January 30, 2011: LAST DAY!

Daily Practice Session #30

Technical Concepts - Breath support and focus
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Church Song and Fame
Minutes –  20

Successes –  My voice decided to somewhat improve today.

Areas for improvement – My vowels when I sing for Church, because the others don't necessarily use good vowels, I find myself using bad habits.

Notes:This has been such a great experience, congrats to everyone!

January 29, 2011: Jason Robert Brown Day!

Daily Practice Session # 29

Technical Concepts - breath support, focus and keeping the sound forward
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Everything I Know, I Will Be Loved Tonight, Keepin' Out of Mischief Now, and Out Tonight
Minutes –  20

Successes –  Support was good

Areas for improvement –  Not getting frustrated because I sound sick

Notes:  Excited/nervous for today!!!
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*I ate healthy for breakfast today and there are two pictures I thought I'd lost but found them! Woot!*

Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #23

Meal Description –  Peach yogurt with a slice of whole wheat toast
 with organge juice mixed with indigo
Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating – 10 out of 10

Photograph -

Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #24

Meal Description –  Special K Cereal

Restaurant or Market – Walmart

Rating –  8 out of 10

Photograph -

Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #25

Meal Description –  Whole wheat toast with a side of craisins

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart/Costco

Rating – 10 out of 10

Photograph -

January 28, 2011

Daily Practice Session #28

Technical Concepts - support and focus
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Fame, Everything I Know and I Will Be Loved Tonight
Minutes – 15

Successes – I finished all of the songs

Areas for improvement –  Not to judge myself for being sick while singing...GET OVER IT!

Notes: Getting excited/nervous for JRB tomorrow!

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Private Lessons/Coaching Sessions #4

Date/time - January 28, 2011 from 11:30-12:30

Instructor - Lorri Oliver
Minutes- 60

Repertoire - Everything I Know, Out Tonight, Keepin' Out of Mischief and I Will Be Loved Tonight

Points covered – Character, support and ego

Notes: It was a relaxed lesson so I could save my voice

PHOTOGRAPH: 

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Attended Performance

Date/time - January 28, 2011

Show/Venue – Rancher's Club

Performer(s) – MJ Wild and Jim Ahrend

What did you most enjoy? –  I loved the atmostphere and I loved listening to jazz for an hour.  If you are looking to see some great jazz entertainment, these two are a must see!

Observations and Remembrances – I noticed that they were both present in each song.  They were both listening to the music and the words and were so into their music.  I was totally hooked because I could just feel the emotion!

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Dance/Personal Fitness #10

Date/time - January 27, 2011 from 12-1:15

Type of class – Sexiness and technique

Difficulty Level - Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Cierra!

What did you most enjoy? –  I really enjoyed the fact that she cared enough to take the time to teach me and she was so understanding.  She started off slow with me, but I knew she still expected a lot from me. 

What did you find challenging and why? –  The hardest part for was just letting go of myself.  I'm so shy and its really hard for me to be "sexy."  The first thing I had to do was take off my shirt (had a tank underneath) and show some skin and then I did sexy walks with sexy arms.  Then we worked on arm technique and I'm still sore.

Observations – One of the most relaxed lessons I've been to.  I learned a lot and I had a blast.  Beware of the sexy walk, its comin' at ya!

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Charitable Deed #5

Yesterday, January 27, 2011, I volunteered with the VSA along with Cierra and Ryan.  We danced in the middle of Popejoy and it honestly was one of the best experiences to be a part of.  The group was so excited to just get up and do that and it was refreshing to sit back and enjoy life.  

January 27, 2011: Inspiring day

Daily Practice Session #27
Technical Concepts - breath support, focus and opening the back of the throat
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Fame and Everything I Know
Minutes –  15

Successes –  My voice seems to be sort of there and being sick is forcing me to use better technique

Areas for improvement –  I need to get better with my focus

Notes: Still singing lightly so I can save my voice for JRB!
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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #22

Meal Description –  Chef salad without all the yummy stuff with a glass of orange juice with liquid indigo

Restaurant or Market – Dion's

Rating – 9 out of 10

Photograph -

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Charitable Deed #3
I sing at Church every Sunday and without the two other ladies and myself, their wouldn't be any music at Church.  It always gives me a great feeling when people come up after Church and thank me for my services.  I've been asked to sing for funerals as well and it gives me comfort to know I could help a family during a hard time in their lives. ( I'm not allowed to take pictures inside of the Church, but if you don't believe me, you may talk to Father Bill)

Charitable Deed #4
Today, January 27, 2011, I volunteered at St. Edwin's Church by helping set up the Church for a funeral.  Funerals have always been hard, but it gave me comfort in knowing I was helping to set up a beautiful setting for a grieving family.  I never realized how much actually went into setting things like this up.  I did everything from lighting candles, setting the hosts and wine, lighting incense (super scary, they spark!), as well as organizing the stock room. 

