Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 88

It Sounds Morbid

Sometimes I crave more stimulating company.
She was homesick, as only the very young and the very old can be.
There are worse fates than to be lonely.
-D.M. Thomas
THE WHITE HOTEL

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 7, 1987
Tuesday

It was not a bad day at the office. I did resent when Steve Adams seemed to be so direct in giving orders today. It's almost as if he had a management evaluation and was feeling as though he had to change his 'modus operandi'.  Certain phrases stick in my mind.
After Rhoda mumbled some nonsense Steve shouted, "Lock the TRW…it's very important that it is kept locked!"

Paul Margolis has asked me to do some of his dirty work. I resent that also. I just shrug it off and figure I will finish his requested tasks when I get the chance.

I did speak to Modesto Valderama today. He was okay with me. Everyone has this fear when they hear his name. He's a very delinquent customer but I actually got somewhere with him (I hope).

Carla and I went to the International Restaurant place and had a good meal. She went to court again this morning. This time it was regarding an unpaid traffic ticket.

After work (4:30PM) I hit the sack and slept.

Frank Vasconcellos telephoned me.
I returned his call straightaway.
"You know, Michael, I've decided to go to Mortuary School."
"What?"
"Yes, I have a close friend who is twenty-five and he does embalming."
I couldn't believe my ears. "Are you kidding me?"
"No, they make good money. And he does make-up and the works. I really want to pursue this."
All I could think to say was, "It sounds morbid, but someone has to do it."

My dad called a little later.
Dad announced, "You got a package here."
"I did?"
"Yeah."
"Oh you know what--it's probably Ashley's teddy bear that I got her for her birthday."
I stopped by to get the package. I had a quick bite and talked to dad for a bit. Then I decided to go to the gym.

I was happy with the work out at the gym.  It was really good tonight.  There was an awkward moment as I saw Rachelle Davies. When I left for the night I realized that Rachelle had suddenly re-entered my life.
She placed a card on the windshield of my car and wrote: 'Mike, call me tonight. Rachelle.'
That was a surprise.

PHOTO:  Eileen Grabinsky
I phoned Eileen when I got home and she wasn't home. And so, I decided to phone Rachelle.
"Hi."
"Hi, I got your note."
"How have you been?"
It was as if no time had passed since our last night of ecstasy.
"Oh, just working and making the best of my days."
"I was in Miami recently," Rachelle bragged.
We actually had a nice talk as we began to reminisce about our lives over the last one and a half years.
Rachelle announced, "I have a DATSUN 280Z now and I commute to Santa Clara every day for VIKING FREIGHT."
"What do you do there?"
"Oh--just office work."
I broke down and asked, "So, who are you going out with now?"
She did her usual giggle, "I'm seeing a fella named Tim. He's your age."
She was hinting that he's not as fun as me—even though we're the same age. I didn't know what fun she meant but I could only think it was in the bedroom department because that's where we had most of our fun. We finally made arrangements to meet up this Sunday.

I actually had made arrangements to see Frank on Friday. It's funny how two people from my not-so-distant past have returned. What does it mean? It's a kind of complement for me. It means they value and remember me well enough to want to touch base again.

I guess the same goes for Chris Cordellos who called and stopped by recently by leaving a note in my mailbox. We have not seen each other for a good while either.

I watched Bette Davis and Joan Rivers tonight.
Bette Davis was promoting her book "THIS N THAT".

I liked when Joan said, "You don't think you're attractive. You're a very sexy woman."
"Oh My God," Bette said, "That makes me think of Miss Walter's Special when she said 'Do you like sex' which rather alarmed me.  I said, 'Why Barbara Walters!' And maybe I should have added Do You?"

 After the show I tried to sleep but called Johnny Schaefer instead. It was after 11PM and the rates are cheaper to call L.A.
Johnny was excited when he said, "I recorded a couple of songs."
"That's cool."
Johnny surprised me when he said, "Michael Thoennes must be lonely because he's been calling me on a regular basis…almost every night."
I thought, "Whatever."

