Day #29

I had today off and I needed it to recover from yesterday - man 8 sets is a KILLER!! Also had a massage - bought a Groupon a couple months ago and, well, it was expiring tomorrow so I had to use it!  They always try to sell you a package after and I'm like, yeah because I happen to have $600 burning a hole in my pocket to give to you.  Gimme a break I just paid $20 for a massage LOL  

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #22

     30 minute warm up and review of Vissi, Casta Diva, and Zerlina

ROLE #1 - Zerlina from Don Giovanni

     Although I have not memorized the recitative, I am like 80% on the arie and if I had to learn it to perform, I am familiar enough with it to feel that I would be able to put it on a resume...possibly LOL

  

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #29

     I had an evening snack of carrot/apple juice.  I gave some to my roommate, Kyla, and she was like "where'd you get this?" hehehehe yeah I made it!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

we all have talent! cultivate and honor yours!

Day #28

Worked all day today and I was so tired from being out late last night so not much done, but I made it to the gym and had a great workout!

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #28

     Added some strawberries to the mix this morning...I listen to my body and today I wanted fruit.  I also ate ridiculous amounts of sugar since I was like a Zombie...I think I worked it off at the gym

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #15

     Had a great leg workout today and saw some Egypt buddies there - we gotta look GOOD!!!  Standard workout - warm up for 10 minutes, killer ab routine, plus all leg machines with chin-ups in-between!!  Dips at the end.

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day #27 - Friday April 27

Today was a busy day...I may not always get everything done that I need to, but I am getting so much better at managing my time I feel accomplished about that!  Some of you may or not know this, but a couple weeks ago when we had our audition at work for next year, the evening before (literally at like 11pm) I found out that a family member had passed away.  I had a difficult time that next day and after the audition I was out running errands.  I was going back and forth in my head about how I should feel and I finally just told myself I needed to get it together and keep moving forward.  Precisely two seconds after I had this thought I noticed and African-American lady with beautiful dreadlocks (I say African-American because I am pretty good now at determining where someone is from by how they dress, walk, etc - or maybe lucky guess LOL).  One of the best ways to feel better is to serve - I thought this lady could use a friendly face being that I knew she was so far from home.  As I passed by I said "Your hair is so beautiful" (because I LOVE and support natural hair) and she engaged me in conversation.  Any of you who know me know that I a quite shy and not really the conversationalist, but she was so open and kind; and maybe it was really me who needed the kind face.  I also met her husband and we all chatted for a few, but I had to go - can't remember for what but I was pressed for time. I was so grateful to them for showing me kindness, I explained what happened and without missing a beat they reached out and gave me a hug.  We exchanged contact info and she invited me and whoever else I wanted to bring, down to where she was working to sing and hang out.  This came to fruition today and Kyla, Jeremiah and I went to the Ritz-Carlton to meet Robbie in the Chihuly Lounge!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #21

     After my voice lesson I ran through a couple of pieces, Besame Mucho and Summertime at work and then again at home.  Being that I don't perform singing regularly I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as I could considering I didn't know how the accompanist was going to play - and so I would just be on autopilot in case my nerves got the best of me.    

LIVE PERFORMANCE #1

    I performed one piece Besame Mucho at the Ritz, where Robbie works.  The accompanist, Roberto, was AMAZING!!!!  He was so supportive and helped me right on along, which you can't hear, but he was very kind.  And clearly he knows his music - wonderful pianist!  The lounge is large with a relaxed feel and beautiful Chihuly art on the wall...we had tea while there and it was soooo good!! Can't drink the night before a double shift...yeah I work all day on Saturday!  The sound goes out in the beginning for like 10 seconds, but it comes back...

VOICE LESSON #4

     Natalia seemed to be pleased with my improvement, but is really getting on me about the performance aspect of my singing.  When on stage I thought I connected well to the music, but then I saw the performance from the student concert I did in March and I totally see what she's saying...I think way too much and I am too serious.  See, everytime I think I've made progress, there's another hump to get over!  Such is the process!

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #27

     Morning protein smoothie and I had a bit of toast as well!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day #26

I swear the days go by so fast when doing this challenge - I am becoming so aware of how I use my time and what types of things I put off.  This is a great exercise!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #20

     30 minute warm up and practice Vissi, Besame Mucho, and Summertime.  I'm not going to lie - I actually liked the way I sounded on all pieces.  That's a FIRST (because they are all different styles).  I wasn't perfect and of course always things to improve upon, but overall I was pleased...I am making progress.

