I think that arriving back on the elimination stage really threw us. We all panicked trying to anticipate what was next. Were they going to just send one of us home immediately? Was that a possibility? When Kim announced what we were to do, I took a deep breath. It was worse than I thought. My secret was up, I was nailed: I have reading glasses! There, I said it.
Now I had to fake not needing them for the cameras. But when I realized that we had to read the Teleprompter with no practice, it was all downhill from there. I knew this is rarely done in the real world. The tough lessons that I learned from this were:
1) Don't be so vain. It could bite you in the butt someday.
2) Do your homework and read the copy BEFORE you go on air.
3) Quit watching Hannah Montana reruns with your kids so you know that Beth Ostrosky is married to HOWARD STERN… oops!
When LeeAnne chose me as her partner for the action sequence, I knew I would have to pull out my A-game. She's like a stick of dynamite just daring you to keep up with her. I love it! We decided to be "in character" the whole day, meaning we didn't talk, laugh or socialize with anyone. This helped us focus on the attitude that we thought was needed for the sequence. I personally started channeling Jennifer Garner in Alias to help me through this day… along with a lot of "ommmm."
I told LeeAnne that without a doubt I needed to drive the car. Growing up with four brothers who love driving fast cars and racing motorcycles, I have the need for speed. This was by far the biggest rush for me in this competition. We needed to hit our mark on the street without going over it — and we nailed it! At this point, I felt like Mario Andretti had nothing on me. The adrenaline was pumping so much that we were aching to just keep going. By the time we kicked that door off the hinges, we both felt like we could have smashed it to the next state!
I was still pumped up the next morning preparing for the judges' elimination — I guess it could have been my fractured ankle and bruises from head to toe. The high quickly evaporated when we heard the judges HATED everything about it. In hindsight, yes, it was "cartoony." I mean, where else would a 47-year-old woman speed a convertible Mercedes to a screeching halt, jump onto stacks of crates, roll over a concrete wall onto a wet, moldy old mattress into a kneeling position — while carrying heavy machinery, running full blast (in 6-inch heels, I might add) and kicking down a heavy wooden door. Oh, and let's not forget those skintight catsuits!
I want to believe that Arnold Schwarzenegger would have been proud of us. Yes, it was hideous. But to me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks to our director Fernando Hernandez and, of course, my powerhouse friend LeeAnne for the fantasy!
Finally, let me just say this: Participating in this show has given me the opportunity to reflect upon my past, appreciate the present and anxiously await my future. Remembering what brought me here and why. Learning from my mistakes. Enjoying and loving this moment. It goes by too fast and may never happen again. Miracles can happen and it just takes me to believe in them and to go for it!
Honestly, we all had "crosses" that we brought to the contest. That's what made us who we are. It's what we CHOOSE to do with it that can make us more confident people. The creative, talented people in front of the cameras — as well as behind them — have touched my life forever. I can truly call them my friends… the greatest gift.
God bless,
Theresa Kalnins
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Yuo really are a beautiful woman….you did a great job. Thanks for staying "above the drama". I know networks have to have someone in there that people "love to hate"…I think it took about 4 minutes into Shelly's "routine", for us to all knwo who that was gonna be …..what a fruit cake….
Thanks for being a wonderful contestant, and a pleasure to watch ……..best of luck to you , in the future…
Hello, I enjoy this…
I think "she is got the look" is grand opportunity gfor those that has the look and the ambitions or courage to go for it.
What are the age cut off for entries???
Do you have to have professional pictures?
Where is the criteria of entries?
YOU are the winner in my eyes! I don't even own a TV but have watched you all season on TVLand.com. I am 46 and have had some experience modeling. YOU are – by far – the most beautiful, genuine, versital model of them all. Dont' get me wrong, I do like Cindy and LeeAnn, but they don't stand up against you…no matter what the judges think! I was totally shocked (and disappointed) by tonight's winner announcement being Cindy. YOU are stil the winner to me!
Beth Williams
http://www.BigSkyBeauty.com
Theresa,
You are so beautiful and have the natural ease and grace about you. Please don't give up your dreams, I wanted all 3 of you to be signed and it could still happen for you. None of you look over thirty. Shelly was a tough one to work with and her clashing with Leeanne was sad and unfortunate for her. I think that her personality cost her in the long run. Please keep up with this and you will get noticed and an agency will hire you. LOL Theresa.
