New York New York – Catch Me on Anderson Cooper’s Daytime Show!

Hello all. Last I posted about being invited to be on an episode of Anderson Cooper’s new daytime show “Anderson.” I’m back and I must say it was quick but so fun and inspiring! First things first, the episode is airing this Friday, November 4, 2 p.m. Central Time on NBC, which is before The Ellen Show (make sure to check your local listing for the appropriate channel and time).

So the night before my trip was pure excitement and anxiousness as I prepared to leave the next morning. Everyone was so ecstatic to hear that I was going to be on Anderson and to be able to say something about my interracial relationship. My nerves kicked in heavily when they confirmed my flight for the next morning. It felt like I was a small town girl speaking on behalf of an important issue – representing all the Asians who feel judged when they say they’re in an interracial relationship (not to mention going to NYC by myself). Although my nerves were getting to me, I got myself together and left for NYC the next morning for a 5.5 hour-long flight. That night I soaked in the city and the 2 hour traffic.

The hotel was absolutely gorgeous, inside and out, and especially at night. NYC does have its wonders when you come from a city like New Orleans. I ventured for a few hours to the Time Warner center, where the show would be taped and enjoyed my time alone in the beautiful hotel. I slept soundly, knowing that the next morning would allow me to meet Anderson!

The next day I woke up and checked out of the hotel. One of the producers/assistants whisked me and two other guests to the studio to prepare us for the show. I didn’t know what to expect. Luckily they did our hair and makeup and made everyone look oh-so-fabulous. Forgive me if I sound amazed, but for someone who’s never been on a TV set, you’re allowed to be awestruck. After a couple hours of all the guests getting ready, we were ready to go on.

The invited guests that spoke briefly sat near each other in the audience and the featured guests were on the sofa. The studio was bright and audience was hyped. I can definitely say cheering for Anderson was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done.

They prepared us when to clap and when we were going to speak with Anderson. We wrapped up very quickly – you know TV time is never real time. Everything up to this point will be shown in the show – so please be sure to watch it! I’m only on there briefly, but every second is important!

After we finished, we went back to the dressing room. I got the opportunity to speak to some of the featured guests and take a picture. Everyone departed back to where they lived, to meetings they had to catch and other engagements. My flight was a little later that evening so I got the awesome opportunity to explore NYC for a few hours before I had to leave for New Orleans. The unlucky part for me was that it got cold and rainy overnight. So walking in NYC with a light jacket was like walking in New Orleans with a heavy puffer jacket in the summer – absolutely unbearable! So I ventured as long as I could, tasting NY style pizza and talking to a few nice strangers. A side treat for me was catching the free Conan art museum in Time Warner center.

After my few moments in NYC, I headed back to New Orleans with a bigger appreciation for the TV biz and a bigger love for Anderson. I definitely wish my boyfriend could have been featured with me, but I know he’s proud. I did it for myself, my friends in interracial relationships and even for those who doubt or disapprove of interracial relationships.