Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 93

To Do My Own Thing

"Before you take one single positive action I want to be informed. I don't want to see any rings on the water or hear a single ruffled feather."

-Stieg Larsson
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Twenty-five years ago today

February 17, 1987
Tuesday

I was bummed out today. I hate working in the Pac Bell Directory Account Collection Office now. I want commission sales and I now find myself fantasizing about the idea of selling jewelry. Michael Dawkins had mentioned it. He is part owner of THE M GALLERY in Los Angeles. I verified it. I guess I could sell jewelry as easily as I could sell yellow page advertising.
I called a number in Los Angeles about MALE MODELS wanted for cards and magazines. I was told I could get up to seven-hundred and fifty dollars every time my work is used in a card or mag. What a deal! I had lull time at work and I found actress Joan Collins home telephone number. I called and left a message on her answering service machine but she didn't call me back. What if she did? Yikes.

I wrote to Gary, the dreamy green-eyed bartender, at THE RAGE in West Hollywood.

I also sent William J Bell, the creator of the soap-opera, The Young and the Restless a photo and a 'consider me' note. I just have the L.A. 'blues and wants' now that I am not there. I feel as though I want to break away from the Pac Bell environment and do something new. I'd like to do my own thing. And yet…I don't know. I need the "right" offer to feel comfortable about it.

I love the line at the bottom of this page in my journal book:
"The next best thing to being rich is traveling as though you were."
-Stephen Birnbaum, b. 1937 d. 1991
American editor and writer

Carla Guzman certainly makes work much more bearable. I have to be thankful for her presence. I bought some U.S. stamps during a walk to the U.S. post-office with her. She's in love now.
"Oh Michael, I'm in love. I love Augustine! I think he's going to marry me!"
I thought to myself, "Give me a break. She's just on a temporary cloud nine. I know the feeling."

Michael Amadeo, the real estate fellow of Amadeo Associates in San Francisco (and friend of Steve Flander) called me and left a message about wanting to meet-up again this Wednesday night. What gives? I may give him a call. He's kind of older though. And he acts a tad too femme for me. What does it matter that he has a seven-year old daughter?

I called Eileen Grabinsky but she wasn't home at 8PM.

I spoke to Mark Landreth and gave him some tidbits of my spur-of-the-moment adventure trip to L.A.
He immediately asked jealously, "Did you see Annabelle?"
"No, but I met a looker named Nerine Kidd!"

I noticed Debra Tucker, Mark's "ugh" chic, at the gym. I ignored the sighting of her just as she avoided me.

Next week I escape for the Hawaiian island for another fantasy trip. Life moves on. I am still living off the trippy L.A. fantasy.

I should discuss the idea of moving to Los Angeles with mom. What would she say? Or should I just visit Los Angeles once-a-month and get more familiar? That may be a good plan.

But he didn't really have a good idea how to respond.
-John Katzenbach, THE ANALYST

The Family Side of Things

"They always look right at the start."
-Marilyn Monroe about looking for the right man after her third marriage
in the 2011 film MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

Twenty-five years ago today

February 16, 1987
Monday

I left Los Angeles at 9:30AM or so and made it to my mom's house in Alameda by 3PM. I started to feel tired during the drive at about 2PM but I managed fine. I ate dinner and fell asleep.
I telephoned Eileen. We confirmed that we may go out this Thursday night.

Johnny Schaefer called and we went over our situation. It seemed to close itself pretty well.

I wrote to Nerine Kidd. Who knows if she'll ever reply?
I wrote to Michael Dawkins. Who knows if he'll ever reply?

I went to mom's house again and took some snap shots of my nieces, Ashley and Lauren.   I also had mom take a Polaroid shot of me, wearing my new JAGUAR short-sleeved white shirt that I bought in Hollywood on Valentine's Day.
Once I returned to my place I fell asleep again. I realized that I really did have a great spur-of-the-moment weekend in L.A. I do feel a bit bummed out that I didn't get to go bicycling. Then again…the L.A. escape was worth it because of Nerine Kidd, Michael Dawkins and "Gary", the green-eyed bartender. Of course, I may never really cross paths with any of them again. I shall have to wait and see if I get a response or not.

Mom made such a delicious meal. Her sweet rice dessert was perfect to top it all off.

