Over the weekend, the family and I ended up on an impromptu trip to Texas. It wasn’t really impromptu, but the gameplan was. One of the coolest things is that we can just “go”. I don’t want anyone to lose translation in anything I speak of, as I am sure that many people have their judgement about our choices. Not really concerned about that however, I am wanting to share the adventure with you.
Houston was really not the “coolest” place I have ever been per se, but it was beautiful-especially at night…..from outside of the city….looking at it…from a distance. But we had some of the pre-programmed nonsense in our heads before we even went…so we didn’t really have an opportunity to give the town a chance. I spoke with, and met a constable regarding the GBH concept, put some of our stickers on a police cruiser for later use, and took a ton of time to just appreciate that we are NOT doing this journey in hotel rooms.
The first night of our stay, we walked into the lobby of the Ramada hotel we were staying in. The lobby had the familiar smell of vaporized marijuana and pool chlorine. There was a haze in the lobby, but who am I to judge about that stuff. It was when I stood there for 2 minutes watching the fella behind the counter try to close his Pornhub browser….that got the email fired off to corporate for me.
Sorry man….I can tolerate a lot….but standing here while you finish your mental masturbation session while I have a question about Ice Cold Energy Drinks from the machine that isn’t working…..is a bit more important to me. I asked “do you guys sell the vending items at the desk” his response was “no, I mean we probably do, but I don’t know where they are, or how to do it”. Seemed like an honest answer to me. Off I went to the room. Mind you-sans energy drink, but probably for the better.
My wife and son went to the restaurant that shared the parking lot with the hotel. It was Hot Biscuit and they were open 24 hours. My son liked the stop because the waitress was nice to him, my wife liked it because she got to get away from the mom gig for a minute. Something she rarely capitalizes on. I had 3/4 kids that were with us, two of which were sleeping, the other-screaming…in true GBH family fashion.
I zipped the infant into my hoodie with me (I still have fat clothes) and snuggled the best I could, while we dozed off and waited for mommy to get home. It was close to midnite, and I had chicken fried steak, a sleeping baby, and no desire to eat. I had fallen asleep and no longer wanted to “today”. It stayed in the fridge…….the next day was an adventure!
As our adventure started the second day, we took a wrong turn, then another wrong turn, then ended up on Houston street IN HOUSTON, but was merely a “glance” than anything. I saw “Misfit Toys” and next door was a bong shop. I was leery as I saw the pipes, and wasn’t sure if “those” were the misfit toys. Glad I checked!
We walked into my childhood nostalgia like it was a page directly taken from time. A plethora of GI Joe, He Man AND the Masters of the Universe, Star Wars, Chucky-THE BRIDE OF CHUCKY!!!! Toys, toys, TOYS!!! I could barely contain my excitement as the kids ran around the store screeching in glee, while I did the exact same thing, but screaming on the inside. I HAD TO TALK TO THESE GUYS>
Turns out, one of the employees is an actor, another a musician, the owner-someone that shared a passion for toys just as many others. While they have other professions, they were down to earth dudes, that understood the concept behind what they were doing. Not making tons of money, but bringing joy to others. The coolest thing about this shop-it was busy! Not like one or two people aside from the six that I tote everywhere I go….but a lot of people shopping here. And that brought me a lot of joy.
After speaking to the employees and sharing our story and mission, we were off to find the best of the next destination for our stay. I purchased a Misfit toy, from the band Misfits-The Original Fiend, Santa. I had seen the others they had in the store at other places, but this one I had not seen before. The store has a very large variety of offerings and prices. You will be sure to find what you are looking for whether you are a collector, kid at heart, or trying to make up for ruining your dad’s favorite paint brush…..this store is a MUST VISIT if you are in Houston.
But!!!!! You know me, share the love-share the wealth. Their link to their facebook page will be on my linktree this weekend if you want to click through. Otherwise, follow them on Facebook or IG @misfittoystx
In the meantime; Stay Strong; Stay Focused; STAY SOBER!
Stay tuned……much love ya’ll
Your Recovery; Your Way! 