A Vegetarian Dinner

…all choice is generated from apparent self-motivation.
-Tony Parsons
AS IT IS

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 30, 1987
Thursday

Work was a breeze. It’s been very busy though.

I gave mom a call again today.
I said, “She’s still here.”
Mom laughed and said, “Raymond is having a housewarming ‘Bring Your Own Bottle’ and ‘Potluck’ party.”
“Oh, your bother Raymond…are you going?”
“Well, Raymond referred to dad as a ‘tight wad’…even if it’s true he shouldn’t say that!”
“That’s for sure. I don’t like that.”

Eileen called me after work and we set it up for me to go over for a visit on Friday night. That will be fun.

Chris didn’t arrive at my house until 8:15PM. Irene made it by 6:10PM and she made brown rice, a salad and a vegetarian dinner for the three of us. I served a slice of chocolate marble ice-cream with fresh strawberries.

We started to watch that movie that I like with Nicolas Cage and Matthew Modine called BIRDY. Then we all went to bed (not together). It was a fun night. I took a group picture of the three of us.

Irene got up at 4:30 in-the-morning and with an ink pen scratched out her face in the photo. I was pissed about that and I let her know it!

Chris was to drive Irene to her stupid Oshram place in the morning.

“We are not here to allocate blame.”
-Joanne Harris
CHOCOLAT

Read More

It's So Perpendicular

Neither one of them could ever separate their love from their need of the other. Perhaps that is why the relationship has proved so enduring.
-Alicia Drake
THE BEAUTIFUL FALL: Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 29, 1987
Wednesday

I managed to have a slice of toast, an oatmeal cookie and a small bowl of CAPTAIN CRUNCH cereal this morning.

I have an EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) meeting this morning.

Oh yes, Freddie won’t be around today and perhaps for quite a while. Who knows for how long?

For goodness sake, I was thinking of Judy’s call last night. Did she seduce me when I went to visit her? I guess it could be considered ‘a seduction’. Oh well, I’d never use that term with her. It makes me think of that movie from 1982 called THE SEDUCTION, starring Morgan Fairchild. I should watch it again.

Oh yes, Jeff Sombat called me from Hawaii. He provided me with his new telephone number.
I mentioned happily, “Oh, I received your letter! Thank you.”
“I’m thinking of flying to San Francisco for the next two days.”
“Are you really?” I asked.
“Yes, but I’m not absolutely positive about it.”
It was ‘as if’ he wanted me to encourage him to come. I didn’t bother.

Sometimes I feel obligated to show Irene around the Bay Area more; however, I know I shouldn’t feel that way. I will take it slow and ‘easy’.
Irene did say, “Don’t worry…I’ll stay out of your way.”
I guess that means I can just live my life in my usual way (with her hanging around-?).

At lunchtime today I took a walk to the HEADLINES Card and Gift store to look around. It’s one nifty shop. It’s so ‘perpendicular’.  I like that word.  That’s my new word for describing something ultra ‘fantastic’.  I heard Steve Masters say it on that cool alternative-rock station (LIVE-105).

I dialed mom’s number from work.
I said, “I think my guest may be staying a month.”
“Mmmm….forget it.”
“I know…what did I get myself into.”
We laughed.
Then I said, “Oh, she’ll probably leave soon. I’m not letting her presence get in my way of work, biking and the gym.”

I called Eileen and repeated the same conversation.
Eileen yelled, “A MONTH!”
I could tell she didn’t like that very much.
“Don’t worry…she’s just a friend. And I think Santa Cruz on May 3rd with you will be great for the entire Sunday!”
We ended on a good note.

I was home, bike riding from 5:30PM until 6:40PM. I decided to head over to the gym too. I saw the usual regulars: Dave, Stewart, Patty. I conversed with them all for a while. I also talked to Angela (the half-breed) that works there.

I watched DYNASTY when I returned home.

Bill Matson called for Irene.
“Oh, she’s not here now.  I'm sure she'll be here soon.”
I was glad that I had time alone again.

Then Chris Cordellos called to say, “I just wanted to confirm that I’m coming over tomorrow.”

Irene finally arrived home around the ending of DYNASTY. She made me laugh.
“You won’t believe it. I had to take three buses to get to San Pablo and Stanford Street in Oakland today!”
“You’re kidding.”
“Yes, the buses got progressively worse. On the third bus there was some black guy asking me ‘Where Are You From?’.”
“He probably never saw anyone like you before.”
“Yeah, he said, ‘you look like someone famous’.”
Ha-ha.
“Sounds like you had quite an adventure.”
“And then, a woman and her son drove me back here. They were planning on sleeping in their car!”
I thought her escapade was too funny.
I explained, “There really are no buses that come to Bay Farm Island after 6:40PM.”
“Well, I’m thinking of moving to the Oshram or in that nearby vicinity.”

“Maybe that’s a good idea.”

Irene will meet me for lunch in The City tomorrow.

“I’d really like to cook dinner for you and Chris tomorrow,” Irene announced.

“That’s nice…maybe something vegetarian?”

When I spoke to my mom earlier today I told her that I’d introduced Irene to John and Sherri.

