Adventurous

When one is lonely--it is easy to feel friendly toward people who are nice to you.
Don't you ever do anything just for the adventure?
-James Mitchell Clarke
"Luis of Guadalajara"

I don't know why...but this song came to my mind as I was writing this blog. It's called 'Draggin' The Line' by Thomas James & The Shondells. I used to like it--and I think I still do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73Vp1EGCYlQ

'Draggin' The Line' lyrics

Makin' a living the old hard way
Takin' and giving by day by day
I dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
My dog Sam eats purple flowers
We ain't got much but what we got's ours
We dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I feel fine I'm talkin' bout peace of mind
I'm gonna take my time I'm gettin' the good sign
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Loving the free and feelin' spirit
Of huggin' a tree when you get near it
Diggin' the snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I feel fine I'm talkin' bout peace of mind
I'm gonna take my time I'm gettin' the good sign
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line).....

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 30, 1984
Friday

I went to work with a bag full of drinks for Cindy Chow’s birthday pot-luck celebration. Her birthday cake was good (and so was the pot-luck). I enjoyed the fun with my section today. My supervisor, Stephanie, is a cheerful sweetheart.

After work I went with Carl and his lover (Lee) in his black mustang to see Carl’s bike. Lee was grody looking to me (very much older than Carl). I took a good look at Carl’s bike and bought it for two-hundred dollars. It’s a Raleigh Grand Prix in excellent condition. I couldn’t pass it up. When I have a flat tire I’ll always have an alternative.

I had to stick around at Carl’s because I couldn’t take the bike on BART until after 6pm. I had a glass of red wine and we all enjoyed polite conversation. I thought their bulldog was ugly.

I was home by 7pm. Bruce Gorre called and I decided to invite him over. He had taken some modeling photo shots and wanted to share.

I quickly ate some freshly made tuna sandwiches at mom’s house. I took the Christmas gifts I had ordered (Sherri’s blouse and Ashley’s glow worm toy). When I arrived home Bruce rang the doorbell minutes later.

PHOTO: Jack Nicholson, Ann-Margret
"Carnal Knowledge", 1971

The Bruce Gorre pictures were surprisingly better than what he actually looked like. I still felt there was room for improvement but I had to be kind. We started to watch ‘Carnal Knowledge’, starring Ann-Margret when Bob Umland called. He sounded extremely excited that I had called (or maybe he was just energized) to leave a message on his recorder.
“I went to Napa yesterday to get some money from a friend that I’d made a loan to sometime ago, it was only five-hundred dollars” Bob explained, “I am just hearing my messages now.”

I like Bob but I seriously need to know him better. The fact that he works at Wilkes-Bashford is not enough. He does amaze me at times. When he mentioned “only five-hundred dollars” I thought it would be a heavenly amount for me right now. He started to mention pulling strings to get me a job at Wilkes-Bashford.
“I’d love that,” I said, wondering what could be arranged to get that job.
“I’m going to get a ride soon from Karen,” Bob said.
Karen is the one he works with at Wilkes-Bashford as I recall. “I remember her.”
“Yeah, she told me she thought you were really sweet, too.”
This amazed me because it meant they had been talking about me! His tone was very reassuring. It was like he knew he was going to like knowing me.
“We’re still on for dinner tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you.”

The call ended and I had almost forgotten that Bruce was still here. We wrapped Christmas gifts and watched ‘Friday Night Videos’. Bruce finally left at approximately 1:30am. I thought he’d never leave! He is nice but his zits get to me after looking at them for a while. Ugh!

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Bubbe-maisehs

"If only there could be an invention," I said impulsively, "that bottled up a memory like scent. And it never faded, and it never got stale. And then when one wanted it, the bottle could be uncorked, and it would be like living the moment all over again."
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"

I was thinking the other day about the '25 Years Ago' segment of my blog. In hindsight I would like to explain that they are just tidbit excerpts of my life. There was much more going on and I only wish I would have made the time to write even more detail. The word "bubbe-maisehs" comes to mind.

Bubbe-maisehs (pronounced bub-eh-MY-seh) is a Yiddish (noun) term that implies nonsense rumors or an Old wive's tale/grandmother's story; a tall tale; something patently untrue.

My '25 Years Ago' is NOT a bunch of "bubbe-maisehs". It's real...from the heart. And at the time, it was very private. Please take heart and realize that my words are now being shared because time has passed and I feel it is time to 'let it go', 'release' and 're-live'.

I do not intend to harm anyone in anyway. If you are mentioned in the '25 Years Ago' segment, please realize that I thought of you...and there was much more to you than meets the eye. I took notice.

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 29, 1984
Thursday

Karyn and I ate at The El Faro Mexican place. It was “ugh”.

Tomorrow, my section is having a pot-luck party for Cindy. Her birthday is on Saturday. I have the honor of bringing drinks and paper cups.

David Vigil invited me to the Emporium Department Store but he had no idea I had a noon lunch hour now. Or maybe he just wanted to hang out with me because he liked my new parachute material black pants and blue denim shirt and wanted to “be” with me. That would make more sense as to why he’d ask. He normally never pays me any mind.

I asked Hank a business question but he was not altogether helpful. I asked Stephanie Bautista, my supervisor and she helped to clear it up beautifully. Thank heavens!

I visited two 24-hour teller machines after work. Neither one was open.

I went to mom’s house for a couple of burgers. Now I’m home.

I was thinking about Jim Padilla, the guy I see on the BART train from the office now and then. He is really kind of a creep. He has this know-it-all attitude. He’s a pompous ass.

I left another telephone message on Bob Umland’s recorder to verify dinner for Saturday night. Maybe he will call me.

I am thinking of taking a walk to mom’s house now and mail the Christmas cards I have completed at a nearby mailbox.

When I arrived at mom’s house she was sitting on the kitchen floor, wrapping gifts. She’s so sweet. I have to get her something other than the posh nightgown that I found for her in the SPIEGEL catalog.

