A Journey... Of Sorts

Hello Dear Readers!

As mentioned in previous entries, I'm gearing up for the big StrawHat Audition in February.

So far, to prepare, I've started a new exercise/butt kicking routine to help me tone up & shed some extra pounds.

Today, I had a FANTASTIC voice lesson & just might have picked a song for the audition.

For the first time in nearly 2 months I'm feeling like I'm ready to get back out there. I'm starting to feel more 'in my body,' if that makes any sense.

I've also made some decisions to clean up both my diet and my skin.

Cleaning up my skin will include a mild astringent in the morning after my shower, and separate moisturizers for my face (Clinique), arms (Victoria's Secret angel touch lotion), legs (Bliss' Ultimate Moisture), and hands (Bliss' All Hands On Deck). There's also a fat reducer that I'll be using on my stomach in the form of Bliss' Love Handler. Tonight I took an extra moment to do a foot massage with Bliss' Foot Patrol. I am so zenned out it's ridiculous.

My trip to the grocery store included healthy things like almonds, spinach & artichoke hummus, and whole grain mini pitas. It's a big deal because I LOVE to eat crap. If it's greasy, grimy, and loaded with sugar, chances are I've eaten it within the last week. I'm also very fortunate that despite a previous lack of exercise and unbelievable consumption of carbs and fats, I still fit comfortably in a size 2 pair of jeans. Granted, I am not toned or fit and the very thought of running gives me an asthma attack. It's time to buckle down a bit. The goal is to slowly eliminate excess sugar (save for that which I put in my green tea) within the next month. It will be super difficult, but I can do it.

I also picked up salmon. when I requested it to be skinned, I was told to come back in 15 minutes. That was a bit strange, but I returned 15 minutes later and was handed a warm, sealed, double foam packaged & bagged thing. The tag said salmon, so I didn't argue. Maybe there was a skinning machine or something that caused the salmon to be warm. Whatever. So I went home, got out the lemon juice, the cookie sheet, and set the oven to broil.

I should have known there was trouble when the salmon contraption was still warm/borderline hot & started leaking.

Turns out the nice lady behind the fish counter cooked the fish for me.

Anyone else confused by this? Plus, it still had the skin on it. I was totally squicked out.

However, it tasted just fine after a few minutes in the broiler.

Oh the adventures of eating healthy...

I still count this as progress in acting. I am refining my body, and that alone will help me get jobs. My voice is a work in progress, but that will come.

For the first time in a long time I feel empowered about my skills. Maybe next week I'll check out a few auditions...

Dr, I have this pain...

It's been a while and there isn't much to update.

I mailed out all of my StrawHat Audition material last week and the gentleman at the post office promised it would be there by Friday. Hooray for effiency!

Also, I've started taking voice lessons again. They're expensive, but Rae is the best. Check out her website- www.claim-your-voice.net. I'm also looking into getting a second job to help counter-balance the financial constraints. Keep your fingers crossed!

Still to be done is my journey back into fitness. I haven't taken any sort of dance lesson in over a year and a half- partially because it took at least 9 months to confirm that my hip was not broken.

So, dear readers, I have taken a step forward.

I'm doing P90X. I made it through the 1st day of the Classic workout and have been dead for 3 days. So I deemed it a good idea to try the Lean workouts.

I lasted 35 of 60 minutes.

I'm writing this blog from my bed. Hurting immediately after your workout is a sure sign that getting out of bed tomorrow is not an option.

Updates on my exercise routines will also be (comical) posted here on a regular basis.

Off to take a nap until 10:45!

Also, I wanted to say that I am available to teach piano, trumpet, and voice to all levels in the NY/NJ area. Please go to the Contact page of www.deborahheagen.com and send a message if you're interested.

- Deb
www.deborahheagen.com