Eye on Soaps

By Dianna

I’m back from California and the GH Fan Club Weekend Event of 2009 and I am sure sad about that.  Usually coming home is almost Zen like; I get to sleep in my own bed, I get to see my cat and my family and friends…however this time I actually felt like I was leaving something behind.

I can tell you that Katrina, Kathy and Delena are just amazing and I couldn’t ask for better friends.  I only wish I could see them more often.  The time we had to spend together on this weekend was precious and healing and emotionally fulfilling.  Only one person was missing and Carolyn was thought about every minute we were gone.  She has the text messages to prove it.

My recap may not be what you are expecting.  I have no scoop to share or any insights on the shows or even on the actors themselves.  I spent most of my weekend (apart from my girls) with two very special men who made me laugh for hours.  I snuck in for my photo ops, but basically I stuck with my assigned charge and if you think this man is hot on your TV screen you should see him in person.  I will get back to this and leave you hanging because I intend to talk about him and his friend A LOT, but I am not quite there yet.

On Thursday morning, I overslept.  I awoke to my friend in my face telling me I really HAD TO GO.  It was 10 AM, my flight was at noon and my cat had unpacked my only half-packed suitcase, plus the airport is about 30 minutes away.  I hauled ass, and somehow got to where I needed to be when I needed to be there and spent the next 6 hours wondering what I forgot and what I would wear all weekend.

Katrina, Kathy and Delena were sweet enough to brave the 405 traffic and pick me up at the airport.  It is so great to be met by smiling faces.  We headed to the Airtel Plaza hotel, a ride that took about two hours, leaving me about 45 minutes to primp.  I was pleasantly surprised to find not only the clothes I wanted to wear but plenty to get me through the weekend.  In the end, all I was missing was a toothbrush.

The Airtel Plaza puts the Sportsman lodge to shame.  My room was amazing, the lobby classy and the help beyond stellar.  I never once felt anything but happy and comfortable.  On Friday, my AC died and within 20 minutes I had a new room which was even nicer than the first and cranking AC.  I never did have a chance to sit by the adorable pool, but truly, I hope to visit there again next year.

Sunglasses and Tiara

We arrived at the kick off event and checked in all the guests and then I went outside to await the arrival of the talent.  The escorting distance was much shorter but if you think I would even dare complain about the privilege, well I wouldn’t.  It’s from here that the rest of my weekend becomes kind of a blur.  It was the kick off of the fan club weekend and the kick off of the best weekend I have had in ages.

Megan Ward arrived first in a gorgeous blue top, which I promptly complimented her on.  She was quick to reply “well, it is a cocktail party, right?”  Indeed it was, Megan.

Carolyn Hennesy quickly followed behind and is just as classy and amazing in person as the character she plays on TV.  At the end of the event, I had the pleasure of walking her to her car.  Carolyn was just a pleasure to talk to and truth be told, our walk consisted of idle chitchat and really not of anything to do with the soaps.

Dominic Zamprogna and Ronnie Marmo arrived together.  I’m not entirely sure they knew exactly what they were walking into.  These guys were just so fresh and seemingly untouched, it was actually refreshing.  They laughed, they joked, they posed for pictures and there is a strong possibility that Ronnie grabbed Dominic’s ass.  They planned on staying about 20 minutes and ended up there well over an hour.  I also walked these two to the car at the end of the night and Dominic was off to relax with a movie while Ronnie was headed to his nearby home or to Theater68 (I can’t recall which) where he is the Artistic Director of “Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” which is now playing.  For more information you can check it out at http://theatre68.com/.

Ronnie Marmo

Dominic Zamprogna

I brought a drink to Brandon Barash, whose smile never leaves his face.  Here is another guy who is kind and generous to his fans.

I walked Drew Garrett to his car.  I asked him if he ever expected to have his picture taken that many times in such a short time period.  He agreed it was pretty amazing stating “it must have been like 300 photos.”  No sweetie, I am sure it was much more.  Drew continued to share with me that he loves it and loves what he does.

Aaron Refvem, Lexie Ainsworth, Drew Garrett

By this time, I was exhausted, jet lagged, and really wanting my bed.  I excused myself and promptly passed out.

This is part 1 and yes, you still have to wait to find out about the major event on Saturday, which was the best GH event I have ever been to.

July 21st, 2009 | Tags: Dianna, GHFanclubWeekend | Category: General Hospital, Our Off Topic Writing | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL