Audy showed the gals some of the spots where we have seen the man in pictures, such as Barney’s Beanery, and other places

Audy showed the gals some of the spots where we have seen the man in pictures, such as Barney’s Beanery, and other places.

Later that day we went to Cravings (ah yes remember that name) for lunch, which I also enjoyed very much. I always got a seat facing the street, JUST incase. But gosh, there are so many black porsche zipping thru there I almost got whip lash, and none were “him.” And every time we heard a bike, all heads turned. LOL

We tried to retire early this night because of our very early morning trip to Burbank and NBC. But noooo, I think it was past 11 I fell asleep, but woke up by 1:45. Too much excitement to sleep. Audy had gone to the store and picked up what I called our survival pack, FOOD. She said she got chips, popcorn and nuts. “Good deal” I say!! Later while she’s gone again I go into the kitchen to check out the supplies and I found ONE small bag of fritos, one MICROWAVE thing of popcorn and a small serving of nuts. Audy, we won’t have a mircrowave while camped out. Hehehe, it was just too funny to leave alone and I made sure I teased her about it for a while. Audy you know I’m kidding. J

Monday morning, we leave at 3:30 and first pick up Janet in a dark alley where she is staying. There she was standing, alone, we pull up and I roll down my window “Hey you ho, get in.” ;) We then hooked up with Angel and Chris who were parked and waiting for us on a side street by their hotel, they followed us to get Bethanie. Then it was off to NBC where we made it quickly since only fools like us were out that time of morning.

We arrived and parked (that early VERY good spot) about 4:20 and it was cold and drizzling. Some of us were just too tired to think of taking a sweater, so we freezed our butts off for awhile. We were the first ones there.

An hour later two girls show up with the Keanu Angelwear tshirts on and I introduce myself, asking if they were Keanu fans from CK. Turns out one had already emailed me suggesting we meet up, Summer Austin, (Mary) and froggiealicia (Alicia). We hugged and everyone introduced themselves. Around 6am, we were joined by two very adorable and cute college boys, Sean and Seth

I wasn’t too sure about them at first, because when they unfolded their chairs to sit facing us, I heard one ask if Keanu was dumb. I believe they were set straight quickly. From then on out they became “our boys” and had a TOTAL blast with them. They truly kept us entertained, and laughing all day. Such cutie pies and gentlemen, they let us use their blankets and shared their chairs. Mary and Alicia had chairs too, smart thinking girls.

By the time the doors opened at 8am there was a pretty nice line that had formed, we met a few other fans and chatted a bit. I was the first one to enter the ticket office to pick up my ticket.

After everyone in our gang got their tickets we headed over to the taping line which was around the building. Seth had already gone there along with a couple others to save a spot in line. We took them the tickets. Naturally it was only us and a few others that did this, the rest had gone home or wherever to return much later. But again, we didn’t want to take any chances. Here we got a nice group picture of us in front of the NBC sign (someone please send that to me) and instead of saying “cheese” we did the “holy shit we did it.”

Let me explain how Leno works. Just because you get a ticket doesn’t assure you entrance to the taping, they give out more tickets than they have seats. Even being the first in line for the ticket, if I had left and came back around 2 or 3 and the line was real long, I may have been turned away. Basically the only way to be sure is to be in front of the line at both places and to do that you HAVE to camp out.

Our boys did a great job of entertaining us there too. They played some game with us which I’m not sure what it was. Girls??? Who would you marry, who would you kill, etc.

By this time I was so tired and hungry (we munched on chips etc that others had brought) that I felt dizzy, so Mary suggested I go back around to her car and nap in the back seat, which I did, for an hour. It made a big difference and I had a second wind.

Around 11, a few went across the street to a Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was okay to leave in shifts because the others just saved our places. I didn’t go because I had already been gone an hour, so MUCH later (ahem, those margaritas made you lose track of time?? Hehehe) someone from there brought our food that we asked for. Me, Alicia and Mary sprang for the boys lunch since they had been so sweet to us. I guess I just like Tex Mex food cause whatever that was I got, I had about three bites and threw the rest away. I later ate some french fries from another place, not much but better than nothing all day.

It was almost time to enter for the taping. We took the chairs back to cars, came back and soon the NBC ushers came out to form lines. We had purses searched and showed out tickets and ids. After they did this for awhile, we just stood in the lines they formed us in, outside still. FINALLY we went inside, sometime around 3. There we sat while the “rehearsal” was going on (you can see the rehearsal light on) It’s time to go in, I’m starting to get nervous, yet very excited. I can’t believe we got in and are about to see KEANU in person. From the second we walked into the studio, things became surreal. I’ve seen this set many times on my tv and now here I am. Someone pinch me! They seat you kinda sporadic, but together pretty much. It’s a very small and intimate studio, with I think about 400 seats only. There were two rows of chairs on the floor, then the actual studio seats going up. Me, Chris angel and Mel I think got the second row, almost directly in front of Keanu. We have a tad bit of a profile there. Audy, bethanie, Leigh etc were in the third row behind us. Our boys were down in front off to the left. We waved at them while they chatted up some new old broads. Such flirts. LOL I was also joined in that row by theonlyone. (it was nice meeting and chatting with you!!!)

