The Beginnings - Part 77: MY DATE WITH SUSAN LOW

In every couple it is never the one that you believe imposes things in such an obvious way that does.
-Alicia Drake
THE BEAUTIFUL FALL

The Beginnings – Part 77:  MY DATE WITH SUSAN LOW

Sunday, August 28, 1983

Dad and I moved the remainder of my items from my San Leandro pad.

I telephoned George and he had planned to move some of his ‘stuff’ tomorrow but I have to work and he can’t rent a truck.
“Why can’t you rent a truck?” I asked.
“It’s because I’m under twenty-one.”
“Oh…then we’ll have to do it this weekend. Maybe my dad will let me borrow his truck.”

I drove to Moraga. I was excited about my date with Susan Low. I learned that her surname is not spelled Lowe but actually as ‘Low’. We had the greatest evening together.

Her parents have a nice home in the Moraga area. I noticed a grand piano in the living room and they seem to live in a semi-ritzy neighborhood. From my observations of her neighborhood I came to realize that the pearls she was wearing last Friday night were probably authentic. She seems okay but I don’t like when she name drops about knowing a specific producer in the entertainment world.
She also said, “I was almost going to do a project with Nastassja Kinski.”
She only said it after I said that I admired her as an actress. Perhaps I’m exaggerating about her impressive comments. Perhaps I am simply jealous that she seems to have these connections. Susan is my brother’s age (born on December 6, 1962).

We ate at THE HUNGRY TIGER in Walnut Creek per her suggestion. After the meal I drove to Concord where we watched the new Tom Cruise film called RISKY BUSINESS. We had a good time on our first day. It concluded with a nice kiss at the end of the night. We intend to see one another again. We’ve set a date for this Friday for dancing, fun, etc. Let’s see how it goes.

In mid-September 2012 I found Susan Low (of Moraga) on FaceBook.  She and I actually have a ‘mutual friend’.  She now lives in San Diego.  In her ABOUT ME section she wrote the following:

Since graduating from UCSD in 1989 with a BA in Visual Art/Media (where I adopted the nickname Suki) I worked and lived in LA for nearly 10 years where I did various forms of production work and even took a singing job in Japan. I came home from that trip with a greater sense of purpose and went immediately to massage school. Then I studied aromatherapy and sound healing- by then I was hooked! - And began a Sensory Therapy business integrating aroma, color, sound and massage work. This new vibrational healing method caught on, and by 2002, I had taught workshops in Mexico, Japan and London. My art work, Soul Scrolls, was taking off as well. But life has a funny way of getting us to learn hard lessons, and in 2005 I wound up becoming sick with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, under-going chemotherapy for 9 months, and then going into remission 3 months later, naturally. I learned that my first boyfriend had passed away, and then my current relationship ended. So for the past 4 years I have been rehabilitating my heart, brain and nervous system, and now, finally, I feel rebuilt and reborn. I have architected a new Self and a new life, and I am so grateful to be here and be Alive! I am rebirthing my art and music and focusing now on creating incredible, sensory environments. I am in connection with my Source, and open to Life and Love's Greatest Design for me. (And a little wackiness along the way is good for the soul.) ~ha ~Peace~

I chose to be a little wacky by sending her the following FaceBook note:

Hi Susan...

You may NOT remember me but I kept a daily journal in the 1980's and your name came up recently as I was transcribing my journal entry from Friday, August 26, 1983 (when I met you at a place called LILY's during Happy Hour in San Francisco). We exchanged info and we actually went on a date on Sunday, Aug. 28th when I picked you up at your home in Moraga.

We ate at THE HUNGRY TIGER and then I drove you to Concord where we saw Tom Cruise's film RISKY BUSINESS together. Does any of this ring a bell? We ended our date with a kiss...and I wrote that I was going to see you again on the following Friday in SF at LILY's...but according to my Sept. 2, 1983 journal entry...you pulled a no-show. Funny how things turn out...

I just took an offshoot change of searching FaceBook for a "Susan Low, Moraga" and your name appeared.

