30 more days in the 'big apple' mean:
30- exact number of days left in my apt.
29- exact number of nights left in my apt.
28- number of times I SHOULD go to the gym.
27- number of times I'll want to not go to the gym.
26- number of quarters I'll need to do my laundry for a month..maybe?
25- number of times I'll hear the crazy dog in the apt. above me run across the hardwood floor at 2am.
24- a good TV show.
23- ok, I can already see that this is going to take way too long, so let's skip to the easier parts:
10- number of friends that want to crash at my place some time between now and the end of audition season. (the more the merrier, right?)
9- number of blocks I have to walk to get to the MET.
8- number of Fridays and Saturdays left to do fun new york-y things.
7- number of days between my last day of work and when I have to be unpacking in another state.
6- number of pages of recit with ONE or TWO lines on it that I haven't memorized...yet.
5- number of keys that I will not have to be lugging around- front door, 2nd door, mail key, and two apt. keys.
4- number of suitcases it will probably take to get my new NYC clothes out of this apt.
3- number of times I will allow myself to have Pinkberry before I leave.
2- number of shows at the MET that I have tickets for (Damnation and Thais), but that could turn to 4 if I see Tristan and Flute in the next month as well.
1- singular sensation, every little step she takes....in NYC.
and....
0- number of DOLLARS in my bank account after living it up in NYC for 4 months
It's all worth it :)
30 November, 2008
28 November, 2008
stuffed
Family at Turkey day always means way-too-competitive games of Charades (ok, WHO put "Merriam-Webster's English Dictionary", AND "The Michelin Guide to Prague", AND "Troilus and Cressida" in the hat?!!..Oh yea, my English Professor uncle and other smar-alecs in my family).
You can't even say "sounds like" for Cressida! Even if you break it up into syllables! Cre? Si? Da (duh?).
Although when my 80 year old grandfather pulled "Smack that B*tch" from the hat (a contribution from my 21 yr. old cousin) I will admit I was laughing my *ss off.
So inappropriate. He tried to get the team to guess the B word by saying 'sounds like' and then acting out witch. And he was riding a broomstick.
Then my 80 yr old grandma got "Gin and Juice". Hilarious.
More competitive games like Boggle, O-Hell (cards), Monopoly, and yes, Chutes and Ladders, were also played.
Of course we were surrounded by five Macbooks, one lonely Dell, 4 iphones without cell reception but with wifi for fun-with-applications, 1 guitar, 1 glowing fire, 2 football games with picture in picture of CNN (yea...), and all in all, a yummy and fun day with 16 people whom I love.
You can't even say "sounds like" for Cressida! Even if you break it up into syllables! Cre? Si? Da (duh?).
Although when my 80 year old grandfather pulled "Smack that B*tch" from the hat (a contribution from my 21 yr. old cousin) I will admit I was laughing my *ss off.
So inappropriate. He tried to get the team to guess the B word by saying 'sounds like' and then acting out witch. And he was riding a broomstick.
Then my 80 yr old grandma got "Gin and Juice". Hilarious.
More competitive games like Boggle, O-Hell (cards), Monopoly, and yes, Chutes and Ladders, were also played.
Of course we were surrounded by five Macbooks, one lonely Dell, 4 iphones without cell reception but with wifi for fun-with-applications, 1 guitar, 1 glowing fire, 2 football games with picture in picture of CNN (yea...), and all in all, a yummy and fun day with 16 people whom I love.
24 November, 2008
anticipay-yay-shun
Leaving for T-day tomorrow afternoon!
Hurrrray!
One more audition before I leave which I'm excited about because it will be revisiting folks from last year's semi-finalist weekend o' fun "out/down South/West".
Today? Nap, warm up a bit and double/triple check that my singer-plague is GONE! (Now there are just remnants and dry heat from the heater that decided after a week of not working to kick in at full force around 2am last night, banging pipes et al included).
Tonight?
Pique Dame at the Met.
Tomorrow?
Audition, work for 4 hours, train HOME!
What I'm bringing:
Laundry- OF COURSE! (it's freeeee!, and I don't have to go into a scary basement after ransacking my jeans and shelves for quarters)
Snow boots and snow jacket!
A big appetite!
Hurrrray!
One more audition before I leave which I'm excited about because it will be revisiting folks from last year's semi-finalist weekend o' fun "out/down South/West".
Today? Nap, warm up a bit and double/triple check that my singer-plague is GONE! (Now there are just remnants and dry heat from the heater that decided after a week of not working to kick in at full force around 2am last night, banging pipes et al included).
Tonight?
Pique Dame at the Met.
Tomorrow?
Audition, work for 4 hours, train HOME!
What I'm bringing:
Laundry- OF COURSE! (it's freeeee!, and I don't have to go into a scary basement after ransacking my jeans and shelves for quarters)
Snow boots and snow jacket!
A big appetite!
21 November, 2008
onward
Ok, I'm already in the T-day mindset...This weekend and next week through Tuesday don't really exist for me, as I'm already making plans to be in snowy and cold VT with up to and around 16-20 members of my family, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Noticing that December is already visible on my iCal, I'm thinking to myself--hmm...I PROBABLY should take another look at upcoming-role's big Finales and make sure that I'm not kidding myself that I know them..and those random 2 pages of recit that I have every 30 pages or so.
Right now, I AM kidding myself. Too many words, too little time.
But here is the master-plan.
(It never fails).
For some reason, my MOM is the ultimate memorization coach.
I don't know why, and she has NEVER studied Italian besides the key phrases that I wrote down for her for her two trips to Italy (quanto costa? un gelato "stracciatella e tutti frutti" per favore), but for some reason she runs lines like the pros.
She doesn't let me get away with ANYTHING, she is like the ultimate angry stage-mom when I mess things up, want to take a break, or have absolutely NO idea what the next line is. She helps me think of some silly reason for the next line of text to exist.
