Betty White = One of a Kind

Betty White is currently 89 years old and is still working in television shows and movies.  Now how cool is that because how many 89 year olds are working today?  I would guess almost none.  On May 5, 2011 is the day that Betty White came to the Smith Haven Mall to do her book signing.  If you don't know already Betty White published another book titled If You Ask Me and of Course You Won't. When I found out about this book signing I think I was dancing while reading this because I was excited.  I knew that I had to go to this book signing.

The night before the book signing I don't think I even slept.  I couldn't stop thinking about meeting Betty White. A few weeks before when I found out that Betty White was coming I decided that I would crochet her a blanket.  While crocheting I guess I made a few mistakes because the blanket looked like a front of a dress.  Still I thought it looked unique and decided to give it to her no matter what.  I also planned ahead for what I would wear.  I had a FREE ELKA shirt from Hot in Cleveland and two Betty White hoodie buddies.  If you don't know what a hoodie buddie is this is a sweater with ear phones attached and you can plug your ipod into it.  I decided to wear my hoodie buddie that said "Betty White Long Live the Queen".  It also had a picture of Betty White in the middle of it.  Everything seemed perfect.

The morning of the book signing I planned on heading to Smith Haven Mall around 9am.  I live about an hour and a half from the mall so I took the train in.  I arrived at the mall at 10:30am.  I walked into the Barnes and Nobles confident that I would I be able to get on line.  When I went to the customer service desk I asked them where to line up for the signing?  Then they told me something I wish to never have heard.  They said "Sorry but we can't take any more people, we filled up to the maximum number".  When the lady said this my happiness dropped.  I felt like I had a large rock dropped on me.  I was just crushed.  I remember walking outside in front of the store and sitting on a bench.  I then started to cry.  I was just devastated because I had planned on going for weeks.  I even wrote a letter and crocheted a blanket.  Even my sister wrote her a letter.  I also felt like I was letting my sister down because I wouldn't be able to deliver that letter to Betty White.  I then made a few calls to my parents telling them what had happened.  At this point I had just given up.  I just wanted to lay on the bench and take a nap because I was too sad.  But things changed.  I thought to myself that I could go to her book signing tomorrow in the city.  Originally I was going to the book signing in the city but chose not to because I was going with my dad late thursday night to pick up my sister from college.  But I was set on meeting Betty White because I just wanted to tell her how amazing she is, and I wanted to give her the blanket I made her.  So  when I made the decision to go the next day everything changed.

I got up from the bench and decided I might as well do some pity shopping.  And that's exactly what I did.  It was around 12pm, so I went into The Cheesecake Factory and got myself a piece of cheesecake.  I then walked into the mall and headed toward the food court to eat my cake.  Sadly the cake was ice cold and it was hard to eat.  Still that didn't stop me from going shopping.  I bought some shirts for my mom for Mother's Day, got a few belts and even bought my parents an anniversary present.  I even sat in one of the chairs where you put money into and it gives you a back massage.  I was starting to feel a bit better about this day.  So I decided to go back to Barnes and Nobles and get Betty White's book.  I also asked again to see if anything had change and they had room.  The answer was no.  So I went back into the mall and found a comfy seat and started to read her book.  I finished it within an hour and a half.  I really enjoyed it.  Since I still had some time to spare before my mom picked me up I started to watch The Mary Tyler Moore Show I received from netflix.  I watched a few episodes until my computer battery was almost completely dead.  By that time it was about the time my mom was coming to pick me up.  I went outside and sat in front of the Barnes and Nobles.  By this time people had already been lining up with their tickets to go see Betty White.  This made me depressed by watching this because I had wanted to be one of those people in line.  I sat with my hood over my head looking miserable.  About 10 minutes later my mom pulled up in her car and said to ask someone on line if they could give my present to Betty White for me.  Those words hurt so bad because I had been wanting to give them to Betty White myself.  A minute later I gave in and figured it would better to get someone else to give it to her even if I couldn't.  So I got up and walked over to the front of the line.  I saw this older looking woman and I thought maybe she would be kind enough to do this one favor for me.  So I asked "Hi.  I didn't get a ticket to see Betty White today and I was just wondering if you could give this to her for me"?  The lady seemed speechless and then this one guy said "Why not just it give it to someone who works here.  They probably will give it to her for you".  I said okay and I was walking toward one of the workers until something amazing happened.