While we waited we were treated to a large screen tv with all Leno guest musicial talent from past shows, jamming away loudly. Good way to get us pumped up. Around 3:45 Jay Leno comes out in his jeans and blue shirt to explain to us how things work. Like how they do not to retakes, it’s just one shot and all done in an hour only. He tells jokes, let’s the audience ask questions and you can go down to the stage and have your pic taken with him. (some guy with a polaroid) He was so funny, I love Leno so it was a double treat for me.

OMG it’s almost time for the show to begin taping. I can feel all our hearts pounding away. We have some comedian guy get us going too, throwing gifts up into the audience, making us laugh. He also had a dance contest taking volunteers from the audience. The few young girls up there sucked, did a horrible job. It was the old geezers that really danced their way to Leno goodies. So fun to watch them.

It’s 4pm and the show starts, Leno comes out and the crowd goes nuts. We see the camera pan all around, oh shit don’t show us. LOL…He does his opening monoloque which of course was hystercial. After what you see is a commercial break he comes back and does his headlines. Another commecial break. Then, Dear God, Keanu’s coming out any second. This is so unreal I’m about to cry from happiness.

“One of the most popular actors” Leno says, then out comes the most gorgeous man that walks the planet. We stand up and give it our best shout and applause. It’s very true what they say about the camera adding a few pounds, not that he looks fat or puffy imo in the TV screen version of this. He looks great. But he’s very lean right now, which is fine for me. I like him that way. Not skinny, just lean. And very squeaky clean, shaved, washed etc. He looked better than I’ve seen him in a long time. How did we get so lucky to be here at this time and place?

By now most of you have seen the show on tv so you know what went on. He was so freaking adorable, upbeat and happy. At one point we waved to him when his eyes came to the audience, he waved back.

It was during the breaks that made it more special to us because we got to see him then too, what happens during those commecials. I didn’t take my eyes off him for a second. Even if those damn cameras got in the way (which was only a bit during the taping, not the breaks, they go away then) I would lean into the person next to me to see as much of him as I could then, maybe just his legs. I’d say I still got a perfect close up view of him about 90% of the time. He and Jay chatted, then the hair and makeup ladies come out to spruce him up, he ignores them for a minute still talking to Jay. He then turns to let them do their thing. I love the spritzing of the hair. Don’t ask me why, it was just too cute.

Keanu stayed for the whole show, and when that actress Joey was on he was visible a bit but not much, I would have to look up on the monitor if they showed him for any reason. During breaks however we could see what went on. He scooted over to her and they chatted, he leaned over her to talk to Jay as well. At the end when the guest band played, Leno gets up to stand at the edge to watch them and motions for Keanu and Joey to join him. They get up, and Keanu with her gentleman manners puts his hand to her back, but they don’t go to Leno, they just sit on the very end of the sofa, the part that doesn’t have a back , it’s open. They sit there, close to each other. I don’t really see them talk, but they listen to the band and now and then Keanu looks up at the monitor. I don’t know about the others, but I didn’t look at the band at all, my eyes NEVER left Keanu.

The band finished, Keanu and Joey join Leno in front of the band to say goodnight. Afterwards they stood there and did a few takes of Leno announcing the show and who would be on it tonight. Very cool we got to see that too. When that was over it was time to leave, Keanu walked by the floor seats to head out and those fans got to do the touching his hand thing as he extended out to them. He continued on and we got down from our seats, and it looked like we were gonna be able to get near him, he was stopped at the other end chatting with fans. We got close but they ushered us out. When in line for the bathroom I heard one girl say “I got a hug from him.”

We didn’t see him leave but I hear later from a friend who talked to someone at the premiere crowd who was at the NBC back door he left pretty quick, alone. Then Joey left a bit later. (for all those enquiring minds.)

Sigh, God it’s over, what an awesome experience. All the ladies want to go to the Chateau Marmont. I bail because I showered the night before and I felt dirty by now, plus I was beat, exhausted, and SOOOO hungry. I just couldn’t go to such a nice place like that. Audy dropped me off at her place and I ordered a pizza, that’s why I updated you all at the gallery.

Tuesday, the day of the premiere. I email my 3Arts contact, Kate, Erwins PA. to confirm our tickets. She tells me all six tickets will be under my name. We’re ready for this day, got plenty of rest this time. During the day we pretty much just relaxed, went to lunch at Chin Chins, this time eating inside. I didn’t like it tho. We wanted desert but somewhere else, we walked across the street to Café Med but the outside was crowed, so we went down the street to Cravings, where we run into Mary, Alicia and now Carmen. There’s about 10 of us now. Our waiter was so cool, loved him. I must say I had the best time here with all the gals, we laughed so much and just had a damn good time. Some nice looking dude walks by and says “you ladies are still here? I walked by earlier” He flirted, we not knowing who the hell he was, were nice but I think it was Janet who said, after he asked if we were married “No we’re lesbians.” LOL We had a spot of fun with that for awhile. He supposedly was some director, an unknown, some of the gals exchanged cards with email addys with him. We didn’t take him too seriously and just had some fun with him, he was harmless and cute.