Whether it's because of the alphabet (backwards alphabetical, frontwards alphabetical, A, then C, then B), or because some Italian word SOUNDS like it should be a certain OTHER word in English, or some other non-sensical way to trick my brain into memorizing page after page of recit, finale, or otherwise 'random' parts of the opera'...she is there...and so, in addition to the pies and turkey and stuffing, I know I have my best critic on hand to give me a little kick in the tail and make sure I'm on the right track.
Sometimes you need mommies to do that for you.
And bring you soup and tea when you're sick instead of having to get out of bed all by your lonesome in your NYC apartment and do it yourself.
Noticing that December is already visible on my iCal, I'm thinking to myself--hmm...I PROBABLY should take another look at upcoming-role's big Finales and make sure that I'm not kidding myself that I know them..and those random 2 pages of recit that I have every 30 pages or so.
Right now, I AM kidding myself. Too many words, too little time.
But here is the master-plan.
(It never fails).
For some reason, my MOM is the ultimate memorization coach.
I don't know why, and she has NEVER studied Italian besides the key phrases that I wrote down for her for her two trips to Italy (quanto costa? un gelato "stracciatella e tutti frutti" per favore), but for some reason she runs lines like the pros.
She doesn't let me get away with ANYTHING, she is like the ultimate angry stage-mom when I mess things up, want to take a break, or have absolutely NO idea what the next line is. She helps me think of some silly reason for the next line of text to exist.
Whether it's because of the alphabet (backwards alphabetical, frontwards alphabetical, A, then C, then B), or because some Italian word SOUNDS like it should be a certain OTHER word in English, or some other non-sensical way to trick my brain into memorizing page after page of recit, finale, or otherwise 'random' parts of the opera'...she is there...and so, in addition to the pies and turkey and stuffing, I know I have my best critic on hand to give me a little kick in the tail and make sure I'm on the right track.
Sometimes you need mommies to do that for you.
And bring you soup and tea when you're sick instead of having to get out of bed all by your lonesome in your NYC apartment and do it yourself.
20 November, 2008
not quite there yet
I should have known better but I was REALLY feeling better at around 3pm today.
REALLY.
I didn't sleep almost all night--chills. That's weird, since I've never had that before.
Had to work, drank as much water and tea as possible throughout the day.
Got back to my place at 2, hot shower- feeling good! Warm-up- feeling even better! Thinking to myself- huh- I guess my voice does stay just fine even though my body is really tired and sick.
Fast forward to 5pm and add some nerves and what have you got? A first piece that had some nice moments but was in general not up to par, and a 2nd piece that was good but not the best that it could be.
Oh, I could blame the plague, the room, the cold...but bottom line is that I thought it would be better than ok this afternoon, and while it wasn't terrible, it wasn't what I wanted to put out there.
Back to shutting up, my blankets, my soup, and my tea.
REALLY.
I didn't sleep almost all night--chills. That's weird, since I've never had that before.
Had to work, drank as much water and tea as possible throughout the day.
Got back to my place at 2, hot shower- feeling good! Warm-up- feeling even better! Thinking to myself- huh- I guess my voice does stay just fine even though my body is really tired and sick.
Fast forward to 5pm and add some nerves and what have you got? A first piece that had some nice moments but was in general not up to par, and a 2nd piece that was good but not the best that it could be.
Oh, I could blame the plague, the room, the cold...but bottom line is that I thought it would be better than ok this afternoon, and while it wasn't terrible, it wasn't what I wanted to put out there.
Back to shutting up, my blankets, my soup, and my tea.
19 November, 2008
cue jeopardy themesong here
will I or won't I?
It's 10:40, I have less than 20 hours to feel better.
I'm on my 2nd dose of Mucinex-D (every 12 hours), drank an entire carton of OJ today, plus tea, plus water, plus soup, plus EZMac (food of college dorm-room champions).
I have no idea how I'm going to feel tomorrow but I'm going to give it until 2:30pm. Or 3. Before I make my final decision. That will occur :
a. after a day of working that I'm so not looking forward to since I know I'll be kindof sick still, and
b. after I've had a chance to warm up for 5 minutes and 'see' whether this little engine that could feels like working tomorrow evening.
Still completely congested, feeling exhausted even though I've spent the entire day in bed minus 20 minutes at Duane Reade to buy said Mucinex-D and the OJ, but surprisingly a clear throat.
"just think of lovely things and your heart will fly on wings"...
It's 10:40, I have less than 20 hours to feel better.
I'm on my 2nd dose of Mucinex-D (every 12 hours), drank an entire carton of OJ today, plus tea, plus water, plus soup, plus EZMac (food of college dorm-room champions).
I have no idea how I'm going to feel tomorrow but I'm going to give it until 2:30pm. Or 3. Before I make my final decision. That will occur :
a. after a day of working that I'm so not looking forward to since I know I'll be kindof sick still, and
b. after I've had a chance to warm up for 5 minutes and 'see' whether this little engine that could feels like working tomorrow evening.
Still completely congested, feeling exhausted even though I've spent the entire day in bed minus 20 minutes at Duane Reade to buy said Mucinex-D and the OJ, but surprisingly a clear throat.
"just think of lovely things and your heart will fly on wings"...
apostrophe to a post nasal drip
Dear cold/flu/virus/bug that has taken over what otherwise would have been my perfectly healthy, actually getting-in-shape-for-a-marathon body!
Look what you've done.
On Friday night I felt this little tickle and thought you may be near, but I warded you off with Chamomile tea, a warm blanket, and staying indoors.
Saturday, still feeling like you were in sight like an unwelcome party guest at a high school 'hang', I limited my evening festivities carefully, choosing the healthy turkey burger and water, instead of the richer foods with wine. Ok, late saturday night I thought I could oust you with two vodka cranberries, but the alcohol should have cleared you right out of there, plus any lingering infection, no?
Sunday I thought I was finished with you. My throat didn't scratch, and I had downed enough vitamin C in the past 3 days to support a small colony of scurvy-ridden sailors.
But monday.
Monday, monday--I did NOT feel good. AND I had an important audition! What did you make me do? Leave work with a headache, warm up for way longer than my usual 5 minutes, be cautious as an auditionee instead of care-free, and then come home to soup, tea, and feeling like general dog-droppings.
