The Shit Hit The Fan

All the JOY the world containsHas come through wishing happiness for others.All the MISERY the world containsHas come through wanting pleasure for oneself.--Shantideva, a 7th Century Indian BuddhistAnd Master in his work:  THE PATH TOWARDS AWAKENING
I made a funny, cool postcard (for mom) using an image of a librarian-type who was splattered with gooey chocolate frosting all over her face…yuck (it looks like she’s splattered with poop)!
August 28, 1991Dear Mom,Evert time I open my mailbox and see another bill rom a doctor this postcard depicts exactly how I feel:  “Like the shit hit the fan!” Ha-haAll I can do is laugh it off because it could be a lot worse.  Laughter is the best medicine.  I am lucky to have a mom like you to relieve my tensions.Shonette’s wedding reception should be fun but it seems like such a long time until that event.  I guess I’m anxious to see you.   The funny thing is that when you add up all of our phone calls I speak to you more than anyone else (besides Alan).Your Birthday is coming up!  Wow!  You really are still so young.  I’m lucky to have such a young mom.  I hope this card made you laugh even if it was kind of gross.  Later, LOVE YOU!Michael
Alan and I made it to New York City.  I love city life.   The first thing I wanted to do was send mom a postcard so I used the complimentary hotel postcard at the NY HILTON TOWERS at Rockefeller center.  I wanted to share the news about my breakfast and how it reminded me of “DAD”:
I was in the mood to write today.  I sorted out five of my cards for Paloma and wrote to her as well.   It was time to let her know I am thinking of her (as I often do):

August 28, 19912:45PM, SunnyDear Paloma,This card reminds me of when your body used to look this good.  Ha-ha.  You know I’m kidding.  It goes with card #2.  Put them together.
On the contrary…your last letter was quite funny.  The funniest part was the Anne Parillaud article and my “brushing up on my French”…very, very, very FUNNY!It sure sounds like you have been busy this summer with guests.  I bet you hate the assholes that complain about every little thing.  Poor Paloma…I wish I could give you a hug and tell you, “IT WIL BE OKAY.”
Yes, the appendix problem just sneaks up on you when you least expect it.  It’s not fun.  At least we don’t need the damn appendix, so I’m glad it’s over.  I’m all better now.
Tomorrow (August 29th) will be four years since my dad died.   I can’t believe it’s already been that long.  I also depart tomorrow morning for New York.  I’m going to do the things I didn’t get a chance to do the last two times.   There’s a lot to do in New York.  This time I want to run and jog in Central Park and visit WALL STREET.   Besides, I’ve got a dirt cheap round trip airfare of $278 on PanAm.   The going rate today is $485, so needless to say I did get a great deal.
When Luis comes to visit you in September tell him I said, “HI!”  I still remember him.My friend, Alan, has been helpful in my job search lately.   I don’t really want to work for him.   It would be awkward.  I am polishing up my resume and he’s letting me use his computer at work to make it look more professional.  I’m still getting unemployment checks of $200/per week.  I am getting by.   Something will come up soon.  If not, by December 31st of this year I may move to SF-Alameda again.  I don’t know.
I liked your envelope with the Le Cap D’ Agde photo on it.   That’s pretty neat.  Here’s a stamp that didn’t get cancelled on your last letter…maybe you can reuse it.My first cousin, Shonette West, who was born in 1970, is getting married on October 20th.  She is twenty-one years old.  She’s marrying a high-school sweetheart.  I can’t believe my younger cousins are getting married and I’m not.   See…Paloma, IF you had waited we’d probably be married now. Ha…Cest la vie.  I’m really not interested in meeting anyone now because financially I can get be easier alone.  I don’t have the extra cash to be wining and dining (the things I love to do).  So…any key relationships will just have to wait.Have you heard the new album by Natalie Cole called UNFORGETTABLE?  It is excellent.   I have the CD.  If you haven’t heard the songs I’ll make you a tape soon with some of the good ones, ok?   Would you like that?   I haven’t mad e you a tape in a while so I’ll have to do that.
I love French wine!   There is a restaurant in L.A. called LOUIS the XIII (the 13th) and it is so good.  Are RHONE BEAUJOULAIS VILLAGES and BORDEAUX wines the best?  What would you recommend?

