A few weeks ago I got an email from a “tv producer” asking if I’d be interested in being a guest on their “show.” Yeah frickin’ right. “There is no way this email is legit”, I thought to myself. Everyday I spend a good ten minutes weeding through my crap mail, guest post proposal this, partnership opportunity that. Spam, Spam, SPAM!
There was something different about this email though. First and foremost, it was written with proper punctuation and grammar. Further investigation – remember I am an investigator by trade – revealed the senders email address appeared to be from a legitimate domain and not something like [email protected]
“What the heck” I thought. I’ll take the bait.
After a handful of email exchanges, a phone interview, and a Skype interview, it’s official….we are going to be on TV. And I’m not just talking like local news; We are actually being flown to an NBC studio in Chicago next weekend for the interview.
How weird is that?
I’m pumped for a handful of reasons. The first being that Girl Ninja has never been to Chicago before and this was a free opportunity to take her there. How romantic of me right? We plan to run around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to pack in as much “sightseeing” as we can in the few days we are there. Suggestions on places to go or eat are of course welcome!
Most people can make money from their blogs, but how many can say their sites scored them a spot on national tv? This totally has to increase my blogging street cred right?
While I would typically be pretty nervous for something like this, knowing Girl Ninja will be by my side makes me extremely excited. I might be biased, but I think we are pretty cool people and I’m stoked we have an opportunity to show the world personal finance doesn’t have to be boring. What’s more, Girl Ninja is a mondo babe and I’m super pumped to be the guy that gets to sit next to her on camera – cool by association is a thing right?
We really have nothing to lose, except the possibility of coming across as awkward, but a ton to gain. A free trip, exposure to the other side of TV, and a really sweet adventure that we can look back on in 20 years and say “Hey, remember that time we were on NBC? That was neat.”
Chicago, here we come!
Oh, and since you might catch us on TV, we figured it’s time for Girl Ninja to join me and come out from behind the black bar. Say “Hi” to her
(and yes…that is her natural hair color)
Congrats to you and Girl Ninja. I’m sure it’s going to be an awesome experience and something that you two can look back on and say “at least it wasn’t on Maury Povich” haha. Have fun and enjoy the experience.
Congrats! Enjoy the trip and definitely check out Chicago – my husband and I had fun when we were at FinCon last year.
CONGRATS! This is a huge step! Please be sure to post air dates and times this will be on, I don’t want to miss it. Also, if they put it online, please share a link with us! Have fun, Chicago is a GREAT city.
And you and the Girl Ninja are a very cute couple. You look perfect for each other!
Thats fantastic news man, well chuffed for the two of ye. I’ll be sure to catch it from over here in Ireland.
This website has a pretty good list of places (mostly food related) to go in Chicago…
http://theinterrobang.com/2011/10/welcome-to-chicago-the-right-way/
Have fun, Chicago is a great city!
I assume this is a local NBC affiliate and not a national broadcast? Maybe you can link us to a clip so we can see your interview from wherever. Anyhow, my thoughts on Chicago:
Both the Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower, but it’s still the Sears Tower) and the Hancock
Tower are worth a ride up to the top.
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the country’s great art museums. Further uptown on Michigan Avenue are all the expensive stores that GN will want to visit.
The Chicago Cultural Center may not sound like much, but it’s got the most beautiful interiors in the city.
Do not miss a boat trip on the Chicago River to see the skyscrapers and other architecture.
Grant Park and Millenium Park are worth seeing.
The U. of Chicago area has some things worth doing, like the Rockefeller Chapel and Frank Lloyd
Wright’s Robie House.
You might enjoy a visit to Navy Pier. It’s a kind of amusement park that’s very popular.
The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium are all in the same area by Lake Michigan south of Navy Pier. If you want to do only one, see the Field (for natural history).
As for food, Lawry’s on Ontario will give you a year’s worth of cholesterol in an evening, but it’s worth it. For excellent Mexican, Frontera Grill or the more upscale Topolobambo in the same building (I ate only at the Grill). Pizzeria Uno if you must, though I thought it sucked. Check websites for reservations. If cost is no object: http://gochicago.about.com/od/chicagorestaurantseats/tp/top_restaurants.htm (though I can’t vouch for any of these personally).
It is actually going to be a national broadcast, I just don’t think the producers want me naming the show until after filming for some reason. I’ll be sure to post the clip after it’s aired in September 🙂
So it could be “American Ninja Warrior”?
Check out also citypass.com for a pass that will give you discounted admissions and save waiting on lines. The lines at the Sears Tower as I recall were quite long.
I HIGHLY recommend Second City comedy club. That was the most fun I’ve had in ages. Lots of SNL hosts and the like got their start there! It’s not too expensive either.
For pizza, I’m gonna have to recommend Gino’s East. Cool little place, awesome deep dish. Also, if you get a chance, Walker Brothers Pancake House is a great place for breakfast. The apple “pancake” is delicious.
Haha, that is so beyond cool. Congratulations, you guys. Keep us updated on the details. (You’ve totally been dying to show off your rad Ninja-ess, haven’t you 😉
P.S. Beautiful family
P.P.S. .. time to add a little ninja .. =^..^=
Couldn’t agree more 🙂
Looking forward to a grandson.
