Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 94

Nice Buns

"Is your life proving satisfactory apart from the great matter?"
-as heard while watching the TV series
DOWNTON ABBEY

PHOTO: Nancy, Pearl and Stephanie: San Bruno, CA

Twenty-five years ago today

February 7, 1987
Saturday

As I dwell back on it I believe I went to mom's house for a bit. Oh no…mom came over to my pad to get me so that we could venture over to South Shore Shopping Center together. We stopped at WALGREEN's and La Petite Boulangerie. I bought a card that had fresh biscuits pictured on the front of it and the copy inside the card read "NICE BUNS".
I saw an old junior-high school/high-school pal named Jon Daubeneck walking with some guy. He looked really skinny, pale and dorky. His friend looked similar. They both looked 'gay' through my eyes. I recalled how Jon was such a good friend of mine during our junior high school days at Lincoln School. I pretended not to recognize Jon…at first. Then we both nodded a silent 'hello' to one another.

PHOTO: 'me' with Judy Geniella

Mom and I ate at La Petite Boulangerie and saw Ida Tawasha (mom's neighbor from across the street) and her two mutant-looking kids. Ida's husband is from Pakistan.

I went for a bike ride from 1PM until 2PM (which was good). I also rode for a full hour on Friday (after my doctor appointment). I saw Birda while riding (always a thrill). Birda looked vibrant. It was as if she'd been 'getting-it-on' with someone. Who knows?




PHOTO: Dale Orlando and Stephanie Bautista
After my ride I drove to San Bruno for the party at Stephanie Bautista's house. Dale Orlando and Stephanie's brother, Rod, were there when I arrived. Nancy and I arrived at the same time.

I took a few Polaroid shots while I was there. We all played the game SCRUPLES.

We followed with fun and laughter and ate some good food. Pearl was there. Leland and his date were there.

Judy Geniella and her date seemed to be having a good time. Mr. and Mrs. Tin Gee (Cindy Chow) arrived with more goodies to eat.

PHOTO: Cindy Chow, Dale Orlando, Pearl, 'me' and Judy

We played movie charades. Dale gets so dramatic. We all 'just plain' had a really good time.

It was already 8:30PM and I was feeling tired. I didn't go to the next planned destination (Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco). It seemed a number of them planned to go there. I drove in to Downtown Oakland and finally made it to mom and dad's house for a drop-in at 11PM.

Mom and Dad were just about to start watching a movie but I felt too tired to stick around. I shared tidbits about the party and returned to my place.
PHOTO: Dale, Judy, 'me' and Nancy's daughter
in Steph's kitchen

I had an 11:40PM message from Eileen Grabinsky. There was also a message from Mark Landreth.
I telephoned Mark first and we confirmed that next Friday we would be going to Los Angeles together. Could this be a breaking-point?   We'll have fun no matter what.
Mark said, "Ivy is cooking lobster for me tomorrow night."
"That sounds fun," I replied as I rolled my eyes.
"I'll probably go hand-gliding in Milpitas at around one o'clock on Sunday."
I paused, wondering if that was an invitation and said nothing.
Mark asked, "Why don't you call me on Sunday?"
I said, "Okay".
I wasn't planning on calling him.

I followed-up Mark's phone call with a call to Eileen. We talked more and agreed about the fun we both had the night before.

"My dear friend, we all keep chapters that we'd rather leave unpublished."
-actor Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham
In the TV series DOWNTON ABBEY

The Shy Type

Visions are the fabric of which progress is made.
-Philosophical Statements
By Michael J Armijo

Twenty-five years ago today

February 6, 1987
Friday

Today should be an EASY day with my doctor appointment scheduled. I just want to get the Max Cline Law Offices problem rolling. I will contact Pat Cowan on that issue today.

I did speak to Pat Cowan and I've got most of the information down. It's the Los Angeles account that may be a problem. They owe $46,000 on that Yellow Page book alone. The LA Business office doesn't even have a worksheet on it. I may have to escalate it to a supervisor.

I departed the office at 1:30PM and went to mom's house for a quick bite for lunch. I made it to my doctor's office in San Leandro. I seemed to be healthier than the doctor. It wasn't bad at all.

