Thursday, March 29, 2007

lisa ling

A lot has been happening in my life lately.
Visits to Arizona and then Boston all in two short weeks.
Finding out we are getting kicked out of our apartment.
Deciding that we want to buy a house.
And a dog.
Well, not really but maybe someday.

But with all that said - there is still something that has topped all the excitement of these last few weeks...and the story is about to unfold.

Paige and I had just heard Lisa Ling speak about her experiences, passions, and journalism. She told stories of heartache and injustice of women and children all over the world, to a room full of people that could have listened to her stories for weeks. She was amazing. I was inspired and moved by her honesty and compassion.

It was great. Then came the private reception with Lisa Ling. I was nervous and excited and there was a lot of build up to this moment (running to get some nuns and thinking I had lost Paige). But all worked out and a circle had formed around Lisa Ling.

When it came time for me to introduce myself to Lisa Ling (who by the way works for Oprah - with Oprah - has sat next to Oprah on her couch) and ask her a really smart, intelligent, thoughtful question - I just reached out my hand and said, "hi, i'm anne" and nervously looked away.

Oh No What Have I Done?

Then it came to Paige and she reached out her hand and Lisa Ling shook it and Paige said, "So, what's Oprah like?" It was perrrfect and I relaxed instantly. Paige was quoting Chris Rock on David Letterman.

Minutes later, Lisa Ling's car arrived and she had to go...but not before two people stalled with an awkward - the guy doesn't know how to use a fancy camera - photo for the school newspaper. Paige turns to me and says, "We can't have LISA LING leave without getting a photo for our blogs!!!!" I grab my camera out of my purse and just as the awkward photo is done I say, "Lisa, two seconds, photo, like best friends." I stretch out my left arm and tilt my head to the right as Lisa Ling practically rests her cheek on Paige, I take the photo.

WAIT? DID I JUST SAY BEST FRIENDS?!

It was perfect. And isn't this photo just perfect? Hello!!!

Here it is again, just because it is awesome.

12 comments:

paige said...

Anne - I LOVE YOU. you make me laugh so hard. what a fun night!!!

Trisha said...

Anne, what a great experience. I had just heard her recently on the radio on my way in to work, she is amazing. What an opportunity to meet her in person and have a picture taken with her. You lead some life! Good luck with all of your other adventures.

amanda jane said...

just great!!! while i'm scrubbing shit off the floors in a horse barn where i used to live, you're meeting lisa ling and talking about oprah!!! whatever anne!!!
i should have turned my car around...

jeanette kay musser gruenhagen said...

Anne!

you kick ass!

lisa ling kicks ass too!

sweeeeeet pic. bomber!

Unknown said...

Anne.......What?! Lisa "freakin'" Ling! That's so sweet! Where did you guys get to hear her?

I miss you.

sh said...

hey! i think that picture was cropped for lisa ling's wikipedia page!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Ling

Anne said...

Annz - yup, I actually put that photo up on Wikipedia! Istn't that cool!!

Cheryl said...

Wow! That's so cool. I really like the stuff I watch from her. I'm a bit jealous.

sh said...

oh you did! :p

a little embarrassed to have to wikipedia her up. :p only to find the same picture there! haha.

nice, though! :)

keo boun pheng said...

Anne, I haven't commented on your blog before - but this entry REALLY deserves it! I was laughing my butt of with the second posting of the picture....because that TOTALLY captures that kind of buzzing-excitement. I'm buzzing with you. (actually, my husband, souliyahn is also laughing and says "that's awesome!") so, thanks for sharing.... Tia

Scott said...

I am jealous! I have been a big Lisa Ling fan for a while... she is hot and smart. What a combo.

Marissa said...

THAT IS AWESOME!!! And yeah girl, you totally said 'best friends'...which is also awesome!