Tuesday I knew I needed to take it easy but you had taken over my airways--and so tissues were on hand, cough drops were in sight, and it was a constant duo of nose-blowing and teeth-crackling-Ricolas.
Now I wake up today and the cough is in my chest? Really? COME ON! I am going to take extreme measures (just as soon as I can extract myself from under my warm blankets and self-pity), and go to Duane Reade and buy something that will knock you OUT of me!
I'm not quite sure what that is...just yet...
But it MAY be mucinex--and trust me, I'll DEAL with feeling medicine-head-y and slightly intoxicated just so that you leave my system in a TIMELY fashion!
It MAY be some kind of sudafed--and yes, I'll deal with the blood vessels thinning and the dryness for today AND tomorrow as long as You are OUT.
So get going!
ps- I have to get back to week 2 of training and you are really holding me up. What happened to all that good energy and work from last week? Oh yea, it's DROWNING in chicken soup and chamomile tea!
BUG-Be-GONE!
Look what you've done.
On Friday night I felt this little tickle and thought you may be near, but I warded you off with Chamomile tea, a warm blanket, and staying indoors.
Saturday, still feeling like you were in sight like an unwelcome party guest at a high school 'hang', I limited my evening festivities carefully, choosing the healthy turkey burger and water, instead of the richer foods with wine. Ok, late saturday night I thought I could oust you with two vodka cranberries, but the alcohol should have cleared you right out of there, plus any lingering infection, no?
Sunday I thought I was finished with you. My throat didn't scratch, and I had downed enough vitamin C in the past 3 days to support a small colony of scurvy-ridden sailors.
But monday.
Monday, monday--I did NOT feel good. AND I had an important audition! What did you make me do? Leave work with a headache, warm up for way longer than my usual 5 minutes, be cautious as an auditionee instead of care-free, and then come home to soup, tea, and feeling like general dog-droppings.
Tuesday I knew I needed to take it easy but you had taken over my airways--and so tissues were on hand, cough drops were in sight, and it was a constant duo of nose-blowing and teeth-crackling-Ricolas.
Now I wake up today and the cough is in my chest? Really? COME ON! I am going to take extreme measures (just as soon as I can extract myself from under my warm blankets and self-pity), and go to Duane Reade and buy something that will knock you OUT of me!
I'm not quite sure what that is...just yet...
But it MAY be mucinex--and trust me, I'll DEAL with feeling medicine-head-y and slightly intoxicated just so that you leave my system in a TIMELY fashion!
It MAY be some kind of sudafed--and yes, I'll deal with the blood vessels thinning and the dryness for today AND tomorrow as long as You are OUT.
So get going!
ps- I have to get back to week 2 of training and you are really holding me up. What happened to all that good energy and work from last week? Oh yea, it's DROWNING in chicken soup and chamomile tea!
BUG-Be-GONE!
18 November, 2008
knock knock? who's there?
It's the singer plague!
Yep, straight from Rahree's lips... and sadly, to our eyes, nose and throats.
Whatever I was trying to ward off this weekend is now clear and present.
I've been useless for a day and a half. Couch, pjs, comforter, water, oj, tea, soup, emergen-c, rinse, repeat.
Of course it had to coincide with the two coldest days in the city so far.
Oh well.
Not much to do but push fluids and hope that I'm better by Thursday at 5pm.
Yep, straight from Rahree's lips... and sadly, to our eyes, nose and throats.
Whatever I was trying to ward off this weekend is now clear and present.
I've been useless for a day and a half. Couch, pjs, comforter, water, oj, tea, soup, emergen-c, rinse, repeat.
Of course it had to coincide with the two coldest days in the city so far.
Oh well.
Not much to do but push fluids and hope that I'm better by Thursday at 5pm.
decisions, decisions
Woke up this morning NOT feeling the best.
Went to work early, tried to do a little humming, and it was pretty bla for the entire morning.
I hate hate hate auditioning when sick. But I wasn't stuffy, my throat didn't REALLY hurt, nothing was swollen, things were just bla...felt like I had something in the back of my throat, but then felt dry at the same time, generally just not easy as it usually is.
I had a chance to actually warm up for about 30 minutes before the audition and decide my course of action.
TO sing or NOT to sing that is the question.
Usually I'm a NO if it's not going to be pretty close to perfect for me (or at least, vocally, mentally, physically perfectly prepared...etc). Gotta start out with the highest odds, right?
By the end of the warmup I was feeling good. Vocally. My body was and is tired, but I was focused on the voice working and my mindset.
Showed up, sang DurchZ and felt...well...
Easy--but not--the usual. I THOUGHT that I sounded different. Not wrong, not off, just not normal feeling or sound sensation.
The auditor remembered my Zerb from last year and so actually didn't need to hear anything second--which I'm fine with..except come on--I put on a nice dress, and have so much fun music! You SURE you don't want a side of Glitter...I mean...fries...with that?
Ok, fiiine.
So instead I went straight home (with a small detour to the hair salon next door- if you got your hair cut today all the money went to Equity Fights AIDS--yay for new layers and money for a good cause) to drink tea, water, emergen-c filled water, vitamin water, and in a bit--Duane Reade's version of non-alcoholic Nyquil...in hopes of kicking this little bug.
Here's hoping it's on the way out and not something that gets worse.
Went to work early, tried to do a little humming, and it was pretty bla for the entire morning.
I hate hate hate auditioning when sick. But I wasn't stuffy, my throat didn't REALLY hurt, nothing was swollen, things were just bla...felt like I had something in the back of my throat, but then felt dry at the same time, generally just not easy as it usually is.
I had a chance to actually warm up for about 30 minutes before the audition and decide my course of action.
TO sing or NOT to sing that is the question.
Usually I'm a NO if it's not going to be pretty close to perfect for me (or at least, vocally, mentally, physically perfectly prepared...etc). Gotta start out with the highest odds, right?
By the end of the warmup I was feeling good. Vocally. My body was and is tired, but I was focused on the voice working and my mindset.
