Signing off for 2006

Well I am signing OFF for 2006!

I don't really have anything to say BUT in my case that is good. Sometimes it's good to just enjoy the silence and appreciate everything that may reveal itself to you in those moments.

It has been another beautiful holiday season that I have been able to spend with my amazing family and I feel so BLESSED I could tear up just thinking ahout it *sniffle, sniffle*.

I ate, slept, meditated, studied, walked in the sunshine & SHOPPED. What more could I want??? Even more I got to reconnect with some of my friends and as we all get older I am really PROUD to see all of us, and how far we have all come.

We didn't all take the same path. We don't all do the same thing. We don't all measure success the same BUT nevertheless we have ALL come from the SAME place......... A LONG way, and we are all are still FIGHTING fiercely to make our way. I have complete confidence and positive HOPE for where we are going and am very excited to see every one's dreams come true. I can't wait till we are all sitting back, laughing and reminscing on how far we've come and how the fight was totally WORTH it!!!

In another year I will have this to look back on............

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Here I am again............

Writing on this blog....

It took all of the energy I had to sit down and handle all this business. It has felt amazing to NOT be in the office (Hi everyone at work, LOVE YOU..hehehe).

It just feels great to wake up and take your time in the shower, lotion up all leisurely, jump in the car and head to the MALL!..I haven't been to a mall in forever since there aren't that many malls in the city.

There are so many malls in Orlando I have been going CRAZY (literally). I actually shouldn't even get into the damage I have been doing BUT it is really a shame. On one hand I feel guilty but on the other hand I feel like money is made to be spent. So many people have been dying lately and I don't want to NOT enjoy my money because I was saving for a rainy day. If the bills are paid and savings account is fluffy, then enjoy!!

There are about 5 major malls here, plus about 5 other major outlet shopping centers. As of now I have conquered 3 malls and let's just say i'll be coming back to NYC FRESH to DEF!! (love being a woman).

I also had mall FOOD. I had Cajun Grill, I LOVE mall food. Of course you can't eat it everyday BUT yum... all the samples... ahahaha.

We also had Cheescake Factory which has nice food. Their portions are HUGE and the flavors and quality of the ingredients are exquisite (lol). Although Juniors cheesecake is BETTER!

Yesterday I saw Dreamgirls. It was nice to see but more than anything it just made me feel happy about the projects I am working on now. I think this break has really helped me in the sense that it has allowed me to peel back the layers of some of the garbage that was clouding me thus I now have a greater connection emotionally and mentally to my work. I had really great rehearsals/pratices of both my monologue and scenes and so that feels promising to me.

Will I return to the AADA in the Spring? That is another question I need to answer. As you know the 1st year ended and thankfully I was invited to join the 2nd year cast which will include 3 major productions open to the public next year. I think being a part of a major production will be great for me and the craft but the time commitment is SERIOUS!

Anyway I write all this to say that I don't want to be sitting here right now doing all this business ish right now. Still have to review my bios in Spanish & English plus review my new site (almost done ; ). Still got emails to check and all I want to do is sit up and eat food on my patio in the sun :(

P.S. Thanks to everyone for the BDay wishes : ) Love ya'll tremendously!!

New UPDATES 1/1/07.......

As I sit here reading.........

I see words, powerful words that evoke emotion inside.

Justice. Equality. Peace.

What do these words mean, and what is their connection to me??

The small paragraph I read is about Dr.Martin Luther King, and his message of faith.

It is amazing how simple words, a small paragraph can evoke thoughts & emotion. I guess these aren't just any ol' lil' words though, they are STRONG terms.

My mind wanders in so many different ways as I ponder language in its self and how we have attached meaning to them.

Who am I, who am I supposed to be, what am I doing about it?

One thing I know is that my feet are planted firmly on the ground and I am thankful for that. I am thankful that I am thankful (what???). Hahahahah....... I am thankful that I still have the capacity to feel emotions, thoughts, humility, empathy and everything that makes us human. I worry for the day that I am so caught up that I no longer feel this... I don't want to be numb, I don't want that quiet voice to EVER be silent (although can I sleep sometime please??).

I am available and that feels great. I am receiving signals, signs (great for acting) and even though I may not be living my life 100% how I imagine, I do feel somehow I am on the right track and touching, interacting, and loving the people I am supposed to.

