1:00 am
Yay! Thank you, friends! I got a 15 pound box of goodies from my former co-workers. I can't believe they spent $65 to send it! They sent popcorn, the Free Press, socks, toilet paper, trivia, M & Ms, Girls Scout cookies, balloons, Time magazine, Taco Sauce, peanut butter, Easter candy, pizza mix, macaroni and cheese mix and a letter from Dingo! How sweet. I wish I were there right now. I opened it at Alton and Sune's house. I'm glad I got to share the excitement. I gave the peanut butter to Frank and George across the street. Frank had never heard of it! We went out to Bolivia tonight and played some pool. I worked 8 hours today! But I really enjoyed it.
11:55 pm
I worked 10 hours today. But I really enjoyed it. I'm not getting fed up with it yet. Mitchell has been hinting that we need to speed up production of these tapes. Fine with me. More hours = more money. I talked to Gary, Marcia and Barb Browne tonight. They're all so fun! They also offered me lodging and transportation when I'm back in Detroit. Friends! Makes me wonder sometimes why I left. Ah, but what's wrong with making new friends? And keeping the old friends. Having it all! I'll call Bob tomorrow night. He'll be here in 11 days!
Tuesday, May 12, 1992
Sunday, May 10, 1992
9:30 pm
It was really hard to get up for work this morning. I only stayed out until 2:30. I went to Mesalina with French Frank. We talked quite a bit. He's a nice guy. I talked more with his cute Scottish house guest, George, too. But I'm still feeling that I don't have many friends. Annelies came over this evening. I told her that Bob is my boyfriend. She said she has many gay friends -- even knows a Dutch gay guy here. It's so nice to come out to people. Every reaction here has been pretty positive. I think that maybe Frank overheard the conversation. I do think he's gay. Mitchell said he'd ask a real estate friend if he can find an apartment for me. Cool. We have a lot of work to do in the next two weeks. I'll work at least 6 hours/day. Money! Whoever says it's not important ... lies! I talked more Spanish today with Daniel, the guy who's helping us videotape. It's still frustrating not knowing Spanish better. But I'm looking forward to work this week. I think the next 5 weeks will fly by. I'll be very busy working, then Bob will be here. then I'll be in Detroit! Yea! Then I'll come back to a permanent job and apartment. Rosy.
11:00 pm
Oh, I'm getting so greedy! I'm sitting here thinking how much money I'm going to make. I think it could be $2000/month -- more than I made net in Bloomfield. I can live on $100/month. I could save $12,000 in a year! That's incredible! Work one year, travel one year. Hmm. Life! So much potential. I love when I think this way. I'm listening to some cool music on the radio. Kinda WDET-ish. Every night after 10:00. With some red wine, it's perfect to think and write. I'd rather get high, but I still haven't found any weed here.
It was really hard to get up for work this morning. I only stayed out until 2:30. I went to Mesalina with French Frank. We talked quite a bit. He's a nice guy. I talked more with his cute Scottish house guest, George, too. But I'm still feeling that I don't have many friends. Annelies came over this evening. I told her that Bob is my boyfriend. She said she has many gay friends -- even knows a Dutch gay guy here. It's so nice to come out to people. Every reaction here has been pretty positive. I think that maybe Frank overheard the conversation. I do think he's gay. Mitchell said he'd ask a real estate friend if he can find an apartment for me. Cool. We have a lot of work to do in the next two weeks. I'll work at least 6 hours/day. Money! Whoever says it's not important ... lies! I talked more Spanish today with Daniel, the guy who's helping us videotape. It's still frustrating not knowing Spanish better. But I'm looking forward to work this week. I think the next 5 weeks will fly by. I'll be very busy working, then Bob will be here. then I'll be in Detroit! Yea! Then I'll come back to a permanent job and apartment. Rosy.
11:00 pm
Oh, I'm getting so greedy! I'm sitting here thinking how much money I'm going to make. I think it could be $2000/month -- more than I made net in Bloomfield. I can live on $100/month. I could save $12,000 in a year! That's incredible! Work one year, travel one year. Hmm. Life! So much potential. I love when I think this way. I'm listening to some cool music on the radio. Kinda WDET-ish. Every night after 10:00. With some red wine, it's perfect to think and write. I'd rather get high, but I still haven't found any weed here.
Saturday, May 9, 1992
4:00 pm
Gitta's gone. Another one bites the dust. One by one. Alton and Sune are gone in 2 weeks, Barbara in 3, Antonella in four. A friend of a friend of Elke's is going to stay here for 10 days. And I've talked to a few other people who will need a place beginning in July. In a way, I'd like to live alone, but I think I need someone else to do things with once in a while. Otherwise, it could be a long, boring summer. I continue to work every day, and work is still piling up. I think I'll try to work 6 hours/day the next two weeks. Already making plans to spend the money. I was frustrated at the church again this morning because I can't speak the language. I got a letter from Barb Gough. Everyone who writes is usually complaining about something. Then I guess it's okay for me to whine, too. Hang in there, Mike. The future looks brilliant!
Gitta's gone. Another one bites the dust. One by one. Alton and Sune are gone in 2 weeks, Barbara in 3, Antonella in four. A friend of a friend of Elke's is going to stay here for 10 days. And I've talked to a few other people who will need a place beginning in July. In a way, I'd like to live alone, but I think I need someone else to do things with once in a while. Otherwise, it could be a long, boring summer. I continue to work every day, and work is still piling up. I think I'll try to work 6 hours/day the next two weeks. Already making plans to spend the money. I was frustrated at the church again this morning because I can't speak the language. I got a letter from Barb Gough. Everyone who writes is usually complaining about something. Then I guess it's okay for me to whine, too. Hang in there, Mike. The future looks brilliant!
Thursday, May 7, 1992
8:30 pm
Allow me to whine a bit. I'm enjoying going into work every day, although I am getting a bit tired of the Communions and I'd rather be lazy and stay in bed or go to the beach. I'm frustrated by not understanding the language better. I keep getting phone calls at work and I can't understand what people are saying! I start to think that I should give up on the dream. But then I listen to the "Chariots of Fire" soundtrack and I get inspired. And I meet someone new -- in this case a Scottish friend of French Frank's -- and I bounce back again. I did really well with money in April. Only $800, including $100 at Expo. Gives me hope. May will be at least $1500, I'm sure, with Bob visiting and $400 rent. But I've earned almost $400 this past week. Cool! I hope Mitchell will pay me more than $10/hour for editing. We had talked of $20/hour, but I don't think he'll go for that much. At $15/hour it would be almost $500. Still nothing settled. Always up in the air. Always something to whine about. Like the lack of permanent friends here. I get so worried about the future! Can't I just enjoy the present? I booked my flight home. I'll be there June 17th. I wish I could've been back before school's out, but it's not possible. I need to find a place to live for July. And beyond. I haven't seen Yop or the Dutch girls in a while. I need to write Andre. It'll be nice having a phone (at work.) People can call me! I have a TV now -- everything's green, but I watched ABC News yesterday. Civilization! I think I need to work hard and earn a lot of money and then travel for a year. Yes! It must be done! It's truly what I enjoy. Oh! Yesterday, Mitchell told me about his idea of producing promo videos for travel agencies. Exactly my idea! And he has a friend in the business who wants to do it. Yes, I think I need to stay with this job. Just get through the bumpy times, Mike. Write down your thoughts and it will become clearer. This is where you belong right now.
