Wow! Words cannot even begin to describe the day I had on Tuesday. The moment I had been waiting 5 weeks for was finally here. We had been given assignments on a whim throughout the entire competition, but the one day that had been solidified was the day in which we each got the chance to co-host. So you can imagine the sigh of relief that came over me on Tuesday, December 7th. 

4:00 am  Wake up call! After forcing myself to fall asleep during the Patriots game (huge win!!) I was well rested for an early morning radio interview at Cat Country 98.1.

5:30 am   Live on air with Jess, Brian, and Amanda. They were so entertaining and they made for a great start to the morning. Then a quick ride down 195 to the studio.   

6:00 am   A rundown of The Rhode Show to see what was in store for my big debut as well as a pep talk and a few helpful hints from Ben. Then it was off to get my microphone on…

7:36am  (Exact timing on this one) Time for my first Rhode Show “tease” with Ben at The NewEngland Tech Center. We plugged the show together.

8:00am   It starts!! The entire show went by so fast! Overall I had an absolute BLAST!! Patrick, Danielle, Courtney, Ben, Michelle, Melissa Rector, and Chef Gianfranco Campanella made my first co-hosting experience an unforgetable one!

From gingerbread men, comical cooking with Danielle, catching up with web viewers, finding great gym gifts, and premiering two different packages, I couldn’t have asked for a better mix on The Rhode Show.

I never realized that a morning could go by so fast! The entire experience of co-hosting was surreal. After anticipating the day for so long, it came and went so fast!

 All in all, Tuedsay, December 7th is definitely a day to be remembered (for two reasons).

Be sure to watch the live special to find out the winner: Monday night at 7:30

I am  definitely coming down with something. Well tomorrow is TGIF but I actually go to work. I cleaned my apt today. Is that not the best feeling in the world? It is like New Year’s Day when I finish. I promise that from now on I will hang up clothes as soon as I take them off,  wash dishes as soon as I eat, and read articles from start to finish so I don’t look like a contestant for Hoarders. Well we’ll see. Am I the only one?  Enjoy your weekends!!!!

The title of this piece says it all. 

My morning started at 3:30am when my alarm went off.  And while some of you might be thinking I hit the snooze button a few times, I actually jumped right up.  After all, today I was going to be co-hosting!

98.1 WCTK-FM Radio

Before getting to the station, I had to do a radio interview.  What a blast!  I did receive a little scare when I first arrived there though. You see, Amanda (morning radio talent) informed me that there would be a camera crew from the Rhode Show to film my interview.  I almost freaked, because I hadn’t done my makeup yet.  I figured, hey it’s radio; no one will see me.  Thank goodness, there was a breaking news story that pulled the camera crew away. Whew!  If you weren’t up that early, you can listen to the interview now.

After the radio station, I headed over to the television station, right on time at 6am.  And right on time, my nerves kicked into high gear.  I had a pit in my stomach the entire time the producers did a rundown of the show.  And it only got worse.  My hands were literally shaking as I painted my face!  I put my iPod on to try and calm my nerves, but I think a glass of wine would have worked better.   When I was done, Ben walked me through the set and gave me another rundown of the show.  Don’t tell him, but I had to tune him out because he was making me even more nervous with all of the instructions.  I know he meant well though, and I did appreciate the help.

Then it was time.  We had the intro…I read from the teleprompter…did some banter with Pat and Danielle…did an interview…the live blog…cooking with my favorite Chef…honestly, it is all a blur and it was over in what felt like an instant.  All I know is at the end of it all, I was in love.  I now know where I belong. 

I hope everyone watching the show enjoyed it!  For anyone who missed it, below is a piece from the show. I haven’t seen it yet and refuse to watch it until after they announce the winner.  Fingers crossed it’s me!  Don’t forget to watch on Monday at 7:30pm.

In 2004, a group of self proclaimed idiots said “Why Not Us?”  They then proceeded to win the World Series.

In 2010, one self proclaimed broadcast journalist said “Why Not Me?”  The rest of the story is yet to be written.

I have Thursday off! It is my first day off in days and days. I am going running and listening to music, cause that makes me happy!!! Let me show you…..

The only way to describe my feeling for today is ‘whew!’ As relieved and excited as I am to have gotten the co-hosting portion of the co-host search out of the way, I’m equally as sad thinking that I may not be able to sit on set again! There’s far too much excitement to think of that now, this morning was an absolute blast!

My morning started out early as I set my alarms (and yes, three to be exact) for 4am. I took a page out of another curly-haired Jessica as I groggily looked into the mirror.

