Long days have always been perpetuated throughout my existence.  Today gets the crown.  It’s like this: I wake up at eight this morning, and find myself with a touch of hangover, keeping me between the sheets for an extra hour and a half, proving to be the unassuming productive man of principal that I am.  Once life returned to my body, I got into the shower and treated myself to the fine cleansing products provided at “no extra cost” by the Orlando Hotel.  Records timing too—those hot showers really know how to rejuvenate the body.

Anyway, my eco-limo was due at twelve, it was about ten-thirty, and my tuxedo was a frenzy to put on.  All the more worth it, though, once I looked in the mirror and felt the rush of confidence that erased the prior morning hours.  Needless to say, the photo op was very much of a production in itself.

Upon meeting with my driver, Sue, who informed me about the illustrious history of the Eco-limo (I was in a Toyota Prius), we braved the rather empty streets of LA toward the Convention Center.  Be that as it may, we were stopped upon entrance to the vicinity, and I found myself hoofing it on my eco-feet toward the red carpet.  Not a problem, except as I inched closer, I felt like I should have been on heart-medication.  To walk the red carpet is very much surreal.

I got inside for the Pre-Telecast show, and immediately saw something that was not noticed on Friday.  There were many more recycling receptacles among the throngs of tuxedoes and evening gowns crowding into the auditorium.  Once I took my seat, I recognized the man giving the opening speech as super-producer Jimmy Jam.  This is when I realized that I was about to find out who the recipients of one hundred Grammy awards were. 

The day wore on…I was really surprised to see Heavy D take the stage and perform his old hit “Now That We Found Love,” and bummed to see Judas Priest lose in the two categories they were up for.  Being there on behalf of Waste Management, however, made it great when Jimmy Jam took the time to talk about how they are investing in more eco-friendly actions in order to put on the production from now on.  And that the announcement was received very well by the audience.  By the end of the function, it was time to get over to the Staple’s Center…on with the show!  I’ll spare you the details because you should know the outcomes by now, plus I’d be blogging a whole novel if I went on.

This is where I discuss the after party.  Grammy Celebration  ’09.  One helluva spread if I do say so myself.  The food was impeccable, the alcohol flowed, and the music was grandiose.  Robin Thicke followed by Morris Day and the Time (who rocked the crowd like whoa)!  I must have walked 5 miles in circles this evening from one room to the next, noticing Waste Management sponsor logos everywhere.  Bartenders utilizing the recycle bins, while waiters collected the empty plates and glasses.  I spoke with a few who’s whos and who’s he’s, and when it came down to it, we were all just a diverse group of people having a great evening.  Isn’t this what it’s supposed to be about?  Good God.

I really want to take the time and thank the good people at Greenopolis and Waste Management as well as my friends at Melissa McGinnis Productions for this opportunity to experience a weekend such as this.  Now that it’s almost over once my eyes close for the night, I do feel a little bittersweet.  I came, I saw, and I conquered—humbled throughout.  And in closing, I just want to say that next time…I’ll make sure I’m on the list of nominees.  Mark my words and thank you for your time!

Noel Vinson

V.I.T.A.L. Emcee 

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