Submitted by boxergirl
December 28, 2006
He has this amazing kind of aura about him, just a kind of serenity that's
really hard to explain. (Photo Credit: boxergirl)
My friend and I arrived at the radio station at 7:30, and were quickly ushered upstairs into the boardroom where they had breakfast treats set up for us. We were told Went would arrive around 8, meet and greet with us, and we could chat with him then. Afterwards, he would do the interview with DJ Zoe, but he would come back to spend more time with us. While we were waiting, one of the NOVA staffers commented about the popularity of the radio contest. She said that no other competition, including one to win $10,000, had elicited such an amazing response from listeners! So I really was lucky to earn a spot!
There were probably just under 20 people in total, including the radio station staff - can you believe TWO of the winners didnt turn up? WTF?? Anyhoo, at about 8:10 Went arrived, with Pam and a couple of other staffers from Fox, I assume. He kind of sheepishly entered and waved to us all then made his way to a spot right in front of me to do photos with everyone.
Outfit: New Balances, jeans (totally rocked 'em), red T-shirt and that gray sweater he always wears (I believe it was the Saturday sweater, but Went, honey, it was Thursday!) And the hair - still there - with the greys nowhere to be seen.
We took our pics and I introduced myself. I commented that I was lucky enough to be meeting him TWICE in two days! He put his arm around me for the photo. Then I told him I was upset about missing out on the Moet the evening before, at which point he pulled back, took a better look at my face and replied: "Oh, I'm so sorry, I should have bought two bottles!" Then I shot some pics of my friend with him and we got out of the way to let others have their minute basking in the glow of The Pretty.
After everyone had finished, I asked the handlers if it was OK if my friend and I had a group photo with Went, as they were ushering him out for the interview. They said it was absolutely not a problem so he sat on the couch and we cozied up next to him. He put his arms around us and the radio staffer snapped away. Whilst on the couch, I asked if the constant posing ever got old and he just smiled and said, "No, I like it, its fun!" I managed to make him laugh with my insistence to have two photos taken "just in case."
Bless his heart, I told him he was very gracious about it all, and he thanked me as I got up. Then he was whisked away into the studio and we listened to the interview. Afterwards, he was shown into another room for a few minutes, then just outside the boardroom he signed a bunch of stuff for the station. At that point, the radio staffer came in and told us that he had run out of time and he had to get going. There was a collective groan as no one had asked him very much and he hadn't signed stuff for the fans yet.
(Photo Credit: boxergirl)
So we gathered around the door and waited till he re-appeared, then a few people had him sign things. We ran and grabbed our stuff for him to sign, and were successful in nabbing signatures! The handlers told him he had to get going but he said, "No, it's all right. They've come along way." I laughed and blurted out, "No, YOU have come a long way for us, we haven't come far at all!" That garnered a smile!
Eventually everyone's stuff was signed and they were on their way. He was absolutely SO gracious, calm, gentle and friendly. He has this amazing kind of aura about him, just a kind of serenity that's really hard to explain. He actually looks directly at you when he speaks, makes eye contact, and seems very grateful for the career he has. The whole publicity thing doesn't seem to bother him at all; in fact, he really does seem to enjoy it, as he said to me.
And finally, (before you all ask) he smelt nice – like a faint cologne, or even spray on deodorant. Nothing overpowering, just nice. He has warm, soft hands ('cause I know y'all will ask that too), and makes you feel completely comfortable with having pics taken with him.
*GUH*
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