Where is my 4:30 a.m. wake-up from Laurie? We use to call that time of the morning, "Oh-dark-30" when I was in the military. RaquelLaurie would have fit right in. I was actually missing her motivational speeches.

 

Well, it was another beautiful but rainy day in New York. As we stretched, yawned and scratched our bellies, I decided to make breakfast. I became known as the resident chef in the house, thanks to my Southern upbringing. Well, to my surprise, inside our living room in the loft were makeup stands with tons and tons of cosmetics. My first thought was, "Thank goodness... cover these bags," as they were starting to form under my eyes from sleep deprivation.

 

While we were getting our makeup done, I had a conversation with the beautiful Jamie. I gave her the nickname Nurse Jamie, because I accidentally bruised my rear end doing an exercise and Jamie came to the rescue by putting cream and band-aids on my wound. I asked her, "Wouldn't it be funny if we had to do bikini shots today -- in the rain?" Hmmm, if only I'd known what was in store for us.

 

You want me to wear only what?!

 

So our leg-up challenge was just that: we were doing a photo shoot in Central Park in our... drumroll please... UNDERWEAR! Uh, did someone forget to tell the crew it was raining cats, dogs and little children outside? Speaking of children, did anyone remember some of us have had children, so our bodies might not be as "tight" as they use to be? The world is going to see me in my underwear -- now I'm about to panic. But someone comes and saves the day. Who, you ask?

 

The gorgeous Dolores! This woman stepped out on that set and took her photos as if it were a sunny day outside and she had on a full set of clothing. I couldn't believe it! She is so regal and fascinating to talk to. I was floored at how she moved and smiled, as if it was just another day at work. I want to be like her when I grow up (smile).

Dolores

 

I got out there in the rain and started posing. I knew one of my best features on my body was my stomach, so I tried to do more athletic shots. I knew the other girls were going to go for the sexy look, so I wanted to be different.

 

Frederique, a former Victoria's Secret supermodel, was at our next challenge. And what a challenge it was! We had to get on trampolines for a 3 Musketeers candy bar campaign. We were put on teams and we had to synchronize our jumps. Talk about hard work, but it was a good time.

Raquel on the Trampoline

At elimination, the thing I thought would work for me actually worked against me. Being athletic in the underwear shot was not pleasing to the judges. They felt I put up a good effort but it was just not enough, so in the end, I was the one to go home. As I look back on the experience as a whole, I will say that it was worth it. Not only did I take on challenges I may have never tackled if I was still in the military, I met -- and still have --some wonderful friends from the show.

 

Where do I go from here, you ask? Well, my time is not up in front of the camera, ladies and gentlemen. I think I'll work on hosting my own TV show.

You haven't seen the last of me. I still have a mission!