Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 98

For Your Eyes Only

"We're all here for the same reason. We all want to be good at something."
-GLEE, Season I, Episode I

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 28, 1986
Sunday

And so…I actually left Mark Landreth's house at three o'clock in the morning. I should have just stayed overnight. Next time…maybe (?).

I am sick all right. I didn't even ride my bike as much as I wanted.

I telephoned Johnny Schaefer in Los Angeles. He was surprised when I told him that I had Joan Collins home telephone number.
"I have access to a lot at the phone company. I know it's her number because when I called her there was no mistaking her voice!"
Johnny was trying to encourage me to delve in to the show business world.
Johnny added, "You'd just do so great in that business…show biz!"
I changed the subject and spoke about my new bike.

I slept a large part of the day.

Early this morning I did call Eileen Grabinsky.
"Do you want to have brunch today?"
Eileen responded in a cool tone, "I'd love to but I have plans at noon."
I dislike when I don't know what the plans are. In any case, she called back and her plans had changed and she wanted to get-together.
I said, "Oh well, I'm not feeling so great and I'm in bed in my pajamas, so I think I should take a rain check."
She understood and we confirmed a new date for this Saturday night, January 3, at The Carnelian Room in San Francisco which is situated on the 52nd floor of the Bank of America building.

I slept and 'sweat it out' while half-watching TV.

I managed to gather up enough energy to drive to NATIONS Burgers where I bought two burgers (one for me and one for mom). After our dinner Dad's niece, Cecelia and her husband, Jim Markus, dropped by with two of their three kids (Jeremy and Jessica). I came by and showed them my Polaroid photographs from the holidays.

Mom's sister (my Aunt), Lillian, telephoned the night before.
Lillian's daughter (my cousin), Shonette West, said, "Michael, I saw your pictures and I really liked them a lot!"
Her comment encouraged me.
I thought, "That does it! I should go into show biz!"
I wonder if I should at least try to go for it. What have I got to lose? I know it's a competitive world but one day I could win out. I can always have trust in that notion of winning. I mean, look at all of the geeks that have hung out and succeeded like Larry Hagman, Ricardo Montalban and Don Johnson. I'm just as great…if not better.

I watched some of the James Bond film "FOR YOUR EYES ONLY" while at mom and dad's house. I enjoyed a cup of coffee from mom's new Mr. Coffee maker. Then I went home and realized that I was going to really hate it when the alarm clock started to ring the next morning.

The traffic will be smooth. No one in their right mind is working this week either.

I am tempted to talk to Nikki Bovee, my second line manager, about moving south to Los Angeles and working down there. I would be closer to show biz connections. Then again, the conveniences of living here in Northern California are too good. Perhaps I am just giving myself excuses. I am going to shape up and take some new, good photographs of myself. I'll send them to the 'powers that be' and see what happens. That would be a start.

"That was the greatest moment of my life.  I loved what I was doing."
-GLEE,
Season I, Episode I

"I'd Dance With You..."

"Oh he's seen the elephant and heard the hooty owl, this one has."
Translate that: He had gotten a little private peek at the 'inside', the master blueprint of life. That's one of the reasons he was so great to be with.
I remember one thing he told me she'd said.
"It touched something deep inside the man."
-James Kirkwood
"Good Times, Bad Times", a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 27, 1986
Saturday

I tried to telephone Mark Landreth but there was no answer. I wanted him to accompany me to pick-up my new Trofeo BIANCHI bike in San Francisco. As it turned out—I later learned—that Mark went to the Festival Cinema in Hayward with some young gal named Tanya to watch some movie.

I picked up my bike in San Francisco and went cycling even though I had a slight sore throat. I couldn't resist the temptation of riding my new wheels.

I was at mom and dad's house for most of the day.

Eileen Grabinsky tried to phone me to see about going out to THE VORTEX for dancing and fun. I chose to stay and watch a flick with ma and pa.