Mom said, “Ashley is here and she keeps saying ‘I want to go to Uncle Mike’s’.”
I spoke to Ashley over the phone and asked, “Why didn’t you kiss me yesterday?”
She was silent.
“Don’t you like me anymore?”
Ashley said, “No!”

Her “No!” actually meant that she loved me still (I think). It was so cute. Ashley’s a doll. My niece, Lauren Michael is a doll too…and a beauty ‘at that’.

Eileen has to babysit on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

I assured her, “I can probably come by on Thursday.”

I will now have to ‘scratch that’ since Chris is making a house-call to cut my hair.

All my life I’d been swearing that one day I would just disappear. And one day I did.
-Junot Diaz
THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO,
Pulitzer Prize winning novel

Read More

Have You Ever 'Had' Anything?

“He always feels guilty and I think when he screams at people it is not that he is furious with people, but rather he’s furious with himself.”
-Didier Grumbach,
about Pierre Berge, the manager and partner of Yves St. Laurent

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 28, 1987
Tuesday

I made sure I walked into the office at precisely one or two minutes before 8AM (just to keep them on their toes, wondering if I would show up for work today). Steve, Lily and Vivian simultaneously shouted “Yay!” when I walked-in.
I thought that was nice. I was obviously missed.

I was busy, catching up on a lot of work today. The day went by at a rapid pace.

I had lunch with Freddie at DON MIGUEL’s. I ran into Dale, Kelly and Erika too. I was surprised to see Dale since he transferred to Walnut Creek but he knows how to venture out ‘in the field’ (as they say) and make it work-related.

Freddie and I talked about the “ugliness” (to use Freddie’s term) of our management team (Steve Adams, Paul Margolis and Nikki Bovee). Freddie was suggesting the idea of her next disability time-off period. It was too funny. I wondered about taking time-off for disability. It would be my first; however, I feel it would be ‘bad luck’ to do such a thing falsely.

PHOTO:  Irene Keenan

I was home by 5:01PM. Irene Keenan was at my place, relaxing as she was listening to her meditative ‘guru’ tapes. Whatever. She is really into her yoga. I do envy the idea of ‘silencing the mind’.

I didn’t allow Irene to interrupt my routine. I hopped on my Italian BIANCHI bike while Irene walked with me to my brother’s house around the corner. I thought it would be fun to introduce Irene to my brother, John, and sister-in-law, Sherri.

Irene continued to walk with me to SAFEWAY. She went shopping while I continued on my bike ride. I kept the ride short and brief.

I intended on going to the gym but I decided to escort Irene to Berkeley instead. We ate at THE GOOD EARTH Restaurant. I was craving their Yogurt Cream Pie that I love so much. We ate and ‘jib-jabbed’ about living in the Bay Area and other random topics. Irene really is so very nice.

We returned to my place and watched one of my favorite films by Alfred Hitchcock: NORTH BY NORTHWEST.

While watching the film I received a phone call from Freddie.
“Hi Michael, I just wanted to tell you that I’m calling in sick tomorrow. I can’t take it anymore. I’m going to make it continue on to a disability.”
“You know, Freddie, you have to do what is right for you.”
“Yeah, I know. I think I’ll possibly look elsewhere for employment, too. I may not be returning to Pac Bell.”
“I have to applaud you. That takes guts and I know you’ll be successful no matter where you go.”

Judy Geniella also called me.
“Michael, I just want to ask you something.”
“Yeah, go ahead.”

“Well, have you ever ‘had’ anything?”
I was puzzled.
Then she went on to explain in whisper mode, “I have a mosquito bite or a bug bite in my crotch area.”
I laughed and practically screamed, “No!”
“I’m so embarrassed to ask you.”
That was a funny one. Alas, I didn’t let it phase me.
I ended our phone call by stating, “Well, call me if it does turn out to be a communicable disease.”
Ha-ha.

Speaking of communicable diseases…I saw that red head guy from the PAC BELL San Francisco AIC (Account Inquiry Center) at the Patelco Credit Union Automated teller today. His hair is falling out and he’s skinnier than ever. He has blue and black blotches on his face. I feel bad for him.
I thought, “What a lonely existence he must be feeling at this point of his AIDS experience.”

I called Eileen Grabinsky at 11PM but there was ‘no answer’. What else is new? I actually received a card from her in my mailbox today. She mentioned the idea of going to Santa Cruz this coming Sunday. It sounds like a good idea. Perhaps Mark Landreth and Irene Keenan can come along with us. It would be ‘me’ with three blondes. The last time that happened was with Mark, Amy and Cindy. Now it might just be Mark, Irene and Eileen. We shall see. That would be fun if it works out for all of us on Sunday.

“You have taste…that’s not half the battle. That’s the whole war!”
-as heard while watching
The 2009 film, AN EDUCATION

Read More

Randomness: I WANT TO LIVE

The wine became satisfying, plain and clean, like the café.
-Matthew Stadler
ALLAN STEIN, a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 27, 1987
Monday

Irene and I woke up and I decided to take her for a drive to Contra-Costa County where the weather is a bit more on the sunny-side. We were suddenly at Sun Valley Mall and I thought it would be fun to pop-in on Chris Cordellos at his hair salon, HEIDI’s. We stopped in and I snapped a photo of Chris, doing his style tactics.

