A Day Of Harmony

One's days were too brief to take the burden of another's errors on one's shoulders. Each man lived his own life, and paid his own price for living it.
-Oscar Wilde
"The Portrait of Dorian Gray"

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 31, 1985
Thursday

Today was not as harmonious as my TAROT cards had predicted. It was hell.

I had to face an actual customer named Bob Tuttle of Pacific Leasing who had to pay a two-hundred dollar deposit for his new Business telephone service. There seemed to be one problem after another. Some other customer named Ira Israel gave me a bad time about transferring his ten business lines ‘now’ versus just ordering an RJ21X jack that would be capable of dealing with that problem. I spoke to Ryan Hargrave about it all at break time.

Ryan is all excited about next Wednesday night (as I am) for the Diana Ross concert. His mind is elsewhere.

I shared lunch today with Barbara Reynolds. She bought film for her camera while I went to my bank to deposit my measly thirty-dollar paycheck from the Women’s Health Center. Barbara and I stopped for some chocolate chip cookies and milk. We sat, feeling the sunshine. We talked about marriage; her boyfriend (Robert), Paloma, my friend Chris Cordellos, vacation, back rubs. We laughed and simply had a great afternoon.

The remainder of my afternoon dragged on.

I felt I was beginning to recover from my stressful day when Margaret Lai asked, “Michael, would you carry my architectural desk box outside?”
Margaret won a ‘put-it-together’ yourself desk that was in a box by her office desk. I assured her that I would carry it out for her at the end of the day.

Carl Brooks and I ended up walking together to the BART station once again. It’s becoming his time to release his anxieties (like a free psychological outpouring and I am the psychologist).
Carl announced, “You know, Michael, I am planning to sell my 1982 Mustang black T-top for eighty-four hundred dollars.”
I hope he doesn’t think I’d buy it.

I went to visit Dad who was counting John’s rent tips for February. He likes counting cash.

I fed Ashley an oatmeal cookie and left shortly after that.

I was reading the newspaper when Paloma called me. I had called her at 11AM this morning but she was not at home. We, of course, had another great talk. The question is whether there is real committed future between the two of us. I think…maybe not. She is now sure she may be working with Air France or Iberia Airlines of Spain as a flight-attendant. I will miss her. We talked about her leaving tomorrow morning for Los Angeles. We went on to discuss these other topics:
-The helpful hints she is giving to this designer she knows.
-The hotel rates at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel
-My Valentine Card to her
-Her Valentine Card to me
-The Paris Fashion shows
-The French styles and buying clothes
-Going to the gym
-Her new 1 year membership for ANY Fitness Center Nationwide.

Marty Louie called me while I was at work today. He will deliver the $800 check on Saturday or Sunday.

“Great!” I said and thought how much I need that moo-la! What will it be like with him around the house?

"What about me?"
"I really don't know," said Michael, cooly. "That's between you and ____.
Whatever happens, I'm sure you wont' be the one to suffer. You're not the type."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

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Alone Together

They were two close friends sitting alone together.
-Arthur Lobel
"Frog and Toad Are Friends"


"I command you to tell me everything!
I do not wish to be the frog that sits at the bottom of the well."
-Bette Bao Lord
"Spring Moon"

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 30, 1985
Wednesday

Carl Brooks, my tub mate, is really a fine character. I traded my noon lunch for Barbara Reynolds’s one o’clock lunch.

At 1PM I accompanied Carl to the Health Food Store where I bought a sandwich and treated Carl to a yogurt. We sat alone together on the sunny steps of Market and New Montgomery. We talked about the attitudes of certain coworkers (Dhyana, Guy, Hal and others). I agreed totally with regard to many of his insights. We had a nice lunch and I am glad I know Carl a bit better. I ought to invite him over here to Alameda one evening for a change of pace from the San Francisco grind. I would treat him to dinner and a drink. It would be a nice, needed change for him.

Work was “so-so”, not one of my favorite days. After work I made another visit to the Oakland Women’s Feminist Health Center, expecting a paycheck. I did not get one. What a downer! However, when I arrived home that evening there was a thirty-dollar check (which should have been seventy-five dollars) from them in my mailbox. That is going to be my LAST visit there for a while. I am beginning to feel it is not worth it. Besides…I feel I have been ‘just’ in contributing to one successful pregnancy.

I dropped in to visit my brother, John, and Ashley. I gave John a Houston Astros sticker that a customer had sent me. Then I gave John two tickets to the Pebble Beach Crosby Pro-Am Golf Tournament that Margaret Lai (a coworker) gave me. Margaret is sweet.
“Cool, I will use these tickets on Friday with Geoffrey Rookard!” John exclaimed.
Ashley smiled when she saw me. It’s neat to see and play with her. The responsibility on a regular basis would be trying on me. Taking responsibility of my own self, analyzing my moves and actions is a job in and of itself.

I went to my gym tonight. I felt a slight strain on my upper left arm, realizing it is because that joint was broken in December 1980. While at the gym I recognized a guy named Chris, one named Scott and the tall, slender one that Paloma thought had a nice body. I also noticed an Adam Carrington (Dynasty) lookalike who had a moustache. He kept staring at me. It made me think of Rick Clark or Ryan Hargrave who sometimes give me this ‘undressing you with the eyes’ look. It’s eerie but it makes me curious.

After my workout I went to Jack-In-The-Box for ‘two’ milkshakes. I ended up watching Dynasty at mom’s house while enjoying a burger that mom made for me. It was a nice pairing with the milkshakes.

"What is going to happen?" we all ask ourselves.
"How long can we endure this burden and torment?"
...This is a misunderstanding of some kind;
and it will be the ruin of us.
-Franz Kafka
"An Old Manuscript"

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Case Examples

It was one thing to know what Alcibiades had in mind when he lay on the couch of Socrates and crept beneath his cloak, and to read the verses of Meleager in praise of his nectared-lipped Myiscus and the "lovely loins" of Uliades.

It was something else again to find within himself impulses about which he had only read, often as 'case examples'.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 29, 1985
Tuesday
PHOTO: Gary Cooper Portrait
Well, today was a pretty fun-filled day.

It began with a few snide remarks.

Carl Brooks asked, “Where is your famous grin today?”

Cindy Chow said, “Your skit was great! You should dress less more often!”

Roxanne, the redhead said, “Take off that shirt, Michael!”

Dale asked, “When are you going to do my Tarot reading?”

Dale wants to make a fun evening out of the Tarot reading. He’s so fun that I’m all for it. We are going for drinks and dinner next Friday, February 8th. I will do his Tarot reading at that time. It should be fun. He may be fat but he’s got a lot of jolly and inner beauty. He’s too “cool”.

I went to PATRICK’s alone for lunch. I bought a few Hallmark cards at a nearby shop, too.

When I returned to the office I had a call from Bob Umland.
“I want to thank you for that Noah’s Ark Zoo card you sent me. It was so thoughtful,” said Bob.

After Bob’s call I decided to initiate a call to Christopher Cordellos because I had not done so in a while.
Chris remarked tensely, “I am just dying to move out from my mom’s pad!”
I learned that Chris has been pretty busy with school. His car is in the process of major repair.
“I promise I will call and come by really soon,” Chris added.
We did not talk for very long.