Of course, Mark called me a bit later and persuaded me to go to "HOTS" in Pleasanton. Mark's brother, Phil and his buddy, Troy, tried to get in to the club but their fake ID's didn't work. Mark and I chose to hang out at "HOTS". It was okay. I danced a couple of times with a gal named Janet (from Oakland). Janet attends San Francisco State University and her Major is MUSIC.
Janet yelled in my ear while dancing, "I'm an avid dancer, including ballet."

After the night at "HOTS" I went to Mark's pad.  We talked for a while. He gave me a poster print of a windsurfer and a 'Pumping Tush' magazine which made me laugh over it. He's such a chum. We talked about sailing off to Hawaii someday. What a thought. And 'come to think of it' we supposedly saw Ms. Nude America at the "HOTS" night club. She certainly looked like her.
While at the "HOTS" nightclub Mark had pointed out some homely gal and said, "She wants to dance with you!"
I replied, "I'd dance with you before I'd dance with her!"
"Yeah," Mark answered.
I probably would dance with him, too. And now I'm truly skeptical about my situation with him. He's a good friend—Mark is—I can't lose that.

"When people have been as close to each other as we have been, they shouldn't allow themselves to drift so far apart. There's never been anyone like you, and this time I'm not going to let you get away from me again."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

My Snot Rag

Being near her was like getting too close to fire. I might be burned by her random wrath or just by the heat from her immortal glow.

-Margaret Hawkins
"How We Got Barb Back"

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 30, 1986
Tuesday

I was sniffling all day long.  It's a good think I brought my snot rag (handkerchief) to work.  The day couldn't stretch itself any longer.  I served my duty and took off as soon as I was able.  Once I arrived home I went straight to bed.  Yawn.

I did have lunch with Dale Orlando at DON MIGUEL's. He brought some geek along with him who works at the Sheraton-San Francisco. I don't even remember his name.

Carla did not come to work again. I miss her energy. It's like fire that refuses to burn out. It's fine that she was 'out of the office' because I barely had any energy burn.

I remained home all evening. I didn't do much but sleep. I am hoping I feel better by tomorrow night for my New Year's Eve.

"There are some roads you can't turn back on."
-as heard while watching the 2009
Italian film "DAVID'S BIRTHDAY"

Crimes of the Heart

"You need to do a lot of work on your own and figure out things yourself."
-as heard in the 2002 documentary film
BORN TO BE WILD: The Leading Men of American Ballet Theater

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 26, 1986
Friday

I woke up relatively early (8AM) and took off for San Francisco where I plan to open my fist checking account with PATELCO Credit Union. I will probably go to the gym in The City and then drop by Pacific Bicycles to see if they have the BIANCHI Bike I am so eager to buy. That will be my Christmas present to myself.

I know the Bon Jour wristwatch was something I chose for myself but this will be my 'ultimate' gift.

Johnny Schaefer telephoned.
"Hey Mike. I want to thank you so much for the Grammy book ends you gave me."
I asked, "Did you really like them?"
"Yeah, they're so classy lookin'."
"Oh good, I'm glad."

Greg Manachevitz and Mike Miller called and gave me their Merry Christmas schpeel. That was nice.

Mark Landreth called me, too.
Mark said, "Thanks for the tie!"
"You liked it?"
"Yeah, and thanks for the playing cards. One of these nights we'll have to play a card game," he announced happily.
I silently thought, "Yeah, that's for sure."
I don't know why I didn't say it out loud.
Mark continued, "I notice I didn't see you at the gym on Monday or Tuesday."
"Yeah, I wanted to be there but couldn't make it," I replied, feeling extra good that he noticed my absence.
I worked out at the San Francisco gym today for a short while. I should've stayed at the gym longer because Pacific Bicycles didn't open their doors until 11AM. I was easily persuaded to buy a BIANCHI Trofeo Italian Racing Bike. Hoorah! It was on sale with a discount of two-hundred dollars. The cost was $699 (but well worth it as far as I'm concerned). Once again, that was my Christmas present to myself.

