borgmama1of5 | My Fangirl Moment

So last year I managed to score a last minute general admission ticket to the Chicago Supernatural Convention, and I was super excited just to be in the same auditorium as the Supernatural stars, sitting in the next-to-last row, from where they appeared about 2 inches tall...

This year, in February I bought tickets to have photo ops with the stars.

Yes, it's silly. What is the point to paying somewhat ridiculous amounts of money to stand in a long line to walk up to a celebrity, have them put their arm around you, smile together at the camera, and be ushered out, for a total of maybe one minute's time?

There is no point. It is ridiculous.

And it was awesome.

First up was the photo with Jensen Ackles. A year's worth of looking a pictures of him did not prepare me for the mind-stunning effect of seeing him up close.

First off, while in line for Jensen, all I could think was how trim he looked in a black button-down, with dark denim jeans. Much different--classier and younger--than on the tv screen.

It did seem that he was on autopilot--same position, same head angle, same smile to camera for every fan. But it is such a pretty smile...It was clearly part of his job to do this, but at the same time it didn't look like he was bored or annoyed. Business-like. But he wasn't being snotty.

I don't remember if he looked at each person individually as they approached him. I know since it was just like three steps, I walked right into the facing-the-camera position. Forgetting to look at him.

Also I think forgetting to breathe...

What is weird is that I remember clearly studying him while waiting for my picture, but as soon as it was my turn my short-term memory just went kerflooey. I can't remember any of it. I know he put his arm around me and vice versa from the picture. (Thank god for photographic proof!) But I don't remember it.

When I did manage to say something like "A lot of people love your acting" as I started to walk away, he did respond to me "I love it too!"

Then I walked out and hid in the ladies' room and had a mini-meltdown. Which is so uncharacteristic for me, I can't explain it.

Next was the hour-long panel with the actors on stage, which was just amazing to watch for the hilarious interaction between them and also with the fans asking questions. They clearly feel affection for their fans and want to make it fun for us.

Then was the duo photo shot with Misha Collins and Jared Padalecki.

There was a definite difference in tone between the two photo shoots. I am sure part of it was the loosening up of the actors from doing the panel, and also that there were two of them working off each other.

Again, the wait watching Jared and Misha was as enjoyable as the actual picture-taking. They shook the hand of nearly every fan before turning to face the camera. They both had ratty jeans and untucked plaid baggy shirts. Jared's hair was amazing :) They were smiling non-stop, as opposed to Jensen looking pleasant in general and then turning a 'smile' switch on for the camera. Some of the difference was in Misha and Jared just being more animated with each other in between fans approaching.

Not dissing Jensen. Just trying to explain the difference.

They even did a couple poses for three girls ahead of me in line, who asked to hug Misha and for Jared to look jealous, which he did wonderfully twice, and the third time he pouted.

So when I walked up, I put out my hand and they each shook it , and I said "Neat to meet you!" to which one of them said "Neat to meet you too!" Then I turned for the camera, they each moved in to a side ... and sorry, here my brain shorted out again. I know they put their arms around me and I must have reciprocated, but I don't remember anything until I started to walk away and Jared said, "Neat to use neat, too."

I had just watched on hour of them being all silly and friendly to the fans. So it didn't feel as much like I stood next to a god like it did with Jensen.

Which. Sounds kinda pathetic. But it's how it felt to me.

Afterwards, several convention veterans said it takes about 3 photo shoots with Jensen to acquire some immunity to his brain-melting effect.

Happily, I am going to the Nashville and the Vancouver cons next year, so maybe by the last one I'll be able to remember the experience.

Call me silly, I don't care. Not doing this with any delusions. Just for the sheer fun of standing next to the guys who I invite in every week on the tv screen. And I wouldn't do it at all but for their reputations and behaviors showing that they really understand that without their fans they wouldn't have what they have repeatedly called the best job in the world.