My Third Job: Computer Operator

"The first ultra intelligent machine
is the last invention that man need ever make."
-Irving John Good, 1965

It was March 1978 when I started working in Downtown Oakland as a ‘Computer Operator’ with Pacific Telephone on Franklin Street. I knew that computers were the future and this is where I wanted to be.

I pretty much learned the operations with on-the-job training, picking up as I went along. I had to operate three specific computers (an IBM 7074, IBM 360 and an IBM 1401). One would laugh if you saw the size of these monstrosities compared to my current DELL XPS M1710 Laptop that I use today.
PHOTO: IBM 1401


PHOTO: IBM 360


There were three shifts and I began working the 4pm to Midnight shift. It worked perfectly for me. I had school by day and worked 4pm to Midnight. After about a year I had to start working the graveyard shift (from Midnight to 8AM). This shift turned my world upside down. I still remember making my 9AM Economics class and drifting off to sleep to the sound of the boring lecture. My Computer Operator position only lasted about two years.

PHOTO: IBM 7074
There was a transition from Directory Assistance as I worked with mostly middle-aged women. There were a few other men (one named, Mike, who was in his early twenties) but the guys always worked a the day shift.

I got to know Sharon Quinn. She was always popping pills. She was no longer married but she had a son named Michael who was about twelve or thirteen. He was a nice young man. What ever became of him? Michael’s father was an African-American. Sharon helped me out for my Social Sciences college course one time by coming in to speak to my class about Interracial Relationships. It took a lot of guts for her to do. I so appreciated it. We did a great oral presentation together.
PHOTO: Sharon Quinn, Nov 1979
(Cora Zamboanga in background)

I also worked with a woman named Lucille Webb. She had a very big family and lived in Hayward, CA. She always had stories about her children and grandchildren. She was overweight and always had problems with her feet. It was not a pretty sight during break time to see her take her shoes off. She seemed to be working to feed her entire family.

PHOTO: Lucille Webb,
November 1979

There was another woman named Rosa who was from a foreign country. I remember her accent very well. I don’t really recall where she was from. It could have been the Ukraine or Israel. She always talked about green cards and the importance of a hard work ethic. She kept telling me I needed to go back to school.
PHOTO: Rosa, Nov 1979

There was also the big boss (Ann) and the assistant boss (Cora Zamboanga, a sweet Filipino woman). Ann is pictured in the white sweater, with eyeglasses in the four-composite image below.

I remember having to help train a new African-American girl named Ollie Sykes (I think that was her surname). She made me laugh. We really had fun working together. The first time she tried to mount a magnetic tape to a disk drive was so funny. She just could not do it. After about two weeks she became somewhat of an expert.
PHOTO: Ollie Sykes, Nov 1979

My Dad persuaded me to go to school full-time and that is why I left this Computer Operations world. I moved away to Sacramento, choosing to concentrate on school. .

I always wondered where I would have gone with regard to the computer industry. I began to feel lonely among all of the machines.

I needed human-beings in my life. I decided to study Marketing and I wanted my next job to allow me to interact with people face-to-face versus operating a machine. I was overdosed on analyzing the problems of a computer whenever it failed. I was good at it but I needed to ‘move on’.

I began to enjoy analyzing Marketing case studies and my specialty was advertising (copy, layout and design). More importantly, my graveyard work shift days were over.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 20, 1984
Monday

Training seemed a waste of time today. I did two role play telephone calls and it was a real drag calling the CCSU (at that fake customer center in San Jose).

I ate lunch with Barbara Reynolds and Bobbie Renbarger at Emporium’s Park Place. It was pretty a good meal.

At home I went cycling once again and did not see Linda Nannizzi. I did see her in the morning or was it after work? I ate a salad and chicken at Mom’s and decided to return home. I telephoned Linda.
“Hi, what are you doing?”
“I’m cooking dinner. I have to go because my sister and Dad want to eat.”
“Oh, okay, do you want a ride to work tomorrow?”
“Oh, I’m driving in tomorrow too.”
I felt like I was getting a bit of a cold shoulder. Who knows? We shall see.


I telephoned Karyn Kossoff to apologize about forgetting our screenplay writing date.
“Oh I’m okay about being stood up,” Karyn said jokingly with her charming ‘Pebbles’ giggle.
I talked her into watching ’79 Park Avenue’ tonight. It’s on TV. I love that movie.

