Katie Couric - The Story, The Experience, The Dream Come True

If you know me at all, you know I tend to dream big.

Well, this past week has reaffirmed my faith in the whole "dreaming big" thing.

So, last week, I went on the Katie Couric website to finally submit my YOLO video. YOLO=You Only Live Once and it's a segment Katie has where she fulfills people's dreams if they submit a video indicating why they deserve it.

Anyway, so I get on the website but quickly get distracted by all the other STUFF on it! So she has all these different prompts (i.e. "Are you going through a divorce?" "Are you going through a rough time?" etc.)... well, one of the prompts was about how / why you deserve your "big moment".

I was like - oh my heavens, this is just calling my NAME. So I quickly whipped up a little essay explaining how I would like my "big moment" for reasons x, y and z... once I set my mind to something, I will execute accordingly. You better believe I submitted my little essay right then and there (it was rather therapeutic given the day I'd had! Haha.)

WELL! I get home from dinner on Wednesday to a missed call from 212 area code (New York) and a voice mail... from one of the producers on the Katie show!! They found my story interesting enough, I guess, because... they wanted me to come UP TO NEW YORK TO BE ON THE SHOW FOR A SEGMENT!!!!

The past week has been a WHIRLWIND! I got that call on Wednesday, a camera crew came to my apartment to tape my "bio" on Friday and then I was flown to New York (with car service and everything!) on Sunday and taped on Monday!!! Isn't that CRAZY?!?!?!?!

Sure, I mis-read my flight itinerary and only realized I had a noon flight at 10:45 on Sunday morning... when I was definitely still in my pajamas and not packed in the slightest... but professional traveler that I am, I literally just dumped a HURRICANE of clothes into my suitcase and hoped for the best...

After the speediest cab ride ever and a bit of luck thrown in for good measure (this has GOT to be the only day in recent months that I did not encounter any traffic nor security lines in the slightest), I made it to the airport in one piece and, believe it or not, with about 20 minutes to spare before boarding!

Let the adventure begin!!

The Katie show had a car service waiting for me once I arrived at the airport (and for the rest of my time in New York) - I was in complete awe with the Lincoln Navigator that greeted me, complete with tinted windows... I didn't grab a good picture though, otherwise you better believe I'd be documenting the hell outta that pimped out ride!

After arriving at the Algonquin Hotel (talk about cozy, quaint charm in the midst of midtown Manhattan!), I quickly dropped my stuff off and then headed to 34th Street because I simply HAD to do some last-minute shopping considering I still had yet to decide on what to wear for the show the next day. Just FYI - I HATE shopping (no exaggeration) so this definitely was not the "fun New York shopping experience" that many girls dream of. Rather, it was a bit stressful and, to be perfectly honest, frenzied.

Oh well - I ended up buying a couple of pieces just in case.

Then, I was back to my hotel to prep just a touch for the next day and get a good night's rest - I had no idea what to expect so I wanted to be up by 7 although my car service (I love saying that ;)) wasn't picking me up until 9.

Well, good thing I woke up at 7... because as I was getting ready I realized two crucial items I had completely forgotten to pack in my haste: my makeup powder brush and... well, my Spanx. If you know me at all, you know I am OBSESSED with my Spanx and of ALL days to forget my pair, it would HAVE to be the day I show up on national TV, right? Right.

Sigh, oh well. I guess a girl's gotta wing it from time to time. Anyway, so the car drops me off and I'm still a bit confused - I had no idea what to really expect during "my" segment but, let's be honest, I was just so darn excited about the experience that I brushed that aside. I was immediately ushered to the Green Room which was essentially a pretty large, lofty space for guests to chill in until they needed to get onstage. Well, I had quite some time before my segment, so I took advantage of my time by... well, documenting every inch of that green room of course ;)

Then! I was whisked off for hair and makeup - two things that I pay very little attention to on a daily basis (this is why you'll see pretty much a different looking person on that stage itself). But it was actually kind of fun! The hair and makeup people were just so NICE! And I have to admit, it was kind of fun getting all fussed over ;) (I'm only saying this because I usually HATE being fussed over.)

