One Man Asylum

"I met a man. He was a good man, sailing and shoring, dancing the beta can-can, making me foreign. Oh yeah. I want to live in Los Angeles. Not the one in Los Angeles, no not the one in South California, they got one in South Patagonia." Frank Black from "Los Angeles"

The nurse got me out of the Asylum for a while and packed by hulking frame on to a plane that was only slightly larger than the aircraft that took Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper from the world. Size mattering, I still question how a large hunk of metal stays in the air, especially with me on the port side, but it did, and after a mad dash through the Houston airport, something that you will come to find I am slightly proficient at, I landed in the state of my birth on a euphoria inducing summer evening.

My bestest compadre, the Atomic one, picked me up from the airport like Hoak driving Mrs. Daisy, except he didn't wear the hat and I had to carry my own luggage. Come to think of it, he isn't even black, he's not like Hoak at all. He's more like Han Solo. Yeah. So, me being Chewbacca like in size, I sidekicked it into the passengers seat and we made off to Pink's. For those of you not in the know. Pink's is to hot dogs what Heaven is to Christians. It's the ultimate destination. Mark Adams joined us to wait in line, yeah, you gotta wait in line for about an hour at Pink's, but it is so worth it. Whilst waiting, not to let time go by without results, we put in a call to Graham to inform him that the secret to Mark's "I Have a Secret" Party was that I was in attendance. He was less than thrilled, and I think a bit jealous that he wasn't there for the festivities. He was surely missed, but there will be other gatherings, one's in his honor, I'm sure. After waking Graham up, we got our chow. Double Pastrami Burrito Dog. That's 2 Hot Dogs, Pastrami, and chili all wrapped in a tortilla. FANTASTIC. Only three veins remain unclogged.

Thursday found me going to see my brother, driving around town, giving Colleen a photo tour of the Southland. She got pictures of my elementary school, high school, my first home, Hollywood Blvd, Sunset Blvd, Rodeo Drive, and general photos of traffic and what not. After that splendid day, Atomic Steve and I joined his parents at Lowry's for prime rib. I took on their largest cut, the Beef Bowl. 2 inches thick, wide as a plate. It was a friggin roast people. Two veins remain unclogged. We went back to Steve's and wagered on gymnastics, winning me a free lunch on Saturday, thank you Nastia, thank you.

Friday was partytime. I was secluded in Mark's room for the duration of a Fight Club viewing. First rule of Surprise Party's is you don't talk about... nevermind. Anyway, finally I made my entrance and the crowd was grateful that Mark wasn't coming out of the closet. Though Lindsey and Carissa were not in attendance, it was still an amazing party. I owe Mark a huge one for all the shit he took.

Saturday was chill. We went and peeped the Dark Knight on IMAX with Adam, Val and Amanda, after we stopped at the Hat for Pastrami and Chili and Wet Fries. Heart Attack Imminent. The movie rocked like a Scorpions concert in Berlin with Hasslehoff opening. After being blown away by Heath Ledger, still not believing it's the same dude from 10 Things I Hate About You, we ponied back to Atomic's for spa night. With a small crowd of friendlies we sat in the spa until our hands and feet resembled that of Jessica Tandy. I was surprised by a visit from Lindsey, yet another cherry on the sundae that was my weekend.

Sunday I my plane out of LAX was late. When I arrived in Houston I had 14 minutes to make my connection. It was mad. Regardless, I got home. Seeing my friends reminded me that I miss them, but it also made me realize that I am now a visitor in their world. I love them all, can't wait to see them again, but am glad that I am home. While there I came to grips with the Asylum, had a lot of my confidence restored, and found a smile that had been alluding me. Turns out I left it on Hollywood Blvd. Go figure.

Dixie Cup of Love: All the Cherries that made the weekend fabulous.