Jessica\'s Daily Affirmation

After downing a granola bar, while ignoring a weird early morning craving for sushi, I set off to Cat Country 98.1 to visit morning deejays Jessica, Amanda and Brian. The crew made me feel welcome immediately and given I interned for a morning radio show for 2 years, I definitely felt comfortable. Jessica gave me a quick country quiz and I aced it! After we talked about my Rhode Show experience and I said my good-byes, I was off to the Fox Providence station!

Ben showed me the ropes after the 6:15 morning meeting and in no time I was on set  next to Danielle and Patrick doing the Rhode Show open. The next hour flew by and before I knew it, we were doing the closing. Everyone on set made me feel extremely comfortable and I hope it came across that way on the show. Some highlights include an interview with the Cardi brothers, the guys were super friendly and I got to taste the brand new cookie that the Girl Scouts are launching this ‘cookie season.’ The Toys for Tots drive is still going on and collection boxes are at all Cardi’s locations! Another highlight, which was more of an unexpected one, was when Patrick dared me to eat a pepper in the final cooking segment with Ted’s Montana Grill…and I did. The pepper haunted my throat for the remainder of the show, but I was happy that I accepted the challenge.

All in all, I had an amazing time this morning! Everyone on set made me feel so comfortable and welcomed and I would love the chance to get back on that set!

Have a great day everyone!

Which means that I will soon be hosting the show!  I can’t tell you how excited I am to be hosting, to be bantering with the hosts and to be showcasing the pieces that I have been working so hard on.

Thus far, it’s been exciting seeing my peers host for the day – both Michaela and Dana have great presence and it was a great learning experience watching them do what they do.

It’s become repetitious, but this is such a great process and has made me affirm my love of the industry and need to wear foundation when I am on television.  Sadly, the camera loves to accentuate the red hues of my boyish face.

Remember to tune in this Friday to see my smiling face.  More than anything, I want to make Rhode Island laugh and exude emotion while I report on entertainment, charity and happenings around the Ocean State.

Ryan Adams, ‘So Alive’.  I beg you to listen to this song.  You won’t be disappointed, but you will be uplifted.

Oh my goodness!  There is only one week left in this competition, until the winner is announced. Can you stand it?!! 

That’s right on December 13th at 7:30pm we find out the winner.  It’s funny because I’m not nervous, until I stop and think about it.  Probably because I’m so busy. This week we have one last assignment to film, a few final interviews and a day of co-hosting  live.  I will be on Thursday morning – so anyone reading this, please be sure to watch.   Of course, I went out and bought a new outfit for Thursday.  Which is stupid because I can’t afford it.  But, it would be worth it if I get the position.  Somebody stop the madness!  See, now I’m getting nervous!  Ahhh!

My Cousin Tracey

Either way, this experience has been absolutely amazing.  I want to give a special thanks to my cousin Tracey, who told me to go to the audition.  She has been such a huge support, following me every step of the way and I am so grateful to have her.  Tracey, I love you cousin.

 Oh, and if anyone will be up at 5:30am on Thursday, tune into 98.1FM to hear me on air!

are awful. 

I filmed my final video today – you get to see it if I win.   I hope that you get to, because there are some funny parts. 

Hope everyone is excited for football tomorrow.  I sure am. 

Good luck to all who are co-hosting this week. I am proud of you all.

Dave Matthews Band – ‘Why I Am.’

I cannot begin to say how much fun I had this past Wednesday at Cardi’s in West Warwick. As many of you know, we (the top 5) spent our day decoraing donation boxes for the Toys for Tots charity. While there we were joined by the Cardi’s brothers as well as three Marines, and even Santa Clause! Everyone that brought in donations of toys were so generous and I’m sure they have brought much happiness to those in need this holiday.

Just a few short days after our appearance, I immediately got to work on our final assignment that will air if we are fortunate enough to win this competition. Our job is to shoot a piece that will show everyone what we will bring to the show. As always we have just 2 days with the camera and only our creative minds to put together one final package that reflects who we are. It is almost surreal to know that this is our last filming assignment before the winner is determined. We have known for weeks that we are the top 5 and to finally see an end is sight is unnerving at times, but very exciting as well.

For my final piece I spoke with many different people. I would like to thank United Skates of America in Rumford for welcoming me with open arms. They were a big help and their establishment made for a great atmosphere. Also, Olneyville N.Y. system for letting me try my hand at making a delicious RI treat: hot weiners.

8 all the way!

order up! (they tasted delicious)

Get your radios and televisions ready:

I will be co hosting The Rhode Show on Tuesday morning at 8am. Be sure to watch on fox providence!

Also, before the show on Tuesday I will be making an appearance on Cat Country 98.1 at 5:30 in the mornng.