Spinning
This morning I kicked off our new series "Today Gets Extreme" where each of us takes on an extreme sport. For some inane reason, I agreed to be put into a giant inflatable ball, known as a Zorb, and hurled down a hill in the English countryside.
To say I was nervous when I first arrived at Zorb UK in Dorchester is an understatement, especially after I read the brochure that advised you to "bring an extra pair of underwear." (Turns out those are needed for the "Hydro Zorb," which is a Zorb that contains water. I did the "Harness Zorb" where you literally do rotations as you are going down the hill.)
Although the ride was scary, it turned out to be a lot of fun—plus it was over in 30 seconds. But watching it replayed this morning stirred up a favorite memory from my childhood...
My mom used to get her hair permed every Friday at the Rumford beauty shop in Rhode Island and sometimes I would go with her. I hated the smell of the perm chemicals, but I loved looking at the Hollywood magazines (precursors of US and People) while spinning around in one of those barbershop chairs. It was so loud in that room as my mom and her friends tried to chat over the din of their giant hairdryers. But I was in my own world, fantasizing about the stars in the magazine, spinning so fast that I often saw stars of another type.
To this day, I still like to spin—literally. I have a rotating barbershop chair in my studio office where I get made-up in the morning (and where I often blog). And every now and then, usually when no one’s looking, I’ll take a little ride…and turn back the clock.
Caught! Meredith takes a spin in her office.
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If your mother got a perm every week, her hair would have fallen out. You must be confused about that.
I met you years ago in DC at a Portuguese scholarship dinner. I have loved watching you thru the years. You are great on the today show. Matt is a little tough on you, but just keep smiling. Did they send you to England this time, cause you got stuck in NY when everyone else went all over the world during green week?
Meredith:
Where were the glasses this morning? I see you have them on the picture you posted. You must wear the glasses more often on the air. It gives you extra gravitas, not that you need it or anything, but they just do.
I enjoyed your Zorba piece. How did you decide to do that?
Love your stories but doubt mom got her hair "permed" every Friday, probably just curled and combed out, a weekly perm would fry hair.
Meredith,
Nice picture! You look about half your age, and having fun.
Blessings,
Linda
We've been rolling people down a hill for the last two summers. Come to Mt. Brighton in Brighton, MI and enjoy!!! www.sphereusa.com
Meredith, if your mom had her hair permed every Friday, she would have been bald after the second week! She no doubt had it "set" while you were spinning. Enjoy your blog a great deal.
Great story Meredith! Not sure why everyone feels the need to "set you straight" about your Mom having her hair permed every week. Keep up the great work on TODAY!
I enjoy spinning on occasion...we also enjoy 'chair races' at the office (when the boss is on vacation, of course). I envy the people who work with you...I bet there is never a dull moment!
I also think you look about 20 years younger in that picture (like the old CBS days!). Is spinning at high speed a way to iron out the years?
Also, wanted to give you some advice. If you keep rolling down hills in balls and skating on ice and all sorts of stunts: Meredith, no wonder your teeth keep cracking! Who are you? Lucy Ricardo?
You rock.
I think it would be cool to ride in a Zorb! Especially since I've NEVER been to England! My friend, Linda Ballew, a native of Britain who has lived in Indianapolis the last 20 years, would be interested in hearing about your wonderful journey; her e-mail is lindabb@gmail.com.
Are you going to follow Victoria Principal's lead and book a journey to outer space? The only thing I fear about going there is the commercialization that will take place on the Moon and on Mars just as it has on Earth. (I shudder at the thought that, any day now, McDonald's will open its first outpost on Mars; a can of Dr. Pepper will cost seven bucks; and we'll be reading MARS TODAY, like in the movie Total Recall!)
Meredith,
I love people magazine. I hope you'll wear your glasses on the show at least a couple of days a week. Christmas is only 4 weeks away Ben will be home soon.
Rachael S.
Meredith,
I love you willingness to try new things and to do the things you love! It is truly inspiring
Meredith, I'm thrilled that someone in the early mid-point of their mid-youth can still spin and enjoy it. I could spend days on the "Hell Hole" in Wildwood, now I can't even spin around in the kitchen to get something without feeling dizzy. Good for you!
Oh well, somebody caught you spinning. Great shot, by the way!
Hi Meredith,
Looked like you had a "ball" in that Zorb!!
Ooops, sorry for the pun! :)
Seriously, you looked like you had a good ol' time doing that!!
I might think about doing something similar as a good sensory experience reference my sensory processing issues (that almost always come with autism). People with sensory processing disorders actually do lots of FUN stuff like swinging, spinning (spinning sound familiar) and all kinds of fun games involving your whole body in motion.
I hope they can let you do a segment on sensory processing disorders someday, and you'll see what I mean.
Have a "ball"!!
Joe :) hee hee
Well I'm glad you have an excuse for acting dizzy; you're not acting! :)
I was in the news today: My apartment complex (Archstone) has to be abandoned due to water/mold damage. My unit was in the BG of a channel 2 stand-up.
Merideth,
I like your new look with the glasses,very sexy and sophisticated look on you.Now pair that back up with the short skirts and the sexy pantyhose and heels you often wear and your ratings will go through the roof.By the way ,whats with all the slacks lately its totally not a good look on you..
Beth in R.I.
hey! quit pickin on meredith's terminology- even IF she went once a week- some lady was getting a perm in a beauty shop- i'm sure. sheesh- she's nice enough to blog for our entertainment... give her a break.
keep bloggin meredith. love watching you.
I love reading the blogs. They're fun and I like to see the REAL side of someone. It makes it more personal and also shows how people, no matter who they are, are human beings and have real feelings. I have to say, you should tell more stories from your childhood, those always make for fun reading. I just don't get how some people have to criticize when they should be thinking more positively and feeling uplifted by such a great blog.
First of all, let me second Beth's statement about the slacks.
Second, a couple questions for you (Friday's just around the corner):
1. Do you ever make it back to Rumford? I still do about twice a year, and from a lot further away than you are. It's changed a little, but not so much that I don't know my way around, even after all these years.
2. Does Ben have a major yet? I sure didn't as a frosh (heck, I'm your age and I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up), but was just wondering what he wants to do.
Hang in there, Christmas break is coming soon.
I really appreciate your unabashed style as you try to do stuff. You are most enjoyable to watch early in the morning. I own a toy store and an online store called www sillyasstoys.com and am looking forward to what you will review this season. If you are looking for some fun things please check out our site. Hope to see you in another crazy contraption , or sport ..... perhaps base diving .... Best regards, David Luebke