First of all, welcome to all the newbies. I apologize for not welcoming you individually, but I have a lot of typing to do, and if I'm going to get started, I have to get started quick.
First of all, for those of you that don't know me, I am your resident Nascar expert.....one driver in particular, Mr. Tony Stewart.
I attended a personal appearance today and this is how it went:
Where to begin? Where to begin? I can honestly say, without a doubt, this was one of the MOST awesome days of my life.
The appearance was not publicized for various reasons. From what I understand, it was actually supposed to only go out on Tony's newsletters, I believe. There was very limited parking and I believe that was one of the concerns. It was a very nice event however. They had loads of food catered in and lots to drink. (none of which I enjoyed because I didn't want to go up to Tony smelling like a sweet n sour meatball or a nacho) Or possibly because I didn't want to gain 5 lbs!
They passed out wristbands, but would not let you get in line until 12:00. Because this was a warehouse, they were very particular....safety reasons, I suppose. So we arrived a little after 10:00, got our wristbands, left for a bit and came back at 12:00. We got in line and just chit chatted with other fans.
Believe it or not, Tony was actually early. Yeah, it was only 5 minutes, but let's give the man credit. He was not late! Now, keep in mind, I had emailed Pam, Tony's mom....earlier in the week to ask if I could take some shots after the signing of Tony for the Tony Stewart website I am an administrator on and she had ok'd it and said she had forwarded my email to Eddie, Tony's
PR guy and I would just have to remind him when I got there.
Well, they start coming in and I stop Eddie and ask him if he got Pam's email? Eddie gets this blank look on his face and I think, "Oh no."
He's not checked his email. So I tell him who I am and who I'm there for and he says, "Pictures after? Sure, just hang out." So, now that I know I'm all squared away, it's time to get down to business.
Tony gets to the table and the flashbulbs start popping. Ron and I both have cameras, and I'm sorry Ron, but I do have to take this time to mention........
He took the first 16 pictures WITHOUT the flash on!
Yes, Ron's camera woes
continue.
But seeing as we only took about 75 more, I think we'll be just fine. So we get up to the table and I give Tony a certificate some of the other admins and I had put together for him awarding him the honor of "
Scruff King of the Year" It basically thanked Tony for
losing his razor every now and again and had the admins name at the bottom of it. We are part of the "official" scruff club. For those of you that don't know what
scruff is, it's that lovely stubble that he sports. Anyways, when I give him the certificate, he actually stopped the line at this point and reads the entire thing. After he finishes it, he just dies laughing and says, "This is really cool....hilarious." I said, "We love the scruff Tony." He said, "Yeah, I know." I said, "Don't ever lose the scruff." He said, "Don't worry....we won't." Then he laughed again.
So Eddie tells us to go over on the side and wait, so we do. This appearance was very different than many other I have been to, because no one was very uptight. There were policemen there, but they were more or less making sure you didn't go through the line twice and things like that. He didn't have any beside him. It was only Tony and Eddie up on a platform and they were roped off with Home Depot and checkered flag ropes.
So, the line is dwindling down, (There were only 242 wristbands distributed) and we were making small talk with Tony throughout the wait. He signed my jacket as well as my other items and even addressed it "To Tina", which I thought was very cool. So I've been taking tons of pictures from the side, and now it's time to take some from the front. From what I understand, at Home Depot appearances, Tony will go into the breakroom and sign autographs for the employees after the appearance, but because this was so laid back, employees could come and go at will and have their items signed from where he was sitting on the stage.
So you can see it's about to wind up, so I go over to take some close up shots of Tony. I feel that there are only so many times you can actually have him look at you and smile, so I only took three of him looking directly at me and smiling for me. But they will be GOOD. After I'm done taking these, I go up to him. Even though I am standing & he is sitting, we are eye level because he is up on a platform. So I ask the pitiful question, "Tony, can I get a picture with you?" (They had already stated in no uncertain terms he would not be posing for pictures with anyone) Then I hear the words, "I'm sorry honey. But if I take one with you, then everybody will want one too." So I said, "Ok" and I walked away with my head down.
SIKE!
I don't think so Mr. Stewart! Not getting away that easy. So, the girl who just a year ago took one look at him and fled said, "But Tony, the last time I had my picture made with you, I was about 50 lbs. heavier and I really wanted a new one with you." So he looks at me and then leans in really close with head down, (like we were sharing a secret) and says, "Ok, here's what we'll do. When this thing is over and I'm ready to leave, we'll take one together." At this point, and this was just a natural reaction, I reached over and took his hand and said, "Thank you so much Tony." He said, "Your welcome sweetie."
Oh yeah, I think I forgot someone. What's his name? Oh yeah, RON....
my husband. He's standing over on the side looking at me, with my face literally inches from Tony's, holding his hand and thinking, "Is this really my wife?"
He was also taking photos of me and Tony talking that I was unaware of and right as he went to take the one of me holding Tony's hand, a man walked right in front of him, so I'm not sure if that one will turn out or not, but what a photo if it does!
So, Tony's ready to go and his staff director or whoever she was....I'm not really sure, but she was bossy, comes over and says, "Come on Tony...we're outta here." He stands up, and starts gathering up items (our certificate included) and hands them to Eddie and someone else and he says, "Wait, I have to get a picture with her and points towards me." The lady (bossy one) says, "What?" He said again, "I'm taking a picture with her." She said, "Are you sure?" He said, "Yeah...it's fine." Then he motions me over. I'm walking towards him and he holds his arm out so he can put it around me. I go over and put my right arm around his back and my left hand is across my chest touching his stomach......yes, touching his stomach.
So he squeezes me in close and Ron (God love him) takes the picture. I turn to Tony, (figuring...what the heck) and ask to take one more just in case I blinked and he said, "Sure." So we take another one. When we're finished, with my arm still around him, I give him a hug, (I got one back) and thanked him again, and he said, "Your welcome sweetie, see you later." And then he left.
I don't know what happened after he left the appearance site, but I can tell you with all certainty, from the time he walked in, till the time he walked out.....I was the only one that got a picture with him. I am a totally happy woman.
And part of me is still in a puddle in the floor of the Apex Warehouse in Nashville Tn.
Pics....lots more of them....are coming tomorrow!!
For now, here's one of me and my true love, Ron. Yes, it
is Ron.
This is one of me and him at the appearance today.
P.S. I vote for keeping the thread JUST LIKE IT IS. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Yesterday went decent, but you know, if I journalled, I'd know for sure! 
Gosh, you'd think by now that I would just do that. Oh well. One of these days.
It would give you room to branch out into various topics, if you wish. However, I realize you may also feel more cozy in a single thread. It's up to you 
! Thank goodness for boiled eggs to the rescue 
I have my big dumb dog instead, but it's just not the same! 
Hiya Ladies!
Barb
You have done a marvelous job of taking off the pounds. You'll have to come by regularly, 
Silly Girl!
Congrats on your loss!!
?? Naw, we'll leave you there awhile longer. Wow! It really sounds like you had a great time. Totally cool!
