Jose, Barry & Me: An Update
March 1st, 2010
A few months ago, I wrote about how I’ve been endlessly amused by the wonderful sign in my neighbor’s front yard. And now, after a long, cold winter, it looks like the Tequilator Realtor has finally pulled through:
So get out the fresh limes and salt, people because Jose be mixin’ up some new mortgage margaritas! I wonder if his friends Jack Daniels and Johnny Walker Red will be able to stop by after all the papers are signed. I sure hope so. They’re always a lot of fun at housewarmings.
You may also remember that I wrote about how sad I was that I wasn’t able to make it to Vegas last year to see a special someone. Well, hang onto your hats because it looks like I’m headed to LV this Friday where I will be attending Mr. Manilow’s new show at the Paris casino! Whoohoo! I’m ironing my cat sweatshirts and pink capris as we speak!
Now, since I wanted to get really good seats in order to completely bask in the glow of Barry’s spray tan, I had to suck it up and finally join the Barry Manilow International Fan Club (BMIFC). Yeah, yeah, go ahead and say it. I’m officially a Fanilow now. My certificate and new notepad prove it:
(I’m very excited about the “International” part because I think that means I now get into the Louvre for a discount.)
(Also, my husband has suggested I use the notepad to write “I Hate Myself” notes during the show, but I think I’m going to save it for personal correspondence instead.)
My sister Amy will be in Vegas with me, but seeing as how she’s “too cool” and “not a lameass loser living in the 70′s,” she will be going to Bon Jovi the night I’m at Barry. Whatever. I’d like to see Richie Sambora try to pull off frosted blonde tips and giant puffy shoulder pads. I’d like to see him make an audience full of women who own 25 cats and houses soon to be featured on Hoarders sob their eyes out during a heartfelt rendition of “Weekend in New England.” He couldn’t even come close to Barry’s magic. Jerk.
Anyway, my wonderful friend Karen will be going to the show with me instead. Mostly because she’s a great person, but also because I still have a lot of high school dirt on her from 1986 that she doesn’t want me to tell her mother. (So much dirt, in fact, that she even agreed to share a room with me after I signed us up for the “Manilow Romance” package so I could save $50, and get two commemorative Barry champagne flutes.) (We plan on using them to toast our awesomeness.)
And if anyone has any other suggestions for things to see while I’m in Vegas, please let me know because I haven’t been there in a few years. The only other thing I’ve found so far is Carrot Top’s show, but I’m not about to pay $71.00 a ticket to see what DG calls “3 dollars of prop comedy and 68 dollars of shame.” Lord knows I get enough of that in my own bedroom for free.
Well, thanks, everyone. This is BMIFC member #564807 signing off for now. I’ll be sure to let you all know what happens on my big trip to see the big man. I think it’s going to be incredible.
And Barry? It looks like we made it, my friend.
It looks like we f*#ing made it.
________________________________________________
Also, I’ve been having some trouble getting your comments in my email inbox, so I’m not able to respond to anyone right now. I think it may have something to do with the 2,000 suspicious visitors from Beijing that I’ve had on my blog this past week. I knew they were up to no good. Anyway, just know that I thought your comment was hilarious.
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52 Comments
Add your own1. hokgardner | March 1st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Man, I am so bummed that I turned down your invite to join you on this adventure. I, too, could be rocking that really cool lapel pin.
2. Mirth | March 1st, 2010 at 2:49 pm
One huge piece of advice regarding Vegas…the cheapest buffet is not always the best deal around. Splurge a little and you can enjoy the view outside of your room. Also, totally acceptable to carry your liquor up and down the strip, just don’t take it off the strip. They frown on that.
3. Jessie | March 1st, 2010 at 2:51 pm
i love barry! sounds fun!
in vegas one of my fav shows was Le Reve at the Wynn and i also liked Mystere. go see Zumanity if you want to watch an orgy scene on stage
4. Lottie Lou | March 1st, 2010 at 3:08 pm
My suggesting for having a great time?
Take me and pay for my whole trip. Your fun just won’t end.
5. ann | March 1st, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Awesome.
Tell you husband DUH. I WRITE THE SONGS! (here. in this notepad)
6. Gretchen | March 1st, 2010 at 3:21 pm
I spent the New Year’s Eve ringing in 1979, by sitting with my best friend in my bedroom, listening to “Ready to Take a Chance Again” over and over and over. And crying. And I don’t even own a cat.
Ooo, oooo, go to the Liberace Museum – http://www.liberace.org/ . Make it a theme weekend. You won’t be sorry!!
