Full Circle Moment

Last weekend I went to North Carolina to see my brother graduate from Duke Law School. I am so proud of him and another post featuring the rest of the trip, probably in video form, will be coming soon.
We've all been looking forward to this for the past three years, but my level of excitement increased ever so slightly (trying not to take anything away from Brother's accomplishment) when I found out a few months ago that OPRAH was going to be the speaker at commencement. Her godson also graduated from Duke last weekend.
One of my favorite memories of Wellington #13 was gathering to watch Oprah everyday. (Raise your fists and give me a "YEEEEES. YEEEEEES.") And now that I'm unemployed I get to watch everyday at 4:00. Don't judge me.
OK. Now for the good stuff.
On Friday, we had a layover in Chicago. Naturally I purchased the May issue of O Magazine while we were there. Just as we are about to board the aircraft my mother tells me to turn around and lo and behold there is Gayle King!!
Puzzle pieces connecting: Oprah is speaking. Godson. Gayle is Oprah's best friend. Gayle's son is the godson. Gayle is flying to RDU. I am flying to RDU. Gayle is not flying on Oprah's private jet. Gayle and I are on the same flight. I am holding a copy of O Magazine. She is the Editor of O Magazine.
Although the story thus far might lead one to believe that I'm really into celebrities and I hunt them down and ask for their autograph, the opposite is true. I have never approached a celebrity because I learned that you shouldn't talk to strangers.
But the Gayle situation was justifiable. We have so much in common. For example, Corissa and I have been BFF for 10 years now and I know that even when I become famous she will still be there for me.
I grab a pen and devise a plan. Parents will walk in front of me and walk extra slowly as we pass first class so that I can pause long enough to have her sign my magazine without the people behind me freaking out because I'm holding up the line. But alas, she was on the phone.
Dejected, I resigned to my seat. My dad told me to keep a stiff upper lip and to hold out for the baggage claim. So I did. My lip was a little sore by the end of the flight, but we exited the plan and BAM there she is right in front of me on the moving sidewalk thingy. She's got nowhere to go so I timidly say, "Excuse me," and she steps over to the right thinking I wanted to pass her. When I don't pass she turns around and I say, "I was wondering if you could sign my magazine." I explained that we were also going to Durham for graduation. She was thrilled that I had the May issue and she signed it: Amanda, Graduation Wahoo!! - Gayle King.
She was fabulous and lovely and I got this paparazzi picture of her as we were leaving the airport.



Here's the story with graduation.
The law school part was on Saturday and the Oprah part was happening Sunday morning. During church. Doug and Melissa naturally wanted to say goodbye to their ward and keep the sabbath day holy, but I wanted to hear Oprah. My wonderful father offered to take me so we went. That's right. We went to a graduation with no graduate. The speech was brilliant and Oprah was fabulous and lovely and she had a great high ponytail. Below is a video (sorry about the shake) of her telling a story about prison and puppies. If you would like to watch the whole thing minus the shake go to oprah.com.





Apparently we were supposed to wear our Kentucky Derby gear...