January 26, 2011 Continued

My Live Performance: Full-Voice Recital

Date/time -  January 23, 2011 from 4-5 PM

Show/Venue -  Full-Voice Recital

Program or Song Choice – Everything I Know and Keepin' Out of Mischief Now

What did you most enjoy? – Listening to everyone sing! Great job everyone!

What did you find challenging and why? –  Looking at myself in the mirror, it kept pulling me out of the song

Observations and Remembrances –  Made my mom cry.

*Please post photos or a video clip from your event 

 

 

New Song (Demo)

Song Choice – Keepin' Out of Mischief Now

Approximate time learning and coaching your song – 3 days ish and thanks to Paul Roth!!!

Describe your recording experience – It was a live recording and the first time I had sung that song in front of anyone, soooo nervous!

General Observations – It went better then I had suspected, and it was good preparation for JRB this weekend!

*Post Video/Audio recording directly to your blog or Youtube and link to Facebook

 

January 26, 2011

Daily Practice Session #26

Technical Concepts - support and focus
Minutes -15

Repertoire - Fame
Minutes – 15

Successes –  My voice is there, just sick

Areas for improvement – more confidence when sick

Notes: Another light vocal day
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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal # 20

Meal Description – Oatmeal with a slice of whole wheat toast

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating – 10 out of 10

Photograph -

Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal # 21

Meal Description –  Lean Cuisine Broccoli and Cheese Potatoes

Restaurant or Market – Walmart

Rating –  8 out of 10

Photograph - 

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Charitable Deed #2

Today I volunteered at the Roadrunner Food Bank for the second time!  Today I helped sort goods to help make boxes of  food for families in need.  It was overwhelming to see how much food there was and then to think that they still need donations.  I was very humbled today in knowing I could choose what I wanted to eat for the day, but some families have to rely on others to have a meal.

January 25, 2011

Daily Practice Session #25

Technical Concepts - focus and support
Minutes - 15

Repertoire - Fame
Minutes – 15

Successes –  Eh...made it through it

Areas for improvement –  Learning to sing through sickness

Notes: I kept it short to save my voice.

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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #18

Meal Description –  Special K Cereal....again

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating – 9 out of 10

Photograph -

 
 

Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #19

Meal Description –  Lunch: Yogurt and craisins

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating –  9 out of 10

Photograph -

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Dance/Personal Fitness: Dance Class #8

Date/time -  January 25, 2011 6:30-7:30 PM

Type of class – Ballet

Difficulty Level - Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Marshall's with Christie

What did you most enjoy? – Learning something new

What did you find challenging and why? –  Understanding the terms....

Observations –  Ballet is soooo hard, but I think it'll help me down the road

Dance/Personal Fitness: Yoga Class #9

Date/time -  January 25, 2011

Type of class – Yoga

Difficulty Level - Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Westside Community Center with Lori

What did you most enjoy? –  I was used as a good example of how to do a pose

What did you find challenging and why? – I had just come from ballet, so I was tired

Observations – I'm becoming for flexible

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 Charitable Deed #1

I volunteered at the Roadrunner Food Bank this morning.  I woke up super sick   but went anyway and I have to say I felt so much better after.  I helped sort through bread and it hit me how much food we waste in this country.  I never really think of bread as being something very valuable to me, but all the bread we had to throw away could have fed so many people.  I want to continue volunteering even when the challenge is over!

January 24, 2011

Daily Practice Session #24

Technical Concepts - breath support and focus
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Keepin' Out of Mischief Now and Everything I Know
Minutes –  20

Successes –  focus was good

Areas for improvement –  more support!

Notes: I'm getting sick! Not JRB week!!!

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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #16

Meal Description –  Special K Cereal

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating –  9 out of 10

Photograph - 

Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #17

Meal Description – Broccoli a d cheese soup

Restaurant or Market –  Jason's Deli

Rating – 10 out 10

Photograph - 

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Dance/Personal Fitness: Dance Class #7

Date/time -  January 24, 2011 5:30-6:30

Type of class – Jazz

Difficulty Level - Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Marshall's with Virginia

What did you most enjoy? –  Turns!

What did you find challenging and why? –  Spotting...AGAIN!

Observations – I'm getting more flexible

January 23, 2011

Daily Practice Session #23

Technical Concepts - breath support and blending
Minutes - 25

Repertoire - Everything I Know and Keepin' Out of Mischief Now
Minutes – 25

Successes –  Blending was good!

