Welcome to the world of Amada (Manada) Anderson

Amada and Dr. Phil on CUNY TV!

2012-03-02T12:08:00.003-05:00

So, I sometimes do freelance office work for Dr. Phil of Ghosts Of New York Walking Tours here in NYC in addition to the tours I give for his company and he asked me if I would be interested in helping him with an interview for CUNY's Study With The Best as a second guide. Check it out!

My New Smile :)

2012-02-07T04:34:00.004-05:00

Last year it was broken. Last year it was sad. It hurt, cried, and blamed over and over.

My soul still yearned, still hungered, and grasped.

I made a new friend who seemed to understand. I learned to forgive and move on.

The silence is indeed golden. The silence can be so loud.

But I'm strong, I'm beautiful, and deserve every happiness.

The timing was impeccable, he fit me and still, to allow something new didn't seem at all real.

I'm grateful, I'm loving, I'm patient and was trusting once more to a REAL MAN.

Who smiles, who waits, who hugs, and provides EVERYTHING that I have dreamed of.

Then when I least expect it, there it is. I smile.

Abundance, Light, and Love of 2011 (143+)

2012-01-17T23:10:00.004-05:00

I know that it’s mid January but every new years I always reflect back on my past, write things out and try to learn from my mistakes so that I may move forward. What I know is that I was tested. I was encouraged. I was loved. And I had to take on an extreme amount of determination and not knowing what the future had in store for me to make it.

What do I have to show for it? Amazingly at the moment not a lot of money but a foot further into the direction of doing the things that I love to do and not feeling like I lost anything. I am making rent and other bills necessary to get by. I'm doing awesome.

A lot of people when they ask me, why did you move to New York City out of all the cities in the world to be in? Are you married? Etc. I answer them that I am an actress/singer and a girl with a big heart and big dreams to make a living doing what I love and they just look at me as if I am nuts. I’m okay with the looks, the stares, the thoughts that they think that I am just another dreamer who is lost and will never make it. I know that they don’t understand that undying need that is inside of me that aches to break free and express everything that I have inside. It’s okay. I look forward and not backwards except NOW at the beginning of the year when I start to plan and organize my dreams and my motions to move forward and create and manifest my desires.

Last year at this time was not some of my happier moments (due to finding out my X had cheated on me and he was leaving to go back to Florida) except for the fact that I was working for a temp agency that placed me at Columbia University in the financial aid office. 6 month assignment! However, it was slow and they didn’t need me there every single day but they allowed me to work anyhow covering the receptionist at lunch etc. Because I had worked with Frank Callo and his Spotlight On Production company he offered me free acting classes as part of an internship. So in January, we met twice a week at the Producers Club under the direction and guidance of Ricardo Cordero acting coach and producer extraordinaire (also a great friend of Frank’s and now mine). It was one of my best experiences here in NYC. He not only informed us on what the industry is looking for but how best to sell what we already have and own aka ourselves! It was totally inspiring. I embraced my talent. After having lost my job as an executive assistant the financial world was looking extremely depressing and sad and I didn’t want to be pencil pushing when what I really wanted to do was dance and sing. It just made so much more sense to do the things I love or figure out what to do, because either I was going to make it up here or not and I chose not to fail. I took his advice and upon my temporary contract being up with Columbia I decided to make a change. The office actually threw me a going away party and the executive assistant to the dean told me that she had been on Broadway a few times back in her day and if that’s what I truly wanted to do then I should just step up to the plate and bat. I was moved to tears. Gene (the X) was moving, I was losing this temporary gig, I was being told that I was talented and needed to be OUT AUDITIONING and NOT PENCIL PUSHING. All this change happening so very fast. I was being TOLD and ASKED by everyone “what do you have to lose?” Also, a realy good friend of mine Andrea Cleveland started a group called “The Power Players” and she was asking us what have we done to change our perspectives? What were we doing to embrace our talents and live our dream? She posted a video saying that she was planning on quitting her 9-5 this year and was going to embrace her talents and create this organization with more determination than before. It was like the world came together in a big slap in the face. So I decided that I needed to move somewhere cheaper and find something else that would support me and my dreams.

Jan-March: Gene and I had a friend that came to visit during November, Sal and he wanted to see all the sites of New York. I had suggested a walking tour but they thought it was too cold. I later on called the owner to see if he was hiring and he was. So he told me I needed to be a licensed tour guide and to call him when I had passed the exam and was ready. I started looking into it but never fully made the commitment. I then auditioned for a movie thru some mutual friends and met Alex Molina and he and I became very close very fast and very good friends. He wrote this fantastic movie called "Tucht" which goes into production this year. He also had wrote me this exquisite letter saying how he thought I was extremely talented and that it had come down to me and another actor before having to choose someone else.

March-May: I started to post about my website business and my intuitive readings. I branched out with my non-profit organization Thrill The World NYC and started networking with local schools. I started apartment hunting and saving every penny to find something. I embraced abundance and allowed it to carry me to where I needed to be at the right moment at the right time. It did. Right when I had decided to finally look a friend called and said his basement was available and I could move right in. God blessed me in so many ways with this apartment. I am safe. I am close to the transportation I knew before. And I got to stay close to the friends I had already made nearby. My friends helped me move into my new place and it’s been great ever since!

May-July: I was working on the theatre festival in utmost capacity being the Special Events/Lounge Director and then handling the website and marketing because that whole team fell apart. I was about to break from the stress but I was lucky enough to have Alex there for me and other friends. I then met Damon who became a very close friend and I was also cast in a play as part of the Fresh Fruit Theatre Festival. As the festival came to a close and so did the play the next steps were focusing on Thrill The World NYC.

July-Sept: I worked with various schools alongside my staff teaching “Thriller” and I started learning the scripts for the tours to begin working for the ghost tour company. I still branched out my web design skills and other talents.

Sept-Dec: October became extremely busy with all the tours that I learned and I also was able to become office manager for the man himself, the owner of the company GHOSTS OF NY. He gave me a few hours to work in his office and other tour guides who needed help with marketing asked me for my talents as well. Things just sort of took off!

So, as I look at what I have accomplished business wise I may still be technically unemployed (no steady work) but my talents and my drive and my passion to commit are keeping me sane and helping me pay the rent. I’ve also met a wonderful guy, Damon, who even though we have taken things extremely slow has made my life so much more. I am so grateful for him and his caring loving concern for me. His friends have given me a few nicknames which I think are really appropriate: A Mobile Rainbow and then just recently A Coloratura (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloratura).

Also, just in case I forgot to mention it, why I posted the “143” on the title….it stands for “I LOVE YOU” and for whatever reason right around Thanksgiving I started seeing 143 everywhere on every clock. I still see it every once in a while but I don’t find it scary anymore but welcoming. As if someone is saying to me they love me and support me. Could it be the Universe? God? My friends and brother who passed away recently? I’m not sure but I do know that I feel it every time I speak to my parents, my siblings, and my dear friends both close and far away.

SO MANY NICKNAMES BUT THE ONE I FEEL MOST CONNECTED IS:

The magical mythical Phoenix. (A phoenix is a mythical bird with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends^{[weasel words]}). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. In some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of its old self in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis (literally "sun-city" in Greek). It is said that the bird's cry is that of a beautiful song. )

And as the PHOENIX, I have many plans moving forward into 2012. The most recent decision is to create my own cabaret show, title to be determined. I have the help of some awesome musical theatre writers whom I have met working with Planet Connections these past 4 years and who knows this might offset that karaoke musical I am going to write. I also am launching my own tour guide company very soon. Nothing to do with Ghosts but everything to do with who I am and where I will be very VERY soon. Details to come….

Check me out again in March, April, and MAY on these updates but feel free to contact me to just say hi!

Sincerely,
All the best!
Amada Anderson
(646) 246-5844
www.manada.biz
Resume/LinkedIn/Facebook
Actress/Singer/Dancer/Special Events/Tour Guide/
Website Design/Intuitive (Palm/Energy/Tarot Readings)

“Who is it that can tell me who I am?" - Shakespeare, King Lear

My Pantless Ride On The Subway :)

2012-01-10T17:30:00.006-05:00

So, last year I participated in IMPROV EVERYWHERE'S NO PANTS SUBWAY RIDE. It was their 10th year anniversary so I HAD TO DO IT! It was so much fun that I had to do it again this year! GO 2012! I brought my friend Damon with me just to come along for the ride but he surprised me by joining me at the last minute!

Improv Everywhere plans pranks on normal society to make people smile.

I created 4 videos on the whim and can't believe that I've had over 1,000 hits to my channel already!

Check em out and let me know what you think! ENJOY!

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR 2012! I MADE IT!

I'm at 1:05 with Damon in the back! How cool is that? You'll see Alan the older gentleman first then look down the row and you'll see me!

See you next year! ;)

Sincerely,
All the best!
Amada Anderson
(646) 246-5844
www.manada.biz
Resume/LinkedIn/Facebook
Actress/Singer/Dancer/Special Events/Tour Guide/
Website Design/Intuitive (Palm/Energy/Tarot Readings)

“Who is it that can tell me who I am?" - Shakespeare, King Lear

Emma Lazarus's Ghost!

2011-11-27T14:46:00.003-05:00

My friend Fernando Lao came to visit me in NYC this Thanksgiving week and I wanted to take him around to show him the sites. I am a tour guide and I work with Ghosts of NY, so while he was here I gave him one of our most popular tours through Greenwich Village that is known to be haunted by many different famous people we call it the Edgar Allen Poe Tour. Earlier that afternoon we took a boat tour out onto the water and we of course passed the Statue Of Liberty and were taking pictures and the tour guide actually started quoting the famous poem that is at the bottom of the Statue of Liberty called The New Colossus written by Emma Lazarus. It's most famous words: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses". I told my friend I would take him by her house later on my tour that afternoon. So we were walking and we passed Mark Twain's (which is also known to be haunted) and while we were there unexpectedly a light came on over the door. I joked that it was Mark Twain saying hi but I had a feeling it was just one of those timed mechanism. My friend began snapping away and I joked about them possibly catching a ghost. Well.. we walked to Emma's house and I pointed and said here's the plaque showing she lived there. Then we continued onward later getting on the subway. While I started browsing through the pictures I saw the white misty area on the top right hand side. It looks like a woman in Victorian style dress with the hair up in a bun or a hat and she has the white collar or white choker. I googled her and found these pictures.

What do you guys think?

http://poemhunter.com/emma-lazarus/biography/

http://adultreferenceservices.blogspot.com/2011/05/emma-lazarus.html

The necklace or white collar area around the top:
http://www.victoriasjewelrybox.com/victorian-lady-filagree-necklace-n112.html

Coincidence? Fate? You decide!

Feel free to contact me should you have any questions :)

Long Island Haunts...

2011-10-01T03:35:00.004-04:00

So, my friend Kim emailed me this week asking me if I was available to give a Tarot/Palm Reading for her and her friend Dianne. I said sure! We were scheduled for Thursday afternoon, gonna rent a rehearsal room space for 2 hours and just do the readings. Well I got called in for an audition for a friends Play she is directing and I asked if we could push back the time and Kim said that actually if I wouldn't mind traveling out to LONG Island her friend would pay me double to cover my travel expense and extra time and I said "OF COURSE!" She also mentions to me that her friend has something happening in her house that's kinda spooky and was wondering what my impression would be. So when I left the house I brought my cards and I brought some sage. Sage is typically burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out bad spirits, feelings, or influences, and also to keep bad spirits from entering the area or home. So, turns out that my audition ran late and then I missed the early train so I was delayed an hour. Finally I get on the train and head to Long Island, somehow I missed my stop and ended up in some small town called Lynbrook. I called Kim and Diane and they came to get me from there being that it was only 10-15 mins from her house anyhow. We drive and chit chat and Diane starts to tell me about herself a little and how she knows Kim and she mentions the weird stuff happening at her house and I think OKAY, I'll take a look but I hardly ever get impressions right off the bat with houses and things. I've occasionally seen shadows or gotten impressions but not a normal thing for me. SO ANYWAYS...get to her house and Diane sends her husband, dogs, and Kim upstairs so we can talk and I can start the readings. Now she doesn't know me from diddly and I don't know her but I am getting the feeling that she's nervous. So we talk and I calm her down and at some point I realized I was holding her hand for sometime and it didn't feel weird anymore so I said okay let's do this. I won't go into her private readings but I would say that I was very helpful. After the readings she asked me if I could go take a look at the room. She tells me that after her mom had passed that she had moved her mom's things from storage into the house and for some reason all the stuff caused this extra bedroom to have weird energy. So we walk in...and IMMEDIATELY I felt NAUSEOUS and I had been sweating before but when I walked in I had nothing but CHILLS. It was awful. Evil. Sickening. I have never felt that much horrible energy confined in one space. I also asked about this heavy mirror that was in the corner of the room, I asked if it belonged to her family and she said no. It had actually been picked up somewhere and kept in storage and never used and that when he mom passed she had just brought it into the house to possibly use it. It was an antique, thick wood panel and thick glass mirror. It was beautiful but I touched it and felt dread. Like someone saying DON'T TOUCH! Leave the room! Leave us ALONE! I didn't want to get sick so I walked out. But we asked Kim to come to get her impression and she agreed that it was just plain nasty evil. We walked out and the rest of the house seemed quite normal, it was WARM, no more goosebumps, I started to sweat again. Then we walked back downstairs to get a drink to calm our nerves. After relaxing a few minutes, I get the sage from my bag and and say let's cast this evil thing out! I walked around blessing the house with LIGHT and LOVE and telling the evil that it needed to leave. I passed every door and left the nasty room for last. We all 3 went in together and I had trouble keeping the sage lit. I also had those nasty goosebumps and sick feeling again and I started to smell like OLD ADULT DIAPERS or something nasty like that, in which I then told it NO and began to pray for LOVE AND LIGHT to find it's way into the room to bless the house. I told it that if it didn't belong to the LIGHT it needed to LEAVE. We made sure to have Diana reclaim her space and tell it to leave. And Kim and I felt the energy of a couple or something associated with the mirror thinking maybe it belonged to them. Then after Diane told it to leave about 3-5 times I felt the energy shift, and it went from ANGRY to SAD. I almost wanted to cry but I refused to let it control my emotions. I wrapped us in warm healing light and prayed for it and for them and their house and their property and for the lost trapped souls in the room. I left her with the sage and told her if she needed to continue using it to go ahead. We closed the door and walked back downstairs.

I've never done anything like that for someone else. Whenever I move into a house I always bless it with the sage, it's normal for me to do this but I had never done it for someone else. Then things seemed calmer and I went ahead and started to give Kim her reading.

Later cause I was being kinda nosy I gave a quick palm reading to Diane's husband, which was funny because he wasn't expecting any of what was happening but he didn't not acknowledge the room being freaky and him getting goosebumps as well. So he was open minded about everything as well. So, during conversation waiting for the storm to pass and for my friend to come pick us up cause the train ironically stopped running, we started telling Stewart that he needed to take that mirror out of the house immediately. He then said out of the blue! That he remembered where it came from, that it didn't belong to the family because Diane's mom or grandmother had actually picked it up from a small town not to far from their home, He said :yea it came from a small church near a town called Lynbrook, have you ever been there?" We all three just looked at each other with crazy OMG expressions.

Coincidence? Fate? Your call.

I however made new friends and was very grateful for the chance to help someone. I hope it worked and I hope that they find peace.

---

OH! Speaking of GHOSTS...I started my GHOST TOUR WALKS: Join us (GHOSTS OF NY) on one of the ghost tours and experience it for yourself. Ghosts know no boundaries so why should you. Ghosts are known to haunt anywhere from a run down hospital, an old casino, or even parks. Come see for yourself, it will be a haunting good time! Check out my online GOOGLE calendar for my tour dates.

Also, check out my recommendations about my recent readings:

“Amada's Tarot reading for me was professional, insightful, and revealing. Though she had no prior knowledge of the question in my mind, her reading applied very directly and helped to clarify a tricky conundrum.

Once I revealed my question to her after the reading, she was refreshingly pleased at how well her reading applied - no phony pretense that she psychically knew everything all along. We had a great chat and she really listened and gave genuine advice.

Whether you're a believer or a skeptic or somewhere inbetween, she'll be sure to give you some solid advice and insight into any situation... and be spookily on the money even before you tell her what the situation even is!” October 1, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

Eric Percival,
hired Amada as a Tarot Card Reader in 2011

“Amada offers Inuitive readings that are a synthesis of Palmistry, Tarot, and Energy Healing. Amada's highly intuitive nature, positive energy, and compassion allow her clients to improve business and personal relationships. Amada's guidance helps one to find increased concentration and mental clarity." - Kim M. Jones/CEO KMJ Fitness” October 1, 2011

Top qualities: Personable, Good Value, Creative

Kim Jones,
hired Amada as a Business Consultant in 2011

Sincerely,
All the best!
Amada Anderson
(646) 246-5844
www.manada.biz
Resume/LinkedIn/Facebook
Actress/Singer/Dancer/Special Events/Tour Guide/
Website Design/Intuitive (Palm/Energy/Tarot Readings)

“Who is it that can tell me who I am?" - Shakespeare, King Lear

Validation...

2011-09-10T14:43:00.005-04:00

Thursday night I waited for my tour to start and as the clock ticked closer to 730pm tour start time I thought to myself well this is it. Make or break this career decision of being a tour guide. Acting is a tough choice in itself but I figured I was either going to really enjoy being a tour guide or not. I had three people show up and it was such an awesome time. I sang for them and entertained them and had so much fun!

Friday I went out with Damon and his mom and met my friend Pearl who was an intern for Planet Connections Festivity. She lives really close to the karaoke spot. Had a few drinks, made some new friends, and I asked them if they would like a palm reading. Of course they did. The wonderful feelings I get from sharing what I pick up has made me more validated about coming open about it this year. Sometimes I'm not sure where I get the message from but everytime I read someone and I ask them if what I say makes sense or how close I am and they always say I was 100% right. It makes me feel really good and gives me a sense of confidence about my abilities. I'm truly grateful to be able to help those who might feel a little lost.

See you on the tour!

How to pass the NYC Sight Seeing Exam...

2011-08-30T23:56:00.004-04:00

Hey,

OK. So...as I mentioned before I was taking the exam to start working as a tour guide for the city of NY. I'm an actress and singer and thought this job would def be a lot of fun to do for an actress. Pays well plus there is tips!

What do you first need to do? Well that was the question. I knew that there was 150 questions and it's multiple choice but they don't exactly explain what exact questions you need to know to pass. They have a PDF document of suggested reading recommendations but that might as well be like giving someone a map of United States and saying now figure out how to get to some small town in the dessert with no highways. Anyways...

I'm going to post some links that you should look at:
http://www.nychttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif.gov/html/dca/html/licenses/021.shtml
http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/issueoftheweek/20030714/200/452
http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/slightest/2010/10/23/how-to-pass-the-new-york-city-sightseeing-guide-exam/
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/charterbus.shtml

Also from what I remember you should know:

*New York Ethnic foods: Bialys, Batidas, Dim Sum, Kim Chi, Halal (what Halal means)
*What the Satmar Jews opposition to the state of Israel.
*Where Jackie O lived
*John Lennon lived/died and where is ashes are scattered and what's the name of the song on his memorial.
*Directions from midtown to the Cloisters and Wave Hill (No Henry Hudson parkway because no buses allowed)
*What a Botanica is.
*What's special about the Ansonia Hotel
*Where they filmed Cosby Show-famous street
*Where they filmed Ghostbusters and what's so special about that firehouse.
*All the musuems of NYC and what they are famous for especially the famous touristy ones.
*All NYC Landmarks and who built them like Chrystler Building, Carnegie Hall (who was the conductor opening night),
*What's special about the Campbell apartment in Grand Central
*What trains run where on the NYC subway map...Like does the 7 go to Brooklyn?
*Roosevelts Birthplace address
*What the Jewish Daily Forward is.
*You should know where famous statues and monuments stand and where...Like Jackie Gleason is at Port Authority...
*The Cathedrals and where they are located and what style of architecture they are.
*The Cemeteries and what famous people buried/Who built them
*Know who Bryant of Bryant Park is and what he is famous for.
*Where the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque is located and what it looks like.
*Know where they shot tv show "friends"
*When slavery was legally abolished
*Oldest Theatre and comedy club in NYC is.
*What the cotton club is/was famous for
*The movie All About Eve and where it was filmed.
*What the Halem renaissance was.
*What the Giglio parade is and where it is located.
*The New Colossus poem and who it was written by and where it is located in NYC
*What CBGB is and what it is famous for.
*Where the Diamond district is located and what is special about closing the deals.
*Stonewall Inn Riots
*Off Broadway theates and Broadway Theatres
*Dakota Apartments/Majestic apartments/Hotel Des Artists and what's special and who Lived/Died there.

And I suggest reading the blue guide book as suggested as well as the walking tour and actually just going around and taking some of the tours to familiarize yourself with Tourist interactions and what they know. The test was designed to teach the tour guide and it definitely does it's job. Good Luck and feel free to email me if you have any questions! My email is amada@amadaanderson.com

Rainforest in Zaneslandia

2011-08-07T23:35:00.003-04:00

So this past weekend I had the privileged and honor to stay at my friend Rebecca's house upstate in Croton Falls. I brought my friend Damon with me and we rode the Metrorail up. Her house is amazing. I needed to see trees and animals and that's definitely what I got. On this trip I saw turtles, fish in a pond, flowers, dogs, cats, deer, swans, and a squirrel named Bob (cause his tail had been eaten or dislocated and only had a bob/stub as a tail). In addition to seeing all these wonderful peaceful beings I got to spend time with my friend and her husband and all their friends whom I had met at previous parties including a theatre friend and X-co worker Craig. It was an awesome Tiqi party and I was so happy to just be away from my regular humdrum and enjoying the company of friends. Such peaceful beautiful scenery up north....makes you never want to come back to the city but knowing it's only an hour and 15 min ride away is amazing to me and yet Rebecca says she does it 3 outta 5 days of the week for work. Good times. Good times. :)

Another answer to my journey...

2011-08-02T00:34:00.000-04:00

So today I volunteered for my friend Sarah's music video. She is an awesome singer and is really so very talented! If you haven't purchased her album you should totally do it! She can be found at www.sarahelizabethfoster.com

Anyhow..as some of you may know I am training to be a tour guide for the Ghost Walking Tours here in NY. I went last week on the Edgar Allen Poe Tour which has a meeting point at an old volunteer firehouse. Which as I realized walking to the club was directly next door to the club we were shooting at. I thought coincidence...totally. It has to be a sign!

Well...she offered us wine and beer and pizza as her background extras so we were sitting and making conversations and I told this guy that I was going to start tours next month...and oh by the way did u know the building next door is haunted? They were like "No, really? Tell me more!" so I started talking about the ghost named Schwartz and would you believe that as i finished the story...The lighting bulb we were using busted on the stage! The camera crew ran over to see what happened....

Coincidence? Or Haunted? Your call!

See you when I start the tours:)

http://www.ghostsofny.com/tours.html

Time for Amada...

2011-06-24T23:03:00.002-04:00

This is the moment. I am making magic everyday moving forward, moving forward with the choice that I made about becoming who I really am. The last six - eight weeks have been extremely nerve wrecking and it has definitely not been an easy choice. Fear is what holds most people back from their own success and as long as I know that fear is only what I don't know or the unknown I am stronger in my choices.

Excuse me as this blog goes into third person for a moment...

Who is Amada Anderson? What are her hobbies? Does she enjoy long walks on the beach during a sunset or does she like being tied down working nine to five at some pencil pushing job? Why did out of all the places to live an easier life did she decide to move to New York? These are all simple questions that when she answered them truthfully and reflectively were not matching her current lifestyle as well as was making her interviews cut short and misrepresented her as an employer for many different jobs she applied for. She had however along her journey had the opportunity to interview with companies such as NBC Universal, Rogers and Hammerstein, Disney Theatrical, and Columbia University. But the reality is that...

And we're back!