I gave sleeping another shot as I wondered about Rachelle. I recalled the outstanding intercourse we shared. Yet, there is Eileen now.
I whispered silently, "I guess I'll find out where Eileen and I are headed in terms of a relationship very soon. I need to know from her. She needs to express her feelings…literally."

"Oh, let's stay up and play charades. Who wants to go to bed now?"
-Mary Morris
ACTS OF GOD, a novel

A Sheepherder

I was once asked if I'd like to meet the President of a certain country.
I said, "No. But I'd love to meet some sheepherders."
The sheepherders, farmers and taxi drivers are often the most fascinating people.
-James Michener (1907-1997)
American author

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 6, 1987
Monday

Carla waltzed in to the office an hour late using the 'I forgot to change my clock an hour ahead' excuse. She's such a bull-shitter. The ironic thing is that she gets away with it. We ate lunch together at NATOMA's today.

I telephoned Eileen Grabinsky after work and gave her some new insight on her sixteen year old crank calling prankster. His name is Michael Dean and I looked at his phone bill.  He seems to be a spoiled South City brat with his own phone.

I was reading a book and realized that sometimes we ALL do things that we're ashamed of. I pondered that thought, realizing that I haven't really been so bad.

I went bicycling and made it to the gym as well.
Dave Trapp asked, "Hey, where have you been?"
I just shrugged my shoulders while pedaling hard on the Life Cycle.
Patty was there, too and she asked, "Where have you been?"
"I've been working hard," I replied.
Patty continued, "I was even wondering what had happened to Mark."
"Oh yeah," I explained, "His gym membership expired so he's waiting on a good deal before he joins up again."

I arrived back home and returned a phone call to my Dad.
Before he could ask I said, "You can expect the rent check on my next pay period."
We talked about the decreasing value of the dollar in Japan. That was kind of interesting.  Dad was being so kind and I don't even think he had planned to mention the fact that I was a few days late with the rent.
"So what else is new?" I asked.
Dad answered, "Well…you know mom is taking Wednesday through Friday off to help me with the income tax."
"Oh yeah, that's why you took your vacation week now."
"You know, Mike, I'm going to retire when I'm fifty-five."
"That's great," I said, wanting to make him feel good.
I was actually rather envious. I know he wants that farm in New Mexico someday and the concept of his father/my grandfather being a sheepherder at one time crossed my mind.

Carla and I read an article in the Wall Street Journal today about how AIDS is going to bring about an upswing in 'virgin to virgin' marriages, early marriages and fewer one-night stands. This could lead to more and more children like the 1950's.
Carla disagreed with the article.
"It's not true, Michael. I'm not anxious to get married."
"You're not?"
"No, are you?"
"No," I answered abruptly.
Then I began to wonder whether or not I am actually anxious. Perhaps I do 'sort of' feel like having a family life sooner versus later.
I thought to myself, "Let's just see where the next couple of years guide me."

Bette Davis will be a guest with JOAN RIVERS on The Tonight Show tomorrow night. I really want to see that interview.

The journey--not the arrival--matters.
-T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
American born English poet

The Big Questions

"Is there anything you have to tell me before I get into that bed?"
-New Zealand actor Marton Csokas
as Stephen Gold in the 2011 film THE DEBT

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 5, 1987
Sunday

I woke up and headed over to mom and dad's house for breakfast. Mom was getting ready to attend the baby shower for my first cousin, Donna Armijo.

I was feeling very lazy today. I couldn't help but notice the beauty of the day. I went over to John and Sherri's house to see my niece, Ashley.
Ashley smiled and kissed me.

I turned on my Video Cassette Recorder and placed the VHS videotape of the film WITNESS into the slot. I started to watch the movie while at home when I could feel myself drifting to sleep.

My brother, Tony, dropped by to visit. He looked at some of my photos in my most recent albums. He was doing the finishing touches on John's income tax return while at my place. Once he was done with all he needed to do he left.

