My MSNBC Debut!!

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Today was one of the most amazing days I've ever had! I woke up to an email from a producer on Chris Jansing's show reconfirming my appearance. She let me know author and NY Times journalist Jodi Kantor would also be Chris' guest during the segment. Her email included links to a HuffPo interview Toure did with Jodi Kantor on her book The Obamas, as well as a link to my article about the Obama Effect on TheGrio.com, and a link to today's NY Times story about the First Lady's book American Grown. I read each again and again, before returning to the notes I'd prepared on Michelle Obama's impact and influence on the fashion industry, and her work with the Let's Move! campaign.

They sent a car to pick me up!

After expending some of my nervous energy loading my dishwasher, I got dressed (I chose a red linen dress with a subtle diamond pattern that my sister designed in Ghana, along with the brown Manolo Blahnik mules I scored at one of the designer's sample sales), and emailed one of the bookings producers to confirm the timing of the car pick-up. Bless her for her patience as I accidentally sent the email twice. Literally right after I emailed, the car service company called to let me know they were in front of my building.

Just before I went on air,  a nice gentleman mic'd me up

When I got to the studio, excuse me, 30 Rock(!!!), I waited in the green room before the make-up artist came to get me. I wanted so badly to ask her to do "eyeliner wings", but was too nervous. But guess, what? She did them!!! She must have heard my request telepathically. LOL. While I was getting my make-up done, Chris Jansing walked in. I gave her a very eager "Hi!" She responded very graciously.

I could hear Jodi Kantor saying she couldn't hear anything

Anyway, at 10:37a, one of the producers came to get me. We passed the blinking "On Air" sign and entered a big studio that had a bank of people sitting at their computers on one side, and the set on the other. Chris Jansing was sitting in her anchor's chair. When I was fully mic'd, the sound guy walked me to the guest chair and adjusted the mic a bit more. I sat facing Chris, but right behind her I could see a few monitors, one with me on it, and one with the B-roll going. Now, right before I went on air, my editor Alexis (who assigned me the Obama Effect story) called to give me a few on-camera pointers, so I knew not to focus on the monitors and keep my eyes on Chris. I did watch the commercial playing on mute though.

I don't remember a word I said, LOL!

Then our segment began! Chris introduced Jodi and me and then got to her questions. Jodi answered hers. I answered mine, and then I heard Jodi say she couldn't hear anything. I knew that meant I would get more questions so I just tried to get all the stats I had memorized at the ready. I think I was on for like three minutes, and then the sound guy was taking the mic back and I was leaving the studio.

My friend and editor Alexis assigned me the Obama Effect story!

Alexis came to get me and took me to her office where TheGrio.com staff were having a meeting. I thanked them all for the amazing opportunity, then tried to call my mom. There was already a missed call from her. :-) We kept trying each other. When I called her, the line would be busy, and she must have experienced the same. When we finally got through, we both started screaming with excitement.

I DVR'd the show, but I'm waiting to watch it in its entirety with my sibs.