Inappropriate, but not Unlawful

"It's wonderful to have a friend like you..someone to depend upon and come back to."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I was seated outside at Monsoon Café at 2PM on Thursday, September 16th (a few days ago) in Santa Monica, California when two police officers walked by. I overheard just four words.

One officer said to the other, “Inappropriate, but not unlawful.”

After a bit of discussion on the matter (with Alan Freiman) we took it to mean that one can get away with a lot in this town without it being ‘against the law’.

My advice:
When in doubt just be GOOD!

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 22, 1984
Saturday

I’m getting my car a ‘clean through’ in terms of changing oil, filter and lube at Gomes Tire Service over in Oakland. Then I plan to head over to Great Western Savings for a loan of $5000 at a fixed-rate for one year to clear my credit card debt.
“Ugh to those damn credit cards with nineteen to seventeen percent annual percentage rates!”

I learned that Great Western does not accept personal loans, only mortgage and home equity loans. And so, it’s their loss. I will have to see Patelco Credit Union next week sometime.

Once I arrived home at 9:15AM (or so) Suzy Miller called to invite me to Ole’s Waffle Shop for breakfast. She treated me and it was quaint conversation. It seems that every time I go to Ole’s now there is someone to look at or there is someone that finds me interesting to look at. I guess that is a good thing. I must be eye-catching. Suzy is eye-catching, too.

I went bicycling after Suzy looked at some pictures that I had over at my mom’s house. Suzy didn’t feel like biking right away. She wanted to lie out and catch some sun rays for a while first.

I went cycling and I saw the blond girl from Denmark that I met when Wayne, Paul and I went to Baxter’s nightclub that night. She’s a bit OW (overweight).

I also met Alfonse who is from Colombia. He is looking for a job and a place to live. We had a good talk. I don’t know too much about this chap, so I’m playing it cool. I saw the movie SCARFACE and don’t want any Colombia drug lords in my life.
Suzy still did not end up biking with me today because she thought I wasn’t coming over. Instead, she promised a fellow apartment mate a bike ride alongside him as he jogged.
“Oh, okay,” I said after she explained that one.

Then I went home and expected Frank Vasconcellos to call me. He never did.

I decided to go to the movies with Suzy instead. At about 6:30PM when I was just walking out the door the telephone rang. It was Karen Jackson (of England) calling me from San Francisco.
“Hello. I called to see what you were up to. I thought you might want to go out tonight.
“Well, I just made plans with my friend, Frank. I will call you tomorrow about going out on Sunday night,” I replied, knowing full well I would not be able to go out for ‘short on cash’ reasons.
“Oh, well, I just returned from Santa Cruz anyway. That will be good,” Karen said.

I spent one-hundred dollars real quick:
$20 for gas
$20 for BART ticket
$20 for Oil, Lube and Filter change
$20 for Dinner and movie with Suzy
$20 for miscellaneous lunch, and photo developing

Suzy and I went to see a ‘Sneak Preview’ screening of ‘Irreconcilable Differences’ but ended up seeing ‘Windy City’ instead from 9:30pm to 11:30pm. We shared a small pizza at ‘Ye Olde Pizza Joint’. It was fun. We had a good time. There was no kiss goodnight sharing but then again I didn’t make the initiation for one. I wondered if she would have liked me to kiss her.

That kissing thought was immediately erased when Suzy said, “That flick reminded me of Don, my ex-boyfriend.” I thought that was a shitty thing to say to me. We decided against dancing over at the Black Angus.
“I feel I am a party pooper tonight,” Suzy said.

I dropped Suzy off at her apartment, went home, jerked myself a soda and started to sleep.

PHOTO: 1980s,
Paloma

I decided to telephone Paloma. She was really very happy to hear from me. We kept it brief but it was nice to hear her voice once again.

Paloma will call me tomorrow and we shall carry on with our 'catching up' conversation.

Already her beauty was now too full-blown, too opulent.
A rose, wide open to its fullest extent, just at the moment before it begins to fade.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path:

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Rough Seas

“We’re heading into a rough sea.”
“Yes, we changed our course today.”
-as heard in the 1957 film,
An Affair to Remember

Yesterday, Sunday, September 13, 2009, I read an article from the Associated Press about how ‘Italy grapples with priest sex abuse’.

