What I Learned While Waiting For Giada

I usually do not wait on lines to see celebrities. It has always been my feeling that we should never elevate those who are in the spotlight, whether negatively or positively, for they are, after all, only human. To make a person more than they truly are is nothing short of idolization.

Which is why, when I waited on a tremendous line today at Roosevelt Field to have a cookbook signed by Giada DeLaurentiis, I was actually a little surprised at myself. I love Giada’s cooking shows, and I have found myself cooking a few of her recipes for my family, but I didn’t think that I would actually go to the mall to catch a glimpse of her.

I’m really glad that I did.

At a loss for something to get my husband for our upcoming anniversary, I went to the mall with hopes that I would find something truly personal and remarkable for him. We’ve been together for over 30 years, so the gift giving ideas are beginning to run out. I mean, really, just how many pairs of underwear can one person own? How many Yankees tee shirts would grace the inside of his closet before he would shout, “Enough!”? My husband really doesn’t like having money spent on him, so that fact made this quest even more difficult.

Not to mention that I was fresh out of ideas.

I had my “AHA!” moment, while walking past JC Penney. I realized that since he was such a great fan of Giada’s, what better gift for him than a personalized cookbook? I traipsed through the mall in search of Williams-Sonoma, where the book signing was about to commence. I was directed by someone from Simon Customer Service to where the store was.

Holy cow, the line, Norton…the line.

There were partitions set up in front of Tourneau Watches, and there had to be at least 100 people that were waiting, book in hand, for the event. Samples of treats that were whipped up from Giada’s current cookbook were being handed out, and the line was abuzz with excitement. I hopped to the back, where I was quickly informed by an employee of Williams-Sonoma that I needed to have a book for an autograph. She directed me to the store, which was further down the corridor. I obediently complied, and found the staff just as electrified for Giada’s appearance. I found her latest cookbook, titled, “Giada’s Feel Good Food”, shelled out $32.50, and took my place on the line that weaved like a snake through the crowded mall.

At least 50 more people had gotten on the line in my absence. I groaned inwardly, thinking that this was going to be something that I was going to regret.

Nobody on the line was cranky, which was rather surprising. I have waited on my fair share of lines, most notably at Walt Disney World, where everyone waiting seemed to be having a chronic bad day. Talk about being “the friendliest place on earth.” Here, while waiting on the line in front of Tourneau, everyone was rather friendly. Conversations were being struck up everywhere, and those waiting were genuinely just plain nice. Although the staff seemed a little hurried, it was understandable; there was a very short amount of time allotted for book signing, and they needed to make sure that everyone had a book. This included those who had pre-ordered the new cookbook; the system seemed a little dated, but it all seemed to flow rather seamlessly.

I asked one of the staff members if I could get a photo of Giada and myself, and I was informed that I could only get a shot of her from the opposite side of the table, which was fine. I actually wanted it for this piece, so in the whole scheme of things, I was pretty good with the answer. I was also told that Giada would only autograph for up to two names. I knew that this was very reasonable; that poor woman’s hand must have ached, by the end of the signing. When I looked back at the line, some people had six books, which they said were “Christmas gifts”. Nice sentiment!

I didn’t wait all that long. I think I was on line for about an hour; the signing was set to commence at 12, but I believe the actual autographs began at 12:20. By the time I got into the store, it was probably about 1:30. Not bad, for someone who wasn’t given much in the patience department.

A staff member had asked me, as she pulled out a Post-It pad from her apron, if I wanted the book to be  personalized. I immediately thought of my husband, and realized that this would be the perfect gift for him. With a smile, I offered her the name, “Nick.” The yellow slip was placed on the inside cover, and I was ushered into the store, where the staff met me with genial smiles. The entire happening could have been a “mob scene”, but it was handled by the staff with perfect aplomb and gentleness. My kind of event.

When it was my turn to approach the table, I literally lost my mind. No, I didn’t flip out and gush all over the place. I just forgot to say the things I had rehearsed. Especially when Giada opened the book, glanced at the Post It, and said with a giggle, “Nick? You don’t look like a Nick.”

She was a wonderful person to behold. Sweet, warm, charming, and incredibly beautiful, Giada and I talked about how the book was going to be an anniversary gift to my husband. She smiled and said, “It’s funny, I’ve had a LOT of wives coming in, asking for the book to be signed to their husbands.” I inwardly smiled about that one.

We chatted a little bit, then handed me the book and said in her genuinely cordial manner, “Well, I wish both you AND your husband a happy anniversary. And tell him that he should cook something for his beautiful wife.” The word “gracious” doesn’t even do this woman justice. She truly has class. And it isn’t because of her compliment to me. Even when customers brought their children over to hug her, she was patient, kind, and incredibly loving towards all of them. Towards everyone, in fact. And this, after she had appeared on the “Today” show, earlier in the morning.

I exited Williams-Sonoma, anniversary gift in hand, along with a few photos of the signing. I felt like I had finally gotten my husband something that couldn’t be topped; this was something that truly was personal and would mean a lot to him. You see, my husband actually is a terrific cook.

I learned a lot about myself today; I've learned that I have, as Westley in "The Princess Bride" said, "the strength after all" to wait on a long line, in order to give something to another. I guess I'm not as impatient as I originally thought, and I learned that I can in fact keep myself occupied while waiting, by making new connections and learning a bit about new people. For example, I learned that the gentleman on line ahead of me who brought his young daughter along had actually met Buddy, the cake boss, and has his picture hanging up in their living room. I also learned that this gentleman's brother in law is actually a connection of my own. It's a small world, after all. That's actually something that I learned while waiting in line at Disney. :)

I learned a thing or two about people today, as well. The lesson that I took from this experience is that food brings people together in a loving way. It has the power to unite, to spark creativity, and to even help make a memory. I also learned that, no matter how famous someone is, if they are true to their roots of loving beingness, they will help to make a positive impact on the world as we know it.

Thanks, Giada. Today's time spent, waiting for you, was so incredibly worth it. On a multitude of levels.