A warm moment on a cold day
I don’t say it enough…thank you.
This morning as I headed outside to the Today show plaza for the 8 o’clock open, I was struck by how cold and how warm it was--cold because the temperature in New York hovered somewhere in the 40s, and warm because everywhere I turned there was someone smiling back at me.
People from all over the country come here every day--many of them as early as 6:30am, bundled up and carrying posters, often with kids in tow. They come because it’s Rockefeller Plaza, which for New York feels like the center of the universe. They come for the opportunity to be a part of live television. But I’m not sure they know just how important they are to Matt, Al, Ann and me.
The Today show is all about connecting with folks, and seeing those people every day on the plaza reminds me of that--like the woman this morning who had a huge smile on her face despite the fact she was shivering. I gave her my gloves and we had a great conversation during Al’s weather update.
I like going outside. Sometimes when you’re stuck in the studio staring at a camera, you can forget just how personal this job is.
I don’t say it enough…thank you.
Thank you, back from all of us Meredith! You have a knack for sharing stories in a way that makes us feel like you've given each of us a hug at the end. Your warmth & caring just shine through, and it's wonderful to read!
thanks meredith, for this wonderful blog of yours. would you believe that i read this first before i actually watch the show? i'm from the other side of the globe and i'm watching "today" on a delayed telecast. just letting you know that your connection extends to the rest of the world, to those who have nbc on cable, that is.
I am so pleased with Meridith, she shows our country a human side full of truth and compassion. I admire her candor and appreciate her openness, as in the interview with MySpace, her comments on prenuptial agreements and on the difficulties students face after college. It was refreshing to have her state her views, so many of us agree with her. Thank you, Meridith, for your family views and for being a positive role model to all of us. Thank you for allowing us to feel as if we know you, and for being yourself.
Hey, you all get up at an ungodly hour every weekday for us! The least some of us can do is come up and visit once in our lifetime : )
It is a lot of fun sharing the mornings with you guys - sounds corny - but TRUE!!
I was in NY in Oct of last year (flew in to see The View, Whoppi Goldberg & Rod Stewart) then came back again in July. Both times I was dying to get up early and come down to The Today show but my friends all told me how "geeky" I would be. Well, to heck with them, on my next trip I am getting up early and will plant myself right next to Lenny!!!
Really enjoying your blog. Very honest and warm. Thank you... from warm S. Florida... Betsy
thank you meredith! you are such an inspiration to women and moms worldwide...
Thank you Meredith! You always bring a sense of warmth, humor, & honesty to everything you do. I truly enjoy watching you! I was a fan of yours back to "West 57th" years ago! You only get better & better with time! Keep up the great work...Thank you!
OMG, Meredith. You are such a real person. So down to earth, not star struck. So happy despite what is going on with your husband. I look up to you and try to stay positive like you do despite the sickness, etc. going on in my family. You are a great role model for us moms. Thanks for being you.
Thank you for all you give us, the viewers, each day, and for your blog. Love it!
Meredith, You are doing a great job. I also watch the Millionaire Show. Was a kinda fan of The View, but now that you are gone I don't watch. I think your fabulous. Tell all I watch every morning, altho I don't agree with the political views, being a GOP person myself...I still enjoy watching. Keep up the good work.
Your Fan,
Christy from San Diego
Meredith,
Thank you is a two-way street that intersects with appreciation avenue.
As a "daily tuner-in(er)" I want to
thank YOU for all of the laughs and
smiles your personality brings into
our home each weekday morning and evening. My family appreciates you greatly. Your presence on the Today
Show obviously brightens the faces
of Matt, Al and Ann, also. That was
a standout, obvious from the start, on
Sept. 13th.
The chances of me every getting to meet you in person are slim to none, so I felt the need to say thank you to YOU, here and now, and to let you know how
much you are appreciated, also.
Sincerely, Lynn Ritter
Meredith, you know what's funny? I find myself smiling at you while watching you on t.v., so I think it's not just the people on the plaza who are smiling! I was watching that segment you did with Stacy London this morning, and I realized I was smiling. At my television. Actually, at you. Your smile is very infectious! (I realize that I sound like one of those people who think you are really IN the t.v., and can see me. Which you can't, right?) :)
Your co-blogger here, Cathryn Michon, Grrl Genius, is going to be on "Today" tomorrow (except where it is already today, as in Friday), but I think it is pre-taped, so she won't get to talk to you (because she won't really be in that monitor), but I bet she makes us all smile tomorrow (today), too, on "Today!"
