Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 95

Hawaii After All...

"Messieur Valenod, a tall and strongly built young man, with rubicund complexion and great black side-whiskers, was one of those boorish fellows, loud and full of confidence, who in the provinces they call a fine man."

-Stendhal
THE RED AND THE BLACK

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 28, 1987
Wednesday

I have a meeting this morning with Steve Flanders of Max Cline Law Offices. I also have an intercompany meeting with Cathy Plottell. It is Cathy's last day in the PBD-Account Collection Office. She will accompany me at the meeting with Steve Flanders. Cathy has been on-contract with Pac Bell Directory; however, her time has expired and she's being 'chopped' so-to-speak. She's a nice lady from Cupertino (and a good friend of Sandy Maggiore, a PBD Sales Manager).

Steve Flanders turned out to be a really nice fellow. I have another meeting scheduled with him for next Wednesday. I get to take over the clearing up of all of his statewide White Page listings as well as some of his Yellow Page BOLD listings. It's almost the same sort of thing a Sales Rep would do. I'll do okay. He seems to really like that I am handling it.

Carla has the day off tomorrow (once again). Today we munched out in the cafeteria.

An old high-school classmate of mine named Nicolette Kapellas telephoned me last night. I've known her since sixth grade at Lincoln School in Alameda, CA.
Nici said, "Hi Michael…our ten year high-school reunion is on July 18th."
"Is it that time already?"
She laughed, "I will send you all of the information."
I gave her my current address. It should be fun. I also gave her Bonni Jayne-Ludovicy's address.

After work I went to the gym. Of course, I bumped into Patty (Anne's friend), Mark Landreth and Dave P. (the regulars). I have been a sort of irregular lately.

I am going to Hawaii after all. I confirmed it with Lynne from Trompeter Travel (that pal of Rhoda's). It should be a fun escape.

I telephoned my ex-boss, Stephanie Bautista but she wasn't working today. I called her at home because I know she wanted to speak with me.
Stephanie exclaimed, "Oh Hi Michael…we are having a post-Christmas, pre-Valentine's Game Party at two o'clock on February 7th at my house in San Bruno. I hope you can come."
"I wouldn't miss it. How fun that'll be!"
"And if you have any favorite games…please bring them."
I think I'll bring my PASS OUT Game where everyone goes around a game board and takes a drink until one person passes out. Ha-ha.

To my pleasant surprise…while I was in bed tonight (and right after jerkin' off) Eileen Grabinsky called me from Oregon. I also received her letter and postcard today. She's a super sweetie. She has impeccable timing.
"I miss you," I said truly.
"You do?" Eileen asked teasingly with a giggle.
"Yes, absence makes the heart grow fonder."
She's great. I am looking forward to picking her up at San Francisco Airport (SFO) on Saturday. It will be fun to meet her sisters and mom before we go out to Bobby McGee's in Burlingame, too.

I was recalling that my ex-boss Stephanie had said, "You know, Michael, Joe Sandford has AIDS."
I thought that was pretty scary. He was in my section and resembled that actor from My Favorite Martian, Ray Walston. Somehow it's not surprising though. It's kind of scary for me though—because who knows—I could flare up with it. I don't want to but if I do…that's life. I should say that's the end of my life. My memory will live. The thought of it should not be dwelled upon. I mean, a San Francisco earthquake could equally spoil things in the same manner and in a more instantaneous way.

Johnny Schaefer telephoned today. We had a good talk. He's really a super, nice guy.
Johnny asked, "You know Gregg…my friend in Chicago?"
"Yeah, I remember…what about him?"
"Well, he's a nuisance because he likes to pretend that the Johnny and Jeff incidents didn't happen."
"Interesting…"
"Yeah, and he always talks of marriage and having kids. He's troubled."
I didn't bother telling Johnny that Gregg has written me or that he seems like a sensible fellow from his writings. In fact, I wrote Gregg a letter tonight. I felt I should reply back to his letter. I really enjoy his roundabout word usage that exudes such confidence.

