I’m still reeling from the events of the past couple of weeks. Shortly after seeing the Dalai Lama, I saw Mr. I’ll Be Back, Mr. It’s Not a Tumor, Mr. Hasta La Vista Baby, da Governor. I was at the AltCar Show in Santa Monica talking up the sustainability certificate program at UCLA, and who should I see walk by, but Arnold. He looked about as I would have expected him to. I gazed on his Calleadershipness for approximately 1.2 seconds. That was plenty. I also saw the only woman from Baywatch without large breasts, who made a movie called “Who Killed the Electric Car?”. Maybe there’s some additional commentary to be added there, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I was talking to her trying to place her in that way you do when you think you met them before but then realize they were on TV (you get that a lot around here). I really wanted to ask her, “Did you ever make out with David Hasselhoff?” as a way of confirming her identity, but just couldn’t bring myself. I mean, I would think she’s heard it all before, and I wasn’t sure that was unique enough to actually say out loud. However, I made myself laugh.
Last week I had the privilege of seeing Dr. Jane Goodall as well. She is such a neatoniftycool kind of person. She really did have a calm, strong presence and spoke very well about issues facing people & animals around the world. I almost cried a few times. She also did some chimp-language. I wasn’t expecting that, and thought it was spectacular. She was also very humble, the kind of person who realizes that she worked hard for what she wanted, but also had a bit of luck and circumstance in her corner, so doesn‘t pound on her chest to show how great she is. She said, “why me?” a couple of times. Now, THAT’s a true celebrity in my opinion!
Wait, I didn’t say anything about the Dalai Lama! Also a true celebrity in my estimation. What a cute guy. I know, it’s weird to say about a holy man, but it’s just too true. I went with Sue and Jonathan, superb companions for the day. He spoke in decent English about the four noble truths, about how there’s room for all religions if people are nice (my way of summarizing), and then had a translator do the rest. Highlights include him putting on a maroon-colored visor to block out some of the spotlight lighting (perfectly matched his robes), and freely and casually teaching, including terrific harrumphs and throat-clearing, and laughing from the heart (you could just tell). It was really interesting to watch the crowd as well….all manner of dress, all manner of observation. Some were hands in pray-position touching various significant spots from head to gut and then kneeling and putting their foreheads to the floor, and some were wishing for HH (his holiness) to come over and do some super-healing on kneecaps. Or is that only televangelists? And was that only me?
Another way exciting thing is it’s close to delivery day for seester, who’s having a boy anytime now. I’m on call for Maddiesitting. Maddie will be big sister, now. I’ll have a talk with her about appropriate older sister behavior and shenanigans. I promise I won’t tell her about a certain haircutting incident.
To summarize, what a crazy life I lead. It’s not really crazy, but it feels crazy from how I ever imagined it when I was younger. I mean, if I’m not married with offspring pursuing some career goals, what am I supposed to be doing? I guess this is it! Spending a lot of time wondering what’s next, and wishing to go all over the world, doing whatever I can to bring people together. Wait. Did I type that out loud? Ah, I’m so inspired when I think of the true celebrities of the world I just got to witness (add my sis to that list).
Ciao, babies!