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Floating Away

His attention tended to wander, and that was dangerous.
-Morag Joss
"Half Broken Things"

I noticed this young twenty something young lady reading a book at the casual BOULEY Cafe in Tribeca, NY. Let's just call her Alessandra (for fun).

I took note of the title (Lush Life) because Alessandra seemed so 'lost in her book'. After reading the book I was sadly disappointed. It had much dialogue and was about a grit crime murder in the Lower East Side of NY. It was not very good--at all (in my opinion). There was one excerpt that did raise an eyebrow with me. I bet that was the part I saw Alessandra reading. This was it:

Eric & Alessandra

It was a funny kind of f--king.

He wasn't even sure they would be sleeping in the same bed, not that there was a second option, and he sat upright on the futon in his street clothes, waiting for the water to stop running in the bathroom to see what would be emerging, and she came out straight-up naked, her body tight and spare and unconflicted, all nipples and hip bones, and Eric just became another person, silently stripping down and then holding her, one hand at her nape and one on her belly, lowering her onto the futon like laying a rare musical instrument into its case.

There was nothing hurried but nothing preliminary, just putting himself inside her right away, and moving at the same not slow not rushed pace, hovering but in deep, the concentration like nothing he had ever possessed before. Nothing could make him speed up, nothing could make him stop, and Alessandra started looking at him sideways--Who are you--her body beneath his rigid, sprung against sprung, but she couldn't hold it and started to come, then come some more, and he still wouldn't, couldn't alter what he was doing in response, could go on pumping her all night long, would have if she didn't push up against his chest, needing a break, Eric lifting out of her as bar like as he was going in, still holding her, but having nothing to say, just waiting until she was ready for more, then going back in with the same maddening steadiness, Alessandra starting to go a little wall-eyed trying to look into him, but he was not to be found and soon she didn't even have the strength to ask for another break but just floated away.
-Richard Price
"Lush Life"


Twenty-five years ago today:

November 28, 1984
Wednesday

Karyn and I had lunch at the Market Street steps, enjoying our charbroiled burgers. She is so entertaining. Karyn makes me laugh.

After work I kept my ‘Sperm Bank’ appointment and then went to mom’s house. I stayed there and watched the next episode of DYNASTY.

When I got to my place and ‘in bed’ Karyn called and we talked excitedly about our past New Years Eve experiences. I was in a hospital on December 31, 1980.

On December 31, 1981 I was at home fidgeting with the television and watching the festivities of Times Square in New York City. I listened to the countdown top music hits on the radio and listed them on a sheet of paper as they played.

On December 31, 1982, Barbara Reynolds and I went out to see ‘Sophie’s Choice’, a magnificent Meryl Streep movie, in San Francisco.

On December 31, 1983, Helen Wong and I went to the Oakland Hilton on Hegenberger Road for drinks and dancing. And now, Karyn mentioned that she’d like to spend New Year’s Eve with me on December 31, 1984. I sort of concurred…but then again?

I fell into a deep sleep thereafter. I floated away into a series of sensual dreams. I had intentions of exercising in the early morning. I will need to release my anxieties.

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Are You Quick ?

Living in a foreign country is one of those things that everyone should try at least once. It completed a person…transforming you into a citizen of the world.
-David Sedaris
"Me Talk Pretty One Day"

I found a poem I wrote some time ago. I called it "GENTLE". I share it with you today. I know I wrote it almost ten years ago but I still recall the feelings in "me" as I wrote these words:

Gentle

by Michael Armijo

A gentle sound all around me
Refrigerator vibes gently by thee
How gentle feeling a baby's hand
Seychelles Islands all white sand
Read the word 'gentle' on ye door
Feel relaxed more and more
Be always a gentle man
Calm and cool as James Bond can
A scholar and a reader be
Warm blankets and a park shade tree
How gentle is a lady bug
Fancy a nap on a quilted rug
Gentle piano music at play
Grimace the gray from the day
Improve the bubbles in a tub
Fantasize the perfect rub
Blink to focus and see brand new
Screen all people to very few
Sing, dance, read or write
Do it gently, improve thy light

I believe I was partly inspired to write this "Gentle" poem by a song called "A GENTLE SOUND" by The Railway Children.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmlLbriO_M8

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 27, 1984
Tuesday

I sold my six RCF’s today for the Professional Nurse’s Bureau. It was that order I had while on my initial training day. I was rewarded with a smile. That is all.

At lunchtime Karyn and I had fun fiddling with my umbrella in the rain and searching for a vendor that would sell us BART tickets. We also went to Emporium where Karyn bought her brother two shirts (the corduroy one was very nice).

The end of the day was kind of building up with a lot of follow-up work. It was when I received a personal call via a ‘While You Were Out’ message from Teresa that caught my eye. It was Bob Umland calling from Wilkes-Bashford. He was returning my call after all. The written detailed message was: “Call me tonight”.

I am looking forward to know Bob. He seems a gentleman and a righteous man. It was funny how Danny Garcia mentioned how he had such nice handwriting, too.

This Friday I have a tentative date after work with Carl to see his Raleigh bicycle which I may purchase. If it rains it’s a ‘no go’. After receiving my VISA credit card bill I don’t relish the idea of making the purchase for another bike.

I had “din din” with mom and Tony and then came to my place to exercise a bit. Eating too much and staying too long at mom’s house is dangerous to my waistline (not to mention my independence).

Certain people flock into my mind sometimes. I wonder about them. Cheryl Theiman, a high-school gal I had a crush on, is seen occasionally at the BART station in the early mornings. And Gordon, the old gent who seems to run into me purposely, just likes to gab. He’s a nice fellow though. Jim Koran and Jeffrey Burr make me wonder why they do not make the time to communicate with me. There are also the distant ones. Christopher Cordellos has not been heard from in a while. And what of Paloma? Mike Miller? Danny Garcia? Frank Vanconcellos? Tammy Duhr? Gayle Gilbert of Minnesota? Liz of Lafayette? Jennifer of IBM, the one I may or may not pursue.

And I cannot exclude the surprise phone call from Cathy Ainlay…but whatever happened to Lisa Pingatore or George G. Jones (the scared, relentless and insensitive ones).