I live in L.A. now...and I came to terms with my sexuality (being gay) and have been in a long-term relationship for 22 years now. Ironically, I see you live in San Diego now...and I'm going to the OLD GLOBE on Tuesday night to see ALLEGIANCE, a musical (that my partner and I invested a bit of $ into).

I hope you'll read this...remember me...and perhaps we can reconnect in a friendly way ...
Hugs,
Michael

“There’s a way to talk to girls…you know, tell her a joke…tell her about your unhappy childhood.”
-Jack Nicholson to Art Garfunkel
In the 1971 film CARNAL KNOWLEDGE

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The Beginnings - Part 76: 'HE DOESN'T OWN ME'

What appealed to the young and made them his admirers was his wholesome vigor and still youthful charm which appeared to be resistant to passions, incorruptible and then again boyishly irresponsible—a kind of innocence, that is.
-Hermann Hesse
THE GLASS BEAD GAME

The Beginnings – Part 76: ‘HE DOESN’T OWN ME’

Thursday, August 25, 1983

To my surprise my paycheck for one week of work in San Francisco was $394.53. It was more than I had expected. Hurrah!
In addition, a customer said to me, “You are very helpful and cordial!”
I liked that. I won’t mention what some of the snotty customers said.

I telephoned mom a few times to polish-up our tarnished relationship. I know she was thinking I was ‘one-way’. Ha-ha. That’s the dizzy side of my ‘Jane Russell’ mother. My dad also apologized for his interrogations.

I guess George was right.
George had said, “Parents will believe anything if they don’t want to believe (it) the truth.”
I know my novel will be inspiring to them ‘in the end’.

Scott invited me to George’s farewell party at WHEREHOUSE RECORDS. Scott is George’s boss. I may attend.

Barbara Reynolds sent me a postcard of Joan Rivers that I really liked. What a doll of a woman (meaning Barbara, not Joan).

George was surprised at the party event at Scott’s pad in Los Gatos. It was a very nice social gathering of only fifteen people or so. I liked them all. All of his coworkers were quite nice. I think George was pleasantly surprised that I was there. I know George will miss many of his coworkers. I left by 1PM and drove George home to his mom’s trailer home.

Friday, August 26, 1983

My last day of work in San Francisco was a breeze. David Vigil and I shared the same break periods. At lunchtime we went to the Giovanni ‘such and such’ shop. I found that I got to know David better during the strike period while working in San Francisco (more than when we work together in Downtown Oakland). Dave’s really a nice guy.
David confided in me by saying, “You know, Michael…my brothers and I do strip tease events at bachelorette parties.”
I laughed, although he is a marathon runner and he does have a good looking body (but he’s not my type). When he talks he’s very femme-fatale. I began to wonder if he was hinting for me to join in the strip teasing act. It seemed like it. I didn’t utter a word. I can actually imagine him stripping.
David said, “You know…one night I got about one-hundred and thirty dollars in tips.”
I said, “And I bet they stuffed them all down your drawers.”
“Of course,” he said, smiling, “And I met a couple of girls at the last party. I’m supposed to meet them at LILY’s during Happy Hour tonight.”
“Are you going?” I asked.
“Yes, do you want to go with me?”

“Sure.”
I tagged along. One of them was very pretty but the one I had ‘an eye’ for was extraordinary. Her name is Susan Lowe. She was unique, very delicate on my eyes and so very beautiful. She gave me her telephone number. I gave her my business card after I casually introduced myself. I couldn’t wait to talk to her again. She had to leave LILY’s early. I chose to depart around the same time because I wanted Susan to think I was only interested in her. David left because he was excited about seeing THE OSMONDS concert. I thought that was hilarious.

I cleverly returned to LILY’s because I liked the ambience. Angela, one of David’s redhead girlfriends, gave me her card. She’s a dental hygienist in Concord.
I thought, “Maybe it’s time to get my teeth cleaned.”

My second thought, "Angela seems too old for me."

I was home by 9:30PM. I didn’t bother to call George. I know he wanted me to drive over there but I wasn’t in the mood for the excursion. I hate having to drive all the way down to Sunnyvale all of the time.

Saturday, August 27, 1983

I went to work at 7AM to take advantage of the overtime. It was surprised to see Juanita Lane and management there (no one else). Deborah Smith, one of the Assistant Managers, was ultra-cool. I like her carefree nature when she’s not being so professional. I wrote out a card for her because she’s handling the payroll. Maybe she’ll had a few more ‘hours worked’ on my behalf. I could use the extra bucks.

Apparently, Paige LaBris phoned me.
She left a message: “Hey Mike, I’m planning a trip to San Francisco.”
She hasn’t called me again, so I don’t know what happened.

I made a ‘heavy date’ with Susan Lowe for tomorrow at 4PM. I foolishly told George about my meeting Susan. At first, George didn’t feel it was fair and he felt threatened; however, he now seems to feel she’s an okay non-threatening date. My power of persuasion seemed to help. I knew he still silently wondered if she might be a threat to our relationship though.
I only felt this way because George was urgent when he said, “You will come over here tonight.”
I know George was pissed-off that I didn’t call him the night before.
Then I thought to myself, “Shit! I’m my own man…he doesn’t OWN me!”
As we discussed Susan, George asked me, “Are you bored with me?”
“Of course not,” I answered positively.
I still feel he is unsure; however, it will not stop me from getting to know Susan.

I learned that Susan had been attending Pepperdine University in Malibu. She was actually living in the Malibu area. She seems to be very much ‘my type’, too.

“I thought it was a bit naughty.”
-as heard in the 1998 film
VELVET GOLDMINE

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The Beginnings - Part 75: THE CHARACTER ACTIONS AND THOUGHTS ARE MADE-UP

According to Patrick Hourcade, ‘Karl Lagerfeld is by nature someone who needs to evolve, that is why he is so at ease in fashion, which is a world that is in a constant state of evolution. He doesn’t want stability; change is his life-motor. He is not unstable, he is insatiable, hence the need for nourishment all around him.’
-Alicia Drake
THE BEAUTIFUL FALL

The Beginnings – Part 75: THE CHARACTER ACTIONS AND THOUGHTS ARE MADE-UP

Wednesday, August 24, 1983

Besides another low sales day (only $200) I was still assigned to work in San Francisco during this ‘waiting game’ of the ongoing strike. Lilia, the Assistant Manager, makes the work environment fun though. She really is what a great AM (Assistant Manager) should be.

The highlight of my day was calling mom at home and learning that she was at my future Islandia Townhouse home at 3348 Solomon Lane.
I asked, “What are you doing?”
She answered honestly, “Well, I’m here talking to your dad.”
“What are you talking about?”
She surprised me with an out-of-the-blue question: “Is George a gay?”
Right then…I knew they had been reading my journal entries. I could tell she was heartbroken to learn what she had read. I was pissed-off that they were looking through my personal things.
“No,” I said, “Let me call you back…I have a phone call.”
After I hung-up the phone I figured I’d just let time pass and let bygones be bygones.

Actually, when I initially called mom I didn’t know really know if she’d read excerpts from my journal. I thought about it continuously and couldn’t figure out how they got the idea in their heads that George was ‘gay’. It’s funny now that I write about it.

When I returned home from work I found myself getting into a stupid conversation with Dad.
I said, “George isn’t gay!”
Dad kept saying things like ‘What if this…and what if that…”
I left because there was no use trying to explain to him that my journal is a book of fiction.
I lied by saying, “That journal is a piece of art…a novelty.”
In a way, it is very much a piece of novelty art through my eyes. I look forward to condensing the entirety of all of my writings one day.

I headed for the Alameda Townhouse and left with my journals and greeting cards in the trunk of my car. I needed to escape. I drove to Sunnyvale.
“I think my parents read parts of my journal…about you.”
“What?”
“Yes!”
And so, to get our minds cleared we went to see a double-feature: CUJO and CREEPSHOW. They were enjoyable films because they took our minds away. I don’t think George was totally satisfied by them but it was something I needed. I enjoyed them.

I left mom a note, explaining that my journal is partly fiction.
I wrote: ‘The character names are real people but the character actions and thoughts are made-up to make it more interesting for a potential storyline or plot…maybe even a murder.’

