In 2006, Jonny played the Kennedy Center Honors on Christmas. It was the year Smokey Robinson was being inducted. Sam Moore and Jonny did a duet- Tracks of my Tears. It was awesome!
But let’s rewind to the days before the actual event:
We flew out to Washington DC and stayed in a beautiful suite. Me, being the last minute planner that I am, ran to the mall while Jonny sound checked, so I could buy two new dresses. One for the dinner that night and one for the actual show. Good thing there was not a red carpet, where I was asked to name the designer…because I am cheap!
President Bush hosted a small dinner and get together with all the inductees and performers at the White House. We were picked up in a dark bus and sat down. On the drive I heard the lady behind us start to sing quietly…”I know that voice” I whispered to Jon, but the bus was so dark I couldn’t turn and see who it was. Then it clicked. No big deal, Shania Twain was sitting behind us. Basically, serenading me. To our right, Josh Groban was warming up quietly as well. It was so strange trying to act like this was normal.
When we arrived at the White House we were all greeted by many secret service officers. Strange when everyone even down to the coat check girl knows your name. “Right this way Haylie”, “Here is your salad Mrs. Lang”, even the lady in the restroom handing out paper towels after I washed my hands said “Are you having a nice night Mrs. Lang?”. SO WIERD!!! Every person working the event knew EVERY one of our names.
We arrived in the dining room, where they immediately split up every couple and then escorted us to different tables. Awkward!! They seated the tables male, female, male, female. I was seated next to Joe Simpson (Jessica Simpson’s dad) and Bob Schieffer from Face the Nation. I was sure I would embarrass myself while sitting next to one of our nations most intelligent journalists. Had I known, I would have studied up on my current events! But he ended up being the most precious man ever and we talked about our families the entire night.
It was surreal, so many famous people AND being in the White House… A photographer got everyone to take pictures. They did group pictures, pictures of couples and then came time to meet and get a photo with the President and First Lady. A line formed and we were behind Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. I started getting horribly nervous. What do you say to a president??? “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Bush”, “Hello President Bush and first lady”, “Good evening”, “How do you do”???? How the butt do you address a president? Had Tom, my new best friend, turned around and stopped talking for a minute I would have asked Jonny. And what do you talk about with a president?? “How bout that war?” “The weather in DC is superb”.
Oh crap…it was our turn. A man in uniform said “Introducing Mr Jon Lang and Mrs. Haylie Lang”. We walked to the two of them standing in front of a Christmas tree and they reached out their hands to shake ours. I was so nervous I don’t even remember what I said. I’m sure it was something stupid. There was a chat that felt way too long with all eyes in the room on us. Then came time for THE picture. The photographer put me on one side next to Jorge and Jonny next to Babs (correction- LAURA Bush!! Yes I am an idiot!). At that moment Bush put his hand on my back for the photo. Without thinking I immediately put MY arm around HIM!! But somehow my hand swooped into the back slit of the suit coat and landed on his muffin top. “Oh dear God!!!!” I was screaming in my head. If I moved my hand, it would have been obvious that I felt weird. Why had I put my arm around him?!! He’s the frickin president!! “Get the stupid shot! Stop turning red! Run! Disappear!! Hand cradling muffin top!!!!” I’m surprised my inner dialogue was not heard it was sooooo loud!
Exhale, it was over, quick release, quick handshake and run. Why me? Why do I do these things?
Well here it is ladies and gents, notice the sheer terror in my eyes!!! Notice Jonny’s hands behind his back and Barbara’s at her sides. Then theres me snuggled right in!!! Hahahaha
So totally hysterical! I can imagine myself doing something like that. But I would have ended up tripping on my way up and slothing the president to the floor, because that's how I roll.
I love your stories!
You are so freaking funny girl!
"Hi, my name is Haylie Langseth and I cupped the president's butt. What's your claim to fame?" bahahaha
Girl – you are hilarious! Your "rants" and stories make me laugh and keep me coming back for more! Thanks for all the giggles and smiles 🙂
Haylie you are an award winning blogger!! I swear I get up each day just to see what you have posted here!!!I am so happy I have found your blog
Taylor
Love the story! (and the pic) Please tell me you gave him a little squeeze while you were at it? 🙂
HAHAHA Correction. LAURA Bush!!!! HAHAHA thanks Leah H!!
I just have to say, my nightly "therapy" use to be watching Seinfeld, then it was "Flight of the Concords":(/www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGOohBytKTU)and now it's YOU! If you could be put into a pill you'd be prescribed!
Connie
Oh my goodness, keep them coming, your blog is more entertaining to me than any TV show! When I got to the part about your hand cradeling the muffin top I almost spit my iced tea on the computer! Hysterical!!!
Hahahaha, you're the best, Haylie! ox
I've been lurking at your blog for a while-finding myself cracking up more and more with every entry you write.
Also love the pics and stories of your twins-I have 5 year old twin boys myself.
hahaha – this is great! It doesn't look like ole George was minding this too much. He looked rather "happy".
Thank you everyone so much!!!! My goodness!!! There will definitely be a spring in my step today!
I have a very similar story regarding your husband!! My family has been really big fans of his for several years now and my sister and I finally had the awesome opportunity to meet him after a concert in Redding, CA. Now meeting Jonny Lang was like you meeting the president. He has been my idol for years now and I couldn't believe it was my time to finally meet him. I was next in line and couldn't help but do the dance similar to the "potty dance" children do (I was 28 at the time). Well, it was my turn and I hurried up to him and he took my tour poster to sign and the only thing I could think of to say was "You're Awesome!" What?!?!? My one and only chance to speak to my most favorite musician and that was all I could come up with? Then, I did something very similar to you. We got in close for a picture and, without thinking, put my arm around his back and squeezed him close to me. I was mortified! He was very gracious and I'm sure has had worse "fan" moments but I know I'll always regret reacting that way! 😀
Haylie – I don't know if you noticed, but your husband is standing next to Laura Bush, not Barbara. (tee hee) Who knows, Laura might stumble upon your blog and catch your faux pas, though, I think it makes the story even more endearing. (haha)
Oh geez…*wipes tears away*…thanks for the laugh!!! My family thinks I'm nuts now cause I've been cracking up hysterically for about 5 minutes now. You know, the kind of laughter that you can't control and the when you finally do, you think about muffins and go to pieces all over again? WHEW!!!! You're hilarious! Next time, just pinch his butt. In for a penny, in for a pound, right?
Robin- haha how funny! that's great!!!
Kristi-Oh Wow!! Thank you!!!!!
Love it!
Jorge?
Hahaha! This story is great! You hide your terror well.
So funny! But I have to say, President Bush doesn't seem to mind your arm around him at all.
Congratulation to you and Jonny for participating in such a fabulous event.