Up In The Air

"Men need to think they've made their own decisions, not have them forced up on them."
-Abigail Adams (actress, Laura Linney)
as heard in the 2008
mini-series JOHN ADAMS

The Best Picture 'hopeful' for 2009 is all a buzz about a film called UP IN THE AIR. The plot heads into corporate America territory with this screenplay adaptation from Walter Kirn's novel, UP IN THE AIR.

The plot surrounds a human resource administrator (George Clooney) whose life up in the friendly skies becomes his only world as he works to reach his one-millionth frequent flyer mile.

I am anxious to see what the hot scoop is about this one. It's my mission to definitely see it.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 31, 1984
New Years Eve

Well, I woke at 6:30AM (or thereabouts) and made it to work. I had to wedge into a 'super crowded' BART train this morning.

A lot of co-workers managed to escape the day early with AX time (time off without pay). I was not one of the lucky ones. The people that remained working in the office had fun fooling with my TAROT cards. The telephone was hardly ringing with customer needs, so it was a freebie kind of day.

My New Years Eve plans were up in the air. Karyn Kossoff did tell me to call her when I arrived home because Ron Shelly and Ryan Hargrave were invited to a party (a friend of Nancy's). And so, I may go to that party.

I went to mom and dad's house when I got out of work and had some posole. Sherri dropped by to pick-up Ashley. Then mom and dad left to go to the store (I think). I did a quick 'eat and run'. I ended up leaving about four different messages on Karyn Kossoff's answering machine recorder throughout the day.

Once I was at my pad I was getting ready and deciding to go to Baxter's in Concord alone. I ended up not doing that though. It was quite an evening on my first New Years Eve in San Francisco. Karyn and I did decide to attend this party in San Francisco after all. I picked up Karyn in North Oakland, near the Rockridge Center BART station (where her apartment was located) on College Avenue. We arrived in The City at about 8:30PM. It took a half hour to finally find a parking space. I actually parked in a SFPD red zone (luckily I did not get a ticket).

Karyn and I first popped in to Ron and Ryan's apartment where they were having rum and cokes. We all took a taxicab to Beulah Street (near the Haight-Ashbury area). We bought some additional liquor, etc. The party wasn't too lovely--at first. It eventually got better though.

I met Carol Levine, an intellectual divorcee. I would also describe her as a "female pointdexter" that I found fascinating to listen to. I am also curious about her book "Journey Through Illness, I'm a Survivor".

Then, I met a dentist. I forgot his name already but he was a nice guy and he did give me his business card. I met a lot of very nice people. I made a tentative aerobic exercise date for Wednesday night but I won't be able to make it.

Ron Shelly said, "I think that dentist guy was coming on to you, so I came over to rescue you."
I followed Ron and we went out to the backyard balcony and had a bottle of wine. The view from the backyard balcony was quite breathtaking. We all had a good time dancing, boozing, jumping around on the bed and wrestling, too!

By midnight we were "sloshed". Furthermore, by 1:30AM or 2AM it was "forget it" time. A taxicab driver took us all to Ron and Ryan's apartment. The group included me, Ron, Ryan, Karen and Denise). The cabbie gave us a joy ride. We must have made his night with all of our drunkard 'Happy New Year' glee.
Ron said, "I like to party with you."
He's my good buddy.

We went up to Ron and Ryan's apartment and all crashed on the bed. Ron and I had a few intimate moments (Who knows?). It was all such random and spontaneous fun though. Now I want to have a Valentine's Day Party on February 15th now (maybe?).
Ryan wants to partner with me at the Executive Health Spa on Tuesday or Thursday. I should take him up on it.

I cracked up when Ron molded his miniature 'Popeye and Olive Oil' rubber toy figures into intimate positions.

Happy New Year 1985! I chose the Wheel of Fortune TAROT card for tonight (December 31, 1984). It seemed appropriate. I did find a penny on the street.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE:
The Wheel of Fortune is a very auspicious TAROT card. When pulled in a reading it generally indicates a happy, unexpected event is in the works. However, take a look at the card, and you see an unfortunate fellow falling off the side. As is the nature of fate, sometimes surprises aren't so happy. It is important to note here that what is "good" or "bad" is all in our interpretation. When what may appear as an unsavory event showing up unexpectedly in our lives we must try our best to recognize some potential good from the situation. We may not see any benefit in the tragedy - but down the line (when the Wheel turns again) circumstances from that tragedy may lead to amazing and positive influences.

