Just got back from a whirlwind trip to Cali with the lovely R. It was mom's 60th so we had to do it right. Flew out of JFK to LAX on St. Paddy's day, grabbed the mafia rental car, and headed down to Venice to check in and take a nap. After waking up more tired than when we went to sleep we headed up to mom's party spot. The festivities were going down at a Mexican restaurant which was right on as far as I was concerned. It's hard getting good/real Mexican food in NYC. My expectations and anticipation were sky high on the drive up the 110 freeway to the party. I should add that the Mafia rental car with enough room for two bodies in the trunk was hauling ass! So we get there pig out, drink a bunch of margaritas, give the sweet lady her gifts, hear stories (some very innapropriate), spilled drinks, ate cake, and had a blast. After the "goodbyes" & "I love you's" R and I decide to head to my old favorite dive bar for a quick one before heading back down to our room in Venice. I remember saying that since it'd been so long since I'd been there that I was sure I wouldn't see anybody I knew inside. The Cosmos must've heard me. Right when we fall into the place and slide up to the bar we see my old roommate from Oakland and his top notch shit talkin' little brother. Awww yeah! The quick drink turned into rounds of guiness and shots of jameson. Being Cali and not NYC our session was abruptly called to a halt at 2 instead of the more reasonable hour of 4. This is when we decided to head down to Commerce Casino and play some poker. Some people would think it's a bad idea to play when you have to close one eye to focus. I don't. I happen to believe it's proper playing cards in the bag because your shit talking ability coupled with well timed one liners gives you a strategic edge against the other more sober players...After working this edge for 4 and a half hours and losing 100 bucks I listen to R and decide it's time to leave. We head outside jump in the mob car and drive back to the hotel. We'd been in Cali for 12 hours....
to be continued...
to be continued...