Today at Immigration and the Company

Jim's book is out. Dacheux is in town. Sonny and I are writing lyrics for his new album. Paiman and I are writing the script for The Whopper Strategies. Panauh and Michaelangelo are making the Nothing record. The Downtown Harvest are releasing their debut cd in New York City. I got a shirt on Melrose. I am shooting an MOS for Dr. Drew. Things couldn't be better. Oh, and to top it off,

I am an American citizen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then I go to work. Patrick, our Supervisor, had a giant American flag duck taped to my cubicle. Then later the entire company surprised me in the large conference room with ice cream cake and more flags.

"Sing the National Anthem," they said.

"In the key of G minor," someone shouted.

I managed three notes.

"Uh," I said. "I don't even know the key of G minor."

Everyone looked at me. Speech, their eyes seemed to say. I managed to trip lighlty over my tongue to some semblance of love and gratitude.

In other words, I don't know what I said. I was just talking and completely shocked.

Afterwards, I wrote an email to the entire company:

Dearest Friends,

The Boss is on the jukebox. My head is moving back and forth. I am heading down the 101. I am saying to myself, "Thank you." I say to you all, "Thank you." I am an American citizen and I have all of you in my life. Thank you for being part of my dream.Thank you for the warmth and good wishes. Thank you for being you.

With All the Love in My Heart,

Pirooz Kalayeh

Now it goes to all of you. Thank you.

Kisses, P.