Stephanie Redding called again. It seems she does plan to come to Alameda on Saturday for a visit. Marty Louie may be moving in as well. Hmmm? It will be a busy day.

After work I showered at home, napped until 7:50PM and read the newspaper. There was an interesting article about Pacific Telesis and the terrific revenues for 1984 (something like $880 Million and it quoted 74,000 plus employees at year’s end). And to think…I am one of those employees. I feel very “Pac Bell” today.
I wrote Paloma the neatest VALENTINE’S DAY card of a futuristic Movie Theater where it was written: “Heart-The Romantic Nation”. I also sent Jim Koran a neat, small Hallmark ‘New Beginning’ card for his birthday. Jim’s card depicted three seagulls hovering over vibrant colored clouds amidst the sky and partial sunlight.

I walked with Carl Brooks after work today to the BART station. He complains and gets so disturbed over nonsense. It’s the typical LIBRA. He never seems to be satisfied. He is so “picky”. It reminds me of a few other LIBRA signs I know (Suzy Miller, Helen Wong, Bob Umland). I remember going over the LIBRA phenomenon with Bob when he came over to my pad recently.

I want to stay awake for Joan Rivers on The Tonight Show but I don’t believe I can keep my eyes open. It’s 10:10PM and I feel it is time for shut-eye.

I will think of Paloma’s smile and J. Koran’s smile, too.

For hours they lay within arm's reach of each other, but countless miles apart.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

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The Love of Wine

"I mean, everyone knows most people are bi-sexual."
-Jonathan Rhys-Myers
as 'Brian Slade' in the 1998 film
"Velvet Goldmine"

As found in "The Divided Path" by Nial Kent:

The Ancient Poetry of CHINA
by Tschang-Tsi

In my boat rocked by the river,
gently rocked while the daylight lasts.
I row and I gaze at the mountains,
glassed in the water.

I have now no other love
but the love of wine,
and my cup full of wine is before me.

Once I had in my heart a thousand sorrows,
but now...
I look at the mountains,
glassed in the water.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 28, 1985
Monday

This morning I was in such a rush. I was showering, ironing and stuffing pillows for tonight’s command skit performance for the Company Seminar meeting.

Ryan Hargrave came by my desk this morning.
He asked, “Did you remember to bring your gear?”
I laughed. “Yes, it’s going to be so much fun.”
Ryan is fun. I like when he talks to me.

I sold a three-path RCF (Remote Call Forwarding) to some Los Angeles Law Firm. They wanted Oakland telephone numbers forwarded to their LA office. Hurrah!

For lunch I dropped by Great Western to show off my three IRA statements and to question about reinvesting my first IRA. Then I dropped off my twenty dollar payment to MACY’s department store, grabbing a quick bite at Wendy’s.

The day was going swiftly for Cindy Chow (my tub mate) but it was a drag for me because of so many outgoing and return calls I had to make. Stephanie Redding, that gal, keeps calling me, too. Geez! Every day she is calling.

I think Sue (of the Data Marketing Unit) likes me, too. She stops at my desk and has this flirtatious allure in her eye. I can feel it.

Between 3PM and 4PM I was rehearsing with David Vigil, Ryan Hargrave, Dale Orlando, Dhyana, Jennifer and Kathy. It was the skit for Betsy, one of the other managers. We all felt confident about it.

Our moment of truth finally came. We had some good laughs. We made everyone laugh. Karyn Kossoff was handling my camera and took a few snapshots. It was great. I stuffed my shirt with a giant pillow but a few people commented on my body (namely Carl, Roxanne—the redhead, Ryan and Dale). Who knows what else was going on behind-the-scenes? Who was drooling? I wish. I know I have a long way to go for fitness sake.

Dale Orlando is now my “buddy”. He is so funny. I like his company.
Dale said, “There are a couple of guys in the Sheraton bathroom jacking each other off.”
“I don’t believe you. Get out of here!”
And so, Dale had to prove it to me. I went with him to check it out. Dale had apparently caught them in-the-act. It was true, too. The two guys in the bathroom had guilt-ridden, flushed, sexually tense faces. It was funny.

Dale made me laugh after Emmy (another very chubby coworker) came out dressed in drag! Emmy had to start on a “third” song and we knew this was just way too much.

Dale was kind enough to chauffeur me in his car to the MacArthur BART station in Oakland. It was so nice of him to do that. We had a fun, corporate camaraderie night. I enjoyed myself. I now owe Dale a TAROT card reading.

Oh yes, Sue (the Data Marketing gal) invited me to her new apartment in San Mateo for a TAROT card reading, too. That’s very interesting. Does she want my ‘you know what’? It could be. I know a lot of people in this office wouldn’t mind it. Ugh…gives me the creeps in a way.

I went straight to the gym after hopping into my car at the BART station. I was done with my workout by 10PM and couldn’t help myself as I had to quench my thirst for a milkshake and coffee at Jack-In-The-Box.

Once home I telephoned my Dad with the news.
“Hey Dad…guess what?”
“What?”
“I called Marty in Riverside and told him he could move in next Saturday! He’s going to call me on Thursday night with more details. It looks like I’ll have a roommate. Isn’t that great?”
“That’s good. Let me know what happens.”
“Okay, I will.”

Joan Rivers was on The Tonight Show. I was excited about that as I have missed her act. Let’s see what her ‘latest gossip’ is all about. She reminds me of Dale Orlando in some regard. Dale always has stories to tell. It’s the kind of stories I like: “good gossip”.

In the private office of story,
a writer and reader try to loosen the clench of the times they live in.
-Christopher Bram
"Mapping The Territory"

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I Need You

"The mind is a strange place--a writer's mind stranger still."
-Christopher Bram
"Mapping The Territory"

I was fortunate enough to be seated front row center at a private jam party in Seal Beach last Sunday night (January 24, 2009). It was a flash back to the 1970s and the following performed:

David Pack
Pablo Cruise
David Benoit
REO Speedwagon
America
Kenny Loggins

They all sounded the same as they did in the 1970's but they all looked older. It happens.

It amazed me when I had these sudden flashbacks to my teens when I heard songs like 'Ventura Highway', 'A Horse With No Name' by America or 'You're the Only Woman' and 'Biggest Part of Me' by David Pack, 'A Place In The Sun' and 'Love Will Find a Way' by Pablo Cruise, 'Keep On Loving You' by REO Speedwagon and 'Footloose' and 'Your Mama Don't Dance' by Kenny Loggins.

I think my favorite moment was hearing this classic one by America, I Need You:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kgW5jvulQk&feature=related

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 27, 1985
Sunday

When I woke up this morning I turned over to another position in hopes for more sleep. I simply feel that I am not getting enough sleep. It certainly feels that way on Mondays through Fridays when my alarm clock rings at six o’clock in the morning.

This morning the phone rang just as I was getting out of the shower. I was about to get ready to go to mom’s for Sunday breakfast.
“Hello, this is Marty Louie.”
I was feeling rather puzzled. “Oh yeah, and how can I help you?”
“I was inquiring about your ad for a rental to share?”
My heart started pounding with excitement. Marty volunteered to come over today. I agreed and quickly straightened up a bit (after calling mom with the big news).