Can you imagine I met 3 people in the last 4 days that shared my EXACT birthday? This is the 1st time that has ever happend to me, especially in such a short period of time.

Is it that I AM in the right place? Could I really be in the places I need to be, touching the people I am supposed to be touching? Are they me, or am I them? Is that why we are drawn to eachother??

I don't know. I don't know any of this.

But what I do know is that GOD, I am here for you. Please guide me and I will follow!

Love, Dominique

And then there was silence..........

I woke up and YES, the sun was speaking to me, the breeze whispering in my ear "welcome back" and my serenity was restored.

"Good morning boo boo"........mmmm lemon cake : )

Last time I was in this position it wasn't until the 3rd or 4th day that I could actually sit back and breathe, wrestle and tickle my baby sister, walk through our commmunity and admire the trees, flowers, fountains, and holiday decorations.

What makes this so different?

Maybe I was already here before I came?? Nah, impossible because even on Friday I was still running around pretending that I didn't have a flight to catch.

Thursday night was another holiday party and after the shrimp, crab, chicken, desserts and WINE *gasp* (lol), I went back to the office to wrap some things up. When I left the city I wanted to be DONE for the most part. Of course I didn't feel completely relieved because honestly I hadn't done any shopping yet but hopefully I would have time to do it, I always had Saturday in FLA.

Secretly my mind had already checked out.......

I get home late again, like everyday and have barely enough energy to wash my face and brush my teeth before I fall into my make shift bed (new years resolution, get FURNITUE, hello???).
Friday morning...POP out of bed LATE as always and...........PACK..crap I haven't packed yet! What am I bringing? Can't forget my books and scripts. I guess some cute outfits and heels because I plan on getting out a little..Ugg, I need a facial why does my face look like this..hahahaha

Train to..........WORK...Uggg, everyone else is on vaca already but of course I am still going to the office because I am ALWAYS there. I basically live there besides the 6 hours I spend in my bed and getting ready each day.

Being the neurotic freak that I am I decide to completely go thru and organzie my whole entire area. Must start the new year off good, and fresh , files and ALL. The office closed early so around 2PM I left to go SHOPPING. I have 2 hours before my facial appointment at 4PM (LOVE the Russians, gotta drop in B4 I leave town). I hit 8th Avenue and duck into a little Middle Eastern style jewelry store. BOOM.. gift for auntie and grammie DONE. After some more running around the city in my little brown boots with a bow.. I head back to midtown.
I know I am so lame for sending these gift late but little bro's please don't hate your big sister...I promise you will like your gift, ok??? Oh c'mon give me a little break, I AM trying. I will make it up later??? (obviously already trying to bribe them with gifts, I SUCK! what kind of sister am I)

Okay, rain 6:30PM..gotta get to Newark NOW. Flight in 3 hours BUT still have plenty of time.
My music helps, J-Dilla, Monica, Ciara..what a mix..........I begin to work on Gwen, me, or the lady I will be on Jan. 6th, in "The Kiss of Wendigo". You can never do too much character development.

What is that I hear, what is that I feel........I AM DONE, and I feel good. This is where I began to feel it and what do you know.... I am relaxed. Sitting on my way to the airport, looking at the city lights at night, I know I am done, and I can let go.

Let go of the city, of 2006, of who I used to be, of everything that I was carrying because it's almost over and I TRIED. I tried to be everything that I should, I tried to do everything I could, I tried to help those I would, and now it's time to reflect and prepare for the next chapter.

I am turning 25.........AHHHHHHHHHH

P.S. New UPDATES coming 1/1/07 - pix & video

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God's Son on MTV's Sucker Free TODAY & TOMORROW

As you all know TODAY 12/19/06 Nas's latest album "Hip Hop is Dead" is coming out.

Last week he dropped by MTV's studios to record for Sucker Free MTV's Hip Hop Show. God's son will be on Sucker Free all this week talking with DJ Clue & Cipha Sounds about his latest album, his past music, the industry & the state of Hip Hop.

I was lucky enough to attend two of the tapings and if you look close you might see a happy, smiling, leopard printed, caramel girl in the background (ME : ). Sucker free is on MTV 7-8PM.

I also attend the taping with Tyrese & Omarion which will be airing tomorrow 12/20/06.

