Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 96

Luck

Be grateful for LUCK, but don't depend on it.-William Feather

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 18, 1987
Sunday

I was on my way to Eileen's but my car was not cooperating.  My plans did not pan out on seeing her.  I had to make a detour back to ma and pa's house.  I ended up draining my radiator and adding new anti-freeze coolant and water.  I suddenly learned that I had a leak.  I needed a new water pump.  It was a bad LUCK sort of day.

I telephoned Eileen and explained the situation with my car troubles. I ended up staying home. I lounged and felt rather depressed.
I received a phone call from Frank Evans. I had forgotten that I had casually met him at THE VORTEX club in Palo Alto. He is a freshman student at Stanford University. He's formerly a resident of Reno, Nevada. He's only nineteen years old. He must be smart. It's odd because THE VORTEX is not a gay club but somehow they find me. I know Frank is attracted to me. I cannot say I feel the same way.
I had also met Juan Azalle-Arce of 631 O'Farrell Street at 415-928-3628.  He's NMT (Not My Type) but he was cordial enough.  I didn't know his telephone until he recently informed me.   I know he wants me to visit him in San Francisco sometime.

I just lounged at home and went to bed early.

Bob Guild telephoned me just before bedtime. He is draining my mentality. He's okay but he's just NMT. I want to steer clear and keep him only as a good friend.

The secret of a good life is to have the right loyalties and to hold them in the right scale of values.
-Norman Thomas

Scaring Me

"Life has been your ART. You have set yourself to music. Your days are your sonnets."

-Oscar Wilde
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 17, 1987
Saturday

Mom and I went to Ole's Waffle Shop this morning. We bought some LOTTO tickets at the Alameda Drug Store 'just for fun'. She won five-dollars. I won 'ZERO'.

I went for about an-hour long bike ride. I couldn't hold out any longer. I had to RIDE with a cold or not.

I tried napping which worked. I napped. I love my sleeping time.

Bob Guild called me again. I was persuaded to drive over to Berkeley to see him. We ended up driving in to San Francisco where we ate at La Posada in Pacific Heights. It was his lunch treat. We actually had a good time.

While in The City I bought a new ERASURE cassette tape to listen to during the drive. Bob bought a COREY HART cassette tape. We did some window shopping and then I filled my car with gas. I suddenly noticed the temperature gauge of my car was "HOT".

Bob said, "You know…there's an anti-freeze odor."
When we arrived to Bob's place in Berkeley we added water to my radiator. That seemed to cool things down. I drove straight home after filling the car with water. Bob was scaring me with his panic-ridden tone about my car. He was making me feel so stressed.   I kept looking at my watch.  I just wanted to get home where I felt safe.
Bob spoke loudly, "You could burn your engine!"
Get a grip!

"He won't stop. He's got a genuine taste for it."
-1986 film,
MANHUNTER

A Deal

The burning fire of desire was consuming me.

-2011 Moroccan film,
LOVE IN THE MEDINA

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 16, 1987
Friday

It's always nice on a Friday.  It's the end of my work week.

Mark Landreth called but he seemed 'out of it' tonight.  I don't think he wanted to go out.  We ended the phone call with a deal: 'If either of us felt up to going out, then one must call the other.' I didn't call him.  He didn't call me.

Bob Guild called me though.  He came over to my place again and we watched another movie.  This time we watched "MAKING THE GRADE".  The story was mainly about a clash between rich and poor as a streetwise kid swaps identities with a rich kid at an upper crust prep school.  I thought Bob might identify to some extent since he'd gone to Harvard.  Bob left after the movie.  There was a passion-filled moment at the doorway.  I kind of liked that.

Yeah…Bob left and he made an interesting comment during the evening.
Bob relayed to me, "I don't feel secure in us."
I shrugged it off.  Deep down I know I felt the same way.  He's NMT (Not My Type).

"I want to go to that vast unknown place."
-2011 Japanese film,
POSTCARD

Building Confidence

"Why ruin it all over a moment of tension?"