I should have got to the gym after the doctor appointment but I chose to go home and nap. When I woke up I drove to Hillsborough to get Eileen. We drove to Alameda together and went out for Chinese food-to-go at Lung Kong. We watched the 1984 movie "BODY DOUBLE" at my house. I love that film by Brian De Palma.

Eileen and I got cozy on my couch with a blanket over us as we cuddled. I got all hot and bothered and stripped to my underwear while she simply giggled. I didn't get much of her clothes off. She was playing 'the shy type'…which was fine.

The only not very fun thing was driving her home at three o'clock in the morning. It was a smooth non-traffic ride over the San Mateo Bridge. I had to stop and pee, so I must've got back home at around 4AM. Yawn.

Things seem so set, pat, safe, definite today but it doesn't stay that way.
-Philosophical Statements
By Michael J Armijo

Outrageous Fortune

Every guy I have every slept with, and we are way into double digits here, has come back for more.  Every single one!
-Outrageous Fortune
1987 motion-picture

PHOTO: 1987-Michael J Armijo and Eileen Grabinsky

Twenty-five years ago today

February 5, 1987
Thursday

I woke up at 6AM and I made it to Oakland by 7AM. The BOSS Overview Training began at 7:30AM. It was pretty boring. It was a true overview for me as I had some excess familiarity of it already.

I went down to the RASC floor and saw some familiar old faces from the Oakland RASC: Rose Rodarte, Pat Overshoun, Georgia Castleberry, Teri Milham, Jan Detar, Millie and then everyone else was more or less gone. My sister-in-law, Helen, had the day off.

I went to the POT BELLY DELI with Sandy Maggiori and some gal named Carol who works with Directory Support Sales Staff. Carol was pretty nice.

The BOSS Training was a breeze. In fact, I left early (at ten minutes before three o'clock) and made it to mom's to see her before she left for work. Ashley was there and Sherri came by to pick her up. They made a pit stop at my place because Sherri wanted to see Eileen Grabinsky's picture.

It was a disappointment to receive only $6800 from my DEAN WITTER & CO. Account. I was expecting closer to $8000. I guess after commission fees, bad timing and 'what not'. I came out with less than what I had initially invested. What a rip-off! I will try not to dwell on it. I will move forward and make the most of my current situation. I plan to save up now…from scratch.

I took a nap and woke at 5:45PM. I decided to forfeit the gym and go to Burlingame to see Eileen. I telephoned her and we made arrangements to see the movie "OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE". It was really good and funny. I enjoyed it.

Before picking up Eileen I went to the Hillsdale Shopping Mall and bought some M-Lotion by CLINIQUE as a moisturizer for my face that came highly recommended. I selected a couple of greeting cards and the 'Substance' music cassette by NEW ORDER (one of my favorite groups). I also bought a 4 x 6 frame for Eileen's photo.

I went inside Eileen's pad after the flick and we shared some intimate moments. I felt romantic…as corny as it sounds. The lighting was perfect and the view of the San Francisco City Lights added to the atmosphere. The only drawback was when Eileen spoke of her ex/ex, Dave, the one I saw at THE VORTEX.
Eileen revealed, "Yeah, so Dave has been calling me a lot lately."
She speaks highly of him. I think she keeps telling him that she doesn't want to go out with him anymore. It sounds like all is in my favor. I find that to be a good thing. We are going to have fun tomorrow. She is coming to Alameda. I do have to drive to Burlingame to pick her up though. Alas, it will be worth it. I enjoy her company.

The "OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE" movie was so much fun. I love the expressions that Bette Midler made in the film. She's funny. I especially enjoyed the desert scenes in Las Cruces, New Mexico when actress Shelly Long bulleted across the four mountainous fingers.

Shelly Long: Let me do the talking, every time you open your mouth foul language has a habit of coming out.
Bette Midler: That is a fucking lie.
-Outrageous Fortune
1987 motion-picture

HOH: "Head Over Heels"

SAY: "It hurts, but I still feel good!"
-Philosophical Statements
By Michael J Armijo

Twenty-five years ago today

February 4, 1987
Wednesday

The Max Cline delinquent Yellow Page case is a bitch. Steve Flander is a 'get on my nerve' case now. It's starting to become that way. I will smooth it over one day. They just need to pay according to the terms we've made. I won't let it stress me out.

