julia's got nothing on me

"Big kids, little kids, kids who climb on rocks. Fat kids, skinny kids, even kids with chicken pox love hot dogs, Armour Hot Dogs, the dogs kids love to biiiite!" - Benjamin Bratt, Demolition Man

It's been a long time since I've gone goo-goo over any celebrities. Those of you who remember the Eddie Furlong stage--it NEVER happened. Anyway, a few months ago, I had just watched "Miss Congeniality" and mentioned to Trish that I thought Benjamin Bratt was quite a striking young man. She commented that he was now living in SF and wanted to be closer to his family after breaking up with Julia Roberts. I figured I'd keep my eyes peeled for him, but really, where would *I* run into *him*?

Fast forward a few weeks...I'm talking to a fellow capoeira classmate who mentions that Benji and his brother used to be involved in my capoeira group. It finally clicks that this Peter Bratt that is working on the documentary with them is Benji Bratt's brother. Who would have known. Then I find out Benji was also in the same graduating class as someone from church. It's like playing 7 degrees of Kevin Bacon...but less, with Benjamin Bratt.

Now it's the end of November and we're putting on a documentary screening and program to let the community know about the capoeira action project for kids. We're staying in class till 11 p.m. rehearsing and just putting together a big shindig. Turns out Benji himself is going to be the guest speaker. I have no idea what he will speak about, but who really cares? Me and him on stage, together. Hot stuff.

Monday night class. I drive in a little late, and as my little buggie pulls in, I see two tall guys in the parking lot looking a little confused, walking toward the building. They look in my car, I look at them...I recognize one guy from previous capoeira events...the other guy has wavy hair down to his chin, readjusting his baseball cap...could it be?? I'm skeptical but know it's not impossible. As I walk in, the brothers are walking by with Mestre and some others to meet in the office. Yes, it is him. Do I look gor-jus in my loose dirty white capoeira pants, Gap kids tee, and ponytail? I think I made a great first impression.

The rest of us warm up in a roda while they meet and finally the brothers walk back in and Peter gives us a 2-minute pep talk and then they leave. Benji calls out, "Goodnight everyone!" I'm by the doorway taking care of some ticket matters as Peter and Benji walk by. Peter walks by without looking around and as Benji walks by, I sneak a peek at him. He sees and makes eye contact with me and says "Bye," so I mumble "Bye," as well.

I'm such a dork.