-2011 Italian film,
APARTMENT IN ATHENS

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 15, 1987
Thursday

Yesterday (January 14th), I got my chance to talk to Nikki Bovee, my second line manager. We discussed Eileen, my gal. We also spoke of my getting to Yellow Page Sales eventually.

During lunch time (yesterday) I went to MARY JANE's Card Shop and I bought a few cards. I bought three specifically for Eileen but I got some good generic ones for others. I found a Diana Ross postcard for Bob Guild that I know he'll love.

I made it to my gym last night. I saw Dave and Mark.
Both Dave and Mark made a short comment like, "It's about time!"
I defended myself by saying, "Well, I had a relapse of my cold."
"Yeah sure," Mark bounced back.

I came home and watched DYNASTY. While watching I wrote out cards to Nikki Bovee, Eileen Grabinsky and Bob Guild.
While watching DYNASTY Bob telephoned. We had some good conversation with regard to building confidence and feeling good 'even when not having a relationship'.

PHOTO: February 1987, 'me' and Eileen I telephoned Eileen right before I went to bed. We talked about marriage. It was more like talk about 'her' marriage (not ours…she referenced it with whoever and whenever). Eileen does foresee her marriage by age twenty-four though. I like her energy. I am finding myself in deep consideration of her as my marriage partner. Time will tell. I liked when Eileen said, "I'll HALT everything for you on Sunday."
"Okay then I'll pick you up and bring you here to show you around Alameda, my hometown."
The 15th of January:
Today is the J. Gaulding meeting. He is the President of Pac Bell Directory. I feel like 'so what'…he's just another person. He 'shits' in a toilet just like the rest of us.

I think I put Gaulding in a 'think on it position'.
I actually asked him a couple of double-in-one questions like, "What do you think of the Talking Yellow Pages and what are we doing to become internationally known via new products and services?"
I also asked him, "What do you know of the restructuring of the sales force and how do the NEW Key Account Sales Reps fit in to the picture?"
It was a good meeting.

Nikki Bovee said to me later, "You had some very good questions. Thank you so much. It's really exciting to be here in Directory!"
I answered with a smile, "I agree."

I had a fair work day. It just sort of moved along quickly. I lunched alone over at PASTELS on Mission.

When I finally got home due to the traffic trauma I chose to lie down for a while.

I telephoned Sherri about going out for Chinese food. We ate at Lung Kong and it was good. Ashley 'acted up' a little but she was cool overall.

I didn't go to the gym because I felt my cold recurring, so I decided to stay home.

I have this idea to work on a project all on my own and submit it to Gaulding, the President of Pac Bell Directory. I will title my project 'Forecasting the Future for Pac Bell Directory'. I need inspirational support. I ought to work on it and 'show my stuff'!

I called Eileen. We talked about driving down to Newport Beach on Valentine's Weekend. I wonder if that will actually happen.

Bob called and we are 'ON' for a dinner this coming Saturday night.

I wrote to Greg Jonsson in Chicago. I decided to reply back to the letter I received from him today.

"For once in your life…just think about yourself."
-HIS SECRET LIFE,
2001 Italian film

The Beauty and Power of the Whale

The whales, you see, eat up the little fish.
-Thomas Churchyard

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 14, 1987
Wednesday

Steve Adams, my boss, consulted with me about appraisals, work performance and what is required of me on the job. What hogwash! I've served three months of my time and I have fifteen more to go. I intend to be out of here and shoot for my sales job. Actually, I have six weeks off and another five weeks off next year so that's 11 weeks (about 3 months) of time off, so I really only have twelve months left in this department. Hee-Hee!

My car wouldn't start this morning. I called my Dad to come over to do the jumping cable trick at 7:30AM. I will leave my car running at my parking lot until 8:20AM, then hope it will start for me when I get out of work. If not I will be very bummed out (to say the least).

I want to go Whale watching in Point Reyes. The number to call is 415-663-8522. I really want to do that sometime. I will note it down as one of my "things to do". After seeing the "STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME" flick it has enlightened me to the beauty and power of the whale.

