Powerlunching with Michael Okech

I “met” Michael once in Vancouver when he was dating my cousin, and I don’t even think we talked. But he ended up moving to NYC shortly after I did, and I discovered that he was smart and funny, so now we are friends! He’s also self-employed to some degree, so occasionally he guilts me into hanging out with him on weekdays if we’re in the same hood. We had some mediocre tacos for lunch in Lefferts Gardens on a Monday back in August, because the sushi place I want to marry doesn’t open until 5pm.

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What is your full name?  Michael Jacob Onyango Okech Milanya

What do you do for a living? I am a movement therapist and personal trainer.

How often do you work from home? Never. [Editor’s note: Michael has twice worked magic on my fucked-up shoulder on a massage table in his Harlem apartment after which I exchanged money for his services, so he’s lying.]

How early do you start drinking if you're working at home? Whence I get the urge. [Editor’s note: See?! Caught in his own lie.]

Where are you from originally? What passport(s) do you have? Well I was born in Tuscon, Arizona, but I am from Kenya. Passport US and A.

Do you spell "colour" with a "u"? I am multicultural and multifaceted so I spell it both ways. “Colour”, however, is the correct way to spell it. [Editor’s note: Correct!]

Why did you move to NY? It's the best place on earth? Multiple reasons. Wanted a challenge, more opportunity work-wise and education-wise. Way closer to Kenya and Europe. I love Jazz.

This might be a trick question, because I have never seen you not wear sportswear. Do you only own sportswear? Do you have "nice clothes" and what are they? I generally wear sportswear. I have two button down shirts and one pair of slacks. My nice clothes are jeans.

I've heard you refuse to ever wear a blazer. Why, and under what circumstance would you actually agree to wear one? I had to wear one in high school. Would wear one if I got invited to a Nobel Prize presentation.

What about runners? Do you own any shoes that aren't runners? I do have some decent shoes. No dress shoes though. That will change next week.

How often do you spend the entire day without leaving your apartment? Not so much in New York. But if I could do one weekend a month I would like my life more.

Is it true you're related to a former president of the United States? Yep. He is my cousin.

Can you share a quick & easy lunch idea/receipe? Most all my cooking is elaborate.

How likely are you to go back to the place we had tacos? Hahahah. Probably never.

When are you coming back to my hood so we can get sushi at my favourite sushi place? Send us an invite.

You have claimed that you make the BEST BROWNIES but I have yet to taste such brownies. Why is this? How can we finally make this happen?! My brownies are fantastic. Brownies will be tasted next time I come to BrooooKlyn [Editor’s note: 3 months later and this still has not happened.]

Bonus question: I've had the runs for 12 days now. Do you think I am dying?* This is definitely a bad sign. Where's your fibre what are you allergic to. Maybe sushi is a bad idea.

*Update: I was severely dehydrated due to C Diff, so I was kind of dying!