"True enlightenment is the highest capacity to understand and love."
-Thich Nhat Hanh
BEING PEACE

Parting Glances

"Just relax and let your mind go BLANK.  It shouldn't be hard for you."
-Sigourney Weaver
AVATAR motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 27, 1987
Tuesday

Today is my dentist appointment, so I am allowed to depart my office at one o'clock (lucky me).
The dentist cleaned my teeth and I have a new appointment scheduled for February 19th. It's a 'no charge' visit to affix the composite bonding that has flared up in showing a slight stain on my front tooth.
James R Hinkle II DDS said, "It shouldn't show because I just didn't do as good a job as last time. "

After the dental work I went to visit mom. My niece, Ashley, was there.
Ashley now says, "Help! Help!" whenever someone comes over to the house. She clings to my mom for safety. Ashley became jealous because my mom was giving me all of the attention (and not her). It's fun to see Ashley's face 'light up' with excitement though.
Ashley's face lights up when I say, "Come on…lets' play!"

I went home and rode my bike for an hour (3:30PM until 4:30PM). It felt so good. There was a slight drizzle of rain but it subsided. While I felt good I also felt bad because I felt a tad out of shape. 'Biking it' inspired me because I knew I was 'working it'. I crashed at home for a much needed nap after the intense, fast-paced ride.

Margaret Lai called me by phone.

Bob Guild also called, inviting me over to Berkeley for a movie outing.

I slept until 6:40PM when I probably should have gone out to my gym to work out. Bob persuaded me to visit him. We ended up seeing "PARTING GLANCES".    It was a sort of a gay-themed film about a gay yuppie named Robert (John Bolger) who accepts an assignment in Africa that will put his strained relationship with his lover, Michael (Richard Ganoung), in limbo for the next few years.  Michael, meanwhile, tends the needs of his ex, Nick (Steve Buscemi), whose punk band's video is getting MTV airplay.  Bob also rented a film I recommended (that I like) called "VISION QUEST". I didn't stay to watch the rental. I left Bob's place by 9:15PM.
I said, "You know…your cheek looks a lot less swollen."
He was happy to hear me say this.
Bob replied, "I'm still off to see a specialist tomorrow because it's still inflamed on the inside of my mouth."
"Is it really?" I asked.
"Yes, I think it might be something serious."
I could see he was starting to get worried. I hope it turns out to be nothing.

I arrived home at 10PM when I called Mike Miller. He came over because he wanted me to snap some photos of him to send to his girlfriend. Her name is Carmen. He met her in Los Angeles. Or did he meet her in Las Vegas? In any case, she lives in the Anaheim Hills area.

I received a letter from Gregg Jonnson of Chicago, Illinois. He's that so-called friend of Johnny Schaefer who supposedly resembles Mel Gibson. He is a nice enough guy. I will have to write him again.

PHOTO: January 27, 1987,
Michael J Armijo at home, Alameda, CA
I took Mike Miller's pictures. He took one of me with my BIANCHI bike. I took a few more, too. It was fun doing this random photo shoot. Mike and I sat and watched Joan Rivers on the Tonight Show.
I had asked Mike, "How did you meet this Carmen?"
"Well, I dropped out of school and that's how I went to Vegas where I met her."
"I see."
"I'm looking into a job with Federal Express. They just called me back."
"That's great. I hope you get it!"

I received a call last night on my answering machine that went something like this: "Hi Michael…Bye Michael."
I kept replaying it but I'm not sure who it could have been. It could have been Gregg Jonsson in Chicago or it could also have been Frank Evans from Stanford University. It sounded long-distance. It remains a mystery.

"Most things don't work out the way we plan."
-Colin Firth
A SINGLE MAN, motion-picture

He Shaved His Moustache

"You never really tell us everything you know about something."
-College Student to
actor, Colin Firth
A SINGLE MAN,
2009 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 26, 1987
Monday

Another one of those 'I don't want to get out of bed Mondays'. I made it though. I even had time to put gel on to keep my new hairdo in-style.

Nikki Bovee is back and she was all business gung-ho today. There was no time for socializing.

Carla and I ate at CRISPS for the usual grand salad. It was so very good.

I met with my Union Representative only to learn that I can't serve only six months in my current job title and begin applying to new jobs within the company. I must serve the required eighteen months. The reasoning behind it is that Pac Bell Directory is an entirely separate company from Pacific Bell and different rules apply. The problem with not being able to take vacation time during our own campaign weeks (for example the San Francisco SALES Campaign week) is hogwash. I still plan on filing a grievance about that one. It's my right!

