One Checked off My Bucket List

It all started with Red Velvet Cake Balls from a Nestie posting on the Nest.com about 2 years ago. I was intrigued and curious, but too afraid to try it out. So I shared the info to my SisterInLaw Kat -she can do it, she can bake. And they were heavenly good.

This is how I discovered Bakerella. I've been reading and following her blog for inspiration and just to see the wonderful yummy treats. I even tried to make the Hello Kitty Cakepops in the hopes of having them for Celeste's 2nd birthday last year. Unfortunately they turned out looking more like a bird vs Hello Kitty ...See!

But they were yummy!

Today was the day I get to meet the blogger that has inspired me to tap into my novice baking skills again. You see her cakepops became a huge sensation and in addition to being in Martha Stewart's TV show she finally has a book about Cakepops...Yeay! When I found out that she had a book coming out I was ecstatic...what just topped that feeling was she was coming to California during her book tour...to South Coast Plaza to be exact....Aaaaargh!!!

As I looked at the calendar, it was on a Monday..and I work every Monday. But I had to try and try and asked and asked people if they could work for me. And thank goodness someone agreed (thank you to Ate Julie).

Sunday night it started to hit me that I was going to get the book and meet the author too. Got the kids ready for school and as soon as I got the last one in, I headed home and got ready. I mean you know the usual-put my face on stuff.

Driving there I was trying to contain myself and found a way to keep my excitement from getting to me...turned the radio on KOST 103.5 and sang my heart out with the songs...LOL! Thank goodness I was alone in the car.

The parking was lot was empty but then again it was only 10ish on a Monday morning. Found a good spot and off I went. Where William Sonoma is located is a familiar spot for me because of Lawry's Carvery (mental note: must eat lunch there later).

From the outside it seemed quiet...

 

but when I got in...

 

OH BOY!

There were a lot of people gathered around the register area. 

I went around, found the book

 

and went straight to the register. After paying for it they gave us instructions to go the will call table to get our number so we know where our place will be in the line. 

I am number 59...wheee!!

Looking around there was probably a good 50 or so people. 

As the time got closer to 12 noon I realized the number had doubled.

Next thing I knew there she was standing smiling at all of us.

I had to make sure I didn't make a fool of myself and scream or yelp or snort.

The first part was the Q&A for anyone that had questions. I was just in awe of all the questions and tips she passed on. No wonder my balls didn't look right...LOL...and they kept falling off the stick!

After the Q & A, we were all instructed to go outside of the store and line up according to our handy dandy numbers. Thank goodness for those numbers. As we all waited patiently and excitedly Bakerella's Mom was taking pictures of us while waiting in line. The staff had us all go in groups of 15 each time. I was wondering how I was going to get a picture with Bakerella since I was alone. I was feeling alittle embarassed to strike up a conversation with the girls around me because from the stories I heard they've all made cakepops more than once and I've only done it once and gave up. My prayers were answered as I entered the store again this time in the book signing line. WS prepared that we would all be bringing cameras and had a store employee assigned to be the photographer...whew! Being a softy as I got closer and closer I felt a bit teary eyed...not sure why...had to go and figure out a way to stop the tears before getting closer. I didn't know what to say, my mind was blank. As my turn was next I just told myself to go with the flow. And I did what naturally came to me when I stood next to her, I went to shake her hands & she in turn gave me a hug! OH MAH GAWD!!! I hugged Bakerella!!! Hehehehe! 

We took our picture :)

I still didn't know what to say & was greatful that she knew what to say...she asked me if my name is Hawaiian because part of my name sounds Hawaiian (Mahalo = thank you) And I knew the answer to this question. As she started to write my name on the book I remember hearing myself blurting out something like "I'm probably the only Mahalia you'll meet this side of the Mississippi." How lame is that! Ugh! In any case she chuckled and I said my Thank yous again.

Mission accomplished!