I thought of that word in Stephen King’s book, The Shining: REDRUM (which is MURDER spelled backward).
I thought, "This is killing me, another form of murder."
The question is whether my mom or dad would fall for what I was saying. I guess they can only assume that I am telling the truth. I don’t feel ready to disclose my true feelings. I’m embarrassed. I’m homophobic.


Rain would have been more appropriate for what I was feeling.
-Christopher Bram
SURPRISING MYSELF, a novel

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The Beginnings - Part 74: THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

Children love to play in the piles of leaves, hurling them into the air like confetti, leaping into soft unruly mattresses of them. For children, leaf fall is just one of the odder figments of Nature, like hailstones or snowflakes. Walk down a lane overhung with trees in the never-never land of autumn, and you will forget about time and death, lost in the sheer delicious spill of color. Adam and Eve concealed their nakedness with leaves, remember? Leaves have always hidden our awkward secrets.
-Diane Ackerman
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 15, 1987

This is a random photograph of me, seated on my living room couch at 3348 Solomon Lane, Alameda, California with my black panther print overhanging on the wall (inspired by my love for the Nastassja Kinski film CAT PEOPLE).

PHOTO:  Michael J Armijo

The Beginnings – Part 74: THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

Monday, August 22, 1983

I brought Lilia De Morales my letters that I’d received from Maria De Lourdes.
Lilia commented, “I thought they were kind of dull.”
I laughed. I guess she expected some steamy, sex letters.

I ended up having a little sales contest with Lilia while at work. She won, of course. The tentative prize is for me to treat for drinks at the HYATT REGENCY in San Francisco. Who knows? The strike may be officially over effective on Thursday, so there’s no telling when I can provide the prized cocktails.

After work I took BART to the Fruitvale BART station and found my car safe and sound in the BART parking lot. I drove to San Leandro for another load of my goods and transported them to the Townhouse in Alameda.

While at the Townhouse I decided to paint the stairwell railing.

I spoke to George by phone for a while and promised to call him again at around 10:30PM in Los Gatos.
George had asked, “What size KQAK T-shirt do you want?”
I was excited about that because he knew I wanted one. I love that KQAK radio station. He has some musical pull for t-shirts and tickets at WHEREHOUSE RECORDS.
George also asked, “Can you come over this Wednesday night?”
“Maybe,” I said, “I’ll see what I can do.”
However, I doubt that I will go. It’s such a tiresome drive on a weekday when I have to work the following day.

I was a bit pissed-off because that first card that I mailed to Ann-Margret was returned to me with a stamp on it: “no such address”. Now I’m wondering what happened to the other two cards I sent her. The third card was that really cool “BALLOON” card, too. Oh well…I will try and mail it again in care of Colombia Pictures. Maybe it will be forwarded to her (somehow/someway).

Today, David Vigil and I shared lunchtime together. We talked about the telephone company strike and our respective weekend.
Dave said, “I went dancing at TOSCADERO’s and ECHO BEACH.”
“Well, I’ve been painting up a storm, getting my new pad ready.”

I was too tired to call George as I’d promised. I ended up falling asleep by 10PM. The CIRCUS OF THE STARS TV show didn’t keep me awake.

Tuesday, August 23, 1983

Today was an okay sort of day. I only sold $288 worth of telecommunications services though.

My Supervisor, Ida, is super ‘keeno’. I find her pleasant to work for.

There was a lull in the day when no phone calls were coming in. I found myself making a list on a yellow memo about subjects that would be good for ‘my book’:
Murder
Intrigue
Initial Friendships
Long-Term Friends
Adultery
Incest
Death
Suicide
Mental Illness
Humor
Romance
Horror
Gothic
Novel
Character Build-up
Sexuality: homo, hetero, bi, asexual
Children and Childhood
Secrets
Plot Twist
The Element of Surprise

The free food in the cafeteria is spoiling both me and David Vigil.

