Staying Positive

Just a quick bit of blogging today...I'm definitely being a "woman" today and that has left my immune system compromised. My boyfriend has a cold and I feel I'm coming down with something. So I'm doing everything I can not to get sick. I'm avoiding sugar, eating my nuts and yogurt and taking my vitamins. Wish me luck at not getting sick, I can't afford this one week before the big opening night...I guess rest and relaxation is all there is left to do to protect myself....yeah, wish me luck on that too...lol

Perseverance

If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. That was a great motto growing up...I don't remember where I heard it, but I have a feeling it may have been from one of my childhood cartoons. Basically it put perseverance in my head and kept me positive enough to keep trying new things and perfect the things that I wasn't necessarily the best at. I'm a competitive person by nature, and even though sometimes I find myself insecure or a bit crestfallen at not being good or great at something, I still relish the challenge of continuing to try and learn. Opera singers continue to study voice, even when they've "made it" because there is always something to learn or "perfect"...you also have to consider that singing requires a great deal of muscle and agility that people don't realize. It's training just like any other competitive sport...You wouldn't run the Boston Marathon if you had never jogged a day in your life. So my challenge is to not rest on my laurels and really persist on to becoming the best singer I can be...really push myself even harder now that we're coming into the home stretch of my upcoming performance...yet at the same time keeping myself healthy and well rested so that I have the stamina it takes to truly give it my all. I know it sounds like I'm asking alot from myself, but there's no harm in trying.

The Good

Ok, so last night's rehearsal went very well. We had a sing through of the whole show before we ran through it physically and blocked the final scene. I did so well and the Maestro seemed pleased with all of our performances from what he heard from the sing through. I guess all the well wishes and positive thinking really came through...so thank you for the nice thoughts :)

Now to build up my endurance and work out the pacing of the music with the choreography & blocking...whew, this is such a challenge. It's one thing to sing a Mozart aria in German well while just standing there, it's quite another thing when you add in burlesque fan-dancing choreography...this role was definitely not meant to be danced...but I will do it! If I can do years of dancing and singing in musical theatre, then I certainly can figure out a way to to incorporate it into my opera singing...that's why we have rehearsals. Tonight I have a voice lesson and with my Teacher we will work through the entire show with the blocking and figure out the breathing, support and what I may need to cut in order to maintain good vocal technique. I'm so fortunate to have such incredible people in my life, without them I'd be lost.

As for the diet and exercise front, I've lost another 1/2 pound and my muscles feel completely jazzed from the class on Monday and last night's rehearsal. I plan on taking a ballet bar class today during lunch, but that's if my girl Challis makes it into the city in time...if not we'll hit the cardio or something like. It's nice to have a work-out buddy every now and then, but I've finally reached a place in my life that I enjoy working out on my own and getting into a zone where I can focus and think. Life is good!

The Good, The Bad, and The...

Even the sunniest of us have a cloudy day...but what truly constitutes a bad day? I could share with you some stories of a truly bad day and I'm sure all of you could share tales that would give me night sweats...but that's for another blog. I'm actually not having a bad day per say, it's more like a mixed day with high waves of insecurity...yeah one of those days. Granted I am PMS-ing and my diet's been a bit screwy because of my hog-fest over the past holiday...so I'm not as physically and mentally balanced as I should be. That said, this is what's going on. As you know, I'm an Opera Singer (see name of blog)...well I'm going through one of those times that all of us go through in life of questioning ourselves & our talents. Am I good enough? Can I really do this? Will the audience approve? and what about the director & maestro? You think you're doing great and then BLAMO insecurity hits you and you think you possibly suck at everything...not to mention feeling like a fat cow! Do men go through this, or is this just a hormonal thing...lol. But seriously, I know it all about being human. We question ourselves, and the answers don't come to fruition until I actually prove myself. However, I have to remember to muster all the courage, discipline and optimism in myself to keep going...because if you don't believe in yourself, who will? I am blessed with a lot of awesome cheerleaders in my life, but I have to really believe in myself to actually get to where I'm going. Even with the greatest encouragement, you won't accomplish anything if you don't think you can. So like the little engine who could...I think I can, I think I can...actually, let's change that to: I KNOW I can, I KNOW I can!

