I will just say that meeting Julie last night was one of the coolest things ever! It all started about 2 weeks ago when Ty and I went to Barnes and Noble before church. We were just wasting some time and saw a sign that said Julie Andrews would be signing her new children's book that she co-wrote with her daughter. I automatically wanted to go, even though I dont have a kid to give the book to....one day I will. Anyways, I found the book she wrote, flipped through, and decided to think about it since I have such a crazy work schedule I didnt' know if I would be working during the signing. We left with some Curious George books and went on to church.
After the service and mingling with friends, I decided to go back. Ty went in to get the book for me and my wristband while I chatted in the car on the phone. My new book came in a clear bag with a wristband and piece of paper with rules and regulations. Having regulations means you are that important!! The rules were... the wristband allowed you and 4 guests to meet her but only one book signed, line was first come first served starting at 4 and event started at 6, she was not making a presentation, cell phones off and put away, no pictures in line or with Julie, no signing other books or memorabilia, etc etc. This was INTENSE, but I didn't care...IT'S MARY POPPINS!
So yesterday came and I was so excited that I was actually not working. I spent the day doing stuff around the house and a little shopping. I convinced Ty to go with me and stand in line so I wouldn't get bored. He agreed to go and knew he would get a good dinner out of the deal. When we got to the store we didn't see many people, until we were told where to go at the end of the line. The line wrapped up and down the aisles. I learned that 200 wristbands were sold, but keep in mind people could bring their entourage, including crying children and cute little girls in tu-tus. We saw young people, grandparents, huge fans with Mary Poppins stuff, etc. (clearly they didn't read the guidelines) A few associates were in line to tell us what page to open to, what to do and say, and just really be annoying. The line went REALLY slow and people were getting impatient, kids cried, and some even left. I was NOT leaving, NOT an option.
We finally get to the front of the line where we were met by her manager/someone in a suit and a police officer. We chit chatted with them and got to just see her interact with the people in front of us. I was smiling ear to ear about it and Ty was just supportive and excited too. ( We weren't too happy that they made Ty take off his baseball hate. They said it was a British thing and she wouldnt like it if he had it on. I totally understood but I think she was more scared of his crazy hair then having a hat on.) They finally said it was time and we approached the table. The conversation went like this...
Julie: Hello, thank you so much for coming. How are you?
Me: Im doing well
Ty: Good
Julie: Thank you for waiting in line.
(silence... what do you say to her???)
Julie: So who will be the lucky one to get this book?
Me: That would be me. (small giggle because Im actually talking to her)
Julie: Awe
Ty; She is a teacher. (Ty telling her Im a teacher so I dont look like a weirdo who buys children's books just for fun) She has already read it a few times at home.
Me: Yes! I read your book aloud at home and love it. ( Im such a dork!)
Julie: Thats wonderful. You can tell all your students to put their sparkle on.
Me: Yes.
Julie: Well thank you again for waiting in line and coming.
Me: No thank you
Ty: Thank you
Both of us: Have a great evening
Julie: You as well
OK.... so I wasnt expecting any of that. I was thinking we would walk up, she would sign, we say thanks, and then over. I felt like such a dork. She was the one asking us stuff and not the other way around. I went in not wanting to waste her time and sound like an idiot and she wanted to basically have tea with me. OMG!!! I almost felt like we were on a first name basis. Walking out of Barnes and Noble was on a cloud and I couldn't stop saying, "How cool was that?"