Marty arrived and he was a slightly chunky oriental dude who had just graduated from UCLA.
“I was working in Riverside at Empire Savings and Loan and I’ll be starting a new job in Oakland at the Equitech Corporation.”
“That sounds great.”
After the tour of the townhouse I felt I should have the upper hand and said, “I will call you on Monday or Tuesday and let you know for sure since I have a couple of other people interested. It will be four-hundred dollars per month, no utilities and a four-hundred dollar deposit.”

When he left I closed the door and I all I could think of was “MoooLa!”

I quickly went to visit mom for a bite and then returned to my pad to lounge. It was a nice day but I just wanted to sleep and be lazy. Maybe it is the working out strain on my muscles. My calves are sore. I can thank Paloma for the new calf exercises she taught me.

Mom stopped by to visit just as I was dozing off. She gave me a jump-start and I began washing clothes. I helped her to rearrange and redecorate my pad to a certain extent. It was fun. I remember helping her move the furniture around for a changed look in the old days. Dad came over, too. He fixed my furnace and garbage disposal.
“How did you fix the disposal?” I asked dad curiously.
“I don’t know. I just took it apart and put it back together again,” Dad replied.
I started laughing as he smiled.

When ma and pa left I tried to nap once more when Bruce called me. We rapped about my new prospective roommate (the oriental fella), Paloma and our ‘almost’ marriage, Bruce’s new dog, my new gym membership and a few nonsense jokes.

Paloma telephoned. “You know, I called you last night at your house and at your mom’s and I couldn’t figure out where you were.”
“Oh…I was at Sherri’s. I had to babysit,” I laughed.
Apparently, Paloma was calling me now from her Fitness Center.

It was dinnertime and I arrived for homemade hamburgers at mom’s house. They were good burgers, so I ate two and a half with some orange juice. I was feeling full—to say the least. Sherri stopped by and I departed with her to unload groceries and stuff at her place. While I was at Sherri’s place my mom called to relay a message: “Michael…Paloma just called and wants you to call her back.”
“Okay, Thanks.”

I returned Paloma’s call and we made plans to see the movies “Tuff Turf” and “Johnny Dangerously” tonight.
Both films were just ‘okay’. We went to The Parkway Cinema (a very dark, not-so-nice neighborhood). We were cuddly and her palms started to get sweaty.
“I’m in a downer mood,” Paloma announced.
“Why?”
“I don’t know but after working out I felt so much better.”
“It’s true. Working out revitalizes you…don’t you think?”
“Yeah. You know…I like your cologne.”
“It’s Aqua Velva.”
“I like your turquoise jumpsuit.”

We often find so much we like about one another--even little things. As we departed the theater we were both a bit fearful of the crime-feeling vibes of the area. We laughed about it but we made it home, ending on a luscious kiss goodnight.

Paloma departs for Los Angeles on Friday and will return on Monday. I hit the sack by 1AM. Yawn.

"Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship, and it is far the best ending for one."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Portrait of Dorian Gray"

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Reassessment

"You mean it has yet to be proven that the past,
present and the future are one in the same?"
-as heard in NY while watching
the Broadway play
Blithe Spirit, An Improbable Farce
by Noel Coward

A reassessment is a good word.
It's simply a time for a new appraisal or evaluation of one's life.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 26, 1985
Saturday

The phone rang around the 9AM-ish period. It was Paloma calling. We are planning to work out at the gym together today.
“I’ll call you when I am leaving at around twelve o’clock, ok?”
I said, “Great” as I remained in bed and under my covers until 10:30AM.

Mom telephoned next.
“I just wanted to see what you were up to today. If you want to come over I have some coffee and rolls here.”
How could I pass that up?
Once I arrived at mom’s we chatted about the latest goings on.
“I’ll be going to Josie’s today to see Uncle Orlie because Dad didn’t see him last night.”

My Aunt Josie lives in San Leandro. My Dad had one brother named Joe Eligio Armijo (My Godfather, who died in 1981 at the age of forty-three) but he has six half-brothers and sisters (all have the same mother/different father). Dad’s half-brother Orlie is visiting from Colorado.
Mom continued. “Aunt Julia told dad she had spoken to my cousin. She made some remark about me and called your dad an ‘asshole’. Julia got all mad and defensive and told her ‘Don’t call my brother an asshole!’”.

This asshole nonsense must stem from the fact that my mom’s cousin was living in the townhouse that I am living in now. She was paying an unheard of cheap rental amount and when my Dad wanted to raise her rent by a hundred dollars she flew the coup. And so, my Dad is an ‘asshole’ now. Ridiculous. It’s never good to mix family and business.

My funds are tight—as usual. The receipt of my Citibank and American Express bills is no fun.

I need to browse my handwritten words and try to memorize them for the skit on Monday night. I keep procrastinating.

Paloma called again and said she’d be leaving at 11:45AM, “I should be there by twelve-thirty.”
She arrived at that precise time, too. I gave her a little cuddle and kiss. I really like being with her. I want it so that every time we get-together we become more and more easy, carefree and comfortable. I want it to get to the point where we 'make love' like crazy one night after a good work out.

We arrived at 24 Hour Nautilus in San Leandro and worked out for a good two hours. I could tell that Paloma had eyes for me and one other fella who was an employee there. There was no doubt that Paloma had the number ONE body of all the ladies in the gym (and perhaps in the entire vicinity of San Leandro for that matter!).

After our workout we went to BayFair Shopping Center and browsed at leotards. Paloma has an eye for the fashionable wear. We ate at some place and ordered Bacon Cheese burgers. We laughed because they forgot the bacon! We followed that with a yogurt dessert. It was so “ugh” and artificial tasting.

We walked about the Shopping Center for a while until we decided to head back to Alameda. It was 4:30PM already and we had a fun day. Paloma seemed in a rush to leave.
She said, “You can just drop me off at my car. I want to go home.”

That was a bit of a downer but--in a way--it was a slight relief. For some reason, I am fearful of my sexual performance (when we get to that point). Oh well, she left and I relaxed and took a nap.
I woke up and decided to telephone Paloma.
“I am so happy to hear from you.”
“Well, I wanted to see how you were feeling after the workout. I took a good nap.”
“I rested, too. I might be seeing an old friend who lives in Concord tonight. I will call you if it doesn’t fall through, ok?”
“Okay.”

That’s when I decided to call Sherri. There was no answer at her place. Then the phone rang suddenly and it was Sherri. She had been calling my parents but I explained that they’re not at home because they went to my Aunt Josie’s house in San Leandro.
“Well, do you think you could take care of Ashley for a while? I want to go to a small party with some friends for a little while.”
“Oh sure…I’ll be right over.”

That was an easy uncle to niece babysitting job. Ashley slept all the way through. I watched half of a video movie called “Electric Dreams” and sped through an X-rated video flick called “?” about a mermaid. After the brief arousal of that show I switched to “Hardcore”, starring George C. Scott on CINEMAX. He was in search of his runaway daughter amidst a dark porno world. It was okay.

Sherri arrived home at 11PM and we chatted about the cocktail waitress who bought John an aquarium, and about some of the other movies she’d seen recently.
Sherri complained pointing to a gigantic bag of popcorn, “John is eating all of this popcorn!”

