OH NO HE DID NOT...

...OH BUT YES HE DID.

One evening last week, Hubs and I were sitting at a kids' school event.  He leaned over and asked me about my day; I rattled on and on about a new deadline and oh-I-got-a-phone-call-from-so-and-so and did-you-remember-to-mail-that check, et cetera, et cetera.

He listened politely.  When I finished, he asked, "Would you like to know what I did today?"

I nodded, distracted, watching the kids.

He continued.  "I bought two Barry Manilow concert tickets in Las Vegas, tenth row center."

I'm sorry, what did you just say?

"I said, I bought two Barry Manilow concert tickets in Las Vegas, tenth row center.  And two plane tickets, and a hotel room on the strip, and childcare is all arranged.  We leave in a few weeks."

And I giggled squealed screamed and planted a big, sloppy kiss on him RIGHT THERE in the school cafeteria.  Then I turned to Melanie, who was on my other side, and nearly scared her to death by grabbing her shoulders and shaking her and babbling incoherently.  I am happy to report that I did not plant a big, sloppy kiss on her.  But I could've.  I'm that excited.

Seriously, after 15 years with my man, I thought he couldn't surprise me anymore.  I thought I could read him so well that I would know he was up to something.  The fact is that he's had this brewing and planned for a very long time, and I had no idea.  How amazing is it that he would not only surprise me, but he would surprise me with something that I've wanted to do forever.  And that he will not only send me to the concert, but he will sit through it with me.  My husband, whose idea of good music is...well, whatever the opposite of Barry Manilow is.  That is love, right there.

(And I know, it's nobody's business, but the sensible girl in me feels the need to explain that we have not gone out of our normally frugal minds by taking a trip like this while the economy is tanking.  Thanks to frequent flyer miles, a great Priceline deal, and some money Hubs' had been setting aside for some time without my knowledge--the turkey!  how did he do that?--the whole thing is actually pretty unfrivolous.  So don't worry, I'm still sensible and frugal, I'm just going to be sensible and frugal IN LAS VEGAS.)

(Although the thought does suddenly occur to me that perhaps no one will be travelling so that they can stay home and watch the stock ticker, which means, I suppose, that we might have Las Vegas all to ourselves.  If the audience is empty at the concert, do you think Barry might pull me up on stage for a duet?  I did make up a dance routine to Copa Cabana when I was about 10, and I'm pretty sure I remember most of it.) 

Anyway, I now have a couple of weeks to get ready for this trip.  Tell me, if you've been to Vegas, what do I need to know?  Because I have to say I'm feeling the urge to get a bee-hive hairdo and some sequiny pants.  What else should I do?  What should we absolutely NOT miss, considering our time is pretty limited?

While you think about it, you can watch this.  It's not as snazzy as the one I made up 26 years ago, but it will have to do:

Comments

[GiBee]

Siiiiiiiiiiiigh... now THAT'S a manly man!

[Stacey]

lucky you...sweet hubby...

I can't wait to see the
many blog posts from this trip...

[tracey]

So happy for you! He must really love you to sit through a whole Barry concert... Not my cup of tea...

Have fun!

[Cheryl]

We LOVE Las Vegas! I would recommend several things:
Bellagio- go inside to look at all the fresh flowers. BEAUTIFUL. Also, do not miss the water shows in front. But you must see them at night. They run every 15 min. and are amazing!!! (and free)

Treasure Island- free pirate show out front. The show used to be very G rated but has become much less so with the change to "TI". Still good.

Fashion Show mall is across the street from Treasure Island and is GREAT!!!

Venitian- this is where you can take the gondola ride. Beautiful hotel!

Paris-
We love, love, love the breakfast buffet at Paris. (not Sundays though). We are not buffet people and would rarely eat at one. This one however, is GREAT! They actually have a crepe station!

We also like to eat at California Pizza kitchen in Mirage and Capital Grill at the Fashion Show mall and Hugo's cellar at the Four Queens downtown. (The last 2 are not cheap) Ceasar's has a fun upscale food court across from the Elton John theater.

