January 24, 2023 recap (for Raul)

The bonus puzzle became very easy thanks to the C and O picks. Congratulations Raul!

Thank you all soooo much! Your support means the world to me!

Erin and Luci were terrific competitors. Erin in particular crushed it. However, I always held out hope that the Prize Puzzle could bring me to the BR. Thankfully with Luci’s solve in the SU round, I was able to maintain my incredibly narrow lead. After the show, I told Luci that she changed my life by solving the SU puzzle..

I have heard from previous contestants that their reaction times were 1-2 seconds slower solving on air compared to solving at home. That was not my case. I legitimately had “Stage Fright” (which was fitting that that was the 2nd toss up 😜). I was experiencing sensory overload with focusing on the wheel, board, used letter board, Pat, Vanna, lights, cameras, audience, etc. As I stood on stage I knew my fellow boardies knew the puzzles, but I kept blanking. It’s way easier to solve at home than on the WOF set. As a result, I was fortunate to get the Prize Puzzle and hold on to my lead.

As for the BR, I knew “cookware” immediately from RSTLNE but I did not know the first word until the C’s popped up. I do not remember my unbridled celebration in the moment, but it was great to watch it as a viewer at home.

Before my BR spin, I kissed my ring for my wife and son. I also pointed up to the sky for my dad. My dad passed away when I was young and I’ve always wanted to live a life that he would have wanted to live if he were still here. I think I made him proud.

I’m so appreciative of this community! Thank you all so so so so much!!!!

TU2: Exactly what Raul experienced after botching that puzzle lol.

The Trip Puzzle may have mattered for you to win, Raul, but you picked some good letters in the BR (which I RSTLNEd) to take home a lot of green.

6/10 (most of this episode was a snore-fest...also avoiding any boardie bias)

That spree came from Furniture of America.