If I ever moved to L.A.  I sure would miss the family side of things here in Northern California. Time will tell.

I hope that you have gained an understanding of the limitations of knowledge. Knowledge, no matter how much it may transform the individual, is, in the end, not enough. Science cannot now, and perhaps never will be able to, give us a complete account of our ultimate nature, or that of the physical environment in which we live.
-Harold J Shapiro

The Rage: Nerine Kidd & Michael Dawkins

"We all have different paths to play and we all have to be allowed to play them."

-as heard while watching the TV-series
DOWNTON ABBEY, Season I, Episode 2

NERINE KIDD
August 10, 1999
Web posted at: 4:48 a.m. EDT (0848 GMT)


LOS ANGELES (CNN) - Actor William Shatner found his wife Nerine Kidd, 40, floating dead in the pool at their Hollywood Hills home late Monday night, police have confirmed to CNN.

Officer Barbara Carranza of the Los Angeles Police Department said Shatner made the discovery at 10 p.m. Pacific time (1 a.m. EDT).


The cause of death is being investigated by the Los Angeles Corner's office.


According to Carranza, Shatner came home and upon finding his wife in the pool, immediately called police. He was told to try to resuscitate her. When paramedics arrived at the scene around 10:30 p.m., Kidd was lying by the side of the pool.


The paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.


Shatner and Kidd were wed in November 1997.


Shatner is best known as Capt. James T. Kirk on the science fiction television show "Star Trek." He also appeared in several "Star Trek" movies and the 1980s television police drama "T.J. Hooker."

MICHAEL DAWKINS
Michael Dawkins is one of the hottest luxury jewelry designers on the scene today. His signature style combines richly textured silver granulation with refined pearls.


At his website www.michaeldawkins.com His bio states: Michael Dawkins has spent the last 18 years developing and evolving one of the most recognizable and respected brands in designer jewelry.

Twenty-five years ago today

February 15, 1987
Sunday

What a Sunday drive.

Johnny Schaefer left for Church (his workplace). He wrote me a sensitive note. I wrote back, explaining my position of non-interest 'at this time'.

I left his place at ten o'clock in the morning and drove in the direction of Downey, CA in hopes of seeing Annabelle and her brother, Mike.
I stopped at a telephone booth to announce that I was in town.
Mike Montero answered the phone and said, "Oh, Annabelle isn't back from some party at some mansion in Beverly Hills."
I laughed and spoke to Mike a bit longer. Then I decided to just step on the gas and head to Los Angeles.

While in L.A. I drove and drove and went to a day spa. I tried to relax there but couldn't. It felt lonely not knowing anyone in this unknown metropolis. I left the spa and found an automated teller machine. I finally found a gas station, too.

By half past three o'clock I was in the West Hollywood area and decided to venture into a 'boy bar' called THE RAGE. I sat at the bar and immediately met a gal from Marina Del Rey. Of course, it's a 'boy bar' but I manage to attract a girl. I felt more comfortable speaking to her anyway. She was with a girlfriend named Gina who happened to be black. She was nice, too. Both of them were quite nice. As time went on and after a drink I began to speak to an older guy named "Lister". No, not "Lester" but "Lister". He made that quite clear.

Soon I met Paul 'Roberts' Flores, Catherine Moore and DeLana. Everyone in this place seemed to be so friendly. I began to converse with a girl named Nerine Kidd. It made me think of that cool Marketing teacher I had in college named Lori Kidd. Nerine was very pretty.  Her eyes were stunning.
Nerine said, "I'm a Nina Blanchard model."
I had a feeling she was an aspiring actress as well. She didn't say this though.
I asked, "Do you spell your surname K. I. D. D.?"
"Yes."
"Wow, I can't believe it. That's the last name of my favorite teacher in college.   By any chance do you know Lori Kidd in Northern California?"
"No."
"Well, she's a lot older but I bet she was pretty like you in her heyday."
She laughed.
"So, you must be an actress or something."
"Well, I'm a model," Nerine smiled.
I felt a connection with her but after a few sips I felt like she wanted to move on. I think she went out to dance and I lost her.   Luckily, she gave me her address, so I will write to her.

