Day 39

VOICE LESSON #5

     Last Voice lesson before the concert! But I didn't bother to go over Quando...girl stuff going on makes you really tired so I just worked on Apres un reve, Parla Piu Piano and Tonight with Dario - he's a real character!  Here I am with Natalia's bird...he flirts with me all the time!

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #38

      I made chicken salad with the dark meat off the rotisserie chicken that I buy to use for lunch.  I use the white meat for lunch and I had been throwing away the rest (I know so wasteful) so I thought I'd better do something constructive with it...

I got the recipe from my friend Jeremiah - it is quite tasty!  Hopefully this will keep me from going to Quiznos...oh my!!!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #27

      P90X Yoga - feeling a bit winded today so I just did 45 minutes!  

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

don't he a hero, just do your best

putting in the effort even when you are tired will reap reward!

Day 38

Today is my Friday - so yes a bit tired especially since I had choir until late last night!  I reviewed Carmina Burana again but I did not do a warm-up...I didn't want to push myself because there are certain times when a woman should take it easy!  I have a voice lesson tomorrow so I will make sure to have a good warm-up and lesson there.  I had the breakfast of champions again, chicken and broccoli, and Quiznos for dinner.  Unfortunately I am craving chocolate as I have been for the past week so I am going to have another cookie plus some milk for snack.  I just did my P90x Legs and back track so I'm not being too bad today.  I am really excited I purchased the outfit I am going to wear for the concert.  A red silk top with long black skirt that is sheer with an opaque shorter skirt under it.  I will probably wear tights under that since it's a mixed age concert during the day!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

people love to tell me how mediocre I am and how untrained I am...if they only knew that I didn't care!!!  There are plenty of people that think quite the opposite, including me! Yes I may need improvement, but I have what it takes I know I can do it!!

Day 37

In the home stretch now people!!!  It's coming up fast! I think I will have a few people at the concert so I am excited!  I only have one goal left to meet and that's my last live performance which will be on Saturday!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #34

     30 minutes warm us as per lesson
     120 minutes Carmina Burana - choir practice! movements 1-9

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL # 37

     Have I ever told you what I eat for breakfast??

CHARITABLE DEED #5
     As I was walking to the store at about midnight I notices that someone had left on their lights on their car.  I took down the plate number and informed security.  May not seem like a big deal, but um has your car ever not started due to a dead battery...yeah it sucks and you're usually in a hurry!!!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

like this blog at 1 am when I should be in the shower 

Day 36

Today is my rehearsal for the concert on Saturday...here goes!!! Oh I guess I'd better review Tonight again today!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #33

     30 minutes warm up as per lesson

     60 minutes rehearsal for show on Saturday (Quando men vo and Tonight)

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #36

     Wow I finally took a pic of something else!!! AMAZING! Chicken and broccoli with Red Hot

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #26

     60 minutes P90X Legs and back track.  If you don't have weights, add reps!!  Well I have been pretty consistent with working on legs in some form every day - I really want them to look their best so hopefully this will pay off sooner than later! I am sure it will!  Ok, so the ice cream may not be the best idea to expedite this process, BUT it sure does taste good after a long haul of working hard to get good results...I deserve a reward every now and then!!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

how are you prioritizing your day? do your activities match your goals?

Day 35

Rounding off the last week of the challenge!  Now I am getting to the point where I am glad to take a break for a bit.  I of course will still practice, but there is a lot of pressure involved in keeping up with the blog.  I think I will still track what I do just to keep myself on my toes.

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #32
     30 minute warm up as per lesson
     40 minutes Quando men vo (recording and listening)

     20 minutes Parla Piu Piano

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #35

     Breakfast of .....you get the idea!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #25
     YAY finished another goal!! 
     P90X Yoga 50 minutes worked up another great sweat with my hot studio LOL ok the air's off in my room really...

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day 34

Couldn't fall asleep last night so I figured I would work out right before I went to bed...that should help!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #31

     30 minutes warm up as per lesson

     20 Parla Piu Piano - this will be my next recording.   I LOVE this song so I can't wait to learn it

LIVE PERFORMANCE VIEWING #2

     Don Giovanni!!!   This is a really cute opera with lots of good moments...funny how something that's several hundred years old can still be funny and relevant although maybe not as shocking!  That's my roommate Kyla...

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #34

     Breakfast of Champions!!!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #24

      30 minutes P90X Legs and Back - I did what I had time for I told myself I'd stop at midnight and that's what I did!!!  Better than nothing and I worked up a good sweat!  Yeah this was AFTER the opera...no excuses people!!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

are you tired or are you lazy??

Day 33

Keep on keeping on!!  That's all we really can do! I am liking working out on a starved body.  I feel as thought I am getting some good results.  I think I will post pics at the end of my challenge!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #30

     So it's a few days late BUT the main point is that I finished my goal!!! YAY for keeping it up!
     30 minutes warm up as per lesson
     repertoire - Tonight, Parla Piu Piano

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #32

     Breakfast of champions after yoga!!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #23


     P90X Yoga - moving asana program only!  Again worked up a GREAT sweat!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

           

Day 32

It' an off day...instead of being lazy I kicked it into high gear!!! Yeah I have been a bit lazy lately and not eating the best so I did a little extra today...also made another goal today!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSIONS

     30 minutes keyboard skills. Clearly not a real vocal practice session, but I am proud that I am being more consistent with this!

