an amazing celebrity encounter...

I've heard that working in this building occasionally involves running into celebrities in the elevator. But generally I just know they're in the building. I don't really see them. Two weeks ago, as I was running out the door to go meet the Mrs. for the Glide Gala, I saw my co-worker and friend, Akilah in the lobby.
"Hey!" I said. "What are you doing down here."
"I'm waiting for Liam and Phil."
I knew she was referring to Liam Mayclem, charming host of Eye on the Bay, but who the hell is Phil?
"Phil, Beth." Akilah stared at me. "Phil Keoghan."
Alright, I shrugged. And chatted with her about boring corporate website things. But then she brought up that this "Phil" would arrive any second and...
"I still don't get who Phil is." I said.
"I sent everyone an email about this." Akilah said. "Phil Keoghan. He's the host of the Amazing Race."
"OH MY GOD! SHUT UP! YOU ARE LYING! I LOVE THE AMAZING RACE! PHIL? AS IN 'YOU ARE TEAM NUMBER ONE' PHIL?"
"Yeah, he's on his way down in the elevator. I'm driving him to this (she explained where she was driving Liam and Phil but I was too busy putting on make-up.) Why are you putting on make-up, Beth?"
How often is the host of the Amazing Race in my work lobby? I wasn't missing this moment.
"I need you to take our photo."
"Seriously?"
"YES SERIOUSLY."
With that, Liam and Phil emerged from the elevator in a huge hurry. Apparently every aspect of Phil's life is a race. Which is awesome! He had a backpack slung over his shoulder, of course, and was wearing his standard man-necklace. It was like the most perfect, exactly-as-I'd-hoped version of Phil ever.
While it was obvious they were in a huge rush, Akilah very sweetly introduced me to Phil.
"Oh, hi!" I gushed. "The Amazing Race is the greatest show ever. And, um, I need to get a photo with you."
"I'm so sorry." Phil said. "We're running so late."
Be that as it may, Phil, this is my shot, my one chance. This is my "roadblock" if you will.
I tried to talk Phil into a photo as he said as apologetically as he could, "We really have to go. Listen, just come with us."
Take a second. Take two. Phil from the Amazing Race just told me to hop in a car with him and race somewhere.
"I can't." I said. "I have plans."
Let me tell you, tho. Black-tie Gala vs. Celebrity was like Sophie's Choice.
I threw my iPhone at Akilah, grabbed Phil and smiled. God bless him, Phil smiled too, Liam tolerated the whole thing, Akilah snapped the photo and they were off.
It. Was. Thrilling.
As I walked down Battery Street and headed to my car, an SUV swung by me and in it, honking and waving were Akilah, Liam and Phil from the Amazing Race.
AMAZING.

Because time was such an unfortunate issue, I did not get to ask Phil my pressing Amazing Race questions. And now that we're two episodes into the new, amazing season, I'm kicking myself. Instead, I will ask them here and hope that Phil googles himself.
1. Sunday night, the contestants were in London and had to get to Ghana, where they'd have $137 to complete all of their challenges. But who pays for the plane tickets? They're all racing to airports all the time, flying all over the world. Does a camera guy step in with a credit card?

2. Where do they sleep and how come we never get to see it? Who does laundry and when do they eat?

3. Is the athletic apparel provided? Because it's adorable!

I was telling Tara all about my magical moment with Phil over dinner the other night, as Tara shares my love of the Amazing Race. She's convinced we'd make great teammates, although I'm not so sure. We got lost and livid at each other trying to find the car later this very night. Anyway, here is Tara's impression of Phil at the Pit Stop: