Eyes Wide Open

I’m not one to get star-struck.

The way I see it, whatever celebrity I happen to cross paths with is a regular joe like me. They breathe the same oxygen. They have to eat. They have likes and dislikes. Personality quirks. In short, they are human just like the rest of us. So, why freak out?

When I think of meeting a celebrity I figure I’d be cool, calm, and collected. I simply shake their hand, tell them “it’s nice to meet you“, and keep moving. It’s funny how things don’t play out how we think. I had the pleasure of meeting professional wrestler Booker T last weekend, and I turned into a five-year-old boy.

I got tunnel vision. A heartfelt story of how I used to watch him on WCW Saturday Night as a kid came flooding to my mind. However, the words didn’t come out of my mouth. I stuck out my hand and said, “I just wanted to shake your hand. It’s so nice to meet you, sir.” He shook my hand and returned the sentiments. Afterwards, I turned and walked away. No further conversation. No asking for a picture or autograph.

I just walked away star-struck.

I morphed into a wide-eyed grade school boy that met his superhero. It was embarrassing and slightly awkward. I mean I’m 32. I can’t be losing my cool like a New Kids On The Block fangirl. You know what I’m talking about.

Just thinking about my reaction flusters me. I’m sure it’s not as bad as I think. But I definitely did lose my cool. I looked like this. 

Such is life. Maybe I’ll be better next time I meet someone famous. Or, maybe I’ll scream with delight (nope).

Whatever the case, it was nice to be a kid again even if it was only for 10 seconds.