Sex in the City
The Premiere

Ok - Despite my strong desire to head to bed right now, I am committed to your requests to hear every burning detail. So I will divide my post into three sections 1. The Premiere 2. Jennie as a New Yorker 3. G. Love.
Capped off with a short story regarding the six degrees of Helen (Johnson) Harding.

Episode One - The Hottest Ticket in New York City
From the moment I arrived the city was buzzing with talk about the movie. I literally heard people discussing it on the street. The news media was all over the story. I got to NYC at about 8am which meant I had plenty of time to wander. I wandered past the Radio City Music Hall where they were setting up the red carpet. There were tons of news media setting up too for the event that didn't start until 6pm that evening.

When Mary arrived we headed over to Shoe Heaven at Saks 5th Avenue where she bought a fabulous pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes (yes, even with my fab new heals I was have what we should call shoe envy.) Then after that we headed to the Manolo Bhalnik on W 54th St. It was really cool because during the movie I recognized the shoes.

We stopped at will call on the way back to the hotel to see if we could pick up the tickets however they were not open, that's when one girl stopped us on the street and said, "You have tickets."
Which we both replied, "Yes."
To which she said, "Oh F*$#!"
Now really what do you say to that, so I take it you don't. Mary and I laughed about it for a while.

Then we headed back to the hotel to get ready - but the one hitch was the hot water in the hotel was out until 5pm, so I had to wait to shower. However even at 5:05 pm there was no hot water. Which meant I suffered for beauty in what could have been the coldest shower of my life. I heard Mary giggle when I let out a shriek from the bathroom.

Then we got dressed - Mary looked fabulous in her stunning black dress and her fabulous shoes. I got my mix-matched assemble together - if you are dying to know who I wore - here it is Forever 21, Bitten, Ann Taylor & Carlos shoes. I know what you are thinking - who, what? Well I am pleased to say that the entire outfit was put together for less than $75. I am sure all the NYC fashionestas can say the same about theirs.

Then we headed for the will call line. However as we left our hotel it started to sprinkle and I spent the best $10 ever, on two very cheap umbrellas from a street vendor. This proved to be very helpful when the sky opened up on the thousands of people standing in the will call line.

As we got close, we got more excited. At will call you could see the red carpet - we entered to a door just right of the carpet. We walked in just as Donald Trump and his newest wife were coming in, yes it was through different doors but it was still the same time.

Then we sat in our seats, which were very close. We could have reached out and touched Jennifer Hudson (Academy Award Winner.) We were also very close when the entire cast made their way to the stage for introductions.

The movie (which I won't spoil) was good. The reviewer in the Post the next day said that it wasn't that special - it was more like a very good television show but not a good movie. However I disagree it had everything I needed, which involved tears and laughter. However, I will not spoil it for you. The only thing I was disappointed in was that there was not as much of Carrie as a writer/columnist - it was different from the show in that way.

Then after the movie we headed over to MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art) for the after party. When we arrived we quickly got the Sex in the City signature drink (that is when we nearly ran into the singer Fergie.) And then we got a table (because well you shouldn't spend an entire day walking around New York City in Flip Flops if you want to have a successful night in heels - just a word from experience.) It was a star studded event, along with all the stars from the cast, we saw Regis Philbin and Christian from Project Runway. It was really cool - I talked to a woman named Lisa (a publicist from Sony) for a minute or two, she was very friendly and her "former assistant" told me that I was one lucky girl - because we had the "hottest ticket in the city tonight." They both were amused that I was a teacher - I guess not many teachers frequent this event.

After a long night of people watching and enjoying ourselves (and in my case wearing uncomfortable heels) we headed back to the hotel. It was a blast and I am so thankful that Mary let me come with her! So thank you Mary, a million times, this was truly a once in a lifetime trip. Thanks for sharing with me.

Episode Two - Jennie and the City
So I hadn't been to NYC since I was a preteen. I always went with my dad and mom to visit my grandparents who lived in Queens. We went into Manhattan once during the trip and it was always a big deal, but I hadn't been there since my Grandparents & Aunt Mary Ann moved to Michigan. So when I arrived early in the morning, I really had no clue were I was and were I was going - which made it quite an adventure.

First things first, I set off looking for coffee. Since I left my house at 4:30 am, I needed some badly. As I began my quest, I managed to find my way to Rockefeller Center (home of NBC.) And it was so early they were still taping the Today show. So being the TV teacher, I needed to get some photos of the set up for my students. Well I got into the area which was surprisingly not crowded, but I stood away from the little crowd that was there (they were all holding signs and wearing cow hats and were too awake for me considering that I had not found coffee. So the goal again was not to be on television, remember I woke up at 4am, so I was not what you would call "camera ready." However, low and behold they do a pan of the crowd and guess who's mug ended up at the end. Yes, that's right mine. And I have proof, Mr. Paul Dingeman (avid reader of the TiVo Changed My Life Blog) saw me.