I went home and telephoned ma and pa who had just arrived home. I was going to visit but instead I showered and fell asleep.

As only a great mind can do,
I've reassessed by decision and changed my mind."
-as heard while watching the
2009 Woody Allen film
"Whatever Works"

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Telephone

"We are here to make limbo tolerable."
-George Clooney
"Up In The Air"

Diana Ross was big-time in 1985. Why is it I barely recall this song called TELEPHONE? I should know it since I worked at the Telephone Company at that time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwUu_lLBV8I

In this current day and age of cell phone mania I would think this would be a revived "hit single". I am surprised it is not getting dramatic air play these days. Perhaps this BLOG will have an influence.

TELEPHONE lyrics (1985)

When you feel like you need someone there
Feel like no one really cares
Call me on the telephone
I'll be there

When you feel like you really need love
I'll always be by your side
Call me on the telephone
I'll be there
Everyone needs someone to love
Call me, I'll give you love

When you feel like you need someone there
Feel like no one really cares
Call me on the telephone
I'll be there
We'll share a love that will never end
Lean on me and I'll be your friend
In your darkest hour I'll be your light
Like a star shining in the night

Call me on the telephone
I'll be there
Everyone needs someone to love
Call me, and I'll give you love
In my heart, you'd have a home
But I'll never leave you alone

When you feel like you need someone there
Feel like no one really cares
Call me on the telephone
I'll be there
When you feel like you really need love
I'll always be by your side
Call me on the telephone
I'll be there
When you feel like you need someone there
Feel like no one really cares
Call me on the telephone
I'll be there

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 25, 1985
Friday

Chris Cordellos crossed my mind today, realizing I have not spoken to him since we saw one another last Saturday. I wonder how school is going for him.

The Business Office Supervisors were not at work again today. The office "vibes" were much more lax. They are all still at the posh General Business Marketing Meeting at the Hyatt-Regency, San Francisco.

My computer was acting up; whereby, I keep switching to Bruce Williams' desk (who happens to be on vacation). Ms Eileen Kelleher was all excited over my simple 'English Leather' cologne that I had sprayed on this morning.
"It reminds me of high-school...Mmmm," Eileen said.
Eileen was also complimentary of my thick hair and it being so straight. (?)

Jim Koran's birthday is on February 6th, the day of the Diana Ross concert outing. I want to buy (and send) Jim something.

I ate lunch at El Faro's Mexican food with Cindy Chow, Margaret Lai and Winnie Wong. It was 'okay'. It's nothing to write about. Cindy is pretty nice now that I am beginning to know her better.

I was home this evening, thinking of Stephanie Redding of Fairfield, CA who called me several times on the telephone today while at work. I reviewed my mail and then went over to dad's house. My niece, Ashley, was just being taken away by her Grandma Janet Lewis. I stayed there and watched a taped episode of "The Young & The Restless" while I ate three bananas and drank two glasses of milk.

Dad left to visit his half-sister (my Aunt Julia).

Before the bananas I had already been to the gym to work out. I am starting to notice the regular employees at the gym. I have not really seen any regular fitness cohorts as of yet. As I continue with my workout schedule I am sure I will run into them. I want to keep up with my Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday program for health, looks and my overall body's sake. I cannot wait until March 18, 1985. It will mark eight weeks of working out. It's supposed to be 'my date' where real results will begin to show. (?)


"It is NOT good for man to be alone."
-Genesis, 2-18

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You Had To Be There

"Make no mistake...your relationships are the heaviest components in your life."
-George Clooney
"Up In The Air" (2009)

It was ten years ago today (January 24, 2000) that I lost my mother, Virginia Marie Armijo. She passed away so unexpectedly and it is one event that I will never forget in my life. I have come to terms with the fact that no words can really express how much I miss and love her. I have such wonderful memories though. It really is hard to believe that it has been ten years since the day she passed away.

I remember the first couple of years I would wake from dreams where she would be 'in them' and would feel so much alive. Then I would truly wake and learn that I could not call her to tell her about the dream.

It was back in September 1994 that I took my mother on a trip to New York City for her 59th Birthday (September 6). I remember telling her, "Hey, you'll be 59 1/2 soon, so you can withdraw from your IRA without a penalty." That line seems like such nonsense now.

We did the usual sights as it was my mom's first trip to the Big City. We ventured into Central Park and enjoyed a pretzel with mustard. We took the ferry to Liberty Island for the formality of seeing the Statue of Liberty up-close and personal.

PHOTO: A Photo my mother took of me on the ferry to
see the Statue of Liberty, September 1994


We went to ZABAR's for bagels and coffee. We went to the top of the Empire State Building. We stopped in to the PLAZA HOTEL to pretend we were staying there. We stayed in the Tower Suites at the New York Hilton. We visited the Vietnam Memorial wall and found a PVT. ERMILO T ARMIJO listed as being in the US ARMY from the State of NM. We ventured over to Wall Street.

I saw a car with a VIRGINIA TECH sticker and had mom stand next to it just because her name is 'Virginia'. That was funny. I wish we could laugh again like we did during those days.

I remember taking turns with photos at random NYNEX phone booths next to the ads as one of us would pretend we were making phone calls. I remember shopping, eating at Bloomingdales and the Galleries Lafayette department store that was there at the time. We even found our choice pick townhouses in the Upper East Side and took photos of one another on the porch. We even enjoyed the MISS SAIGON musical together On-Broadway.
Today I dedicate this special song to her from that show that we loved so much:
THE LAST NIGHT OF THE WORLD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9Cx3v8Vom4&feature=related

After learning the news of my mothers' passing a flight was scheduled to fly to OAKLAND the next morning. I could not sleep a wink. I woke up at 3:55AM and dated a new journal January 25, 2000 and wrote...and wrote. I still have that journal and plan to post it here on my BLOG one day.

A few months later I was in London, England at the BROWN'S HOTEL with Alan. It was Alan's birthday, April 1, 2000 and I awoke at 4AM and wrote the following:

Dear Mom,
It's time. It's been a little over 2 1/2 months now since you passed away on January 24, 2000. So, what a better place than London to continue my communication with you. I know how much you loved London when you traveled here 'all by yourself' to stay in Knightsbridge at the flat that Gloria and Jack Cohen leased. It was a little after Princess Diana passed away that you were here.

I awoke at 3AM here at the BROWN's HOTEL in the MayFair Picadilly area. I was thinking about our last conversation at around 8PM on January 24, 2000.
"You sound a little nasal. Are you sure you're okay?" I asked.

Do you remember when I asked you that? You seemed to hesitate a moment...but then, you reassured me that you were fine. I sensed that you may have been keeping something from me. I knew you had a follow-up doctor appointment on February 1st, so I did not pursue the topic. However, now, when I look back I think you knew something was wrong. You, yourself, were not sure of the seriousness. I am positive of that. Isn't that correct? You wanted to live. I know you did because you managed to call 911. Well, it happened. Due to the mysterious and powerful source of the unknown you ultimately reunited with Dad. Now, I must accept this and adjust accordingly. It's hard, mom! It is because I miss you so much. I miss our daily talks that we used to have. Sometimes we'd call each other 2, 3 or 4 times a day. You were and will always be my best-friend. You have been my strongest bond since the day I was born on May 26, 1959.

