HOW, HOW, HOW?
It just so happened that Marlee Matlin tweeted at the end of February, “A talk show is looking for YOU, for women who overcame adversity and established a business.” Immediately, I thought to myself “That sounds like ME!” In a matter of minutes, an email was sent. In the back of my head I was SURE I wouldn’t hear from them or even be considered as one of the candidates. Few days later, still nothing. Knowing myself and the magic a follow-up can do, I followed up.

ROUNDS OF INTERVIEWS
The next day I got an email from Myescha, a story production assistant, inquiring for me information. We set up the first round of interview via Google Talk (IM). Boy, all the questions began to pour in! As soon it wraps up, Myescha explained that if the big guys like my story, there will be a callback. Oh boy, not another audition! For those who do not know, I was bitten by the acting bug since my elementary school days. The wait, the anticipation, the what-ifs… It was driving me up to the wall. Luckily, they got back to me at that very evening saying the producers wants to have a chat with me.

The very next morning we had yet another long-winded interview answering the very same questions again. Bear in mind, this was on a Wednesday. All of a sudden, they asked me if I was available on Saturday for the crew to film “A Day in my Life” as well as Monday to fly to the Big Apple City. I jumped in and said, “Am I in?” Y’all know what the answer was.

“DAY IN OUR LIFE” FILMING

Before I knew it, Saturday arrived at our footsteps. The crew as well as the producer were super friendly. They came into my place studying around. Really, there was not much to study as it was all bare bones. But that is the beauty of filming. The crew and Brooke, producer, were sweating their butts off for about six hours. On the talk show, they only used TWO MINUTES!! Would you believe us that we all slept at 6pm and did not wake up til the next day?

The nervousness began to creep in on Sunday as 1) It was my first ever talk show 2) I was unable to find an outfit to wear for the show! 3) Am I representing myself well as well as the Deaf community? and 4) I have yet met my interpreter for the day of the talk show. Oh, I forgot to mention that not only they were flying me, but my hubby and daughter to New York City! What a treat.

THE BIG APPLE CITY

The good thing was that on Monday we as a family had a chance to shake off the nervousness by stomping on the grounds of a city that never sleeps. We took a long stroll in the windy Central Park, met up with Christina Trunzo-Mosleh, interpreter, and gobbled on all the shrimp you can eat at Bubba Gump’s. The night was still young, but the bed was calling our names.

ON THE DAY OF THE TALK SHOW
At noon, a service car picked up to go to the studio nearby. We entered the building passing all the tv screens with all the talk shows. Thoughts were reeling in, “That is gonna be me.” How bizarre is that? Here we are in our green room with the lovely Christina. It was the most perfect opportunity to chat more in order to be prepared for the show. In such a short amount of time, it was really such a pleasure getting to know so much of my interpreter ALREADY. Thanks to Jon Wolfe Nelson for introducing us. The producers came in to outline the show for us. So much information, so little time. I do get nervous, but not with such intensity! It was completely foreign, but thanks to my husband for putting his sense of humor to good use.

It was time for taping… No, I have not met THE Nate Berkus! I was hoping to chat even for a few minutes before to warm up. The taping began and Nate asked me several questions. I was so so short on my answers!!!

THE SURPRISES!!

Like any talk shows, there were a few surprises. The first one, of course, was Marlee Matlin giving me advice. Sitting next to Marlee, an expert with talk shows, was somewhat intimating, I have to admit. So, thank you Marlee Matlin for being such a trooper with a newbie. Hopefully, in no time, I will be just as magnificent. Yes, this is not going to be my last talk show! Now that I have completed this, I’ve raised the bar once again.

The second surprise was to shadow an event planner, Michael Russo from Roses n Lollipops, for a day. Not only that, Michael said I can email him ANYTIME. Michael – this is for you…I am going to hold on to your words for eternity. We are currently working on several ideas on how to make this work. No matter what level you are at in your career, there is always room to fine-tune that craft of yours. In the end, I would love to achieve some type of apprenticeship with a well-respected event planner/director whether it be him or someone else.

As soon the show was over, it was over! I could not even remember what I said.

MY ONLY WISH
The only thing I wish was to have a chat with Nate Berkus as I know he is dear friends with Oprah. As some of you may know, I have been attempting to get in touch with Oprah to share her pearls of wisdom for The Pearls. So close, yet so far away.

What is my next stop? Only time will tell.