If you have the time or money you should see "O" at Bellagio. It is a Cirque Du Solel show and is fantastic!

Also, walk down to the new Wynn hotel and look around. Very pretty!
Most of all we love watching the people. It is my favorite thing about vegas. I'll be looking for you. We will be there in about 3 weeks.

[Kira]

Congratulations! I live in Vegas and my favorite thing to do (and it's free too!) is to see the flower exhibit at the Bellagio and then the water fountain show outside afterwards. We go there a couple of times a year ... it's awesome! And if you do wear the sequiny-wouldn't-wear-anywhere-but-here dress ... at least wear sensible shoes! Those casinos are HUGE and the space between them is VERY misleading. Also there is a little italian restaurant in the middle of the new york, new york that we treat ourselves to every anniversary. Have a great trip!

[Lynnet]

How wonderful for you! He must have thought and searched long, and know you well, to do this. I hope you have a wonderful time and take LOTS of pictures! I grew up loving Manilow's music, but my kids think I'm nuts! My hubby has only tried once to surprise me, and that was way too long ago.

[chanelireli]

Wow! What a great husband! Bring a pair of nice walking shoes (how much do I sound like my mom) 'cause you're going to want to walk the strip and its loooong!

[Melissa]

That's a good man! Have fun!!

[Anna]

I live in Vegas and blogged about places to see and linked my blog entry, but now my my comment disappeared. I think I may have done something wrong.

Visit the Bellagio, Wynn and Miracle Mile for sure.

[Kelly @ Love Well]

I just realized Bloglines hasn't been picking up your feed ALL WEEK! (The nerve of some feed readers!) I can't believe I almost missed this post. It's like watching the last 30 minutes of "Extreme Home Makeover." I'm so happy for you.

[Anna]

That is awesome! What a great gift! Not one I would like... hehe... but I am thrilled that you are thrilled!

[The Roost]

Very sweet man, your hubbie is! :) Enjoy

[TrishNotChris]

We're going to Vegas in the middle of November for our 10th anniversary. We've gone every year for the last 4 years. I'd recommend the following links:

www.lasvegasadvisor.com

www.vegaspopular.com

Both have current event type stuff. Vegaspopular is more of a blog type site. There's something new every year we go so some of my info. might be a tad dated.

1) Defintely check out the conservatory in the Bellagio hotel. It is free and absolutely gorgeous. The Chihuly sculpture in their ENORMOUS lobby is worth a look. Also, the Bellagio buffet is expensive, but quite good. If you are going during the week, try to go on the later side of breakfast buffet time. They start to bring out the lunch items and you can try those as well. You can try the elk!

2) We're frugal muses around here too. We generally will eat a late, big breakfast and then just a light snack for lunch. Later on, we either grab fast food (of which there's not a lot on the strip) or something in our room for dinner. There are a couple of Walgreens on the strip at which you can by fruit, etc.

3) Definitely see the fountains (Bellagio), the volcano (Mirage), and check out the Forum shops at Cesars. While DEFINTELY NOT for the frugal, the people-watching can't be beat. You might want to head down to take in Circus Circus. I'm not sure it's going to be around much longer. I'm not sure if you and Hubs are drinkers, but the Fireside Lounge (attached to the Peppermill Restaurant-across from Circus) is great. It's a 70's slinky, orange faux-fireplace, Brady-bunch deal. The drinks are HUGE, delicious and served by slinky waitress who call you "Hon."

4) Things are a much, much farther walk away than they look. Trust me, girl. Plan on a good 20-25 walk from the middle of the strip(say Flamingo/Paris) to the MGM Grand or Luxor hotels. Also, you can't hail a cab on the strip (Las Vegas Blvd). Most hotels will have a taxi stand where you can get a taxi.

5) Some people swear by the bus, however, in 4 trips out there, we have never had a good experience. Having said that, there is a free shuttle which loads behind Balley's hotel. It goes off strip out to the Palms, the Rio, and the Gold Coast casinos. It's clean, runs really late, and it's FREE!

6) If you want to gamble, skip the big casinos. They're beautiful to look at, but payouts are poor for small time gamblers. We like "Casino Royale" a lot. Tip your waitress and you won't go thirsty all trip!

7) Definitely take a shuttle (we've always taken Showtime Shuttles) to and from the airport. DO NOT take a cab. There are several LONG ways to take to the Strip from the airport and cabbies will take you the long way to get extra fare.

8)If your hotel provides airport check-in, definitely check-in there! Much less hassle and we've been able to upgrade at little to no cost.

9)Mandalay Bay has an AWESOME 80's Flashback Friday's gig at the House of Blues. Very fun. The hotel also has a very nice shark reef that's worth checking out. There is a tram that runs from Excaliber hotel to Mandalay Bay. MGM Grand has a very nice sportsbook area if you are into football.

10) Finally, I know that people rave about The Fremont Street experience, but you should know that other than the light show (which is neat and shown on an overhead pavillion-type thing), there is little else other than gambling to do down there. It is also not in the BEST part of town.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. I'd be more than happy to help you out! Oh, and I cannot express how jealous I am that you get to see Barry. I actually made my Hubs take a picture of me standing next to a picture of him last trip!

Have fun!
Trish from Wisconsin

[Heather]

Hi Shannon I'm a regular lurker here and I live in Las Vegas so I thought I'd put in my 2 cents. I personally do not like Batista's Hole In The Wall. The Top Of The World at the top of the Stratosphere is really nice and it rotates so you can see the whole valley. Don't miss the atrium/lobby at The Bellegio. Bring walking shoes The Strip is not small. If you're coming in a few weeks it should be nice and cool and it just might rain. Don't plan on swimming unless it's an indoor pool. If you are going to be here over the weekend I'd love for you to visit our church, Canyon Ridge. Wait, it's a 30 min. drive from the strip, never mind.

[Tracey]

HOW EXCITING...ALL ARRANGED AND CHILD CARE TOO! GIVE YOUR HUBBY AN EXTRA KISS FROM ME...AND HE'S NOT EVEN MINE AND I'M IMPRESSED!

[The Glamorous Life]

Dear Rocks;
I have just recieved word you will be attending one of my upcoming concerts and I am really thrilled. I knew all about your dance routine when you were 10-and although my people contacted your management, apparently you had other obligations (something about school and homework) and were unable to join me on tour. So I am hoping you have brushed up on your routine and will not have too many mojitos and will be prepared to perform.

Sincerely,
Barry

[Tressa]

I'd say you have a good man on your hands!

[Melanie]

Drive to Red Rock Canyon and cry when you see what an absolutely beautiful place God made. Climbing around there makes me feel like I'm a 10 year old gone exploring. Also, go walk around inside the Venetian(hotel). It is so beautiful.

[LeAnna]

I don't know you, but I'm gonna give ya some advice anyway. Okie to Okie style. :)

I didn't read through all the comments to see if anyone already told you this, but if you catch a cab from the airport tell your cab driver that he is to take you directly to whatever hotel you're staying at and DO NOT TAKE YOU VIA THE TUNNEL!
We went in January with a group of friends, and the single guys that went with us had cab fare at nearly 1/3rd the price us married folks ended up with. We later found out from another cab driver that we were taken "through the tunnel" and that is apparently dirty cab driving. Seriously though, we ended up with a 20 something dollar fare, and the guys said it cost them 8 bucks or so.

Oh yeah, as some others mentioned- stay away from the little cards that all the creepy toothless guys will try to hand you. They're not coupons. However, if you're up for a good honest but awful laugh, check out the yellow pages under the personals. I think we happened upon it while looking for Pizza, and spent 30 minutes in disbelief at how many "Just Out of College" girls were offering their...services...

But seriously, the ad's were hilarious.

Take advantage of the free shuttle that runs down the strip between a few of the hotels owned by the same gazillionares.

I actually dislike Vegas with a purple passion. Never want to go back. Ever. All seven members of our group ended up with either terrible sinus infections, bronchitis or pneumonia. BUT, that was in January, and Barry wasn't an option.

You'll have fun!

[made2mama]

Your husband is super sweet and thoughtful to do this for you! Have a great time!
So funny, I'm going there next month and was trying to find info on what we could do besides gamble. These comments were a great help!

[Heather]

I am so impressed. We went to vegas on our honeymoon trip. I don't have any specific advice, but enjoy your trip!!!

[WayMoreHomemade (Donna)]

Wow. Good for him with all the advanced planning.

Vegas. It's a town that evokes mixed feelings for me. We went for a very short weekend for our anniversary this year. My man had been before so he was just taking me. We're not big gamblers... so I'd say do some people watching. And I hope you come away from there with the dose of reality that I did. Sex... it's everywhere. I'm big on roller coasters, so I HAD to ride the one at New York New York... it's fun, but it'll beat the snot out of you... our shoulders were hurting for 3 days after. And, remembering a previous post you did that involved a certain brand of shoes... there's a Jimmy Choo store at the Belagio, I believe.

Say hello to my sister in law while you're there. No, actually don't because if you saw her it would mean that you're having a run-in with "the law" and I don't want that for you.

Have a wonderful time.

[Queen B]

That is great! How much fun!!! And how sweet!!

[Tiffany]

I was in love with Barry as a kid. My neighbor when I was in elementary school was a radio dj. She got me a signed copy of his album once.
I used to live in Vegas. Parents still do. Some of mine and the kids faves are Rainforest Cafe', Paris Eiffel Tower going at night to see the Bellagio water show is awesome plus you get to see the whole city, Shops at Ceasers, The Buffet at the Flamingo, Downtown, M&M Factory and I could go on all night.

[Mamanewday]

find some comfortable walking shoes that blend with your evening outfit. carry pumps in a stylish tote. Trust me

[Tiff@Three Peas]

You are so lucky!!! What a sweet husband!!! My dad lives there and I have yet to visit since he moved there. But I do have to tell you. . .the Venetian was my favorite place to visit. It was amazing!!! Be careful. . .the taxi drivers are crazy there!!

[Lysa TerKeurst]

Okay... you totally have to ride the roller coaster that goes in and out of a hotel... The New York maybe??? It was WAY cool and very fun.

And if you have time, the Blue Man show is really fun too.

Sing loud and proud with Barry my friend!

[Alyson]

Wow, your hubby did GOOD!! We are going to Vegas, heading out there on Wednesday! It's for business, but our business is fun, so it's all good. And we have Saturday and Sunday nights wide open AND our kids are staying home with grammy *squeel*!!! I'm totally excited. Dh and I aren't gamblers (I might throw down a few nickles in a slot machine LOL) - so we aren't totally sure what we're going to do with our *free* time yet. We'll have friends to hang with Saturday, but we might be cruisin the strip by ourselves on Sunday. :)

[fabthemayor]

Went there for the first time this summer - loved it. Definitely take comfy walking shoes. You can get anywhere you need to be by shuttle busses and walking. The light show is a definite must - well worth the drive downtown. Also the M & M store - too cute. And you need to go the The Orleans hotel and sit in seat #8 i The Wheel of Fortune - mighty good to me, my friend...mighty good to me.

[M Pruter]

You will LOVE this man even more after you see him in concert. (Or have you already seen him in concert and you already know this?) I have no idea what happens to me when I go to his concerts, but I really cannot control myself. I cry and scream and cry and scream...so much so that I will NOT let my husband come to a show with me - it's too personal and he can't see me that way! I won tickets to one of his concerts this past year and I took my 4 year old, who is now hooked, too. She made a sign to hold up during Can't Smile Without You and cried huge alligator tears when he didn't pick her to come up on stage to sing with him. I first saw Barry on my 11th birthday and have been lucky enough to see him several times since then. Please tell My Barry (I will share him with you) hello for me! Have a fabulous time!!

[Anissa@Hope4Peyton]

Shannon! SHUT UP!! What an awesome hubby of the year, I-married-the-greatest-man-award kind of thing to do. That's love.

[cathy d]

How precious!!

[moobeema]

Vegas is a pretty "dark" place but the M&M's store is pretty cool.

[LisaC]

Wait...what do you mean "get sequiny pants"? Don't you already HAVE sequiny pants?? Get with it! :)

[Susan]

How wonderful!!!! I am psyched for you. Seriously!!! And a bit jealous. So, you are entitled to post everything about the fantastic event.

[The Diaper Diaries]

In case I haven't mentioned it before, in college I once sang back up for Barry. And met him. Let me just say that he should really be enjoyed from afar. Cause up close you really just want to shake him and beg him to lay off the plastic surgery.

You will LOVE him live. And you know he often pulls someone out of the audience to sing "I Can't Smile Without You" so the sequins really are the way to go.

[Jenny]

Yeah hubs!
I am actually on a Vegas countdown myself - leaving the 19th! I went for a few days last year and we didn't get to finish seeing everything.
TIPS -
DO some research of places you want to see before going.
Make sure you have good walking shoes. I remember my lower half of my body being numb after all the walking!
Try to see the different mega resorts - lots of free things to see in each one.
Must go to the M&M and Coke store near MGM on Las Vegas Blvd. DIET COKE stuff!!!
Have fun! And if your there the same time I am dont freak if someone says hello to the author of my favorite blog!

[Natasha]

Hi Rocks!!!

Vegas is AWESOME!!! :) I've really really been loving your blog, and I'd love it if you would join us at http://www.womenetcetera.com, a website and community for slightly older women who believe in living full lives by embracing transitions and changing with the times. We love making new friends, sharing new experiences and taking charge of our own lives. We’d love to have you join because you sure do sound like one of us!:)

[Pam]

How exciting! I love Vegas and we try to sneak away once a year sans kids. It's actually a pretty budget friendly place if you aren't a big gambler. A few favorite restaurants: the Tapas bar in the mall on the strip next to Treasure Island - Cafe Ba Ba something . . . they have a terrific happy hour with 1/2 price appetizers and sangria, the deli in the basement of Bally's - terrific sandwiches large enough to share! My hubby and I also usually spend a day walking the strip trying to find the casino with the best Bloody Mary. We each gamble $5 in each casino on the video machines - we play until we lose it or double it and sample the drink while we play. It takes us most of a day to accomplish this and we have a blast without spending a fortune.

[Allison]

What a great gift!!! Way to go, hubby.

As for Vegas, I loved walking through the Wynn and the Mirage (expensive casino/hotels) and looking at the shops and trying on the shoes (Jimmy Choo's feel SOOO good). But, since you're going with your man, and he's already suffering through Barry, you might not want to subject him to that.

We ate dinner at ESPN Zone (in New York, New York), went dancing at Studio 54 (plays a great mix of music from the 80s and today), watched the fountains at Bellagio, and went up into the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Definitely play the slots--if you set a limit for yourself at the beginning, you'll be more apt to watch yourself. Most big casinos have pre-paid cards, which also helps keep you from spending the extra money.

Have a great time!!

[Nikki]

I guess I am a little more like your hubby. Not a single Barry Manilow song can be found on my ipod. However, one of my favorite concert moments came at a concert of his while I was in college. You should know, I have only been to 2 concerts and his was one of them. I went because my dad really wanted to see him.

He played at my college to a relatively small crowd. Maybe 13,000 people. He was singing "When Will I Hold You Again" the crowd was really drawn into the schmoozy love song. He gets to the end, sings "when will I hold you......" There is silence as he holds the note. Then one very brave woman stands and yells, "Right Now Baby!" He laughed, the crowd laughed. It was just too funny.