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word_puzzle.jpgMy day started bright and early to make the Amtrak train. The train was relatively quiet, save for the businessmen behind me sharing stories of their female conquests over the weekend. Too much information for a Monday morning, especially before the coffee sets in.

With three hours to kill, I did what any woman would do–I shopped. A necklace and bag at H&M didn’t hit the wallet hard. I got a bite to eat and settled down reading Life & Style magazine. That Angelina Jolie! Lunch was a big disappointment – super salty crab
cakes. It’s pretty tough, in my opinion, to mess up crab cakes. I might have lost my appetite when I saw the woman next to me polish off a plate of nachos and a hamburger and fries by herself.

I freshened up in the bathroom: lipstick retouch, combed hair, nothing in my teeth. Check. Check. Check.

I made my way to the hotel where the auditions were being held. Outside the room everyone was quiet and serious, sizing each other up.

Finally, the 60 of us were called into a room. We were sitting in chairs facing a big TV with a Wheel highlight reel. Then the judges had us play a simulated game. When they called your name you had to jump up enthusiastically, shout out letters, buy vowels, spin or solve.

After 25 minutes of game playing and me solving the puzzle “Detroit Introduces the Minivan” they gave us a written test. The judges collected the tests and sent us away to narrow down the field.

I made the cut.

The second round was pretty intense. Teams of four stood up and simulated a game.

My group was last. I think that was a good thing, because I left them with a good impression. I spun that wheel. I shouted out my letters. I solved the puzzle “Hoagies and Soft Pretzels.”

Pays to be a foodie.

Then I gave my little introduction. “I’m Jamie Rogers from Philadelphia, PA. I work at a local hospital. I was married to my husband Shaun on 7-7-07. In my spare time I write for a foodie news and restaurant reviews website.”

And, that’s how I made it on Wheel of Fortune.

Traveling out to LA on Wednesday…any tips for me?

About the Author

Jamie Rogers comes from a mixed pedigree of chefs. She prefers describing her culinary prowess as "efficient" rather than "lazy." Her loves include Crawdaddy’s Mustard Fried Catfish, The Drafting Room’s Cream of Wild Mushroom soup, and a Popsicle on a hot summer day.

More About Jamie Rogers...

3 Comments So Far

  1. AndyMar 26, 2008

    Best of luck! Wc will be rooting for you! May i please buy a vowel.. Thats my advice.

  2. PeteMar 26, 2008

    Go get ‘em, Jamie! Best of luck!

  3. ScottMar 28, 2008

    Hey Jamie!
    I won on the Wheel a few years ago-
    There is a great book called Winning on the Wheel-by Kris Petersen and Brian Matthew.
    I used it and it gave me some tips-
    Plus played video games of Wheel of Fortune, or pick up the board game, have your hubby make up puzzles for you..etc.
    Below is a video with some tips too.

    http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-win-on-wheel-of-fortune

    Make sure you call common letters first, and watch the already called letter board, and buy vowels to solve the puzzle
    It was so much fun!! Just relax and have fun. Can’t wait to hear how you make out.

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