#craigshoemaker

Another key to the getaway was being able to be anywhere else but around our house. For the last four months we have been doing major renovations that include adding a master bathroom so I don’t have to bruise my heels on a tub toy or wait an hour for my (now) teen son to finish marinating in his Axe bodywash & spray. People have told me for many years that home construction can destroy families, but I must admit that the company we hired has been top notch and pretty much pain free. I’d like to recommend Ray, who owns CDR Remodeling for anyone in the greater Los Angeles area that needs home repairs, restoration, or building. He does it all, from design to finish. They have been quick, honest, and (get this) STAYED UNDER BUDGET! Along with all that, Ray has great taste and follow through, making my wife's job easier and more inspired, and hence getting me more fringe "benefits" from my happy woman. Go to Ray for the foreplay...

Now, I do have to pay for the seven hundred additional square feet, so I’m back to pushin’ punch lines this week. I’ll be in New York City for one night only at Gotham Comedy Club this Wednesday night at 8 o’clock. Following that, I start a three-day run at a new venue for me called COMIX at Foxwoods Comedy Club Bar & Lounge in Mashantucket, CT. Labor Day weekend I’ll be returning to the place where it all started – Honolulu, Hawaii. Well, actually, it wasn’t my first stand up appearance, but I was conceived in the Navy barracks somewhere near Hawaii Comedy Theater – Waikiki. For this gig, I was the first comedian featured on Groupon (gee, what an honor the Neil Armstrong of discount online offers). For those of you interested in attending one of the three shows in Hawaii, I’d like to extend the same discount for your tickets. If interested, please contact [email protected]. We will give you the island special.

Finally, I’d like to say happy birthday to Donna Buxton. This is no ordinary birthday wish. As a surprise, her sister and husband hired me to show up to her birthday gathering at their backyard pool. I don’t know who was more entertained, me or the twenty friends and family members. One of her sisters works at TSA, who are at the top of my resentment list even ahead of the hooligans who stole my golf clubs, but she had the funniest stories about working airport security, which I’m sure will end up in my act. I wish I could be hired for similar appearances where I do what I do best – sitting around sharing humorous stories (that aren’t in my act) and bonding with good people.