"Only unfulfilled love can be romantic."
-Javier Bardem to Rebecca Hall
in the 2008 film
"Vicky, Cristina Barcelona"

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Movie Magic

"I didn't know what lay ahead for me but I knew I wouldn't have to face it alone."
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

I saw the movie, AVATAR, in 3-D on December 18, 2009 at the AMC Theater in Santa Monica. It was a brilliant feeling of visual special effects and storyline.

The film seemed to encompass the best of so many other films: STAR WARS, TRANSFORMERS, LAST OF THE MOHICANS, THE MATRIX, BRAINSTORM, LORD OF THE RINGS, I-ROBOT, ALIEN. It had many hidden messages about the effects of global warming, war, greed and it even intertwined a bit of romance.

The film has no 'big-name' stars except for Sigourney Weaver. She is fantastic in her dual character role.


This one gets 5 STARS from me. I highly recommend you see this FILM. It took my breath away. If you can see it in 3-D you will not believe it. It's amazing how the technology has improved film making. I know I saw a 3-D movie once before but it didn't thrill me in the least. This one was quite awe-inspiring to see in 3-D.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 30, 1984

I woke up at 10AM and rode my bike over to South Shore Shopping Center. Mom's car was parked in front of JC Penney (as I knew she was getting her hair done nearby). I was going to surprise her but she never came out (or I just became impatient). So I just rode on until 11:45AM and went over to visit Dad who was babysitting Ashley Marie. What a good Grandpa!

Dad started on breakfast at 12:15PM while I kept an eye on Ashley. I was watching the Chicago Bears beat the Washington Redskins when mom walked in at about 1:30PM. We ate together and I told them I had planned on continuing with my bike ride for the day.

By 4:30PM I was parking my bike in the garage and felt a need for nap time. My telephone rang and I refused to answer it. Cedric had called last night and I had a feeling it was him. I did not feel like going out with him tonight.

Earlier, I had telephoned Paloma from mom's house, leaving a 'would very much like to see you' message. The telephone ring may have been her. I don't know.

Mom telephoned me during my nap to see if I would take care of Ashley while she went to the store with my Dad. I agreed happily. I watched a little TV and spoke to my Aunt Nellie Vigil (my Dad's half-sister) who happened to call while I was there.

Sherri dropped by only to see Ashley quietly sleeping.
"I'm just going to run to the store," Sherri said.
And so, I just hung out there.

A little later I got a call from Suzy Miller who was suggesting a movie outing. We both wanted to see 'The River' or 'Micki and Maude'. We ended up at the MAGIC VIDEO store, renting 'The Natural'. Sue and I watched it with my mom and dad. Sue and I had a hot dog, a burrito, an ice-cream cone, MARS candy bar and a slice of Banana Cream Pie (or at least that is all that I devoured).

I drove Sue back to her apartment. Just as I walked into my place I had just missed the last ring of the telephone. Now I have another mystery call to figure out. I'm tired now. I am ready to turn in. Yawn.

"Yes or no, Mister, ain't no in-between."
-Paul Newman to Orson Welles
in the 1958 film "The Long, Hot Summer"


PHOTO: Film clip from AVATAR,
the 2009 film that cost over $300 Million US dollars to make

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Feeling Guilty ?

"If you feel guilty you must have done something wrong."
"...but I feel guilty about mudslides in Ecuador!"
-as heard while watching
a not-so-great film called
"Dorian Blues"

Thank you Deanna Campbell of Las Vegas, NV for sending this tidbit story. It gave me a good 'chuckle' on the morning of May 18, 2009 (when she emailed it to me):

Yesterday, I had a flat tire on the Interstate.

So I eased my car over to the shoulder of the road, carefully got out of the car and opened the trunk.
I took out two cardboard men, unfolded them and stood them at the rear of my car facing oncoming traffic. They looked so lifelike yo u wouldn't believe it!

They were in trench coats exposing their nude bodies and private parts to the approaching drivers. To my surprise, cars started slowing down looking at my lifelike men. And of course, traffic started backing up. Everybody was tooting their horns and waving like crazy.

