All of us have been in that random place and met that random person. You instantly know there’s something unique about this person. And you feel like you kinda already know them. Can you think of someone like that?
Let me back up.
My 2018 year had four really major, really unforgettable high-lites of all shapes and sizes. One of them was a relatively last minute trip to NYC in December with my two sisters, our 5 daughters, and 1 new daughter-in-law.
It was initiated by a random text from sister Penny. “I’d love to go to NYC the weekend of my birthday. Anyone wanna go?” Within a day, all 9 of us girls, from 5 different states, were on board.
You meet THEE BEST PEOPLE when you least expect it.
I won’t make you sit through the slide show, but the weekend came to an end for most of the clan who had to be home by Sunday night. However, my daughters and I are hu-mong-ous fans of the morning Today Show on NBC, and just HAD to make our appearance on the Plaza at 5:00 am Monday morning.
It was cold as a witch’s tit (can I say that in a blog post?) at 4:30 am on December 10th. Single digits, the wind was howling, and it was really dark. We only had a 6 block walk to Rockefeller Plaza from the Roosevelt Hotel on 45th, and a 2 hour wait in line. But I thought I was crossing the tundra of Antarctica.
If it weren’t for my sincere love of Hoda (my dream sister), Savannah, Dylan, Al, Craig, and Carson, it woulda been a tough venture, but I was SO EXCITED!
We got in, got our spots on the front rail with the signs we’d made the night before (Thanks Lacey) and waited for instructions.
That’s when the ‘Plaza Producer’ came out and introduced himself. Yup, you guessed it. Kevin Schatell.
Young, handsome, great glasses, spunk, personality, and a smile the size of Studio 1A.
And instantly he had the command and endearment of 200 freezing people.
Without wasting a minute he engaged the cold crazies along the rail and stopped to chat with as many as possible. And yes, we were among the lucky ones. I think I told him he needed a heavier coat to be out there.
And every single time he came by with additional instructions, I just HAD to talk to him. Like mother, like daughters. It was like 4 happy women greeting him at the airport – you know how it is when everyone’s so excited to see somebody and you can’t talk fast enough.
Long story short, in one of his pass-by’s, in an audible whisper, he asked us what we were doing after the show.
“Why? You wanna go to breakfast with us?” (That was me. OMG. Breakfast with the Plaza Producer??!!)
“Ha! No, I’m heading home to get some sleep!”
But instead, he offered us the chance of a lifetime to come inside Studio 1A and see the dream team in person! No lie. The whole gang! We saw Al’s weather screen, the Orange ‘room’, everything! Photos were taken, ooo’s and ahhh’s screaming in my brain, camera guys moving things, and Savannah walkin’ on by.
Here we were, somewhere me and my daughters had always wanted to be. And all because of this random guy named Kevin Schatell, NBC’s Today Show’s hidden gem.
He’s obviously smart as a whip to land a job at NBC (although not smart enough to join us for breakfast after the show), has personality out the wazoo, cute as a button, great sense of humor, and super high energy. He cares about family (yes, I follow him on Instagram ), and has that ‘real’ sincerity about him not many people offer to strangers.
I hope the NBC dudes and dudettes who spot people like Jenna Bush Hager will recognize what Kevin can bring to the table (literally).
Cuz it’s all those things that make people like me tune in every morning, as well as spend 3 hours in dark, sub-zero temperatures, waiting to meet a small group of strangers who feel like friends.
Kevin Schatell, is NBC’s Today Show’s best kept secret on the plaza.
And in my ‘wisdomic’ (my new word) opinion, they need Kevin, a really young, male millennial, to complete the team.
So, this is what I’d say if given the chance ~
“The way I see it, if ‘Sunny’, the yellow lab, can boost the ratings, Kevin Schatell is a sure thing. How ’bout a guest host with Hoda and Jenna? Or maybe the Third Hour?
I’m telling you. He’d kill it.
C’mon NBC, try a little (surprising) UNcomfort and see for yourselves.
Kevin‘s the icing on the cake.
Best you find him a chair at the table.” ♥ ~ Carol
Great story. Hope all is well.
Thanks Brian. All is well. And when it isn’t, I try to change things up!
Carol, I continue to love your blogs and have been thinking about that once in a lifetime person- can’t say I’ve come up with anyone yet, but I have several dear friends who have left their indelible mark on me and who I will treasure for my lifetime.
Thanks Debbie! So glad you’re enjoying the posts. But I’m even “gladder” to read your comments. I’m lucky to have met so many people who have, in some small way, made a difference in my life….. teachers, seat mates on planes, bosses, and the list goes on. They’re ALL “once in a lifetime people” as you put it. Even more valuable are the dear friends you treasure. Smiling…
What a delightful story — it made me not only wish I could meet this young man but go over to connect with him on social media. The world needs more of him and you made a wonderful introduction!
Thanks Elizabeth! I think I could write a book about all the people I’ve met along the way who’ve somehow impacted my day, month, year, or lifetime! Hey…. maybe I’m on to something!
In March 2019, I had a very similar experience with Kevin. I listen to the Today Show on SiriusXM and made a sign with SiriusXM on it. Of course Kevin came over and interviewed me. He asked if anyone would be listening, and I mentioned my sister was. Later, we were invited inside to meet Hoda (my daughters sign said ‘I skipped school to meet Al & Hoda). While we were waiting for Hoda, I called my sister to tell her what was happening. At that time, Kevin walked by. He asked if I was talking to my sister. When I said ‘yes’ he said ‘I want to talk to her!’. He grabs the phone and has a full-on conversation with her. He’s the best! Such a great guy! It was such a fun experience on the Plaza!
Hi Diana ~ how did I miss your wonderful story? Sorry for such a delay. Thanks so much for sharing!! Sounds like Kevin is Kevin, no matter when or where. And those who cross his path are lucky people.