Allow me to whine a bit. I'm enjoying going into work every day, although I am getting a bit tired of the Communions and I'd rather be lazy and stay in bed or go to the beach. I'm frustrated by not understanding the language better. I keep getting phone calls at work and I can't understand what people are saying! I start to think that I should give up on the dream. But then I listen to the "Chariots of Fire" soundtrack and I get inspired. And I meet someone new -- in this case a Scottish friend of French Frank's -- and I bounce back again. I did really well with money in April. Only $800, including $100 at Expo. Gives me hope. May will be at least $1500, I'm sure, with Bob visiting and $400 rent. But I've earned almost $400 this past week. Cool! I hope Mitchell will pay me more than $10/hour for editing. We had talked of $20/hour, but I don't think he'll go for that much. At $15/hour it would be almost $500. Still nothing settled. Always up in the air. Always something to whine about. Like the lack of permanent friends here. I get so worried about the future! Can't I just enjoy the present? I booked my flight home. I'll be there June 17th. I wish I could've been back before school's out, but it's not possible. I need to find a place to live for July. And beyond. I haven't seen Yop or the Dutch girls in a while. I need to write Andre. It'll be nice having a phone (at work.) People can call me! I have a TV now -- everything's green, but I watched ABC News yesterday. Civilization! I think I need to work hard and earn a lot of money and then travel for a year. Yes! It must be done! It's truly what I enjoy. Oh! Yesterday, Mitchell told me about his idea of producing promo videos for travel agencies. Exactly my idea! And he has a friend in the business who wants to do it. Yes, I think I need to stay with this job. Just get through the bumpy times, Mike. Write down your thoughts and it will become clearer. This is where you belong right now.
Wednesday, May 6, 1992
1:15 am
Stayed in again tonight. Actually, I had every intention of going to Bolivia. There was to have been a big party with the beginning of new classes and all. I probably would've met some fantastic people. Maybe even a roommate. But no, I sat at home reading the Herald Tribune. I enjoyed it. So, I've been editing the past two days. Working again. And there's a lot of work to do. I'll be busy for these next three weeks, then take 2 weeks off when Bob's here, work another week and go to Detroit for 2 - 3 weeks. What a great job! And even if I'm making only $10/hour, that's what my take-home after taxes was in Bloomfield Hills. Not a bad deal. Mitchell's been talking about my getting a work permit and residency status. They really are for real! I told Joaquin today about this job. He said he hopes we can still work together. HA! He'll have to pay me well! I've been in a very procrastinating mood. Haven't checked on flights to Detroit, haven't checked rental cars, bought Peggy's First Communion gift. I'm so lazy all the time. Even though I'm working now. At least it gives me something to occupy my time. Oh, I guess I should've called Paul, too.
Stayed in again tonight. Actually, I had every intention of going to Bolivia. There was to have been a big party with the beginning of new classes and all. I probably would've met some fantastic people. Maybe even a roommate. But no, I sat at home reading the Herald Tribune. I enjoyed it. So, I've been editing the past two days. Working again. And there's a lot of work to do. I'll be busy for these next three weeks, then take 2 weeks off when Bob's here, work another week and go to Detroit for 2 - 3 weeks. What a great job! And even if I'm making only $10/hour, that's what my take-home after taxes was in Bloomfield Hills. Not a bad deal. Mitchell's been talking about my getting a work permit and residency status. They really are for real! I told Joaquin today about this job. He said he hopes we can still work together. HA! He'll have to pay me well! I've been in a very procrastinating mood. Haven't checked on flights to Detroit, haven't checked rental cars, bought Peggy's First Communion gift. I'm so lazy all the time. Even though I'm working now. At least it gives me something to occupy my time. Oh, I guess I should've called Paul, too.
Sunday, May 3, 1992
2:15 pmI had a really nice time last night. Gitta came over and asked if I wanted to go out to dinner. I had wanted to -- but I thought that she and Barbara were gone, so I hadn't asked. We went to La Paloma. It had been almost a month! We got pretty drunk. Then we went to Donde. I met several new people. Guys from Switzerland, Sweden and Holland. I love to meet interesting people! We danced quite a bit, too. Went to Mesalina for a while, too. Before I knew it, it was 5:00! And I had to be up at 7:15!! Oh well. It wasn't so bad today -- only one First Communion. I feel so good to be working again. I played with the editor a bit today, and will do more tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it. It's pretty nice equipment. Mitchell is so nice to me. He's been picking me up and dropping me off every day. He gave me the keys, so I can go in any time tomorrow! I love it! Y'know, Gitta and I talked last night about how everyone else around us is having sex. She's like me in that she's not getting involved with anyone here. Well, she doesn't want to. I just haven't had the opportunity! It made me realize (again) that I shouldn't get freaked out about these things. Not meeting gay men, not going to a gay bar. Who cares?