On a happier note, I'd like to report that overnight 3lbs. have disappeared...yep...I'm sure it's that wonderful little womanly problem know as water weight gain! I also took a new fitness class yesterday that totally kicked my butt (in a good way). It's called Circuit City (no, not the store and it has nothing to do with shopping for electronics) and it was a great circuit training class using steps, bosu balls, sand balls, and mats that completely utilized our whole bodies...and I am definitely feeling it today. I also ate really clean yesterday and today, I have a gym date with my girl Challis...so things are going great on that front!

Tonight I have rehearsal for my upcoming Opera, and I plan on going in early, warming-up fully and really singing the $H!t out all my music tonight! I plan on really kicking @$$! So send your best wishes my way...the universe will get all your mental well wishes to me and I'll be great!

Toi, Toi, Toi,

-Bex

Damage Report

That's right it's time to weigh in on how the Thanksgiving Holiday went. Well the title of this particular little excerpt is appropriate... damage indeed! I've gained about 3-5 lbs. over the course of 5 days and it's not pretty (granted I'm sooo PMSing and about to start any second now.) So I'm back on the straight & narrow today and have already promised to lose 7 lbs. between now & New Years with the lovely lady of The DietBook blog (see left column blog roll). I'll get there too! I'm already scheduling work-out dates with my girl Challis and have healthy meals and snacks at the ready for consumption in order to stick with my diet. Oh and you know what eating like a maniac over Thanksgiving means don't you? Detox...time to get rid of all the crappy damage I did to my body over this semi-past week.

More damage to report on the physical front. On Wednesday, I thought I'd treat myself to a nice long work-out since we were excused from work at 3pm that day. So I took myself to the gym and did a nice 30 minute treadmill excursion on a 10 incline at a 4.0 speed and really burned some calories...then I got really ambitious and took a 60 minute yoga class. I haven't taken yoga in a while, due to a shoulder injury that happened while practicing a year ago and I was doing pretty well, my body settled right back into the poses. I was able to go deep into the stretches and keep my balance throughout. My breathing wasn't labored and I easily moved from one pose to the next...but then....the teacher got even more ambitious....she asked us to do a handstand. A WHAT...a handstand...but I just learned how to perfect my shoulder stand and stand on my head...you want me to do a handstand? My gut said this was a BAD thing, but I didn't know if it was because I was unsure and insecure about trying something new that I wasn't good at, or was it because my body knew it was dumb to try something so ambitious since I've been out of practice for so long? The answer was both! And sure enough, as soon as I tried to put my legs up from my downward dog stance, my shoulder popped and I was done for. No inversion happened, and I was stuck holding my arm/shoulder for the next minute. I did finish my practice and had a nice few minutes of meditation at the end, but my shoulder was sore for the next 4 days and still isn't quite up to snuff yet. Other than the shoulder thing, I felt good and energized from my work-out...sadly that feeling didn't last into the next day when I woke up a bit sore...and the next 2 days after that, I could barely walk...Talk about damage...Boy am I out of shape. It's time to really get back into the swing of things. I need to start doing more yoga and pilates, to get my whole body involved. Cardio & a few calisthenics are not enough to keep me progressing. It's time to up the ante.

So the goal: Lose 7 lbs. before New Years, add in more yoga & pilates, work-out at least 5 days a week, and eat really clean and lean. I can do this!

A Pre-Happy Holiday

Ok, so I probably won't blog for awhile until after the holiday and the long weekend, soooo Happy Thanksgiving to all :)

I plan on totally eating everything and not feeling the least bit guilty. However, I will work in a work-out over the long weekend & I'll start the detox phase again to undo all the "damage"...all things need balance in the universe. So remember moderation and to keep your butt moving during this time and things will work out ok.

Cheers!

