I Stalk Tim McGraw…Among Others

I know there's a lonnnng list of people I semi-stalk. And at times, living in Arkansas is a bit like walking through LAX on a really good day. For being a state with a reputation that often equates us with hillbillies and outhouses, we see plenty of celebs around here, and all thanks to Wal-Mart.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to go to the WM monthly meeting, and who should happen to show up? The Neelys, Rachael Ray, and…one Timothy McGraw. A friend asked me if I wanted to go, and I said, “Don't mind if I do.”  We didn't know the Food Network folks were gonna be there, but we knew that Tim would. So we got up super early (like 5:30. On a Saturday, which is like 3:30 weekday-time).

Usually the celebs are there in conjunction with something new they are going to be or are promoting. The meetings are usually longish. I think this one was over two hours. And you have to sit through the meeting portion before you get to the reward. I actually enjoy most of the business meeting. Every time I've gone there is always a pattern of:
1. Talk about business
2. Talk about the customer
3. Talk about how Wal-Mart is giving back
4. Talk to somebody who comes with a security team and posse

I don't know that I ever sit through the “giving back” portion without having to grab a Kleenex and swab my entire face. Wal-Mart takes a lot of heat and criticism for some of its liberal policies, but I'm always so proud of all they do to help communities and families. And of course, they feed many a house where I live, where my students live. They have a division just for community needs that handles things like disaster relief, community enrichment (like nursing home events), and a huge military outreach (millions of care packages sent). When I saw this video, I thought I was going to have to leave the room. I was that uncomfortable with the water works. It's a must watch.

Is that not awesome? What a great reminder of the importance of foster care and what Christmas is really about.  Okay, Wal-Mart commercial over. Let's get to the goods.
To set the stage, it was really early. And at these meetings you see everything from people fresh out of bed with a hat on to some executive looking attire. Most are pretty casual, though. Here's my “I'm Seeing Tim McGraw” outfit. I picked it out special just for him.

Yeah, it was too early to care. There was a baseball cap too. It was a really attractive look I had going on. Good thing he and Faith are solid, or else our eyes would've met across the auditorium, he would've taken one glance at my Sue Sylvester get-up and been a goner. Nothing communicates the intoxicating combo of “hey baby” and “class” like a Nike t-shirt.

Here is Mike Duke, Ruler of Wal-Mart, Rachel Ray, and Mr. Neely

I'm afraid Rachael is just as perky as you think she might be at seven-thirty in the morning. Even her eyebrows were perky (seriously, look at them), which I couldn't quit staring at.

Here are Mr. and Mrs. Neely and Perky McRay.

And then finally after we talked about food, food, and food (not my favorite topic right now), it was time to clear the stage for Tim McGraw. Here's a really grainy pic.

I tell you what, an atheist couldn't look at that man in person and not suddenly know there is a God– and he is mighty good.

Tim sang “Southern Voice,” and then sat down and sang the Christmas song “It Wasn't His Son.” Check out this picture.

Look at the girl right next to him. Could she get any closer? You know she's NOT thinking about Joseph and the dear baby Jesus. (For the record, I was.)

So that was my Saturday.  If you could see anyone in a Wal-Mart morning meeting, who would it be? (I'm still hoping for Will Ferrell.)

Thanks so much for the book suggestions for my classroom. Keep them coming! I'm finalizing my list tonight, but I'm always up for listening to book recommendations.

Have a great week. Eat some lettuce and think of me.

JEN