Meredith,
I usually don't post messages to blogs or on message boards but I just wanted pop in here to say "thank you" to you for coming into our homes every morning. I look forward to seeing you mix it up with Matt every morning. You bring such a classy, positive energy to Today. It's a welcome change. NBC News and Today are even better for having you. Your transition has been seamless. It's hard to believe you've only been there for six weeks. You really do complete Matt, Al and Ann. I appreciate your professionalism, maturity, warmth, sincerity, generosity and honesty. I like that there's no pretension with you. What we see is what we get! You're grounded, down-to earth and real. I don't sense an ounce of diva in you. That's saying a lot, considering the industry you're in.
I do enjoy reading your blog. Like others, I've made it a daily read.
Keep on keeping on Meredith!
(PS. Jasper is adorable. It was so cute to see you down on the ground [in dress clothes] on the Plaza with him this morning.)
You are such a welcome change to the Today show. I have always loved Matt, the two of you are a great team and the show is only better.
For the first time in my life I wrote a fan letter to NBC telling them what a wonderful addition you are to the Today Show. It is finally your time and I am so glad to see that you are succeeding beautifully!
i was more related to you on the view and cannot get use to seeing you on today show and i really miss you on the view not the same without you.
Hi Meredith, I just came across your blog today for the 1st time, and i am glad I did! You are funny, down to earth, genuine, generous and humble! Wow! I dont think there are too many like you in your business, although I do love Ann and I think she is a genuinely caring individual too.
You may not be 'classically' beautiful, but the warmth and friendliness that exudes from your on-air presence makes you absolutely beautiful! Your husband and children are truly blessed, thank them for sharing you! Oh and I am writing from the Bahamas, where we watch you on cable, come visit us with The Today Show, soon, please!
Dearest Meredith,The Older The Violin,The sweeter The Music,so keep on sounding like You do, You are fabulous,and having Your great legs with heels to look at sure is easy on the eyes.I have a pic up in my office from GoodHouse Keeping Mag.keep on being You.Viya Con Dios
Meredith,
Whenever someone asks "what's the most important life lesson you've learned?" (not that it's a question I get asked every day!), I always answer "to say 'thank you.'"
YOU were the person who taught me that lesson. Many years ago when I was in high school...so many I'd rather not count...I watched you anchor a newscast at WCBS. When the show was finished, you said "thank you" to the entire studio crew and the control room folks. It was classy and generous and an acknowledgement that TV is a team effort. You clearly believed that just because you were the one whose face was on TV didn't mean you were any more important than the camera man or the prompter guy or the TD. And I'll bet that's still true of you today.
So THANK YOU for teaching me the importance of saying thank you. It's a lesson I put to good use every day.
Who are the two guys that are always outside, Lenny and who?
Hi,
We love having you guys in our home. I have been watching since Bryant and Jane. I think you guys should do a spot on Lenny. Ever since they did the windows to the outside, he's been there. Every show I catch - there he is. He is your #1 fan!
Meredith, you're great! I used to watch you on 'The View' and loved your sense of humor. I was worried when Katie left, who would replace her, and you've done a terrific job! I think of you all as a warm morning family. Oh yeah, I like seeing Lenny in the crowd, also.
I have just watched your report on weight loss and am really frustrated! I am 58 years old, 5'6", weigh 139 lbs. and wear a size 12. This is the most I have ever weighed except for pregnancy. How can someone weighing 150 lbs. wear a size 8? I haven't worn a size 8 since junior high school. Sizes are thrown around so much recently; is anyone truly a size 10 or 12? All these heavy women go from size 22 or 24 to 8 or even 6. I have been average or thin all of my life, and I haven't been a 6 since 7th grade. No wonder young women are smoking and dieting to achieve a size 0 like their entertainment idols wear. I ask, what is a size 0? When I was growing-up, I can't remember anyone in a size 0. Even when I was 110 lbs. as an adult, I was a size 8. Have sizes changed? I mentor young women in my town, and I want them to be healthy and have strong, positive self-esteem. We need to all speak the same language. Are all sizes uniform, or are expensive clothes tagged at smaller sizes. Small sells, but is it real?