Chris Cordellos telephoned from Concord while at his mom’s house.
“I think it will be boring if we just hang out at your place. I want to go to L.A. sometime soon, near Venice Beach where my sister lives.”
“Well, it all sounds good,” I replied.
“So yeah, I met this nice guy named Grant.”

This did not go over with me too well. He made some sexual innuendo remarks that kind of excited me though. I just don’t know. He kind of pissed me off because he just wants to split town for L.A. now.
I thought to myself, “Well, I guess I’ll see him tomorrow on the 21st. I haven’t seen my so-called 'good buddy' since July 8th.”

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My Second Job: "What City?"

"A Queen can offer a young man whatever he wants.
And a young man wants everything."
-as heard while watching the
dramatic 2009 Broadway play
"Mary Stuart"
I still remember my first day on the job. It was tax day (April 15th) 1977. I lied about my age. I wrote that I turned eighteen on February 26th when in reality my birthday is May 26th. I would not have been hired otherwise. Besides, I would be turning eighteen very soon. I took an exam in Downtown Oakland for a position in Operator Services. It was such a 'sweaty palms' experience, but I passed with flying colors.

My job began at East 14th Street in San Leandro (only a couple of blocks from where my Grandmother lives).

I began to work my first full-time job as a 411-Directory Assistance Operator. While I was still going to school part-time at Chabot College I thought this would be a great way to build my low money supply.

I was the youngest one in the office. There were many women and a fair share of men. I would say there were about ten-percent men.

The old ladies (that have been working there for years) liked to work the ‘short evening’ shifts. Their hours were like 4:15PM to 10:15PM or 4:30PM to 10:30PM. I loved those hours and that was my ideal choice. I could go to school in the mornings and work here at night but because of my low seniority I often got the 2PM to 10PM shift. What a long day.

I became friendly with a lot of the girls there who were in their early twenties like Devonie O’Keefe, Susan Luna, Sharon Cortez, Debbie Honcik and Cheri Potter (to name a few). After a while, the job got so boring. I had to ask “What City?” all day long. I certainly did get good at finding listings in the phone book via their old-fashioned microfiche readers.

I was never tardy or absent and had a flawless record so I was able to put in for a job transfer as soon as I had six months of service (October 15, 1977). Most jobs are like this. You must 'play the game', abide by the rules, be an actor...until you can escape to the next "thing".

My transfer request was accepted. By March 1978 I had another job in Downtown Oakland. I was one of the lucky ones who did not have to stay there asking, “What City?” all day long. What torture.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 19, 1984
Sunday

It is rather funny how I can be such a good detective. I woke up this morning and thought I would call Chris Cordellos. To my surprise and amazement he was home!
“I was home last night,” Chris said.
He was NOT at home last night because I called him. Why is he such a “bullshitter”? Deception is high on his list from past experience (not to mention my own personal knowledge of a Pisces person).

He had to get off of the phone but he called me back a few minutes later. We talked for a while.
“I will be there on August 25th, ok?” Chris asked.
“All right,” I said without really knowing what to think about ‘us’.

I went bicycling and drove by Nici Maurino’s house near Webster Street in Alameda. She was home when I stopped by and provided me with orange juice and cantaloupe nourishment. Again, she wanted me to ‘make love to her’. She was coming on so strong. Like…let’s just do it right here ‘Wham Bam’. It brought that Morgan Fairchild movie (Seduction) to a whole new level.
I nonchalantly said, “When the time is right.”
Of course, I thought to myself, “If that will ever be with you…that is!”

I enjoyed breakfast at Mom and Dad’s and then went out cycling again on this summer Sunday. I returned to moms’ for lunch. I made a simple peach enriched milkshake and napped afterwards.

I went cycling again when I woke up.

Later, ma and pa called me at my pad while I was napping again. They wanted to invite me over for dinner. I went along with them to that Mexicali Rose restaurant on Webster Street. It was filling but good. Mom and Dad ordered a pitcher of margarita and we got buzzed together. That was fun.

We stopped and rented two movies, a Stephen King movie called ‘Christine’ and another one starring Natalie Wood called ‘Brainstorm’ (her last movie). After watching the movies with them I walked to my pad.