Areas for improvement –  Confidence

Notes:Recital went really well!  Video will be posted soon!

January 22, 2011

Daily Practice Session #22
Technical Concepts - breath support and focus
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Keepin' Out of Mischief Now and Everything I Know
Minutes – 25

Successes – Support was good

Areas for improvement –  Focus was not

Notes: Getting ready for the recital tomorrow!

January 21, 2011

Daily Practice Session # 21
Technical Concepts - breath support and blending
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Everything I Know and Keepin' Out of Mischief Now
Minutes –  25

Successes –  Blend was good

Areas for improvement –  More confidence in my head voice

Notes: I have a standard!!! WOOT!
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Private Lessons #3

Date/time - January 21, 2011 11:30-12:30

Instructor - Lorri Oliver
Minutes- 60

Repertoire - Keepin' Out of Mischief Now

Points covered – Support, blend and head voice

Notes:  I'm excited to finally have a standard!

PHOTOGRAPH:

January 20, 2011

Daily Practice Session #20
Technical Concepts - breath support and blending
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Everything I Know and I Will Be Loved Tonight
Minutes – 20

Successes – Support was good

Areas for improvement – Not to push my voice

Notes: Getting nervous!
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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #15
Meal Description – Special K Cereal and Peach Yogurt

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating – 9 out of 10

Photograph -

January 19, 2011

Daily Practice Session #19
Technical Concepts - Breath support and blending
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Everything I Know and I Will Be Loved Tonight
Minutes –  25

Successes –  Support was good and blending was ok.

Areas for improvement –  Confidence

Notes: Getting ready for JRB and the Full-Voice Recital

January 18, 2011

Daily Practice Session #18
Technical Concepts - breath support and blending
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - Everything I Know and I Will Be Loved Tonight
Minutes –  25

Successes –  Support is getting stronger

Areas for improvement – Focus!!

Notes: Getting excited for JRB!
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Healthy Eating #14
Meal Description – Special K Cereal

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating – 8 out of 10

Photograph -

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Dance/Personal Fitness #6
Date/time -  January 18, 2011 7:45-8:45 PM

Type of class – Yoga

Difficulty Level - Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Westside Community Center with Lori

What did you most enjoy? – Relaxation

What did you find challenging and why? – I worked out really hard yesterday, so my body is really tired

Observations –  I can almost touch my toes!!

 

January 17, 2011

Daily Practice Session #17
Technical Concepts - breath support and blending
Minutes - 25

Repertoire - Everything I Know and I Will Be Loved Tonight
Minutes –  20

Successes –  Blending was good this morning!

Areas for improvement – Confidence!

Notes: I would just like to say that I have lost 2 dress sizes!!!!
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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #13
Meal Description –  Oatmeal with 1 slice of whole wheat toast

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating –  8 out of 10

Photograph -

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Dance/Personal Fitness #5
Date/time - January 17, 2010

Type of class – Jazz

Difficulty Level -  Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Virginia, Marshall's

What did you most enjoy? –  Learning technique

What did you find challenging and why? – Spotting, because I'm terrible at it

Observations – I really really love this class and I can't wait to learn more!

 

January 16, 2011

Daily Practice Session #16
Technical Concepts - breath support and head voice
Minutes - 25

Repertoire - Church songs (Here I Am Lord and The Spirit of the Lord)
Minutes –  30

Successes –  Head voice was decent this morning!

Areas for improvement – better breath support

Notes: Need to focus on my vowels more

January 15, 2011

Daily Practice Session #15

Technical Concepts - breath support and blended belt
Minutes - 25

Repertoire - Everything I Know and I Will Be Loved Tonight
Minutes – 25

Successes – Blending was good

Areas for improvement – continuation of phrases

Notes: I need more breath support to finish out my phrases

January 14, 2011

Daily Practice Session # 14
Technical Concepts - breath support and blending
Minutes - 20

Repertoire - It Won't Be Long Now, Out Tonight and Everything I Know
Minutes – 25

Successes –  Support was good today!

Areas for improvement –  Blending was not so good today

Notes:  Getting ready for JRB
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Private Lessons #2Date/time -  January 14, 2011 12:30-1:30

Instructor - Lorri Oliver
Minutes- 60

Repertoire - Come To Your Senses, Everything I Know

Points covered – Support and confidence

Notes: I need more confidence

PHOTOGRAPH:

January 13, 2011 Continued!

