The La Vanguardia Periodico

Dreams are a reflection of
what's going on in our subconscious.
-as heard during Season I of
KYLE-XY, the TV series
On May 25, 2009, Alan and I took a walk into 'local flavor' Barcelona-style. We found a patisserie on Carrer Taxdirt (yes, that is the name of the street) and found the best 'coca' (a pine nut crisp flat bread pastry). Yummy! The bottled water was only .95 Eurocents, too. We were 'ripped off' the day before on Carre de Gracia where they charged us 3 Euro for the water.

We stumbled on two sexy mannequins in underwear (male and female) when a La Vanguardia journalist appeared from inside the store to speak with us.
"Would you mind staying outside and taking a few more photos of the mannequins while I photograph you for tomorrow's paper?" Xavier Cervera asked.
"Sure, no problem," we said simultaneously.
This was quite funny. He took photos of the two of us, some shots of just me and some solo shots of just Alan, too. He promised the photo would be in the local La Vanguardia newspaper tomorrow.

The ironic thing is that tomorrow would be my BIG birthday (May 26th)! We couldn't wait to check the paper the next morning. Alan was trying to take credit for getting me 'in the newspaper' on my birthday.

La Vanguardia is the highest-circulation daily newspaper based in Barcelona and Catalonia. It is written in Spanish. La Vanguardia trails only the three main Madrid dailies among general-interest circulation in Spain.

Alan and I woke early and went directly to a local newsstand (after learning that the Hotel did not have the current issue of La Vanguardia). We found a copy for 1 Euro & .10 Eurocents. In the 'VIVIR' (To Live) section was a photo of me, photographing the bosomy blond mannequin. They did not get us taking photos of the male mannequin who resembled David Beckham. Alan was a tad disappointed that he was not in the paper, but it was a so 'fitting' to see that I made the popular paper on my special day.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, June 10, 1984

It was one of those lazy Sunday mornings. I woke up and mom was surprisingly still asleep herself. I decided to shower and escape for a Sunday morning bicycle ride. I rode for a good hour or so but the heat of the day made me calm down. I chose to head on back home.

I stopped over at Sherri's and my mom was there. She getting ready to leave for Cecelia's Baby Shower. Sherri had a weird male friend of hers there. He seemed pretty 'preppy'. I got the impression that he was kind of "questionable". I stayed there until he left the scene. I hung out with Sherri for a while. The baby (Ashley) is so cute when she smiles.

When I returned home I tried to nap but 'the real estate broker dude' that ma & pa bought the house from on Cook Lane came by to deliver the keys. When the broker dude left I accompanied Dad to '3330 Cook Lane' to see the new Islandia townhouse where 'John, Sherri and Ashley' would eventually reside. Dad wants me to move in there so he could come to clean, refurbish it at any time. I don't really want to move in though. John is also hesitant about moving-in because he did not want the responsibility of buying a new washer, dryer and refrigerator. I guess he'll go ahead and do it now. It would be foolish not to do so.

PHOTO: Islandia Townhouse,
Harbor Bay Isle, Alameda


When mom returned from the Baby Shower for my cousin Cecelia Garcia-Markus another visit to the '3330 Cook Lane' address took place. This time it was me, mom, pops, Ashley, John, Sherri and Sherri's Dad (Bob). I kept silently thinking that I could not wait until I had my own privacy and home again at '3348 Solomon Lane' (where John & Sherri were living now). We all hung out there, playing with Ashley Marie. We were watching John do sit-ups with Ash. That was funny!

PHOTO: 1984-John E Armijo
with daughter, Ashley M Armijo


Mom and I went out for some 'fish n chips'. Dad joined in on the 'porking out' when we arrived home with the food. The time passed quickly. Before long it was already 11PM. I was in bed...dreaming.

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My Dreams Are Getting Better...

"You're a different fish in a sea of sameness."
-Jason F Wright
'The Wednesday Letters'

A few months ago I read 'The Wednesday Letters' by Jason F Wright. It's not the greatest book but the author mentioned a song by Doris Day that I really wanted to hear. I still haven't heard it (hopefully soon), but here are the lyrics.