Upon arrival to my surroundings I gave Chris Cordellos another phone call. He didn’t really want to talk to me because he had ‘Jeff and Joetta’ there for a visit. So, ‘the hell with it’ I thought.

I am hitting the sack. Good night!

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My First Job: Lawnboy, Stockboy, Busboy

"Your attitude from the outset has been most unpleasant.
You can stew your own juice!"
-as heard while watching
the 2009 Broadway Show
"Blithe Spirit", an Improbably Farce
by Noel Coward
Do you remember your first job? I thought I would devote my next three blogs to my first three jobs.

My first real job was as the ‘lawn boy’ to my neighbors, Tito and Betty Wong. They would pay me $8 for cutting the lawn in their front and back yards. It would take about two hours to do a good job. That was a lot of money to me in the early 1970s when you are just a kid aged thirteen-fifteen.

This suddenly reminds me of a book I read ‘later in life’ called LawnBoy by Paul Lisicky. That was an entirely different storyline, of course (too funny-you can just imagine).
By age sixteen, I was ready for the big time. I applied for a job at Montgomery Ward’s Department store for summertime work. The store was only a stones’ throw drive from Alameda to Oakland. I was hired as a stockboy. I worked in the PAINT Department. It was so difficult having to lift and transport these heavy paint cans from storage to the main floor.

Once summer was over they didn’t need me in the PAINT Department any longer, so they offered me a position in the Department Store Cafeteria as a busboy. I frowned on the idea but I decided to accept because I could still go to high-school and work nights and weekends. I would end up taking home anywhere from $60 to $150 a week. This was a lot of money to me.

The only thing was that as a ‘busboy’ you had to wipe tables, do dishes, and other grueling work like clean up the grease and countertops in the food area. One thing I remember is the joy of finding a quarter or a dollar under a coffee cup. It meant so much to me to find that one quarter or buck. It made my day. I was acknowledged.
To this day, when I am in an environment where I see busboys I always leave a dollar or two (they do WORK the hardest).

I would despise many of those Montgomery Ward sales clerks who would come into the cafeteria for coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner and not acknowledge me. I was an unskilled worker and I was invisible to them. The experience taught me a lot. My smile did not even get a reaction because the ‘high class’ sales clerks were too good to be chatting with a “busboy”. So many people need attitude adjustments.

After any workday I always felt so ‘greasy’. It was a pleasure to come home and bathe.

There were a few fun co-workers that I still remember ‘to this day’ like Arlene, Lois, Shirley, Carmen Papp and Luis Maldonado. Arlene was about my age but she was a cashier and a food server. My work was so much more difficult. Lois, an older black woman, worked hard and I felt sorry for her sometimes. Shirley was Portuguese and had a very dark (black) husband. They had a son together. In 1976, it was my first real visual of an interracial couple. Shirley would always cry over any little thing. She seemed to have such a difficult life. Luis was about my age, too. We were both busboys. All he wanted to do was get his paycheck and ‘party’. He always said he wanted 'pussy' (just to give you an idea of how rude he sounded). Carmen seemed the most level-headed and interesting. I always enjoyed working with her. She was about thirty-two or so and was a cashier, food server as well.

I remember one time when Carmen Papp and I were working late together. She talked to me on the side and she would always lick her lips and her lipstick. On this particular night she would tell me how she always brushed her tongue (as well as her teeth).
"My dentist says that I have the cleanest tongue he has ever seen," Carmen said.

It didn’t really sink in until she actually said it. She was actually explaining to me how she has been told that she does a great ‘blow job’. I was so shocked. Here I am, this innocent suburban Alameda schoolboy at age seventeen now (almost eighteen). She wanted to give me a ‘blow job’. It was very clear to me that she was propositioning me. I never took her up on the offer but it is funny the things we do remember from our first job, isn't it?

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 18, 1984
Saturday

I woke up from Mom’s phone call at 9:15AM on this Saturday morning. She and I went to Ole’s Waffle Shop on Park Street for breakfast while my flat tire was being repaired at ‘Joe’s Bike Shop’. It was fun having breakfast with mom. I told mom a little bit about my date with Linda.

After I picked up my bike I dropped mom off and then took BART to Walnut Creek. Bill Helbush was not going to be able to meet me at the landmark liquor store until 5PM, so I said, “Later”. I chose not to meet him after all.

