She's Got the Look Models

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. Laurie 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).

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.

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!

OK, Theresa, just breathe slowly... Now all you have to do is put on your big girl panties and go for it! Seems so simple, really. But after being on a high from being told "you're on the board," I got a realistic shot in the arm.

The makeover: I just knew they would cut my hair. However, I wasn't prepared for my reaction. It had been 30 years since my hair had been "short." I have trouble with change. I change my underwear and almost hyperventilate. Thank goodness Cutler Hair Salon is staffed by professionals who have great insight. But this day took a lot of deep breathing.

Another sudden change on the bus was simply to play with our heads.  I don't recommend changing your clothes on a city bus in downtown New York!  But I did make a mental note to always carry 50 lbs. of clothing with me - just in case.

Upon arriving at the audition, the advertising clients had Dolores, Jacqueline and me leave the room almost immediately. We missed all of the drama but I knew something was up, just a bad feeling. When the women came out of the room, it felt as if an explosion went off! Shelly was ranting and screaming at LeeAnne and Laurie. We all just sat there shocked and embarrassed.

Several thoughts were going through my head.  Did Shelly really believe she wasn't beautiful? Why did she need a bunch of strangers telling her that she was? Would it make that much of a difference in her life if they didn't, or was this just an act? I felt like I was in that show with a bunch of teenagers vying to be discovered as supermodels -- not confident, strong, intelligent women who were 35 and older.

Just breathe...

Finally, at the photo shoot, we got to have some fun. The gorgeous dresses were already chosen for us. The hair and makeup artists did all the magic with our baggy, bloodshot eyes and flat hair. How could we go wrong? Some women were uncomfortable with the dress choices but I told them "The secret is to not let anyone know about it." The model always has to look like she loves the clothes and can't wait to wear them. No matter how many Spanx it takes to look great!

The First Elimination Day

All the women knew something was up with Laurie that morning. She hadn't slept in a few days and was exercising excessively. She had awakened me at 2 a.m. and said "God had told her in a dream to get all of the women together and refuse to compete as a group." I then told her, "God had spoken to me, too, and he said to tell you that you need to go downstairs and sleep." She did.

Another really big breath...

I found that I would be saying this to myself over and over again. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? If we had five different judges tomorrow, they would choose completely different women. It is incredibly subjective, period. But all in all, I am finding most of the women are competitive, yes, but also kind, strong and fabulous. It is an honor for me to be included in this group. Sadly, we find the future brings out the dishonest and manipulative behavior in one of our own. Stay tuned.