I also learned that I can wake up one morning and call in and take an Excused Work Day (EWD). It is legal per our Union contract. I don't even need to give a reason.

I simply need to call in that morning and say, "I'm taking an EWD Day today."

I made it to the gym early tonight. Mark arrived a tad later than I. Anne Alberti's friend (her name escapes me). Is it Patty? Well, she's the massage therapist. She spoke to me for a while in a very friendly manner. I was working on the Nautilus weight machine at the time. I heard Anne Alberti's voice behind me but I ignored her and continued with my work out. I concentrated on doing my repetition until I knew the coast was clear (and Anne had disappeared).

I arrived back at my place by eight-thirty. I munched on some TOSTITOS and sipped some fresh apple juice.

I made an attempt to telephone Mike Miller because he and Greg had left a message on my answering machine recorder. They invited me out to a movie. I must have missed Mike by about three minutes. And so…I watched some of the American Music Awards on television and 'hit the hay'.

Yesterday, while watching the SUPER BOWL with Mark Landreth he mentioned: "You know…we should do this ballpark hike n' camp trip that I heard about."
I replied, "That would be fun."
I'm all for an outing like that. We'll have to talk more about that one.

Stuart Western, my other gym pal, wants me to give him a phone call the next time I decide go drive to THE VORTEX in Palo Alto. I noticed that he shaved his moustache.
Stuart said, "Yeah, I'm trying' to look like you since you are getting so lucky."
I laughed.
Stuart continued, "I could pass for your brother."
I smiled and said, "Well, it looks good. It makes you look six months younger."
Stuart cracked-up.

I recalled that I had told Mark Landreth that he looked six months younger when he got his last haircut. Ha-ha. That line seems to work nicely. Do they know I'm flirting?

"Use what you've got and get me some results!"
-Sigourney Weaver
AVATAR motion-picture

Sunbathe Time

A man, to be greatly good, must imagine intensely and comprehensively; he must put himself in the place of another and in many others; the pains and pleasures of his species must become his own.

-Percy Bysshe Shelley

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 25, 1987
Sunday

It was a beautiful day. It was quite the turnaround from yesterday.

I enjoyed watching the SUPER BOWL on television with Mark at his house in San Lorenzo. The New York Giants won the game.

Mark's mom stopped by to bring him a flower arrangement as a centerpiece for his dining table. What are mom's for but to bring flowers to spark up a child's home every so often?

Mark seemed QBL (Questionable) today.

I confided in Mark today, telling him about my being a surrogate father by way of sperm donation. He didn't seem too phased and didn't raise much of an eyebrow over the news.

We both went out in his backyard and laid out for some sun rays.  The sunbathe time was relaxing.

I left Mark's pad by seven o'clock when the SUPER BOWL had ended.

I dropped over at mom's house when my brother, Tony, and his wife, Helen, were just leaving. I was hungry with the munchies. I persuaded mom to accompany me to Jack-In-The-Box on Park Street. We brought the goods back to her house and 'porked-out'.

When I returned to my pad I called Mike Miller.
Sue answered the phone and said, "Oh, Mike's not here now."
I chatted with Sue for a while about nothing special.
I telephoned Bob Guild and invited him over to my place to watch one of my favorite movies (starring Nicolas Cage and Matthew Modine) called BIRDY. After he watched the movie he left in a disgruntled mood.
Bob said, "You can't handle it."

I guess he feels I don't have the desire for him. Yuck! I don't. I seriously felt it was the end of our friendship after he'd left. It was most certainly a short-lived friendship. The reasoning is apparent. Bob cannot allow friendship with his overpowering feelings for 'more'. I can understand his feelings. It reminds me of Kathy Salamack for some reason. I remember her well. Yuck…when I think o her now…the 'Monkey Ward' sales girl. When I worked at the Montgomery Ward Department Store in Oakland in 1976-77 as a stock boy she worked as a sales-clerk. I couldn't think of anything but her and I had such a yearning desire for her. She wouldn't give me the time of day. She smiled a few times but I think she felt I was 'below' her because I was a mere stock boy and sometimes 'busboy' in the company cafeteria. Alas, that's ancient history now.