I rode my bike over to Chris Cordellos’ mom’s house. We had apple juice. She could tell I was thirsty from the ride. We talked for a while. I think she liked having my company. She gave me Chris’ telephone number and address. We parted with cordial goodbyes and I hopped on my bike once again.

It was a tough ride back from Concord all the way to Alameda via Crow Canyon Road. I rested twice. One resting spot was at a gas station where I downed a can of Sprite and a can of Mr. Pibbs. I was so thirsty! The service attendant was giving me the ‘up and down’ look. I was tired. I believe it was because I was not used to the Contra Costa heat.

Ironically, I got on my bike and the “Heat of the Moment” song by ASIA (1982) came on. I love when that happens. It makes me pedal faster.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=heat+of+the+moment&qs=AS&docid=1003612209621&mid=29D6EF91D37BACEE526629D6EF91D37BACEE5266&FORM=VIVR#

It was really a HOT day. The Alameda breeze never felt so good.
I tried to nap once I got home when Cedric Green called.
“Hey Mike, what are you up to?”
“I just got back from a very long bike ride.”
“Would you do me a favor?”
“Uh…okay, what?”
“Would you call me the next time you plan to go out so me, you and Michelle can go out again?”
“Oh, okay, sure,” I replied, realizing I was not so gung ho about the idea after I answered in such an affirmative way.

I also received a surprising phone call from former co-worker Pat Overshoun in Downtown Oakland. She called to tell me that Randy Evans (another co-worker from Pac Tel in Downtown Oakland) had died this morning of a heart attack. I was so shocked. He was only about thirty years old. He was a black gentleman, with such a nice demeanor, too.

I dismissed the idea of going out with Cedric Green tonight. Instead, I went to moms’ house for some avocado salad. When I returned to my pad I called Steve Gaster and invited him over for a drink.
“Oh, Thanks but I’m barbecuing steaks right now and some friends are over. You can come, too, if you want.”
“Oh, maybe another time. I just wanted to let you know about Randy Evans,” I said.
“Well, you know Andra Wicks?” Steve asked in reference to another co-worker.
“Yeah, what about her?”
“Well, she got fired about a week ago!”
That was another surprise for me.

I telephoned Sherri and we talked for a good while and she shared her motherhood blues. Then I telephoned mom again to say good-night.

Now ‘here I am’ ready for a shower, then bed. Good night.

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Inspired by Julia

“You are the butter to my bread and the breath to my LIFE.”
-as heard while watching
The 2009 film “Julie & Julia”

PHOTO: Paris Moods,
Photo taken May 21, 2009
Have you seen the “Julie & Julia” movie with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams yet? I would highly recommend it if you like food. It’s not a 5 STAR film. I think I would give it 4 STARS though. I love how the Julie character keeps a daily blog (like me).
I identified when actress, Amy Adams, as Julie said, “I can’t help but wonder is there anyone out there reading me?”

Meryl Streep will surely get another Academy Award nomination for her role as Julia Child. She was downright magnificent! Many friends I have spoken to want to see a film just about ‘Julia Child’ with Meryl Streep reprising the role. Maybe someone can write a new script because it’s a sure fire winner idea (I think).

I loved when Meryl Streep, as Julia said, “You can never have too much butter.” That line made me laugh.

Now ‘Alan and I’ are toying with the idea of moving to Paris for a 3 or 4 month adventure of learning French and Gourmet Cooking. We will have to see if we can work it out. I think I want to experience a bit of Paris by actually ‘living there’ (like Julia Child did).

The only thing that left me puzzled at the end was when I kept asking myself, “What is marshmallow fluff?” Go treat yourself to a screening of it. That's just another line that made me laugh.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 17, 1984
Friday

At lunchtime, Barbara Reynolds and I got food at the Crocker Galleria and ate outside near Market Street (in front of the Foremost-McKesson building).
At 2PM our training crew went to 633 Folsom for a UNITED WAY lecture (Yawn).

Then we all just ‘hung out’ in the actual business office, observing the happenings.

David Vigil was showing off pictures of him with Brooke Shields. I love her (Brooke).