As I was walking I heard someone yell "Do you need a ticket?  I have an extra one".  I saw this young lady waving her hand wearing a Navy uniform.  At this point I was looking at her in shock.  I couldn't believe what was happening.  She then held out the extra ticket and I just stared at it.  At this point my mom had parked her car and walked up behind me.  I was too shocked to even notice until she asked me what's going on.  I'm not sure who told her what was happening because all I can remember is being speechless.  It all felt like a dream.  I took the ticket and went under the ropes into the line.  Then someone one else yelled out in the line "is that your mom I have an extra ticket for her".  I was like this has got to be a joke.  I must be dreaming and I'm going to wake up soon.  The man came up to the ropes and handed her the ticket.  My mom then came under the ropes too and joined the line.  Then the people were telling us we need to get a sticker on our books and also my mom had to buy the book.  My mom and I ran into the store.  We both got on line and from the looks of the line it looked like it would be forever.  I felt like I was on adrenaline rush.  None of it seemed real.  I was talking to my mom on line and telling her I don't know what happened.  I can't believe this is happening. Finally we got to the front of the line.  I got the sticker on my book and my mom was buying hers. She then asked the person how many books can we get signed and she said 2.  My mom then decided to get a 2nd book signed for my sister.  I was thinking just buy the books and lets get back on line.

The picture for the article

We finally arrived back on the line.  The tickets that we got were in order by numbers.  My number was 14 and my mom was number 20.  I remember getting back in the line and in shock still.  I finally introduced myself to the person who made my dreams come true.  She told me her name was Fran O'brien.  I couldn't stop thanking her for what she had done.  This meant everything to me.  I started off with a lousy day and then it became amazing.  She then introduced me to her aunt and her mom.  I then started to tell them how thankful I was for this.  I really wanted to repay them back. This literally was a dream come true.  At this time it was about 6:30pm and there was a reporter and she had seen Fran and wanted to get an interview from her because she was in the Navy.  I thought that was pretty cool and then the reporter wanted to get a picture with everyone she came with.  Fran then told me to join them and I was like what.  I thought it was just a joke so I stood still in the line.  But then my mom said go and so did everyone else so I went.  They told the reporter that I was a friend and I traveled from Florida with them.  Honestly I found that hilarious.  I got to pretend I was from Florida and I got to be in a picture for an article.  Now that was cool.  About 20 minutes later the line started to move.  We were brought in the store and had to go up to the second floor.

I remember when we got to the second floor and into the spot we had to be in I made sure I took all of the stuff I bought that day and took it out of the bag I was giving to Betty White.  I called my sister and told her I got on line.  I told her the story and then I got to tell her that I was coming to pick her up at college.  I was so excited and then I hung up the phone abruptly because I wanted to save the battery.  I remember just sitting on the floor thinking OMG what is going on. Very soon I will be meeting a LEGEND.  If you ever want to know how to prepare to meet a legend let me tell you  a few things.  First make sure to go to the bathroom because you don't want to get so excited and then pee your pants.

Me and Fran O'Brien

Also make sure you bring a lot of water with you so you don't pass out in front of the Legendary person you are about to meet.  If you haven't guessed it already I'm trying to make a joke.  Yes it is probably a bad joke but who cares this is all about meeting the coolest person in the world BETTY WHITE.  After being quiet I started talking to other people in line.  I occasionally went back to Fran to tell her she was the greatest and I don't know how to repay her. My mom wanted to remember this moment so she asked Fran if I could take a picture with her and she said of course.  Fran was really cool and nice about giving me the ticket.  I honestly don't think I would have met anyone else who would of actually given me a ticket for the signing.  What was even more amazing is how close we were to the front.