'They know not how to touch the heart without bruising it.'
-A Modern Writer
THE RED AND THE BLACK, Stendhal

RMB

Prestige! Is that nothing, sir? The respect of fools, the astonishment of children, the envy of rich, the scorn of the wise…
-Antoine Barnave, 1761-1793
One of the major orators of the French Revolution

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 24, 1987
Saturday

I stopped by mom's house first and took the liberty of waking her up. She accompanied me to my house and we decided on a morning outing to OLE's WAFFLE SHOP on Park Street. The waffle is so deliciously good and I'm always torn as to whether or not I want the ham and cheese omelet. We purchased some LOTTO tickets (for fun) at the corner Alameda Drug store. If we win one day you'll hear about it. Mom won $5.00 the last time. She has better luck.

It was raining all day. I couldn't RMB (Ride My Bike) as originally planned. I chose to nap. Mom, of course, wanted to help with straightening out my pad with some light household cleaning.

I telephoned my Stanford pal, Frank Evans. I was actually returning his call to me at six o'clock this evening. I had just missed his call. When I called him back it seems I had just missed him as well.

I decided to call on Mark.
"What are you up to tonight?"
"Oh, I made arrangements with Poison Ivy."

Bob wanted to go out.
Bob suggested, "Maybe we can hit B Street in Burlingame."
"I'm not really in the mood for that."
We simply chatted a little and I managed to escape.

I turned in for the night by 10PM. I wanted to sleep. Yawn.

I attribute the little I know to my not having been ashamed to ask for information and to my rule of conversing with all descriptions of men on those topics that form their own peculiar professions and pursuits.
-John Locke

The Stanford Frat Party

Virginia Woolf, you might say, that in her TO THE LIGHTHOUSE very little happens except inwardly, in the characters, but people go back to reread books where not much may be happening but a great deal of life is being created.

-May Sarton, At Eighty-Two, A Journal
Dec. 11, 1993 entry

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 23, 1987
Friday

I must say that it's nice when it is Friday.

Paul Margolis is still taking advantage of really doing nothing as far as productive work because of his relationship with Nikki Bovee, the second line manager. I'm sure he'll get away with it next week, too.

I met my Union Representative today. I shared a few gripes (or questions) that I'd like researched:
1. Modified select time
2. Our vacation time
3. My required time-in-job title
I figured it doesn't hurt to ask. There's always room for improvement. One simply needs to make the suggestions.

Carla is traveling to Mexico next month. Ugh! To tell the truth I don't care to go there. I may go to Hawaii. In fact, it's probably a sure thing now.

Clara Chan, my stockbroker, sold my stocks per my instructions. I will receive a distribution check for approximately $8000.

After work I napped. When I woke up I spoke to Frank Evans.
Frank announced happily, "Yep, I am going to THE VORTEX tonight."
"Oh…well, I think I'll go too, so I'll see you there."

Mark Landreth called me but I let him get my answering machine. He probably wanted to go out but I wasn't in the mood to go out with him this time.

I drove to Palo Alto and walked in to THE VORTEX where I saw Peggy, the waitress. I danced with a young chick named Karen. Then I thought I'd seen Frank but wasn't sure because his hair was spiked up. It was him!
I think Frank spruced up his hair especially for me. He was really nice when he greeted me.I felt a need to be upfront and I said, "I have a confession to make."
"What?"
"Well, I'm really twenty-seven."
He gave a surprised expression and said, "You don't look that old."

We talked a lot and we met two girls named Charlene and Brooke. Both of these girls were Stanford University students. The four of us left at approximately forty minutes after midnight to check out a small circle of friend's party. When we arrived no one was there!

Charlene took her lipstick and wrote on the mirror: HI, WE WERE HERE.

We left and went to a place called THE TAXI, a Fraternity House Party on the Stanford Campus. I knew I was way beyond this stage but it was fun to check it out just the same. Some nice guy on Campus named Burt gave me a can of COORS Beer. That was downright cool and friendly of him.

