I (ra) Am Foolish

I just got back from the most eventful lunch of my life!

As I was walking with my coworkers to a salad/sandwich place I told them how I cried on the subway this morning due to This American Life's Murder episode. "Before You Leave" by Mary Gauthier was the final song, and I just completely lost it. None of my co-workers heard of the program and I delved into the awesome wonderous that is TAL as well as Ira Glass; to explain I told them of my blog entry on the subject.

As we were walking to the cafe I got into a bit of a door jam because as I was attempting to walk in as Jess Goldstein was walking out. I was an intern at the Guthie years ago when he designed "His Girl Friday" for them. He is truly, truly sweet and was always very kind and generous to me as an intern. I was completely shocked and didn't say anything.

I kicked myself as I ordered my Waldorf salad and told myself I would say something if I ever saw anyone like that again.

I must now say a quick disclaimer. I completely not impressed by celebrity in anyway. I have worked on many an event with celebrity showings. I never, ever think it is appropriate to talk to celebs on the streets or harass them in anyway; in fact the whole culture sort of disgusts me. However, it is a certain type of person that I promised myself I would say something to if appropriate- it's the "connoisseur" celebrities. The general populous unknowns but "appreciated and celebrated in their field" celebrities; the people I admire most. There are only two people that I would personally put in this category at this time: Ira Glass and Julie Taymor.

Speaking of Ira Glass......

In he waltzed, belly up to the greens counter to order himself a salad.

"Oh my god, that's Ira Glass...!!!"

My co-workers were confused at best.

"I have to talk to him, I have to talk to him."

Again... perplexed.

I'm freaking out a bit and still not completely sure it's not just an older displaced Williamsburg-er honing in on the style of their Public Radio idol. (Silly me.. I was in Mid-town. Of course it was him.)

"Hi," I SPUTTERED, "You made me cry today."

(Yes that is actually what I said.)

His face was confused. Of course. And perhaps even a bit scared of me.

"This murder episode....the last song... I lost it."

"Song?" He said.

"After the suicide story."

"Oh yes, thats a dark story."

"I normally don't..." I make a gesture to mean 'approach people', but what I REALLY mean is 'make a complete and utter stammering, awestruck fool of myself'.

"Thank you for all your work." (this part was a bit awkward and we were sort of talking over each other)

"Thank you, no, thank you," he says as he goes back to the man behind the counter.

I am JOYFUL. My co-workers are, still as ever, perplexed.

I feel very foolish for not saying what I would really want to say if I could go back. It would be simple and clear: thank you. Thank you Ira Glass for creating a program that I love. Thank you for telling me stories that affect me and that I share with people. Thank you for being the only media source that makes me truly love to be living in America every time I finish a podcast. Thank you for just displaying people, without judgment or at an attempt at meaning. Thank you for creating smart and interesting programing. Thank you for giving me something to do on the subway.

Thanks.