BEGIN THE BARRY BEGUINE Pt. 2

NOVEMBER 1, 1983

Tuesday

I am still in a fantastically good mood. I went to the Lobby Shop to buy an ice cream bar and the guy that works there asked how I was. I said “Great. I’m always doing great!” He seemed a little skeptical and said “Somehow, I don’t believe youre always doing great.” And then I said “Well, I guess I did lie to you. I am not always doing great, just 98% of the time.”

I LOVE LIFE, AND LIFE LOVES ME!

Tonight I’m going out to eat with Mom and Dad. We’re going to get Chinese food. That sounds tremendous to me. OOM, OOM GOOD! (2021 comment - I remember the first time I tried egg foo yung-yong? - I made up a song about it and sang it all nite at a dance club - lol)

I am singing about how much I care for Barry! He’s so neat. He calls me just to tell me he’s thinking of me. We think a lot alike. November 13th, Barry, DeeAnn, Brian and I are going to the cabin for a day. That’ll be a blast!

I feel like hugging everybody. Even Shirley here at work. (And not many people would volunteer to hug that girl, oops. woman.)

Ikki bikki tikki mikki! Abba Dabba Cabba Sabba

That is my own language for I’M SO HAPPY WITH LIFE!

I won’t see my darling until Thursday night. But I’ll enjoy visiting with Mom and Dad tonight. And tomorrow night I babysit the precious kiddoes and I always love that.

NOVEMBER 4, 1983

Friday

https://youtu.be/eZi6qNi9TeU

God! I hope on bended knees that Barry and I stay together. Last night was so nice. He came over, I made dinner (Ravioli) and we had wine. We danced to our song I Fall in Love Again (Dreamin’) by Anne Murray. It was so cozy.

At 8:45 or so, of all people Pat Hogan called me. (Of course, while Barry was there.) Barry was kind of jealous. He was kinda funny, but he ended up talking quite seriously because he has to understand that I have many guy friends. I am not interested in “dating” them, but I do like to go places with them. Of course, Kevin doesn’t bother him, but even Thomas bothers him a little, if I went out with him. I don't’ think he can handle Roger or Keith much at all. But then he knows that I was more serious about these two guys than anybody else (of my friends.) Let’s face it, Keith and I never go anywhere without him paying my way. That's just the way we are when we’re together. But there’s never any physical involvement outside of a hug “Hello and Goodbye.” I guess things can get a little touchy with Barry, but he knows I care more for him than anybody else. He was trying to be good by saying that. I in fact said “Barry, honestly, would it bother you if I went out weight just a guy and no one else?” He said “Yes.” I don’t know exactly what to do, I can’t help the fact that I have so many guy friends. I have always enjoyed guys more than girls. They’re more fun, less catty, and they treat me well.

(2021 comment - Dear Reader, if you forgot or if you just skimmed about my journals, Pat Hogan was one of my many gay suitors... Loved him to pieces! Laughter in the Rain reminds me of kissing Pat in the rain - June '79)

NOVEMBER 7, 1983

Monday

Today I feel a little lethargic. I really had a good weekend though. I guess I’m just all pooped out because I didn’t get much sleep this weekend.

FRIDAY - Sherri spent the night and Barry came over until about 1:00 a.m. Sherri and I then stayed up until 3:30 a.m. reading my journal of 1983.

I have to interrupt for a minute about my weekend to say that Barry Johnson is the sweetest, cutest, most precious person that ever lived! I came back from break feeling blase’, then something was at my desk to make me feel completely wonderful again. What was it? A half dozen of beautiful yellow roses set in fern and baby’s breath. Everybody stood around and remarked how sweet he is for doing such a thing. I know I turned a few shades of red and purple, but it was a wonderful sort of embarrassment. He is such a doll. The card said “It has been a beautiful month. I wouldn’t have spent it any other way.” (Tomorrow is our 1 month anniversary of our first date, going to Tango and first kiss high atop Reunion Tower.) He told me he was going to wait and send them on the exact day, tomorrow, but decided to send them today. I’m so glad he did; I needed them desperately.

Tonight we’re going shopping. He has his first credit card, Dillards, and we’re buying him a lot of clothes. I can’t wait to hug him.

NOVEMBER 8, 1983

Tuesday

Oh, last night Barry and I had an extremely good time. We bought him 2 pairs of corduroy pants, 2 shirts, and 2 sweaters. He looks so good in all these clothes.

I also thanked him over and over for my beautiful roses. I’m still in heaven over them. I thought that was so wonderful of him. Today is our actual one month anniversary since our first date. We are much more crazy about each other than at the first. We laugh well together, talk well together, and love well together. And after all that, he’s still the perfect gentleman. I love him for that. I’m still holding out for 3 months dating before I say we’re steady with each other, but something tells me I won’t be dating anyone else, I really don’t want to. Who else is 6 ft. 2” (practically) looks like between Danny White and Bruce Jenner, and more importantly is loving, precious and sends roses? Oh yeah, and thinks I’m wonderful. What else can I say?

I just ordered tickets for us to see Neil Diamond in concert, December 6, Tuesday. That ought to be enjoyable.

November 1983 - Poem about Barry Johnson