I found Paul 'Roberts' Flores again with a fat, black hairdresser named Gene. Gene announced his bragging rights of being hairdresser to Diana Ross and Patty Labelle…and then some. I shrugged it off but I hung out with Paul for a while as we moved to another club and watched some shocking female impersonators. I didn't care of it much. We continued on to the 'video bar' called THE REVOLVER. I saw Jim Koran there while I was hanging out with Paul. Jim's hair was shorter and his face looked 'rubbery'. I don't know why he had that ugly rubbery face look. Could it be too much sun?
I said to Jim, "Well, I'm going out for a minute. I'll be right back."

Paul and I returned to the female impersonator bar. I still felt uncomfortable there and didn't like the vibe.
I finally said to Paul, "I've got to go."
I ditched him and returned to the 'boy bar' called THE RAGE. It was ironic as I was dancing and I bumped into George Jones (my old flame). I spoke to him while dancing.
"What are you doing here?"
"I live here now?"
"Really?"
"Yeah, in Pasadena."
I didn't pressure him or dwell on him either. He was part of my past and I got the impression he was still finding himself.
PHOTO: 1983, George Jones
I saw a man wearing a dark blue suit standing by the wall. He 'eyed' me. I 'eyed' him. It was hard to hear one another.
"Hi, I like your threads."
"Thanks."
He was tall with a very nice, confident attitude.
I asked, "What's your name?"
"Michael."
"That's wild. My name is Michael, too."
"What's your last name? Dawkins…Michael Dawkins."

The music began to get so loud and I felt an attraction between us.
Dawkins asked, "Do you want to get out of here?"
"Yes," I said, feeling his allure.

We took the back exit. He seemed to know it. I didn't even know there was a back exit. We were getting fresh air and thought of going back in the club but they wouldn't allow us to go back in via the back exit. It was funny because there were others hanging out in the alley and we both camouflaged a pregnant lady while she took a piss. She needed to go and asked us to stand guard.

Eventually, Michael Dawkins and I left in his VOLVO for a bite to eat at a greasy burger joint. We both returned to THE RAGE and Gary, the bartender with the dreamy green eyes, gave me 'his choice' drink because I didn't know what to order. It was a 'mineral water'. That was funny but it was just fine with me.

I was having a great time. I learned that Mike Dawkins owned a jewelry store on Sunset Boulevard called 'The M Gallery'. He was very nice. He was a gent and I liked that he was wearing a suit. One thing led to another and I was soon staying with him 'for the night' in his lower loft.

We were lying in bed together but he didn't have much in terms of pectoral muscles. While he was tall and slender I don't think he worked out at the gym very much. He seemed to like me and we began to talk.
Dawkins whispered, "Try to be kind of quiet.  You know...I'm married."
"What?"
I began to wonder if his wife was living upstairs in the upper loft.
He smiled at my question.
"Does she know about you?" I asked.
"Well, let's just saw we have 'an understanding'."
I nodded and thought to myself, "So…this is L.A."

I felt like I made a friend in Michael Dawkins. He gave me his business card and he may go to Hawaii while I'm there. It all happened so fast. It was like we were both mutually content about finding one another. If he can't make it to Hawaii I promised I'd be in L.A. for a weekend in March.

Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?
-Frank Scully, author (1892-1964)
in the 1940s and 1950s he wrote for the show biz publication VARIETY

An Inner Chill

"You know everything that's going on. You can see both sides of the situation."

-actress Michelle Williams (as Marilyn Monroe)
to actor Eddie Redmayne (as Colin Clarke)
MY WEEK WITH MARILYN, 2011 film

Twenty-five years ago today

February 14, 1987
Saturday

It was 2:30AM and I dropped Mark off at his house.  I went to a gas station and filled my car with gas when I suddenly had a boost of late night energy.
I thought, "Hell with it…I'm going to L.A.!"

I sat at the driver's seat and geared up for the drive. I just 'went for it' and stepped on the accelerator.  By 3:30AM I was feeling drowsy and wanted a nap. Thank God for the person that invented the highway Rest Area; whereby, I took a short nap.

I was on the road again, thinking about the wonderful Valentine that Eileen had sent me. She wrote a cute poem:

To My Valentine,
Roses are Red,
Violets are Blue.You are special To Me,
And I to you (hopefully).
You're such a cutie!
Happy Valentine's Day!


Love Your sweetheart, Eileen.

