Dana's Full-Voice 30 Day Challenge

DAY 30!!!! Did it and off 7 running----

2011-05-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

THE FINAL DAY!!!!

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 45
Songs Worked on: 14G, Creep, I believe in you and me, Run to you

http://www.upload-mp3.com/files/294837_zo14s/The%20Girl%20in%2014G.mp3
btw --- if you click this - it will download as opposed to stream :) yay!!!!

Coaching Session:
Instructor: Ashleigh Ball

Today I got a special treat, and that was to have a coaching session with my long-time singing idol--- Ashleigh Ball of the band 'Hey Ocean'!!! She has such a phenomenal voice and control and was able to give some awesome tips and feed back. Thanks Ashleigh!!!!

check out: www.heyocean.com

they have a new album coming out this year!!!

Recording:
So- I decided instead of a new song, that I'd go with a song I sang before and really wanted to record - the Girl in 14G

Good Deed #2: (finished last week- blogged about b4)
Raised Money for lime disease awareness & research

Good Deed #3:
I registered to be a bone marrow donor thru DKMS here in NYC.

http://www.dkmsamericas.org/

Good Deed #4:
I also registered to be a stem cell donor. whoa - this is intense - I hope one day, I am able to help someone in need. It's through the National Chord Blood Program. think u'd register too? Save a life?

http://www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org/

Good Deed #5:
I donated money to my friend in Japan's charity to help the survivors of the recent tsunami & earthquakes.

It is the Sendai Tsunami Project -
They are collecting funds to buy and bring supplies to the affected areas. Any supply donations are appreciated too!

if you'd like to donate & for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/sendai.project

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! To all the support from my friends and family ove the month and also to BROADWAY DANCE CENTER & KURT ROBINSON for facilitating the challenge & giving me some motivation & inspiration!!!!

Its an amazing month and I have come so far. So thank you all so much.

May 29 - Sarah & Tom's wedding day!!!!

2011-05-30T04:43:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Mins: 35
Songs worked on: Creep, I believe in you & me & 14G

Worked on the songs for my recording - I am still going a bit between songs - I'll prolly try to put them all down as much as possible and then see how they turn out - so possibly, I'll have 3 over 1! woot!!!

Amazingly Beautiful wedding today!!! Congratulations Tom & Sarah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 28: recording prep

2011-05-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Mins: 90
Songs worked on: Creep & I believe in you and me

Worked more on the songs for recording - working on interpretation, some harmonies and runs, ornamentation I'd like to do, structure how to build the song etc. Smoothing out and working towards the best vocal production possible. yay!!! I'm stoked for recording day!!! Wahoo!

Healthy Meal #26:
Today, friends--- I COOKED!!! Yay!!! It's been WAY too long - I love cooking, and I swear- it makes my body so happy when I'm cooking most of my food---

Here's what it started as:

Wild Salmon, a yam, red onion, a mushroom, some fresh ginger & garlic, fresh rosemary I picked on my walk today, some kalamata olives AND yes, a pear (I was feeling creative)

And here's how it ended up! yeah, that's right - it was delicious!!!

Here's some nice picks from my day -
meditation & relaxation, some writing too- on the beach ~ Vancouver is so beautiful

some pretty flowers----

view almost at my friends house!!

Day 27

2011-05-27T20:58:00.001-07:00

Daily practice:
Minutes: 60
Songs worked on: creep & I believe in u & me

Warmed up and worked these songs for recording.

DAY 26 - more of the same

2011-05-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 30
Songs worked on: Just did a REALLY good, thorough warm up today

I wanted to wake up my sinuses if you will, need them for some good resonators and they've been pretty stuffed so I'm working to get the sound up in there if you will. Working on placement or 'ah' vowel sounds in my passagio, breathing, support and glottal stops are all a big focus right now.

***

I also got some Physical Therapy today at my old office here in Van, it was great - started working from the back and I gotta say I didn't hobble out - it was a nice smooth stride. Thanks Paul!!! L5 needs some releasing as do a coupla muscle spasms in my back (ugh)- anyone know a good manual therapist in NYC that does osteopathic work???

That's it for today - napped, drove a car, bought some tp, working on songs and organizing a recording session in the next couple dayz, visiting wonderful friends and more deep breathing of fresh Vancouver air. And trying to instigate a bonfire.... :) until tomorrow - signing out - me :)

Day 25 - helloooo Vancouver!

2011-05-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Vancouver today - nice fresh air - I can smell the trees and grass in the air - weird haha - you forget about that in the concrete jungle sometimes lol

...would you believe it's raining here? ;) Welcome back to VanCity

Daily Practice:

Minutes: 30

Songs Worked on: Breathe & In Short

Warmed up & continued work refining these songs. same as before- breath, glottals, vowels, consonants...

Fitness Class!

Type of Class: Broadway Jazz

Instructor: Leigh Torlage

I wanted to keep up the dancing, plus say hi to and dance with Leigh, who has been a sorta long-time mentor - I've loved her style and started taking class with her in like 2002 or something and also performed with her in the Candy Girl Show - loved that class & I'm feeling strong - I love it -I love dancing and it feels so good to be doing it so much!!!

HOORAY!!!

Tomorrow - I light do some hot yoga, but also, I should giv my body a day off at some point --- it's been a while----

Signing off from the land of rain, ocean, forrest & some beach :)

MAY 24TH!!! WOW! MARATHON DAY!

2011-05-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ok- today was my last day in NY for the challenge as I'm heading to Vancouver for my wonderful friend's wedding at 6am!!! So - that meant I had to make sure everything that needed to be done in NY got done by today - and I did it!!! phewph!!!

It was insane, and AMAZING! I can't even believe I managed to pull it off! and THAT I attribute to PLANNING, my new focus. Couldn't've done it with out lots of careful consideration for sure. OVERVIEW:
5 dance Classes
Singing Audition
Saw Memphis the Musical!!!

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 35
Songs Worked on: Audition Songs; Isn't It Better, Lover Man, No Bout Adoubt It

Warmed up - worked on cuts for the songs and prepping for the audition today!!! Yay!!!
BAH!! Audition day!!!