"Music is the thing I love most."
-2011 film, APARTMENT IN ATHENS

Colorful Metaphors

"If you keep pouting your face will freeze like that!"

-as heard in the 2011 Italian film
APARTMENT IN ATHENS

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 13, 1987
Tuesday

It was two years ago today that I met Chris Cordellos at the I-BEAM nightclub in San Francisco. I thought of giving him a call tonight. I didn't.

I had lunch with Barbara Reynolds at LITTLE JOE'S. Silly me went ahead and treated her to lunch. Ah…oh well, it's no big deal.

I had already decided I wouldn't go to the gym since I still was under the weather. When I settled into my car it wouldn't start-up because I had left the lights on since early this morning. I had them on because of the early morning fog. Damn! Luckily, a nice Asian lady was willing to jump her juice on to mine. I was so happy that I bought those jumping cables at GRAND AUTO the last time I was there. They were conveniently in the trunk of my car.

I went home and Bob Guild had left a message on my recorder.
"Hey Mike, would you like to go and see the new STAR TREK IV movie with me and my pal, Felix, from San Mateo?"
And so…since I knew I wasn't going to the gym. And since…I like Bob's company I decided to accept his invitation.

Bob drove to my place in Alameda to pick me up. He drove to Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo. I bought some new black sweatpants while we were at MACY's. We ate some raunchy tortellini and then headed over to the movie theaters. This 'STAR TREK IV: The Voyage Home' was a pretty good flick. I learned of some 'colorful metaphors' (or dirty words shall we say). The movie was amusing in parts. It was especially nice to see scenes of San Francisco that have become so familiar.

When I arrived home I called Bob and left him a good message, summarizing how much fun I had this evening. I figured it would be nice for him to hear when he arrived home.

I just remembered that Ellison (at 415-921-7008) called me last night. He's the videographer. I was too out-of-it to return his call. I simply went straight to bed.

"You've got to have some fuss."
-as heard while watching the 2011
film from ISRAEL, "Restoration"

That Trip to Hawaii

"Seasons change…but nothing ever changes at all."

-as heard while watching the 1983 film
THE MAKIOKA SISTERS

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 12, 1987
Monday

I had lunch with Ryan Hargrave today. It looks like he is definitely moving to Texas. He'll be back. I just know it.

I keep having this fantasy about marrying Eileen Grabinsky. Is this what I really want? I don't know…yet.

I bumped into Nikki Bovee at noon.
Nikki said, "You know…I read your aspirations, the short and long-term goals today and I loved it! Steve will be talking to you tomorrow."
I smiled at the time. Now I wonder what it all means. I know Paul Margolis let Nikki in on his desire to take on the Account Collections Manager position in Los Angeles. I might like to have that position myself. It could lead me into the sales force faster at Pac Bell Directory. We shall see.

I have a recurring cough. My throat feels a tad swollen. I am still sick. I chose to take it easy. I don't want to push myself. I didn't bother going to the gym tonight.

Judy Geniella called me from Sacramento. It was really nice to hear from her. She loves not having to commute in to San Francisco anymore.

I invited Bob Guild over for pizza at my place.   I wanted some company.  We ate as we watched some movie about a gang that kills a spic (Spanish Puerto-Rican type). Bob left halfway through THE TONIGHT SHOW (with guest host Joan Rivers). I hit the hay after the show.

Carla has the week off from work. Tomorrow I have lunch plans with Barbara Reynolds. I have to take it easy because I've been working so hard lately.  I am looking into that trip to Hawaii in February. I deserve the escape.

Bob Guild wrote in my House Book: "To think we met on the road."
That was pretty clever. I liked that.

"The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room!"
-Denzel Washington
in the 2007 film AMERICAN GANGSTER

Stand By Me

"Life is a chess game for me."
-Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in L.A. obsessed with graffiti street art
EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP, a 2010 documentary

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 11, 1987
Sunday

My cold felt really "blah-zay" today. It was probably from going out again last night. I decided to stay in bed for a good part of the day.

I did speak to Bob Guild on the telephone briefly. He was off to work at around noon.

