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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Oprah's Surprise Extravaganza!

I woke up this morning still rubbing the stardust out of my eyes.  Tuesday was the filming of Oprah’s Surprise Extravaganza where a celebrity line-up representing the Oscars and the Grammys did not disappoint. 


Filmed at the United Center in Chicago, they had to reschedule a Bulls play-off game for the show.  Chicago locals will tell you that no one but Oprah could ever dream of making that ask.  Yes, Oprah knew about the show, but the celebs and their farewell messages were a surprise.  Check out a sample of the line-up. 


Beyonce, Usher, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Maya Angelou, Madonna, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Patty LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Rascal Flatts, Michael Jordan, Jerry Seinfeld, Queen Latifah, Kristen Chenoweth, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Fox and countless others.


Although celebs were the main draw, one of the most powerful moments of the evening was a presentation by hundreds of Morehouse State graduates.  Oprah funded a college scholarship program for young men who wouldn’t have the means to fund a higher education on their own.  Many of these men were in the foster system, homeless or gang members and thought they had no hope of ever earning a college education.


Because of Oprah, these men are now executives, doctors, lawyers, hedge fund managers, fathers and role models.  They filled the stage and brought Oprah (and the audience) to tears with their stories.  Education is the key and knowing that someone believes in you is what can push you to overcome barriers and succeed.  


In the words of Glinda from the Wizard of Oz (and Oprah’s favorite quote) - “You always had the power.” 


Two shows were shot over a five-hour period and will air on Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24.  Oprah’s final final show is top secret and will air on Wednesday, May 25.  Set your Tivo and DVRs!

BTW - in case you were wondering, there were no big giveaways.  Boo.  

Friday, May 13, 2011

Oprah - Here I Come!

Who has two tickets to be in the audience of Oprah’s Winfrey’s final show?  This girl!!!  I am so excited that I can barely stand it.  Plus, I am bringing my mom.  We are going to have a blast. 

About a month ago I visited Oprah.com and entered the online lottery for tickets to her final show.  I’ve tried to get tickets for years and haven’t been successful.  This time was no different.  I promptly got a rejection e-mail a few days later. 

Fast forward to Mother’s Day when I happened to check my e-mail early in the morning.  At the top of my inbox was an e-mail from Oprah Show Reservations informing me that two tickets were now available for the final show.  A mere stroke of luck or a miracle to mark the celebration of my very first Mother’s day?  I’ll let you decide.

I’ve been an Oprah fan for as long as I can remember.  I realize that not everyone is a fan, but for me, Oprah has always represented strength and opportunity.  She has taken risks and overcome adversity to pave her own path to success.  She makes it a point to encourage everyone to give back to their communities and always be proud of who they are and where they came from.  These are all lessons that I will teach the Pipernator

The moral of the story is that you can’t win if you don’t play.  In your personal and professional life, take some risks and challenge yourself.  Sometimes, your luck will turn around when you least expect it. 
 
The show films on Tuesday, May 17 and airs on Wednesday, May 25.  Check back next week for a recap of the show.  I promise to dish about all of the behind the scenes details of the show.  Fingers crossed for tons of celeb sightings and giveaways.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

My First Time Celebrating Mother's Day as a Mommy

My house is a disaster zone - and I couldn't be happier.  Everywhere I look there are toys, bottles, tiny socks and cheerios.  Reminders of the little princess that is upstairs fast asleep.

As I celebrate my first Mother's Day, I almost can't remember what life was like before Piper arrived.  Sure, we had a clean house, disposable income, slept in on weekends, went out to fancy dinners and took last minute trips.  But what we have now is even better.  We have a family and I am a mommy.  Has it really only been less than a year that I became a mommy?  It's amazing how you can love some one so incredibly much and completely unconditionally.

My favorite part of the day is when I pick Piper up from daycare.  As soon as she sees me or even hears my voice, she goes crazy smiling, waving her arms and crawls towards me as fast as she can.  I seriously drown the poor kid in hugs and kisses.  Even if I've had the worst day at work, everything melts away as soon as I scoop up the little munchkin.

On this Mother's Day, I also want to celebrate my mom and mother-in-law for being such great wommy role models.  And thank you to Piper for choosing me to her mommy.  It has been quite a ride so far and I can't wait to see what's next.