. It could actually be considered to be in Berkeley. Helen reimbursed me with a check for twenty-one dollars because I paid with my credit card. We cruised over to SWEETS after dinner. It’s a new ice-cream joint in Alameda. I ordered a black and tan sundae while Helen enjoyed a banana nut ice-cream.

As far as the rest of the evening I chose to relax at home. I watched taped episodes of THE EDGE OF NIGHT and THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. I was feeling rather young and restless on this edge of the night. I went to bed early. I needed to be in tip-top shape for my move-in day to my new San Leandro apartment tomorrow.

May 28, 1983

I woke early to start off right on the moving day process. It took only two separate trips in my car to take my clothes, boxes and other memorabilia. By 4PM I was done.

I was invited over to Helen’s for her homemade banana nut bread. I didn’t go because I was too exhausted.

Nici Maurino came over to see my apartment. She treated me to dinner at the RED ROBIN at Bay Fair Shopping Center. We returned to my place in her jet-propelled Volkswagen bug. We watched a little bit of television as Nici spent time with positioning and placing of her fake fingernails.
As I watched I said, “Wow…I would never know they were fake fingernails!”
We also went for a dip in the apartment complex Jacuzzi and swimming pool. It was a nice way to begin the summer. Nici left my apartment by 10:30PM. We did give each other a kiss goodnight…but nothing more.

I fell asleep soon after Nici departed. Of course my phone rang. It was Doug Siu.
“Hey Mike, I was just calling to find out if things got situated.”
“Yeah, it’s all done. I’m all moved-in.”
“That’s great. My friend, Debbie Pang, still wants to meet you. We should go to GREAT AMERICA on Sunday morning.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Of course, when 9AM came rolling along I realized I needed to rest and suggested we go to GREAT AMERICA another day this summer.

My first night at my new pad was a relaxed and peaceful one.

Memorial Day, May 29, 1983

I went over to Helen Wong’s for her homemade banana nut bread this morning. We went to visit her mom’s house near the Oakland Hills to deliver her a loaf. Before we departed for Helen’s mom’s house I met Derek Hibbard again. He is Geneva’s new guy friend who apparently spent the night (with Geneva). He was wearing a robe. He’s pretty cool and reasonably good-looking. I wonder what will come of their relationship.
Helen and I combed the Alameda Flea Market and then stopped over at my mom and dad’s house. I needed to pick up my new shower curtain and towels that were delivered there. I loved my new forty-dollar BLACK PANTHER framed portrait that I bought at the Alameda Flea Market. I had a perfect place to hang it in my new apartment. I know I was attracted to the print because I loved that Nastassja Kinski movie called CAT PEOPLE so much.

Helen and I continue our shopping at FOOD 4 LESS. I purchased ninety-one dollars worth of food. I dropped her off at home and went over by my pool with my latest issue of ESQUIRE MAGAZINE and my SONY Walkman radio headphones. I just chose to lie there and relax. The sun made me feel tired, so I took a nap on my new white couch with the air-conditioning on. I woke up at around 8PM in the mood for a visit to the dance club called ECHO BEACH in San Francisco. It is often jointly advertised on my QUAKE radio station. The club is open at 9:30PM and closes at 4AM.

Once I arrived at ECHO BEACH there didn’t seem to be all that much excitement. I guess I arrived too early. I sat in my car, making notes in my journal because there was no line to get in to the club. It was already dark by 9:30PM. I wondered what passers-by were thinking of me as I was writing in my car.

I was smiling as I was writing. I felt as though I was a 007 undercover agent investigating the exterior happenings at the ECHO BEACH nightclub. My name is MICHAEL, I wrote. My CODE name is JARED YORK.

The evening progressed with me checking out the interior of the club. I liked the lighting.
I was talking to one guy at the bar about ‘getting carded’ and he said, “I thought you could be seventeen or so.”
I laughed, “No, I’m twenty-four.”
I finally ended up dancing to several tunes, meeting a number of girls. I was thrilled by the tunes they played at ECHO BEACH. I certainly wasn’t going to stay until 4AM. I left by 12:30AM.

As I was driving home I dwelled on this one gal that I had danced with. Her name was Christy.
“Where do you live?” I asked.
“Lafayette.”
I also danced with a girl named Linda who was with some guy, wearing a black-checkered shirt (very similar to mine). I also danced with Patrice, a new-wave looking gal, who was originally from Oregon. I also met Michelle Perez, a real knockout model-type. I gave Michelle my telephone number. Of course, I did chat with a guy named Sean at the bar area, too. He was from the state of Virginia and seemed to be really nice and friendly. I gave him my phone number, too. In fact, he was a very good-looking blond chap.   I suggested to Sean that I could show him more of the Bay Area.  Whether Michelle or Sean will be calling me is a big question mark.

May 30, 1983

I went on a picnic today with Michael Miller, Renee Miller, Suzy Miller, Helen Hayward and her husband, Dave at the CROWN MEMORIAL BEACH in Alameda. I cruised down Shoreline Drive with Michael Miller with my convertible top down. The summer breeze felt so good. I like Michael’s company. We seemed to get some ‘hot looks’ as we were cruising together in my car. It was fun and carefree.