Brussels Belgium Airport, Noon,
April 1, 2000

Dear Mom,

I'm almost finished reading the book I bought you called "Baby, It's You". You know, the one about the silly story of the twin redheads. I'm on the epilogue so I'll be finished soon. I've been reading it during my air time. You're right, the book is good.

You probably remember that I told you Alan and I were traveling to Firenze, Italy to see Lauren during her NYU semester there. To think...I was with you in Firenze, in October 1999. I'll have the photo of us by the Arno River enlarged and framed.

Alan is in line waiting to get a HERTZ rent-a-car. Coincidentally, the music playing here at the airport is the main tune from the movie "GHOST". I watched that film about two weeks or so after you passed away. Is this song a sign from you? The tune says, "I need your love..." I do, mom. I need your love--but LOVE NEVER DIES--so I know I have your love. The question is HOW do I live without you? I was reminded by MaryAnn Gehling (Dad's 1st cousin on his Garcia side) that LOVE NEVER DIES. Love is Forever. That's very comforting to me.

Mother's Day is celebrated in LONDON tomorrow, April 2nd. It was tough to see all of those Mother's Day reminder signs all over LONDON. In May, I plan to still buy you a Mother's Day card when it is celebrated in the USA. I still need you at significant times. I will keep writing to you as long as I have to.

I also read "ONE TRUE THING". that's the other book I bought you that you also really liked. I am glad I read it. Reading things you've read brings me closer to you during those many minutes that I couldn't be with you while you were living.

I enjoyed watching one of your taped videos recently also. It was "The Doris Duke Story", starring Lauren Bacall. It was very well done. Alan and I watched it but we didn't like the way the main butler and her adopted daughter treated her. Alas, such is life. It's full of ups and downs, isn't it? Doris Duke seemed to have more down days in the movie. I hope one day they do a film showing the positive days of her life. I am sure she had many "up" days, too.

Mom, I miss you. You know that. You knew I would.

I e-mailed MaryAnn that being in LONDON makes me think of how I'd travel and see things or experience things and tell you about them by telephone, postcard or letter. I know we did a lot together but I always felt we had more time. It's like I used to tell you, "You never know when it's your turn. I could go before you."

A part of me is happy that I survived you. I know you would have been devastated if I had passed away before you. I suppose it's logic that a parent would pass away before a child. Although, when it happens..."WHAM & OUCH!"

8PM, April 1, 2000
Amsterdam, The Amstel Inercontinental Hotel

I wish I could have brought you to Amsterdam, mom. You could be laughing at me right now because you can probably see the entire universe wherever you are.

I saw a sculpture at the Van Gogh Museum today of a nine year old girl. It was a bust of her head and her name was MARIE (as in VIRGINIA MARIE--your name). When these things happen I feel like you're giving me a message. Perhaps you are. I like the idea of knowing you are. I also like knowing that fifty-percent of me is YOU!

Alan and I are going to dinner at the HOTEL restaurant downstairs that has a gorgeous view of the Canal. My eyes will see for you if you should be blinking while I'm away.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 24, 1985
Thursday

What a breeze of a day! No supervisors were around because of some business meeting.

At lunchtime I went to the Metro Cafe after buying a BART ticket. I got quite a few double-takes. "Hmmm? Are my working out attributes showing up in a physical sort-of-way yet?"

Stephanie Redding, the gal who is a receptionist out in Fairfield, CA at some business complex called me again today. She calls me rather regularly now. I gave her my home address and telephone number.

Carol Brooks walked with me to the BART station. I had typing on my mind. I have to type out the skits we have planned for our Corporate Meeting on Monday at the SHERATON PALACE HOTEL.

I drove my car to Dad's where my typewriter happens to be stored in my old closet. I typed the 'skit stuff' after eating a bowl of Lucky Charms cereal. My Dad was teaching Ashley to make yelling noises via Armijo "Ah Ah Ah" style.

Sherri arrived and invited me to watch "West Side Story" with her. That was nice.

After I finished my typing duties I went home and was all flabbergasted with excitement over a card from Jim Koran. He wrote about friends who tend to 'peter out' and who tend to 'peter in' through thick and thin. Great! Funny! He makes my day with his choice of words. What a friend.

Stephanie Redding telephoned me from Suisun, CA. Her daughter is named Tabitha. Tabitha sounds cute.
"Did you name her after Samantha Evans daughter in that TV show, BEWITCHED?"
Stephanie laughed and said, "I'll send you a photo of her."
Time will tell. I cannot believe I'm meeting a customer this way. Did she just like my voice? Stephanie's co-worker, Janine, is a senior who attends ARMIJO HIGH SCHOOL in Fairfield, CA. She sounds nice, too. I shall wait and see.

I telephoned Paloma today and it is pretty definite that we will be going to work out together at the gym on Saturday. David Vigil 'out of the blue' tells me there's a 24-Hour Nautilus Gym in San Leandro that I could join.
"I can get you a deal," David said.
"Now you tell me."

When I spoke to Sherri on the telephone and learned that "West Side Story" is such a long flick I told her, "I'll just go over another time."

Frank Vasconcellos telephoned only to say, "You sound lonely. You sound like you need someone."
"I suppose I do...but I do have my friends," I said as I thought of Chris in Concord last Saturday, Jim's card today, Bob's visit on Tuesday, my new gym membership and my just plain keeping busy.
Frank continued, "I went to the skating rink near MACY's and met a humdinger of a guy. He is nineteen and we're going out tomorrow night.

Feeling as tired as I do I notice it is 9:30PM now and I am ready to go to bed.

I left three messages total for Bob Umland and still no return calls yet. Giving up on him is an idea that has crossed my mind many times before now.

I did take the time to write out and send Jim Koran the "If Life Were A Cafeteria, You'd Be The Dessert" card. He will surely laugh at that one.


That's what mother always said. Maybe every thing's not so hard, maybe life is so much easier than I thought, you just need courage, you just need to have a sense of yourself, then you'll discover your hidden resources.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

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Youth In Revolt

"Talking to him was like playing upon an exquisite violin.
He answered to every touch and thrill of the bow."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Portrait of Dorian Gray"

There is a novel by C.D. Payne called "Youth In Revolt". I loved that book. It made me laugh out loud as I was reading about the adventures of Nick Twisp. I was so looking forward to the movie that was just released this month. It was pretty true to the book but so many elements of the story were omitted. A filmmaker simply cannot include everything unless it's a mini-series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbJyaO97QPY&feature=related
I say "read the book" and then watch the movie. It's not as good unless you know the full-scale story. The casting of Michael Cera was such a great choice. He is the perfect Nick Twisp.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 23, 1985
Wednesday

Today was a real 'bitch' of a day. To start off I was stuck in the middle of nowhere because the BART trains were all screwed up. There was a morning meeting and I practically missed the whole session. In a dumbfounded way I said, "I must have just missed y'all." I added, "I got here at 8:32 or so."

Stephanie blew me a way later because she asked, "How late were you really?"
I explained that I was at the Natoma Cafe with Paloma and I got in at about 8:35A. Why I fibbed is beyond me. Anyhow, she pissed me off for asking about the specifics of my arrival time.

