Yikes! This was such a busy week!!! First the temptation started the week off with some major drama. After explaining to everyone that they would have to spend time alone in a room with all that food, with one person winning a 3 lb pass at the next weigh-in, they were also told there was no strategizing amongst teammates. As people came out from the room, there was a lot of trash talk – some people saying they didn’t eat anything and others claiming the crew will have to restock the room before the next person goes.

Knowing the big twist that was going to hit the teams in Week 2, I was definitely nervous and anxious to get going. But first, the challenge. The Blue and Red teams both wanted this win, but the Blue team I think was determined to beat the Red team after their loss at last weeks challenge. And for a while it looked like it was going to happen. Blue held on to a clear lead almost all the way through, but when Phil squared off against Jerry as the final two to run the stairs, it was clear that Phil wasn’t going to give up. I totally got caught up in the moment as Jerry and Phil disappeared behind the walls and we couldn’t see them until they came around the corner towards the finish line.

I had several jam-packed days in New York City this week. It was fun, exciting and crazy.
It was hard to say goodbye to Ben and Dave on Sunday morning, but one of my close friends lives in NYC, and I was looking forward to having a fun dinner with her when I arrived too. We caught up on tons of gossip – and she insisted since she won’t be with me to celebrate my birthday next week, that we should start celebrating it early! Who could say ‘no’ to that? I have a friend who extends her birthday to last the whole month! She knows how to milk it, man, no kidding. So, I figured I am entitled to a birthday ‘week’, right??!! Monday started off with a ‘satellite media tour’. Which means you sit in front of a camera, and they direct link you to local networks around the country in 10 minute increments. But we did this at the NBC Experience store in Rockefeller center, with people shopping and taking the nbc tour passing by me. Lol… I felt like an exhibit ‘warning – do not tease the actor!’ But it all worked out, and it turned out great. After that I did a signing at quick signing at the store. It was fun meeting the Days and BL fans – some Second Chance fans came with a message, so: “HI, back!” 
We walked away from the nbc store with an umbrella in hand – being from LA, I don’t really carry an umbrella, well, ever. So this was sort of a new experience for me. And it was one of the big umbrellas, you know, like Mary Poppins style. And it wasn’t raining. Which started to make me feel kind of goofy. Carrying this major water guard around with me, into important meetings and having to find a place to stow my completely dry umbrella. I like the word ‘umbrella’. It’s fun to say. Why is that? how weird. So, finally I ditched my work (read uncomfortable) clothes in my hotel room, and met up with some friends for a few drinks and a late dinner.
Tuesday, I had to get up super early to get ready for the Today Show. Umbrella in hand, we headed over to Studio 1a. There was no rain so again, I was left dealing with this bulky thing in the make-up room and in the green room as I was getting ready to go on. I was on around 8:30am I think. Jodi Foster was on at the top of the hour, she was so poised and gave the most beautiful interview. I can’t wait to see her new movie. And Jodi just seemed like such an amazing person. I love her! Anyway, I spoke to Meredith about the Biggest Loser for a few minutes, she showed some good clips of the show – Jillian working the black team out in the desert is FIERCE, right??!!! And then we were off to the offices of Prevention Magazine. As we were walking down the streets of Manhattan it starts to rain. I look around and where is the damn umbrella??? Right – back in the dressing room at the Today Show. Now it is really coming down and I have no way to protect my hair, face, dress, from the rain because I left my stupid monster of an umbrella behind. Argh!!! Luckily they were very understanding and compassionate about my condition upon arriving! They are very involved with the Biggest Loser, and active on the website and the Biggestloserclub.com. I did some interviews for their site and magazine, etc and then back out into the rain. Wet again. But this time I didn’t care so much because I had a couple hours of down time (nap!) to get ready to go down to Rachel Ray.

to be cont...

Wow. My first week with Biggest Loser has been so overwhelming, fun, exciting and definitely inspiring. Having watched plenty of ‘reality’ tv over the years, I thought I knew what to expect, but being a part of a show like BL is way more intense than I expected. And I feel I have already bonded with the Contestants and the Trainers.

Right from the beginning, the producers are determined to keep us all on our toes this season. The Contestants and I found ourselves in the middle of the desert. It was hot and sunny… everyone was sweating!!! And we were all in for a very exciting morning. Standing closest to me was Jerry, Kae and Lezlye. Being a competitive person myself, I was surprised to see that whenever anyone expressed concern about the challenge facing them someone else would immediately jump in to motivate them. As I said, I realized right away how affecting this experience was going to be. Every single person is so motivated and determined to be here. I can see already how hard it is going to be to say good bye to people as they get eliminated.