The Samaritan Sensation! Paying it forward...........

People say NYC can be the meanest place on earth but I beg to differ.  In fact I think some of the nicest people in the world lives here.

Take for instance,

It was a Saturday, May the 25th to be exact, and I happened to find myself uptown.

Well it wasn't  all the way uptown, more like west 55th St. (but then again anything passed 14 St. is uptown to me) and I didn't happen to find myself, I was leaving the last session of my acting class and feeling good from a job well done and ready to face the world, when I stepped outside only to be had by  one of the worst downpour I had seen in a long, long time.

Spring as some may say!

Now a little back story about NYC weather.

It is very unpredictable!

I decided I couldn't wait it out and the train station was only a few blocks. I ran, in the rain, to the train station at 50th st only to find a red tape and a note saying no train will be running here today. UGH!!!!!

What the....?

Now the next train station was all the way on 42nd st, so you can imagine my dilemma.  At this point my shirt was soaking wet, so now not only was I about to put on a show for passersby, but I was a few raindrops away from the flu.

As I was pondering what to do I hear a voice from nowhere,
'Is the train not running today?'
I said no and I turned to see a petite caucasian female with an umbrella. She said ' Come on, let's walk to 42nd' as she extended her umbrella over my head and we proceeded to walk. Eight blocks later and as if she was an angel, she got me to the train stop, said goodbye and walked away. We didnt keep in touch, we didn't have to. I just knew I had to pay it forward...



Nothing good every happens after 2 am, think again!

Fast forward two months later.

Now a little back story about the trains in NYC and the service after 12am. They run every 20 mins. So if you miss the train you pretty much have to wait 20 mins, and 4 of those are usually with the drunks and bombs sleeping in the train station or is up being crazy!

So there I was timing the train. I knew that if I leave my job at 2:30 am it would afforded me enough time to walk to the train station, refill my metrocard and was still on time for the 2:37 (L) train.

Wrong!

As I got into the station the metro guys were refilling the machines and there wasn't a 24hr saleperson. The machines take about a min to reboot when I heard that annoying lady saying, 'The next L train is now arriving on the Brooklyn bound track, please stand away from the platform edge'
I could die and the lady infront of me was putting coins in the other machine. I could hear the doors of the train opening. If you live in NYC, you know the sound I am talking about and you know the amount of time it will stay open until it closes and the train would leave the station. My heart dropped! She was done and she rushed down the stairs and unto the train (or at least that's what I thought).  Out of nowhere I heard her yelling saying, ' I will hold the train for you hurry up, don't worry I am holding it.' Music to my ear. So I filled up my card rushed down the stairs and told her to keep holding because there was another lady behind me. We all made the train. What seems like hours was probably a mere, adrenaline rush filled second. I made it home before 3am.  Because I caught that train, I was right intime to connect to the G.

Whew!

I mean let's face it. Most of the people that live around here, are not from around here, and we bring with us to this wonderful city our self value, generosity and self worth.

As always,
Sleepless.

Meet: Nedra Gallegos

Oh Nedra! Where do I begin? Probably from the beginning, but I am still coming off my high from a spectacular performance that Nedra had yesterday in her one woman rendition of Laughing Wild.

Now if you  guys are not familiar with Christopher Durang's Laughing Wild then it's a must read. It was definitely one of those awful rainy nights in the city that just makes you wanna crawl up in bed with a lover or a good movie or both.  but I decided to brave the rain and head into the city, coz nothing was gonna make me miss what was about to put me in a state of awe, and, it did me good. Possibly better than any movie would but just in second place to a lover.

So let me tell you how I came into being with the likes of Nedra. It was a few years ago and I was working at a little Italian joint on Bedford Ave, Bedstuy. Whuut?. The food was lovely, the atmosphere was great, the boss, well, let's just say he was Italian in every form of the word. * Cough (Napoleon), can I get an Amen! I remembered the day Nedra walked in. She was unlike the other ladies I was forced to train, she knew the business well and was ready to work. Long story short we worked together for about two weeks and then Nedra called it quits! *Cough (Napoleon)! So we kept in touch!

Nedra is possibly one of the most amazing person I have ever come into close contact with, to date, and when I say amazing, I mean it's just oozing from her veins. She is a very dedicated hard-worker with a brain and creativity on her that will last a lifetime. I mean, this is a woman that sprain her achilles while doing a 15 hour shoot for an independent film, in the 14th hour, and what did she do? In true Nedra style, she finished the scene. (She was playing a cop chasing a kid, btw). She was actually out of commission for three months. While she was bed resting, she created and co-wrote the most hilarious Web Series that I have ever come across, and I am not being bias because she wrote a character in there for me. I am pretty confident that the work is gonna speak for itself and speaks volume in many a languages to come.