I arrived in Anaheim, CA at about 11AM. I was suddenly at Johnny Schaefer's house. I was so thrashed and tired that I ended up sleeping until 2PM or so. Then Johnny and I went for a bite to eat at MARIE CALLENDERS.

PHOTO: Johnny Schaefer, writing/composing a GLORIA

for the BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH; Anaheim, CA

After munching out we went to the BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH in Hollywood, CA for the Saturday Night Mass. Johnny had to sing.  His voice brought out an inner chill and feeling inside of "wow-ness" within me.  After Mass we walked through Hollywood Boulevard where we saw a number of strange looking characters.

We went to see the movie, PLATOON.

I bought a humungous waffle ice-cream cone and an "On-Location in Beverly Hills" T-shirt for Eileen.

Johnny drove back to Anaheim.  I fell asleep immediately. Exhaustion had set-in.

"Try not talking! Try listening or thinking for a change!"
-actor Michael Fassbender (as Brandon Sullivan)
SHAME, 2011 film

To Just Be Happy

"It's never something you do.

That's how they are…LOVE fades."
-Strange elderly woman to Woody Allen after an argument with ANNIE HALL
Annie Hall, 1977 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today

February 13, 1987
Friday The 13th

I like this verse:
From whatever place I write you will expect that part of my 'Travels' will consist of excursions in my own mind.
-S.T. Coleridge (1772-1834, English writer
I tend to go on my own excursions 'in my mind' as I write. Today is an out on-the-field day from the office. We are off at noon and on to the ferry to Sausalito for lunch at The Spinnaker.
My boss, Steve Adams, says, "The Prawn Louie salad is great there!"
I think I'll have that. I am glad today is a freebie, employee appreciation day. After the Sausalito festivities I will pack a few things and go to Longs Drugstore for some new packs of Polaroid film. I just love the instant gratification of seeing the photo right after I snap the shot. I have to snap some shots of Annabelle Montero, Jim Koran and Johnny Schaefer (if I am able to see all of them). I certainly hope it all works out. Oh, and I want to snap photos of Mark, too, of course.

It may be Friday the 13th but for some reason I made the day seem lucky versus un-lucky. That's my own good sense of positive thinking I believe. My four words to live by are "TO JUST BE HAPPY". My weekend adventure begins NOW.

Sometimes I wish I were a movie-star. Then again the drawbacks associated with it would be very non-private. The fortune and fame might be fun. I may look into serious print work modeling in the next few years. There is time. Isn't there? It's something that would give me some sort of exposure and could be fun. The only thing is that it is so time consuming and difficult when one is carrying on with another full-time job. I want Pac Bell Directory Sales. However, I sometimes feel there is more to life than all of that. I should (or could) do so many other things.

It's like I told Steve Flander, "While on vacation…especially if in another town or place…ideas tend to cross one's mind of starting new elsewhere."
I say 'no' though because California will always be my home.

Stephanie drove in to work this morning with Irene.  She's the blond wench who is good friends with Karyn Kossoff. I wonder how Karyn is doing these days. What is she up to now? It's neat when an old chum crosses my mind. I thought of Chad Mark Glen. I think I will mention my 'escapade' with him to Mark. I guess Mark's likely silent reaction would be worth it because I 'very much' doubt he would respond. Who knows?
Maybe Mark would say, "Wow!"

I suggested a snow escape weekend to Eileen. She's all for it. She excites me with passion. The passion really showed the other night when I was in bed and literally 'got off' the phone with her.

My windows in my car fog up so badly with this indecisive weather. I hate it. It could prove dangerous.

Steve Flander has a twenty-two year old pal who visited Costa Rica to see his family. Now Steve tells me that he is going to help him cross the border. What a friend… I don't think I'd get involved with something like that. I didn't with Paloma. We're still friends though. Aren't we? I wonder how long our friendship will last. I haven't heard from her since October 1986. This is puzzling.

The big news in the morning was that Paul Margolis was promoted to Sandy Maggiore's position. Sandy demoted herself to Telephone Sales in Santa Clara; however, she could make more money with the commission sales. I am still holding my own until I finally get to Telephone Sales.

I went to Sausalito with the work group at The Spinnaker. My tummy was full. We all had a good time. Nikki Bovee referred to me as 'the leader'. She gave Rhoda similar compliments. My knowledge of Organizational Behavior and our reaction to Paul's promotion makes her compliments rather transparent. It's no big deal to me (about Paul). Paul will flat on his face sooner or later.

