Trying to stay upright was definitely a challenge! The train doesn’t just move back and forth, but also side to side; you don’t even realize how much you can get thrown around on the subway until you try to do a makeover without holding on! On top of that, I had to carry a big, rolled-up red carpet around with me wherever we went. I'm telling you, next time you take a train, pay attention to the movement and you'll see what I mean.  Physically, it was one of the most grueling weeks of my career.

It was hard not knowing whether the makeover subjects would say yes or no. It’s always hard to face rejection, but especially on a subway train in front of a crowd of people; it’s not like we could leave if they said no! We would still be riding the train together. It reminded me of grade school, when I had to go door to door selling chocolate and cookies for a school fund-raiser. I hated going to strangers asking them to buy my wares.  Thinking about it makes my stomach hurt.

This week, I did learn how to better deal with rejection and be more comfortable making a fool of myself in public! My friends call me terminally single, because I have an allergy to talking to strangers, which can keep me from meeting new people ... especially in social situations. The Makeover Train definitely helped me get over some of those fears, but I’m still a work in progress.

The craziest moment was when Lauren, Tasha and I stepped out onto the platform and our train car doors shut and the train left without us! Everything we had and everyone else was on that train. We couldn't believe it.  It was a totally surreal, but hilarious moment.  Fortunately, we found a really friendly MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) worker who helped guide us back to our special train.

Three of us working on one person at a time was tough. Lots of negotiating arms everywhere. We had only a few minutes to accomplish so many things, and the working conditions were far from ideal! We obviously couldn’t completely transform peoples lives in only a short subway ride, so we tried hard to make sure they had fun and learned a thing or two. Our “victims” all had a great time. Not only was it fun for them to get a quick makeover, but I think they all had a great time experiencing the process.

The makeovers I felt best about were the overworked moms. They spend so much time thinking about everyone else; moms really need to be reminded to take time for themselves, and to know that it’s OK to take time for yourself. We gave them license, if only for a few short minutes, to treat themselves.

It was a whirlwind, crazy, wonderful experience. I can’t wait to do it again. I hope I can keep getting better at being silly in public and on camera!