After the Stanford Frat party experience Frank and I went to his dormitory and 'porked out' on prawns, dip and cheesecake. He showed me around and we went to his room to listen to tunes until about 2:45AM. It was so late that I decided to crash there, making a complete night of it.  Frank and I cuddled and exchanged a few kisses.   Nothing more happened.   Sometimes the chemistry just isn't there.

Frank and I awoke at 8AM and I drove him to his dirty, mud-ridden Food Fiesta where the ski tripping group was meeting that morning. I made it back to Alameda by 9AM.

The root word "budh" means to wake-up, to know, to understand. A person who wakes up and understands is called a Buddha.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
BEING PEACE

Like A Fool

Never refuse any advance of friendship, for if nine out of ten bring you nothing, one alone may repay you.
-Madame de Tencin

January 22, 2012

In case you were wondering…

Last year (2011), I found my old friend Mark Landreth via Face Book. He immediately became my friend and asked if I still go to the gym. I sent him a brief bio of my current life and he obviously checked-out a few of my photos and relationship status. I was surprised when he abruptly "un-friended" me for no apparent reason without any further communication. I can only assume that he had a negative, prejudicial issue about my long-term relationship with a man. Or could it be that he had his own qualms with attraction towards me from 'way back when'.   I always felt he 'felt something' but was likely fighting it (or maybe that was my hope at the time).  He offered no explanation and I have not heard from him since.  It's clear he is still staying fit from the sole photo showing as his Face Book profile photo of him mountain climbing.


In case you were wondering…


Eileen Grabinsky is still a dear friend. She visited me in New York City several years ago with an old boyfriend/flame who was visiting from Italy. She still lives in the South San Francisco area and we exchange occasional phone calls and Christmas cards every year. She seems to be loving life as a hair stylist. She has never married.

Twenty-five years ago today

January 22, 1987
Thursday

Rhoda Takeda was nice enough to give a presentation yesterday about compensation. She made a point of expressly saying that our actual payday is tomorrow (Friday), not today. However, we usually receive our paychecks by 2PM or 3PM on Thursdays. I need the funds as soon as I can get them. I am also lacking a two-hundred dollar payment that is due to me. I have yet to receive it. It's apparently in 'limbo'. It should have posted on my last paycheck. Shit! I shall inquire about it today.

I really miss family sometimes with mom, dad, Ashley, John, Sherri, Lauren and Helen. For some reason, Tony has been getting on my nerves when I am around him for too long.

While on the phone with Eileen Grabinsky today I said, "I miss you."
I'm looking forward to our nice dinner together on January 31st when I pick her up at San Francisco Airport. She seems to be having a nice visit in Portland, OR.

Lynne (Rhoda's friend) is now my new travel package adviser. He is going to make sure the details on my Hawaii trip are worked out nicely.
Lynne stated professionally, "I will give you all of the necessary information today."
The idea of being 'alone with the sun rays' is time that I need. I can't wait. I haven't really had that in a long time. Palm Springs didn't count due to the fact that Greg Manachevitz and Mike Miller appeared unexpectedly. I didn't get enough 'lie out in the sun' time. I won't even recall the sighting of Paul Margolis. That was a fiasco.

My trip to New York City with Ron Leoni was an altogether different sort of trip. Paris with Paloma was a cultural enjoyment. I did travel alone to Paris, so that did make for a nice, therapeutic break.

This forthcoming Hawaiian escape will prove to be a relaxing adventure. I know it.

Lynne, my travel arranger, called in sick today! What a drag. Oh well, I will be patient.

Paloma's letter that I mailed to her on November 18, 1986 returned to me from Spain. It beats me as to where she is now. I am puzzled.

I ate lunch with Carla and some really dorky African-American who was helping set up a cabin escape (for Carla) this weekend. Carla was excited about the escape with some of her friends. I was a little pissed-off because I had to pay for Carla's lunch.
"Oh Michael, I don't have my wallet with me."
I thought, "There's a limit and the limit is NOW."

After work I went home and slept for a while. My brain needed rest. It's a drag getting out of work at 5PM, especially when my office phone rings at 4:55PM.

I did make it to the gym. Mark Landreth was not there. I did see Anne Alberti, leaving the club with that bald Jeff character as I was parking my car. She pretended NOT to notice me. I could easily detect a tiny smirk of a smile. I honked my horn but I didn't even choose to look to see if she 'looked'. I simply parked my car and entered the gym. Anne is definitely NO LOSS to me. Her weaknesses more than outweigh her strengths.