The web series is called OFF THE G! and there's still time to donate but hurry coz the expiration day is nigh!     http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/off-the-g--2?c=home

Nedra is so awesome that when she puts on a show all her friends come out to support her. I have yet to meet anyone that has a bad thing to say about her. She is always on point and a stand-up lady. She works for what she believes in and will help you fight for what is yours. She wears her heart on her sleeve for her friends, BUT don't be alarmed if she is not quite ready to buy into your bulshit.

She is a gal that is going places with her writing, her acting and her creativity. She humbles herself in ways only a lady knows how. She IS a star in my eyes.......

I am talking way too much.

Let's meet the wonderful being behind this blog,

Name: Nedra Gallegos

Age: Old Enough to Know better

Status: Intrigued

Zodiac Sign: Libra

What do you do: Actor/Writer/Educator

Hail from: Military Brat- Mostly Cali by way of Texas, Taiwan, Nebraska and Japan

Where ya bed at: Bed-Stuy

Why Nyc: It's one of those places where you feel the energy rolling off of it as the plane lands. It's a city of intensity, when things happen there is not a lot of middle of the road. They are more often than not amazing or tragic.

Best Place to eat in the city: Dogmatic on 17th Street  in Manhattan-always and right now I am addicted to the pork belly sandwich at Putnam's Pub in Clinton Hill on Myrtle Ave.

When's bedtime: Depends, some of my teaching gigs start tragically early so those nights I'm lucky if I make it to 11. But the nights when I can play or work on something I'm excited about 3am is a nice time to wrap it up. 4 seems downright debaucherous  and 2 seems too tame but 3am makes me feel edgey and,  yet I still feel I can pull myself out of bed the next morning at a decent enough hour to accomplish things. 

What was the last gig you did: Just closed a show Laughing Wild  with Moss Roberts and I am still working on producing my web-series Off The G. Which I came up with the concept for and co-wrote with Carla Briscoe. 

What's the one thing you have to have with you at all times: Lipstick, chewing gum and something to read. (Oh Nedra I did say one thing ;) ).

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are: God- sometimes 70 sometimes 13.

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich: What I'm doing. Creating, working with kids, and in my free time hanging with people I love.

Would you break the law to save a loved: Yup.

Next 3 years: Bi-Coastal-writing on a great kids cartoon and making enough to support my theatre habit.

Has your greatest fear ever came true: Time and again, people die , relationships end, jobs are lost. My greatest hopes have also come true. It's been a mixed bag but I can honestly say I do 95 percent of it over again.

If you could tell the world one thing:  wow, ...love your neighbor ...a lot..I think it's our only hope.

Favorite thing you have ever done with a friend: Met one of my Besties Brenda Sue in the 2nd grade and still we make each other laugh..I have another, Virginia, whom I met in grad school, we drove cross country twice, that was amazing. 

Where are you gonna be when you die: Surrounded by people I love, with a really good sound track playing.

Tell me the love affair  you have with acting and performing: I love the immediacy of it and the shared experience between you and your audience.

If you could only have dinner with three people for the rest of your life, who: Yuck, I can barely bare the thought of eating with myself for the rest of my life....Someone with a Piano who can play it very well so um---Herbie Hancock ( I hear he's a little intense so let's say this is a large dining room.) My future dog and um---Louis CK.

What's next for you: Shooting an amazing Web- series and getting out to LA and writing on an amazing animated series. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/off-the-g--2?c=home

What do you hate about the city: Sometimes there's so much going on I forget to be present, I let myself be overwhelmed. It's hard sometimes to remember to find the quiet. 

So there you have it folks, she came and she brought it. Look out for this one and her web series. Its Nedra's year whether you want to get on board or not.

Til then, rest well.

Sleepless.