Showed up, sang DurchZ and felt...well...
Easy--but not--the usual. I THOUGHT that I sounded different. Not wrong, not off, just not normal feeling or sound sensation.
The auditor remembered my Zerb from last year and so actually didn't need to hear anything second--which I'm fine with..except come on--I put on a nice dress, and have so much fun music! You SURE you don't want a side of Glitter...I mean...fries...with that?
Ok, fiiine.
So instead I went straight home (with a small detour to the hair salon next door- if you got your hair cut today all the money went to Equity Fights AIDS--yay for new layers and money for a good cause) to drink tea, water, emergen-c filled water, vitamin water, and in a bit--Duane Reade's version of non-alcoholic Nyquil...in hopes of kicking this little bug.
Here's hoping it's on the way out and not something that gets worse.
16 November, 2008
yes, virginia, it's 2:40am.
After feeling medicine-y all day, I got it together for my audition.
What follows is the drama.
SO. I'm always SO SO SO early for my auditions. Why? Because I'm a "what if" girl. What if for some reason it takes me 10 minutes instead of 6 to walk to the One?
What if the one JUST passed by and I have to wait 10 more minutes? What if they block off three avenues because Mr. Bush is in town? What if they auditions are running early? (hardly ever heard of), What if it takes me more than 30 seconds to take of my Uggs and put on my heels?
Ok, you get the point.
TODAY. It's 4:35 and I'm leaving for my 5:20 audition that is 23 blocks away.
I get to the one train...and it's running express, skipping the stop I actually need. OK, so I'll take it to Times Sq. and then get on an uptown for 2 stops.
Not. That. Easy.
The uptown doesn't come. Neither express nor local (not that express would help me).
So it's 4:59 and my audition is at 5:20 and I'm running from 42nd street (in my audition outfit and Uggs) to 54th street. THROUGH the insane broadway crowd throngs, through the SLOW-WALKING-TOURISTS, through everyone that does NOT want to get out of my way that minute.
5:13- I'm on the 11th floor of NOLA and I have 7 minutes to catch my breath, dab my face with a paper towel to make it look like I'm NOT sweating, and walk into the room all composed.
5:20- Sing DurchZ.
5:25- WHWHWHWHWAT? Did you just ask for ALL of Zerbinetta? AWESOME!!! I'm SO up for it!
Yes. I will SING all of Zerbinetta for you and love it. And so here I go.
Wow, it's hot in here. Is it just me or is it hot in here?
And then I can feel the sweat running down my face, my hair sticking to my neck, my entire body temperature rising by the minutes (and yes, I had twelve of them for this aria).
Thankfully, nothing vocally or dramatically was deterred. If anything, I committed MORE to the singing and the acting to try and get over what I could feel was my face starting to MORE than just "glow".
I must have looked like I just stepped out of the shower by the time I finished the piece...but I finished strong, and had a great time.
Followed by- a mad dash back to my apt. to SHOWER (again), change clothes, dinner at Punch- downtown with friends from undergrad, one of whom is preggo (yay), another one of whom brought her 4 year old (WEIRD), Some Argentine Jazz in the East Village....(where I can't get by without the Maps icon of my iphone since once the numbered streets and avenues stop I'm pretty useless, and finally- upper west side festivities from midnight onward.
Of course, I know I'm still not 100%, so I did just take a dose of nighttime Duane Reade Nyquil, and I'm sure will be nodding off any minute now.
What follows is the drama.
SO. I'm always SO SO SO early for my auditions. Why? Because I'm a "what if" girl. What if for some reason it takes me 10 minutes instead of 6 to walk to the One?
What if the one JUST passed by and I have to wait 10 more minutes? What if they block off three avenues because Mr. Bush is in town? What if they auditions are running early? (hardly ever heard of), What if it takes me more than 30 seconds to take of my Uggs and put on my heels?
Ok, you get the point.
TODAY. It's 4:35 and I'm leaving for my 5:20 audition that is 23 blocks away.
I get to the one train...and it's running express, skipping the stop I actually need. OK, so I'll take it to Times Sq. and then get on an uptown for 2 stops.
Not. That. Easy.
The uptown doesn't come. Neither express nor local (not that express would help me).
So it's 4:59 and my audition is at 5:20 and I'm running from 42nd street (in my audition outfit and Uggs) to 54th street. THROUGH the insane broadway crowd throngs, through the SLOW-WALKING-TOURISTS, through everyone that does NOT want to get out of my way that minute.
5:13- I'm on the 11th floor of NOLA and I have 7 minutes to catch my breath, dab my face with a paper towel to make it look like I'm NOT sweating, and walk into the room all composed.
5:20- Sing DurchZ.
5:25- WHWHWHWHWAT? Did you just ask for ALL of Zerbinetta? AWESOME!!! I'm SO up for it!
Yes. I will SING all of Zerbinetta for you and love it. And so here I go.
Wow, it's hot in here. Is it just me or is it hot in here?
And then I can feel the sweat running down my face, my hair sticking to my neck, my entire body temperature rising by the minutes (and yes, I had twelve of them for this aria).
Thankfully, nothing vocally or dramatically was deterred. If anything, I committed MORE to the singing and the acting to try and get over what I could feel was my face starting to MORE than just "glow".
I must have looked like I just stepped out of the shower by the time I finished the piece...but I finished strong, and had a great time.
Followed by- a mad dash back to my apt. to SHOWER (again), change clothes, dinner at Punch- downtown with friends from undergrad, one of whom is preggo (yay), another one of whom brought her 4 year old (WEIRD), Some Argentine Jazz in the East Village....(where I can't get by without the Maps icon of my iphone since once the numbered streets and avenues stop I'm pretty useless, and finally- upper west side festivities from midnight onward.
Of course, I know I'm still not 100%, so I did just take a dose of nighttime Duane Reade Nyquil, and I'm sure will be nodding off any minute now.