I tried to call Eileen but she wasn't available. She was probably exploring with her sister, Erin (who is twenty-six years old).
PHOTO: Eileen Grabinsky,
wearing my leather jacket from Paris on February 1, 1987

I telephoned Bob Guild and his cheek is swollen.
I laughed out loud and asked, "It's still swollen?"
Bob snapped, "It isn't funny!"
He's really mean. I don't like it. He acted upset because I didn't call him yesterday. I don't owe him 'shit'. I invited him over (like a fool). After I invited him he seemed to detect some foolish reasoning behind my invite.
Finally, I blurted, "Look, I don't play head games with people!"
Bob apologized.
Bob said, "You know, Mike, I had a bad day combined with my swollen cheek. I actually told a couple of people off today that didn't deserve it."
I guess I was the third person he told off that didn't deserve it.
I calmed down and said calmly, "We all tend to have our moody days."
Of course I thought to myself that certain people tend to deal with moody days better than others.

I tried to telephone Mark. He wasn't home. I felt a need for his calm voice. I was planning on telling him the truth about the 20/20 show he saw last week about sperm donor fathers and how I am one of them. I had previously told Mark that I had a friend that donated his sperm for the needy cause. I need to explain further that 'in reality' the friend is 'me'. As far as I know, there is a one-year old little girl out there in this world that is a part of me.

I hate it when I dress up in business attire and people think I have career goal plans up my sleeve. I don't know what the uproar is all about. I just feel like dressing nice. What is wrong with this?

Look for the good things, not the faults. It takes a good deal bigger-sized brain to find out what is NOT wrong with people and things, than to find out what is wrong.
-R. L. Sharpe

Gossip In My Ear

"You hired me to create a product that sells." -as heard while watching the 2009 film
'Confessions of a Shopaholic'

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 21, 1987
Wednesday

Carla treated me for lunch at the PIZZA BOAT since I treated her at CRISPS yesterday. She loves CRISPS. They really do supply 'the works' for one incredible salad. Carla asked, "Do you plan what you are going to wear to work the night before?"
I laughed aloud, "No, I just grab whatever I think of wearing in the morning!"
I guess I'm looking good for her to ask this question though. Ha-ha.

It looks like (per office rumor) Paul Margolis may get a temporary managerial promotion to a first-level. Rhoda whispered this gossip in my ear. It irks me. I suppose I really don't want that promotion anyway. I definitely don't want it in the Account Collections Department, dealing with delinquent accounts. I'd like that opportunity in Sales or in my line of Marketing (my familiarity). I shall be patient even if there are three openings and sales right now (in Santa Clara, Oakland and Anaheim). I would submit for all three if it were possible. However, I must wait until April 26, 1988 when I have time required in my current title. It's really only fifteen months.
I took a nap after work because I was mentally drained. I think it was the phone call I received at five minutes to five. It kept me there overtime. I am not going to take calls at that time when I am the only one in the office (while Paul is lounging and laughing in Nikki Bovee's office). He does nothing. It irks me.

I slept and awoke at 6:45PM. I dressed and drove to my gym in San Leandro.
I saw that Mark Landreth took Anne Alberti's aerobics class. Mark and I exchanged a few words on general subjects: Tina Titus, biking, windsurfing and 'not lounging' but 'working out hard'.
Stuart Western and I talked a little later, too.
Stuart stated, "Hey, I went skiing for the first time last week.""Really…You have to invite me next time because I'm an amateur and I've never gone either!"
I arrived at the gym late and left early. I didn't work out for very long but just enough. I promise myself that this coming Thursday night will be a new ball game of goals.

On Monday, Nikki had said, "When I came in to work with my friend from, Connie, from San Diego I received that top secret card you sent me. I loved it…I was so surprised."
I smiled and probably blushed; however, I've had it with her. I mean, last Friday I asked her out to that harmless Oyster Bar in San Francisco and she acted so scared.
I remember her quick reply, "Oh well...I have to meet a friend but we'll ALL be going out soon together. I talked to Paul about it."
Her inclusion of Paul is not my idea of a fun outing, so scratch that. And scratch her!