AWESOME!!! Yeah, I would’ve just thought “spam!” too, good thing that you went with your gut feeling that this one was different. You’ll have to post the clip on here when you can — how awesome!!
That was Neat!
Yay! You’re coming to Chicago! I moved here for graduate school and never left. I love it here! Well, technically I live in the suburbs now, but it’s easier to say “I’m from Chicago” than “I’m from North Riverside”.
When will you be on? I’ll have to make sure I set my DVR.
A couple things to know — If you’re going to be at NBC studios, Girl Ninja should know that it is practically right around the corner from her mother ship: Nordstroms. The next two weeks are also the annual Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival. Not that I’m encouraging needless spending or anything because I’m not. I’m just sayin.
CONGRATS!! That is awesome! BTW, you guys look so great together; GREETINGS FROM CANADA, GN!!!
Have fun in the Chi! I’ve never been there either but my fiance and I are planning a trip to visit his parents in early November so please blog about the best places to eat.
PS: You and Girl Ninja are going to have gorgeous kids (whenever you get around to it – take your time).
Omg b and Lo! Way too freaking cool!!!!! Sooooo pumped for you!!!!!!!!!
Your closer to me but still 6 hours away. 🙁
If you like Asian style food with awesome Sushi, go to Sunda (it’s downtown). It’s my FAVORITE restaurant in the city. If you don’t get time, there’s nothing wrong in getting some Chicago deep dish pizza. Carb heaven!
Congrats! Girl Ninja is so pretty!
Congrats! Have fun in Chicago.
Make sure you go to The Bean.
i need to get a pf blog…seems any schmuck with a pf blog is getting their 15 mins of tv fame!!
Congrats! And let me be the first to say (not think) she is way too good looking for you LOL JK…kinda
Congrats! Girl Ninja is soo pretty. You definitely got lucky here. 🙂 jk, you guys are adorable.
Congrats! When visiting Chicago, you totally need to go to a White Sox game, check out Millennium Park and go to Wicker Park and eat at Piece Brewery and Pizzeria!!
I second the Gino’s East pizza recommendation. We did that last year at FINCON, it was great. Looking forward to seeing your video!
I’m excited to see the segment. I am going to take some of this travel advice when I visit my brother who is about to start college at Chicago. They grow up so fast!
Wow, super cool! And yay, you guys are such a cute couple. Is the story/interview going to be about personal finance in general? Or your blog specifically? When does it air?
VERY cool!! I’m excited to see what this is all about. And nice to officially meet Girl Ninja – you guys make a cute couple. 🙂
Funny! Same show found my blog and called me about being on the show! looks like they are pro bloggers! Have fun!
So nice to see you both. What an exciting trip ahead of you. Echoing Jennifer above – very cute couple.
I knew it was only a matter of time before you guys were HUGE. Congratulations, your blog is awesome and I love Mr. and Mrs. Ninja as a couple and family. Can’t wait to see the segment!!
For Girl Ninja: Magnificient Mile. Tons of shopping.
Food: The Purple Pig is hands-down my favorite. DELICIOUS tapas-style food and desserts. Gino’s for pizza (take a sharpie or white out, you’ll see why).
We were on a marathon sight-seeing trip and chose to skip the Sears Tower and instead went to the Hancock Tower–here’s a tip. Skip the observatory (and the fees), and go to the Signature Room. Appetizers, dinner, dessert, and the exact same amazing view with the floor to ceiling windows (but instead of paying observatory fees, you’re having an amazing dinner). We went at sunset loved watching the city light up at night. Don’t forget your camera! Enjoy your time together!
Ninja, I’m so happy you are coming to Chicago, I’m sure you will love it here. A few recommendations during the trip.
Sights:
Willis (locals still call it “Sears”) Tower observation deck – its the highest deck in the city and you can step out onto glass and look straight down. You should do this.
Millenium Park – The park is huge, there are gardens, a bandshell, “The Bean”, and really great views of the city.
Navy Pier – I mention this because of the boat tours. Everytime I bring an out of town guest, they view this as a huge highlight. The Pier itself has a lot of shopping and eating options and is usually a lot of fun.
Chicago White Sox Baseball – sure, the Cubs have tradition at Wrigley, but you have to come to the Cell and watch a Sox game while the team is in the palyoff hunt. September 7th is “Irish Day” at the park with green hats, green beer, and entertainment.
Food Picks:
America’s Dog – phenominal chef inspired hot dogs, low prices.
Millenium Park Grille – a bit upscale, bit well worth it if you are in the area.
Sushi Samba – inspired Asian cuisine, but it might be hard to get a table on short notice.
Lounge picks:
Vertigo Sky Lounge, it has panoramic views of the city, an outdoor fire pit on a rooftop and some of the best DJs out there. Be advised drinks will cost approx $10 each, and you don’t want to know what bottle service will cost but you must see this site.
Crimson Lounge (inside Hotel Sax); This place will make you feel like Royalty when you walk through the door. I highly recommend a visit.
You have my email address, shoot me an email if you need anything on your stay!
Congrats to you two!.. I can’t wait to see the segment..
No doubt you have one of the top PF blogs in the land, and Manteresting is even better…
Massive kudos, good sir.
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