I mentioned the GREAT AMERICA Amusement Park 'family outing' idea to mom. I also mentioned it to Sherri.
Sherri said, "I'd like to go there on May 10th for Ashley's birthday weekend."
I shared the idea of the GREAT AMERICA outing to Tony while he was here.
I said, "It would be fun to go when Helen returns on the 26th."
Tony nodded, so it seemed like he was 'sort of' interested in going.

I watched a TV-movie called THE ABDUCTION OF KARI SWENSON, directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal.   After the kidnapping movie I went to mom's house for avocado, tortillas, roasted pine nuts from New Mexico and banana cream pie. Yikes!   I sat around with ma and pa, watching a sit-com and a TV-movie called DADDY that was about teenage pregnancy.

A bit later Eileen telephoned me. Eileen confirmed that she would come to San Francisco this coming Wednesday night.
I was ecstatic and said, "Great! We can go to the ZUNI CAFÉ and COIT TOWER."
"That sounds fun!"
"It will be. I have something 'heavy' to discuss with you, too."
"Oh really, this could be fun," she stated cheerfully and curiously.

The big questions will be 'How do you feel about me?' and 'Where do you want--or feel--our relationship should head next?' I mean, I really don't want to beat around the bush with her. I want to know 'When are the braces coming off?' and 'When will you marry me?' Ha-ha. Is this what I really want to say/ask? Yes. Perhaps with the exception of that last question (When will you marry me?). I believe that can be held off for a while…maybe.

"It is from rings that chains are made."
-as heard during the NY
Broadway Play MARY STUART

A Twin-Sized Bed

We are so locked into the belief that our lives have some sort of purpose we have to fulfill.
-Tony Parsons
AS IT IS

Twenty-five years ago today:
April 4, 1987
Saturday

I awoke at 8AM and rode my bike from 8:30AM until 10:30AM. I ventured over via the Oakland Airport Terminal. It's a ride I had never done before. It was fun.

After the ride I stopped at mom's house. I urged mom to make hash browned potatoes and scrambled eggs. We had a nice breakfast together.
While at mom's house I watched the Tom Cruise film TOP GUN for the first time. It wasn't so great. I went to my place to sleep. I realized my weekends are made to rest. Isn't this right? And so, I rested.

I returned to mom's house and spent more time with her.

I dropped by Eileen's later, too. She received the yellow roses I sent her. Mom also received the Birds of Paradise bouquet I ordered for her.

Eileen and I lounged around together and then her girlfriend, Katrina, stopped by with her boyfriend, Patrick. They lounged with us and we took a pair of photographs in the white PORSCHE. Katrina soon departed with Pat and it was just Eileen and I again. Then some sixteen year old guy named Mike Johnson crank called Eileen.
Eileen said, "He's my crank caller. He always calls."
It was funny because the crank caller, Mike, started talking to me and went on and on about Pac Bell Cosmos, computer linkage and 'what not'. What a weirdo!

Then Eileen's other friend, Alan, called too. He seemed rather nice.
Eileen said, "Oh, he's just a neighbor. He goes to the College of San Mateo."
I had a short talk with him.  He seemed pretty nice.

I rustled in the bed sheets with Eileen but it was quite awkward in a twin-sized bed. We tried to sleep a bit and I kept tossing and turning.  I slipped off my underwear without her realizing the fact; however, I was behaving like a good boy.  Why?  I didn't think she wanted me to.  Or frankly, I didn't feel like the moment was right.

"Having your hair brushed is gloriously sensual isn't it?"
"I can think of more sensual things."
-2009 On-Broadway Show
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Angela Lansbury

Twenty-Six: A New Sail

He is so reluctant to share his thoughts.  Will I ever gain entry, or am I doomed to live in isolation despite our union?

-THE DIARY OF ELLEN RIMBAUER
My Life at Rose Red

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 3, 1987
Friday

Carla and I hit the PIZZA BOAT during lunch time. She's definitely heading to Miami, Florida at the end of this month. She's so excited.