PHOTO: Eileen Grabinsky, January 31, 1987
Eileen called me at work at 4:30PM.
"Michael, I'm leaving for Portland Oregon on Saturday afternoon.""Oh no, that's sudden."
"I'll be back soon…can you pick me up," she asked."Of course, when?""I'll be back on the thirty-first at five o'clock.""Okay, I can swing it…somehow.  I'll create a fake dentist appointment."
I also telephoned Eileen before bedtime tonight. She was already half asleep.

I chose not to call on Bob because I am leery of him. I am simply numb at his 'wants' versus mine.

Mike Miller telephoned.
"Are you interested in going to the Black Angus?"
"Well…yeah, but not tonight."
I really wasn't in the mood for that place.  Give me a break.

Frank Evans, the Stanford University student telephoned also.
"Hi Mike.'
"Hi, how are you doing?""Good…I was thinking of going to THE VORTEX this Friday night. I'll be wearing my new khaki pants and a dark blue shirt."He seems like a cool chap. I just may go and surprise him.

Mr. Arce called me on Tuesday night while I was asleep and left a message on my recorder: "I'll call you tonight."He never did call me. I am glad. He's ugh and NMT (Not My Type). He's a geeky sort, a mishap to say the least.
I am now looking forward to THE VORTEX this Friday night. It ought to be fun even though I won't be with Eileen. It will be fun to see Frank Evans and get the latest scoop from him.
I suppose Mark Landreth and I may go out on Saturday night. I don't know yet. Time will tell.
I watched DYNASTY. I glanced at my latest issue of ESQUIRE Magazine and wrote out a few bills. I drove to my mom's house so that she could mail them for me. She 'hand cancels' my letters when she goes to work at the post-office.

I should be receiving my $8000 and my $5000 from Pacific Telesis Savings, then rest-assured that my VISA (or majority of) nightmare of debt will be over.
"I think it was a necessary good."
-as heard while watching the 2007 French film
'Shall We Kiss?'

Pressure and 'Hang-Ups'

The one charm of marriage is that it makes a life of deception absolutely necessary for both parties.
-Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 20, 1987
Tuesday

Carla returns to work today.

My resourceful ways have been noticed and I was given forty more accounts, specifically San Francisco based accounts. Yikes! The new accounts won't be so difficult for me though. I will simply take one case at a time and NOT overdose or panic about my increased files.

Carla was fun today…as usual. I really miss her when she is gone. We had huge salads for lunch at a place called CRISPS. She makes me laugh. I do the same for her. What fun!

Eileen Grabinsky says, "My sister Erin is marrying a Lebanese guy."
I spoke to her briefly while at work. I wonder if her sister is prepared for the charm of marriage.
Eileen asked, "Could you get February 1st as a day off?"
"I don't know."
"I wanted to go skiing."
"I don't know about that…but a snow mobile sounds fun."

After work Bob Guild caught me by phone just before I was leaving for the gym.
"Hey Mike, want to come over for dinner?"
"I don't know…I was just leaving for the gym."
"You can stay the night, too."
I really felt I needed the work out at the gym, so I passed on his offer.
PHOTO: Self-Portrait, in my townhouse on January 27, 1987

Mark Landreth was at the gym and he remarked happily, "Hey, you're here! I thought I saw a mirage…but no, it's MIKE!"
I laughed it off. It's true that I had not been to the gym lately, so I'm glad I made it tonight. It wasn't easy lifting again. Ugh.

I really feel a difference after my work out. I wore my 'two piggies screwin' t-shirt and received a few comments from my fellow gym goers. I saw a few anonymous chuckles from it, too. Of course, Tina Titus noticed the t-shirt.
Tina blurted, "I like your shirt…but it's gross!"
I replied, "Ahh…they're just playing."
She smirked.

Paul Margolis, my coworker, has been overdoing his place at work. He is now assisting Nikki Bovee in some project and it has totally gone to his head. Apparently, Paul has made some requests of Carla in his quest to please Nikki.

I teased Carla today and asked, "Are you Paul's personal secretary?"
Carla gave me the most disgusted look. She cannot stand this man (Paul).

