Friday, May 30, 2008

Finally

The scale is finally going the correct direction for the past 2 weeks... ahhh...that's stress just slipping off the shoulders as I type this. I'm still a bit tense with the whole "everyone moving within the next couple of weeks" thing. As I said in my previous blog, the best friend is moving this weekend, but her apartment may not be ready and she's sooo freaking out!...The boyfriend is moving this weekend, but doesn't know if the place he's storing stuff is available...my cousin is supposed to be buying a bed and moving into the boyfriend's room but he can't move in until the boyfriend is out and sleeping arrangements may be questionable. My friend Carmine is moving on Tuesday and he's also heading up the conducting and coaching for the new opera I'm in "Don Giovanni". Oh yeah, and that reminds me I have to learn the role and all that music by July...lol...

At least I'm going away this weekend and can let everyone sort it out for themselves, instead of getting involved as I usually do...it's not my responsibility and I'm allowed to have some time away. It's just hard, because they're my friends and I love them and want to help them...I feel guilty...but this trip has been planned for over a month and it's a bad move to cancel last minute. So conflicted...but things will work themselves out...they always do.

I'm just happy that I've been able to stick to my eating plan for the past two weeks and am seeing positive results.

Oh and also, my girls Rose and V are joining me on the Birthday Challenge. The goal is to tone up and look fab. We've so got this!

Have a great day!
-Bex

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Miss Me?

Sorry folks...I've been on vacation, both mentally and physically. I was away this past long weekend and thoroughly enjoyed taking a few extra days of during this week as well. However I think I'm more tired now than I was before taking some days "off". I think I need a vacation from my vacation. Plus I'm stressed due to the fact that both my boyfriend and my best friend are both moving this weekend and I feel pulled in so many directions. This is an already busy weekend for me. I'm supposed to go to Pennsylvania for the weekend with my Opera Company for our end of the year party and two important people in my life are uprooting themselves and going elsewhere. ON TOP of all that my cousin is supposed to take over my boyfriend's room and find a bed to sleep on within the next 3 days...not to mention the overly messy state my apartment is in at the moment...and I'm not even available to clean and organize my living space...ahhh.

On a positive note, I'm doing really well on my eating plan and am seeing some nice results. At least one thing in my life is under my control at the moment.

Also this summer I'm doing Don Giovanni with Opera Manhattan, so that's exciting...I've always needed to learn Zerlina and here's my chance! The performances will be at the end of July or early August, we haven't gotten our schedules yet...but this should be alot of fun.

Ok, on to more work, and reading your blogs...I can't wait to hear how everyone did on the MDC...this is actually my last week on the MDC and I break it this weekend at my Opera Party...I don't think I'll be too bad however, because there's no desire. Then I start the Birthday Challenge on Monday 5/2/08...feel free to join me...the goal is to look awesome in my birthday dress by July 24th :D That really entails sculpting the body...hello weight training!

Have a great day!
-Bex

Friday, May 23, 2008

Friday before MDC

Quickie!

So it's the Friday before the actual Memorial Day. I've lost 5 lbs and am still holding strong even with TOM starting today and I actually feel ok. I really do think it has alot to do with eating the right things and the body's reaction to it. Last month I gave into cravings and went mental and felt miserable. But this time I stuck with my clean eating and am so much more functional. The great thing is that most of my friends are on a similar eating plan as me, so we're all cognizent of what we're putting into our mouths when we go out...so it really does help to pick a healthier alternative when it comes to restaurants...and we don't go out drinking (hello, empty calories). So this weekend is the final stretch to the MDC finish line (granted I'm going one week past for my actual end of the year party and my new bikini)...To all of you who are on this challenge with me...good luck and stay strong. It's been a fun and trying past few months. I look forward to hearing about your journey.

Have a great weekend.

xo,
-Bex

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Getting a Grip

Ok, things are "slowing" down and I'm starting to get a grip. I'm back on my strict phase of my diet (due to some BAD pre-TOM eating last week) and I'm feeling good and taking names! I'm also back at the gym interval training and feel like I'm mentally sound...or at least getting there.