The beginning of the article went something like this:

VERONA, Italy - It happened night after night, the deaf man said, sometimes in the priest’s bedroom, sometimes in the bathroom, even in the confessional.
When he was a young boy at a Catholic-run institute for the deaf, Alessandro Vantini said, priests sodomized him so relentlessly he came to feel "as if I were dead." This year, he and dozens of other former students did something highly unusual for Italy: They went public with claims they were forced to perform sex acts with priests.

I have to say that I attended Catholic School from 1966 to 1970 and I never experienced any sort of misbehavior from the priests I knew. It is sad that this does happen.

While the above story is a very serious matter I thought I would pass on a joke (about priests). Someone sent me this joke a few months back. It made me laugh 'at the time'. Who really knows’ what goes on behind closed doors?

Two priests are off to the showers late one night. They undress and
step into the showers before they realize there is no soap.

Father John says he has soap in his room and goes to get it, not bothering to dress. He grabs two bars of soap, one in each hand, and heads back to the showers.

He is halfway down the hall when he sees three nuns heading his way. Having no place to hide, he stands against the wall and freezes like he's a statue.

The nuns stop and comment on how life-like he looks.

The first nun suddenly reaches out and pulls on his manhood. Startled,
he drops a bar of soap.
"Oh look" says the first nun, "It's a soap dispenser".

To test her theory, the second nun also pulls on his manhood. Sure
enough, he drops the second bar of soap.

Now the third nun decides to have a go. She pulls once, Then twice and
three times but nothing happens. So she gives several more tugs, and then yells.
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, hand lotion, too!"

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 15, 1984
Saturday

The telephone rang a bit before 11AM. It was Suzy Miller. She told me about her visit to see her Dad in Arkansas. She even managed a short visit to Texas, too. She went on to share some news about a high-school pal, Sandy Renk.
“You won’t believe it but Sandy is marrying some guy in October who has a nine year old son. And Sandy hates the son,” she said.

Suzy and I ended up at Ole’s Waffle Shop for breakfast. We followed that with an hour at Longs Drugstore. I was trying to figure out which photo reprints I wanted. We also spent time looking and buying greeting cards.

Suzy and I went bicycling together and had a sufficient ‘cool down’ by sharing a Coca-Cola near her apartment building swimming pool.

I cruised on my bike and spent some time with ‘mom and dad’. Then I proceeded to go cycling again along South Shore beach. Once home again I got a call from Suzy Miller who wanted to see what I was up to.
“I’m tired and I’m going to take a nap,” I said. For some reason I could not tell her about my forthcoming date with Karen.
“I may go dancing with some friends from work,” I continued.
“Well, if you change your mind and want to see a movie…call me,” Suzy said.

I telephoned Karen an hour or so later. I agreed to pick her up at around 9:30PM; whereby, we would head over to The Oasis nightclub. It will be fun. I am hungry now, so I will take a quick shower and run over and raid mom’s fridge.
Again, my bicycle was good therapy and the thought of a marriage proposal to Karen (or anyone for that matter) is frightening. I mean, what if I get a positive “yes” or “I will” as an answer! I really do not know what to do. Why am I even considering marriage ideas now?

Now that Chris Cordellos has come to an end it is good for me. I am glad he is ‘just a pal’ now. The varied times we have spent will never be forgotten. After all, a lot of it is now documented.

I gathered my things and drove over to San Francisco to pick up Karen. We danced at The Oasis. I saw that Richard guy from yesterday, too. I guess he’s a ‘regular’ at this place. While I was standing with Karen some guy came over to ask Karen to dance. Luckily, she said, “No, Thank you.” She did not make me look like a complete fool.

We left The Oasis for Hippo’s Burgers at 1AM. We laughed aloud together about the ‘Hamburger Sundae’ that we saw on the menu. She insisted on paying for the meal. I took her home and we kissed ‘goodnight’.

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Colony Collapse Disorder

He adored her for what seemed to him the elegance of her diction, her apparent sophistication, and the refinement indicated by the languid manner with which she used her handkerchief to dust off her fingers after using chalk at the blackboard.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

PHOTO: Billboard Model photo
taken in Zurich, Switzerland
on
September 1, 2004

There was a screening of a documentary film in Los Angeles on July 24, 2009 that I missed out on seeing. One cannot do it ‘all’, after all.

The documentary is called ‘The Vanishing of the Bees’ and it explores the disappearance of the honeybee and its implications for humankind. It was still in production in late July 2009.