Irene and I departed from Concord and on to Napa to the BERINGER WINERY in St. Helena. We had lunch at CINNABAR in Calistoga. It was a beautiful, sunny day. I enjoyed the escape. 

Bill Matson met us for lunch and we went to check out his surroundings at The Napa Inn.  It was a cozy little place. I know Irene appreciated the randomness of our day.

We were home in Alameda by 8PM. We joined together to make a salad and sort of watch a Lindsay Wagner TV-movie that was a remake from the Susan Hayward classic called “I WANT TO LIVE”. The Susan Hayward version is much better.   She won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance of a woman convicted of murder and facing execution.   I remember my mom always loved this movie and 'Susan Hayward' in general.

I really had fun while in Napa Valley with Irene Keenan.  I love that place.  I regret having to return to work tomorrow. Ugh! I figured Irene would have a peaceful, solitary time while I was back at work.

Irene wrote in my HOUSE BOOK:

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
Mike,
I can't believe how sweet, kind and generous you are (you are so patient, too).  You are such a great being - you are in such a great state.  I am learning a lot about life from you.   Thank you!  
Irene
PS-Napa Valley was a pisser.

“…I have a feeling about this place. I could at least mark it for future work.”
-Tucker Malarkey
AN OBVIOUS ENCHANTMENT

Read More

Colorful Energy

I can only tell what I remember, and what I remember is ‘growing up’.

-Matthew Stadler
ALLAN STEIN, a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 26, 1987
Sunday

I enjoyed a good bicycle ride this morning. I dropped by mom and dad’s house for a quick bite and then headed back home to my pad for a nap.

I recalled my phone call from yesterday.   It was Bill Matson who was calling from Napa.
Bill said, “Hey Mike, you know Irene is arriving on Sunday night at around 9:15PM.”
I knew that I was going to have a visitor tonight.

I napped sufficiently when my mom telephoned.
“Why don’t you bring over the Easter pictures to show Helen?”
I agreed and said, “That’s right, she’s back from her one month trip to Louisiana.”

I spoke to Johnny Shaefer shortly after.

I confided in Johnny by saying, “I could care less about Eileen now because she was supposed to call me yesterday. We talked about going to Santa Cruz and I know she had the day off!”
Johnny listened and seemed to agree.

Well, Eileen ended up calling me later. We shared a few good words.
“I miss you.”
I couldn’t help myself, “I miss you, too!”

I made an attempt to call Rachelle Davies to try and change our Monday night date for a Sunday lunch (today).
Rachelle listened and said, “Well, today’s not good because I’m going shopping with my mom.”
“Well, I can’t make it on Monday because my friend, Irene, is visiting from New York.”
“Okay, fine.” She hung up abruptly.
She’s the same old Rachelle.

Bill Matson arrived at my place at around 8PM and we took off in his smooth BMW 318i to San Francisco Airport to pick-up Irene. Irene arrived on schedule and I was amazed to see Mrs. Sally Gallagher, my tenth grade Algebra teacher. She was on the same flight as Irene. Irene was full of happy, colorful energy. I loved that.

She knew the subtle influence of colors, how gray can subdue a man’s spirit, how blue uplifts it and sends it wandering, how red, the wine red, holds it to the earth.
-Pearl S Buck
PEONY

Read More

A Hot, Sunny Day

“He was always looking for different ways to do things.”

-Sister of John Forbes Nash Jr.
A BEAUTIFUL MIND by Sylvia Nasar

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 25, 1987
Saturday

I rode my bike for a good while this morning all around Alameda.

Mom dropped over at my pad and she ironed my shirts while I cleaned-up the house and stuff. I needed a nap after the domestic chores.

When I woke up I left for Concord to Chris Cordellos’ hair salon called HEIDI’s. We left for his mom’s house and changed into shorts because it was such a hot, sunny day.

We went to a BBQ at Amy’s apartment. It was fun. I met Linda and Keith and a few others. I had a good time eating BBQ chicken, potato salad, fruit salad and carrot cake.

The day began to feel like a super, hot summer day. I felt like I shouldn’t be enjoying myself so much because I’m supposed to be recovering from poison oak. Chris laughed ‘his distinct laugh’ about that fact. I found shade and tried to avoid the sun. The last thing I need is to return to work on Monday with a beautiful tan!

We all fell asleep to a boring film called BRAZIL. I left, dropping Chris home. I was home in Alameda by 2:35AM.
Yawn.

“He and I—we’re a pair. One day he has the best of me and the next day I have the best of him.”
-Pearl S Buck
PEONY

Read More

Could Be Serious

“How can you live your life for one person and have nothing else in your life?”

-Suzanne Finstad
NATASHA: The Biography of Natalie Wood

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 24, 1987
Friday

I called in sick for one more day to make it a full-week today. I didn’t bother to do any bicycling. I went to mom’s house for breakfast. In fact, I remained there all day. Ashley and I went to the park again (per her request).