Newest news: On the singing front, I didn't make the finals for my competition, but I don't feel too bad because I looked up my competitors who did make the finals, and most (if not all) of them are managed singers with quite the resume under their belt already...ha!...I've only been in the Opera biz for 2 years (I'm a musical theatre girl)...so I'm doing quite well considering. Besides, most of the famous opera singers of old never were part of elite young artists programs or won any competitions...so I'm not too worried...there are always opportunities right around the corner. A positive note, is my voice lesson with the Russian Soprano went well on Saturday and she thinks I'm very close to being ready to pursue a European career...scary but exciting at the same time.

As you may know, The Memorial Day Challenge is almost at a close. The finish line is less than a week away...however, I plan on continuing it until the end of this month due to the fact that I really do have to be in a swim suit by May 31st for the end of the year Dicapo Opera Party. I can't think of a better incentive to keep me eating clean and working my butt off than the thought of having to bare flesh in front of my peers and opera associates. Yesterday I actually bought myself a cute little navy with little white polka dots bikini. I also bought the matching little over-skirt and flip-flops...hehe...now to get the bod in shape to wear it! I'm so close to feeling confident in this bikini and I'll get there by the 31st!!! Once I have achieved the successful completion of the MDC, then it's on to a nice body sculpting endeavor and the next challenge...my Birthday Challenge. Finish Date: July 24th (my Birthday) and I want to look HOT, HOT, HOT in the dress I bought for my birthday last year. I just didn't feel secure enough to wear it last year, but this year is going to be different! I will get slimmed down and sculpted to wear my fabulous dress that's been hanging in wait for me to take her out and show her the town. The main spots that I'm trying to really sculpt are my upper arms (hello triceps) & my back (I want a sexy back)...The dress has a pretty bare and low back...oooh...

So the goal today is to continue to eat clean and get my 30 Day Shred work-out in tonite...oh and I have to make sure I get my water intake in...I was sooo dehydrated last week it wasn't even funny. Interesting how bad eating goes hand in hand with not enough water consumption...I feel one affects the other from both sides.

Well kids, it's time to go back to work...Have a Great Day!
-Bex

Friday, May 16, 2008

Surviving

So I'm still just surviving...holding on to anything I can to just make it to the end of Opera season. I've only got one more work event with my Opera Company and then I'm "off" for the summer. I'm just taking it one day at a time and hoping to get enough rest so I don't completely break down. Currently I'm typing this through a fog due to lack of sleep and allergic eyes. That reminds me, on Wednesday I was half blind due to something in my eye that I just couldn't find or flush out, you know, like a piece of lint or something...it about drove me bonkers, almost to the point of pulling every eyelash out of me eye...however vanity and love for my long lashes kept me from doing such a thing, so I just suffered through until it worked itself out...which it eventually did, about 8 hours later...argh!

Nothing really to report...today is the day we find out if we made the finals for the Jensen Competition, but like I said, I'm not holding my breath.

This weekend is full of fun and busy events...I have a voice lesson with a fabulous Russian Soprano, followed by a friends dance performance, followed by going to see The Ballad of Baby Doe at Chelsea Opera (my friend Carmine is conducting and my friend Lynne is performing). Then we'll probably go out afterwards and I'll end up crashing at her place so that I can be up bright and early to make the dress rehearsal at Dicapo for the children's show that goes up next week. Whew...and I turned down yet another gracious invitation to go to Cannes to see the premier of the movie I was in and sang for. Darn expensive airline tickets...oh well, I have to work anyways.

So that's it, I'll keep you updated if anything new and interesting happens.

Have a GREAT Weekend...YAY!