7. Shelly | March 1st, 2010 at 3:52 pm
We were in Vegas 2 weekends ago and I have to admit, I was a little sad to be missing Barry by less than a month. I’d love to see him one day so I can’t wait to hear how it is.
I’m curious as to what you think of his current/plasticated appearance.
8. Cathy | March 1st, 2010 at 4:03 pm
My best memory of Vegas was when my husband and I went out to visit my parents (pre-kids and pre-cell phones) and we decided to take my Dad up on his offer to borrow his car so we could, in his words, “Go tool around for a bit on the strip.”
We were having a fine day, seeing the sites, smoking like fiends in casinos, trying to score free beers, when I decided to call just to check in with my Mom.
I was greeted with, “WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?”
And I was all nervous, unsure of why she’d be THAT concerned about my exact location, “Um, Circus Circus?”
And my Mom was all, “YOUR DAD HAS BEEN OUT LOOKING FOR YOU FOR THE PAST HOUR!”
To which I replied, “Mom? It’s 4:30 p.m. And I’m 28 years old.”
That’s a special memory.
My therapist loves that story, too.
p.s. your line about the bedroom? laugh out loud. the literal kind.
HAVE FUN IN VEGAS!
9. Becky Mochaface | March 1st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I don’t understand Barry. But have fun anyway!
10. Amanda Black | March 1st, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Congratulations Wendi! Have a wonderful time in Vegas, and you should toast your awesomeness. I’m named after “Mandy.” For years, I was totally embarrassed by this fact. But I have come to accept it as my reality. Do you think the Barry Manilow fan clubs offer a family discount for me and my mom?
11. Amanda | March 1st, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Have a great time! I took my daughter to Vegas to meet Leonard Nimoy at the Star Trek convention, so I think Manilow fan-club membership is probably a step up. I would have suggested the Star Trek Adventure, but they closed it, alas.
And I was 10 when “Mandy” came out–I used to be the only one!
~Amanda
12. Aunt Becky | March 1st, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I need to join the Rod Stewart Fan Club, because he is the wind beneath my wings. If you have a problem with that, I will cut you. Don’t think I won’t. I may look like I can’t, but I will cut a bitch.
13. Andrea P. | March 1st, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Well Wendi, I for one am sincerely jealous. I sent my parents to Barry’s New Years Bash at the Universal Ampitheatre in CA way back in 1985. I think I was 10 years old, but it was my gift to them for their 10th anniversary as they were married on New Years Eve in Las Vegas, ironically. I remember they brought us a ton of Manilow freebies including buttons, tshirts, hats, the works. They said it was the best concert they have ever seen. THey are divorced now, but they still agree it was an awesome night. I hope you and your friend have a kick-ass time and get to toast your awesomeness all night long. You cannot go wrong with Barry, even if he looks like he belongs in Madame Tassaud’s wax museum – his voice is timeless, as are is songs, and he never lip synchs. That is the number one must for a concert in my book – no lip synching!
As for what else you should do/see in Vegas, I say get your drink on and hit the roller coaster in New York, New York or the amusement part inside of the MGM Grand. Maybe pretend you are a high roller and drop into one of those poker games, bluff your way through one hand and split. But definitely see Cirque de Soleil if you can – the show is worth the high cost of the ticket and more. You will never forget it and if you happen to watch it under the influence of alcohol or other psychotropics, even better.
Have fun and remember: what happens in vegas stays in vegas. SO break out the manilow lapel pin, wear the concert tshirt, and have a kick-ass time!
14. christy | March 1st, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Too funny Wendi! I’m sure you will have a ton of fun with your friend at the show. I love that you are so die-hard!! haha! We went to see a water show called Le Reve at the Wynn in Vegas last year. HOLY MOLY amazing! It’s like a cirque du soliel show, only cheaper. But just as incredible! I highly recommend it!
15. Jenn | March 1st, 2010 at 5:44 pm
If you like The Beatles at all, you must go see LOVE! My mom took me as an early 22nd b-day present last August and it was nothing short of amazing.
16. Dan | March 1st, 2010 at 7:01 pm
As long as people are recommending Cirque du Soleil, I’ll recommend “O” (the water show) as one of my top three Cirque shows out of the dozen or show I’ve seen. I liked it better than Mystere, Zoomanity, or Ka. I actually fell asleep in the middle of Ka.
I lived in Texas half my life, and I’m telling you the BBQ at the Ellis Island Casino & Brewery behind Bally’s on Koval won’t disappoint. It’s cheap, plentiful, and really good. Check it out: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ellis-island-casino-and-brewery-las-vegas-2
For a classic Vegas act (comedy, songs, impressions) I liked Danny Gans a lot. I was very disappointed with Penn & Teller’s show.
