Today I was in the audience of a Dr. Oz taping, a first. I applied online and showed up on W 66th at 8:45 as directed. All men and women in line sat in the Audience Holding Room. Around 9:30 they ushered into the filming studio according to a letter or symbol on the back of our tickets. They first called the “Stars,” then the “VIP’s,” then the “O’s,” and I was a “Z,” the last group called. I felt myself regressing to elementary school when the captain chose his team one my one while I waited to be the only one left standing.
I think age and race discrimination are alive and well because I was directed to sit in the highest seat, in the corner, with two other women who looked like me. They were in town to see a granddaughter’s band march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The taping included Dr. Oz’s wife, Lisa, and their son, Oliver. The show featured healthy box lunches, chocolate cake, and exchanging one fat ingredient in a recipe for a healthier option. It will air sometime in January, and you won’t see me on TV, as I’m a “Z” in the upper back corner.
The best part of the taping was Richie Bryn, Dr. O z’s warm-up comic. He kept us laughing and prompted us to whoop,
holler, and clap.
On my walk home, I stepped into the Juilliard gift store, a first. Note to self: go to performance here!
Few people look at each other here, so I decided I was going to experiment and look into the eyes of every person I met on the sidewalk. A first. I was up to twenty-two people, and nobody made eye contact. Then a guy on a bicycle stared squarely at me. It freaked me out. I’ll keep my eyes to myself from now on.
I went to a Post Office on 52nd, a first. The clerk was exceptionally cheery and kind, and even though I understood one word in twenty, together we got it done.
In the evening I attended a three-hour class, Cooking with Wine, at Rustico on 39th, a first. Micol, skillfully guided ten students through preparing Italian foods I couldn’t pronounce. We didn’t drink wine while cooking, darn, but we poured some in each recipe. When we finished preparing the food, we relished our creations by dining together – with wine, of course. Five stars for sure.
I slowly walked home on 5th Avenue. The crowds and Christmas lights were festive and enchanting. I’m still twinkling.
Two Months of Firsts – #4
Written on November 21, 2016
I love reading about your adventures. Thank you for sharing.
Your cooking class reminded me of the time you took those of us at State FHA to a fancy restaurant.
All I really remember is the appetizer was goat cheese. I will never forget how much I do not like goat cheese.
But love the experience. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cindi…you make me laugh. I would suppose that was the same trip as the Hockey Players. Good thing I was so trusting and no body busted you girls…otherwise we could have all been in jail. Give goat cheese another chance…Yum:) You have a great Thanksgiving too:))
That’s really interesting that no one you looked at directly in the eye looked back at you except for the last person on the bike. And I thought you had said everyone was so friendly. Usually when you look at the person in the eye you are in a way asking them to look you back or finding out if they will because then you can open up the dialog and say good morning, good afternoon or whatever. Was that your intention? Strange! So glad you’re having such an amazing time.
Geri, they are friendly, for the most part, when I am having a conversation with them…as the ones I sat by at different events. I had no intention of anything, but wondering if I looked at them if they would look back. I’m from CO and AZ where many people, even in the grocery store will look at you…even if they are growling:) Anyway, I could try it again, but I decided I would do in Rome as the Romans do:)
I usd to try to make Kim play the eye contact game with me when we in a mall. People were more friendly there. Tried it is Russia. Not much success. May not be safe in NYC by yourself, do you think?
Someone gave me advice before I came and they said, “Try not to look like a tourist.” I think looking at the ground instead of up or at people is a good way to start:))
Sounds like you are getting a great education (a truly different lifestyle than we know here in the Midwest!)in addition to working on your bucket list! Wish I were a mouse in your pocket!