And Gilbert, the hot-shot modeling agent who has run amok with other duties, failing to call me. Have I missed out on any calls, considering my ‘in and out’ ways while living here? Who knows? If someone really wanted to get in touch with me there would be no problem. I do sleep here after all. If anyone really wanted to talk to me they would call.
I left two messages for Bob Umland. As fate would have it…he was not home as promised for my calls. It’s just as well. I managed to write out fifteen Christmas cards. Now all they need are postage stamps.

I spoke to Bruce briefly when the phone quickly rang back. It was Bob Umland. We had a good talk. I learned that Bob apparently has a real estate business ‘of sorts’ in Santa Rosa. I thought this was impressive.
“I only work at Wilkes-Bashford part-time or alternately,” Bob explained.
Bob is a nice chap. We confirmed a dinner date on Saturday night, so it could/should be fun.

Karyn Kossoff called me just before beddie-bye. We also had a good talk. I told her how I thought it was funny today when she said, “I’m quick.”
“You know, being too quick could sometimes work out to be a disadvantage.”
She debated me on that one, explaining the advantages of being “quick”. At times this is true. She is absolutely right. I could not argue that point.

"She loved you once, you must have earned that somehow."
-as heard while watching the most ridiculous film called
"Run, Fatboy, Run" (the only good line in the film)

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A Friendly Handshake

"Being someones friend isn't about what you should have done.
It's about what you do."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY,
Season II

Think twice about shaking that hand.

Did you know that for ten years now it has been possible to transplant a donated hand (or a pair of them) to a person who has lost one or both of their hands?

As reported by www.singularityhub.com the amazing fact appears that re-attaching severed limbs such as arms and legs has been commonplace for decades. On February 16, 2009 it was revealed that not only is hand re-attachment possible, but in the last ten years hand transplantation has seen significant success in roughly 40 patients worldwide.

The source for most of this story comes from www.handtransplant.com, a website showcasing the success Jewish Hospital and its partners have achieved with hand transplants since they pioneered the world’s first long term hand transplant in January 1999.

As with all organ transplants (hearts, livers, and even hands) one of the greatest challenges a patient faces is organ rejection, a process where the immune system attacks the new organ as a foreign invader. For decades now we have had the medical means to fight organ rejection, although the treatment is error prone, requires the patient to stick to a rigorous regiment of drugs, and is plagued with several negative side effects.

Even assuming the problem of organ rejection can be contained, the problem of properly attaching the tiny veins, arteries, and other parts of the body to the new organ is quite a challenge. New advances in microsurgery have greatly enhanced our ability to overcome this challenge, paving the way for the hand transplants of today.

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 26, 1984
Monday
It was an okay day in terms of overall sales. I took a lonesome walk at lunchtime to Union Square and sat on a bench. It was somewhat sunny. The sun kept hiding behind the clouds and peeking out again. I had a good time being alone! I was just watching the pigeons, the sky, the clouds, the sun, and the variety of passers-by. It was sentimental amusement.

After work I stopped over at mom’s house only to run into Grandma Janet Lewis who was catering Ashley off to John and Sherri’s townhouse.

Mom told me she had come to my place to fold some of my clothes and ‘straighten up’. She could not help herself. She rearranged, revitalized and redecorated my place while I was at work today. I love her. She’s so thoughtful. She’s just being the person that she is.

PHOTO: Lee Remick, actress

I stayed with mom to eat dinner. We watched the television movie called ‘Rearview Mirror” starring Lee Remick and Michael Beck (an ‘okay’ actor). It was a good story. Mom and I enjoyed it.

Dad actually gave me a ride home after the movie. I hit the sack. Yawn.

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An Elevator to Heaven

My shyness fell away from me,
loosening as it did so my reluctant tongue,
and out they all came, the little secrets of childhood.
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"

As a child I remember the wonders of 'The Jetsons' and all of their fantastic technological advances. It was like discovering secrets of my own that no one seemed to know. I identified with "Elroy".

Would you take a ride on an elevator to space, to orbit, to the unknown twenty years from now? It is conceivable that it will be available to you (surely for a price when it makes its debut).

Sir Arthur C. Clarke, a science fiction author, who knew how to mix imagination with scientific reality left the world a legacy of wonderful stories as well as a firm contribution to science. In 1945, Clarke suggested the concept of utilizing geostationary satellites for communications, now a mainstay of our modern world. Another technology, described in his novel “The Fountains of Paradise“, is the Space Elevator.

As recently as November 5, 2009 there was a published Wired.com article by Brian McLaughlin about the reality of a future Space Elevator. It is all in the early development stages today, of course. It could lead to a revolution in space travel as well as spark the imagination of the next generation.

McLaughlin writes of a kilometer climb up a tether at a good clip with a remote power source beaming power to the climber is an important step forward. Space Elevators could easily become a reality in our world. I just have concerns. I have taken high-rise elevators up many floors with a SNICKERS bar in my pocket (figuring if the elevator broke down I could live off of that candy bar for a good week). Now, if I was on a Space Elevator...I would need a box of SNICKERS bars...wouldn't I?
Yikes...I think I'd like a video monitor of old JETSONS episodes too (for inspiration).

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 25, 1984
Sunday

I took my bike for a short ride to mom and dad’s house for breakfast. I stayed for a while and then came home to watch television and take a nap. It was relaxing.

When mom telephoned I decided to take her up on her invitation to go to Bay Fair Shopping Center in San Leandro. I considered buying a new watch but “latered” the idea.

I went ‘to and from’ mom’s pad and my pad. I ate at mom’s house and made a terrific milkshake combination of orange juice, vanilla ice-cream and almonds.

I watched “The Enok Adventure” and a George Lucas film called “Star Wars”. It was entertaining. Today was meant to be a ‘laid back’ kind of day.

Time passed and I was soon watching Johnny Carson and guest comic Joan Rivers. I went to bed and guessed I was rarin’ and ready for 633 Folsom Boulevard tomorrow. And Tuesday is payday (at least).