It wasn't long before a state trooper pulled up behind me. He got out of his car and started walking toward me. I could tell he was not a happy camper!
"What's going on here?"
"My car has a flat tire," I said calmly.
"Well, what in the hell are those obscene cardboard men doing here by the road?"
I could NOT believe that he didn't know.
So I told him, 'Hellooooo, those are my emergency flashers!'

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 29, 1984
Saturday

It was 8AM and I after a splish-splash of a wash I was biking by 8:30AM until 10AM. I was biking with a scarf around my neck and did repetitive rides along the beach.

I stopped to see mom and I found dad to be a bit on the moody side. I maintained. Mom took down the Christmas tree. I napped a bit and awoke when John and Ashley stopped by. We watched the playoff game against the SF 49ers and the NY Giants. I didn't win anything via my football grid game pool at work. Boo hoo!

As time passed I was back at my pad, reviewing my mail. I received my bank statement and a household questionnaire study that I decided to fill out.

Karyn Kossoff called while I was filling out the silly questionnaire.
"Hi. I'm having a small circle of friends party at my brothers' house."
"Sounds okay to me, I'll be there."
I thought it was funny when she said her brother had to work and couldn't be at the party.

I scanned my San Francisco Examiner newspaper as Karyn and I continued our friendly chat. I am to meet her mom and sister-in-law at about 7:30 or 8PM. Who knows? I may drive up to Baxter's thereafter. I guess it depends on how late the party goes. It also depends on how I feel.

Now it's time to exercise and shower. I just woke from another one-hour nap. I am beginning to feel like I have overslept.

I drove my car to Karyn Kossoff's and shared in on the small circle of friends party. I met her mom, sister-in-law, her friend Elizabeth who recently learned of a pregnancy from a married man she's been seeing for the last year or two! Now that sounds like a story right out of 'Days of our Lives'. Karyn and I ended up driving out to Point Richmond (where Elizabeth is living).

Oh yes, I also met some oriental fellow and some gal who grew up in Walnut Creek but now lives in Morocco. I met Karyn's brother, too. It was all pretty laid back. I stuffed my face with cheese, wine, pastries, kiwi, pistachios and tangerines. I departed at a quarter passed midnight, so I decided against the trip to Baxter's. Yawn.

"What's the matter?"
"What could be the matter?"
"You seemed to go away...Come back to me!"
-as heard while watching the LIVE play
"A Brief Encounter" at St. Ann's Warehouse
in Brooklyn, NY on December 2, 2009.

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Infatuation

"There's something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You're never quite sure where they'll take you."
-as heard while watching
the 2006 film
"Miss Potter"

On April 14, 2009 I received a quote via e-mail from Alan's dear mother, Gloria Weiner-Freiman-Cohen:

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have rather talked.
And, oh, how some oldsters can talk!

It made me laugh because of how Gloria loves to talk.

Please say a little prayer of 'hope and love' for Gloria as she is still recovering from her pelvic fracture after a fall on a New York City street in SOHO on November 17, 2009. Ouch.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 28, 1984
Friday

Today I chose 'The Lovers' as my TAROT Card for the day; however, nothing 'lovey-dovey' happened. Then again...it could relate to my many infatuations.

THE LOVERS:
The Tarot card meaning of 'The Lovers' is all about love and everything it entails. Without a doubt, this is one of the more straight-forward card meanings in the deck. The aspects of our lives that deal with passion, infatuation, sex, arousal, and all those things that heat us up. This card comes up when we are contemplating a new romance, when we're obsessed with another person, or when we are in more than one amorous relationship. On a lesser scale, card also comes up when we are developing a partnership in business. It may also indicate matters regarding friendship and family.

I wanted to go out on this evening to see Karen (the Cybil Shepherd lookalike waitress) at BAXTER's in Concord but I did not make it happen. I was sidetracked because mom took the day off.

The telephone rang and it was Cedric Green. We had a good talk.
"You know, Michael, I stopped by your place a couple of Saturday's ago but you weren't home."
"Oh, I was probably working at MACY's."
After that roundabout discussion we decided to make tentative plans of going out on January 11th. Who knows what could take place between now and then though?
I told him a fib.
"Well, I have a date tonight with Karen, she works at Baxter's in Concord," I fibbed to Cedric. I had to be on-guard in case he suggested going out tonight.
I was dreamin' on that date with Karen. If only I did have that date. Time will tell.

