My Birthday Celebration

[vegasbabe]

Well, as I've previously stated it definitely wasn't normal. But, all in all, when I look back on it, it was fun.

I tried to start the week off with my birthday dinner at Willy & Jose's at Sam's Town on tues. night. I knew they give the birthday folks a free t shirt and a free marguerita. Also, I had a $25 birthday gift certificate to be used in any Sam's Town restaurant (minus the food court). When I arrived at Willy & Jose's on tuesday, I, along with 5 other people were surprised to see they were closed. I thought they were closed sun & mon. Well, it's now mon & tues. So, I trekked over to Billy Bob's, against my better judgement. Well, my intuition was correct. There was a 30 to 45 minute wait. What! You're closing your restaurants due to the economic downturn, then you say you're too busy to serve me at an alternate restaurant?? No Thank You! Obviously I was starving, and had planned to already have nachos and salsa in front of me by then. So, off to the food court!

I tried again wed. night. Willy & Jose's was open and I was glad I waited. Water and nachos were on the table within seconds after I sat down. As soon as I laid my gift cert. on the table, I had my free marguerita on the table. My order was taken, and about 8 minutes later, it was out and on my table. Wow! NOw that's service. I must mention, it was around 5:30 and the place was 75% full, with several large parties. They quite simply treated me like a queen. I got the seafood enchilada as usual, and it was mouth watering. Also, a note to Casa Cocina at ESC--the shrimp were large, and had no shells to pluck from your mouth. They also put scallops in their "seafood" enchiladas. After dinner, they offered me my free chocolate taco for dessert. I told the waiter twice that I wanted fried ice cream. After it finally sunk in, he graciously substituted fried ice cream. The whole dining experience was fantastic! 5 forks on Westie's scale.

Thurs. I had to work, so no major party events, but I made up for it friday night! After work, I went home, took a brief nap, then went to see INAFect at the Orleans. Or so I thought. Here's where things get interesting. I walked into the lounge at about 8:40. Normally by then, the lounge is packed when INAFect is playing. Well, only 7 tables were occupied. Hum? Then I looked at the stage, and noticed 2 large double keyboards, and a white drum set. I thought InAFect had a dark colored set. The stage was set up completely different from the way InAFect sets up. UhOh! Something happened, and they had to call in a relief band! Well, something happened, but not what I thought. At about 8:50, the band members started doing sound checks, etc. It was definitely InAFect, however, they were minus Tony, their bass

sorry, got interrupted! Let's continue......

[vegasbabe]

player. As goes Tony, so go his bongos. That's another reason the stage looked different. They started the show by taking a poll to see how many people had seen the band before. 80% had, 20% hadn't. There were a lot of questioning faces, but nobody really said anything. Not even the band. After about 2 songs, they introduced all of the band members. I've never heard of their new keyboard player, but he did sing a very good Stevie Wonder song. Ribbon in the Sky if my memory serves me. I'm still questionning why they would replace a bass player with yet another keyboard player. They currently have one of the best keyboard players in the world with Carnell Upchurch (even though he doesn't sing much, as misterkeno has pointed out. ) Anyway, this means Larry White is now playing bass guitar, and that means there goes his great guitar solos. No more Star Spangled Banner I guess. At least for awhile. I must say though, I've seen bands lose members before, and nobody has handled it as quickly and smoothly as these guys did. They still gave a fantastic performance, even though their playlist seemed extremely limited. They were dragging songs out, where they used to play 3 songs within a minute of each other. Sometimes even at the same time. That just shows how talented these guys really are. I'm sure they didn't miss one performance, and they won't, since they are pretty much booked solid through the new year.
The tense grimness of change started to wear off after a few drinks, and it was time to celebrate the birthdays. Since mine was only minutes away, I went to the dance floor when they called for all the birthday girls. They sat 5 of us in a row of chairs on the dance floor, gave us all a teddy bear, and I got to touch the Tresure chest. Well, actually, I got to touch Tresure's chest. The entertainer of the year proceeded to sing to us. "All this love's waiting for you." As he sang, he landed on each of our laps! I took the opportunity to check out his 6 pack abs and arms and shoulders. Ladies-----he still has what he had in the picture on www.myspace.com/inafectband (look at the friends list, click on "T" and you can't miss Tresure.) I thought that picture was from several years ago, but even if it was, he's still got it. (or them) ROCK SOLID! I knew he was a Scorpio, but I didn't realize his birthday was 3 days earlier than mine. When he announced he just turned 51--I almost fell off the chair. Folks this guy dances as well as Michael Jackson, and he can still do half splits! WOW!! Eventually, it all had to end. We had our lap dances and teddy bears, and it was back to our seats. AAAAHHHHH!!!!!!
4.5 claps on the Westie scale

I stayed for part of the 4th set, and at 1:30 I decided it was time to leave. I had to work the next afternoon. So, I left between songs, as to not seem rude, and when I got to the parking lot, my next surprise was waiting. 2 motorcycle cops had a lady in a mini van stopped behind me. They asked if I needed to get out, and I responded, "no I can go back in and listen to the band a while longer." Luckily I could still speak after my 4 long islands. I once had a friend tell me, don't try to hide from a situation like that. Face it head on, and don't bring any undo attention to yourself. Well, the 4 long islands had been spaced out over 4 hours, and they did make the lady move her van, so.....

I slowly backed up, turned the wheel to get the car at the right angle, then said, "oh sh___, now I have to get between this row of parked cars, and 2 police cycles, in a chrysler! YIKES!" Well, I slowly squeezed my way through, breathed a sigh of relief, then headed home. What an interesting evening.

I forgot to mention, since I had an open invitation out for ELV members to join me, I had put a 3 sided sign on the table. One couple did come and sit and talk to me for awhile, and they said they were interested in learning more about the website. They were from FLA, and they may be members by now. They had seen the band many times before, and they needed that last fixx before leaving in the morning.

Now for saturday, it was not as exciting as I planned. Most of the partiers had never been to One Six before, so the view alone was exciting for them. I was not "kissed" by 1 of the 4 Kiss girls who did the pre judging for costumes, so I was a little bummed about that. I thought I looked pretty wild in my Jane of the Jungle dress. Popeye won. I had my 2 Strange Brew drinks, hung around for the judging, then off to bed, as I had to work in the morning. 3 claps

That took care of that! birthday and party over! Back to work!

photos are posted at:
http://photobucket.com/vegasbabebirthday

I'll have to add my teddy bear/table sign pic later. for some reason, I couldn't get it to print. I'll try again tomorrow.

there are also a few other pics from previous events. LVFan, her friend Cheryl, Larry G Jones, and Harry S. the Elvis impersonator

also, Stange Brew a few weeks ago when Scott McCartney played with them.

also, the patriotic wave at ESC

FYI, Halloween was Strange Brew's last night at One Six. I don't know who, if anyone will be performing there next. Strange Brew will be moving to Marilyn's on mondays, if I heard them correctly.

[LVloverNaNa]

Thank you for you B'day report. Sounds like you had a fun time. I haven't been to Sam's in a few years. I think I'll grab the shuttle from Harrah's next week.

[jbenter]

Happy Birthday again!! Glad you had a great time. Enjoyed the pics. Thanks for sharing.

[7777]

Great report, sure wish i could live in Vegas. You are lucky the Police didn't notice you had been drinking, your story might have turned out differently. Well you had a great time, and that's all that counts. Thanks for the report!

[sonntex]

Fun times for you, Jane. Eating, clubbing, drinking - nothing like it, huh...
and a lap dance to boot...
brings back memories to me when one night my son's band was playing in a club in Dallas on his birthday. About midway thru the last set, the owner of the club told him to put his guitar down and called him to the middle of the dance floor and told him to sit...
in walked a tall scantily clad buxom blonde gal and plopped herself down on his lap......
he rolled his eyes and just hung his arms down to this side and hollered out, "Why did you guys do this to me? I can't do what I want to..my mom's sitting at that table over there...ooooh, this is so embarrassing."
W and I were about to fall out of our chairs laughing.
At least you got to get the full enjoyment from your experience. LOL

BTW, do you have an extra bed? I want to move in with you.;)

[arm53]

BTW, do you have an extra bed? I want to move in with you.;)


If thats the case can I park my RV in your driveway??
I promise I won't do the Christmas Vacation sewer empty. :rolleyes:

[Lori R]

Great birthday fun, Jane. Thanks for letting us share the fun, if not the food and cocktails! LOL.