I telephoned Cathy Plotell today to let her know that I missed her presence at the office. She liked and appreciated that.

Eileen Grabinsky sent me a fantastic photo of her. I like it a lot.

There is still no disbursement check for me from DEAN WITTER & CO.

I haven't spoken to mom all week. Time passes so fast lately. I need to call her.

I think I love Eileen…

I 'faced' Frank Evans and Richard Weinstein for this Friday night. Both of them wanted to go out with me. Alas…so what. They're NBD (No Big Deal).

I think I'll take a rain check on the double-date idea with Eileen and 'Katrina and Patrick. I want to just lure Eileen over to my place for a quiet evening together.

Nikki Bovee asked negatively, "You're not going to marry the twenty-year old…are you?"
I just smirked.
Nikki continued, "Because you're our…star."
I thought quietly to myself, "How do I know what my aim is yet?  I may…I may not."

Eileen is going on her ski trip over the three-day weekend while Mark and I are planning to explore Los Angeles. The escape to Southern California with Mark ought to be fun.

I hit the gym and Mark's brother, Phil, was there. We rapped a lot. He's a cool guy.

Stuart gave me literature on the Sunday Run during the three-day weekend; however, Mark and I may go to L.A.

I went to bed and decided to call on Eileen again. She didn't mind. We just may be "HOH" (Head Over Heels) over one another. I want her. I like her so much.

I'm so glad I work in Oakland tomorrow with a 7:30AM to 3:30PM shift. I don't feel like the San Francisco commute. I am wearing my new Alan Michaels suit. I will be able to visit the old Oakland RASC (Resident Account Service Center). I can't believe I left that office back in July 1984. Time does fly.

Learn something new every day and every night.
-Karen Kossoff

"Sleeping Bootie"

"Try doing something.
Actions count…not words!"

-as heard while watching the 2011 film
SHAME

Twenty-five years ago today

February 3, 1987
Tuesday

Money.  If only I had a money tree that would sprout cash at springtime in my backyard. I'd like a tree like that…one that would never stop growing.

I think I shall have a cup of coffee so I will be hyper, energetic and enthusiastic during my meeting with Steve Flanders. He's a chubby fellow with glasses. He'll be easy to manage.

Flanders showed up on schedule and was 'pretty much' a nice guy during our payment arrangement negotiations.
Steve Flanders mentioned, "You know, I have a friend named Michael Amadeo."
"Oh…that almost sounds like my name."
"Yes," Steve continued, "I'd like to invite you to dinner. I think you'll like him."
"Okay, that sounds good," I replied, thinking and wondering what he meant 'exactly' by those words.
Steve made an offer to settle the delinquent yellow-page advertising by paying half of the $77,000.
I told him I'd present that to the 'powers that be' and I would let him know. I didn't even have to ask my manager, considering the way we handle these matters.
I left a message on his answering machine: "There's no way that your offer can be done. So we'll have to work out a payment plan tomorrow."

Sandy Maggiori took the Directory Sales Assessment test and passed. She may take on a job in Santa Clara in Telephone Sales. Yes, I am jealous.

Carla is going to Rio de Janeiro while I am in Hawaii. Her rich friend that lives in Los Angeles said he'd take her anywhere. Give me a break! Oh well…I will have just as much fun on the island of Oahu.

John and Ashley came over and I taped "Sleeping Bootie". That's how Ashley says the title of "Sleeping Beauty". I just LOVE the cute things little kids say. Both John and Ashley signed my House Book.
John wrote: 'When are you getting' married? Are you going to have kids at forty?"
I ask myself, "Who knows?"
Then I wonder silently, "Maybe I won't marry at all. Maybe I won't have kids. Time will tell."

I went to the gym and Mark and Dave rapped with me a bit. Stuart came in late.
Stuart said, "Hey Mike, I'm running a run on the Sunday of the three-day upcoming weekend. And I may go skiing at the end of this month, so I'll let you know."
He's a nice chap. He remembered how I wanted to go skiing with him.