15 November, 2008
day 3 and that tickle
Ohhhhh day 3
Well, woke up at 7am, had a crappy day at day-job (which I may be quitting REALLY soon because, frankly, my priority is singing...and stress at 'work' just isn't worth it), then had a voice lesson. Which turned out REALLY really well, after I figured out what it is I need to do in order to feel absolutely nothing....which is when all of this sound and voice and technical stuff works best.
More on that later.
So then a frantic sprint to the gym to get my 45 minutes of day 3 in. 10 minutes into it I'm fine. 16 and I feel NOT so hot--shin splints again...it feels BETTER to slow to a jog than slow to a walk because that hurts too much.
22 and I'm thinking this may be it for the day but I stuck it out and made it to the 40..
I WILL be ready to move on to upping the level of full-out running next week and less jogging...but still. This day was hard, and mostly because of outside influences. Not the actual program that I was trying to complete on the treadmill.
Yesterday night I got that tickle in my throat. The one that means--start slamming the OJ, Emergen-C, cough drops, cough syrup, and everything that is anti-cold that is within reach.
It means that if I give in to the feeling that I 'have' to clear my throat or that I have to cough, this will turn probably a bit ugly for three days.
SO I bought my cough syrup (nighttime with no alcohol), was out by 11, woke up at 4am but managed to get back to sleep until 8:30. Have somehow stayed in bed until 11:45 (now)...and I feel KIND of better.
My voice- humming-- feels fine. My head feels a little medicine-y. I am PRETTY sure I"l be fine if I do nothing but chug water, tea, and OJ for the rest of the day and that I can get this weird 'starting to feel cold-y' feeling out of here without bearing the brunt of whatever bug is going around.
Off to get some more water and Emergen-C.
I still have a few hrs to decide how I'm feeling before audition later today.
I'd never sing sick unless I really really really had to, because it's just not worth singing not my best.
But I'm still feeling good, if a bit cautious, because I caught the pre-cold signals and am trying to get over it without actually getting it.
Off I go.
Well, woke up at 7am, had a crappy day at day-job (which I may be quitting REALLY soon because, frankly, my priority is singing...and stress at 'work' just isn't worth it), then had a voice lesson. Which turned out REALLY really well, after I figured out what it is I need to do in order to feel absolutely nothing....which is when all of this sound and voice and technical stuff works best.
More on that later.
So then a frantic sprint to the gym to get my 45 minutes of day 3 in. 10 minutes into it I'm fine. 16 and I feel NOT so hot--shin splints again...it feels BETTER to slow to a jog than slow to a walk because that hurts too much.
22 and I'm thinking this may be it for the day but I stuck it out and made it to the 40..
I WILL be ready to move on to upping the level of full-out running next week and less jogging...but still. This day was hard, and mostly because of outside influences. Not the actual program that I was trying to complete on the treadmill.
Yesterday night I got that tickle in my throat. The one that means--start slamming the OJ, Emergen-C, cough drops, cough syrup, and everything that is anti-cold that is within reach.
It means that if I give in to the feeling that I 'have' to clear my throat or that I have to cough, this will turn probably a bit ugly for three days.
SO I bought my cough syrup (nighttime with no alcohol), was out by 11, woke up at 4am but managed to get back to sleep until 8:30. Have somehow stayed in bed until 11:45 (now)...and I feel KIND of better.
My voice- humming-- feels fine. My head feels a little medicine-y. I am PRETTY sure I"l be fine if I do nothing but chug water, tea, and OJ for the rest of the day and that I can get this weird 'starting to feel cold-y' feeling out of here without bearing the brunt of whatever bug is going around.
Off to get some more water and Emergen-C.
I still have a few hrs to decide how I'm feeling before audition later today.
I'd never sing sick unless I really really really had to, because it's just not worth singing not my best.
But I'm still feeling good, if a bit cautious, because I caught the pre-cold signals and am trying to get over it without actually getting it.
Off I go.
13 November, 2008
warmed up
It's fun when I've been singing or auditioning so much that I don't really have to warm up anymore.
I have some upcoming auditions that I'm pretty excited about. Well, really, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to audition at all...I'm getting stunned emails from friends who can't believe how little is going on, how many rejections or no-audition-slots-available emails they're getting for no real reason even though they've made progress, moved 'up' a level of apprenticeship or performance, etc., and they're having to cancel their own trips to NYC because it's not worth the $500 flight for 2 auditions.
Day 3 of training tomorrow and then a weekend of relaxing, audition, friends from undergrad reunion in the city, FriendsGiving- yes, a pre-thanksgiving friend dinner get-together with turkey, apple pie, and all the rest of the T-day works.
I have some upcoming auditions that I'm pretty excited about. Well, really, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to audition at all...I'm getting stunned emails from friends who can't believe how little is going on, how many rejections or no-audition-slots-available emails they're getting for no real reason even though they've made progress, moved 'up' a level of apprenticeship or performance, etc., and they're having to cancel their own trips to NYC because it's not worth the $500 flight for 2 auditions.
Day 3 of training tomorrow and then a weekend of relaxing, audition, friends from undergrad reunion in the city, FriendsGiving- yes, a pre-thanksgiving friend dinner get-together with turkey, apple pie, and all the rest of the T-day works.
12 November, 2008
remind me
not to try and do day two of the training program, or ANY day of the training program
a. after 9pm
b. after arriving home at 5pm, eating sour starburst for about 30 minutes, ordering takeout with a friend who is in from out-of-town from TWO restaurants (we couldn't decide)
c. Eating said takeout : Spicy Crunchy Salmon roll, Pineapple Fried Rice with Veggies, and LAMB VINDALOO.
Today's 40 minutes from 9:15 and on were painful when?
1st 60 seconds of running. Ouch- shin splints.
Middle 60 seconds of running. Oh god- 15 minutes left? Kill me now.
Last 60 seconds of running. The seconds have never gone by more slowly.
I was actually motivated to go earlier, but plans change, friends come into town and text you when they're 5 minutes away from your apt., and of course I choose hanging out and catching up and dishing about auditions, past and upcoming, over going to work out!!
