This is why I love New York. About four years ago, I devoured The Year of Living Biblically – a book documenting one man’s mission to live by the rules of the Bible – and now, I can just head out and meet that man: A. J. Jacobs.

And what a nice man at that. He gave me his time and I really appreciate it. He also remembered my shocking one liner made a couple of hours earlier as I took part in Ask Roulette – a show where strangers ask other strangers random questions on stage. A. J. was one of the special guests, and I was one of the strangers who was picked from a hat to ask and answer questions.

I was asked: ‘If you could be the best at anything, what would it be?’ Under the pressure of the lights and hundreds of pairs of eyes, I quipped: ‘Answering questions.’

(The question I asked was pretty poor – ‘When was the last time you cried?’ – and was far outdone by the answer: ‘Last night as I watched Say Yes to the Dress.’)

Meeting A. J. after the show came at a great moment, as he’s successfully carried out ‘life projects’ – living the Bible, reading the Encyclopedia from start to finish, committing to every health kick he can imagine. So he’s a real inspiration as I struggle through my first week of this project.

And did I mention, HE IS SUCH A NICE MAN?