Moooooo

Ok, I'm feeling a bit like a bloated cow at the moment. I'm guessing it's the lovely abbreviation know as PMS. Unfortunately I'm in search of undergarments to protect my womanhood during the upcoming Opera where all I wear is a body stocking? The costumer of the show has still not come up with the exact outfit I'm going to wear, because she and the director haven't settled on an agreement of what that is yet! Oy...no script, no definite costume and we've only blocked two number in the show...I'm getting a little anxious. However I am a professional and I will make the best out of the situation and shine! :) And now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Great Expectations

Great Expectations, that was a great book...However I don't have any for this coming Thanksgiving week. I'm not a masochist...I will totally eat and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and then go back on my diet afterwards. I'll also make sure that I get in exercise to help burn all the excess calories I plan on ingesting this coming week. I'm actually looking forward...I sure do love Turkey & stuffing w/candied yams and green bean casarole...mmm...this has to be one of my favorite Holidays...but I also have to remember not to go "hog wild" with the eating either. Not only because of the caloric intake, but mainly because my body is just not used to eating so much in one sitting anymore...I don't want to be sick from dinner, so I'll take it slow and eat small portions while enjoying the taste :)

The weekend was good nutritionally, but not exercise wise. I was so swamped with rehearsals and recitals, that I didn't have anytime to work on me...however I stuck to my eating plan and avoided the dreaded breads, potatoes and empty carbs that come with going out and eating at events with others. The only "cheats" I had were some red wine and some chestnuts (mmm). I know what you're wondering: Are chestnuts really a cheat? Unfortunately they're equivalent to eating brown rice as opposed to say, almonds. So it wasn't a terrible cheat, however it wasn't perfection. But like I said in the above paragraph, I'm not setting impossible expectations for myself at this moment, I will enjoy the holidays in moderation.

Today's plan includes going to the gym at lunch and eating really lean all day until my dinner date with a friend. I never know what I'm going to find at restaurants, but I can usually stick to my diet. Wish me luck and good choices!

Wine: Good for the Body & Soul

Ok so we're only one pound shy of the mythical number...if I don't regain mythic status by tomorrow I promised 300 crunches. However, I may still do those crunches even when I do reach it. My goal is of course to really lean up with good muscle tone, so crunches can't hurt, neither can squats, nor push-ups...so I'll throw those into the mix as well :)

I had my weekly voice lesson last night. I truly love and adore my teacher...not only is she brilliant, she's also an inspiration. The woman's in her 70's but doesn't look a day over 54...I hope to God that I look that good at 50 much less 70. She takes her vitamins, does pilates and tango dances...and doesn't spare on drinking wine...sounds like a lifestyle I could totally get into. I feel that we always accomplish so much...I have to remember to be accepting of the knowledge one has to offer instead of being such a stubborn mule when change or adjustment is advised. People are funny like that...a bit afraid of change, however I've always found that change is generally a good thing and brings about fun, new experiences. Yes, I'm merging the ideas of the previous sentence into every aspect of my life, including the positive changes we make when taking up a healthy and active lifestyle...Moral of the story: Don't be afraid of change...embrace it!

Niagra Falls

Slowly I turn, step by step, inch by inch...ahhhh...lol...translation = I'm down another 1/2 pound, so we're back on the southern journey to hottieville :) I'm just eating clean and doing my cardio and really happy that results are still happening.

I went shopping yesterday and bought fabulous sizes that I've never been able to wear before (no never, unless you count pre-pubescence...ok that's exaggerating)...but it was nice to try on a dress that fit everywhere but the bust...oh darn my boobs are too big...ya know I'm crying about that *snicker*.

My family is coming in for the show in December, so I can't wait for them to see how svelte I'm getting, they're all going to be very proud...actually more in awe, because being anything less than a size 12 in my family is something of a rarity. No really...we're just a beefy group that really has to be disciplined in order to maintain a healthy physique. I grew up in a small town in Texas and we ate lot's of Mexican food, meat loafs, potatoes and anything you can think of that runs the gambit of carb & fat loaded food. It was fine until I hit puberty and the estrogen started to hold on to every bit of fat. I weighed 150 lbs. when I graduated high school at 17...that's terrible for a 5'4 girl in her teens. As we know, I learned how to change my eating habits and started working out and a decade or so later, here I am....weighing less than I did in high school. I honestly never thought I'd get there, but each little step, each time of trying, each small success has and IS paying off. I can't say it enough: Perseverance Baby!

