Unexpected Visitors on a Double-Date

The secret of a good memory is attention, and attention to a subject depends upon our interest in it. We rarely forget that which has made a deep impression on our minds.

-Tyron Edwards

Twenty-five years ago today

November 12, 1986
Wednesday

It was another fun-filled day of Pac Bell Directory Training. The trainer, Gladys Pino, reminds me of Kermit the Frog for some reason. She has an unusually shaped figure. She's weird, yet funny, in some respects. I napped after work, feeling so mentally drained from the intensive training day.

I did make it to the gym for one hour.

SAFEWAY received a visit from me. I felt an urge for drinking DIET-7UP. I also bought some YOPLAIT Yogurt and bananas (some of my 'after gym' favorites).

At almost 10PM I received some unexpected visitors on a Wednesday night! It was Greg Manchevitz, Mike Miller and two gals that they somehow ended up double-dating (Lisa and Chloe). I guess stopping at my place was part of the double-date adventure. It was a funny, spontaneous visit. I had Lisa and Chloe sign my House Book, of course.

Chloe wrote:
Hey Mike,
You're personally wondering 'what's happening' and who the hell are we. Well, I'm sitting with these wild and crazy guys, Mike and Greg. My cousin kind of set this night up. I don't regret it at all.
This picture…Don't worry, I'm not mentally disturbed is about the state I'm at—very lost and confused; but for some reason I feel at home. It's very cozy and for a stranger you have wonderful taste. My room is in Black and White. So I agree you have good taste. Since I may possibly never see you again…Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Well, I guess I'll let you go. Take care and never look like this silly shit in this picture.
CHLOE
PS-Good Luck in LIFE and never change your taste.

Lisa wrote:
Hello Mike,
It was nice meeting you on a Wednesday "over the hump day", Nov. 12, 1986. How the hell are you?
Anyway, this picture represents a dream I wish I always did and that was to design dresses. I love the 40s style, shoulder pads, fitted, ha—tapered tight. If you read this days later and are wondering who is this…I came by while you were watching DYNASTY…one of my favorite shows…at least I saw the ending and previews.
Yes, I love design. Anyway I wish I didn't take up so much room but my excuse is the picture took up most of the room. But I really love to write…


I'm getting a buzz off this Carter's cement glue. I remember in sixth grade at St. Elizabeth's in Sister MaryAnn's class our whole class—while in ART class—our whole class would sniff glue and get HIGH. We were big time then (Ha).


Well, I hope I didn't bore you too much.


It was nice meeting you. You have a very nice place.


P/S: I love your art object of the child with rabbit.
Take Care,
Signed LISA

Mike Miller wrote:
Wednesday at exactly 10:00PM in the evening.


I'm writing all schlatzed out because I'm sitting on a crowded couch. Two bottles just landed over my head for a toast. Hi! POT. How are you? I'm sitting here during this earthquake with Greg, Chloe and Lisa on me…and Greg's or Greg and I's (?) first double-date. Sorry about KEN. I haven't listened to any recordings lately on your phone. Anyway, to inform you, we were asked by security guards tonight if we saw a Chinese guy. How strange. PEACE on another warm day in 1986.
Michael Miller

I also received a surprise phone call this evening from Christopher Cordellos.
Since I had company I kept it short and said to Chris, "I will call you on Friday night…after I drop Jeff over in Concord at his girlfriend's house."
Chris started to ask about Jeff and his girlfriend but I added, "I'll explain later."

Greg Manachevitz wrote:

The Double Date Night



Mike Miller over here, Gregory Manachevitz, Chloe Cruz, Lisa Martin Wednesday at 10:35PM.


You're like a pearl in an oyster ready to be picked.


I feel like a Chinese Bar Mitzvah because we are on our first double-date. Everyone's here at the Mike Armijo pad in Bay Farm Island. Gregory Manchevitz is here, Chloe Cruz, and Lisa "Devastating" Martin. The make-up routine Chloe "Enchanting". We are alcoholics because our parents just kicked us out. I love Lisa's voice. It reminds me of my dear friend Spanish Silvia Chacon of KYA, the FM DJ. We all drank a case of wine coolers from SAFEWAY on our first date. We all got high in the bird sanctuary. Keep it white. How the hell R U…Seeing you who is #1. I'm just a #. I'm a free man. Start car, Go to school….


I received a postcard from Johnny Schaeffer of John Wayne.   Johnny obviously remembered that I was born the same day as John Wayne: May 26th (different year, of course).

Jeff Lindfors sent me a postcard as well (an old vintage postcard). Jeff is a nice guy. I hope he doesn't have ulterior motives.

All our progress is an unfolding like the vegetable bud. You have first an instinct, then an opinion, then a knowledge, as the plant has root, bud and fruit. Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson