So one Thursday, we were driving from Los Angeles, California to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a gig. We had in our possession a bag of red foam noses, the type generally associated with clowns.
Now first you must know that the majority of us in the van have a particular aversion to clowns, and will in general avoid all association.
However, this was trumped by our desire to cause mischief, and so we all donned the noses, fixed our faces in deadpan expressions, and had a great time watching the the faces of passengers in adjacent cars as we headed down the freeway. Before too long we had to make a pit stop, and found ourselves at a truck stop-store-cafe out in the Arizona desert.
As we parked, Aaron said that the rule was, anyone getting out of the van had to wear a red nose. Turk didn't even hesitate, and was soon across the parking lot and inside the little store. "Gotta do what ya gotta do" I said, and slid out of the van into the bright Arizona Sun. As I neared the door, I could hear people muttering to one and other
"Check this one out..."
"Whoa, here comes another one..."
"I wonder what's going on ?"
I made my way inside and took care of business, then went and got a cold drink.
The lady at the counter gave my the up and down.
"What's with the get-up?"
She was regarding my outfit. Shorts, Hawaiian shirt, fedora, mirrored aviator shades and big red foam nose.
I handed her money for the drink.
"Boss says we gotta wear the nose when we're out in public" I dead-pan
"The Boss?"
"Yep"
apperently this made sense to her. "Well, OK then..."
I grabbed my change and left.
Back at the Van, Turk arrives, but sans nose.
"Where's your nose?" Aaron asks.
"Gave it to the lady at the counter. When I walked up she asked, "Where do i get a nose?" So I gave it to her. Then she asked if I would get in trouble with the boss. I told her I'd deal with it"
I nod, "Nice"
As we are getting into the van, a couple guys next to a big truck towing jet skis are giving us the eye.
Here it comes, I'm thinking.
A guy in wrap around sunglasses and a stretched out tank top motions to us, "What's with the noses?"
Aaron reaches into a bag and produces one, "Red nose day tomorrow, we're gettin' ready"
He lobs it like a softball and the guy catches it, a huge grin blossoming on his face.
"Right on!" the guy says.
We pile into the van and depart.
Sometimes it just happens like that.