I did bicycle today for a good hour after work. It's great getting out of the office at 4:30PM now.

I ended up going to see the movie LETHAL WEAPON again. I saw it with Eileen the first time but this time I saw it in Hayward with good ole Mark Landreth.

Mark was looking very well.  He turned twenty-six last Friday.  I could detect some more defined wrinkles on his forehead. They were probably there before but I never gave it a second look. I just never noticed. I think now that he's a year older I decided to give a closer look. His biceps are big and they looked great in the shirt he was wearing.

I was home by midnight.
Mark had said, "Oh, I got a new sail.  I really want to go wind surfing."
I know he's anxious to sail the high seas like I was anxious to hit the road when I got my new BIANCHI bike.

I cannot tell you how I long for your welcoming embrace.
-D.M. THOMAS
THE WHITE HOTEL

Every Time I Think Of You

A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike.  And all plans, safeguards, policies and coercion are fruitless.  We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.
-John S Steinbeck (1902-1968)
American author

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 2, 1987
Thursday

At least it was payday today. I received a NET amount of $622.

Carla and I enjoyed lunch at BILL's KITCHEN.

I am very well caught up with my work load. I am beginning to have 'not much to do' at my desk. I am certainly not going to mention it to anyone. I will make myself look busy and take advantage of the temporary lull. I may help Freddie with her work load though. She has a ton of accounts that still need to be worked.

I was bicycling by 4:30PM. It was very windy in Alameda. I kept hearing that song RIDE LIKE THE WIND in my mind as I felt a great feeling of accomplishment from the invigorating ride.

Jeff Sombat telephoned from Hawaii again.
Jeff announced happily, "You are called--by me--more than anybody I know.
I sighed with an, "Ahh," thinking 'what a nice chap'.
I don't know about Jeff though. He got my mind whirling tonight from what he had said after I said, "I'm thinking of moving to Los Angeles but I'm not sure what I want to do."
Jeff said, "We're already doing it!"
It made me realize that we are all never sure what we want but what we are doing must not be all bad otherwise we wouldn't be doing it. This makes sense I suppose.
Jeff asked, "How much money do you make?"
I could tell he was impressed with my biweekly NET pay of $600 plus including the time off I get with pay.

I didn't bother going to the gym tonight. I am a slacker. What the heck…at least I went cycling.

Eileen called me from CITY NIGHTS at two o'clock in the morning. What was she thinking?
Eileen screeched, "I had to call you because they're playing EVERY TIME I THINK OF YOU by THE BABYS right now!"
I laughed and said, "How sweet of you to call me."
Does this mean that this is our song?
She said, "You can come over tomorrow night if you want. I can change my plans."
This made me really feel good as I wondered 'what had gotten into her' all-of-a-sudden. I tend to love her more and more from her unexpected surprises. I've been considering the idea of sending her flowers. I will send some to mom, too.

I kept talking to a minimum, as talking decreased the emotion.
-Keith Banner
THE LIFE I LEAD, a novel

The Introductory Phase

The man who sees the funny side survives.
-Martin Booth
THE INDUSTRY OF SOULS, a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 1, 1987
Wednesday

This weather we've been having is too good to be true. I love it. In twenty days I will have 'my pretend' poison oak for a week (so that I can have some extra time off). I was almost going to go forward with this plan earlier because my boss, Steve Adams, pissed-me-off yesterday.
I didn't like when he said, "Mike, you should call the customer before sending the first letter."
Crap. Just let me do my job the way it works for me.

On May 24, 1987 there will be a big Golden Gate Bridge Birthday Celebration. How exciting.

Carla returned to work. I finally got the scoop. She was arrested last Sunday night for causing trouble with the police on a routine pullover of drunk driving while with her girlfriends. What a nightmare! They booked her. That was too much of a story.

Last night I went to SAFEWAY and Tony, the bag boy (and a definite QBL-Questionable type), was there. He smiled at me. Shit! I saw him again today while I was bicycling. I wonder.