VOICE LESSONS WITH A PROFESSIONAL VOCAL COACH #4

     Had a lesson with Natalia again today! She always encourages me and NEVER EVER lets me get comfortable! We went over Quando men vo, which maybe yeah I am getting a little tired of, but it's not the material...I am getting tired of struggling with it.  When will it become easy? Also Parla Piu Piano/Speak Softly Love - I think this will be my next recording! I love this piece.  I don't know I think this type of genre may be my niche...but practicing with opera definitely makes singing this stuff easier.  Also ran through duet with Dario (Tonight).

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #32

      

     Breakfast of champions

     Rotisserie Chicken

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #19 & 20

     Yes I am counting this twice, why, because I worked out twice today

     P90X Yoga on an empty stomach this morning - hot yoga style

     P90X Legs and Back track a few minutes ago...well, the pull ups are getting easier I must say! Now 6 no problem fast and easy!

 I'm all sweaty - must have done some SERIOUS work!!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

today I CRUSHED it!!

Day 31

YES!!!  I am officially DONE, but this is such a great program I am going to continue for another two weeks until my concert on the 3rd and then take a break!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #29

      30 minutes warm up and vocalize as per lesson

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #31

      Ugh keep forgetting to take pics, but really you've seen it before...take your pick I had them all today LOL

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

are you doing what makes you happy???

Day 30

THE FINAL DAY!!!!!!! technically...yeah I am going to continue on until March 3, which is my concert date.  I made 4 out of 9 goals.  To my defense it was literally impossible to have a voice lesson last week...I have one this week and I have one performance I am going to on Friday.  I missed my charitable deeds by one, but I had planned to pay for part of the shipping of the donated clothes a co-worker was putting together but that fell through due to extenuating circumstances.  It's ok - I did 4 things and I think that's still pretty good and I am more conscientious than I was before which I think is more of the point.

DEMO RECORDING / YOUTUBE COVER #1


     Ok so I BARELY made one more of my goals...the demo recording.  I am actually starting to like how I sound recorded although my diction leaves something to be desired, BUT that is all in the process as well.  I had to record the video and audio separately and put them together.  I couldn't sit to sing first of all and the input in my computer is not high enough quality to do my voice justice ahem LOL plus I have a little reverb in there - I hate a flat sound for classical voice.  So anyway I hope you like it!!  Apres un reve by Gabriel Faure

can also be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kA4rji0lP8

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #28

     30 minutes warm up and vocalize as per lesson
     20 minutes study Apres un reve

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #30

     UGH!!!!  Why didn't I take a pic...seriously??? well you already know what I had just look at yesterday and the day before, and the day before.  I actually didn't get a lot of sleep last night so I needed some sugar to get me through the day :( but I did eat some healthy stuff - breakfast of champions and chicken/green beans for lunch!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #20

     40 minutes P90X Legs and Back track - excluded back portion due to time constraints - it's already midnight and I'm getting it done NOW!!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

this challenge has taught me to congratulate myself for my successes and not down myself for the things I didn't do.  I tried and I still am alive so the things I didn't get to I can STILL do - and do proudly!

Day 29

Wow...I think I need a vacation!!  I am TIRED! I drank another cup of coffee when I got home so I could do my chores and practice like I'm supposed to!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #27

     30 minutes warm up as per lesson
     40 minutes keyboard skills - I am seriously working on this same piece I've been working on for a few sessions now.  Eventually I will get the rhythm and finger placements down, but it is a challenge
     30 minutes repertoire - Als Luise..., Apres un Reve, Casta Diva

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #29

     It's a good thing this brekkie is yummy!!! I just can't get enough of it!!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day 28

I think I may extend this challenge out for two more weeks.  My time was taken up a lot with having 2x rehearsals for a couple weeks and 4 nights taken up this week with the concert.  As this is to benefit me and enforce good behaviors I don't want to feel guilty about not completing all tasks.  Plus my concert is March 3 and I am not sure if I will really have a chance to sing anything before that!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #26

      30 minutes warm up and vocalize as per lesson...I can feel myself getting so much stronger and fuller - it's exciting!!  I feel like my strength/breath control is catching up to the size of my voice if that makes sense?!?!?

     30 minutes final Fidelio rehearsal prior to show...not that that's done I can focus on my rep.  Carmina Burana is at a point where I will have it memorized with just going to rehearsals and all harmonies are done but #20, which isn't that bad just fast.

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #28

    Yep people...it doesn't get more exciting than this!!

LIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE #1

     Well, it wasn't a solo, but it's what I've been auditioning for and working towards!  Finally we had out Fidelio concert and the soloists were World Class!!! Very nicely done and of course the director/narrator was David Edwards who directed Carmen.  Here is me taking an illegal pic backstage! You can see the piano on stage for our warm up!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

To reach a port, we must sail—Sail, not tie at anchor—Sail, not drift.
Franklin Roosevelt

what habits do you have that are causing you to either 

stay attached to one spot 

or 

drift through life?