17. Lisa D | March 1st, 2010 at 8:18 pm
You are going to have a BLAST! I went to Vegas in September with a friend for her 50th bday. We saw Donny & Marie. We had front row seats. We got to meet them afterwards and get autographs. While I am not a huge fan, my friend obviously is. LOL. That show was her gift to herself. My gift to her was to take her to see “Thunder From Down Under” at the Luxor…..
And “Mandy” was the first 45 I bought with my allowance as a kid…..
18. Lisa Rae @smacksy | March 1st, 2010 at 8:54 pm
The following is very important information:
The best food you will ever have in your life is the banana cream pie at Emeril’s located in the MGM Grand. If you don’t want to eat dinner at Emeril’s, you can sit in the Emeril’s bar and just order the pie. It is not the best dessert you will ever have, IT IS THE BEST FOOD YOU WILL EVER HAVE. Those who do not even like bananas have been converted.
That is all.
19. karen from mentor | March 1st, 2010 at 10:48 pm
“I’d like to see him make an audience full of women who own 25 cats and houses soon to be featured on Hoarders sob their eyes out during a heartfelt rendition of “Weekend in New England.”
ROLLING ON THE FLOOR KICKING MY HAIRY LITTLE HOBBIT FEET IN THE AIR…oh man.
have fun. don’t eat any suspicious looking shrimp.
20. Kate Coveny Hood | March 2nd, 2010 at 1:43 am
The only time that I’ve ever been to LV was when I was working as a meeting planner (five years ago?). So there wasn’t much time to get out and do anything (i.e. lose all of my money in five minutes at the black jack table). But I did have a little fun, including a great dinner at Red Square. I think that’s what it was called… It was a Russian theme (just to be clear) and I know there was a lot of Vodka and a bar made of ice. Have a great time at the concert. I can’t say I’m a Fanilow – but I do get very excited whenever Copa comes on the radio.
21. Candy | March 2nd, 2010 at 6:49 am
Hmmm, Barry or Bon Jovi….tough call. Yes, there is a schizophrenic tone to this decision.
22. Cassie | March 2nd, 2010 at 7:34 am
I am dying laughing! i want you to wear your lapel pin to the next PTA meeting and see how many other Barry fans give you that secret handshake you know they’ve got!
Vegas, I used to live there and my advice would be to stay the hell off the strip but I guess that sort of defeats the purpose of visiting Vegas, huh?
23. Teresa in Fort Worth, TX | March 2nd, 2010 at 8:00 am
Oh, my – I am so jealous! I’ve been in love with Barry since Mandy came out (I was 16). Other friends’ musical “crushes” came and went, but I’ve been true to Barry all these years. Like you, my husband just shakes his head, smiles and goes on….
Have fun!
24. Crys | March 2nd, 2010 at 8:50 am
HAVE FUN!
25. Cait | March 2nd, 2010 at 9:10 am
Wouldn’t it be great if we could somehow combine Barry Manilow’s voice with Bon Jovi’s ass? Ah, the possibilities. Now I really want those thin mints and a box of wine…
26. Kimberly | March 2nd, 2010 at 9:17 am
Wendi:
Go with an open mind and I think you’ll have a better time then you believe you will.
Personally, I’d love to see Bon Jovi as well. Jon is still rockin’ it to this day.
Eats – HASH HOUSE A GO-GO (Fabulous Food – TONS of it) – Now inside Imperial Palace.
See – The Atrium and the Fountains (Water and Chocolate) at the Bellagio – They are Free!
Shows – Check out 1/2 Price Tix Booths first. See what catches your eye.
Overall – Enjoy!!!
27. Traci | March 2nd, 2010 at 9:37 am
Go see Cirq de Soleil’s “Love.” Best show ever!!
28. Gail | March 2nd, 2010 at 9:39 am
Hilarious – hope you enjoy your time with Barry – be sure to toast everyone’s awesomeness. And since it’s opening night with a new show at a new venue, the fans are going to be out in force (rather than regular random people who decided to check Barry out).
But, Wendi…don’t look for Danny Gans tickets – the man is no longer with us, sadly. He passed away about a year ago.
29. krabies | March 2nd, 2010 at 9:56 am
I just went to Bryan Adams two weeks ago and I felt 16 again although I looked 42!!
It was so great!
30. Rox | March 2nd, 2010 at 11:25 am
Wendi, I’m a Fanilow too. My BF gave me a pair of tickets to see him sometime in the early 90s; I refused to go without her. She caved, and he had her at the laser light show. She’s been a fan ever since!
You’ll have so much fun… enjoy!!!
31. zalaine | March 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 am
Remember what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas so knock yourself out!
32. Karen | March 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 am
Bellagio has an amazing Sunday brunch, but if you go, ask to sit at the bar! The drinks come quicker, the bartenders are great, and you get seated A LOT sooner. The bar has a good view of the buffet, so as you’re noshing you can pick out the next plateful. Have a fabulous time!
33. Ivan Toblog | March 2nd, 2010 at 12:29 pm
By all means delay your departure until Monday. Then go over to the airport to watch everyone else who is leaving on Sunday stand in the ten-mile long lines wring there hands as they worry about missing the flight that they arrived four hours early to catch.
34. muffintopmommy | March 2nd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Am I the only one who wants to see a pic of you on the strip with your Fanilow pack sporting Hot Chocolate? I dare you.
35. Gayle | March 2nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Wendi:
Thunder From Down Under is a great show. They are at the Excalibur, NOT the Luxor. Also at Excalibur is the Tournament of Kings. That is dinner and a show. The best buffet, in my opinion, is at the Rio. Have fun. I will be there opening night. My hubby got me a ticket for Xmas. Fourth Row, center section. I can’t wait.
36. SoccerMom | March 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Sounds like a rockin good time. I agree, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Have a awesome time!
37. ShallowGal | March 2nd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I suspect Barry might have used the old trick of starting his fan club numbering at 564,000. Like when you start your checkbook at check 1002 so you look all financially responsible.
38. Nap Warden | March 2nd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Sometimes just to drive my husband crazy, I cock my head and belt out Mandy at the top of my lungs…Works every time;)
“You came and you gave without taking…and I sent you away…OHHHHH MANDY!”
39. Laura | March 2nd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
You better come back with some awesome pics! What happens in Vegas should not stay in Vegas. At least not when you have a hilarious blog to post it on! Have fun!
40. Jeffrey | March 2nd, 2010 at 5:40 pm
You might want to post bail early… you know just in case. I think they have a pre-paid plan.
~cheers.
41. Maria Butts | March 2nd, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Good for Jose! I’m happy for him, he deserves a shot of his own liquid!
Yes, after writing about Vegas, you better post pics of Vegas!
42. the mama bird diaries | March 2nd, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Wishing you a perfect Manilow Romance weekend.
43. Anna Lefler | March 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Bon Jovi’s in Vegas?!?!?
*squealing tires*
(Also – while in Vegas, do the indoor parachuting! It’s totally cool! And, no, it’s not something you pay an escort to do to you – it’s really indoor parachuting.)
Have “fun”…
XO
A.
44. InvaderStu | March 3rd, 2010 at 7:36 am
I have no words…
Manilow Romance? Does that sound like a bad touch to anyone else but me?
“Show me on the doll where he Manilow Romanced you.”
45. mykljak | March 3rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Our dog’s breeders were a, um, *rustic* couple named Pat and Jack Daniels, and many of their dogs had whiskey-related names. Zap’s father was called Harvey Wallbanger.
Re Barry, I’m more jealous than I can express. Which is an honest person’s way of saying he’s happy for you.
46. Mommy on the Spot | March 3rd, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Have fun in Vegas (but maybe not Hangover fun).
47. emily bilbrey | March 4th, 2010 at 1:21 am
“lord knows I get enough of that in my own bedroom for free.” =
I DIE.
love this beyond words. you are hysterical.
cheers!
48. Jen | March 4th, 2010 at 6:58 am
This is going to give you great blog material for ages. You will be able to milk this thing dry. Let me know if he truly looks like a Muppet in person, not just on tv.
49. samantha from maine | March 4th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
My husband and I planned our whole GD trip to Vegas around seeing HIM, well we got there and a few songs into it he said he was too sick to go on with the show. We were crushed, crushed, crushed. We got our money back but everything was ruined and I sobbed for days, well at least until we got back to the slot machines. We’re going to try again and stay at the Paris too, just in case he tries to get away again. Good luck!
50. ilinap | March 8th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Dude, I’ve seen Barry in concert twice. And Neil Diamond 8 times. I am *that* cool.
51. Sans Pantaloons | March 13th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Ouroboros.
I do admit that verbosity is my 40.
52. Charlie | March 16th, 2010 at 3:04 am
Have a blast!!! And make sure you dont get on stage or stalk barry
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