Mark Landreth telephoned. We discussed the idea of going out this weekend.
Mark confided, "You know, I've been seeing a lot of Ivy lately."
"Oh yeah…What did you do?" I asked.
"We went out and spent last Friday night together."
He didn't give me much 'dirt' on this date.  It's probably still in the introductory phase.

I fell asleep while watching DYNASTY when I received a phone call from Los Angeles. It was that older, film director guy named Teddy Charach. He woke me up. He talked of numerous subjects.
Teddy said, "I wrote a script titled TERMINATION 5."
"What's it about?"
"It's a suspenseful thriller with a lot of intrigue."
I went on to explain to him about my desire to get into Yellow Page Advertising Sales.
Teddy encouraged me by saying, "You should get into 'Broadcasting Sales'. I have connections in the radio business. I can show you around."
"Oh, that sounds interesting."
"You should really move to L.A."
I thought Teddy was all talk but he made the possibilities seem endless. I tried to make the notion clear in my defense that I had no interest in him in any intimate way.
Teddy acknowledged me with two words: "I understand."
I felt a bit more carefree and said, "You know, I want to write a book. And yeah, I want to be a STAR."
"You should move to L.A. and I'll be your protégé."
I laughed aloud at his idea.
It was all in fun as I continued by saying, "It's hard for me to leave the security of the company I work for and five weeks of paid vacation."
I could sense Teddy nodding as he said, "I can work with you on that and get you to leave."
Perhaps more money would do the trick.  Is that what he meant?

My evening bicycle ride was rewarding. I left the office at 4:30PM but the traffic jam in Oakland didn't allow me to be home until 5:20PM.

I telephoned Eileen Grabinsky after I hung up the phone with Teddy Charach. It was 11:30PM.
Eileen said, "I guess my boss isn't going to Palm Springs for the weekend after all."
"I guess that means you have to work and I can't see you."
"Yes, unfortunately I'm booked."
"Oh…great," I said in my frustrated, bummed-out tone.
Eileen exclaimed, "Yeah, but next weekend looks good!"
I felt in the mood to disclose something private. I decided to tell her about my 'sperm donation' and how a little girl was born—that is a part of me--sometime around September 1985. Now only three people know about this little secret: Eileen Grabinsky, Mark Landreth and mom. I think that's it.

Through pictures, he schemed to kill, tease, and rearrange time. Andy Warhol tried to fade into his entourage.  His work's major theme was interpersonal manipulation.
-Wayne Koestenbaum
ANDY WARHOL

Our Feelings

"He who is everywhere is nowhere."

-Seneca (4 B.C. – 65 A.D.)
Roman Statesman and tragedian

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 31, 1987
Tuesday

It's funny how I saved the Academy Awards ballot that I found at the REVOLVER bar in Los Angeles. I used it last night in guessing the Oscar winners.  I wanted Sigourney Weaver to win for ALIENS.

Carla should be back to work today. It will definitely make the workplace much more pleasant. I missed her yesterday.

I am thinking of going to Hawaii again; however, I may just stick around and adore my own vicinity. There is Monterey, Carmel by the Sea, Los Angeles, Napa Valley, Sacramento, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. I could easily explore these areas more fully and still have a good time.

I didn't even call Mark Landreth to wish him a belated Happy Birthday. It's still never too late.

This, Teddy Charach, film Director 'fella' is ever-so-strange. I think I'll "chop" any knowledge of him at this point. His voice on my answering machine sounds a tad too sinister. After all, I'm an enterprising young man with values. He's not of value so-to-speak (as far as I can see).

Yesterday was a record 81 degrees Fahrenheit in San Francisco. They days have been so beautiful lately.

Johnny Schaefer sent another card yesterday. He wrote: "Oh well, I should look at it as YOUR loss, not mine."
I thought, "That could very well be; however, even if he does enjoy his hopeful claim to fame I shall not feel any different. I know myself too well."