Live Performance:
Show/Venue: Memphis (Broadway Musical) @ the Schubert Theater
Performer: Cast & Montego Glover
What I enjoyed the most:

Tonight- for my live performance, I went to see Memphis the Musical on Broadway - I'd heard the singers and music was amazing - plus it won the Tony last year for best new musical- so I have to see it :) AND happily, my friend Stacey Hughes, a super talented dancer and awesome gal came with me!!! YAY!!
I was really impressed with the singing and then on top of everything, the way all these phenomenal singers danced & moved too!!! Wow! What a super demanding show!! I was really moved in the first act too! I looked back after the curtains fell closing act I & Stacey was feeling it too - I was not expecting to be so struck by the material. Great Show!

Me 'n Stacey after seeing Memphis on Broadway!

Audition:

Show: White Christmas
Company: Papermill Playhouse NJ

Casting: Jay Binder Casting

Song: Isn't It Better & No Bout Adoubt It

So - I ran to the audition 3 times total today lol- in the morning to sign up, in a 30min break between dance classes stuffing food in my mouth to check how things were going to make sure I played my cards right to be seen (can be very difficult in this city sometimes - I tried to go to In the Heights on Friday - but so many other hundreds of people showed up - I couldn't be seen -whoa!!!)

Back to today's audition:

So after my 4th dance class, I quickly cleaned up, threw on a dress & warmed up again as I walked there - haha, it's starting to feel pretty normal for me to be doing lip trills in the streets these days hahaha

SO THE AUDITION:

I felt like the audition went really well, I felt solid, vocally I felt strong & I felt pretty dropped in to the need and acting in the song too - which is nice in an audition. So - I'm starting to feel more/pretty comfortable! No shakes, no cracks, no crazy nerves. I think I could smooth out my entrance & exit - I can get pretty awkward & geeky I think--- hmmm... possibly Ron Stetson's Audition Class is in order - onwards & upwards!!

Me in audition gear standing in front of the break down & casting sheet posted in the audition room.

Screen Shot of the Breakdown on Backstage.com

Fitness #16:

Type of Class: Jazz Funk

Instructor: Chio

Fitness #17:

Type of Class: Pilates

Instructor: Allyson Gracie

Yeah- still liking Pilates, I think it's just the type of strengthening work I need to be doing. Great!

(do you like the 'Beatles' look my hair appears to be going for in this pic? lol)

Fitness #18:

Type of Class: Ballet

Instructor: Jack Hertzog

Fitness #19:

Type of Class: Theater

Instructor: Crystal Chapman

Wah! we learnt the Fosse Choreo to Bye Bye Blackbird!!! SO awesome - I love Fosse! so amazing and I just love to dance it - so alive and full, dramatic, sexy - RAWR!!!! yes-yes-yes

& Crystal is SO Sweet - I really like her! Thank you for the class & now I can add a bit more Fosse Choreo to my storage of them - it's getting pretty vast - and I want MORE! I was to BE in a Fosse show!!!!

Fitness MAGIC NUMBER 20!!!

Type of Class: Tap

Instructor: Ray Hesselink

Really enjoyed his class - different style and a lil slower than Laine's class, which could be a great compliment to each other. Good to do one, I can slowly work technique and one I gotta bust out all the moves and where all that foundational work you've been doing kicks in and gets mopre chances to solidify and stick.

Thanks for the class Ray!!

SO- that's IT! Fitness/Dance Class requirement is fuifilled today too!!! 20 dance/fitness classes in the last 24 days.

Looking back - one thing that is really positive from doing these 20 classes, is it forced me to try out and go to some classes that I might not have, we are creatures of habit ya know, but this got me out trying other teachers classes and I definitely found some I really jive with and will input into my regular dance schedule after this challenge is over. For Sure :)

...I have no idea what I ate today lol- but it included 3 shots of Espresso lol

SO NOW. What's Left?

1 Coaching Session
Recording
Daily Practice
3 good deeds

THAT'S IT!!! YAY!!!!

Day 23!!!! finished 'health-concious meals' today! zip-a-dee-do-da!

2011-05-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

This morning, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck - so it was by no means an easy day - and I was stiff and out of it - BUT I managed to work a long day & be productive-

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 30
Songs Worked on: Breathe & In Short

I wanted to go through my songs more & work them - as they're both still new - only about a week old for me. Worked on them technically, taking out unnecessary glottal stops, connecting & sound production, breathing etc. of course, I warmed up before working thru songs.

Fitness #14:
Type of Class: Ballet
Instructor: Natalya Stavro

This was my first class with Natalya and I really liked it ; very different choreo than I'm used to- but I like trying new ballet styles. And she is a GREAT teacher! Good corrections & so sweet and lovely. Wow- and WHAT AN AMAZING DANCER! wow- I was amazed at what this woman does with her legs! Her devlope's & grande ren's are insane - I would KILL to be able to work my legs like that! literally - sell me soul! Amazing! I will definitely be back in her class! I think between hers and Mr. Atwood's Ballet classes, I could really move forward, a good compliment to each other methinks. Thanks for the great class!!!

Fitness #15:

Type of Class: Contemporary

Instructor: Brice Mousett

I like Brice's class - he's a great dancer & works from a nice technical base - I also love all the contractions - so Graham!

Thanks Brice!

Healthy Meal #24 & 25:
Breakfast #24: An organic Banana & Natural yogurt

Dinner #25: Shrimp Salad with vinaigrette & LOTS of veggies!

YO!!! I've completed my healthy meals with a week to spare! Woot Woot!!!! I'll keep taking pix & posting them just for the hell've it :)

GOOD NITE FRIENDS!

DAY 22!!!! because there still is a world; it was SHOW DAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!

2011-05-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! Over Already! just got home and I am exaughsted - lemme tell you I would like to just face plant onto this bed tight now and pass out- that would be SO satisfying--- but alas, not yet - still have some all-important blogging to do:

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 30
Songs worked on: Shows songs - which were: Breathe from In the Heights and 'In Short' from Edges.