"I'll miss you."
"No you won't. You'll soon find other distractions."
-as heard while watching
THE TUDORS,
Season I, Episode 6

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Nine Steps To Living Well Forever

"All that mattered was being at home with my family and feeling that connection again."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

What are the nine steps to living well forever? There is a book called TRANSCEND: Nine Steps To Living Well Forever. I have not read it. I simply did a quick reference to see what the nine steps are.

According to futurist Kurzweil (The Singularity is Near) and homeopathic medical doctor Grossman (The Baby Boomer's Guide to Living Forever), medicine is transforming into an information technology, which by its nature advances at an exponential rate. Thus, those interested in "radical life extension" must make it their immediate goal to live through the next 20 or so years in order to see advances like DNA reprogramming and submicroscopic, cell-repairing robots.


This book outlines these nine areas.
1.Talk with your doctor
2.Relaxation
3.Assessment
4.Nutrition
5.Supplements
6.Calorie reduction
7.Exercise
8.New technologies
9.Detoxification

I hope you're doing at least five. :(

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 24, 1984
Saturday
It was funny to hear my brother, John, say these words:
“I’m surprised to see you here on a four-day weekend and not in LA or something.”
“When you are low on funds you have to make new choices.”
John laughed.

I really wanted to ride my bicycle but with my runny nose I knew it was not a good idea.

Yesterday, I filled my car with gas and added two quarts of oil. It’s running smoothly. I need to make the time to clean up the acidic corrosion that has built up around my car battery. That’s an “ugh” of a job.

It is Saturday morning and I am wondering if Aubrey will be around working for my next door neighbor. My radio is playing and the music is giving me revitalized energy. The lyrics make me feel good. I am feeling mobile.

I decided to do something creative in the townhouse. I began posting all of the greeting cards I have received (and saved) over the last two years and paste them all on one wall of my spare bedroom. It looks so good. It’s like a wall collage. I feel quite creative. As I look at each and every photo or card it brings on memories.

Today, I went to visit mom and persuaded her to join me on a driving excursion to San Francisco. We cruised over to MACY’s and Emporium. She bought me a pair of shoes, a scarf, a tie and a lapel pin for Christmas. She’s too sweet. I love her so much. We had fun scouting around ‘The City’. I showed her the Pacific Bell building where I work (at 633 Folsom) and the Men’s Fragrances department that I will soon be working (at MACY’s). We had fun together. We ate lunch at the restaurant inside the Emporium Department Store. Our feet were tired by the time we returned to Alameda.

I was supposed to call Cathy Ainlay about getting together tonight. I asked myself, “Do you really want to?” And so, I decided against it.

I ended up spending the evening with mom and dad watching a movie on videotape called “Angel”. After the movie, I returned to my place to turn in and relax. I was still sniffling and had an on again/off again cough.

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Don't Dwell On It

A few minutes with that voice in his ear would cause his eyes to sparkle and set his heart to dancing.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I fell for this song called "She Could Be You" by Sapphire while watching that show KYLE-XY, Season II a few months back. Someone cleverly created this video on YouTube and I want to share the tune now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nejVmFx3g08

November 23, 1984
Friday

I awoke early once again as I heard someone sweeping Autumn leaves outside.
Suzy Miller called to see if I wanted to go to Ole’s Waffle Shop for coffee and a bite to eat.
“I’m so full. Yesterday was Thanksgiving, remember?”
She laughed. “Maybe you will feel like a movie tonight?”
“That sounds good, I’ll call you back.”

I went over to mom’s house and watched game shows (Wheel of Fortune, Scrabble, The Newlywed Game) and a chain of soap-operas: “Days of our Lives”, “Another World”, “Santa Barbara” and “The Edge of Night”.

John brought Ashley over for a visit. I decided to leave just before Mom left for work. I wanted some silent sleep time as I felt some sniffles coming on along with a bit of a cough. I recalled being sick last Thanksgiving. Danny Garcia called while I was napping.
“Hi, I just wanted to see what you were doing tonight,” said Danny.
“Oh, I don’t know, I’m not feeling so great but I may get a boost of energy later.”
“Well, give me a call if you decide you want to go out.”

I rested, showered and started to feel a bit more energetic.
I chose to call Suzy to see if she wanted to go to the show. She ‘pussy-footed’ around and said, “I think I’m going to my mom’s house for dinner since it’s National Leftovers Day.”
She continued about wanting to see what her brother was doing and promised to call back. Her flimsy excuse did not make sense. “So…”

I am finding that I say “so” a lot these days. And so, I called Danny to see about a flick. We had planned to see “Amadeus” but ended up having coffee and a sandwich at The Copper Plate in Walnut Creek. It was funny because Danny mentioned a guy named Carlos. I remembered Carlos because he was swooping on Chris at ‘The Hub’ one time.

It’s a small world as I recollected this fella that Danny was talking about. Danny had bought a top at Wilkes-Bashford for $125 and the guy who sold it to him was Bob Umland! There goes another coincidence.

After the light bite we went to Danny’s pad to sort of watch “Conan The Barbarian” on television. We talked about nonsensical things.
Danny said, “I’m supposed to meet some friends at eleven o’clock.”
“Well, I refuse to go to that Hub joint if that’s where you’re going.”

And so, I dropped him off at ‘The Hub’. Then I went over to Walnut Creek Liquors, remembering that Bill Helbush was working there now. I received a nice postcard/letter from him not so long ago and thought it would be nice to drop by to greet him. He was very happy to see me.
“I want a pair of your white International Male 501 pants,” Bill said.
This was funny because Danny had said the same thing earlier this evening. I did not stay at the liquor store for very long. My nose was running and fatigue set in.

As I was walking out of the liquor store I recognized Katie Jones with two Chinese girls. She sort of smiled. I gave a little smirk of a smile and walked out without sharing a word.

I drove home, listening to tunes. I started to think about how nice Danny could be. I decided I would allow him to cut my hair the next time I visit. I shared with Danny about my Bay Area Sperm Bank donations. He also gave sound advice about Jeffrey Burr. It was reassuring.
Danny advised, “Don’t dwell on it and don’t let it hurt you.”