You are my favorite….not that you probably care but….I am almost 40 – this December and I think you ROCK! Thanks!
Lastly – I am not sure if you even read these but with your "need for speed" – I thought I would share with you a book I recently read. It is called "The Art of Racing in the Rain". From the comments you made above with what you have learned etc I think you would absolutely love it! It is a quick read. It is funny, sad and poignant! If you do get the chance to read it – I hope you enjoy it! Good luck! Take care and have fun!!!!
theresa , i really hope u WIN , i cant wait to see the finale. if u dont you are a classy , sophisticated, loving person . YOU will succeed at anything u do =)
Hi Theresa,
47 years old…..and so beautiful you are able to wear your underwear and a negligee on national television! You already won!!!
You have so much class. And, I think that's a huge compliment.
Best wishes
Theresa,
Awesome job representing those of us in the over 40 category! And thanks for keeping it real. Keep up the great work! You're awesome.
Best of luck!
DBinTx
Theresa, you are right on girl. You're a perfect model of the 45 and up women. you show poise,grace,intelligence and a face and body that alot of "hollywood beauties" can only dream of!!! You've been ahead of the pack all season as far as I'm concerned. Can't wait to see you take the GRAND FINALE.
Theresa,
I just started watching this show, and you have been my favorite from the start! When they did your make-over…I was like how awesome! You have great poise, a great personality and your lovely spirit also glows. You have inspired me.
You go girl. Best wishes,
Your name sake
Theresa 47, yet holding at 29!!
goodbye shelley
its about time
what a snot
Theresa, Great job on making the finals, and also your mini movie, I loved it, DVR'd it and watched it several times, I loved you and LeeAnne from the start, knew you would be there, and hoping LeeAnne would too, just wasnt sure she could overcome the backstabbing. I'll be watching to see who won. Stand proud, and if you didnt win, I will still definitely be looking for you at the checkout!
Theresa,
Your my pick to win . My 2nd pick is Cindy
Your both beautiful.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!
I'll be watching
Your action movie was the best. The judges were wrong to say it wasn't good. I wonder about them sometimes. Great job. I think you or Leeann will win.
Theresa,
You are quite an inspiration for me! I hope i can look as good as you, when I get to your age (in a few years). I have seen you in the shown evolving into a timeless beauty, I hope you win!
Best Wishes!
Christina
Theresa,
Congratulations on being chosen for the finals! I admire your poise and grace and I think you are a great rep for the 45+ crowd, which I'm a part of. Keep up the great job!
Blessings,
Nancy
I thought you guys were great. What did they expect running in those super boots.
I thought you both did wonderful, you have been one of my favorites since the start. Good luck to you.
theresa u and all the s are great. but i wish shelley would grow up. hang in there and continue to be the good sport that u are. rosi
Oh, I forgot to add something: Theresa, don't be so hard on yourself. "Perfection" isn't necessarily what makes you the "perfect" model, but rather the ability to connect with your audience. Showing that you are human is a good thing. And being able to laugh at yourself when you falter is a great virtue. You have shown your humility and perseverance throughout this show by being a great "role model" to other women. That's the best kind of model to me. Kudos to you!
Way to go, Theresa! I'm betting you will be the winner this season. You've DEFINITELY "Got The Look."
You're a real class act unlike the little child that went home tonight! You could have said some bad things about Shelly, but you refrained from doing so. That shows character and maturity. Plus, you probably don't really care what that crazy says about you anyways.
Theresa, you are simply lovely and I am delighted at your success on the show. You have demonstrated professionalism, grace, kindness and incredible physical beauty. I have enjoyed watching you and I am hopeful that you will be crowned the winner. You have certainly earned it! God bless. Love, Marie
I think you and Leeann did a fantastic job!!! I love your attitude… thanks for always keeping it classy
You and LeeAnn did an awesome job!!! Congrats on making the finals!!
I liked your scenes. I don't think anyone (straight off the street) could have done it better. Even the host thing, bet if you asked Ostrosky, she'll tell you she didn't have two minutes to prepare and instantly began taping. Considering, I think you all did well. I think you and LeAnne rocked when you kicked the door off the hinges.