Hanging Out at the Santa Monica Pier...the TravBuddy Way!

I left work on the westside around 3:30 pm...YIKES already half hour behind schedule and I get my Blue Iguana Margaritas at the Happy Hour prices!  Since I work about 5 miles away from the Santa Monica Pier, I easily made my way through side streets to the city of Santa Monica.  But my joy was quickly diminished as crazy beach going pedestrians, road blocks, construction, and detours diverted me away from the directions as per Mapquest.  I was got frustrated and called Mel for her guidance.  I took the wrong turn and ended up going north on PCH so...illegal U-turn...yippee no cops around...my bad if I cut someone off...hehehe! 

Finally parked on the northern side of the pier and found my way to Rusty's.   Before walking in, I surveyed the front patio...didn't recognize anyone.  Walked inside...practically empty...I thought they should be here by NOW?!?  The bartender hand-gestured me to go to the back patio...and HOORAY...at the end of a series of tables lined up I see Mel, Joy, and Alina.  Hellos and hugs all around...I want my Blue Iguana!

Mel and I go WAY back.  Even though I met Joy just last month in February at the OC Meetup it like we have been friends for much longer.  Alina...totally awesome, she was the reason for the mini now biggie meetup!  I enjoyed our small group conversations.  Since it was still early, Mel left to check out souvenir shops for a special gift as well as buy me some postcards that I plan to send for the TB postcard exchange.   Mel returned...no luck on the special gift but 3 great postcards which I immediately fill out and asked the others to sign...like a TB greetings! 

Then Tiffany sauntered in and the trouble officially began!  We all wanted to take advantage of the Happy Hour prices on alcohol so I got another Blue Iguana, Joy had red wine, Alina had Sex on the Beach, and I have no clue what Tiffany ordered but I do remember we all gave Mel flack for only drinking water...WATER!?!  Then Alice arrives with presents for all...COOKIES...with profile name tags and happy faces...what a sweetheart!  Shortly after Matt stopped by for a chat and drink.

Somehow Mel was able to sneak out again and buy Matt his special award...the Pinkie (aka The Furthest TB at the Meet award).   We all secretly took turns signing the shirt.  Matt senses something devious but we are smooth and tell him he'll get a chance to see it later...hehehe...hahaha!  Carole joins the group and offers some distraction from the infamous Pinkie.  Matt had only planned to stay for a short while so when he stood to mark his departure, Mel awarded Matt with the Pinkie...and he too turned pinkie in the face.  We all laughed hysterically which I think led Vinnie to where the TB party was at.  Before Matt offically left...he and Mel had a shot of Grey Goose...congrats Matt!

Since I don't where a watch don't know when the other TBs arrived...Dan, Sheila, Grace, Dmitrius, and Sybil.  So many new faces...I'm lovin' it!  As we started ordering food, Dan, with a beer in hand, gave the best one-liner EVER. .."I can't eat on an empty stomach!"...CLASSIC!  Tiffany wanted the party to get started so she yelled "SHOTS!" pointed at everyone if they were in or out.  Us women were game...bring it on...what shots...blow jobs!  Waitress served the shots but WTF no whipped cream...we got jipped but we did the shots anyways.  Mel...the shot pro did it correctly...all mouth and no hands!  Tiffany, after some trouble, followed suit.  Joy and I had difficulties...at some point Joy was lapping up the shot like a kitty...we all could NOT stop laughing.  Eventually, I gave up and grabbed the glass and downed it...not the same without the whipped cream!   I know...I've got alot to learn about shot taking...Mel do you have any tips?!? 

As the sunny afternoon turned into night. ..we all were still having a ball!  Lots of drinking (beers, margaritas, wine, more shots), laughing, pictures, and smoking.  Chatted up a storm with Alina mostly about food...I dubbed her our honorary Filipina!  I was hoping David would make it...later found out he couldn't sneak out of work early...rain check 'ight David.  Then more guys arrive...Warren and Eli.  I met Warren at the OC Meetup...so nice to see him again!  Eli...new to So Cal...braved 5 hours of LA traffic to get to the meetup...what a trooper! 

Since most of us got here during the daylight, we did not have to pay the cover to get in as the Red Elvises were the live entertainment for the evening.  Jenn called to say she was on her way and hoped she didn't have to pay to get in. ..thankfully she used her powers of persuasion to get in and join the party!  Hug fest...Jenn, Joy, Mel, and I! 

Boy does time fly when you are having fun...before we knew it, it was creepin' on 11:30 pm and the parking lot closes at midnight...YIKES!  We get the bill and "GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY!"  almost $500!  We all dig into our purses and wallets to settle the bill properly and WTF we have way more dough than needed so Jenn starts giving cash back!  TBs are definitely a generous bunch...that's for sure!

The night was young and some TBs wanted to keep the party going!  So Sheila suggested Ma'Kai a restaurant and lounge nearby...so the TB cavalry was on the way!  At Ma'Kai, the bouncer was checking IDs.   Mel had a CW moment and forgot her ID but the bouncer was totally cool.  Jenn, Carole, and I had the munchies so we asked the bouncer where to go and he directed us next door to Joe's for NY-style pizza.  Mel tagged along for shits and giggles and more pics...hahaha!  The pizza was really yummy and hit the spot...now for getting our grooves on at Ma'Kai. 

It took us a while but we eventually found the others bumpin' and grindin' and singin'  in a corner just off the bar.  At about 1 am, Carole said her goodbyes and Jenn and I decided to walk her back to her car...TBs got each other' backs!  Jenn and I hopped into Carole's car and gave her personalized directions to PCH.  At a stoplight...Jenn and I jumped out of the car and dodged on-coming traffic and headed back to Ma'Kai for more dancing and more photos. ..we TBs are such picture whores!  Then closing time...house lights turn on and the bouncer corals us all towards the front door.  Goodbyes and more hugs all around! 

What a crazy night!  I had so much fun y'all...MMMMWWWAAH! :P  Until the next meetup...which will be hhmmm...let me see....oh yes...NEXT WEEKEND in...VEGAS BABY VEGAS!