PHOTO: Brooke Shields, VOGUE COVER, 1984

Once I was released from work I ‘once again’ saw Linda Nannizzi at the BART station. I gave her a ride home to Alameda from the Fruitvale Station. Tonight is our date!

I went over to Mom’s to get some mail that I had there. When I got to my pad I was excitedly getting ready for my date. I underdressed. She wore a black dress with black heels. She looked nice. Oh well, I got my leather jacket from Spain today. Just wait until Chris Cordellos sees it.

When I went to pick up Linda I met her Dad briefly. I think he kind of liked me.
Linda and I ate at Horatio’s and then came to my house to talk as we looked at Alameda High School yearbooks. We pointed out mutual people that we knew. Then we took a walk to visit Sherri Armijo and my niece, Ashley, but they were not at home.

By midnight, Linda and I were at the Southland Cinemas in Hayward watching ‘Dreamscape’, an excellent film starring Dennis Quaid, Kate Capshaw and Max Von Sydow.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=dreamscape+1984&qs=n&docid=1100469961424&mid=02820C5A75621DF4ED7502820C5A75621DF4ED75&FORM=VIVR#

I drove Linda home after a very nice evening and ended the night by giving her a few kisses goodnight. I realized that by bringing her home at about 2AM her Dad probably is NOT going to like me after all. Ouch! Who knows? We had fun and she likes me (I hope). I think so.

I ‘dreamscaped’ Linda Nannizzi all over the sheets.

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Mitrevski

“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious.”
--Albert Einstein
introduced to me in a letter
from Barbara Louise Reynolds
postmarked July 24, 2009

PHOTO: Instant Freedom (City Life by Mitrevski)
Over the past several years I have come to know many fine photographers all over the world. I plan to feature each one over time but I want to feature my friend Aleksandar Mitrevski today.



PHOTO: Intuitive
(Portraits by Mitrevski)

Aleksandar Mitrevski was born and raised in Denmark to parents of Macedonian descent. He would often travel to many other parts of Europe as he was growing up. I believe his early years of travel gave him the gift of keen observation.

PHOTO: Mirrored Dream
(Landscapes by Mitrevski)

Mitrevski sees himself as having a deep and passionate personality. I would say that these few photographic samples of his work I have posted on today's BLOG will prove that fact.



PHOTO: Calling
(Photojournalism by Mitrevski)


His main interests in life are “Unconditional Love and Art”.
He writes, “The depth of that kind of living always inspires me.”



PHOTO: Woody Windows
(Still Life by Mitrevski)




Mitrevski enjoys ‘living in the moment’. I appreciate and envy a person who has the power and strength to enjoy the present, without dwelling on the past and worrying about the future.

His love for travel and photography is just one thing we both have in common. His sincerity and wish to pass along love and peace is another.

PHOTO: Eating (Wildlife by Mitrevski)


Please feel free to inquire with Mitrevski about further information on his photographic works, ongoing projects, exhibitions or bookings at his email address:

contact.mitrevski@gmail.com

I know he would be happy to hear from you (especially if you mention this BLOG by me, The Happy Man).

PHOTO: Self-Portraiture (by Mitrevski)






Twenty-five years ago today:

August 16, 1984
Thursday

It was a nice day. I enjoyed my lunch with Bobbie Renbarger at the Crocker Galleria. It is expensive eating out.

I could not go out on my usual evening bike ride. My flat tire is still NOT fixed.

I went to Mom & Dad’s and hung out there for a bite to eat. While I was there I telephoned Michael Miller. We talked for a while and he leaves for Belgium on September 1st. I know I wrote that in the diary yesterday but I feel like writing it again.

Chris Cordellos is arriving into the Bay Area next weekend (supposedly). His arrival would be on or about August 25th. Wait until I tell him the news…per Eva, I agreed to change my vacation again to the week of September 15th.

I was going to give Linda Nannizzi a ride home after the workday because her car is in for repair. She was nowhere to be found, so I just left.

I went to bed fairly early. I needed the shut-eye.

I spoke to Karyn Kossoff again and we discussed the idea of meeting every Monday night to write a screenplay. I think we would collaborate well together with our many story ideas. I just don’t know though. I have to tell her that I love our relationship but it could be risky if she tries to add romance into our recipe. I am not interested in her that way ‘right now’.