I am an artist. An actress. A singer. A special events coordinator. A producer. A website designer. An intuitive. A stage manager. A karaoke host. An Executive Assistant. I'm the woman who gets the job done no matter the circumstance.

Creatively and humblingly I have done workshops and have been influenced by friends that if I want to live who I am then, what the heck am I waiting for?! The truth is that I can not change these feathers that I wear not even if I wanted too. I was grateful to get to know some really special friends here in NY that believe in me. I am also happy that I am no longer tied down to someone who I waited to share my dreams with. My dreams are my own and they will continue vibrantly without...however that insecurity of being alone waivered and I am learning that I am the powerful pheonix arising from the dust. Success begins with believing in myself.

So Ms. Artsy pants what's the plan then? Well...at the moment I am finishing up all the special events for the theatre festival I work on called Planet Connections for which I am an associate director. We are working on the awards ceremony...such a task has indeed been a hectic one as I lost three assistants who each held the same duties and for whatever reasons had other plans that didn't meet Planet Connections requisites. No biggie as we moved forward and are marching onward and upward to the last event which will be held July 24th at the triad.

I was cast as a Ninja Motorcycle Babe for a play which is part of The Fresh Fruit Theatre Festival next month in July. It's a wonderful role that I am getting a chance to really play with characterization since Beth is not Amada in many many ways...or is she?

I am learning and studying to be a tour guide for the state of NYC and hope to be up and running by end of July. A ghost tour guide...fun right? In addition I was thinking of promoting my intuitive Palm/Tarrot Readings to anyone interested after the tour.

So hopefully by end of July early August I will have created a rehearsal schedule for Thrill The World NYC. But probably only hold one class till September/October. The event will be on Saturday, October 29th, 10am and 10pm. We were to be in Coney Island but I'm not sure if that will work this year. More details to be announced...

It's all very exciting. Kinda scary but I am grateful for my new awesome landlord and for my unemployment that is keeping me from starving.

Next week I will be auditioning for an Off Broadway production in which I was invited by a casting director who found me on actors access and it will co-star an actress who actually starred in a friend of mines musical which was part of planet connections. Small world right?! Yup.

I also will be assisting two of my friends with their upcoming movies "Tucht" & "Love Fit To Box" both written by artists that are close friends of mine and a huge inspiration to me to write myself.

I used to write when I was younger poems and stories where I would put songs I knew into the plot for musical dramatic effect like dirty dancing...so yea...I have my ideas. Maybe I should be writing or co-writing? Why the hell not?

There is no one job for an artist. We are vibrant colorful vibrations spreading our love and ideas as flawless as the sand to the sea.

-Amada

It is a brand new month, new hair color, and new ideas

2011-03-02T13:22:00.004-05:00

So, if you didn't already know. I am now single. Gene and I broke up end of February and I could go on and on about the very nasty details but I've decided to be the better person and just let things go. How am I doing? Pretty damn well. I colored my hair a fun color and I even have a date on Friday. :)

I have friends and support up here in NYC and also in Florida who are all looking forward to my Broadway debut or just to see me when I decide to come home to visit. The apartment we shared in Queens I have decided to keep, since I am working now on a long term assignment at Columbia University and can afford it. I just think it's interesting how someone can give up so easily and others find every opportunity and just go for it. I love NY. I love the people, I love the skyscrapers, I love my very talented friends who shine whenever the spotlight hits them. It's so amazing the talent, the raw talent, and the understanding I get from just being around and watching some of these artists. I am proud to call them friends. Not to say that there isn't talent in Miami or Florida there is, and those friends of mine know who they are and they are at least doing what they can as they can. Life is too short to not do the things that make you happy. I am not sure exactly how everything will turn out for me but I will make every effort to do the best I can on a daily basis. Whether it's working 9am-5pm weekdays then doing shows in the evenings, building a website for someone or an organization, or giving a wonderful performance for a charity or fundraiser. I am happy. I decided to be happy about my life and I will just BE. But Thank YOU, for giving me the realization that anything is possible and to shoot for the stars.

We'll see what happens next. Stay tuned.

Personal growth...

2010-11-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

If you make personal growth your goal, then your focus is on changes you can make on the inside. You become better equipped to face career challenges. You gain the potential to break the stagnation and improve your situation without some of the losses of career changes, broken relationships, or neglected health.

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New Horizons

2010-08-07T15:30:00.001-04:00

The past few weeks have been very stressful. A lot on my plate and always more than should be.... Grandma Cleva did say my eyes are bigger then my belly, but passion for life can lead you or anyone to many different positions and opportunities. I am in transition mode, on vacation seeing family, trees, sunshine and feeling love and support every where I turn. My friends in Nyc are awesome but family is something that cannot be replaced. I wish to continue to dream and aspire my talent and not drive myself crazy with too many unrelated projects. No more backstage business...onstage in the lights and healthier me is at stake and I have to continue my dreams!

I'm going next week to take new colored headshots and although I've gained a lot of weight hopefully the pics will see who I truly am and provide the details that will allow me to pursue the dream.

I thank the gods of the theatre for their blessings, love and support as well as my family.

Sincerely,
Amada

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Created my very own YouTube Channel...

2010-07-25T15:28:00.002-04:00

So, I decided to go ahead and broadcast my videos on YouTube. Please feel free to check them out. My channel is Amada Anderson :) Click here for the link.

My first Off Broadway Review :)

2010-06-23T09:57:00.000-04:00

A FRESH SPIN ON THE REUNION-BY-DEATH GENRE
Theater Review
by Caitlin Graham

DANNY
part of the Planet Connections Theater Festivity
published June 22, 2010

Get a group of people with a serious history together to commemorate the death of an old friend and I am sold. Which is not to say that you can’t screw it up. Thankfully, though, writer-director Andrew Rothkin’s Danny manages to combine the best elements of Fifth of July and The Big Chill, balancing simmering subtext with playful irreverence, all over a graveside picnic spread.

That Danny is a play about theatre people–in this case, a group of friends who acted together in college–puts a refreshing gloss on the typical reunion tale. Some of the most interesting bits are those in which the characters reveal their varied relationships with the passion they all formerly shared, raising some interesting questions about career and identity in general.

Rothkin’s dialogue is witty and real, never revealing too much, even when underlying tensions inevitably explode, and the entire ensemble manages to make it their own. James Kaliardos is particularly memorable as the fabulously resilient Marco, as well as Amada Anderson as the perfectionist Darcie, and Jason Barker as the haunted and estranged John.

Plus, there’s an impromptu TV theme song medley.

The voyeuristic nature of the play, like all reunion plays, would probably have been better served in a smaller space. Certain bits of dialogue were lost in the back few rows of The Green Room Theatre. Still, you might say, I didn’t have to hear everything to recognize a well-written, well-acted, well-worth-seeing production.

———————–

runs through June 27

for tickets to this play, visit http://www.planetconnectionsfestivity.com/shows/danny

http://planetconnections2010.stageandcinema.com/danny/

2010-06-16T20:10:00.001-04:00

AT 2nd on 2nd karaoke bar for planet cconnections festivity networking party! YA coming? 23 second ave;)

2010-05-07T10:03:00.001-04:00

Is work, then rehearsal, then a beer. Sounds like a good day to me. How about you?

2010-04-22T20:39:00.001-04:00

AT Sylvia's in Harlem with MelanIe & Carmen. Karaoke night -woo hoo!!

2010-04-20T14:28:00.001-04:00

Do you want to win an ALL-FESTIVITY PASS for our Festivity? All you have to do is Vote & Prove it!http://ping.fm/dt0TP

For the next 10 days, every time you vote for Planet Connections on the Pepsi Refresh website, "Share" the fact that you voted to Twitter or Facebook along with the hashtag PCTFGrant. You must include the hashtag in order win, as that is how we will be tracking the entrants.

Here are the rules:
- You MUST include the hashtag (PCTFGrant), or your entrance will not be noted
- You can vote and share once a day per e-mail address on the Pepsi site. This means that if you vote with 3 different e-mail addresses, and you share with 3 different e-mail addresses, you get 3 entries into the contest.
- You can vote multiple days in a row (and we encourage you to do so!)
- All of your friends/family/coworkers can participate in the contest! This is not just for festivity participents, but for anyone interested in the festivity as a whole!

The contest will be closed at midnight on April 30th. The contest drawing will take place Noon on May 1st.

2010-04-16T08:15:00.001-04:00

I awoke and booty bounced ThrIller. SEe you at 6pm for the April ttwnyc meeting! www.thrIlltheworldnyc.com

2010-04-15T11:29:00.001-04:00

Oops!No coffee=wrong link. Amada is Darcie in Andrew's Play Danny! http://ping.fm/uldAM

2010-04-15T08:01:00.001-04:00

Is DarcIe in Andrew RothkIn's play Danny. www.planetconnectionstheatrefestivity.com/shows/danny

Amada Walks May 1st!

2010-04-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends and Family,

On Saturday May 1, 2010, I will be participating in the Revlon Run/Walk for Women in New York City.

I will be walking the 5K distance this year between Times Square and Central Park with over 20 members from the fabulous Team Planet Connections Festivity -and the rest of the 40,000 dedicated men and women who participate every year.

Our team goal is $2010 and I am positive we can reach it! No donation is too big or small! Please visit the site below and donate today!

This is my personal pledge page: Amada Anderson

This is my team’s page Planet Connections Festivity Team Page

A bit about the Revlon Walk:

Created in 1993 through the committed and collective efforts of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Lilly Tartikoff, Ronald O. Perelman, Rehage Entertainment and The Davis Group, the EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women has grown to become one of the nation's largest 5K fundraising events. To date, the Run/Walks (LA/NY) have raised over 55 million dollars for cancer research, counseling, and outreach programs. Thanks in part to these funds, new treatments are being developed and lives are being saved.

One in seven women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. More than 182,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 21,000 with ovarian cancer this year alone. Nearly 69,000 women will lose their lives to some form of women’s cancers. Behind these staggering statistics is the face of a woman who needs your help - a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend.

And if you don't mind, I just want to ask for one more opportunity to help Planet Connections. We are currently in the running for a Pepsi Grant. We need people to vote for us everyday in order to make the top ideas to receive funding for our festivity. The winners will receive 25K. Please visit to vote: http://www.refresheverything.com/planetconnectionsfestivity

Hope you are doing well and I look forward to seeing or speaking or hearing from you soon!

Thanks!

All the best!
Amada Anderson

PlanetAmada@Gmail.com

Associate Director (Special Events/Lounge Coordinator)
Business: 917.338.9541 Cell: 646.246.5844
"The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is New York's Premier eco-friendly theatre festival. Fostering a diverse cross-section of performances, the festival seeks to inspire artists and audiences both creatively and fundamentally, in a festive atmosphere. At the heart of the festivity are like-minded individuals striving to create professional, meaningful theatre, while supporting organizations, which give back to the community at large."

Main Website: www.planetconnectionsfestivity.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45445157255
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PCTFNYC http://twitter.com/PCTFNYC

2010-04-10T21:00:00.001-04:00

It's Karaoke Night! Join me at Glendale Inn, Queens for sing songs and drinks! Right Kevin? Woot!

2010-04-05T22:45:00.001-04:00

Hey there Amada, what's it like In nyc? Ummm awesome! 3 weeks @ new job, great support teams, and mutual love spinning all around me. TY.

2010-04-04T13:00:00.001-04:00

At my girl GIselle's in Jersey for Easter dinner and drinks:P Happy Time, Happy Holidays!

2010-04-03T16:52:00.001-04:00

IT's about that time, to do the laundry dance! DOn't know what It is? Better find out!! :P

2010-04-01T21:49:00.001-04:00

Omg! Yay! GEne has been offered full time at the Metro!! Our dreams are finally coming true. Great work baby!!! :)

2010-03-31T18:34:00.001-04:00

I say old man, fish & chips or fried chicken?

2010-03-31T07:50:00.001-04:00

DId I ever mention what a wonderful fiance I have?

2010-03-30T12:26:00.001-04:00

Yay! Look at me! :)http://ping.fm/IMl7c

2010-03-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

WOW.COld and rain, but things to do things to do...

2010-03-29T19:38:00.001-04:00

Yay for left overs! THanks Anna for the YummIest eeggplant parmesIan. YUMMY tummy.

2010-03-29T07:40:00.001-04:00

HEY! Happy Monday ya'all:P

2010-03-26T19:02:00.001-04:00

Okay...my one week's worth paycheck...equalled more than my 2 weeks worth. I almost called the bank to be sure;)

2010-03-26T08:03:00.001-04:00

AWEsome! I've survived to one full week at the cloud Institute!!

2010-03-24T19:47:00.001-04:00

YAy! GEne and I survived the day. HIs first day my third, things are really moving along. LOve the eco-friendly company & new co-workers:)

2010-03-23T07:54:00.001-04:00

Awesome day yesterday at my new job. Gene starts his first nyc job tomorrow.*claps hands and kicks heels in the air...

2010-03-22T07:48:00.001-04:00

Yay! My first day at my new job at the cloud institute! WISh me luck!

2010-03-20T10:24:00.001-04:00

I had a wonderful evening with my closest co-workers! Thanks for the beautiful going away party last night! :)

Bad News Bears...

2009-07-08T16:19:00.001-04:00

Nevermind about this Friday and Rockefeller Center.

Due to insurance issues they couldn't have us perform as scheduled, but they promised to keep in touch for THRILL The World in October.

Connections baby connections!!!

-a little sad,

Amada

Rockefeller Center This Friday!

2009-07-08T10:42:00.001-04:00

So...Thrill The World. Everyone on facebook & my friends are asking what is it? Why are you doing this? And then saying "Oh that's cool!"

Basically I wanted to learn Thriller for my own personal knowledge & stumbled across thrill the world's website. I also thought a little aerobics was needed for me to lose a few pounds. So after the cruise I came home ordered nutrisystem & ordered the thrill the world video.

I later received an email from thrill the worlds mailing list that event registration had opened. I was so excited to have learned the dance that I went ahead & registered myself for the city of NY. *wipes forhead. I didn't really realize what I was getting myself into but I am realizing that this event is more than me, this is for everyone all around the world. We are to be a part of something GLOBAL!

I'm currently looking for staff members/volunteers to help with this event. Anyone can email me to help, preferably living in NY. And if you don't think you can handle an actual position help by spreading the word to your friends & on the internet. This is going to be huge!

I'm working on getting a permit for a large LARGe space & everything else will follow. I'm also collaborating with the Halloween Parade & a few other groups to share zombie dancers & get the chance to perform all over NYC. This is now more of a tribute to Michael Jackson the KING of POP because he has affected the whole world with his brilliance & creativity & it's an honor to share that with someone.

In personal news, I have been asked to join a local band as well as work as freelance website designer for different organizations. I'm loving the opportunities to perform & shine here in NY and am really so excited to share all of this with you.

NBC recently contacted me regarding a performance in Rockefeller Center & with help from my newly recruited choreographers Xiomara & Tarah we are performing a MJ tribute on Friday July 10th in Imagination Park. Make sure to stay tuned for more info!

You can register for Thrill The World at my website: www.manada.biz/ttw09.nyc.html

xoxoxo.
Amada :p

Check out "Planet Connections Festivity"

2009-06-25T12:28:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I posted anything but I have been very busy! The show I was just in "Crimes of The Heart" was a brilliant success and kept me smiling since I walked in that theatre door for the auditions. We had a karaoke cast party thanks to my special laptop services and karaoke music I had collected previous to Boogie Man George.

Directly after this show closed I was asked by my friend Ramona if I would like to help as web assistant for www.planetconnectionsfestiviy.com and it has been such a lovely experience working with such wonderfully talented people. It really is a small town this New York City. Everyone knows everyone and if they don't within a year they sure will. My experience last year working backstage seems to be paying off since people know that aside from the fact that I design websites and host karaoke and work full time that I also am an actress and singer (LOL damn Gemini traits) and I am actually getting to perform in one of Frank Calo's Spotlight for Variety productions this coming Saturday. It's going to be such a great time. I'm still working at PRC Management and enjoying my job as assistant to a property manager. It's not a theatrical job but its nice working with everyone just the same.

Since the first week of the festival I have tried to see as many shows as I can, since first off it's free since I'm "Staff" and second because the shows are just bloody brilliant! I think every night this week I have seen a play and have yet to be disappointed. Along with all the many shows that I went to see I also was able to get some friends and co-workers together to go see my friend Joshua Henry or Mr. Henry as the NY times calls him as the Tin Man in the WIZ. My other friend Juson Williams was in the show as well playing many different fun characters. I was so excited and happy for them. It's really cool seeing your friends name on a Broadway poster in the subways and in commercials and of course when you get to go backstage and meet Orlando Jones is even better. LOL. Thanks Juson for the hook up!!

The status on Mr. Gene moving to NY has changed. He is most definitely working on being here on or before September 1^st since his 40^th birthday resides on the 15^thof September and even though I'm sure he wants to have something special with his friends and family we as a team are more focused on just starting our new lives together. I am planning something very VERY special for him. But you are still asking…When are we getting married? Well we haven't really set a date for the wedding since we just need to live together first and get settled in. I have already started looking for a new apartment. Preferably a 1 bedroom with living room and luxurious kitchen and bath would be ideal. Also since he is no longer working for Oceania Cruises things have changed but it's actually turned into a godsend because he hated working in that silly call center and secondly he needed the time to spend with his dad and mom. His dad had cancer removed from his bladder last month so he is going through some chemo treatments these next few months. Hopefully it will clear everything up and I'm praying that his family gets a nurse to come help his mom for when Gene moves up here so we don't have to worry so much about them.

My own family is moving soon. Mom and dad are planning on getting an apartment and moving from that big house with the high maintenance fees to something more suitable for the two of them and a guest. I just worry a lot about staircases and them getting older. I had a dream the other night about my grandmother and even though she assured me everything was going to be okay I still have a tendency to worry about my parents and of course everything else that is going on with my life. I mean but who doesn't?

Also my Best friend Ebonye is coming to visit me July 4^th weekend and I'm so excited to share the holiday with her. I'm thinking this year we definitely need to go and stay in Coney Island. Fireworks and a circus what else could you ask for?

I am back on Nutrisystem after a 2-3 week birthday pause….and it's amazing the feeling of losing weight and what it can do for your body. I'm noticing small changes and more energy and am so excited to be just on a roll! 38.5 pounds lost so far. My goal is to lose at least 75 pounds this year. I know I can do it!! No more tricks just stick to the plan. My blood pressure has been high in the past few weeks but I think it's just been stress and too much excitement.

Alright so here's the info to come see my perform this weekend….

Saturday June 27^th at 5pm in the "SPOTLIGHT ON VARIETY TONIGHT"
at The White Box at 440 Studios
440 Lafayette
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10003
Between Astor Place and East 4th Street
By Subway: Take the N/R/W to 8th Street. Go east on 8th Street one block, take a right on to Lafayette St., go south 1 1/2 blocks on Lafayette St. to 440, on the right. Take the 6 to Astor Place. Go south on Lafayette St. 1/2 block to 440, on the right.

"Frank Calo brings his successful variety show to Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. The variety show always boasts an eclectic array of talent and this festival ending extravaganza will be no exception! The show includes a running auction of strange and wondrous items! A real don't miss!"

And also I am organizing a thrill the world event for NYC. For more info on that please see: www.manada.biz/ttw09.nyc.html this is going to be tonz of fun!!!

Alright enough rambling, hope to see or talk to you all very soon!

Xoxox

Amada Anderson

Two more Weekends of Crimes of the Heart!

2009-05-15T13:39:00.003-04:00

As you may know I am playing the role of Lenny in Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley and have loved every minute being back ONStage and working with the Rockaway Theatre Company. Almost every rehearsal there has coffee and fruit. It's been truly a pleasure working with such wonderfuly talented people and if I was asked to come back you know I would in a heartbeat!!

Last weekend (opening weekend) the shows went really well, lots of positive feedback from everyone even if they didn't like the play they say we did an excellent job in the show. I even got a personal fan letter from one of the audience members via email-THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT!! It really makes me feel justified in my purpose and dream. OH! And this morning I missed my stop due to such a crowd at Canal street that I rode to the next stop to take the shuttle and would you believe a woman came and sat next to me and asked me if I was an actress, and if I was in a show, She apparently saw me rehearsing on the train and was wondering when and where my show was!! Awesome right?? I gave her my card and told her to check out my website since I didn't have any flyers nor a pen to write it all down. *Sigh I love NYC!!! She made my day, she really did.

I am looking forward to the next two weeks, because I know that something wonderful is about to transpire. I can just feel it!! Gene is coming to visit me on Thursday May 21st-Memorial day the 25th. My actual birthday falls on May 26th but He wanted to come see my show and spend some time with me for my birthday and neither one of us could take the 26th off but it's okay just a few days together will suffice. Even though we haven't seen each other since we took the cruise vacation which ended Feb 1st. So you can only imagine how very excited I am to see the love of my life and man who I want to Marry!! No we haven't set a date as yet but we want to live with each other and get him situated here in NY first before wedding plans.

Onto Nutrisystem news (which has nothing to do with looking good in a bridal gown)...I have 10 pound bear named Baby Pound, 20 pound bear named Van Poui Meaning 20 pounds in french, and 30 pound bear named Cookie. I have lost 33 pounds and am losing major booty off this 27 year olds body. I want to look hot when I'm 30! Here's to Tina Turner sexy legs and muscles!!!

Tonight's show at the Rockaway Theatre Company I have some coworkers coming. About 8-10 people who are actually coming all the way from the Bronx/the city/and coming to support me and my show. I'm super excited!! So I hope it goes well.

Alright enough babbling...I have the flyer I wanted to link to my blog as well as more info on the show in case your here in NY and wanna come see me. It even includes Bus Directions!!

Love ya!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Directed by Peggy Page

Cast: Lenny Magrath...Amada Anderson

Chick Boyle...Lenae McKee & Ashley Shelton

Doc Porter...Lee Roberts

Meg Magrath...Najat Arkadan

Babe Botrelle...Allie Carr

Barnette Lloyd...Daniel Cardona

Story:At the core of the tragic comedy are the three Magrath sisters, Meg, Babe, and Lenny, who reunite at Old Granddaddy's home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi after Babe shoots her husband. The trio was raised in a dysfunctional family with a penchant for ugly predicaments and each has endured her share of hardship and misery. Past resentments bubble to the surface as they're forced to deal with assorted relatives and past relationships while coping with the latest incident that has disrupted their lives. Each sister is forced to face the consequences of the "crimes of the heart" she has committed.

Tickets:Prices: Adults-$15.00 Senior/Children-$12.00

Rockaway Theatre Hotline: 718-374-6400

Email to reserve seats: rockawaytheatreco@nyc.rr.com

Show dates: May 8th-24th (Friday's & Saturday's @ 8pm Sundays @ 2pm)

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from N.Y.C. Dept. of Cultural Affairs

To download the pdf flyer direct from my website use this URL: http://www.manada.biz/pdf_word/crimes.pdf

Bus directions:From 116 Rockaway Park walk towards Newport Avenue. Find bus stop and take the q35 or q22 to Fort Tilden/Breezypoint make sure to ask the busdriver if he is headed that way and to let u know when you arrive. Walk towards the church and look for the POST Theatre. Shows start promptly at 8pm and or 2pm. Thanks!!

Latest News & Thriller!!!

2009-04-18T22:04:00.003-04:00

Well hello there!!

Before I go into my normal ranting I just wanted to say Hello & fill everyone in as to why they are receiving my email blog blast....well I just decided that since I am acting now (YAY!) I should be emailing my closest friends and family, and of course if you signed up for my mailing list obviously I should have been emailing you with my latest acting news...So here we go for April 2009 Amada and the latest gossip!