The documented story intrigued me. It seems that increasing numbers of honeybees are defying instinct and abandoning their hives, their young, and even their queen. It is a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder.

It’s kind of a scary sort of revolt. It sounds like human-beings have historically done this before. I want to see it. I just signed up to be notified of its release at this website:
http://www.vanishingbees.com/
Join me in signing on. We may both learn something new.

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 14, 1984
Friday

At 8:50AM the telephone rang. Surprisingly, it was Chris Cordellos.
“I called you yesterday and wanted to see you to go out,” Chris said.
“Oh well, I guess you called when I decided to go out,” I replied as I suddenly heard him give me the ILY line (I Love You).
Chris followed his ILY line with, “The last thing I wanted was to hurt you.”
“It’s a little late for that,” I answered.

It seems Chris is trying to redeem himself as a good man. He has good intentions sometimes. I wish I could consistently be angry with him, but it's hard.
“Thank you so much for the LA trip,” Chris added sincerely.
“I still can’t believe we slept on the beach and in a car. I think we’ll remember that for a long time to come.”
“Yeah that was so funny...you know, I called your mom’s house and no one was there.”
“That’s odd. I was there with her but we may have been fiddling with that new label maker in the backyard when you called.”
“Oh, well, I will call you when I return to Arcata.”
I think I want (and need) to write to him. I may have a few more words to get out of my system.

I telephoned mom and invited her to go to MACY’s. I also wrote letters to Jim, Maria, Sherri and Chris.

From what mom told me, John and Sherri are splitting up. Sherri received an offer of a management position at a boutique clothing store. It is the headquarters for Pic-A-Dilly in Fremont, CA. She is planning on an apartment alone with Ashley. It’s sad. I may not see my niece as often as I’d like.

I went cycling for about forty minutes. I gurgled down a Sprite at mom’s house to hydrate.

By 6:30PM I got lucky with a call from Karen (of England), the girl from last night.
“I was ill today and would rather see a flick or simply visit a pub tonight. Is that okay with you?” Karen asked.
“Sure, sounds fine.”

I got ready real quick and ate a couple of slices of pizza at moms’ house.

Karen and I decided to see the films “All Of Me” and “The Neverending Story” at the San Francisco Regency II. We followed the movies with the Fairmont Hotel (just to use the lavatory facilities). We ended up finding ourselves upstairs having a drink in the revolving 'City View' Tower Restaurant. I enjoyed a pina colada and she ordered an orange juice with champagne. It was fun. Some lady took our picture, too. Maybe we reminded her of herself on a similar date from years ago.

Karen is twenty-one, a Leo, and was born on August 4th, I believe. She is blond, blue-eyed and has nice curves. She was born the year of the Rabbit. I wonder if that means she’s “Hopping Mad” or “Fast on the Trail”. We exchanged a joyous kiss by evenings end. I loved when she uttered these words in her classic British way:
“I better go before I change my mind.”

Believe it or not this ‘Karen Kiss’ I cannot seem to forget (even when I ponder a comparison to the Jim Koran kiss). Karen is one attractive young lady. We had a terrific time. We plan on going out again tomorrow night. It will be another dancing visit to The Oasis. Tomorrow night ought to be FUN.

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The Chalkboard Lesson

“Why am I doomed to be rejected?
I need answers.”
-John Cusack
as heard in the 2000 film,
“High Fidelity”

While staying at the W-Hotel in San Diego recently I loved how the hotel room had a chalkboard. I had fun writing something new on the board each day and night.
I started to read ‘The Complete Stories” by Franz Kafka, so I decided to write some excerpts of his words on the chalkboard. It would be our lesson for the day. It is a good way to re-read some of his words for new found significance.

John Updike wrote that ‘Kafka and Shakespeare have this in common: their reputations rest principally on texts they never approved or proofread.’

Here is one excerpt by Kafka that I wrote on the chalkboard:

At length his eyesight begins to fail, and he does not know whether the world is really darker or whether his eyes are only deceiving him.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 23, 1984
Thursday

Oh well…it is another day at the Training Center. It was not really so bad. Bobbie Renberger and Barbara Reynolds helped to make it so much more bearable for me.
Yesterday, Barbara had told me that the quiet hour service for our ex-tub mate, Randy Evans was between 7 o’clock and 8 o’clock. I was very glad of that fact because I knew I could make it for his memorial.

