What a Wonderful World by IZ

Last night was my first foray into the world of Hollywood. Okay, not my first, but definitely my first not being the lowest on the totem pole. Let me explain.

Yesterday afternoon, I get this urgent sounding IM from Galen. It seems that he got tickets to an awards banquet hosted by Global Green USA, an organization that honors businesses and people who have made a positive impact on the environment. Galen's company, Ethos Water, was being honored and because Galen is an amazing asset to their company, his boss gave him two tickets. At the last minute, his date dropped out, so he called me to fill in. Sometimes, being second choice is just fine by me!

Anyway, so I went out and bought a new outfit (hey, sometimes a girl needs to treat herself!) and headed out to Beverly Hills to the ceremony. It seems that not only did Galen's boss hook him up with tickets, he also hooked him up with passes to the VIP cocktail reception and killer seats at the front table. At our table was a bunch of bigwigs from Starbucks and Ethos (Ethos is owned by Starbucks) as well as Kevin Richardson, of Backstreet Boy fame, and his wife Kristin. They were so sweet and genuinely concerned about the environment. Kristin and I got somewhat chummy, and Galen regaled them with tales of lawn bowling and taco trucks. It was awesome.

Oh, oh, oh the celebrity sightings did not stop there. Our esteemed hostess for the event was none other than Judith Light better known as Angela from Who's the Boss? She was really sweet, and meeting her confirmed my suspicion that in real life she looks A LOT like my mom with blonde hair. It's kinda creepy... Other presenters included: Julie Delpy (who seemed like she had a massive case of stage fright and almost cried), Ed Begley Jr. (he played Hiram on Six Feet Under and Mr. Sitwell on Arrested Development-- amazing and really nice), and Bahar Soomehk (was in Crash and had a horrible dress on, but was otherwise gorgeous and friendly). By the by, Galen was at his best and managed to give his card to almost everyone of these people, in addition to the president of Global Green USA (which is how I got to talk to all of them). It was such a great night. Not to even mention the delicious food and Murphy Goode wine (my aunt and uncle's winery)! All in all, a fan-freaking-tastic night.

I am in such debt to Galen for taking me, it was so much fun. Although I must say, the whole time I was afriad someone would discover that I wasn't supposed to be there and ask me to leave. Of course, I had a cheese-tastic wrist band, so no one bothered me and I think I looked like a fit in, except for the fact that I was a head taller than any of the other women and some of the men. I was also sitting right dead center next to the stage, which was a little unnerving. Funniest thing I saw all night: when we pulled into the valet there was a stretch Hummer parked out front. Mind you, this was the Global Green Awards. It was beautifully ironic.

Okay, since that took up all of yesterday, I am frightfully behind in thesis (ha! what else is new?), so I had better get back to it. Hope everyone's weekend is going well!

~J

P.S. I didn't even mention the wedding Nat and I attended on Friday night. Oh, even more good stories there, but this post is already too long so that will come later! :)