Now imagine how my world was turned upside down this week as I was forced to watch the show on the DVR.  By myself.  On a Friday!  Avoiding Twitter for three days so I wouldn’t see any spoilers.  Never again.

What I learned during my solo viewing:  Emotions get in the way.  Where to start with Migdalia?  Whether it was dealing with the student/teacher pairings or responding to Jillian’s attempt to “knock the chip off her shoulder,” she’s clearly unwilling or unable to express her feelings.  It’s easier for her to squelch them with self-sabotaging behavior.  Feel sorry for her, but also extremely frustrated with her attitude.  Why did she come on the show if she doesn’t want to do ALL of the work – physical and emotional?

Fantastic round ups from Paula and Ali this week.  Quick thoughts:

• Jillian and Bob are in the “good cop/bad cop” groove.  I like the joint training approach.
• Worried that Jillian’s going to push one of these contestants so hard emotionally they will lash out at her physically.  Not a character or personality flaw in the contestants, just the reality of releasing that anger/energy on the nearest thing they can.  Jill’s right up in their faces and they are big in comparison.  Sheer physics.
• Michael’s lucky his mother cares more about him than he does, or he would have gone home.  Unattractive slacker attitude.  Good for Gray Team for calling him on the mat.
• Melissa.  You’re not fooling anyone, least of all Bob and Jillian.  And Lance either knows the score, or he doesn’t know his wife at all.

After the White Team loses the weigh in, Maria makes an impassioned plea for the group to send her home.  Most of them honor the request, except for John and Stephanie who vote for Michael.  What a joy to see Maria at home, changing the way she cooks for her family and getting into that swimming pool!

Random thoughts on Week 2:

• It’s a sobering experience when Dr. Huizenga gives the contestants the results of their medical testing.  Quite a wakeup call to see decades tacked onto your chronological age.
• Why is anyone with a fear of water applying to be on the show?  You’re going to be in the drink within the first three weeks.  Poor Maria.
• Red is the new Purple.  Tracey passes the crazy game play hat to Melissa.
• Highs and lows – Patti sets the weight loss record for women during week 1, ends up going home.
• Week 2 curse – now officially a myth?

Understandable for Patti to sacrifice her time on the ranch for Stephanie, but I was sad to see her go.  She’s doing well at home though, aided by her strong family support system.  Daily workouts with her daughter, dancing with her husband and family running sessions have helped her lose 43 lbs. Patti’s also made huge progress in her battle against diabetes.  Looking good Momma!

Maria, 51 is a corporate travel agent based in Chicago, IL.   As the primary caretaker for her disabled husband and elderly mother, Maria spends more time taking care of others than herself.    The result – significant weight gain over the past 20 years.   The pounds have crept up slowly, but have made a sudden impact on Maria’s ability to help her loved ones.   She is hoping to show others that good health is essential not only for oneself, but for family.

One of Maria and her son Michael’s biggest issues is food.  As Americans of Italian descent, they eat many old world culinary favorites that are loaded with unhealthy ingredients.  While they want to keep their cultural traditions alive, they would like to learn how to use healthy alternatives and ditch their bad food habits.

Michael, 30 is a deejay in Chicago.  He’s used to being the center of attention, both because of his career and his weight.  He’s tried several unhealthy ways to lose pounds quickly but has been unsuccessful.   Michael believes the excess pounds will prevent him from meeting the love of his life and having his own family.   Losing weight and keeping it off will be a lifelong process.

GRAY TEAM – Cousins

Koli, 29 is a football coach and head of security.  He lives in Rohnert Park, CA.   The Tongan culture views extra weight positively and until recently Koli has never worried about his size.   But he is slowly tiring of the expectations that others have of him because of his weight.  He’s always expected to eat the most and be the muscle when anyone needs help moving.  Koli, a former high school athlete, loves athletics and wants to be a positive role model as a coach.   This means embracing a healthy way of life, something that is compromised due to his shift hours.  He often eats irregularly and is unable to commit to an exercise program.

Sam, 24 is a security guard and volunteer youth football coach in Rohnert Park.  His Samoan family regards big as normal, so like his cousin, Sam is used to big family gatherings and lots of food.    He works overnight and sleeps during the day.   This work schedule makes it hard for Sam to establish healthy eating habits.  And although his primary focus is to control his weight, Sam is also concerned about the history of diabetes, hypertension and gout in his family.   One of over 150 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he believes that changing his life will also set a great example for his relatives.