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Friday, December 30, 2011

2011 Reflection

2011 started with a very unexpected yet exciting move. I was in a city lottery for a government subsidized apartment building that I totally forgot about until I got a call in December 2010. February 2011 I moved from Queens to Manhattan. A brand new building on top of it! What a change! And a test of faith since for one day in January I had leases signed for two apartments at once! Thank God someone rented my old apartment just in time!

2011 ended with the loss of my 4 ½ year gig at an investment firm. This loss was actually an answer to prayer. I remember the day I was laid off, I thought for the gazillionth time that week “I hate being here!” and in God’s wisdom He allowed me to be let go with a little bit of a severance package to float me through to the my next job (which is TBD).

It’s interesting how the biggest changes happened at the beginning and end of the year. Nice book ends I must admit! I had a great year...

  • I made new friends. Because of my move I was able to host two parties in the summer! I missed having parties but because I lived in a studio I wasn’t able to entertain.


  • I furthered my fitness goals. I am a lot stronger physically than I was last year at this time.  I hope to get even stronger this coming year.


  • There’s nothing new in the relationship category. In fact, I had an interesting situation happen when I took matters into my own hands. I am single and happy but I would like to share my life with the man I will love eventually.


  • I had some minor health issues. Sprained my wrist executing a left jab improperly. Sprained my left ankle at Ripley Grier Studios as I walked into a rehearsal. I was fitted for orthodics for my shoes to stop the bunions. I mustn’t forget the parasite I got from somewhere. That was so lovely. Meeting my new doctor for the first time and throwing up in his office. Nice. And my dentist discovered I grind/clench my teeth at night. This was HUGE since my chiropractor wondered why my neck adjustments were not lasting. Now I don’t feel like I have been fighting 12 large gladiator soldiers when I wake up. Thanks to my lovable bite guard!


  • No year would be complete without a risk or two. I took a free fall stunt class in April. That was fun! But it was very scary. Despite my former flight attendant career, I am afraid of heights. Free falling from 5 stories was pretty interesting.  I took a lap dance class which may not seem risky but it took a bit of courage to express myself in this way. It was empowering and enlightening. I also, bought my first real couch with a bed inside! This was a risk because it represents a sense of stability in my life. After moving 5 times in the last 10 years buying a real couch is a risk.


  • Travel was minimal this year since I didn’t have a ton of extra money to work with. I did get to attend my good friend’s wedding with my Mom in San Franciso. This was a very special time.


  • Philanthropy is a huge interest of mine. There is so much need in this city and around the world. I wish I could help every single person in need. Here are a few organizations that can use help.


Food Network Food Festival Volunteer - This was an awesome opportunity to meet successful chefs. Because I was a volunteer I got to get into all the venues for free! The proceeds from the Food Network Food Festival went to The Foodbank of New York

Sanctuary for Families – I had the opportunity to attend their Gala Event with Grand Master Flash spinning the afterparty!

NYC Rescue Mission – I have been a supporter for many years. I was able to attend an open house and see what my support provided that year. It was a huge blessing to hear the men speak about how much the mission helped them recover and get back on their feet.

Bowery Mission Women’s Center – I actually volunteer at this center regularly. The ladies are such an encouragement.

Healing Hands of Joy  – a friend started this organization for women suffering from fistula. Because of this organization women have a chance to heal and see a joyful future.

Women in Need  – Another great organization to help NYC homeless women and children find work, and a safe home to live in.

World Vision – This organization helps so many people all over the world including the USA.

My career seemed to tread water this year. Although I believe I laid a foundation for the future.

Some of the highlights...

  • I stood in line forever and auditioned for The Voice – I was able to sing my MJJ cover of “The Way you Make Me Feel” for Romeo Johnson MJJ’s former back up singer. I ended up recording the cover the following month. I was selected to sing in the trials of the Metropolitan Room Metrostar Challenge. Appeared in the VaShawn Mitchell music video “Nobody Greater”. I went to tons of EPA/ECC auditions. My favorite being for the musical Chicago. I will be Velma Kelly somewhere somehow. Broadway preferably. I performed in the Directing Actor’s Gym twice this year. It was a wonderful opportunity and allowed me to take risks as an actor. I also entered the Dallas Travers 42 day book a job challenge. Which lead to a huge breakthrough in my focus. I discovered who I am and how I should brand myself. What’s awesome about this is the confirmation I get from industry professionals. Looking forward to booking a co-star role on Law & Order SVU or a similar crime series. At the same time my goal is to be an action actor. Columbiana was a film that encouraged that goal. Seeing a woman of color in an action film confirmed the possibility. As a result, I joined the action project S.E.A.L.S. and had the opportunity to represent at ComicCon. Towards the end of 2011 I started training with Action Actors Academy. In December I started writing my own action film project. There’s also a bit of comedy in me too which will be interesting to see in 2012. I am on my way!


Besides performing I had the opportunity to watch actor’s perform. I saw The Mountain Top, Driving Miss Daisy (with a Q&A after the show by James Earl Jones!), Stickfly and Memphis (for the second time)!

Look out 2012! The year of ME!