I knew FOX was one of my favorite words for a reason.

Fox. I love the word. He is a fox. She is a fox. That is foxy. Vixen (female fox.) Out-foxed. Sly fox. Ergo, it makes perfect sense that word would be attached to one of the best experiences of my life which is also the exciting news I mentioned yesterday and the unexpected birthday gift I received this weekend. A furry new pet fox? No. A sassy compliment? No. Outsmarting a shylock? No, not that kind of fox either.

But rather my first national television appearance as a blogger. 

I was called by a Producer for Fox News in New York last Thursday and hope I didn’t disengage the chandelier doing my high kicks. I was invited to be a guest on the Fox and Friends morning show to respond as a blogger and mother to a controversy that has parents at odds with a component of the fashion industry. Fox and Friends Anchor, Alisyn Camerota, was hosting the segment and since I was actually flying to New York for a long weekend, I would do the segment live in the studio rather than at the local Fox affiliate in Atlanta.

I have been on television a handful of times but this was by far the most amazing (and surreal) experience. I received great guidance from one of the Producers, and I certainly did my research. I am unable to post the video here due to proprietary rights but here is a pic of the set I was on with Alisyn and one more screen shot.

 

Yes, the screen shot shows my debate face. And apparently I like to talk with my hands more than an Italian grandmother.

I am so grateful to Fox News in NY, the Producers, especially LW, and Alisyn for the experience. Two minutes prior to the segment, the woman who would be debating from the opposite stance of me could not present. Alisyn informed me she would then be playing devil’s advocate as opposed to moderating. Off camera, I told Alisyn “Ohhhh, I don’t like the devil.” To which she cracked up. I also asked her to take it easy on me considering she is a long-term TV personality and professional while I am best known for Flip videos made in our house. She was forthright with her questions, deliberate and direct but still the consummate host. And my goal was to avoid sounding like Ron Burgundy.

To summarize the experience: IN-CRED-I-BLE. The segment was three minutes long which can feel both eternal and yet microscopic when you are on live television. I was so honored to be asked and it is further demonstration life is full of surprises.

A few things I learned:

*When something like this happens, you are as giddy as you were when you got a puppy for Christmas when you turned six.  It is made infinitely more fantastic when your best friend in the world is with you. Times ten when your entire family rallies like you were just appointed to the Supreme Court.

*No matter how old you are, you can still get nervous.

*Having a great group of friends is one of the best gifts in life. Friends of mine I have not seen in a decade (or longer) sent or posted awesome and supportive notes and emails. Why does that matter as much in these situations? Because, like I said, no matter how old you are, you can still get nervous.

*Having your hair and make up done is always better than doing it yourself (except that one time at the Estee Lauder counter but that is an entirely different blog post.)

*Having your best friend tell you three minutes before you go on air “Remember, do NOT say the F word” even as a joke is NOT funny. LOL. Thanks Marcia Garcia. I will certainly plot revenge.

*Your 15 minutes of fame can actually be significantly reduced. Case in point: My husband and son watched the segment live in Atlanta. They phoned me shortly after its conclusion  and my son said, “Mommy, I saw you on TV! You looked so pretty. But, WHO WAS THAT GIRL WITH YOU?”  Really? Even on my national blogger TV debut, my son is innately more interested in the blonde girl.  

*We should never forget to make room in our lives for the Giddy. It is not reserved merely for 6 year olds, or those who win a Super Bowl ring. Letting ourselves be giddy about all the wins in between can elevate us, don't ignore it.