I left the picnic to get my bike. I transported my bike in my car to San Leandro and then went for a ride around my new San Leandro surroundings. I made a phone call to Diane Melendres who lives at THE TIMBERS. I dropped over at her apartment and met her daughter, Ebony and her husband, Horace Williams along with some other friends of theirs.
Diane said, “I think I can play match maker with you with a girl named Cathy who works with me at IMPERIAL BANK.”
“That sounds good to me.”
I didn’t stay long but it was nice to meet some neighbors. I hadn’t seen Diane since fifth grade when we attended St. Anthony’s School in Oakland together. It was an interesting experience.

I returned home and telephoned Debbie Honcik.
“I moved!”
“You did?” Debbie asked.
She was very sweet and may come by to visit eventually.

I also called mom to get the TV listings for this evening. I didn’t have a TV GUIDE. Mom suggested a few things for me to watch. I realized that I missed mom’s company on Sunday nights. I was feeling homesick for Alameda; however, I’m really not so far away.

May 31, 1983

My first day of taking my bike on the BART train was exciting. It was a breezy day. It was fun and easier to do than I expected.

Helen came over to my apartment and we shared a fine home-cooked dinner together: Cornish game hen, broccoli and rice. It was yummy. We massaged each others’ feet after the meal and watched HAPPY DAYS, JOANIE LOVES CHACI and THREE’S COMPANY.

Diane Melendres called me and asked, “Michael, do you have Barbara Raupe’s telephone number?”
“No, but I can try to find it for you.”
I was so happy that she called me. She’s sweet to think of me…again.

Helen left my place before 10PM.

I realized that I have to meet Barbara Reynolds and her newfound, rich boyfriend tomorrow night. That should prove to be interesting. I’m also looking forward to starting the book that Helen let me borrow called CHANCES.

In Jean Cocteau’s extraordinary film version of the classic fairy tale BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a sensitive beast lives in a magical castle, the walls and furnishings of which are all psycho sensitive. On the back of the Beast’s chair, in Latin, runs the motto: ALL MEN ARE BEASTS WHEN THEY DON’T HAVE LOVE.
-Diane Ackerman
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES

The Beginnings - Part 34: MY TWENTY-FOURTH BIRTHDAY

“Laugh and you are free.”
-Charles Ludlam

The Beginnings – Part 34: MY TWENTY-FOURTH BIRTHDAY

May 25, 1983

I made Pat Overschoun’s day by giving her that unique greeting card. I succeeded in cheering her up. She sold $650 worth of services today. I only sold about $300. Our section broke a record with over $2000 in sales of various telecommunications services. We will be commended tomorrow during our office meeting. I am sure of it.

I wonder if they planned anything for me tomorrow. It is my birthday and I didn’t notice any internal planning going on. Well, I guess I will find out tomorrow.

When I arrived home I went bicycling along the beach. The wind was against me, so it was pretty tough.

I’m driving Helen and Barbara to and from the San Francisco-Bay Cruise tomorrow.

Michael Padazinski said, “I don’t have any plans over the weekend. Call me if you need help moving.”
I thought that was so kind of him. I may take him up on his offer. He’s a nice guy. His sexual preference is a big question though. He’s not an easy character to read. I shouldn’t get too involved with the dude. He works in the adjacent department and it could become trouble.

I received an early birthday card from Barbara Reynolds today. She’s a doll. She never forgets. I love her.

Tomorrow evening should prove exciting. I can’t wait for the office cruise along the Bay.

I gave my brother, Tony, a ride to the ALCO Parking Lot when I saw him walking along Webster Street. He’s okay when one hasn’t been around him for too lengthy a period of time. He tends to be obnoxious. I believe that’s how it goes with those TAURUS dudes. Howard Edelstein is also proof of that.

I hope Traci gets in touch with me soon. I wonder about Christa and Karen sometimes. Only time will tell. The last girl I’ve kissed was Paige. Oh yes, there was Meredith after that (I forgot). I need the feel of Traci’s lips and body against mine…soon.

May 26, 1983
I woke up at 2:30AM or so to Tony’s annoying burglar alarm that was set off in his car. There was no apparent crime in progress. Mom was awake (as she had just arrived home from work a half hour before the alarm). She wished me a Happy Birthday. It was after midnight, so it was my twenty-fourth birthday.

Once morning arrived I went to work to find my desk all decorated with balloons and colored ribbon. It was all done the previous evening. What a surprise. Barbara Reynolds was such a doll. She gave me another birthday card. Pat Overschoun gave me a card along with a fresh-cut rose from her flower garden on this very morning. To top it all off, several of my coworkers (Barbara, Juanita, Pat, Cindy) carried a cake all lit up with twelve candles. I guess each candle counted for ‘two years’. I made a wish (Traci Hill, of course). Then I blew out the candles. I turned shades of red.

That evening was our Bay Cruise on the Horn blower Yachts which departed from the Berkeley Marina. It was so much fun. I had a good time. I took several pictures. Some people were worried about me, thinking that I couldn’t handle my liquor. I was just having a good time.

After the cruise, Helen drove my car and dropped Barbara at her home so she could be with her new boyfriend. Helen and I went to GALLAGHERS and the music was nothing to brag about. It’s a great place to visit when I’m fifty-years old (maybe). Ha-ha. The music was still energizing.