Ma and Pa came over to visit me. I tagged along with them back to their house and ended up taking a long nap there. My brother, Tony, and his wife, Helen stopped by. For some reason, the 'vibes' of T & H are leaving much to be desired. Tony's money hungry, overly ambitious and non-humanitarian attitude bugs me. And Helen's 'snoopy' ways are a tad overbearing.

I went to Bob Guild's apartment in Berkeley later. We planned to see the film PLATOON but the line was much too long. We chose to see STAND BY ME instead.

Mike Miller telephoned me just as I was leaving to Bob's place.   I cut our conversation short and left for Berkeley.

Bob made a suggestion:  "You know…we should move to Huntington Beach."
"That's an idea," I replied, although I was rather surprised when he suggested it.

I knew the concept of just moving to Huntington Beach was a very doubtful venture for me right now. Time will tell. I really don't think it's written in my stars though.

"Life really has only one beginning and one end…and a whole lot of middle."
-GLEE
Season I, Episode 22

Voluptuous Kisses

"I only live for today."
-The Man from Nowhere
a 2010 South Korean film

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 10, 1987
Saturday

Mom accompanied to MARY'S to buy a scarf and some red-raving gloves as a gift for Carla Guzman's Birthday. Carla's birthday party is tonight.

I enjoyed breakfast at mom's house and returned to my place. My cold is still not totally clear, so I wanted to lounge. I really wanted to go bike riding but I knew it wouldn't be wise.

Mark Landreth called and I shared my brainstorm idea.
"Hey Mark! Why don't you, Eileen, Mandy and I come to Carla's party tonight?"
I learned later that Mandy was going to THE BANK EXCHANGE in San Francisco with her girlfriend, Gina. In any case, I gave Mandy and Mark the address to Carla's party. Who knows? Maybe they'll both change their minds.

It was time to get ready and drive over to pick-up Eileen. I was fifteen minutes early which I later learned is a no-no. Eventually, we were off to The City. I could tell that Eileen had someone on her mind. Who? I do not know.
"You know, Eileen, I need a haircut."
Eileen replied, "Well, you could get it cut shorter on top and add some gel for that wet look."
"Sounds good to me…I'll try it."

Eileen and I made it to PHILLIPINE HALL where Carla's party was taking place. It wasn't exactly 'happening' when we arrived. We stayed for a dance or two and then told Carla we were heading out to THE BANK EXCHANGE to get my cousin and Mark. Of course, we never returned. We ended up driving back to Palo Alto to THE VORTEX.

While at THE VORTEX I gave Brian the bartender a 'buck tip'. I also saw Eileen's old high-school beau (Dave) who is about twenty years old. She pointed him out to me. In my opinion he looked fat and much older than I.

Eileen will be heading to Newport Beach next weekend with her girlfriend, Katrina. Eileen's brother is living there and she's excited to go for the visit. We parted the night with a few voluptuous kisses while in my car. We ended on a good night and an overall lovely evening.

"Love which is simply free is a wonderful thing."
-Sophie Scholl-The Final Days
a 2005 German film

Hot Chocolate

"Living one life wasn't enough."

-Pedro Almodovar's film
BROKEN EMBRACES

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 9, 1987
Friday

It was a great day primarily because it was a Friday.  I had a lot of customers to deal with.

After work I had to get ready. I showered and drove to Berkeley. I found Bob Guild's apartment easily.  He didn't have much furniture. This surprised me since he sold furniture for a living.  It was as if he only planned to live there for a while in anticipation of a new opportunity elsewhere.  I did relish his homemade lasagna.  It was excellent.

Bob and I had planned to go out to see a movie but that didn't pan out. We…
Well, we saw the beginning part of The Tonight Show with Joan Rivers.
Bob asked, "Why don't you just spend the night?"
I wanted to go out to fulfill my craving for hot-chocolate.   Bob was stubborn and didn't want to budge.

I ended up driving home.  I was in my very own cozy, warm bed by half past midnight.

"Everything's already happened to me.  All that's left is to enjoy life."
-Pedro Almodovar's film
BROKEN EMBRACES