On the Road Again...

I love that song by Willie Nelson (On the Road Again...) its so melodic and catchy. Well I'm on the road again back down the scale. Ok...I know, I know...it's not all about the scale weight. I do realize that, but it's such a nice reaffirmation that something's happening and changing. I've found that most people are terrible at judging what they really look like. It's so hard to see you're body change, because we're so used to seeing ourselves everyday, so the little changes go unnoticed...and those little changes add up and make big changes, and before you know it, you're slipping into a pair of jeans that you never thought would fit...or on the downside, you've gained so much weight that you don't recognize yourself anymore. I have to remember that on this journey to a healthy lifestyle...it takes one step at a time to get where you're going. I can do that...I can take each step as it comes and eventually I'll get there, and if I slip up a bit, I can just get right back up and continue on. Don't you love metaphoric reasoning....makes one feel clever about oneself...lol. Another nice noticeable change is when Jake (the boyfriend) comments on how easy it is now to put one arm around me and pull me to him or that my legs look and feel curvier & firmer. This is a man who works people out for a living and is surrounded by hot chics in the gym all day...so it's nice that it's me he notices and wants still (actually even more *eh hem*). If that doesn't keep a girl focused, I don't know what will...lol.

And That's Why They're Called Myths!

So the Mythical number has gone the way of the unicorn or the leprechaun...non-existent *sigh*. I've gained 3 lbs in two days? What went wrong? I know, I know...nothing...it's how the fickle female body is...We gain water or muscle or any number of other things in a given day and we totally freak! At least I'm totally freaking...wahhhhh. Ok, now to dry my eyes and pull myself up by the boot straps, we won't let this get us down! We will win the battle of the bulge and take no prisoners. Those 3 lbs. will be history by this weekend or I'll...um...I'll...oh, I know...do 300 crunches! That's constructive :) I should really be working my core anyway.

On a funnier note...the Burlesque Rehearsal went well last night. This show is really going to be a treat in the world of opera...or at least a few laughs.

A Mythical Number

So this weekend I reached the mythical weight number that I haven't seen since the age of 19...me in my *eh hem* 30's (yeah I said it) finally reaching a weight goal that I thought had only existed in fairy tales or movies. It's not the final destination, as we know that a Body Fat Percentage around 18% is the true objective, but it's nice to see the scale weight heading south for the winter. Yes my pretties, migrate, migrate *cackle, cackle, cackle*...

On a different note, I start my burlesque rehearsals tonight for my upcoming opera, so that should be fun...and maybe I'll learn a thing or two...like how not to fall over in high heels while trying to pretend I'm some sexy vixen...lol...that would be nice. I truly don't know how I get through life...I'm really one of the clumsiest people out there, always tripping over my own feet and others...I really need to get a choreographer for everyday things like...walking. Oh well, I've survived this long, I should make it through.

Holding Strong

Well I really held strong last night...I avoided adversity and temptation...I said NO to pasta even though I REALLY wanted to cheat last night. Everyone else was ordering chicken parmigiana and baked ziti, but I ordered a nice grilled steak w/sauteed spinach. I was a very good girl! I have to say, this was one of the worst nights of being tempted with the foods I'm supposed to be avoiding...and cheesy fried pastas and meats are definitely NOT on the diet.

I think I'll reward myself with something positive...maybe a nice night out with my man or a massage...who knows, but I definitely need to reinforce the good I'm doing for myself.

