The Beginnings - Part 7: THAT EROTIC VALENTINE'S DAY CARD

Now that writing was my only occupation, regardless of the critical and financial outcome. I felt I had found my ‘place’.
-Janet Frame
An Autobiography

April 2, 1983

After washing my car I put the convertible top down and cruised over to Michael Padazinski’s apartment in San Francisco. We went to Ocean Beach, Twin Peaks, the Golden Gate Park and the St. Francis Wood’s ritzy neighborhood. There was an unfortunate moment when we ran into Mark Beam on Castro Street. Mark is the guy that I met on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. He’s the one who lives in Berkeley. I wonder if I should call him.

I wonder why Howard the A.H. (AssHole) hasn’t called me. I hope he never does actually. I’ll let him initiate the contact. I didn’t like the way he treated me in Mexico.

My convertible top wouldn’t go down, so I’ll have to bring it in for service on Monday morning. What a pain! I was pissed because I wanted to make it to that Birthday Party for Beth Neroda. She lives in Montclair and I used to work with her at Pacific Telephone in Downtown Oakland. My convertible top troubles didn’t stop me. I was able to borrow my Dad’s blue Ford Pinto. Ma and Pa went to Judy Gonzales’s (mom’s cousin) for a pre-wedding family dinner.

I gave Beth Neroda the stuffed penguin that I found on Castro Street. I made a quick appearance and left for home. It’s too bad that Barbara Reynold’s didn’t show up for the party. I didn’t know many people there.

April 3, 1983

It’s Easter Sunday. I took a bike ride this morning along South Shore Beach in Alameda. I bumped into Carole McRory (my high-school Junior Prom date). I was surprised to learn that she is now married to some dude who is a couple of years older—or was it younger? I noticed a few wrinkles around her eyes but she still looks effortlessly gorgeous. Her younger brother looked like her younger sister.

I hope I didn’t give him a complex when I said, “You look like your sister.”

After my bike ride I drank grape juice and 7-UP. I read my MADISON AVENUE Magazine and ESQUIRE Magazine. I took a nap. I showered. I ate a nice, home-cooked meal made my ‘mama’. She made this delicious ham with pineapple juice infusion. That was so good.

I think I’ll plan to use my BASS Tickets Gift Certificate that I won from work for a travel package deal to the US Festival on Memorial Day Weekend.

I received a surprise phone call from Paige LaBris in Sacramento. She and her girlfriend may come to visit San Francisco this coming Thursday (April 7th). Perhaps I will see her at that time.

April 4, 1983

From noon until five o’clock the computer terminals were on the blink. That was no fun at all.

My car is now fixed. The trunk release button, my quartz digital clock, the automatic convertible top up/down button, the passenger sun visor and the light that didn’t light-up when the passenger opened the door are all working now. Phew!

After picking up my car I ate a ham sandwich with fresh peas and grape juice. Then I went for a bike ride and felt totally rejuvenated during my ride in and around Harbor Bay Island.

I telephone Paige Labris from work.
Paige said, “I’m definitely coming to San Francisco on Thursday with my friend, Leslie…I think.”
I loved how she said ‘definitely’ and then said, ‘I think’.

I telephoned Lisa Pingatore from work also. I left a message on her answering recorder.
If she doesn’t call me back I say, “Later for you!”
In fact, the same terms go for Dr. Edelstein. I hope he doesn’t call to tell the truth. As far as Lisa goes…if she doesn’t call me it’s clearly her loss.

I started to watch PARADISE ALLEY but Sylvester Stallone movies tend to bore me. Mel Gibson is my hero ‘I think’.

Tuesday
April 5, 1983

Well, memories from Mexico came rushing in today. I tell you. I received one postcard and a letter. The letter and postcard was from Maria De Lourdes, the girl I met at that Guadalajara Disco who is an aspiring dentist. I also received a phone call from Howard today!
Howard said, “Seanne had been asking about you, so I thought I’d call and find out.”
I wonder if that’s the only reason he called.
I explained where I had disappeared after Guadalajara and went on about the great time I had in Mazatlan. I also told him about the letter I’d just received from Maria.
Howard interrupted, “I enjoyed Guadalajara so much that I may move there next year and work there without pay at some hospital.”
I thought, “Good for you.”
As far as I’m concerned I hope he does go. I’ll be able to steal the time that he has with SuAnne for me. She’s a sweet intellectual. I’d say she’s a ‘reasonable looker’ too.

Today was Pat Overshoun’s 15th Anniversary with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. We had cake and ice-cream to celebrate.

I bought three milk-chocolate almond bars from Joan Lyons.
I said, “There goes my figure.”
Joan laughed.
The good thing is that I’ve been doing my push-ups regularly.

April 6, 1983
Wednesday

Georgia Castleberry finally received her promotion as an Assistant Manager in the Fremont Residence Accounting Service Center. I’m so happy for her. I’m only waiting for the day that I finally advance in management. It shouldn’t be too long. I hope so.

I received a call from Suzy Miller today. She hinted about getting together for dinner. I needed mental rest, so I chose to stay home and simply eat a steak sandwich that mom had made for me. I also watched a taped episode of THE EDGE OF NIGHT. Damn, that is such a good soap-opera! I also lounged and watched ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, SQUARE PEGS and DYNASTY.

Oh yes, Teri Milham, the bitchy assistant manager, surprised me. She gave me an A-OK contact observation (with a customer) today. Is she trying to get on my good side now?

April 7, 1983

Today I received my pictures from Piedmont and Mexico (Guadalajara and Mazatlan). They came out so nice. I’m pleased.

After work in Oakland I drove into The City (San Francisco) to see Paige and her friend, Leslie. Paige looked pretty cute. I was very pleased that I picked them up in front of LIBERTY HOUSE. We went to THE SAUSAGE FACTORY for a half-sausage and mushroom and half-sausage and bell pepper pizza. It was good. I led them over to Alameda and my side of the East Bay, then they went home.
Paige said, “I might just join you on Memorial Day Weekend for that US Festival in San Bernardino.”
“That would be great. I’m so looking forward to that!”

I was feeling tired but the MAXIM Coffee along with Paige’s homemade chocolate chip cookies will likely keep me awake.

I tried to snooze anyway. I still can’t get over Paige’s cute aura. I love her hair. I just may send her a card or two. Who knows? Maybe I’ll send her that erotic VALENTINE’S DAY card that I never sent out. There was no one appropriate enough for that card.

I think I’ll call Barbara Reynold’s about our planned date to go to the zoo.

I have been returning to each year of my life to collect the treasures of my experience.
-Janet Frame
An Autobiography