Amada is doing just fine. Currently rehearsing for Crimes Of The Heart playing the role of Lenny and enjoying every moment back ON the stage not BEHIND the stage like last year.
I'm currently working in the city 9-5pm for a Property Management Company and losing weight on Nutrisystem. I've lost almost 30 pounds within the last 9 weeks and am truly excited to be reaching my goal in December to lose 150 pounds by then weighing in at about 170. That's my full goal but I just remember what my daddy said...take it off the way I put it on and that's one day at a time. I think I can do it. I walk a lot but I have yet to set up an exercise routine, but I think I can handle walking to the train station in the mornings and then maybe walking home after work. But for now I just want to get eating right down...I'm learning all about portion control. I guess if your interested you can sign onto my NS Blog by clicking on the link provided here or on my last blog. It's set up just for that.

Anyways...It's now April, and it's been four months into the year so let's discuss Amada and her goals that were set for 2009:
My 1st was to go on the cruise with Gene.*done! Click here for the BLOG
My 2nd was to start nutrisystem & learn portion control*done! (See blog address above)
My 3rd was to get into a show*done! (See below with links)
My 4th was to balance my check book and set up a system for paying bills*done!
My 5th is to buy a keyboard for by my birthday this year and start practicing.*Have to wait-financial aid/saving up for that moment...
My 6th is to help Gene move up here to be with me when he's ready*In PROGRESS...
and I guess my 7th is to learn thriller*In PROGRESS...
And just why you may ask do I want to learn Thriller? Well I'll tell you why, the reason I want to learn this particular dance is because I've ALWAYS wanted to know it and since I'm technically not an 80's child but have always thought it was cool I decided to take the reins and just do it!! So I purchased the THRILL The WORLD video and am learning it so I may take part in the world wild phenomenon here in NYC around Halloween. It's gonna be so cool! Check out www.thrilltheworld.com for more info. I mean who at a party ever really knows it? I wanna be the one who does! So there ya go. Straight to the point. (yay for that scene in 13 going on 30!!)
Alright and onto my fancy html coding I stole from my main website:

Latest News:

Performing in the upcoming production of "Crimes Of The Heart" by Beth Henley playing the role of Lenny @ The Rockaway Theatre in Far Rockaway.

Show dates & times listed below:

May 8th , 9th , 15th , 16th , 22nd and 23rd @ 8P.M.

Matinees-May 10th , 17th and 24th @ 2P.M.

Click here for reservations.

OK. I'm off. It's late and I have rehearsal tomorrow starting at noon. I hope everyone is doing well and please email me back if you wish to be removed from this mailing list. Love you all and as always all the best with much success!!

Sincerely,

Amada Manada Hakuna Matata

Posted on my NutriSystem Blog, felt the need to share with everyone else too.

2009-04-15T14:56:00.001-04:00

Almost 30 pounds gone...Already? Really?!

OK. So last weekend I was just telling my family, co-workers, and friends how I was so excited to get to the 25 pound mark and I was weighing in at 23.5 pounds...well before I knew it come Monday the scale totally skipped the 23.5 and went to 27.5! I'm just flabbergasted! This is an incredible journey and I just can't get over the fact that I am actually doing this! My goal is to lose another 25 pounds before my birthday on May 26^th. So I can say I've lost 50 pounds this year. Making me weigh in @ 270. That's only another 22.5 pounds. Can I do it?? YES I CAN!! *Sings Happy Birthday To Me :)

Back to Blog time:The other day I was at work standing next to one of my supervisors and slipped my hands in my pocket & my hand slipped straight down into the pocket!! Usually I can hardly even get that far…but the pants although size hasn't dropped that much they are looser and I am just really now wanting to take a good long look and reevaluate my body. Starting with the measuring tape.

I bought some 3 pound weights to work out with when I'm sitting at home watching my netflix movies during the week and have even started walking to the train station in the mornings. Where is this energy coming from? MEEEEE!!

I also had a scary moment that just became clear to me TODAY that kind of scared me but also has opened my eyes to being more healthy, this past weekend I was online with my Fiance Gene and we are long distance till September when he moves here to NY from Florida…. anyways…. we like to drink together sometimes. And it was a long week and I felt like I needed something to help me relax and usually we drink Johnny walker but I couldn't afford it so I bought the cheap stuff called Grants and had a few shots when I got home with diet soda. I then got online a few hours later and we drank another 3 together…well afterwards I was SICK, I mean vertigo sick…. laid down, couldn't eat anything, felt like alcohol poisoning and didn't realize until today that my body mass index has dropped and I am not able to take them back like I used too. Kind of scary thought since I'm used to keeping up with Gene with the drinks but now…my body is changing and I'm just going to have to remember to take things in moderation. Especially when I drink!! (Not part of NS I KNOW)

Anyways, I hope everyone else is doing great and keeping up with the program. It's wonderful. Isn't it?

I got my first non-nutrisystem fan based email regarding my weight loss wondering if I could show them the way. Maybe I'll start a live website blog for it.

Also I'm excited cause I think by the time my next shipment comes I'll have two more bears in it! Wooty WOOT!!

Good Luck everyone. You can do it!!

Sincerely,

Amada Manada Hakuna Matata

Bye Bye 300 Pound Lady!!

2009-03-28T10:20:00.001-04:00

OMG! It happened, it finally happened. That moment when I stepped on the scale and saw the numbers drop to 299LB. No more 300 I'm no longer in the 300 pound mark. HOORAY! I feel somewhat normal again and I know now I can do anything I want to accomplish. Seriously...Why can't I be a size 4? LOL I know that's way off but I've never in my life been small like my sister who is petite and has always been. (We have different fathers). But WOW! I know my next shipment I'll be getting another (10 pound) Nutrisystem bear and I think this one is going to be the most special bear of all. The one that I will look at and remember forever. I'm so happy!!!! I wish everyone best of luck and much success!

Sincerely,
Amada Manada Hakuna Matata

Blog Time, just let it all out Amada just let it all out...

2009-03-20T16:21:00.001-04:00

Today is Friday the 20^th of March. Next week I am taking the New York Notary Exam and then starting in April it's going to be a very many travels and rehearsals for the show I am currently in called Crimes of the Heart. I am playing the role of Lenny. I am excited to be back on stage and not behind it or on it moving furniture or set pieces. Currently my job situation was pleasant until yesterday when I got into a spat with this girl in the office. She thought I was being sarcastic and nasty when I wasn't and regardless she hurt my feelings so then the vice president of the company as well as HR had to sit us both down in a room and talk it out. The vice president works in this office so it wasn't a big deal but I feel like she attacks me out of nowhere with her moodiness and there's nothing for me to do about it. Yesterday I fought back which almost did result in something if she would have touched me. Like me punching her in the face. The weird thing is when she's not being a bitch she is kind of cool. We both are Gemini's and we both have a quick temperament, which is fine except I let things go, and she holds grudges. But after the pep talk with the managers and an hr of crying for me I did approach her and tell her to just open up and talk to me if she ever feels like something is wrong between us. I said if you feel like I am being a bitch then pull me aside and tell me, but don't run around the office saying mean things or threatening me. I don't work well with negative and will always fight for the benefit of the good. I also am now one full month on Nutrisystem and am working on getting to be less than 300 pounds. Current weight is now 303.5 and I've lost 17 pounds so far. The scale has changed since Sunday but I did try on a pair of pants that used to be kind of tight and noticed they were now very baggy. So if I'm losing inches still then I am really excited about this adventure! I am losing weight, getting healthy, working the full time job, doing the rehearsals and shows in the evenings and making a wonderful working career for myself here in NY. I'm not sure how much longer I can stand working in a cubicle but at least mine is now fung shui implemented and since the argument yesterday with girl child I feel a ton better that her and I have reconciled today regardless of whatever the stupid-ness of the argument was about. Let's pray that Gene can get his things together and get up here soon. That seems to be the one thing that is missing in my life, seeing his sweet wholesome smile and feeling his arms around me. *sigh "Love is grand"

Sincerely,

Amada

So...I'm Engaged! I'm on Nutrisystem! & I'm in a Show!!!

2009-03-04T09:34:00.001-05:00

Yes! You read correct. Gene and I are engaged! We took the cruise and somewhere along the way we fell in love all over again. 3-4 weeks nonstop time together and had a blast! To see more of the cruise and the pictures click here: http://geneandamadascruise.blogspot.com/

Also I decided that this year was going to be about me. Last year I was more focused on saving money, settling in, and getting to know other theatre companies working backstage. This year I am focusing on getting the things I want and finally getting around to doing the things I want to do. A list of some of those things included my health. So I am doing nutrisystem and no it’s not because of the wedding!! I am doing this for myself. Too long have I just decided to go with the flow and take what was offered to me, now it’s time to get out there and do it! I’m not ready to quit the day job and start auditioning for equity shows but of course now in this time of economic crisis it’s not entirely the smartest move to make anyways. Gene is moving here by August and we will have enough to deal with paying bills and getting him settled in, so I know that the things I want for myself I should be going for now. Nutrisystem is going to teach me how to eat right, smaller portions, and cook. I’ve already lost 13.5 pounds and it hasn’t even been a month as of yet! I also want to learn THRILLER! So hello 13 going on 30 and the dvd to learn the moves for the dance. So let’s get some bumping and grinding going and shake our booties on down to the ground!!

Also, I decided to audition. So I went on to playbill and low and behold one of my favorite plays “Crimes of the heart” was having auditions, in Queens and I went for it. I went in thinking that I would be open and available for all roles but she immediately had me read for Lenny. In which I got a call back and did my best. I won the role! So excited! My first NY show and although it’s not in the city it is going to fill a 250 seat house every weekend for the last 3 weeks of May. It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to get back into the groove of things. Hooray!

Make sure to check out the pics from the cruise that are posted on the other blog.

Xoxox
Amada

Vacations all I've ever wanted, vacation have to get away....

2009-01-08T21:14:00.001-05:00

Amada's holiday updates: coming to you live from her centro telephone (written on the subway)!

So, Thanksgiving was a stay in NYC event. I wanted to come home but I wanted more than anything to be with my Family & my Man for Christmas-New Years. Good thing was that my job let's me have vacation days. 2 weeks, 3 personal days, 6 sick days & at least 1 week must be used before dec 31st & all personal days before I lose them. So I am taking my time for Christmas-New years. Yay! That was the plan...well the best stuff is that I also had planned on going on a cruise with Gene sometime during Jan-March. Because I have to use my 2008 rollover vacation week before end of March. Not knowing when we would be cleared by his job for the free cruise...after I buy the plane ticket he calls the next week saying we got it. This ones going out on Jan 12th!!!

So OMFG I'm basically going home for the holidays, flying back to NY to work for 4 days then flying yet again to Miami.

We are extremely excited I can't tell u. My first cruise ever! 3 weeks of bliss. Panama Canal. Miami - Los Angeles. lots of food & relaxation and the best yet...16 + days with Gene.
3 years this New Years together then a cruise to celebrate. Then it's work, save, move for Gene & work, save, audition for me. Starting January: no more stage managing. Only acting/singing jobs. Maybe website development but that's it.

My current job is wonderful. I think ill stay as long as I can, until auditions for the big apple become too crazy at least.

I'm excited for the next 2 months though, lots to do & see.

Back to Thanksgiving though...my neighbor friend Anna invited me to her house. We went to her aunts and had a wonderful dinner plus played the wii rockstar where I sang, played guitar and kicked ass on!! Then around 8pm we headed to her dads house in the bronx. Wow! That was a lot a lot of fun. The moment we entered they were playing games & drinking. I had brought some drinks too and her grandma & myself had a good time finishing a small bottle of johnny walker black. Way to much fun! Thank u Anna for sharing your special family with me.

I also am currently stage managing the show Jonestown -the musical. We held auditions Tues & Weds and what an array of talent NY has. I think I only saw maybe 3 people who had similar training like I've had but of course you could tell who were professionals and who were still learning. Anyways it's nice being called to work from someone whom I worked before with. Ramona from Bubby's Shadow is the one directing this stage reading. The playwright was extremely nice and the musical director knows my good friend Michael Dexter. He basically didn't even have to audition, he was asked to come to call backs. Isn't that crazy?! It just shows my school was worth every penny in training. My friends have jobs and careers and we are all doing really good. My favorite part of the auditions on Wed was basically: a girl was in the middle of a show and wanted to audition. She brought & dropped off her headshot/resume and then the playwright said of she was able to sing and read book her next. Well...during her shows intermission she gets to be seen!! Her stage manager is saying: you better be grateful I'm the nicest stage manager in nyc. LOL.
I've had some moments here in NY that have been awe inspiring as well as stressful. But ya live and learn.

see ya around the Panama Canal!!!

Xoxo
Amada

And then he said everything I was waiting to hear…

2008-11-17T14:05:00.001-05:00

How does that happen? You talk and talk and talk and think he's not
listening or understanding and then the amazing thing happens…he say's
everything from the heart and moves your soul to the longing and
completeness that we are all waiting for. And then you sit there and
ask yourself, does he really believe everything he just said or is it
all false ideas/hopes? My belief is in us. And that he meant
everything he said. Which means we are doing very well for the first
time in a month. Erasing all doubts and fears and assuring our life
together is a real deal. I am so happy!! The new deal is about the
same except this time he is working harder on his end of the deal.

In other news I have auditioned for a voice over project as well as
recently signed on again for another production stage manager
position. We can all just hope for some extra moolah to come along.
Staying creative is always the most important I think.

Friday night some co-workers and I went out for my friend Minnay's
Birthday. Other than dancing on the tables and getting the whole bar
into a singing and dancing frenzy I should have gone home but I ended
up going out to Karaoke at the local pub and finally getting home in
bed by 4am. What a crazy night!! Always nice meeting new people and
making new friends.

They say it might snow this week. I'm kinda looking forward to it but
at the same time…damn it's cold! LOL

And la la la the beat goes on….

Life is better than it was before at least….

2008-11-06T14:33:00.003-05:00

Ok. So on a recap. He did call and we are back together. He even went and purchased the webcam and sure enough Tuesday night we were able to look at each other without having to say anything and remember how much we love each other. He apologized for over 2 hours and basically acknowledged that he had been ignoring me, not realizing that I was depressed about my brother's passing, because I said I was fine. Even when I seem to spell things out for him sometimes and he doesn't understand me, then all of a sudden he will nail it on the head everything that was wrong plus some. Which always makes me wonder why it took him so long. But it was so nice just looking at him across from me and talking. Other good news that doesn't necessarily pertain to him basically is that I did indeed see Hairspray and in fact have fueled the fire with a coworker of mine (Minnay) to see more shows every other weekend or at least once a month. Since I use TDF.org and we get discounted tickets on shows, like $35 a ticket. That's cheap!! My friend Minnay is moving into the city and is selling some of her furniture. She is selling her desk, bookcase, computer chair, and drawer as well as her futon which looks to be a hell of a lot more comfortable then what I have currently. The Desk and stuff isn't the black and silver/gray style that I already own but it will work better then what I am using and I think overall that's the most important. I have also updated and purchased a new PC monitor from circuit city, a 17 inch flat screen that I am so excited about using! But since it was the display model it didn't have the wiring included and in fact yesterday when bringing it back and looking at it at home it seems the guy gave me the wrong wires. So…I'll have to go back and get the correct one. I've also finally purchased wireless router that is able to use with my sprint wireless broadband card. I've been meaning to get one for months now and finally...I have internet on both computers. Working at PRC Management has been a huge rollercoaster ride. I started as a temp, was hired full-time 3 months later, and am now the assistant to the property manager of 3 buildings located here in Manhattan as well as assistant to the office manager. I have daily responsibilities that are crucial and love being on top of things everyday and all the challenges I face. It's not theatre nor is it anything that will take me close to working Broadway but it is a full-time job that pays well and allows me to save up for my business as well as daily life. It feels good. When I am all settled in with the things I need to run my business, I will begin auditioning full-time, working the casting agents and working my company full time as well. I'm really excited! Life is better than it was before at least….

Gene & I (Am I being taken for granted?)

2008-11-02T22:49:00.003-05:00

They say that writing is therapeutic and it seems the more I try the less I am able to get anything across. Gene and I are not doing so well. It seemed perfect and that we were getting through this year just fine by seeing each other every 6-8 weeks but since his friend Maynel came back into his life and I moved away we have had quite a few arguments. Gene has been taking me for granted. It came to such a problem that I had to write an email to the both of them to resolve things. I'm going to just repost it because well who the hell cares now anyways...I'm feeling very disconnected from him and even though it's not neccesarily her fault this is what I wrote on September 29, 2008. Mind you after his birthday trip which came early (labor day weekend) I had made plans to come visit him for Columbus Day weekend to spend time with him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gene & Maynel,

I am currently going through a family crisis but I need to say a few things before I take off on this flight tomorrow morning. I don't expect either of you to reply to this email but I do need you to read it.

(Gene) You say you love me and only want to be with me and that's all great and I understand that being in a long distance relationship is and has been very difficult but somehow we have managed so far.

(Maynel) I know that you only care for what's best for Gene and for us. I do not doubt that you are a real true friend and only want the best for us because you know how far Gene has come with me. He tells me a lot about you and I know what trials and errors you have had to come through and I want you to know that my intentions are not meant to harm you.

But I do need to enlighten you both to the facts at hand. I seem to always be the bad guy with the both of you and yet everyone else around me sees my point of view and in fact say to me "WHY do YOU put up with it!?"

Before yesterdays incident I was trying my very hardest to be more open minded about the two of you but as Gene implied it was a misunderstanding. Now, I am not sure how a lie can be interpreted as a misunderstanding but I already have put up with quite a lot with him. And since I was planning on coming home to have a sit down meal with you (Maynel) and get to know you better, Gene went and screwed everything up once more. Now did he mean to do it? He is saying that he did not intentionally mean to hurt me (especially in my darkest hour) but he did. Or is he hiding your time together because of something else he refuses to admit to. Let me be clear on what happened yesterday.

Saturday evening I asked him (as I have been doing for the past 2 weeks in order to know how much fun the two of you have together and get to know more about you (May) if you were indeed going to be joining him on a family outing. He told me no and that he probably wasn't even going to make it because it was so early to rise and drive out there just to bowl. I assumed he was telling the truth and went along with dealing with my brother being dead and having to run light cues all day. Only to realize by text the next day that you were both together having lunch and that he was spending the afternoon with you. I realized where he was and immediately called him to verify that you joined him. He had lied to me. Told me that you were not going to be with him and his family, then after my arguing with him, he admitted that he didn't want to tell me because he was afraid it would ruin my state of mind. As if finding out that his lying is any better than the truth. (This is not the first time he has lied to me about spending time with you)

(Maynel) do you think that this is the only thing I have had to deal with? How much more of the truth do you know and or hide from me? I have really dealt with quite a lot from the both of you and your so called friendship. But honestly who's boyfriend let's their friends read their most personal thoughts and ideas and then later tells their girlfriend about it without asking if that might hurt her feelings because of the emotional attachment involved? Or even thinks it's okay to be at the opposite sex's house until 3am in their room drinking? We all know what things can happen when you drink together.

How far does that line need to be crossed to determine if you are dating or not. I think Maynel that when You came back into his life and I was a part of it that I wanted that line to be distinguished. And I appreciate that you both took the initiative to try your best to make me feel better by splitting the tab as to distinguish that it was not a typical date. THANK YOU.

But let's be honest here. Cheating doesn't just involve the physical.

(GENE) In previous attempts of being friends with Maynel you claim that you were only friends but at some point amongst the just hanging out with both Abbey and Maynel and ALWAYS buying their meals you asked each of them out at one point or another to date you and make it more. Claiming that you had the "I feel sorry Syndrome for Abbey" and that Maynel has the "Princess Syndrome" and that you needed to be the hero and take care of them. But it didn't work because they both were not into you at that time. And we all know what happened directly following which put you into a great depression and sent you to see the very same psychiatrist that Maynel was seeing which seemed to upset you even more so. OK. You claim your over it and that's fine. You guys are now probably closer than ever because you've overcome a huge obstacle and I'm sure my emotional outbursts always makes the flames burn even more. On top of that fact when you came back into his life and he was house sitting for Nancy and you had went over there with your friend he called me and drunkingly said that it was a test to see if he still liked you or was attracted to you anymore. But found that he indeed cared for me and was convincing himself that he no longer had those feelings for you in that way. (HE ALSO DOES NOT REMEMBER EVER SAYING THIS DUE TO HIS DRUNKEN STATE) OK FINE. Let me let my boyfriend once again continue to hang out with this person and pretend everything is ok.

I'm so fed up. I need to rearticulate my point of view please. Cheating is not always physical. I don't like the fact that my boyfriend is spending so much time, sharing his thoughts, feelings, and emotions with you (Maynel). He might not think that he is being unfaithful sexually but he is being unfaithful emotionally and that I think that is was it hurts the most. Do you know that he sometimes when speaking to me calls me by your name? And that he says that you are just filling in the gap while I am gone? Like that is supposed to make me feel better? How would you feel if your boyfriend while talking to you told you they were going out with someone every weekend and drinking and sharing their emotional connections with them and let them read their diaries and then your boyfriend called you by the other woman's name at some later time? Please tell me how that can make you feel all warm and cozy and comfortable? How do you think that these actions are helping to strengthen a very difficult long distance relationship?

I honestly don't see how it does and I honestly don't know how to fix this. I've tried to be understanding and I've tried to like you but then I also find out that you are going to take him to "Miami Spice" dinner, buy him a new wardrobe, spend a lot of money and time on him to make him feel special for his birthday. Then it seems that you always seem to conveniently hang out with him when your boyfriends are busy?? The answer is simple: Gene is the replacement boyfriend right and you are the replacement girlfriend. Simple. Clean. Done.

(Gene) I love you and I want things to work out. But like I was stating earlier. You just don't get it. I've had so many people tell me that you are just not ready to commit and that's you haven't moved here to be with me as yet because of it and I keep saying that you will and we have a plan and that things are gong to work out. But I just can't deal with another woman on top of everything else.

So just to say to the both of you, I don't know how to fix this. I am not his mother, his wife, nor am I the one who should be laying out stupid rules for her boyfriend to stay in line. I don't care anymore. I cant. I'm so fed up with it that I am planning on giving up. I have too much to worry about right now and I am not in the right frame of mind to even consider taking someone who feels he needs to lie and hide things from me back into my life. I deserve better. I do. And I hate that I always have to be the one who has to point out facts like: please don't have another woman sit on her boyfriends bed etc…That should just be known and understood.

Why do some people get it but Gene you don't?

Maynel I do want to get to know you if you are to remain in his life but this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Calling my boyfriend in the middle of the night or stopping at his house, reading his diaries, etc….it all needs to stop if you want him and I to work.

I want to know what's going on, when, where, why. I think I deserve to know who my boyfriend is seeing behind my back. I think it's only fair.

As for you (Gene).You are now 39 and make your own decisions as a man. We can discuss this later after my brothers funeral and if you are willing to commit to me and only me then I will reconsider visiting you at Nancy's and meeting with Maynel and everyone to be friends.

(May) if you want to email me personally without consulting Gene I don't mind that either because there is some things I need to talk to you about.

I have to stop writing but I appreciate if you have read this because it proves you do care.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Now after this email she responded:

Amada,

I never wanted it to come to this but had a feeling that it would. This conversation was inevitable and I guess it’s better to get this over with and rip it off like a band-aid so we can continue living our lives and putting focus on much more positive things. This issue needs to become water under the bridge for the sake and sanity of everyone involved.

First off, I’d like to express my condolences to you for the devastating loss your family has endured recently. I know what it feels like and I sympathize with you and your loved ones during this horrible time.

I appreciate your acknowledgment about my intentions. Gene is my best friend and has seen me through my best and worst as I have him. Our friendship has been very symbiotic and as he wants the best for me, I want the same for him. He deserves every drop of happiness that this world has to offer and I would never stand in his way or sabotage any potential happiness he has.

Gene and I are and have always been platonic. There is nothing going on between us that we are hiding and nothing ever will. The fact that at one time many years ago he had a crush on me makes no difference. I never saw him that way and he understood that and moved on. He does not harbor any residual romantic feelings for me that would make me a threat to you. You have to understand that our friendship is like a sibling relationship. We talk and behave like brother and sister and that is how we see each other.

