Living Outside Your Bubble

We have been very happy.
I have often felt completely alone.
There is always in this life something to discover.
The days and the years have gone by in some sort of blur.
On the whole, I am satisfied.
-Alice Munro
from her short story,
The Albanian Virgin

We all become too routine. It is time to remove yourself from your 'bubble'. Go out and get some of that fresh air. Never limit yourself to new discoveries is my 'blog' suggestion for today.

"Doesn't fresh air give us an appetite?"
-Alice Munro
from her short story,
Open Secrets

Twenty-fives year ago today:

Janurary 31, 1984, Tuesday

It is the last day of January 1984 and the month has proved 'key' in a couple of respects. Chris Cordellos and Nancy DeSilva are new faces 'in the picture'.

I made an attempt to call Nancy. She was attending a school 'Rah Rah" game.

I called Paloma and we talked about the upcoming UC Berkeley schedule of events.
"Why don't we go out on Friday night?" I asked her.
Her tone of voice made me feel she was not so thrilled with my idea. I believe Paloma prefers outings with her girlfriends on the weekends. She should know how that made me feel. Her smoking while she speaks to me on the telephone is most annoying. I can hear her 'blow smoke'.

While at work today I told Ben Nunley a few dirty jokes that seemed to tickle his fancy. It was fun. Ben is pretty 'cool'. I guess it's because he laughs at my corny jokes.

I consulted Salima about what business-like attire I should wear on Friday for our section luncheon. Salima always dresses so high-fashion. She is such a sweet 'looker'.

After work I dialed Helen's number.
"I have a rash all over my body," Helen said.
"How did that happen?" I questioned with much concern.
"It may mean food poisoning," she explained, "the doctors are still checking into it."

I went to bed early (by 9pm). I had tried to call Chris Cordellos at Oak Knoll Hospital but here was no record of his name with the Admissions Office. It beats me? I wonder if he had to get the operation after all? I wonder if Nancy will ever return my call?

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Bizarre Love Triangle

"You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely."
-Ogden Nash

It's time for a song. I loved this song when it was introduced by the group NEW ORDER. New Order is an English rock group formed in 1980 by the remaining members of Joy Division following the suicide of singer Ian Curtis.

There is a movie I recently added to my NETFLIX list called CONTROL. It is about the death of Ian Curtis. I look forward to watching this story.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c2_B_cWK_M

Listen to BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDD41R_5eR8

The lyrics:

Every time i think of you
I feel shot right through with a bolt of blue
It's no problem of mine but it's a problem I find
Living a life that I can't leave behind
There's no sense in telling me
The wisdom of a fool won't set you free
But that's the way that it goes
And it's what nobody knows
While every day my confusion grows
Every time I see you falling
I get down on my knees and pray
I'm waiting for that final moment
You'll say the words that I can't say

I feel fine and I feel good
I'm feeling like I never should
Whenever I get this way, I just don't know what to say
Why can't we be ourselves like we were yesterday
I'm not sure what this could mean
I don't think you're what you seem
I do admit to myself
That if I hurt someone else
Then I'll never see just what we're meant to be
Every time I see you falling
I get down on my knees and pray
I'm waiting for that final moment
You'll say the words that I can't say

Twenty-five years ago today:

Monday, January 30, 1984

I submitted my Pacific Bell ideas to the Division Staff Management today. Work went smoothly today. I told Susan, Pat, Mathilda and Ben a dirty joke (the one that ends 'but Mom...you told me not to talk with my mouth full'). Ben got a kick out of it.

I ate lunch at the Pot Belly Deli today.

Leslie Fonseca called me at around 4pm per Salima. I did not call her back. Am I a creep? I don't think so. I will call her when I am in the mood to do so.

I called mom on break to chat a bit. During break I told Salima and Rose that I may be (HOH) 'Head Over Heals' over Nancy. Am I really?

After work I cruised via bicycle to Dad's and ate a couple of tuna sandwiches. I was back home before one could blink an eyelash. The phone rang within minutes of my entering my pad. It was Chris Cordellos.

Chris is interesting but I am worried about his back problem. It sounds very bad. We made definitive plans for a visit to Huntington Beach in June 'no matter what'. Chris tells me he has been considering art, fashion design, sewing and cosmetology as potential careers. He speaks so ambitiously of these fields. He seems to have a lot of ideas. The only problem is that he seems unsure as to where to turn and what to do. I am glad I am his friend. He appreciates my advice. He is always requesting my opinions.

The disc on Chris' lower back fell and may be touching his spinal cord.
"It may require an operation," Chris said.
"If you need it I think you better get it done soon," I advised.
"You're right. I have an appointment any minute," he confirmed.
I went on to share the two classes that I have decided to take at the College of Arts & Crafts in North Oakland.
"That sounds good," he interjected, "I still might move to Arcata, it's near Eureka."

Chris wants to do so many things. It will be interesting to learn when and where things will end up. Chris explained that he was calling me from Oak Knoll Hospital. Poor guy. I wonder if our 'no matter what' trip to Huntington Beach will actually happen.

Later that night I had another call from Chris.
"You won't believe it, Michael. I had a dream about you." he said.
"Really?" I asked, "What was it about?"
"Well, you got married." he announced.
It was funny to hear his words because I think I had the same dream but the bride was a blur. Was it Nancy? Was it Paloma? Who was it?

The 'powers that be' say that we dream about our problems and forecast solutions this way. How true is that? I wonder if (and when) I'll ever marry? I am a bit curious to know. Then again I am willing to wait longer than usual for that 'big step'. If Barbara Reynolds (age 38) and Helen Wong (age 35) have remained single all of this time then why can't I just be happy and 'wait n' see'? What is going to happen? How is it going to be? I will just remain happy for now.

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Strategic Thinking

'Don't be like a river.'
It just flows and goes the easiest way possible.

ESP was always associated with Extra Sensory Perception. As of this week we can match ESP to 'Economic Stimulus Plan'. Who knows if this will work? Something is better than nothing as the global depression continues.

A strategy is necessary.

A strategy is a long term plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. Strategy is differentiated from tactics, or immediate actions, with resources at hand by its nature of being extensively premeditated, and often practically rehearsed. It may be time to read The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money from 1936 that was written by the British economist John Maynard Keynes. It may provide a perfect strategy for NOW, including 'incentives to invest'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Theory_of_Employment,_Interest_and_Money

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, January 29, 1984

Once again I went bicycling but not as much riding as yesterday. I feel so good about my cycling efforts these days. By 10:30am I popped over at mom's to make myself a 'smoothie', followed by Rice Krispies. My appetite is eager after I ride. I slept until 1pm. The needed rest did not stop me as I went on an afternoon bike ride, doing a few repetitive rounds along South Shore beach.

I finally went home and gave Bill Helbush a call. He was being his usual prudish self. He brought up the stupid January 10th incident of affection versus non-affection. What is he trying to say?
"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight," Bill asked.
I didn't feel like driving out to Concord. I felt exhausted after all of my cycling today.
"I appreciate the invitation but why don't we make it another time?" I heard myself say.
And we made a pact that when either one of us feels like calling the other that we will 'just do it'.
However, I have no intention of calling him. His asinine, control-ridden, 'have it his way' attitude is just too overbearing as far as I am concerned.

After writing some futuristic Pacific Bell strategies I received a call from Mom who invited me to accompany her to the South Shore Shopping Center. I agreed and we browsed at Mervyn's and a few other stores, ending with a light lunch. We dropped into the Pic-A-Dilly's boutique (where Sherri is working). We greeted her politely and she was happy to see us.

Once home again I realized it was still daylight and chose to go for another bicycling spin around town. I met up with Suzi Miller and she invited me to stop by her apartment. I ended up sharing a Domino's Pizza with Suzi and her siblings, Michael and Renee. Then Sue made some M&M cookies while Michael was doing his Algebra homework.
"We are going to Hawaii for sure in October," Sue said to me.
"I'm game," I said but wondered to myself if she is all talk and no action.
We all watched TRAPPER JOHN M.D. on TV.
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=trapper%20john%20md&docid=585770009144&FORM=VIVR7
It was late and dark. Michael was kind enough to drive me home. I invited him inside to watch my favorite "Breaking Away" movie. I can watch that one over and over again. We stayed up watching it until 1am. Then he left...unfortunately.
Michael threw me for a loop after the movie when he said, "So now what are you going to do?"
I suppose he was being his usual goofy self. I thought it was nice when he told me he had thought of me for the breaking-in of the New Year.
"Yeah," he said, "I called you before New Years to invite you to go to Tahoe for that weekend."
I may have missed out on a fun adventure.

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Skip the Sugar

'A typical 12 ounce soda contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. Water has no sugar. Replacing one soda daily with water can cut 3,650 teaspoons of sugar a year from your diet. Be healthy.'
-as seen on my Arrowhead Mountain Spring water bottle this very morning

I happened to have a 'panna cotta' dessert last night. I'll be better the rest of the week.

If you want to know more about the Dangers of Sugar then read this list of the '76 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health'.
www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, January 28, 1984

On Saturday morning I awoke thinking of Helen because I spoke to her last night about her sickness and the possibilities of her having mono.

(Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensil with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis isn't as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.)

Helen said she slept for 17 hours straight and still felt tired after she woke up.
I decided to ride my bike from Alameda to San Leandro to deliver her paycheck and W-2 form she had requested. When I arrived she was 'out of it'. I didn't stay very long and rode all the way back to my mom's house.

I had breakfast at mom's and decided to go riding along the beach when I ran into Suzy. She went inside to get her bike and we rode together for a while.

I saw Sheila and Liz after riding again (later in the day). They were so quiet. I seemed to do all of the talking. Then they decided to leave. I say 'later' to them.

I met Kim and Sonia (a couple of girls who were skating). They weren't so 'hot'. I continued to ride when I saw Nancy DeSilva and her pal, Susan. They were laying out on the beach. I decided to lay out with them for a while. It was fun. Nancy looks good in her bathing suit. I hope Nancy didn't catch me eyeing the other girl (Susan) in her leopard pattern bathing suit (or the guy laying out only in his 501 jeans...for that matter). Nancy did look the best and most eye-catching through my eyes. Am I 'HOH' (Head Over Heels) once again? Perhaps it is just infatuation right now.

I saw Michael Miller ride by while I continued riding. We exchanged a few pleasant words on the beautiful day. Finally it was time to head home. No one called me, so I went to mom's. I watched part of that 'Jealousy' movie with my folks.

Oh yes, Frank called to suggest a movie outing. I felt those 'stay at home' vibes and passed on the invitation. Besides, I didn't feel like being the usual chauffeur.

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What Lies Within Us

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

You may have heard about Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple Computer, and his pancreatic cancer. When you think about what lies within you (besides the mental intricacies) think about your internal organs. Yoga and/or a 'silence of the mind' will take you deeper. You are your best doctor.

Before bedtime place your hand gently below your abdomen (just under the belly button) and sense the movement of your breathing. It is something I learned in my THE FOURTH R (Relaxation) class taken in college. It's a therapeutic do-it-yourself meditation. Do you detect something within? If you do it may be time for a thorough examination immediately. Be proactive, not reactive when it comes to your inner self.

A woman sat in the front seat of an airplane to reapply her lipstick, blot her lips with tissues from her purse, pinch her cheeks for color, and check her hair. She is so concerned with her exterior. What lies within her? What lies within you?

Today in Bellflower, California a woman gave birth to octuplets. Yes, that's right! Eight newborn babies born all at once (six girls and two boys). These infants are no longer within this mother (Thank God for the relief). Imagine that delivery! Phew!

Jan 27, 2009 2:45 pm US/Pacific
Doctor Says Newborn Octuplets Appear HealthyBELLFLOWER, Calif. (AP) ―

Doctors Karen Maples, Harold Henry, and Mandhir Gupta speak on Jan. 27, 2009, at a news conference after a mother gave birth to eight babies at the Kaiser Permanente Bellflower Medical Center in Bellflower, Calif.

Newborn octuplets in Southern California are a feisty bunch that appear healthy even at nine weeks premature, a doctor said Tuesday.

Three babies are being given oxygen but appeared to be doing well, said Dr. Mandhir Gupta, a neonatologist at Kaiser Permanente Bellflower Medical Center. Two of the newborns were initially on ventilators but no longer need them.

At least four could be ready for their first oral feeding later Tuesday.

"All the babies were delivered vigorously, crying and kicking," he said.

The mother, who has not been identified, gave birth Monday to the six boys and two girls weighing between 1 pound, 8 ounces, and 3 pounds, 4 ounces. She was resting comfortably Tuesday and was elated at welcoming eight children to her family, Gupta said.

The eighth baby surprised the parents and doctors who had prepared to deliver seven children.

"It is quite easy to miss a baby when you're anticipating seven," said Dr. Harold Henry, chief of maternal and fetal medicine and one of 46 doctors, nurses and assistants who delivered the children by Caesarean section.

Two of the newborns -- the second live octuplets born in U.S. history -- were initially put on ventilators but were later removed.

The mother checked into the hospital in her 23rd week of pregnancy. Hospital officials would not say whether she had used fertility drugs, which make multiple births more likely.

The babies -- dubbed with the letters A-through-H -- will probably remain in the hospital for at least two months and the mother could be released in a week.

The world's first live octuplets were born in March 1967 in Mexico City, but all died within 14 hours, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

The United States' first live octuplets were born in Houston in 1998, three months premature. The tiniest died a week after the birth. The surviving siblings turned 10in December of 2008.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 27, 1984

7:15am-"Rise and shine!" I thought to myself. Believe me I was not shining. I was sleepy after the late night I-BEAM dancing of the previous night. I made it to work any way. I actually sold nine custom calling features by the end of the day.

I popped over to 'Jack-In-The-Box' on Broadway all by my lonesome for lunch. The people around there were pretty cruddy looking. Ugh!

I made a point to call mom on my break to see what she was up to.

Friday's are nice.

I arrived home and intended on an evening bike ride but my Dad called and put a damper on it. He wanted me to pay the February rent tonight.
"Whoa, it's not due until February 1st," I reminded him. And so that's when he'll get it. I can't blame him for wanting to clean up his monthly books early though.

I received a birthday card from Pat Shikuzawa. It freaked me out. I guess she thinks my Birthday is January 26th instead of May 26th. What a "wench"! I have four months to go. I need to remind her to "NOT" rush it for me.

Suzy Miller called while I was reviewing the California College of Arts & Crafts Spring Extension catalog program. I want to take Calligraphy and a Production & Design course. It's only $200 cheap (but 'what the hell', it's only money). I have to think about the enjoyment I shall get from it. I am going for "it" in 1984. It will be the beginning of my extensive journey into the field of ART.

I believe Suzy wanted to go to a movie but I can't really afford it now, so I avoided the topic of 'going out'.
"Why don't you come over here," I suggested.
"...but I'll fall asleep like last time," she laughed.
"Horse feathers," I said, wondering where I heard that phrase before.
If she really wanted to see me she'd come over 'for me' and not suggest an outing for me to drive and pay her way into a $5.50 flick. Haha. I am feeling cheap tonight.

My dad called me two more times to simply talk. It was nice of him to do that. Did he think I might be lonely?

I still haven't found my gray BeBe jacket. I need to back track in my mind and figure out where it could be...

I found my jacket. Later that evening I found it in the washing machine. It's an indicator of how often I open my washing machine. Smiles.

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Bill Gates' Passion

"The poorer you are, the worse the impact is."
-Bill Gates

Happy Chinese New Year! It is today, January 26, 2009.

Today is also the day that Bill Gates published his first annual letter on behalf of his goals and accomplishments for The Gates Foundation.
www.gatesfoundation.org/annual-letter/Pages/2009-annual-letter-introduction.aspx

Bill Gates' twin passions are:
1. Health and Development in the poorest nations
and
2. Education in America

Page 9 of his 2009 Annual Letter gives his views of the current economic crisis:
www.gatesfoundation.org/annual-letter/Pages/2009-economic-crisis.aspx
I love that the GATES FOUNDATION provides jobs for those who want to help. I honor and believe in their cause.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 26, 1984
I was so slicked up in my new blue suit. I looked rather dashing (if I do say so myself). When I arrived at the Hyatt for the conference I wanted to sit next to Barbara Reynolds. However, Don ‘the dork’ Starkey took over and gave my hopeful seat to “Cookie”. What the hell! I sat next to Dana Mitchell and Linda Leyman (the ex-nun!). It was a fun filled day despite all of the formalities.
I was appointed team captain for my group. Most everyone applauded and loved my presentation. I am glad. I thought I got a bit ‘shaky’—for some reason. It had been a while since I was up in front of a live audience. One tends to feel that stage fright. Then when you’re in action and it all seems to be working out it makes you feel confident and more relaxed.
During the entire conference I felt good vibes about Pacific Bell. It seems I will get recognized for management eventually. I did share a few ambitious words with Nancy Guzman, so who knows. I do plan on submitting some future ideas for the company. I feel I am truly getting noticed this time. I have to devise a great strategy. I know it.
I went up and had a drink or two up at The Toppers Bar at the Hyatt afterwards. It was fun.
When I arrived home I changed into something comfortable and called Paloma at 6pm.
“So, do you still feel like the I-BEAM,” I asked Paloma per the telephone.
“Yes, of course,” she said with a tone of surprise.
“Great. I’ll be over there by 8:30 to pick you up,” I said excitedly.

I exercised a good while when Bill Helbush called ‘out of the blue’. We seemed to be chatting about ‘nothing’.
“So why haven’t you called me?” Bill finally questioned his real reason for his call.
“I’ve just been busy with work and all. Have you been to the skating rink lately?” I asked.
“Yeah, I just happened to talk to George Jones last week and the week before. We were talking about you,” he blurted, knowing I would find this interesting.
My voice was gruff, as if I had just dined on pretzel sticks. “You were?”
“Yeah, we talked about you and your hang-ups, problems and what have you,” Bill said.
“Oh really…tell me the details,” I urged.
Laughter came from his voice. “It’s something we’d have to discuss face-to-face,” he retorted.

