"There Was Nothing To Fear And Nothing To Doubt"

Soooooo close...

100k Pyramid

Started when my roommate and I used to watch reruns on Game Show Network while sipping whiskey, taunting the screen stating how much better we could play the game.

Revived the series with Michael Strahan - Open casting call a few blocks from my office in downtown Chicago.  Convinced a co-worker to go with me so I wouldn't feel too timid.

I had been preparing so long for this moment, I cruised through the audition.  The REAL auditions came in the form of about 5 subsequent video auditions.  Playing the game one-on-one with the talent producer.  Thinking under the gun, trying to muster creative answers in a short time frame.

A month or so went by and I assume I'd blown it.  Sure enough got a call stating they were sending a car to pick me up and fly me out to NYC to be a contestant on the show!

They allowed one guest, and my Sister graciously took some PTO to join me on the trip, and provide some calming moments before preparing to go on National TV

The morning of was a whirlwind.  Getting to the studio, signing paperwork with attorneys, in the greenroom with potential contesting, wanting to practice with you.  I just wanted to be alone.  pacing back and forth, stomach wasn't feeling great.  I think I ate an apple before going on.  They film about 6 or 7 episodes per day, so I didn't know when I was going on.  When they called me, I was finally ready to go.

I had to bring 3 different wardrobes, and my hair had a cowlick that the stylist basically gave up on trying to push down.  None of that mattered.  I just worried about not choking up while playing the game.

When we finally go to the stage, I saw what celebrities we were being paired with the play the game; Jesse Palmer and Wendie Malick.  (Palmer being my first partner)

We were a bit slow to get rolling but found a groove.  We found ourselves in position to go to the winner's circle and potentially win $50,000.  I tried to calm my nerves but I was in a complete daze.  Before we started our winner's circle round, I asked Michael for a shot of whiskey, which unfortunately he could not accommodate.  We got through 5 of the 6 'pyramids' needed to get the $50,000 but got stuck on the top pyramid which I could not give him a good enough clue to guess.  "Things That Are Rough" I kept saying, "a hard tackle" "a hangover" things of that nature, versus actual items.  When we ran out of time, Michael walked over and said, "sandpaper" and Jesse immediately said "Things that are rough"  I owe previously contestants an apology; it IS tougher under the lights.

(Sidebar: after filming completed, I messaged Jesse on Instagram, "I should have said, DMX's RIDERS for things that are rough"  He responded that he would have got it immediately!)

In the second round I my partner was Wendie, and although we also had good camaraderie, we got stuck on a few categories, and found ourselves on the outside of the winner's circle for round 2.  It was nice to see the girl I was playing with have a chance to win big money as well.  She was extremely-nice and recently married, so they really could benefit from the extra income.

(Sidebar #2: in the few minutes we had in between shoots I briefly asked Wendie about her appearance on Seinfeld where she played Elaine's friend & physical therapist who had the outlandishly-puffed hairdo.  I wanted to know if it was a wig or they actually got her hair to fix itself in that state.  She couldn't remember if they just teased it or she was wearing a hair attachment)

Although, I didn't take home the coveted 100k, it was a great experience and I did walk away with some decent prize money.  The rest of the trip afternoon, my sister and I enjoyed going to some dive bars throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.  We found a FANSTASTIC Chicago sports bar in Brooklyn, Canal Bar, which had a laid back, hospitable atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a 3-legged dog prancing around inside.  They provided all the libations needed for the flight back to Chicago.  Until next time...I'm comin' home, baby.

 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Free trip to NYC!
• Playing on $100k Pyramid
• Canal Bar (Brooklyn)

RECOMMENDATIONS

• If you're ever going to be on a game show, bring a friend or family member to help calm the nerves