Bob Guild finally telephoned me. I returned his call.
Bob said, "My mom is bed ridden and dying in Boston."
He's got hang-ups that I can't deal with right now.

I decided to give Margaret Lai a phone call to reschedule our lunch date to Friday. Dex (her ex and father of Lance) is back in town and is dating a new lady that has two kids. Margaret was crying over Dex as I became bored listening to her troubles.

I telephoned Eileen in hopes of a more pleasant phone call. I love her. We may go on a double-date this Friday with Katrina (Yuck) and some guy named Patrick. The alternative plan is that she may just come to Alameda to visit. I like that plan better. We shall see. She is going skiing over the three-day Valentine's Washington weekend with the Hillsborough family; whereby, I think I will persuade Mark on a drive to Los Angeles. It would be fun. We could visit Annabelle Montero in Downey, CA and/or just plain 'hang-out'.

Wednesday (tomorrow) will be an awkward day as only Freddie and I will be in the Account Collection Office. It will be a laid back day. Steve, Rhoda, Lily and Vivian will be training in Oakland. Yeah…I love laid back days like that.

Break up goals into small, manageable units. If entertaining is your problem, don't begin with a cocktail party. One person for lunch is just fine to start. If you can never take a vacation because no place seems perfect enough, go away for a weekend that is meant to be just that---a weekend, not the high point of your life.
-Suzanne McNear and David D Burns, M.D.

Liberace

"I had to dare a little bit. Who am I kidding-I had to dare a lot. Don't wear one ring, wear five or six. People ask how I can play with all those rings, and I reply, "Very well, thank you."

-Wladziu Valentino Liberace,
famous American pianist/vocalist

In a 2011 interview, actress and close friend Betty White confirmed that Liberace was gay, and that she often served as a date to counter rumors of the musician's homosexuality. He died at the age of 67 on February 4, 1987 at his winter home in Palm Spring, CA, from cardiac arrest due to congestive heart failure brought on by sub acute encephalopathy, said by Hank Greenspun of the LAS VEGAS SUN to be complications from AIDS. Liberace's obvious weight loss in the months before his death was attributed to a "watermelon diet" by his longtime manager Seymour Heller.


He had been in ill health since 1985 with emphysema from his daily smoking off-stage, as well as heart and liver troubles; and author Darden Asbury Pyron wrote that Liberace had been "HIV-positive and symptomatic" from 1985. Liberace's body is entombed in Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Twenty-five years ago today

February 2, 1987
Monday

It was fairly easy to wake up on this 'Blue Monday' morning. I have to believe there's a connection between the ease of waking up and my recent recapture of my aerobic exercise activity. It motivates me.

Last night (Sunday) Carla Guzman telephoned but I didn't get a chance to return her call. I figured that she didn't give me the time of day last Friday, so why should I go out of my way. I will see her at the office anyway.

Work was pretty 'neat' today. I went to the San Francisco SALES unit and met a few of the sales people (including a couple of the managers). It was a great experience. I will be in that office one day. I know it. 

It looks like Liberace has AIDS. While it has never actually been announced his doctor stated, "Liberace lives a very private life and wishes to die privately."  This undoubtedly means that he has AIDS…doesn't it? There's good reasoning behind it because of his multiple millions and his excessive free time what else could he have done but 'fuck around'?

In 1982, Scott Thorson, Liberace's 24-year-old bodyguard, limo driver, and alleged live-in boyfriend of five years, sued the pianist for $113 million in palimony after an acrimonious split-up. Liberace continued publicly to deny that he was homosexual and insisted that Scott Thorson was never his lover.


In 1984, most of Scott Thorson's claim was dismissed, although he received a $95,000 settlement. Thorson claimed in his book, published after Liberace died, he settled because "I did not want to fight it out with a dying man." Thorson claimed his lawsuit was legitimate and primarily based on conversion of property, and ultimately got twisted in litigation.