I made it to Longs Drugstore in San Leandro for the Polaroid film. Then I drove to Mark's house in San Lorenzo. It was then that I learned that he had no intention of going to Los Angeles! What a party poop! It must be Friday the 13th. Instead, we decided to go to THE VORTEX in Palo Alto.   While waiting for Mark to get ready I took a photo of him shaving.   Mark took a photo of me drinking a bottle of LOWENBRAU.   I had an idea for him to take photo of me with his LIFE magazine in a very suggestive place.   He took the photo.  I wonder if he got any ideas from it.  Was I being suggestive enough?

Before we left, we called Annabelle Montero and her brother, Mike, and said, "If you don't hear from us by noon on Saturday…we didn't come down."

First, Mark and I got ready and went to HORATIO's in San Leandro where we met up with Debra Ann Tucker and her friend, Donna. I realized I knew Debra from an old Psychology class that I'd taken at the College Of Alameda. She denied it though.
Debra said, "No, I went to CAL."
I thought, "She's poppycock, a bull-shitter. I never forget a face."
She did say she worked at UPS (United Parcel Service). She's a liar. Her girlfriend, Donna, was thirty years old! She acted like a naïve dumb one also. I couldn't handle it. Mark and I 'latered' them only after Mark and Debra 'kissed-up' a big goodbye kiss.

We hit THE VORTEX in Palo Alto. I loved it. Mark didn't. He felt out of place. He couldn't loosen up. It was all in his mind. Peggy, the cocktail waitress, was a real wench. I ended up ordering drinks from the dorky, four-eyed waitress and she didn't bring them over to us right away. I moved on to new parameters of the club. The dorky waitress spoke in a very derogatory tone when she handed me the receipt, showing the amount I owed. It may be a while before I return to THE VORTEX. I know I don't want to leave the club until after midnight because then Friday the 13th will be over.

"I'm recommending we send her to the attic."
-as heard while watching DOLLHOUSE,
Season I, Episode 3, Stage Fright

Yin and Yang: Bisexual Tendencies

"In times of desperation, people will believe what they want to believe."
-Helena Bonham Carter
as Dr. Serena Kogan in the 2009 film
TERMINATOR SALVATION

In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang, which is often referred to in the West as "yin and yang", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. Opposites thus only exist in relation to each other. The concept lies at the origins of many branches of classical Chinese science and philosophy, as well as being a primary guideline of traditional Chinese medicine, and a central principle of different forms of Chinese martial arts and exercise, such as baguazhang, taijiquan (t'ai chi), and qigong (Chi Kung) and of I Ching divination. Many natural dualities—e.g. dark and light, female and male, low and high, cold and hot, water and fire, air and earth— are thought of as manifestations of yin and yang (respectively).


Yin yang are not opposing forces (dualities), but complementary opposites that interact within a greater whole, as part of a dynamic system. Everything has both yin and yang aspects as light cannot exist without darkness and vice-versa, but either of these aspects may manifest more strongly in particular objects, and may ebb or flow over time. The concept of yin and yang is often symbolized by various forms of the Taijitu symbol, for which it is probably best known in western cultures.

There is a perception (especially in the West) that yin and yang correspond to evil and good. However, Taoist philosophy generally discounts good/bad distinctions and other dichotomous moral judgments, in preference to the idea of balance. Confucianism (most notably the philosophy of Dong Zhongshu, c. the 2nd century BCE) did attach a moral dimension to the idea of yin and yang, but the modern sense of the term largely stems from Buddhist adaptations of Taoist philosophy.

Twenty-five years ago today

February 12, 1987
Thursday

Only eleven days until my flight to Waikiki Beach…

And here I am dealing with another drab day in the Account Collection Office at Pac Bell Directory.

It was pouring rain today. I went ahead and ate alone in the cafeteria because Carla pulled another fast one. Her daughter, Priscilla, is sick.
"Yeah, sure," I thought.
Carla gets away with murder in this office is what I always say. Carla laughs it off in a sneaky sort of way when I say it, too.

