New York, Anderson, and a Missing Wallet

Wow!  I can't believe I haven't posted yet this year.  I've been meaning too...but nothing too exciting has happened.

Until last week.

Erica and I went to New York City for a few days!  

The Statue of Liberty on a nice January afternoon.

We had a great time and returned home exhausted because we were so busy.

We did the typical tourist things (Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Chinatown, 9/11 Memorial, etc.), ate some delicious food (including a fun dinner with cousins Peter and Allison), and saw three Broadway shows (Sister Act, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Phantom of the Opera).  Erica has always wanted to see Phantom on Broadway so it was a dream come true!

Rockefeller Plaza - see the ice skaters?

One of the unique parts of our trip was seeing a taping of Anderson Cooper's new daytime talk show.  I don't think we'll ever forget the experience.  Not because of the show but because of what happened AFTER the show.

Some background.

We arrive a few hours before the taping and stand in line.  We wait, sign waivers saying we won't sue if we end up on TV, go through security, and are escorted into the studio...where a worker strategically seats each and every person in different spots (Erica and I sit together but they specifically tell her to sit on the end of the aisle).

After being warmed up, Anderson comes out and the taping begins.  It lasts a good 90 minutes (obviously a lot will get edited out as the show's only an hour)...then he shoots a 10 minute webisode.

Following the websiode, Anderson announces he normally takes questions from the audience but they're short on time as they have to tape a second show.  He asks that we leave the studio immediately so they can begin.

Erica and I make our way down six floors of the Lincoln Center as we talk about our flight home...which is set to leave in a few hours.

I casually ask Erica if she has her phone.  

She replies she does, then says, "Do you have my wallet?"

I feel my coat pockets.  No wallet.

I feel my pants pockets.  No wallet.

I check inside my coat.  No wallet.  

She checks all her pockets.  No wallet.

It's gone.

Horrible news...seeing that we have to catch a flight in four hours.  Obviously you don't get far in an airport without photo ID (unless you're my cousin Peter who was able to get through security with using his scriptures as ID).

We start to panic and know we only have a few minutes before the taping of the next show begins.

The audience is getting ready to go upstairs to the studio so we run over to a worker and tell him the situation.  He calls upstairs to another worker - who searches the studio and calls back with the news that the wallet is not there.

We ask if they can look again.  He tells us to go back upstairs and meet with up with another employee.

As we take the elevator up, we both silently pray that the wallet will be found.  Erica starts to get a little teary.

We get to the top, the door opens, and one of the workers asks Erica why she's crying.  She tells the man our predicament and and asks if she can check the restroom to see if she left it in there.

He says she can and, as we both walk toward the bathroom, a random usher directs us into the studio. 

We walk in, turn to our right, and see Anderson Cooper holding Erica's wallet!!!!

Just kidding....wish that was true!!!

We actually see one of the audience coordinators walking toward us with Erica's wallet.

It had slipped behind her seat as she got up to leave and because it's a quite small, it was tough to spot.

I can't describe how grateful we felt!  

What would have happened if we didn't realize it was missing until we got to the airport?

What if Anderson had started to tape the second show and we couldn't get back in the studio?

What if another audience member had picked it up and took it home?

Fortunately none of that happened.  Instead, it was found...and God reminded us once again that He answers prayers.

Everyone on Anderson's staff was so helpful and kind.  You could tell they were very busy getting ready for their next show...but they took really good care of us (plus I think Erica's tears helped!).

Anyway, here are some pictures from our trip.  You can see more on my Facebook page.

Oh, and the Anderson show we attended airs this Tuesday (2/7).  They seated us in the "lots of TV face time" area and I asked a question during the taping.  Not sure if it will make it on the final show...but it should be interesting to see.

One of my role models - FNC's Shepard Smith

Times Square - this place is always packed with people.

No - we didn't see the musical...but if you want the book, I'll send you one for free!

It was a cold day but he's gotta make a living.

A real hot dog from a real New York hot dog cart.

It was Chinese New Year so there were dozens of parties all over Chinatown.

Full roasted ducks. Yummy!

Our favorite New Yorkers - Peter, Allison, and baby Sydney.

Nick Jones stars in "How to Succeed in Business..." It was our favorite show.

Robbed by teenage girls after the show.

We stopped at the M&M store in Times Square and had our M&M personality test.  Erica's "cream."  I'm "light purple."