After I wrote out all of my bill paying checks I had only a measly seventy-five dollars remaining. I decided to spend time with mom and watch the three hours of VCR-taped "Young and The Restless" shows with her. I left her place at around midnight.

"I'm almost like a child.
I can hardly wait for the morning."
-as heard while watching
the TV series "Dark Shadows"
DVD Collection 24.

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The Desired Craving for Chinese Food

"If variety is the spice of life, then my life must be one of the spiciest you ever heard of...a curry of a life."
-Julia Child
"My Life In France"

Are you craving comfort food? The research behind craving food is reinforced by the idea that it's not the hunger for the particular food itself, but the feeling it provides that brings on a craving.

In November 2008, Brian Wansink, a marketing professor, who heads the lab at the Food and Brand Lab at UL Urbana-Champaign, explains: "Comfort foods are foods whose consumption evoke a psychologically pleasurable state ...".

Drawing from national survey questionnaires, the lab has concluded that a person's comfort-food preferences are formed at an early age and are triggered, in addition to hunger, by conditioned associations.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 27, 1984
Thursday

Great! A short work week! It's already Thursday--but payday will be delayed until tomorrow morning. Sadness.

I had a good sales day. Karyn did not show up for work because she couldn't open her eye and felt "uggie".

Suzy caught me at pops (via a phone call). I was dropping Dad the San Francisco Examiner now that I am subscribing. I was being nice as I know he likes to be kept up-to-date with the latest Bay Area news.

Sue asked, "So yeah, I feel like eating Chinese food tonight, wanna go?"
"Hmmm...you know that sounds good to me."
When I arrived at her pad I suggested that we invite her brother, Mike Miller. And so, it was the three of us having a delicious Chinese dinner. The price was right at this place in Alameda.


Sue had the day off tomorrow, so it was no wonder that she called to go out. We were almost going to see "The Cotton Club" movie since we drove over to the SHOWCASE THEATER at South Shore Shopping Center three times (but we did not go after all).

I invited Sue to my pad and we watched some random television shows. We also skimmed through the new SPIEGEL Catalog. Sue started to fall asleep, so she left at around 10:30PM. I 'jerked myself a soda' and went to bed.

"Desire moved me...Desire carried me."
-as heard while watching
"Dante's Cove", Series III

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Standing Erect

No one was likely to visit him, not until the morning, that was certain; so he had plenty of time to meditate at his leisure on how to arrange his life afresh.
-Franz Kafka
"The Metamorphosis"

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 26, 1984
Wednesday

My first day back to work and it really was not so bad. I had an especially good day. I sold two 'Remote Call Forwarding' services and one Premiere Telephone Service System.

Karyn Kossoff accepted an early day out with AX (Absent Without Pay) time.

Carl was hyperactive a lot of the day. He is like a big 'little boy'.

Hank, another coworker in my section, kept giving me an eerie, seductive eye. It gave me an uneasy, unknown feeling.

Rene was nice to give me the POLO cologne gift. I was sure to give him a 'Thank You' for it.

Stephanie loved my duck head umbrella. I told her it was a Christmas present (but it was actually a Christmas present to myself).

Barbara Reynolds was sweet to come by and chat with me at my cubicle this morning.

I may get December 31st off without pay. Why not? I'll take it!

I brought my TAROT Cards in and had some of my cohorts pick a card as a sign of how the day/night will be. Stephanie Bautista and Cindy Chow and I all picked the ACE of SWORDS. Carl picked THE EMPRESS.

ACE OF SWORDS:
The ace of swords Tarot card meaning has to do with aligning yourself. Visually, this card is clearly making a statement of solidarity. When we see the strength of that sword standing erect in the center of this card, there is no doubt in our mind that we must focus upon the issues at hand (indicated by surrounding cards) and make our stand.

THE EMPRESS:
The mother figure of the Tarot deck, the Empress Tarot card meanings are all about love, abundance, nurturing, and pleasure. When we observe the card we see elements of nature - all exploding on the card - the Empress brings about the flood of growth and is the epitome of abundance. She reminds us that there is always enough for everyone to enjoy. There is no shortage.