After work I drove directly to Albany to Steve Flander's house. It wasn't too difficult to find; however, the defroster in my car and the heavy rain were no help. I drank three screwdrivers (vodka and orange-juice) and munched on several cashews and some cheese and crackers. It was a fun evening. The living room made me feel like I was in the 'Drawing Room' at Collinwood in this old, rich in wood home. I didn't leave Steve's house in Albany until ten o'clock. His friend, Michael Amadeo, is supposedly a real-estate 'honcho' in San Francisco. He was a nice enough older gentleman. We talked of various subjects: Mrs. Fields Cookies, Liberace, Costa Rica, Tahiti, Hawaii, Yellow Pages, The Brownies (Michael's daughter is a Brownie), Acronyms, Parties by Skylight, Breakfast and Dinner and a lot of laughter in-between. I truly enjoyed myself.

When I returned home…I found a diary underneath a tree and started reading about me. You know that song by BREAD. Well, I found myself reading my House Book February entries for a few minutes:

February 1987
Michael,
A special person with a special smile…I'm sure the rest is as good. I look forward to learning everything else. Keep shining.
Love,
Richard


2-3-87


After spectating the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am…I've decided to motivate myself to someday in the near future to be on the Pro Tour (Golf) when my earnings build. You'll be seeing me and the family below enjoying the sunshine.


Well, Bro…that's all.
P.S. When are you going to get married?
Are you going to have kids at 40?
John Armijo


February 1987
Eileen Patricia Birtha Lana Trixi Grabinsky
What an EVENING!


Michael,
What do I have to do to get a date with her? Wow.
But anyway…this is a cool book.
Well, see you at PUMAS.
Mike Elliott
I put the House Book down and called Mark Landreth. I could tell he had company.
Mark said, "I'll call you from work tomorrow."

I'm not sure if we are leaving for L.A. on Friday night or Saturday morning.

Johnny Schaefer called and I returned his call by leaving word on his answering recorder.

Jim Koran called me, too. What timing! He is going to Laguna Beach and he gave me his Uncle's telephone number. I may meet up with him in Southern California after all.

I called Eileen and we both went on and on about how we'd miss each other while she is up north in Tahoe. I will be down south, of course…talk about getting further apart (in distance anyway).

I spoke to Jim Koran about Mark Landreth. The discussion has made me decide to tell Mark about my bisexual tendencies. It's time. Mark is cool. I believe he'll handle it just fine. I think he may expect it. He must know. I'm not blind. He's not blind. Oh well…I hit the hay. I felt drunk from the cocktails. I hadn't had screwdrivers in a long time.

"The reason I will not exhibit this picture is that I am afraid that I have shown in it the secret of my own soul."
-Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray

Good Company in a Journey

"I think it's terrific that people make their own lives."
-as heard while watching the 2011
TV series DOWNTON ABBEY

Twenty-five years ago today

February 11, 1987
Wednesday

Today is a conference day and only Rhoda, Lily and I are in the office. So it'll be a freebie sort of day with less tension than usual. I intend on leaving a tad earlier than my usual 5PM.

I'm looking forward to my L.A. Days with Mark this weekend.

I haven't talked to mom or Eileen since Sunday. I ought to purchase Valentine Cards for the two of them before the time passes.

Last Monday Phil and Mark were at the gym and they were so friendly when they saw me. It was fun talking to them. Phil is the typical nineteen year old chap. He's ready to go out and just pick-up that hot chick and all. I recall that stage. Mark does, too. I can't wait until Mark gets his Windsurfer Magazine Subscription in June that I purchased for him. Mark is my coolest friend.

Eileen is a sweetheart. I love the picture she sent me. I thrill over it every time I look at it.

Now let me read the verse on the bottom of this page of my new journal to see who, what or where comes to mind. The verse states: GOOD COMPANY IN A JOURNEY MAKES THE WAY SEEM THE SHORTER (by Mark Walton 1593-1683, English Biographer).

This verse reminds me of Lucia Junquiera Franco of Sao Paulo, Brazil. I met her in June 1979 while on an airplane bound for Honolulu. It also makes me think of Mark Beam, a Berkeley resident, that I met on my plane ride to Hawaii in November 1982. What is it about meeting people on a flight? It did—in fact—make the journey seem shorter. That's funny how I am so totally out of touch with those two now. I wonder if I will run into good company this February 1987 on my next plane ride to Hawaii.

