Come On Down. Not.

Last week, Glenna and I had tickets to The Price Is Right.  So early Monday morning, we hopped on the 101 and headed into LA.  Monday morning + the 101 = Not exactly a timely arrival.  So we missed getting an 'Order of Arrival' pass for the noon taping.  But the guy gave us passes for the 4:00 taping - telling us we had a 50/50 chance of getting in.  So we went to The Grove (which is a wonderful place, by the way!!) to eat some lunch and waste some time before we were due back for the line-up at 12:30.

At 12:30, they started calling out numbers to start the screening process.  Yes, you get 'screened' to go on the show!  Our arrival pass numbers were 243 and 244.  They called numbers and called numbers.  The last section of numbers ended at 240.  We were told to stick around - that we "might" be able to get in....

So stick around we did.  And hallelujah our section of numbers were called!!

We had to sit in line and fill out paperwork, promising that we had not won anything on a game show within the last 10 years and promising to provide our social security number should we win and on and on.  Slowly but surely, the line inched forward toward the interview area.  While waiting, we chatted with the others in line with us.  Mainly with Thomas and Kimberly, a couple vacationing from Arizona.

When we reached the interview area, Thomas was the first in our group to be interviewed.  Glenna noticed that the producer's assistant made a notation on her pad while Thomas was speaking.  We quietly suspected that Thomas was going to get called to 'Come On Down'!  And sure enough, he did!  It was SO exciting to 'know' someone that got called up.

Sadly, neither Glenna nor I were called.  But we screamed and clapped and waved our arms like a couple of crazy people.  Seriously, it was SO much fun!  I highly recommend it if you visit the LA area!

A couple of pointers if you go:

• Send someone early to get your 'Order of Arrival' passes.  Like 6am early.
• While in line, be loud.  Be jolly.  Big brother is watching and listening.
• If you are in a group, dress in some sort of theme.  It draws attention and increases the likelihood of someone in your group getting called.
• In the interview, be loud.  Be jolly.  Be fun.  Contestants are chosen before you ever set foot in the studio.

So everyone set your DVRs for December 22.  I am sitting stage right.  Two rows behind the group with the Santa hats on!