LET ME TELL YOU..........Tyrese was looking sooooooooo FRESH, my LAWD! He is truly a SUPERSTAR but without the attitude, very nice and humble. Now Omarion on the other hand.......... looked like one of Bebe's kids...I SWEAR, lol : )

Peace!!

MTV Sucker Free
http://www.mtv.com/#/ontv/dyn/sf/series.jhtml

Nas "Black & White Party" (12/18/06)
http://www.mtv.com/#/news/articles/1548480/20061219/nas.jhtml

I want to say something.....

I can't believe I am actually sharing this because although I share a lot through my blog entries there are still many things that I keep private and to myself (obviously).

I am writing this because recently something terrible happend to someone I know personally. I don't by any means desire to be a drama queen and am really sorry for the serious tone, especially since I am usually so happy, but I feel this needs to be said.

Life is really short (obvious again) and you never know when your day will come. One day you can be here, and then next you are gone. No matter what age you are, health, etc., tomorrow is not promised.

With that said I want to personally say to anyone that I might have hurt or that I might not be on the best terms with whether it was my fault or yours, that my heart and soul are cleansed and free of any hard feelings, resentment, or pain.

I am sorry for whatever happend between us but right now sitting here I just want you to know that; hopefully you will understand that everything is fine on my end and hopefully it will be on yours as well.

Maybe I could've said this in person but honestly if we aren't in contact now I really don't desire to be in contact, I am very conscious in the decisions I make, and nothing I do (rarely) is based on emotions or the moment. I thoroughly think things through and decide who is in my life and who isn't (who I need & who I don't).

I have amazing people in my life (soo lucky), and an amazing support system (LOVE you guys), so please don't feel sorry for me because I am not looking for sympathy (hence the reason I have kept it a secret). I am extremely BLESSED... Te quiero DIOS!!

This isn't a call to get back in contact, make up or anything like that, but simply an olive branch to let you know that I am resolved, I hope you are, and I simply wish you all the best that life has to offer.

With lots of love ,

Dominique

carpe diem

R.I.P - GW 12/10/06

It's OFFICIALLY Holiday Party Season

Okay so acting classes are officially over booo hooo ..... BUT never FEAR........it's HOLIDAY PARTY SEASON... that means PLENTY of parties to keep you busy until the birth of Christ comes!!!! Yayyyy : )

Last Thursday, 2 days ago to be exact was the holiday party for my daytime job, MTV Networks. This party is thrown by the good folks at Viacom to keep all of us spolied MTV, MTV2, MTVu, VH1, Comedy Central, Spike TV, Nickelodeon, Logo, Tempo, MTV Tr3s, etc. employees not disgruntled as the New Year gets close and we begin to get contemplative about whether we TRULY want to be there another year.

So MTV rents out the Hammerstein Ballroom on 34th & 8th Avenue here in Manhattan, New York City. This place is literally what it is called a HUGE ballroom with balconies on both sides and the center. As soon as you enter the venue you are ushered to the coat check downstairs because you wouldn't want to lug that around as you get your GROOVE on.

I decided to take a makeup break to put my face on because I don't wear makeup in my daily life, plus after a little sippy sip makeup can make all the difference. I don't really get too crazy at these parties because the ONE black girl will ALWAYS be remembered and called OUT if she acts up. Wouldn't want that to be me .

So next we have to be very calculating how we go about this. I figured bebida first before the bar got crazy. These parties get sooo packed and I am NOT the waiting in line forever type. Geez I didn't even know what to order BUT we can always refer back to our good friend Alize since they didn't have my grown folks White Zinfandel.

NEXT..... FOOD!!! I had a late lunch of sweet potatoes and baked breaded fish (gotta get my Omega Oils) but I am ALWAYS open for free food. I got some chicken, mashed potatoes, and some CORNBREAD but when I looked over my shoulder I saw someone with sushi........... what the blood clot, who's hiding the sushi????

The exploration began and I soon found an asian table with sushi, dumplings, shumai, with all the respective wasabi & ginger condiments THEN it was off to the greek table where they had all that greek stuff.....hahahaha, okay I'm wrong, they had pitas, hummus, flank beef, spanakopita (sp?, why do I still feel wrong)....LASTLY there was the italian table... crab cakes, pizza, bread, dried fruit/meats & OLIVES......yum!! I fixed my plate first so I wouldn't have to go back, at this point I am ready to party cause the dance floor is already CRUNK at 8:00PM. The DJ was GOOD!