BUT I STILL got out of the house and to the gym at 9pm. So THERE. DAY 2. DONE.
Tomorrow. Wake up extra early to go to day-job, leave day-job in the middle for an audition, return to day-job and suffer for a few more hours which will include resume printing out (ie, killing trees) and shredding of resumes one piece of paper by one piece of paper (killing me).
a. after 9pm
b. after arriving home at 5pm, eating sour starburst for about 30 minutes, ordering takeout with a friend who is in from out-of-town from TWO restaurants (we couldn't decide)
c. Eating said takeout : Spicy Crunchy Salmon roll, Pineapple Fried Rice with Veggies, and LAMB VINDALOO.
Today's 40 minutes from 9:15 and on were painful when?
1st 60 seconds of running. Ouch- shin splints.
Middle 60 seconds of running. Oh god- 15 minutes left? Kill me now.
Last 60 seconds of running. The seconds have never gone by more slowly.
I was actually motivated to go earlier, but plans change, friends come into town and text you when they're 5 minutes away from your apt., and of course I choose hanging out and catching up and dishing about auditions, past and upcoming, over going to work out!!
BUT I STILL got out of the house and to the gym at 9pm. So THERE. DAY 2. DONE.
Tomorrow. Wake up extra early to go to day-job, leave day-job in the middle for an audition, return to day-job and suffer for a few more hours which will include resume printing out (ie, killing trees) and shredding of resumes one piece of paper by one piece of paper (killing me).
11 November, 2008
oh, also
Went to see some more theatRE action this weekend-- Speed the Plow, with Jeremy Piven (Ari Gold from Entourage), that secretary girl from Mad Men, and that other famous guy. Yes, I'm THAT good with names.
A. MAMET is a god among men. His writing style is. There is no adjective or other noun. It just is. It is a being. Beyond comparison. Made me want to go home and read everything he wrote.
B. Although written in the 80s, this felt like a totally up to date rendition, made even funnier by the fact that when Mamet wrote the word "maverick" in the dialogue back and forth three times, he didn't know it would mean to audiences what it means today and forever-more.
C. I am in constant awe of the commitment of the actor in the dramas that I'm getting to see in NYC (THanks to RUSH TICKETS! People, if you don't know about this, GET THEE online and read the fine print...show up to the theatre 2 hrs before curtain, stand in line for 10 minutes, get orchestra seats for 26.50 MOST places).
Commitment. Confidence. Style. It's not acting. It's being. And it's the kind of performance that I want to give whether I'm singing opera, reading a monologue, or, if I ever get the chance, acting just for acting, somewhere...and not singing.
More, later, as I said before, on this 'financial crisis'. Although, I do have to say that while I'll write my reflections on THIS business, with a brother that is still THANKFULLY employed by Goldman Sachs (after 20% of his office was let go last week), I am most certainly aware that this industry is not the first and foremost to feel any kind of crunch whether on wallstreet OR on mainstreet.
A. MAMET is a god among men. His writing style is. There is no adjective or other noun. It just is. It is a being. Beyond comparison. Made me want to go home and read everything he wrote.
B. Although written in the 80s, this felt like a totally up to date rendition, made even funnier by the fact that when Mamet wrote the word "maverick" in the dialogue back and forth three times, he didn't know it would mean to audiences what it means today and forever-more.
C. I am in constant awe of the commitment of the actor in the dramas that I'm getting to see in NYC (THanks to RUSH TICKETS! People, if you don't know about this, GET THEE online and read the fine print...show up to the theatre 2 hrs before curtain, stand in line for 10 minutes, get orchestra seats for 26.50 MOST places).
Commitment. Confidence. Style. It's not acting. It's being. And it's the kind of performance that I want to give whether I'm singing opera, reading a monologue, or, if I ever get the chance, acting just for acting, somewhere...and not singing.
More, later, as I said before, on this 'financial crisis'. Although, I do have to say that while I'll write my reflections on THIS business, with a brother that is still THANKFULLY employed by Goldman Sachs (after 20% of his office was let go last week), I am most certainly aware that this industry is not the first and foremost to feel any kind of crunch whether on wallstreet OR on mainstreet.
run/jog day 1
40 minutes, treadmill, 3 minute warm up, brisk walking, then alternating 60 seconds running, 2 minutes brisk walk-jog pace for the next 32 minutes, then 5 minutes of cool down.
I didn't feel like hyperventilating at any point. I didn't feel like I was about to die at any point, and I also didn't feel like it was too hard and I'm quitting at any point.
Actually, I watched Oprah, and let me tell you--with only the closed captioning on and no sound, she and all of her guests sounded more like Sarah Palin than I'd like to admit. Every sentence was not completed, or it was a non sequitur.
Seriously. Try watching a muted talk show some time. It was painful.
But since she was promoting Baz's new film "Australia", I got to see one of my favorite pieces of architecture, the Sydney Opera House (not as good as in person).
I got to see how MUCH WORK NICOLE KIDMAN has had.
Seriously.
NOT GOOD. Why can't you just be ok with looking your age? Sad.
Back to the jog-running.
Supposedly on this itunes program I bought (thanks to Rahree, I believe), trains you for a 5k in 8 weeks.
So, day one was today. IF I can keep this up and my ankle doesn't get crazy from my injury about a month and a half ago, I will be quite happy with myself.
I have a feeling that I could get there before the 8 weeks since I easily ran a mile and a half the other day just to warm up, but I'm happy to take it slower and make sure that I am doing something right and with a routine.
Two auditions tomorrow, with office work in between.
The music biz is not the most fun place to be right now if you're an opera company that's not receiving the usual monetary donations from big previous givers, or administrators that are feeling the crunch of budgets, rescheduling shows, bumping bigger and more expensive productions, and of course...the trickle-down effect is---
fewer auditions, fewer jobs, fewer concrete offers, and, sadly, a feeling that many of those 'nyc singers' that are 'trying to make it' after graduation will turn their part time or temping work into a more permanent thing this year and beyond.
More on that when I'm not tired.