Today was a laid back day but I still kept myself busy. Steve Flander (the delinquent customer) called. It seems that we (and Michael Amadeo) are still 'on' for drinks tomorrow night at Steve's home in Albany, CA. It may sound a little 'fishy' but I'll make the best of it.

Carla went to see her daughter, Priscilla, at lunch time. I took a walk to Maiden Lane and ate lunch outside by my lonesome. I love the vibes on that street. It was a nice day for it.

I left the office at about 4:45PM since I was the only one in the office.
I figured, "What the hell."

I took a nap even though I had intentions of doing my aerobics and a visit to the gym. My aerobics commitment has not been very committing. I did leave for the gym at 7PM. I actually arrived there at around the same time as Mark Landreth. How convenient is that? He took the aerobics class while I worked out with Phil (Mark's brother) for a good while. He's kind of cute too but he has brown hair while Mark's hair is blond.

While at the gym I saw Bill Davies and Mrs. Davies (Rachelle Davies brother and mom). I actually spoke to Rachelle's brother for a bit.
Bill said, "Yeah, I'm trying to get in-shape for football."
He is now attending Castro Valley High School. He's a nice chap. Rachelle's mom greeted me as well.
Bill also said, "You know…Rachelle got a new car. She's working two jobs and she's trying to get her own apartment."
"Good for her," I answered.
What else could I say? Whatever…
It seems that Rachelle now yearns for that feeling of control of her own destiny.

I'm glad I have Eileen Grabinsky in my life now. After my work out I hit the UNION 76 gas station, SAFEWAY and then went home and munched on FRITOS, a Cream Soda, a Black-Cherry Soda and a bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheat cereal. What a combo? I was so thirsty and hungry. I didn't care.

When I telephoned Eileen there was no answer. I learned later that she was in school because she promptly returned my call.
"Oh Michael, I loved my two cards!"

Pee Wee Herman was on the Tonight Show with Joan Rivers. I JO'd and then watched the Tonight Show episode. I couldn't help but fall asleep.

This weekend Mark and I should have a good time in Los Angeles. He's a cool friend. I wonder how his hand gliding experience went for him last Sunday. He did invite me to come along but I can't see myself doing something so daring.

I think I ate too much junk today. I had Red Licorice vines and a few Pepperidge Farm cookies. The banana nut bread dessert at lunch was so worth it though.

Eileen confirmed that she will be skiing this weekend. We talked about going out next weekend. It sounds good to me.

She did not like feeling beholden to anyone. She felt like a chess piece in a game she could not control.
-Stieg Larsson
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST

To Inspire, To Motivate

"They're just pissing on us without calling it rain."

-Sigourney Weaver
AVATAR, motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today

February 10, 1987
Tuesday

What is it about getting up in the morning? I hate it. I'd much rather awake naturally. I am just glad that I will soon be relaxing on the Hawaii shoreline soon.

I feel myself gaining weight. Perhaps it is just my imagination.
Phil (Mark's brother) said yesterday, "Yeah, my brother told me that you're getting fat."
For some reason, I like to hear that because it gives me all the more incentive to get in better shape. It's a challenge for me to get serious about my physique.

Stuart Western also mentioned 'getting more fit.  Maybe it's something guys 'just do' to inspire each other to motivate and work out harder. I know myself though. I should be glad that I have friends that divulge these things to me.

Carla and I ate at MAX's again. I had a vanilla shake! Shame on me! It was a "no-no".

After work I napped and at precisely 6:20PM I received a phone call from Richard Weinstein (the guy I met while waiting for Chinese food on February 1st).  I decided to take him up on his invitation to dinner. We ate at LA PENA for dinner. He's a nice chap. We had a reasonably good time. I initially drove to his apartment but I went to the wrong place at first.  It was a little scary because a ferocious dog started to bark at me a lot. I really enjoyed Richard's company.  Of course, I felt guilty that I missed out on my gym visit.  Oh well. Richard enlightened me on a few things.  He's a rather interesting guy. I came home and showered and chose to call on him again but his line was busy.

I watched JOAN RIVERS on the Tonight Show. She had an awesome guest. Her name was Grace Jones and I just loved her height and mystique. Pee Wee Herman is on tomorrow night. I have to see that show, too.

I haven't spoken to mom since Sunday. I miss her. It's the same with Eileen Grabinsky. I suddenly miss her, too.