Finally it was just minutes before Betty White came to the 2nd floor to start the book signing.  Since she would be taking an elevator, luckily enough we were close to the elevator.  Even though some people were closer I actually got on the floor and crawled right to where the rope was.  I was basically looking through people's legs to get a first look at Betty White.  I even told Fran I would take pictures for her.  Sadly enough that day I sucked at taking pictures and didn't get any decent ones.  After seeing the elevator go up and down several times and no Betty White, luck finally changed.  Betty White came out of the elevator and quickly went into a room right next to the elevator.  I was like AAAAAAH THAT'S BETTY WHITE OMG!!!!!!!  I did not yell that out thankfully.  But then a minute or two later she came out and then I started saying "Betty White you rock".  She actually turned around and said thank you.  What's funny is that I was on my knees and hands when I said that.  A few minutes later the line started to move and the book signing began.

Me Fran O'Brien and Betty White

Betty White

Right before it was my turn, Fran was in front of me.  She was lucky enough to get a picture with Betty White.  I thought that was amazing, and when she posted the picture online I was like OMG.  At the edge of the picture you can see me standing there.  Even though I'm not next to Betty White I still say I got in a picture with Betty White in it.  Now it was my turn to go up.  In the line my mom had written out a check to Betty White's Animal foundation called the Morrison Animal Foundation.  I was so nervous and excited that I just handed her the check with out telling her what it was.  Then I said " Is it okay if I give this to you?  I crocheted this blanket but I just want to warn you it doesn't look like a blanket it.  It looks like a dress you could probably wear to the red carpet".  I was trying to make a joke but it failed horribly.  She said Thank you so much, and then I said " Do you recognize this"? I point to my hoodie buddie and she looked at me confused so I zipped it up and she laughed saying that was cute and then I said wait and I unzipped my hoodie buddie half way and then flung it open and showed her the FREE ELKA shirt.  She thought it was so cute and started to laugh.  I was like omg this is so cool.  And then I as started to walk away, and luckily I got to say this "I just wanted to say that you inspired me to want to bring back the old classic shows, silent movies, and slapstick comedies".  She kept saying thank you and was I was just in awe of what had just happened.  But the workers at Barnes and Nobles kept making sure everything moved fast so I had to get out as soon as possible behind the ropes.  Behind these ropes we were allowed to take pictures of Betty White.  Sadly my phone decided that it didn't want to work so I didn't get any.  I was shaking from just the experience of meeting Betty White.  I noticed that everyone who walked out from meeting Betty White were also shaking.  It was just an amazing experience.  I then had to wait for my mom. I got to see her meet Betty White.  I was wondering what she was saying to her.  So as soon as she was done she came over to me and I asked what did you tell her.  My mom said "I told her that she looked beautiful and that you once told me that you wished Betty White would adopt you so she could be your mother".  I was looking at her like what did you just say.  My told me I said that once and I have no memory of that, but thinking back on it I probably did say something like that but not meaning it literally.  My mom said that "Betty White thought it was funny and she laughed and she even touched my hand".  I was like wow Betty White actually touched your hand that is so cool.  Even my mom couldn't stop smiling and she also couldn't stop talking about how beautiful she was, and how she looked the same as she looked on television. It was a once in life time opportunity we got and we are both so happy about it.  I don't think I have ever seen my mom so happy before in my life.

Betty White

As we started to leave the Barnes and Nobles I noticed how long the line was.  This line was extremely long, and it was like a maze of people weaving in and out of bookshelves.  The line was extraordinary to look at while leaving.  Before we left I thanked Fran and her family again.  As I walked to the car with my mom I started calling the rest of my family to tell them what had happened.  It wasn't until a few minutes in the car when I realized. I JUST FLASHED BETTY WHITE.

Even realizing I had flashed Betty White it didn't matter.  I still couldn't believe that I got to meet her. All of it still felt like a dream.  Even though it was real it was the best dream I ever had.

Here is a link to a video that shows Betty White at the book signing
http://www.youtube.com/user/tvkid43?feature=mhee#p/a/f/0/XZ4xaZmHfy8