I was not feeling well when I got home; however, I chose to telephone Bob Umland of Wilkes-Bashford since his name came up tonight. I left a message on his recorder. I watched the Friday Night Videos program, went upstairs, fantasized and fell asleep.

"We just have to keep our stories straight and stay on our toes."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

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Let's Do It

"Will you read some of the lyrics? I like to hear you."
And he handed Michael the songbook.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

After re-reading the above quote I decided to search for a couple of songs that had lyrics that I love and music that makes me feel good. Here are the lyrics followed by a video of both the lyrics and music. Thank you Cole Porter:

I love Paris in the spring time
I love Paris in the fall
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles
I love Paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love Paris, why oh why do I love Paris
Because my love is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RbZnvQHlbA
PHOTO: Kim Basinger

And..."Let's Do It"...what a great clip. I have NEVER seen this movie! (YET!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ViJS9Zrrg&feature=related

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 22, 1984
Thursday, Thanksgiving

I woke up at 7am and went back to bed only to wake again at 8:30am. It’s great when I can actually fall back asleep and not be required to get up at a certain time. Waking naturally is the best way.

Since it was Thanksgiving I telephoned mom and got the ‘green flag’ to go over to her house. As soon as I walked in I could smell the turkey. I could NOT wait to eat!

I watched a bit of the Thanksgiving Day MACY’s Parade in New York. Tony arrived. Then, John, Sherri and Ashley arrived. The entire immediate family was there. No pictures were taken but I shall make up for that on another day. We all laughed and just plain had a good ole family dinner.

John actually had to go to work that evening. So John and Sherri left early to take a nap at their pad. Needless to say, we were all “stuffed”.

I stayed at mom and dad’s house, took a nap and debated on whether I should go to Baxter’s in Concord tonight to see if Liz of Lafayette might be there.

I watched a fun animated feature called “Beauty and The Beast”. The moral proved that the true beauty of any one individual is the “inner beauty” that really counts.

I watched ‘Ellis Island’ and ‘Fatal Vision’ movies with mom. Both of the stories were intense and memorable.

Helen gave me a call to wish me a “Happy Thanksgiving”. She’s sweet.

I left mom and dad’s at 10pm and returned to the warmth of my pad.

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Dancing With Myself

"Hmm__how interesting to know there's one attractive girl who didn't arouse the caveman in you."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I saw a terrible movie called "Men Who Stare At Goats" recently. It made me NOT want to go out to the movies for a while; however, there was one consolation. The movie featured a longtime favorite song called "Dancing With Myself" by Billy Idol. I had an immediate flashback to a club I would visit near Stanford University during the mid-1980s. I had no qualms to hit the dance floor and simply "dance with myself" when this tune was played. Listen by CLICKing here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DONbY9wd6vU&feature=fvw

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 21, 1984
Wednesday

Work dragged on until the end of the day finally arrived. Carl is continuing to ‘eye’ me. He has offered to sell his bike for two-hundred dollars. It’s a RALEIGH. I am thinking of buying it.
“I think I’d like to see the bike first,” I told Carl.

For lunch I went to I.MAGNIN for my free sample of women’s Gianfranco Ferre cologne, then I browsed at the MACY’s East Wing where I will be working soon.
This evening I was at mom’s house where I devoured one of her homemade pumpkin turnovers.

I watched DYNASTY. While watching this episode I thought, “I have my limits.”

Cathy Ainlay called me. She has been away, attending Chico State University.
“I just got word of the postcard you sent me and I wanted to Thank you,” Cathy said.
“Oh great, we should get together!”
We may try to see one another this coming Saturday. Who knows? I may see my yellow shorts yet!

I received no significant correspondence in the last two days.

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Football & Things

"Of course, I'll miss football and things, especially dramatics, but in order to get one thing you want it seems like you almost always have to give up something else, don't you think so?"
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

It was twenty years ago today (November 20, 1989) that I met Alan Freiman. Today is our 20th Anniversary so-to-speak. It was a Monday night in West Hollywood around 5:30pm. I was new to the area and thought it would be a good idea to visit this bar on a Monday night. I thought I would meet someone local, not someone faraway looking for a 'one night stand'.

I was in a bar called MICKEY's having a 'White Russian' cocktail. Alan walked in and we exchanged glances. He sat near me and there were two empty bar stools between us.
The bar was relatively empty, so we started to 'schmooze' (schmooze: Yiddish word meaning-To converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection).
Alan asked, "What is that you're drinking?"
"Oh, it's called a 'White Russian'. It's really good."
"I think I'll have one of those," Alan instructed the bartender.
We began to talk a bit more.
"So, are you just getting out of work?" I asked.
"Yeah, but I have a meeting over at the Bel Age Hotel within the hour. Are you from around here?"
"Actually, I'm new to the area. I thought I'd go out now, on a Monday evening, to meet some local people. I live up near Sunset across from Tower Records."
"I'm in Venice Beach."
"Really? I so want to get familiar with the Southern Cal beaches. That's one of the reasons I moved down here...for the beaches and palm trees."
We seemed to get along very well. I explained how I transferred from my job in Northern California. We ordered second rounds. We ended up exchanging telephone numbers. Alan left for his meeting and I decided to head on home. I felt I accomplished what I wanted. I met a local and I got a phone number. I had no idea where it would lead 'at the time'.

On November 20, 2006 we re-enacted our first meeting at the same MICKEY'S BAR. We ordered 'white Russians'. I arrived first. There was a 2 for 1 special 'Happy Hour' deal, so I ordered two. When Alan arrived fifteen minutes later I told him to pretend he just bought the drink...and we re-lived the first meeting. Funny.
PHOTO: The bartender took our photo
in celebration of our 17th Anniversary
November 20, 2006

To commemorate our special anniversary on this day I dedicate this video of #1 HIT songs of 1989 to "us". Do you remember any of them?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzK7pUCXHsE


Twenty-five years ago today:

November 20, 1984
Tuesday
Carl, my tub mate at work, seems to be giving me this eye that I read as ‘I like your body and then some…’ He’s a nice guy, but…

I enjoyed lunch with Karyn at a little Italian Café. It was fun spending time with her today.