My brother, John, prepared a Brandy Alexander blended cocktail for me. He was on bartending duty that night. I ended up spending the night at Helen’s pad. She lied next to me before lights out and we gossiped about our office coworkers.

Oh yes, I’m invited to a party next weekend. Juanita Lane has a cousin who is having a Birthday party. That might be fun.

Music can be so uplifting and recharging, it encourages sedentary people to exercise longer and more often. The usual choice is jazz, swing, pop, or rock, whose rhythms jar our natural heart rhythm and make our blood pressure rise; we feel revved up.
-Diane Ackerman
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES

The Beginnings - Part 33: ON A QUEST

“The measure of success is how we cope with disappointment.”
-The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
2012 motion-picture

The Beginnings – Part 33: ON A QUEST

May 24, 1983

Here I am at almost twenty-four years old (in just two days).

I had a special half hour of business development time with my supervisor. He discussed my sales efforts. My tub mate, Pat, is feeling upset about the pressure for having to sell so much. I felt good because I managed to sell two-hundred dollars in gift certificates along with four custom-calling features.

After my work day Suzy and I went on the planned bike ride around Alameda. It was fun to cruise around with her. We had a good time.

I telephoned Jackie Woods and we chatted for a while. Jackie loves to gossip.
She gasped excitedly, “Do you remember ‘Catcha’?”
“No, who is she?”
“You know…that Indonesian-Black waitress at the STAR GAZE club.”
“Oh yeah, what about her?”
“Well, she was in jail for using credit cards…someone else’s credit cards ILLEGALLY!”
“You’re kidding!”
“No, she has to stay in jail for six months.”
That was a surprise. Yikes!

I also called Traci Hill. She wasn’t home. I spoke to her mother.
Traci’s mother explained that she wasn’t home and asked, “May I take a message?”
“Well, yes…could you tell her Mike called?”
“Okay…uh…does she have your number?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Are you the one who sent the card?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Oh, okay…I’ll tell her you called.”
And so ‘whoopee’.  I wonder if that means she will call me. I am crossing my fingers. I’m on a quest.

I wrote a ‘cheer up’ card for my tub mate, Pat Overshoun. She feels so pressed about the sales pressures at work. I wanted to make her feel better. I sent her the ‘Having-A-Ball’ phone booth card. I love that card. I know it will make her laugh.

Christopher Columbus’s quest, we tend to forget was sensuous as well as capitalistic, adventuresome, and ego-driven. It was partly the obsessive demand for exotic spices and perfumes that prompted him to set sail in the first place.
-Diane Ackerman
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES

The Beginnings – Part 32: BOB HOPE is ‘80’

“I don't feel old.  I don't feel anything till noon.  That's when it's time for my nap.”
-Bob Hope

The Beginnings – Part 32: BOB HOPE is ‘80’
May 23, 1983

I decided to call Michael Padazinski while ‘on the job’ to check on my telephone installation order in the RTOC (Residence Telephone Order Center).
Michael said, “I will have your service started on Wednesday afternoon.”

I went to GREAT WESTERN SAVINGS to withdraw one-hundred dollars. The teller at the bank has these blue ‘cat people’ eyes. He was eerie. His ‘cat-like’ looks made me think of the CAT PEOPLE movie.

I also mailed Traci Hill that card.  I hope she will be pleased when she receives it tomorrow.

I took my bike for a spin along the beach. I looked for Traci but she wasn’t anywhere to be found.  I did stop by at Suzy Miller’s apartment. She was studying for her Bible Study class.
Suzy said, “I’ll ride my back to your house tomorrow…after work.”
“Okay, then we can for a bike ride.”
“Renee is going to be moving-in with me.”
“Oh, that should be good. At least you’ll know your roommate very well.”

PHOTO:  1983-Models: Cheryl Tiegs, Brooke Shields, Christie Brinkley
Washington DC, singing Happy Birthday to Mr. Bob Hope

Biking makes my blood circulate. It woke me up. It made me feel good all over. I did a nice speed racer ride home.

Tonight I watched the BOB HOPE 80th Birthday Show SPECIAL. I liked the Brooke Shields, Cheryl Tiegs, and Christie Brinkley sing-a-long. Ann-Margret was on the show, too. It inspired me to send Ann-Margret a card because she’s one of my all-time favorites. I’d love to ‘one day’ lunch or dine with Ann-Margret.
Someone might say, “Dream on!”
I can dream on, can’t I?  Who knows?

I heard a philosophy today on some show that went something like this: “Never quit one day because of ‘something or another’ when it could be cleared-up or made better--or forgotten--the very next day.”

“I've always been in the right place and time.  Of course, I steered myself there.”
–Bob Hope

The Beginnings - Part 31: MAKE A CIRCUIT WITH ME

…To be young and feel love’s keen sting.
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 3, 1987
Monday

Another week has flown by. I still never heard from Ms. Australian Leslie ever again.  Jeff of TWA called me and he may come to visit the weekend of August 9th.
Jeff said, “I’ll call you to confirm.”
Of course, I have not heard from him again.

I saw Mark Landreth. He jogged over to the gym from his house last Wednesday night. I was making small talk with Steve Green and Mark Eberhart when Mark Landreth appeared. It was great to see him.

I was invited next Sunday (August 9th) to Kennedy Park for Nicole Hibbard’s third birthday party. Nicole is Geneva’s daughter.