Confusion over Liberace's true sexuality was further muddled in the public's mind by his public friendships and romantic links with actress Joanne Rio (whom he claimed he nearly married), skater Sonja Henie, aging Hollywood icon Mae West, and famous transsexual Christine Jorgenson. Many publicity releases and women's magazine articles attempted to counter the homosexuality rumors by portraying Liberace as "the perfect all-around man any woman would be thrilled to be with, 'He's so considerate on dates'; 'He never forgets the little things that women love'; 'He makes you feel that when you are with him, well, you really are with him.' Another Public Relations article was "Mature Women Are Best: TV's Top Pianist Reveals What Kind of Woman He'd Marry.

I had lunch in the cafeteria with my strange fellow co-worker, Freddie.
Freddie said, "I've been having a burning sensation in my stomach."
I gave my suggested prescription by saying, "You should drink hot water, honey and lemon. Then you might smoothly rub your tummy and lower tummy before bedtime and while showering."
"You know, Michael, I'm going to try those remedies before I call my doctor."

Paul Margolis, my other coworker, was a real 'snot' today.
I announced to Rhoda, "Carla is supposed to be ordering our new business cards."
Paul snapped, "No, I'm handling it."
I thought, "Excuse me for LIVING!"
Oh well, I'll remember his power hungry ways. I will also refrain from writing about him anymore in my journals. I will—at least—try not to do so as he is a sad subject.

I did some aerobics after work and then I went to the gym. I saw Mark and Dave while I was there. I finally met a gal named April that I'd noticed before. She's brunette and has been giving me 'the eye' for a couple of months now. She's NMT (Not My Type) though.

The half-breed looking chick that works out at the gym asked me a strange question.
"Hi, would you like to buy some cologne?"
"Oh, maybe next time," I replied.
"I really like your hair."
"Thanks."
She's been working out at the gym the last couple of times with this young lad who seems like a real QBL (Questionable type).

I haven't heard from Bob Guild or even made an attempt on it. There's no real reason to do so…I guess.

I tried giving Eileen Grabinsky a call at work today but there was no answer. It's no surprise as it is her day off.

I watched TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT, a singles bar type of flick on television. It was okay.
Tomorrow is my meeting with Steve Flanders (a la the Max Cline Law Offices). He's a nice guy, so no need to fret about it. The highlight of today was seeing the San Francisco Sales Office. I do see myself there someday.

The first duty of a leader is to make himself be loved without courting love. To be loved without "playing up" to anyone—even to himself.
-Andre Malraux

Jump Rope and Oatmeal Cookies

I could tell by his manner he was still on guard, as though waiting for a further question from me. There was awkwardness between us that could not be ignored. Something had to be done about it, even if it covered me with shame.

-Daphne du Maurier
REBECCA

Twenty-five years ago today

February 1, 1987
Sunday

I woke up on this Sunday morning and efficiently did my one-hundred jump rope routine. I did the barbell routine, too.

I soon found myself back at mom and dad's house where I joined them for breakfast. Afterwards, I returned to my pad in a horny mood. And so, I called Mark Landreth.
I asked, "What are you up to?"
"I cooked a Barbecue steak dinner for Ivy last night. Then she got sick."
I couldn't help but laugh and asked, "Did she get sick from your dinner?"
"No, she was already sick…but not from the food."
"Oh."
"I'm thinking of riding my bike over to your neck of the woods."
"Oh okay."
"It's not for sure yet…but I will call you if I do."
"Okay," Mark said reassuringly.
I didn't ride my bike there.

I slept. Then I went for a short neighborhood bike ride. I saw Tony, Helen and Lauren at mom and dad's house.

John and Sherri dropped by at mom and dad's house as well. They had just returned from a Pebble Beach Golf Tournament.

I went home and left to order Chinese Food To-Go for me, mom and dad. While ordering the Chinese Food I met a guy named Richard Weinstein. He was from an area of New York called Long Island. He was very QBL (Questionable), but a very nice guy.
"So what do you do in New York?" I asked.
Richard replied, "Well, I'm an artist. I'm mostly into glass art and I do massage physical therapy as my primary business."
I thought to myself, "There's no future in that."

I ate with mom and dad at their place and returned—yet again—to my pad. I was hungry again by eleven o'clock. I had a banana and a glass of milk with oatmeal cookies.