Stephanie tried to get on my good side by giving me a gold "Customer Advocate" button and patting me on the back while asking a personal question about my friend from France. I didn't even want to face the slimy bitch today. I was in no mood. Now I have this tardy as a blemish on my record...so, I'm planning on taking a week off SICK! It's just a matter of choosing the week. I'll do it, too.

The whole day was crummy. I only sold three touch tone lines.

The only neat part of my day was getting a personal phone call from Los Angeles. Jim Koran had ulterior motives.
"Mike, could you do me a favor?"
"Sure...what?"
"I'm trying to locate an old friend's address and all I have is the phone number."
I did the detective work and left the detailed information on his answering recorder.

Even so, Jim made me feel good for calling. I feel like we are close chums. He is special. I feel I know him better than Bob in many respects (I think).

At lunchtime I went for some spaghetti and meatballs alone at CITY EATS at the Crocker Plaza.

The Service Committee Meeting at 3PM was fun. Ryan Hargrave and Dale Orlando 'crack me up'. Some of the lines they pull and speak are truly funny. They're a fun group.

I went to donate once again at the Sperm Bank after work (again no check). Carol was there. She's such a sweet gal but she is "taken" (I think).

I went to my mom's house and Helen was there. We talked about who won what for the Super Bowl pool at the old Downtown office. She also showed me some photographs of her new niece, Nicole.
"Oh...you know what? I joined a gym, Helen!"
"Good for you!"
And so, I left to go workout.

I saw a couple of the same faces at the gym (only guys that actually work there). Jim, the sales guy, was there and he gave me a tip while I was on the Life Cycle. I showered and used my new NEXUS shampoo. I stopped at Jack-in-the-Box. I am so hungry after my workout. I caught the end of DYNASTY.

I telephoned Bob but had to leave a message on his recorder. G'Night!

This was merely the end of the beginning, just as coming out is only a beginning.
-Christopher Bram
"Mapping The Territory"

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Who Would You Want To Be Today ?

"We have each of us a secret. Let me know yours and I shall tell you mine."
-Oscar Wilde
"The Portrait of Dorian Gray"

A few days ago Alan and I went to one of our favorite breakfast haunts in Santa Monica known as Cora's Coffee Shoppe.
http://www.corascoffee.com/
We always order the "prosciutto egg panino" but ask the waiter to replace the prosciutto with crisp bacon. It's delicious.

While enjoying breakfast I saw an article in the LA Times about Dennis Hopper filing for divorce during this period of his life, fighting prostate cancer. I actually recall being at Cora's Coffee Shoppe one time while Dennis Hopper was there, eating alone. No one seemed to recognize him. I certainly did.

In any case, Alan and I got to talking about how no one would want to be President Obama right now as the Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown seems to be the shoe-in winner for State Senator. This will be replacing Senator Edward Kennedy's seat that has been Democratic for some forty plus years.

The other headline of the day was how foolish NBC looks with having to pay Conan O'Brien a parting salary package of $40 Million dollars 'just to get rid of him'. And so...the topic came up between Alan and I. Who would you want to be today?

Alan said, "I just want to be me."
Of course he would say that but I managed to get him to give me an answer. I told him I would tell him who I would want to be today only if he told me his answer first. Somehow he managed to get me to tell him first.

My answer was author, J.K. Rowling. She is sitting pretty with her Harry Potter riches and continues to write and not be bothered.
I said, "I bet she can come to the USA and dine in a restaurant and no one would know who she is...I love that."
Alan finally confessed that he would not want to be Obama today but he wouldn't mind being "The President of the United States".
I have to admit. I really believe Alan would make a great US President.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 22, 1985
Tuesday

My workday was all right despite my low sales figures for the day. There was nothing exciting to report at the office today. There was a funny moment as I was thinking of Bob Umland he just happened to call on Earl Kirk's customer call-in line. I telephoned him and confirmed that he will be coming over this evening to Alameda. This will be a change of pace.

I went straight to Wilkes-Bashford after work and ended up leaving the shop as quickly as I had arrived. I happened to be holding a huge shopping bag filled with Wilkes-Bashford clothes for Bob. The value of the clothes was $6000 and Bob only paid about $280 with his American Express card. While I was waiting for Bob to come outside there were a few folks staring at me. I assumed I looked like some rich guy who could afford to buy all of these clothes from Wilkes-Bashford. I laughed silently to myself, "If they only knew...it's not my stuff."

We departed via taxicab to Bob's pad where he changed clothes. We were soon in his BMW en route to Alameda. He blemished his car on a Santa Clara driveway near my Great Western automated 24-Hour teller machine. I withdrew a little cash and then we went to the Fruitvale BART station parking lot for my car. We stopped at SAFEWAY before heading to my place.

"I like this area," Bob exclaimed, "It's a nice change from The City."
We picked up some dessert at SAFEWAY and chose to eat at the Royal Oak Pub. We had a great talk while we were there. We both tried to learn more about one another. We discussed our 'first time' experiences, our astrological sun signs, our hectic day, the waitress, the cook (or dishwasher) who seemed to be flaunting and the simple aura of the restaurant.

"I'm impressed," Bob said upon walking into my house.
As he was checking out my pad he blew me away when he said, "You know...you look twenty-two and you've got a lot for your age."
That line came out of left field. I just laughed and gave a 'Thank You'.
Why does he feel so much older than I? He is twenty-seven.
Bob continued. "You know, all of my life everything was given to me. My ma and pa are really rich."
I changed the subject as I pulled out my TAROT cards. As we ate the Butter Brickle ice-cream dessert the TAROT reading outcome gave some pretty uncanny results.

We were lounging in front of the television, watching the Miss Teen USA Pageant when Paloma telephoned. I exchanged a few words with her.
"Did you just call me?"
"No."
"Oh, I thought it was you who called."
"No, not me--but we're still working out together on Saturday, right?"
"Yes, okay."

It wasn't long before Bob decided it was time to go. I obliged and gave him directions written on a slip of paper. We each had a "climactic" experience. He made some envy moans and groans at some of the fella's in my International Male catalog.
"Listen, I will write you a good dietary program to go with your workout schedule."
"That will be great."
I wondered when I would ever see that (somehow I did not feel our connection was everlasting). We did have a nice evening though. I was going to call to make sure he arrived home safely but I fell asleep.

Oh yeah, Gordon (aka Marty Feldman) caught me on BART this morning and gave me his business card and home telephone number. I doubt I will call but one day I may just visit his mobile home, classic car and dog.

Questions that received no answer filled his mind. Above all, what was about to happen between them? If his love was to be without hope, it was not without curiosity.
-Honroe de Balzac
"Seraphita"

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A New Phase

It was queer this feeling of marking time, like sitting in a waiting-room at a dentist's.
...I was waiting for something to happen, something unforeseen.
...It was as though I had entered into A NEW PHASE of my life and nothing would be quite the same again.
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"

One of my avid BLOG readers, Brenda Lanham Timmons, mentioned that she had been introduced to the Clive Owen film, BENT, from my blog. She quite enjoyed the classic film that many failed to see.