Carla and I rescheduled an outing to La Bomba for last Thursday night but she ‘flaked-out’ on me again.

On Friday I went to my eye doctor. I learned that I am nearsighted and will need eyeglasses! I will receive my new prescribed eyeglasses in about ten days.

I went to see THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, a new James Bond 007 movie all by my lonesome at the CENTURY THEATERS. I really wanted to see it and felt there was no reason why I couldn’t go alone. It was so good. I really enjoyed it. I tried to noodle Mike Miller into coming along but he ‘flaked-out’ on me, too.

I went to La Paradis. Then I went to San Francisco Airport to pick-up John and Sherri. They bought me a Waikiki Beach Club tank top. I could tell they had a superb time away. We went to the HARD ROCK CAFÉ for a bite to eat. John’s too cool. It was fun having an outing with them.

I went for a Saturday morning jog and I returned home just as my roommate, Stacey, had arrived. It was awkward.
Judy Geniella called me and asked, “Do you think you might want to come over?”
I wasn’t in the mood to drive out to Sacramento but after much ado she decided she would come over to see me! I was expecting her at around five o’clock. How exciting.

Mom and I had a breakfast at OLE’S WAFFLE SHOP. We checked out the Park Street Wine and Art Festival. I ran into a high-school pal, Lisa Bergenholtz, who happened to be with her own mom. I also saw other high-school pals like Lori Jennings, Denise Bonadona and Janice Van Gundy. It was almost like a mini-flashback to my high-school reunion.

I went bike riding after the Park Street Wine and Art Festival and ended up getting a flat tire. I met a blond fellow from Castro Valley at the bike shop. We rapped about different types of bikes. He was nice.

Mom drove over and gave me ten-dollars to pay for my flat tire. She’s a god send.

Nikki Bovee, my second-line boss, teased me about not going to sales.
Nikki said, “I’m only saying that, Michael. It’s just that we would all just miss you!”

I broke my lunch date with my ex-boss, Stephanie Bautista for a second time. She broke it the first time. This time it was my turn; however, my reason was legitimate: the eye doctor appointment.

Laverne Butler-Brewer interviewed for my office at Pac Bell Directory last Friday. She’ll get the job because she has so much seniority. It will be fun to work with her again.

We had a fire drill last Friday and I saw a lot of my old coworkers from my old office on the street. That was fun.

Judy Geniella and I ate dinner at HORATIO’s in San Leandro. We went to the HOT ROD CAFÉ in Alameda afterward where we saw Cory Cardwell and Vicki Wiltens (two more former Alameda High School students). I was pissed at Vicki because she stole some of my Polaroid candid shots that I took at our high-school reunion! I also saw Rosalee and Patty from my gym. I also saw Nancy, the tan Portuguese gal from my gym. Who knew that the HOT ROD CAFÉ in Alameda would be so popular? I also saw another broad that was going to move-in with Mark Landreth (and never did).

On Sunday, Judy and I went to LA PETITE BOULANGERIE. I made an attempt at purchasing a pipe for her at another store. That was hilarious. We stumbled over to McDonald’s and took a nice walk through Harbor Bay Isle and the lookout post that I call ‘Skylark 23’ to see the Bay Bridge, Bay Area views and beyond.

Stacey had a date with Kevin, a coworker of hers from CHARLEY BROWNS. He is QBL (Questionable).

I confided in Carla about the seduction episode by Judy G. Carla was thrilled by the gossip. Carla made me laugh because she laughed about the part when I explained how Judy and I were making out on the couch and how she fell off onto the floor (while I stayed on the couch).
She wanted me to fall on the floor, too.
I said, “No, come back up here.”
Then Judy asked, “Do you have any lotion?”
I said, “Maybe…but I’m not sure.”
“Well, I have some.”
Carla listened intently and said, “I knew all along what the plan was.”

I came home and received a letter on August 3rd from Steffani in Hawaii. She called me again and we had a nice talk…but it was very brief.

Rosie Mendoza phoned me about subscribing to the ALAMEDA TIMES STAR newspaper. I arranged for her to meet me at The Creamery by my gym. We actually met! She’s Mexican but very pretty…but rather young. She’s only eighteen and wears braces.
Rosie said, “I know some rich boyfriends. I went to about eight or nine proms last year. I’m a senior now at Hayward High with a 3.8 GPA.”
I noticed that she barely drank her Crystal Light fruit punch. I was thirsty after the gym and drank my entire orange sherbet freeze. I had a nice talk with Rosie.
I asked, “Why don’t you call me when you get home?”
“Well, I’m flying to Monterey with some guy named Jose who supposedly has the bucks…and plane…but big deal.”
I asked myself, “Why is she telling me this?”
Rosie continued, “I’m thinking of fixing Jose up with my sister.”
“Oh, and what do you want to do after you graduate?” I asked.
“I really want to go to Cal Poly…but I think I may want to get married next year.”
“Wow, you have wild aspirations.”
“I also want to go to the University of Madrid.”
Who knows about this girl? She just may do all of these things. How on earth would she ever fit into my life?
I asked, “Well, would you call me when you get home on Monday night?”
Well, it’s Monday night at 11PM and she never called. Steff Alexander from Honolulu was supposed to call me too. She didn’t call either.