David and I were having dinner when this guy named Jim Lucero joined us.
He’s a really nice guy but I’m sure he’s gay because he said, “My lover and I bought a house back East.”
He seems like a nice guy and I am wondering if we might be distant relatives given that my mother’s maiden name is Lucero. It’s a mystery. Jim Lucero walked with me to the BART station. We talked about the current work environment and other ‘small talk’. I shared with him about a friend of mine (George) moving-in with me at the Townhouse in Alameda. It was a cool, harmless conversation.

After the BART ride I drove my car home and went for a long bike ride along the beach. I dropped by to see Suzy and Renee Miller. I almost joined them for dinner at THE SIZZLER but I wasn’t very hungry. Instead, I continued riding my bike. I saw a number of good-looking ones while riding my bike this evening. That’s a surprise.
PHOTO:  George Gregg Jones, 1983

This morning I telephoned George Jones in Los Gatos and he said, “I’m getting my haircut today.”
He’s was staying in Dan and Ken’s apartment in Los Gatos. I must admit that the surroundings are much better than his mother’s trailer.
George also mentioned, “I’ll be moving-in to the condo in Alameda on September 2nd…but I’ll be moving my stuff there on Monday, August 29th…if that’s okay.”
“Sure,” I replied as I realized that the time is drawing near.

“I just thought you should know the story behind these stories in case anyone should ask.”
-Jeremy Irons as ‘The Old Man’
In the 2012 motion-picture THE WORDS

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The Beginnings - Part 73: NOTHING REAL WILL COME OF IT

People are what matter.  They’re so much more fascinating than ideas.
-GOOD,
A 2008 motion-picture,
Starring Viggo Mortensen

The Beginnings – Part 73:  NOTHING REAL WILL COME OF IT

Saturday, August 20, 1983

Well, I spent the day painting the walls and ceilings at 3348 Solomon Lane, the Alameda Townhouse, with mom and dad. We made a great team and we accomplished so much. It was a job well done.

I found myself cruising my bike on Harbor Bay Isle again. I had missed the familiar roads.

When I arrived home I broiled a steak with veggies and a salad and fruit for dessert. Mom was surprised. I sure made it look good because I used mom’s China and set the table nicely. We ate and settled the ‘yucky’ feeling after all of our hard word.

Mom and I watched EXORCIST II which was on videocassette. I fell asleep before the very end. I guess I’ll never see the end of that movie.

I didn’t see George Jones tonight. It’s just as well because he was felling totally out-of-it. I was surprised that he didn’t even go to work. I’m glad the hot water with lemon and tea I recommended helped him.
George said, “Yes, it really helped by getting me to sweat the fever out of my system.”

Sunday, August 21, 1983

I drove to San Leandro to bring another load of my belongings to the Townhouse. I wanted to get a good head start. It is only one week and a half until September 1st. I was a little surprised when I checked my mailbox. I found a card from George. It was a neat looking scenic view of San Francisco. He wrote about how excited he was about our living together in Alameda. I know we’ll have good times there.

I scraped off one of the unpainted walls in the Townhouse. I tried to smooth it over while mom and dad painted the kitchen. The place was looking ‘hot’. I love it more and more each time I visit.

The latest media flash has stated that the Communication Workers of America have accepted a contract by AT&T. This means that I may be able to go back to work in Downtown Oakland. This cheers me up quite a bit.

I took a nice bike ride to the bank today. I have approximately five-hundred dollars in my savings account. I’ve got to build that balance to a more respectable figure.
This means that I must say to George, “Control your spendthrift ways!”
I mean, I love to shop, too. There simply has to be a limit.

AT&T’s contract includes job security and a 5.5% wage increase. Hurrah! I suppose that means the strike really is over. However, at my local level they say that an official settlement should be delivered by Thursday. I will have to call Ida, the Union steward, tomorrow morning for the latest scoop.

Sherri Lewis called at about 6:20PM. She thought I was John when I answered the phone.
I said, “No, it’s me.”
Sherri and I spoke of Hawaii, my moving back to Alameda (which she learned from John), the Gigolo music group and her ‘Road Show’ group that she saw at The Jazz Cellar.
Sherri wondered aloud, “I wonder if they’re the same group.”
“I’m not sure…great memories though. I love that group.”
I didn’t say it but I thought the lead singer was ‘A-OK’.

When my brother, John, arrived home tonight he confided in me about his latest news. He is apparently seeing his ex-girlfriend again: Sherri. In addition, he is seeing a twenty-nine year old married woman named Susan.
I asked, “Where did this Susan come from?”
“She works with me at GALLAGHERS.”
“Oh,” I said, “Well, you’re crazy to keep seeing the married chick when you know nothing real will come of it.”

Mom and I watched Jerry Lewis in that great movie called VISIT TO A SMALL PLANET. It was funny.   It's such a great movie.

We started to watch THE CHIPMUNKS, starring Alvin, Theodore and Dave, with my brother, Tony, when mom received a call from my Dad’s niece, Cecelia Markus. Cecelia loves to call and gossip with mom about ‘whatever’ every so often.

Tomorrow is another work day. At least Thursday is another pay day. It may be a relatively small amount but something is better than nothing right now.

“I hate psychology…it’s a soft science.”
“I know…but people are mostly soft.”
-BONES, TV series
Season I, Pilot episode

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The Beginnings - Part 72: FUN TO BE AWAKE

Excessive disruption of ordered life makes the old classical poise and self-assurance vanish; whereas, men come more and more to lean on a greater-than-man.
-Michael J Armijo
PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENTS

The Beginnings – Part 72:   FUN TO BE AWAKE

Thursday, August 18, 1983

Today I expect my Queen-sized bed to be delivered by CAPWELL’s to the Alameda Townhouse. I will have to check it out this weekend when I move some of my stuff there. My mom will be waiting for the delivery. It’s so nice of her to do that for me.

I may take up George on his offer to treat me to a movie tomorrow night. I do want to see Stephen King’s film version of CUJO. The other two films I’d like to see are EASY MONEY and RISKY BUSINESS.

There is only one manager at work. I forget her name but she’s super nice. She wants to interpret the letters I received from Maria de Lourdes in Guadalajara, Mexico. I will have to bring the letters in to work tomorrow. I understand parts of it but there are some Spanish words that a puzzling.

George’s mother happened to be home sick today, so George and I didn’t bother to talk much.

Working in San Francisco is starting to become more bearable. I guess I didn’t like it in the beginning because it was such a big change to my usual routine. It really isn’t bad at all. I like the perk of ‘free food’ in the cafeteria during this ‘On-Strike’ period. I know it won’t last much longer.

After reviewing my new SEPTEMBER 1983 ESQUIRE Magazine tonight I was in a lounging mood. I watched TV and laughed to myself while watching Carol Burnett and Vicky Lawrence in MAMA’S FAMILY. It’s a pretty good show.

Friday, August 19, 1983

I purposely forgot to bring Maria De Lourdes’ letters to the office. I figured it really wasn’t any of that Assistant Manager’s business. I don’t know her well enough. I got to know her better today. Her name is Lila De Morales. She seems like a nice lady. Now I feel bad that I didn’t bring Maria’s letters to translate. I will bring them on Monday of next week (if we are still on-strike). I am still working in San Francisco but that could be halted as early as next week.

I rode my bike for the first time to and from the BART station since I had fallen near those railroad tracks off of Washington Avenue in San Leandro. My San Leandro bicycling days have been bad luck. I got my second flat tire while attempting an evening excursion to Lake Chabot. Such is life.

I went on the bike excursion because I figured I wasn’t going to see George for that movie after all. George felt sick. If he isn’t feeling better on Saturday morning I may not drive to Sunnyvale tomorrow either. I thought his cold was all in his mind and suggested he drink hot tea to soothe his throat.

When I happened to get that flat tire along 150th Street I tired filling the tire with air at a local SHELL OIL Service Station but it didn’t get me very far (only three feet). I ended up walking my bike all the way back to my apartment. Once home I packed a few things (along with my bike). I will get the flat tire fixed at my local bike shop in Alameda. It’s probably time for a tune-up anyway.
PHOTO:  Actor Willie Aames

I did phone George to see how he was feeling. Then I watched THE EDGE OF NIGHT episodes that mom taped for me this week.
It cracked me up when mom said, “That new guy in Monticello reminds me of George.”
THE EDGE OF NIGHT takes place in the fictitious town of Monticello.  Mom was referring to actor Willie Aames as looking like George.  I would have to disagree with that. I think George is one hell of a lot better looking.

