I never thought it would happen to me.
I am writing it down while it still hot and before I forget crucial details. Pardon the fangirling, but it’s just that I could not believe my luck. I can now finally say that I met the voice of Scar, my catalyst in preferring delectable baddies over the boring ‘heroes’. I NEVER imagined that this would happen but I am proud to say that with a little determination and some help from friends, anything can happen, even to boring old me.
It started about two weeks ago. I was on my facebook and I noticed a rather intriguing post on a page I follow. It’s not a website officially sanctioned by Mr. Irons as much as I know, but it is very informative in regards to information about his projects. Anywho, I saw something that caught my eye. It was like a deer in the midst of my jungle paradise and I was the hunter looking for such a treat. It said “Los Angeles” and “appearance”. I looked closer and it said that Mr. Irons would make an appearance at the premiere of “The Words” at Arclight Hollywood on September 4.
My first thought was no. I could not go.
Without going into too much detail in my life, let’s just say that I have to be stingy with my money. I have a cushion, but due to unforeseen circumstances which resulted in me starting work later than I wanted, I have become one of those types of people that has to watch my gas mileage. Is it justified? Should I do it? What about parking? In case you don’t know, Los Angeles is notorious for gouging its parking prices. That’s how they prey on the tourists. I could do book signing appearances/recording appearance, but I had never been in a position where if I wanted to meet one of my idols, I would do a movie premiere. First off, don’t you need to buy the movie ticket? How long is the wait? The major factor in me not wanting to go was that it wasn’t guaranteed that he would sign something for me. As I have seen, it can be cutthroat. I said no, but as time got closer, I started questioning my decision. At another forum, there was a thread about ‘regrets’ and someone made a post about how it was better to have tried and failed that regret with a ‘never’. Add to the fact that I have to be prepared (no pun intended) for a test coming this Saturday morning which I need to bolster my career, I felt that it would be a waste of time as I needed these final hours to prep for my exam (which didn’t come cheap, mind you).
I reflected and I started thinking about it. If I do go, at least I could tell myself that I made the effort. I didn’t go, then I knew that I would forever regret it. I would regret it when I would see those pictures from the premiere. I knew I would regret it when I would go to facebook and see the feed from the event. I learned awhile back that life is short and it isn’t fun if you don’t take risks. About a week ago, I changed my mind and said I would do it. I was still wondering how I could fit my study schedule. On top of that, I am a gym rat and I feel totally bloated if I don’t work out.
So the big day finally came. I put in some extra studying for the weekend which I set aside in previous weeks. However, I found that today I was tired. I needed a break as I have been studying for more than seven days. Moreover, I was horrified that I had forgotten certain dates and acts passed. I felt that I needed a break. Just for one day. I used the extra time to work out. I needed to look good for Mr. Irons anyway.
I left the house at approximately 2.45. I put in extra gas into my car even though it was half full. I didn’t want to spend a full $40 in another week. I got there at around 4PM. I found out where the fans were staying. I was early enough that it wasn’t too bad, but I wished that I had come sooner. In the meantime, I made some cool friends and traded stories with them. Turns out we had a passion for things other than following our favorite celebrities. It helped that one of these guys was a comic book fan and I was able to serenade them with my Harley and Catwoman cosplay. This calmed my nerves a lot. I had brought “The Last Lions” DVD and a Scar trading card from the Skybox series. As early as 5PM, I could start feeling my insides tie in a knot. I was close enough to where I could stretch my arm over the bars and get an autograph, but because I had no idea if I would get crushed by the competition, I remained nervous until around 7PM.
He took his time with the interviewers and he finally came around to us at around 7.30. I stuck out my hand and I could feel my body getting crushed. I was competing with fans that had huge posters of Scar. I saw one woman carry a portrait sized image of Mr. Irons from Lolita.
All I had was a puny trading card. I did not have a [censored] chance.
He came around our area and I stuck out my arm, confident that it was out there. He focused on the large pictures. One of my new friends told him “Please sign her DVD! She came here just for you!” At this point, and this is hilarious, he was LOOKING for me. He was probably thinking “Who the Hell does this arm belong too?” I was behind my new friend and his friend Anthony and when Jeremy finally found me he asked:
“Can you breathe?”
I smiled and stifled a laugh and shook my head. He saw that I was being crushed. It wasn’t because of nervousness though I am sure that played a part. Then he said “What’s up with everyone and this movie?”He said that about “Last Lions”. I actually assumed he was going to sign it but he went for my trading card. I will treasure it forever. Now I have another notch on my belt and a story to tell when I am old, withered, and toothless. He was a perfect gentleman. I don’t think he took pics and I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I had a little streak today and this was the cherry on the top. This was a good day. I am glad I listened to my instinct and took a risk. As I understand, Mr. Irons HATES the Hollywood scene and I knew that this would be my golden opportunity. I took a gamble and got a jackpot in return.
Je ne regrette rien.
I'd love to meet one of my favourite actors (I have loads) but if it did happen I'd probably get completely star struck & not be able to say anything! I'm so happy for you 
