If you perused my Facebook page yesterday, you likely read the big news.  Yours truly just landed my dream gig as the co-host of a new entertainment show here in KC. I’ll be working alongside the talented folks at the local NBC affiliate KSHB-TV … known to the adoring public as 41 Action News.  It took three auditions, lots of kibitzing, several tranquilizer darts and a whole lot of spray tans to ensure I landed the coveted spot on the show. (And, no, it doesn’t have a name yet.  I’ll get back to you on that.)

For the select few in my inner sanctum, you were along for the entire ride, but for most of you the announcement kind of came out of the blue.  So here’s what I know:

The show is a Kansas City-centric blend of lifestyle whatnot, celeb and entertainment segments, fashion, food, frivolity and other sundry items.  Think an informative AND irreverent hybrid.  Not unlike Hoda & Kathie Lee … and, with any luck, just as boozy.  (Fingers crossed … just don’t tell my boss.)   Will it be streamed so the majority of you can see it?  That’s to be determined, but if nothing else, we’ll feature segments on the show’s website.  (And, yes, I’ll be blogging there too.  Score!)

I’m blessed to have the world’s most delightful co-host, Michelle Davidson.  We’ve worked together for a few years now … but this is the first time we’ll both be in front of the camera together.  She’s everything you want in a work wife/co-host.  She’s clever, whip-it-smart and perky/bubbly.   And she’s the mother of two adorable kids, so she can expound upon the virtues of Mommyhood.  Whew.  I couldn’t do that if I tried.

Over the next month, we’ll be putting the final touches on everything and getting all of our ducks in a row.  Brainstorming has been going on for months upon months and now I’ll get to include my two-cents worth.  This show had a successful 4-year run a few years ago … and now it’s being resurrected in its new incarnation.  Or as I said yesterday, “It’s the new Jan Brady!”  (The premiere date is getting announced in a few weeks.)

Yes, it’s live … which means I’m going to have to learn to curb my swearing.  And by curb, I mean completely squelch. If you know me, you know I go in to bars and sailors run out.  (I kinda doubt that’s the same case with Michelle … but I could be wrong.)

To the hundreds upon hundreds of you who reached out to me yesterday to say congrats and kudos, let me wholeheartedly say thank you.  I mean that truly and sincerely.  My phone blew up.  My e-mail blew up.  My, uh, head blew up.  I’m surprised there weren’t a couple carrier pigeons sent to the station.  It was the most overwhelming outpouring of well wishes I’ve had since …  ever.  Not only am I blessed to have good peeps in my corner; I’m oh-so touched by it.

If there’s one thing I can do unabashedly … it’s talk to people.  Duh. This will prove mighty handy — as I’ll be doing interviews galore.  Famous folks, regular folks, interesting folks and folks who I’d never get the opportunity to meet if it weren’t for this magnificent opportunity.  If it sounds like it’s right up my alley, you’re correct.  It will take all the skills in my wheelhouse and put them to good use.  (Uh, and then some.)

Am I excited?  I’m way beyond that.  I’m borderline giddy.  I’m typing this at 4am because I can’t sleep, if that tells you anything.  And I’m still in that “somebody pinch me”-mode.  I think one of my close friends put it best when they said, “Now you finally have the gig to go along with your ego”.

Heh, it’s funny because it’s true.