Extreme measures were not to be employed just because an opportunity had presented itself.
-Stieg Larsson
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST

The Castaway

I took time to look at the picture.

-Thich Nhat Hanh
BEING PEACE

Twenty-five years ago today

January 31, 1987
Saturday

I woke this morning and accepted mom's invitation for some French toast. The syrup container bottom burned-off, creating a syrup mess all over her stove.
"Oh no," I screeched.

I went for a bike ride at eleven o'clock and didn't return to my place until three o'clock. I ended up riding through Alameda, Oakland, San Leandro, and Castro Valley and on to San Ramon (and back to Alameda). I felt good about the ride.

When I arrived home I quickly showered and dressed in preparation to pick-up Eileen at San Francisco Airport (SFO). I also made a stop at my bank and Longs Drug Store for more Polaroid film.
Eileen arrived at 5:30PM. I drove to Hillsborough where I met Claudia, the temporary babysitter to the boys that Eileen takes care of regularly. The boys were as energetic as ever.
One of the little boys said, "Is he your boyfriend?"
I nodded.
I ended up playing basketball and volleyball with the two older boys named Blake and Brandon. Eileen and I took a few pictures too.

We left for THE CASTAWAY Restaurant. It was a good meal. Eileen liked the necklace that I gave her. It was news to me about the earrings though.Eileen announced, "Oh…I don't have pierced ears."
"Well, you can keep them for the day you do get them pierced."

I drove Eileen to her mom's house in Burlingame. The porch was nice and it reminded me of one of those homes in Berkeley. It was her mom's 50th Birthday party, so she had a number of guests. I was overwhelmed by all of the people. I had a bit of carrot cake as I meandered around, looking at all of the antiques in the house. There were some really nice pictures, too. I met Eileen's sisters (Wendy and Kara).
Eileen and I left Burlingame by midnight. I was soon in Hillsborough (which is actually very nearby). I dropped Eileen off at the house where she is nanny/babysitter to those three boys. 

I spent some time in her room and I set the timer of my Polaroid camera to capture a photo of us on this evening.   I liked how she kept the cards I had sent her on her window sill.  We departed with in-depth kisses.
I drove home and made it back to Alameda by 1:40AM. I needed to rest and meditate.

To meditate means to be aware of what is going on.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
BEING PEACE

What A Nice Fellow

"Often I felt like there was some other, more authentic me locked away somewhere waiting to come out."-Margaret HawkinsHOW WE GOT BARB BACK
Twenty-five years ago today
January 30, 1987Friday
I rescheduled my appointment with the Max Cline Law Offices Vice-President, Steve Flanders to next Tuesday.
When I called to reschedule he made an unusually kind statement.
Steve said, "I had just been talking about what a nice fellow you were."
"Oh, you were?""Yes, where do you live?"
"I live in Alameda.""How about that…I live in Albany. I recently visited Costa Rica on vacation and I'm helping someone come to the states.""That's interesting," I paused. I didn't really know what else to say.
Steve continued, "I was going to invite you to something."
"Well, that sounds good to me," I replied.
I thought, "Geez, I'm making a lot of connections here at Pac Bell Directory."
Steve never did make it clear as to the invitation. I guess I shall wait to see.

I ended up napping after work.
I telephoned Mark Landreth but he wasn't home.
Frank Evans called me but I didn't drive out to Palo Alto to see him. I contemplated going to THE VORTEX but didn't feel like driving tonight.
I wrote out a couple of greeting cards to Eileen. Then I simply went to bed. Yawn.

Night after night I ever keep for her the half of my quilt in expectation of her spirit coming back to me…-Bette Bao Lord
SPRING MOON

Mandatory Assignments

I, too, began to get party fever as the great day approached.
-Daphne du Maurier
REBECCA

Twenty-five years ago today

January 29, 1987
Thursday

I misplaced my car keys last night. I even forgot and left one of my bags of groceries from SAFEWAY in my car. What was I thinking? It was partially the bag boy's fault. I think I'll have some French toast this morning.

Nope, instead I had an Egg McMuffin from McDonald's. Ironically, my car keys were found in my jacket pocket. I hate that frantic feeling of not knowing.