[vegasbabe]

Great report, sure wish i could live in Vegas. You are lucky the Police didn't notice you had been drinking, your story might have turned out differently. Well you had a great time, and that's all that counts. Thanks for the report!

as I said, I felt OK, and could still speak, since the drinks were spread out over 4 hours. I actually didn't even feel buzzed as I was driving. Just nervous.

[vegasbabe]

Thank you for you B'day report. Sounds like you had a fun time. I haven't been to Sam's in a few years. I think I'll grab the shuttle from Harrah's next week.

Sounds like a plan. If Harrah's gets too hectic, and you want a calmer experience, head over to Sam's Town. It's been very quiet there lately. Sam's Town offers a shuttle to Fremont street too. Or if you want to check out the Eastside Cannery, it's just across the street from Sam's Town. (a short walk)

[vegasbabe]

Fun times for you, Jane. Eating, clubbing, drinking - nothing like it, huh...
and a lap dance to boot...


BTW, do you have an extra bed? I want to move in with you.;)


Sorry, I live in a one room apt. with a double bed. My boyfreind and I can barely fit in it at the same time. But I'm sure you'd be good company, and come up with all sorts of fun things to do.

[vegasbabe]

If thats the case can I park my RV in your driveway??
I promise I won't do the Christmas Vacation sewer empty. :rolleyes:

Again, I'm sure the company would be great, but I don't have a driveway. Only a single parking space.

[vegasbabe]

Great birthday fun, Jane. Thanks for letting us share the fun, if not the food and cocktails! LOL.

you're welcome! I saved some cocktails for all of you. And if the bars were to run out, I could get all the fixins to make them at my store. I'm just wondering if they'll still make the Strange Brew special at One Six, now that Strange Brew is no longer playing there.

[Steve]

Sounds like you had a great time. Enjoyed the pics.

Steve

[Tweeets]

player. As goes Tony, so go his bongos. That's another reason the stage looked different. They started the show by taking a poll to see how many people had seen the band before. 80% had, 20% hadn't. There were a lot of questioning faces, but nobody really said anything. Not even the band. After about 2 songs, they introduced all of the band members. I've never heard of their new keyboard player, but he did sing a very good Stevie Wonder song. Ribbon in the Sky if my memory serves me. I'm still questionning why they would replace a bass player with yet another keyboard player. They currently have one of the best keyboard players in the world with Carnell Upchurch (even though he doesn't sing much, as misterkeno has pointed out. ) Anyway, this means Larry White is now playing bass guitar, and that means there goes his great guitar solos. No more Star Spangled Banner I guess. At least for awhile. I must say though, I've seen bands lose members before, and nobody has handled it as quickly and smoothly as these guys did. They still gave a fantastic performance, even though their playlist seemed extremely limited. They were dragging songs out, where they used to play 3 songs within a minute of each other. Sometimes even at the same time. That just shows how talented these guys really are. I'm sure they didn't miss one performance, and they won't, since they are pretty much booked solid through the new year.
The tense grimness of change started to wear off after a few drinks, and it was time to celebrate the birthdays. Since mine was only minutes away, I went to the dance floor when they called for all the birthday girls. They sat 5 of us in a row of chairs on the dance floor, gave us all a teddy bear, and I got to touch the Tresure chest. Well, actually, I got to touch Tresure's chest. The entertainer of the year proceeded to sing to us. "All this love's waiting for you." As he sang, he landed on each of our laps! I took the opportunity to check out his 6 pack abs and arms and shoulders. Ladies-----he still has what he had in the picture on www.myspace.com/inafectband (look at the friends list, click on "T" and you can't miss Tresure.) I thought that picture was from several years ago, but even if it was, he's still got it. (or them) ROCK SOLID! I knew he was a Scorpio, but I didn't realize his birthday was 3 days earlier than mine. When he announced he just turned 51--I almost fell off the chair. Folks this guy dances as well as Michael Jackson, and he can still do half splits! WOW!! Eventually, it all had to end. We had our lap dances and teddy bears, and it was back to our seats. AAAAHHHHH!!!!!!
4.5 claps on the Westie scale

I stayed for part of the 4th set, and at 1:30 I decided it was time to leave. I had to work the next afternoon. So, I left between songs, as to not seem rude, and when I got to the parking lot, my next surprise was waiting. 2 motorcycle cops had a lady in a mini van stopped behind me. They asked if I needed to get out, and I responded, "no I can go back in and listen to the band a while longer." Luckily I could still speak after my 4 long islands. I once had a friend tell me, don't try to hide from a situation like that. Face it head on, and don't bring any undo attention to yourself. Well, the 4 long islands had been spaced out over 4 hours, and they did make the lady move her van, so.....

I slowly backed up, turned the wheel to get the car at the right angle, then said, "oh sh___, now I have to get between this row of parked cars, and 2 police cycles, in a chrysler! YIKES!" Well, I slowly squeezed my way through, breathed a sigh of relief, then headed home. What an interesting evening.

I forgot to mention, since I had an open invitation out for ELV members to join me, I had put a 3 sided sign on the table. One couple did come and sit and talk to me for awhile, and they said they were interested in learning more about the website. They were from FLA, and they may be members by now. They had seen the band many times before, and they needed that last fixx before leaving in the morning.

Now for saturday, it was not as exciting as I planned. Most of the partiers had never been to One Six before, so the view alone was exciting for them. I was not "kissed" by 1 of the 4 Kiss girls who did the pre judging for costumes, so I was a little bummed about that. I thought I looked pretty wild in my Jane of the Jungle dress. Popeye won. I had my 2 Strange Brew drinks, hung around for the judging, then off to bed, as I had to work in the morning. 3 claps

That took care of that! birthday and party over! Back to work!

photos are posted at:
http://photobucket.com/vegasbabebirthday

I'll have to add my teddy bear/table sign pic later. for some reason, I couldn't get it to print. I'll try again tomorrow.

there are also a few other pics from previous events. LVFan, her friend Cheryl, Larry G Jones, and Harry S. the Elvis impersonator

also, Stange Brew a few weeks ago when Scott McCartney played with them.

also, the patriotic wave at ESC

FYI, Halloween was Strange Brew's last night at One Six. I don't know who, if anyone will be performing there next. Strange Brew will be moving to Marilyn's on mondays, if I heard them correctly.


Fun report Jane, thanks for sharing your birthday with us. Loved the photos...looks like we'll plan on going to WIlly and Jose's next time we're in town, our son's b-day falls during our trip.

[vegasbabe]

ok, the teddy bear pic is finally posted on photobucket. If you're curious.

[beach3993]

Well Hells bells I didn't realize it was you Birthday so are ready
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y TO YOU!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY - YEAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! I know I'm crazy glad you had a great time danc'n yeah - club'n yeah and eat'n - thats the best part!!! Enjoyed your little adventure awesome!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!:cool::)

[vegasbabe]

Thanks Beach! Better late than never. Just a few updates on my birthday report. Teddy bear is doing well. I can still smell the cologne, lotion, or after shave that Larry was wearing when he handed it too me. Brings back memories of my wonderful evening.

As for the band, well, I learned tonight that I shouldn't listen to strangers when posting info. InAFect had their bongos, so, they didn't belong to Tony. They had their dark drum set, so they must have 2. (The other being white) The band is still reorganizing, but if you're going to be in town tonight 11/18, they promised they were going to give an awesome show, the bartender will be sure to get everyone drunk (that would be Chris at Sam's Town-Roxy's lounge) and everyone will have a great time. So, they've got some surprises in store for us. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get there till after 11 p.m. They play from 8 till midnight.

Also, It looks like One Six at ESC is only open for private parties now. The place was dark on sat night, when I got back from NY. Hopefully this is just for the winter. I enjoyed going there, but I know I can't afford to book a private party. Strange Brew is definitely at Marilyn's on monday nights. Until further notice. So my ears do still work!

[westie]

A belated happy birthday Jane. I was looking forward to seeing IN A Fect in December, but they the only time they are in town is on the night we arrive and we will be too pooped to party.

[vegasbabe]

Thanks for the belated b-day wish Westie. InAFect will be at the Excalibur 12/14 through the New year. Also, 2 dates at sam's town, and several others prior to 12/14. They have the next 5 days off, so hopefully they will get to expand their playlist a little more. I saw them last night, and they sounded pretty good, but I still miss the guitar solos, and the 3 man kick line! LOL

BTW--SRO got themselves fired from Sam's Town. I went to see them 2 weeks ago, and they sounded horrible! So don't be looking for them there. Sorry.

[lvfan]

Very belated birthday wishes Jane! What a great time you had with Tresure. :)