tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28061328186945779202011-11-27T19:10:22.551-05:00An opera singer's blog which describes the adventures, struggles, and mundane day-to-day activity of one living out his destiny. By choice he lived in San Francisco, but now, out of necessity, he lives in New York City.The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.comBlogger371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-71963944539616208562008-03-13T01:34:00.003-05:002008-03-13T01:36:39.560-05:00

Please! You have to see this. It's hilarious! But be sure to watch until the very end. I laughed so hard I gagged!

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-18670461043701218712008-02-28T22:33:00.002-05:002008-02-28T22:44:54.997-05:00

So one year ago today, I arrived in New York, and at this very moment one year ago my mother and I were assembling my Ikea bed. It's amazing how the past year has been. Most of it has been very hard and not fun, but I think I'm a stronger person. I still miss San Francisco, and after my visit there for my birthday (which was one of my best), I realize that I'm supposed to be in New York. Even

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-18279479005319497032008-02-04T15:00:00.000-05:002008-02-04T15:14:48.736-05:00

So I will be 30 years old tomorrow, which will probably be the last time anyone can say to me, "You don't look a day over thirty!" At least, tomorrow will be the last day when that statement is 100% true. Anyway, I digress...My friends flew me back to San Francisco to celebrate. It has been a wonderful trip. Highlights thus far have included...1. Playing Sims Castaway on R's Wii.2. Seeing the

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-17060368482760836172007-12-23T03:21:00.000-05:002008-02-04T15:30:46.342-05:00

... well, what do these people have to say?DR. PHIL : The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.OPRAH: Well, I

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-9132990285500853112007-12-04T00:28:00.001-05:002007-12-04T00:31:48.511-05:00

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-78642480880397045912007-11-30T14:17:00.000-05:002007-11-30T14:24:33.927-05:00

Some, O divine pumpkin pie, argue the Patch was your place of birth, Where pumpkins roam free as mountain beasts. Others sing of the Kitchen, from whence your ingredients merged As stars from distant galaxies dance together for Helios. But I, swinging with might my heavy sword, Lash at you with two swift thrusts. Slice! Slice! I am Parra, goddess

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-3361538650150277012007-11-27T13:54:00.000-05:002007-11-27T14:15:07.259-05:00

I have just discovered that my "friend" Coco has demoted the link of my blog on her blog because I have not posted in two months. "Well, you haven't written in two months," you might say. BUT BUT BUT... I spoke with her last week, and she said if I didn't update, she would take down my link. I asked her to give me time. You see... I was in Boston last week with family for Thanksgiving... yes it

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-10833588296436079062007-11-27T13:16:00.000-05:002007-11-27T19:49:24.559-05:00

Ten reasons why I haven't updated my blog in so long:1. I don't know.2. Computer problems resulting in my needing a new hard drive, a motherboard, memory cards, and a graphics card.3. Haven't had time because of working small part-time jobs in addition to my regular full-time job- yeah! I STILL can't afford voice lessons.4. I'd rather sleep than blog.5. I feel a little bored yet constantly

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-69717031393396320072007-09-18T14:50:00.000-05:002007-09-18T14:55:58.197-05:00

London Times Obituary of the late Mr. Common Sense:Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-55086193787039391272007-09-13T22:51:00.000-05:002007-09-13T23:00:08.531-05:00

So the job I currently have does not pay all the bills. Plus, the schedule is completely incompatible with any opera company's rehearsal schedule. As a result, I am now looking for an office day job. I came up with a creative way of standing out among other applicants, and I thought I would share. Please read my cover letter template...Dear Sir or Madam:My goal in life is to be a rich and famous

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-69989721296851429092007-09-10T21:40:00.000-05:002007-09-10T22:22:45.047-05:00

Before I begin my stories, I will let it be known that I am by no means celebrity- obsessed. I think it is exciting in a mildly fun way to see a celebrity. Usually, I will say to myself, "Oh! That is so and so! Cool." And then the moment has passed, and I tell everyone who I saw and then I share my interaction with that person. At my job, celebrities will come in every now and then, and because I

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-51832290627310568702007-08-09T13:38:00.000-05:002007-08-09T13:49:40.835-05:00

So, my internet has been screwy the past week and a half. I thought I would update my blog by saying that I turned down the contract I was offered. I was very polite in my e-mail and said that at this time I couldn't afford to work for free. I also reminded them of my previous professional chorus work, and said that as a result I have gained as mush chorus experience as necessary so I no longer

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-85337634665215785732007-07-25T13:12:00.000-05:002007-07-25T13:31:44.637-05:00

So, after writing my blog entry last night, I sent an email to the opera company requesting what roles and compensation I would be offered in the Resident Artist Program. I got an e-mail today with my offer and a long contract. The roles they have offered are two chorus roles, and one understudy. The other roles for 2008 have yet to be assigned. The contract goes into great length about how I

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-63350892236592142272007-07-24T23:17:00.000-05:002007-07-24T23:37:10.622-05:00