I came across a film clip with Mick Jagger singing "Streets of Berlin" that I'd like to post today. The song and the mood is so amazing as it truly takes you back to a risque scene of Berlin 'back in those scary World War II days'. I guarantee you will see Mick Jagger in an entirely new light here. I was fortunate enough to see Ute Lemper sing "Streets of Berlin" during a cabaret act in New York City but it doesn't compare--in the least--to Mick's performance. Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrBYfAtEAps

STREETS OF BERLIN lyrics:

Streets of Berlin
I must leave you soon
Oh, will you forget me
Was I ever really here

Streets of Berlin
I must leave you soon
Oh, will you forget me
Was I ever really here

Find me a bar on the cobble stone street
Where the boys are pretty
I can not love for more than one day
But one day is enough in the city

Find me a boy with 2 ocean blue eyes
That show no pity
Take out his eyes he never needs to see
How they eat you alive in the city

Streets of Berlin
Will you miss me
Streets of Berlin
Do you care

Streets of Berlin
Will you cry out
If I vanish into thin air
If I vanish into thin air

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 21, 1985
Monday
I felt a bit sore this morning from working out on my biceps and triceps. I find that it is no different a feeling than most mornings. I really did NOT want to get up.

While at work this morning I checked up on the fellow (a black chap) that hit Howard Edelstein's car (by way of browsing his telephone bill). It turns out he is a Federal Police Officer at the Oakland Naval Supply Center. I was feeling good that I had given Howard 'something to work with'. I believe he appreciated it.

My fat, chubby friend, Dale Orlando, is such a fun, jolly fellow. I like him. He gave me a typewritten handout. I circled all of his typographical errors, misspellings and punctuation errors. I swear I would have been a phenomenal English teacher. Dale was so embarrassed when I showed him all of his errors.

Work was okay...but Cindy Chow pissed me off because she sold seventeen (17) RCF's today! She's a killer saleswoman. I need to watch her tactics more closely.

I gave Carl Brooks my noontime lunch period so that he could go to the SF 49er parade that was taking place on Market Street.

My cold was starting to get better, so I decided to stay in the building for fear of a relapse. I ate in the company cafeteria with co-workers Cindy Chow, Margaret Lai, Chuck Wong, Neill, Gwenn, and Leland. It was a nice change to broaden my socializing. They are all pretty nice folks. I am finding Cindy Chow to be a real sweetie (or am I blinded from her facade?).

Stephanie of KGB in Fairfield, CA called me again today while at work. She is nice and I may be neeting her and her pal, Janine (who attends ARMIJO HIGH SCHOOL in Fairfield, CA) on February 2, 1985. We may meet in San Francisco or Alameda. The date has yet to be finalized. It is being worked on.

This morning, Gordon (the Marty Feldman lookalike) nudged me from behind and we got to talking. He really is a nice elder gentleman.
"You should come down to Fremont some weekend day," Gordon suggested.
I may take him up on it. He claims to own a 1955 Classic car and a recently purchased moped. Those material items were just "things" that he mentioned to inspire me to visit. He seems a rather lonely sort. It seems to be just him and his dog. And so, I may go. I especially like that he included dinner on the agenda. I just don't want any unexpected games (if you catch my drift). Please! Gordon is a nice, friendly man though.

Karyn Kossoff smelled like cigarette smoke this morning. Ugh! How revolting!

In-between phone calls I wrote a short skit for my service committee meeting tomorrow. It's not really great but it will have to do--for now.

I was suddenly back at my pad getting my gym workout gear and browsing at the mail of the day. I stopped at Dad's and Ashley was there with him. She was just waking up. What a doll, that little girl. I ate a bowl filled with posole, a HO-HO and a few animal crackers with milk. Of course, then I decided to head for the gym.

I saw a gal at the gym who reminds me a bit of Veronica Herrera (one of my brother Tony's old girlfriend's from Alameda High School). She seemed to recognize me and gave me a tempting smile. I am sure of it. Could it have been her?

I learned how to work a new gymnasium machine from a guy dressed in white who works there. I didn't get his name but he sure did stare at me a lot tonight. He is a definite "questionable" one.
I arrived at the gym at 7:25PM and left by 8:35PM or so. When I came out of the shower a few guys looked me over (and I think---in awe of my body). Why else? Ugh though...most of the guys look "yucky" when one sees them in the locker room. Ugh.

When I left I bought a milkshake and a coffee at Jack-in-the-Box. As I drank them at home I called Bob Umland and listened to his silly George Burns recorded message imitation. I laughed and left a neat message for him. The question is whether he will return my call and come over tomorrow night.

I telephoned Howard Edelstein with the information that I learned about the chap who hit his car. He was happy.
"Listen Michael, why don't you call me tomorrow," Howard said.
"Okay."
Howard wanted to see a flick with me tonight and we went on and on about things. He tends to chatter a lot. I mentioned to him that Chris Cordellos was out of the US Coast Guard. I also told him a bit of Jim Koran in Los Angeles and briefed him on good old Bob Umland of Wilkes-Bashford.
"My...you're so popular," Howard beamed.
"No, not really," I replied on the defensive.
"You are!"
I guess I will take it as a kind of compliment. I've never heard it before but come to think of it I think I can say I am popular 'in my own way'. I was flattered by his comments.

When I hung up from gabbing with Howard I paged through my recent ESQUIRE Magazine and decided to call Jim Koran in Los Angeles.
"Are you drinking?"
"Yeah, a milkshake," I laughed, "I joined a gym, too."
"Well, I saw a great couple of films. One is called BIRDY and the other is MASK."
"I'll have to see both of them. I just saw THE RIVER, thought that was good."
"I'm thinking of going to Mexico," Jim announced. "I want to see my grandmother and her family there in February."
I thought it was interesting as I had hinted about our getting together in February.
"I may pull a show down there in March," I said in hopes of some major response. There wasn't.
It was nice to talk to him once again. I feel he is a "real buddy".
I could almost see his smile as we spoke on the telephone when I said, "I just saw the perfect card for you on Saturday."
I think he smiled when I said, "I should've been talking to you today instead of those other jerks in L.A. that I had to deal with at work today."

When Jim mentioned his uncle who lives out in the Laguna Beach area I flabbergasted myself at the thought of my mom's Uncle Fred Leyba (my maternal Grandmother Mary Genevieve Lucero's brother). Fred B Leyba had died a year ago (b.1906-d.1984). Jim mentioned that his uncle is gay and I started to recall a rumor somewhere that my Uncle Fred was gay, too. I find it interesting how all of this homosexuality goes back so many years. I understand it even went on between the Indians and the Cowboys (or so I have read). Oh well, all I know is that there are women that have the most beautiful bodies and same goes for men. In keeping my gym visits in mind, I want to be one of those men by this time next year. That's for sure!

Music gives me a good feeling. I've folded some of my laundry and straightened up the townhouse quite a bit. Now it's beddie-bye.