I went to mom's house and Ashley was there. I hung out for a while and even took a short nap after I ate some tasty leftovers from yesterday.

Sue Miller telephoned and then stopped by with her brother, Mike. Sue bought me a travel journal and a little red bike ornament.  Both of them signed my House Book again.  Sue used the page with Robert Redford's picture from "The Natural".   Sue wrote:
Dear Mike,
Today is December 26, 1986...Merry Christmas.  Ho Ho Ho. Thanks for the Teddy Bear. He's cute. So is Robert Redford. Ireally liked that movei, "The Natural". Right now we're trying to decide fi we want to go see a movie or not. Renee and Helen went out to dinner together. 1987 is almost her. How about that—1977-1987, 10 yrs out of high school. Man, we must be getting old. I like you're watch clock. It looks neat, cool, it matches the décor.
Well, Take Care.
Love,
Suzanne Marie Andre Rolande Miller

Mike Miller wrote on the page where I had posted a picture of actress Kathleen Turner.   Mike wrote:

Michael J ---

Today is December 26 1986 on a Friday the day after…Christmas. I was in a wedding yesterday. My friend Charlie Hayward was married to a girl named Emily. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and a good year. Get ready for 1987. Thanks for the gift. I called Greg Manachevitz from your house tonight. Peace. This is the fourth time I've signed this book in 3 months.
Mike Miller





The three of us decided to go out to see a movie. We mutually selected CRIMES OF THE HEART which was playing in Hayward. I thought it was a good film starring Diane Keaton, Sissy Spacek and Jessica Lange. It was about three sisters with very different personalities and lives who reunite when the youngest of them has just shot her husband. The oldest sister takes care of their grandfather and is turning into an old maid, while the middle sister has been trying to make it in Hollywood as a singer/actress. The middle sister has had a wild life filled with many men. Their reunion causes much joy, but also many tensions.
We returned to my house and watched LIFEFORCE; whereby, I was at the point of falling asleep by the last scene. Yawn.

"If a story is never told it becomes something else: forgotten."
-as heard in the 2011 film
SARAH'S KEY

Christmas Day 1986

If you expect perfection from people, your whole life is a series of disappointments, grumblings and complaints. If, on the contrary, you pitch your expectations low, taking folks as the inefficient creatures which they are, you are frequently surprised by having them perform better than you had hoped.
-Bruce Barton

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 25, 1986
Thursday
Christmas Day



MERRY CHRISTMAS 1986. I drove over to mom and dad's house at ten o'clock in the morning. My grandmother and my Aunt Betty were there at the dining table. They were talking about family and sipping coffee. I took a photo of them with my mom.

John, Sherri, Tony, Helen, Ashley and Lauren arrived all at the same time. We all gathered in the Family Room to open presents. I received some nice things. I have a tiny JAGUAR and a big watch clock that I may hang on my wall from mom and dad.

I laughed aloud and asked, "Oh great Mom, couldn't you get me the real Jaguar?"

I also received some nice sweaters, shirts, t-shirts, a jewelry box, utensils, QUORUM cologne and shampoo. I received a lot of things. It was festive fun.

We all ate a big fiesta. It was (my sister in law) Sherri's idea to have a chicken enchilada type of feast versus the typical turkey, ham and trimmings that we have every Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was a pretty good idea. We were all starving.

I had fun snapping photos with my Polaroid camera of everyone.

I also received my BON JOUR wristwatch that I love.

Yesterday was a nice day, too. In the mail I received my check of $5693 from CITIBANK from my ultimate certificate of deposit account.

Tony, Helen and Lauren left the Christmas festivities first. They were going to go to Helen's parent's house in Oakland. John, Sherri and Ashley were next to leave. I remained at home and watched a Lee Remick Christmas movie with ma and pa. We ate SEE's Candies. It was a pretty filling day to say the least.

