When I woke up this morning, I just didn't feel like myself. I've got a case of the sniffles, sneezes and sore throat. I began to feel a teeny bit sorry for myself. WHY did I have to get sick this week, of all weeks? The forecast called for rain and I almost decided to take a day off and relax. I laid around trying to decide what to do. I really wanted to go down to the View studios, but I knew it was a lost cause, trying to get in with no tickets. Either way, I decided I was in NYC and I could not waste a day in a hotel room. I threw on some makeup and halfway straightened my hair. I got on the wrong subway at one point (again) and when I finally found 66th Street I saw an ABC building. So, I started walking in that direction - who knew ABC buildings line the entire street! I was walking in the wrong direction. I walked for a while before I realized it and turned around. By the time I found the studio, it was 9:45. The website said anyone coming for standby tickets should arrive between 8 and 9. It also said that ticket holders should arrive by 9:30 SHARP and there was a 12-24 month wait on tickets. A sweet young production assistant named Joshua was the only one waiting outside the studio. I smiled, thinking I should've stayed in bed. As I walked towards him he asked for my white ticket. "Ummm...I don't have a white ticket". "Ok, but you reserved one online, right?" "Ummm....actually....let me just be honest. I didn't reserve one online. This was a spur of the moment trip and online it said there was a long wait. I don't have...anything." "Ok...." he said. Before he could begin I told him I'm sure I wouldn't be able to get in, so I understood. He told me to hold on and talked into his headset. And then, like magic, he handed me a lime green paper and said "You're in!". "SHUTUP!" I yelled, and I slapped him on the arm. I think I almost knocked that lil boy over! "Omg OMG OMG!!!! I get to watch the show, are you serious!?!" He assured me it wasn't a joke and giggled a little bit. That's when I remembered that Charlie said I'm supposed to act like I've been here before. So I told Joshua, "I'm sorry. Let me calm down for a second. I might cry! My husband told me to act like I've been here before, so I promise I will act like I've been here before and chill out a little bit!" The security guys were the nicest I've encountered in the city and very talkative. So were the sweet ladies from New Jersey in line ahead of me. As I was texting everyone I know, a man pulled me out of line. I just knew he was about to tell me there wasn't enough room. Instead, he asked if I was camera shy. "No, sir!" He asked if I watched the show and knew about the audience member that would introduce a guest between commercial breaks. I said yes and he asked again if I was from Louisiana, which either I told Joshua in my rambles, or he could detect just from my accent! He said they liked to have guests who've traveled from far away. I ran to the bathroom, thank God I put some of my makeup in my purse! Still, no brush and my hair was a (excuse this, but...) HOT MESS!
We got seated in the studio and there was an empty spot in the front where they needed me to sit since I would be doing the camera thing. We got Keebler cookies and a bottle of juice. They have a comedian come on before the show to loosen everyone up and get them excited. He was hilarious and that part was even a lot of fun! Bill Geddy, the executive producer, came out too. Before long, it was time to start and we got to see Whoopi, Joy, Sherry and Elisabeth for the first time! Barbara wasn't there but that's ok...I'm not a big fan. ;) It was so cool to be right there watching them chat. During commercial breaks we could take pictures and ask questions. I am usually not speechless, but I couldn't think of a single question to ask any of them!
Then, it was time! A producer came to my seat and handed me my 'lines'. I read over it a few times and he brought me to the platform. I read it from the teleprompter without flubbing it- yay! I am officially qualified to be the next Democratic candidate for President! ;) It was over in the blink of an eye. Joy looked great although I am NOT a fan of her politics. Sherry was hilarious and Whoopi seemed very laid back. But Elisabeth, my dear, sweet Elisabeth! (LOL) Seriously, I am such a big fan. I love that she is conservative and not afraid to speak her mind. I think it's safe to say there are 3 conservatives in NYC: me, Charlie and Elisabeth! She came to the platform right next to my seat to do a shoot for something later in the week. I couldn't resist! I asked her who she liked for 2012. She said she would love for Gen. Petraus and Colin Powell to run, but they probably wouldn't. I told her I was a huge fan and she was my favorite. I told her when the other ladies made me want to scream, I loved listening to her tell them exactly what I was thinking. I said that I was cheering her on - TEAM ELISABETH! She was very gracious and everything I imagined she would be! She chatted with other audience members for a few minutes and then it was time to start the show again. We got to see Kelly Clarkson perform and another actress that I didn't know, she plays in a new sitcom called "Suburbatory". We also got to take home a dancing Mickey Mouse - that Avery will love and a Kelly Clarkson CD - that I already love!
The whole experience was amazing and surreal (although you're about to see TONS of pictures to prove it - ha!) and it taught me a good lesson. On the days you want to lay in bed and throw a pity party - get up, get dressed, straighten the crap outta your hair and get GOING!
Needless to say, I have a jam-packed agenda tomorrow. So me, my DayQuil and my Kleenex will be on the subway bright and early headed to the Today Show, Fox News, Live with Regis and Kelly, Grand Central Station, a cruise around the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the MET and the Museum of Natural History. Maybe even a stop by the Museum of Modern Art. Then, back to Brooklyn to meet Charlie and on to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) and maybe even a tour of NBC Studios and another visit to Fox News - we just can't stay away from that spot! ;) I hope I can pack it all in. I THINK I finally have the subway all figured out!
I'm not sure how I got so lucky today, the lady beside me requested tickets 2 years ago and today was the first available date she could choose! Maybe, if my string of luck continues I'll be able to get into Regis and Kelly and reserve an iPhone 4S tonight online for pickup tomorrow on 5th Avenue, but I seriously doubt it! Either way, I am loving New York City! Missing my sweet Avery Grace though, I wonder if she saw her mom on TV today!
One of the buildings I ran into when I was lost - Juilliard
One of those sweet ladies from NJ said "Go stand by that, I'll take a picture of you!"
Oh, how I'm regretting that spur of the moment haircut!
'
First glance at the studio....
Setting out their empty coffee cups!
Another nice New Yorker offered to take a picture of me - I really think they are nicer than we give them credit for!
The comedian before the show
The one and only - BILL GEDDY!
The ladies of The View
Changing the set in 4 minutes for Kelly to perform...this is LIVE, y'all!
The moment I thought, OMG IS SHE WALKING TOWARDS ME!?!
"YES, YES SHE IS!"
The ladies chatting w/ Kelly Clarkson
Joy walking to the same spot Elisabeth shot from. I forgot to take an up close picture of her, just not the same as Elisabeth I guess!
4 comments:
So freakin awesome!!! I am ready to go back! And what a good lesson you learned, I will try to remember that. You have a jam packed day planned for tomorrow though! Wow! We never made it to the museum of natural history. Never enough time, and the line to get in was just way too long the last time we went. I bet it will be great. Oh, and I saw your sweet Avery at church tonight and she seems quite happy with her nonna and poppa! Have a blast!
That was amazing and neatest story ever! :)
I was at your folks' yesterday evening while your mom was asking Avery what they should eat for supper. Avery said, "How 'bout we go inside and sit down and eat?" Complete with hand motions. lol You have to love a girl with a mind of her own. hmmmm, reminds me of someone else. ;)
Hands down best story ever! Glad your having so much fun, next time I'm coming in your suitcase:) what day were you on so I can watch?
I am still in shock that you got into The View, much less got to be ON the view!!! I hope the rest of your trip goes as amazing as the first half, and can't wait to hear and see about it :)
Emily, I think you can watch full episodes on ABC. They are all live, so it will be the one that aired yesterday, on Oct 26.
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