Oh and I'm totally having a nice skinny day, you know when you feel just lean and svelte and nothing can detour your confidence...Yeah...That kind of day :)

Howard Hughes meets Hugh Hefner

I know you're thinking what's with the title...well that's what I'm considering my mantra for the next month as I prepare for my upcoming performances...Where Howard Hughes meets Hugh Hefner (say hello gentlemen). Ok, EXPLANATION: Howard Hughes, because I need to be a total germ-a-phobe (is that a word?) for the next month, so that I don't get sick before, during, or after the show...I mean I do live in NYC and it's a pretty germy place...so that means lots of hand washing, and covering of my mouth and nose while in public (seeing as how I can't avoid the public). Hugh Hefner, because well, I AM doing a bit of burlesque in the upcoming Opera, so I'll be thinking of trying to get into playboy bunny shape (curvy, soft, and svelte). And it doesn't hurt that both men were pretty good looking young men...I just want an excuse to ogle their pictures ;)

My first rehearsal for The Impresario was last night and I have to say it went pretty well. I felt well prepared and in good voice. So my confidence is way up concerning the outcome of my performances in this role...it should really be a HOOT! The little criticism I got from the Maestro, I found actually constructive and encouraging. I was accused of singing too big and loud...me, a lyric coloratura too big and loud?...is there truly such a thing?...Joan Sutherland would be proud!...and so will my voice teacher. It's nice to be told to back-off for once in the realm of opera singing...I never dreamed I'd hear that from anyone...lol...it really tickles me and makes me realize that I truly am progressing vocally...nice to know I'm finding the power in my voice. I should be heard nicely in the theatre I think...I'm really excited about this opportunity and showing my all...lol...literally. (of course I'm referring to my acting & singing abilities *wink, wink*)

Ok, kids I'm off to lunch. This is where it gets hard...going out to a restaurant and finding something that's on your diet...it usually takes some tweaking when you order, but they're usually obliging. Thursdays I usually do lunch with a friend, it's the only day I don't work out at lunch...so that means finding time elsewhere in my day. I can make it happen...there's nothing I can't do if I put my mind to it! Hey as Mike Ditka would say:


You're never a loser until you quit trying.

I'll Fix Your Wagon

You know I never thought about it, but the word Wagon is sure a fun and interesting word...and I love all the phrases that go with it, i.e. "I'll fix your wagon" or "on the wagon" or "off the wagon" or "joining the bandwagon". In fact, I really loved my little red wagon when I was a child, so to me, wagons are a good thing. We like wagons...especially if they're keeping us on track.

The word origins of jump on the bandwagon and on the wagon are two more commonly used phrases. To be "on the wagon" means someone has given up drinking alcohol. Before paved roads were created, water wagons went around spraying the roads in order to prevent dust clouds from forming from the passing traffic. The only drink other than alcohol in those days was water. Therefore, if someone was to be drinking large amounts of water rather than alcohol, that person "climbed aboard the water wagon," which was shortened to "on the wagon."

Unfortunately I fell off the wagon last night. I didn't stick to my eating plan and ended up having some majorly unauthorized carbs. Note: 1 glass red wine (not too bad, but not allowed until Phase III), cheese & crackers (mmm...bree, absolutely terrible, high in fat and the crackers are full of empty carbs) and finally little puffed pastries w/spinach and assorted meat stuffing (Really awful...not only empty carbs, but lots of lard hiding in those flaky layers). I didn't over do it in quantity however, and I still lost a pound according to this morning's weigh-in. Back on today and you know what cheating means?...that's right...2 more weeks of Phase I. I did it to myself! So, now I have to count today as Day 1 for the next 2 weeks...OK, discipline and perseverance will get me through. I can totally do this. And heck, it could have been worse...

I did have a great time last night. The event was fun, NYC children were helped, and Jennifer Holliday was amazing! Yes, she did sing "And I'm telling you" as the final selection of the night and it was everything you could want...absolutely fantastic. And coming from an opera singer, that's a big complement. I took a fellow opera singer friend of mine and he too thought it was a fun night and a great treat to see Ms. Holliday belt it out as only she can.

Luckily I had good train-karma and got home within 20 minutes from the event and still managed to get 8 hours of sleep, so I'm ready for tonight's FIRST rehearsal of The Impresario. I feel good and as prepared as I can be going into an unknown rewritten show...yet I know it'll all work out fine, it always does...that's the magic of the theatre.

