After having a week and a half to spend at home, we kicked off the beginning of a long month by flying to Los Angeles. My first flight was no big deal, but Houston to LA was a nightmare. I was surrounded by countless kids under the age of five, none which spoke English. So, not only did I listen to four hours of crying and whining, but I couldn’t understand any of it either.
Fred and I were picked up at LAX by Liz and Sherry (two longtime fans) and driven to the hotel. You know, it’s weird…when Fred and I checked in, we both had to sign agreements that if we smoked in our hotel rooms or even on the patio, we would be fined $300. Fortunately, neither of us smoke, so it’s really not an issue. But I was amazed at how much some places are really locking down on smokers. Where I come from, every restaurant has a choice. Be completely smoking or completely non-smoking. Just another culture shock for the Texas boy.
Anyway, Fred and I had enough time to put our bags down in our rooms before meeting Jeff in the lobby. Jeff had actually come in the day before to visit his brother, but highway construction caused him some trouble getting to the hotel. He finally made it, and Liz and Sherry arrived to take Fred and me to Saint Joseph High School in Lakewood.
What a great place for Rockapella to perform. It’s an all-girls school, so the female contingent was strong. Plus, the last time the guys were there, they signed the stools they used onstage. Check out the pics. Of course, Kevin had to draw the obligatory “butt mark” on his stool. And one of the best parts of the night…we got to watch bits and pieces of the Miami-Pittsburgh game in the dressing room. Come on, with four Florida guys in the group, you know we had to find a way to get the game.
The show was actually a lot of fun, with the guys cracking up several times onstage. Many thanks to Karla, Liz, and Sherry for making our day so enjoyable and carefree. Even more thanks go out to the mysterious Mr. Horn, whose stealthy tactics kept the guys safe and secure, even in the limo.
Tomorrow morning, Kevin and I are picking up rental cars to use on our free day in LA. Time for bed.
Your sleepy road manager,
Justin
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