So…are you coming to New Orleans next year?   Be sure you give me the dates because I want to go.  Maybe we can meet for lunch/dinner or something.  Alexandre won’t get mad or anything…will he?   Does he understand that we’re just friends now?   It must be a difficult situation.  I know I felt a little funny meeting him (despite our language barriers).It’s amazing what happening in Russia recently.   It looks like Cuba is in for some tough times.  Who knows?  In a few years…maybe Americans will be able to vacation in Cuba again.
Oh yeah…card #3 is of “me” trying to think of what to write.   Card #4 is a fantasy of mine (of me and you).   And this last card #5 is “me” in my new beach outfit (just kidding…as if you believe it for a second).
Hugs to Jonathan…we will have to fix him up with one of my nieces.  They can become pen pals when they get older.  Ha…I’ll let you know of any future developments.   Take a deep breath when the Residence gets hectic.
Love, Michael 
August 31, 1991Hi Mom,I had CREAM OF WHEAT for breakfast today.   Remember who liked to make that?   It’s very hot here in New York.  Every place has the air-conditioning set at a different level.  It’s a perfect way to catch a cold.  I feel the sniffles coming already.Love You,Michael J ArmijoP.S.  There are only three ARMIJO’s in the NY-MANHATTAN White Pages Phone Book (Spooky!):R.M. ArmijoJ ArmijoRichard Armijo
And the next day I found a Black and White photo postcard (for mom) of a little girl by photographer BILL OWENS, taken in California, 1972.   The title of the card:  I WANTED CHRISTINA TO LEARN SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLEANING HER ROOM, BUT IT DIDN’T WORK.
September 1, 1991Mom,When I saw this card I realized why you don’t leave Ashley, Holly or Ally alone in a room.  You are right.  Keep them all in the patio!  Ha-haMy feet are tired of walking all over New York City.I found you a little something for your Birthday which is only five days away!Love You,Michael
Birda sent a sweet card:  THE MIRACLE IS…WE’RE IN THE SAME PLACE AT THE SAME TIME.
Sept. 2, 1991Michael,It’s been almost a month since I’ve talked to you and I thought since I’ve been just hanging around waiting to work for about 8-days that I could (between my busy bike riding with my bike riding friend) write a line or two to let you know I’m OK.
I was so bummed I went and bought a cycle meter for my bike.  It’s great.  It tells how fast, how far, how long and your average MPH and how many miles you’ve put on your bike.  It’s a  VETTA-wireless.  My girlfriend, Jackie, has been riding with me lately.   She’s good for just starting.  She’ll do 15-miles and she’s riding my old bike.  Most people do the beach and back, then quit.  My son has been riding too.  He is better than Jackie but there’s still no one like you!

Oh yeah, Brian is on the TRACK team.  He plays baseball, soccer and basketball.  He is going to St. Joseph’s.  I took your advice and I’m glad I did.  He’s already started and he really likes it.Besides this good news something wonderful happened.  My ex-husband’s Aunt is going to pay for everything.  Every year she donates $5000 to the church.  This year she put it towards Brian’s tuition (includes books and anything else he needs during the year).  I was so relieved because I did not know where another $200 was coming from.   I’ve only worked 9-days in August and it’s getting bad.  I’m having my brother’s ex-girlfriend move-in with me for a month!   Ahhhghh!  It’s only a month.   Then I’m thinking about having my daughter move-in.   She is growing up so fast.  She needs a mom NOW!  I’ve kind of been rambling and you must be bored to tears.   And so…I’ll stop now.   Dry your eyes.  Have a good day and if you have time…write, OK?See Ya Soon,Love, BirdaP.S.  No more plans.  You only had one appendix.  I do believe in miracles though.
Apparently, I’m not the only one with money troubles and debts.  I will concentrate on the miracle.  I believe in them also; however, I know things do not just happen on their own.  I shall focus and plan.
“I’ve discovered that the only way to manage pain is to imagine someone else’s greater pain, a suffering that diminishes your own.”--Viet Thanh Nguyen, THE SYMPATHIZER, a novel