Today’s Winter Break
Well, as you know by now if you watch the show or read this blog….I survived the Penguin Plunge in Burlington, Vermont last week (video clip here!). It actually wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, mostly because I was given a great piece of advice: once you start walking into the water, don’t stop.
The hardest part wasn’t getting in, it was getting out. Although I was only in the freezing waters of Lake Champlain for about 20 seconds, my legs went numb so quickly it was hard to move them. Two women from Special Olympics who went in with me helped me guide me out, but not before I dunked my head under the water. I was determined to get wet from head to toe.
Once I was totally back on land, I was so exhilarated, I stood there, talking to people, until somebody realized my lips had turned blue and told me I should go get changed. As I was heading inside, I noticed that pretty much every EMT from the greater Burlington area had shown up for the event. Apparently plenty of people were worried about this penguin.
I learned two things that afternoon: 1) just how cold Vermont can be and 2) just how warm—the people who cheered me on were some of the nicest folks I’d ever met. And everyone was excited to share what makes Vermont so special, starting with this plunge, which raises money for the Special Olympics.
Following Vermont, we took the show south, to Miami Beach on Friday. You’d think down there I would have gone in the water but that never happened, despite the fact it was 75 degrees by 7 a.m. I did spend some time at the pool bar, cooling my heels with everyone else from Today when we found out our flights back to New York had been cancelled because of the snowstorm there. We are running so fast to put this show together, we don’t often get the chance to get to know each other, so it was nice to have that downtime.
So thank you to everyone at Sugarbush in Vermont, and the Lowes Miami Beach, for their hospitality. And a special thank you to all the fans who came out with their signs and their smiles.
On a sad note…Richard’s Dad passed away late last week. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
The hardest part wasn’t getting in, it was getting out. Although I was only in the freezing waters of Lake Champlain for about 20 seconds, my legs went numb so quickly it was hard to move them. Two women from Special Olympics who went in with me helped me guide me out, but not before I dunked my head under the water. I was determined to get wet from head to toe.
Once I was totally back on land, I was so exhilarated, I stood there, talking to people, until somebody realized my lips had turned blue and told me I should go get changed. As I was heading inside, I noticed that pretty much every EMT from the greater Burlington area had shown up for the event. Apparently plenty of people were worried about this penguin.
I learned two things that afternoon: 1) just how cold Vermont can be and 2) just how warm—the people who cheered me on were some of the nicest folks I’d ever met. And everyone was excited to share what makes Vermont so special, starting with this plunge, which raises money for the Special Olympics.
Following Vermont, we took the show south, to Miami Beach on Friday. You’d think down there I would have gone in the water but that never happened, despite the fact it was 75 degrees by 7 a.m. I did spend some time at the pool bar, cooling my heels with everyone else from Today when we found out our flights back to New York had been cancelled because of the snowstorm there. We are running so fast to put this show together, we don’t often get the chance to get to know each other, so it was nice to have that downtime.
So thank you to everyone at Sugarbush in Vermont, and the Lowes Miami Beach, for their hospitality. And a special thank you to all the fans who came out with their signs and their smiles.
On a sad note…Richard’s Dad passed away late last week. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
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So sorry to hear about Richard's Dad.
On a happier note, The Today Show certainly gets my day off to a good start. If I leave to go to the gym, etc., I tape what I will miss. The 4th hr is not carried here and despite numerous phone calls, emails, etc., it doesn't seem that will change.
Your entire "cast" is most enjoyable. I would not even consider watching a differant morning show. Keep up the great work.
Meredith-
I'm so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Thougths and prayers to your family.
The Penguin Plunge was so very enjoyable to watch for me - what a great cause. Envious of your trip to Miami as I'm sitting in the frigid cold in Illinois as well.
Have a great day-
Jodie
Meridith,
The first comment (anonymous) is from me. For some reason, my info. didn't show up.
Sharon
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. May the many memories help heal your hearts.
During difficult times, it has always been helpful to me to look beyond myself and reach out to others. What a wonderful thing you did by braving the frigid waters for such a warm and caring cause. My husband and I have voulunteered in the past for Special Olympics, and I hope that you get the chance to attend one of the events in the months to come. It is extrememly rewarding to be surrounded by such inspirational individuals as the Special Olympians! Great job Meredith for bringing awareness to an important cause!
Kelly
http://kellyschwark.com
My aunt has down's syndrome (going strong after 54 years) and has participated in Special Olympics. Her life is now too busy for her to compete, but I have attended some of her events and I tell you, you've never seen so many happy athletes before! It is a fantastic organization and you can't help but be inspired when you're with them.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at the loss of Richard's dad. Hugs from Maine.
Sorry to hear about your father in law. I too lost a parent last week, my mom. She had been very ill with late stage Dementia. I thought I had done all my grieving the last two years when her memory was gone, but now is worse. The good times are coming back and I miss her so much! It is not fair to loose her twice!
I thought this is a happy blog entry, Meredith. My condolences to you and your family.
Anyway, glad you had fun in Vermont and Miami. I would love to go there.
Have you gotten used to all the craziness that goes with the show? You know, the early morning hours, moving around 30 Rock and the travel... not to mention equally crazy but fun co-anchors... (I love the Today gang!)
So, sorry about you Father In Law. How do you do the show with a happy face knowing that you're needed back home? Wow, that's hard.
On a happy note, I loved it that you guys were in Miami. I am from Miami and there's no place like home.. it's a great city, the food and the people a great...
Love the show.
Meredith, my thoughts and prayers for you and your family!!!
I'm sorry to hear about Richard's father passing. I loved the penguin plunge though and I hope your guys raised a lot of money!
the today show is getting to be so much nonsense, the 4th hour is not needed and i wish our affilate didnt waste air time with it. the NEWS needs to be brought back into NBC NEWS!!!!
I was shocked that one of the men said "Nobody every hangs their clothes on the line anymore." You may be filming from NEW YORK CITY but many of us who watch your show hang clothes on the line. Is that such a horrible thing to do? I also compost fruit & vegetable scraps and leaves. When will the well-to-do producers realize there are country dwellers as your audience? I am sorry I am directing this to the wrong person but I could not figure out how else to voice my opinion as an ordinary lady.