I did miss my scheduled FREMONT bound BART train today. Transportation was not good for me today. I still made it to my 'after work' appointment at the Bay Area Sperm Bank. Barbara, the lady in-charge there, is the one who informed me of my first successful pregnancy. I was elated once again. Now, the next question is in August 1985, when we learn if it is a boy or a girl.

I stopped over at Dad's and munched on leftovers with him. Then, I came home in disgust when I noticed my credit card bills. Ugh! Then Bruce called and we talked for a short while.

Karyn Kossoff also telephoned and we had a nice chat. I was telling her how I want to see the flick called "DUNE" and the other one called "THE RIVER".

Life is different with money--at least I believe it is, and so do you.
-Stefan Zweig
"The Post-Office Girl"

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In A Kind of Heaven

We were all in a kind of heaven--not sitting about on clouds, you understand, but busy doing things that made us happy.
-Morag Joss
"Half Broken Things"


Twenty-five years ago today:

December 25, 1984
Tuesday

My running nose was reaching its peak by this morning. I sounded pretty raspy as I spoke to Karyn Kossoff on the telephone this morning.
"Thank you so much for my scarf and gloves," Karyn said pleasingly.
It was one of those sweet Christmas Day kind of phone calls.

I dreamed of Karen (of Baxter's in Concord) last night. She is the waitress who resembles actress Cybil Shepherd. What does that mean?

I telephoned Sue to Thank her for the especially selected towels she bought for me.

I soon found myself at mom and dad's house, lounging as we waited for John and Sherri to arrive with Ashley. I had the urge to open gifts under the tree.

I received socks, a shirt and two leather ties from John and Sherri. Mom gave me a gold tie clip, a cashmere scarf, an electric razor and a brand new water hose (to make up for the one Dad took from my house). Grandma gave me a tie. Aunt Lillian gave me some Aqua Velva after shave (not exactly my brand). Rene (my Santa's Gift Game Helper at work) gave me POLO cologne (much better). My boss, Stephanie Bautista, gave me whisky (not my cup of tea). Tony gave me a framed poster of three female cyclists and a couple of bicycle memorabilia items. And so, all in all, I had a great reception of gifts.

I ate Christmas dinner with Mom, Dad, Tony, John, Sherri and Ashley. It felt very "family". It was a pleasure.
PHOTO: The "immediate" ARMIJO Family
Joe Nelson, Virginia Marie, Anthony Fidel, Michael Joe and John Edward

I cannot help wondering about the unknown woman who is about one month pregnant with my child. I am her/his/its surrogate father so-to-speak. They (at the Bay Area Sperm Bank) say the mother-to-be is extremely excited about her pregnancy. I am happy I have done a good deed. I did not mention it during dinner but it crossed my mind as we all gave Ashley her first 'spoil her' Christmas.

We all remained at the house and watched portions of 'Wheel Of Fortune' and ate, ate again, napped, wrapped and took more pictures.

John and Sherri left at about 8PM while I departed at around 9PM. I left rather abruptly because Dad wanted me to take some of their excess garbage to fill my garbage can and I did NOT feel like doing that on Christmas Day. When I got to my place I was slightly upset because I had forgotten my Christmas gifts at my folks' house.

Mom called me when she noticed my gifts were left there. She was sweet enough to come and drop them over for me. We made up after the 'take the excess garbage' incident. Dad even came by with her, so all was festive and good.

And to my surprise...the unknown phone call of the day was from Paloma Sanchez-Guerra.
"Uhh...I called to find out why you hadn't sent me a Christmas card."
I laughed it off and we proceeded to have a nice chat.

Paloma asked, "So, when are we getting married?"
It surprised me and she made me laugh once again. It's like when I talk to her it is as if it was like I had just spoken to her a day ago even though it has been weeks. She knows how to 'break the ice'.

"I missed you," Paloma announced.
I was a bit dumbfounded to say the least. All I could think of was that by her being with her brother and sister-in-law and the other family Christmas 'going ons' she really did feel something missing.
"I thought of you last Saturday while I was watching the SOLID GOLD dancers," I assured her.

Now she was laughing as I explained that her body is similar to those dancers.
Nice.
PHOTO: Paloma Sanchez-Guerra

Now he happened to be unoccupied, to observe everything exactly, at least in his vicinity, the result of his aimless glancing hither and thither was that there was a great deal he did not notice.
-Franz Kafka
"Wedding Preparations in the Country"

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