Off The G http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/off-the-g--2/x/3025760

off the

So this is awesome!!!!!! There is an amazing web series that is currently in production and we want to make this the funniest and greatest web series of 2013 or on the internet, whichever comes first. It will be filmed on location in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn and we need your help to get the ball rolling.
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/off-the-g--2/x/3025760

A little about this project:

Off The G is a comedy Web series written and directed by two hilarious gals, Nedra Gallegos and Carla Briscoe: two local actors who crack each other up, a lot, and now have decided to share their rare wit with the world. They have written six funny, salty and smart webisodes about Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, a neighborhood experiencing much change these days. Off the G looks at the challenges that take place when a variety of cultures, races and socio-economic groups converge, and pokes fun at it all. Nedra and Carla are commited to not only creating a quality Web series, but a quality work environment, hiring the actors and the crew locally and making sure they're paid fairly. Which is where you come in. For $25 dollars you can make this happen. We did the math. If we can get 700 people to donate $25 dollars each we will meet our goal. We have Fiscal Sponsorship through Fractured Atlas – a nonprofit arts service organization – so donations are tax-deductible. Oh boy!
* But there's more!
For a mere $10 dollars, you get an Off The G button; for $25 dollars, an Off The G button and magnet. For $50 dollars you get a button, magnet and signed Off The G DVD of all the episodes. For $100 dollars you get a button, magnet, Signed DVD, and an Off the G T-shirt. For $500 dollars you get a button, magnet, signed DVD, T-shirt and a walk-on part in our dance and musical extravaganza final episode. And for $1000 dollars you get everything above and Executive Producer credit.
If we fall short of our funding goal we will still produce half the webisodes to insure that everyone is still getting paid and treated fairly, and we'll continue to works towards our goal of funding and finishing all six.

Your $25 dollars will go towards creating work for local actors and a local film crew, and  an extremely funny Webseries will be made and many people will smile and laugh.  What a great thing to accomplish for only $25 dollars.
Thank you for watching our video and reading our pitch. Please tell bunches of people about this and feel free to share our link with many family members, friends, aquaintances, or even to "Hey I just met you but you seem excessively cool, insightful and fun, just the kind of person to donate to this webseries, Off the G" people. You can do all this by word of mouth, e-mail, phone call or by using Indigogo's own handy dandy share tools.
Thanks again! You're beautiful in advance.

*All donations are tax deductible except for cost of perk. 
SO minus $2.00 for DVD and $6.00 for T-shirt.
 http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/off-the-g--2/x/3025760


The Cast and Crew:

Series Creator and Producer, Show Runner
Nedra Gallegos

Series Writers
Nedra Gallegos
Carla Briscoe

Series Producers
Nedra Gallegos
Carla Briscoe

Theme Song
Carla Briscoe

DP, Director
Sveva Costa Sanseverino

Sound
Steve DeSeve

Production Manager, Assistant
Jessica Ritter
A.J. Urias

Contributing Writer
Mike Ritter

Cast:

Nedra Gallegos     Susan
Carla Briscoe        Daphne
Percy Ritter          Lucas
Sean Carvajal       Jesus
Jeremy Burnett     Tyrell
Taniesha Brown    Alex
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/off-the-g--2/x/3025760

So there you have it folks. Off the G is gonna be off the chain or should I say track? Well you know what I mean. Don't forget to check out the INDIEGOGO page and donate.
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/off-the-g--2/x/3025760
Don't forget to check out the facebook page. It's Offtheg bedstuy for daily updates and more ways to donate.

Until then,
Sleepless

So I model now?

It was such a great night! Lots of happiness, fun, laughter, tears and of course great people. We came and brought it.

But before all that we had to go through the ringer. It was my first fashion runway show and not only that I was walking. I mean I have done fashion shows in the past, but I was doing makeup for the models and as much fun as that was, it's quite never the same as having to walk a runway.

It all came to fruition the day before the actual DAY!. We all met on one of the hottest rooftop on one of the cooler days in September  and to be honest I was still a little sleepy, but who could sleep when we have so much work ahead of us? We all showed up wanting to work and making the most of it. I'm not sure about anyone else but I was excited and got to the practicing of the walking. Boy was it hot on that roof! ha!.

We did some exchange of showing how we were gonna make it happen on the stage and then we ate, we changed and did a run through and everyone scurried to there jobs. We felt decent enough for the next day. Exciting!

So to be honest I was actually, after being a lil late for hair and make up, thinking it was gonna be one of those days where I was gonna be nervous and tired but the energy was overwhelming to say the least backstage. What I saw made me happy and excited. IT WAS A FASHION SHOW and yes IT WAS A BIG DEAL. There were models and designers and make up artist and hairstylist everywhere.

I was there to model for Black Cabinet.