Burlesque and Opera?

I'm going to an event tonight where all they serve are hors d'œuvre and cocktails followed by Jennifer Holliday performing in a cabaret setting (She's one of the original Dreamgirls). It promises to be a fun night, however it also promises to be a night of temptation. What kind of hors d'œuvre are they serving?...Generally not much of a healthy choice in that department, and cocktails are certainly not on my diet. So the plan: Go and get the tickets for the cabaret and then go find a healthy dinner (while avoiding the cocktail hour), followed up by arriving just in time to see Jennifer Holliday perform. So now to figure out where to go have dinner...something that I can stay on my eating plan with. You'd think finding lean protein and veggies would be easy, but surprisingly, alot of restaurants cook hidden flours and fats into your food...so be aware and beware...lol!

Today I found out about the rewrites of the next show I'll be doing. In December, I'll be performing the role of Madame Goldentrill in Mozart's The Impresario. HOWEVER, they've completely rewritten the script (the music will stay the same...high, fast and hard) but now Mme. Goldentrill has been renamed Fifi LaFleur...and no longer is she an old time opera diva, but is now a burlesque fan dancer trying to get into opera. That's right kids, I just found out that I'll be doing a striptease w/big fans and nothing but a nude bodystocking on. Talk about incentive! I'm definitely sticking to my diet and I'm going to work-out so hard, my sweat will hurt! OMG, talk about a time to not be a fat opera singer...woah...ok, and now breathing. Heck, maybe I'll be in such great shape, that I'll really do it in the nude...NOT! LOL...so I guess the question is...Can Opera and Burlesque coexist and be successful in the same production? It worked for Vaudeville, guess it's just a natural progression for Opera? I won't go into the artistic meaning and seriousness of opera...I truly believe if Mozart was alive today, he'd be all for the change. I mean knowing what we do know about him, he would truly appreciate the bawdy humor and the idea of nudity. And besides, it is still opera...they won't go over the edge in bad taste...the opera world is known for being reserved, so how "bad" can it get?...exactly...so nothing to worry about except how good I look in that bodysuit. ;)

In a Room Full of Personal Trainers.

I had a really good weekend, despite working myself to death in the packing department. We got my friend Rebecca packed up and ready to move out by a decent hour on Saturday...enough time infact to go and have a lovely dinner with her and my honey Jake at the swanky little restaurant, Dumont in Williamsburg. I had some delish Roast Chicken w/au jous and sauteed spinach, Rebecca had their famous burger, and Jake had the butternut squash bisque w/chestnuts & mushrooms and their mixed green salad w/pecans & blue cheese...a most delightful and satisfying evening.

Sunday I actually slept late, then had my favorite brunch omelet. The omelet was just as good as I remembered, however they've changed the mixed green salad :( It is no longer mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette, but has now had other veggies added with an orange citrus dressing (which tasted as if it had too much sugar mixed in, so I sent it back and was truly saddened that they had messed with their previous perfection.) So I ate the yummy omelet and had a nice apple sage breakfast sausage on the side. I sure hope they go back to the original mixed green salad...I mean who needs the added stuff and sugar?

On Friday night, after Rebecca and I had reached a stopping point on her packing, we went into the City to meet our honeys who just happened to be at two different bars that were only 5 blocks from each other. Her boyfriend Jason was with the production staff of the Theatre he works at and my Jake was at a birthday party with a bunch of personal trainers. I spent a few minutes with Jason and Rebecca, but after watching them make googly eyes each other, I longed for my own honey, so I excused myself and meandered down to where Jake was partying the night away. Once there and into the mix, I realized that I was in a room full of personal trainers...and you know what?...I felt really confident about myself. I wasn't sitting there comparing my abs to someone else's, nor was I thinking "am I the fattest one in the room?" I really felt good and comfy in my own skin...not to mention I was wearing a pair of "goal" jeans that I bought over 3 years ago and Rebecca had found as we were packing her stuff. I had given them to her a year or so ago after resigning that I would never be able to get them over my fat thighs. Yet, that milestone had been met on Friday night. I slipped them on and they buttoned easily and fit perfectly...I was wearing my goal jeans! All the hard work has and is paying off! And I felt like a goddess in my goal jeans and wasn't the least bit phased by the room full of people that get paid for working others out...infact, I felt like one of the most beautiful people there.