Well, it was during that time that I learned that I was going to be seated in the first row audience section, where questions would be directed toward me.We needed to figure this out at least by this point, since that was driving the "type" of makeup they were doing for me.

Well, after a bit more waiting, I was escorted right behind the stage to get all mic'ed up.. and that is when people realized there was a last-minute change and... get this, I was actually going to be put ONSTAGE with Katie (who I am OBSESSED WITH!) and Daymond John (CEO of FUBU and on that Shark Tank show). I found out I was going to be onstage just a few minutes before actually having to GO out onstage - God, it was such a chaotic frenzy that I didn't even have TIME to be nervous!

And you know what's so funny? I thought I would be nervous as soon as I saw the large audience, but I was unusually calm. I have a feeling Katie's persona had something to do with the lack of anxiety though - honestly, she couldn't have been a more welcoming and calming presence. Her smile was absolutely infectious and I just could NOT believe I was face to face with one of my role models. I mean, talk about a dream come true. (Understatement.)

And then... well, then the segment happened. Basically, Katie and Daymond were providing me insight and advice on how to live out my dreams and "have my moment"... you know what's funny? The nerves NEVER kicked in. (I can't get over that!) I honestly think Katie's personality and demeanor really have a calming effect on people, because that interview could have gone so terribly downhill otherwise.

When it was over, we chatted for a bit more and took a few pictures (which, by the way, I'm definitely following up in a friendly fashion with Katie's crew for - I want my picture with my role model!!) and then I was whisked offstage! I couldn't believe how quick it all was! I didn't even get a chance to tell Katie how much I adore her (I'm pretty sure that was apparent in my reaction when I first met her - it took all my self-restraint to not just give her a big ol' bear hug) and how my tweet appeared on her show and... well, I could go on and on.

And shortly after that, I was whisked off to the airport!

Like I said, it was a legitimate, frenzied whirlwind.

And I loved every, single, fleeting minute of it.

All I have to say is - dream big.

So, without further ado... one of my favorite moments - ever.

My Tweet On Katie Couric's SHOW!!

After an eventful January, I decided to take a break from my whole staying up past midnight on weekends schedule and devote the month of February to fruits, veggies and yoga. Sure, we're almost halfway through the month and I have yet to regularly intake fruits and veggies, let alone sign up for a neighborhood yoga class, but oh well. At least I haven't been eating out nearly as much as I had been for the month of January, which is enough of a cleanse for me.

In the spirit of all things low-key for February, I stayed in on Saturday night - my primary goal being to catch up on my DVR. When you DVR hour-long talk shows on a daily basis, your DVR tends to fill up pretty quickly. I just love Katie, The View and Ellen - what can I say?

After watching one episode of The View, I decided to switch over to a couple of Katie episodes that I hadn't yet caught up on during the week.

One thing Katie has started doing on Fridays is a "Friday Follow Up" segment, where she basically summarizes the feedback that she has received throughout the week from her viewers.

As this segment popped up on my screen, I distinctly remembered sending Katie a tweet about a show she'd had earlier that week that featured the men of Silver Linings Playbook. I haven't yet seen the movie but have heard a lot of hype about it and was definitely interested to hear what Robert DeNiro, Bradley Cooper and David Russell had to share about their experiences.

To be perfectly honest, I was shocked with how emotionally charged was this episode. I don't know if it was because of the topic the movie covers (mental illness) or because of all three guys' incredibly emotional reaction to the subject matter... whatever the case, I couldn't stop thinking about that show for a couple of days. So I did what any normal person would do - I tweeted my sentiments to Katie.

I honestly had forgotten about the tweet I'd sent until I saw Katie's "Follow Up Friday" segment pop up on my television screen. It was only at that point that I started thinking about how funny (read: awe-some) it would be to have the Maliyacular show up on the big screen (Katie's big screen, more like). I figured it was kind of a long stretch for a couple of reasons:

1. I figured there are thousands of messages that her staff is sifting through in order to figure out what will accurately portray a well-rounded plate of weekly feedback.