WARMED UP - big time, as much as I could this tired body, sang thru songs and hopped in a taxi- sang in the taxi - he was very sweet and thankfully welcomed me to sing, and wished me good luck. Thank you, whoever you are. I gave him a GOOD tip for the record. I believe if you subject your taxi driver to 'lip trills' he/she deserved it.

Live Performance!!!!
FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
here's a link to the vid/s on youtube:

'Breathe' by Lin Manuel Miranda from 'In the Heights'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfa3AUz1v7U

'In Short' by Pasek & Paul fom the musical 'Edges'

(video to come soon)
WOW- so today was the day and it was amazing - I wish I could do it over and over and over and over. So, no, it was not 'perfect' which I always try to be (an, at times, debilitating trait)- messed up a couple words (I hope imperceptibly except to those who might know the songs word for word - except the one line I messed up and didn't quite make sense lol - it happens - what can I say - I pretended it did)

I gotta say, I am SO thankful to Jon D Forslund for producing this show and creating such an awesome opportunity, Garrit for being a brilliant pianist and Jodi (the host) for being so great (GO SEE HIS SHOW AT THE DUPLEX TOMORROW!!!) and the ENTIRE cast for being so amazing - seriously - I feel honored to have shared a stage with such talented singers - wow - really, this is an AMAZING city.

SO- I sang 2 songs: Breathe from In the Heights by Lin Manuel Miranda & 'In Short' but Pasek & Paul from the musical 'Edges' - so much fun- I just wanna keep working on both songs and getting deeper into the work and story. Both are a major challenge.

Here's a cast photo with all these AMAZINGLY TALENTED Singers-

CAST THEM IN YOUR SHOW NOW!!!!

From your Left to Right:
Sean Patrick Munroagh, Nicole Lowensteine, Eliza, Monica, Chelsea Amoroso, Maggie and finally moi (Dana) ;)

ok- finally bed - and up early for dancing - I WILL finally get some sleep tho----

Also I wanna give a shout out to all my wonderful friends who came out tonite!!! and even got me flowers!!! your support means SO much to me. Really.
Karina & Richard - Oliver & East! (Igor for the pitch in for flowers :)

how tired do I look in this pic? lol - thanks for coming East & Oliver! xo!

and those who couldn't make if because they're working, rehearsing or becoming under-cover cops... thank you for you intention to come :)

I luv ya!!! xo!!!!! thank you -

NITE!!!

Day 21: Rapture day? if there still is a world; Show day tomorrow!!!

2011-05-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 45
Songs worked on: show songs over and over and over and over

warm up - technique, sound production and quality - SONG INTERPRETATION. Grounding and building the story.

there is NOT enough time in the day. seriously.

Coaching #1:
Coach: Garrit Guadan

Great session- playing through working on songs, working with the piano - getting to hear and work with it better--- Garrett is GREAT!!!! I think this is the start of something beautiful-- I really do. :) & I'm really looking forward to working with Garrit on more songs!!! THANKS GARRIT!!!!

Healthy Meals 22 & 23:
Breakfast #22: optimum cereal, organic banana & almond milk, tall glass 'o water & organic ginger tea.

Lunch #23: Organic, Macro, Gluten Free, Vegan, rice, dumplings & soy protein

Day 20 -phewph! 1 day to SHOWTIME!!!

2011-05-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

and in related exciting news--- rehearsal for Sunday's show was today - it was fantastic!! The other singers are GREAT, super talented, I really enjoyed watching them and I'm so much more excited for Sunday - John (Mr. Producer) and Garrett (Mr. Piano Man) are awesome too - so stoked --- It's gonna be a really fun night!

---and as a lil teaser - I couldn't resist taking a 'rehearsal pic':

-this is what I look like when I sing - haha -a lil preview of Sunday... ;)

(do u like that I am clad in jean?)

(with a pashmina & tom's shoes?)

(who dresses this girl?)

wanna see more?

Come out on Sunday to the

'BOUND FOR BROADWAY SINGERS SHOWCASE' at

The Duplex Cabaret Theatre (in the upstairs theater)

61 Christopher Street @ 7th Ave

9:30pm THIS Sunday May 22!!!

tix r $15 from me- msg me and I'll book one for u-

(I promise I'll pick a better outfit. I may have to rock my old skool gold reeboks tho - I dunno if I can peel those off my feet...)

GOOD DEED UPDATE:

I also collected some more donations for the Lyme Disease walk for my Good Deed! yay!!! Thanks guys!!! Let me know if you're interested in donating!!!

Daily Practice:
Mins: 30
Songs worked on: Show songs!!!! (weee!!!!)

Today was good- more solidifying, really getting those notes, worked on smoothing out the unnecessary glottal stops in my songs, worked with breathing and placement.

Healthy Meal 20 & 21:
Lunch #20: Veggie Soup, hibiscus tea and a peach!

Dinner #21: smoked salmon wrap & salad

GOOD DEED #2: Fundraising for Lyme Disease Walk - Help by donating!!!

2011-05-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

And for good deed #2, I am doing this:

HELP ME RAISE MONEY

FOR LYME DISEASE

RESEARCH AND AWARENESS!!!!

I'm participating in the Lyme disease Awareness walk Sunday to raise money for the Lyme Disease Association in order to to raise awareness and to help fund research.

-please contact me if you would like to make a donation! $1, $5, $20, $14 - u name it - it all helps!!! Thank you!

for more info on Lyme disease and the walk:

http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=713%3Aspotlightonlyme2011&catid=7%3Aconflict-report&Itemid=398

***so, as I have the show Sunday night, but I'd already started collecting donations, I am going to do a 5k walk the entire winding length of central park and then some on Saturday - this way, I'm still holding up my end o' the bargain ;) wish I could be there tho! Plus the Jersey Shore would be way awesomer than central park - Thanks for your support!!!

The 19th Day! 2 days till show day on Sunday!!!