I didn't feel like hyperventilating at any point. I didn't feel like I was about to die at any point, and I also didn't feel like it was too hard and I'm quitting at any point.
Actually, I watched Oprah, and let me tell you--with only the closed captioning on and no sound, she and all of her guests sounded more like Sarah Palin than I'd like to admit. Every sentence was not completed, or it was a non sequitur.
Seriously. Try watching a muted talk show some time. It was painful.
But since she was promoting Baz's new film "Australia", I got to see one of my favorite pieces of architecture, the Sydney Opera House (not as good as in person).
I got to see how MUCH WORK NICOLE KIDMAN has had.
Seriously.
NOT GOOD. Why can't you just be ok with looking your age? Sad.
Back to the jog-running.
Supposedly on this itunes program I bought (thanks to Rahree, I believe), trains you for a 5k in 8 weeks.
So, day one was today. IF I can keep this up and my ankle doesn't get crazy from my injury about a month and a half ago, I will be quite happy with myself.
I have a feeling that I could get there before the 8 weeks since I easily ran a mile and a half the other day just to warm up, but I'm happy to take it slower and make sure that I am doing something right and with a routine.
Two auditions tomorrow, with office work in between.
The music biz is not the most fun place to be right now if you're an opera company that's not receiving the usual monetary donations from big previous givers, or administrators that are feeling the crunch of budgets, rescheduling shows, bumping bigger and more expensive productions, and of course...the trickle-down effect is---
fewer auditions, fewer jobs, fewer concrete offers, and, sadly, a feeling that many of those 'nyc singers' that are 'trying to make it' after graduation will turn their part time or temping work into a more permanent thing this year and beyond.
More on that when I'm not tired.
09 November, 2008
broadway and jazz
Last night I sang at a charity event and got to pull out all of my broadway standards and jazzy pieces that I know are crowd pleasers.
It was so nice to get a chance to see people's faces, watch their reactions to favorite showtunes and melodies, their recognition of a certain time and place--where they were when---this Gershwin tune was sung by Ella or Frank.
I pulled out all the stops-- romantic hits from Carousel, Music Man, up-tempo stuff from Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady, PHANTOM (because everyone needs a little Sarah Brightman impersonations in their lives), and then my favorite Gershwin and Rogers/Hart standards like Bewitched, Someone to watch over me, Embraceable you (this one elicited TEARS of joy from 3 audience members!) The Man I love...etc.
Finally I sang Glitter as my last piece (after about 45 minutes of easy breezy broadway), and happily and amusingly, this piece STILL felt the best out of all of them.
I guess there IS a reason I do this 'opera' thing after all.
Everyone loved all of the music, but what they couldn't stop talking about, even though the standards brought back memories and were more familiar, was the "Opera" voice...and how I do that...and how does it just come out...it was all very cute.
There were actually a few patrons who were very much into opera, knew what they were talking about, had seen all of the "greats" at the "OLD" Met and the new, and it was lovely to get to chat with them after the performance (at a VERY tasty dinner), about how the papers ran "Leontyne IS Aida" the night after her debut, and more.
Back in the city now after a night of having to remember how to DRIVE a CAR (and realizing that my driver's license has been expired since my bday on the 11th of last month) and really looking forward to the auditions that I have scheduled in the next few weeks.
It was so nice to get a chance to see people's faces, watch their reactions to favorite showtunes and melodies, their recognition of a certain time and place--where they were when---this Gershwin tune was sung by Ella or Frank.
I pulled out all the stops-- romantic hits from Carousel, Music Man, up-tempo stuff from Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady, PHANTOM (because everyone needs a little Sarah Brightman impersonations in their lives), and then my favorite Gershwin and Rogers/Hart standards like Bewitched, Someone to watch over me, Embraceable you (this one elicited TEARS of joy from 3 audience members!) The Man I love...etc.
Finally I sang Glitter as my last piece (after about 45 minutes of easy breezy broadway), and happily and amusingly, this piece STILL felt the best out of all of them.
I guess there IS a reason I do this 'opera' thing after all.
Everyone loved all of the music, but what they couldn't stop talking about, even though the standards brought back memories and were more familiar, was the "Opera" voice...and how I do that...and how does it just come out...it was all very cute.
There were actually a few patrons who were very much into opera, knew what they were talking about, had seen all of the "greats" at the "OLD" Met and the new, and it was lovely to get to chat with them after the performance (at a VERY tasty dinner), about how the papers ran "Leontyne IS Aida" the night after her debut, and more.
Back in the city now after a night of having to remember how to DRIVE a CAR (and realizing that my driver's license has been expired since my bday on the 11th of last month) and really looking forward to the auditions that I have scheduled in the next few weeks.
06 November, 2008
dr. a...x2 and thoughts on the gym.
Saw Dr. Atomic again last night---yes, it's still awesome.
I took full advantage of the $20 orchestra rush tickets to graciously offered by the rich folks who want to get people in the seats to see modern opera. THANK YOU from row R of the orchestra!
Today was the last session of my personal training...with Tony the Trainer...no, not the tiger.
This was a birthday present to myself, of sorts...and the experience has been, as of today, pretty eye-opening.
At first I didn't really think I was getting any results. I was doing a lot of weight training with free weights and machines and body weight. Add to that some pushups, core work, and I was sweating...NOT glistening...by the end of the hour, every Tuesday and Thursday.
By the middle of my 15 sessions I could feel the pushups getting easier. I saw the number near the metal pin increase, my reps increase, and even though it still hurt every time no matter what I was doing, I was feeling pretty good about it.
Well....in addition to the training I've been sticking to my regular (ie, almost nonexistant) cardio--which is about 40 minutes of Elliptical (or, Act I of upcoming-opera score plus ipod)...twice a week? (sometimes not so much twice a week).
But here is the kicker. I so much as LOOK at a treadmill and my stomach turns. I just hate everything about running and jogging. I always think I want to try to train for a marathon and then have flashbacks of having to run the mile in gym class freshman year, having an asthma attack, and the teacher yelling at me to keep going.
