Having heard of her before the event but never actually seeing her in person, I was instantly impressed by her real-life take on marriage, relationships and the struggles of life itself. From a nagging husband instructing her to put her keys in a “key bowl,” to her battle with her “muffin top” – Lisa draws you right in and makes you feel as if you can relate to exactly what she is talking about – because chances are – you have been there yourself.

After her part of the show, I skipped the last comedian’s segment to go to the bar because I wanted to both meet and speak with her. After I introduced myself, I am honored to say that she offered me the opportunity to sit with her and have a drink – something that I happily accepted. After a few minutes, we hit it off like we knew each other for years. For close to an hour, we sat there just chatting about our lives, her husband, my book – and anything else that came to mind. When it was time to go – we hugged and parted ways – and she thanked me for my company as I did to her – and I think we both hoped that we would see each other again.

From time to time, we would e-mail each other. She sent me a comment on MySpace complimenting me on my book – and I did the same praising her comedy. And a few times, I contacted her either by phone or e-mail saying that I would like to come see her perform her comedy again – but sadly – I had to bow out at the last minute twice. But last Saturday night – I finally went to see her at Comic Strip Live with Julie – and we had an unforgettable night that was one of the best times of my life.

There were a few other comics that performed that night and they were all great – but truth be told – I was there to see Lisa. Generous enough to comp us for the night – because she once told me that I would never have to pay to come see her – she put on an absolutely spot on performance. Joking about everything from marriage, to Law & Order (which I am envious to say she has been on) to a woman’s struggle with weight – she had the crowd in stitches. She even included Julie in her act, constantly calling her, “skinny girl” when referring to female weight issues. When her time was up, she took a bow to thunderous applause and graciously exited the stage for the next comedian.

Having to pay the check – and use the men’s room – I went to the front of the house and ran into her. When I told her that I loved her show, she thanked me – and then finally realized who I was. She didn’t not know because she forgot who I was – she simply didn’t recognize me because I lost both my glasses and about forty pounds (at least according to her – THANKS LISA!). But once she realized who I was, she said that she would be able to chat with Julie and I after the show – and that she was very happy that I came to see her – as was I.

After the show, we met her outside for a smoke and spent a good twenty minutes like her and I did when we were at Mother Kelly’s in Cedarhurst – just shooting the “you know what.” We talked about her new baby, life itself – and my new relationship with Julie – to which she said that she was very happy for us. But then, it was time for her to do her next show – and just as the last time I saw her, we hugged, said our goodbyes – and parted ways once again.

Lisa Landry is one of the most talented comedians I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying – and one of the nicest people I have met. I am humbled and honored to say that not only can I call her friend – but she gives me that distinction as well. I promised her that I would come see her again very soon – and that is a promise I will most certainly keep. She is always performing here in New York at all of the well-known comedy clubs. In fact, she will be at The Comedy Cellar tonight for the 11:00 show, and then at Comic Strip Live on Thursday, Nov 15th for the 8:30, show, at Gotham Comedy Club for the 9:30 show – and then, that same night – at The Comedy Cellar for the 11:00 show. She performs in many different places and states – and always puts on a great show. For more information on her, as well as her schedule of performances – I wholeheartedly encourage you to check out her website at www.lisalandry.com. If you ever go see her perform live – which I hope you do – tell her that Paul Wein sent you – and tell her I said hello and I will call her soon.

Lisa, thank you for the laughs, the comps – and the friendship. I’ll see you soon!