Meeting that goal was such a nice incentive to keep going and I guess it's now time to buy the next pair of goal jeans!

Friday, Friday, Friday

Yay...It's Friday and although that means no day job to go to during the weekend, I'm still helping my friend Becca move. No rest for the weary I guess. I'll just keep on truckin' and hope my body can keep up with my spirit.


I got a great comment about supplements. It's so true, if you're going to be dieting, heck even if not, we all need vitamins and minerals added to our diet. There's just no way to get all that the body truly needs unless you supplement it into your diet...even then the body doesn't necessarily absorb it all. However, I definitely recommend getting something as simple as a multi-vitamin if nothing else. My grandmother who is 84 and still lives alone and is VERY active, has always taken a daily regiment of vitamins and has eaten well balanced meals since her young adulthood...she's in great shape, both physically & mentally...heck she's still got a very active social & dating life...yeah, she rocks! So the moral of the story is, get your vitamins so you can stay on the healthy track. Currently I'm taking a Multi-Vitamin for Women, Vitamin C, Calcium w/D, B-100's, & Flaxseed Oil (I'm allergic to fish, so no fish oil for me). I definitely think I haven't gotten fully fledged sick thanks to the supplements added to my diet.

As for progress...I'm down 2 lbs. this week and have eaten clean every day so far. We are currently on day 5 of the detox phase and so far so good. I really do feel lean and Jake has even commented that I look and feel leaner too...weird how the progress happens so quickly on this particular diet & exercise program.

Have a great weekend! And I'll be back blogging on Monday.

Ciao!

Fighting the fight

I've had auditions every other day this week and in between those, a voice lesson or a coaching...and remember I just got back from Tour on Monday morning. I'm really feeling it too. I'm way exhausted and fighting the good fight to not getting sick. I've had the sniffles since Friday and have refused to let it go any further! Unfortunately that doesn't allow for the perfect vocal conditions for all these auditions that I have been going to. I do think the healthy eating has helped me keep the sickness at bay. I've found that when I eat like crap, I feel like crap and when I eat healthy...oh well you can figure it out. Everyone around me is sick too. I don't know if it's a cold that's going around or if it's just terrible allergies with the drastic weather changes we've been having from hot to cold to warm again...the body just doesn't know what to do.

On the bright side, I've avoided temptation thus far this week and have really kept up with my diet. I've gotten in exercise as well and have a good nights sleep ahead of me tonight (well assuming I can make my mind stop and rest.)

I actually got up and made myself breakfast this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it. I really do love eggs & Canadian bacon...so yummy! And today for lunch a friend of mine took me out and I had the Taco salad, sans the sour cream and shell, and made with fajita beef instead of ground...it was delish and very satisfying. I've already had two snacks as well and plan on my 3rd around 6pm before my coaching tonight. Wow...I wonder how much I can actually fit into a 24 hour day? If I could I'd sing for at least 4 hours a day and dance for 2 hours on top of that...However holding a full-time day job, singing with the Opera nights & weekends, coachings, voice lessons, the gym and auditioning doesn't really allow for much more openings in my schedule. No wonder Jake & I have a hard time getting together...

This weekend (starting tomorrow) I'm helping a friend of mine pack to move out of her apartment of 6 years...that gives one time to accumulate much, so I won't be surprised if I'll be there from night into the morning...but I don't mind, she IS one of my best friends in the world and she would do the same for me...in fact she has for the past 3 times I've moved...I really owe her.

So that's the deal for this coming weekend...and I'm REALLY looking forward to my brunch date that I have with Jake & my cousin every weekend. There's this place we go to that make the most incredible mushroom, scallion and goat cheese omelet and it comes with the perfect medley of mixed greens in a lemon vinaigrette...and it's on my diet! YAY...we Love That!