Vanna's Voice

For those of you who didn't see my submission video, I claimed to have a mock affliction called "The Vanna Effect". After spending a week living the high life in L.A., I can now say I have a very real affliction- "The Post-Vanna Effect." Its symptoms include difficulty transitioning back into reality, delusions of grandeur, and a need to wear a ball gown at all times. How does one contract this rare disease? Let me take you back to the beginning.

My grand prize trip started in the wee hours of Monday morning. The lack of daylight couldn't dampen Joanna, (my guest), and I's spirits though, because we were flying first class to Hollywood! The plane ride was incredible- fine dining, hot towels, seats that lied flat! We almost didn't want to touch back down to land. Land started looking a lot better, though, when we found out we'd be traveling to our hotel in a limousine with our own personal driver at the wheel!

Several champagne glasses of soda later, we were rolling up to the Sheraton Universal in style. As if we weren't already feeling like rock stars, we were informed by the front desk upon check-in that we'd be staying in the vice-presidential suite! Wheel of Fortune had made us L.A. royalty.

The next morning, our driver took us to CBS studios for my dress fitting. When we got into the building I was in for a surprise- Vanna and a camera crew were there to greet me! Meeting Vanna for the first time was unreal, she was so kind and made me feel right at home. After that, it was time to get down to business and try on some dresses! There was everything from fiery red to feathery pink, but in the end we all decided I would wear a gorgeous, beaded, strapless gown for the show. I was all ready for my close-up.

Finally, the taping day arrived. We were taken to the Sony lot where Wheel of Fortune is filmed. As soon as I stepped out of the car I was met by the camera crew and my prep team, and I was whisked away to be transformed into Vanna for the day! It started with a manicure/ pedicure, and was followed by a rehearsal with the Wheel contestants. I found out that Vanna's job is a lot harder than it looks! You have to remember so many things at once in a fast-moving environment: always smile, clap, turn towards camera, don't trip, walk fast but graceful, don't trip, know where to expect any letters called in each puzzle, remember how far into the puzzleboard to stand, don't trip, face Pat, keep smiling, make sure you light up every letter, look into the camera, and don't stop clapping!!! The letters are also trickier to light up than Vanna makes it look; you have to press on the screen with a lot of force. I was getting so much advice during the rehearsal I started feeling overwhelmed and nervous, I didn't want to mess up my one shot on national television!

After lunch, I was taken into hair and makeup and the time until my big debut was ticking away. It wasn't too long before my wardrobe was complete, and my taping was next! I met up with Vanna and Pat behind the puzzleboard, where all the mysteries of Wheel of Fortune lie. I was having such a great time talking to them, that before I knew it I wasn't nervous anymore. They were we so much more wonderful and supportive than I could have imagined. When my puzzles came up, I was thankfully able to remember everything, and, more importantly- I didn't trip! Even better, the winner of my show won two trips, a lot of cash, and A CAR! The whole experience was a blast, and over in the blink of an eye. When the taping was finished, I got to see the four other contest finalists and my family, who had flown out to see my show. As we were wrapping everything up I was told that I got to keep my beautiful dress! What a dream! Not long after, we returned to our hotel and the big day was over.

So there you have it, how I came down with my "Post-Vanna" predicament. Once you live the Vanna life it's hard to go back, but I'm taking it day by day.

I'd like to say a special thank you to my Wheel of Fortune "prep team" who helped guide me through the week. I miss all of you characters! And, an enormous thank you to the Executive Producer, Harry Friedman, for making this opportunity available. I will never forget the friends I made during the trip or the great memories I now have. Thank you so much everyone!