Freddie, a co-worker, and I ate lunch together. She's a strange one. And her lips are so big and plunger-like for a black girl. She kind of grosses me out because food comes out of her mouth as she speaks. I tried to ignore it, managing to eat my lunch anyway.

I worked with LaVerne Butler a lot today about the Max Cline Law Offices case. She's so good to help me out. I even took a walk to her PBD Sales Office but she was away for lunch when I dropped by. I left her a note.

I also ran into Steph Bautista. We're "ON" for the February 7th Pot-Luck game party at her house for the post-Christmas/pre-Valentine's get-together. I am looking forward to it. I have no regrets about leaving Pacific Bell though. I feel more special by being at Pac Bell Directory. There are fewer of us in our company. All of the PBD employees really seem to care about one another and the future success ahead.
PHOTO: Stephanie Bautista, San Bruno, CA
February 7, 1987
I truly feel overweight. I've expanded to a thirty-two inch waist instead of my usual thirty-one. It's because my only exercise activity has been occasional visits to the gym. I need to do additional sports activity. I plan on putting my mind to it soon. My mandatory assignments will be:
1. One-thousand squeeze and stretch exercises every night
2. At least one-hundred jump ropes every morning
3. Two sets (at least) of arm curls, using my bar bells at home
4. My aerobics video workout-evenings
5. The gym work out-evenings
6. Bicycling-extensive and whenever possible as weather permits

The first five assignments will be done daily and the sixth one will be done as much as possible. I'll be in good form in no time. I must keep it up.

I was horny last night.

I telephoned Bob Guild.
He was going to come over to my place but it was suddenly nine-thirty, so I said, "Oh, let's just make it another time."

Frank Evans called.
Frank shouted, "Mike, I think I really did well on my ECON mid-term."
"That's great. You know…when you finish school…what do you see yourself doing?" I asked.
"Oh, I don't know…I think I'd like to be a CEO of a company. Listen, why don't I call you tomorrow and we can see about a possible outing."
"Okay sure."
It sounded like he had a sort of a party going on but I guess that's how all college dormitories sound. I am envious that he attends Stanford. I feel privileged to know him.
I advised him, "You know, Frank, you should really invest in an answering machine."

He laughed, "I know."

While I haven't been calling him much I did try once and had a recurring telephone ring. In fact, I think I've only called him once since last Friday. I think he's the mystery call that I had received earlier this week (while I was at Bob's on Tuesday night).

Mom called earlier to say, "Grandma won sixty dollars in the LOTTO for getting four out of six numbers right!""Wow! What's her strategy?"
Mom said, "Well, she uses the same numbers every time."
I laughed, "What luck!"

I watched THE COLBYS on television. The latest episode had a Jacqueline and John F Kenney storyline twist because Jason Colby was almost assassinated. Then a Senator named Cassidy was shot instead and his beauty-to-be had an uncanny resemblance to Jackie Kennedy-Onassis. It's funny how they come up with these plots.

I couldn't sleep last night. I taped an episode of THE TONIGHT SHOW with guest host, Joan Rivers. I thought I had taped it but I had it set on Channel 4 by mistake. Oh well…I watched a bit of what I had taped. Carrie Fisher (who is born the same year as me) married singer Paul Simon. I never knew that. It's no big deal I suppose. I taped over a French film that I had previously taped. It had to go, so it's just as well.

Eileen Grabinsky arrives tomorrow. We were going to eat out at Bobby McGee's but it will have to be at THE CASTAWAY Restaurant instead. She supposedly knows how to get there. Bobby McGee's is having a private party for some nearby hotel.

I am glad that it's Friday again and that next Thursday will be fun because I have review BOSS Computer Training at 2150 Webster Street in Oakland, CA. I will get to visit some of my old coworkers there, including my sister-in-law, Helen. I want to see Pat Overschoun and any others that might be remaining when I worked there back in July 1984.

There is a flask of slivovitz (the plum brandy of the country) underneath the seat, if you should require it. I did not take any, but it was a comfort to know it was there all the same.
-Stieg Larsson
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE