wandacleo

Finally back from NYC and overloaded from theater and Clay. We had an amazing (tm Clay) time! I'm sure you've read all the reports and seen by Clack by now. I looked for people I knew and tried to find people I "knew" but hadn't met but it was so dark in the Hammerstein and so confusing that I was out of luck. (Sniff). There were two empty seats beside us and people who weren't happy with their own seats sat in them. When the REAL seat owners came, they were reluctant to get up (understatement). After that, I told my friend I was sitting in my seat and they'd have to pry my fingers off the chair to get it away from me. It really was chaotic. I could see Jerome running in and out and saw him hug some guy who was with a small group of people--maybe that was Tom. I couldn't see shit so who knows. I was hoping it was Devin so I could say I'd seen him, but he was just a gray blur. Totally catty gossip--feel free to scroll if you are pure of spirit. My friend had the good fortune to sit next to a "famous" Clack gatherer who gave her an earful when she found out Carol wasn't on the boards. (NOT Scarlett, by the way.) The woman said she is a personal friend of Clay's and was able to meet with him and take a list of questions to him, but when others are around, he acts very professional so people won't be jealous AND that she spends so much of her time providing Clack for others and doesn't get the appreciation she deserves for her sacrifices. I had met the woman before but honestly didn't recognize her because it was so dark, so maybe she was feeling neglected. There was a couple sitting behind us--man and woman. The woman is a big fan but not on the boards and had not seen Clay in concert before--wasn't sure she would want to go to a concert alone and her husband usually couldn't go with her. Anyhow, after the concert, she was just beaming and said to me, "I can go to a concert by myself!!!" Her husband said he thought it was great too! We saw Jersey Boys, La Cage aux Folles, Memphis, and Wicked--all just great. I can't tell which I liked best, but La Cage was the funniest. Memphis was really wonderful! It's playing in the Shubert--same ticket seller. It felt so good to be back in that theater--I have such wonderful memories of Spamalot.

This is the night. Hot as hell in NYC, but worth it.

I'm back home with internet connection again and packing for NYC. Can't wait to see Clay again but already feeling bad it will be the last time--well, until October in Chicago and March in SF. Clay is putting me in the poorhouse. I'm always happy when someone who wasn't a fan becomes one, regardless of history--so I welcome Ben and the OC Register. He liked the show. Good enough for me.

Total post-ho here: If any of you are up and around, CarolJean and I are going to have Sunday brunch at the Flavors Buffet at 8AM (because we didn't eat enough at lunch and dinner buffet yesterday!) I'm assuming people will be up if their beds and pillows are as hard as ours. We both have kinks in our necks! I'm wearing a black and white striped top and jeans. If you are madly chasing Clay's bus down the highway to LA, have a good trip and drive carefully. Wish we were going with you!

I'm so sorry I didn't have the good sense to check the board so I missed the afterparty--although I had already committed to attending a birthday celebration. I looked and looked for Couchie before the show, but no luck! Shit! I hope I have better luck in NYC. Thanks to bottlecap for bringing my report over. I was beat when we finally got to our room, but I just want to add that Clay is a good time--a really good time. I'm so happy I'll see this show again. I just loved the way Clay seemed to be enjoying himself and how everyone on stage seemed to enjoy each other. Just like a big old party. Clay and Ruben made the drunk--who could have been ruinous to a show--a part of the humor. I wonder if she'll see the Clack. I'd go in hiding if I were she! Still can't get over the Hammer outfit. OMG, so frigging cute and hysterically funny. I laugh every time I think about it.

I don't understand why some people feel the need to pick apart everything Clay does and piss and moan and bitch because he didn't devine what was in their minds and give it to them. I know what I'D like to give them. (Snort!)

Music starting--here's Ruben singing. Lots of screaming going on. Sound good Huge screams--wonder who that's for???? CLAY

So far, OKI is coming in loud and clear at CV--perfect sound. OM, deep-voiced loud speaker about AI finale. LOL

I can get one for you in Reno if you let me know the size and your address. :thbighug-1: 'll let you know, wanda. I'm checking with laughn for her opinion about the Windsor casino, which is where we'll be seeing our first show. She goes to lots of concerts there, and hopefully she'll be able to tell me if they typically sell concert merchandise there or not. If not, I may be paypalling you before Reno. OK--Reno's a casino too--never thought about their not selling merchandise. However, I'm also going to NYC.

That hair style is the "latest" style for men. Sort of chopped and messed up. Love it.

I can get one for you in Reno if you let me know the size and your address.

I can't wait for Reno!!! I'm dying here.

I just love me some happy Clay.

I'm sitting in the San Jose airport waiting for a flight to WA (family wedding). It's getting closer and closer to concert time. Can't wait.

I think "I'm not in the market" means he's in a relationship. LOL. Maybe he wants to allow Reed to be under the radar as much as possible. His fans know, but it's probably not universal knowledge. ETA Just in case anyone wants to send a "thank you for the great clack" donation to the NCT, here's the address: North Carolina Theater One East South St. Raleigh, NC 27601 I tried to figure out how to donate online, but gave up on that. There must be a way, but I'm not seeing it.

I LOVE Suspicious Minds.

I see only 3 of us have indicated we're going to the Chicago concert in the concert thread. Is that all there is?

I just booked rooms for Chicago. I seriously need to go through the sofa cushions and look under the bed for loose change. LOL. I suppose we'll all be standing in line all day waiting for the theater to open! That means on top of everything else, I need to save money to buy that IPad to keep me busy all day! What I do for Clay....

Ame Boutique Hotel I'm staying at the Ame Boutique Hotel--a bed and breakfast right around the corner. $150/night. The lady said someone else from CA also booked a room for the concert. It's a small place, but looks very nice. Big old house. Breakfast included. I wanted something within walking distance. I'm arriving Wednesday and leaving Friday. I figure I'll be standing in line all day Thursday--LOL. ETA: The owner, a nice lady, said there was a wine bar right close.

I emptied all my piggy banks this morning and took them to the Coinstar machine at the grocery store--$185. Since that's mad money, the concert ticket REALLY only cost me $65 instead of $250. What a relief. Practically free (not counting hotel, airfaire, food).

Hello, my name is Wanda, and I'm a Clay addict..... I completely lost my mind and bought a ticket for the Chicago concert.

Who'd have thought Claymates would be held up as a good example of fans!?? The times, they are a changin'

The Clack gods are smiling.

I'm just not understanding why people think this CD isn't getting adequate promotion. Clay will have a PBS special, he's all over TV, splashed across US Today, people are reporting seeing ads playing on TV in various places, and it's just the first day!

Clay looks great. Love the hair.