Carla seems to be the gallivanting type as she seems to rub noses with a lot of the wrong crowd (drug dealers, guys that literally use her, etc.). She maintains a cheery outlook. She is a good person.
Carla often says, "From where I'm from I had to be tough!"
She is from El Salvador. She has fought with guys.
"You know, Michael, I can't picture you fighting."
I laughed, "Neither can I…because I probably wouldn't.  I think I'd just walk away."
It's true. I believe I am too calm, cool and collected.
Michael: My Call; My Calm.
Carla didn't return to work today. I bet she dreads returning with Paul Margolis back from his cruise. He's such a nincompoop.

Silly I was seen walking about 'The City' with Freddie again. She's got a disease called German Lox-1 (or something like that) which causes her to have extra bones. I feel sorry for her. She's really such a nice lady. We sat over on Market Street and ate yogurt together as we watched the people pass by.

I decided to start a new fad of collecting crisp five-dollar bills and folding them up like footballs. Then I will accumulate them in my black vase at home.

Reuben Ignacio, an old chum from my old office, became officially engaged to be married. The thought has crossed my mind. Wouldn't a honeymoon in London be nice?

I rode my bike after work and it was a great spin. I saw a QBL (Questionable) or two. It gets to me. It's especially interesting when he catches my eye in the attractive sense of the word. I rode in my new L.A. blue/pink bike shorts. They're too hot. Perhaps that is why a few QBL types gave second look.

Freddie said, "Michael, I'll work 8:30 until 5 now. Then you can work 8 until 4:30."
Her words made me feel good. I'll be able to RMB (Ride My Bike) longer.

I did telephone Mark Landreth to wish him a Happy Birthday. The big day was on March 27th. He's the big '26' now.
Mark said, "You know, Debra Tucker called me from Hawaii!"
"Did she really?" I asked, trying to act as if I was interested.
"Yeah, I couldn't believe it."
"So what else is new?"
"Not much…same old stuff.  I'm ready to go for a jog.  I'll call you back later tonight."
"Okay, sounds good."
He never did call me back tonight.
Steve Adams, my boss pissed me off yesterday.
"Michael, you should attempt to call a customer at the beginning of a campaign and not just send a letter."
I frowned, thinking, "I don't give a shit. I'm getting the word done at least. Shit! My system of the letter and follow-up phone call work for me so hell!"
I, of course, didn't argue with what he had suggested. Both Freddie and I agree about our feelings about Steve.
Freddie said, "Oh, he's an ASS."
I laughed aloud.
"I think he's got a personality of a doorknob."
Freddie laughed.
"It's sad but true."
Freddie is my friend.

When night draws back the curtain,
And pins it with a star,
Remember I am still your friend,
Though you may wander far.
-Noreen O'Leary

Bizarre Love Triangle

Do you intend to spend your entire life admiring yourself?

-THE NAKED CIVIL SERVANT
1975 film about Quentin Crisp

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 30, 1987
Monday

The Academy Award nominations have been given and once again I wasn't even nominated. Then again, how could I be?

I called that GRIMME Modeling Agency and the representative replied pleasantly by asking, "Could you come in on Wednesday between ten and twelve?"
I don't see how I can do that in-between my normal work environment and all.

I ought to concentrate on writing my book. I would like to focus on a keen novel of interest. I guess a good start might be a simple outline. Perhaps I keep putting it off. I would really like a PC (Personal Computer) to help me dish out the words more easily.

Carla took another spur-of-the-moment day off again!

Only one more month and I will bridge my service from when I worked at Pacific Telephone. The new representative has more seniority than me, so I doubt that I'll have the 8-4 shift; however, 8-4:30 is better than my current 8:30-5.
At lunch, Freddie and I walked over to Market Street and ordered the delicious Chow Mein at "B and M Chinese" on Second Street to-go. I saw my brother, Tony, on his way there as we had left.
I gave Eileen a call but she wasn't home. That's no surprise.

