10 lbs

Well, it looks like I've finally hit a wall. I discovered this morning that I've gained 10 lbs. since Christmas.

I know exactly why - whereas I used to only take Sundays "off" from dieting and exercise, I am now so exhausted by Friday night that I'm looking for a reward. My "Sunday" has turned into a weekend-long binge. While the benefits of going veggie/vegan have been substantial and noticeable, I have not been helping myself by staying on track with exercise and portion sizes, in the way I know I should.

Without getting hysterical, I will simply lose the weight. I leave for Santa Barbara in 7 weeks, and that should be plenty of time to lose 10-15 lbs. at a healthy rate.

www.my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Calorie Counter

I still have a voice - yea!

My thrilling session with BV was followed by an equally thrilling lesson with D. on Saturday, during which we discovered my G above high C.

I suppose there is something to be said for not having time to do much in the way of actual singing - the voice is plenty rested.

Had a fun and somewhat relaxing weekend, but woke up with a cold. Staying low-key, but taking advantage of a suddenly free morning to get some more work done in preparation. If I can't sing today, I can translate, order/organize music, etc.

Still no contract for Lucia - a thought that nags me periodically. Waiting for both companies' official season announcement/press releases. Then I can send it to my people - especially, SFO. I wonder if I ever cross their minds....

light

I just had the most thrilling coaching hour with BV. He added some wonderfully fun - and unique to my strengths (4 octaves!) - cadenzas to Ophelie, and showed me the game plan for Lucia's mad scene. I left the city feeling absolutely high. It was great to remember the joy that's surely coming at the end of this drudgery.

I'm skipping my run today and giving myself permission to have a bit 'o chocolate, and just relax a bit before teaching. I made the mistake of looking at some other singers' bios, but quickly turned away from that instinct, as I would rather remember how good it feels to discover that I have a high F# - and how good it feels to anticipate a "mountain top" experience.

breathing room

I've removed one obligation from my schedule, so I will now have one or two days a week to catch up and do some singing.

This afternoon was the first of them, in a long time....therefore, while I did not have time to actually sing, I am feeling more on top of things. I have a practicing checklist, and have done all I could do so far, in order to procure whatever music is missing.

Even time spent organizing what needs to be done, is progress made. We'll see how the rest of the week goes.

$%^$%

Sigh.... trying to stay positive, but DAMN, is it frustrating when a whole week goes by without any time to practice. I see D. for a lesson on Saturday morning, so at least there's that.

Perhaps next week will be better, in terms of progress. OSB keeps adding to my list of music - which is great, but I'm starting to panic, because I don't know whether we're expected to know all our music (off-book) before we get there. I've never done a real YAP before....

rolling along

I had a lesson with S. last night - the kind of lesson where I'm just too tired to really feel great at the time about it, but will be glad later that I recorded it. She's fluent in French, so I can move ahead with Ophelie with confidence in the committed pronunciation in my score.

I have yet to get all my OSB music in one place, but that will happen soon. In the meantime, I've now sung through Act I of Lucia and understand what I'm hearing on my recording, while I drive to each lesson, etc.

Act II is next - perhaps I will have the energy to start translating it tonight.

Baby steps....

an unexpected break

The best Thursday possible: a funeral, and various activities surrounding it, made it impossible to have choir rehearsals today OR tonight. Shucks! I guess I just have to cancel and have a day at home to do what I want to do....

I just spent two glorious hours working on Lucia. I can't get over how good it feels to sing. Perhaps my amazed relief and comfort is heightened by the fact that a year ago (my last opera - in my last appearance with a shitty company, I must add), I was trying my best to survive The Tales of Hoffmann. Those three roles never were a good fit, from the start...when someone asks me how singing all three soprano parts went, and the best thing I can say is "it worked", that's pretty sad.

On the contrary, Lucia feels like Adina, but juicier in character, and more nuanced, musically-speaking.

OSB sent our scene assignments. Looks like I am a featured member of the young artist program, with two big aria/scenes to learn - Juliette's Waltz, as well as Ophelie's Mad Scene.

I'm so excited!!!!

And worried about learning my music in time.

But mostly, excited!!!!

Posting images of the Shakespearean maidens I will play....