Book Tour: Tampa/CTN

Last week I headed to Tampa, Florida for the first time. My purpose for Tampa was to appear on The Herman and Sharron Show, and The Good Life with CTN's founder and president, Bob D'Andrea.

I started my trip the night before around my appearances. I arrived at the airport for my 6:30pm only to find out that my American Airlines flights had been canceled because of the bad weather in Dallas (I was flying from Austin to Dallas to Tampa). So I hopped on a Continental airline that was flying through Houston to Tampa. When we boarded, they announced that the flight was delayed...this would be fine except that my connection was tight. When I got to Houston, I rushed off the plane hoping that my new flight to Tampa hadn't left without me. It turns out that the crew for that flight was stuck in JFK, so the flight was delayed. Thank the good Lord. We left at 9:40pm...I got to Tampa after 1:00am. After picking up my rental car and driving around lost, I arrived at the hotel and got to bed by 3:00am. Did I mention that it is humid in Tampa? Humid but beautiful. Even driving at night I could see how the water glistening.

My call at the CTN studio was 10:30am. Eek!

Fortunately I got up and to the studio in time plenty time. I started with The Herman & Sharron Show. Herman and Sharron have been on CTN for twenty-eight years and married for much longer. Herman, who reminds me of Regis in every way, was a riot...he wore a Donald Trump shirt to commemorate the interview. We talked about Footprints in the Boardroom and how my faith influenced my experience on "The Apprentice."

After we completed the show, I met Bob D'Andrea, CTN's founder and the host of The Good Life. As we sat down to do the interview, Bob mixed things up and asked me about my "boyfriends". Ha ha. I have been asked a lot of questions during interviews but I can tell you that the question I would never have expected from Bob D'Andrea was about my "boyfriends." Those of you who visit my blog know that the part of my life I have figured out the least is the "boyfriends." Ha ha...Bob didn't let up either. He wanted to know what I looked for in a boyfriend. You will have to watch to find out how I responded.

All kidding aside, I had the opportunity to share with The Good Life viewers about the importance of faith and prayer in their daily life.

After the tapings were over, I headed back to the airport and left fair Tampa without any flight delays, cancellations, or weather issues...

Happy Fourth of July!!

-RXW

What Rox: Watch The Herman and Sharron Show on 7/12/07 check your local listings (The Herman and Sharron Show airs on CTN, SkyAngel, and INSP digital). Check back for information on The Good Life's air date!

A Spiritual Smack

Have you ever had a bad/weird/bizarre day that consumes you? Have you ever been smacked out of the funk of your bad day by unexpected kudos?

I most recently had that exact experience this weekend. I had a bizarre experience Saturday night...I found out that I was being deceived by someone I guess I trusted. And the way I found out was so public that I had to act aloof. ( I will explain all on Friday...believe me it is a doozy and is well worth the wait)

Naturally I felt embarrassment and hurt among other things. But the embarrassment and hurt didn't hit really hit me until I was driving to church on Sunday. I guess I was numb the night before. But I felt it on Sunday. I woke up super early on Sunday and got some work done before church. Of course I was a little sidetracked and ended up getting to Untitled Gathering a late. As I was sitting in class listening to the discussion about adult baptism, I must admit my mind wandered to my own bizarre experience. It's weird when you find out that the wool is being pulled over your eyes because you start to question your own discernment. So there I was wondering what if anything I had done to bring this bizarre experience about. Before I knew it the Gathering had ended and it was time to head to service.

As I was heading out of the room, I was stopped by a man who came to talk to me about Footprints In The Boardroom...I did a booksigning at my church, Riverbend on Memorial weekend. This gentleman had just finished reading Footprints, was touched by it and the impact it was having on his prayer life, and wanted me to come speak to the Singles class next month. Wow! Before I could even take in the magnitude of that a woman came up to me. She had just started reading Footprints and like the man was touched. I won't go into full detail about what she said, but by the end all I could say was thank you.

I felt as though someone upstairs was telling me to stop being so silly--stop doubting yourself! Experiences happen-- good, bad, bizarre, etc...we are meant to learn from them. Some experiences sting--but we can't forget the big picture. While I was sitting there feeling hurt and embarrassed, I forgot that I can make an impact that makes an embarrassing experience seem like peanuts. Hearing the impact that Footprints was making in people's lives snapped me out of my daze and back into reality. Who says that the smallest bad news always trumps a lifetime of good news? I happily object. I would like to think that the kudos I received was a little gift from God...a spiritual smack if you will, to snap me out of it.

Does anyone else out there need to snap out of it?

- RXW

Jazzercise In Disney World/Lubbock Radio

So as I mentioned yesterday, I was in Orlando this weekend for Jazzercise's On Location Spring Break event. In addition to intense and fun workouts, I was featured as a speaker at the event: From The Backroom to the Boardroom. I have to admit that i was a little nervous about speaking at an event that where the everyone is there to workout. But Jazzercisers are wonderful and the speech went well.