Should I have been appalled? No. I refused to weaken. I just wonder what George may have said.
“Okay Bill, I’ll call you on Sunday Day and maybe we can get together to talk more about it,” I replied.
Besides I have Bill’s shirt to return.

Frank Vasconcellos called soon afterwards to report of his love for some girl named Laura.
“We should have a threesome,” he suggested.
Now that’s an idea with the right third party I thought.
“Tammy is still going out a lot lately,” Frank said loudly as if he was sharing a secret.
“Oh yeah,” I replied as if I were interested.
“That Bill guy tried to proposition me last Tuesday at the rink,” Frank added, “he seems overly sleazy.”
I listened with interest.
“I wonder about him. I’m afraid I might catch something from him,” Frank continued.
“It’s a possibility…I’ll say,” I laughed.

It was time to leave for Paloma when the telephone rang once more. This time it was Chris Cordellos, calling from Riverside. He called to tell me he was being admitted to USC Medical Center tomorrow. He mentioned a possible disc and splinter problems with his back. It sounded painful. I hope he gets better.

Soon I found myself driving into ‘The City’ with Paloma. The traffic congestion was frightening even though Paloma’s gasps and reactions were even more frightful. We finally reached the I-BEAM Dance club.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-Beam_(nightclub)

Paloma and I danced non-stop. I can feel that we dance and ‘move’ well together. A few guys were giving Paloma the eye and it made me jealous. Then again I noticed some guys giving me the eye, too. Strange place…let me tell you! It had great music and such neat videos.

I felt like I was driving forever. My back was killing me, so it’s no wonder that Chris’ back is out of whack after driving from Concord to Riverside! I finally arrived in Berkeley to drop Paloma off at home only to learn that Paloma was locked out of the house! The night was over after her finale kiss.

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Run After Me

"Run after me
and I will run away,
Run away
and I will run after you."
-Paloma Sanchez Guerra-Alquier

I am starting to detect early signs of Springtime here in Southern California.
It reminds me of a recent poem that I came across:

The grass may wither, but the roots die not
and when Spring comes it renews its full life;
Only grief, so long as its roots remain,
Even without Spring, is of itself reborn.
-Ch'en Shan-Min,
Sung Dynasty

Twenty-five years ago today

January 25, 1984, Wednesday

I called Paloma at 9am to invite her a 'second time' for lunch on this day.
"I have to be at school at 11:30 today," Paloma declared.
I assume this means I will be taking a rain check for some other time.

Helen was absent again from work. I tried calling her to express concern. She was still asleep. Is she really sick?

I broke down at lunchtime and enjoyed a 'hot dog'. I called mom during my lunch hour.
"What's new, mom?"
"Well, I called Cecelia and told her that I'm going to be a grandma," she said with a bit of laughter.
Abruptly I cleared my throat. "Ah, so the news is out."

I never received a call back from Bill Myers at that San Francisco Placement Center today. What gives? What a flake. It's his loss anyway.

Carol Barling, Assistant Manager at Pacific Telephone, overheard me tell Rose that I received a job offer. She kept trying to eavesdrop. What a nosey wench! I am still curious as to why Carol Barling made print copies of my personal telephone bill. That is my business. I can only wonder if I am even trusted within my own company. It pisses me off. I should question the matter. I will do something if I sense her persistence. I think she hates me or is jealous of me for some reason.

Tomorrow is our conference at the Oakland Hyatt. I can't wait to impress every one with my new business suit.

I filled my 'ARMIJO5' mustang with fuel at the MOBIL station right after work. I heard my phone ringing in the house as I drove into the garage. I missed a call from Chris Cordellos. I believe it was him because he called five minutes later.
"Yeah, I wanted to call to tell you that my back is acting up. It hurts me when I walk," he explained.
Chris has a recurring back problem due to some car accident (I think). He said he was calling from Riverside. It surprised me that he would call long-distance from there.
"I hope you feel better," I said with a touch of empathy.

Chris is a nice guy. He seems to keep to his word. He was to call me today and he actually did.
"I will call you on Friday with the latest chain of events regarding my back and the report from the hospital," Chris promised me.

I ate dinner at mom's and watched the Ronald Reagan State of the Union Address with my Dad.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQwcAxgSW7s&feature=related

When I returned to my pad I found a message on my machine from Jackie Woods, the black girl that I met at STARGAZE, a dance club in Fremont, who seems to have a crush on me. I neglected to return her call but I did call Nancy DeSilva once again. Nancy and I made a date for next Saturday, February 4th.
"I might drive by this weekend and see you bike riding, too," she said in her flirtatious way.
I thought quietly to myself, "Yeah, sure...if you're lucky."
We continued the telephone conversation on various subjects such as school, my cousin Patrick Markus, cheer leading, high school sports, Art, Chabot College, exercise, Los Angeles, and southern California beaches. Nancy seems to be a real "Rah Rah type" and a gal who is very much 'on the move'. I shall learn more during our forthcoming date.

I called Helen who explained that she had left work early on Monday because she was vomiting.
"I may not return to work until next week sometime," Helen said.
I will miss her.

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Are You A Clan Mother ?

Sherlock Holmes’ advice to Dr. Watson in THE SIGN OF FOUR:
“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, is the TRUTH.”

A couple of weeks ago I completed the reading of The Seven Daughters of Eve (The Science that reveals our genetic ancestry) by Bryan Sykes. I would strongly recommend the book for any of you with any interest in reconnecting with the mysteries of our deep past in order to enhance your 'sense of self'. You may buy a used copy at Amazon for about six US dollars:
www.amazon.com/Seven-Daughters-Eve-Bryan-Sykes/dp/0393323145/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232826514&sr=8-1
Or...you may just want to read the lines that captured me while I was reading it (below).

The question of a clan mother has stirred my mind in the last few weeks. My mother was NOT a clan mother because she had three sons. A modern day CLAN MOTHER is a ANY WOMAN alive today with two daughters. These women have the potential to be the founder of a CLAN.

My grandmother, Mary Genevieve Leyba-Lucero is a clan mother. She has six sons and three daughters. Her three daughters (Virginia, Betty and Lillian) all carried the mtDNA they received from their clan mother. Virginia only had 3 sons. Betty had one daughter and Lillian had a daughter and son. Only Lillian's daughter, Shonette West-Freestone has had a daughter, Tori Michele Freestone (b. 1992). Tori is the only great granddaughter that carries the same mtDNA. It is hopeful that Tori will have a daughter some day.

A woman who had only sons could NOT be a clan mother because her children would never pass on the mitochondrial DNA they received from her. That is the first RULE.
The mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) can only be passed on by a woman. The mtDNA is the prime molecular interpreter of our human past.

My paternal grandmother, Matilde Garcia had five daughters (Esther, Julia, Nellie, Jennie and Josie). Only three of her daughters gave her granddaughters. Esther had Cecilia and Judy; Cecelia had a daughter (Jessica Markus b.1984) & Judy had two daughters, Leandra (b. 1991 & Alicia b. 1992). Nellie had five daughters but only three of her daughters had girls: Mary had Alisha Cordova; Rebecca had Jessica Banks (b. 1985) and Yolanda had Michelle (b. 1982) and Gabrielle (b.1990). Josie had only one daughter, Gloria, who had a daughter named Jennifer (b.1977). It is up to these great granddaughters to have more daughters to determine if Matilde really was a clan mother. The likelihood that the great-granddaughters Jessica Markus, Leandra, Alicia, Alisha, Jessica Banks, Michelle, Gabrielle and Jennifer will have more daughters is very likely; whereby, Matilde's mtDNA will continue to be passed on.

My sister-in-law, Sherri Lewis-Armijo, had three daughters. She is a modern day clan mother. My sister-in-law, Helen Wong-Armijo, had two daughters. She is a modern day clan mother. Are you a clan mother?

Of the 'Seven Daughters of Eve' I believe I descend from the JASMINE clan based on what I know and have read, but I cannot be 100% proof positive.

**********************************************************************************
The Seven Daughters of Eve
by Bryan Sykes

Where do I come from?
How often have you asked yourself that question? We may know our parents, even our grandparents; not far beyond that, for most of us the trail begins to disappear into the mist.

I have discovered that…we are all connected through our mothers to only a handful of women living tens of thousands of years ago.

Like any walk of life, science has its ups and downs, its heroes and its villains.

Since my research team in Oxford had been the first in the world to recover traces of DNA from ancient human bones, I was called in to see whether we could find any DNA in the ICEMAN.

The ICEMAN…was placed between 5,000 and 5,350 years old.

The past is within us all. Every one living in Europe can trace an unbroken genetic link to one of only seven women.

All of us…carry in our cells the survivors of these fantastic journeys—our genes.

Collagen is the main protein not only in living bones but also in the dead ones.

Kary Mullis won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1993. It mean that you could now get an unlimited amount of DNA to work on from even the tiniest piece of tissue.

Enzymes are the catalysts of biology, making things happen much more quickly than they otherwise would.

DNA resurrected, literally, from the grave.

What counts in science is not being the first to do an experiment but being the first to publish the results.

The father of genetics is Gregor Mendel, a monk in the town of Brno in the Czech Republic who laid the foundation for the whole of genetics from his experimental breeding of peas in the monastery garden in the 1860s.

In 1953 two young scientists working in Cambridge, England (James D Watson and Francis Clark) solved the molecular structure of a substance: DNA: “deoxyribonucleic acid”.

Watson and Clark were rewarded by the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology in 1962.

DNA has just four key components:
A, adenine
C, cytosine
G, guanine
T, thymine.
There are twenty amino acids in all.

The first blood transfusions were recorded in Italy in 1628,but so many people died from the severe reactions that the practice was banned there, as well as in France and England.

It was 1900 before the biologist, Karl Landsteiner, worked out what was happening and discovered the first human blood group system: Groups A, B, AB and O.

The Rhesus blood group (derived from the Rhesus monkey)…

The continent’s (Europe) most influential genetic population were the fiercely independent Basques of northwest SPAIN and SouthWest France. The Basques are unified by their common language, Euskara, which is unique in Europe in that it has no linguistic connection with any other living language.

The Basques provided us with an invaluable clue to genetic history of the whole of Europe (which only began when Arthur Mourant started to look closely at the Rhesus blood groups).

French anthropologist, H.V. Vallois described features of the skeletons of contemporary Basques as having more in common with fossil humans from about 20,000 years ago than with modern people from other parts of Europe.

Basques had by far the lowest frequency of blood group B of all the population groups in Europe.

Basques were descended from the original inhabitants of Europe.

Populations with similar gene frequencies were more likely to be closely related to each other.

In NATURE, a scientific paper, a breakout came in January 1987 with mtDNA (Mitrochondrial DNA and human evolution).

If two people have very similar mtDNA then they are more closely related…than two people with very different mtDNA. They have a common ancestor who lived more recently in the past.

As time passes, more random changes are added to the DNA.

It is ‘the mixing that marks the history of every living species’.

150,000 years ago…the whole of the human species was much younger and more closely related than many people thought.

Modern homosapiens, the species to which we all belong, originated in AFRICA. An earlier type of human (home erectus) was an evolutionary intermediate between ourselves and much older and more ape-like fossils.

The common mtDNA ancestor of all monder humans lived only about 150,000 years ago.

mtDNA…is the prime molecular interpreter of the human past.

The genetic code in mtDNA is slightly different from the one that is used in the nuclear chromosomes.

Every one gets their mtDNA from only one parent…their MOTHER.

150,000 years of human evolution…say 6,000 generations at 25 years per generation

On my way back home that night, while I was thinking about something else, I experienced one of those rare moments when an idea suddenly arrives from the recesses of the mind, goodness knows how, and you know within a millisecond that it is the answer to your problem, even though you haven’t had time to work out why.

All the pet hamsters in the world really do come from a single female.

On July 16, 1918 The Romanov’s were condemned to death.
It had taken less than three minutes to put an end to a dynasty that had ruled Russia for 300 years.
The house is no longer there. It was demolished in 1977 on the orders of the young Boris Yeltsin.

It was concluded from the skeletons that the nine bodies were those of the Tsar and Tsarina; three of their five children: Maria, Tatiana and Olga; their physician, Dr. Eugeny Botkin; and three servants, Alexei Trupp the valet, Ivan Kharitonov the cook and Anna Demidova, the Tsarina’s maid.

They didn’t have to be especially close relatives; the real power of mtDNA is that it is not diluted by distance.

The Tsar had an unbroken maternal connection through his grandmother Louise of Hesse-Cassel, the Queen of Denmark, to a Count Nicolai Trubetskoy (70 years old and living a peaceful retirement on the Cote d’Azur after a lifetime as a merchant banker).

Proof can never be absolute. It is always relative.

Evidence climbs higher towards 100 percent proof.

The Tsar’s mother, Empress Marie Fedorovna, exiled in Copenhagen, did more than anyone to keep alive the myth that her family had survived.

If any two people trace their maternal line back…eventually the two lines will converge on ONE WOMAN. The only difference between any two people is this: How long ago did this woman live?

To put dates on to this we need to know the mutation rate for mtDNA.

If two people have exactly the same control region sequence, their common ancestor will have lived, on average, some time in the last 10,000 years.

If any two people can trace a common maternal ancestor, it follows that any GROUP of people can do the same.

The greatest maritime explorers the world has ever seen is the Polynesians.
While there are only 4 blood groups (A, B, AB and O) there are scores of different tissue types.

Curacao mixed with champagne makes the cocktail BLUE LAGOON. Whatever it is they use to colour Curacaos is not destroyed in the human stomach.

I had to be sure that 247, the defining variant of Polynesian mtDNA was not abundant in the Americas.

The Polynesians had come from Asia.

The ancestors of the Polynesians began their epic journey in either coastal China or Taiwan.

For archaeologists, potter with an identifiable style is a real BONUS.

Polynesians sailed off into a void, not only unable to see land but not knowing if there was any.

Fossil evidence in Europe about 45,000 years ago of humans with much lighter skeletons and skulls which are virtually indistinguishable from those of modern Europeans are known as the CRO-MAGNONS.

All modern Europeans trace their ancestry back to the Cro-Magnons.

Neanderthals were NOT our ancestors.

The mule is the fruit of accidental or intentional mating between a male donkey and a female horse.

Mules cannot produce offspring.

The Neanderthals are extinct: completely replaced in Europe by the Cro-Magnons.

When the last Neanderthal died, 28,000 years ago, there was only one human species left to rule the planet (ours).

The Basques have long been considered the last survivors of the original hunter-gatherer population of Europe. The Basques are proud of their distinctiveness. The Basques, the last survivors of the age of the hunter-gatherers, should have a ver different spectrum of mtDNA sequences. The Basques had none of the 7th DNA cluster with the much younger date.

What about the young cluster that was absent from The Basques?
The young cluster split into two branches: from the Balkans across the Hungarian plain AND
The other was confined to the Mediterranean coast as far as Spain, then could be traced around the coast of Portugal and up the Atlantic coast to Western Britain.

The young cluster makes up only 20 percent of Modern Europeans.

The languages spoken in Europe today all stem from a common root called Indo-European. The exceptions are the Basques’ Euskara and the Uralic languages: Finnish, Estonian, Lapp and Hungarian.

Cambridge archaeologist Colin Renfrew deduced that the original Indo-European language was spoken in Anatolia (central Turkey) and was then spread to Europe by the first farmers.
The very first estimate of the mutation rate was made by comparing the differences between humans and their closest relative, chimpanzees, and combining this with the time since they last shared a common ancestor, estimated at between four and six million years ago.

Native Americans arrived on the continent about 12,000 years ago.

When tracking back to a common ancestor between two modern people, as Bryan Sykes did when estimating the date of the common ancestor between himself and the Tsar, THERE ARE TWO LINEAGES.

The Y-chromosome has only one purpose in life: TO CREATE MEN.

The world record holder is Moulay Ismail, Emperor of Morocco, who is alleged to have had 700 sons (so presumably as many daughters) by the time he was 49 in 1721. He died in 1727…so there was another 6 years to have some more.
The most prolific woman comes way behind this. She is Fedora Vassilyev, a Russian woman who produced 69 children between 1725 and 1765.

Seven women (The CLAN mothers): Ursula, Xenia, Helena, Velda, Tara, Katrine and Jasmine.

It is likely that Taiwan is an even earlier origin of the Polynesian clan.

The main occupation of the Ursula clan was ‘finding food to live on’.

Velda (Western Europe)…many of Velda’s children have travelled a long way from Velda’s home in the hills of Cantabria.

Judging from the signs of disease, retained in their bones, the health of the early farmers suffered a sharp decline compared to their hunter-gatherer antecedents.

The descendants of six of the daughters (Ursula, Xenia, Helena, Velda, Tara and Katrine) moved north to reclaim the great European plain.

New evidence from Europe favors our genetic roots being embedded firmly in the Upper Palaeolithic.

Jasmine…one distinctive branch follows the Mediterranean coast to Spain & Portugal, whence it has found its way to the west of Britain (particularly Cornwall, Wales and the west of Scotland).

This book is about EUROPE. Sykes has analyzed and published mtDNA sequences from several thousand people from all corners of the globe. The end result of this analysis is that we have discovered 26 OTHER clans of equivalent status in the rest of the world (26 more women other than the 7 Daughters of Eve).

The clans converge until there is only one ancestor.
She was dubbed “Mitochondrial Eve’.
We are ALL her direct maternal descendants.
Estimates of the size of the human population (150,000 years ago) are bound to be not much more than guesswork, but it may have been in the order of 1 or 2 thousand individuals.

The genetics tells us very clearly that modern humans had their origins in AFRICA within the last 150,000 years.

Four mtDNA clans dominate the genetics of Native Americans.
All four clans have easily reconstructed and have obvious genetic links with people living in SIBERIA or North/Central Asia today.

We will never know all the details of these journeys over thousands of years and thousands of miles, but we can at least imagine them.

The family trees of more modest households are built up around a scaffold of paternal inheritance. The immediate cause of this male monopoly on the past is simply that the written records o which ALL GENEALOGY depends rely heavily on the use of SURNAMES.

We are all a complete mixture; yet at the same time, we are all related.

***********************************************************************************

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 24, 1984, Tuesday

Today I sold eleven custom-calling features. Hooray for me! Helen called in sick again. Ouch.

I called Paloma but she couldn't meet me for lunch today.
"I have a lot of errands to do," she explained.
Oh well, I ate lunch alone at the Souper Express. The sun was coming through the window and it gave me a nice summer feeling.

Every one at work is looking forward to the conference this Thursday. It could be rewarding. Who knows when it comes to those things? As I browsed the newspapers today the VISA and ITEL companies looked interesting to me.

After a little roast beef dinner at mom's house I returned to my pad. I was pleased to receive a phone call from Paloma.
"Hi Michael, where is the 916 area code?" she asked.
"Oh, that's the Sacramento area," I answered.
She also called to find out what I was doing, so we talked a bit more.
"I am reading my new magazine called CONNOSSIEUR," I told her, hoping she might be impressed with the French word.
We made tentative plans for a dancing date on Thursday night.

After I hung up with Paloma I decided to try calling Nancy DeSilva one more time. Again, she was not at home.

I showered.

Paloma called me again.
"Oh, I just wanted to tell you about that new song by Christopher Cross called 'LAURA'," Paloma continued, "it sounds good."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYEWeBarLww

John and I tried to nap when Barbara Reynolds called me to discuss the possible idea of Art Classes that I might be interested in taking. That was thoughtful of her to think of me that way.

Since I was awake I decided to give Paige LeBris a call. We were open with one another and spoke of our current relationships. She refreshed my memory.
"You know, when you lived in Sacramento you once said 'most girls don't want to get serious'," Paige said.
When she uttered those words I suddenly realized it is 'me' who is not so sure whether to get serious. I began to think to myself as Paige kept talking. There is Tammy. There is Paloma. What do I really want from them? A wife? Not yet. Kids? Not yet.
Paige continued, "I may come up to visit in mid-February. I don't know for sure."

I received another phone call from Bill Snyder. Bill works for the San Francisco Placement Center. He offered me a job at $16,000 annually with some pharmaceutical firm, selling to doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, etc. He said it would entail the sale of some antibiotic type medications.
"Would you like me to pursue this position for you," Bill asked.
"Yes," I said even though I thought the salary was not high enough. I wondered if it included a car and expenses? Bill said he would call me tomorrow at my office. I am too nice. I hate to let him down. Then again, who knows. Time will tell.

Oh yeah, I just remembered how funny I thought it was when Paige told me she thought 'George Jones' was gay during that weekend she had met him. That made me laugh. She is much more connected than I thought.

The end of my evening was shared with my brother, John, and his girlfriend, Sherri. We watched one of my all-time favorite movies (Three Days of the Condor).
It was good to view once again. I love that film.

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A New Life

'A new life was not easily or quickly accomplished when secrets must be kept.
-Bette Bao Lord


I remember now. I cannot recall the exact words but we all have our memories. It was back in January 1984 when my friend, Michael Padazinski, was thinking of becoming a priest. He had just turned twenty-eight years old.
"What's it all about?" I asked.
He hesitated. He smiled. Did he really know?
"You have to do what's right for you." I advised.
Did I really have any influence on his decision. It makes me think of the Law of Attraction and Quantum Physics:

The Law of Attraction teaches that we attract into our lives whatever we focus on. Quantum Physics teaches that nothing is fixed, that there are no limitations, that everything is vibrating Energy. By understanding that everything is Energy in a state of potential and by applying the Law of Attraction to bring into our lives what we focus on, it is never necessary to feel stuck with an undesirable life.

Yesterday, I received a reply to my letter sent on January 5, 2009 after I located Michael Padazinski via my Internet surf search. I was taken aback-in a good way- by how he wrote how I was instrumental in his current status:

20th of January 2009

Dear Michael,
On this, my 53rd birthday, I pen this note.

It is truly a beautiful day; the sun is shining brightly, our new President has taken his oath of office and a new day for our country has dawned. It is a day filled with blessing and hope and I cannot be anything other than optimistic!

I believe it was you who asked: "What's it all about?"
Today, I reflect. I find myself asking that same question. One reason for this is that within the past three weeks, three acquaintances from long ago have unexpectedly reentered in my life--YOU being one of them!

I cannot tell you how profoundly impacted I have been these past few weeks by this happening. All three people have shared pivotal moments in my journey through life and have, in one way or another, been instrumental in helping me become the person I am today.

When I received your card a couple of weeks ago, a flood of memories cascaded through my mind. I remember fondly my time working for Pacific Telephone. That capter in my life afforded me the opportunity to meet some very kind and thoughtful people, such as yourself.

Michael, it was great to receive your note. I look forward to our paths crossing again, reconnecting after many years. In the meantime, know that I wish you only the best of everything.
Cheers!
Michael

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 23, 1984, Monday

Helen returned to work today. We caught up on things. I told her how I thought Paloma wanted to get serious. At least that is the impression I am feeling.
I thought I was putting Paloma on the spot when I said, "Of all of the guys you have met since being in California tell me the Top five...and where do I rate?"
"What?" she asked with a puzzling look, "You're the only one."
Then, of course, she laughed aloud making me realize that she was kidding with me.
Who knows? Perhaps she wasn't ready to share her secret list of men.

Once again, Helen Wongs' advice helped me.
"Don't limit yourself, she said, "go out and have some fun."
I especially liked this answer because I was feeling that no one girl had certain qualities that I liked. There was not one that was "A+" because there's always just 'a little' something that misses with me (a smoking habit, head isn't on straight, a sixteen month old child that is not mine, too high-schoolish an attitude, etc.). Sheila seems a tad more grown-up though. She is the youthful bicyclist that I did not see last Saturday (and may never have the opportunity to see again).

After work I came straight home and called Paloma immediately. I suggested we have lunch together tomorrow. The lunch is still 'up in the air'. I munched on a french croissant and some graham crackers. I napped until 8:20pm.

Nancy DeSilva was not home when I called her, so I gave up after the second attempt. I called Paige LeBris and she was not at home either. Her mom thought I was 'Kevin' or another 'Mike'? Beats me. Oh well...

I called Michael Padazinski and we caught up on a few things. He is such a nice guy. I like his company a lot. I am proud to know someone who can take control of his life and make such a step as to actually choose to enter the seminary. We arranged a plan to visit the St. Patrick's Seminary and University in Menlo Park on February 11th (not far from Stanford University). It could prove a rewarding visit. I know it will be interesting to view a touch of a new life. I am semi-interested, but whether I would be able to make that move is highly questionable. I do not think it is very likely. I gave Michael an update on our office happenings. He told me a bit about the Archdiocese of here, there and everywhere. It is 'Another World'.

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Armijo Origins: Nicolas the Great

"Only a life lived for others is worth living."
-Albert Einstein

My father, Joe Nelson Armijo, never knew his grandfather. He only knew his father, Jose Antonio Armijo. I remember my father sharing the story of his fathers' death.

In March 1955, my father was 19 years old and had to manage all of the funeral arrangements. He flew from the Bay Area to Santa Fe, New Mexico under his mothers' instructions. His brother was too young (age 15). He was the only one in attendance at the funeral.
"I felt sad," my dad said.
Knowing this has always made me sad as I cannot imagine a sole person greiving at a loved one's funeral.

My father always said that his father was forty-seven years old (in 1935) when he was born. He wasn't sure if he ever had any children with another woman in his twenties or thirties or early forties. That remains a mystery. My grandfather is pictured here (Jose Antonio Armijo) in a photo taken around 1940.

When I was living in Los Angeles in the early 1990's I took it upon myself to visit the Mormon Temple to spend some time doing family history research. I knew my grandfather had a brother named Jesus and that they lived in the Mora County region of New Mexico around 1900. I found 1900 census records showing my grandfather, Jose Antonio Armijo. It showed his siblings (Maria, Teofilo, Concepcion, Jesus and Navorsita). More importantly, it showed the names of my Great grandparents: NICOLAS & MARIA JUANITA ARMIJO.

For my blog today I choose to refer to my Great Grandfather as 'Nicolas the Great'. I wish I could have shared this knowledge with my own father, but my father had passed away in August 1987. 'Nicolas the Great' was born around 1842 in the State of New Mexico.

According to the USA June 1, 1900 National Archive Census Records, Nicolas and Maria Juanita Armijo lived in the village of ABUELO in Mora County, New Mexico, USA. They owned a farm in the village. It specifically stated on the record that Nicolas owned the farm and adjacent land "free and clear": District 73, Precint 19, Township of Abuelo Cebolla. The surname ARMIJO originates as far as Laredo, Spain (the Basque region of Western Europe). It is found in Santander and in old Castilla and later in Andalucia, Spain. It is a Castilian name first found in the village of Laredo (in Santander).

My Great grandfather, 'Nicolas the Great' can easily trace his Spanish roots from the well known DURAN de ARMIJO Family per this historical information found under the ARMIJO Project for FamilyTreeDNA.com:

Francisco de Armijo (born ca. 1565 in Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain); married Guiomar de Orozco ca. 1585 in Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain. A listing of passengers coming from Spain to the West Indies between 1586-1599 stated that Francisco de Armijo came into New Spain in 1590 as a merchant for three years, that he was from Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain, was married, and was the son of Anton de Armijo and Maria de Madrid. A further search confirmed that he came again to New Spain (now known as Zacatecas, Mexico) from Sevilla in 1597. On this second trip, he brought his wife, Guiomar de Orozco, and their four children: Maria, Benita, Antonio, and Ursula de Armijo.

Antonio de Armijo married Francisca de Medina on the 27 of July 1614 in Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico. The marriage record stated that Antonio was the son of Francisco de Armijo and Guiomar de Orozco.

Antonio de Armijo (born on the 7 of September 1633 in Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico); married Damiana Violante ca. 1649 in Zacatecas, Mexico. Antonio was also found as a witness in two marriage investigations: one on the 23 of March 1686 and another on the 29 of March 1686 in Zacatecas, Mexico, wherein he stated his age.

Joseph de Armijo (born ca. 1650 in Zacatecas, Mexico); married Catalina Duran ca. 1674 in Zacatecas, Mexico. Another marriage (1st?) was found for Joseph de Armijo and Antonia de Hernandez on the 11 of September 1667 in Mexico City, Mexico, stating he was from Zacatecas, Mexico and the mestizo son of Antonio de Armijo and Damiana Violante. Joseph de Armijo's second wife Catalina Duran arrived in New Mexico in May of 1695 as a widow with the Zacatecas colonists and her four sons: Antonio, Marcos, Joseph, and Vicente, all whom used the double surname of "Duran de Armijo." This is the Armijo line, which is the progenitor of all Armijos who have roots in New Mexico.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 22, 1984

Chris Cordellos called me around 10am. I was still in bed but managed to answer the phone. We talked about what we would do regarding the Super Bowl today. I told him I would let him know after I made a few calls.

I called Paloma.
"I doubt that I can come over for the Super Bowl, today, but could you...uhhh...call me later to see if we can watch 'The Road Warrior'?" she asked.
"Sure, I'll do that," I said as I hung up and called Chris back to inform him that he could come over to watch the game with me.

Chris and I watched the Super Bowl as we seemed to mostly chat throughout the four quarters.
"Yeah, I may be moving up north to Arcata for a month," Chris declared.
"You really think so?" I asked.
"Yep, I pretty much know I will definitely be in Riverside in June. You should come!" he suggested.
"Well, I would like to check out Huntington Beach," I said.
He left my house by 5:30pm and we actually gave one another a brief kiss and embraced a bit. That was the extent of our intimacy. I am leary about 'our potential relationship'. Then again, if it feels good...do it, right?

Paloma ended up coming over an hour later to watch 'The Road Warrior' with me. We love 'Mad Max' in that futuristic 'what if' movie.
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=road%20warrior&first=21&docid=551853425190&FORM=VIVP21
It was funny during the movie because Nancy deSilva called. She is the girl I met while bicyling that attends San Leandro High School. I spoke to Nancy briefly and it turns out she knows my cousin, Patrick Markus, who attends her school. I simply explained that I would call her back later.
She said, "Okay."
Paloma and I went to my parents' house after 'The Road Warrior' film. After my Dad shared some 'history & geography' about SPAIN with Paloma we left for a walk in and around the Harbor Bay Isle Club & the Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center. The Ice-Cream Dock was appetizing and filling. We returned to my pad only to walk over to the courtyard to play a little volleyball. It was fun. We laughed, realizing we weren't professional volleyball players.

We went upstairs to my bed to relax and rest for a while after showing off our sportsmanship. We pretended to be watching the "007 James Bond DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER" movie as we caressed, kissed and cuddled until we both fell fast asleep.

I would have to say it was a long day. When we awoke I read her some excerpts from my journal, specifically 'Paloma' entries between the day we met (Halloween 1983) and now. She was thrilled to listen to my written words (I think). I had a feeling she was fascinated about how I mentioned her so much. Paloma does mean something to me. It's just a matter of telling how much she will mean. Where will it lead? Where she will be--for that matter--. And where will I be a year from today? So many unanswered questions.

My brother, John, and Sherri came over to watch Super Bowl highlights. They were the ones who interrupted our restful moments on my Queen-sized brass bed. Paloma was available for some quick introductions (to John & Sherri). She left soon afterwards. I decided to go to sleep for the night.

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Outside the Box of Thinking

"Connecting the Dots...That's what it's all about!"
-Zahra

I met Zahra at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City about five years ago. She and her husband, Tim, remain great friends. I just received a postcard from Zahra yesterday that included a poem that I wish to document in my blog today.
. . .
. . .
. . .
Can you connect all nine dots with four straight lines without lifting your pencil?

"Have you ever wondered why some of us are unable to turn our misfortune into insight, our grief into joy? I have been pondering this question of late.

The Persian Poet Rumi says:

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don't go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don't go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the door sill.
Where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don't go back to sleep.

"Our lives are full of dots. The door is round in opportunities to live, grow and change. My dear friend...Are you awake or do you sleep?"
-Zahra

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 21, 1984

8:30am: I took a 'back and forth' ride on my bike along the Alameda South Shore Beach until 10:30am. It was funny when some old man shook his head after I passed him by for the 8th time during my exhilarating excursion.

10:30am: I had breakfast at Mom's house (356 Magnolia Drive). The chocolate milkshake I made was delicious.
"You careered!" said my brother, John, after he tasted the orange juice, vanilla ice-cream milkshake I prepared for him.

I called Sue Miller to verify the dinner itinerary. I couldn't stay still and had to go bike riding again until about 2pm.

Once I returned to my pad and fueled up on some water and yogurt I decided to nap until 4:30pm.

My mom stopped by to bring the keys I had left at her house. She started to 'pick up after' the household mess that John and I had left in the surrounding areas. I couldn't resist commenting.
"Let us live our bachelor lives in peace," I said jokingly.

By 5pm I was readying myself for 'A Little Italy' outing. I was at Sue's apartment by 6pm. Her brother, Michael Miller, was there and we talked for a while until Sue was finally ready to leave. I required Sue to listen to the taped music I had created. I think she was amused by it.

We met Rene (Dave's cousin), his girlfriend, Tala, and Stevei (Dave's girlfriend). We sipped white wine together until it was time to follow them to Castro & Noe to eat. The reservation was a half hour wait, so we had a drink at some Pub located down the street. Dinner was good. Rene was loud. Stevei looked familiar. Tala was good lookin' in her own right. Only Sue and I ate the coffee chip and coffee crunch ice-cream for dessert.

Before long we were en route back to the East Bay in Alameda but we decided to stop at The Rusty Pelican to dance a few. Sue said some 'fat broad' was giving her dirty looks, acting selfish and jealous. We decided to leave the scene. I had some iced-tea at Sue's apartment and we talked about the interesting and semi-eventful evening.

Tomorrow...Paloma and 'The Super Bowl' I suppose.

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Jaded

"Mark this day of remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled."
-Barak Obama,
Today, January 20, 2009,
during his Inauguration speech

Jaded (adjective): tired out or lacking enthusiasm after having had too much of something.

I was jaded by all of the hoopla by the media over the previous three days in anticipation of the official oath by the 44th President of the USA. I hope and pray he will bring about marked improvements throughout the globe for the next four years.

JADE

Jade was the fairest of stones and possessed five virtues:
Charity, for its lustre.
Rectitude, for its translucence.
Wisdom, for its purity of sound when struck.
Equity, for its sharp edges that injure none.
Courage, for it can be broken but not bent.
--Bette Bao Lord
as written in her novel SPRING MOON

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 20, 1984

I received a phone call while at work from Leslie Fonseca. She claimed that she received a message from her mother that I had called her. This wasn't true but it was a smart way of being sure to reach me.
"I have made other plans this weekend," I told her.
"You are always busy on the weekends," she said.
That gave me a silent laugh. Then again, it seems to be true lately.

The work day seemed to drag on. Helen was absent again for the fifth day in a row. Poor thing. I hope she is feeling better soon.

Not long after I arrived home I received a 6pm phone call from Chris Cordellos.
"I am in Santa Rosa and I will be delayed in coming over tonight," he said.
I gave him directions to my place in Alameda and he arrived at 9pm. I gave him a tour of my place and we talked a good while. We also watched TV and looked at some of my photos.
"I still may move to Riverside or Arcata," he said as he paged through the photos.
"You really think so?" I asked.
"Ah huh, I quit my job and everything is up in the air for me right now," Chris said.
He went on to say that his trip to New York for July is still 'on'. He has a modeling gig of some sort with VIVA Models.

Chris and I mutually decided to go out to see the new CHRISTINE movie, John Carpenter's 1983 adaptation from the story by Stephen King.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5M11m9vI0
By the time we reached the HAYWARD Cinema 5 I realized that I had looked at yesterday's newspaper and the flick was no longer playing there. We decided to grab a bite over at LYON's Restaurant instead. I don't know what possessed me to order sausage and eggs. Chris ordered a burger (I think). We continued to talk more about our music preferences.
"I might move out to Walnut Creek," I said, "it's always warmer over there."
We kept making eye contact. It was like we kept staring at one another in this fixated sort of way. I complemented his hair and he went on about his haircuts.
"My roommate supposedly hates me now," Chris confided.
"Oh...why?" I asked.
"The other day I just decided to ditch the scene because of his "long hair" friends he had over who were drinking Budweisers," he confessed.
I laughed.

After our bite to eat we returned to my bad and watched one of my favorite videos. I popped in the bike movie "Breaking Away". There was more trouble because the VHS seemed defective suddenly and I had no idea how to fix the 'horizontal hold'. The movie watching was not in our favor on this night. And so, we didn't watch any movies and we decided to go upstairs to lay on my bed and watch 'Friday Night Videos' on my portable TV. We ended up 'touching and smooching' a little. We discarded our clothes and did more 'touching and smooching'--but that was all.
By 2am I had put my undershorts back on. Chris was soon fully dressed and he decided to head for home.
"Hey, maybe we can get together and watch the SUPER BOWL together this Sunday," he tested for my affirmative answer.
"Oh well, I sort of have other plans," I replied.
"Oh...I see," he said with this sad look on his face that made me feel guilty.
I wasn't going to break my date with Paloma. We had a set date to see 'The Road Warrior', too. I thought if she cancels out I may be able to see Chris again.
"Look," I said reassuringly, "I'll call you and let you know for sure on Sunday."
"Okay, Cool," He said.
"Later...Chris."
"Later...Michael."

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Erotic Scenes

'In the morning there was no sun, and all day the geese flew south.'
-Bette Bao Lord

I read the above line in my current novel. It made me think of the recent, historic January 2009 story of the new American hero, 'Captain Sully':

A US Airways jumbo jet was slowly lifted out of the icy Hudson River late yesterday, three days after the A320 had made a successful "splash landing" that saved all 155 people on board.

Television footage from the scene, near Battery Park City in Lower Manhattan, showed the right side of the Airbus with the intact engine but its covering was mangled.

Work to recover the waterlogged jet was making "very good progress," Kitty Higgins of the National Transportation Safety Board told a press conference.

The recovery effort was hampered by slush surrounding the aircraft and huge chunks of ice on a day with air temperature hovered around minus eight degrees Celsius.

The aircraft was placed on a barge and will be taken to an undisclosed location in New Jersey for examination. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders, known as black boxes, remained on the plane.

The flight bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, met "big, dark-brown birds" shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport on Thursday and both engines lost power.

The flight crew decided to land on the Hudson, rather than back to LaGuardia or to the nearby smaller Teterboro Airport because the plane was flying "too low, too slow" and would have "catastrophic" consequences if things went wrong in a heavily populated area, said Kitty Higgins of the National Transportation Safety Board.

The plane landed near a vessel so as to improve recovery after landing, but the pilots were not able to turn on the "ditching switch" to automatically seal off the aircraft in water, Higgins told a press conference on Saturday evening.

The successful emergency landing and the ensuing rescue of all the 150 passengers, three flight attendants and two pilots, were described as a "miracle on the Hudson" by New York State Governor David Paterson.

Captain Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger has been hailed as a hero and received phone congratulations from US President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama.

After I read my flashback (below) I was reminded of this song called, THE MODEL, by Kraftwerk, that I used to like so much.
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=kraftwerk%2C%20model&docid=443741831785&FORM=VIVP27

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 19, 1984

Today I called Suzy Miller to confirm our date for Saturday night. It should be fun. We are supposed to go to David's, then have a few drinks. This will be followed by dinner at 'A Little Italy'.
"It should be quaint," David had said a while back.

I left a message on Alexis' answering machine. Paloma was not home when I telephoned her at 2pm. I called Gilbert and we chatted about 'nothing in particular'. I called my mom, too. Elisa Berney (high school pal and former junior high girlfriend) called me about her personal telephone bill. I told Elisa the news about my brother, John. The news of his being a 'father' in May 1984, of course.

I paid a few bills (auto insurance included). I exercised a bit when Gilbert called me back. He started to try flattering me with talk of how he would love to 'make love' with me.
"I would just like you to lie naked next to me," Gilbert said.
I was shocked when I heard him utter that sentence. He is so 'open and direct' in his thoughts. I told Gilbert about a few of the erotic scenes I had seen with Paloma in the French film "Going Places".
"Yeah, there was one guy who was fucked by four other guys!" I explained as I thought I had matched his 'open and direct' statement from before.
Then Gilbert began to surprise me even more.
"I have experienced bondage," Gilbert shared, "it's enjoyable if you love that person.
"A menage a trois is not so great when you don't get the good side of the bargain," Gilbert added.
I imagine the 'good side of the bargain' meant whether you had access to your preferred partner (I guess).
"So...why don't you fix me up with one of your models," I asked Gilbert.
"I will not...and do you know why?" he asked.
"No, why?"
"I would be jealous," he replied, "but I do know one model that would just love you."
It made me wonder.
I questioned him. "Are your models ever all together at one place, at one time?"
"Yes," Gilbert replied, "I have a big party once a year."
I thought to myself (I will look forward to that party).

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Maybe You'll Remember...

Alan and I drove down to Palm Desert on Friday to visit with dear friends. Alan kindly did all of the driving as I read a few articles aloud and my book (Spring Moon by Bette Bao Lord). While we were in the car we heard some music on CDs that we had made a while ago. I heard a song that got me going. I just loved hearing the tune called 'Remember' by The Underdog Project. It's a Spanglish song (with lyrics in English and Spanish). I just love it and we kept playing it over and over.
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=remember%2C+the+underdog+project&docid=547778002958&FORM=VIVP

When we had phone reception and I had a voice mail message from Chris Cordellos. Yes, I located him via a google search. It seems he's a hair colorist & stylist 'extraodinaire' in Lafayette, CA. We still have to talk and catch up on lost time. I saw him in the mid-1990s when he was working at a hair salon called POSH STUDIO in Walnut Creek but we haven't spoken since. It will be interesting to catch up on lost time.

Twenty-five years ago:

January 17, 1984

I had to stay at work only until 2pm today because of my dentist appointment.

It feels good to listen to my car stereo once again. It brings about such emotion and inner feelings of excitement when the "right" song is playing.

The dentist took good care of everything. I don't have to return for another check-up until June 27, 1984. I was out of his office by 3:20pm. I missed mom by only minutes as she usually leaves the house by 3:15pm for her work at the Oakland Main post-office.

I decided to go to my place and get on my bicycle again. I just love that machine. I bet my bike can't wait until it has another bicycle companion. It probably wishes it could rest. I do want to buy another foreign bicycle.

Today I met Sheila and Liz on the beach as I rode by. Sheila's a cute blond. They were both freshman in high school though. How embarassing. What a drag. Though I sometimes wonder... Who knows? I told them I'd see them on Saturday as we exchanged a few words with one another.
"Maybe I'll see you on Saturday as I usually ride along here," I told them.

I just remembered that the El Taco gal, Nancy, has never called me. Oh well.

I haven't called Leslie Fonseca either. Perhaps that is no great loss. It's just an added attraction (her child). There were some familiar favorites seen as I continued to ride my bike along the shoreline in Alameda. There were some new prospects of both gender. It was quite interesting.

My brother, John, took Sherri out to dinner to "H's Lordships" in Berkeley, for her birthday. I chose to eat alone at the 'Sizzler'. The waitress, Katie, flirted--or so it seemed. I believe we both shared in the flirting. She was very nice but seemed to be that way with all of the guests.
"You look a lot like that actress, Jessica Lange, who was in that movie 'Frances'," I said as I realized the girl had no idea who I was speaking about.

Shit! Why do I have 'call waiting' when my phone doesn't even ring. I decided to break down and call Paloma myself. I was so glad that I called her. We had such a good talk about the subject of depression and 'why' and 'how' people should not be burdened and find a balance in life. Paloma and I may go dancing together tomorrow night at I-Beam in San Francisco. She even said she might come to visit on Sunday to watch the Mel Gibson movie "The Road Warrior" after we watch the SUPER BOWL.
"I promise I will give you a tour of Stinson Beach one day," she added.

I am getting to a high point of really liking Paloma once again. Where? And how far it will lead is undetermined.
"Well, Thank you for calling me and making me feel better over my depressed mood," Paloma said.
"Oh...you just need something that will brighten up your spirits," I assured her, "it could be as simple as buying a new scarf, a new friend, a new place, an old memory, an old story, a poem or a good old-fashioned movie."
I was so happy to know that I lifted her spirits. She did the same with mine.

January 18, 1984

I dressed a bit more exceptional for work today, wearing my brown tweed sport jacket. I received more than one or two 'double-takes', too.

I called Paloma more than a couple of times on this day. It was settled that I would come by to pick her up at 6:30pm. She wore a gray dress with black stripes. Coincidentally, I wore black with my gray "Bebe" brand jacket. We seemed to 'match' as the ideal couple.

We just did a random outing to Round Table Pizza (nothing fancy). It was funny when we were both 'carded'. We both proved our respective 'twenty-four' year old ages. After the pizza we went to the UC THEATER on University Avenue to see "Spetters", a film from Holland, directed by Paul Verhoeven
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nyTX_BguFg
and a 1974 French comedy drama film called "Going Places" (Les Valseuses).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_Places_(1974_film)
They were entertaining films. I was a little surprised to learn of the explicit sex scenes. I was a little embarassed to look over at Paloma during those parts. I will never forget those movies as being entertaining and shocking. Both films proved 'There Is No Such Thing As Simple Love'.

