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
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If I could see any person at wal mart I would want it to be jennifer garner! She is my favorite actress..ever since I watched Alias seasons 1-5! She was amazing! and I really love all her movies shes made, minus Ghost of Girlfriends past..that movie was just…You know I dont really know what to say about that movie. lol
Have a great week!
AH MAN, you were THERE? So was I! I thought the back of my head was in your pics, but the more I look, I was just a tad bit to the right of your angle. Behind who had to be the tallest guy in the auditorium, I’m just sure of it. Wish I would have turned around!!!
I must say, Tim was looking pretty darn good! Were you smelling onions all weekend??? hahaha I had to go home and take a nap – we got up at 4 and were in our seats by 6. UGH
God Bless Tim McGraw. He’s mighty fine on the eyes.
Celeb of my choice? Kyle Chandler. The guy is fhine.
Deb
Sheesh, how have I never heard of this or the Clarke family. I need to watch more tv or something!
Tammy, I’m a HUGE Alias fan. But Ghosts of GF Past was one of the worst movies ever. And sadly, it’s tied with another movie, also starring Jen Garner. She needs to get back to kicking butt for the government.
Debbie, interesting choice! Do you watch FNL? I keep hearing how that is the BEST show.
Gina, watching TV is the solution to many things!
Natalie, you’re so right! He was very personable and humble which impressed me. Because I’m only interested in the inner man…
AMY! Poop, you were seriously there? Did you see ALLLL that free food? And the onion smell, gag. Too early for that!
celeb of my choice is definitely taylor lautner. wouldn’t mind seeing mario lopez and/or channing tatum either. =)
I was seriously there! Third row center, right behind all of the Sam’s people with the signs and whistles! Somehow I managed to restrain myself from all of the food. Maybe because my BFF and I were dashing out of there to eat breakfast at Einstein Bros. Anyway, I wish I would have known you were there!
What on earth is a Walmart Morning meeting? Please educate those of us who don’t live in Wally-world (AKA=Arkansas)
Book recommendation – Robin McKinley. The Hero & the Crown, The Blue Sword, Rose Daughter, Beauty, Spindle’s End – all fantastic books.
Two awesome series is (are?):
Dragons in Our Midst by Brian Davis (absolute fav)-also he’s got another cool trilogy.
Cat Royal adventures by Julia Golding.
Rachael, Brian Davis is on the list for sure. And I’ll have to check into Cat Royal.
Ruth, will look Robin up as well! Thanks for the suggestion.
Suzanne, the WM meeting is the required 1x a month meeting for anyone in management in Wal-Mart. It used to be 2x a month. Those folk work some serious hours.
Victoria, Taylor L would be a great pick!
Tim and Faith would come by the bookstore where I used to work. All of the women would suddenly find ourselves some VERY URGENT work to do in the section he would be in. Man, he is beautiful. Cameras do him no justice.