T-Minus Woke Me Up!

When I graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television, I simply assumed the opportunities would come knocking. Throughout my fours years there, I was consistently reminded of how Ryerson was the best school for broadcast media and that I'd have no problem finding a job. This actually wasn't far from the truth. I did an internship at a boutique production company, General Purpose Pictures, where I was hired on as production assistant and later promoted to production coordinator. This blog post is by no means a manner of me to give you my resume, because when the contract came to an end I learned a valuable lesson that I think everyone can learn from too.

People often say when one door closes another door opens. And yes, I do agree but many of us don't go looking for that next door. We sit and wait and expect opportunities to come our way just because. Well I was thinking that way too until I got a wake up call. I recently interviewed Canadian music producer T-Minus about his success in the biz and he said something that really woke me up.

"One thing about this game is you gotta constantly be working, you can't take too many days off. You know, you'll take a day off and somebody is working harder than you and they are going to come in and take your spot."

I don't know about you, but I don't want anyone to take my spot! Truth is there will always be people out there that are better than you but if you sit back and wait for things to come your way you'll probably never get to where God intended you to be. You only live once and at times you may fail but how many times did you fall off your bike as a kid but still got right back on? Are you working as hard as you could to reach your goals or are you just chilling around because you "deserve" to get what you want?

Think about it.

NYC in 3..2..1!

Time Square in New York City

If you know me, which I am sure you do somehow since you're reading this blog, then you know that I love to travel. You may also know that I can be a bit of a control freak when it comes to planning anything. So when I took on the challenge to plan a getaway trip to New York City in 3 days, it was exactly that. But the most rewarding one cause I had a blast (because of my nifty schedule of course). So I am going to share with you my experience of NYC and the places I think you just can't miss!

After a very impulse decision to get away with my best friend Alicia, Google became closer acquainted with me than a university student writing a mid term paper the morning of. I literally sat for hours without a washroom break like a teenage boy playing Call of Duty. All metaphors aside, I was glued. Having a love for television production it was only natural for me to want to sit in the audience of one of my favourite shows. But of course, The View, Nate Berkus and Regis and Kelly were entirely booked. This lead to me look up my one of my favourite shows from when I was like twelve years old called 106 & Park. If you haven't heard of it don't even bother looking it up because it was the most boringest (new word!) part of the trip. The show is hosted by Terrence and Rosci aka Fake 1 and Fake 2...that's all I will say about that. So if you're going to NYC, skip 106 and Park. Moving on...

I am all about giving my money to people who are on their "hustle". Meaning, they are not begging you for money for no reason. They are talented people who are trying their best to make a better life for themselves. I ran into many men and women in NYC that were on their hustle and if their service or product seemed good, they got my business. One of these men was Amadou. Amadou was our central park tour guide that took Alicia and I on a scenic route of the entire 6.2 miles park located in the center of Manhattan in his "limousine".. also known as a bicycle. The tour only cost us $35 per person and lasted one hour and a half and Amadou really knew his history of the park. So if your going to NYC, a bike tour Central Park is a must. Lets keep going...

Food is crucial when your on vacation or a getaway. I try to stay away from eating at chain restaurants that I can find back in Toronto. Whenever I cross the border to the US, Olive Garden is an absolute must. You may recognize the name if your from Canada because its just one of the many great things we used to have but no longer do. Yes I am bitter because East Side Mario is not the same. Another great place we ate at was Prosperity Dumplings in China Town. This little hole in the wall offers five fried pork and chive dumplings that are incredibly delicious for only $1! You tell me that last time you had a meal for $1....exactly. Both these places are delicious, but it was nothing compared to our last meal in Harlem.

Amazing fried chicken at Slyvia's in Harlem.

Alicia and I headed to the hood for some southern soul food at the famous Sylvia's Restaurant. If you're in a group, try taking the subway there just for fun. Getting lost in the subway system on the way will give you stories for the ride back. It did for us at least! Sylvia's wasn't just great fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and mash potatoes, it was an experience. From the live gospel singer to the happy birthday tributes, you felt like you were the guest at someones home. 

My last recommendation is to do the Hop On Hop Off bus of downtown and make sure you get out at Soho with some spending money ready. Shopoholic's Heaven, whats can be better than that?... Well, maybe getting taken out for drinks by that good looking waiter at Olive Garden?? Anythings possible in the Big Apple.

Disclaimer: If you do not listen to the travel advice given in this blog, you may have the worst trip imaginable.

Happy Travels!