Saturday, May 2, 1992
12:30 am
I finally wrote a letter to Antonio. I can't believe I haven't written him in the three months that I've been here. That was such a nice experience I had with him. So long ago. So rare. God knows, it's been a long time since something like that has happened. I suppose Brad in Saugatuck would compare. Why don't I have sex more often? Is that a strange question? I guess I don't make myself "available" often. Maybe I'll go out tomorrow night. We only have one Communion on Sunday. I wouldn't have to be 100%. Tonight, I've been drinking wine and listening to David Zasloff and Billy Bragg. Yop told me the other night that he had gotten some hash. I have to pursue him on that. So much sex, so many drugs, all around me. And yet, here I am -- alone. Otra vez. I really do enjoy being by myself, though. Just wish I had an English newspaper or a television and VCR! I feel I have to do everything now here, but it's not true, is it? Yes, you have to live life to the fullest -- Carpe Diem -- but there will always be down times. Rest times. Es necesario. The world is such a funny place. Riots in L.A. Death penalty. Earthquakes. This is what I hear about the USA in the Spanish press. USA Today wrote about the Supreme Court debate on the abortion issue. Is it any wonder I left that country? I really wonder sometimes if I will ever return to live there. So many other possibilities. Such a big world. I want to go to Italy or Greece next. And why not? God, I love Billy Bragg! And Natalie Merchant's voice. Sometimes -- often -- I wish life were perfect. But would it be even more boring then? ("Luego" or "entonces"?) I'm so glad that I have this journal. Everyone should record his/her thoughts throughout life. Listening to "The Internationale" on May Day. Shit. I have to get up for work tomorrow! It's been a nice three month break. But now, there is so much promise for the future. I think Bernardo talked about giving me a contract in July. He tells me that he wants me to be the "expert" of the company. Shit. What an incredible series of events. Must work on the español. Yes, I must.
I finally wrote a letter to Antonio. I can't believe I haven't written him in the three months that I've been here. That was such a nice experience I had with him. So long ago. So rare. God knows, it's been a long time since something like that has happened. I suppose Brad in Saugatuck would compare. Why don't I have sex more often? Is that a strange question? I guess I don't make myself "available" often. Maybe I'll go out tomorrow night. We only have one Communion on Sunday. I wouldn't have to be 100%. Tonight, I've been drinking wine and listening to David Zasloff and Billy Bragg. Yop told me the other night that he had gotten some hash. I have to pursue him on that. So much sex, so many drugs, all around me. And yet, here I am -- alone. Otra vez. I really do enjoy being by myself, though. Just wish I had an English newspaper or a television and VCR! I feel I have to do everything now here, but it's not true, is it? Yes, you have to live life to the fullest -- Carpe Diem -- but there will always be down times. Rest times. Es necesario. The world is such a funny place. Riots in L.A. Death penalty. Earthquakes. This is what I hear about the USA in the Spanish press. USA Today wrote about the Supreme Court debate on the abortion issue. Is it any wonder I left that country? I really wonder sometimes if I will ever return to live there. So many other possibilities. Such a big world. I want to go to Italy or Greece next. And why not? God, I love Billy Bragg! And Natalie Merchant's voice. Sometimes -- often -- I wish life were perfect. But would it be even more boring then? ("Luego" or "entonces"?) I'm so glad that I have this journal. Everyone should record his/her thoughts throughout life. Listening to "The Internationale" on May Day. Shit. I have to get up for work tomorrow! It's been a nice three month break. But now, there is so much promise for the future. I think Bernardo talked about giving me a contract in July. He tells me that he wants me to be the "expert" of the company. Shit. What an incredible series of events. Must work on the español. Yes, I must.
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