After work I picked up Karyn at her place near Rockridge Center. We went out to see a 1978 Australian flick called “Mouth To Mouth” which was a pretty ‘shitty’ movie. We did not even stay for the co-feature, “Don’s Party”. We still had fun though.

We did a good job of sneaking in our McDonald’s dinner into the theater. We looked at each other with these ‘what in the hell’ sort of eyes when we heard a strange man in the movie theater yell ‘cocksucker’ and other vulgarities inside the theater.

We kissed each other goodnight. The date was pleasant.

I came home to read a bit. I had dreams. I felt confused and delirious.

“Truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at a touch;
nay, you may kick it about all day, like a football,
and it will be round and full at evening.”
-Mark Twain

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Remembering Baby Huey

"You put too much strain on your mind.
You have to condition yourself."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

Does anyone remember "Baby Huey" like I do?
Before you watch your next movie take five minutes to watch this cartoon:
CLICK here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDHpJwlJ9wE&feature=PlayList&p=A120DCB49E3CA7A5&index=22&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 19, 1984
Monday

This morning I ran into my old friend who resembles actor/comedian Marty Feldman on the BART train. He lives in Fremont and works at the Union Railroad. He is talkative and funny. What a nice chap.

While at work, Carl sat next to me (he is the one who had been away on disability). He talks a lot…and very loudly. He’s like a big baby boy. The cartoon Baby Huey comes to mind but he has a very fit, muscular upper torso (unlike Baby Huey). He is really very nice. I like sitting next to him because he brings out certain points for me to practice that I do tend to forget about. Carl was kind enough to switch my noon lunch hour for his one o’clock lunch hour. I didn’t even ask. He volunteered.

I enjoyed a sandwich and yogurt at the Health Food Store. I sat outside on Market Street. The sun was out and it felt good. It was nice sitting alone, watching the passers go by. I practiced my ‘Friendship Formation’ collegiate study, taking note of who noticed me (via eye contact) and simultaneously who I noticed.

Barbara Reynolds and I shared our last break together. We had an interesting chat about work and the people in our office. She went off about how she really liked Joe Sandford. She said that Tom and David ‘suffice’ as her tub mates but did not elaborate. She missed Joe and Brenda from the old office in Downtown Oakland.

“I notice you and Cyndy Chow seem to be getting along better,” Barbara said.
It is true and a plus that we are getting along but the frown on my face must have been something else after hearing the way Barbara laughed aloud.

I called mom and she invited me to come by the house for her homemade ‘salmon patties’ for dinner. My stomach growled at the time.

I had my Patelco Credit Union teller card encoded, making up my very own secret PIN number: 0526 (for my birthday).

After dinner at mom’s house I rummaged through the junk mail and more pre-approved credit cards that I immediately threw into the garbage.

I am thinking of calling Jennifer Andres tomorrow. She is the one who works at IBM.

I was thinking of Aubrey, my thirteen year old buddy (not in that way!).

Jim is still in my thoughts and Jeffrey Burr is ‘fading fast’. I am wondering about Chris Cordellos’ latest “going ons” but then again…his telephone is disconnected!

Paloma crossed my mind a couple of times. Her semi-stern and opinionated ways ‘turn me off’. I really do foresee a future in ‘us’. And so, her rough edges are just as well.

Mike and Suzy Miller crossed my mind this last weekend. They’re both so caught up in their Christianity these days. It makes me feel limited in being free and able to do whatever.

I telephoned Karyn Kossoff tonight. She was talking to her girlfriend, Joann, in New York about the pictures she took of all of us at Barnaby’s when she was visiting. I really love Karyn’s New York accent. We discussed the possibility of a movie tomorrow night when I suddenly remembered about my 6pm Vidal Sassoon appointment.

“Fatal Vision”, a movie about a fellow who supposedly murdered his family is out in the theaters now. I was in no mood and felt like going to bed now. I would rather see a new movie called “Falling In Love”, starring Meryl Streep and Robert de Niro. It starts on Wednesday.

I received a surprise phone call just as I hit the pillow. It was Danny Garcia from Walnut Creek, CA. It is funny because I thought of him recently (while I was writing Christmas cards). After the formalities of asking how each of us were doing the real reason he called was revealed.
“Oh Mike,” Danny said cheerfully, “I saw Chris at ‘The Hub’ bar in Walnut Creek with a ‘dark’ boy a few weeks back.”
“That was probably, Clay, a Coast Guard friend of his.”
“Are you still seeing him?”
“No, we pretty much broke it off and I’m not seeing anyone,” I said as I started to realize that I was not truly committed to any one person at this point. I did know that I really did not want to become in any way involved with Danny (except as friends). I wonder if he was fishing for ‘me’ with ‘him’.
“I’m working at a new salon in Alamo now called Chez Noel.”
Danny’s nice. It was good catching up on the latest.

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One Night in Bangkok

"We can't be liked until we like ourselves."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

Have you played charades lately?
My dear cousin, Brenda Rosser, in Oklahoma sent me this one of many comic strips and it made me laugh:

It also reminded me of a song from the mid-1980's called "One Night in Bangkok" that I used to like. I have yet to visit Bangkok. It's on my list of places to go.

When I first moved to Los Angeles in October 1989 I met a young man from Bangkok, Thailand (Monte Ng) who was touring Los Angeles with his grandfather. We talked for a while and I gave him my address and we have been friends ever since. I have not seen him since that day on the airport shuttle but we keep in touch from time to time via email.

Listen now to 'One Night in Bangkok':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9mwELXPGbA

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 18, 1984
Sunday

It was one of those ‘wake up’ at 7:30am mornings. I exercised, showered and went for a bike ride until 9:30am. It was a fresh Sunday start. I enjoyed breakfast at mom and dad’s house, of course. Sherri brought Ashley over at 11:30am. Ashley is as cute as ever.