-Bex

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Ramblings of a Mad Opera Singer

Well the first round of the Jensen Competition is over and now I get to wait until Friday to see if I made the finals. I'm not holding my breath or anything...I felt I did a mediocre performance yesterday. I guess I let the judges' lack of interest shake me a bit...I mean come on...I walk into the recital hall, all cute, fluffed and ready to perform, and I didn't even get a glance from these people during my first aria. Um HELLOOO, I'm performing here! If I've come out of my way to perform for you people, the least you can do is look up and watch! Ugh, seriously? So I let it bother me the whole time...and let it get into my head and shrink my confidence to the size of an ant...jeez, by the end of the 1st aria I felt like I was squeaking "look at me"! Then it seemed as if they deliberated forever if they wanted to hear a second aria and what that aria would be...by then my nerves had gotten the best of me, that my throat was dry, my larynx up and my body shaking...grrr!!! I hate not having control over my nerves...and the one aria I don't like doing because I think it's "boring" was the one aria I was hoping they'd pick, because I didn't think I'd get through any of my other rep with the way I was feeling...and guess what...just as I was thinking "pick the Prendi, pick the Prendi" by George...they picked the "Prendi"...*shew*...ok, I can do this...and it's not so boring anymore, especially since I added the cabaletta. At least they looked up a little bit during the second aria and I was "acting"...and they started to smile during the cabaletta, so that made me feel a little better as I was flying through the coloratura...unfortunately, the accompanist gave me a new ending to the piece and I came in too early do to a misunderstanding of my cuts...oh well, I just kept singing, and held the notes a little longer than usual...I still finished strong and that's all you can do. It could have been worse, they might have picked the Spargi which ends on a high Eb which at that moment in time I didn't feel like I could sustain...or they could have picked my new French aria...which is nice in the voice and not all that difficult, but the problem with it is the fact that it is NEW...and in all honesty one should never do a NEW aria for a competition or a major audition...but it was better than the alternative, my old French piece that never really worked for me. I would have been ok if they had picked my German piece...I used to hate this aria mind you, because it's a bitch to sing with 2 ridiculously long coloratura passages back to back that Mozart expects you to do in one breath per run...so of course that means to sing it at break neck speeds in order to make it through...but I finally worked it into the voice and it's singing nicely...so that said, I don't hate my German aria anymore...it's really grown on me :) The only song I wish they'd pick and never do is my lovely little operetta piece Villia from "The Merry Widow"...I sing that piece so lyrical and flowy (is flowy even a word?) that it shows another side of my voice that people rarely hear. Perhaps I'll start offering that first from now on...they can always pick a fast, high song from the rest of my rep, seeing as how that is all the rest of my rep really offers. I don't know if it's right for competitions, but who cares if you sing something that you love and it sits nice in the voice. Even though I'd love to win some $$$ from a competition, I rarely go into win it...I just want an opportunity to perform and challenge myself...perhaps that's where I go wrong, but I need these challenges to keep me learning and forging onward with my career. However, it shakes me every time....when does it get easier? When do I stop freaking out from competitions and big auditions...when do I learn to suck it up and take true control? Anyone have these answers? I have a sneaking suspicion that it doesn't ever get easier, we just get more experience and learn to present ourselves better. Well I'll just have to keep going out for more experience then!

Tonight I have the Soiree Musical to do, then I agreed to help out with the Dicapo Children's show coming up next week and I think after that, I'm done for the season? We have the end of the Season party on the 31st and this weekend is the opening of "The Ballad of Baby Doe" which I must attend for my friend Carmine...once the month of May is done, it looks like I can finally "rest"...and by this I mean, looking into French lessons, learning "The Crucible" music for next season, learning some other new rep., cleaning house (finally)...and finding a summer program to work on roles with. Haha...I guess I don't really know the meaning of the word "rest", but as my grandmother says, I'll have plenty of time when I'm dead...which hopefully won't be for another 80 years or so...yeah I have plans for a long, healthy, happy life :)

That said, have a great day and a healthy life.

-Bex

Monday, May 12, 2008

Murky Monday

I had a decent weekend...sure I had to work at the theatre for the past 3 days, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else really and I did get to enjoy some of the beautiful weather both Saturday & Sunday.

So the MDC end is coming up quick...just 2 more weeks and we've reached the finish line. I can't say that I've accomplished my goal as of yet...but it's still possible to get there. The lesson in all this has really been in endurance and perseverance...and I feel with all the obstacles that have been thrown at us, we're doing really well considering the circumstances...and best of all, we haven't given up!