I recognized a few people from the office while at the memorial but only managed to exchange a few words with Robert Parks, Pat Overshoun and Barbara Reynolds. It is so shocking. And the realization that ‘life is so short’ makes my heart grow fonder for all of my friends and family.

Today I telephoned Chris Cordellos…or NO! He telephoned me when I arrived home.
“I had an okay time last night. I met Clay’s folks who were visiting,” Chris said.
"Whatever," I thought silently and refrained from saying aloud.
“I’ll meet you at Baxter’s in Concord between 8:30 and 9:00 if you want,” I said, figuring I would just let the recent events go.

Just before I left for Randy’s memorial service Suzy Miller called me. She wanted to invite me on an outing to MACY’s with her. I explained about the quiet service and she understood. I went on to inform her that I stopped by her apartment yesterday. She gave no reasonable explanation as to her whereabouts (not that she had to).

I drove out to Baxter’s in Concord and some chick named Diane Landers came up to me.
“Are you alone?” she asked.
“Well, I’m waiting for a friend of mine,” I replied.
“Why don’t you join me and my friends?”
I sat and talked to them. They were all pretty nice. Diane Landers is going to Sacramento State, studying Fashion Merchandising. She wants to open a shop on Rodeo Drive. She is not too together…but who knows? If she is successful one day it will be good for her. Her friends (Cathy, Carol and Joyce) were not “lookers” but they were okay to talk to for a while.

Chris Cordellos finally came in at around nine o’clock. I introduced him to the ‘geeky’ chicks. He felt uncomfortable and did not like the vibes of the place. I was relaxed and did not mind being in a ‘straight place’ at all. I went along with having a good time after only one Long Island Iced-Tea. I treated Chris to a drink. At one point he was going to leave but decided to return.

While at Baxter’s I noticed Katie Jones’ girlfriends (Karen Dagg and Myra Dini) who were with a new gal named Sharon ‘something’. Chris liked Karen but came to the conclusion that she was ‘stuck up’. He made no real effort to talk to her, so I could not understand how he could say that. I don’t know but I did see his point. I talked to her and she seemed ‘okay’. Myra thought I was about twenty-six years old. Wow…a year before my time.
“So where is Katie?” I asked.
"We can't answer for her," said one of the girls.
“She is only nineteen,” Myra blurted. So that explained a few things (like my ‘naive nineteen’ philosophy).
Chris and I finally decided to ‘blow this Popsicle stand’ while Myra and Karen were out on the dance floor with two other fellows.

Chris and I talked in my car about our relationship.
“Yeah, I met a dude named Ron at Sun Valley Mall and he came to my house,” Chris revealed, “but nothing happened.”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah, but Ron wanted something to happen. You know I love you,” Chris announced.
“Me too.”
“I just want to play it cool in terms of making love,” said Chris.
I understood his point to a certain extent. I could relate and I agreed with the idea of 'playing it cool' for a while. I drove him to where his car was parked.
“Oh yea, my folks invited you for brunch this Sunday!”
“That’s nice,” I said.
I was home in Alameda by one o’clock in the morning.

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Breathe & Sweat

'Men should always wear a white undershirt.'
-as read at Hipinion.com

Advice for the day:

Breathe: This lets you live in the moment.

Stretch: This releases toxins from your muscles.

Do yoga so you can 'Remain Active' in physical sports as you age.

Wear sunscreen.

Listen, Listen, listen, and then ask strategic questions.

Sweat once a day to regenerate your skin.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, February 19, 1984

I woke up at 10:30am when the telephone rang.
"Do you want to go and see some open houses with us today?" mom asked.
"I'll let you know later because I want to find out if my bike is ready," I replied.

The sun seems to be making an attempt to come out. I want to lay out and get some rays. Better yet, a bike ride would be better. I did learn that my bike would be ready by noon. I picked it up and did a 'Ride Like the Wind'.
PHOTO: 1984-Michael J Armijo, riding his bike
Taken by Virginia Marie Lucero-Armijo (mom)

I decided to lay out and 'catch some ray's in mom's backyard. Then I thought I might go to the beach in my little gray bathing suit when Chris Cordellos called (while I was changing into the bathing suit).

He persuaded me to drive out to Concord, making me believe it would be much warmer there. We laid out by the pool while thinking and speaking of the good time we had in the Concord Hills last night.