I had a lil rough start because I wasn't expecting the huge afro which I was about to get, but after a lil tandrum and a lot of  headache I saw the end result and it was muy caliente! So now all we had to do was wait. We were the second to last act so I guess you could say Black Cabinet is kind of a big deal and if you didn't know bout the two lil designers, Chrissy Hagen and Jason Derek North, who now resides in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, after Friday night you will know them. Seek them out and buy their stuff and pressure them to make more interesting pieces that will make any outfit pop. After all they turned me into a runway model!

It was one of the best gathering I had the pleasure, and not to use loosely, to be at this year 'side from my Birthday and my trip to the Addydocks.

As Always,
Sleepless.

....While others should come with a manual

So I was having a conversation yesterday with my friend Cameca and we got on the topic of how tired we were of assuming that people should just know how to behave without someone having to tell them. I mean, after all, we are all grown folks and grown folks should know how to behave, right? Well that is, in most cases, not the situation. I have come to learn that there are only a few people left in the world that are like me.(People who do not need instructions to know how to behave). Everyone else should come with a manual. It's quite annoying frankly if you ask me. People should know how to behave without having someone telling them how to.

This is true, so a few months ago I took on a new roommate. Now I am pretty easy to live with because I am usually never home and if I am, I'm usually in my bedroom. So on a given day I went a wondering into the kitchen because the stars were aligned and I felt like making myself a meal. What befell me was atrocious to say the least. There were rice everywhere. When I said something to said roommate, well the convo went like this.

Me: Roommate, did I mention that we live above a restaurant and that a few summers ago we had a mice problem that I wouldn't want a repeat of? (I mean after all we do live in NYC)

Roommate: Yes but I thought that was ages ago.

Me: Yes but this is NYC city and it doesn't take much for mice to get into your apt and take over so we have to keep the apt very clean.

Roommate: But I thought mice only stayed in the cupboard, I didn't know they come into the sink?

I looked at her and walked to my room. I'm sorry I don't care if you were trapped in the South Pole for decades, you know that mice will go anywhere they please. After all they are probably the only animals that can fit into any space. Now she needs a manual, and if this was the case I would have skipped ahead to chapter three to know that in case of a mice problem she would think they were confined to cupboards and then I would know that she couldn't be my new roommate and that would save both of us a lot of time and trouble.

Now I'm not saying that in other situations she is not the person to call I'm just saying she needs a manual.

Another group of people who need manuals are the ones who touch you because they think its cool, like say the people who just touch a pregnant lady's belly without knowing them or white people who touches black people hair because they think its cool. They always say if I were black I would wear my hair as an Afro.  Well I'm sorry,  how would you like it if I touch your hair because IT IS different from mine. I wouldn't, because I know better than to touch dirty things. Yes it doesn't matter who you are, the hair of any human being is a DIRTY thing. It is always exposed and just out there. Also about that Afro thing, lets just say if I were white, I wouldn't spend umpteen of times straightening my 'curls' or dying my hair blonde because I didn't like being a brunette or that dumb statement about Blondes having more fun! That's just retarded, the best way to have the most fun is to just be yourself. DUH!  What I am trying to say is the grass is always greener no matter who we are, so give it a rest. And Man, do I have to walk around with superglue in my hair? I'm just saying!

OK, the next group of manual holders are people who over stay their welcome. If you're reading this then you are like me. I am a generous person, I like to give freely, but I realized that there are some people that you absolutely can't let into an inch of your world. This is so because you will learn the hard way that your freedom will be no longer yours and now you have to share your space, literally, with them and everyone else in their life. This will end up sucking for you and frankly the only thing that should suck is a blowjob. Get it? ha ha. Anyways, there are some people that you give an inch and they take the whole nine yards. This is really true for the people who ask to spend two nights at your place and then two weeks later you have a roommate who not only is sharing your space but is also drinking  your milk, using your towel, body wash, body oil (and its not even in the bathroom), and if you try to have a rational conversation with them they get upset. Like you are the one all up in their space and you start thinking maybe you need to move out. FUCK THOSE PEOPLE! They are takers and they prey on the giving. They especially need a manual and should have it on them at all times.

People who are prone to be messy needs a manual.

People who shows up to a birthday party dinner and refuse to split the check should have a manual and no friends.

People who likes to borrow money and say they are gonna pay you back tomorrow because 'you know they are good for it' then three months later they still owe you $40. Need a manual and a dose of ex-lax.

People who only likes to talk about their break ups or are constantly asking you why they don't have a boyfriend, definitely needs an instructional manual on how to get a vibrator and a life!