"We have to learn from our past. We must not forget. We must be better."
-THE FIRST GRADER
2010 motion-picture
Based on the true story of Kimani Maruge

The Usual Jocks

He came as frequently as ever and was still the center of the universe for Michael.
-Nial Kent
THE DIVIDED PATH

PHOTO: Baptiste Giabiconi, b. November 9, 1989
Baptiste is a male model from Marignane, France; aspiring French singer and muse of fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld.
In an interview with Lagerfeld described Giabiconi as "a boy version of Gisele Bundchen: skinny, skinny but with an athletic body--good for clothes and great with no clothes."
http://myjourneywithjudy.blogspot.com/2010/09/karl-lagerfeldand-and-boyfriend.html

Twenty-five years ago today

February 9, 1987
Monday

The weekend wasn't all that bad. A brief summary would include the Friday "Eileen Round-Trip" date; Saturday breakfast with mom that included roundabout visits to Safeway and Walgreens;  Stephanie's game party in San Bruno; and a very lazy Sunday with some tender loving care for my car.

Steve Flander called me at my office."Hi Michael…I'd like to invite you for a drink this Saturday with me and my friend, Michael Amadeo."
"Well, I'm going to L.A. this weekend."
Strangely enough, Michael Amadeo calls me with a brief telephone introduction and asks, "How about if you come to meet us at Flander's Albany home on Thursday night?"That caught me off-guard but I answered pleasantly by saying, "Okay, sure."
I figured they seem like harmless enough chaps. What the hell? It could prove rewarding.

Carla treated me for lunch at MAX's. It's the least she could do. I just paid the thirteen dollar ticket I got from the car she rented a few months back. She's truly irresponsible. She's now thinking of changing her Rio de Janeiro trip to Hawaii.
I urged her by saying, "You should, Carla. Hawaii is so much easier and you'll still get fun in the sun!"

Uh oh…Stephanie appeared at my parked car window. I had left the champagne she gave me at her house.  How sweet of her to hand-deliver it to me.

I hit the gym on Monday night. The usual jocks were there: Mark, Phil, Stuart and Dave. I worked on the free weights. I had a good time. I am thinking of introducing Mark's kid brother, Phil, to my cousin Shonette West.

Stuart Western and I confirmed an outing for a drink soon.

Mark Landreth and I will soon hit the road for L.A.

To my surprise, Mark said, "You know, I called Annabelle Montero in Downey and told her that we're coming."
"You did! I tried calling her but her line was busy."

Johnny Schaefer said, "If you guys come…you're welcome to stay at my pad."
We shall see how things work out.

In a boarding school there are no secrets about who's built how and he might have had a boy's body, slight and frail, but one part of him was definitely well-developed and probably seemed more so because of the rest of him.
-James Kirkwood
GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES, a novel

A Lazy Day and Night

"The oldest stories ever written are written in the stars."
-CLASH OF THE TITANS
2010 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today

February 8, 1987
Sunday

I accepted Sherri's offer to accompany her and Ashley to KINDERFOTO at the Southland Shopping Mall in Hayward, CA. After the photo session we hit my mom's house for some of her homemade pancakes.

I lounged on this Sunday at home from 2PM until 5:30PM. We all need days like that sometimes.

Eileen did telephone me once. She was semi-urging me to go to the movies with her to see "BLACK WIDOW". I didn't feel like the long drive though. I remained home.

I went to SAFEWAY with my mom and saw Linda Byrne. She's that blond gal (from Alameda High School) who is a few years younger than I. I recalled how I had taken her to lunch about four years ago. She is working at SAFEWAY and she actually saw me with Eileen the other night. I wonder if she remembered me. I bought some Prestone coolant for my radiator and some oil and proceeded to add them to my car.

I went to mom's house again and snaked up a storm until around 9PM. I decided to go home and watch a new movie starring Ann-Margret called "The Two Mrs. Granville's". I was falling asleep half way through the movie. It was truly a lazy day and night all around the clock.

I am dreaming and wondering of the events that will take place in Los Angeles next weekend. Time will tell.

I even got to the point where I began telling myself at least I had my health and a roof over my head and three meals a day, that I wasn't blind or deformed, that sometimes you hit a losing streak but you're bound to start winning sooner or later.
-James Kirkwood
GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES, a novel