My First Celebrity Encounter

It was more than 5 years ago. I was working as an editorial assistant at a teen magazine and we were throwing a pre-MTV Video Music Awards party at some swank bar in Manhattan.

It was the first time our tiny little magazine was doing something so grand. We sent out invites to big wigs in the industry ~ publicists, managers, actors, and musicians. Everyone who was anyone in the teen world. The response was not great. In this day of expensive giveaways, we weren't offering anything but a night on the town before the big awards show.

When the event started, we were all a bundle of nerves. Would anyone show? Would we be the laughing stock of the publishing world? Not only were the best of the best invited to attend, only the most responsible employees were allowed at the party. My boss didn't want us acting like crazed fans flirting with the guests. I was so excited to be one of them.

The first hour was torture. People were trickling in, but no one of substance. All we needed was one decent star to make the party a success. Another hour flew by and still no celeb sightings.

Then, finally someone came. It was Mandy Moore. She was a pretty big teen star back in the day. Not like Britney or Christina, but a name nonetheless.

More stars showed up. LFO, O Town, even a few members from 'NSync. Of course, I don't remember all of their names now because their time in the spotlight was limited, but you get the picture. The party was a success and now we could sit back and actually enjoy the night.

There was a room upstairs that was considered V.I.P. Employees were not supposed to be up there. It was a place for the stars to mingle with each other. My boss tried kicking everyone out but we just ignored him. I was chatting with one of the girls I worked with when she looked over my shoulder and let out a squeal. She motioned for me to turn around. When I did, I couldn't believe my eyes.

Sitting right there, in the same bar that I was in, was a real deal celebrity. A star. An Academy Award winner! I couldn't believe it. I wanted to go over and say hi but I was frozen with fear. What would I say? I loved you in "so and so." Surely that would sound lame. I needed to think of something clever. Something that would make him remember me. Something that would make him fall madly in love with me and want to take me away to Hollywood and pamper me with lavish gifts and exotic vacations.

I finally mustered up the nerve to go over. I sat down with my back facing him as if to pretend he wasn't really there. I casually turned towards him and said hello. He smiled and I melted. I paused for a minute, reaching down deep for the courage to go on. And then it happened. I spoke.

"So where are Jay and Silent Bob?"

Can you guess who who I totally embarrassed myself in front of? Tune in for the rest of the story tomorrow!!