Knoxville in Knoxville

Something I recently figured out is that school does give you benefits. My public relations teacher came into contact with private screening tickets to see "Jackass 3D" with a special appearance by Johnny Knoxville, and I jumped at the chance to go. You know me and my celebrities. It was a plus one kind of ticket, so I invited my sister Julie to come along.

I have never seen the Jackass movies before, and I was honestly more excited to see Johnny than the movie. Well when we showed up at the theater, we waited in line for around 45 minutes. A local news station reporter from WATE walked up to us and asked if she could interview us. Julie said yes for the both of us. Then when the reporter asked which of us she could interview first, Julie nominated me. Thanks sis! The reporter asked us a few questions, but the part that made it on the air is us answering the question whether we have a crush on Johnny Knoxville. Duh!

When we signed in (because I RSVP'd), we got tickets for free popcorn and coke. Sweet! Then when we walked into the theater, we got free t-shirts and cups with "Jackass 3D" on them. Sweet! Anyway, this may be too much information, but I really needed to use the potty. I had finished my drink and a bottle of water waiting for Johnny and could not wait any longer. He was already 45 minutes late anyway! So I walked out of the theater. I saw the reception line for him of cheerleaders and Smokey the mascot, but I did not see him. I darted toward the bathroom. When I darted back out, I saw Johnny at the end of the reception line about to enter the theater. He stopped and announced that he wanted to go pee before introducing the movie. He left the reception line and walked right toward me. I was the only one over there. He stopped face to face with me and I had no idea what to do. I just stood there like a weirdo and said "Hiiiii" in a weird way and just left to enter the theater. Hello Laura- you were RIGHT IN FRONT OF JOHNNY KNOXVILLE ALONE! HUG HIM, HIGH FIVE HIM, KISS HIM. DO SOMETHING!

Have I mentioned that I am awkward? When I entered the theater, the announcer said, "And here comes Johnny Knoxvilleeeeeee." And then I walked in. Everyone looked at me. AWKWARD! I climbed to the middle of the aisle back to my sister and filled her in that he was in the bathroom and explained our little meet 'n greet. Then she laughed at me.

When he finally came in, he explained that Knoxville was not a part of the movie tour, but he added it because Knoxville is home. He got choked up and had to pause a few times while talking. It was so sweet! He had friends and family there and even brought out a birthday cake to his mom because it was her birthday. He then sat beside her and the movie started.

The movie was hilarious!!! It was also gross. With the 3D element, it made it even better. I laughed out loud and I am not the kind of person who ever laughs out loud in a movie. When it was over, several people left, but we went to stand in line at the edge of Johnny's row to get a picture with him. He took time to talk and take pictures with everyone in line. He seriously is the nicest guy I have EVER met! He is so humble. And good-looking!

When it was my turn for a picture, he said, "Nice to meet you." PS, he has the sexiest voice. It's all deep and scruffy. Ahhhh! He had his hand out and I did not notice. Then I introduced myself and stuck out my hand. He did not notice. But then we finally shook hands at the same time. It was just as awkward as it sounds. At least I am memorable. Then he said, "I think you are taller than me." That is when I just said, "Yeahhhhh." Again, TALK TO THE CELEBRITY THAT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU AND IS ALREADY TALKING TO YOU! Julie took the picture of us and then we switched. He looked at her and said, "I bet you are taller than me too." She said, "We're sisters." Okay Julie-that response was weird.

We each got a great picture with him and talked to him. It was such a memorable night and we left smiling. Note to self: learn to talk to celebrities. Stop being starstruck. You have been around enough celebrities to learn this by now.