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Luck Be a Lady Tonight

The best way to get over a woman
is to turn her over to literature.
-as heard while watching the
2009 film '500 Days of Summer'
It was Sunday night at the Hollywood Bowl. I was there in hopes for a great show. I knew Donna McKechnie was responsible for the choreography, so how could it bomb? Donna is well known for her many years of experience on the musical and dance stages of Broadway.

A few days prior there was an article in the Los Angeles Times about actress, Jessica Biel. I am embarrassed to say that I did not know who she was at the time of reading the article. I was thinking it was that girl from “Flashdance” (Jennifer Beals). I guess I am a bit ‘old school’.
I did remember her (after the fact) from the 2006 film, “The Illusionist”, and the 2007 film “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”. I look forward to seeing her in the 2009 film, “Nailed” where she will star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal (a favorite actor).

After reading the LA Times article, I learned that Jessica Biel dates Justin Timberlake and that she has been refining her singing ability. I guess if Justin is around he would be good for some tips on singing as well. I was about to judge her performance for myself at the Guys & Dolls Concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

I was fortunate to be in the Pool Circle and was able to snap a few photos here and there. The lead guy who played the smooth and suave gambler, Sky Masterson, was played by Brian Stokes Mitchell. I had never seen him perform before but he really added electricity to the show. I couldn’t help but sense some ‘Barak Obama-ish’ vibes from him (also smooth and suave, after all).

When Brian sang the ‘Luck Be a Lady Tonight’ tune the audience was chilled with excitement. It was a fine moment.

And yes, Jessica Biel gets a BRILLIANT score from me for her musical talents. She can sing beautifully. Maybe she should consider playing a part in the new ALLEGIANCE musical scheduled for New York City in 2011.
http://www.broadway.com/New-Musical-Allegiance-with-Takei-and-Salonga-Aims-for-Broadway-Bow-in-2011/broadway_news/5030914
I could see Jessica Biel belting out some tunes opposite Lea Salonga easily. Jessica has the ideal soprano voice; whereby, her harmonic range brings about the most beautiful melody. She is an excellent actress, too. I am a new fan (maybe).

The cast was really wonderful together but another ‘stand out’ was Ellen Greene. She shines with her humor, wit and that ‘little girl’ voice that you cannot help but adore.
My hopes were easily done in with a great show that night. I do not really think any of the gals really needed the LUCK (Be a Lady Tonight) with such magnificent talent. Thanks to “Donna” and the entire cast and crew!

It was not easy to get over the fun-filled show. As you can see from the photographs I captured the fun they had was quite evident.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 15, 1984
Wednesday

I woke up to my usual exercise routine and heard on the radio that midnight tonight will be the last night to file your 1983 income tax return (if you were given a four month extension). I am so glad I get mine out of the way on April 15th!

PHOTO: Marlboro Man, San Francisco
Taken on August 11, 1984

I met Linda Nannizzi this morning at the BART station. She was wearing a neat soft cashmere gray and white sweater. I really liked it. I wanted to touch. She looked good—as always. When I disembarked at Powell Street Station I headed for Merrill’s Drugstore for some pound cake and milk. I lounged around until 8:30AM. The day began and went by rather quickly.

During the BART ride home I met a blond chick with bangs whom I had seen only weeks before at BART and at the Harbor Bay Shopping Center (while I was riding my bike).
“Didn’t I see you on my bike the other day at Harbor Bay Shopping Center?” I asked
“Probably,” she answered with a half smile.
“So, you work in The City?”
“Yeah, I am a creative secretary at this Ad Agency.”
I was impressed to say the least. She is really very nice.

I arrived home and had planned to wash my car and clean my bike but I received a letter from Keith Collier with an estimate for his damaged car ($340). I immediately called Kathy Trolinger in San Diego at GEICO Auto Insurance. I left a recorded voice mail message as to my ‘not being at fault’ for this accident on August 4, 1984.

My mom called and invited me over to her house for a homemade cheeseburger. How could I turn that down? I went right over and saw John and Ashley, too.
“John, would you do me a favor and take my bike in tomorrow?”
He did not say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. I took that to mean ‘no’.

After dinner I called Michael Miller and spoke to him for a bit. He is leaving for Belgium on September 1st to see family. Just my luck, he sleeps over at my pad for one night and now he's leaving the country.

