Meredith Vieira: 'Keep your sense of humor'
Meredith Vieira answers your e-mail questions sharing her thoughts on work, life, love, family and how she keeps it all together
 Andrew Eccles / NBC |
Meredith Vieira will be joining the "Today" show family Wednesday, September 13, but before appearing on the show, she took some time to answer your e-mail questions about the various facets of her life. Here she shares her thoughts:
Summer vacation
Instead of asking the obvious questions about your former co-hosts from “The View,” I’d like to know what you did this summer?
-- Judi from Alexandria, Virginia
Dear Judi: I spent part of my summer preparing for The “Today” show. At first, I practiced getting up every day at 4 a.m. Then one morning, a little voice in my head said, “What are you, nuts?! Go back to sleep while you still can.” So I switched to waking up at 4 a.m.… and then rolling over.
I have also been receiving the same work packets the other anchors get every night. I study them and prepare as if I’m the one who will be doing the interview. If you snuck into my home at 6 a.m., you might find me in front of the bathroom mirror interviewing Senator McCain!
Click for related content |
The rest of my time has been spent enjoying my family. My oldest son Ben is entering his senior year of high school, so we’ve been visiting colleges. He has a good head on his shoulders and feels he would be happy at many places. Because he doesn’t have his heart set on just one college, I’m not feeling the terrible anxiety many parents go through. I just hope in the weeks ahead, we don’t fall victim to admissions angst. Stay tuned.
Our middle son, Gabe, got a job this summer in sportscasting. I’ve enjoyed watching him find a passion. He’s a 15-year-old, so focus doesn’t always come naturally. But deciding on a goal has made him much more excited about school. Of course, school hasn’t started yet. Once again, stay tuned.
As for our 13-year-old daughter, Lily, I’ve spent the past few months watching her grow from a child into a young woman. It’s scary how the change seems to happen overnight. I’m proud of the person she’s becoming… someone who thinks for herself and still likes to hangout with Mom. I hope her teenage years continue to include me. As I said before, stay tuned.
My husband, Richard, has spent the summer finishing his second book. You may know he has multiple sclerosis. This book takes a look at other people living with chronic illness. Richard is a wonderful writer and he’s given a voice to people who feel they’ve never had one.
That pretty much wraps up my summer… time with family. And of course, with old friends. My favorite thing to do is have friends over for dinner. I’m not much of a social butterfly, but I love to be surrounded by people I love.
Diet and exercise
Congratulations on being the best part of the “Today” team! I’m a very cherished fan of yours from “The View.” With a family and busy work schedule, you always look great! What is your eating and exercise secret for always looking so good? My very best to you…Cheers!
-- Kristy Lombardi
Dear Kristy: Thank you for your kind e-mail. One of the reasons you think I look great is because I have a fabulous makeup artist, Eve, and hair stylist, Deirdre, and wardrobe stylist, Fran, who make me look pulled together. Trust me, they have their work cut out for them! I try to eat healthy, but if you dangle a pint of Ben and Jerry’s pistachio ice cream in front of me, I pity the fool who gets in my way. As for exercise, I like to run (more like jog) in order to stay in shape physically and mentally. But it’s a constant battle. I definitely don’t have Matt’s metabolism!
Life changes
You seem like such a confident, well-rounded person, yet everyone has fears. What is your biggest fear in joining the “Today” show and how are you coping with it?
-- Tammy from Eliot, Maine
Dear Tammy: My biggest fear is now, and always has been, a fear of failure. I think people are going to find out I’m actually an idiot. But, you know what? I think it’s a good fear to have because it makes you work extra hard. And you never get too cocky!
I’m also afraid that on the first day I’ll tell everyone to “Enjoy the View!” and Matt, Ann and Al will have to remind me I’m on a new show!
Balancing work and family
How do you manage your time as a busy professional, mother and wife? What kind of things do you do in your downtime yourself?
-- Heidi Bolebruch from Gloversville, New York
Dear Heidi: I wish I could say I manage my life well, but I’m not a professional juggler. I do the best I can and hope I don’t drop too many stitches. I also have a very hands on husband and a wonderful assistant Amanda who keeps my professional life running like clockwork so I can concentrate on my family. When I have time for myself I like to take long walks or runs. Maybe because I’m around so many people when I’m working, I crave solitude in my down time. But don’t get me wrong… I also love a good massage and a facial.
What is the best advice you could give on how to have a happy 20-plus year marriage with balancing happy children?
-- Brigette Krueger from Maquoketa, Iowa
Dear Brigette: My best advice for a happy marriage and happy kids would be to always keep your sense of humor. It has carried us all through the rough patches, especially when Richard was sick with colon cancer.
Career advice
Hi Meredith. I’m planning on becoming a future anchor. What kinds of (good) tips do you have for me?
-- Samuel from Mukileto, Washington
Dear Samuel: If you want to be a great anchor, you must first become a great reporter. The key is learning how to listen to people. Great reporters may come to an interview with a list of questions, but they are willing to throw them out if the interview leads them down a different path. I find it’s helpful to start out in a small market where you can get experience doing as many jobs as possible… from reporting, to producing, editing and even shooting pieces if that’s possible. The more you understand the mechanics of the business the better you’ll be at it.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
- Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM TODAY: IT'S A NEW DAY TODAY |
 Today: It's a New Day Today Section Front |
| Add Today: It's a New Day Today headlines to your news reader: |