My opinion on the whole matter is that he may have omitted information but not as a means of concealment. I was going out dancing the night before and told him I would be out probably till the wee morning hours. Naturally, he figured I would not make it to the charity event, which was to take place super early the next day. By chance I woke up in time to make it and we were in such a mad rush to get there, getting lost along the way several times, that it slipped his mind to tell you. It could have happened to anyone. As naturally thoughtful and attentive to detail as Gene may be, he’s still capable of human error. I truly believe there was no ill will in his actions. Also, in trying to protect your feelings during a trying time in your life, he messed up by omitting important information. I get that he fucked up but his heart was in the right place. He wasn’t trying to be sneaky and elusive with you. As for him lying other times to you, I will play devil’s advocate on that matter. That is not my place. What I see from my end is that Gene is the most brutally honest person I know and makes it a point to tell the truth about everything. Faltering a few times for his own reasons does not warrant him getting labeled as untrustworthy. I could not imagine anyone else on this planet that is more deserving of someone’s complete trust.

As for our activities when we spend time together, we hang out usually in the daytime in public, many times with others present and usually once a week. To me, this does not sound alarming in any way. Rarely do we drink together. Rarely do I hang out at his house till 3a (It’s happened a total of 2 times and was unintentional – just lost track of time). We do not talk every single day. We have our separate lives and other friends to share with. We prefer each other’s company because we have a lot in common and have known each other for a long time and are comfortable with one another. The reality is not as bad as you may believe and may be describing to other people. Also, just to clarify the things I do for him like the dinners and the clothes and making a big fuss about his birthday…I do that for all of my close friends. I am a giver and a very doting friend and have done it for Abby, Vince, Jason and Gene. He does not get special treatment. He is someone I care for very deeply and I enjoy doing nice things for those I love.

I need you to understand that we are not in competition Amada. I want to make that crystal clear to you. Our roles in his life are explicitly defined. You are the woman in his life and I am his best friend, not the “other woman”. The three most important women for Gene are his mother, Nancy and you. I come fourth in that batch and that’s the way it should be and the way it is. I can understand your discomfort about his best friend being a girl he used to like but it is what it is. I enjoy his friendship and that’s all I’ve ever wanted from him. You complete him in a way that I never will. Just like he doesn’t complete me in that way. Also, we are not a replacement boyfriend/girlfriend for one another. We were close friends before you and before any of my boyfriends came along. We had already long established this friendship so that statement holds no bearing whatsoever. Besides that, there is no replacement for you as the woman in his life. You are devaluing your level of importance in his world by saying that. You play a pivotal role in his life and there is no substitute for that. Not me, not anyone. You have to take solace in that because it’s the truth.

What you don’t seem to understand is that you already have a way more intimate and emotional relationship with him than me in spite of the things he shares with me. Our connections with him are so vastly different that you just can’t compare the two. The most intense connection anyone can have with another person is romantic love. Not only do you share emotional ties but physical and spiritual ties as well. You’re not only his friend but also his lover and companion. I can’t compete with that nor do I want to. I am so happy for him because this is what he has wanted for a long time. I have seen him in the dark throws of complete loneliness and he was miserable. Since being with you, he has gotten out of that rut and is becoming more hopeful and optimistic about a future with you. How in the world could you ever feel that I’m an impediment when his feelings for you go to lengths beyond his friendship with me?

I understand and agree with your sentiments about certain things you stated. I agree that the kind of friendship Gene and I have is not the norm…much closer than most. Because of this, I don’t mind adhering to reasonable restrictions. But I have to point out that I am not going to jump through hoops to make you like me. This may sound harsh but I feel it should be mentioned. When I meet you I will be myself and not put up a front to impress you and hopefully I don’t rub you the wrong way. I may be brash and aggressive but I am a good person deep down, despite what you’ve heard and may think of me. Many people think I’m a bitch when they first meet me simply because I am guarded and not overtly friendly. This may be off putting to you but it is how I am. I just don’t warm up to people right away but I am always open to doing so, especially with the girlfriend of my best friend. One thing about me that you will soon learn if we ever do forge some sort of friendship is that I am as loyal and devoted a friend as they come and I will go through hell and high water for those I care about, something you and I have in common.

I hope that this answers your questions and alleviates your concerns and that we can come to an understanding once and for all. Feel free to write back. Btw, I did not share this e-mail with Gene before sending it to you just so you know.

If you feel like getting to know me for the sake of Gene, by all means, I am open to that. I’m willing to shake hands and break bread with you. You are an important fixture in his life as am I so the ideal thing would be for the both of us to co-exist and get along. I would like that and I’m sure you would too.

Maynel
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To continue my point...

Columbus Day weekend was to be our weekend. What it ended up being was Friday with his friends, Saturday with my family, Sunday for us, and Monday with his parents. Gene did make a big deal about the dinner and the people there were Ebonye, Sal, Gene, Maynel, and myself. We did have a good time and I enjoyed being with everyone. However shortly after that, he and I began arguing again and have since broken up about 3 times within the past few weeks. What is really going on now just is simply amazing to me. You would think he would be more caring and wanting to talk to me and ask me how I'm doing since I went through a depression and am still going to be since my brother has passed, but seriously, he seems to just be spending even more time with his friends rather than talking to me. I feel like he is constantly taking me for granted and I have done and said everything and still am coming up with the short end of the straw. I tell him over and over that I'm not happy and to prove my point I even ignored him over a weekend. He keeps telling me he is serious about moving here and being with me, after we take the cruise, and I always give and give and give and yet she is still staying at his house till 330am in the morning and just what am I supposed to do? When am I to connect to him? When he always is with her? I mean he said that they are no longer sitting on his bed and in fact when everyone comes over to watch movies they all go into another room. But just this past week for example: Thursday- we argue until 3am because I finally was able to actually hear his voice and not get angry and he is now starting to yell at me over the phone. We had both been drinking but the conversation stayed the same. Why are they always over his house after midnight and having had been with them all damn day? His answer: he say's he can't be alone. And to be honest, I don't know if I can be with someone like that. Someone who can't deal with things on his own and make up his mind about his own life. Even his mother has said that she has to push him to get a hair cut. I mean of course he is 39, still lives with his parents, collects toys, doesn't have to pay for food and rent. But besides all that, He is a wonderful caring person. And I know he also is a good man. But then why am I always having to argue with him for attention? I mean if you love someone, wouldn't you want to talk to them everyday? I had to argue with him because I was always wanting to know when it was my turn to talk to him and SHE still was calling him after we hung up. I believe them when they say they aren't cheating (physically) but WHY am I fighting for his attention? Long distance relationships are hard already because we aren't together but seriously shouldn't he be wanting to see me on the webcam? Or want me to be the last person he hears before going to bed? Or am I just in La La land letting him walk all over me and make me feel like I'm the one who isn't living a real life. I'm the one who moved here to make a career for myself in New York and am doing extremely well. Just because I haven't been in a show doesn't mean I'm not successful. His response to my "clutchiness" was that I am alone with no one here and I should be going out. But I don't need to Go out every night nor do I have the funds to see shows every weekend! I'm not exactly a homebody but I am making it here. So basically Thursday I hang up on him basically we agreed though we are in trouble. So what happens on Friday? I go out and have the time of my life at the Halloween parade. I get home very late 2:30am and call him to try to talk and who had just left 15 mins prior? Maynel. So, I am like OK well let me get a shower and I'll call you back to talk about how wonderful my night was....3am. Then he say's 5 mins into the conversation that he has to go because he is passing out. He's too tired to talk to me. The weekend prior we hadn't spoken because I was breaking up with him and it took me till Thursday to even listen to his voice on the phone...and now THIS? So I hang up. Saturday morning I got up and felt like maybe I had been unfair a little because it was late and he probably was tired from working all day then drinking and staying up with his friends. I text we chit chat shortly and I am off for the day to finally go see a show. (hairspray). We agree that we will talk when I return later in the evening. Come to find out when I finally am home, alone, and on the verge of passing out myself...I call and guess who is at the house YET AGAIN watching movies??? You guessed it. I am LIVID, PISSED, and thinking to myself, maybe he just doesn't want to be in a serious relationship with me. He had all damn day to spend with them....and yet here they are staying at his house late again. I hang up and tell him to enjoy his friends and I later text that we are done. Over. I have had it finally and for the last time. I then went to bed. Now he did try to call and text saying that he had asked them to leave and that he was willing to talk...etc...etc... But I was already in bed. So today is here and what happens now..He didn't call all day although he say's he tried (he didnt leave a message) and I finally text him around 7pm saying I wish that this whole mess was easier. And what does he finally say?????

He's going out with his friends to karaoke. Different friends, but none the less...instead of talking to me at any point during the day he made plans to be with friends.

Seriously....am I missing something? Anything? What went wrong? Are we over? Then we talk while he is there at the bar briefly and he says' yes I took you for granted I see that now I want to make it up to you but I'm here with them and I can't do anything about it. I tell him he should be going to buy a fucking web cam and get home so we can see each other and talk. Connect. Anything!! And he won't do it but will call before midnight.

I swear...I've never fought for a relationship so much or for this...why the hell am I bothering???? I'm so sick and tired of being walked on and treated this way. I know there are men here that are willing to worship me and adore me and treat me well, and I haven't allowed anyone not even a sniff because I care so much for this jerk.

Seriously do normal people put up with this crap??

-Disgruntled and most likely calling it short with him if he doesn't straighten up and take care of his woman (ME) not (THEM).

Amada Updates...

2008-10-24T15:10:00.001-04:00

It's been a while. I started writing this September 22^nd….now a month later….

Time flies when you are a New Yorker hustling for every penny and every moment. I still haven't really pursued my acting career as yet but am deciding to take some time to work on that very soon. I have since moving here in February worked backstage on: Torrents (Barracuda Theatre Club), The Marathon: Series A (Ensemble Studio Theatre), Bubby's Shadow (Midtown International Theatre Festival), and currently The Painter (Barracuda Theatre Club). I did attempt to audition for the New York Musical Theatre Festival but alas the early bird gets the audition. Plus you apparently need to always be available during the day to audition and since my work doesn't quite allow me to do that I just can't pursue such frivolous attempts at this time. I have been doing some website works for shows I have participated in www.bubbysshadow.com & www.combingthroughlifestangles.com and am going to start working with a website development company part time to design for smaller businesses and artists. We'll see how that comes about.

These last few weeks I have been under so much stress. As some of you might know, my brother Kurt passed away Saturday September 27^th. It was sudden and without any notice. The coroner said he basically threw a blood clot that he didn't know he had. The worst is that the kids found him that Saturday morning and went to tell his wife Stacey that Daddy wasn't waking up. I was on my way to our Saturday matinee for the painter when my mom called and told me the news of Kurt's death. I was in such shock and yet I had to go to work otherwise there wouldn't have been a show. (I was stage manager/running lights and sound.) We had two shows that day, all I could was go through the motions that weekend. I worked the show and went to work Monday informed my office that I was planning on going out of town and not sure when the funeral was etc…and everyone was so nice and understanding. My office allowed 5 days and I booked a flight that day at work and left Tuesday early morning to head to Georgia to be my family. Mom and dad were already there with Stacey and the kids and I knew I just had to be there as well. Kurt was my oldest brother, only 42 and an IT technician for Aflac. Thankfully for that job Stacey and the kids should be okay financially for a while. The friends of the family and his coworkers were just as shocked as the rest of us and it just really was so very sad. I have never really lost anyone in my family that was a sibling. My grandmothers sure but I never grew up with them so it was different. But even though Kurt was from my father's first marriage and didn't live under the same roof as me growing up, he still was my brother and someone I could call when I needed to talk about mom and dad. Sleeping has been hard since then, but I guarantee he is okay. I knew something was going to happen that Friday night. He knocked on my door at 330am. But I'm not going to go into the rest of this…

So I am currently just living day by day. No shows so far and yet I found a yoga place! Went to one class with a neighborhood friend Anna and we enjoyed it. Gene and I have been fighting a lot. But we are working through our long distance relationship and all the set rules and misfortunes that occur between. Sometimes I feel so angry! But I let it out and let him have it and then softly, and gently he's able to reel me back in and make me whole again. Without holding me in his arms…just by his voice. I'm always amazed at that. Since I am so very picky about the people I have in my life but I know I can always count on them. Life is okay.

I also have posted some songs I have recorded from last weekend. 8 all together and I'm thinking if I have time this weekend I might keep on recording. It's fun and it helps me realize my full potential and my weaknesses.

Columbus day weekend I had made special arrangements to see Gene and stay with him at his sister's in Pembroke pines. We wanted to surprise my mother and father at dinner. And we did just that! I'm happy to say that Friday night when I arrived Gene had prepared a beautiful dinner and we spent time with his and my friend. Then Saturday was special time with my friend Ebonye & Gene then we all got ready and went to Boynton to meet my family for dinner. It was a good meal with everyone I love and I am so blessed to have been able to see and be with them. Sunday morning was a lazy day and Gene fixed French toast and eggs and turkey bacon for me. Then later we decided to go out to eat and had a wonderful dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. The next day was Monday and I was leaving by 6pm that night. So we had dinner with his mom and dad and as much as I would have liked to have seen Gene's sister and son and husband it didn't quite work out that way. *shrug whatever. But dinner was amazing and Mrs. Chiang put together a plate for me to take back to NY. So, we headed over to the airport and earlier that day I had received an email from one of our friends Stephen saying he was gonna try to make it to see me off and at first I thought he's not gonna make it, it's raining, and it's an airport. Who would want to go through all that to see me off? Well sure enough as we were talking about Stephen deciding to try to spend dinner with his family maybe around Christmas here he comes, strolling in the airport smiling and arms ready for a hug. And Gene say's in this kid like voice looking up at him with tear filled eyes "I Knew You'd Come!". LOL. I'm going hey! I'm the one who's leaving! But the truth is Gene and Stephen are really good friends and I hadn't seen Stephen in almost a year!! But he came to wish me off. I'm so fortunate.

Then during the changing of the planes in Charlotte a guy saw me and say's I know you! Your Jonathan's friend Amada an actress right?? We decided to get a drink and talk for the hour overlay and then he was gone. Turns out we have met in the past 10 years about 5-6 times randomly like this and each time I always forget his name! I think it's Ricardo. But I left him my business PEN and told him to call me sometime if he's ever in NY. He is now studying to be an actor. Interesting right?

So, right now for Amada.

*Recording new songs

*Reading James Patterson books

*Practicing Yoga (Weekly)

*Catching up on NETFLIX movies.

And just taking some time for me.

Feel free to hit me up by email or posting a comment with ideas for songs to record and or netflix movies to watch!

Love you all!

Amada Manada The Music Theatre Girl

First NY Musical Theatre Audition...

2008-07-23T20:44:00.002-04:00

First NY audition…

Bear with me here…4 magic hats (beer) and a long LONG day…

I know there is a lot of firsts being posted on my blogs nowadays but it's a new world here in NY with too many opportunities to take and not enough money and time to keep up.

Ok…so if any of you have ever seen the movie "a chorus line" think massive people trying out for maybe 8 available roles. Yup that was me today.

I forgot yesterday to print out my resumes so this morning as I was warming up my voice and getting ready for the day I also made sure to get directions to the nearest Kinko's. I arrived into the city with the idea that I would be at work by 1pm. Ya know, sign up at 9:30am and then get a time slot and be outta there and back to the office. Well…I arrived to the 4^th floor and saw a long line of people, I made sure to make my way to the man who looked like he knew what he was doing and sure enough I found an old UM alumni Lindsay assisting him. So I go to sign up at 9:40am and already my name was put on the alternate list and not just that…number 36 of the alternate list. They were doing the auditions 9am-5pm with a one hour lunch break…poor poor new york musical theatre festival casting people…but then again what about the actors/singers aka ME? Well…I waited being hopeful and thinking maybe some people won't show so they get to the alternates to fill in time slots. OK….long story short. I waited all day. Called in Sick around 12pm and waited. Luckily the Where Eagles Dare theatre nearby had a piano and rehearsal space that wasn't being used by anyone and I went and said hi and got to warm up and use the room for a little bit. (We have been rehearsing there for Bubby's Shadow for the past 5 weeks) Ok so….around 3:30pm they tell us that they are running 30 minutes behind and instead of the 8 resume/headshots and 32 bars/measures of music they originally asked for they now started asking us for only 6 headshots/resumes and 8-16 bars. I only brought 32 bars, a quick 32 bars but still….I wasn't sure if I was going to have prepared music. And….now it's 4pm and she's now telling us that they will take the first 20 alternates. I was like number 32 on the new list…I was still hopeful. Sure enough as people left thinking they wouldn't be called….she came back and said she would take 5 more names…it's now 4:40pm. Then she comes back and says the last 3. So..needless to say I took a sick day and missed a whole day of work for nothing. Well…except that I saw some old UM Alumni at the auditions and it really was good to catch up with them. At 5pm I left my 8 headshots/resumes with business cards stapled on the piano for the casting director & my friend Lindsay. Just so my trip there wasn't totally wasted.

But…let me tell you what, the next audition I take for a musical I am making sure I have a time slot and or can take the day off and afford the long haul.

I learned a lot today and it felt good being around musical theatre folk. :)

-All the best!

Amada Manada

p.s. did i mention people were there at 6am just to sign up and audition??

Amada's First 4th of July in NYC

2008-07-17T15:41:00.001-04:00

So, Gene said he was coming to visit for July 4^th. Yay!

My schedule has just been extremely busy, waking at 7am catching the bus, the train, subways, and then walking through Grand Central to get to my office by 9am. Leaving at 5pm to take the shuttle to Times Square and then walking to our rehearsal space and having rehearsal from 6pm-10pm sometimes a little later then rushing to the subways and trains and busses to get home by 11pm/11:30pm and in bed by midnight. It's been this way for the past few months but the outcome of all the hard work will make up for my tiredness.

But let me backtrack just a few more weeks to the weekend before he comes to visit which was June 27^th. Our fundraiser for Bubby's Shadow was originally scheduled to be for Wednesday June 25^th from 6pm-9pm and was then moved to a Friday evening which actually worked out a lot better for us and the Friday Happy Hour crowd. The stage manager Krista since she has a car came to meet me in Queens to pick up my equipment and we moved it to the pub, where we stored it overnight for the next day. Basically the fundraiser was quite a success. I hosted karaoke using the speakers from the bar and was able to plug into all upstairs monitors. I started plugging in and getting sound ready after leaving work early and at 4:30pm we started decorating and setting up. We had a silent auction and I was asked to donate my website designing skills for it, we also had a raffle and of course free appetizers for the first hour of the fundraiser. Well we started at 6:15pm or so and it went on all the way till 12:45am. Which is great because the deal with this bar is, we can use the space for free as long as the bar makes $500. We raised about $1000.00 which is pretty good. It was a good time. But I was exhausted from working all night then hosting late then having to travel home. The taxi issue..omg. I don't even want to go into detail on this but basically a taxi was ordered for me then it never showed, then it did, then it didn't. I finally just hailed my own and went home using the cash Ramona gave me. I think I got home by 3am that night.

Then the next evening was my first time hosting karaoke in NY at my local pub. I was to also plug into their system and use the speakers and tv. I had some issues with my sound board being too powerful and yet the microphones were crystal clear without any music behind them so it wasn't their speakers. *sigh….Then the bartender was saying that since I was having some issues with the sound quality she wasn't sure she was going to pay me the number we discussed. I was not happy with that decision so I made sure to include in the conversation that if she wasn't going to pay me what we agreed upon that I would pack up and leave early. Saturday nights working for George I was making $200 cash. Sometimes more because of tips, so I was not about to back down. Anyways, I started at 10pm and around 11pm I had tweaked the board enough to have decent karaoke. So she said she would pay me $25 less then what we agreed upon and I said that's fine, but next time I come back it will only be after I've talked to the bar owner and we agree on a contract. Because I am not going to work in a place that is not guaranteeing to pay me what we agreed upon. That's just shady business. So, there was that. Plus the bar owner hadn't even made flyers or posted in their establishment that there was going to be karaoke. She called me at the last moment saying that she wanted me to bring in flyers. I was busy and couldn't do that at the last moment. So anyways after the show I stayed for a beer or two and as the evening became almost morning/daybreak the establishment seemed to get seedier and seedier. I hate that feeling, being pawed on by guys and these New York men just say whatever they want and think women are supposed to say Oh thank you for sharing anything that comes out of your mouth. So, I am planning on going to get the rest of my equipment from the bar this weekend. And if the manager decides to post some flyers and actually get this started we can do that but I'm so busy now with the show and working full-time it's not a big deal.

So then it was a day off on Sunday and then my week started over with all of a sudden stress of money and having my apartment ready for Gene's visit. I think I cleaned every night I got home, and then Ramona the director & the Andrew the playwright asked me if I could work on the postcard for the show. Which was okay but stressed me out even further. But I came up with something, which we ended up not using anyways but at least the days off helped me relax a little. Next thing ya know it was Thursday evening and Gene's flight was to arrive at 12:45am at JFK. The plane was delayed some and he actually didn't get to me until 2am. And we were so happy to see each other we were up till daybreak! Then we slept in and decided to take a train ride to Coney Island.

Coney Island…we woke up in each others arms and well….got ready for the day J Right Mucho??

And we then got on the 3:30pm bus ride/train ride to Coney Island. We arrived probably 2 hrs after the famous hot dog eating competition and even though there was trash everywhere, people were just enjoying their 4^th of July off. We walked around the whole place and then decided to get a hotdog from the world famous Nathans hotdog stand, cheese-fries, and a big beer. Ok…I don't eat red meat….but it was world famous Nathans! I ate almost a whole hotdog on my own. It was delicious, but of course when you don't usually eat red meat certain stomach issues occur to your body afterwards. My stomach hurt for 3 days afterwards. But it was worth the experience. Then we walked it off a little and went shopping for candied apples covered in coconut and all the sweets they have for real cheap. Then I said before we leave we have to ride a ride!! So I opted for the world famous ferris wheel or the roller coaster. Gene went for the ferris wheel and it was such a beautiful view and we kissed at the top of the wheel…sigh. So very very nice. After that we walked thru Chinatown and it was almost all closed down so we decided to try seeing fireworks by Macy's. Wow…ok. My first NY fireworks display…forgetting that NYC is full of very tall buildings we basically rushed towards the sounds of the booms and it started sprinkling and yet we found a small crack thru the buildings and I leaned against him pressed against the wall and as he held me and we watched the fireworks I couldn't have been happier.

Saturday we went to see Rent and then decided since we both love Wicked we would attempt the lottery for the 8pm show and that was just a crazy experience! So many people waiting around to fill out their green card with their names…since we had some time we went to this little Mexican restaurant for guacamole. This place had like 5 different types of guacamole. YUMMY! But Gene thought it best to go and wait to see if his name was called, and no we did not win so we decided to go home early and have our own show.

Sunday was too short of a day because he had to leave by 5pm to catch his 7pm flight. So we slept in and then went to lunch nearby and then waited for the taxi to arrive. I always cry when we say goodbye because this long distance is extremely hard but it's still worth being together. He completes me in so many different ways and I just feel so blessed that he is in my life.

So this blog has taken me quite long to write…almost 2 weeks just to finish!! I've been so damn busy.

The show opens tomorrow night, so tonight is our final dress rehearsal and we have been using small spaces within the Where Eagles Dare theatre company who is also hosting this Midtown International Theatre Festival. Wow, the drama!! I was told last night that one of the venue managers quit because she was sexually harassed by one of the employers or something…the actual theatre we are going to use has it's own issues within the confines of our show because we have so many damn practicals (lighting that looks like the actor turns the light on), then we have our own props issues. We are just going to have to muck through and use what we have for now. That's what I figure. Depend on the people who have been there every night and work thru this together. That's why we are a real production team. I feel so strongly about certain issues but I need to just stay quite and nice about certain things. Sigh…I need to be nice.

I have other issues now with a certain person at my job who has attitude everyday. I feel like people need to just do their thing and leave me alone sometimes….but maybe the answer to people who have their own issues and take them out on other coworkers the lesson is to treat them better then the way they treat you. Because there is no use in feeling upset at work, or upset in anything for that matter. I forgive those who trespass against me, and I will continue to make due with the things that I hold close to me regardless of that negative experience that tries to hound and haunt me.