Then I walked a little further found coffee and ended up in Times Square. I immediately saw the HUGE Sex and the City billboard. I walked a little further to Broadway and then headed back. I managed to walk past the Empire State building, I opted out of going up - as someone who isn't a fan of heights the idea of spending $20 to go up in an elevator and look down from a tall building did not seem like a smart idea. I then found my way to the steps of the New York City Library - where I rested and finally looked at my free map from the hotel. Then I wandered over to Bryant Park. I stopped by the HBO Store for a pin for the dorky collection.

Next I was headed to 5th Avenue to enjoy one of the city's finer highlights - shopping. I did mostly window shopping, but fun none-the-less. It was also pretty cool going to the Apple store. I saw the edge of Central Park when I got the call from Mary that she was in the cab nearing the hotel. I had a great time enjoying the city, I can understand the lour that it has on people.

Episode 3 - G. Love Reunites with Biggest Fan
Mary headed back to the glove (ok it's a mitten but you see where I am going) state in the morning, since my plane did not leave until 7pm - I had a whole other day of exploring. I ventured out to Central Park - where I sat on a bench and enjoyed my lunch. However, after a day in flip flops and a night in heels, my Chuck Taylors could do little to ease my tired tootsies. So I decided to spend the rest of my trip enjoying the MOMA. I took full advantage of my student discount - yeah baby, I saved $8. THANK YOU - UM-Flint. However, without grad school and paying the $8 dollars I might just have broke even.... :)

So I am wandering around, enjoying all that the museum has to offer, which means great painting by the likes of Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvidor Dali, Andrew Wyeth and more. And then I get to the floor that is what I think of when I think modern art, it's almost where you become part of the art. And as I am walking into another room on the floor, a tall man passes me, with a very attractive model like woman. And I am like, wait a minute - that's G. Love.
So unlike the premiere were I was very hands off the stars, I head right over to him to say hi.

So I walk up and this is the conversation. First I look stupid because, I think he is with Tristan Prettyman - a song writer I thought he was dating - which he wasn't so that was a little foolish of me, calling the girl Tristan when she was Amber. However he took it in stride and introduced me to this very beautiful tall woman named Amber - I am guessing she is a model. Here's the rest of the conversation (not word for word, but the best I can remember.)

Me: "Hi, I am a big fan, I really love your music."
G.Love: "Hey, Thanks."
(Now I swear he is giving me that look, the look like I recognize her.)
Me: "I won your contest last summer."
G. Love: "Jennie! Are you here with your students?"
Me: "No, I cam for the Sex and the City premiere."
G: "Oh I heard that was in town, but we didn't have tickets."
Me: "My friend got me tickets."
This is where my voice starts to shake.
Me: "I am going to see you guys in Germany, I lived there in college and I am bringing my host mother with me. (Then because the voice shake is so noticeable) Sorry, I don't know why I am so nervous."
(Both Amber and G. Love smile - like isn't this dorky girl cute.)
G: "Will you be in Munich?"
Me: "No, Berlin, but I will miss you guys when you come to Detroit because I will still be in Europe. Well anyway I don't want to keep you, but would you mind taking a picture with me."
G: "No Problem."
Amber takes the picture. I thank them both. She was very nice and pretty - the kind of girl you imagine to be friends with rock stars.

Then I immediately called Olive. I was so excited my voice was still shaking. Then I got yelled at for being on my cell phone in the museum - which was when I decided that I had to leave, I didn't want to chance running into them again. Because well if it wasn't already awkward enough with me stumbling all over my words, what would round two be like. So I headed to the gift shop to buy Bruce a souvenir and Iu bought a pin because well know that will have a story for the archives.

And last but not least - six degrees of Helen (Johnson) Harding. I am on the plane ride back to Flint from Detroit (after my first plane a direct flight was canceled.) I am not sure if it was being by myself the whole day, but rarely are there times when I feel like chatting on the plane and this was one of those rare times. Well the woman was nice but didn't seem like she was interested in small talk - after some careful work, I broke here and we were chatting, well it turns out she is from Marysville, home of St. Clair TEC (my job) and Helen (Johnson) Harding - two time State Cross Country Champion. Well this woman worked as a sixth grade teacher and her daughter Anna was Helen's classmate. It seems that everywhere I go, I am just six degrees from Helen (Johnson) Harding.