Is it just me, or is life moving in slow motion right now? And no matter what anyone does to fix it, it stays the same speed. I think the batteries in the remote control have died. Or the "resume normal speed" button is broken. In any case, in June, I had an audition at a reputable opera company in the Upper East Side. It had all the fixings of an audition that would bring about a favorable

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-78792192867128281932007-07-23T15:59:00.000-05:002007-07-23T16:04:12.197-05:00

So, I haven't updated in a while because I got a job working at Joe's Pub. But not until after I pounded the pavement with my blood, sweat, and tears. After searching for a month, I discovered that all I had to do was one thing. I had to know someone who knows someone who knows someone. By the time I figured that out, I had my job. No resume. No interview. No drug test. I just had to know someone

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-51762036307614130232007-07-05T12:19:00.000-05:002007-07-05T12:25:26.106-05:00

Coco left school, lovingly dubbed “poetry camp” Monday afternoon. "This residency had very curious undertones to it," which she thinks a few of them attributed to the full moon. "Poets are an interesting bunch of people," says Coco. One evening, as they danced in the school pub, she grinned, considering that at any given moment, one of them might break away to go write down a poem that had begun

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-89009427807255587242007-06-28T13:30:00.000-05:002007-06-28T13:33:37.943-05:00

I got such a kick out of an e-mail that I sent to a friend today, that I thought I would post it here on my blog. What began as cynical turned into something very comical for me as I wrote it. How therapeutic, right? Anyway, enjoy!************************************************************************So... K.I have to find a crappy job. One that is meaningless. One that will suck the life out of

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-3379244710996633812007-06-27T23:13:00.000-05:002007-06-27T23:25:28.578-05:00

Why are you sad? [amazing pictures] For darker people You are sad because of your griefTake this quiz!Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code What is your element? [with pics + detailed answeres] Your element is Light. Your heart is pure and shining with love. You believe in the goodness of those around you and give almost

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-37054779432949035402007-05-19T16:32:00.000-05:002007-05-19T16:33:35.128-05:00

I'm still alive. I just haven't updated in a while. My grandmother from Cailfornia is arriving today and she will be visiting for a week. That should be fun!

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-63241265356763869762007-05-05T22:57:00.000-05:002007-05-05T23:09:38.527-05:00

I have to say that springtime in NYC is beautiful. I love seeing all the vegetation blossom and bloom with all the greens, pinks, yellows, and even purples. I walked by Central Park today and it was gorgeous. One thing lacking from San Francisco was an obvious change of seasons, so being in New York and witnessing the change from winter to spring has really awakened an appreciative fascination

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-69884326105783273862007-05-01T22:44:00.000-05:002007-05-01T22:52:00.392-05:00

So I came to the conclusion today that my blog has become a bit TOO revealing about my struggles with my inner demons. I've decided to keep a private journal to give them a nice place to play.After making the decision, I coincidentally went to the laundromat and washed my dirty laundry. How's that for ritualistic symbolism?While happily folding my clean laundry, I listened to my beloved Mozart's

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-69406423776957093942007-04-28T20:49:00.000-05:002007-04-28T20:58:47.715-05:00

So last night, I had about four or five nightmares that lasted to its bitter and tearful conclusion. Then I would awake with my heart pumping rapidly, I would take a few deep breaths, and drink some water before going back to sleep.And I've been feeling jittery all day. So in order to help calm myself down, I played one of my computer games that I enjoy. City of Villains. It's quite fun. It's an

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-37260245048208889462007-04-26T21:22:00.000-05:002007-04-26T22:15:19.061-05:00

Wow. Just wow. It's like my life just lead up to this moment. Have you ever been to a wax museum? Imagine it. You are inside looking at all the cool wax figures, and they are all set up in some type of atmosphere reflecting their respective roles in society. Movie Stars are at a party, political figures are standing by their nations flag, singers are on some type of faux stage-like thing. It all

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-18868273654158033842007-04-16T23:31:00.000-05:002007-04-19T21:02:37.533-05:00

So, I decided I needed a bit of nature today so I found a nice spot of dry rock in Central Park to sit on. Every place else was wet, and some parts of the park were even flooded from this weekend's rainstorm. The rock was cold, but feeling the low temperature on my rear kept me connected with the earth. I can't remember at what point in the day the cause of my emotional distress became clear, but

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-46476925730645103682007-04-11T21:44:00.000-05:002007-04-11T21:52:48.223-05:00

I need a San Francisco friend to visit me soon. Really soon. I could have things ready by this weekend if a San Francisco friend wanted to stay over. I promise not to give you pneumonia. It's not contagious anyway unless we lock lips so I promise not to kiss you, but I will give you LOTS and LOTS of hugs!