Today is a really nasty day outside with high winds and heavy rain, so I'm not looking forward to going out in it...so instead I'll just stay in and get a work-out in at home after work. My least favorite time to work-out, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. If I change my mind and brave the storm, I'll let you know.

No real words of wisdom, but I'm just really proud of all my peeps who are doing the MDC with me...let's really kick@$$ to the finish line!

xo,
-Bex

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Not Gonna Settle!

Wow, I'm feeling it today. I'm really tired and I supposedly got 7 hours of sleep...I think I may need more due to the hardcore working out...perhaps that's the secret? Interesting how you're capability to make good choices is affected by how tired and stressed you are. Currently I'm trying to keep it together until May 15th which is the official date that Opera season is over for me(unless I pick up some other gigs during the summer...hahaha...) I'll be able to stop for a bit and breathe, and perhaps rest and get my apartment in order. Being tired and having all these end of season stresses on me, makes it hard to stick with everything else I'm doing. For example, the past couple of days I've really wanted a bagel and even considered having one today...yep I almost had a "f#%k it" moment. Generally when I'm recharged and rested, I can overcome almost any temptation...but being tired and stressed as I mention before, I'm really finding it difficult. Even as I type this, I just want to scrap my lunchtime work-out...but if I don't do it at lunch, then I won't get one today because I'm going straight to the theatre after the day job and working until God knows when? I do like how I just wrote the previous phrase...that if I don't go I won't GET one today...like it's a treat or something...that's a good way to think of a work-out...don't you think? Perhaps I'm just rambling, but oh well.

Ok...so today's plan: Continue to forge through. Eat my authorized meals, take my vitamins (doing that right now...ok), drink my water, work-out and get as much rest as possible!!!

I thought I'd add some great snack ideas for those who might have some special needs right now for junk like snacks but need to stay on their diets:


Kale "Potato Chips" -- Lightly mist olive oil on some kale, then bake at 350 for ten minutes. Sound crazy? Try it and see! You've Got Kale!

Pay attention, potato chip-lovers. Baked kale (similar to its cousins spinach & lettuce, but far less popular) is a great swap for chips. We know it sounds weird, but this is a fun snack to munch on while watching TV. Here's what you do. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Wash and cut up a bunch of kale. Toss onto a baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil. Top with whatever seasonings you like -- Mrs. Dash, salt, pepper, BBQ seasonings -- your call. Bake for 10 minutes. You don't believe us? Try it.


Radish "Hash Browns" -- Sauté sliced radishes and onions with salt & pepper. A perfect companion for your egg white omelet.


Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"
-- Cook cauliflower (to death), mash with fat free margarine, fat free cheese, salt, pepper and garlic.


Baked Apple "Pie"
Don't want all the fat and calories in a big honkin' slice of apple pie? Try this: Core a Rome (or Rome Beauty) apple, pour some sugar free black cherry soda over it and sprinkle with lots of Splenda & cinnamon. Bake at 375 degrees for around 40 minutes. Serve cold or hot with some low fat ice cream and/or a blob of fat free Cool Whip on top.


Bean Sprout Pasta
This one sounds odd but it's insanely good. Stir-fry some bean sprouts, mushrooms and onions, making a faux pasta. Top with fat free spaghetti sauce and low fat parmesan cheese. Try this -- it's almost as good as real pasta!


Snazzy Substitutes...
Sauté Veggies in chicken (or vegetable) broth instead of oil. You'll add flavor with almost no calories.

When baking, use applesauce instead of oil in your recipes. It cuts lots of fat.

Fat free yogurt can be used instead of sour cream in dips, on potatoes and in recipes. Then bye-bye, Flab!


Turkey Roll-ups
Take a slice of turkey breast and roll it up with a nice crunchy lettuce leaf, a pickle slice and some Dijonnaise, and have a hunger-kickin' protein snack for way under 100 calories!


Fettuccine Hungry Girlfredo!(80.5 Calories, 3g Fat, 9 Carbs, 4g Protein, 4g Fiber = 1 Point!!!)

This recipe will rock your world. Share it with everyone you know...ASAP!

Ingredients:

1 Package Tofu Shirataki Fettuccine Shaped Tofu Noodles
1/2 Wedge The Laughing Cow Light Cheese
1 teaspoon Fat Free Sour Cream
2 teaspoons Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper (if desired)

Rinse fettuccine noodles VERY well. Microwave them for one minute, then drain them and pat dry. Add cheeses and sour cream. Mix thoroughly. Microwave to help melt cheese further, and mix some more. Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy. Serves 1.

This Fettuccine Hungry Girlfredo has just 80 calories per serving, and is only 1 point on Weight Watchers (if you're counting). This is the guilt-free recipe of the century! After you try it, send us an email to let us know how you liked it.


Guilt-free Spinach Dip of your dreams!
Gooey, cheesy spinach dip and tortilla chips -- it's one of the most delicious appetizers you can order. It's also one of the most fattening (Please don't be one of those people that pretends anything made with spinach can't possibly be bad for your diet!). So how can something contain mayo, cheese and sour cream, and still be guilt-free? Is it magic? Nah, just some clever substitution action, courtesy of the swap-mistress herself, Hungry Girl.

HG's Rockin' Restaurant Spinach Dip

(1/8 recipe, approx. 3-4 Tbsp. - 70 calories, 0.5g fat, 305mg sodium, 7.5g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 2g sugars, 6.5g protein = 1 Point)

Ingredients:
4 oz. Lifetime Fat Free Monterey Jack Cheese (or another fat-free white hard cheese, like Muenster or Mozzarella)
4 tbsp. fat-free sour cream
10 tsp. Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp. shallots, chopped finely
6 tbsp. fat-free mayo
1 oz. light soy milk
1 – 10 oz. pkg. chopped spinach, thawed and drained
4 oz. water chestnuts, chopped

Directions:
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt your Monterey Jack over a low flame. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and shallots with some nonstick cooking spray. Add soy milk to melted cheese, stirring continuously. Next, add mayo, sour cream and parmesan into your cheese mixture, still stirring over low heat. Add your sautéed garlic and shallots, as well as water chestnuts. Add your well-drained, chopped spinach and mix thoroughly. Spoon your dip into a medium-sized casserole dish and bake in a preheated 325-degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Voila! Your spinach-y masterpiece is complete. You may add salt and/or pepper if desired. Serves 6-8.

Serving suggestions:

1. My ABSOLUTE favorite is to stuff this into mushrooms and bake it for another 20 minutes...it's soooo good!

2. This dip is AWESOME with Guiltless Gourmet Baked Tortilla Chips or homemade baked pita chips made from Western Bagel's Alternative Pita.

3. Add a couple of tablespoons of this stuff to scrambled egg whites. It ROCKS!

4. Spoon a few tablespoons of it into well-drained Shirataki noodles; nuke for about a minute and stir well. Your cheesy spinach noodle dish will be so good it'll make you CRY!

Chocolate dipped Bananas

Another great thing is to take dark chocolate 70 or 85% melt it in a double boiler and then dip banana pieces and freeze for a nice chocolatey treat :D

Enjoy and have a great day!
-Bex

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

I'm Pumped, and Must be High On Protein

I'm on a roll and soooo kicking butt! Yesterday I met with the girls and had dinner, and kept within my dietary restrictions. Then when I got home, I did the unexpected...I actually put on my work-out clothes and did my 30 Day Shred DVD. That's right I had Jillian kick my @$$ for a while, and then I had to shower because she made me sweat like a whore in summer...lol...sorry that's the Texas girl coming out in me. Then I allowed myself a nice authorized treat, some decaf coffee and an almond "cookie". Now let me tell you about these "cookies" I made for my diet...they're amazing! Even the BF and the cousin love them...and they're sugar and flour free...very Low Carb and very satisfying. I linked them above if you want the recipe, in which I doubled of course....a girl's gotta share. The only thing was that I had a hard time finding almond meal, so I made it myself by blending raw almonds into meal myself...it was rather simple really...and Smart Balance makes a great substitute for butter or margarine to use in recipes :)

Today I've stuck to my eating and took my Fat-Burning Pilates class. I was chatting with the instructor who has a "sick" body...I mean it's incredible and you wouldn't believe she's had 2 kids...and she was saying that she used to be fat (way before the kids). She was once a Fatty like me (or used to be)...and now looks FANTASTIC...so the moral of the story is, that the hard work really does pay off, but I'm sure we already knew that. So all we have to do is keep going, and keep making good choices, one at a time. That's easy, we can make a simple choice of whether or not to eat those fries or go put on those walking shoes. Come on, let's do this...let's finish the MDC Strong...we're almost there and we can really kill this thing! And once we've conquered the MDC, I may announce the IDC to follow, but we'll see...it depends on how AWESOME we do on the MDC...hehe...hey everyone likes a challenge. And I wasn't kidding about the Shopping & Cocktails for those who finish strong. Last summer I had a SouthBeach Mojito and it was delish, I'll see if I can't find the recipe to make for our fabu get together...there's nothing better than fresh mint...mmm. So keep truckin' everyone...we're so close and I've got my second wind.

Have a great day!
-Bex

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Mundane Ramblings

Ok, quick blog:

Eating is good, and typing this just reminded me to take my vitamins...hold on a sec...ok, vitamins taken. No work-out as of yet, due to being stuck in the office all day (yuck) AND it's a beautiful day outside today too :( So the plan is to meet up with my girls after my coaching after I get out of work, and go for a lovely walk outside...I think they want food too, but we'll see what the compromise is, because my friend Chelle just had her tonsils out a couple of weeks ago (limited dietary needs there)...and Rebecca & I are both on the same lean eating regiment (lean protein & veggies)...hmmm, I'll think of something.

Nothing really eventful or brilliant today, just boring corporate training today, followed by spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations to create *snore*. I can't wait until I'm making a living at my singing...I really don't do well in offices, it makes me brain numb!

Alright kids, I'm off to work more on the PowerPoint presentation and then to my coaching.

Have a great day!
-Bex

Monday, May 5, 2008

I'm Back Baby!

The scale is finally going the other direction and this only after a weekend of clean eating and ample rest. That's right I did the unthinkable, I started my clean eating this weekend instead of waiting for Monday. I just couldn't take it anymore and seeing as how TOM finally left me on Friday evening, so did the desire to eat crap. The scale is already down 3.5 lbs from the end of this last week and I'm starting to feel like my new "old" self again. My friend Carmine who is unknowingly doing the MDC with us has already lost 2 inches off his waist from following my eating regiment. He's been so good about following the plan and has not cheated once for the past 5 weeks...I think 2 inches off your waist in 5 weeks is GREAT! He also mentions that he hasn't felt this good in a long time and then thanked me for helping him. I laughed and told him that all I did was give him the info and cooked him a few meals, he's the one who stayed on track and made it happen...I'm very impressed by his self-discipline, even when I strayed and ate chocolate cake in front of him...that takes control. This guy really has set a standard for me...he gave up smoking more than 7 months ago, and changed his eating habits for the better. I can't imagine how hard those changes have been...I have no excuse to whine about how hard something is, when others have it much harder.

Annoying side note: I know people mean well, but I get really irritated when a skinny person who has NEVER had a weight problem tries to give me advice on eating. Blah, blah...yeah I know moderation, but seriously unless you've been there, you really don't know how hard the fight against a food addiction is. I know what I should do to lose weight and maintain a healthy body...I've educated myself and know what works after years of trial and error. I know I just have to be disciplined and make the right choices about what I actually put in my mouth...I just don't seem to appreciate that type of feedback from someone who can eat pizza, chips and ice cream and never gain weight. I'm not trying to be mean, and I know they say these things because they love me and see me struggle...I just get a little miffed when advice comes from those who have never been there, no matter how informed they are. Ok, I vented...enough said.