After THE EDGE OF NIGHT episodes I fell asleep watching THE EXORCIST II. I woke up just before mom arrived home from work at 2AM. I watched part of YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS with her at this late hour. It was fun to be awake when she arrived home. She filled me in on what was going on with the soap opera too.  It’s all ‘more of the same’...just like real-life.

You can’t communicate with anyone unless you have a good heart with them.
-Michael J Armijo
PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENTS

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The Beginnings - Part 71: 'I HOPE HE LIKES GIRLS'

She still lingered in his mind.  He wondered what she was doing right now.
-as heard during the 2009 Australian film
MARY AND MAX

Twenty-five years ago Photo: September 12, 1987


PHOTO: Michael Joe Armijo
Self-Portrait of me after a bike ride, wearing my dad’s lambs’ wool jacket, my Donald Duck caricature T-shirt at the Alameda Townhouse

The Beginnings – Part 71: ‘I HOPE HE LIKES GIRLS’

Wednesday, August 17, 1983

George spent the night and it was nice to wake up with him.

I learned that Helen Wong had called and George took a message.
George said, “I just told her you’d gone to work.”
“What else did she say?” I asked.
“I think she was surprised that I answered the phone because she asked what was going on between us.”
“I see.”
I didn’t appreciate her interrogations.
I thought it was interesting when Helen said to me later, “I hope he likes girls.”
I thought that was a pretty tight-ass comment and I didn’t respond to it. What an itch-bay!

There are a few really nice Service Representatives at the San Francisco-Yerba Buena Pacific Telephone office. It’s not so bad working with them during this ‘On-Strike’ period. I hate the commute to the ‘gross’ building though.

Once I returned home I found a note from George. He also returned my BULLOCKS Department Store charge card.
George wrote: ‘Dan, Ken and I drove by to see the Alameda townhouse. It’s looking good.’
It will be fun being ‘roomies’ with George. I just know it. My only issue is when I may meet ‘a certain gal’ that I will want to date. That may be an ‘uh-oh’ passage in time. George wasn’t at home when I tried to telephone him.
George’s mom said, “Oh…George went shopping.”
I thought to myself, “He better quit all of this shopping business and stop spending!”

Frank called from THE WEIGHT ROOM where he works out. I may cruise over there but I’m not so sure.

After a half hour I decided to go to THE WEIGHT ROOM after all. It was no thrill. It’s a dive kind of a place. I didn’t like Frank’s new ‘body wave’ hairdo either. I think it looks so ugly. His friend, Sean, was there and I thought he had nice legs. That was a surprise. It was probably because he just got back from Hawaii. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Tan legs look better than white legs. I didn’t stay at THE WEIGHT ROOM for very long. It looked like such a dumpy place. It’s a good thing they’re remodeling the joint.

Helen called me and asked, “Why didn’t you stop by for dinner?”
“Well, I didn’t want to be the only scab amongst you and your guests. I know Derek, Geneva and you are still on-strike.”
She shrugged, thinking I was silly.
Helen asked, “Why don’t you join Carol and another girlfriend I know to the BLACK ANGUS tonight?”
I somehow got out of it. I wanted to simply stay home.

I watched a bit of DYNASTY tonight and hit the sack. I heard via the National News that AT&T is at the bargaining table and finally reached an agreement today. A possible settlement may be completed by this weekend. This is good news!

I talked to George over the phone about our moving-in together.
George excitedly said, “I may treat you to a movie on Friday night.”
“Do you really want to?”
“Sure!”
I don’t know if I really want to drive all the way down to Sunnyvale though. I may just stick around here and work on packing things into boxes for the big move to the townhouse.

I thought about how George’s father ‘caught us in the act’. George doesn’t mention it anymore but I still can’t forget that moment.

The look on his face will always be with me. First surprise, turning quickly to shock, then the coldest, most angry, knowing look I’ve ever seen. He just stood there staring at us.
-James Kirkwood
GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES, a novel

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