Don't mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.
-Henry James

The Honeymooners and The Supremes

"Well, now it's time to set your sights a little higher."-actress Emma Watson (Lucy) to actor Eddie Redmayne (Colin Clark)
In the 2011 film, "My Week With Marylyn"

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 24, 1986
Wednesday

Steve, my doorknob personality boss, gave me a Christmas ornament today.  I decided to give him a black journal record book and a money keychain clip.  He'll love it.  He's the bland, boring, 'give me money' type.  It seems to me that even if Steve had money he'd be boring.  I woke up early to wrap his gift.  I left for work earlier than usual.  It was foolish to leave so early, knowing that there would be minimal traffic today.  Alas, I did it.
PHOTO:  Carla, Nikki, Phyllis do THE SUPREMES:
"Stop In the Name Of Love"

I brought my camera too.  I wanted to snap a few shots of Nikki and Carla (my favorites).  I took some pretty good snap shots at work.  It was a freebie kind of day.  I liked the trio shot of Nikki, Carla and Phyllis. Phyllis is a friend of Nikki's from another Pac Bell Directory department.

I went to mom's house after work. I ate a bit and Ashley was there. I took more photos and I played a game with Ashley.  First, I asked her to draw me a picture and she selected all of these crayons to create a mix of color.   I also showed her pictures and had her tell me what she saw. It was cute to hear her description of the pictures. I'm going to post them in my House Book and write down what she had said.   I love the one where she described a little girl that had broken a dish as 'Her Bad Girl'.

I slept a bit while at mom's house. There's nothing like a holiday nap.

I telephoned Sue Miller but she was busy wrapping gifts at the last minute.

I ended up spending most of my Christmas Evening with Dad because mom had to work. When one works for the post-office the month of December is a demanding month.
After watching BENNY HILL and THE HONEYMOONERS with Dad I went home.  I'm lucky that my dad is my friend.   We love laughing at the expressions and nonsense of Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) and Norton (Art Carney).

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair.
-Samuel Johnson

She's Out Of My Life

"I can't work, I can't think...she's devouring me."
-Arthur Miller about Marilyn Monroe
in the 2011 film "My Week With Marilyn"
Twenty-five years ago today:

December 23, 1986
Tuesday

I couldn't believe it. The traffic was so light today. It was beautiful driving-in to San Francisco for a change.

I find myself having fantasies of an explicit love affair with my boss' boss, Nikki Bovee and/or Joan Collins. It must be that aura of power that they give off that attracts me. Then again, I have fantasies of marrying Eileen Grabinsky ever since she asked me the question, "Do you want to get married someday?" I wonder if she'll be 'the one'. I wonder if anyone will be.
PHOTO: Dec. 23, 1986
John, Sherri, Ashley on Golden State Warrior Game Night

Both of my brothers called me at work today. Could it be the holiday 'vibes'? Well, they both had reasons to call. John wanted me to babysit for Ashley since he and Sherri were going to a Golden State Warrior Basketball game.
Tony called to ask, "Hey Mike, did you know that today is Judy Geniella's last day in the SDC?"
"No, I didn't."
"Yep, she starts working at the Sacramento SDC soon."
Good for Judy. She'll catch up on the sleep she lost all year from that four-hour commute in to San Francisco. That is exactly what I told her during our telephone conversation today. Judy laughed.

Our office had a 'pot luck' which was surprisingly very good. I feel good about my position with Pac Bell Yellow Pages right now.
In fact, Tony called to also say, "You know, as of the first of January the ASR position is going to be upgraded to first-level management."
This is good news for Tony but I am glad I don't have his job.

I telephoned Anne Alberti from my house to see about giving her a Christmas gift.
I was surprised when she asked, "Would you mind NOT coming over?"
I felt that to be very rude.
Anne continued, "It's just that I'm expecting some friends over."
That was still no excuse as far as I was concerned as I said, "Well, I'm just going to stop by for a minute."
Anne said, "Well, it's a specific type of friend."
This statement was still a blur through my eyes. Was it her ex-boyfriend? Anyway, it's good that it happened because 'she's out of my life' (just like the song by Michael Jackson).