Healthy Eating #11
Meal Description –  Cream of Tomato with Meatballs and 1/2 Turkey Sandwhich

Restaurant or Market – El Tesoro Cafe

Rating – 10 out of 10

Photograph -

Healthy Eating #12
Meal Description –  Lean Cuisine

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating – 5 out of 10

Photograph -

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Dance/Personal Fitness #4
Date/time - January 13, 2011

Type of class – Yoga

Difficulty Level - Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Westside Community Center with Lori

What did you most enjoy? –  The energy

What did you find challenging and why? –  My lack of flexibility

Observations –  I seemed stronger this time

January 13, 2011

Daily Practice Session #13
Technical Concepts - Breath support and focus
Minutes -25

Repertoire - Everything I Know, Out Tonight and I Will Be Loved Tonight
Minutes – 20

Successes –  Blended belt is getting better

Areas for improvement –  confidence

Notes: I need confidence!
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Coaching Sessions #2
Date/time -  January 13, 2011 11:15-1:00
Instructor - David Geist
Minutes- 1.75 Hours

Repertoire - Everything I Know and I Will Be Loved Tonight

Points covered – Song selection

Notes: Rough day, but made it through it

PHOTOGRAPH:

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Healthy Eating #10
Meal Description –  Yogurt and Kashi Bar

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart
Rating – 10 out of 10
Photograph -

January 12, 2010

Daily Practice Session #12
Technical Concepts - Breath support, focus, and vowels
Minutes -15

Repertoire - Everything I Know, I Will Be Loved Tonight, Out Tonight and It Won't Be Long Now
Minutes – 25

Successes – I can now sing It Won't Be Long Now in the original key

Areas for improvement – vowels need improvement

Notes: I think I've chosen my songs for Jason Robert Brown!
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Coaching Sessions #1
Date/time - January 12, 2010 10AM-11AM

Instructor - Aaron Howe
Minutes- 60

Repertoire - Everything I Know, Out Tonight, It Won't Be Long Now, I Will Be Loved Tonight

Points covered – Vowels, blending and confidence

Notes: This really helped me get a different perspective on my voice and how to use it

PHOTOGRAPH:

January 11, 2010

Daily Practice Session #11
Technical Concepts - Breath support and blending
Minutes -25

Repertoire - Everything I Know
Minutes – 15

Successes – My blended belt was better!

Areas for improvement – Need my focus to be more forward

Notes: Meeting with Mr. Howe tomorrow for some coaching, woot!
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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #9
Meal Description – Dinner salad with two meat balls (which I accidentally ate before I took the picture)

Restaurant or Market – St. Clair

Rating – 11 out of 10 (AMAZING!)

Photograph -
 

January 10, 2011

Daily Practice Session #10

Technical Concepts - Breath support and blending
Minutes -20

Repertoire - Everything I Know
Minutes – 20

Successes – Breath support was good

Areas for improvement – Keeping the blending volume the same

Notes: I need to rest my voice a little bit, my allergies are so bad

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Dance #2
Date/time - January 10, 2011 5:30-6:30 PM 

Type of class – Jazz

Difficulty Level - Beginner/Intermediate (but I think they were lying)

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Marshall's

What did you most enjoy? –  Being with Leo, Gilbert and Jonathan

What did you find challenging and why? –  It was waaaaayyy to advanced for me so I struggled the entire class.

Observations – I'm going back to beginner

January 9, 2010

Daily Practice Session #9
Technical Concepts - Breath support and "edge"
Minutes -15

Repertoire - Terrified
Minutes – 15

Successes –  My "edge" was good today!

Areas for improvement – More confidence in myself with this song.

Notes: Back from snowboarding and nobody yelled at me for practicing. :)

January 8, 2011

Daily Practice Session #8

Technical Concepts - Breath support
Minutes -15

Repertoire - Everything I Know and Terrified
Minutes – 20

Successes – Breath support was pretty good today

Areas for improvement –  Be in the moment

Notes: I don't understand how snowboarding isn't an option for our challenge, I can hardly move..... ;)

January 7, 2011

Daily Practice Session #7
Technical Concepts - Breath support
Minutes -15

Repertoire - Everything I Know
Minutes – 25

Successes – My belt was better this morning

Areas for improvement – Better breath support next time

Notes: Voice is tired and I hate allergies
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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal#8
Meal Description – Special K Cereal with low fat milk and a slice of whole wheat toast

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating – 8 out of 10

Photograph -

January 6, 2011: Woohoo! 2 Healthy Meals, 1 Yoga Class and 1 Dance Class

This didn't post with the original

January 6, 2011: Woohoo! 2 Healthy Meals, 1 Yoga Class and 1 Dance Class

Daily Practice Session #6
Technical Concepts - Breath support, "edge"
Minutes -25

Repertoire - Terrified
Minutes – 15

Successes – I made it through the song

Areas for improvement – Better breath support

Notes: This song keeps getting harder and harder for me and I can't find the right placement...I'm getting so frustrated.
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Personal Fitness: Yoga 1
Date/time - January 6, 2011 8AM-9AM

Type of class – Yoga

Difficulty Level - Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Westside Community Center: Lori

What did you most enjoy? –  The energy it gave me that early in the morning

What did you find challenging and why? –  I lack upper body strength so it was challenging to do some of the poses

Observations –  I loved it and I'm going back next week!

