We are immediately thrown into a pop-challenge after the week 8 weigh-in and brought to a field where we see life-size day one photos of each of the remaining contestants. The object: each person must run their colored cinder blocks over and cover another contestant’s photo. The last person whose photo remains uncovered must leave the ranch for the entire week. I lose my footing right off the bat and completely DECK it against the hard cinder block. The wind is knocked out of me as I felt the corner of the block jab into my ribs and leg. There is a reason Joe nicknamed me “Grace” on the show! I know I have to get up and continue.

It’s between Jackson and Gina as the final blocks are placed. Jackson pleads to the rest of that cast that he should go home. He believes that Gina needs a redemption week and that he would thrive off the ranch. We respect Jackson’s wishes and save Gina – but that wasn’t the end. Jackson had to choose someone to join him. Now Jackson AND Jeff will begin the week facing their fear of leaving the ranch. This changed the tone for the whole week!

Throughout the week, each of the remaining contestants had to “face their fears.” Gina had to lie in a coffin for twenty minutes to face her fears of claustrophobia and dying too young. Eek! Joe faced his fears by jetting out to Catalina Island and swimming to shore with the risk of there being a shark in the depths of the deep blue sea.

Then it was my turn… I had to face my fears by singing in public. NO WAY!! Singing has always been a passion of mine but I CANNOT do it in front of anyone. Here is my chance to tackle this straight on. Jillian takes me to a nightclub where I have to sing the Star Spangled Banner. I start off pretty shaky… my nerves are all over the place. But toward the end I gain my composure and finish strong. It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish and I DID IT! I hope people see that you can do anything you put your mind to!

This week’s challenge was insane! We are being dangled over a seven-story building where we have to hold on to 40% of our current body weight. If you drop it, you fall and you lose your chance at the biggest prize this season – IMMUNITY. Jeff is quick to drop, followed by Jackson, Alex, and then Joe. Gina and I remain for more than twenty minutes. I struggle to hold on… and I eventually fall.

With Gina having immunity the pressure is off her at the weigh-in, but for the rest of us it’s a different story. Everyone is pulling record weight losses. I am last to weigh in… 10 pounds lost and I am Biggest Loser of the Week!!! With Alex and Jackson both below the yellow line, Alex is ultimately voted to go home.

We’re already looking forward to next week … MAKEOVERS!!!! We made it!