I remained home all night with the runs. I just plain lounged, watching The Academy Awards. Johnny Schaefer telephoned me at 11:30PM but I was almost asleep and chose not to answer the phone. I was approaching dreamland.
When I heard his message in the morning he simply asked, "I just wanted to know if you heard the Oscar winner results."
PLATOON was Best Picture.   Paul Newman won Best Actor for THE COLOR OF MONEY and Marlee Matlin won Best Actress for CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD.

Jeff Sombat called me from Hawaii also, leaving a bizarre message on my answering machine.
Jeff said, "Stefan is drunk…but don't worry. I had a talk with Carla."
Then I could hear Carla in the background, talking to Stefan. All seems pretty much okay with them now.  Love Triangles…I tell you!  It makes me think of that song that I love by NEW ORDER called BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE.

It was hard to decipher what exactly he was doing there. Was he lover or muse, boyfriend or ideal? -Alicia Drake
THE BEAUTIFUL FALL:
Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris

A Very Long Chin

"I tried to get it out of my mind; going through everything I could to draw my attention away."

-Michael Kozuch
TELLING TALES OUT OF SCHOOL
Edited by Kevin Jennings

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 29, 1987
Sunday

When I returned home from the movie watching with mom and dad I made a phone call to Eileen Grabinsky at one o'clock in the morning. I confirmed that I would call her on Sunday at four o'clock in the afternoon.

In the morning I went to pick-up my niece, Ashley and we went to Chinatown in Downtown Oakland where we met with Margaret Lai and her son, Lance. We ate at ON-ON CHINESE FOOD at ten-thirty in the morning for dim sum. Ugh…but what the hell.
Margaret says, "This is very common to have dim sum on Sundays. It's a Chinese tradition."
We went to Washington Park in Alameda with the kids after the meal. I felt uncomfortable being with Margaret. We no longer work together and there's no point in our seeing each other, knowing how she feels about me. There is no way I'd ever transfer the same feelings for her.
To close our afternoon I said, "You know, I am supposed to call my friend, Mark. It's his birthday. I guess I can call him tomorrow."

Jeff Sombat called me from Hawaii as did Teddy Charach, the film director in L.A. Mom heard Teddy's voice on my answering machine and she made a frown. We both agreed to his 'strangeness'. We laughed about his odd sounding voice.

Eileen called me later.
She confessed, "I'm so infatuated with you."
"Well, I guess I feel the same way about you."
"Why did you go out with me?"
Good question. I don't remember exactly what I said but I believe it was something as simple as, "I liked you."

I received my photos and a letter from the Grimme Modeling Agency on Friday. The representative of the firm wrote 'you definitely have a personality that shows from the camera but what worries me is the camera wing which shows that you have a very long chin'. That was news to me. He did write that he's still willing to meet with me. That's a plus in my favor.

I went to mom's again a after a quick bike ride along the beach. It was crowded…much too crowded at the beach. Ashley was still at my mom's house.
I love it when Ashley says out-of-the-blue, "I love you, Uncle Mike."
I hate it when Ashley repeatedly says, "Huh?"

I drove to Hillsborough to see Eileen. We ate sushi on Burlingame Avenue. It was fun. The sushi came along in a rotation of boats and we simply picked the ones we wanted. We spontaneously decided to go to a local Drive-In but we realized we'd missed the beginning part of the movie called BLIND DATE. So we changed our minds and went to a walk-in movie theater and we missed the start of the movie there, too. So we scratched the idea of a movie. We had fun in the back seat of my car as we both tried unzipping my back window in order to automatically bring the convertible top down. I drove back from the theater to Burlingame with the convertible top down, feeling the wonderful breeze.
I parked near her place of residence, looking at the view. It made me yearn for the beach and I shared the thought of my taking the day off tomorrow. We cuddled and kissed.
I got home to Alameda about thirty minutes later to take a quick shower and go to sleep. Yawn.

There are three wants that can never be satisfied: that of the rich who wants something more; that of the sick, who wants something different, and that of the traveler, who says, "Anywhere but here."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
American essayist and writer