I always thought my first appearance on the Today Show would be about parenting and some of the ridiculous essays I write about my epic parenting fails, but the way I landed myself on the Today Show is actually pretty perfect for this lady!
When you’re an English teacher people often assume that you spend your free time reading the classics and analyzing great pieces of literature. I mean, my brother is an ER doctor and no one assumes for a good time he breaks his own arm then sets it in a cast. So when you catch a glimpse of what’s on my Kindle, don’t be surprised that you won’t find any Dickens or a single Shakespeare play. What you will find is the same trilogy that millions of ladies have been downloading, trading, discussing, whispering, shouting, and patiently waiting for the move version, 50 Shades of Grey.
I assumed I’d be catching Mr. Grey in all his glory on the big screen with a few of my gal pals, but a producer from The Today Show called and because I sent them a silly caption from one of the movie stills, they asked if I would fly to NYC for their special screening and ask the stars of the film a few questions. I tried to act really cool on the phone (take deep breaths) but I’m sure my inner “SQUEEEEEEEEEE!” was showing!
“Oh sure, that sounds fun. I could do that.” SQUEEEEEE!!!!
Here is how I got ready for my trip:
1. Call up your best gal pal and scream into the phone “I’m going to be on the Today Show! Get a babysitter because we are flying to NYC to see 50 Shades of Grey!” Wait for her confusion then her screams of joy.
2. Get your mom to watch your kids. Assure her the NEXT time you are on the Today Show you will take her.
3.Shop for something fabulous to wear and shop fast.
4. Get your nails and hair did.
5. Be prepared to feel like a celebrity for two days. Understand reality will come crashing down, but not yet!
Obviously having a car pick us up at the airport totally did NOT go to my head–whatever, it was pretty rad—
I’d like to thank my kids for getting up insanely early every morning. Because of them, I was actually able to get myself up, ready and down to the car that would take us to the event at 5:30 in the morning. Since I was a guest of the Today Show, we walked right in, but hundreds and hundreds of ladies were waiting outside in the frigid 10 degree weather to get inside. Insane!
On the “grey carpet” were lines and lines of fellas handing out yummy drinks. If THIS is the kind of stuff that happens at red carpet events, count me in, friends.
It’s always key to take your super fabulous friend who adores NYC just as much as you do and appreciates and practices going a little bananas for celebrities much like myself. I heart her. 
Funny thing about the audience, they were all women. The only men were the ones working for the Today Show.
The day before I planned everything I would say to the author E.L. James. Then I met her and said something stupid like “I’m so excited!” Good one, Amanda. Definitely one she will remember.
Then there were ear-piercing screams from the back of the theater. No need to panic.Mr. Grey just entered the building. 
After the first set of interviews with the stars of the film and the writer, the movie started (again so awkward to watch this movie at 7:30 in the morning) and we all settled in for the movie we’ve been anticipating!
Check out my vlog where I’m giving my honest review of the film!
After the movie wrapped up, all of the cameras and lights were back on and it was my turn to be on camera and ask the stars a few questions!
Knowing my entire family was at home with the DVR set, I made sure I didn’t have lipstick on my teeth, walked up next to Carson Daily and…. they ran out of time.
So I didn’t get to ask my question, but I did get on camera much to the happiness of my mother who will tell everyone this story for the rest of her life.
Natalie Morales was so sweet and apologized for running out of time for our segment, grabbed my hand, and said “let’s get some pictures with Jamie and Dakota.” And that, friends, is how Natalie because my favorite person forever.
The entire time I was in New York I kept saying “This is so absurd. All of it. It’s so absurd.” Fantastic and absurd but totally amazing. See, your English teachers were right, reading DOES open all kinds of doors.