People always have secrets. It's just a matter of finding out what they are.-Stieg Larsson
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

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The Highlight Of My Day

Names have a mysterious transforming power. Like a ring on a finger, a name may at first seem merely accidental, committing you to nothing; but before you realize its magical power, it's gotten under your skin, becomes a part of you and your destiny.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

There was a magical happening a week ago today (January 13, 2010) because of the 'secret agent' handy work of the "007 GentleMan Blog". Some of you may recall reading these blogs dated:
12-25-2008: My Passion for Photography
http://007gentleman.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-passion-for-photography.html
6-28-2009: What A Girl Needs
http://007gentleman.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-girl-needs.html
10-6-2009: Disappearances
http://007gentleman.blogspot.com/2009/10/disappearances.html
10-7-2009: Vital Therapy
http://007gentleman.blogspot.com/2009/10/vital-therapy.html
and 1-7-2010: Down & Out
http://007gentleman.blogspot.com/2010/01/down-out.html
where I mention my dear Jr. high/high school friend, Bonni Jayne.

To recap a bit...Bonni moved to New York in her early twenties, met an Italian fellow named Richard Ludovicy, fell in love, got pregnant, had a baby girl and was then manipulated against the Italian fellows' parents. The baby girl was raised by the grandparents.

On my FaceBook in December 2008 after recently reconnecting with Bonni I had asked all of my friends and family to give their hopes and prayers as she was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. If you--or anyone--can provide information, organizations that can help during this difficult time it would be greatly appreciated. Simply add a comment here or post it to the "007 GentleMan Blog" Group on FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2373072738&ref=ts&gid=282130797316#/group.php?gid=282130797316

I stopped in to see Bonni on December 22, 2009 during a road trip from Los Angeles to Napa Valley.
PHOTO: Bonni Jayne, Michael J Armijo
December 22, 2009

On January 13, 2009 there was a unique (yet emotional lift) in Bonnie's strength and spirit.

At approximately 2:35PM I received a phone call from Crystal Joy Ludovicy. We only spoke for fifteen minutes but it was pure excitement of the rarest kind. (I can only relate it to five years ago in January 2004 when my own daughter, Arianna, called me at the age of eighteen). Crystal is now married and has a two year old son, Brandon. Crystal is known as Kristin now, so it would have been next to impossible to locate her.

Kristin said, "I've been trying to locate my mother for years. The Ludovicy's really pulled a fast one."
"Oh my God, you have no idea how great it is that you called. Did you just happen to see your mom's picture on my blog?"
"Yes, I'm looking at that now. I was searching online today and saw my name. My grandparents' changed my name from Crystal to Kristin. I always imagined dressing as a girl-scout and knocking on my mothers' door to sell cookies to surprise her."
"That's amazing because your mom was a girl scout for years! You know...I've known Bonni since sixth-grade and she used to always be in her girl scout uniform."
Laughter.
"Your mother always wanted to be a part of your life. I just spoke to her a few days ago."
"I'm getting the chills right now."
Pause.
"Well...I should tell you that you're calling at a good time because your mother needs you now. I don't know how else to say this but...she has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer."
"Oh no!"
"I know...but you will give her strength. Please, please call Bonni. I only reconnected with her myself about six months ago and she will be so happy to hear from you."

We talked a bit more and I wrote her telephone number for future reference. She lives in Oregon, only twenty minutes from where my niece, Lauren Armijo, is attending Pharmacy School.

At 2:50PM I could not hold back and I called Bonni, leaving only a voice mail message, "Hi Bonni...just checking to see how you're doing. Give me a call when you get a chance."

A minute later I decided to call Rita Barber-Goodman (Bonni's mother) in Kansas. As I was dialing I couldn't help hearing Judy Garland say, "You're not in Kansas anymore." I simply could not hold back as I had to share the news. Rita needed to know about her 'first' granddaughter and great grandson. Needless to say, Rita was thrilled to the "max".

At 5PM Bonni called me and she had just spoken to her daughter after all of these long years.
"I was so emotional. I was crying. She said she felt so emotional, too. It was hard for both of us."
"I can imagine...GEEZ!"
"She wants to see me. And...she called me mom!"
That was the HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY! To hear Bonni say, "she called me mom" gave me chills of joy and surrender that I could almost cry right now.

The Next Day...
January 14, 2010
11AM
Bonni and I had a brief ten-minute conversation. I telephoned her to see how she was doing, to see if she slept okay after all of the commotion. I also encouraged her to eat her meals and build her strength as her chemo treatments will begin soon. She told me that her daughter is visiting her on January 31, 2010 (if all goes according to plan). Bonni's Aunt and mother will be there, too.
"That is so exciting! I can't wait to see the group picture!"

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 20, 1985
Sunday
SUPERBOWL XIX (19)

At 9AM I telephoned to wake mom per her instructions. She wanted an early start on her day. Then I proceeded to call on Paloma but there was no answer after five rings. I hung up.

Then my phone began to ring and to my surprise it was Dr. Howard Edelstein. Ironically, Dad had just asked me last night exactly what is his field of practice. I mentioned this to Howard as well.
"Well, I am working at the Haight-Ashbury clinic in San Francisco right now."
"That's funny because I work in San Francisco now, too. I handle business accounts for the telephone company."
"Oh? Well, I'm on vacation and I wanted to promise you that I will make a point of visiting you soon."
His real reason for calling was to see what I could learn about a guy who happened to hit his car. The hit and run guy owes him $1500. I took the telephone number and address he had taken.
"I'll see what I can do and get back to you."
I guess he really believes I am a 'secret agent' that can accomplish the impossible.

After Howard's surprise call the phone rang again and it was Paloma. We had another one of our neat chats. We talked more about body building and I was amazed at how knowledgeable she was on the subject.
"I have a new membership at a gym now and I plan to be a regular."
"That's great."
She is being a sweetheart of inspiration for me. I didn't tell her--but I feel "hornier" after working out. Yikes.
Paloma went on to explain terms like "ripped" and "dense" meaning an excellent, lean build.
"I get a lot of comments now about my having a fantastic physique."
"Well, maybe one day I will hear the same," I said with a laugh. "Al, the trainer I had, did say if I continue my repetitions on a regular basis I will see results in eight weeks. I feel in a little pain now...whether it shows is beyond me. I won't work out today but I plan on going every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday."

I showered and went to the store with mom. I felt a little run down and sick but I accompanied her anyway. I just hung out at mom and dad's house all day, watching the Super Bowl. I would have won $225 if the 49ers made another touchdown and the Dolphins made another field goal. Instead, Earl (in my office section) won the 2nd, 3rd and Final quarters for the grand prize total cash winnings of $675.00!
I thought to myself, "Oh well, you win some and lose some...and I've lost a lot on these pools anyway."

I 'porked-out' at mom's during the Super Bowl game but my body feels tone, so I think it's all right.

Mom was sweet to drive me home at 8:30PM as I didn't feel like walking. I arrived home to a phone call from Doug Siu.
"Hi Doug. I'm in search of a roommate. Do you think you might be interested?"
"Uh...no, but I have a friend who knows an attorney that is looking for a place. I'll tell them and I may consider it, too."

Howard Edelstein had mentioned he knew a couple of people in search of housing, too. He promised to let them know as well. Maybe I will get lucky.

I am a bit sore still in the biceps and triceps department. I'm going to shower now and 'hit the hay'.
Oh yes, I mailed Bob Umland a card that depicted a bunch of animals on Noah's Ark to imply the 'animal-like' customers he deals with at Wilkes-Bashford. I hope the card will please him. He is developing more into the 'faithful friend' compartments of my brain.

"My story is long and complicated."
-Steig Larsson
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

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