Although, I was a bit surprised at the amount of booze.

Cousins galore showed up, as did my parents.

Morgan had a good time yakking with all, while I consumed the last alcohol I’d imbibe until after the film. Solely for the calories, not for any weird artistic reason.

Zoe seemed to enjoy what she could understand, but especially liked the cupcake she got, most of which ended up on her face, not in it. She started feeding her father some of the mashed-up crumbs after she’d mangled the top of the thing, in the cutest birthday moment, ever. So, naturally, I failed to get a shot of it.

And then we were exhausted and called it a day.

But it’s supposed to be the best night to go, since it’s crowded and they have hot go-go boys writhing above the crowd. The place was full of mostly hot messes, but there were a few normal guys from the neighborhood and beyond (also a few gay-friendly straight couples), and the DJ wasn’t half bad. Not a patch on the guy who spins at Faultline for their Sunday beer bust, who mixes old and new tunes with panache and wit and is worth going to listen to for his set alone, but pretty good.

I was sweated on by passing dancers, which was a bit disturbing, but we saw a few friends and acquaintances, so I think I’ll give it another shot. Especially if I pick up a couple more “no cover with this” flyers.

(L-R: Brian, Dennis, Ryan, Jason, Jesse, Johnny)

(L-R: Ryan (barely), Jason, Jesse, Johnny, Evan, Nater, Nicole)

Jesse’s swine outfit was fantastic.

(L-R: Ryan (Danny’s friend), Danny, Ryan (Dennis’s roommate), Evan, Dennis)

Nater, who I hadn’t seen since last year, made it up to the fiesta.

Phillip didn’t go out with the revelers, having work the next day, but he joined in while we were inside.

And then, of course, Micky’s.

Chelsea was her typical gorgeous self.

We shuffled through the crowd to the patio. The dancers were lackluster, but if they were on heroin, I’ll apologize. The music was great, running through a mix of 90s grunge hits that made me nod my head and smile. Dennis was just happy to have a few drinks in him, and also to witness the rebirth of the first West Hollywood bar he went to.

Alistair, peach-colored shirt preppily collar-flipped, chatted up the gays, laying on the Scottish charm.

Johnny showed up and we made a quick stop at Steak Depot for a snack and to do a little iPhoning.

And Dennis wants to give up these spontaneous soirees for NYC?! All right, I don’t blame him. And I need a buddy in New York so I can visit more often.

Kelly gave me an enthusiastic hello and a hug, introduced me to a couple of the people next to her, and we continued down the street, collecting Morgan on the way. We had one drink at Trunks, then all headed over to The Motherlode (in all its sleazy glory) for the cash drawing they’d cooked up.

A few semi-celebs celebrated by the gay community were on hand including Chip Arndt, co-winner from The Amazing Race 4. I think he’s in the blue shirt in the middle of the group, below the green balloon with his back to the camera in this photo.

Yeah, you can’t see much. Still, dollar beers were fun, as was the blinking LED bow tie I was forced to wear. Drink up, boyos!

I went with Dennis, who knew quite a few of the guests as Brown alums, and several others just from being Dennis.

One of the bartenders looked familiar. Some people just have a face I’m sure I’ve seen before, though they may just look like someone I know or someone famous. Sometimes, there’s just a universal familiarity to them, though, and I won’t be the only one to have the same sensation. Imran is nice, and I met a couple of interesting guests, but it wasn’t quite my crowd. I later said something about it to Dennis’s roommate, Phillip, who of course blabbed it immediately. Note to self: when you have a less-than-stellar time at a party your friend has graciously invited you to, and at which the drinks are free, keep your big mouth shut, especially to people who have no down-low filter, lest you be thought a giant asshole.

The view, though, was fantastic.

We also spent some time watching the Real-World-esque Jacuzzi scene evolving several floors below. I need a video camera with a zoom lens.

Saturday, however, I had a blast. Dennis and I headed out to Venice, to celebrate the pre-game party at his friend Bobby’s. There were more Browns, and lots of film industry folk to fill the ranks. As early arrivals, we sat around the living room, knocked back a few, and chatted.

Joe wanted to know all about voice acting, and I tried to impart some helpful advice, given my limited experience, while Conor ate dinner with his girlfriend.

I also talked with Emma (at left of the photo below) for some time, discussing law and film. Revelers kept arriving until the place was packed out.

Bobby changed his shirt 3 times, which I found out later was not unusual. Hey, if it’s your place, you have options. Lovely, lovely people all around, and I’m glad to have had the chance to meet them. Thanks, Dennis!

Morgan had a good time chatting with Danny and Elizabeth

In fact, everybody had a pretty good time, all around.

Especially Melanie, who worked the room with boisterous efficiency and regal attire.

We stuffed ourselves with Trader Joe’s appetizers, booze, and Jay’s chili. I caught up with a few more ex-cow-orkers who attended.

Happy [REDACTED]eth birthday, sweetie!

Dennis is still recovering from his ankle surgery, so the crowded clubs were out. We stopped at Java Detour for a laugh, since they had the neighborhood’s smallest bar. It’s really a coffee shop, but maybe they had a liquor license left over that would otherwise have gone to waste. We met up with his fellow ankle survivor, Betsy, who was rocking a pair of wicked cool Sam Adams earrings.

We moved to St. Felix’s to chat, and whiled away a couple of hours in pleasant conversation. I thought Dennis was moody at first, but I think he was just impatient with the amount of time it took for the iPhone app I was using to snap the photos (Darkroom). It works great in low light, but can take long seconds to set itself up. We laughed it up until after 11:00, and parted ways.

So who won?

I continued to drink, which helped, because the place was dead until after 10:00. Switched to greyhounds, my fave. Unfortunately, it was way too dark for flashless photos.

There were lots more revelers by countdown time.

The music was way too loud, but it was nice to be in a crowd for the turn of the year. I finished with a shot of bourbon, which was probably a bit much. You know that line you try to keep on the other side of, when you cast all restraint aside and just keep drinking? I was so close.

Come on in, 2009, it’s about damned time.