What I loved about it was that it was my opportunity to thank Judi Sheppard Missett, Shanna Missett Nelson, and the entire Jazzercise community for supporting me throughout the entire Apprentice process. I shared my Jazzercise story and how Jazzercise tied into my Apprentice story. Being a Jazzercise franchisee absolutely prepared me for my experience on the show.

After my speech I visited with Jazzercisers and personally thanked them for their support.

When I returned from Orlando, I did a radio interview about my book with the Max, Jax, and Armen Morning Show on KZII FM in Lubbock, TX. Those of you who live in Lubbock can hear the interview on Monday April, 23.



I also did a book signing for Rare Magazine in Austin at Progress coffee shop on Tuesday. Good times.

Up next...I head to LA for The Apprentice finale. I will be a guest on FoxReality's Reality Remix hosted by Kennedy next week. Be sure to check it out.

-RXW

Book Tour: Austin Easter & Sirius

My Easter Sunday started nice and early. Before heading to church, I stopped by KXAN NBC in Austin for an interview about Footprints In the Boardroom with morning host, Jenny Hoff. KXAN is my hometown NBC affiliate. While I was on The Apprentice they followed my progress and covered my viewing parties. It was great to go sit down with Jenny and talk to the Austin community about Footprints.

Yesterday morning, I joined Lorri & Friends on Sirius radio. I spoke with Lorri and Scott about Footprints and the surviving the business world with your faith intact. The interview was live at 6:45 A.M. I honestly think that I sounded like my father sans the accent! It was just one of those mornings where herbal tea can't wake up your voice. ha ha.

Next week I will be doing a book signing in Austin at Progress Cafe sponsored by RareMeet/Rare Magazine. If you are in Austin, come out and join me from 6-8pm!

-RXW

What Rox: You can listen to my interview on Lorri & Friends here.

Book Tour: Houston & Austin

I rolled into Austin to serve as keynote speaker of the Baylor Women's Council of Austin luncheon (held at the Austin Country Club). The Baylor Women's Council's general mission is to connect promote fellowship among its' members. But more specifically, the Council which just celebrated its' first anniversary, is working towards an endowment that will go towards scholarships for Austin college-bound to soften the costs of tuition. The first scholarship was presented to a young Baylor student at the luncheon.

After the award presentation, I spoke about Baylor, The Apprentice, Footprints In The Boardroom, and where I am headed now. After the presentation, I signed books and caught up with friends I hadn't seen in quite some time.

Next stop? Houston...well sort of. I appeared on Mark Dildine's, "The Friday Show" on KAFR Houston. Mark and I talked about Footprints and the blend of faith and business. Congratulations to Jack, Leonard, and Tommy, who were the eighth caller (each hour)
and won a signed copy of Footprints.

-RXW

Book Tour: Costa Mesa & Nashville

After my extended stop in Phoenix, I headed to Costa Mesa, California (yes some call it the OC) for less than 24-hours to appear on JCTV's "Top 3" program. JCTV is a ministry of TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network--the world's largest faith based television network). JCTV is geared towards the 13-25 age group. "Top 3" is a talk show with a "View"-like feel with four hosts 2 female and 2 male.

Prior to the show I was able to talk to the hosts, Larissa and Reba and learn a little bit more about what they do and how they got there. Since television hosting is a passion of mine, that time was invaluable.

During the show we talked about Footprints and my experience on The Apprentice as well as reality shows in general. The show will air in April...more info to follow.


I headed back home to Austin for a short stint and then flew to Nashville to appear on CTN's Bridges with Monica Schmelter with Footprints In The Boardroom.
Monica was a great host and asked some pertinent questions about the message of the book and faith and business. The show will air on April 9 in Tennessee.

Rochelle, my little sister goes to Meharry Medical College in the heart of Nashville and I stayed with her during my short trip. I haven't seen Rochie since we came back from our Turkish Egyptian Holiday. Rochie and I drove around looking for houses (she is moving out of her apartment soon), did a little shopping, and met up with Charmaine, my cast mate from The Apprentice.


Charmaine looked fabulous as usual. It's funny—the first time I met Charmaine, like everyone else I was stunned by her accent. But when you are with Charmaine in Nashville, her accent blends in perfectly.

Next week I am back to Austin for the Baylor Women's Council Luncheon...

-RXW




What Rox: Rumba! Rochelle spends most of her time studying. But with her big sis in town, she took advantage of seeing her beautiful city. We went to dinner at a restaurant Rochelle has been meaning to try, Rumba. Rumba is an Asian/Caribbean/Latin American fusion restaurant in Nashville's West End. The atmosphere is dark with bamboo and private booths. The food was quite good. I recommend the tempura rice and the tapas. Yummy! Try Rumba.

Book Tour: Valley of the Sun

My book tour took me to my hometown of Phoenix last week. My parents, sister Rhonda, nephew Willem, and extend family all live in AZ, so heading to AZ is still going home.