Back to audys and time to get ready for the premiere, my how time flies. This time without an after party I didn’t dress up too much, just black slacks, black tshirt and a black and white swirled jacket over it, with low high heals. Not that anyone cares.LOL

We arrive around 6pm and find will call, get the tickets ( the envelope said “Keanu Reeves fan club, front row seats”) and are allowed to stay there, behind a barred off area. We are situated behind the red carpet, and there’s a courtyard area in the middle of us and the carpet

We were to the far left at first then headed around the area like in the pic. Keanu came closer, about mid way so we got to see him a bit before they made us go inside.

And we tried to hang inside the lobby as long as we could, where I saw and chatted with Rob Mailhouse for a few minutes. Yes I gave him my CK card, I find it’s a nice way to start an introduction. He was super nice “oh wow this is so cool” We talked about becky and he asked if he could email me becky stuff to promote, so I imagine if he does I will change my policy and do so. I asked how Rebecca is and he said she’s doing great. I brought up Dogstar and how I never got to see them either, and said I would support Bret as well. He told me Bret doesn’t do many shows, maybe an acoustic show now and then.

Anyway, that was a nice time with Rob, he stood out in the lobby a long time too, with others from Keanu’s possee, Funk, Matt Dubin, Scott Ian and his g/f.

The ushers finally got us all into the seating area. We had fourth row seats to the left. By then Keanu was inside too, he must have come thru the side door cause we didn’t see him in the lobby. He was up in the balcony, but it’s not really a balcony, it’s up there but VERY VERY low to the first floor. I’m talking maybe two or three small steps up. We could see him chatting away, and this was a good time to take out those opera glasses I bought. Good thinking there chicks, cause it brought him right in our faces. LOL We passed it around so we could all see up close.

The movie starts, he’s back there watching with us. I LOVE THIS MOVIE. But that’s a review waiting to happen, that comes later. Jump to the end, where we turn around to leave and I notice Keanu is still here, he didn’t leave early like at Constantine. I did hear from fans outside he came out during the movie and signed autographs for 20 minutes, this on top of 30 minutes before the movie. What a guy. Anyway, I grab Chris and get moving, headed out but taking the route to where Keanu is about to step down from his area. We get RIGHT there as he steps down, so we get a nice close view of his perfect face. Then he turns to the right, Cheryl leading him. and walks along to exit. However he goes out the side door to the left where s a few fans who were getting up from their seats were lucky enough to meet him briefly before Cheryl lead him out.

We’re in hall leading to the lobby, standing there, not sure why. I see Erwin Stoff walking out, with a couple people. I went up to him to say thank you (I was more nervous meeting him than Keanu. LOL) I said “excuse me Mr. Stoff, my name is Jean, I’m the one who emailed you about tickets for Club Keanu.” He smiled and very nicely said “Oh yes of course.” I shook his hand and “I just wanted to thank you're personally for the tickets. All the girls are here and we are having a wonderful time.” He: “ You’re very welcome, glad you having fun (or something like that) Blah blah, then as I started to walk away “and thanks too for replying to all my silly emails” he smiled and said “no problem.”

In the lobby we waited for whoever was in the bathroom, that’s where I noticed Josh Richman. This was the third time I saw him, twice before in the zone. He too drives a black porsche btw. We did walk to the after party, but didn’t get in, of course. I hear Keanu walked to it as well. You will hear the great story from Mary, Alicia and Carmen about how they met him outside the party when he came out to leave.

The rest of the Ckers went to Le Clafoutis for our own after party, we had a great time!! Our waiter was Martin who is pictured in my gallery in one of the candids, we chatted him up for info. Hehehe. He had nice things to say about our man, how he’s nice and down to earth, etc. Says he comes in about two or three times a week. He joked around with us and for a sec I thought we got him in trouble. We closed the place down. Then had a teary eyed goodbye in the parking lot.

That’s about it, sorry this is so long, but I typed it for two reasons, for the report and to keep a detailed record of this stored where I can read it later on, so I can remember.

There is so much more I know I’ve left out, this trip was unbelievable, the amount of Keanu we got and the friendships formed just blows me away. First it was me, audy, bethanie and angel from last year, and it was GREAT seeing them again. But now we have added several more fantastic Keanu fans to the gang and new friends to our email lists and phone numbers stored in our cell phones. Those roaming charges are gonna hurt. LOL

Thanks to all who shared in this experience with me, you made the trip even more special than I could have imagined. Again thank you Mr. Stoff for your kindess all the way around. And thank you God for the safe flights!!!