People who uses the words 'whatevs', 'cray', 'bestie', 'bff', and verbally say 'btw', should have their own set of rules on 'how to operate in the real world' manual. 

OH. EM. GEE!!! People who literally do not know how to behave on the subway. I'm sorry but I am on my way to work how about you do the same and stop panhandling me, chewing your gum in my ear, playing your loud music and smelling so bad.  Manual!!!

I'm not mad in fact I am the opposite right now. I am laughing my ass off of how weird grown ass people can be and if anything a little sad for them. I find it necessary to remind everyone that we all have traits like these and if you don't find anything wrong with any of these pointers, then you my friend needs a big ol' manual. 

Ha ha ha!

As always,

Sleepless.

Meet: T B (TWO YEARS!!!)

It just dawned on me today that it's been two years since I started this blog and even though I have had a busy, somewhat uninspiring year, I decided to celebrate the two year anniversary of this glorious blog by telling you guys a lil about the person behind the blog....ME!!!!!
And, what better way than to answer a few of the questions in the Meet: Section ®. I think it's gonna be great, but then again why wouldn't it be?


Anyways here we go......

Name: Tani B

Age : 33

Status: Extremely Single

Zodiac Sign: Aries

What do you do: Bartender/Writer/Actor

Hail From: St Elizabeth/ Negril, Jamaica

Where Ya Bed At: Clinton Hill

Why NYC: It is the most wonderful place on earth, where dreams do come true if you can find the time to sleep.

Best Place To Eat In The City: This is way too hard. I love Jamaican food. I would have to say Jamaican wise, still my kitchen. Virginia's on Avenue C and 11th is pretty good. Colonia Verde In Fort Green, Locanda Vini & Olii, Clinton Hill and of course Babuji for Indian Food.

When's Bedtime: These days it's usually when I get under the covers

What's The One Thing You Have With You At All Times: Chapstick

How Old Would You Be If You Didn't Know How Old You Are: I am sticking with 30.

If Happiness Was The National Currency, What Kind Of Work Would Make You Rich: Traveling and writing, Acting and Volunteering with HIV/AIDS all around the world. Educating people on discrimination.

Would You Break The Law To Save A Loved One: I would break the law to save anyone. Laws are made by humans who also makes mistakes.

A Sucker For:  Birthdays, Christmas, Falling in love and a good whiskey.

Next 3 Years:  Hopefully I would have at some point been to Australia, successfully publish something and finish my screenplay.

What Is Your Greatest Fear: Falling in love. This wall that I created as a self preservation mechanism has become too hard to break down.

If You Could Tell The World One Thing: There is really no point to life, but every once in a while you get to eat candy and have sex and then it all seems right, so quit trying to fix things and just live!

Favorite Thing You Have Ever Done With A Friend: Camping in the mountains away from technology and stress

Where Are You Going To Be When You Die: Sitting on the dock of the bay wasting time.

If You Could Have Sex With One Person Past Or Present: My Lover!

If You CoulD Only Have Dinner With Three People For The Rest Of Your Life, Whom: One Family member, one friend and my soulmate.

Worst Thing About The City: "It's Showtime" on the subway!

So there you have it. Its been a roller coaster two years, but I loved every minute of it. There were days when I wish it would be Mondays forever.  Happy two years EVERYONE. I say a Big Thank You and keep on reading.

As always,
Sleepless

Summer is much funner when its cool out....

So hey there, yes summer is almost here and we have a lot of things to do. Summer in NYC is probably some of the best times of the year for everyone, and what better way to celebrate this than with the best health ever? Yea yea yea I know this has been said and done before but I must say not by me. I remember the last time I exercised was when I was 18, yea I'm not that proud either but, hey, life happens.

So I started a new schedule which is gonna involve some exercising. I planned on toning up and getting fit and doing all the things needed to stay healthy and alert, trust me in my line of work I need it.

I have decided to follow some simple rules to a better living.


I happen to be reading a magazine at work the other day (yes I read them too once in a while) and I came across some pointers from Bob Harper. Things that are pretty doable, seeing as though I am not an exercise enthusiast and want to stay fit with as little pressure and pain as possible. I think this might just work and I'm gonna stick with this for the next month and if I see results then maybe, and a very big MAYBE, I will stick to a health plan. I mean, I am getting closer to the hump.lol. 35 i.e.


By Bob Harper

1) Drink a large glass of water first thing in the morning and before every meal. No excuses. It helps digestion and metabolism and its great for your skin.