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #26

     Breakfast of the gods...protein shake!!  I forgot to buy grapefruit yesterday so I just added some rice milk!

LIVE PERFORMANCE VIEWING #2

     Ok so I have completed this requirement, but I did go see Romeo & Juliet with the roomies and Wendy.  Wild Rice pretty much stuck to the text, but of course there were some Singaporeanisms in there and they also hammed up all the sexual innuendos throughout the show which I appreciated!  I also loved that the nurse was an "auntie" so funny!!  

CHARITABLE ACT OF KINDNESS #2

     Upon exiting the Tiong Bahru MRT station there was an older man playing the erhu.  After I got done with my errands in that area I dropped him a $5.  I had so much to do today I couldn't stop to listen, and I actually felt really bad about giving him money but not listening to him play - what do you think he wanted more? To be given money or to really be heard? 

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

never compare yourself to anyone else - it's just not worth it and is pointless

Day #25

As I typed the title...I realized that I really only have 5 days left to do SOMETHING!!!  I am going to have to do some serious work on Sunday, which I now have off for the full day!  Had a TON of errands to do today, but I was a good girl and did all my chores!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #19

    30 minute warm up. Repertoire reviewed Summertime and Besame Mucho also watched some youtube...can I just say that Luis Miguel is nuts LOL he oversings everything, but is amazing.  Wish I would have gone to see him in Vegas he played there so many times.

KEYBOARD SKILLS #14

     G Major and added "Why Am I Blue" (I don't know some song from my practice book...I'm not on real songs yet LOL)

VIEWING OF PROFESSIONAL OPERA #3

     So today I decided to watch Tosca since I have been working on Vissi d'arte.  First of all, Puccini leaves so much room for acting and interpretation - I still cannot wrap my brain around how composers can think of EVERYTHING from what the flute is doing here to when the soprano needs a breath...pure genius!  Before studying music, I felt as if I knew nothing about music.  Now that I have been studying music, I still know nothing about music!  This version is another from the 2009 Met season, which is available on iTunes.  Directed by Luc Bondy it stars Karita Mattila, Marcelo Alvarez, and George Gagnidze - ALL who tear up their roles, are perfectly cast, and whose voices are just divine.  There was a review on iTunes that said the set design left something to be desired.  As I have never seen another production, I didn't have anything to compare it to, but I liked it.  Everything was oversized and also was sparse (like in Eugene Onegin), and maybe he wanted something more decadent or truer to what Puccini had intended, but as the composition leaves much to be interpreted I think Puccini would have been forward thinking enough to expect that chances be taken with the set.  Personally, I have been trying to not let past ideas or concepts mold my current judgment.  I don't want to say, well I saw it done here and the set was perfect, so this set isn't good.  NO WAY!!! It is art, it is an interpretation and it serves a purpose...just go with it and find the aspects of it that you like!  Karita's performance left me in tears on several occasions; her voice is strong and beautiful and she's a great actress.  At this time she was 49 years old...the age showed a bit on her face but she is still beautiful and convincing as Tosca.  Marcelo Alvarez's voice soars and the highlight for me was E lucevan le stelle in Act III- bring on the waterworks!!  Absolutely beautiful!  Susan Graham interviewed the cast during the breaks and again, everyone was so gracious and pleasant - a true inspiration!

Yes that's me bawling my eyes out...Karita got me good!!!!

Susan Graham (left) talking to the costume designer...can't remember her name but you can tell she can design the hell out of some costumes...just look at her - totally put together!

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #25

     Tuna salad for late night snack! Need the protein to build those muscles!!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #14

     So today I was smart and remembered to bring my Heart Rate Monitor to the gym with me.  I worked out for 1:15 (excluding the socializing time BTW) and I burned 500 calories.  I think that's a pretty good amount for a little over an hour.  The sit ups and glute press especially wore me out.  At some points my heart rate was up to 160, but it's amazing how fast I can get my rate back down...tried to keep it over 120, but sometimes just had to rest.  Now I am consistently doing 6 chin ups per set instead of 5.  That's a huge difference.  

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

be realistic with your money, time, but not with your dreams!