We went out for some blueberry cheesecake ice-cream at Baskin-Robbins. Chris likes it when I drive with the convertible top down. It feels good as we ride and feel the warm breeze. We came across a bike shop that I wanted to check out but it was closed. We drove farther out to Berkeley and at at a Taiwanese Restaurant. It was kind of Chris to treat me.

Later that night we drove to the Tiffany's Nightclub in Walnut Creek. This club allows admissions to those who are age 17 and up and 'no alcohol'. We were waiting in line for a long time just to be admitted, so we decided to split the scene. We found our way to Dan's Cocktail Lounge. After a quick drink we popped over to 'Dolce' for a Cafe Latte that was simply "delicioso". We took advantage of the Italian ice-cream 'to go', too. I drove Chris home and that pretty much summed up our evening.

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Run After Me

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

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

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

Twenty-five years ago today

January 25, 1984, Wednesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Outside the Box of Thinking

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

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

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

The Persian Poet Rumi says:

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

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

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 21, 1984

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Jaded

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

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

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

JADE

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

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 20, 1984

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

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

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

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

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

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Maybe You'll Remember...

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

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

Twenty-five years ago:

January 17, 1984

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 18, 1984

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

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

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

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

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

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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Our lives are defined by opportunities...even the ones we miss."
-from the film 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons'

On Christmas Day 2008 I saw 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons' movie. I do believe it could become the winning 'Best Picture' of 2008. The special effects of reverting the aging process was remarkable to see. The last scene with actor, Brad Pitt, really made him seem 18 years old. The shadows, his form of dress and make-up was amazing. I recommend this one if you haven't seen it. There are some worthwhile lines as it makes you think about the aging process during this "what if" story.

The short story the film was based on was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1921. One has to commend Fitzgerald's imagination. If you want to read all eleven chapters of the short story, it's right here:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/Fitzgerald/jazz/benjamin/benjamin1.htm

While viewing the movie I managed to write down these lines that caught my ear. After you read them I think you'll agree it's worthy of viewing. Those films that are narrated (To Kill A Mockingbird-style) often win me over.

"You never know what's coming for you."

"Some days I feel different than the day before."

"Death was a common visitor."

"He's an acquaintance of an acquaintance of mine."

"I'll tell you a secret if you tell me one."

"I never forgot her blue eyes."

"No one knows whether to stay or leave."

"There's a time for everything."

"There's nothing wrong with old age."

"We're meant to lose people we love. How else would we realize how important they are to us?"

"Write me a postcard from everywhere!"

"She was not beautiful. She was as plain as paper."

"We went back to our rooms to turn separate lives."

"I'm afraid it's the witching hour."

"When it comes to the end...you have to let go."

"Did I ever tell ya I was struck by lightening seven times? God keeps reminding me I was lucky to be alive."

"How come you didn't write or nothin'?"

"I suppose anything is possible."

Here's a clip from the movie, too:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L6K3fkwr-Y

Twenty-five years ago

January 6, 1984

What is with Suzy Miller these days? She is calling more frequently than usual. Oh well, it's fun. She is coming over tonight to watch DIVA, the French film on the VCR with me. I know she'll love it.

It was fun watching DIVA again. Suzy made quesadillas, too. I went out to buy some avocados and tried to add it as a topping. The avocados weren't perfectly ripe, so it was a challenge to say the least. It's too bad Suzy fell asleep half way through the movie. She missed out. I didn't want to interrupt her dreams, so I just went upstairs to my own bed as she slept on the sofa. I heard her come upstairs 'at God knows what time' and we exchanged 'good nights' pleasantly and deliciously. I fell asleep as she departed for her home.

While Suzy and I were eating our quesadillas I received a call from Bill Helbush. He was calling with a telephone company related question. I told him a friend was over and he made a snide remark about my 'so-called friend'.

Tammy also called me and wanted to go out because her friend, Sean, had stood her up. I pretended to be happy that she thought to call me. She understood that I didn't really feel like going out so 'last-minute'. I believe she knew that someone was with me so I felt like being honest.
"Suzy is here and we're about to watch DIVA," I told Tammy. I started to think quietly to myself about how Tammy didn't get me anything for Christmas. And then I started to mirror feeling that Juanita Lane must have had because I didn't get her anything for Christmas. It's just that I didn't find the perfect item for her YET. Maybe that is what happened with Tammy, too. Silly thoughts.