2011-05-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 50
Songs Worked on - songs for show! ON SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!!!

feeling good - getting more settled in the song - voice felt warm and clicked in quickly and easily this morning. yum. I feel like I made some good progress with the songs - all in all, more work to be done, but I'm feeling pretty good :)

Fitness #12:
Type of Class: Ballet
Instructor: Jamie Salmon

I really enjoyed this class- it's always good to work with a new teacher & try a new style of choreo & hear new ways of working, new ideas.

haha- I'm all Ballet'd out- I'd've done a prettier position if I'd known she was taking a full body shot lol

Fitness #13:
Type Of Class: Pilates
Instructor: Holly Kerr

Yup- I'm liking pilates and I can feel that it's good for me. Definitely strengthening is very good for me - good stretching too- definitely gonna add this to my regular regimen! Sweet!

Unfortunately, I had to run to my Singing lesson (on the Upper East Side -phewph now THAT's a commute - not easy or fast to get to fr BDC) and the Pilates class was running over, so I had to make my exit while the class was finishing, so I took a creeper pic with Holly in the BG. My singing lesson was putting me out $150 (totally worth it I'll point out) - u'd leave too- lol

Singing Lesson #4:
Instructor: Mary Setrakian

I just LOVE working with Mary. I have so many awesome adjustments to work on, I really feel like she showed me some new ways of working which make it more 'economical' as Mary would say. GREAT! Hopefully I can work some of it into my songs for Sunday and singing for always - she also helped me pin point and fix some little issues I've been confused by and also worked on story for my songs. SUCH a good class- I love ya Mary! -She's taken me SO FAR with my voice - really, I started working with her in Spring of 2008 and thank heavens I did - it's like night and day, really. huge - SMILEY FACE on this singer today!

I was so excited to see Mary (it's been since November) I totally forgot to take a pic with her --- but here are some photos of the receipt she gave me.

AND!!! AS OF THIS CLASS!!! I have fulfilled my Singing Lesson Requirements for the challenge!!! Boo-yeah!

Still lots more to do - 7 dance classes on Monday and Tuesday! haha --- oh man, and so much more too---

Healthy Meal #19:
Salad & Veggie wraps! mmmmmm...

ok- so let's take a quick stock of where I'm at with the challenge requirements:

19 healthy meals - 4 to go - no problem!

4 singing lessons: DONE!

13 dance classes done, 7 to go (tight, but do-able - I got it planned out - don't you worry)

Performance - Sunday! soon to be DONE!

Good Deeds 2 done ***3 to go --- IDEAS people - PLEASE!!!

Daily Practice - got it!

**2 Coaching Sessions...

***Song Recording

***Live Performance (hopefully Anything Goes with Sutton Foster on Tuesday!)

***Audition (tomorrow time permitting -cross dem fingers I tell you! )

Getting there- Getting there- still more work to do...

Day number 11 aka the day of dance

2011-05-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

AMAZING DAY TODAY and I am SO TIRED.

ok:

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 30
Songs Worked On: I have a love, I'm not at all in love, I am what I am.

Today I focused again on placement and worked at learning these new songs. I also worked a 16 bar cut of I am what I am.

Healthy Meals:
Lunch: Organic green-curry tofu, and organic apple and 1/2 slice of sunflower bread. Yes, and a tall glass of water. Boo-yeah

Dinner: (on the run)
Grilled Chicken, yams, portobello mushroom, avocado, grapefruit, red pepper and pineapple. Healthy meals on the go in NYC midtown are not always easy on a budget.

Fitness: #4
Type of Class: Theatre Dance
Instructor: Diana Laurenson

Fitness Class that doesn't count - but I did it - so I'll blog it - I did my regular ballet class with Mr Atwood @ Ailey - LOVE his class! due to guidelines set out by the school, photos are not allowed :( anyway - good class - I love a solid ballet class with the instructor who helped my re-find my love of ballet- thank you Mr. Atwood -

Fitness: #5
Type of Class: Tap
Instructor: Lainie Munro

Private Lessons and Coaching Sessions:
Instructor: Carey Yaruss
Songs worked on: I am what I am 16 Bar Cut

Day 18 --she works hard for her money...wait, I didn't make any money...um...

2011-05-18T21:45:00.001-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: am: 30
pm: 90
Songs Worked On: more practicing of songs for sundays show at the Duplex!!! everything is going great! I'm on track - more work to be done - but getting there.

Private Lesson #3:
Instructor: Carey Yaruss

Songs worked on: the songs for my show on Sunday (which you are coming to right?)

yup - really enjoying working with Carey too - she gave me some GREAT ideas for the songs and performance - keeping me on track with notes etc - sweeet!

THANK YOU CAREY!!!! YOUR'RE THE BEST!!!!!! :) XOXOXOXOXXO

Links for Carey:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careynote

Website: www.careyspassionvoicestudio.com

Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/careys-passion-voice-studio-new-york

***if you're interested in taking lessons with her - I highly recommend her - tell Carey I sent you!!! :)

(she's totally affordable too - great for the starving artist budget ;)

Fitness #8:
Type of Class: Theatre (Fosse ;)
Instructor: Diana Laurenson

I love Diana's class - always have, she's wonderful. And of course, let's not forget that I love fosse - so it is the most perfect of combinations.

dude- I have like crazy, but poorly sculpted 80's bangs in this pic - ai-yai-ai ahaha

Fitness #9:
Type of Class: Contemporary
Teacher: Slam

sooo- class was great, continued on from yesterday's combo - enjoyed it... and then, at the end of class... how do I put this... Slam, didn't want to take his pic again??? sooo- um, yeah, sadly, I don't have a proper pic today for this. And - I guess I'm gonna go to a different class next week so I can get my pics which I need for the blog and this competition. BUT - because I'm a determined creeper (hey! that's a new one) I took a pic of him in the hall, you can see the shoulder of my lovely friend Karina Teran concerned and saying, just take it now HAHAHA - I love you Kraina and it was so nice to take class with you again - xo

Anyway, I dunno how to handle this - I suppose I'll email someone from BDC about it so I and others doing the challenge don't run in to this too-

so, here's my creeper pic (ugh)

Fitness #10:
Type of Class: Jazz Funk
Instructor: Sheryl Murakami

Another class I haven't taken in a while and Waaaaaaaay outta yee ol comfort zone! I almost NEVER go to hip hop etc classes these days - I'm happy to hit up Ballet, Theatre, Graham, Horton... but it was good - I feel like I kept up and was pretty good - not my strongest, but good. I enjoyed it and I really like Sheryl - I dunno how to describe it - #1 she's an amazing dancer and she's got technique too (boo-ya), great teacher, hilarious, confidant - AWESOME! Thanks for the class Sheryl!!!!

