Monday, October 28, 2013

Winning at Losing

I was sure that this year would be the one, me and Biggest Loser would have a torrid love affair and I would lose the weight and keep it off. Things were looking brighter than the last time I auditioned to be on the show. They called me, which shocked the Hades out of me. I was invited to come to the open call with a front of the line pass and sit through another casting table. If you aren't familiar with how the casting process happens on The Biggest Loser, here's the low down. You have to pre-regisiter so that they know who you are and that you are coming to a city near you to show them how amazing you are. Once this happens, you usually have to go to said location and wait in line for hours, American Idol style. Once inside, you and 9 of your closet friends sit at a table with one casting director, who then asks you one question. It can be anything, both times I've gone they were different. Once it was, "What's your greatest accomplishment?" and I honestly can't remember what I was asked this year. After everyone answers the question, you say your good byes. It's about 10 minutes long which means you have 30 seconds to give the best elevator speech of your life. It can be a lot of pressure, so make sure you know what you want to say and who you are. If you can't define yourself, they certainly can't and they have a very specific thing in mind each season for casting. Anywho... I was called by Melissa the casting director. She gave me a VIP front of the line pass for the open call. I thought, alright, let's do this!! So my husband and I drove up to Phoenix and stayed at the hotel where the casting was taking place. We enjoyed our weekend together and the day of the casting call I got dressed and looked fabulous. I was ready to walk in there and book this gig. From my eyes, it looks as though there were 300 + people waiting to been seen, which made me thankful for a front of the line pass. Last year, my friend Elyse and I drove up to Phoenix and waited in line for hours and hour. I was feeling good, and looking good as I walked in. I am, if you didn't already know, an actress. I know how to impress someone in two minutes so I don't get nervous in these situations. All I had to do was be me, which is easy, since, I am me. Haha! I was shown right to the front, and went into the conference room where Melissa the Casting director was. We went around the table and introduced ourselves. Name, age, occupation, how much weight do you want to lose?! Melissa remembered me, which made me feel a little better about my chances. Then she asked the question... MAN I wish I could remember what it was. So, everyone has answered, and we are excused and told that if we are to get a call back, we will know by the end of the day. As I am getting up from the table, I open my water bottle to take a sip and it erupts like a volcano ( No idea how or why) and almost soaks Melissa The Casting Director. I say, "Oh SHIT! I'm sorry. That was bizarro!!!." Yep... I said shit. Awesome Jacinda, way to cuss. As I'm walking out and back to our room I think that I must be out since my water tired to kill the casting director. WE check out and start the two hour drive back home to Tucson. About 30 minutes into our drive, my phone rings. It's a Phoenix area code, and I think.... WHOA, this is happening, and it was, in fact! I got a call back! I was asked to come back up a few days later for on on camera video. I also needed to make a submission video and send it in. I felt really great about the video interview. I was honest and to the point. I was myself, so if they didn't want me, at least I didn't get it for pretending to be someone else. Here's my deal... I'm fat. I'm not unhealthy, I'm not insecure, I love myself and have confidence in myself. I think I'm beautiful, I believe you have to love yourself of no one else can truly love you. I suspect these aren't qualities of the "perfect" Biggest Loser contestant, but who am I to know!!! Honestly, I know they have a different theme every season, and maybe my season will be the season of confident people  who truly need help getting those pounds off. I do, in fact need the help, but, seeing the amazing, inspiring people of season 15, I have a pretty good idea why I wasn't cast! No hard feelings, it is what it is! Having the opportunity would be like winning the lottery, a chance in a lifetime. These people deserve it and are incredible to watch. I'm not saying that I DON'T also deserve it, but I understand why they chose who they chose. Well, I didn't ever hear from them again after my on camera interview and my video submission. I waited, I got passed over on a gig by a few days, and it is what it is! I believe things happen for a reason. You have to make life what you want it to be. Don't sit around and wait for it to happen, or you'll miss out on one hell of a ride. Happiness, healthiness, and love are there behind that door, down that path you are afraid to take. Be proactive, do it for YOU and stay strong. It's OKAY to have bad days god knows I do. The trick it to not let it defeat you, take that bad day and kick it in the crotch. Ain't nobody got time FO that!!!!! I'm working every day to be a better me and the path isn't simple or easy. It's hard as hell, but I want to live life to the fullest. Everyone needs help, and I'm here for support and need support myself. Let's get off our asses guys!!!!!!