California Adventure – Day 2 – Reflections

Now that my episode has aired, I’ve had some time to reflect on my adventure over a month ago, and then relive it today, here are a few final thoughts (in random order) about this whole adventure.

First, a huge thank you to everyone who supported me leading up the to adventure, all the support and questions and interest during the “classified days”, and especially for all the love, support, interest, comments, likes, posts, that I got today. During the “classified days” it was fun to see how people split into two camps. The people who were 100% sure I got called down and the other part who were sure I didn’t get called down.

I’m amazed at the number of likes the various posts and pictures received today. A big thanks to MESSA for working with me to figure out how to watch the show in HD on bigger TVs. They helped run cable and allowed me to hook up my TiVo as the HD receiver! Who else can say they brought their TiVo to work! It was a fun ride and I’m glad I could take you along for the ride!

A few summary items. If you didn’t catch it in my other post – I did win $300 for getting to contestants’ row but not appearing on stage. I should be receiving that via a check in a week or two. Yes, prizes are not awarded until after the air date, and if the show never airs, they do not have to award the prizes. I’m glad for mobile deposit, so I’ll be able to keep the check forever! Also, since I got to “Come on Down”, I’m officially a contestant on the Price is Right, which means I can’t be a contestant again for this show for 10 years. Also, as one is on game shows, you need to keep track of record and air dates, as most (if not all) shows have various eligibility requirements around how many shows you have been on in different time frames.

The excitement you saw – was pure. My reaction when I got to come on down was not practiced, was not exaggerated – that was truly me – pure happy and excited me. I was in complete disbelief, never really thought it would happen – once in a lifetime experience. A few people asked me if I knew ahead of time that I might be picked. Not at all. The do the quick interviews and we all find out together by if we hear/see our name. A complete surprise!

Do I wish I could have gotten on stage and won some more prizes? The short answer is “Of course!” However, I really don’t mind that I didn’t, while prizes are nice, nothing would be as rewarding and memorable as the experience itself. Plus I don’t have to worry about pesky taxes on expensive prizes or prizes that I would never use! I’m sure part of me thinking this is to make me feel better, but for the most part, it is completely true that I don’t mind not winning more. And there is always another game show out there somewhere for me….

Now a few pictures. First, two of my keepsakes. My name tag, contestant number, souvenir photo, poster-board with my name and number of being called down (#8, although there was a 7 on it and then it was changed to 8), and my shirt I wore. Two pictures so you can see the front and back of the shirt.