Suddenly, Gloria Romero was pointed out by Carla as the one that is Paul's personal secretary. Gloria completely denied it. I laughed. They both smiled but they (Carla and Gloria) are not very intrigued by Paul's approach.

I telephoned Eileen when I arrived home to thank her for the new T-shirt she sent me.
I announced, "I have a little something for you."
I still wanted to give her the sterling silver necklace and earrings I chose for her. We had a nice talk. It seems her sister and husband-to-be are having a Super Bowl Party on Sunday.
"If you want to come to the Super Bowl Party, you're more than welcome."
"That's sweet," I replied, "I'll let you know."
I don't know if I can watch tight-ends and wide receivers with her in the same room.

I started to watch the movie FOOTLOOSE. I liked the dancing but I never watched the end because I had to go to bed (after writing another card to Eileen).

Bob thought his Diana Ross postcard was a farewell or goodbye card. He's got pressure and 'hang-ups' that he'll never rid himself from if he doesn't stop thinking negatively. He's often in complaint mode. So what if he attended Harvard. It's typical of a Libra at times (as I think of Sue Miller and Helen).

"Harvard makes mistakes, too."
-Woody Allen
ANNIE HALL

A Swell Lad

To him, man was a being with myriad lives and myriad sensations, a complex multiform creature that bore within itself strange legacies of thought and passion.-Oscar Wilde
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 19, 1987Monday

It was funny to listen to Bob Guild say, "I can have anybody I want!"
"Give me a break," I thought, "Well, he can't have me." I don't believe what he says. I am not sure I can have anybody I want. It depends on a mutual understanding between the two individuals.
My mom and pop are a Godsend. I took the express bus to San Francisco and they took my car to Grand Auto for a new water pump. I had forgotten how easy it is to take the express bus to The City. Mom picked me up at the Fruitvale BART station. She dropped me off to pick up my car. I ate dinner with mom at her house. It was my lucky day.
I left to unwind, relax and nap at my house when Frank Evans telephoned. He's the nineteen year old from Stanford University. "I miss Reno sometimes but I love it here," Frank said.
I got to know him a little bit better over the phone. Frank added, "You know, I may go to THE VORTEX this Friday night. I mean, I have tentative plans for a ski trip in Reno but I may…or may not go." I could tell he was fishing. He was beating around the bush to find out if I would go to THE VORTEX this Friday night."Well, I will probably go to THE VORTEX on Friday night. I just love the music there," I replied."I'll let you know if I go," Frank blurted.We had a lengthy conversation.  He's a swell lad.
I telephoned Eileen Grabinsky earlier but there was no answer. I had called earlier in the day and there was no answer at that time either.

Juan Azalle-Arce telephoned.Juan asked, "Did you chicken out?""What do you mean?"
"You know…about coming over.""Oh…I guess I did," I laughed.
"Listen…call me back at ten o'clock."I foolishly called him back. I didn't have anything else to do.
When I telephoned Juan at 10PM he said, "Sorry, I have a friend over from a lower flat. I'll call you back.""What a jerk!" I thought. Juan called me at 11:45PM (just after I'd hung up the phone with Frank Evans). Juan persuaded me to come to San Francisco. I went ahead with his dare and realized that he really isn't anything spectacular. He is into ART and has many nice pieces in his apartment. I stayed the night on a friendship level only. It was an easy commute to work since I was already in The City; however, I was unpleasantly surprised by a ticket on my car. I was parked on a street cleaning zone. The ticket is ten dollars. Oh well, it was all part of my acting on a dare. I wanted to be adventurous. Perhaps it was only to add some spice to my journal. As far as I'm concerned it was a 'let down'.
I hope Frank Evans will turn out to be my friend. Time will tell.
Mom made her sweet rice with the whipped egg white topping sprinkled with cinnamon. She knows that's my favorite. She's too much. I had mentioned it to her today and she made it especially for me. I love her to the fullest. My mom and dad are really everything to me. I love them both very much.
I wonder where Eileen Grabinsky and I stand at this stage of the game. She puzzles me.  Does she think she has the upper hand?  I will call her on Tuesday. Oh yes, I want some answers.
And his mother…he had got from her his beauty, and his passion for the beauty of others.-Oscar Wilde
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY