'Junior High' Flashback

"To be, or not to be: That is the question."
-Soliloquy in Hamlet
by William Shakespeare

Several years ago my junior high school buddy (Anthony Battu) and I reconnected at a high-school reunion. He sent me an old photo of me--in the playground--with the love-of-my-life (at the time), Vicki Coffin.

This was 8th grade at Lincoln School in Alameda, California. Our mini-romance lasted around the end of 8th grade and through the early part of the Summer of 73.
Once high-school started (9th grade) I was no competition for the good-looking jock junior and senior boys.

For me, the best part of junior high (8th grade) was that increase in popularity. I lost a lot of my 'baby fat' from chasing the girls in the playground during recess and lunch. I grew a bit taller which obviously helped me out.
I admit it now, "I was a flirt."
I was so happy to feel my husky-sized pants reduced. Every week I heard a new girl had a crush on me and 'secret note passing' was all too fun.

My focus was so much on 'Vicki Coffin' at one point. I wonder what ever happened to that gal? I am pictured (above) with her in 8th grade during a 'young love' moment. There was not a worry in our worlds...but "us". Again, I still wonder what ever became of her. Her surname (Coffin) probably intrigued me more because of my obsession with the TV-series, DARK SHADOWS. As I look at this 'Junior High' flashback image I think I wanted to bite her neck (or at least give her a hickey).

The last time I remember seeing Vicki was our sophomore year at Alameda High School.


It was definitely not meant 'to be'. Do you have a mini-flashback to share?

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, February 6, 1984

It was another typical work day. After I parked my car I ran into that "questionable guy" at the lot. He is so nice to me. What's with that?

Work was busy. I decided to call Jerry Chalmers--after all--during my break. He was busy (at work himself).
"Hey, would you mind if you call me back later?" Jerry asked.
I never returned the call on this day.

During lunchtime I walked to the Art Supply shop and purchased two 4B pencils. They are required items for my class tomorrow night. I had time to order a hamburger at the company cafeteria. I sat with a few of the 'cafeteria regulars'. Ugh! It was boring for me. I am happy that Helen Wong is back at work. I am very glad. I missed her.

David Vigil said he saw my brother, John, bar tending at Gallagher's in Jack London Square during Sunday brunch.
"You're the cutest of your brothers," David said as I wondered if that was supposed to flatter me. I should probably laugh at his viewpoint for each of us have our own so-called "cute" phases.

I had some daylight left after the work day and did a quick bicycle ride to the Crown Harbor area of Alameda. I called "pops" when I returned home and he invited me over for dinner. We watched "Wheel of Fortune" together. I'm so good at those word scramble games.
Dad told me he met a mutual friend of mine and Sue Miller's named Walter Seabuck. I'm not recognizing the name.
"He said he had met you before," Dad said.
I don't remember him but it is a small town. Who knows when or where?
It was good spending some time with Dad and Tony. Mom was working her usual shift at the post-office. We talked about the new housing in San Ramon, spare ribs (yummy) and Dennis Reno's dad (a school time classmate of mine who has become good friends with Tony). Dennis Reno's dad recently died of a massive heart attack.