The Divided Path

"If you expect too much of people you'll always be disappointed."
-as heard in
the 1949 film,
The Heiress

Twenty-five years ago

Tuesday, February 14, 1984

Today is Valentine's Day and I have to say it was a "blast". I had a great time at work, receiving a number of Valentine's from co-workers (Rose, Judy, Sonora and Don). The day had me in a 'good mood'. I gave Valentine's to all of the girls in the office.

My Art class was 'okay'. I learned 'paste-up'. I stopped at The Record Factory before class and bought a birthday card for Dave Vigil. He loved the card (it depicted a girl in a black bikini with the words 'Beat It').

My bicycle still "squeaks". I lubricated the chain with oil from my Dad's garage but it didn't get rid of the "squeaking". Oh well. I enjoyed some homemade stew at Mom & Dad's. I made it to my Art Class and didn't leave until 9:30pm.

I could have raided the skating rink in San Leandro on this Tuesday night but decided against it. It seriously crossed my mind. Instead I called Chris Cordellos at around 10:10pm and we talked until 1am.

We had a good 'sharing' talk. He complained of his $1400 balance on his MACY's bill, his "crabby" mothers' mood today and whether or not he should move in with his brother (in Sonoma) or go to New York in July. I made him feel better as I helped him to weigh his alternatives. He thinks I'm so "together". At least he keeps saying so. I suppose I should be flattered. I like Chris. He is too cool for words. I like his ambitious nature.

February 15, 1984

Dave Vigil really loved the birthday card I chose for him as he mentioned it again today.

I called Barbara Reynolds because she is still out sick today.

It was raining so Helen and I had lunch in the company cafeteria. I only sold two custom calling features. I had my full share of "rotten" customers today, too. I trust that tomorrow will be better.

After work I drove to Oak Knoll Hospital to see Chris Cordellos. He appeared happy to see me.
"I was looking forward to your visit," Chris said.
He made me laugh.
"Yeah, the medical staff loves me," he said with a smile.
This didn't surprise me because he has a flair of charm that will perk people up. I remained with Chris, rapping about music, my day and his pain until 7:30pm. It was nice seeing him again (even if it was in a hospital).

When I arrived home I called my Dad and was pleasantly surprised when my Mom answered.
"What? You didn't go to work today and didn't tell me" I exclaimed.
I rushed over and munched on two mini-hamburgers. We watched a bit of the Winter Olympics.

I told mom that I had gone to Oak Knoll Hospital to see my friend, Chris.
She shared her prediction of Sherri having a baby girl.

While at mom's I brought my mail and filled out a $5000 credit limit preferred Citicorp Bank VISA application. I left and am her now--at my home--collecting my thoughts.

I never did call Jerry Chalmers. Should I? I haven't called Paloma or Tammy lately. They haven't bothered to call me either (nor has Nancy).
"The hell with them," I thought to myself.

Chris Cordellos seems to me the number one 'cool cat' as of late. I will call him again now. He's on a hospital bed, so he'll surely answer. After the phone call I have come to the conclusion that Chris really likes me a lot. I can't quite explain or 'figure' what it is about him me that he finds so extra special. I love to hear his complements. I believe there is something special in everyone (even when you have to dig deep to find it).

I believe that 'whatever I have' shines out more to certain individuals than others. Chris and I concluded our chat and I began reading him parts of 'the beginnings' of my journal. I was ready to reveal more insight of 'me' to 'him'.
Who knows where the path will lead?

John Armijo, my brother, returned home. He started asking me about his old baseball cards. I didn't have the heart to tell him. I had sold them for $25 to Stan Panenka, a college friend in Sacramento. That's ancient history. They had been stored in a closet for years and now he asks about them. What gives?

I watched a bit of "The Dove" with John. I hit the sack, thinking about the charismatic Chris (and of course, wondering about the ever busy Nancy).