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The 2009 Journey Begins

"Remember...this is a military operation, nothing ever goes according to plan."
--as heard in the movie VALKYRIE

I saw the new Tom Cruise movie, VALKYRIE, yesterday. Alan and I accompanied Mimi to Downtown Napa for the 7pm screening. We all thought it was better than expected.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSy96KB7Dh4
I did get something out of it (3 Stars from me). Here are a few other lines that I took from it:

"They say when there is no clear option the best thing to do is nothing."

"When they catch you they'll pull you apart like warm bread."

"I say...DO IT!"

"Why remove a madman to have a lunatic in his place?"

The morning DOW US market is up 157 points. That's a good indicator for the first business day of the New Year. Let's just hope there is no BLACK SWAN forthcoming.

The BLACK SWAN theory (in Nassim Nicholas Taleb 's version) refers to a large-impact, hard-to-predict, and rare event beyond the realm of normal expectations. Unlike the philosophical "black swan problem", the "Black Swan" theory (capitalized) refers only to events of large consequence and their dominant role in history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swan_theory

Today begins the six hour journey from Napa Valley to Los Angeles (back to the beach). I only have time for a bowl of Cheerio's before the road trip begins. Hasta La Vista! (See You Later!)

Twenty-five years ago:

January 2, 1984

At 8am the sun was shining through my window shades. I had to go out to feel the sunshine on my face. I took my bicycle and enjoyed a ride along the beach until about 10am. Then I had to get ready for the lunch date with Leslie Fonseca of San Lorenzo, CA.

I stopped for a pitstop (gasoline) and found Leslie's apartment easily right afterwards. She said she wasn't ready to eat, so we decided on choosing a flick at the Magic Video store. I selected 'PHANTOM", a thriller. We drove to my townhouse and when I drove up to the driveway I found my dad in the garage and my mom was cleaning the house. It was time for introductions. Mom and Dad seemed to like Leslie (and vice versa). My parents didn't stay long as they said they had to go shopping.

Leslie and I proceeded to watch the 'PHANTOM' feature as we lounged on my couch. The movie was scary and made us 'jumpy' in some parts.

It's funny how there's always one flaw in every 'chick'. She either smokes (Paloma); She's too touchy and hot temper oriented (Nici); She doesn't offer that mutual physical attraction (Helen); She is ultra-negative and does not provide enough positive feedback (Suzy); or she has a child (Leslie). What's next? No, I am not perfect either...am I (as I consider my attraction to George Jones)?

Suzy called me but we didn't talk long. Michael Padazinski called. He works in the adjacent department at work (RTOC-Residence Telephone Order Center). We had a good talk. We plan on getting together soon to talk about his big decision to join the seminary. I sense that he is attracted to me. Will he become a priest?

After the movie I took Leslie for a short drive to my parents' home. Leslie had a good chat with my folks once again. We left and ate at MOUNTAIN MIKE'S PIZZA. We actually had a good time. I do enjoy her company. Her intelligence levels seem lower but I think I'm discriminating because of her latin accent. There is a bit of a language barrier. After the pizza meal we took a walk. She seemed to enjoy my company. I don't relish her craving for so many Spanish tunes though.

I met her daughter. She is cute...but am I ready for such a responsibility at this time? I like her a lot but I don't want to get tied down. If it were my own child would it be different? Probably. Who cares? I decided to make another date to see "NOSFERATU" in Berkeley, tomorrow night. I choose such romantic films, don't I? I promised to call her at around 2pm. Who knows what will happen?

Leslie starts classes at CHABOT COLLEGE in Hayward, CA tomorrow.
"You better call...or else," she said.
Then she followed that line with a "just kidding".
Hmmm...she wouldn't have said it if she didn't think it. She is born on April 23rd, a bull-headed Taurus. Is there any point in pursuing?

I told my mom about Leslie's child later that evening. My mom was speechless and dumbfounded. She liked the girls' friendliness and manners.

I found it interesting when Leslie and I were looking through some magazines at a store near MOUNTAIN MIKE'S PIZZA. Leslie saw a nude girl on the cover of a magazine.
"I think the reason girls do this nude posing is because they feel men do not notice them with their clothes on. Also, those girls who wear tons of make-up only wear it to get noticed. And even as they do get noticed it is not a look of envy but of disgust," she stated.
I immediately thought of Tammy Duhr and her heavy make-up. I also recalled Frank's stories of Tammy and her 'sugar daddy'. Frank even mentioned something about the way she walked on the streets of Polk Street.