PHOTO: San Francisco, August 11, 1984
Two more photos of 'me' taken by Michael G Miller


When I returned to my pad I called Linda Nannizzi.
“I just remembered I need your address for our Friday night dinner at Horatio’s,” I said.
“I’m doing dishes right now,” she said but she gave me her address anyhow. We had a nice talk while she was doing the dishes. She is kind of quiet and soft spoken. I think I kind of like that quality in her. She told me about an ex-boyfriend who had not called in a longtime.
“He lives in Pleasanton and he asked what I was doing this Friday night! So, I just told him that I was goin’ out,” Linda revealed.
“Oh good, I’m glad you told him that. And just think how much money you’ll save since Alameda is a local call compared to Pleasanton.”
She’s cool! Later days, Chris!

After my phone call with Linda I telephoned mom for a quick chat.

I showered and got comfortable and decided to call on Karyn Kossoff. Her telephone number had been changed! She wasn’t at home when I called the new number. When she called me back I had already gone to sleep, so there wasn’t much of a chat. Yawn and ‘good night’.

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American Gigolo

The GREAT question that has never been answered,
and which I have not yet been able to answer,
despite my thirty years of research into
the feminine soul, is
"What Does a Woman Want?"
-Sigmund Freud

The movie “American Gigolo” was released in February 1980. With all of my flashbacks to the 1980s I was remembering how this was always an all-time favorite film with me (and my gorgeous friend, Paloma Sanchez-Guerra, now known as Paloma Alquier).

We have always had a fondness for this film. I thought I would post a clip from the film here today because I remember loving the concept and the music. It was such an eye-opener storyline when it came out. I think I fantasized about being a “gigolo” for a while. I believe Paloma teased me about that fact at one point. It is hilarious to think about it now.

The opening scene show Richard Gere driving along Pacific Coast Highway in his convertible as the song “Call Me” is being sung by BLONDIE. It is a classic memory. During the 80s a part of me liked his ‘fashion forward’ ways.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=american+gigolo&first=41&docid=1019223474480&mid=D100B0B4EA2D88A2514CD100B0B4EA2D88A2514C&FORM=VIVR8#

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 14, 1984
Tuesday

Training was fun today. It has been getting better daily. The tribute goes to Peggy, the Instructor. She is such a cool, sweet lady. I had lunch with Stan, Peggy and Bobbie Renbarger at Vicky’s Café today. It will be the last time I eat there though. Their supposedly ‘terrific burger’ was not so terrific. The watermelon gave me a stomach ache afterwards, too. Bobbie and I escaped for yogurt during our last break to help settle my tummy.

When I arrived home I got on the bike. There was an upset moment as I got a flat tire as I was going over the Bay Farm Island Bridge. I started to walk with my bike back home when I met Linda Nannizzi on her bike. I talked her into walking with me to my house. She did so (and we talked along the way).

“Marty Esparza was riding his bike and some guy on a silver bike had passed him up. I thought it might have been you,” Linda said.

I laughed but it would not have been too inconceivable as I pass a lot of fellow bikers every day. I made a point of telling her so.

“Well, you know what else he said?”
“What?” I asked with care and interest.
“He said 'What?' Do you think you know every one that rides their bike along the beach?”
Once again, I laughed. I detected that his statement 'pissed her off'.
I am glad that Linda is beginning to like me. She did accept the dinner outing on Friday to Horatio’s Restaurant in Berkeley, too. I am excited. Who knows where this may lead?
She briefly came into my house and said she liked my pad. She was quick to notice the many bike related figurines, magazines, posters and photos I had lying around. I think she is impressed with my love for ‘The Bike’.
We talked more and I recalled when she said, “I got into a bit of modeling but it’s not for me.
When I asked her to give me a photo of herself she was quick to reply, “I will give you a little picture tomorrow.” I can’t wait to see that picture!

I received a greeting card with a BIKE on it today from Karyn Kossoff. It was a beautiful card, too. It was so thoughtful of her to send it my way. I must call her tonight. I guess I was trying to avoid her. I don’t know why. The card was just too nice to ignore.

I was glad that Linda Nannizzi stayed at my pad until 7:45PM talking to me. I think she feels more comfortable where I am concerned now. It’s not every day one gets picked up at the BART station (I suppose). She has the most beautiful green eyes. I want her.

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