I watched the San Francisco 49er game. I did not win the office grid game as usual. I remained at the house and played with Ashley. I taped her baby voice on my cassette tape recorder. She started to cry when she heard herself. After I played it four or five times she started to smile ever-so-sweetly. She started to love listening to the tape of her making little pouts, hmmm’s and ‘grgrgrgr’s’. It was fun to just hang out there for most of the day.

I felt fat today after mom’s home cooked breakfast and Stella Doro cookies with milk. And then I had two hamburgers a few hours later. It’s no wonder.

After John and Sherri picked up Ashley at around 6:30pm I left about a half hour later.

As soon as I arrived back at my pad I received a call from Bruce. He did not have any big news to report. He did say that he has a new dog.

I watched a bit of ‘Ripley’s Believe It Or Not’ on television followed by an episode of ‘Murder She Wrote’. I went to bed at nine o’clock. Yawn.

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The Guy in Shades

Impossible it is for me to go on expressing my emotions because I know I could go on rambling for ages and never reach the point that is foremost in my mind.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Another great tune that I loved during my avid cycling days in the mid-1980s was by Corey Hart called "Sunglasses At Night". If you hear the lyrics you can understand why I loved the song so much. I distinctly remember riding my bike 'at dusk', wearing my sunglasses while the tune was playing on my SONY headphones. It made me ride so much FASTER! The speed of my pedaling was an ultimate thrill.
CLICK this link to listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2LTL8KgKv8

Sunglasses At Night (lyrics)

I wear my sunglasses at night so I can so I can
Watch you weave then breath your story lines.
And I wear my sunglasses at night so I can so I can
Keep track of the visions in my eyes.
While she's deceiving me
it cuts my security.
Has she got control of me? - I turn to her and say:
Don't switch the blade on the guy in shades oh no.
Don't masquerade with the guy in shades oh no
I can't believe it!
You got it made with the guy in shades oh no.

And I wear my sunglasses at night so I can
Forget my name while you collect your call so I can
And I wear my sunglasses at night so I can
See the light that's right before my eyes. so I can
While she's deceiving me it cuts my security
Don't switch the blade on the guy in shades oh no.
Don't masquerade with the guy in shades oh no
I can't believe it!
Don't be afraid of the guy in shades oh no it can't escape you

'cus you got it made with the guy in shades oh no.
I said: I wear my sunglasses at night.
I wear my sunglasses at night
I wear my sunglasses at night.
I said to you now: I wear my sunglasses at night
I wear my sunglasses at night
I wear my sunglasses at night.
I cry to you: I wear my sunglasses at night. I wear my sunglasses at night

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 17, 1984
Saturday

The phone rang at about 9:15am. It was Helen.
“Mike, I may come by today for the food I left in the fridge.”
“Oh, okay, I should be here.”
Then mom called to invite me for breakfast. As I was dressing into my bike gear and about to depart Helen arrived. I helped her take her stuff to her car. I waved to my friend, Aubrey, the fourteen year old chap that I had not seen for a few weeks.

I waved goodbye to Helen and got on my bike. As I was about to ride off I spoke to Aubrey who was waiting for my next door neighbor to return from SAFEWAY. I learned that he is actually thirteen years old and that his mother is thirty-two years old.
“I have two younger brothers,” Aubrey said.
Aubrey reminded me of a young version of Jeffrey Burr because of his striking blue eyes and dark hair. We began to talk of movies because he mentioned his wish to see ‘The Last Starfighter’ when it is released on January 2, 1985. I invited “Aub” into my pad via my garage so that he could see the UC Theater movie schedule that I happened to have in the house.
“You have a nice apartment,” Aubrey said.
I thought, “What a bright kid.”
“Thanks! You know, we should go bike riding some time to Castro Valley.”
“Ah yeah, but my bike needs to be fixed. I plan on fixing it today though,” Aubrey said happily.
“Well maybe we can go next weekend. Or maybe we can go see a flick sometime.”

And so, maybe we’ll go together. He is only in seventh grade at Wood School. He’s my new buddy. I felt like a big brother. We returned to the garage and I got on my bike and headed to mom’s to eat.

When I returned home to check my mail I looked to see if Aubrey was around because I like ‘looking’ and ‘talking’ to him. He was not around, so I got on my bike and rode along the beach.

I was riding through Encinal Avenue to Central Avenue and spotted a house in Central Alameda that I truly love on Dayton Avenue. There are two lion sculptures side by side in the front yard. I was riding until 1:30pm on Bay Farm Island. Some guy named Ralph called my name out, “Mike!”

Ralph had ridden his bike from Hayward and after speaking with him he explained that he mistook me for another guy named Mike that he knew. We talked briefly and then he went his way and I went mine. I saw Ron, the windsurfer guy, on his bike, too.
“How you doin?” I asked as I rode by, nodded and continued on my ride.
I’ve given up on his bland intellect. There was no point in speaking to him again.

I found myself at mom’s house again and played with Ashley for a while. I accompanied mom and Ashley to South Shore Shopping Center where we saw Diana Rodrigues. She is the daughter of my parents’ family friends (Pete and Marcela Rodrigues). Diana is quite pretty. It’s just my luck that she is now engaged and a wedding date is set for sometime in May 1985. There were a lot of shoppers looking at me, mom and Ashley today. I honestly believe that Ashley was the main attraction. She was so cute today.

I returned to my pad to nap until about 5:30pm, returned to mom’s house only to be entertained by Ashley again. She had fallen asleep in my arms earlier while at South Shore Shopping Center.

At around 7pm, Sherri came by for Ashley. Sherri left and I joined mom and dad for dinner at the Mexicali Rose restaurant. My stomach was satisfied.

I’m so glad this week is a three-day work week. Times are tough. Perhaps my part-time job at MACY’s will prove to be helpful in paying off my car note and credit card bills. I warned Aubrey about the dangers of plastic (credit cards) today.