Day #24

Tuesdays used to be choir night, but have now turned into ITALIAN night!!  That's right I am taking beginner Italian, which is an 8 week course.  This is probably the most important and the most difficult part because of all of the verb conjugations and matching that have to happen.  I may take the 2nd level as well - still haven't decided, but I am enjoying it so far.  So class is form 8:30 - 10:00, which means I have to get everything done BEFORE...hey I didn't even write this until I was supposed to be writing the next day's! I was TIRED when I got home...wonder why!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #18

     Was smart today and reserved the B1 rehearsal space.  I warmed up in the bathroom as usual and then after my shift I went into the rehearsal space.  WOW it makes such a difference in how you feel about your rehearsal when actually in a proper space and not in the pooper space LOL.  Did standard rep plus Sei tu m'ami, Alleluja.

KEYBOARD SKILLS #13

     Working on G scale still plus "The Can-Can"

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #24

     Breakfast of champions!!!   At the end of the day I was really craving bread - so I bought a loaf of bread and had some toast when I got home.  This is weird because I had another roast beef sandwich from work - they are so good and my coworker went and got it for me...so nice!!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day #22-23

Ah so it's been a trying couple days...so I am putting them together. I didn't get much sleep last night so all day today I was sleeping during my breaks.  Not good.  Then I didn't have enough energy to go to the gym and then by the time I got home and practiced, my voice was so tired I just became frustrated.  Well, there's one week left and I have no choice but to amp it up!! Need to finish strong.  These challenges are hard, you must stay so focused and remember all the little things you have to do each day to pick away at the bigger picture.  

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #17

      Didn't practice at all yesterday, but today I did my 30 minute warm up, Vissi d'arte, Summertime.  I tried to stay as lifted as I could and I noticed I wasn't as under as I had been so I think I just need more energy in the voice.  Still going out of tune on held notes so I'll have to ask about that next lesson.  I have a feeling I know what she'll say, but maybe I need to hear it in a different way.

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #22 & 23

      Yesterday I made some carrot and apple juice as an evening snack.  I was craving something sweet, but I didn't want candy and when I looked at the strawberries I didn't want those either.  I thought about carrots and that was the perfect plan!  Carrot/apple juice is so sweet and a delicious flavor.  I also made my roommate, Malone, try it - she seemed to like it as well. 

     Today I had a roast beef sandwich on ciabatta bread from work.  My Dr says I need more red meat (like once or twice a week) and I was wanting bread today as well.  I am trying to listen to what my body is telling me.  

     I think all the cantaloupe I've been eating, as good as it is, is messing up my stomach with the sugar content.  So I will eat maybe up to 1/4 of one a day instead of 1/2 and that will help with the budget and the tummy :)

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

meditate on this...

Day #21

Yay I get to sleep in!!!...wait, nevermind it's storming!  Of course up at 7am without fail!

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #16

     30 minute warm up as per lesson.  Vissi d'arte, O mio babbino caro, Summertime.  My voice was weird today, but sure if it's the weather or tiredness, but I didn't like how I sounded...not sure what the problem was.  But the good news is, I am starting to be able to correct a lot of the things I was doing wrong before so I am improving.  Still having a problem with being under the note on many occasions, it's a placement thing - maybe me being a bit lazy with the breath.  Not sure, but I need to correct it; it's unacceptable.

KEYBOARD SKILLS #12

     G Major - two handed scale and "The Can-Can" (from workbook)

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #21

    The most brilliant idea EVER!!!!  Put protein powder in your muesli (yeah it took me 4 tries to spell that right!). Thank you Dominic for that idea.  Funny, I used to put it in my oatmeal, but stopped...why didn't I think of that?  This was my dinner!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

If you don't know who this man is...you SHOULD.  He's so on point I love his perspective! This is the current book I am reading.

Day #20

Had been feeling a bit out of sorts all day, but I did as much as I could:

VOICE LESSON WITH PROFESSIONAL COACH #3

     Actually enjoyed my lesson today, I felt as though I had made some good progress on my own and it showed.  Natalia was pleased with my work, but I still have a long way to go - the pressure she places on me is relentless.  We went over Vissi d'arte and Batti, batti.  She said I was doing better, but of course not amazing..."it's hard job, if easy everyone do it" in thick Russian accent.  When I walked into her apartment, this is what I found.  Simon looking very guilty (notice the torn paper in the background).  He loves singing with me and because he was out he gave me an extra special "hu-llo" greeting LOL

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #20

      Breakfast of champions...I am quite repetitive, but it works for me.  Keeps me full for a good portion of the day.  I hate feeling hungry/lightheaded, it's the WORST!!  Went to the movies though and had some Nerds...gotta have something bad at the movies!!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #13

