Contestant Blogs
This Week's Contestant
Doug H.
| Theme: | Great Outdoors Portland |
|---|---|
| Hometown: | Eugene, OR |
| Week of: | 05-21-2012 |
POSTED on 5-23
I got to Portland the day before taping. All the family was there. So excited!! Couldn't sit still, so I decided to go out with my four sons!! Great fun - helped me relax!
Up at 5:30 am. Day started at 7:00 am. Contestants meet while waiting for instructions. The first two people I meet end up (by chance) being my opponents. Great stories of how we all arrived at this point.
Time to go! First thing they do is assign our groups (3) for the show. Then, we draw #'s for position at the wheel. I get #1 right next to Pat! Then we draw for which show and I draw #1. First show!! (Scary, but exciting!) Each of us gets our own makeup person.
Next, off to the set for practice rounds! Wow!! The set was Awesome! It was just like we were in the forest next to a beautiful waterfall. I got picked out of the 15 people to be in a practice "bonus" round. Maybe it was an omen. I won the car and got to run over and sit in it just like the real thing!! So cool!!
We got to eat right before the first show. I had been keeping away from sugar for a couple months. Desserts that day included my favorite - "Hershey Bar" ! I thought "what the heck," last meal - "Hershey Bar" ! That's what I ate right before going out.
It's time! Group #1 report for duty! We walk out to the set to warm up and there are 3,000 people looking at us! Time for some "pant blows"! Then, I see Pat & Vanna!! Here we go! All I'm thinking is I can't let everyone down. Just like at home, right? Wrong!! Toss up #1 - Mind Blank!! Toss up #2 - Mind Blank! Oh Great, I'm going to choke!! Everyone has money but me! Luckily, we take a break. Couple of breaths and let's do this!
All I remember is spinning the wheel and not even focusing on the amount. There are so many things to do (spin, call letter, buy a vowel, time, puzzle, and the theme). It was like I was in a daze (dream/reality) but in a good way!! I had one close call, Pat said " everyone hold your breath," as the wheel teetered on Bankrupt!! I think my Mom must have put her finger on the notch and kept it back!
When I finally woke up, I had solved every puzzle and was headed to "bonus land"!! "FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH" (that was the final puzzle) I won two trips (Hawaii & St. Lucia) and a total of $56,000 in cash and prizes!! The tangible things were nice but the experience shared with my family, friends, and the wonderful people (cast & crew) of Wheel of Fortune will be cherished forever!! Thanks for the most "Awesome" day of my life!!!