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-3846306149841233572007-04-10T20:49:00.000-05:002007-04-10T21:28:08.952-05:00

Have you ever coughed so hard that it felt like your brain was going to shoot out of every orifice in your head? I mean, really. If my skullcap were not made of bone, I think my brain would have just shot through the top of my head. It is the most unpleasant feeling. It's like falling down the initial drop of a roller coaster where all your body's organs want to stay a few feet above where your

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-62141276077316304922007-04-08T20:35:00.000-05:002007-04-08T21:35:00.454-05:00

Well happy Easter to me. I have pneumonia. Today was better than yesterday though, only because I was in the ER all day yesterday with a deliriously high fever. It's amazing how this illness crept up on me and smacked me down. Friday, I didn't notice anything too unusual... scratchy throat, a little extra mucous. I thought it was my typical New York allergies that have been working my last nerve

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-11948463874963180052007-04-01T21:07:00.000-05:002007-04-01T21:38:02.476-05:00

Ok, here is the continuation of this afternoon's events for those of you eagerly anticipating what happened during my meeting with Rosie.What a day! So I get to the theatre in Mid-town, the door is locked, and no one is there. After waiting 15 or so minutes, this guy comes from the inside to open the door. I tell him who I am and he guides me through the lobby and off into a side door that says "

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-25430989159431142132007-04-01T11:29:00.000-05:002007-04-01T21:37:36.620-05:00

So I was dreaming about being on a cruise in Montana (???) when I hear Open Arms by Journey playing over the loudspeakers. I suddenly snapped out of my sleep to realize it was actually my cell phone ringing. I look at my clock. 9:13am. Who the heck calls people that early on a Sunday? Well, I soon found out when I answered the phone. I answered in a

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-77586568426670653422007-03-30T13:55:00.000-05:002007-03-30T14:34:46.084-05:00

You know, the Universe has a wicked sense of humor. Usually events will transpire when you are at your most introspective and serious side, and these events will snap you out of your zone and send you reeling. (I am also currently questioning to myself why I'm thinking with a British accent whilst I write) In any case, I would like to share a personal example.Whilst walking through the West

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-6243772583391362302007-03-28T16:45:00.000-05:002007-03-28T17:26:45.935-05:00

Now that you've smelled God, I would like to recommend NeilMed Sinus Rinse. If you are a singer, or an allergy sufferer, this is a must-have. Sure, it is gross, slimy, and unpleasant to squirt saline water into your nose, but it really works well. You see, despite having a humidifier, it gets REALLY dry in my room. My sinuses get too dried out, and I'll spare you all the details, but irrigating

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-35279429115193975202007-03-28T15:57:00.000-05:002007-03-28T16:40:09.899-05:00

"You will smell the fragrance of the Lord's holy presence as you open this (Song of Solomon 2:1)"So when I collected the mail today, there was a envelope addressed to Neil Totton, and above the address part, this biblical phrase was written in a large purple font. So, first of all, WHO is Neil Totton? Second, I didn't know the Lord was distributing His fragrance through the USPS. The return

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-59434502952371784532007-03-23T14:34:00.000-05:002007-03-23T18:21:34.414-05:00

I have a lot of socks. I really had no idea how many pairs of socks I own, not to mention the underwear. I still haven't had to do laundry since I moved in which is nice, but I'm going to have to do it tomorrow. My underwear and sweatshirt supply is low. But I really want this entry to be about my socks. Now why would an opera singer want to write about socks, you ask? I don't know, but what I do

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-2395355028655840072007-03-21T19:52:00.000-05:002007-03-21T20:18:20.046-05:00

One of my favorite things to do in my new room is to watch dvd's on my computer at night. I know it doesn't sound that special just yet, but wait!The very same day I moved here, my mother (she helped me drive here from San Francisco) and I unloaded the HUGE SUV I rented, and then immediately went to IKEA in NJ. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IKEA! I bought a full size bed including the mattress, mattress pad,

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-27255793819218709022007-03-20T00:28:00.000-05:002007-03-20T01:26:04.464-05:00

Ok, so to make up for lost blog time, I'm going to add an additional post. It was St. Patrick's Day. I was riding the subway, and at one point I transferred to the express train. No, I didn't get lost this time. So, when I get on the train, I sit down, and directly opposite me is a woman who looked a lot like Lucy Liu. Now, I couldn't be sure because she wasn't wearing any make-up, but I did my

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-88820599235141448832007-03-19T23:02:00.000-05:002007-03-19T23:44:39.585-05:00

So, it's been a while since my first post. Not much has happened, but a lot has happened, too. My body has been reacting to the stress from the move now that I have a had a bit more time to relax. I got a throat infection last week and had to see a doctor (which I can't afford) and now I am having fungal problems with my feet as well as a clogged oil gland in my eye. Why do these things seem to

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2806132818694577920.post-41206389164794531342007-03-07T21:39:00.000-05:002007-03-08T00:07:32.309-05:00

In August of 2001 I moved to my favorite American city, San Francisco. I had visited there frequently while I was growing up, but never thought I would or even COULD actually live there. But fortunately, the opportunity presented itself during my final semester of undergrad at the University of Mississippi. I was getting a Bachelor's of Music with a vocal performance emphasis, and I wanted to

The Opera Singerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01958208297106184617noreply@blogger.com8