I'm learning, growing, and experiencing life everyday and am extremely proud of my hard work…especially on this show. I got an email from the playwright who said he might have a karaoke gig calling me soon. Right in the city, every week for that matter. Which would definitely be a nice asset to all the other gifts in my life. But I won't push for it just yet, the hard part is not quite over, I'm still walking uphill.

Always true to myself and hope others can be as well,

Amada Anderson

Check out: www.bubbysshadow.com

www.bubbysshadow.com Check it out!

2008-06-19T15:02:00.000-04:00

Ok. So I got better and then went right back to working 9-5 and rehearsals from 6-10pm. I really am doing pretty good up here I think. My office is just the shuttle away to Times Square and a few blocks to most of our rehearsal spaces. Did I mention that this new show I am working on I am Assistant Directing and it’s in the same building as the 1st show I worked on just one floor up? Small world! I really am quite happy cause I am meeting new friends and just being in NY is the best thing that’s happened for/to me.

So…according to the headline of this blog, yes, I designed the new website for the upcoming brilliant production called “Bubbys Shadow” which was written by Andrew Rothkin and is being Directed by Ramona Pula. Please check out the website to see the brilliant cast and crew and if you’re here in NYC come join me for the Fundraiser on June 27th and the show July 18th!! This show is really touching and funny. Recently for the show some of us went to an actual Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Jewish Temple) and it was the most wonderful experience!! I mean when I sing I feel like I am in touch with God, because I am a spiritual person and it has always been that way for me. Even when I was younger in Choir I really would get into the gospels and Hymns we learned to sing. Anyways, we were all a little nervous about entering the temple because none of us were Jewish but we wanted to learn. So we were welcomed in and we sat down somewhere towards the back and I am used to basically trumpets going off and people having to stand when the priest enters because I grew up catholic but it didn’t start off that way here. They began by quietly singing a song and even when people were still coming in it was like all of a suddenly out of nowhere everyone was singing. Like that one song was the beginning of a wonderful evening ahead. The service basically was all singing and worship. There were moments when we had to stand and turn around and face the back of the temple and stuff but it was just nice to hear people speaking different language and being swept up in the moment not knowing what was going to happen. But my favorite part was the unexpected dancing!!! All of a sudden people were clapping and dancing and we were asked to join and kick up our heels and we were in a very long line wrapped like a pretzel around the church. Wow what a ball! And afterwards we decided to go out for dinner and a drink and it was so nice to be with people eating. I mean eating is naturally a social event and when you live alone you get used to being alone eating but it’s just so much nicer to have conversations and laugh.

So anyways the show is going really well and I’m doing great! Trying different foods and restaurants and beer. My favorite so far is Magic Hat #9 it’s like a blue moon but lighter. YUMMY! At production meetings my director always buys a few beers for afterwards and we enjoy our magic hat. J

Oh! And Gene is coming to visit me on July 4th for the weekend! We have to go see fireworks because last year was most magickal spending it with his friend Justin and his family so since he’s in NY there’s a few places we can go to and since we both wanted to go to Coney Island before they close next year we are going on Friday July 4th for Fireworks and maybe ride some rides & I’ll watch him eat hotdogs although yesterday I saw turkey hotdogs with the works at a stand so maybe I’ll have one. And sometime during Saturday we are going to see Rent. I don’t know if we’ll make the matinee or the evening show but it closes on Sept 7th and since Gene won’t be back to NY till his Birthday middle of September we have to go see it. It has special meaning for us since I was singing seasons of love when we met.

And that’s about all for now, I have rehearsals every night except Saturdays and pretty soon I will be hosting karaoke at a local venue in Middle Village. I start June 28th! Woohoo!

Oh, I guess I could mention the fact that Gene and I have been discussing going on a cruise to Europe & then the possibility of him moving here shortly after but how about I leave those details as the year comes to a close.

_Wicked Grin
Amada

Well…I thought it was Strep

2008-06-06T16:56:00.001-04:00

I recently came down with a horrible awful sore throat and if you know me, my voice is my instrument, my tool to express myself and when I lose it I am the most weak and pathetic thing extremely vulnerable and upset and I cry. Well last week after returning home from a wonderful vacation seeing friends and family for my birthday I came down with a fever Thursday evening and my throat was extremely raw. I know when I'm sick…my whole body breaks down. So of course Friday morning I got up ready to go to work but knew that I couldn't concentrate so I went ahead and stayed home and figured I would sleep it off. Well all of Friday I did sleep and I sweated out some of the fever but I knew we had 2 more shows to go for the Marathon Series A at the Ensemble Studio and I couldn't call in. So, I got dressed and took myself to the theatre. I could hardly concentrate even for the 2 hrs but I got through it and got myself home where I promptly passed out. Saturday morning I awoke with horrible white spots on the back of my throat, couldn't swallow, and my gums were bleeding and extremely sensitive. The softest touch made them tear and bleed. I was scared…but I made myself go to the theatre and work the show that afternoon since it was the last one. I got some soup along the way but couldn't chew anything because of the swelling of cold sores on my tongue and cheeks. During the show my friend Alex suggested I go to the clinic in the city around the corner and get seen. I had no energy for that so I took the information he gave me and went back home. But I did text my landlady who works as an hospital administrator and she had some antibiotics she brought me so I could take to get better. I took one Saturday night and promptly passed out early that night. Sunday morning I made myself go to the store for Chloraseptic spray, Listerine, cough drops, milk, eggs, and soups! The guy at the counter was like….soooo what are you concocting here?? I couldn't speak so I just quietly whispered that I had a sore throat. I mean talking feels like razors are being drawn at the back of the throat. I felt so bad because I was supposed to have hosted karaoke this Saturday at PJ Quinns but I couldn't due to the fact that I was ill but luckily she is very understanding bar owner and just told me to get better. Thank you for understanding Nulah. Ok. So here comes Monday, which I am not going to work and since I have been sick since last Thursday I decided to make sure I go to the clinic. I got myself together, extremely dizzy and weak, haven't really eaten since last Thursday and I got on the bus, the subway, and walked myself to the clinic where they tell me to register and then…tell me that it's going to be $125 per initial visit because I don't live in the city. I live in Queens. Bastards. But I told them I could only pay $50 since I didn't have much in my account. Plus I missed getting my check for this last week due to me being sick Friday and Monday, so I paid and I was in so much pain! The guy was nice but he tells me that the next walk in visit isn't until 5:45pm it was only like 11am when I got there. It was the straw that broke the camels back….I just started crying. I couldn't help it. Here I am, new to the city, new to getting any kind of medical attention, extremely dizzy and in pain on a scale of 1-10 a 9 and they are asking for so much money that I don't have and the next appt isn't until they almost close. I was to stay there all day and wait to be seen. So I paid the $50, and waited in the clinic. Around 1:30pm the nurse called me in to see my status and turned out I had a fever of 101.3, my blood pressure was high, and apparently a quick strep test proved it wasn't strep but I knew it was something. She then told me I should come back around 4:30pm or so to be seen at 5:45pm just in case they end up being able to see me earlier. So, I was a little hungry and thought I could maybe go get some lunch, some soup or something nearby. I went to this Mexican restaurant and ordered the Caldo and waited. It wasn't that good but it was okay enough to eat cause it was warm. I then went back to the lobby and waited and watched the Disney movies they had on the tv's. Before I realized it they called me in, 2 hrs before they were meant to see me. They checked me to see if I was pregnant, she gave me prescriptions for antibiotics, and ibuprophen and a gargle rinse if my mouth doesn't clear up after finishing the antibiotics. So, I felt better but it was now a whole day gone, I was tired and weak and I went to get my prescription filled at a nearby place. Then I went straight home and once more passed out. Tuesday I figured it best to stay home again so that the meds can take effect and clean me out. Then Wednesday I came into work and although I feel like an old lady eating my food/soup really slow it's better sometimes I think to get outta the house when your sick and try to get back to normal instead of wallowing at home in self pity and anguish. So thank you mom and dad and Gene and my sister for listening to my anguish and caring for me from afar. Oh! And of course thank you to my wonderful landlord for brining me antibiotics on short notice and caring if I live or die. LOL. Great people my landlords. Ok…now I'm off work. It's Friday night and I'm going straight home to relax and probably go to bed early. I hope everyone is well and taking care of themselves. Love u guys!!

Xoxoxo

Amada

My Birthday Weekend!

2008-05-27T14:23:00.001-04:00

Wow! Have you ever had that feeling that your life was puzzle pieces and certain things just seem to fit and come together? That is how I am feeling right now. I’m officially 27 living in NY with not many friends here but definitely know that I have friends and family in Florida who support and love me for who I am exactly the way I am. Thank you! THANK YOU! This past 3 months was extremely difficult, having to start over but with your love and support I have blossomed and am now finding my roots.

Friday I flew in around 11am and met Gene at the airport. I surprised him with a new hair color and a few other things that I can’t quite mention in a blog ;) We drove from Ft. Lauderdale to West Palm Beach to see my family. We met my parents for lunch at Perkins and then Gene and I went to the house to unpack. My mom cooked dinner for us chicken, rice, and beans and Jane and her 3 grandchildren came over and she cooked flour tortillas! YUMMY! My niece Allison had just gotten her drivers permit and she wanted to drive me around and we let her drive us to go pick up my other niece from middle school. Madelyn had just finished a production of Seussical JR and I was dying to see her show. So that night we (Mom and Dad, Allison, Madelyn, the 3 grandchildren, My best friend Ebonye, Jane, Tia Ramona, and Gene) watched Madelyn’s play, sang karaoke, and then watched the finale of House and then we all promptly passed out around 11:30pm.

Saturday we got up and had breakfast with Uncle Frankie, Samantha & James (Sister), the girls, and afterwards Gene and I drove to our hotel. Where we got to spend some quality time together eating snacks like fruits and veggies and just hanging out. We went to dinner around 8pm and we were going to go out to meet some friends at seven seas when we were overcome with exhaustion and had to go back to the hotel for a nap. Well the nap turned into an early evening and it was fine. I was just happy to be back in his arms.

Sunday morning/afternoon we arose and went to the store for some groceries and then afterwards we went to pick up Gene’s parents to go to his sister Nancy’s. Gene was really nervous because today was the day his parents were going to finally meet my parents. He was extremely worried that all things that could go wrong would go wrong but I told him to just relax because my parents are the most amazingly patient people who love him and will accept his family. Well…we got there and most of the food had been prepared. Gene’s mom had cooked Fried Rice, Veggie Dishes, Egg rolls both Chicken and Banana, and then his sister’s husband was grilling turkey/beef hotdogs, turkey/beef & cheddar patties, Rib eyes, and corn on the cob. Nancy had to buy another table just to set all the food out. So, my parents arrived a little earlier then expected but everyone got along tremendously and even though Nancy and Tim didn’t eat with us at the table they were wonderful hosts. I was so touched that they all had had done so much for me!

Now if any of you really knew me, you would know that I do not eat Red meat. I don’t eat beef or pork. I haven’t eaten red meat since I was 19, but on Sunday May 25th Tim had cooked those Rib eyes and I couldn’t stop looking at them. We were all eating and chit chatting and next thing I know….I spoke up and said “I think I would like to try the rib eye” the whole room got extremely quiet and my parents looked up and Gene’s mom who has always gone out of her way cooking for me these past 3-4 years I’ve eaten with them quickly started cutting her meat, my parent’s mouths dropped wide open, Gene’s eyes popped out of his head, and Nancy yelled from the kitchen “what did she say?!” My mom quickly got her camera out and started video taping me, and next thing you know there was a piece of meat in front of me and I opened my mouth and took a bite. And even though it has been almost 10 years since I had eaten meat it still tasted how I remembered it would. It was extremely rich and juicy. I enjoyed it, but you know how these things are, I don’t think I missed it so much as to want to do that again it was just one of those things.
Then after we were all extremely full the Oreo cookie ice cream cake was presented and I was sung to and asked to blow out candles and with Shane’s help we got them all out. As well as cut the cake together and then we stuffed ourselves again!! After dinner we said our goodbyes and I cried hugging my mom and dad and then Gene and I drove his parents home. We went to the hotel for a nap and shower before heading to Titanic to see my old friends.

Sunday Night: We got dressed and headed over to Titanic. I was a little nervous cause I hadn’t seen some of these people in months, but as soon as we walked to the front door Gene had to move outta the way from all my friends who were waiting to see me. Hug after hug after hug and tonz of new people/crowd falling over for Memorial Day and karaoke has already started and the night after that became just a huge blur. I was so touched that so many of the regulars had come out to see me. Jaime said he changed his flight for 2 days earlier cause he heard I was coming into town, KJ Tony showed up and sang “Amada State of Mind”/New York State of Mind. My duet buddy Mucho put all our duet songs on the sheet and had to bribe the KJ with $20 bucks to keep us in the rotation to sing as well as my boyfriend Gene sang his famous “Hey There Amada”/Delilah and made all the girls ooh and aww and made me cry cause he came down from the stage to kiss my hand. My friend Joe got me a button that blinked and looked like huge lips that read “Kiss me it’s my Birthday”in which people started trying to kiss where the button was placed…on my breasts and I think at one point ended up on my butt where strangers kissed my ass…. And then some people I just didn’t expect to show up did and I was so very touched that so many people went out of their way to see me. Thank you! I don’t quite remember what happened after tequila shots with Carmen and Vanessa but I think I was carried out and taken to the hotel where Gene took care of me.

Monday: Got up with a massive hangover and proceeded to pack my things to go see Boogie Man George to pick up some extra things for hosting karaoke here in NY. It was really nice to see George he really needs my help with the office stuff since I have been gone. So, if you guys are on his mailing list you will more than likely see my name again in the email blasts. Afterwards we drove to the airport where Sal met us for lunch at the airport and then Gene and I said our goodbyes crying and sad.

Overall the weekend was perfect. I had a wonderful time, and being with family and friends is what life is all about. I’m really so very grateful to have been with everyone. Thank you again for coming!!

This week coming up is going to be a little stressful as well…because Series A with the Ensemble Studio Theatre is finishing and the new play “Bubby’s Shadow” is coming up with rehearsals in June and performances in July. I’m assisting directing and will more than likely be designing the webpage for that as well but everything will work out according to plan. I’m quite excited! I also was asked for my availability to host karaoke certain Saturdays in June more than 2 times a month which will be great cause lord knows I really need the extra cash! Sigh…but we shall see. Don’t worry I’ll keep you all posted!!

Once again, I know who you are that care and please know I am truly grateful to have you in my life.

Xoxoxox
Amada

Busy Busy BEE!

2008-05-15T15:38:00.001-04:00

Busy Busy BEE

So, last night was auditions for Bubby’s shadow. It was on the 13th floor of a building that had small rooms lent out to people who wished to use them for auditions or rehearsals etc…

I met the stage manager Krista and we started setting up for auditioners. At first it was kinda quiet but then apparently there was also auditions for another play and an Improv show going on right next door to our space. We had set up chairs in the hallways for people waiting to go in and read, but the audience for the improv show decided to take it amongst themselves to drink our water and sit and wait for the show. That’s fine and dandy…Then there was lost people looking for Yom Kippur and I just kept on thinking isn’t that a Jewish Holiday? And I’m pretty sure it’s not today…then realized that’s the name of the other play having auditions…DUH!
Well at one point it became almost like the play “Noises OFF” because of the doors opening and closing in all the small spaces, including the rest rooms! So my job was to play doorkeeper of BUBBY’s SHADOW. Actors check in with me for their time and I make sure they have appropriate paperwork. Fun, fun…The best parts of the evening I believe would be when Krista the stage manager and I walked to the deli for a soda and snack and this man walks by and whistles/cat calls at us saying how he really liked big girls and keeping it real. WHATEVER! Although I was somewhat flattered but not really cause most men are pigs walking down the street saying whatever comes from their mouths.

So after the auditions we went out for a drink and to have a production meeting. Talked about the characters and potential actors playing them. It was nice.

Well somewhere along the way I got recruited to sing at the charity event! I don’t know the theme or anything but I said I would perform if they needed it. Why not? I also volunteered karaoke services for charity. The playwright Andrew sounded very excited about all of that and is looking forward to putting me into work right away. WOOHOO. My first NY stage experience will be singing for a charity, maybe I can get someone to record me?

Otherwise today I have been extremely exhausted….I went to sleep around 2am because we stayed out till 11pm then I got off the train/subway at 12:30am then I couldn’t wait for the bus because it would probably be another hour anyways so I hailed a taxi. $10 bucks later I was home. I ate and lied down and talked with Gene who is stressing out/excited that I am coming home. Then this morning the 4, 5, and 6 trains were down!!! Made me be 25 minutes late to work because I had to take the M, N (transferred 2 times) Q, to Times Square where I then took the shuttle to Grand Central. It was crazy!

And then yesterday I had missed breakfast and was extremely hungry, so I stopped and picked up a bagel and chocolate milk. Well when I got to the revolving door, there were lines of people all grabbing bagels, orange juice, coffee, danishes, and cookies. Man was I mad that I had spent the $5 bucks on food when there was all that food there….well you know what I did right? LOL I went upstairs dropped off my stuff and brought down co-workers and we got some extra grub. Yesterday was an okay day. Today I just hope I don’t pass out moving the set.

Amada the Broadway Diva Karoake Birthday Bash!

2008-05-13T16:00:00.000-04:00

Hey guys & gals,

Come Join me at Hooligans for my Big Karaoke Birthday Bash! I miss u all and would love to sing with you to bring in my new year!

Hosted By: Amada Anderson
When: Saturday May 24, 2008
at 11:00 PM
Where: Hooligans Pub & Oyster Bar
9555 S Dixie Hwy
Miami, Florida|10 33156
United States
Description:
Amada Anderson

Click Here To View Event

Happy Tuesday because it's my Friday!

2008-05-12T22:45:00.000-04:00

So, tonight was opening night for our marathon production series A. The first short play is maybe 15 min long & basically it's 3 songs long & some dialogue. It's called soul searching & its short & sweet story about a brother & sister who reincarnate & meet again in limbo to reincarnate again in another lifetime on another planet but get sent to earth not their favorite planet called Felicity. One song in particular I loved because I think it's the perfect audition song is this French medley about being in Paris & her baker boyfriend. Well I mentioned to the musical writer the other night that I loved it & today he brought me a copy! So generous! Yay! New song :) So, I have a new piece to work on fresh from NY off off Broadway & when I start auditioning I will most definitely have that gem piece that's not been heard a zillion times. Woohoo!

Last night the show basically ran pretty smooth otherwise & then directly afterwards we had champagne in real glasses! (It was opening night) I had just one glass/flute & had to go. Because my bus stops running after 1230am & I'm so tired! But tomorrow evening I have the night off & I plan on catching up on some zzzzzzzz & of course House since I missed it last night. At luckily at least I got in 10 after 10pm and made Medium! Yay! I was happy about that.

Thank u NBC.com for allowing me to see missing shows.

So my plans for tonight are to bake some chicken, kick back and catch up one some emails and then go to bed early. I need to bring lunch for this week because this buying lunch @ $10 a day is for the birds....(if u read the blog before last that was kinda funny huh? *snorts dorky

Hope all is well with the rest of u.

Monday Monday...thankfully it's over. Happy Tuesday Everyone!

oui oui...is French for Yes, no?

2008-05-10T23:14:00.000-04:00

So Saturday I had 2 shows to do. 2pm & 7pm at least I got to sleep in till 930am. Apparently there was a street fair making my bus take a different route & a little longer to get to my train station. Then the trains were under construction so I had to reroute & go 2 stops farther away to take the E express to Manhattan. So then I got into the city but ended up getting off the wrong station so I had to take a taxi to the theatre & then I was still 10mins late. But no biggie. The matinée flew by & in between I met a new friend Alex. He's a classical guitarist & singer & we went to grab food & come back to run thru transitions (because he's new & needed to know what set pieces get moved etc...) so after lunch I pulled out my laptop to update my blog & such but I ended up opening some karaoke files so he & I could sing. We had fun! I miss everyone in Miami. *sigh
so anyways break was over & it was time to run the 7pm show. Done. After I was ready to go home but Alec the other a.s.m. Was gonna walk with me to the train station but we ended up stopping at a French restaurant because Alec said he wanted to just see what it looked like & when we walked in the man started spouting French! Turns out he had lived in Africa a short spell & picked it up. He was talking to the owner & waiters in French & then he ordered us wine. A carafe of wine, sometime during the evening the waiter when he left gave us a half a bottle of brandy 80 proof & they passed around a punch bowl of sangria that had fruit pieces in it. Yum! So we had too much to drink & some of the lobster from some guy next to us. Don't ask!! But it was fun. I had to take a taxi home cause the buses stop running after 1230am. But I would do it again. Alec is fun. We ended up meeting this lady who runs a summer theatre company. I would love to do something like that but I'm already booked. I'm surprised I even had time to start the laundry, go to the store, and make it to the theatre tonight to work. It's all good. Gravy baby gravy....

Xoxoxo
Amada

Blessings of little wings...

2008-05-10T18:30:00.007-04:00

So the other day I was awaiting the bus...having seen 1 bus go by & thought I had almost missed it...This woman whom I talk 2 every once in a while starts coming over & right as she gets there I felt something wet fall on me. Apparently I was being blessed by the passing of little wings....she said it was lucky. I said yea okay. Got on the bus & headed to work. Well as luck would have (lol) it was my lucky day! The evening before I had received a text message from Taibi (the director from previous show Torrents) that she had given my number to a lovely gentleman called JD who's with the Ensemble Studio Theatre & that they needed ASM (assistant stage managers) for The Marathon which is basically a series of 15-20 plays in 3 months. I had to check my schedule. Yup, I'm free to do it! Woot!

Well shortly there after received news that I was most definitely hired for The Midtown International Theatre Festival for a show called "Bubby's Shadow". The new position is Production Assistant/Assistant Director/House Manager.

Also, the bar owner of PJ Quinns a local pub in Middle Village called & said they wanted to start karaoke @ the end of the month rotating Saturdays.

I'm so excited!!

So I feel really blessed that I now have 2 theatre jobs, a place to host karaoke & a full-time job!

I am so happy.

So, to celebrate I went & redesigned my entire web page & blogger blog template. Feel free to take a look if I haven't made you look at it already.

www.amadaanderson.com or www.amadaanderson.blogspot.com

*sigh

I've decided to enclose some of the html coding below in the blog so if your too lazy to go to my new fabulous website then you can come support me here in NY and all my new adventures. Isn't that nice of me?

Also it seems that I am coming home for my 27th Birthday! Yay! My mom comped half my ticket & Gene's parents are gonna meet mine finally. And if anyone wants to come hang out with me come see me Saturday May 24th 11pm-3am @ Hooligans (across from Dadeland mall & on US-1)for a karaoke b-day bash! It's funny cause if u remember last year it was a big going away to NY B-day party & now it's a visiting Miami party.

Good times...good times :p

oh! The shows about to start....Time to move the set...muah!

Xoxo
Amada

Assistant Stage Managing/Running Crew for Series A, Opening May 8th-May 31st!! See www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org for more info...

Also, currently assisting with the Midtown International Theatre Festival as Producer's Assistant/Assistant Director/House Manager for Bubby's Shadow. See www.midtownfestival.org for more info...

And after only 3 months working as a temp in New York She was recently invited to work full-time with PRC-Management as an Admin. Assistant.

Join Amada The Broadway Diva for Karaoke!

Please click here to see more info.
Want to hire KJ/DJ Amada for private karaoke parties or corporate events? Please call (305) 661-0679 or email george@boogiemangeorge.com.Click here for word document to print and fax for your event & to book Amada.