2. I figured I would be notified if my message had been chosen.

Turns out... I was wrong. Because imagine my (DELIGHTED!!) surprise when Katie's introducing the feedback related to her Silver Linings Playbook show and the screen shifts to THIS:

Needless to say, freaking out didn't even BEGIN to describe my reaction. There it was!! The Maliyacular on the Katie's big screen!! I could NOT BELIEVE IT!!! And the best part is... well, okay, there's a couple of "best parts" to this:

1. This episode's subject matter is something I feel strongly about so I'm happy she was able to feel/hear the conviction / emotion in my mere tweet.

2. More superficially speaking... I have it on my DVR!! You better believe I'm going to be saving THAT one for months years to COME!

MAN!! What a great start to my low-key month of February, that is ALL I have to SAY!

I Have Officially Pinpointed What I'm Meant to Do With My Life

As many of you are aware, I tend to dream big.

In the seemingly neverending quest to figure out what the heck I'm supposed to be doing with my life, I've already determined that I'm meant to be a talk show host or a news anchor... anything that involves getting to hear people's stories, let's be honest here.

Although I raise this dream in a slightly joking manner with many people in my life (many = all, in this instance), I'm also quite serious. If there's one thing I've learned in my 20s, it's this: It's great to have a solid career- I am entirely grateful for the career path I've developed to-date. But if you really want to have the most fulfilling life possible, you really ought to take a step back, pinpoint your true interests and passions and determine how you can reasonably pursue those interests by leveraging the skill sets and qualities that you have to offer.

Deep, I know.

Anyway, while I actively discuss my hopes and dreams of becoming a talk show host or news anchor with any/everyone, I feel like I need to take a step back and at least outline some tangible, attainable milestones that can be used to track my progress to this dream goal of mine. (Talk about taking a consultant approach to this whole effort... next thing you know, I'll be creating a Powerpoint slide outlining my step-by-step approach to achieving this goal... a Gantt chart, if you will.)

Just this afternoon, I was watching a couple of DVR'ed OWN shows- one being one of Oprah's Life Class episodes and another being TV Guide's Top 25 Oprah Moments. The Life Class episode was about "joy rising"... it's such an amazing, uplifting episode that really just makes you want to get out there and give anyone in a difficult situation ANYthing they need (including a big, fat HUG). Similarly, at least one of TV Guide's Top 25 Oprah Moments involved surprising individuals going through difficult situations.

It's by watching these snippets that I've more specifically pinpointed what I would like to focus on should I ever have a broader reach/presence (and/or available funding). I think giving people going through tough situations useful, meaningful surprises would legitimately be the ultimate dream job of mine. Honestly, it's hard to describe the sheer joy I get out of watching some of these snippets (either on Oprah reruns or on Ellen). I mean, hearing these individuals' stories of hardships and struggles never fails to put my own "problems" into perspective. And then seeing the pure, unadulterated JOY that they express in their own unique ways when presented with their respective surprises... God, I know these people are complete and total strangers, but my heart still gives a little leap just knowing that, for at LEAST that moment in time, their lives are just that much better.

I have to say, I think Oprah and Ellen have transformed television talk shows in that regard. They have clearly demonstrated their true passion to leverage their means and celebrity for the greater good of society. Actually, come to think of it, I sure hope Katie Couric does similar types of things on her new show (I mean, I'm assuming she would... surprising people with random acts of kindness? If that doesn't scream Kaite Couric, I just don't know what does.)

And that, my friends, brings me to my new dream job/goal. Since the Katie show is still in its infancy, there is so much opportunity for growth and expansion and, quite frankly, I think this type of segment would be so fitting for her show. So that's my goal. To become a special correspondent for the Katie show- specifically, I want to hear compelling stories of people/communities in need and be tasked with the act of surprising people in their homes/schools/local communities/etc.

My heart just went all a'flutter at the prospect. I mean, anyone who knows me knows I get a natural high off of being around people. But to be able to SURPRISE people with random acts of kindness? Seriously, I don't know how I'd be able to contain my excitement. (I'm envisioning my role to be similar to the role of Jeannie (sp?) on Ellen's show or Gayle on Oprah's show.) Hell, I'd even VOLUNTEER to do this kind of thing!!

Oh man, now that I've more specifically determined what I'm meant to be doing with my life, I can't stop thinking about how I'm actually going to make this happen. Baby steps here, people...