PHOTO: Dec. 23, 1986, wearing the Sunkist half-tee that Mark Landreth gifted me

"She's Out Of My Life" lyrics:

She's Out Of My Life
She's Out Of My Life
And I Don't Know Whether To Laugh Or Cry
I Don't Know Whether To Live Or Die
And It Cuts Like A Knife
She's Out Of My Life

It's Out Of My Hands
It's Out Of My Hands
To Think For Two Years She Was Here
And I Took Her For Granted I Was So Cavalier
Now The Way That It Stands
She's Out Of My Hands

So I've Learned That Love's Not Possession
And I've Learned That Love Won't Wait
Now I've Learned That Love Needs Expression
But I Learned Too Late

She's Out Of My Life
She's Out Of My Life
Damned Indecision And Cursed Pride
Kept My Love For Her Locked Deep Inside
And It Cuts Like A Knife
She's Out Of My Life

I think I will simply give the gift intended for Anne to Nikki Bovee, my second line manager. Nikki is 'tops'. I love her attitude.
PHOTO:  Dec. 23, 1986 At Grandma's House with my Dad and Ashley

Ashley and I got ready and went to visit my mom and dad's house.  I took a photo with mom before she left for work.  Then Dad accompanied Ashley and I to my Grandmother's house to deliver presents.  It was fun.  I took a couple of snapshots. I let Ashley open one of her Christmas presents (some Walt Disney Favorite Story Books). She's so cute when she says, "TANK YOU".

Dad and I watched a videotape called "THE LUCERO FAMILY" that my mom's brother (my Uncle Howard) created. There were some film clips of me when I was age eleven or twelve. I was a porker (overweight). It was embarrassing.
Dad said, "Tony watched some of it."

PHOTO:  Dec. 23, 1986, Self-portrait, examining my physique

I began to wonder what Tony thought when he saw me at that time now that I have the fitness bug. My brother, Tony, and I actually had a good conversation today.  It looks like he and Helen may buy their house in Alameda after all.

"Remember boy, when it comes to women you're never too old for humiliation."
-Sir Laurence Olivier
2010 film
"My Week With Marilyn"

Lying Through Her Teeth

"Everything has a purpose. It's…maybe…the same with people.  If you lose your purpose you're broken."
-Martin Scorcese 2011 film, HUGO

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 22, 1986
Monday

I think I will use my BASS tickets for the Showplace Galleria's New Year's Eve Gala for myself and Mark Landreth. I will question him and see what he thinks of the idea.

I spoke to Carla about New Year's Eve.
Carla said, "The HYATT is the place to go for New Year's Eve!"
However, I don't know if she is right.
Carla said, "It seems like a lot of raunchy people go to the Galleria."
"Oh, well why didn't you call me back the other day?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
"I didn't get your message until later and at that second I tried to call you but there was no answer."
I think Carla was lying through her teeth.  I know better.  I know when she's bluffing.  Now I will know NOT to give her the time of day when it comes right down to it. I'll have my opportunity and show her.

I have really been feeling fat and overweight lately. I have to get back to my aerobics scene workout. I am going to do my work out videotape more often. I really think I will take the leap to purchase that new BIANCHI bicycle next month (January 1987). I shall reward myself for paying off all of my bills.

I received a phone call from Keith Viagas of CITIBANK about closing my account. I hope that process doesn't take forever.

I received another letter from the stupid GREAT WESTERN SAVINGS about returned checks. It's frustrating. I'm so glad that I closed that account. The next step is to get those funds that are due to me.

Sue Miller telephoned. Bonni Jayne telephoned. I decided to meet them for dinner. The three of us ended up meeting at THE WINE RACK. We had a good time and reminisced about old times. Afterward, we went to Sue's house but no one was there, so we went to the Alameda Police Station to visit with Al Jayne (Bonni's father) who was acting desk Sergeant on-duty. He's so cool.