Neon Signs To Light My Way

2008-05-01T14:19:00.002-04:00

Neon Signs To Light My Way

So my supervisor Rebecca pulls me aside and asks me to accompany her to the conference room. She’s not holding any files and to be honest I haven’t really had a full 5-minute conversation since I started working here. So she begins by telling me that she and Minnay (the human resource manager) and David (the owner) have had a meeting about me and have come to the agreement that they like me and could use me here at PRC Management if I choose to come on board with them. So she asked me my plans, and asked me why I moved to NY and since I’ve been here I have come to the conclusion that I really do need to start working just regular job stuff to make money and start paying on my student loans. I know responsible?? Who does that?? But it’s good to get organized. I cant tell you enough how wonderful living in NY is. It’s the place to be and see things before anyone else…I wake up every day and think to myself “I get to see the Chrysler Building today and Grand Central” and should I like anything else here in NY. Sorry getting off topic…So basically she asked if I wanted to continue working here and if so then she would begin teaching training me to do more than filing and regular temp stuff. I was so excited and ya know….when someone offers you a job…It’s one of the most wonderful feelings ever! It’s as good as getting applause for a well-done performance and I would actually say that the two are the same for me. I felt like I could fly! So, then after work I have a meeting with Ramona (director) and Andrew (playwright) who are working on a brand new show called Bubby’s Shadow for the Midtown International Theatre Festival. As I understand it this is one of the first summer festivals in NY, slightly smaller than some but relatively important none the less. Ramona and I hit it off and start talking and checking schedules and basically she made the executive decision to hire me right there on the spot! Andrew was running late due to a train delay from work. But when he got there they decided that they liked me and that we would be working together, except they were also seeing other people for the stage management position but since I have sound board experience from being a Karaoke host for the past 2+ years Ramona thought it best to add that to my list of possible opportunities that may arise from other candidates. I am so excited! Oh…and how ironic is this that when I asked where the show was going to be held, she told me that it was going to be at the Barrow Group Theatre. That is the same building that I just worked at for “Torrents”. So I asked her if it was the big theatre or small one…she said small one….and to be quite honest….I truly believe that this is fate. First off…the small theatre (if it’s the same one) only has room for one person in the booth and that would be for the stage manager who will run the lighting board and sound board. And if it’s not the same theatre then it’s like a floor up or down in a different theatre then it’s still ironic that it’s the same building. *sigh

I prayed for a sign. A sign that I was doing what I needed and finding my way and this happened.

The universe doesn’t play coy with me, and I appreciate it, neon signs work just fine and the best part is NY has plenty of them.

Please don't squish my boyfriends Kumquats

2008-04-25T07:48:00.006-04:00

(THIS WAS WRITTEN APRIL 17th 2008)

So Gene is coming to visit me on Friday. Yay! My first guest in my first NY apartment! I'm doing my best to make sure he feels welcome. Buying him his soda and I'm going to make sure to get a few other gifts for him, because I want him to know just how much he means to me. I can't go into detail just yet about all the things I've purchases because if he reads this it won't be a surprise anymore ;p

Tomorrow evening is our cast party for my first NY show called "torrents" where I wasn't acting but Stage Managing. And it was a wonderful production team. But even still as soon as the last show was over and Caleb the set designer walked in to start taking the set apart I really truly felt the burden from my shoulders lift off and away. Usually stage managers have a running crew and a light and sound person in the booth that I am supposed to call the cues too. Unfortunately being such a small team it was literally myself and Autumn the props master/assisting director who ran the show behind the scenes. I would always go early and set up the set and pull the bigger props I knew out and place them. If they weren't in the right place the actors fixed it with minimal whining. But Autumn did the makeup and tonz of other things backstage sometimes even doing the opening house talk (which is when she gets up and tells everyone to turn off their phones and pagers to silent and warn them about the gun shot). The show then begins with the rest of the sound and light cues from me, which if you read my last blog you know how frustrating it was being rushed into tech week. But in all productions usually it's called hell-week for that reason right there. Anyways, I'm having mixed feelings about going just because it's from 8-9pm and I want to be home and well rested for Gene when he get's here. So, I might just pass on it all together, they all have my number and email address if they want to get a hold of me. Ya know? But, we'll see. I might need a drink or two to calm my excitement.

What other wonderful events have happened recently? Hmmm…well during the run of the show there was a few flubbers and stuff. Cast members having to hide in closets onstage during a scene because she forgot something onstage and the lights were coming back on before she had a chance to exit. And one of my most favorites is when the police offer is shot, the gun is supposed to go off and then the police officer falls to the ground splashing a blood pellet on his chest. Well...in one production we had the wonderful opportunity of Bill walking out and the gun failing to shoot, but office gunn reacts the same way dying immediately to a false gun and the blood from the bullet flying into the air and landing on the front row. Too much fun!!

This was a wonderfully talented cast and crew and even though I don't think I can make the cast party it was a pleasure to work with them. My first NY show. Yay!

Here are the pics of the Set from Torrents-

View Album

Get your own

Well enough rambling...must move onto the next blog...

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NOW April 22, 2008 (The Visit w/pics below in slide show)

So I took Friday & Monday off work to see my Boyfriend, Gene. He was to arrive at LaGaurdia around 11am and so I called a taxi for pickup so as to meet him and his friend Monty there. I had a lot of special gifts for Gene and wanted to make sure that he felt welcome and at home in my new town and home. So I brought some Tootsie pops and dressed up a little and made my way to the airport. As I was waiting this guy from Chicago whom I later found out is a famous poet writer for various hip hop artists came up to me and told me I was so very beautiful, and then he told me that if I ever broke up with Gene to give him a call. Even though he lives in Chicago, he said he would come back to take me to dinner. *uh huh yea right.

Anyways…So I'm standing there waiting, nervous, excited, nervous, and then I see him. And on the inside I was screaming and jumping up and down so very happy but when he walked straight towards me and hugged me tight, we both started crying and I couldn't stop kissing him! OMG, I missed him so much! We decided to get some coffee and let Monty (Gene's friend he flew up with) grab some lunch before leaving to go home. We chit chatted and then hailed a taxi. 15 mins later we were home and he saw what I left out for him. I can't go into as much detail here what was prepared for him, but I basically set up a little shrine of fav. foods and fruits and veggies that he loves. Including of course his Coca-cola, Budweiser, and our fav whiskey Johnny Walker. I also had this box of magnetic words that I made a heart with and in the middle read "I missed you so very much". He started to unpack some and well we decided to take a walk around my town. Showed him my grocery store, and train stops, local places of business. We walked basically up and down metropolitan and then grabbed a pizza from the corner pizza place and took it home for dinner. The pizza was HUGE, we had it all weekend cause we couldn't eat it fast enough….

Saturday we got up and went into the city riding 3 different trains just to get to Bowling Green and Wall Street where we saw the ball and bull. Then taking the subway to Chinatown, we decided to just wander around and try different things. We sampled this and sampled that and then when it was lunchtime we were already too full to eat anything solid. So we stopped at this place for soup and Gene loved it! Chinatown has these weird candy stores, they preserve like everything, crabs, fish, and all types of jellybean candies. Then we walked towards where I thought Little Italy would be, and sure enough we found it. We stopped at a pub for a drink. Walked towards Christopher Street and along the way we stopped at another Pub. Where I started drinking a beer called Magic Hat #9. It's orange flavored and it was similar to blue moon I thought which I wasn't normally used to drinking but being it was warmer weather we were walking in I wanted something refreshing like a lemonade and it was perfect. So after the beers we continued our quest to walk to Greenwich Village where we found Christopher Street and various little shops and stands. I was drawn towards a jewelry stand where I immediately asked for puzzle rings and she gave me one and it fit Gene & myself so I bought it! I wanted something for him and I to share. I know it sounds childish but we are so far away…. so anyhow I gave him one and took the other half and now we wear them. He's so wonderful! I love you Gene.

So we wondered around and walked towards the Hudson River. Sat by a park and then decided to walk back towards the Times Square. Well after a short stop to potty we decided we better take the subway (it's faster). Gene held my hand as we walked up the stairways out towards Times Square where he was amazed and turned into a child (Like everyone does, on their visits to time square). It wasn't quite dark yet it was still late afternoon but we decided to go look for the toys r us and other things along the way. We finally found it and went in, he took a look at the Ferris wheel and said, he couldn't do it, but I said…NO we are here. We'll ride it together. And we did. It was pretty scary…overwhelming…and crazy as times square and seeing all the things we saw that day after the day we had had…I was hungry and he wanted to try for a show. So we went to see if Avenue Q had any special tickets and we were like 30 minutes late for the lottery so we decided that we would try Sunday afternoon instead. So we walked back towards Times Square in search of dinner and found this cute little pub/restaurant that had Broadway posters all over the walls and excellent food! When I come back and update this blog with pics I will tell ya the name too….lol It was amazing food. I had a smoked beet appetizer with some sort of Gouda cheese on it. OMG! Delicious!! Then after eating and walking and a few more drinks into the meal it was time to go home. We hailed a taxi and took off. What happened after that I can not go quite into detail here on this blog. ;) But we did have special gifts for each other, a friend of mine, made him the karaoke version of this song called "No Myth" and I played it for him and told him I would get it on a cd+g for him as soon as I can. Then he say's ok. I have your surprise….and he gives me this cd. I play it on my laptop and all of a sudden I hear the song "Hey There Delilah" start up except he's not singing Delilah he's singing MY name "Hey there Amada" and it's Gene's VOICE!! Apparently he had George record him singing it and brought it to me. I cried and cried, I was so touched, nobody ever did anything like that for me before. Dedicated a song just to me, nor less recorded themselves singing. My heart just felt so full and bright. Now every time I actually hear the song I tear up. Gene has allowed me to post it here on my blog for those of you who wish to hear it with a side note that he does not actually play the guitar....

Moving on....and hopefully your listening to Gene sing :) Sunday we got up and headed over to try and catch avenue q matinee but first stopping at Grand Central and Chrysler Building so my baby could see where I work everyday. We finally found his zippo fuel lighter thingy that he had been searching for in every tobacco store throughout Chinatown-village. So, he loved the little Green Market that is here, that I walk by and visit almost everyday. Said if we lived here he would come by food and make me dinner. Then we took the shuttle over to Times Square where we decided not to try for Avenue Q and instead go shopping at the M&M's store and Hershey's and NBC store. So on our way to the NBC store we saw the sign for Macbeth starring Patrick Stewart. Gene dorked out and said he had to take pictures for his friend Monty (who he traveled with up here but sadly Monty flew back that afternoon) and so while he was taking pictures I asked him if it was something he wanted to see. He said he had looked up tickets and that they were like $300 bucks and I knew that wasn't true so I went in to check and the guy had tickets for as low as $26.50 I immediately came back out and asked him if he wanted to see the 3pm matinee? In which he asked how much tickets were and next thing you know we were buying tickets and Gene couldn't believe it! I was so happy to see him so happy. We walked to Rockefeller center and NBC store and shopped. He bought me a Heroes t-shirt and we continued shopping a little bit. Stopped at a pub right near the show and I had a blue moon and we ordered some chicken wings. YUM! The food in NYC is amazing. Then we went to our show. 3 hrs later….we walked outta the theatre and happily walked towards M&M and Hershey's store. After much debate on what t-shirt his sister would like and a few hrs later we started across the street to Hershey's here I walk by ya know how in NY you hear people calling to you, especially the comedy shows and such. Well, one of these guys say's Hey! I know you!! So, I turn around and sure enough finally run into a friend from school, Chris Harbor. He quickly informs me that his show is at 8:30pm and he's in an improv show. I was so happy! I quickly told Gene and we decided that we should do that. Since Gene and I both love Improv and Gene is taking classes in Florida, that seeing NYC improve would be great for him. So, we finished shopping and went to the show where I saw another old friend from school Joshua Henry. Josh is doing really well. He's already on Broadway in a show called "In The Heights" and apparently will be on the original Broadway recording. Go Josh!! Live the dream!! So the show was excellent. Really fun and everything we were used to. It felt right to be there with Gene, even though he gets quite excitable and loud. LOL But we love him for that, don't we?? I do. We take another taxi home cause I wasn't about to carry the 12 pack of beer up and down stairs and onto 2-3 different trains and buses. 20 mins later we were home and unwinding. So very tired we decided to snack and snack and chill out watching Dr. Who and other various tv shows. Monday came and I didn't want him to go. He didn't want to go. But we lounged around in each other's arms and loved each other. We ordered something delivered and got him a taxi to pick him up around 5:15pm flight left at 7 or so. He finally managed to meet my landlord though, right before he left. And then he was gone, and we cried. I cried and cried, feeling so very sad that I wouldn't see him for another 4 weeks or so. My birthday is May 26th and we decided that if we can get off that Friday he's coming back up here and if not then I'll fly out after work that Friday and stay with him in Miami/West Palm beach with my family. I miss my family sure but it might be cheaper for him to fly back here for the weekend. We don't get many 4 day weekend breaks and since my b-day falls on Memorial day we are all off at work. We shall see. Right now, I can wait for him if he can wait to be with me. Ya know? Here's the pics of the trip:

View Album

Get your own

So, this week has kinda flown by since I still have my memories of the wonderful weekend past, but on a completely different note, I got a text from a local bartender here about starting karaoke once a month on Saturdays. So, George should be sending me up equipment asap so I can get over there and hook into their speakers and such. It's exciting because to be honest I think I can do one hell of a show over here in Middle Village Queens. The dinosaur technology these other people are using isn't up to par, and I'm sure once people see George's selection they will migrate and want more. So, let's hope this works out. I could use a once a month/week gig doing karaoke.

Alright, well this has been one hell of a blog…4 pages or so, but weeks have gone by and I haven't filled you guys in on everything.

*Still haven't heard from Disney

*Might be catching a cold

*Learning to cook

*Deciding on better job- want entertainment job, but will need to find night gig's first, then maybe daytime flexible schedule stuff to audition.

*At work am listening to stuff like: Kerenush…New Age stuff and Electronica. Weird huh?

I know I know….it's Pandora. What can I say?

Alright gotta go! Feel free to IM me on any chat program and or email me.

All the Best!
Amada Anderson

Exciting opening! First NY Show & Hell Week!!

2008-04-07T15:27:00.000-04:00

AND THIS IS WHY IT’s CAlled HELL-WEEK :l

So, Monday was paper-tech. (which is talking to the lighting designer and sound designer about when the cues are to be played during the production)

Tuesday, we were still hanging lights and listening to sound cues and deciding where everything was going to go. Scenes 1-4

Wednesday, same thing except Taibi (our director) say’s I think Amada should be back there learning to run the board and do the sound all on her own. The only problem was we were not done with all the cues as of yet and the sound guy (Gerry) still was using his laptop and playing the cues while Kevin (lighting guy) was "Teaching" me how to use the lighting board. I was getting really flustered and when we took a break…I broke. I had to go splash water on my face from the tears. I was crying…like that first time I hosted karaoke at Chechos (with George & Tony & Gene by my side) and I couldn’t get the rotation. I wasn’t angry at anyone buy myself because I thought I just wasn’t smart enough or something…So, decided to take a cab home. The whole ride home in the taxi I started crying but what was the worst was I would only start to cry when someone would say encouraging things….lol. What’s up with that??

Thursday, finally having finished setting cues and instead of the usual stage manager just calling the cues….I was actually the one that had to sit back there and push all the buttons and faders. The role of GOD: was given to me. Wah ha ha ha….But I totally wasn’t comfortable yet back there by myself so Kevin stood by and watched as well as sound guy Gerry making sure I was getting and understanding the workings of the damn mixer and timing on fading in and out of the sound cues. THANKS TO THE DESIGNERS & Taibi for the encouraging words!! –after the extra 20 minutes of just cue to cue already past 12am at 12:35am We walked out of the theatre. I decided from all the stress I was going to need to take another taxi home…..
Well after 4 taxi’s telling me that they can’t drive me home because I personally can’t give them directions…I decided to call Gene. He gives me directions which I write down and repeat to the next cab driver who then tells me there is a $5 toll for leaving the city that I will have to pay in cash even though he has a visa/mastercard swiper in the taxi, I explain that I don’t have cash to pay that so he drops me off and …the next taxi/(5th) one I got in to tells me very kindly that that guy just didn’t want to leave the city due to it being a ripe time for fares. ANYWAYS…so I’m still looking for my wallet/keys because I couldn’t seem to find it in the last cab…..empty my bad on the taxi seats…NO WALLET & KEYS! OMG…immediately I tell the driver who even though is a nice guy says he can’t take checks…*sigh it’s raining…I get out of the taxi…it’s now..like 1:45am or so. I realize I don’t know where I am..but I should try getting back to the theatre in hopes that my wallet/keys are there…..I walked from empire state building towards penn station….and find my way back to the theatre which is LOCKED! I’m crying in desperation and having to call my landlady Doreen to please have her husband open my door. Totally embarrassed and upset I then remember that my metrocard (card I use to ride trains and subways) is in my phone case. Very mentally tired and upset…I make my way back to the train. Ride the E to the L to the M then have to walk the 10 blocks home in the cold rain. It was 3am when got home with a full day ahead of me working 9-5 (meaning being up at 6:45am) and then opening night running the show. My body was in chills and I was freezing and teeth chattering I decided to take Friday off from work. Which was the best decision I believe I could have made given the extreme situation I was just a part of.

Friday, I slept in till 3pm when I had to be on the train by 4pm to be at the theatre by 5:30pm to run cues with the director. Luckily the theatre was locked up like a vault and my keys/wallet was behind the light board where I left it. THANK GOD! And we had a great opening show! With reception to follow where I met friends of the cast and family members. One in particular was this woman named Deb. She was such a delight to speak with. Turns out we both have played similar characters in musicals and she was all about encouraging me to go audition. I just haven’t felt the need to do it since I am just now finding full-time work. But she was like…just find 3 you think you would be cast in and go!! 3 a month tops…to start. I was like….I guess your right. There is a lot of actors that have day jobs and rehearse in the evenings….I should do the same. I mean sure we need to eat and pay the rent…but she reminded me that the temp job is just that and there are a lot of creative temp companies that are great at scheduling you in companies that understand and acknowledge actors schedules. Then on top of everything…..I do have friends of mine that are performing on Broadway no less…and I should be doing the same. Why not? Take the risk and live it up!? Other actors are bartending at night and I’m sure I could do the same. Karaoke in the evenings is something….and believe me even though the bars around me have a host every once in a while…their systems are old and they’re selection is not the best. I could def. make more money hosting again up here.
I just don’t have transportation for my equipment…
*sigh.

And…I’m still waiting on Disney to call. I called today to make sure I had the guy’s last names to send thank you cards.

And…IDK. After next week Tuesday I am free again in the evenings…but then that Friday Gene is coming to visit! SOOOOOOO EXCITED! I can’t wait to show him around NY. He’s gonna love it here.

Any advise, points of views, anything…please feel free to email me or comment. I could use the council.

Miss and love you all!!

Amada Manada Hakuna Matata!!

TECH WEEK for “Torrents”, Disney interview, Midtown lunch, and a fish named Sid

2008-04-02T09:19:00.006-04:00

First off we started tech for Torrents (Hanging lights, adding sound to the play, calling those cues). We got to scene 3 last night….*sigh Tonight we are going till midnight and I am going to have to walk the 10-11 blocks home because the buses stop running at 12:30am and I won’t get there till maybe 1:45am? Then up at 6:45 to be at work by 9am. LONG DAY!! AGGHHHH

Here’s the links for our production (what I could find anyways):
OFFOFFONLINE.com- http://www.offoffonline.com/listings.php?id=8098

NYTheatre.com-http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/showpage.php?t=torr6552

Theatrescene.net-http://www.theatrescene.net/ts/ea.nsf/By+Category/FB5D51CE8F1D99A885257409001C5087

NewYorkTheatreguide.com-http://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news/mar08/torrents09mar08.htm

Theateronline.com-http://www.theateronline.com/playbill.xzc?PK=17474

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Yesterday I had an interview. I got a call for an admin. marketing assistant position with Disney. Totally excited and never having had a panel interview before I was nervous but decided to treat it like an audition. I prepped my material (Resumes and requirements of the job in detail) and waited patiently in the office. I was sure to arrive a little early of course so I could calm my nerves and take in my surroundings…POSTERS huge posters of the Disney Broadway Shows on the walls. Beautiful pictures of The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and of course The Lion King. I think my interview went extremely well because I didn’t have to hold anything back. I was there because I have theatre experience and because I know how to be an admin assistant and when I mentioned that I was stage managing a production one of the guys commented that the job is very similar to being a stage manager. Keeping track of time and scheduling. I had all that experience before working with George as well as all the shows I’ve worked on amongst various other things. I just felt right. Ya know? Some places you work for you feel like there is something missing? You don’t quite fit? But I felt like I fit. So cross fingers and say a little prayer for me?

Working in midtown is really nice but lunch is wayyyyyy expensive. I mean subway is usually $8 bucks for footlong meal. Right? Well around here if you want to eat cheap stick to what you know…Mcdonalds and Wendy’s. Otherwise if you do have the cash…you should treat yourself to a wonderful lunch J I treated myself to lunch a few times this past week and a half. I was craving sushi…or Indian….I love spicy foods so I was looking for sushi and the first place I found was a That restaurant called Thai-Nam. Well it’s not sushi but I stopped in and sat at the bar where I met Arthur. Nice guy.
Then I think it was the next day or maybe someday that week…I found a Salad, Soup, sandwich place that actually does your salad in steps…You pick the lettuce and size then add your meat then add like 3 extra big sides, then all the toppings you want!!! YUMMY! I love salads. It was 8 bucks but really delicious. Then I went back towards the Thai restaurant and thought I found a sushi place but it turned out to be a Noodle place called Menchankotei that serves this noodle-soup dish that apparently sumo wrestlers used to eat. They have different flavors of ramen noodles and you can pick the meat that’s in it. So, since I couldn’t find sushi and it wasn’t Indian food I decided to make it a curry dish. At that bar I met a guy named Thenarsi. Friendly guy. Here’s a pic:

Then…I finally found a sushi place. Sushi Yasuda. I sat down at the sushi bar and realized this was a high class place. But if it’s sooo High class what’s with the mini-soda for $4?

I ordered the sashmi and sushi combo it was $20 bucks and usually lunch specials include soup or salad…they charged me another $4 for a half a cup of lettuce and a piece of a half of a grape tomato. Yea…ok. The sashimi was sliced particularly small and the sushi was average. IDK maybe Miami just has better/cheaper sushi?? If anything service and presentation was beautiful as the Asian’s usually are great at ;)

Well if anything I was walking past one place that advertises 99 cent pizza.

I hear it’s pretty good too…maybe next week!

And there’s a fish here named Sid. An angelfish I think…I always say good morning to it and the other day he was apparently not moving. Everyone gathered around the fishbowl worried and we almost announced him dead but my supervisor Rebecca just said yea he’s not long for this world and we went back to work. Then one of the guys in the back pipes up and says ever since the new girl got here stuff keeps getting screwy like the copier and now the fish! I was like HEY! All I do is say good morning to it!! He say’s that’s bad enough…and everyone laughed. Well I guess Rebecca changed him into a fresh bowl and a few hrs later he was up and swimming! Yay! So, here’s a pic of Sid.

And finally…who can solve the mystery of these signs??

I mean does that mean that wheelchaired individuals can’t STAND near their busstop??

Geesh…anyways. Wish me “BREAK A LEG” for Torrents and if your in NY I hope to see you after the show!

Take care everyone and All the best!!
Amada

My Meebo Widget...

2008-03-26T21:09:00.002-04:00

Okay...for those of you who do not know what Meebo is, check out www.meebo.com. I use it at work because it's better than having to download all your chat programs on to your boss's computer and it's free! So...if you see that I'm online, please feel free to say hello :)

..

Love ya!
Amada Manada

Wonderful & CrazY...Don't worry, I'm sane. (I think)

2008-03-26T19:30:00.003-04:00

So, today was an okay day. My tummy hurt some from bad cream for my coffee @ work. But I managed to do really good by clearing the top portion of the filing cabinet and putting the files away. I told Rebecca my supervisor that I am really learning all the stamps and copies of receipts just by glancing at the paperwork. LOL.