I go to the side balcony, stuff my face REALLY FAST and chat with my people from TEMPO (hey ya'll). After eating I did a quick tour around the floor to see who else was there... my old folks from VH1......then I went upstairs and saw my URGE folks. This year we had 2 newbies in our dept. who had never been so it was going to be funny what their take on it would be since they came from the stuffy financial world (sorry financial people, I love you, no offense really, I am sure ya'll get down too!!).

FYI..........my bosses were also there eeeekkkk, I had to be vurrry careful wouldn't want them to see me on my gangster lean..hahahah, I kid, I kid!

I went back downstairs and oh MERCY I ran into my DAWG Lasana who works with me at URGE. After that it was a WRAP. We commenced to work our way around the dance floor taking lots of pictures and dancing our behinds off.

Towards the end of the night (I was there till the lights came on, hahah..how CORNY is that?? I musta needed it, CHILD I was gettin' my groove ON!). I somehow found my way into the LIMBO contest!!! I don't even know how I got involved but I do remember coming around the corner and seeing it and thinking "they don't want NONE!". I am one, limber, flexible, petite chick who takes movement or exercises atleast once a week for as long as I can remember PLUS I used to do limbo all the time with fans when I did street team for the radio stations, we would play games to entertain the crowd.

Soooooo........in my slightly festive mindframe I got sucked into the line (what happend to not acting a fool at the holiday party??, guess I forgot the MOST IMPORTANT rule, ). Okay so as I was saying we stared playing, being the competitor that I am I was thinking "I am going to SMOKE these chicks" but in the back of my head I was preparing myself for the fact that I might not win, don't want to throw a fit and cause more of a scene do we??

LET ME TELL YOU.............I WON!!!! I WON!! Hahahah..........can you believe that sillyness?? How in the hell did I WIN the MTV Networks LIMBO CONTEST and furthermore why is my CORNY behind PROUD . Needless to say it was probably a very funny scene if you can imagine all of us grown folks playing limbo at the holiday party, and really actually getting BUSY.

After that all I remember is being swept off my feet by a mystery man and I proceeded to take my VICTORY DANCE ...hahahaha (I can't stop laughing, I'm so sorry, this is all really funny to me). So still in the euphoria from my victory I proceeded to dance with some mystery guy that somehow managed to snatch me up (all a little foggy here). You know how at the end of the night they play the old school joints? Well we were GETTIN IT to my cousin Michael Jackson & Lionel Richie. I DO remember him twirling me and I was like a little girl relishing the moment like a moment I haven't felt for a whille. I was putting ALL those dancing moves from acting class to use and LORD MERCY.... it was WONDERFUL!!

The lights come on........ the fantasy is over........retrieve coat from coat check....... "I am the only one still left here??"........lincoln town car.............headphones on my way back to BX...........CRAP it's 4AM and I have work tomorrow

P.S. Thank you mystery man for transporting me away for a brief moment : )

Sway of MTV News

Mike Britt of Best Week Ever

Miss Lasana Smith

The Ladies of MTV Digital Media

The Crowd

It's OVA.........I'm DONE : (

Hi Friends......

Well the Fall Term of AADA is OVER and now........ I feel empty
Okay maybe I am being a TAD over dramatic (I'm an acting student HELLO) but I miss it.........can you believe it?? I complained about how I was soooo ready for it to be over, the classes twice a week till 10PM after 8 hours at work, then the rehearsals on the weekend, the reading the scripts every morning on the subway on the way to work, the reading of the plays every night on the way home on the subway, the practicing my dance routines in my living room mirrors........all OVER *tears*.

It is funny because even before I could get home, before I could even get to the subway from school I already missed it. In my head I thought "what am I going to do now, who am I now if I don't have my work???". I remember how I complained and how tired I was from juggling it all but then the moment I could be free I wasn't ready.... all I could think was WHAT NEXT??
So what is next??? Well I guess this gives me time to reflect on my life, my career, my friends, family & loved ones. Am I fulfilling my purpose here on earth, am I happy, am I being my best, do I need to make some changes (probably YES)?