A young high-school girl was at the park, babysitting a little boy. Ashley was annoying when she didn’t want to leave the park to go back to her Grandmother’s house. She became even more annoying when she wouldn’t get out of the car while we were parked in front of Grandma’s house. She didn’t want to go back into the house. She started bawling uncontrollably. Finally, she fell asleep only after my mom had to run after her down the block.

When Ashley woke up she cried again because my mom had left for work. Ha-ha. Ashley just couldn’t be pleased today. When Sherri (her mom) arrived I was able to persuade Ashley to go to the ICE-CREAM DOCK with me for a bite to eat. After that I took her home.

I drove over to San Mateo with the intention of seeing Tom Hlebakos; however, he postponed our dinner at the last minute.
Tom said, “I don’t really feel like going to VISIONS in San Jose and staying out late.”
I agreed to the postponement and considered it a finale

Since I was in San Mateo I decided to phone Eileen. Unfortunately there was no answer. And so, I drove all the way back to Alameda and called Mark Landreth from my house. It was a Friday night and I felt the urge to do something.

Mark and I planned to check out HOTS and maybe another place called SHAKERS. There’s always the BLACK ANGUS. Who knows? Maybe we’ll go to CASA CARLITAS?

In the end we went to SHAKERS but it seemed dead inside this place, so we left and hit BLACK ANGUS in San Lorenzo. While we were there we realized how we both hated this night club outing scene. And so, we left.

As we walked through the parking lot Mark bumped into Tina Titus. We talked to her for a good while. Her last name makes me think of “Tight Ass” versus Titus.
Mark laughed when I mentioned that and said, "That's what they said in high-school".
During our conversations I learned that Tina had thought that Mark was engaged to marry Ivy.

While in the car with Mark I said, “This thing with you and Ivy could be serious!”
Mark sighed, “Well, Ivy and I are planning on a camp out to Yosemite for Memorial Day Weekend.”
I was sure he happened to say this only because I had mentioned to him earlier, “Hey, you know…we should go camping.”
Mark suggested, “You know…you should ask Eileen to go and we could make it a foursome.”
I thought that sounded daring.
“I can check with her,” I said, realizing that Eileen had mentioned plans to go to Lake Berryessa over that weekend.

Oh well…I left Mark’s house after munching on some STONED WHEAT THIN CRACKERS. Frustration.

Ironically, during my drive home that old song by CHEAP TRICK was playing on the radio: “I Want You to Want Me”.

He was looking for something exotic and disconnected, but within quick reach.
-Thomas Mann
DEATH IN VENICE

Read More

My White Pants

“We’re all afraid of something, dear. Never fear the truth. It’s the only real passport you have to reach new levels of understanding. You may find it corny, but the truth can set you free.”
-The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer
MY LIFE AT ROSE RED

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 23, 1987
Thursday

It was another freebie, relaxed day for me. I suddenly feel weight coming on. I need to hit the gym. I still feel good though.

Rachelle called me and we changed our date to meet until next Monday night. It’s just as well.

Tom Hlebakos called me to confirm our dinner outing. I agreed but I certainly won’t be bringing my toothbrush along. There won’t be a sleepover.

I did leave my white pants at Judy Geniella’s house in Sacramento. What a drag! I called her to double-check.
Judy answered, “Yes, they’re here.”

I remained home all evening watching THE BOLD and THE BEAUTIFUL and DYNASTY. At 10PM I went to bed. I’ve had a good rest during these extra days off.

I haven’t made it to the gym but I will go tomorrow morning.

I wish I could live my life by just going to the gym in the morning and then going to the library to write my books, letters, screenplays or whatever words come to my mind. That would be fun.

Mom is so sweet. It’s nice to see her daily, too—before she heads off for her swing shift job at the post-office. I am able to see more of my niece, Ashley, now, too.

Helen, my sister-in-law, returns this Friday night. Perhaps I should have a BBQ here at my house on Sunday. It’s a thought.

The ‘vibes’ between Eileen Grabinsky and I don’t feel very smooth right now.
I especially didn’t like it when Kevin said, “Eileen and David went out together the other night.”
It may have just been a little boy being mischievous; however, Eileen didn’t contradict little Kevin’s story. I can only assume it may be true.

“It seems our worst fears are always more than justified.”
-Newton Arvin
THE SCARLET PROFESSOR by Barry Werth

Read More

Meeting Up

“I used to believe that everyone made his or her own destiny. Now I just believe in fate.”

-Mary Morris
ACTS OF GOD, a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 22, 1987
Wednesday

It’s so great to have these extra days off from work. I am appreciating my time at home and really getting a feel for the area in which I live.

I have slept a lot. I feel rested. While I have slacked off from going to the gym I still feel refreshed.

I phoned Rachelle Davies. We made arrangements for ‘meeting up’ in front of the RED ROBIN Restaurant at Bay Fair Shopping Mall in San Leandro at 7:30PM tomorrow evening.

Tom Hlebakos, the Greek aerobics instructor, called from San Mateo.
“Hey Mike, maybe we can do dinner this Friday night.”
“I think that’s possible,” I replied.
Let’s see how that goes.

I did phone Chris Cordellos and Danny Garcia (the hairdressers). They both returned my calls. Chris and I talked about meeting up. Danny and I talked about meeting up. Talking is not doing.