Ironically, being in debt did not stop me from filling out an order form from the International Male menswear catalog for two-hundred dollars worth of merchandise. I intend on placing the order. I feel I deserve it. I know I will ‘catch up’ and pay off my credit cards eventually. And besides, I do have $8,600 in cash coming to me on or before January 1987.

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Tweetin' A Latin Pop Star

"You must go home with me tonight, dear.
I have something for you that I think you will like even better than the cuff links.
You just see."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"
I have been re-visiting TWITTER again. I am following thirty-seven year old music pro, Ricky Martin (b. Dec. 24, 1971, San Juan, Puerto Rico). Did you know his birth name is actually Enrique Martín Morales?

On November 4, 2009 he wrote the following ‘tweet’ on TWITTER:

Just got to LA will b here for 5 hours n back. Important meetings today!

I thought I’d comment on that, so I “tweeted” him:

@ricky_martin Have a swift flight back & much successful productivity at your meeting. My next meeting is on Wall Street 'en dos horas'.

I was thrilled an hour later because he sent me a private Direct Message “tweet”:

Good luck on yours! peace

In honor of Ricky Martin I thought I would post a music video that he recently “tweeted” as being on his TOP 10 list for a while now. I watched it and was equally moved. Wait for the emotional teardrop:
http://ow.ly/zjDo

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 16, 1984
Friday

Today was my first section meeting. My section seems A-OKAY. There’s a new guy in our section who had been out on disability. His name is NOT Cory or Conrad. His name seems to have escaped me at the moment but it begins with the letter “C”. He is a nice guy. I like him better than that fat Cindy Chow. She thinks she’s God’s gift to men and a ‘know it all’.

Bobbie’s last day was yesterday. We sent out for a pizza in celebration of her last day (for lunch). It was a little strange how she came in early today to show (and hopefully sell) some antique collectibles to anyone who might be interested. I bought a bike for $4.00. When I look at it I will think of Bobbie.

Karyn said, “I heard a rumor that Bobbie was gay.”
“Well, I don’t know what to believe these days,” I shrugged.
One’s sexual preference doesn’t bother me once the individual personality is known. One’s sexual preference is just another facet of a person. I pretty much used these words while discussing it with Karyn.

My sales day was not so “hot”. I did build some relationships for possible future sales.

After work I went to the ‘Hungry Hunter’ in Oakland for Dolores’ 10-year anniversary celebration for being employed with the company. I sat next to Dolores and Norma Trujillo (another Webster Public Office teller). Dolores was so happy that I attended. I had a good time and the meal was grand. The party was to continue at Ivey’s but it is so dark there that I decided not to go.

Instead, I drove to Concord to Baxter’s because one gal from the Concord Pacific Bell RTOC (Residential Telephone Order Center) said, “I’ll be there.” We had never met in person but we spoke during business calls at the office a few times.
I did not see her there. I did meet others though.

First, I met a gal named Julie and her friend, Kathy, from Napa. I thought Julie may have been the unknown gal from the Concord Pacific Bell RTOC. We danced a few dances.

Then I met Jennifer Andres who works for IBM and lives in Alamo. She was with her friend Katy McDermott who worked for Bechtel Engineering. They were nice. Jennifer and I danced to one song.

Then I met a blond who eyed me and smiled my way from across the bar area. Her name was Liz and she lived in Lafayette. I think she left but before I did.
I was thrilled to hear her say, “I hope to see you here again sometime.”
“Okay, how about next Thursday?” I asked with a serious face followed by my smile.
She gave a return smile with a sexy bat of the eyelash.

I also met Sandy and her friend, Gayle Gilbert of Duluth, Minnesota. Gayle had come to San Francisco to interview for a job with the Federal Probation Department.
“I hope you get the job,” I said.
Gayle was not a real attractive gal, but she was cute with a cheerful personality.
“I’m in the book,” I said. I hope she’ll call me.

I did get Jennifer Andres’ IBM business card. I want to have lunch with her one day.

I also met a guy named Joe who had just moved to the Bay Area a couple of months ago from New Jersey. He was a nice chap. I hope to run into him again.

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Take Off Your Underpants

"Every story has a beginning.
Every life has meaning and potential."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

I have been doing this BLOG for over a year now. The first one was posted on November 9, 2008. I have been posting a number of quotes from the book "The Divided Path". After reading that book I detected some parallels to my life (especially after flashbacks to my old diary/journal from twenty-five years ago). I find it fascinating how so many people entered my life and failed to continue in my life. People come and people go. What makes a person stick?

Here is another excerpt from "The Divided Path" by Nial Kent:

'That time at the Hotel Carollton, which he had always considered the apex of his sex life, those seven hours of Elysium, had they ever really happened?
And if it had happened, had it really been as wonderful as he had remembered it, or had it grown in beauty with the passage of time, colored by his romantic imagination, taking on the stuff of which legends are made?
Doubts assailed him suddenly from all sides.'

Twenty-five years ago today:

PHOTO: 'Take Off Your Underpants'
Oct. 2009-A photo I took of a billboard
in Manhattan, NYC cropping & editing it
to create this rendition:


November 15, 1984
Thursday

While at work today I spoke to Jim Padilla, some older gent who claimed that he is the number “1” seller in our office along with all of this other bragging “shit”. I was not impressed by him. Karyn Kossoff had already told me that he stole a big WATS (Wide Area Telephone Service) sale from her. It’s funny how certain friends influence you about other people. I seriously could care less about this Padilla chap.

Barbara Reynolds confirmed my appointment for Tuesday at Vidal Sassoon in San Francisco for a men’s wash, cut and blow dry by Susan Rasmussen. I am hoping her friend will be fun.

When I arrived home I called Karyn Kossoff and we talked for a good while. I read a few philosophical statements to her that she thought were interesting. She is so sweet. Her “Pebbles” laugh really tickles me.

I watched “A Woman of Substance” and went to bed by 10pm. The last line from the movie will remain a constant thought about living life:
‘Endure life to its fullest’
I guess it means to simply ‘ENJOY’. I am. I do.

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