2) Eat lean protein at every meal (fish, chicken, eggs). Eggs are quick and easy. I have to say that I did this yesterday and I was starving afterward, but I gotta stay focused.

3)Dedicate one day a week to "meatless day"-no animal protein whatsoever. Focus on having more greens, you're never going to gain weigh from eating vegetables.

4)Go to bed hungry (ok ok so I have to admit that this is gonna be the one that sucks the most seeing as though I love to eat right before I sleep. Its just something that I've grown accustom to. It gives me great joy). Get on a routine so you don't have any food in your system at least three hours before you hit the sack. After five hours your body will burn its own fat and sugar. Yay! I guess.

5) Eat berries and apples everyday. APPLES URGH! They are high in fibers and antioxidants. The more fiber you eat, the more satisfied your body will be.


So there you have it folks, I am gonna do the amazing. Something I haven't done in over 15 years. Wish me luck and I will post pictures and keep you guys updated on the progress. Lets see what this body can do come June 30, yea I did start a few days ago.

Nite! And remember go to bed hungry, ha ha ha
Sleepless.

Meet: Nana Mensah

Today was an exceptionally beautiful day I quickly noted to myself as I got out of the creepy Subway stop at East Broadway off the F. I noticed this, as I was heading towards Essex, where I was gonna meet up with the lovely Nana Mensah. Yes, there was a park to my right and the little cafe, Cafe Grumpy, that was close to her apt and it had the most amazing chocolate chip cookies and ginger teas. Yes, I was in the lower east side and as I eagerly waited for Nana, I sipped on my tea. I mean, I was running a lil behind, as usual, and I was happy and excited as I saw Nana approaching with her big bundle of love (dog), Pavlov. She quickly hurried upstairs to put him down so we could chat.

I must tell you folks that I met Nana little under a year through a mutual friend, and if the world wasn't small enough, Nana is also a friend and did quite the acting  with also another really close friend of mine, so when Nedra told me that she ran into Nana on the street, I knew I wanted to do this article on her, seeing as though Nedra only sings the praises of people she truly believes in. Nana is quite the beauty, she is a free spirit that loves life and wears it well. She is not afraid to speak up on the things she believes in, actually she is not afraid to speak at all, lol. She loves to travel and and has a special love in her heart for Paris. She speaks french.


We headed across the street, to the park, with our coffee (Nana had an iced coffee) and tea (me the ginger) and we got to chatting. We talk about everything and nothing. Turns out that we had so much in common and before we knew it we had places to go and people to meet. Nana had tickets to a show and me well, Brooklyn to have dinner with Daphnee, but not before we hit up Verlaine for happy hour. They have the most amazing lychee martinis for $5, so we had two and ended the afternoon heading into opposite directions.

Nedra Gallegos : "Nana is cool, man. She is really awesome. I remember when they were gonna cut the jobs of a few people at HAI, she got a grant so that everyone could keep their job, all by herself, really awesome!"

Wow, just from talking with her I am not sure if there isn't anything this lady can't do. But I could ramble all day so,

Come on, let's meet Nana,


Name: Melissa Nana Afua Nyarko-Abronomaa Mensah. Miss Jackson if you’re nasty!

Age: 28 going on 29. (Total nerd moment, but this phrase always makes me chuckle—aren’t you always ‘x’ going on ‘x +1’? Isn't it redundant? Some people say "Oh, she's 13 going on 30", which is a pointless phrase and an even worse Jennifer Garner movie.)

Status: Low

Zodiac Sign: Virgo.

Job: That would be jobs plural. I’m a multi-hyphenate actor/writer/producer and to fund these various projects I write grants at the fantastic non-profit, HAI (hainyc.org). I also work at a trendy downtown restaurant. I won’t tell you which one so you can’t hit me up for a reservation.

Hail from: Avon, Connecticut by way of Ghana, West Africa.

Where ya bed at: LES all day errday

Why NYC: I was just asking myself the same question.

Best place to eat in the city: Depends on what you’re in the mood for—Highlands in the West Village is an older favorite. I love Whitehall, by the same owners. I love the $1 for 4 dumplings special at Vanessa’s Dumplings on Eldridge Street if I’m feeling fancy. Per Se if I’m feeling, you know, casual.

                                                                 Cafe Grumpy


 When's bedtime: Either 12:00am or 6:00am invariably.