MY DREAMS ARE GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME

Well, what do you know, he smiled at me in my dreams last night
My dreams are getting better all the time
And, what do you know, he smiled at me in a different light
My dreams are getting better all the time

To think that we were strangers a couple of nights ago
And though it's a dream, I never dreamed he'd ever say hello
Oh, maybe tonight I'll hold him tight when the moonbeams shine
My dreams are getting better all the time

To think that we were strangers a couple of nights ago
And though it's a dream, I never dreamed he'd ever say hello
Oh, maybe tonight I'll hold him tight when the moonbeams shine
My dreams are getting better all the time

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

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 11, 1984

I was thinking about my sister-in-law, Sherri Lewis today. I thought specifically about how she was adopted. I wonder how often she ponders the mystery of her heritage.

I wonder how my Dad's niece, Cecelia Markus, feels about being pregnant at age thirty-eight?

I telephoned Chris Cordellos this morning.
"I told Jim about us last night, yeah," he said happily.
"You did?"
"Yeah, and I told him that I only wanted to be pals with him," Chris replied, "and Jim said that I was most likely being unfaithful wherever I was."
"You're kidding," I said not believing my ears.
"Nahh...he even said that since he's here with me that we should make at attempt at it," Chris confessed.
They are NOT going to make an 'attempt at it' according to Chris. He continued to tell me how 'bumbed out' he is about the whole US Coast Guard scene.

"I hate being here and not there with you."
I guess the key revelation of this telephone conversation was Jim's claim of my "low worth" and "probably other dates".

At work I discussed beer, babies, and annoying customers with Gloria Guzman. I bought a bottle of Lowenbrau and ate at the Pot Belli Deli with Tony and Helen. Tony and Helen were all "handsy" under the table. They couldn't keep their hands off of one another. Helen acts like she's 'so in love'. Gloria Guzman came by to join us with her 7up and sandwich.

When I telephoned Chris again I learned that he is thinking of flying down to the Bay Area since he has the week off to rest. Barbara, his roommate, was thinking of driving down on Sunday because she has a need to shop at MACY's Santa Rosa.
"I might fly down tonight," Chris announced.

Helen invited me to dinner but I backed off on the invitation, saying I had a bike ride commitment. I didn't really want to impose on the Helen and Tony courtship.

While at the office I played detective by glancing at the Barbara and Chris telephone bill. I saw a twenty-three minute telephone call at 60% off to me for $42.12. The total bill was $298.48. When I informed Chris of the bill he totally freaked out over the total amount.
"Oh My God, Barb's gonna cry," Chris said.
We bid our mutual goodbye's reluctantly.

I was riding my bike after work when I decided to join my Dad for dinner. I watched a little of the National and Local News with him. I fell asleep during 'Real People' in hopes of watching 'Dynasty'. Then Tony and Helen appeared.
"You should have come over for dinner," Helen told me reassuringly.
"Well, I didn't want to impose," I said.
She sighed, "T and I are just friends."
I frowned a questionable look.

"I called The Placement Center and asked why I hadn't been picked up yet," Helen said, "and Mike Potts the guy I know at AT&T Personnel says they're hiring Account Executives who make ten-thousand more a year!"
"What? I'm willing to take a slice of that," I interrupted.
"Yeah! He is going to send a couple of applications for us," Helen added.
Who knows what will happen? I do hate to just discard my two years of service (and my two and half years of past service that I can eventually bridge) with Pac Bell.

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If You Keep Wandering They'll Never Find You

"You know what they say if you get lost in the woods. Stay put!
They'll find you.



If you keep wandering...they'll never find you."
-a line heard
in the film 'Big Eden'

Alan and I watched 'Big Eden', a film last night (another NetFlix mailbox surprise). It was a so-so movie but I loved the ending credits song. I am not very much into country music but I really liked the lyrics sung by Lari White.

If wishes were horses
I'd ride a fast one
If wishes were wings
I'd fly wild and free
If wishes were trains
I'd be on the last one
If wishes came true
You'd be loving me

If wishes were blue skies
I'd never get rained on
I'd walk in the sun
Whenever I please
If wishes were dreams
I'd dream the same one
Over and over
Of you loving me

I whisper your name
On each star I see falling
That old wishing well
Gets each penny I find
And every year I blow out every candle
And close my eyes
And wish you were mine
Oh if wishes came true
Then you would be mine
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqUJJiW9BNY


Twenty-five years ago today:

February 4, 1984, Saturday

Despite my independent outing last night I managed to make it to work by 7am. I worked up until 3:40pm. Eight full hours of placing customers on the SNP list. It was rather lax for a Saturday work day.

I called Nancy DeSilva to confirm our tentative date for tonight.
"Oh, I have to work...maybe next weekend," Nancy said.
I reacted smoothly with a mild "okay". Who knows? She has my telephone number now. She had said she'd lost my telephone number. I think that's "bull".

I called Paloma and she couldn't make it for tonight.
"Later for those wenches," I thought to myself. Shit!

After work I went out with my bicycle. My bike never says "no".

While I was riding I met Suzy Miller who in turn biked along with me. We toured the newly developed bike path on Shoreline Drive that extended on to the Crown Harbor area. It was an exhilarating ride.

Suzy and I decided to see a movie on this night. Her brother, Michael, came along and we all went to the Richmond Hilltop Mall to see 'Terms of Endearment'.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FygdJGLlzNM&feature=related
It was a sad, humorous and entertaining film. We ended up munching at Nations Burgers after the show. I shared bits of the 'gory details' of last nights' movie (Make Them Die Slowly) with Sue & Mike. They thought it was pretty gross. It was funny to see their expressions. We had a fun outing. They're special people.

When I returned home I watched bits of the candid camera "Friday Night Videos" that I had taped from last night until I fell asleep.

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What Good Is a Dream ?

"What harm is dreaming, if it eases pain?
What good is reality if it blots out hope?--Bette Bao Lord in her epic novel about China called SPRING MOON

Do you ever remember your dreams? I would like to remember all of mine but it seems as soon as I open my eyes the pictures and stories are completely gone. I need to keep telling myself I will remember them. The vivid ones where I actually see my mother or father are 'heavy' because they seem all too real. Then I wake up and I realize I cannot just pick up the phone or run over to see them anymore.

Dreams are good. I photographed the above young man in Central Park randomly in November 2008. I have a feeling he was dreaming his problems (if any) away. There are a few songs that come to mind that I love that relate to dreams. Do you know "IN DREAMS" or "DREAM LOVER" or "DREAM WEAVER"?

1. In Dreams
by Roy Orbison (circa 1963)

I believe I fell for this song after seeing the classic cult film BLUE VELVET.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-DjluKLY14
A candy colored clown they call the sandman
Tiptoes to my room every night
Just to sprinkle stardust and to whisper,
"Go to sleep, everything is alright."
I close my eyes then I drift away
Into the magic night
I softly say a silent prayer
Like dreamers do
Then I fall asleep to dream my dreams of you
In dreams I walk with you
In dreams I talk to you
In dreams you're mine, all the time
With you ever in dreams, in dreams
But just before the dawn
I awake and find you gone
I can't help it, I can't help it
If I cry
I remember that you said goodbye
It's too bad that all these things
Can only happen in my dreams
Only in dreams, in beautiful dreams

2. Dream Lover
by Bobby Darin (circa 1959)

There was always something special about his voice when I heard this one on the oldies but goodies station.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdLn-QhRSB4
Every night I hope and pray
A dream lover will come my way
A girl to hold in my arms
And know the magic of her charms
'Cause I want a girl
To call my own
I wanna dream lover
So I don't have to dream alone
Dream lover, where are you?
With a love, oh, so true
And the hand that I can hold
To feel you near as I grow old
'Cause I want a girl
To call my own
I wanna dream lover
So I don't have to dream alone
Someday, I don't know how
I hope she'll hear my plea
Someway, I don't know how
She'll bring her love to me
Dream lover until then
I'll go to sleep and dream again
That's the only thing to do
Till all my lovers dreams come true
'Cause I want a girl
To call my own
I wanna dream lover
So I don't have to dream alone
Dream lover until then
I'll go to sleep and dream again
That's the only thing to do
Till all my lovers dreams come true
'Cause I want a girl
To call my own
I wanna dream lover
So I don't have to dream alone
Please, don't make me dream alone
I beg you, don't make me dream alone
No, I don't wanna dream alone

3. Dream Weaver
by Gary Wright (circa 1976)
This was one of those songs I liked as a teenager. It sort of took me away on a kaleidoscope, imaginary escape.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk4qeCT-RFk
I've just closed my eyes again
Climbed aboard the dream weaver train
Driver take away my worries of today
And leave tomorrow behind
Ooh dream weaver
I believe you can get me through the night
Ooh dream weaver
I believe we can reach the morning light
Fly me high through the starry skies
Maybe to an astral plane
Cross the highways of fantasy
Help me to forget today's pain
Though the dawn may be coming soon
There still may be some time
Fly me away to the bright side of the moon
And meet me on the other side
There is simply something romantic about these songs. I guess that is why I like them.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 19, 1983

Work went over just fine except for the fact that my 'secret angel' forgot me. During the holidays every employee in my department secretly picks a name in our group and each employee is responsible for leaving a little gift on the desk of their respective 'secret angel'. I was forgotten.