For more photos from the trip click here... or scroll down.

Here are a few photos - I will update with info later.

Here are a few photos - I will update with info later.

Sex and The City Movie Premiere & Me

I am very excited because due to the fact that I have the honor of being friends with Mary Lobbestael since nearly birth - I am going to the movie premiere of 'Sex and the City' in the City - yes New York City. Mary called me yesterday with the news, which means I quickly bought a very expensive ticket to NY - worth every penny. I fly out Tuesday night, where I will go to the premiere with the likes of Mary and well SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker), Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall. I am such a big fan of the show - who doesn't love the light-hearted, smart, sexy, witty and very fashionable Carrie Bradshaw. You know these four women made the 30's the new 20's - so as a woman who's about to venture into the 30's I truly embrace the spirit of the movie. The only question is will I be able to embrace the fashion of the movie pull off something fab on the red carpet - well let's just say that I will be shopping for some totally over the top shoes at Somerset tomorrow to cap off the perfect outfit.

So how did Mary get these tickets - well I don't exactly know how - but I do know that she works placing automobiles in movies for General Motors and I pretty sure she got them through work somehow. Why did Mary pick me to go with her? Well I can't tell you that either, but I have to admit that I am very honored.

I am not sure how the premiere works, so I don't want to promise pictures when I may not be able to take a camera with me. But I will do my best... I am also excited because I haven't been to New York City since the last time I went to visit my grandparents, which was when I was oh about 12 years-old.

Friday = Jennie/Auto Show+G. Love

G. Love is coming to Michigan tomorrow night, however, I will not be waiting outside the Royal Oak Music Theatre to be the first in line because I will be a the Auto Show Charity Preview.

I will be working for Channel 4 (aka Olive & Jamie) as a field producer at the auto show. This is my fourth year of working the charity preview. I have had a lot of fun. The first year it was the celebrity trifecta with Tony Danza, Veronica Webb and Jeff Daniels. The second year I was up in the GM loft so we only GM big wigs like Rick Wagner. Then last year, we were back on the floor but we were by the fire exit - I did meet AJ Calloway from Extra - he was the nicest celeb that I have ever meet at one of these things.

Also with the Auto Show - the Auto Show charity preview outfit will re-emerge. I love the pink top and I have really no where to wear it, except the Auto Show Charity Preview - so it will be back again. The picture to the left is not the best picture but it shows the whole outfit.

Then that outfit that I only wear to Auto Show Charity preview will become my next G. Love concert outfit. Yes, as I mentioned before G. Love and Special Sauce is coming to the Royal Oak Music Theatre. Olive will be chained to the preview, but after the shoot is over, I will be meeting Angie in all my Auto Show get-up.

I wonder how the show will be from the back? Well I am sure it will be great. But I hope that it won't be too crazy long, because I have to get up bright and early the next day for the local SkillsUSA competition at my school. I hope this year we will not repeat last years episode of the vomit comet.

Also why I am catching up with the blogging - it's time to talk TiVo. I caught up on Project Runway and I have some complaints. Ok so last week, Kevin was kicked off - after one bad showing. Then this week it was Kit. But my question is why is Ricky still there. Every week he's been in the bottom skating by because someone manages to out worse him, yes I said out worse. And this week was another week - yes he was Kit's partner and Kit was the leader, but overall Kit's stuff has been consistently good. I am not saying this outfit was good, it wasn't but it wasn't like Ricky has done anything amazing: EVER. So just like last week when I was upset, I am going to say it again - Ricky needs to go. I am done with his weepy crying drama and the crappy designs. So who will win, my money is on Christian - the high volume 21 year-old with a lot of confidence and spunk.

Matt Damon - Promoted to Top 3

Ok ladies, I know you have a list. We all do. It's that list of the top three movie stars/musicians (in my case) that hold a special spot in your heart (and/or mind.)

For the last five years my list has held steady.
3. Jude Law
2. Michael Vartan (Michael Vaughn from Alias)
1. Garrett Dutton (G. Love)

However, in my class (on my seniors last day of school) we watched the Bourne Idenity. Then I watched the Bourne Supremacy, starring Matt Damon. Wow! Not only are they both excellent movies (I heard that the books are good to, but the movies are great,) but Matt Damon stars in both. Hence Matt Damon moving up on the list.

So now the list stands.
3. Matt Damon
2. Michael Vartan
1. G. Love

I am looking forward in seeing the next movie in the series, the Bourne Ultimatum which is due out August 3. I am also planning on seeing Oceans 13 which comes out June 13.