     Gym time!!!  light warm up on the treadmill, abs of steel workout provided by Jake (Scorpion king - some people say you don't really need ab workouts...well he's got great abs so I'll do what he's doing thank you!).  3 sets x 15 reps of leg exercises plus 5-6 pull-ups every 2 exercises and dips at the end.  My legs are going to be amazing whether they want to or not!  I ran across this picture of me when I was sick almost two years ago.  I had started retaining water in addition to the weight I put on from the steroids.  I am so proud of where I am now.  I've come a long way and I will be more conscientious of what's going on with my system...can't take it for granted anymore!

I had been sedentary for months and I had lost so much muscle in my legs...it was all fat and water.  Oh my look at my fat face!!!  Yeah there's a term for it, it's called Moon-Face LOL Can you imagine the anguish I went through with the fact that I was employed based on my looks and looked like that.  My superiors treated me so kindly - they just wanted to see me get better, never did they threaten to fire me or anything negative.  They were great!  I think this is also the reason why when I feel a little under like a cold or something, I man up and work through it.  I know what it's like to REALLY be SICK...some little bug has nothing on what I can live through!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day #19

It poured rain all day today which made it a great day to be LAZY!!!!  I am also realizing that theory is much more time consuming that I remembered and it's definitely not easy to get back into it. BUT I did do some today although I have not finished chapter 6, which I have been on for like a week already :( 

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #15

      30 minutes warm up as per lesson and standard current repertoire (Zerlina, Alleluja, La Danza).  Tomorrow at work I am going to try to go through the score again to make sure I am looking at all the recitative parts for Zerlina...there are way more of those than arie it seems LOL.

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #19

      Breakfast shake and 1/2 cantaloupe.  For evening snack, while I was watching Game of Thrones, I had veggie juice (celery, cucumber, cabbage, beet, apples)

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #12

     60 minutes P90X yoga track.  Ugh, didn't feel like doing it but now of course my back feels pretty good.  Also got a nice stretch on the hamstrings, which always are sore the day after legs at the gym.

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

Day #18

Didn't get any practice done today, but still had some good stuff happen.  Spent some time on Theory, but I am so slow at this stuff it takes me forever to do one exercise...gotta get those wheels cranking again!

LIVE PERFORMANCE VIEWING #1
     Kyla and I went to see a reading at Tisch of a play called "IYOM" by a second year MFA student, Lou-lou Igbokwe.  This was an all black cast that had Jeremiah, my old roommate, in it.  It is the story of a girl who has a traumatic experience and how the family copes.  It is well written - the focus of the first act is the development of the family dynamic between the Mother (Ruth), Father (Essien), daughter (Zacky), Grandma, and Zacky's friend, Steven, who is their neighbor and the son of the Father's boss.  The play opens with the introduction of Zacky and you see her doing "magic" and is a bright child; this is quickly contrasted to present day Zacky who is hardened and also saddened with the death of her Grandma.  The parents are emigrants from Nigeria and as the story unfolds we see the pressures by her Mother to be a certain way (for tradition) and the eventual molestation by Steven at the end of the first act takes away her "magic".  Zacky's savior is her Grandma who takes the time to talk to her and is Zacky's confidant.  Zacky's inability to communicate with her parents and the fact that she is sent away to school leave her empty, feeling emotionally abandoned and as if she doesn't have a "home".  At the end of the second act we see her confronting Steven at the wake, to no avail, and trying to reconcile with the parents, who it turns out knew what happened.  Grandma told them and although they had to continue on with their lives for their livelihood, was thus the reason for her being sent away (to protect her).  Although they cannot undo what's done, a new understanding is formed and it's left with the assumption that they will all move forward together.  In the flashback scenes, the Grandma's character had beautiful, yet sometimes heart wrenching, moments; one in particular as she explained to Zacky why she had to leave Nigeria - if nothing else this play effortlessly depicts the struggles that ensue when we feel the need to live up to expectations placed upon us.  
     When I agreed to watch this to support Jeremiah, he didn't tell me the premise and I was so glad.  I had an honest reaction to what I was seeing and it was such a well written script I now just want to see it staged.  There is well thought out character development and the topic is one that happens so often, yet nobody talks about. It was also nice that although it was a reading, the actors (for the most part) had a good connection with the characters, which made the story-line and emotional content easy to follow.