On the bright side, Salima Nasardeen-Hamilton and I flew paper airplanes from one cubicle to another during non-busy times. We complimented one another on how "HOT" lookin' we were. It was rather amusing. Salima is married to her very own "Michael".

I received a message from Tammy Duhr. I believe she received my Christmas Card. I returned her call when I arrived home and we made tentative Thursday night plans. I also had an answering machine message from Steve Ficarra. He was also thanking me for the Christmas Card. We talked about getting together after the holidays.
Bill Helbush called and thanked me for his "Hershey Kiss" card. We made tentative arrangements for this Thursday night. I guess I might be going out with Tammy or Bill on Thursday night.

I exercised some and called Pac Bell repair service co-worker pal, Nici Maurino. She's always good for some enlightening conversation. She told me abour her weekend and of some big cigar smokin' fellow she met. We made a tentative arrangement for seeing the new CHER movie 'SILKWOOD' on Wednesday night.

I called Juanita Lane (another co-worker at the Business Office) and we discussed work life and her temporary management status assignment. We talked about the possibility of going out sometime. We shared gossip ideas about 'secret angels' and guessed who may have picked who.

I called David Vigil (another co-worker at the Business Office) and we talked about going to Los Angeles for New Years Eve. It could prove fun and interesting. We may go. I think we'd have a good time. He is such a femme fatale though.

I guess George's so-called business is now defunct. I felt sorry for him. He told me to call him again before Christmas but I don't think I will be doing that. After all, there is Juanita, Nici, Tammy, Alexis, Suzy, David, Bill, Mike, Steve and 'God knows who else' (Helen?) all taking up my time in terms of dates, outings and 'what have you'.

It was rather strange when I called Alexis tonight. She said she was just waking up from a dream. She promised to call me right back. She added that if she didn't call back she would call me tomorrow. She never called me.

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The Benefits of Tomatoes

I was in the car with Alan yesterday when we heard that eating tomatoes tend to make one look more beautiful. I laughed because my choice beverage on airline flights is tomato juice. Apparently, there is a magical component in tomatoes that research is beginning to show could protect our skin from UV damage from sunburn. It’s called lycopene and it is a very effective antioxidant. About 85% of lycopene in the western diet is obtained ONLY from tomatoes and the best place to find it is in tomato paste.

Cancers such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and cancers of the stomach, mouth, pharynx, and esophagus have all been proven to be staved off by high levels of Lycopene.

Tomatoes are loaded with all kinds of health benefits for the body. Tomatoes are by far the healthiest of the fruits and vegetables with the power to ward off some of the worst known diseases to man. Be sure to get your fair share!

This morning Alan clipped the Los Angeles times horoscope for me to read. For all of you GEMINI people:

'When you say the name of your loved one, do it only in a loving way.
The utterance of those words can cast a magic spell today, as your attention is all this person craves.'

Hmmm...I guess it was meant for Alan to hand me this one. Too funny.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 16, 1983
Oakland, California

Work was fun once again but Salima was not at work today. It was Beth's last day as she accepted a new job transfer. Many people brought her going away gifts. She will be missed. She is happy (and sad). I am sure. I saw her cry today. It must be an emotional time.

After work I couldn't get into the mood of working out at the gym. I chose to go to San Francisco to check out the Rathskellum joint that QUAKE-FM99 radio keeps advertising for Friday nights. I foolishly arrived too early and it was a dead scene. I left and walked around the city until I found myself in a little museum near Jones Street that was showing some erotic video flick of a fat police officer undressing to reveal a young, blond stripper. It was really bad entertainment. I chose to move on and simply go home, chalking it up as a dud Friday night.

The line at Jack-In-The-Box was too long so I cancelled my craving for a vanilla milkshake. I showered and immediately fell asleep. When Bill called during the start of a dream I answered the phone groggily. I think he said he'd call back in the morning.

Oh yea! Sue asked if I would like to RD (Research and Develop) as assistant manager in the office today. I said, "Sure". I will be conducting our section meeting Monday too. This should be interesting.

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