March 13, 2011

So we went. 
WOW....what an experience!  I have school on Fridays, so after my last class, I stopped by my house to pick up my bag and to kiss the family goodbye.
After picking up my aunt R. and fueling up, we headed towards Salt Lake!  We made it to my friend M's house about 11:30pm.  M. was nice enough to open her home to us for a few hours to rest and nap. 
At about 2 am, R. and I got up and dressed for our day.  We headed out and arrived at the Maverick Center in Salt Lake City about 3:30 am.  The line had already started forming.  Chairs and sleeping bags lined the steps of the Maverick Center.  The temperature was amazingly mild.  There was no wind and it almost felt eerily warm out.
  We set up camp and began to introduce ourselves to our neighbors.  Minutes became an hour, an hour became two.  Adrenaline keep us going.  We were running on little sleep and little food, and soon we were also noticeably without a bathroom.
Soon the weather shifted and rain began to fall.  The winds picked up and the temperature fell about ten degrees instantly. 
We jumped up and down to keep warm.  Wrapped in blankets we watched and waited for signs from the building in hopes to use the bathroom. 

At about 5:30 am I mentioned being hungry and offered to go get some girl scout cookies from my car. There I was surrounded by 100 other heavy people, all waiting for a chance to change their life and lose even a pound of their weight.....and I mention COOKIES??? Are ya kidding me???
I instantly became a friend and a foe.  One called me the "anti-Christ", right before she purchased 2 boxes of cookies, one called me a "life-saver" as she purchased 6 boxes.  Honestly, if there was ever a better place to set up a cookie booth sale, that was the place!
Finally at 6:30 am, they began letting people in 2 at a time to use the restroom.  I had never been so happy to see a public bathroom!!!!  The rain continued to sprinkle down on us, but the wind eventually stopped.  (either that or I got sooo numb I did not notice it anymore).
And finally it was time.  At 8am the doors were opened and we were let into the building.  We were ushered into the stands like cattle, given numbers and a short application.  I became number 50, R. number 51.  We filled out our applications and waited. 
About 15 minutes later we were given instructions.  Come when your number is called.  Enter a room. Talk when it is your turn and do not attempt to hug or shake hands with any member of the "Biggest Loser" staff (I guess it takes up time and something about it being cold and flu season)
We were also told that no sob stories were allowed and that we were going to doing our interview in groups of 12. 
REALLY??? Who can shine in a group of 12???
We were asked our names, occupation and weight.  We were also asked our favorite restaurant and why.  Finally were were asked to name 2 things that someone would not guess by looking at you.
Then we were thanked, told to send in a home video by March 25th and sent out the door.
That was IT!!!!
After 4 and a half hours in the cold wind and rain, it took us approximately 45 minutes to leave.  And only 10 of those minutes was actual interviewing.
Shoot me.
By that time I was SOO tired I could barley think, but my aunt wanted to head home, so we headed back to the freeway and immediately headed back to Idaho.
We made it home about 4 pm.  With only an hour and a half of sleep, I was literally sleep walking as I entered my home (something I NEVER suggest doing).
I showered and fell into my bed, dreaming of a new me.