For all you "list" naysayers, I know what you are thinking, "I am sure none of these people could care less about being on my list or frankly might even be creeped out by it." However, I am sure they don't care, that's what makes it fun. And who wouldn't be flattered to be on my list? Ha, ha. So since this is blog, please contribute who's on your list.

What Ever Will I Say---
WHEN OLIVE & I MEET G. LOVE!

Thanks to the great world of blogger & the TiVo Changed my Life Blog, a mysterious man named Todd from Cleveland (ironically, not my Todd from Cleveland) left me a message on my blog (click here to read.) In this message it spoke of things like a meet and greet with G. Love for charity. (Yes, Bruce the running shoes I mentioned getting myself for Easter, well I will put those off for another day.) I have been a passionate G. Love fan since my freshman year in college and I have been very close to him (pretty much front row at every concert), however I have never met him. Well now I will get the chance and it's all for a good cause. I think it's for ALS, I will do my research before I go. I am so excited, I tried calling Olive to get her to talk me out of it, but she didn't answer, so guess what now you are going.

The only hitch is, well we all know how I am when I meet someone I am impressed by, I become well an Insta-Dork. I start talking about nonsense that no one in the world is interested in. I am NEVER cool, but in front of celebs I am even less cool. I worry that this may be a mistake, what if I embarrass myself, which would make me not want to be in the front row at every concert I go to, or worse, what if G. Love isn't the person I imagined him to be for the ten years I have been following the band. What if he openly laughs at me in a bad way? Or worse yet, is openly annoyed by me! Could this be a mistake?

The World Loses a Heck of Entertainer

Whether or not she tried, good or bad, she certainly captivated the audience. Larger than life (hence the picture.) That's what all the news stations are calling her. Anna Nicole Smith dies at 39 years-old. Her death was a total shocker and usually I am not sucked into celebrity's lives (just their television lives), but she is one that you couldn't help pay attention. It could have been her "in your face realty" life played out on television.

And you can't forget her realty television show: "The Anna Nicole Show." Recently she has been all over the headlines after her 20 year-old son Daniel died in her hospital room just after she gave birth to her baby daughter, who by the way there are three men fighting over, saying they are the baby daddy. I was listening to CBS radio at 7 pm tonight and it was the Anna Nicole Newscast, every story about this former playboy model who married an elderly oil tycoon. I think it's a little sad, "why did I know her?" The answer: NO, but I think we will all miss her outrageousness. Whether you liked her or not she was never boring. I can say that despite all the nonsense, I never turned away from an Anna Nicole story. And I must admit I didn't TiVo her reality show, but if I flipped by and it was on, I never turned away. So goodbye to the wacky blonde bombshell, it just won't be the same.

Dexter and I looking spiffy at the Auto Show Charity Preview. This is one of my favorite times to work because everyone dresses up, everyone including the producers, stage hands, engineers, stage managers, audio guys.. you name it, they were in a tux or dress looking cute.

Which of course only leads me to embarrassment. Yes, go figure. So I am field producing with Rhonda Walker who is recovering from foot surgery on both feet. So we only have one move and I am doing my best to make sure that no one is in her way and trying to pay attention to her, which means, I am not paying attention to myself. So we are walking away from the Roles Royce cars and I am watching Rhonda make a step down when my heal gets caught and I (if there wasn't someone in my way) was on the way to do a face plant right in the floor. As stated before I was lucky because there was some unsuspecting high roller (these people shelled out $400 bucks a ticket to come to this event) in my way. I apologized to the man, who now had my make-up all over the arm of his tux, as he just looked disgusted and walked away from me as fast as he possibly could. And Rhonda and her husband both trying to catch me before I hurt myself, remember, she is recovering from surgery on her two feet.

So let's recap Rhonda +2 foot surgeries = Zero Falls. Jennie + 0 foot surgery = 1 Face Plant. Yes, I know what you are thinking, this girl is truly amazing. And I must admit sometimes I even amaze myself.

However this is one bright spot. I meet another celeb, he's a reporter on the nationally syndicated show Extra. His name is AJ Calloway. (ok I had never heard of him before Friday night, but Extra is on at 11 am and I don't TiVo it.) He was the nicest celebrity I have ever meet at one of these shows. He was cordial and better yet, I made no mention of where I live or have lived. I kept geography out of the conversation. My one memorable comment to him was, "are you sure you are on a nationally syndicated television show, you seem way too nice." And the best part, he giggled, and it wasn't a fake giggle. So two thumbs up for AJ, and one for me, by not making a total fool out of myself on Friday.