08/25/06 Remembering One Year Ago Today -- My Toronto Meet and Greet

My Meet and Greet in Toronto was a awesome experience. Nick escorted us backstage at about 6:00 p.m.. Once we got there we did not get the customary no touch, no chit chat, etc. All he told us was to stay in single file, hand gifts and article to be signed to Mary and have your camera ready to give to security guard who would give it to Kristy who would take the picture. Nick emphasized that Clay would definitely see the gifts but that it goes smoother if they are not given directly to him. As others have said you spend a large part of the Meet and Greet with Nick.

When Clay came out what struck me immediately was that he was sort of dressed up -- no jammie pants and ugly shirt. He had on the LLVL orange shirt and nicely fitting dark jeans with black dress shoes. His hair looked stage ready and looks redder than it does in photos. He had make-up on.

He was very chatty. When my turn came he said the usual Hey, how are ya. He then asked me my name and how to spell it. Our conversation went as follows:

Me: Thank you for coming to Canada

Clay: You are very welcome. Are you from Toronto?

Me: No I am from Winnipeg which is north of Grand Forks.

Clay: I didn't think it was straight north but looks more to the east on my map. I know where Manitoba is and I thought it was directly above Minnesota.

Me No, Grand Forks is right on the North Dakota/Minnesota border.

Clay Well, you would know but I will still check my map tonight.

With the end of the Geography lesson came my embarassing moment. I picked up my stuff and started to leave. Teacher Clay turned to snarky Clay and said he guessed I didn't want a picture and he would try not to be too insulted. Of course, I went back and Kristy took the picture. All in all it was a very positive encounter and much more than I expected.

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