Not so surprising I am already back on the GRIND, today I had 3 auditions. After that I did some wandering around the FRIGID city and did some window shopping. I had some of the funniest thoughts going through my head but alas, the computer isn't on my hip so I can't share them : ( (Yes I have tried emailing myself notes but that doesn't work).

Here we are.........

Dance Partner Jason Feliciano

The Newlyweds

Movement Instructor Robert Tunstall

Acting Partner Alex

The Ladies of AADA Fall 2006

The Guys of AADA Fall 2006

Here I am again.......

Back at the office on a Saturday morning.

I didn't really intend to come here, quite honestly if it was my choice I would never enter the island of Manhattan on a weekend BUT that is a rarity. I am always out here whether it is for an audition, shoot, rehearsal, meetings or SHOPPING ; )

Sometime I like to just lay in the bed all day even if I am not sleepy, but just lay and look at the ceiling and daydream while I listen to my music. I might get out of bed to EAT (yummy bread, cheese, olives, oil & vinegar) but I quickly return to the bed and maybe even bring along my little TV so I can watch corny Saturday movies on the WB. I like watching those corny movies because since they are so generic I can really watch the performace rather than being drawn into the movie. This happens rarely although I did have one of those days a couple weeks ago BUT of course that left me a day behind and I spent ALL DAY Sunday trying to do everything for both days.

THE ACADEMY - ACTING

Today I had to be at the Academy to rehearse my final scene and our Professor Burke was there to give us his feedback. After class on Wednesday we praticed again on Thursday and then I had last night to myself. I stayed at the office a little late then went to Sephora to wander around, and then went to Fairway to get my yummy bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegar & olives. I think the fact that the girl who sits by me at work just came back from Barcelona, Spain has affected me thus I have been craving tapas.

Today's rehearsal with Alex went really well. Each day we do it, it is better, we understand the meaning of our text, our relationship is defined, and we become more comfortable with who we are and our actions. I think the scene will turn out really well on Wednesday. We will work on it again on Monday & Tuesday and after that it will be showtime. There were some really real, spontaneous, impulsive, sweet moments between us today and when you feel that you know you are moving in the right direction.......does anything feel better??? (rhetorical question you BONEHEADS, lol).

I also have gone back to my bible "Respect for Acting" by Uta Hagen to review some sections and make sure that I am not forgetting any details. When you first get a brand new script it is easy to overlook many things and go the stereotypical, generic route but I must not do that and continue to do my research and work on myself so when I present every detail of my character is clear, justified, and specific. I have to know who I am in this this world, why am I this way, and what am I doing here.

Tomorrow morning when I wake up, the first thing I will do after I praise God will be to do more character development while I am still fresh and unaffected by the world. I will also have the day to myself to spin around in my living room in the mirrors, sing and dance a la Tom Cruise in that 80's movie. Jason my dancing partner will come over in the afternoon and we will rehearse our routine and everything should be EVERYTHING.

WORLD AIDS DAY

Before I go I wanted to a little tidbit about World Aids Day yesterday. While I was grocery shopping last night I remembered that I never wrote anything about it at ALL. Not that I am responsible for doing that but I WILL make myself responsible to say something. I am not perfect and have never or never will claim to be............ I cannot preach because I make the same mistakes that all humans do, old & young, educated & underpriviledged. But I do feel that I try to make positive decisions, even though sometimes I fail. I say all this to say... people, young & old, let's try to respect ourselves and others so that moving forward we will be in a world where the good isn't mixed in with the bad, and where the good don't have to suffer because of the bad. I know that doesn't make sense but how do I address such a delicate subject when I know I am being watched ("Hi" mommy, "Hi" everyone at work). How do I address a subject when I am not perfect? I try by being honest and trying everyday to be a positive example.

Here is more info:
http://www.worldaidsday.org/default.asp

I know it is scary, I am scared too. But please know your status. Don't worry about the "what if", remember the Lord will NOT give you more than you can handle. Remember this! Either way your life will go on and you will be your same sweet person so don't let fear cripple you, be strong, be smart, be safe. Love you : )

P.S. In case you are wondering, yes I DO take my own advice.

P.P.S. Off to Aveda I go, I know I seems I just went to the spa BUT I must go again. I have to nurture my soul........ & SKIN : )

~dj