I called Suzy again tonight. She said she would call me right back. I like Suzy and I wonder if there could ever be a future between us despite her "complaining" over every little thing. And she seems so ultra-religious now. It could be difficult. She surprised me at breakfast the other morning when she reminded me that if we were NOT married by age 30 we would "tie the knot". That's a big question mark? Then again, who knows what the future holds.

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8 Steps To Wellness

It's a little embarassing to admit but I had this poster of Suzanne Somers posted up in my bedroom around 1977-1978. Everyone had the Farrah Fawcett poster and I had to be a little different.

Just before bedtime last night I happened to catch a glimpse of Suzanne Somers as a featured guest on LARRY KING LIVE. Suzanne was promoting her new book called WELLNESS. I was curious as to how obsessed she is with her health, practicing all of these nouveau techniques to live longer and be healthier. She even has a major website promoting all of her ideal products for living.
http://suzannesomers.com/
I was interested to hear that she has interviewed many respected doctors and that if you were to take only three vitamins she highly recommends:
1. Omega 3 FISH OIL gel capsules
2. Coenzyme Q-10: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenzyme_Q10/
3. Anti-oxidant vitamins (Vitamin C or E)

It's clear to me she's had some facial lift/cosmetic help which I don't see as proper graceful aging. You can decide for yourself. I am not saying she is the authority on medicine but some of what she says does make sense. Per the LARRY KING interview and some online research I learned that her new book guides you through 8 Steps to Wellness. These are the steps:

1. BHRT-Hormone replacement treatments (costly treatment with scientific studies that suggest some serious side effects)
2. DETOXIFICATION (by resting organs through fasting; stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body; promoting elimination throught the intestines, kidneys and skin; improving circulation of one's blood; refueling your body with nutrients)
3. SERIOUS NUTRITION (eliminate products from your life: alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats; these all prevent your body's natural healing)
4. GI TRACT ATTENTION (the gastrointestinal tract is often overlooked and your digestion requires you to remember to chew everything thoroughly)
5. AVOID PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS (only when absolutely necessary should you take pharmaceutical drugs as they contain toxins that speed the aging process)
6. WATCH YOUR DIET (regulate your intake of fat, sodium, sugar, cholesterol)
7. EXERCISE
8. SLEEP (ideally 8 hours per night)

I beleive some of her steps are worth taking a look at. She is not one that I seriously thought to admire, but her recent interview impressed me based on her passion of what she has learned. I mean...we all know that diet, exercise and sleep are important to one's living healthy. It's the first five steps that are worthy of reexamination. It's your call...watch this video to hear her:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zx5GjLE6SI

Twenty-five years ago

December 21, 1983
Work was fine today. I shared breakfast with Salima and made a date for next Thursday night with Helen Wong to see Alfred Hitchcock's NORTH BY NORTHWEST.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRfmTpmIUwo
I called Nici Maurino and verified our date to see SILKWOOD.

Nici came over to my pad. I drove to Hayward, CA and we saw the new Meryl Streep, Cher film, SILKWOOD. It was good, but sad. After the movie Nici and I ended up arguing. She said that she has learned that people simply will NOT get involved to help another person out. I disagreed with her completely. I told her that it really depended on the situation. She got all riled up and it ruined our evening.

I chose not to enter the LYON'S RESTAURANT with her because she was walking in front of me.
"You can never be wrong, can you?" I shouted.
"No," she said in her serious bitchy tone.
She was being such a bitch that I walked back to my car. She attempted to smoke in my car. At that point I started the engine and headed home. As I was driving we barely said two words to one another. When I drove up to my garage she got out of the car and ran to over to her run-down Volkswagen. It was her loss, not mine.

She had the nerve to say that I didn't have manners because I told her to open her door (when I simply wanted to use the automatic switch to lock the door). I know damn well that I am the only guy she's ever dated with more polite manners than she's ever known. What a bitch!

Once I was inside I watched an episode of DYNASTY on tape.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcdhdzfbR_o
Bill Helbush called and we talked about our days. He said he would have to greet his brother at the airport tomorrow. He suggested getting together for dinner or something--I think. He promised he'd call to arrange it. Now it's time for bed. My car needs a filling up of gas and my hair needs a good washing in the morning.

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