Your questions answered
Every Friday, Meredith answers your questions -- feel free to post a question of your own for next week!
Who are your major influences in your life and career?
Posted by Rose_218 on October 28
I’m sure my greatest influences were my parents.
I always put my father on a pedestal because he was an old fashioned family doctor. I admired his dedication and selflessness. He taught me to always believe in myself, to work hard, and to never take life too seriously.
I don’t think I appreciated my mom fully until I became a mother myself. I was one of those girls who said "I don’t want to be a stay-at-home mom like her--I want more in my life" and then when I had my children I realized that I wanted to be exactly like her. She was the rock in our family: strong, protective of her kids, and generous of spirit.
Do you still have family in Rhode Island and do you visit annually?
Posted by Steven Temelleo on October 31
Although my parents have passed away, I still have relatives in southern Rhode Island. Unfortunately I don’t get back as often as I’d like to. My fantasy is to one day own a home on the shore there.
I would like to know what your daily schedule is and how that has impacted your family life.
Posted by Wayne on October 13
My schedule varies from day to day. I wake up at 3am, feed the pets, make some breakfast and bask in the silence of a home that’s normally chaos. I get to work by 5am, and from that point on it’s a blur. From 7-9am I’m on the air (because of my contractual obligations with Millionaire, I can’t be on NBC daytime from 9-5). Some days I have meetings with producers, shoots, rehearsals, publicity, and Thursday and Fridays I tape four-five shows of Millionaire per day. If I look ahead at my schedule, it’s easy to freak out, but taking one day at a time, I realize how lucky I am to do work that I truly enjoy. And almost every day I’m home before the kids, because they’re teenagers now and have lots of after-school activities.
P.S. I thought I had the "schedule" down but I may be a little more stressed than even I realize…the other night I walked through a screen door leading out to our backyard. Gabe and Lily were making cookies at the time, and when they looked up at their mother, they both just rolled their eyes and pointed me in the direction of the bedroom. Note to me: get more sleep.
MEREDITH:
YOU'RE A WOMAN WHO REALLY HAS IT TOGETHER.
I ABSOLUTELY LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR BLOGS AND YOUR ANSWERS TO THE MANY QUESTIONS ASKED OF YOU. WHAT A DYNAMIC, EASY-GOING CELEBRITY WHO TAKES LIFE IN STRIDE. I ADMIRE YOU. KEEP UP THE GREAT PERFORMANCE ON THE TODAY SHOW. YOU ARE TRULY AN ASSET TO THAT FAMILY.
Meredith, honestly, I just have to say I LOVE your hair! I am so jealous. Mine was always really thin but now that I'm 42 it's super thin and embarrassing. Your hair looks phenomenal and you are very lucky to have such gorgeous locks. If I could have anyone's hair in the world it would be yours. Have you ever thought about growing it longer and then donating it to Locks of Love?
I just had one of those 'freak out' moments last night because I looked too far ahead at my own schedule==which is nowhere near as jam packed as yours Hang in there! It's amazing what we women can do when it's important to us.
You are great and getting better. I can't believe you have time to write a blog. I have just one problem. Watching Millionaire today and as the contestant was going for 500 dollars,it was interrupted for a NewBreak that told us they are still waiting for election results. Nothing earthshattering. I don't like the fact that they interrupted because Rumsfield resigned. We can hear that on the news. I would have rathered watch the man win a milion, which he didn't. But abc should put priorities in perpective. Thanks for letting me vent. I tried to e-mail abc to complain. No address to get through.
Hi Meredith, I'm a 46 yr old Mom, with one at Boston College and one in high school. I've been watching the Today show since I was in 9th grade and Jane Pauley wore a ponytail. A confession...I did not want you to get the job to replace Katie. I just didn't think you were the right "fit" for the job. Next confession...you are doing a marvelous job! Really terrific. Honestly! Keep at it girl. You're doing great and seem more relaxed and confident everyday. Your intellectual strength and common sense are obvious. As my Dad would say, just keep believing in yourself! You've won over this viewer. Great job! Julie
I am not always able to watch the Today show early in the morning and I really miss seeing you.
I always watched the View and enjoyed hearing all about your family and your outspoken humor, you never failed to make me laugh.
I sure wish you would give up that Millionaire gig!
Being totally selfish,
Rita
Meredith,
I'm just wondering if you read our comments on your blogs? I have a bet with my husband--he says no way; I say yes she does! Who buys dinner?
You are one of few female Portuguese role models for young women in the Luso-community. Are you actively involved in any of the Portuguese organizations? How do you express your heritage and pass it on to your children with such a demanding schedule?
Meredith, I think you make the TODAY show that more interesting to watch, your so laid back and I enjoy that a lot. It seems like it makes everyone else relaxed as well on the Today show. Congratulations I am sure you will do well. Thanks for being YOU and not a FAKE!!!
MEREDITH, MEREDITH, MEREDITH!!! YOU ARE TOO CUTE! THE WAY YOU BANTER BACK AND FORTH WITH THE GUYS ON THE SHOW IS JUST GREAT. WAY BEFORE YOU GOT YOUR NEW GIG, I TOLD MY FRIEND ONE DAY WHEN WE WERE WATCHING THE VIEW, THAT YOU REMINDED ME OF KATIE COURIC. I THINK IT WAS YOUR GOOFY WAY THAT I LIKED. IT REMINDED ME OF KATIE WHEN SHE DID SOMETHING GOOFY. WHEN I HEARD YOU WERE LEAVING THE VIEW, I WAS SO ANNOYED WITH THAT SHOW! THEN I FIND OUT YOU WERE GOING TO THE TODAY SHOW. WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR. WHAT DO YOU REALLY THINK ABOUT ROSIE? I LIKE HER ON THE VIEW, ALTHOUGH I SOMETIMES THINK SHE FORGETS IT'S NOT HER SHOW. BUT IM STILL WATCHING THAT TOO. PEACE AND LOVE FROM R.I.
Have you left permanently "would you like to be a millionaire?"... If true, it is quite a loss for the public in North America.
Jorge Torrealba
Your not planning to leave The Today show are you? I hope not. You seem to treat your interviews with kindness and diginity. You don't treat them like your better than they are. PLEASE don't leave the show. Thanks