Background:

In May 2001, I took the test to audition for the television show Jeopardy! I did not realize at the time that about 250,000 people try to take the test every year and only about 10,000 actually take the test. Of the 75 people who took the test with me, only 4 passed. We were told that we might be selected as contestants and would be notified within the next twelve months.

In May 2002, I was contacted that I was selected to tape on June 10 or 11; five shows are taped per day. Being a true frequent flyer (over 2,000,000 on AA), my first thought was gee how many miles can I get?

I was able to get a decent fare from DFW to LAX on AA (under $200 by travelling with my senior citizen mother). Exactly 72 hours before the flight our upgrades cleared (we are both Platinum). I made my Hertz reservation and my reservation at the official Jeopardy! hotel; I used Expedia to get the rate half off the official Jeopardy! rate.

Flight Report

Saturday, June 8, 2002
AA Flight 2409
Seats Somewhere in First

Since I needed a minimum of three outfits and tons of make-up, I checked a bag (something I almost never do since I have mastered packing really light). We arrived about an hour before departure and zipped through check-in and security. We waited for the sacrificial lamb to board so we would not be searched. On board we were offered drinks. Breakfast was served and was quite skimpy but I was trying to stay thin for my appearance. We were offered yogurt or cereal, a fruit plate, and muffins or bagels. The flight was uneventful.

We landed, retrieved my bag, and proceeded to Hertz. My economy car was an Isuzu Trooper. We headed to the Getty Museum for a last minute art and architecture overview. Then we checked in the Radisson at Culver City. I do not know if they were a tad snippy because of my cheap rate or if the desk clerk was having a bad day. The room was nice but nothing special. It did have an iron and ironing board so I could be wrinkle-free.

Fast Forward

If you want to know how I did on Jeopardy!, watch the episode on Friday, September 6, 2002. I am the only female and I am wearing bright red. I had listed my mileage accruing hobby as one of my discussion topics, but Alex (a very attractive and extremely personable man who looks da*n good up close and personal) chose another topic, my third choice. I really wanted to relate how I almost killed Bucky Fuller when I served as his chauffer for the day.

Oh, well I went on the show to prove to myself that I could and I was really happy with how everything turned out...

Return Flight
June 12, 2002
AA Flight 2418
Seats First Class

I was getting cranky because our upgrades had not cleared, but they did around three hours before departure. We checked-out, filled the tank, returned the car, and checked-in. I was stopped at security and had to twirl, feel the wand, and sacrifice my tweezers. I did not want that experience again so we waited to board until another passenger was twirling.

On this flight we had a more deluxe breakfast with an omelet, turkey sausage, potatoes, fruit, and bagels.

We also had a lot of priests and a monk or two (all in coach) on the flight. When I claimed my bag at DFW, the claim area was filled with men of the cloth. Later that day while watching the news, I found out that a "Priest" conference was in Dallas. Oh well, I felt safer flying.

This is my first trip report and I really wrote it so people will watch me on Jeopardy! tomorrow.

If you have ever had an inkling to try-out for the show, do it; it was a great experience.