I began the trip with an appearance on Sonoran Living Live (ABC-15) which is a local Good Morning America type show. I fell in love with the set...absolutely gorgeous. The interview went well...but there was a moment that I admit I got a bit distracted by the smell of the eggplant Parmesan being prepared by a chef in the kitchen on set.


Next up, I did a book signing at Amazing Grace. The experience was kind of surreal because I bought my first bible at Amazing Grace (which I still have).

That night I met up with Jenn from the current season of The Apprentice for dinner. Jenn was great. I truly enjoyed meeting her.
Click here to read more about my visit with Jenn.

The next morning I went to a new bookstore, Berean Books. During my book signing, my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Robert Smith and his wife came by to get a book.


The book signing portion of my trip ended with a Sunday morning book signing at Pilgrim's Rest Church. Pilgrim's Rest has been so supportive of me and my journey, and I am truly thankful.

On Monday, I taped two episodes of Beauty For Ashes radio show with Carolyn Watson. Carolyn had read every inch of my book and had some excellent questions for me. I enjoyed our dialogue. (Audio will on my website by this weekend.)

And finally I appeared on the NBC morning show with Scott Light and Tram Mai. I grew up watching NBC. Although the anchors changed, it was still a treat to be in the NBC studio.I did not however like the concept of HD-TV. I promise you that when I played back the show at my dad's I saw a budding pimple or bump that I didn't even know was on it's way out. Granted my dad's screen is huge, but WOW!


In between the appearances I had the opportunity to spend time with my family.
Willem, my nephew started walking two weeks prior to my arrival. Can we say "fun stage?" I got Willem a cowboy hat and mask. He thought it was hilarious but didn't really want to keep it on his head for long. Too cute.

Next week I head to Costa Mesa, CA and Nashville, TN.

- RXW

Book Tour: DC & Maryland

Next stop on the Footprints Tour: Washington, DC/Maryland. This was a full-media trip, as in no book signings—one track focus. I appeared on the local ABC, NBC, and CBS stations in Baltimore. One little known fact, is that the Baltimore CBS affiliate is where Oprah Winfrey got her start. As I walked through the halls, there were pictures of Oprah with her afro of yesterday. Time flew each time, but I got the book’s message, “you can have your faith and still be successful,” out each time.

I also went to several radio stations including, the Urban League, Heaven 1580, and WPGC radio. One aspect that I like about radio interviews is that we have the opportunity to get a little deeper into the message of Footprints…less time constrains

Unfortunately, I could not convince ANYONE to Jazzercise with me. Next time…

What I loved about the entire trip was not only get the word out about Footprints, but that had the opportunity to observe the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of a media program. It is my desire to become more involved in radio and television. So as I am sure you figured, I was soaking the whole experience in like a sponge…learning as much as I could.

While I was in D.C., I also had the opportunity to see two of my dearest friends, Kim and Kristin. Kristin is my dearest friend from Michigan. Kristin and I were two of the few who chose to say in the on-campus living quarters, were clinic partners (domestic violence), and both worked the front desk/mail room. Kin is my dearest friend from Baylor. Kim and I met our freshman year and have been close ever since. I confess that Kim and I have been to two N*SYNC concerts together (one in Michigan and one in Phoenix). Need I say more? I hadn’t seen either for years. It was great to sit down with them face to face and catch up on the seasons of life.

And to add the cherry on my DC sundae, I had a one hour layover in Nashville and my little sister, Rochelle came to the airport to see me. Work, friends, and family all at once? Sweet. My D.C. trip was a rewarding one on so many levels. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to share Footprints and am flattered to have made a good impression. Next city? Think cactus, prickly pears...think Arizona…

- RXW

The Book Tour Begins...

Now that Footprints in the Boardroom is released, I am embarking on all things “book tour.” I want you all to come along with me on the tour through The X-Factor. Each Wednesday, I will update you on the Adventures of Book Touring.

My first book signing was in Tomball, TX at Heaven's Way book store. The book signing was with Linda Davis who wrote the recently released Flying Free. I have heard that the best thing about book signings is meeting people, and can see that is true. Linda and her husband were treat. They are both ordained ministers and are involved in many ministry activities.

The book signing included music from two Inspire the Desire finalists. Brandy Bell and Patrick Pechacek, who sang their hearts out. The most interesting story attached to the book I signed was for Sherron Watkins, the Enron whistleblower. Sherron’s mother lives in Tomball and wanted to give her a copy of Footprints In The Boardroom. Exciting.

The next day I headed to Austin to do a book signing at my Jazzercise location. I have been on the road so much in the last month that I haven't had the opportunity to see all of my customers. Well Saturday morning is a perfect time to see most Jazzercisers all in one place. It also happened to be our annual Sweatheart day at Jazzercise: Students brought their sweethearts, or exercise buddies to class. That is hands down the day every year where we have more men attending. I signed books between classes and got up on stage with the Jazzercise instructors and did a few routines.

Next stop on the book tour? Washington DC and Maryland...