The Beginnings – Part 31: MAKE A CIRCUIT WITH ME

May 21, 1983

I move in a lot of my stuff to my new apartment in San Leandro. My sofa, love seat and dining furniture were placed inside with only a little bit of annoyance from Dad (I had to borrow his truck). He was kind enough to let me use it.
I went for a short cruise on my bike to the beach. I returned to a phone call from Jackie Wood. Then I watched the rest of that Lauren Bacall movie with mom (THE FAN).

Mom and Dad had a slight argument about ‘little things’. They seemed to iron things out in the end.

This sums up my day. My plans for tomorrow include moving-in a few more boxes to my new pad.

Oh yes…I stopped over at my Grandmother’s house. My Uncle Howard and Aunt Antonya were there. They saw my car. My cousin, Sandra, was there too as she showed me the dents in the front of her car.
Sandra said, “Someone must have hit me while I was parked.”
I know better. She’s bullshittin’ in my opinion. She probably hit something. There were some directly dialed calls on my Grandma’s phone bill to Fairfield. I’m sure Sandra must have made those ‘118 minute’ phone calls to her crude ex-boyfriend named Ricky Martinez. Anyhow, Sandra was surprisingly pleasant as she made plans with me for a future bicycle riding engagement once I move to San Leandro. We’ll see if that happens.

May 22, 1983

I went to my new apartment complex (THE TIMBERS) today and informed some guy named Pete about the problems in my pad after I made my first inspection with my mom. Pete works in the apartment rental office. He seemed helpful.

I met a girl who lives at THE TIMBERS who happens to work in the apartment rental office.
She said, “I’m sure I’ll see you sunning by the pool later.”
“That’s for sure!”

I returned to Alameda and went to South Shore Shopping Center to look for a photo album. I went to MERVYN’s, JC PENNEY and WOOLWORTHS. While at JC PENNEY there was a guy with a whit tank top and blond hair who kept staring at me. It was an interesting predicament. He was with his mom (I think). I didn’t get a chance to converse with him.

I returned home to fill my new WOOLWORTHS photo album with pictures. Once again I went bike riding along the beach. I met a girl named Tracy Hill and her friend, Eva. I had noticed Traci before with her lavender and white print dress. She’s very fashionable and good0looking. She also has adorable blue eyes. She gave me her telephone number. I felt lucky about that. She wants me to call her about making payment arrangements on her phone bill. After I told her I worked at the phone company she figured I could help. I will see what I can do with her account tomorrow.

I think I may mail Tracy a greeting card tomorrow, too. Let’s see what happens. I had sent one to Karen and Christa with my telephone number. Those ‘bitches’ didn’t even call me. Who knows? Maybe Traci Hill will be a little different. I hope she will appreciate her ‘ANYTIME’ card.

After my nap I made some tortellini pasta and watched a TV-movie with mom about an Argentina prisoner named Timerman who was wrongly imprisoned in 1977. The movie starred Roy Scheider and Live Ullman. It was called JACOBO TIMERMAN: PRISONER WITHOUT A NAME, CELL WITHOUT A NUMBER.

I went to bed after the movie. I had my radio tuned to QUAKE radio and I am so in love with that song by The Polecats called MAKE A CIRCUIT WITH ME. If only someone would ‘make a circuit with me’.

“You weren’t born to hide.  You were born to love.”
CAMILA, 1984 motion-picture
About an 1840’s Argentine socialite who falls in love with a Jesuit priest.

The Beginnings - Part 30: MY HAIRLESS UPPER LIP

“Nothing! There’s nothing there…nothing but rage…like a dumb animal. That’s what you are…an animal.  I thought I could teach you, but what I should have done was train you!”
-actress Uma Thurman to actor Robert Pattinson
BEL AMI, 2012 motion-picture

The Beginnings – Part 30: MY HAIRLESS UPPER LIP

May 18, 1983

I was able to get out of work today at 2:30PM. Hurrah! I surprised mom and dad when I arrived home early.

It was fun watching EDGE OF NIGHT at 3PM with mom. She left for work at 3:45PM and I went for a leisure ride on my bike along the beach from 4PM until 5PM. I stopped by at Suzy’s apartment and we talked. We did a bit of lying out by her pool while we waited for her brother, Michael, to ride over on his bike. I loved Suzy’s fresh-squeezed orange juice that she prepared. It was so refreshing. Michael Miller arrived and I left not long after.

When I returned home I called Suzy and asked, “Do you have dinner plans?”
“I’ll probably go out somewhere. Come over.”
I drove back to her place. Sue, Michael, her sister Renee, their mom and I ate out at this Chinese joint on Santa Clara Ave. It was pretty good. Michael Miller shaved his moustache. It inspired me to shave mine.
Renee said, “Your car feels luxurious inside.”
I thought it must be because it still has that ‘new car’ smell and I keep it clean.
Renee had an ugly rash about her neck and her mom decided to take her to the ALAMEDA HOSPITAL. I don’t know what the doctor ever determined about it. I’m sure I’ll hear about the diagnosis eventually.

It was a great, rejuvenating experience to ride along the beach earlier with my new Pierre Cardin FM Walkman radio.

I telephoned Karen Caster of Castro Valley at 9:45PM. She wasn’t home. I began to wonder about her. I hope she approves of my hairless upper lip on Friday night. I think I look better without a moustache. I am no longer hiding a part of my face.

