WHEEL OF FORTUNE!

Ok, I have not seen Wheel! Of! Fortune! since... well, since my Nana was alive and we would sit in her living room and watch Pat and Vanna in action.

Back then, Vanna White wore flowing cocktail dresses and teased bangs and actually had to turn the letters. Contestants had to spend their money on "prizes" from a showcase. And the show certainly did not provide "free" letters for the Bonus Round.

But I digress. This is 2010 and things have changed.

But the best part is that tonight, I knew one of the contestants!!!!! So cool.

Meet Ali. I know Ali through an international mom's message board, and I consider it an absolute privilege. She is a talented jewelry-maker, a phenomenal mother of two amazing and adorable little boys and an all-around inspiration.

So as you can imagine, it was awesome to be able to cheer her on.



Isn't she absolutely adorable?



Here she is, chit chatting with Pat Sajak.



Telling all about herself, before she went on to her second place finish!



Ali took home $9450 that night and I am thrilled to pieces for her. I can't even imagine what a fun and great experience it must have been for her, but I do know this was a longtime dream of hers, and I'm so glad she had the chance to fulfill it.

You can check out Ali's version of her night (you know, the real firsthand account) on her blog, here.

Congratulations, Ali!