I drove out to San Francisco and saw VARSITY ‘something or other’. It was cold in The City. I drove back to Alameda after a detour via Emeryville. I was happy to be back in Alameda where I felt safe. Yawn.

Did you sleep deeply?
‘A man who can never undress has no sense of himself. He loses his identity if he cannot, just once in a while, survey his naked body and be familiar with it.’
-Martin Booth
THE INDUSTRY OF SOULS, a novel

Read More

Up In The Air

A lie was something you told because you were mean or a coward. A story was something you made up out of something that might have happened. Only you didn’t tell it like it was; you told it like you thought it should have been.

-Betty Smith
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 21, 1987
Tuesday

I did it.  I called in sick with my phony Poison Oak excuse.

I took care of my auto maintenance by going to OIL CHANGERS for oil, filter and lube job. I also went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to renew my Driver’s License.

By midday I was with my niece, Ashley. I took her to the park. It was relaxing. I slept for a part of the afternoon and I actually went on a great bike ride.

Eileen and I talked on the phone for about an hour. We’re still hot on the idea of driving to Los Angeles for a weekend. The details are all ‘up in the air’ though. Who knows if it will happen at all?

I had a tall mountain to climb, with many treacherous glaciers still to cross, but finally, at last, I had obtained a stamped and signed entry visa to the paradise that lay beyond.
-C.D. Payne
YOUTH IN REVOLT

Read More

Itching

I think this is why God made kids, so you can look at their mouths eating applesauce you are feeding to them and forget everybody else’s BS.

-Keith Banner
THE LIFE I LEAD, a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 20, 1987
Monday

I was still living happily from the festive Happy Easter Sunday of yesterday. It was so nice to be all together. My brothers seemed happy with their respective wives and daughters, too. To be with the kids is to make one feel the carefree innocence.

During this ‘Blue Monday’ I was pretending that I was “itching” so that it would be apparent that I had an issue of sorts for when I call-in sick tomorrow to say, “I have poison oak!”

I saw Nici Maurino during lunchtime. I hadn’t seen her in a while.
Nici announced proudly, “Would you believe I’ve been on disability for two months!”

Eileen came in to The City as planned.  I met her after my work shift and we went to eat at HAMBURGER MARY’s on Folsom Avenue. Afterwards we went to the 24-Hour Nautilus gym near Van Ness and worked out. We had a great time.

When I had free time—usually an hour or two a day—I did my writing.
-V.S.Naipaul
A WAY IN THE WORLD

Read More

Easter Sunday

“I have a great opinion of the elegance of your pen.”
-John Adams to Thomas Jefferson
In the 2008 mini-series JOHN ADAMS

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 19, 1987
Sunday

I left Sacramento at 11AM, arriving into Alameda by 12:40PM.

I had a nice Easter Sunday dinner with mom, dad and family. We took photos and had a really great Springtime day.

I spoke to Eileen and we confirmed our outing for tomorrow night.

Johnny Schaefer (of Los Angeles) called me.
Johnny said, “Happy Easter.”
I wished him the same when he suddenly asked, “Did I ever tell you about that time I almost had a ménage trios with my friend Debbie and this thirty-five year old actor fellow who sings at my church?”
I said, “No! Tell me more!”
We laughed.

“You’re a whole different person here.”
-as heard in the 2008 romance-comedy-drama
VICKY, CRISTINA BARCELONA

Read More

Selecting Tunes

“What is the great sin of being shy?”

-IRENA’s VOW
New York City Broadway Play

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 18, 1987
Saturday

On this Saturday morning Judy and I woke up and it was so sweet for her to prepare breakfast.

After breakfast we went to RALEY’s grocery store where I bought Lauren and Ashley Easter baskets and other fun things. Judy was shopping for dinner items for the evening. We also went to BEST so that Judy could buy her son, Scott, a HEAD tennis racquet.

Judy and I had some very pleasant conversation as she was driving in and around the area of Sacramento. Some of the streets (like Sunrise Avenue) brought back memories from when I went to school there. We dropped over to the area of Old Sacramento and browsed through some shops.

We had a quaint dinner.  Judy was busy in the kitchen and I was with Scott selecting tunes to play.   I loved when he played OH L'AMOUR by Erasure from their Wonderland album.  

Scott left and returned later with Maureen as they watched the scary film THE HOWLING together. I watched it for a little while as I was waiting for Judy to get ready. Judy and I departed to get some gas and then to the Chesapeake Bay Restaurant/Dance club in Rancho Cordova.

Judy’s driving back home was better than the night before. I teased her because she had accidentally driven through a ONE-WAY street. Then she drove over a curb, thinking it was a driveway. Hilarious.

“Goes to show you…you never know who anybody is.”
-Rebecca Pidgeon
THE SPANISH PRISONER

Read More

Beds Are Burning

…her memory of those years had sweetened with time.

-John Rolfe Gardiner
SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE, a novel

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 17, 1987
Friday

After work I drove home swiftly and took my usual nap. I woke up to shower and hopped into my Mustang convertible and drove toward Sacramento.

I found Judy Geniella’s house in Orangevale at around 8:10PM. She was getting ready in her bedroom as I was chatting with her seventeen year old son, Scott. We spoke about songs that we both liked. We mutually liked groups like THE SMITHS, THE CURE, THE HOODY GURUs, REM, NEW ORDER, ERASURE and more. I think he thought I was pretty cool to know the groups because his mom doesn’t have a clue. I guess she’s limited to Frank Sinatra and the Beatles.

Judy and I went out to a place called MACE’s and then to CRAUDAD’s. Both places were pretty nice. We had a fun time and returned to her house for crème liqueur and walnuts. I thought it was an odd combination but it sure tasted so good. It was fun to crack open the walnuts as it reminded me of an activity I would do with my Dad as a kid. I was watching her goldfish in the aquarium in her living room.

Then Judy decided aloud, “Well, let’s take a bath!”
Judy would giggle with sudden bouts of laughter  and make me feel a little uncomfortable. I was a bit shocked and nervous. I thought she was just kidding. In fact, I didn’t like the idea at first; however, we did it…with suds and all. After the bathtub experience together we went into her bedroom and one thing led to another. It made me wonder if her son, Scott, knew the song ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER by The Fixx. .

As one thing did lead to another it almost felt like a scene from THE GRADUATE. We got into bed naked and ‘one thing led to another’. I felt awkward. She was a coworker and she has a seventeen year old son. It felt strange, considering we’d only been friends and coworkers all along.
“What if Scott comes home?” I asked.
“Oh he won’t be home until tomorrow…don’t worry.”
Of course Eileen was in the back of my mind as well. Will she ever find out?
PHOTO: 'me' with Judy Geniella/Freeman/Westoby

In the middle of the night while Judy and I were in bed together her son, Scott, came home. He knocked on his mother’s bedroom window! I thought I saw him trying to get a peek at us. I guess he didn’t have his key and his sleepover outing didn’t pan out. I really felt awkward (and scared) at that moment. All I could think of was that new single by Midnight Oil called “BEDS ARE BURNING” and I ‘just knew’ that Judy’s son, Scott, knew the song. After Scott obviously got a sneak peek at us I kept hearing that part of the tune 'in my mind' that goes ‘How do we sleep’? I couldn’t fall asleep for a long while.

This was the calm after the storm, the heart’s true note after so much wailing and roaring.
-Jules Verne
PARIS IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY,
The Lost Novel

Read More

Reconciled Our Differences

“…because it’s ART you have to just keep staring at it.”

-Batteries Not Included
1987 motion-picture

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 16, 1987
Thursday

His note read:  I Love you still…Call me

Work was okay. Freddie and I ate at MAX’s. She kind of ‘grosses me out’ when she eats. She eats with her mouth open sometimes and food tends to come out from her lips. She is black and her lips are huge. I don’t know…maybe ‘it’s just me’ but it looks gross.

I telephoned Eileen to confirm our outing for tonight. It ought to be an adventure.

The day went quickly and once home I took my routine nap. I’ve been doing 'the nap' a lot this week. Soon enough I was getting ready for my outing with Eileen.

When I arrived in Hillsborough the smallest boy that she is nanny for named Kevin asked me, “Why did you leave when you and Eileen were supposed to go out?”
I thought, “Oh great…this is off to a good start.”
That was an embarrassing question from a little boy who was yelling when he asked it. In addition, his parents were there in the next room.

Eileen and I went to DOUBLE RAINBOW for mocha espresso. It seems we have reconciled our differences. We both acted as if everything was going smoothly. This outing really went over well. I did miss her and I do love her.

I returned a call to Johnny Schaefer when I returned home.
I surprised myself when I announced to him, “Yes, I probably will come down to L.A. next weekend. Eileen may accompany me.”
I could almost detect a sigh of sadness by Johnny over the phone after I mentioned Eileen.

Eileen had said earlier, “My sister, Erin, and I are going to Rio de Janeiro.”
I asked, “Really…Erin?
“Yes, Erin feels she’s too young and is having second thoughts about getting married now.”
The idea of Rio appeals to me.

Eileen and I have another date next Monday.

I had to be honest about my forthcoming plans. I told her about the note that Rachelle left me on my car last week. I also told her that Irene Keenan (who I met in Hawaii) was coming to visit from New York, making it clear that she’s ‘just a friend’. I also mentioned my weekend in Sacramento with my former coworker, Judy. Eileen was very understanding. I’m glad that she understood. It’s all very platonic…isn’t it?

I failed to mention the note that Chris left for me.

“Well, smiles lie.”
-Velvet Goldmine
1998 motion-picture

Read More

Voices Are Deceiving

“Make sure they remember you!”

-actor Woody Harrelson
as heard in the 2012 film THE HUNGER GAMES

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 15, 1987
Wednesday

This is it.  It’s TAX Day.

Mary McTiernan stood me up. She was supposed to meet me for lunch.  I called her to blow off some steam.  
Some fellow co-worker answered her phone line only to say, “She took an early lunch.”
Oh well. Cest la vie.

I took a lowly walk to WENDY’s for a quick bite. I sat near MOSCONE CENTER to people watch. I was thinking of Carla. She had an appointment with the Immigration Office to see about expediting her Passport. She leaves for Mexico on Saturday. How can she wait to do this sort of thing at the last minute?

A gal named Linda King from the San Jose AIC (Account Inquiry Center) at PACIFIC BELL came to visit our office today with a group photo of her team. We have a lot of telephone interaction with her AIC team, so it was nice to see who we speak with via the group photo. I found the photo of ‘Della’ rather shocking as I speak to her often. I didn’t picture her to look so fat. Voices are deceiving over the phone.

I bought a new belt from that direct mail catalog called BACHRACH along with a silk tie. The package was delivered to mom’s house, so I went to pick it up.

When I left I waved to mom and dad’s neighbor across the street. His name is Jim LeMoine. He was an NFL Football Player for the Buffalo Bills in 1967 and the Houston Oilers in 1968-1969. He’s about forty-two years old and he’s not so much fat but very husky. His daughter, Jamie LeMoine, waved at me, too. He has a son named Jason. As I rode past them on my bike I realized how quickly the kids have grown-up.

I had an exhilarating bike ride that extended to South Shore beach after picking up my package. I actually ran into this guy that I recognized from last summer. We had played volleyball on the beach in Alameda. He happened to be jogging. I waved and he waved back.
When I did a return lap I stopped my bike and asked him, “Are you training for the Bay-To-Breakers run?”
He’s a nice guy as we talked for a short while.
He said, “We should go for a bike ride together some time.”
“Yeah, maybe a long invigorating tour to Castro Valley.”
“Or Fremont,” he suggested to my amazement.
He mentioned his brother a couple of times. I remember meeting his brother during that volleyball game last summer, too. His brother was rather QBL (Questionable) and he was married to some German-born gal. Wonders never cease. Oh well, maybe I sparked-up a new friendship. We didn’t exchange a phone number, so there’s ‘fat chance’ of seeing him again.

I returned home in no time and Chris Cordellos was already at my house, waiting by the door/courtyard. We went to LA VAL’s PIZZA at Harbor Bay Landing. He was being so funny. I’ve missed the lad.
“You know…we should do more stuff together.”
I agreed, “Yeah, we should.”
I know it’ll never be the same after so much time has lapsed. We were going to watch DYNASTY together but it was preempted tonight by some other program. So we watched my old stand-by Sci-Fi film that I love called LIFEFORCE. We were both drifting off to sleep while watching it.

The pizza was too big of a meal for me. I rarely touch that sort of stuff at night and it made me thirsty. I must have had about four glasses of apple juice.

I want to call Mark Landreth to see about setting up a camping trip to Yosemite. I think it would be a ‘blast’.

I saw Stewart Western at the gym yesterday.
He said, “I was just in New Orleans for a week. I had such a great time.”
We talked about running the Bay-To-Breakers on May 17th. It sounds like a good idea to him. I better get some training done if I plan to go ahead with it.

Voyaging is victory.
-Arab Proverb

Read More

My Merry Way

“What’s wrong with demanding our piece of the pleasure pie?”
-MORE TALES OF THE CITY,
1998 TV-Series

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 14, 1987
Tuesday

It’s funny. Last night I looked and saw the gym parking lot filled with cars that I don’t normally see. It turns out that the parking lot is also used for the H&R Block Income Tax Return Services. It’s that tax preparation season and everyone’s rushing to finish it up.

Carla ditched me for lunch again. It’s okay. Freddie accompanied me to CARL’s JR.

I went home and took a nap until 7:30PM. I actually left a message with Rachelle Davies’ little brother.
“Just tell Rachelle I called,” I whispered.

I tried to phone Eileen but she wasn’t there.

I’m still ‘ON’ for the Sacramento visit to see Judy Geniella this weekend.
Margaret Lai called me and said, “I spoke to Judy Freeman in Sacramento and heard that you were going to visit her this weekend.”
“Yeah, so what,” I said.
Margaret is too much. She certainly doesn’t own me. Shit!  Why did she call me with such schoolgirl remarks?  And why does Judy have so many surnames?

I went to the gym and then went over to check out ROLLER WORLD for old times’ sake. It’s Gay Night on Tuesday’s. I only stayed until 10PM and left. It was silly for me to be there. I don’t skate and I simply watched them roll on by over and over again. It was drab. It was a drag. I drove along Mission Boulevard in Hayward and made my merry way home.

I returned a phone call to the Greek guy, Tom Hlebakos. He’s NMT (Not My Type).

I dreamed about what I want. Perhaps I want a JAGUAR Convertible. Perhaps I want a motorcycle or an elite scooter. I am thinking about it. Once my debts are paid (specifically my VISA credit card) I can get serious.

I telephoned Chris Cordellos.
“Hey Hey,” said Chris.

“Hey Hey,” I repeated.
“I’m working at a placed called HEIDI’s in Sun Valley in Concord now.”
Chris is cutting hair and he said, “You know, I can come by tomorrow night.”
We talked about the idea of going to London together in November after I planted the idea. He’s a nice chap. It will be nice to see him tomorrow.