Another thing is that I am debating on coming to Florida for my birthday. May 26th Memorial day weekend!! Karaoke Party Time & Family Dinner sounds like a blast right? When I told my mom about it she was half okay with it and half not reminding me that I still have to figure out what to do about my student loans. *sigh Why can't I just win the lottery and they get paid off??

Gene is really excited about coming to visit me. We keep discussing things we want to do and see. I think we should go with the flow...I mean it's NY. Not much changes here, landscape is pretty much the same. And apparently Rent is extending it's run till Sept 7th...so the idea of him and I seeing Rent that weekend in April doesn't quite make the cut as yet. IDK maybe we will get lucky and by whim get some really discounted tickets. I mean I joined TDF.org today and am finding tickets to shows for $37 bucks. Or maybe I will get really lucky and start working for Theatremania that week before he gets here and just get us free tickets via employee discount ;)

My hands & Lips are chapped from the cold...I have lip balm but no lotion good enough to heal my cracked knuckled skin. It hurts so bad sometimes when I wash my hands that it burns...I thought I saw that it might snow Saturday. I really hope not but if it does I'll still go play in it. Can't get enough of the wonderful cold here in NY.

My show opens very very soon. The actors are almost off book and I am getting to do a paper tech on Monday with the lighting designer and sounds guy. Being stage manager is definitely a learning experience if you are like me and also an actor. Watching things from the directors point of view really helps you see things differently. For example...I mentioned to Taibi (Director) that it seemed to be when the actors blocking (placement on stage/motivation to move or do something) is done right the actors get all their lines correct. The movement will seem natural and pictures are created that inspire the plays progress. I'm loving it. And the cast is equally talented as well, some doing other things like doing soap operas and stage readings. I think I'm going to look into doing stage readings as an actress...just to keep my acting up to par. Singing is a whole different world...My god I need some practice. Weeks that I was having lessons I was able to hit High Bb's even high E's....and now. Shit I can't even warm up without thinking that I am being rude by singing too loud. I need an outlet to express myself. Something to let me be me. Cause I don't have my car anymore nor a normal karaoke venue. So, I need to do something....Suggestions anyone?

Oh! Disney called me. I have an interview sometime this week for the marketing assistant position. I'm excited about going to that...

What else...What else? OH! This new temp company I am working for called Epic Staffing has direct deposit! Isn't that sweet? So much easier to just fax your timecard in and then they do direct deposit. I mean why can't the rest of the world get up to speed on this??

Another wonderful thing about NY...the places for lunch. OMG...I found this soup and salad place that let's you create your own salad. You pick your salad, a meat, then like 3 other bigger items, then unlimited toppings plus dressing. 8 bucks and I have a wonderful salad that hits the spot. YUMMY! Not only did this place have salads but they also had sandwiches and wraps and soups. I'm loving wraps...speaking of sandwiches...I for the first time Tuesday night had a toasted tuna sub from subway. It was really good...except I hate that the bread falls apart in flakes all over my clothes. But, would I have it again toasted? Yea, I think so.

Ok. Well that's me in a NY nutshell. Just working and trying to stay active, needing new underwear and some more soap, and just trying to stay sane. Thank you to everyone who has been texting me and wishing me wonderful success. I love you too!!!

Random NYC :)

2008-03-20T12:21:00.003-04:00

Well…it turns out that I am going to be just fine for the next 3 weeks at least. Min from Epic Staffing called and asked me if I would be interested in working for PRC Management near Grand Central Station. I was of course very excited and said yes! So here I am. It’s a better day then yesterday because it’s not raining even though I have brought it just in case. Yesterday I went to lunch in Grand Central Station and was blown away by just how large it is and how wonderful the food selection was. I mean seriously it is GRANDEUR!

So this assignment doesn’t have me anywhere near phones (Yay!) and I am creating a filing system for them. This poor British guy in the back is nearly barricaded in and needed help climbing out literally. It’s pretty easy and laidback and someone offered me cookies and popcorn the very first day. YUM! The building is called The Graybar Building and you can really tell it is exquisite. Almost like working in a hotel. One of NY’s older buildings I’m sure.

Tonight we have rehearsal and then tomorrow is Good Friday and we are off both here and for rehearsal. So I am making sure tomorrow to make it a good one. By sleeping in and then going to the store so I can bring my lunch to work instead of spending $10 a day or so on it.

Last week at KOCH I was introduced to the idea of Internet radio and while casually browsing I found this website called www.PANDORA.com. Check it out! I typed in “Cranberries” or “u2” and it basically will make you a playlist of music similar in musical tonality and rhythmic syncopation. I AM SO IN LOVE WITH IT! I mean for playing it at work anyways. Each song that comes on I go…Oh! Love it! *sigh

On another note, my boyfriend Mr. Gene is coming to visit me April 18th! Yay! I am so excited and I can’t wait to show him all the wonderful things about NY. I mean it’s amazing being here in the city everyday. I get up early, watch the news for the weather, and take a bus then train and am at work. Midtown is awesome. Everything you see in the movies right here! Love it.

A few strange but I guess ok with me things…I do have to say. Just random spotlight in NY.

*Canal street- going home smells like Chinese Food. Yum! (Reason: Chinatown not too far away)
*Both Myrtal stops on the M train going home smell like Chicken. (Reason: one has a Popeyes and the other has a KFC)
*I sometimes will sing along with my I pod really loud when no one else is on the same train as me.
*I was walking past the public library with my laptop carrycart really fast trying to get to rehearsal and was told by a gentleman that he was jealous of my husband…and I said why and he said because I could maneuver that thing through town like no ones business.
*I was stopping to have a drink and something lite to eat before rehearsal and as I was standing looking at a menu outside a drunk/homeless man actually barked at my ass! WTF!?
*If it’s raining here in NY you better 1. have an umbrella. If you don’t have one you can easily buy a cheap one from someone standing around selling them outside for $5 bucks or so. 2. Make sure to not get smacked in the face, eyes, or poke anyone else with your own umbrella or you will get in trouble. So WATCH OUT!! 3. have your own little rubber boots otherwise your shoes will get soaked from walking past puddles and thru streets.
*On the subways during rush hours you are always guaranteed a show. I’ve seen du-wop groups and even mariachis just walking thru the trains with hats or cups. Too WILD!
*Ramen Noodles is okay…only a few times a week. Not everyday otherwise you get major headaches!!

Hmm…and well that’s it for now. I get to go downstairs and eat whatever I want! My god Grand Central Station food is amazing!! Talk to you later!!

Xoxox
Amada

Here's some random pics:

My Experience at Koch Entertainment

2008-03-14T11:04:00.002-04:00

Well…it is Friday March 14, 2008. I don’t have any plans for Monday to work anywhere and am a little discouraged but am happy that I have friends in Miami and here in NY who are rooting for me! Thank you so much for the encouraging words!

I guess I am planning on calling recruiters, different ones from the 6 I already am speaking with to see if they can’t find me work. I can make an appt with them this coming Monday & Tuesday.

At least after this coming Friday my rent will be paid. Woot! And my landlady Doreen is absolutely the sweetest! She has advised me in so many things about NY, even printing out job ads and bringing them to me to email my resume to. She understands and has actually allowed me to pay rent weekly if I need to. When she told me that I just felt so reassured that I can do this. I CAN DO this. NY is tough but not scaring me in the least I know that I am being guided and truly feel blessed with everything that has allowed me to be where I am today.

My show called “Torrents” a new play by Robert Attenweiler is opening at the Barrow Group Theatre on April 4-7 and April 11-14 @ 8pm as well as April 6 & 13th @ 2pm. Studio Theatre, TBG Arts Center 312 W36th Street, 3rd Floor. All tickets are $18 www.smarttix.com or 212-868-4444. My new friends in the production is: Taibi Magar (Director), Daniel Aho (Actor/Producer), Lyndsay Becker (Actor/Producer), Autumn Clark (assistant director/props), Allyson Morgon (producer/actor), Reggie Oldham (producer/actor), and Jessie Williams (actor). If your in NY and wanna see a brand new work with a talented cast look no further!!

OK…..on to my day at KOCH Entertainment.

I am receptionist. Basically I have been corresponding with upcoming and famous artists and all other people who are desperately trying to break into the music business. And about 50 times a day I have to tell people “No. We are not accepting demos at this time please call back 4-6 months from now.” And so far people have been ok with it and understanding. Others will do anything to get their feet in the door…hence my bodyguard Kevin. He comes in around 12:30 and stays till about 7pm protecting all the people from crazy people who even rap on the phone or try getting last names and extensions just to sing to someone. CRAZY!

Anyways, this was my first job in NY & even though I was only a temp the people here truly made me feel welcomed and part of the family. Thank you!!! I look forward to future endeavors if any that may appear in the future. IE: working for the company/record deals 

It’s almost that time to rush to Times Square and pick up my check! Wish me luck and hope to see you guys soon!!

Xoxoxo
Amada Anderson

p.s. Snoop Dog’s manager just walked in. LOL. WOW!!

Monday, Monday....

2008-03-10T21:14:00.002-04:00

Ok. This morning was really hard to get up and go to work...but i did and even though I had coffee and tea this morning I felt like I was hungover. (I SWEAR I didn't drink anything!!) I accidentally hung up on THE Michael Koch of Koch Entertainment and felt incredibly horrible all day. *sigh But good news is I have informed all my recruiters that I am available to work starting Monday St. Patrick's Day and hopefully I can find a full time job SOON! I really am feeling that wear and tear on this pursuit. I need the money and want a full time job and am willing to work in a non-creative environment if need be. The pursuit of living in NY is really not easy. Every other actor I've met has had to sacrifice one thing or another just to survive and I'm just like the rest of them. Today though I got lucky and I had a job interview over the phone. This company found my resume on craigs and has asked me to come in next week for an in person interview. The manager did ask me some questions, some of them pertaining to my working 2 years with a company before pursuing my acting career. I truly would love working with a production or entertainment or theatre company but I will take what I can get now. Temp work is great but I am starting to feel that it's not my calling anymore. I'm worth more than $10 an hr doing reception...and I swear at one point during the day I was banging my head on the desk saying "No, we are not accepting demos at this time please call back in 6 months or so thank you". I swear maybe tomorrow I'm going to make like little marks on a piece of paper just to count the times a day I have to say this. And OMG people really can't take no for an answer they think everyone is lying or against them. They will call asking one thing..then get asked to be transfered to someone else, and all this just to try to talk to an A& R representative. PEOPLE GET A LIFE! GO PERFORM!! Be seen! Do it like everyone else...Geesh.

So, after I saw that Blue Man Group was hiring AGAIN. I applied once more through email's, I faxed, and then I found out their human resource office was down the street...so I walked 4 blocks and turned in my resume and cover letter in person. Then I walked to the nearest subway and next thing I knew...I was taking the 6, to Canal, then took the M (THE WRONG DAMN WAY!!!) which was a mistake because I ended up in Brooklyn instead of Queens. Then I took the R back to Canal and got back on the J headed to Metropolitan and damn it...had to switch trains one last time to get on the M. Hopped on a bus and made it home. Where I am now watching "back to the future" and wishing I had someone here to give me a hug. I almost cried like 5 times today because I am getting stressed out and all I wanna do is sing and perform and pay my rent. Ya know? I can't even do that...

Hopefully something will work out for me by this week/month. :(

My First NY GIG! Woot!

2008-03-06T11:44:00.002-05:00

In the hours of submitting resumes and networking sometimes things just land in your lap. I found a stage management position with a new Theatre company and I start tonight! The show is called "Torrents" and it's written by Robert Attenweiler. It goes up the first two weekends of April and I can't wait! The best thing is that Gene is coming to visit that next weekend.

This morning I finally received my care package from him which included:
The new green M&M's, a bunch of valentine candies, a really cute mini mario toadstool that has tart candy, some hand warmer thingies...that works like a heating pad, socks!, and then my favorite: Tom Tom's Turkey snack Sticks (2 of them)!!
Then his sister sent me a tan colored purse which is exactly like the one black one she gave me on Christmas and inside was bare mineral makeup, calgon's take me away, and I think Gene also included a mani/pedicure kit cause I kept complaining about my feet. I LOVE YOU Gene!!!

So sweet :)

Then yesterday I was joking with one of the guys that works here that we were going to put on a concert here in the reception room and he told the security guard before he left that I was going to sing for him in the morning. Well...when he walked in the door...I sang "Good Morning Startshine" from Hair. And he replied...shocked of course that I remembered "You sing as pretty as you look". Awwwww.......So sweet.

I like it here. But I'm sure something better will come along. I'm still applying for jobs on Monster/NY Times, Yahoo, NYFA.org, Playbill, and even occasionally I look on Craigs & Myspace.

Anyone know of any other places??

Ok. And I just came back from my phone interview for an office manager/admin position. Hopefully next weekend I can go meet the lady and have a second interview. And wouldn't it be awesome if they asked me to start on the 17th? St. Patricks day and currently I don't have any temp jobs to fill that slot as of yet. But to start a real job ASAP would make me extremely happy!

Yay!!

Wish me luck :)

and if you get a chance to see my resume and wanna give me some feedback please feel free to do so...here's the link:
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/resumes/musictheaterchic/amadaanderson

MY NEW BED & OMG I (HEART) SQUASH

2008-03-03T17:18:00.000-05:00

So, this weekend my new bed arrived. YAY! Before the Sears movers were to arrive I needed to make a trip to Kmart to purchase a new fitted sheet. So, Doreen drove me to Kmart where I bought a bed in a bag. Queen size...mind you all I needed was the fitted sheet but it was purple! So I bought it...came home. The Sears moving guys showed up with my brand new Queen size Serta and split box springs and they placed it exactly where I wanted my bed to go. But I didn't realize how thick the bed was!!

And then after placing the bed. We opened the bed in a bag and realized that the fitted sheet was missing and so was everything else but the comforter (apparently someone stole the good stuff) so Doreen took me back to Kmart and we exchanged it for a king size comforter. Which was a better idea for this thick mattress. Cause the fitted sheet FIT perfectly! It's because of the cushion layer on top see?

So here's my new bed....and when I layed down on it I put my foot up to the ceiling and I could almost touch it!!

Then...I added the comforted and sheets.

And of course Pilli #2 and the slippers for fun! (no i don't sleep with killer rabbits!)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

And then after the bed was set up. Doreen brought me a nice plate of chicken wings and mashed taters and salad. I ate and layed down for a very nice nap! I mean I layed down and didn't move!! So comfortable. I am very happy with my new bed! Yay!

Then later on I decided to experiment with my cooking and since I had never cooked squash and love it in soups and entres I decided to try frying it up with some tomatoe slices and added some onions and then heated up some spagetti sauce and it was a fine little spagetti meal! I love Squash! YUm! YUM! YUM!!!

------------------------
Okay that's it for today...oh except...I dorked out here at work talking to a music producer who worked with Sondheim and ummm I spoke with an artist named Straw. She was very nice. Oh! And...Some random guy called asking for someone who didn't work here...he obviously had been given the wrong number and then said...my secretary sucks...are you looking for a job?? And i said Yes, I am actually and he gave me his email in which I forwarded my resume to him. Weird Strange world eh? Too funny!

I LOVE NY!!!

Oh....and someone else has forwarded my creative/theatre resume and admin resume to the blue man group. So...even though I have submitted my resume numerous times you know how it is in this world...ya gotta know someone to get in somewhere....

Fun Fun Fun in the Sun Sun Sun?? What sun? I'm in NY...*Dur

:p

Outside World Part 3- SNOW!

2008-02-28T12:41:00.003-05:00

My outside world has been COLD! Check out my videos and pics! Please forgive the randomness but I have been very busy!!

Snow Day

My Front Steps...

My bus stop with a snow ball! (which i later threw at the sign and not the bus!!)

More Ice...

and snow! :p (I LOVE YOU GENE!)

Here's some of the Friendly Train Pets...

Poor Yoshi fell off my purse but she got to ride the subway for the first time! Woot!

My other bus stop near Rego Park...

My very first check in New York! Woot!! Very proud of asked some random person to take this pic and she did. LOL.

My first temp job was here at Koch Entertainment and luckily I was asked to come back here for the next 3 weeks! Yay! (please don't call and ask to send in demos!! Geesh!)

Around the corner there is a place called Soup MAN! $10 and all this! YUMMY!

This was around the corner from the Doe-Fund where I worked last week Tues-Friday and Gene has begged me to take him to one when he comes to visit.

Ok...I soooooo NEEDED A BED...and well it's the only credit card I own...and since Sears had some specials 60% off (yet still very expensive) I bought it! OMG! Queen size and very comfortable...I mean when I laid down on it I sunk in and almost fell asleep!! That's a great bed! It arrives Saturday and I am soooooo EXCITED! Finally a good nights rest.

There's a 99 cent store around the corner from my house. They had a goldfish in a bowl mixed in with the feng shui stuff & waterfalls. It was so cute!!

Then last weekend I went to the stop and shop with Doreen my landlord for the first time...and look Gene a BEER holder!! I've personally never seen this at the stores in Florida.

This was a little fridge when you lift it he giggles!! LOL

This KMART/TOYS R US is exactly the place where if I took Gene here I would lose him...
and there is a BJ's Nearby.

Then my land lady loves Tweety she even has a Tweety teapot!

To keep me warm...Gene had sent me cute little rabbit slippers...

But watch out it's got NASTY LITTLE TEETH!!

Then I went to Karaoke last week....

Made some new friends! Deli & Jan ;p

Sweet Caroline Trubute for Ralph (karaoke bar in queens)

Ok. And that's about it...and now that I have a brand new camera I will be taking much better pictures! Still looking for a full time job but I think one will come very very soon. Anyhow...everyone take care & stay warm!!

Love ya!
Amada Manada Hakuna Matata!!

One Day's Cool...Next Day's Delirious By Mario Betto

2008-02-25T22:38:00.006-05:00

Last March (2007) I was lucky enough to play the role of Delores in Mario Betto's Musical called "Combing Thru Life's Tangles". Here is my rendition of "One Day's Cool, Next Day's Delirious".

Enjoy!

And Mario Best of Luck with the new production and cast!!

One days cool, next day's delirious

Add to My Profile | More Videos

(If this version doesn't play please see this direct link: http://www.angelfire.com/musicals/musictheatrechic/one_days_cool.AVI)

Thank you!!

Monday Feb. 25th

2008-02-25T12:21:00.002-05:00

Here I am working again with Koch Entertainment as a Temp, but this time for 3 WEEKS! Woohoo! Also, later on today after work I have to hurry to a job interview. I apparently applied for a marketing assistant position off of Craigslist and also on Wednesday I have another interview after work but to meet with a company to work as executive administrative assistant for financial advisor at an art museum. I really have been doing some research on what things I would be better off doing, and since my run in with Bob Ost at the Theatre League which is like the Theatre Listings Website or a Craigslist for Theatres in NY. I realize I really am an office manager or executive assistant. I always take charge and am ready to offer help or advise to fix situations and it has to be perfect otherwise I’m not satisfied with the job.

So here are some job titles I have come up with: (previous experience included)

Office Manager
Executive Assistant
Project Coordinator
Marketing Assistant
Recruiter
Administrative Assistant
Receptionist

Of course on the creative side of things:
Actress
Singer
Performer
Director
Stage Manager
Lyricist
Karaoke Host
Webpage Designer
Choir Singer (believe it or not requires skill & is different then being a soloist)

Anyhow….I know something good will come if I just keep keeping my options open and stay flexible.
For my fellow actors and singers I found this on Backstage and I actually think everyone can benefit from it. It’s very much like “the secret” and can be used in everyday life. So read on…(by the way I love reading about the acting business!!)

Business of Acting
10 Steps to Enjoying the Actor's Journey
(Even during a strike)
February 21, 2008
By Wendy Braun
How much fun are you having on your journey as an actor? I've come across a lot of unhappy actors in this business, strike or no strike, and they become frustrated when they focus on becoming famous, compare their careers to others, or obsess about how it will all unfold. If this sounds like you, all I can say is, "How's that working for you? Does it feel good?" Of course not! Here are my top 10 steps to enjoying the journey.

1. Acknowledge All Your Victories
Do you find yourself minimizing your achievements? Saying things like, "It was just a callback," "It's only a commercial," "It's just a co-star," etc.? Belittling your victories will slowly diminish your self-confidence. Try instead to embrace each step along the way. Take out a piece of paper (I'll wait) and write down every victory you've experienced since you moved to L.A.: finding an apartment, getting a callback, booking a job, all of it. The list should be long if you are giving yourself credit for all the baby steps you have taken. By shifting your focus and celebrating what you have achieved, you'll begin to feel good again. And since like attracts like, feeling good about even the smallest achievement will help you attract bigger ones.

2. Write Down Your Goals
A university study found that only 3 percent of students had written down their goals. Twenty years later, the same 3 percent were wealthier than the other 97 percent combined. So why doesn't everyone do this? Most people don't know what they want. Do you know what kind of characters you'd like to play, in what kind of projects, and with whom you'd like to work? Make a list. Doing this exercise will help you easily figure out if you want to shoot an action film in Australia, do a single-camera comedy, or appear in a Shakespeare play. Getting clear on what you want -- and then taking action, of course -- helps you move forward and attract people, places, and events to you that will line up with your goals.

3. Visualize Your Success
Albert Einstein said, "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." It is also widely known that athletes who visualize their results before a competition have a higher rate of success than those who don't. You can do this too. Spend five minutes a day visualizing yourself as the actor you want to be. Play a minimovie in your head of the perfect day as if all your dreams came true. Use all five senses to create a very clear picture. As you spend more time feeling excited about your visualization, you send out a signal that you are ready to receive more of whatever it is that you are giving your attention to. Live in the virtual reality of your dream. Enjoy it, expect it, act on it, and watch it manifest.

4. Act As If
Have you ever played a character who was more confident than you and all of a sudden you were walking taller, speaking clearer, and feeling more successful as a result? The confidence is within you, yet the character gave you permission to own it. Why not do that in real life? Act as if you are where you want to be. You already have this ability by virtue of being an actor. What if you took the next 30 days and acted as if your goals had already come true? Would it change the way you talk, think, act, and dress? Would it change the way you perceive your agents, greet a casting director, or walk into an audition? Empower yourself with this exercise, and watch the difference in your experience.

5. Take Responsibility
Make a list of all the things that are bothering you and why. You might say, "My agent never sends me out; he must not believe in me." Dig deeper, and ask if you believe in yourself. Now go back to that list, and next to each item write one thing you are grateful for. Sometimes it's hard to find things to be grateful for with circumstances or people that aren't bringing you joy, but when you take full responsibility for everything in your life -- good, bad, or indifferent -- then you are in control and no longer feel like a victim. For example, if you can't find anything to like about your agent, you could be grateful for the clarity in knowing what you want in your next agent relationship.

6. Take Action
"By thought the thing you want is brought to you. By action you receive it," said author Wallace Wattles in 1910. Even in the middle of a strike, when it seems like "nothing is going on," there is always something you can do for your career. Why not take a class, update your reel, and be ready when things get busy again? If you're already doing that, then find a way to challenge yourself outside your comfort zone. Write a one-person show, try standup comedy, or create and shoot your own project. Make a list of five actions you can take today to further your career. Start with the first one. The secret to getting ahead is getting started. Find a like-minded friend you can confide in, and be accountable to each other to take action on your goals each week.

7. Collect Your Work
Nowadays, everyone from agents to casting directors wants to see a demo reel. Often, whether or not you get seen for a role may depend on who has seen your reel. I can't get over how many actors don't collect footage of their work. This is part of your job, and it's a necessary tool to help sell you in the future. Make this a priority. Even with small roles, you'd be amazed to see what editors can put together. Whether you are working on a student film, a commercial, or a hit television show, do not leave the set without finding out how to get a copy of your work. Ask around, get names, and follow up. Even if it takes a year to edit the project, track it down, update your reel, and relish in the victory.

