Monday, May 12, 2008

Live, From Studio SB

I was on TV today!!!

(Note: I had planned to blog about my flight yesterday from Boston to Chicago: Asking if any of you know why United has that bizarre 3'x5' red floor mat at each gate to "welcome" their frequent flyers; telling you about the guy in the back of the plane who fell sound asleep the minute we took off and spent three hours snoring LOUDLY, in between bouts where he stopped breathing altogether.... But if I were reading this, I'd be thinking, "ENOUGH about the snoring plane dude, Trish...tell me how someone who trips over her shoes and spills coffee everywhere she goes survived a ten minute segment on live TV???") So here you go:

Truth be told, I spent the whole morning--from the moment I woke up to the lovely chiming alarm clock at 5:30am--worrying about spilling something on myself. I had an entire emergency backup outfit waiting in the car in case had one of my unfortunate collisions with liquid, but I'm proud to report that by refusing all beverages, I made it to the set unsullied. My Aunt Debbie came with me to the show, which was great...she even knew one of the hosts. I knew I could count on her to speak up if I came out of the ladies room with lipstick on my nose, but fortunately (okay, miraculously) it never came to that.

The actual filming--what I thought would be the most stressful part--was surprisingly normal. The two hosts of The Harvest Show, Chuck and Kelly, were friendly, engaging, conversational...totally easy to chat with. They asked great questions and I think I answered them in a way that was at least coherent. And I managed to get through the entire interview without using the word "determinator," making this a personal best.

I thought the whole camera thing would be weird, but the chairs were turned towards each other so I couldn't see them at all. What I could see, though, was a giant flat-screen TV of the segment we were filming, which made me think deep, reflective thoughts such as, "Wow-I'm really pale!" Profound, and focused in the important moments. That's me.

I realized midway through the segment that my habit of looking up/down/off to the side when I think about an answer probably looked weird on TV (I noticed that Chuck and Kelly managed to keep their eyes upright, facing actual people) so I tried to correct mid-stream. But overall, it was fabulous and fun, and much more natural than I ever expected.

You can check it out here. (If you click on the link for Monday May 12, I'm the second interview, about 30 minutes into the program.)

Tuesday, I'll be reading & signing at Borders Books in Evanston, IL, which is outside Chicago. David Sedaris will be there a month from now, so this is kind of like me being his warm up band, right? Like Gwen Stefani & NoDoubt going on tour with U2???

(Sure Trish, It's just like that...)

Hope to see some of you there :)

17 comments:

Keri Mikulski said...

Wow! Congrats, Trish. What an amazing day! ;)

Rachel H. said...

Congrats on ALL your success! It's so cool...Now you are a TV Star! :)

Paige Jennifer said...

See, this is why I was well grounded in my statement at your Philly reading - you're my hero!

And of course you are the opening act for Sedaris. Duh.

Nilsa S. said...

Congrats on the TV appearance! I was going to try my best to come see you in Evanston tonight, but ... I sold my condo and the inspection is tonight, which means ... I have to get the dog out of the house for the inspection. Tonight! Of all nights! Have a great time up there in Evanston and I'll be sure to catch you in June (when I should be homeless, should all things go as planned!).

L Sass said...

Fame and fortune! I really don't like being on video (even for the little videos we make for our organization), so I don't know if I could handle it.

If I had moved to Evanston already, I'd be meeting you tonight!!

Unknown said...

Yay!! You did a great job!! I was even looking for the side, up, down looks and it was NOT at all noticeable! You looked like the pro that you are!

By the way, my mother's day request was that I be left alone long enough to finish your book!! I LOVED it, as I knew I would!

Steve was so smooth! hahaha He's good:) The first date kiss was intense! Reading about the buddings of "Steve and Trish" was such a delight. I think I had a huge smile on my face the rest of the day...so sweet and romantic.

What a blessing! I'm so excited to get into your next book!!!!!

Anonymous said...

You are like a freakin' rock star! Congrats! I tried to watch the interview but it keeps skipping. Must be my computer.

Kristen said...

Waaah! I watched the video, but it jumped from the interview of the first woman to the May 9th show. I'm sure you were fantastic as always! :-)

Larramie said...

THAT frog will make you a star, Trish. ;) Enjoy!

Patti said...

watched it...you are living' the dream!

Sarakastic said...

could you take a picture of the table you sit at just in case it's the same place David Sedaris sits at? I'm a huge fan of both of you

Allie said...

Cool! You famous person you.

By the way, guess whose book I ordered on Amazon a few days ago? Can't wait till it arrives!

LEstes65 said...

I'm sitting here working with the Harvest show playing in the background - waiting to hear "Trish" so I can actually watch you.

This is so exciting! I'm so glad more people than just me are finding out how funny and wonderful you are.

Smooches...

contemporary themes said...

Congrats. I watched your interview, and I'm so happy for you! (I know I don't know you, but I'm very excited for you and your success!)

Are you coming to Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, California? Because if you make it this way, I'm there!!!

Jenny said...

Watched your TV segment - very fun to see you "live" And I bought your lovely book yesterday and began reading it. I'm so happy for your book release. You are funny!

Patricia Robb said...

If you get a clip of your t.v. interview I would love to see it. I bought your book recently and am looking forward to reading it. I am just finishing one book up and yours is next on the list.

Congratulations.

kim said...

I wish I had known you were coming -- I've family in Evanston and would have made the 2hr drive to get my book signed!

fyi -- I did post about my purchase of your book and it is at the very bottom of my blog and will drop off next time I post. Just in case you would like to see what your book looked like in Brookfield, WI.

I am enjoying it btw.