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Dance: Jazz Class

Date/time - January 6, 2011 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

Type of class –  Jazz

Difficulty Level - Beginner

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Marshalls Performing Arts: Virginia

What did you most enjoy? – I was all alone, so it was like a private class

What did you find challenging and why? –  Relaxing and letting go.

Observations – I realized how much I like to dance, I just need more confidence. 

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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #7
Meal Description –  WeightWatchers Smart Ones: Broccoli and Cheddar Roasted Potatoes

Restaurant or Market –  Walmart

Rating – 9 out of 10

Photograph

 

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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #6
Meal Description – Oatmeal with 1 slice of whole wheat toast

Restaurant or Market – Walmart

Rating – 10 out of 10

Photograph

January 5, 2011

Daily Practice Session #5
Technical Concepts - Breath support and blending
Minutes -25
Repertoire - Everything  I Know, Out Tonight, and Terrified
Minutes – 25

Successes – I'm building more confidence with these songs

Areas for improvement – My breath support was horrible....

Notes: I kind of took it easy because my throat felt swollen and I didn't want to push.
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Private Lessons #1Date/time - 1/5/11 11AM-12PM

Instructor - Lorri Oliver
Minutes- 60

Repertoire - Everything I Know, Out Tonight and some Terrified

Points covered – Focus, breath support and ego

Notes: The ego: I get really frustrated when I sing a wrong note or it sounds horrible and she always tells me that is my ego getting in the way and I'm then singing for myself instead of singing and being present in the song.

PHOTOGRAPH:

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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #5
Meal Description –  1/2 Chef Salad (without all the good stuff except for some ham) with low fat dressing

Restaurant or Market –  Dion's

Rating – 9 out 10

Photograph -

January 4, 2011: 4/30 Daily Practice Sessions & 4/30 Healthy Meals

Daily Practice Session #4
Technical Concepts - Breath Support and focus
Minutes - 30

Repertoire - Out Tonight from RENT
Minutes –  20

Successes – My blending was a lot better than it has been and my support is getting stronger.

Areas for improvement –  Confidence!

Notes: I'm still trying to decide if I want to use this song for the Jason Robert Brown class. Hmmm?

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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #3 and #4So I had a healthy meal yesterday but forgot to take a picture before I ate it, so I ate two today to make up for it! :)
Meal Description – BREAKFAST: 1 slice of whole wheat toast with jelly, cheese stick and a cutie with a glass of water.

Restaurant or Market – Walmart

Rating – 8 out of 10

Photograph -

Meal Description – LUNCH: Bowl of black-eyed peas with calabacitas and a slice of grilled chicken quesadilla

Restaurant or Market –  Grandma/Mom

Rating – 10 out of 10

Photograph -

January 3, 2011: 3/30 Daily Practice Sessions

Daily Practice Session #3
Technical Concepts - Breath support and "edge" (crying)
Minutes - 30

Repertoire - Just Dance by Lady Gaga
Minutes – 30

Successes – I felt like my blending has definitely improved with this song and my energy was good. 

Areas for improvement – I still need to working on the "crying" to get some of the higher notes and not push my voice.

Notes: My cousin and I are entering a competition and this is our audition song.  You can see the link posted to FB soon!

January 2, 2011: 2/30 Daily Practice Sessions & 2/25 Healthy Meals

Daily Practice Session #2
Technical Concepts - breath support and transition between head and chest voice
Minutes - 25 Min

Repertoire - Church Christmas songs: What Child Is This, We Three Kings, and Mary Did You Know?
Minutes – 30 Min

Successes –  My breath support was strong throughout the entire Mass

Areas for improvement – My transitions were weak, I could hear/feel the break in my voice as I transitioned between head and chest voice.

Notes: I feel I slack on my technique when I sing at church and I just need to remember what I know how to do and actually do it!
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Healthy Eating: Healthy Meal #2
Meal Description – small bowl of black-eyed peas, veggies and a glass of water

Restaurant or Market –  My sweet little grandma made them for me (They are good luck for the new year)

Rating – 10 out of 10

Photograph -