I'm not a morning person.
I was more than delighted when I took this job to find out the shift didn't start until 10 a.m. rather than the typical 8 or 9. But sometimes, there are some things just worth getting up at the crack of dawn (or before) for.
In this case, it was a casting call for "Survivor" and "Amazing Race" held at Harrisburg Mall. The event didn't start until 10 a.m., but when word got out that people would be allowed to start lining up as early as 5:30, we knew we had to get there early. OK, OK, I'm lying. I was a wee bit hesitant to wake at 4:30 in the freakin' morning, but our ever-energetic photographer Jay convinced me it would be worth the sleep sacrifice. And he was right (ya hear that, Jay?)
So I pulled myself out of bed at 4:30, stuffed a bread roll in my mouth and was out the door by 4:45 to meet Jay at our office by 5. We drove up to Hburg's mall, and by the time we arrived about 5:45, there were more than a dozen folks already lined up.
I don't want to say the next four hours were a blur exactly, but they flew by faster than I expected, thanks to the eccentric folks there with high hopes of becoming a reality star. I will not soon forget Ms. Patti Kuhn, the single-handedly most energetic, rambunctious and - let's be honest - crazy sexagenerian I have ever met. But I mean all of that in the most loving way possible. At age 60, Kuhn recently won Miss Senior Pennsylvania, is a member of Coast Guard Auxiliary, swing dances and has a pet dummy named Sam (long story). Sadly, she has more energy than I could ever hope for, and I'm 23. Of course, if you ask her, Patti doesn't consider herself 60, really, because to her 60 is "16 in Celsius." I don't make this stuff up, folks, I just write it down.
"Survivor" doesn't know what it's missing if it passes on Patti. She danced the Charleston for the other folks waiting in line, helped producers pass out applications to others and challenged an Iraqi war vet to a pushup contest - and won. All this on (if she was telling the truth) 2 hours of sleep to boot. Oh, and did I mention she made such good pals with another potential contestant in line that she may have lined herself up with a lingerie modeling event next month? Again, I don't make this stuff up.
I don't normally do "shout-outs," but I met so many damn cool people this morning that I just wanted to say thanks to Patti, Steve, George, the M&M girls, the teachers from New Hampshire, Barry, David, Bill, Katey, Dan, Claudine, Nikki, Colin and all the other people who made me not regret getting up while it was still dark. It's people like you all who make me love what I do. Good luck to all of ya.
you guys did a great job!! loved the article...even tho ya let everyone know that we forgot that we'd need an ending to our little speech :). you guys helped make the day memorable. you shouldve tried out while you were there lol. thanks for being awesome! *hugz*...oh yeah ... and high fives for putting my glowing gummy worms in your article!!
i just wondered if u remembered me? I am the wife of Bill Myers who u said had no one get up at (4a.m.) to come in to the mall to stand by him and do all his running for him until his audition came up. Just wanted to let u know that he was not alone and i was with him all the time. thanks his helping hand and wife Wanda.
This is fantastic, Jason! Thank you to you and Jay for making the day so memorable and fun! And thank you for all the great comments, Jason! Yes, indeed, it was 2 hrs. sleep! It's 1 AM now, and I'm getting up at 6 to go to work at 7....and where was I? Dancing!!! Of course! Come join me sometime! Patti
PS: Only correction in the article....I was there first in line with Steve and George...but I had to bring in my dummy. Enjoy the heart of the day! York's Peppermint Patti...hoping to see you all again soon!
Hey, Jason! Just got in from my evening: dancing, then tap dance lessons, then workout at the gym. I'm getting in shape! Join me sometime! Patti
Climbed to the top of Climbnasium's 42 ft. climbing wall. My name in the book at the top: "Peppermint Patti, Survivor 2007." I called Climbasium this morning and was asked, "Are you the old woman who climbed to the top yesterday?" Love it!
Hello
How are you?
Hi.
Good design, who make it?
I thank the Lord for giving us the gift of brilliant preachers!