Brief Trip to Hillside

I went up to Western Plaza for a bottle of Sailor from Hillside Liquor (29105 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275). As I strolled down this strip mall from one end to the next I couldn't help but notice many of the businesses are closed except for the Tobacco Shop, Massage Parlor and Liquor store. There's also an O'Reilly and Maui Chicken operating in the section before this, but between Tobacco and Liquor everything is vacant. The Barber Shop goes strictly by appointment and judging by the lights being off there weren't any clients that far into the day, which was around four o'clock.

From what I've heard, the landlord has increased the rent. It doesn't surprise me to see an auto parts store, exceptional food, nicotine, rub downs, booze and the lotto are the only products here moving with enough momentum to keep up with a higher space charge.

I recently read John O'Brien's "Leaving Las Vegas" which is a story about a hooker, an alcoholic and their short lived friendship. There was also a film adaptation of the novel starring Nicholas Cage and Elisabeth Shue. I wanted to be reminded of what it was like to be drunk again, swimming in Echo Spring if you will. It's been a long time since I've abused alcohol and I have no interest in getting fucked up every chance I can and dealing with aggravated nerves when I'm forced to be dry, again. This pint of rum will last me for a good while, and there's a potential of me sharing it should I have a thirsty guest.

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