I got so inspired today, I called my friend Rebecca (no I'm not talking about myself in the third person) and told her we are going to get together tonight and we're going to work-out and then I'll make us a healthy dinner. She's been crying out for help and to gain control of her weight gain lately. She's not fat by any means, but she is heavier than she's been in a while and it makes her unhappy...I can understand that. So as her BFF...I took the control that she handed me and I'm kick starting her efforts. In fact I quizzed her on what she was planning to eat today and it sounds pretty healthy, so she's already on the road to success...I'm just trying to derail any Cinco de Mayo plans her office may be planning that involve margaritas and Mexican food...talk about empty fat and calories.

On a good note: I not only started my clean eating this weekend and am already seeing results, I cooked my authorized meals for the week for me and my friend Carmine. Oh and I've almost got my French aria completely memorized + the other arias are really shaping up nicely in time for Friday's Masterclass and Tuesday the 13th's big competition.

So the plan for today: Continue to eat healthy today, get in some interval cardio training at lunch, drink my water, take my vitamins, give prepared meals to Carmine, meet with Rebecca and do the 30 day Shred DVD, prepare and eat a healthy dinner, and get to bed early for a good night's sleep :) I told you I'm back!

Have a great day!
-Bex

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Losing Control

I just read my friend Val's blog about being thankful for the "normal" times. I can understand that...to me it translates to the time when a thousand stresses are not coming down on you all at once. Where you can actually go home and have a nice routine day without major interruption. Unfortunately as of late, I haven't been able to really find my footing. I've had all intentions on getting back to my "normal" routine, but I keep having to take detours along the way. It's been really hard to do all the things I want and need to do, that I'm finding myself shutting down instead of accomplishing what should be done. Granted, I'm a little high maintenance, and demanding on myself (knowing's half the battle) but I generally get things done. Example: Last night after getting home from the recording session (which went very well btw) all I wanted to do was eat and watch TV. What I should have done was eat something light, work-out, put away clothes, change the kitty litter, shower and go to bed. NOPE...I sat down in front of the TV and ate a chicken roll (it's like a calzone), then a few pieces of chocolate, then a grab bag of the new Spicy & Sweet Doritos, followed by a low carb ice cream bar, some coconut macaroons, and washed it all down with a diet coke. UM...I think I lost it folks! I knowingly ingested my entire days worth of calories in one sitting...the bag of doritos is 400 calories alone. Granted I hardly ate anything earlier before leaving for the recording session and I was starving by the time I got out + over tired + I got lost on the way to the recording session and walked a straight hour quickly and in high heels to find my way (I walked about 2 miles out of my way and had to walk 2 miles back because I made a wrong turn - ouch my poor feet). So by the time I got home I was in the f#@& it mentality...all I wanted to do was veg. and eat...so I did. :( That was the old me...about 10 years ago, where I'd go hog wild in front of the TV and just eat tons of junk. I wish I had read Rose's blog before, and I would have realize that my bad decisions were based on being over tired...I just can't get a handle on things because I'm over tired. I keep trying to get more sleep, but it just seems like I'll never catch up...I'm sooo tired...wahhhh!!!

On a positive note* I did end up walking at a brisk pace for a solid hour and covered alot of ground, and the day before I had a great interval training session on the treadmill...and today's plan is the same...in fact my ETA at the gym is 2:15pm today and I'm gonna rock the treadmill once again. Another positive note is that I'm done with recording tracks for the movie and I can concentrate now solely on my opera repertoire that I have to learn...and the cabaletta for Prendi is almost perfect. All I have left for competition preparation is to memorize my French aria and to clean up the coloratura in my German piece...and of course keep working and perfecting all the other pieces as well. The other great thing is that all this preparation for the competition will also prepare me for the end of the year Masterclass at Dicapo Opera...This Masterclass is what casts us for next season at the opera house...so I should be in pretty good shape when it comes :)

Ok, I feel a little more sane...and believe it or not, I think Tomorrow's gonna be a really good day for me, I can just feel it...but then again...I could have just jinxed myself...lol

Have a great day!
-Bex