A LION'S TOUR!

A Lion's Tale, Around the World in Spandex was released in October of 2007. I put it on pre-order at Amazon.com as soon as it was available. Once it arrived I devoured it immediately. For about four days I read in every spare minute I could find. It's a truly amazing book. I laughed, I cried, and I felt inspired. Chris has a way of writing that makes you feel like you're right there along with him on his journey. He's not afraid to poke fun at himself, and he's not afraid to let you see a vulnerable side. The lasting impression I took away from the book is that Jericho is very committed to the business that he loves so much. For him it's not about getting himself over, it's about getting the business over. Every time he steps into the ring his goal is to make sure the fans have a great show, and it doesn't matter who wins. That is an inspiration to anyone who reads the book. Do the best job you can do, and that is your success.

In support of the book, Chris went on a book signing tour. Fortunately, I was able to catch up with him in Torrance California. This was meaningful for me because I grew up in Torrance. The Borders where he signed books was right behind the mall where I had my first job. As always, I was nervous about the event. I have this awkward knack of saying the most dorky things ever when I meet him. That was one of the things in his book that I really connected with him on. He said that was what happened to him. This time, unfortunately, was no exception. As I approached the table, he looked up at me and said, "I know you!" I was so impressed that he remembered that we supported him through his Groundlings shows. Unfortunately, those simple three words sent my brain into such a whirl that I became the babbling fool I always am with him. As I sat beside him, and he looked at the picture of the two of us I'd brought along to have signed along with the book, I said, "See, you do know me!" He responded, "I know, I just said I know you." Hello brain meltdown. Whatever I had intended to say after that was lost in a whirl of nothing in my brain.

Final analysis though, after all was said and done, is that Chris Jericho is a true gentleman. I don't think anyone went away that night feeling dsappointed. He had a smile and a feeling of warmth for every person there. I salute him.

PICTURES FROM THE EVENT

Click thumbnails to enlarge


Inside the front door.	As he first arrived.

Borders presented him a birthday cake as he told us that A Lion's Tale had made the NY Times bestseller list.	They didn't share the cake with us.