Cover Girl: Kelly Ripa on Self Magazine

The perky talk show host hits the cover of the February issue of Self magazine. Here are a few excerpts:

On her to do list
I'm a list person. But here's the problem-I'm not sure if my kids have done this to me or if it's working and living in New York-but I forget things all the time! If something's in my head, I have to immediately get it out. I'll text my secretary things from my office, like, don't forget to remind me to, you know, pick up Joaquin from school!

On roots
I have gray roots, I've had them for years. It's not a new thing, I'm prematurely gray. I don't think it suits me yet, but I'm not totally opposed to it either. I see women who are gorgeous with white hair-it just doesn't suit me yet.

On being BlackBerry-free
I don't have a BlackBerry. I only have a cell phone so I can communicate with my kids' school. I really spend no time with technology and I think I'm a much happier person. My husband has a BlackBerry, he says it sucks away a great deal of his energy and focus. I'm computer-illiterate and computer-free. I bought a computer and it's still in the travel case. There's going to come a time when my kids ask, "Can you help me with this paper," and I'll say, "Uh, where's your father?"

On her career
I'm lucky to have my job, but it has never been the central nervous system of my life. My husband and children and parents are. To me, they are the primary thing. The other stuff I'm lucky just to have. If it's not there, it's not going to change who I am.

On Judge Judy
Judge Judy is my closet addiction. Actually, I don't think it's closeted. I'm sure it's to the point where she wants to file a restraining order. Every time I see her, I start quoting her to her. She at one point said "You have to get a serious life," and I was like, "Yes, your honor, I will." I'm like someone in her courtroom! "Yes, ma'am, I will get a serious life." She is so honest and efficient and smart and clever. You know how in life, you just wish that there were people who could cut through it all? She does it-she cuts through all the nonsense.