Wheel of Fortune

I have been a fan of Wheel of Fortune for decades. It was a game that I excelled at; always solving the puzzles before the contests. It seemed so easy at home and I thought numerous times to myself and out loud that I would be a great contestant. I went online and submitted an application more than once in the hopes that I would get on as an individual, or with my best friend (for Best Friends Week) or during the NFL week where I would share the stage with Tiki Barber. I never did get that call from Pat or Vanna but the next best thing did happen. The Wheel contestant bus made a stop in Jacksonville in November. I went down to the baseball grounds both days, sweating in the extreme heat, where a mock stage was set and all the excitement buzzed around us in the stands. There was a letter board, a wheel with various prizes to be won, cutouts of Pat and Vanna as well as a table displaying Wheel paraphernalia. There were 3 sessions each day (I did a total of 5) where you completed a different colored application each time, waiting in line once again to have your chance at winning. Each slip went into a large rolly bin and 6 people were called down at one time. There were about 60 or so people called within a 1.5 hour time frame. I waited patiently as the names were called out, watching the excited hopefuls scream and bounce down the stairs, wishing I would be able to do the same. You got your picture taken first then you met the traveling MC and answered a few questions and showcased your talents or personality while the Wheel staff taped your moment in the spotlight. Then you had an opportunity to solve the puzzle. Whether you did or not, it wasn't a guarantee that you were or weren't going to make the next audition round. My name never did get called either day, but it was certainly an experience to see firsthand how contestant searches were conducted. The good news was that the remaining applications were going back on the bus to L.A. where they would randomly pick applications for the next round of audition tryouts. You would be notified via email if you were lucky enough to make it, which would take place back in Jacksonville in the beginning of 2010. I figured my chance had expired, after not hearing from them, but lo and behold, today was the day I received the email informing me that I made the final cut and am due back on 3/11 for my audition. If I am chosen, I will be on my way to L.A. for the taping. This is a dream come true and I'm one step closer to the reality of winning a million dollars. You just have to believe...