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October 09, 2005
Time for a confession
Four years ago this month I had my 1986 Toyota Van (AKA The Fun Van) stolen while I was on Sawtelle Boulevard in West Los Angeles.
Cay was on retreat with her Brentwood kids. I finished work late on a Thursday night at Fox in Century City. It was the fall of my fifth season on Dharma & Greg. I drove Pico east to Sawtelle, headed north, and parked the van at a meter about five spots south of Olympic on the east side of the street. I had dinner at the Baja Fresh and then walked across the street to play Counterstrike at an internet gaming center called Cyber 210.
Had a long session and came out after midnight. I walked back across Olympic and WTF where is my van? The van was gone! Along with my Stewart 9'3" longboard that Greg Beier gave to me as a gift. I knew I parked it there. Positive. I found a payphone and called the police. Reported my car stolen. Called a cab. I think I drove Cay's car to work the next day.
Two weeks later on a Monday I bought a 1996 Subaru Legacy wagon.
The next day I got a call from the LAPD and they said that they recovered the van.
I went to the impound yard and saw my van. It was dirty from the dust kicked up in the yard and there was no surfboard on the roof. I looked inside where I had a bunch of camera assistant gear (bags, tools, etc. that was worth some decent kale) and they were untouched.
I drove the Fun Van home with Cay following behind me. We were both elated. Now I was the owner of two cars and so very happy to have my van back.
Several days later I drove past the address where the police report said the van was found. It was three and a half blocks west of Sawtelle on Mississippi Avenue near Colby. [Map is here]
Uh oh. That's weird. Maybe I did move my van after dinner and park it there. I sometimes parked on this street when gaming at Cyber 210. I just don't remember getting in my car after Baja Fresh to move it farther away from Sawtelle. Meters weren't running. Why the hell would I move it?
To this day I sometimes tell myself that the van was stolen, taken for a joy ride, and left on the road a few blocks away from where it was stolen.
I'm just fooling myself.
I completely forgot that I moved the van. A few of my friends [click here for a great archived phone message from Scott] suggested that this was the case but I refused to believe I could be that stupid. I was that stupid. Happily I can report that I haven't done anything that stupid since then. Maybe I have and I just don't remember it.
This is just the beginning of my story. Ever since seeing My Name Is Earl, I've been thinking about the Karma thing. This confession is a way for me to begin to pay back the 60 people who sent me ten bucks for a new surfboard thanks to a solicitation letter sent out by Cay. I have a list and I'll be trying to set things right.
Posted by nigelstewart at October 9, 2005 12:24 PM
Comments
Let me be the first to tell you...
GODAMMIT you're a retard! But seriously, that was stupid.
Okay, you deserve that, but you are a mensch and a brave one at that for admitting to it. Wow, and all this because of a god damn TV show. Godammit, that's retarded.
Where's my ten bucks?
Love you, man.
Posted by: Greg at October 9, 2005 06:33 PM
OK--Great truthful reconcilliation with the facts. One small detail seems to be omitted, and for me it was the obvious question. Were you burning the bud> If so, how much, what quality and was it still in the ashtray when you got your van back? Good Cali herbs can cause this phenomenon knows as "stoned, confused and forgetful".....
Posted by: paynterinflorida at October 11, 2005 07:41 AM
Yes it's true I did partake that evening after eating the Baja Fresh and before gaming. It shouldn't be to blame, though. Or should it?
Posted by: nig3l at October 11, 2005 09:40 PM
Well, well. Now this is truth! Smoking the good good champagne...surely this explains such a complete brain time-out. The clues? Baja Fresh---internet gaming...it was all there....Burnin' and a Losing tonight......that's good stuff man...funny story
Posted by: paynterinflorida at October 12, 2005 03:55 AM
Benefit of the doubt - that's what I give ya!! Nigel, you have NEVER exhibited any type of "low rent" behavior in the past. If you simply forgot, that's ok too. The loss was real to you and that was good enough for me to shell out some coin to help with your new board acquisition. I understand, being a veteran of ol' Blue Pacific, the desire, the feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen to get you back in the water to surf another perfect wave. I know that feeling intimately - you could have sent that letter out without the "stolen van" story and could have gotten me to help with your cause. Your response was a reflection of how fondly your friends feel for you. Keep the money - however, I do need a new full wetsuit for this Winter......
Posted by: Scott at October 12, 2005 09:31 AM
Hey thanks Scott. I just bought a new wetsuit for the winter (O'Neil's Psycho II - yeah, baby) so if you want my old one which just needs a new zipper handle and cord...
Posted by: nig3l at October 12, 2005 11:51 AM