Day 27

Wow only  few days left to get everything done!!!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #25

     20 minutes warm up as per lesson

     30 minutes Fidelio rehearsal
     60 minutes Carmina Burana review

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #27

     Changed things up...very slightly! Ran out of Spirulina but now am using all day energy green powder. Having some Pei Pa Koa as well...taking care of the throat since I went out this week.

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #19

     50 minutes P90X YogaX - just did the vinyasas and asanas...no balancing or stretching.  I sould have loved to do the entire track but it's now 9:30 am and I need to eat, piano or vocalize and leave early enough to go find a long black skirt or pants for the concert tomorrow!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

think and practice/train like you are already in the place you want to be.  There is no I want to be, only I am...eventually your reality will catch up to what you are thinking about (thought by Dr. Wayne Dyer)

Day 26

It's going to be a struggle today to get everything done!!  Had a big night last night, but it was a long overdue good time out with friends!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #24

     15 minutes warm up...yeah my fault I should have done it earlier, I started at 11 and woke my roommates up!!
     60 minutes Fidelio and Carmina Burana Practice
     20 minutes keyboard skills - C position +1

     

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #26

     hmmmm...all the things I can eat and no I think I will just stick to my normal brekkie!!!  Yay green smoothie, turkey bacon, fruit, and candies!!!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #18

     40 minutes P90X Legs and Back...yeah because of my night out I could do the pull-ups.  Just too tired, BUT I did the legs and worked up a good sweat.  Also drank a lot of water!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

“Being selective—doing less—is the path of the productive.  

Focus on the important few and ignore the rest.  

Lack of time is actually lack of priorities.” 

–Timothy Ferriss

Day 25

Another day in the books!!!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #24

     30 minutes warm up as per lesson
     45 minutes Carmina Burana practice of harmonies.  I first went through all the movements that I created a "help" file for.  I recorded the notes over existing track.  After I went through them I sang over the original movements, spot checking the notes to make sure I came in right.  I think I have gotten comfortable enough with the harmonies I just need to do #20, which is really fast and I didn't want to spend the time on it earlier.  Now that's all I have to focus on!!
   

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #25

     Breakfast of CHAMPIONS once again!  I had some wine last night so I really needed the protein shake this morning to feel better!  Unfortunately, but stomach didn't really like all the chocolate I ate yesterday and my friend, Crista, suggested maybe only having one cheat meal instead of all day so that the body doesn't reject it like it did today...um hello up since 4am.

CHARITABLE DEEDS OR ACTS OF KINDNESS #3 & #4

     So I wrote a letter to the management office of my condominium complex commending one of the cleaners.  He blocked the door to the stairs and later on apologized for it.  Cleaners are usually disrespected and not appreciated so I wanted to make sure that the management knew I wasn't upset about it and that he does a great job!  Maybe not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but I hope it will make his day to see that someone took time to show appreciation!

     I wasn't going to count this, but I had an opportunity to help someone and I did.  As I was leaving the MRT station on my way to meet up with friends, a Korean woman, who spoke pretty much no English, flagged me down and asked for help with her MRT card.  She didn't understand why the turnstile was telling her to top up.  I waited with her at the top up machine so I could show her how to use it and assure her that she was ok.  Out of all the Asian people milling about in the station I don't know why she asked me, BUT I did my best to help.  This process took about 10 minutes out of my day and it may not be a huge deal, it's also representative of things I have started doing more of...asking a lady with a baby in our garage if she was lost and directing her to block 9 (our garage is quite confusing), holding the elevator for people I can hear coming, holding doors, being patient on the escalator, etc.  This challenge has made me more aware of being courteous!!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day 24

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #23

     60 minutes Carmina Burana study.  No I did not vocalise today, but I still looked at my harmonies!

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #24

     Guess what I had for brekkie... well this will probably the ONLY thing healthy I am eating all day as it is my BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #17

     45 minutes P90X Legs and Back track...yes just the highlights!  I knew I would have some sort of plan involving alcohol tonight so I worked out in the bathroom at work LOL...hey at least I tried!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day 23

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #22

     30 minutes warm up as per voice lesson
     60 minutes Carmina Burana study...I reviewed on the way to work and during my first break.  After I warmed up I sang through the parts.  It will take a few times to get it but these harmonies are pretty simple.  If I can memorize 2nd lady from Die Zauberflote, this is cake!

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #23

     Breakfast of CHAMPIONS!!!!

CHARITABLE DEED #2
     So I decided to give a few Valentine's chocolates and messages tomorrow.  Sometimes it's just nice to know that you're appreciated so I am giving them to three entities at work that may not always hear it.  I printed out a note to attach...pretty cute!!  Singapore's not really into Valentine's Day so there wasn't much selection!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

about 2 minutes before I saw this post I had the thought, "what should by daily inspiration be?" 

What are you manifesting?