THEN I have a flashback to sophomore year- I had just finished basketball season (the monsters (sprints) across the court were FINE it's just those long distances that get me), and I wanted to try out for Lacrosse, it was March, it was snowing out in New Jersey, and our coach decides that the first week of lacrosse training is NOT learning how to use the crazy stick and ball, but instead, just running around the track for an hour straight every afternoon.
Uhh...thanks but no thanks.
Ok, fast forward to today.
I decide to switch it up and warm up on the....treadmill....!
AND contrary to almost EVERY time I've attempted to go running and had a mental freakout and started to hyperventilate----I RAN! And I didn't HATE IT!
And I think (THINK) I could have kept going. ?? Maybe ??
Is this the dawn of a new era?
That is yet to be seen. iLike.
I took full advantage of the $20 orchestra rush tickets to graciously offered by the rich folks who want to get people in the seats to see modern opera. THANK YOU from row R of the orchestra!
Today was the last session of my personal training...with Tony the Trainer...no, not the tiger.
This was a birthday present to myself, of sorts...and the experience has been, as of today, pretty eye-opening.
At first I didn't really think I was getting any results. I was doing a lot of weight training with free weights and machines and body weight. Add to that some pushups, core work, and I was sweating...NOT glistening...by the end of the hour, every Tuesday and Thursday.
By the middle of my 15 sessions I could feel the pushups getting easier. I saw the number near the metal pin increase, my reps increase, and even though it still hurt every time no matter what I was doing, I was feeling pretty good about it.
Well....in addition to the training I've been sticking to my regular (ie, almost nonexistant) cardio--which is about 40 minutes of Elliptical (or, Act I of upcoming-opera score plus ipod)...twice a week? (sometimes not so much twice a week).
But here is the kicker. I so much as LOOK at a treadmill and my stomach turns. I just hate everything about running and jogging. I always think I want to try to train for a marathon and then have flashbacks of having to run the mile in gym class freshman year, having an asthma attack, and the teacher yelling at me to keep going.
THEN I have a flashback to sophomore year- I had just finished basketball season (the monsters (sprints) across the court were FINE it's just those long distances that get me), and I wanted to try out for Lacrosse, it was March, it was snowing out in New Jersey, and our coach decides that the first week of lacrosse training is NOT learning how to use the crazy stick and ball, but instead, just running around the track for an hour straight every afternoon.
Uhh...thanks but no thanks.
Ok, fast forward to today.
I decide to switch it up and warm up on the....treadmill....!
AND contrary to almost EVERY time I've attempted to go running and had a mental freakout and started to hyperventilate----I RAN! And I didn't HATE IT!
And I think (THINK) I could have kept going. ?? Maybe ??
Is this the dawn of a new era?
That is yet to be seen. iLike.
05 November, 2008
a night to remember
There is now a second major event of my lifetime that I will always remember where I was, when...
The first, a tragedy for the country, that I had to view from afar while studying abroad.
The second, tonight's inspiring speech and victory and next four years for our country.
I will forever remember my day.
Work, Vote, Gym, Madame Butterfly at the MET in BOX seats (first time), checking my iphone for the updates at each intermission, and then a small gathering of like-minded hopefuls...waiting and watching.
An unbelievable flash on the screen around 11:15--what? Did we really just see that it said Obama is president number 44? They haven't called California plus one yet!?
Huh?
A short "station identification" break..and then--YES...they called it!
Disbelief and amazement.
Hoping that the concession speech happens to make it REALLY real.
Waiting for the acceptance speech.
Watching tears of joy, screaming, cheering, laughter, on the faces of Americans of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
The speech that I thought moved a nation.
And going to sleep contented for the first time in three presidential elections in which I have had the privilege and right to vote.
The first, a tragedy for the country, that I had to view from afar while studying abroad.
The second, tonight's inspiring speech and victory and next four years for our country.
I will forever remember my day.
Work, Vote, Gym, Madame Butterfly at the MET in BOX seats (first time), checking my iphone for the updates at each intermission, and then a small gathering of like-minded hopefuls...waiting and watching.
An unbelievable flash on the screen around 11:15--what? Did we really just see that it said Obama is president number 44? They haven't called California plus one yet!?
Huh?
A short "station identification" break..and then--YES...they called it!
Disbelief and amazement.
Hoping that the concession speech happens to make it REALLY real.
Waiting for the acceptance speech.
Watching tears of joy, screaming, cheering, laughter, on the faces of Americans of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
The speech that I thought moved a nation.
And going to sleep contented for the first time in three presidential elections in which I have had the privilege and right to vote.
03 November, 2008
pre-election anxiety.
Whaaaat is going on?!
I feel so tense.
Tomorrow night MAY mark the first election (since I've been able to vote) that I don't cry myself to sleep at midnight, then three am, and then a month later when it's official that the hanging chad and the state of florida were high on spf 45.
I need to relax. But I can't concentrate on anything.
I looked through my score of upcoming-show last night and I have definitely not spent enough time on the finales, although I have 2 months so I know it will be more than fine.
I just can't open it right now.
Don't have any auditions until next week, so I'm not really focusing on that right now either.
Ahhh...I just want it to be Tuesday at midnight and for me to be smiling!
I feel so tense.
Tomorrow night MAY mark the first election (since I've been able to vote) that I don't cry myself to sleep at midnight, then three am, and then a month later when it's official that the hanging chad and the state of florida were high on spf 45.
I need to relax. But I can't concentrate on anything.
I looked through my score of upcoming-show last night and I have definitely not spent enough time on the finales, although I have 2 months so I know it will be more than fine.
I just can't open it right now.
Don't have any auditions until next week, so I'm not really focusing on that right now either.
Ahhh...I just want it to be Tuesday at midnight and for me to be smiling!
01 November, 2008
suuuuugarrrrrrrrrrr
So much sugar.
So much Halloween fun.
Too little time to recover...but thankfully we get an hour extra to sleep tomorrow.
That is all.
So much Halloween fun.
Too little time to recover...but thankfully we get an hour extra to sleep tomorrow.
That is all.
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