Sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but I can tell you that I got to have my own version of Cold as Hell while in NYC this week. 10 degrees, snowing, blustery winds...and me standing outside in that for TWO HOURS.

Did you catch that? I CHOSE to stand outside in that god-awful weather for two hours! Choosing means I don't get to blame, resent, or gripe about what was, at best, a very uncomfortable experience and, at worst, my own li'l version of Hell. So I stood there quietly...and got quieter as the minutes dragged on.

Note: I detest the cold. I lived in Arizona for 21 years and thought 90 degrees was just about right. My favorite part of skiing is the "apres" part in front of the fireplace. You get it. Joyriding on Thin Ice.

But by golly, I was determined to audition for a cool new prime time TV show, and that meant standing in line. In the snow. For two hours. With 1,400 other people as crazy as me.

I have to single out one special person who made a big difference during my two hours of eternity. She was an angel. (I guess angels have Hell visiting privileges.) This perfect stranger, and I mean that, looked at me and said, "I've never seen anyone as cold as you. Go sit in that McDonald's for 15 minutes and warm up. Here's my cell phone number so you can call me. I'll save your place in line."

Praise be! Her name was Baja (Bay-zhuh) and, after thanking her profusely, I did as instructed.

My feet throbbed, ACHED, as they began to thaw out, and I realized I couldn't take much more of that cold. Baja was the reason I could stay a while longer. (I'm serious when I say people were leaving the line for fear of frostbite.)

After about 15 minutes, Baja called me and had me come back in line - even vouched for me to security! And we spent the rest of the day together, waiting, warming up, and practicing for our interview.

She was a delight, and I couldn't get over her kindness. Her offer for me to warm up was a BIG Joy It On, so I was eager to Joy It Right Back to her! I gave her a Planet Joyride tee shirt as a thank you for her kindness. It was the least I could do.

I only hope it accommodates her big heart and angel wings.

Baja, wherever you are, bless your heart!