May 19, 1983

Well, I couldn’t reach Karen Caster while at work today. I chose to call her again at 8:30PM when she was at work. I hope I can confirm our date for tomorrow night.

Some people liked my hairless upper lip (specifically Helen, Cindy, Paula of the mailroom). Barbara was neutral about it.
Trudy and Pat both made a suggestion: “Grow it back!”
I am undecided. I like it for a change. Who knows? Maybe I will attempt a beard and a moustache over my vacation.

I washed my car today.

I also took a nice freedom bike ride during my 4PM to 5PM rounds along South Shore Beach.

I was upset to learn about mom getting mugged in her car. She was stopped at a stoplight in Oakland with her window open when a black buy leaned in and grabbed her purse from her passenger seat. My poor mama! She was shaking terribly. I wished she had come back home and taken the day off. Instead, she drove to work and shared the story with her coworkers.

I called Suzy to inquire about Renee.
Suzy said, “Oh, she had an infection.”

May 20, 1983
Karen Caster and I did go on our date. We went to YE OLDE PIZZA JOYNTE in Hayward. It was unfortunate that the Nastassja Kinski film, EXPOSED, was no longer playing at the local movie theater. We saw the end of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and THE OUTSIDERS instead. Karen seemed a little insecure because of our age difference. She is almost eighteen and I am twenty-four. I didn’t like her attitude. I didn’t even get a good night kiss. That was a bit disappointing.
I asked, “So, what are you doing tomorrow?”
Karen said, “I’m planning a trip to Del Valle in Pleasanton tomorrow with some girlfriends.”

It seemed to me that she’s just too young for me. I didn’t really like her stand guard, neutral attitude. Who knows? Maybe she will choose to call me again. If so, it will be a plus. I may go for it. If not, then I say ‘the hell with it’. I sure won’t persist with a teeny-bopper type who is just now ending her high-school years. She has dreams of being a worker on a Cruise ship line. I’ve decided she is definitely not my type (NMT). I won’t even mention the fact that she intends on moving to Hawaii next month (after she graduates from high-school). She and Lisa Pingatore have a lot in common. It’s funny how two girls that have ‘the looks’ can be so similar. Why waste my time? Will they ever value my worth? Time is the question. Naïve bitches!

“Nothing happens unless first we dream!”
-THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
2012 motion-picture

The Beginnings - Part 29: SHE WALKED AWAY

After a dozen failed relationships since her teens, she was tending towards the theory that stability was overrated.
-Stieg Larsson
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST

The Beginnings – Part 29: SHE WALKED AWAY

May 14, 1983

I drove my Aunt Betty to see some run-down Dance Studio on Lafayette Street in Alameda. I’m not so sure she was impressed.
Betty said, “Mmmm…forget it.”
My Aunt Betty and Grandmother were visiting for a while. After they took a look at my new car they returned to their home in Oakland.

This morning I ate my pancakes with strawberry and whipped cream. I was feeling rather guilty about it so I rode my bicycle to the beach, Lake Merritt and up through Downtown Oakland via Broadway and on to Lake Temescal. I saw Lisa Pingatore with some black dude.
I asked her, “So, why haven’t you returned my calls?”
She came up with some flimsy excuse.
She did say, “Call me again.”
“Shit,” I thought, as I felt she wasn’t very encouraging in terms of a long-term relationship.

I met some juvenile delinquent girl named Mary at the park. She had braces on and wasn’t very cute but we had a nice chat.
I asked, “What do you do?”
Mary replied, “I work from eight until four pulling weeds with a bunch of other juveniles.”
I smiled at her honesty.
There were some other interesting looking people lying out near Lake Temescal. I left and headed back to Alameda.

I ate a few fresh tortillas with some salami and cheese. I gulped down some orange juice, too. I was hungry. I fell asleep after the meal.

Before I had left for the bike ride I did receive a phone call from Doug Siu.
“Are we still on for the dinner date with my chums at CHARLIE BROWNS?”
“I’m going to have to take a rain check because I ‘sort of’ have this other date.”
“Oh I see,” Doug said, sounding rather disappointed.
Well, I did meet Karen Caster last night, right? I phoned her this morning.
Karen said, “I’m going sailing across the Bay today.”
I felt the cold shoulder treatment, so I said, “Okay, well here’s my telephone number.”
Surprisingly, she said, “Okay, I’ll call you tonight.”
I am relying on her word. I am waiting on her promised phone call.

Well, time passed and I was ‘faced’ again. Karen never called.
I chose to telephone her one more time.
She explained, “My mom made plans for company to come over.”
I thought silently, “What a likely story.”
I hoped it wasn’t just an excuse. I am hoping we will keep our date for next Friday.

My brother, John, said today, “You have guts!”
“Why?”
“…because you got your hair body-waved.”
I laughed. I took it as a compliment and said, “Well, you only live once.”

I purchased a sofa, loveseat, mirrored tables and nice lamps. I’m feeling as though I’m a rich man to be able to buy all of these things. I am satisfied with all that I have thus far.

May 15, 1983

I sent Karen Caster the ‘She Walked Away’ greeting card. I sure hope she doesn’t walk away from me. I love her big, blue eyes. I love her smile, too, for that matter. I will not even mention how I like her figure, blond hair and good looking girlfriends: Dina, Nina and Lisa.

