I went to a special event yesterday afternoon, but because of the strict arrival time on the invitation I provided myself plenty of time to arrive: too much time. The valet parking hadn't begun yet, so I figured I would just find a nearby public lot. That would eliminate the whole "I have no cash for a tip" thing and also the confused looks when the valet tries to drive a Prius (which they are finally getting used to, especially in Northern CA.)
After winding my way up a very steep ramp, I saw I had driven into a different valet-parking situation, Drat. As I left, I remarked, "You take credit cards, right?" but the fellow put his arms up defensively, "Oh no! The cash only. The CASH ONLY! You no need to give me cash now. But come back later give me CASH ONLY!" Aw, shucks.
He inquired when I'd come to pick up the car. I estimated 7pm and exited the building through a scary alleyway that I really didn't want to walk at night. Surfacing on the opposite side of the block where I had entered, I thankfully saw my destination:
I went to the ATM to get the cash for the parking and then tried to enter the C.H.R.O.M.E. recruiting center (otherwise known as the Academy of Art University.) But, I was tossed back outside temporarily while the staff continued to set up. I wanted to take out my phone to check my email, but it was missing. Oh no, probably in the cupholder of the car! I saw the valets were now in front of the building. Mmm, free valet parking would be nice. But do I have time to go get my car (with phone!) and come back in time for the event?
I sent out a tweet about how my phone was gone. I would later discover that HootSuite sent the status update to Facebook over seven times. (Is that good luck?)
Just then Kimberly drove up and given my state of indecision, told me she'd come with me to face the CASH ONLY! valet guy. Awesome!
Although the dude was confused that I was retrieving my car so soon, I gave him a nice tip so I am sure he was happy. Meanwhile, I discovered my phone was in my purse the whole time.
Upon entering the C.H.R.O.M.E. compound, however, my phone and my tablet were both confiscated. I'm glad I hadn't lugged my camera to the event. You see, we couldn't record what we were about to experience:
Intrigued?
Well, I was thrilled to hear from folks like Lindsay Moran, author of Blowing My Cover: My Life as a CIA Spy, the game developers at Avalanche, and of course a bunch of Disney-Pixar folks, including John Lasseter, who sported a groovy Cars2 Hawaiian-print shirt.
We drank water, wine, and beer while munching on mini beef wellingtons and other assorted small-dish yums. We learned about both the upcoming Cars2 Movie and the accompanying video game, and how the video game is designed to stay true to the movie and Cars universe. Last June when my family went to Disneyland, I got a media preview of some coming attractions, including Cars Land. I was thrilled to learn last night that this new portion of CA Adventure will include several aspects of the Cars2 movie as well.
After listening to the people behind the movie and video game, seeing the absolute passion for their work (and for the Cars2 characters) in their eyes, and getting a chance to see movie clips and the game firsthand, I'm eager to see the full-length film and to introduce the game to my boys once it comes out.
In the meantime, check out these "developer diaries," put on by some of the folks that I met last night.
You're intrigued about the whole spy-angle, aren't you?
And then for those of you with racing-game aficionados in your household, here's but one illustration of why the Cars2 game is bound to be lots of fun - combat racing!:
I am seriously anticipating the release of the Cars2 movie and accompanying Cars2 video game, both coming out this June in time for summer vacation. My boys are going to be thrilled.
Meanwhile, I'm pretty happy to have my phone again!
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Disclaimer: Disney-Pixar fed me last night. It was yummy. We also received a goodie bag which my boys immediately tore apart. My youngest is in love with (and slept with) his new purple "Holley Shiftwell" plush toy, and my older son loves his Ride Makerz "Mater." I am an Amazon-affiliate.
Comments (2)
I'm jealous that you thought to take a picture of the sign outside. I've got nothing. Maybe it was a spy-readiness test and we failed - we should have covertly taken indoor photos.
Posted by kimberly/tippytoes | May 11, 2011 4:47 PM
Posted on May 11, 2011 16:47
Ah, you had a tablet. I was seriously confused about how you managed to tell us about your missing phone without a phone.
Posted by Kathy T | May 11, 2011 5:33 PM
Posted on May 11, 2011 17:33