Pulling from the Notebook: Random thoughts on Interstate 10
I have this notebook. I write things in it. Here’s one of those things.
Whenever we go back to the Los Angeles area (Downey, to be specific), unless we fly, we drive out on Interstate 10 — and if we’re driving, I’m driving. It’s a long drive (about 6 hours minimum — but usually longer) but it is still so new to us that it remains interesting. Granted, a lot of it is desert scenery — rocks, mountains, rocky mountains — it is still a nice drive. Being the driver, I don’t get to see a lot of what’s happening around me — well, I do, but I am not able to concentrate on a passing sign or interesting building as much as the passengers can (if they weren’t playing their Nintendo DS’es or sleeping) because I’m trying to make sure we don’t, you know, die. While continuously saving all of our lives at 80 MPH, I still manage to let my mind wander and here’s some of the thoughts that I had on out last trip out there. UPDATE: I’ve also tacked on some updates in order to add a little more color.
1. Murray’s — I spotted a sign “Murray’s Restaurant & Hotel Supply”. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen it before but it looks old enough that I should have seen it countless times in my travels up and down this freeway (this would be the freeway I would also take to get to my hometown from L.A. when I lived there). Never in my life have I ever wanted to go into a store more. It seems silly, I know, but I wanted to see what the inside looked like and if Murray was actually there (or real). I don’t have a hotel or a restaurant but if Murray was there, I would have bought something. Who wouldn’t want to buy something from Murray? Is it just me? UPDATE: They have a website. It’s where I grabbed that picture of the sign and there’s pictures of the inside showroom. I still want to go there and I desperately hope that the inside is still very much like the “Design Services” picture — like they are somehow trapped in the late 60’s, early 70’s. I want so much for it to be that — but I know it’s not. I guess maybe it’s better that I didn’t go inside. In my head though — in my head, this place is AWESOME.
2. Tattoo Expo — I see on the animated electric billboard near the Pomona Mining Company that there’s a Tattoo Expo that’s happening while we’re in town. I don’t know why this surprises me. I worked in an industry that makes magazines solely for people in such varied lines of employment as School Bus drivers, Car Rental Shops, and Nail Technicians. And yes, they too have trade shows for them and them only. It never fails to amaze me how close something can be to you but if you don’t notice it or know about it, you don’t/won’t see it. UPDATE: I later saw a billboard for this on the 405 and considering the tight tank top the chest-thrusting girl was wearing and the barely noticeable tattoo on her left arm, you would think that the expo was for another word with multiple T’s in it. Actually, I wouldn’t bet against the notion that there is one. I also wouldn’t bet against the idea of me not ever getting to go.
3. Aristocrat Motel – The name here just makes me giggle. I shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover but I have to think that maybe this adage shouldn’t apply to places where you plan to spend money to sleep. I’m thinking you would like it to look as nice as possible. Not to say that it looked like a hovel but Aristocrat Motel? If that word means what I think it means, they wouldn’t be caught dead here. Love that they call it that though. Awesome. Coming soon – Royal Trailer Park.
UPDATE: Definition of Aristocrat (pay attention to #3):
1 : a member of an aristocracy; especially : noble
2 a : one who has the bearing and viewpoint typical of the aristocracy b : one who favors aristocracy
3 : one believed to be superior of its kind
Um, yeah. No.
4. Jerky tastes better on the road — I don’t know why this is, but it’s true. Going on a trip? Get some road jerky. You’re welcome. UPDATE: Jerky’s still pretty awesome when you’re not on the road. Gonna watch some T.V.? Get some couch jerky. You’re welcome.