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #18

      After gym time I went to Marche and had some salmon...and a few things I probably shouldn't have had LOL but I think it was still a good meal...there's potato salad and couscous there as well

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #11

     Intense leg workout plus abs and chin-ups!  I have been enjoying this workout - it hasn't gotten easy, it's gotten to where I can do a more intense workout.

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

if you don't want to put the effort into making changes in your life, it is because of fear...turn that fear into excitement!

Day #17

Today was another busy and productive day - didn't get everything done that I needed to but I still did well.  I also had an Italian lesson.  I have the self study books, but I just learn fastest by going to class. I always have been that way and it works for me so here I am.  The class is 10 weeks and it's an introductory class, which is important because there are so many RULES!!! 

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #14

     30 minute warm up as per lesson.  I went through a lot of rep today.  I feel like my throat is more open now than ever, which, of course, is what we want.  So now I kind of have to re-learn what I sang before.  Not completely but maybe just get use to the feeling of singing with this more open space.  It felt much easier and way less strained.  I was forcing the sound before and now it's much bigger and fuller.  Still supporting like crazy like I had been but the throat and neck is different.

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #17

    I had the shake and 1/2 cantaloupe for brekkie (that Aussie talk for breakfast) and my normal lunch of green beans and chicken with Red Hot.  That was where the healthiness ended for today...let's just leave it at that!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

every day you deserve to feel special!!!!!

Day #16

So this evening I went out (finally) with the roomies to support a friend, Tim Garner, who put together an event called Musical Theater Mondays.  Tim recently came back from the States and had spent some time in NY so there was plenty for him to share.  We were also graced with the talent of a Wicked cast member, Dan Downing (I think that's the last name) and he sang (which was great) and did a Q & A period.  There were some give-aways at the end but I had to go to get to bed since I work tomorrow.  I didn't really do much else today...

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #13

     30 minute warm up and Zerlina...I have been trying to sing with a more open space in the throat and I was finding myself really out of tune today.  Hopefully that's because it's new and my muscles are getting used to supporting that.  I really wasn't happy with how I sounded.  It's ok though next lesson Natalia will have some new stuff to work with.

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #16

      Even with eating less at breakfast I am still full until later in the day.  But I did gorge on hummus and spinach/feta dip and shwarama at Blu Jazz...oh so good!

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

not sure if this is really an albert einstein quote, but it's genius!!

Day #15

Half way there!!! Yet even more lost and confused than ever.  If you don't sing opera - I cannot begin to explain the level of frustration that is involved with learning this technique.  Every time I think I am beginning to do something right, the flood gates open of things that I am doing wrong.  The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that if I keep working at it, slowly these things will correct themselves, but it's such a painstaking process.  And then if I think about it too much I still sound bad because I am tense.  I didn't pick this path, it picked me.  There is an undeniable drive that is dragging me kicking and screaming it seems LOL It's also frustrating that when I gondoliered at the Venetian Macau, people would say that I should be in operas and it would depress me because at this point even with all my practice and focus on getting better, there is not an opera company in the World that would hire me.  I just need to get better.  AND I don't ever want anyone to say that I don't deserve my success (and of course success will happen), like they do with Katherine Jenkins (even though I still think she's great).  So ahead I tread through the blizzard, unable to see 1 foot in front of me, just praying to God my food lasts and that my compass is correct.

DAILY VOCAL PRACTICE SESSION #12

     30 minutes warm-up as per lesson.  Repertoire Alleluja, Batti, Batti, La Danza.  These are all challenging pieces for me so yes it requires lots and lots of repetition...hopefully the roommates won't be too annoyed!

KEYBOARD SKILLS #11

     C and G scales, On Top of Old Smokey and The Can-Can (I don't know something out of my lesson book).  

HEALTH CONSCIOUS MEAL #15

     Ok os I really had this yesterday, but whatevs...love my fresh juice!!!

BODY CONDITIONING / FITNESS SESSION #10

     60 minutes P90X yoga...always great after gym workout on legs.  I actually did all the moving asanas AND I also did right angle pose with arms wrapped around leg and back...this is not comfortable and it's really the first time I've done it since I've been doing yoga again. Happy about that one - progress.

...DAILY INSPIRATION...

doesn't matter what I do I always try to do my best and give 100%.  Even when people around me don't, I never let them bring me down.  I just separate myself from them and continue on.  What concerns me is whether or not I feel I have done my best.  

I am never going to make everyone happy.