What's the one thing you have to have with you at all times: A light grip on my sanity and Chapstick.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are: 45

If life is so short, what would you rather spend your days doing: Traveling by boat, train, or automobile. Eating. Drinking. Worshiping someone and allowing myself to be worshiped by them.

Which loved one would you break the law to save: Any one of them! My admiration is freely given, but my love is hard to earn; once you’re in, you’re in and I will do anything for you.

Tell me about acting and theater: I started acting like a sane person in the late 1980’s in order to keep friends and not be excluded at the lunch table. I quickly got wise and realized I needed a creative outlet to excise demons, and I gravitated to the stage (I’m a shitty painter). I then realized that I hate collaborating and most people, so I started to write, because you can do it alone. I vacillate between wanting to throw my belongings in the back of a car (that someone else would be driving) and go live in solitude on a ranch in Montana—riding horses, building fires and smoking hand rolled cigarettes for the rest of my days—and needing the throbbing pulse of the metropolis. Acting and writing represent that yin and yang to me.

Next 3 years: Oh goodness, I have no idea what the next three years will involve. I will definitely be traveling to the following countries: Ghana, UK, France, UAE, Jordan, India, Singapore, Spain, Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Yes, Los Angeles. I will write and write and write and write. I will make a movie. I will struggle less and work out more. I will consume copious amounts of champagne and oysters. I will be promoted, hired and fired. I will buy higher thread count sheets and new light fixtures for my apartment. I can tell you what the next three years will not involve: marriage, mortgage, or sonograms.

What is your greatest fear: Failure.

What is your greatest fear: Success.

Cats or Dogs, Boxers or briefs: Dogs certainly, cats freak me out. I prefer briefs, but for some reason I feel like a pederast admitting as much. So let’s go with boxer-briefs.

Favorite thing you have ever done with a friend: Having a five-hour lunch on a grey spring day. Ambling (read bumbling) aimlessly in various cities in various countries.

Where are you gonna be when you die: Probably France. Or Africa (east or west, I’m not sure). I presume I’ll be in my 50s, but that’s due primarily to my colossal lack of imagination as I can’t see myself any older. Something interesting I heard: my beloved cousin once told me that we celebrate our birthdays every year with grand occasion, but every year our death day passes as well, unbeknownst to us until that last moment. Freaky. I think she’s a little depressed.

If you could have sex with one person past or present: My mind usually needs seducing before my body, and in that vein I have a deep-seated thing for political commentators. First up, Bill Maher. Definitely, definitely Bill Maher. Word on the street is that he loves black women and the streets don’t lie.

Secondly, Rachel Maddow. In this instance the sex act itself would come second to post-coital stroking of my hair and reading poems by Auden to me in front of a crackling fire in our rambling farmhouse in bucolic Western Massachusetts. But I haven’t really given it much thought.

 If you could only have dinner with three people for the rest of your life, who: It kinda looks like The Big Chill, but without Alex’s suicide. I’m not totally sure who the three people are, but the dinner would be at my home in my dining room, eating a meal prepared by me and my best loved ones surrounding my custom-designed table from BDDW. Good food/wine, good friends and good design—the holy trinity as far as I’m concerned.

Worst thing about the city: The people.

So there you have it people. This is a lil piece of what's in store for Nana, she is definitely one to look out for. Whether she is saving jobs or acting her butt off, she is taking the world buy storm and  taking no names, well maybe a few.

as always.
Sleepless.

Meet: Daphnee Allen

There's only two people that I know who actually knew what they would grow up to be Jr and Daphnee. Daphnee knew she wanted to be in marketing for a big beauty brand company and she knew she wanted to be in New York City for that. So with a month to find an apartment, (its official, she is, finally, moving outta Queens, ha ha) I interviewed Daphnee about how its going so far. I have to tell you guys that I knew Daphnee since college, but we were never friends just a hello here and there. We only became dear friends a few years ago when we decided to brave New York City together. This was an experience that has been changing my life ever since and whenever I check in with Daphnee she seems to be going through the same changes, just living and loving the city.

Daphnee was always the girl who sends out holiday wishes to my hotmail account. She is prolly one of the most honest and caring individual I know. She will give her soul for the people she loves and  she never had a bad thing to say about anyone, well unless you are a guy, then, well "guys are just stupid". This is clearly her favorite sentence about the opposite sex. lol. She is one of the most hard working individual and her beauty extends throughout her whole system. She is kinda a big deal. She is one of those people that you can honestly say, is beautiful on the inside and gorgeous on the outside, as well. She makes me so proud of her everyday. It is like watching a river cascading into a waterfall and if you ever get the chance to have a chat with her, it is gonna be worth it. She will not only win over your heart but she will cherish your worth, forever.