“What is it about this place? There’s something about it that makes you want to whisper.”
“It is a good place to sit and remember but you still have to create your memories.”
-An Affair to Remember
1957 motion-picture

Read More

Flauntable

“Even while facing the future I knew there were some memories from the past still worth remembering.”

-KYLE-XY, Season II

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 13, 1987
Monday

Carla is extremely excited about her trip to Mexico now. I wouldn’t be so hyped-up about that getaway though. If I was going with my ma and pa to an area with Spanish colonial-style influence like Zacatecas it would be fun. Carla escaped the office early to join her mother in acquiring passports and other arrangements.

I went for a hot dog on Market Street with Freddie.

I received my IRS tax refund. It was a measly $422.

After work I took a nap and then made that phone call to Eileen Grabinsky. I could easily tell by her tone of voice that she was ‘pissed’. Somehow I was able to get her to discuss the situation. I still feel I made a valid point about parking in the driveway but she’s too immature to understand. Why she would want me to park a block away is beyond me. Anyway, the conversation ended with a planned get-together for this Thursday night and I will get my camera back, too.

I didn’t bother to bike ride after work but I did make it to the gym. I left for the gym by seven-thirty and was home by 9:40PM.

Upon my return home I had an answering machine message from Jeff (in Hawaii). I tried to return his call but he wasn’t home.

My phone rang again and it was that Greek chap from San Mateo that I met yesterday named Tom Hlebakos. We had exchanged telephone numbers verbally and he actually remembered mine. He is from Huntington Beach but is living in San Mateo now.
Tom asked, “Why don’t you come on over one day this week?”
I figured ‘what the heck’. I could get to know him a little better. It would also break the monotony of my work week. I never made any definitive plans though.

It only took me about twenty minutes to get from San Francisco to San Mateo during commute hours the other day. It sure did beat taking the Bay Bridge and then going over the San Mateo Bridge. I didn’t know it would be so easy, so I had all of this time to spare when I went to see Eileen the last time. Tom Hlebakos is a nice guy…but that’s it…just a nice chap.

I thought again about my conversation with Eileen earlier. She’s something else. She practically didn’t want to talk to me at all (talk about immature). In her fit of defense she did mention something that caught my ears.
Eileen shouted, “You just like to flaunt!”
I honestly don’t believe that I do but—in a way—it’s flattering to know that I am “flauntable”. Ha-ha.

After writing this blog I did an internet search for Tom Hlebakos. I found an obituary that stated his father, James Thomas Hlebakos, had died on April 22, 2011. In the obituary it mentioned his LATE son, Tom Hlebakos. I guess Tom passed away at some point.


James Thomas Hlebakos Late of Millbrae and San Mateo County resident for 35 years, entered into rest at his home on April 22, 2011. Beloved husband of Marie Hlebakos for 57 years. Loving father of Helen Edson (her fiancé Robert Bertron) and the late Tom Hlebakos. Dear brother of Harriet Lucas (her husband Jerry) and Ruby Corids (her husband DeMetre). Also survived by his cherished grandchildren Jennifer and Erica, along with his many nieces, nephews and cousins. A native of Manteca, California, age 82 years. Former partner of "Alex D. Corids and Son Produce Company, Inc." in South San Francisco, and a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco since 1959.

Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
German writer

Read More

Secret Life

“You live in a country that is designed to relieve you of certain pressures by stimulating your senses and comforting you with material goodies, but you are smart enough to know that life is about more than that.”

-Tucker Malarkey
AN OBVIOUS ENCHANTMENT

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 12, 1987
Sunday

I broke down and decided to telephone Eileen. I couldn’t wait until Monday. Luckily, she wasn’t home.

I had a light breakfast at mom’s house and then I set out for San Ramon on my bike. It was a good, extensive ride. I met an extremely buff gentleman on a his bike who seemed younger than me (early twenties) and he directed me to the best bike path to ride through.

It wasn’t too exciting in the San Ramon area but at least the roads were free with no passers-by to get in my way. When I ride along Alameda’s South Shore beach I find it a problem when people get in my way. It disrupts my pace.

I also met a guy named Tom Hlebakos (or something like that) who happens to be an aerobics instructor at the 24-Hour Nautilus gym in San Mateo. What are the chances of that? Of course, he made me think of Eileen since she lives in that area.
PHOTO: Bonni Jayne (b. 1958 d. 2012)

I slept well once I returned home. Bonni Jayne, my longtime pal since sixth-grade and high-school, called me.
Bonni said, “I don’t think I’m going to our ten year reunion.”
“Why not?”
“I just don’t feel comfortable and I don’t think there’s anyone I want to see."
"You'll see me!"  I added, "And you can see Sue and I know there are others who would love to see you!"
I tried to persuade her into attending. Did it work? I don’t know.




PHOTO: Kate Capshaw

I watched a movie called HER SECRET LIFE, starring Kate Capshaw. It was an action film about a spy turned housewife who meets an old lover when she sneaks into CUBA to free an old friend. The title made me think of Bonni Jayne in a way. I’ve been in awe of actress Kate Capshaw ever since that 1982 romantic-comedy called A LITTLE SEX. After the movie I went to bed, sleeping soundly. Yawn.

The compensation of a very early success is a conviction that life is a romantic matter.
-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Read More