I enjoyed our date. I kissed and hugged Paloma at her doorstep. She confirmed the date for SUPER BOWL Sunday (along with 'The Road Warrior' movie).
"I'm thinking of going back to France for good," she confessed.
I think she wanted to see or hear my reaction.
"Oh...ahh, no!" I exclaimed. I am wondering if she may be looking for a commitment with or from me? Am I reading too much into it?
I was impressed when she said she used to work for Paco Rabonne, the fashion designer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paco_Rabanne

Once I returned home I found John and Sherri on the couch, watching 'Joan Rivers' guest hosting on 'The Tonight Show'.
"Oh, Gilbert called...as did Alexis Budabin," John said.

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A Slice of Middle America

"My mother kept reminding us about other 'strays' of the world, "Don't forget, she may be some body's mother.'
-Janet Frame, An Autobiography

I received a letter earlier this month dated January 9, 2009 from a postcrossing.com friend in Middle America.
www.postcrossing.com
I will change the names to protect the innocent and not disclose the State. I simply feel like sharing an excerpt to show a 'sign of the times' and another slice of life in America today:

Hi Michael,
...I hope you had a Great Christmas, what was it like? Ours was very quiet, just the six of us. My husband, Robert, the grandsons and my son Mark and his girlfriend. It was fun and filled with lots of laughter.

Grandsons had a blast. We had a white Christmas for the first time in years, so there were lots of snowball fights, sledding and making of snowmen. My youngest son built an igloo for my other grandson. Fun was had by all. It's all gone now. It's back to being brown and not appealing to the eye.

I don't have a desire to fly, so I don't see my traveling very far. I am a chicken when it comes to that. Once I thought to go on a cruise but then changed my mind. I am a land lover. That is for sure.

I am reading a book about corrupt politicians (as if there aren't any in the world).

My daughter, Jane, runs a Day Care out of her house, for now. She was a phone representative for Franklin Covey until they closed the office. She is trying to find something similar. For now the Day Care pays the bills.

My youngest son is a Journeyman Framer. He works for a company that is building a new hospital. He does the welding of the framework, fire proofs the walls and things of that nature.

Mark, my oldest son, is a different story. He is almost thirty years old and has NOT grown up yet. He got mixed up with drugs at a young age. Then gave up the drugs and got his CDL. He was truck driver for a few years. He had his sons Jake and Donny and ended up back in the drug scene. From there...his life went downhill. The mother of the boys went way over the edge. When she was pregnant with Donny and learned she was having a boy she starting doing drugs in order to try to miscarry the baby. It didn't work. So when he was born she breast fed him while doing drugs which caused him to have what they call 'failure to thrive'. So we (my son Mark and I) fought and got the baby away from her. That was when Donny was eight months old.

Donny is now doing well. He just had several thousand dollars worth of dental work done for what they call "Meth mouth". All of his teeth rotted from her doing so many drugs. He is really sharp which I find amazing. He is little for his age (only 37 lbs). We had a huge party when he finally made it to twenty pounds at age 4 1/2.

My son, Mark, still hasn't grown up. My husband and I took in the boys to raise. Mark lives in our backyard (in his trailer) with his girlfriend. He does odd jobs to pay for his drinking habit and cigarettes. His girlfriend is thirty-two weeks pregnant with a baby boy. My son just went to stay with my sister to see if he can find a job in her area, so maybe he will finally decide to grow up.

I can pray. We have tried to get through to him but he is so bull headed it just ends up in a huge fight. He wants to raise the new baby boy (I pray he does). He doesn't have a clue what it costs.

Okay...enough of that story. What's new in your life?

It just makes me sad. With all of the opportunity America has to offer. Some just tend to take the wrong path.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 16, 2009

My office section "A" has to prepare for our introduction next Thursday at a planned conference. My alias on that day is "Machine Gun Mike". I just wonder what will be in store for us on that busy business day.

Helen called in a 'sick day' today. I was on my own at lunchtime as I walked over to the new Dairy King that recently opened around the block.

After the work day it was still daylight and I took this opportunity to go for a bicycle ride for about an hour. It became dark very quickly. I was back home again by 6:30pm. I continued with floor exercises at home as I listened to modern, alternative rock tunes on QUAKE FM99 radio. While exercising the phone rang and it was none other than my new pal, Christopher Cordellos.

Chris seems to be a really nice fellow. He spoke of his folks, his sisters (one is 26 years old and the other is "missing") and his brother is a drummer. He invited me to a 'backpacking and camp out' trip early tomorrow morning that could last until Friday.
"I'd love to go, Chris, but with work and all I will have to take a rain check," I answered in appreciation of the thoughtful invitation.
"Oh okay, man.," he replied with hesitation, "I might move back to Riverside because that's the only place I know I can get a half way decent job, man. I hate my boss right now. He's into cocaine a lot, man. You'd probably think he was cool."
"No, I doubt that," I interrupted.
Chris kept using the word "man" a lot. I found it annoying and couldn't stand it every time I heard it. Otherwise, I find Chris to be very friendly, down-to-earth, and level headed (or passable).

After I got off of the phone with Chris I completed my exercise routine of sit ups and leg lifts. I watched some of 'The American Music Awards'. Entertainer Michael Jackson cleaned up in terms of being the top Award winner. It was funny. The next day a customer asked my name.
"Michael," I said.
"I bet you wish you were Michael Jackson," she announced.
I agreed...but in actuality I am glad that I am "Michael Joe Armijo".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy8kIXA4STs

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All Is Full of Love

Ever hear of "Bjork"? I remember she wore that wild n' crazy "Swan" dress for the Acamedy Awards one year. She is currently searching for a new pad in New York City. I know...firsthand. I did a search for one of her music videos and was quite intrigued by the sexy robots here. I'm hooked to the tune. It's a 'must see':
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=bjork+robot&docid=201329475755&FORM=VIVP11#docid=287903842602

That video isn't as far-fetched as you may think. Scientists have created the first 'humanoid' robot that can mimic the facial expressions and lip movements of a human being. Check out this article...what next, Virtual Sex (as per a previous blog I wrote?). Haha
www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1085059/Pictured-The-robot-pull-faces-just-like-human-being.html

Twenty-five years ago today

January 15, 1984

It was early Sunday morning and I faintly remember my brother, John, coming home at around 3am, telling me that it smelled like a skunk outside.

I finally woke up to my cousin, Sandy Gallegos, who called to say it was raining; whereby, our bike outing was cancelled. I heard John getting ready and we both went over to mom's house for Sunday breakfast.

After breakfast I accompanied mom and dad to look at some new Centre Court homes for sale on Harbor Bay Isle. We also looked at a casita at 1100 Verdemar. I think my dad is considering an investment purchase. It is still questionable. We couldn't believe the black and filthy dirty heating filter attached to the furnace at the casita home.

I wonder where I will be living in six months?

My brother, John, said that Leslie Fonseca called me.
"She's in love and just wants someone to support her," John said.
I had to laugh. Then again...I wonder. Is she a risk? I don't know if it's a waste of time to lead her on. I don't want to hurt her. She is so nice.

Chris Cordellos called me, too. John answered the phone. I was half asleep, so I told John to tell him I was asleep.
"Take a message," I yelled to him downstairs.
When I did return Chris' phone call his mother answered. I was confused because he had said he had two roommates. It is strange that his mother would answer his phone. Oh well...he is a Pisces (another George Jones?). Another liar? It's too early to tell.

I learned (from mom) that my dad made an offer of $118,000 on the casita on Verdemar. It will be interesting to learn whether or not it will be accepted. It needs totally repainted walls and new carpeting.

I called Paloma and told her about the movies I had available to see. She seems anxious to visit (I think). I'm glad. It would be nice to see her on Wednesday, the night of the Full Moon. I'm such a romantic sometimes. It's funny how I write a lot about how certain people influence my life. Certain events and material things can cause a lot of happiness with me right now. For example, a full moon, my new black lamp, my new 'old bicycle antique' and my poster of France all make me happy.

Shockwaves! Paloma called me at around 8:45pm.
"I can be there in forty-five minutes to an hour," she said.
She is finally coming over to see me and my place. Should I feel privileged? No, I feel happy. We will have fun watching a movie. Who knows what else?

Paloma and I watched "Trilogy of Terror", the 1975 film starring Karen Black.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRxq_E-N72A
Maybe I wanted her to get scared and have her clutch and hug me for protection. It was an 'ok' movie but it didn't seem to phase her. She didn't have a need to clutch me during any of the scary scenes. She liked my place though.

I told her about Gilbert, the modeling agent, and his proposition so-to-speak. She simply laughed about it. I shared some pictures with her that I had taken. She liked them. It was really good seeing her. I am especially thankful that she didn't "light up" (smoke).

Paige LaBris called me from Sacramento (just before Paloma arrived). I like Paige a lot but I just wonder where we really stand together as an item. Will she ever be "HOH" (Head Over Heals) over me. She still wants to visit (with a girlfriend tagging along, of course). It could prove meaningful. Who knows?

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