Cleveland Shines

 I can’t even describe how busy this summer was. As many of us work and have families things can be thrown at you to change up the routine; for me it was the Republican National Convention back in July.  I thought I was ready for it, two years in the making. Here is the catch, we were moving out of our home into another one in late June and I just wrapped up working five long days for ESPN. I had little time to prepare for this crazy week.

  I received calls starting in May to reserve makeup artists for the RNC. There were security issues and credentials that all needed to be lined up for us yet information from the networks were sketchy. Talking to the girls some were booked already while others that gave me their word to work called off and that left me scurrying to find other artists. I guess that is was happens when your name is on the door. 

 It was a roller coaster and through all the ups and downs I ended up getting a call while in route to downtown that I was going to style Mike Pence the VP candidate for the Republican Party. It was a last minute interview set with Judy Woodruff for PBS News Hour. This totally took me by surprise and I became very happy that the week had taken a positive turn.

 Everything was beautifully planned by the RNC committee and the city of Cleveland. I was able to meet many national news anchors including David Muir. It really was an incredible history making time. The TODAY show was also filming on E 4th St. and on one of my mornings off my daughters and I were able to meet Matt Lauer and Savahanna Gutherie which was a thrill for us.

I also chatted with Chris Soules the Bachelor and Iowa farmer that was at the convention to speak about alternative energy. He was charming and VERY tall. So much excitement around the city that was just shinning.  I am not sure we will have another world event like this here but I am proud of Cleveland and my staff for making it through a hectic and prosperous week.