I will never pose like this for a photo again. the end.

Fitness #11: (wahoo! over half way done!!!)

Type of Class: Broadway Tap

Instructor: Lainie Munro

My brain is working better in tap - hooray! yup! I really love tap! Today we did 2 combos - a Fred Astaire piece from 'Blue Skies' to puttin on the ritz & part of Singing in the rain mmmmm Lainie is a great teacher and I'm really enjoying her class. I'll get there - superstar tapper again!

this is our umbrella for Singing in the Rain (which I did quite a bit of today - literally)

--- and oddly enough, she reminds me SO much of my singing teacher...

Healthy Meal #18:

Dinner: Falafel - whole wheat pita and all the fixings!! yum!

I don't know why everything is underlined. but it is annoying. And at that I shall call it a night.

Good. Night.

here;s another pic of spandex world so you can dream of spandex in every pattern, color, shimmer you can and cannot imagine...

Day Numero 17!

2011-05-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Whooo-ah!!!!! busy day! and tomorrow is going to be even more intense:

Daily Practice:
Mins: am: 44
pm: 90
Songs Worked on: I am what I am, Isn't it better AND 2 songs for Sunday's show which r secret.

In the morning, I warmed up and went through some audition material and cuts. In the pm, I warmed up and worked, worked worked WORKED on my songs for Sunday's show - it's coming and I feel good just gotta get to know the songs better - still feeling tentative - I don't own them yet - ya know?

Fitness Class #6:
Type of class: Contemporary
Instructor: Slam

I am really enjoying Slams classes - they feel well-rounded and I'm starting to feel more comfortable/familiar with his style of choreo. Hooray.

Fitness Class #7:
Type of Class: Theatre Dance
Instructor: David Marquez

This was the 1st class I've taken with David Marquez since my old skool days of BCD summer internship back in '07 - whoa - time, huh? So it was a very new class for me, new warm up, new style - it was a bit of a struggle- but I really feel like I got it in the end - ok, so the part that goes "step, step step step" I screwed up - man, it's so hard to keep those "steps" straight in the ol nogan - gimme grande jetee's and piroettes and I'm cool, but step step----oy ---haha, anyway, great class- I'll be there next week!

...and thanks David for taking your pic with me, even tho you don't want sweaty dance pics on the net- it is much appreciated, and believe me, you are not alone -- haha, so thanks to all the awesome teachers who've posed for a pot-class photo op with me!

Healthy Meal #15:
Breaky: Fave cereal - organic, Optimum w/ omega 3s, Almond milk and today I chose to go with some organic banana :)

Healthy Meal #16:
Lunch - Vegetarian Falafel Sandwich on whole wheat pita, with chickpeas, carrots, beets, tabbouleh, tahini, broccoli, cauliflower...

tabouleih

Healthy Meal #17:
Dinner: Treated myself to some extra spicy Indian cuisine --- basmati rice, chicken and curry!

I also got an acupuncture session with my beloved acupuncturist here in NY -

Bianca @ Sacred Spaces -

she's been so helpful over the years. AND she's touring with Usher treating him and his dancers so I'm lucky to get an appointment the 2 days a week she flies back to NY to treat her patients here--

- thanks Bianca!!! xo!

http://www.sacredspaceacupuncture.com/

... I gotta admit - I'm not sure how Imma manage to fit in 13 more dance classes and an audition before I head to VanCity next Wednesday - It's gonna be really tough - I hope I can do it--- I'm wary, but determined.

...and also sleepy - good night. Today was a great day- doing what I love to do---

oh yes and I'll leave you with a nice surprise that I finally passed by -yes, friends, this place exists...

Just think of all the awesomely-ridiculous unitards could make and find excuses to wear!!!!

(insert choir of angels)

Day 16

2011-05-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice
Minutes: 40
Songs worked on: My 2 songs for the show -which I will keep secret it sunday ;)

Warmed up and worked on songs - mostly at memorization.

Healthy Meals #12-14:
Breakfast #12: the old standard fave bfast - optimum cereal, blueberries & almond milk - I bought a deff brand this time - not sure how I feel about it yet - somehow it's not as yummy methinks...

Lunch #13: Natural yogurt with organic banana, a large glass of water and one of organic ginger tea, and some unsalted, raw almonds, pumpkin seed and figs --mmmmmm

Dinner #14:
Salad, tomatoes & grilled veggie & chicken wrap with fresh tomato sauce YUM! super YUM!!

Day 15

2011-05-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Phewph - crunch time in so many ways...

anyhoo----

Daily Practice:
Mins: 75
Songs worked on: a bunch.... about 10 - choosing songs....

Warmed up and then continued working on song on song choices--- hard hard - sang through everything. Feeling good tho - and I'm excited. Gotta decide be tomorrow afternoon at the VERY latest.

Healthy Meal #11:
Dinner: looks kinda weird in pic, ha ha, but it was tres delicious - a salad with olive oil and balsamic dressing, grilled tofu and a dab of tomato sauce -yum yum yum!!!

ALMOST HALF WAY DONE!!! -wow - huh? and to think 2.5 weeks ago, I wasn't sure if I could do this---well anyway, it's crunch time and there's still a lot left to do...

DAY 14---

2011-05-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Mins: 30
Songs worked on: Many - choosing material for performance---

I did a warm up and worked on music, trying songs out - seeing how everything feels :) yay.

I so tired. Night. Good. The. end.

Fri-DAY 13 - was not un-lucky :) Imma sing on stage!!!!

2011-05-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 25mins + 35mins = 60mins
Songs Worked on: I am What I am (16 bar cut), I Have a Love, I'm Not At All In Love, Hurt, The Next Ten Minutes...um... Isn't It better, Astonishing...

Wow - ran the gammut of songs today lol --- first I warmed up and went through my audition song over and over - then I auditioned - THEN with spare time, I rented a room at Champion Studios with a piano and went over some new songs - plunking them out on yee ol piano (hooray! I'm getting better at piano! sweet -feeling SO much more self-sufficient with teaching myself songs) Then sang through a bunch of songs --- beacuse---

I LANDED THE AUDITION!!!!!
soooo.......

NEXT SUNDAY MAY 22, I will be performing 2 songs at:

‘Bound for Broadway’

a JDProductions Singers Showcase for Broadway's Rising Stars!

@ The Duplex Cabaret Theatre May 22nd @ 9:30PM.
61 Christopher Street @ 7th Ave
Booya!!!
tix r $15 - you can get em from me in person :)
---I'd love to have you out for some moral support, it's been ages since I've sang on stage in NY...
msg me or reply to this if you'd like a ticket! :)

Audition:
Show: 'Broadway Bound' Singer's Showcase

link to breakdown:

http://casting.backstage.com/JobSeekerX/ViewJob.aspJobID=TKghp9MIijW0T3o8A04eQARAtuWz&agnt=2

Day 12 (a day late re: Blogger web being unavailable yesterday...)

2011-05-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 30
Songs worked on: ...man, I can't remember, they're all blending in to one lmao - ok, I worked the "16 bar" cut of 'I am What I am' for my audition Friday! Woot!

Feeling good - I REALLY liked the advice Carey gave me on Wed about how to build the song as a cut - AWESOME! so fun to sing!