I stayed home most of the day.

My brother, John, and I spent time lying out in the backyard for a while. By evening I was watching a film based on a book by D.H. Lawrence called SONS AND LOVERS with my mom. We also watched a Lauren Bacall film called THE FAN.

May 16, 1983

Well, the real test came at work today. I wanted to see the reaction to my body wave. Many noticed a change but couldn’t quite place what the change had been. Some others thought it looked good after they got used to it (I guess).

It was nice to come home and wash my hair after three days. I was told to wait three days before I washed it. It was a nice summer day. I decided to remain home after my shower and shampoo. I simply watched the tube.

I telephoned Mark Beam, the guy I met on Waikiki Beach, who lives in Berkeley. I left a message with his roommate (named Jack).
Mark called back and said, “I’m considering a move to Hawaii or Hayward.”
I thought both places to be so different with the exception that they both started with the letter “H”. That was funny. I gave Mark my new telephone number.

I also spoke to Barbara Reynolds about my body wave, her trip to Yosemite National Park and ex-lovers and present lover. She’s in another world.

May 17, 1983

At precisely 9AM my dipshit boss realized that I had specialized overseas training scheduled today. And so, I left the office for the training. I returned at about 1:30PM. David Vigil, a coworker, had the same training on overseas phone calls. We took our first break together and discussed transfers to Yellow Page Advertising Sales as well as our forthcoming office cruise (and my Birthday).

I am sure Karen Caster and Christa Keller have received the cards I sent them. Have I heard anything? No, I have yet to get a response from either one of them. I may call them tomorrow night.

I don’t feel to ‘spiffy’ tonight. I think it’s because I napped until 8:30PM. I neglected to ride my bike as I had intended. Instead I ate a large bowl of COCOA PEBBLES. I don’t feel as in-shape as I would have if I’d gone for that bike ride. Oh well…

He looked down at the lies on the page in front of him and felt a great contradiction within him. His spirits plummeted; his heart was cold with despair of his own, as if some tenacity had been sucked out of him and at the same moment replaced with a rage that was so far distant from his normal character that it was almost unrecognizable.
-John Katzenbach
THE ANALYST

The Beginnings - Part 28: SHE WALKED AWAY

After a dozen failed relationships since her teens, she was tending towards the theory that stability was overrated.
-Stieg Larsson
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST

The Beginnings – Part 28: SHE WALKED AWAY

May 14, 1983

I drove my Aunt Betty to see some run-down Dance Studio on Lafayette Street in Alameda. I’m not so sure she was impressed.
Betty said, “Mmmm…forget it.”
My Aunt Betty and Grandmother were visiting for a while. After they took a look at my new car they returned to their home in Oakland.

This morning I ate my pancakes with strawberry and whipped cream. I was feeling rather guilty about it so I rode my bicycle to the beach, Lake Merritt and up through Downtown Oakland via Broadway and on to Lake Temescal. I saw Lisa Pingatore with some black dude.
I asked her, “So, why haven’t you returned my calls?”
She came up with some flimsy excuse.
She did say, “Call me again.”
“Shit,” I thought, as I felt she wasn’t very encouraging in terms of a long-term relationship.

I met some juvenile delinquent girl named Mary at the park. She had braces on and wasn’t very cute but we had a nice chat.
I asked, “What do you do?”
Mary replied, “I work from eight until four pulling weeds with a bunch of other juveniles.”
I smiled at her honesty.
There were some other interesting looking people lying out near Lake Temescal. I left and headed back to Alameda.

I ate a few fresh tortillas with some salami and cheese. I gulped down some orange juice, too. I was hungry. I fell asleep after the meal.

Before I had left for the bike ride I did receive a phone call from Doug Siu.
“Are we still on for the dinner date with my chums at CHARLIE BROWNS?”
“I’m going to have to take a rain check because I ‘sort of’ have this other date.”
“Oh I see,” Doug said, sounding rather disappointed.
Well, I did meet Karen Caster last night, right? I phoned her this morning.
Karen said, “I’m going sailing across the Bay today.”
I felt the cold shoulder treatment, so I said, “Okay, well here’s my telephone number.”
Surprisingly, she said, “Okay, I’ll call you tonight.”
I am relying on her word. I am waiting on her promised phone call.

Well, time passed and I was ‘faced’ again. Karen never called.
I chose to telephone her one more time.
She explained, “My mom made plans for company to come over.”
I thought silently, “What a likely story.”
I hoped it wasn’t just an excuse. I am hoping we will keep our date for next Friday.

My brother, John, said today, “You have guts!”
“Why?”
“…because you got your hair body-waved.”
I laughed. I took it as a compliment and said, “Well, you only live once.”

I purchased a sofa, loveseat, mirrored tables and nice lamps. I’m feeling as though I’m a rich man to be able to buy all of these things. I am satisfied with all that I have thus far.

May 15, 1983

I sent Karen Caster the ‘She Walked Away’ greeting card. I sure hope she doesn’t walk away from me. I love her big, blue eyes. I love her smile, too, for that matter. I will not even mention how I like her figure, blond hair and good looking girlfriends: Dina, Nina and Lisa.

I stayed home most of the day.