8. Discover All Your Passions
What brings you the most joy? What did you love to do when you were a kid? Are there any untapped skills lying dormant within you because you told yourself you weren't good enough? It's time to say yes to your dreams. Eliminate fears or doubts by writing out the following statement: "If I knew I couldn't fail, I would... ." Complete the statement with everything that comes to mind. Circle one thing that excites you and take action, whether it's taking a screenwriting class or a salsa lesson or learning to cook. What makes you interesting is the life you are living on your way to becoming the best actor you can be. Doing something you are passionate about may even take you down an exciting path you never imagined.

9. Be Happy Now
Everything we want is because we think we'll be happier in the having of it. Yet many actors who are unhappy today say they'll just be happy when they "are on a series, book the job, or make a million dollars." We've seen so many examples of actors with tons of success who are still miserable. The key to happiness is in not waiting for your circumstances to change to find joy. Gratitude for the present moment is the best gift we can give ourselves. This is where our creativity is maximized. Write out: "I'm so happy and grateful for... ." Then list at least 10 things. As what you concentrate on expands, your gratitude will bring more positive experiences, feelings, and people into your life and career.

10. Give
How are you giving back to the world? In a society in which gaining material possessions and status still leaves people feeling empty, I've learned that it is in the giving freely of ourselves that we feel fulfilled and rewarded. How can you give of your time, talents, and support? Why not help another actor on an audition or volunteer to mentor fifth-graders to write screenplays? (That was one of the most rewarding things I did last year. Check out www.youngstorytellers.com.) Not sure how to volunteer? Go to www.volunteermatch.org, and you can search by area of interest. Giving back will expand your thought process to include people other than yourself and get your focus on listening rather than talking -- which ultimately makes you a better actor.

Wow, there's really a lot you can do to enjoy your journey, even during a strike.
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Isn’t this advice great!? Hey everyone I will be back on I’m sure to post all the many pics I have taken recently. Take care and as always,

All the Best!
Amada Anderson

This week...

2008-02-20T11:04:00.012-05:00

http://www.doe.org/

This is the company I am working for this week. Watch the video if you get a chance from their website, it made me cry.

I was lucky enough to have gotten a phone call from a brokerage firm looking to hire a receptionist/administrative/executive assistant on Monday morning. A few hours later I went in and was hired. I think...He's supposed to call me back and let me know when I can go in to train. But the honest truth is...I don't even have their number and as cool as it would be to work in the Empire State Building on the 67th floor with such a great view...I really feel that I should continue networking in entertainment fields.... Which is what I plan on doing.

My recruiter called and said that Koch Entertainment requested me back to work for another 3 weeks!! Yay! So....after this week, starting Monday morning I get to go back to Koch Records. Woot! NETWORKING that's what I am here to do.

Then yesterday I had a moment like from the V-8 Commercials...Doreen my landlady was telling me that the bus on Furmanville Ave would take me to the trains that will get me into the city faster....well I didn't want to risk being late for work...so when I got home I saw everyone crowding around and waiting in line for one of the busses. I calmly asked outloud if this bus goes down my street...and they said yes. So, I hoped on board and would you believe the damn bus DROPPED ME OFF RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE!!! All this time I have been walking uphill, downhill, thru rain and snow, waiting forever for transportation when I could have had the Q38 bus. *smacks Head. So, needless to say I think after work I will ride the subway backwards towards queens blvd and ride the q38 backwards to see that route. (and I'm gonna time it too!!) I might just be learning the streets of NY faster then ever.
-----------------------------------

But let me rewind back a few days back to my first day at Koch Entertainment...
I was stationed as a receptionist. I didn't know what to expect, but sometime around 11:30am a man walks in. He's dressed and looks as good as Will Smith but like in a leather jacket and shades. He say's he has an appointment to record a song. I just looked at him...cause I didn't know who he was...or anything. Then he laughs and says "I'm just messing with you". He turned out to be the security guard. LOL. Funny guy. His name was Kevin. So he kept me company, and took care of the people (if any) that might come in saying they had demo tapes to listen too.

After work..I went to see my friend Sarah. She was hosting a Valentines Day Intimate Dessert Gala Extravaganza. Champagne, Chocolates, All kinds of deserts and dips. Someone even brought Guacamole. YUM! Ginger cookies. Kumquats (that I covered with chocolate) and just a beautiful atmosphere. Here's a few pictures of the spread!

This is Sarah and Lynn. Aren't they beautiful!? And talented too!!

I'm so glad I went because I met some wonderful people. And Hopefully a job will come through because of it. HOPEFULLY.

So I will wait for the call and see what happens.

Persistence and patience done right can assure success!!

Take care everyone! And if you are not in Florida let's try to keep warm shall we??

Love on the Mind...

2008-02-14T13:31:00.003-05:00

Today is Valentines Day. One of those special days that you remember as a kid getting the most valentines & Candy & special love notes from secret valentines...

My valentine is in Florida. Working a normal day but I wanted him to know that I love him and miss him very much so I made a special arrangment for him to receive flowers and a balloon at his job. Not just any roses...but a fun manly arrangment...like this...

And today is most special because I am employed as a temp working at KOCH Entertainment a record label company that has artists such as Snoop Dogg and Sean Kingsto & Sesame Street! Woohoo...

I haven't heard back from Baruch yet but I am going to take a temp assignment for this next week that might last a month. So, I will know by today.

In other news...I am gathering songs to record a cd of karaoke mp3s I have. I can't believe how much country I have learned since I graduated college and started doing karaoke...of course among the country will be musical theatre selections. There is a music studio not 5 minutes from my house that only charges $40 an hr. So soon I will have some songs up and running off my myspace and my webpage for entertainment purposes. If you know of any songs that you think I should learn and record please let me know!! Email me amada@amadaanderson.com and tell me the artist name and song title. I'll see if I can learn it and record it.

Anyways! Happy Valentines everyone!! And remember to share love, forward love messages from the heart to those in need and those you care about!

ttyl!
Amada Manada

Today is another day...but look at the SNOW!

2008-02-12T21:39:00.001-05:00

So...no interviews today but 3 recruiters have called and I have appointments for tomorrow. Then Doreen came by and gave me a few movies to watch and my awaited mail package from Gene of SUPER MARIO ADVANCE (Cause he knows I love playing Mario Brothers). And I went outside to help shovel snow! Check this out...this is my backyard.

So here's Doreen my landlady...

And here's our back walkway....And the backyard.....
And here's Doreen showing me how it's done.

And here's my attempt...

For my baby!!! I miss YOU!!

So okay....Tomorrow it will be cold and I need to double, tripple layer up when I go back into the city. *Sigh...I love ADVENTURES!! oh and of course my baby Gene :)

OK...NY...Now What?? (Part 2)

2008-02-11T19:27:00.000-05:00

Well....This past week has been quite stressful. I now have about 8 recruiters supposedly helping me find a job. Maybe I am just being too damn picky. Starting this Wednesday if I don't have a real job scheduled I am going to take any temp job that becomes is next available.

This past Thursday went very well though...according to John at Baruch College he wants to hire me as administrative assistant/box office manager but he has 2 other candidates he still wants to interview. So...he will let me know by this Wednesday.

Saturday my friend Tim Tim asked me to hang out, but we ended up helping my friend Larry Bear move some of his things to his new apartment. It was cold and wet walking back and forth but I am very happy that Larry is getting a better job and bigger apartment. I can now stay over and sleep on my own bed!! Yay! Not that I really need to now....but last May it would have been more comfortable then the sofa bed. So after we moved stuff Larry Bear took us out to eat at Chilli's....

Here's Tim Tim:

and this is my Larry Bear :)

And Here's my RETURN drink in NY.

And then last night I needed to do my laundry so I got dressed and zipped up my sweater and I was gonna wear flip flops when I opened the door and realized it was SNOWING! OMG! Freaking COLD! But wonderfully beautiful at the same time...
And here's a shot I took when walking home today...the waterfall was frozen :(

So, but, I went on two interviews today...and I originally only had 1 scheduled but as I was on my way back home to Queens I was asked to come in and see another recruiter which just happened to be 2 blocks away from the 1st interview. He was very thorough and actually I am to call him tomorrow morning to set up a job interview with a real company. So yay on that!

And I've already eaten all the left over Chinese food....what to do? what to do?

Something good this way comes! BELIEVE and YOU shall RECEIVE :)

OK NY, What say you?

2008-02-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone is doing well. I am fabulousness! Missing all of you in Miami and West Palm Beach but not that hot weather! HA! Is it snowing here? Not yet...well not on my head anyway. I'm learning the streets and I'm learning how to walk my groceries to my door!! No car here in NY but who needs one anyways with the wonderful transportation system available here in the metropolitan area.

:)

Well....to wrap up my week here....

*I'm all settled in here at my apartment. My bed isn't the best...so my first goal aside from of course getting a job, is to definitely BUY one. A nice queen size bed with a new comforter and maybe some satin sheets ;)

*I've been on 8 interviews. 7 temp places and 1 real job interview. But good news is if you call and check up with these temp jobs they can find you temp/day to day jobs that pay real good. The jobs here pay at minimum $12-$21 an hr depending on where & what you do. And I've taken the same damn temping test from the same damn company at least 5 times. But now I know that I am above average when it comes to Office Suite.

Today's interview was with Baruch College, they need an office manager/assistant for the box office. They run a performing arts center similar to Gusman Hall like at the University of Miami. It pays good and offers 30 hours. So...we'll see. I'll take a job as soon as I can get it.

I did have another "job" interview with this entertainment company in Harlem. But I can not believe that they wanted someone who has credentials like mine to work for only $7.50/minimum wage.... I'm glad I listened to my instincts...they might be a wonderful rising company but they really should pay people what they deserve. Ya know?

I've got wonderful networking skills, I can work Dreamweaver/FTP servers/Nero/Google/Myspace/Facebook/ amongs many other software programs...that I failed to mention on my resume because of clutter. *sigh

I believe I will find a position that will be right for me....I've had an epiphany...I'm watching the movie the color purple...and I've noticed that recently all of my favorite movies have turned into musicals. Legally Blonde, Color Purple, Hairspray and I mean really BIG hits. Maybe I should be a producer? Ha....

I also amongst other jobs I have applied to work as TV host/ and even TV Show Motivator! Wouldn't that be a fun job!? I think I definitely have the humor and outgoing personality for something like that.

I'm keeping my options open. So, tomorrow morning I will be up and ready to go at 8am in case a temp agency calls and says to be somewhere. Like they did this morning....I had 2 temp agencies call ready for me to go out one paying $11 an hr and the other $19....but the lower paid one said he would find me something better. So...yay!

In any other news, the city is beautiful! It's big and stinky and it's NY! What else could be better??

And other news....well I haven't had one drink yet since I've been here...nor sushi but OMG! I found a sushi restaurant here in Middle Village that DELIVERS! Beat that MIAMI!!

So, of course tonight I made myself some turkey spaghetti sauce & promptly felt the need to fall asleep cause the bow tie noodles are so delicious!

Sorry I haven't taken any pictures...but I promise to ASAP.

Ok. GTG. This MOvie is making me cry....AGAIN....I LOVE THIS MOVIE....

xoxoxo
Amada

Outside World # 2

2008-02-02T17:58:00.000-05:00

So...Today. I went walking some more & I have the blisters to prove it...

Here's some more pics I took while on my trip...

Printer for my resumes/headshots

Music Studio/Recording Studio.... $30 for an hour session! Woot!

St. Mary Statues for the cemetery's near bye.

They have Mass in Italian!! Neat eh?

Smiley Face on someone's lawn.

I swear there is an Italian Rest. on every corner...

More Karaoke!

At an Irish Pub no less...

YUM!

Another Bakery...YUM

Bus Stop.

My Long walk past the cemetery...

A COMIC BOOK STORE...

Heroes Anyone?

Gender Bender...

Wonder Woman!

I think Gene has this one already...

RONALD MCDONALD!

My new public library.

Cute Street huh?

Yay! I finally found the yoga class....Debra teaches Reiki Here too...I'm thinking I'm gonna sign up for it.

Post office near the bus stop.

And finally I went into the music/recording studio. The bathroom looked like this! Nice huh?

So...I'm gonna call to make an appointment to record some songs. Cheap recording session and I'm sure it will be great! After I make the CD I'll rip and upload the songs for everyone to listen too. *claps hands.

Also...did I mention...that I found a Chinese/Mexican Take-Out/Delivery restaurant. It is delicious & right around the corner from here. It's wonderful!

Sigh...I miss everyone and just so you know...I do have an extra futon for my friends to sleep on :)

Love ya!
Amada

My Outside World...

2008-02-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

Well...I've been stuck in the house (playing house, not watching) for the past couple days and since I already ate the MRE (already made meal that the army eats) Gene bought me....I figured it would be smart of me to venture out into my new world to get some groceries....not realizing it's a. raining and b. very very cold. C. WHEN IT RAINS HERE....IT's VERY COLD...

So, I start to wander around corners and find a pizza place on the corner. And then almost directly across a Laundry mat.

Then if you like 99 cent stores....

Pizza! They have a website! Woohoo!

The Pharmacy store...

A KARAOKE BAR!!! Friday nights 9pm-1am.

Subway! I know I will survive now...

This chicken place had the best looking mac & Cheese....doesn't this look yum?!

And ahhh.....My local grocery store with various pics of yummy stuff I can eat.

So....Then the plumber came by and fixed my sink and hooked up my gas stove and I am all set.

Woot! I hope I can make it into the city this weekend. :)

NY Apartment Pics ;)

2008-01-31T21:24:00.000-05:00

OKay Folks...You asked for it. Here's the video from left to right!

My NY Apartment!

Alright! More blogs to come!

Angels are Watching Over Me...

2008-01-27T22:43:00.000-05:00

Okay... Take a look at this dog. Where is he sitting?

After loading up my car... with essential items and warm clothing...I was getting ready to get in and this dog was sitting in my driver seat. His name is Chico and he belongs to Joe & Fella (Family that are staying with my mom and dad for a short spell). So, they were calling him to get out of my seat and he wouldn't budge. So, Joe comes to pick him up and they say "wow that's weird, he must know something he doesn't act like that"....

Well....I get onto the turnpike. I'm jamming out to my ipod/fm transmitter on the radio & I finally get to the turnpike. I don't get but 20 miles when all the gages in my car turns off, but the car & radio is still on and driving.... OKAY.

I call my sprint road side assistance and then I call my mom and we realize that it must be the battery....I immediately call Doreen (The lady in Queens with the studio/basement) to ask her if it's available and that I was having car problems and have decided to just make one trip. Instead of one drive up, flying back, then another drive up.

I did cry. I was upset that the trip didn't happen how I had planned but, let me explain a few things...I just had new tires put on the car, just had everything checked on it within the past few months, even before I left the house mom asked Joe to check my oil, water, etc...

So....Mom and Dad come with paperwork for the car. Long story short...We had to leave my car at fire stone so they can replace the warrantied alternator. Sigh....

Dad and Joe have decided to accompany me to NY. We leave at 8am...taking a minivan round trip. I can't believe my luck!

I mean who needs a car in NY anyways.....

Goodnight Florida! (Part 2)

My Fantastic Weekend & Amada meets the 21st Century

2008-01-22T16:08:00.000-05:00

Wow. I mean WOW. I had no idea that I could be so happy. My boyfriend Gene spent the weekend with me in WPB & although we didn't go out very much the special time we spent just together was more then any vacation on a cruise or around the world could offer. He is the most amazing person! So generous and caring. Always looking out for the best in people. I will miss him so much! We have realized that my moving will be very tough on the both of us but I am praying and hoping that he can get his life together here in FLorida and then eventually move up with me to NY. He so deserves to be happy.

He bought me for Christmas a special Nano Ipod it's 8gb's and i think it's so cool! I already own a Treo 650 that plays MP3's and has an external memory card of 2gbs but the Ipod really is so small and so yesterday I went to Best Buy to get it a cover and to check on the status of this 8gb SD card that I had purchases around 9 months ago that has never worked. The GEEK SQUAD looked at it and realized that my 8GB SD card does work but only on windows vista :(

So, I said thank you. And went in search of my ipod cover. I found an fm transmitter that also charges your IPOD for the car, ya know for long road trips etc.... OMG! It's digital and goes from 88.1 - 107.9!! I am so psyched to use it. I just now need to make playlists and stuff :)

So, I'm hosting my final Florida karaoke shows this week. I'm gonna miss all my friends and I just hope that we can all stay in touch. My friend and fellow karaoke host Tony asked me if I was going to have a party and I said...No, because I had one last May. LOL.

All the best guys!!
xoxox
Amada

Here we go...

2008-01-17T18:19:00.000-05:00

Hello Miami & other friends who read my blog.

It turns out that I have found what sounds to be an amazing studio/basement apartment with all utilities included as well as cable, fully furnished, private entrance for $700 a month.

I know! I KNOW! So, I have been keeping in touch with this lady who lives there with her family, and I am thinking of sending a small deposit to hold it for me. She can wait till I get there she said. So, now I am thinking about what I need to do. It really looks like this is it. My friend Larry (Bear) is again being letting me stay with him for a week. So the plan is to drive up, check this place out, if I love it, fly back and then drive up again with my cargo van full of all my stuff! I am so psyched about getting my own place again....oh man. It's just been too long to not get the things I want and need done. Plus, there is so many jobs there for me! People have already called me asking me for interviews and I have to tell them I won't be there till the end of the month! This one guy wants me to call him when I get there anyways in case the assistant position isn't filled. I am happy :)

Only thing is now...Is how much can I afford to spend on all this. Moving is tough. I need payment for my gas & hotel on the way up with my car and with the cargo van that's roughly $600 there. Plus a plane ticket (one way) back to WPB. And then of course the deposit and 1st months rent $1400. And what else...oh food and living expenses when I get there! *Sigh

Okay. I know this can get done. I'm still waiting on some monies and plus I still have a few more weeks to work...I'm covering my boss's office when he leaves and his gigs so as soon as he gets back/same day I am leaving for NY I will get my last paycheck. Which should cover my expenses. But it will be tight.

As far as Gene and I go, I am truly happy in that we have figured out our 1 year anniversary. It's on New Years....Long story about it but I am happy we have an anniversary. I will miss him so much but it's not long it's forever and we can still see each other every few months until he finally decides to move up north with me....if he ever does. We'll see.

Okay. Well...I'm covering tonight for George at Dave & Busters so hope to see some regulars there if not George will see u at The Roadhouse (new spot).

xoxoxox
Amada

Change your thoughts if u wish to change your circumstances.

2008-01-07T22:41:00.000-05:00

Since you alone are responsible for your thoughts, only you can change them. You will want to change them when you realize that each thought creates according to it's own nature. Remember that the law works at all times and that you are always demonstrating according to the kind of thoughts you habitually entertain. Therefore, start now to think only those thoughts that will bring you health and happiness. -Chapter 9 "Happiness" - Where there is light written by Paramahanda Yogananda.

This was read to me in yoga class today. Let me go backwards on my week-weekend...

I've had a strange wonderful and kinda stressful weekend. I asked my boss why I was not working to cover him for karaoke on last Sunday. (See we have a pecking order here in the KJ office. Usually if George can't work a karaoke gig we are to ask Tony. Then me. Then Alex. Then any new KJ's in the training.) His response was that although Titanic management likes me personally they didn't like my sound. I was quick to tell George that I have had issues since October with my sound board and George's job is to either a. fix it or b. replace it. Well since he had time this week to finally look at it we fixed it. So I covered his gig on Thursday at Dave and Busters. No problems using the old board. Fine. Done.

The weekend arrives. I am here working Friday and off Saturday & Sunday. Gene and I attempted to go out on Sat evening for dinner and a movie. Went to the falls to see the 7oclock show of Sweeney Todd. Yay! But we get there....and they are sold out! ok. Fine. We get the 10pm show. Go walk around the mall and decide to eat dinner at P.f. Changs. We go in and there is a long ass line....and 2 hr wait!! Ok. fine. We don't have to be back at the theatre till 10pm anyways so we can wait a little while. We go walk around and browse stores. Go back...another 1:45 min wait. Finally at 1hr left I say...I need a drink let's go to the bar. Gene say's okay. So we find 2 seats and the bartender says very nicely...what can i get you to drink and will you be dining here at the bar tonight? I look at Gene like and quickly say something along the lines of "OMG I didn't know we could eat at the bar!" i MEAN....If i would have known that I would have sat here earlier....anyways...we decide to do just that. And the food was great, service was great, and we made it to the theatre with 15 mins to spare for our movie. We go in and sit down. The previews start....the sign outside the theatre says another movie title so Gene went and asked if that was the correct theatre...the door attendant says yes. Well....it's now 10:45pm our movie theatre wasn't quite packed but we figured maybe we were just early. The previews end and the title comes up....It was not Sweeney Todd. We were sitting in the wrong theatre!!
Pissed now (since we have been at the falls since 6:30pm) we go to the door attendant and complain. He directs us to where the actual movie is...it's packed and it had started 30 mins ago. I'm upset. Gene's upset. we leave disgruntled with free passes and refunds. But there is a light to this evening...I decide to drive to lion video in coral gables....and long story short The guy felt sorry for me having to pay $125 in late fees last year and gave me free movies and 10 free when i return. I rented Duets, The secret, and farce of the penguins. Gene and I got some beer and headed back to the house. We watched duets with George. Then went to my room to watch Farce of the penguins. It didn't last long....Next day now is Sunday. Lazy afternoon. Decide to drive to Pembroke Pines for comic browsing & Late lunch. On way back decide to try again for Sweeney Todd. We get to the theatre and I get a call from my roommate Freddy who is locked outta the house, and can't get the truck started to bring George a laptop cord he needs for a wedding reception....We drop what we are doing. Head back to the house. Get the cord. Drive to rusty pelican. drop off the cord and get the garage door opener to get in the house. Come back and the night has now ended for me. Gene is taking our friend Joe home and then going home himself. I am left at the house with Freddy. Where we begin to watch a movie but then quickly decide we are sleepy and leave it for the next day. I am home. Thinking....I do a lot for my employer. I wonder if he knows how much i do for him and if I am appreciated for it. Why didn't he ask me to cover him at Titanic this Sunday since it's my place to cover for him? So I go to bed. I get up and turns out he shows up when i am just walking into the kitchen. He needs to get in the house. I let him in and sometime later in the evening I ask why i didn't cover for him...he tell's me a lie. Now....I am careful with my wording here and I won't stress this anymore. Except, one thing. Don't lie to me. I am honest, hardworking, and important to this company. I won't be lied to. I know that people get stressed out and are tired and whatever....i know he's running a business....but I just feel that I deserve the truth. I'm dropping this subject all together now...

Back to original blog title and being peaceful and right of sound body and mind...I watched the secret last night. I already know the secret. I actually use it on a daily basis as is. If you haven't read or seen it, you should. Then not 12-15 hrs later does my yoga instructor Hector read this passage from the book he brings to class everyday. After class...I went up and asked if I could copy that passage....would you believe that he says to me..."This is funny...I knew someone was going to approach me this week....i don't know how I knew....but...this book is meant for you. So here...keep it." I just looked at him...and then i cried. I said...i can't accept this...you use it for each class!! but he wouldn't let me not take it. So....

I am just going to once again say: we have angels all around us. People who look out for us and we all need to recognize those traits in people. I am blessed to have found this class and I feel good about myself when I go to Yoga. I feel good and I can make others feel good too, by being happy and fulfilled. That's why...I am feeling my end is near here in Florida. I am making the trip end of January to find a place and also recently i have had calls about employment so I am not in the least worried about my financial responsibilities. Things are working out. I am in charge now and will continue growing and learning, from all those I see and work with. I forgive all those who have said mean things or have been selfish towards me and my goals. I forgive you for talking ill of me and i forgive you for not being truthful.

Change Your Thoughts If You Wish To Change Your Circumstances. Since you alone are responsible for your thoughts, only you can change them. You will want to change them when you realize that each thought creates according to it's own nature. Remember that the law works at all times and that you are always demonstrating according to the kind of thoughts you habitually entertain. Therefore, start now to think only those thoughts that will bring you health and happiness. -Chapter 9 "Happiness" - Where there is light written by Paramahanda Yogananda.