Daphnee was totally on the basketball team in college. Go Bucs!!!

Come on, lets get to know her.....

Name: Daphnee Allen

Age: 30 :D

Status: SINGLE!!

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

What do you do: Marketing for a beauty company - brand: Sally Hansen

Hail from: France

Where ya bed at: Clinton Hill

Why Nyc: Dream City - I set foot in NYC the first time when I was 14, I think. The energy I felt was unparalleled, I had never felt such a great, inner voice of wanting to be somewhere so badly. I knew I was eventually going to live in the great new york city... and that happened almost 4 years ago, the dream came true!!!

Best Place to eat in the city: West village - I love turning the corners of those gorgeous little streets, and finding amazing, adorable restaurants with delicious food.

When's bedtime: 10.30 ish (sometimes earlier) during the week - I'm getting old. Weekends are different, minimum 2am when I am out and about.

One thing you have to have with you at all times: Cell phone, I'm a phone person, and love to stay in touch with my friends through text or call...

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are: 30 :D - I feel like my 20's were such a challenging chapter in my life, and even though very cliche, I told myself I was turning that page and opening a new door of success and happiness at 30.

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich: World traveler - I love traveling, eating different foods, meeting new people from different cultures, and being in amazing, magical foreign places... I would just do that my whole life if I could.

Would you break the law to save a love: Yes - all my friends and family know that I would do anything for them.

Next 3 years: Happy, probably still in NYC, but who knows... I see myself growing more, and reaching career goals (marketing manager minimum) as well as personal goals.

Has your greatest fear ever came true: I think so... I want to live my life without fearing but risking situations and things and trying to live fully. My greatest fear would be if airplanes do not exist anymore, not allowing people to see the world - I don't think I will get to experience that in my lifetime ;-)

If you could tell the world one thing: Let's love each other, makes everything much simpler! I believe that positive vibes and love make all things just be.

Favorite thing you have ever done with a friend: Travel together - every time I have the opportunity to spend time with friends, especially abroad, it's like reliving our friendship again, enjoying all new things around. I did that last year in Italy with 2 great friends: Deniz from Istanbul, and Nathalie from Paris.

Where are you gonna be when you die: No idea - I don't want to think about that specific event.

If you could have sex with one person past or present: I really don't know.

If you could only have dinner with three people for the rest of your life: I would have picked my family members, but then again when I go home for a week, I'm annoyed, so rest of life, probably not! if it's that long, I would want to have dinner with the person I will eventually be in love with, and with 2 other great friends of my life (rotating, cause I have a few)... if I end up having kids, which I hope, I would want them at the table.

                                                   Daphnee 2008

                                                    Daphnee, 2012

So there you have it. Look out  for her, this ones a star on the rise..

as always,

Sleepless.

eight for eight months and the fascinators!!!!!

I have two fantastic ideas that just hit me and that I would like to share with y'all. I am so excited I could burst, but I wont.

Firstly,

          So I tend bar in this wonderful city and it's no surprise that I come across some very fascinating people that I get the chance to meet everyday, and what better way to let you guys in on the secret but to interview them and see where it goes. I like to call this little segment "Fascinating New Yorkers between 25 and 35 years". These years are the best years to be apart of this city, while still figuring what you want in life or what should be happening to your life, as a matter of fact.

I am just so excited to meet these people, as much as I am to share them with y'all. So let me take you on a journey into the lives of people who share the subway with us, have lunch with us, shop at the same market with us and people who is also a stranger to us and maybe next time when we SEE them,  they will be more than just a face in the crowd.

Secondly,

     It was just brought to my attention that there is only eight more months left in the year. EIGHT!!!! YIKES! So much to accomplish and I am right on schedule with a lil free time to spare, SO,  this is where the fun part begins. Over the course of the next eight months, I am gonna engage in a dare with myself. Yes, a DARE. With this dare, I will challenge myself to do eight things that I have always wanted to do but never had the courage or time, prolly mostly courage. So yes I can feel the pit of my belly even as I say this. I am a little scared but liberation will be mine. So join me as I take on a whole new adventure in this wonderful life. After all, if you are not living on the edge then you are taking up waaaaay too much space.

Tune in and enjoy,
as always,
Sleepless.