My brother, John, and I spent time lying out in the backyard for a while. By evening I was watching a film based on a book by D.H. Lawrence called SONS AND LOVERS with my mom. We also watched a Lauren Bacall film called THE FAN.

May 16, 1983

Well, the real test came at work today. I wanted to see the reaction to my body wave. Many noticed a change but couldn’t quite place what the change had been. Some others thought it looked good after they got used to it (I guess).

It was nice to come home and wash my hair after three days. I was told to wait three days before I washed it. It was a nice summer day. I decided to remain home after my shower and shampoo. I simply watched the tube.

I telephoned Mark Beam, the guy I met on Waikiki Beach, who lives in Berkeley. I left a message with his roommate (named Jack).
Mark called back and said, “I’m considering a move to Hawaii or Hayward.”
I thought both places to be so different with the exception that they both started with the letter “H”. That was funny. I gave Mark my new telephone number.

I also spoke to Barbara Reynolds about my body wave, her trip to Yosemite National Park and ex-lovers and present lover. She’s in another world.

May 17, 1983

At precisely 9AM my dipshit boss realized that I had specialized overseas training scheduled today. And so, I left the office for the training. I returned at about 1:30PM. David Vigil, a coworker, had the same training on overseas phone calls. We took our first break together and discussed transfers to Yellow Page Advertising Sales as well as our forthcoming office cruise (and my Birthday).

I am sure Karen Caster and Christa Keller have received the cards I sent them. Have I heard anything? No, I have yet to get a response from either one of them. I may call them tomorrow night.

I don’t feel to ‘spiffy’ tonight. I think it’s because I napped until 8:30PM. I neglected to ride my bike as I had intended. Instead I ate a large bowl of COCOA PEBBLES. I don’t feel as in-shape as I would have if I’d gone for that bike ride. Oh well…

He looked down at the lies on the page in front of him and felt a great contradiction within him. His spirits plummeted; his heart was cold with despair of his own, as if some tenacity had been sucked out of him and at the same moment replaced with a rage that was so far distant from his normal character that it was almost unrecognizable.
-John Katzenbach
THE ANALYST

The Beginnings - Part 28: BODY WAVE

What had actually begun to surface in his muddled mind was a conflict of emotions.
-Christopher Isherwood
CHRISTOPHER and HIS KIND

The Beginnings – Part 28:  BODY WAVE

May 13, 1983

I hugged Joan Brown three times today. I wanted to sincerely wish her the best and to say goodbye as she is being transferred to the Pacific Telephone Woodland Hills office. I will miss her. She was my very first ‘tub mate’ and my initial true friend and on-the-job trainer. She has invited me for visits to Southern California. That remains to be seen.

When work finally ended I cruised home and saw my MACY’s bills. I telephoned PROPER CUTS about an appointment. I asked about the process of a body wave. Someone suggested I do that—but I’m not so sure.

Well, I made it to PROPER CUTS and I did it. I got the body wave. I had Esther, some Mexican chick, who slightly cut and styled my hair. It came out surprisingly well. I was impressed. The new hairdo impressed me so much that I had the urge to hit the ‘night life’.

I planned on going to STAR GAZE in Fremont but I detoured over to THE ECLIPSE in Hayward. I didn’t like ‘the vibes’ there. I paid a six-dollar cover charge. What a waste. I also bought a two-dollar cocktail called a GREYHOUND. I left after fifteen minutes. I proceeded to go to STAR GAZE. I knew I liked the music there; however, I took another detour to the BLACK ANGUS in Fremont. There weren’t very many girls there, so I did go to STAR GAZE.

I was feeling a little loose and fancy free after my GREYHOUND cocktail from earlier.
I approached a girl and asked, “Do you want to dance?”
She looked at me with surprise and said, “Why…yes!”
Her voice was ecstatic because I had asked her to dance.
I thought, “Gee, my body wave must NOT look so bad.”
We danced and talked a bit as we shook to the groove. I learned that her name is Karen Caster.
Karen said, “I attend Castro Valley High.”
Her three girlfriends were also very good-looking. I felt lucky for once.
“Someone like you probably has a few boyfriends that you’re stringing along.”
“No,” she said, “I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Well, I’m twenty-three, so I’m probably too old for you.”
“No, I don’t consider twenty-three too old.”
I asked, “Well, what are you doing tomorrow night?”
“Not really anything.”
When I gathered around her table with her friends her girlfriends gave me Karen’s phone number.
I said to Karen, “I will call you tomorrow about a FOR SURE date.”
My right ear was ringing. Could they have been talking ‘good’ about me?

I left STAR GAZE when Karen and her girlfriends started to depart. I didn’t want to appear as a praying mantis, looking for my next pick-up.
As two of Karen’s friends said they were leaving I said, “It’s just as well…I’m tired and I need to go, too.”

I guess I will take a rain check on the Doug Siu invitation to dinner in San Francisco with his friends. I’d much rather see Karen Caster’s big blue eyes again.

Oh yes, Dad seems to have noticed my body wave.
Dad said, “You look different. You look like Tom Selleck.”
I knew that was an exaggeration and I simply laughed.
The real test is when mom comes home from work tonight. Let’s see if she will notice.

“You like him, don’t you?  Watch out, things might get complicated.”
-Pierre Frei
BERLIN, a novel