THAT'S IT FOR TODAY!!!! not so dramatic lol - Audition Day tomorrow for Broadway Bound Singers Showcase

~~~~~~

Ooooh - I did get may FAVORITE toothpaste in the mail!!!! (lol, yes, I know, I mail order hippie natural toothpate from Canada hahaha --- but it's just so awesomely weird and delicious!!! I love it!!!!)

Also, I went for a massage - the good ol hip and neck were feeling pretty jammed - but thanks to

Darrel at Kessel Wellness - WHO IS AMAZING! My joints are feeling and working smoothly - yay!

I highly recommend her - she's a former dance and really knows what she's doing: AND they're doing a promo $39.99 for your first visit! SWEET - $100 thereafter - tell her I sent you! She works Tues & Thursdays :) http://www.lkessel.com/chiropracticwellnesscenter.html

it's not a glamorous place- but you with thank me after you see Darrel - she's amazing!!!

The 10TH Day!

2011-05-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 60
Songs Worked on: The Wizard and I

Good practice today again - feeling easier to hold my placement - ESPECIALLY when I'm thinking "follow through" and breathe - support with breath, relax... etc
good - good - felt good today - hoorah!!!

Fitness #2:
Type of Class: Pilates
Instructor: Holly Kerr

This was my first pilates class EVER and I liked it - I think I'll continue going- hopefully I can make 2 or 3/week. I feel like it will be beneficial to strengthen some weaker areas (hello core, hello back...)

Fitness #3:
Type of Class: Contemporary
Instructor: Slam

This is my second class with slam this session - I've taken his class one other time, years again and I really like it- good stretch/warm up - I like his energy and it's fun to try out new shapes and ways of moving.

...Iphone 3G is NOT easy to take a pic of yourself with lol - hence the blurrrrrrrrr

GOOD DAY! WOOT.

PIANO!!!:
Mins: 30
Hooray!!! I got to play the piano today too!!! man - I need to put a good few hours in though it feels like - not enough time, I have so much to review to even think of moving forward - my sight reading is much better, but I's got-sta start memorizing the bass cleff - oy - being a soprano, I've never looked at it much, if ya know what I'm saying. BUT again - it helped ALOT with my singing practice when plunking out the notes, I even remember more about key signatures; BEAD... FCGDA... yada yada - gotta work it out more - SWEET! pretty piano - hopefully I can start working on some Erik Satie soon- LOVE!

And I forgot to take a pic of my healthy salad for lunch (boo) next time ----

Day 9! Monday Monday

2011-05-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Mins: 40 (20 mins shorter than I'd like, but 10 mins to long because it made me late...oops)
Songs Worked on: the Wizard & I

Today I did another good warm up, a bit abbreviated, really worked more on releasing unnecessary tension, and placement etc - I really felt like I retained something from my work yesterday as my voice sorta clicked in to place easier - it was a nice feeling. Yeah, sang through the song and things felt pretty solid - which is SWEET.

Healthy Meal:
Lunch: 100% organic & vegetarian: rice, veggies, dumplings and pasta - a large glass of water and a giant mug of organic ginger/lemon tea mmmmm...

Day 8 - and Mom's day!!

2011-05-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom et All!!!!

Moooom! You're the best and i love and miss you SO MUCH!!!! xoxoxox

Back to Business:
sooo- I just got home from a CRAZY long day and of course, and extra long wait for the train, nothing like it being a 1.5hour commute home when it should take 40mins... but I digress...

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 45
Songs worked on: The Wizard & I, Astonishing, I Am What I Am, Set Me Free

Today was an AWESOME practice day- and I feel like I did some of the work I've been wanting to do. One thing that I think is helping, is I've been listening to my recordings of recent and past singing lessons while commuting for forever on the train etc. (I wonder if the people sitting beside me can hear anything - wouldn't it be funny if they could, they'd be hearing all this recorded lip-trills and vocal exercises aka 'weird sounds' and thinking I must be really crazy) I do have pretty good noise-cancelling headphones tho- so they prolly don't hear a thing...
...again, I digress...
So. Yes, it's been very helpful to listen to recordings of my lessons with Mary Setrakian (LOVE!) and Carey, etc - good to hear the tips and corrections again and hear what they mean so I can keep applying this as I work on my own in these practice sessions.

So today I did a great warm up and felt like I finally started to pop back up and ring in those upper ranges. I did breathing, lip trills, scales, me meh ma, she saw me... the usual various graduation of exercises. I focused on placement; really keeping the sound forward and to get and keep things ringing in my nasal passages (which r crazy right now with allergies) support, following through and releasing any tension that may be in my jaw or neck etc - also blending the soprano/belt sound on the extreme high notes (high E, F, G) I even ran around the room a bit and did push ups - I actually felt a lot more connected after I did this...and some cartwheels haha

Song wise - I continued the same work with focuses in the warm-up. I sang Astonishing in several different keys and also bumped it up a tone to finish the last big-high-belt note which is usually a high 'E' to an 'F' - actually managed to get it feeling pretty good- not too tense, and i think sounding pretty great - it's a hard note to belt & make sound pretty at all- I did similar work with I am what I am - always good to push those boundaries I find - take it up a step and then when we get back down, it feels so much easier - always.

Ok- WEEK 2 - BRING IT ON!!!

Healthy Meal:
Fave Breaky!!! Organic Cereal (low sugar with Omega 3's btw!), Almond milk & blueberries --- also a tall glass of water to start the day off hydrated!
a side note: the cereal has 9gr or protein/cup and almond milk 1gr protein

and now, GOOD NIGHT!!!!! I'm sleepy....

Day 7: StrayDog Theatre Co (donations/good deed #1: like a girl scout)

2011-05-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 30
Songs Worked On: The Wizard and I

warm up, memorization and clarification of notes in the song AND again with connecting that bottonm and top range - making those high notes ring :) hooray for singing!!!!

Good Deed #1:
In the wee hours of this morning, I help my friends new theatre company, StrayDog Theatre Co, clean up after their awesome fundraiser! -sweeping, cleaning and carrying loads of equipment down a treacherous, long, flight of wet stairs... I felt like a girl scout it was funny - I was like (very chipper like) "hey guys, what else can I go for you?" I also donated to their company - We went to the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre together here in NYC and they are all phenomenal actors and great people. Check out and 'like' StrayDog Theatre Co's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straydog-Theatre-Company/201069983248409?ref=ts

They have a HILARIOUS video on Kickstarter that I highly recommend watching-
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/626742877/straydog-theatre-company-into-the-west-theatre-fes

***If you are interested in donating to them and helping support their theatre festival they are hoping to produce, check out their Kickstarter - donate even $1! It all helps! and the catch with Kickstarter is they have to reach their goal or they will get nothing ---they've got just over $3000 left to raise in 20days so donate away friends!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/626742877/straydog-theatre-company-into-the-west-theatre-fes

StrayDog Theatre Co: Hamish, Scarlett & Sean, and myself with broom in tow, they were nice enough to pause the clean up for a photo op for this here blog - thanks guys and best of luck!!!!

For such a clever video- surely you can spare them a few $$ in thanks for a few moments of great entertainment ---- and if they can do that, imagine what they can put on stage with funding~~~~

...& now for good deed #2, I scour the streets for old ladies that need bags carried, doors opened or blind people that need help crossing the street --- does that count? btw, I have done all of those things in my day- ...giving up your seat on the train for a pregnant woman, child or elderly person? but u prolly have too- so I'll look for something more dramatic I suppose... hmmmm...

Day 6

2011-05-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice
Minutes: 30
Songs Worked on: none

Today I just took the whole 30 mins and focused on a good solid warm up - trying to connect everything still...it's coming...

Healthy Meal:
Breakfast! = natural greek yogurt & blueberries and Sunflower bread with almond butter = yummy!

Day 5- Cinco de Mayo! Woot!

2011-05-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

This morning, President Obama made me late for an appt because all of Times Square was blocked off - gotta admit - it was kinda cool to see him drive by, even though I didn't really "see" him - dang tinted windows... below my friends you see the Presidential limo--- oooooo...

Daily Practice
Minutes: 30
Songs worked on: Hurt, The Wizard & I, Io Son Quel Glesomino, Nu Ver Dei Sensucht Kent (sp?)

Warmed up , sang thru songs - voice feeling better today - still working at connecting my higher range & thru the passagio. I shud figure out hoe to spell that lol

Fitness:
Type of Class: Contemporary
Instructor: Slam

Usually I don't do a lot of Contemp calsses, so this is definitely stepping out of my comfort zone - I ended up really enjoying it. tho no I have a wicked charlie horse in my L hamstring - lol Awesome class!!! Thanks Slam!

Healthy Meal:
fave breaky! Optimum organic cereal, blueberries & almond milk! woot!

Day 4!

2011-05-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice:
Minutes: 30mins
Songs Worked On: Hurt, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Bewitched, Io Son Quel Gelsomino

I continued the work we did in my lesson this afternoon, really working and trying to connect those sticky areas in my passagio- oh passagio - why you gotta be like that huh? and I thought I'd do some old skool dramatic classical work - cause I do love to sing those songs- so beautiful and a good challenge.

Private Lessons and Coaching Sessions:
Instructor: Carey Yaruss
Songs worked on: Hurt, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Bewitched

First Lesson with Carey today (thanks Mary Setrakian for the recommends!) I really liked my lesson - I feel like we'll get some good momentum and do some good work! Now to pick songs to target a legit sound and to dig up all the songs I wanna sing! Yay! She suggested Meadowlark - whoa - time to dive in!

Day 3

2011-05-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice
Minutes: 35mins
Songs Worked On: You keep me Hangin On, Lover Man, No Doubt...

Today I rested in hopes of getting better. As you know(?), I have a passion for psychology and the brain in particular (science nerd!) & I watched this really interesting program on Netflix about Stress and the brain the other day...till 3am... and I decided that I am definitely tired, sick and stressed, so maybe I should take a day and chill. ...of course I worked from home a bit because I can't help it - but it was good to give my body a chance to just go "Blah".

So, this evening, after some of that much needed rest, the old vocal chords were feeling a bit better, but still not elasticy and good. So I warmed up gently and sang through & reviewed the new parts, verses, words etc to the songs I'd worked Sunday, listening to my recording and going through it. I also worked on my consonants as Michael Levine suggested at my coaching the other week. After listening to the recordings, it really does give it alot, something really extra when you work that way. Can really change the song.

Here's a link to article about the Stress documentary: very interesting
http://www.pbs.org/stress/

Tomorrow: My first singing lesson of the challenge! with a new teacher--- we'll see how this goes - I'm stoked. AND DANCE! got to get some of those 20 dance classes down before they bite me in the butt later and I suddenly have 20 to do in the final week lol
Plan is: Diana Laurenson's class @ BDC- my regular Ballet Class with Robert Atwood at Ailey (a highlight of my week) and maybe Tap with Lainey Munroe at BDC, but I have a conflicting reading of plays I'm supposed to go to - funny, I'll regret missing tap class- I've been enjoying it so much! can't believe it took me this long to get back to tap class--- haha, ah life- u r so crazy

Check out the reading: My friend and a very talented writer is having something of hers read (which is why I must go) it's at NYU Tisch
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211158712235357

Healthy Meals:
Breakfast: Natural Greek Yogurt with blueberries ad organic strawberries mmmmm

Lunch: Vegan & gluten free rice, dumpling, and veggie protein

Snack: sliced organic apple, tbsp organic almond butter (omg, SO good!!!) and a few almonds :)

hopefully tomorrow I can get to a piano...

Thanks for reading! signing out!!!
East...did u do you 200 push ups today?!

2011-05-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice

Minutes: 30mins
Songs worked on: The Next 10 Minutes, Isn't It Better

Today was a little sucky cause I think I'm coming down with something, I felt like poo and my voice was CRAZY raspy - but I muscled through it - disappointed tho. Practiced some breathing and breath work in the songs - in the future, I'd really like to work on the sustained notes - when my voice is feeling better. which hopefuly is tomorrow- it's always interesting to see what you can do when sick tho---

Healthy Meal:

My regular breakfast - Organic Optimum Cereal, Blueberries & Unsweetened Almond Milk YUM YUM!!!

ok- on the wire - post- tomorrow = dance and hopefully a better practice and hopefully healthy day :)

WAH! DID IT!!! DAY 1

2011-05-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

Daily Practice

Minutes: 64mins
Songs worked on: Lover Man, No Bout a Doubt It, Squeeze me, I am what I am, Set me Free (haha 'Swing Gertie throw back day!)

I was rather sleep deprived today when I started practice, so my voice was definitely feeling the same way; a bit rough on the high end, so I didn't push that area of my voice to avoid straining it - but my lower register was really dropped in there, haha - I started scales on low low low B - lol

I did a 30min warm up & for the last 30mins, I sang through songs and plunked them out on the piano in order to solidify some notes that I'd "re-written" (oops). I also made recordings on my iphone to help keep them in my ear. I gotta say, I was very thankful to the wonderful Mr. Chuck Homewood for meeting with me twice a week last summer in Dawson City, to teach me piano - it was SO helpful already! I'm not the greatest piano player, but my sight reading has greatly improved (sweet!) and super helpful - got a LONG way to go for piano... but I really do enjoy it, even if it's a rhythmically uneven "When the Saints Go Marching In" over and over that I have yet to EVER get perfect-

I also did some ear training, practicing my semitones and other intervals - really listening and making sure I'm in the center of the note- it did surprise me how at the beginning, I'd often hear it in my head ever so slightly below the note, instead of in the center - but I got better as I went through the octaves - hopefully next time will be better - I think I'll keep up with this - really review all the intervals - there was a time I was quite good at this. Shout out to Sr. Anita!

I wonder if I'm gonna run out of stuff to practice at this rate? ...nah...that's unlikely lol

PIANO: And then - I took another 30 mins and practiced my piano - I've decided to add this in as a little extra for myself, I don't have access to a piano every day, presently, so I'm not going to require myself to do it every day, but every time I have access to one, which should be a couple times a week, I will. For piano, I got the old fingers twinkling again with some scales, right, left c major, the both at the same time etc, and reviewed through my book & played some of my all-time favourites from my Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Book Course (level 1) - these include, Jingle Bells, The Mexican Hat Dance (I am not responsible for the name of this song), Largo, the aforementioned: When the Saints... and of course, The Donkey. haha - so funny. Then I saw Alpine melody and my eyes involuntarily rolled back in my head- too much for one day - it is not an easy song to play- I have some more reviewing to do before I get back there. So things to work on: Chords- memorizing them and playing good.

I'm POOPED!!!! Good Nite. This is your FV30DC Correspondent, Dana Hunter, signing out for Day 1.

Healthy Meals
Description: Salad with Grilled Salmon.
PICTURE:

BTW FRIENDS! I'd love some inspiration for the 5 Good deeds to do--- what are your ideas?! post them as a response to my blog!

aaaaaannnd... please click the button to follow my blog :) I'd love it if you do -

thanks!

(ok- hopefully I am doing this right)

T-Mninus 1 day to the start of the challenge!

2011-04-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogging World!

I'm accepting the challenge from BDC here in NY for the FULL-VOICE 30 DAY CHALLENGE! I'll be posting what I do every day for the challenge.

Here are the requirements:

DAILY:

1) 30mins-1hr of vocal practice/day

2) 25 health conscious meals

OVER THE MONTH:

3) 20 dance classes @ BDC - this shud be easy - I love to dance! 5 classes/week!

4) 5 Charitable Deeds... hmm.. ideas?

5) 4 Singing Lessons

6) 2 Coaching Sessions

7) See 1 live vocal performance

8) 1 live vocal performance! -that means me! I'm working at booking a place for a cabaret! woo!

9) 1 Broadway/Commercial Vocal Audition

Everything has to be documented on this here blog, some with pics and videos

So there ya go! That's a full plate! I gotta admit - I am doing this after much hesitation - immediately when I saw it I was interested & wanted to do it- but I've been hesitating to COMMIT to it. I guess I'm scared I'll mess up, miss a day of practice or something and if you know me, you know I hate failing. So sometimes I will not do it at all rather than fail and disappoint. I know that's kinda a negative start - but anyway, that's part of the journey, cause the important part is that I committed. I also learn't a valuable lesson and saw that I have a habit of intense hesitation which takes a lot of energy and is pretty useless, so I'm working at ridding myself of that - gotta say, it can be scary at times. Does that have to do with wanting to stay "safe"? I wonder. ANWYAY I'm doing it. lol -and I'm stoked, this is going to be a challenge indeed- and it will be a big lifestyle change in a lot of ways - hopefully I can muscle my way through it!!!! Wish me luck!

Tomorrow it starts...