Welcome Home Champions

It's Tuesday afternoon and I'm on my way to pick up my oldest son Logan from school. Today has been another incredibly memorable day. I may have the best job on the planet.

First of all, I arrived last night just before 9 p.m. Coming home to my boys after being on the road is the most rewarding and exhilarating moment. It beats everything (even Super Bowls)! Going up the elevator, my heart was pounding. Our babysitter -- who we adore and has been with us since Logan was little -- knew that I would be dying to see the boys, so she kept them up. As soon as my husband and I arrived, we unpacked the bags and gave them their Super Bowl goodies: hats, jerseys, the seat cushions given out at the game, the mini flashlights and any other goodies we accumulated along the way. They were so excited. I think the Pez candy may have really taken them over the edge. Eating it at 9 p.m. at night...we couldn't say no . I'm attaching photos of my boys while I was away. Take a look at them on Super Bowl Sunday: my oldest Logan (6 years old) in a Vilma jersey from the NY Jets, my second guy Kyle (4 years old) in a New York Giants jersey and my baby Slate (a year old) in a Rangers jersey. Are these kids sports fanatics or what?

Luckily, my father and mother-in-law are picture-taking fanatics so that they were able to send us the play-by-play while we were away. Look at the ones of my little guy hiding behind the chair as his older brother plays hide and seek. These are the little moments you miss on the road. My little one just started walking about two weeks ago. I just want to bite him every time I see him!

So, back to last night. We unpacked, put the little ones to bed and watched the first part of the game on Tivo. Still have to watch the remainder. Just watching it on TV was thrilling and a reminder of the momentous occasion that we just witnessed.

Early yesterday morning, I got the heads up that the Giants were going to be in NYC for the ticker-tape parade and that Tisch would be ringing the opening bell, so we decided to broadcast The Opening Bell (which airs from 9-10a.m.) from the NYSE. I started Money for Breakfast in studio because this morning we had a very special guest and someone who rarely does television interviews: Kobe Bryant. Insane, right? Yes! Insane! He was one of the nicest players that I have ever met. Warm, down to earth, and a bit nervous. We talked about everything: his new Nike sneaker that will be released this Friday called the Zoom 3, his plethora of endorsement deals, the NBA's image and keeping the Hornets in Louisiana. He did say that everything, including the NBA, has its ups and downs and the NBA is dealing with it. He also noted there is a lot of young new talent and that he feels, despite the weak attendance in Louisiana, that the Hornets deserve to stay in New Orleans and that the league and the fans have to give them time.

I also asked him about the recent trade of Pau Gasol from the Grizzlies. He's loving it! The ideal situation especially given the Bynum injury. Now a potential starting five with Odom, Bynum (he's due to return in mid March), Fisher and Kobe. Not bad!!! He's very psyched. I asked if he'd like Jason Kidd. Absolutely, he said. He's a champion, a leader, a good friend and would be thrilled to have him on board. The question is whether the Lakers have something to offer the Nets. I also asked about the persistent rumors about him and his future with the LA Lakers. Off camera, he said, given the trade last week and a shot at Kidd, he'd stay for the rest of his career. I asked him why he would consider giving it up? I also asked why he wouldn't want to have a legacy like Magic Johnson? He said, yes, he is very much aware of the legacy and has talked to Magic about it extensively. He said he was an idealist when he joined the NBA. When you're young you think it's just about the game. When you grow up in the league, you learn that the NBA is not just about the game but it's also about the business of the game. He wised up to that and has had some bumps along the way. He felt he was mistreated in a situation or two (he didn't elaborate and I didn't ask) but said that he's in a great place and sees no reason why he would ever leave the Lakers. I told him my prediction: Lakers vs. Celtics in the NBA finals, especially if they get Kidd (Mr. Triple Double)!! All I can say is I learned a thing or two about the release when you take a shot (he demonstrated his finger roll with a mini basketball that I brought on set) and what a great spokesperson he is for the NBA. Oh, and in case you, like me, were wondering why he switched from the #8 on his jersey (where he won three championship rings) to the #24 at the beginning of the '06 season? Because he wanted to begin a new dynasty. Why 24? Because he works 24 hours a day. Perhaps the dynasty can begin this year

After Kobe, I hopped on the subway and headed down to the NYSE. Once I arrived, I saw all the guys that I've known for years (I used to work down there). I also had a chance to catch up with Steve Tisch. I interviewed him after he rung the bell. The floor, despite a 200-point opening loss, was electric! Everyone was applauding him and Steve Mara. Plus, everyone was decked out in their Giants gear. Word is some players may be there tomorrow. After the show, I went to the pre-parade reception with Steve. UNBELIEVABLE!!!! In a closed-door reception I saw or met most of the players, including Michael Strahan and Eli Manning. I saw Plaxico, Brandon, Osi, you name it! I also had a chance to talk to Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Spitzer and Senator Schumer. Everyone was in an electric mood! Taking pictures, signing autographs and grinning from ear to ear. The streets outside were lined with fans. A great moment for New York City and a great moment for New York Giants fans!!!!

FYI: Bloomberg did say he would have thrown his hat in the ring for the White House if it were a Giuliani versus Clinton campaign. He now thinks Obama is on the move and said that a McCain vs. Obama campaign would be a very likeable and friendly campaign.

As you can see, I included on this blog a bunch of images from Phoenix. Melissa (my producer and assistant) and her boyfriend Dave, who turned 30 on Super Bowl weekend and my fatal attempts at scoring a touchdown or two while doing the obstacle courses at the NFL Experience. Check out the photos of Tony Dorsett (Super Bowl Champion and Hall of Famer), Plaxico with his daughter after the Super Bowl win and many of my colleagues at other networks.

I have also included two photos that best describe this market. MAJOR TROUBLE!!!! This market could go one of two ways.....this way (Serious.....glass half empty)......or......this way (Light hearted....glass half full). I'll take glass half full

Off to play hockey with the boys and back to work for Super Tuesday coverage on the economy for Fox News later this evening. I LOVE politics!

Oh, by the way, cute story, when I picked up my 4 year old Kyle at pre-school today his teachers told me they voted in class. Who did he vote for? Barack........the best part is the way he says it.....Bock!!!!!