After dinner I went to mom's house to pick up my homemade M and M cookies for my pot luck event at the office tomorrow. I forgot that dad was on vacation this week. We had a nice chat.

I did about fifteen minutes of aerobic exercises, showered and went to bed after my visit with mom and dad. I had missed a phone call from Johnny Schaefer. I received a letter from Jeff Lindfors (Johnny's roommate, too).

"Don't be stupid!  Everyone's hiding something!"
-Glenn Close, Season I, Episode 2
TV Drama, DAMAGES

Stanford

Isabelle: "We could get into trouble!"
Hugo: "That's how you know it's an adventure!"
-as heard while watching Martin Scorcese's 2011 film, HUGO

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 21, 1986
Sunday

My mom stopped by my house and helped me with my laundry. She's a sweetheart.

I found my $50 BASS TICKETS Gift Certificate. What shall I use it for?

Eileen Grabinsky telephoned while I was posting up centerfolds (from PLAYBOY Magazine) on my guest bedroom wall.   I thought if I posted these gorgeous nude women on my walls I could fight my man to man desires.   Eileen has delicate timing.  We made arrangements to go to STANFORD SHOPPING CENTER in Palo Alto today.

Eileen and I ate lunch at a French Restaurant (using my MasterCard). Then we went shopping.

I couldn't resist buying my brother, John, a bug in an ice-cube. He's a bartender, so I thought he'd get a good laugh from it. I also bought some RED HOT Candies as prankster gifts. Eileen encouraged me. I had a good time with her. She's a neat gal. We laughed and had fun at the mall.  I like her.

To give one an idea of Eileen I must share a recent greeting card she sent to me. A spinster looking woman was sitting on a toilet bowl and inside the card were the imprinted words:

Shit, Or Get Off The Pot.

I had to laugh. Inside the card, she wrote:

Hi Michael,
How've you been?
Sorry I wasn't being all that serious that night on the phone. I couldn't really talk. When are we going to get together? Well – these are my days free: Wednesday Night from 10-11, Tuesday Night from 10-11, Thursday Night. So if that's good for you …then tell me. If you're avoiding me then tell me.
Well, gotta go.
Eileen

"If you're phony with her for one minute…she'll skewer you!"
-as heard while watching the Glenn Close TV Drama, DAMAGES,
Season I, Episode I

Last Minute Shopping

"I had to be here for some reason."
-as heard while watching Martin Scorcese's 2011 film, HUGO

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 20, 1986
Saturday

Mark Landreth told me that he would be going to the gym this morning. And so, I arrived there at 8:30AM and stayed there until 9:30AM. It seems he arrived thereafter and I missed him. Oh well…such is life.

I went to mom's and dad's house for breakfast. Then I chose to take a nap.

Mark called me at around two o'clock in the afternoon.
"What are you up to?"
"Oh, I'm just being lazy. I should probably finish my last minute shopping."
"It's easy to be lazy."
"Do you want to meet up at Bay Fair?"  I asked.
"Okay."
I detected that Mark was lonely, too.   He wanted my company and I was flattered.

Mark and I scouted the mall, checking out the scene. I bought my brother, John, a 'GOLF ATLAS' book. I bought hardcover books for everyone: Tony "WHIRLWHIND"; Helen "IT"; Sherri "DESIGNS"; Mom "HOLLYWOOD HUSBANDS" and Dad: "FIDEL". Mark bought a few things, too. We departed ways and I gave him a dirty look after he said, "I have this week off."
I thought, "Lucky creep."
I like how he smiled when I gave him the dirty look. He knew it was done in a jealous sort-of-way.

I returned to be with my folks and we watched the Marlo Thomas take on "It's A Wonderful Life" called "It Happened One Christmas". That was a festive show. I left for my pad after the movie and went straight to bed. Yawn.

"Films have the power to capture dreams."
-as heard in Martin Scorcese's 2011 film, HUGO