The Chronicles of Gilberto

My Grandma's 90th Birthday

2011-01-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

January 22, 2010 - My Grandmother, Rose Torrez, turned 90 years old. Everyone showed up at her house on Vernon Drive for a surprise party after the enthronement of the house. Our Catholic Priest came to bless our house after being remodeled after a fire that happened last year. Everyone was luckily out of the house, everyone was safe, but the house was damaged. Our Uncles of the family went ahead and remodeled the house and once again, the house is back in order and our priest came to bless it. What my Grandma didn't know was that we all got together not only for the enthronement and blessing of the house, but to celebrate the wonderful 90 years in her life!

The picture above shows my Grandmother's children -- my Mother, my aunts, and uncles. (Except for one that was not feeling so well.) Sitting next to my Grandma a family friend, Jim Ramsey. Top from left, Uncle William, my Mom, Annabelle; Jim Ramsey; My Grandma, Uncle Roberto, Aunt Alice, Aunt Sandra. Below on the bottom: Uncle Michael, Aunt Rose, Uncle Joe holding my Grandma's dog. We all gathered for many photo opportunities and it was a well planned day with great family, food, and a great time with all of us together in this wonderful house. We, did indeed, feel so blessed to have all the family together. My Grandma was very happy to see all of us and some old friends and lots of cousins of ours came down. It was nice to see all this. This is a picture of my cousins, and thus this is not all of my Grandma's grandkids, but here is myself and my other cousins in this photo.

There was my sister Christina, holding her son, my nephew, Jake M. Franks, and my Mom and Dad's grandson. There I am sitting next to my Grandma. There sitting next to our Grandma was my cousin Robert Daniel (R.D.) Rivera and the oldest Granddaughter Regina Torrez, my Uncle Roberto's daughter. On the floor is Michaele Kanczel - my Aunt Rose's daughter, and there is my cousin Ruben holding Rylie who is Ruben's niece and Sandra Rivera's granddaughter, and RD's daughter.

We all had a great time and it was filled with love, laughter, and memories. This opportunity to celebrate my Grandma's 90th birthday will be a memory for the ages.

Happy Birthday Grandma! Love you so much!

On this day I gave my Grandma a poem in a frame as a gift, here is the poem for you all to enjoy:

Grandma, with a heart of gold that glitters in the golden sunlight of the desert;

A heart that is as immaculate and wonderful as anyone’s I have known in my life.

Each tiny rock that the golden sand across the Barstow desert shows

All things good;

And that makes things content and just right.

Grandma, with this beating heart has long endured the gifts of life and keeps on smiling

For her Family is all here today to celebrate a great milestone, and with this we are willing

To celebrate a special gift in our lives: You, Grandma, with your heart of gold –

The person you were yesterday, the person you are tomorrow, and the person you are today;

May it be a symbol of our family, may it be our sense of love always.

Your beauty so strong, your great dedication of all things young and old

Has proven that you are indeed a special woman, and it is told

By how many people surround you, in this beautiful house

The home that has long endured the growing pains of family, friends and love ones;

The Passing of a great one

And the new generation that will continue to live on in our lives, the family keeps growing.

May we all celebrate Your Life, Your Home, and with all this we keep on knowing

It’s the strength of your character that is our foundation of who we all are.

It’s all because of my Grandma and her Golden Heart.

The OC Fair - 2010

2010-08-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Fair has returned to Orange County and the best thing about the Fair for us is that it's right around the corner! The Fair returned to Costa Mesa at the OC Fairgrounds and has set up dazzling displays of livestock, arts, carnival rides and of course so much food! As soon as I walked in the first thing I saw was the signs pointing out the various places to eat. The scents of deep fried and wonderful aromas of food everywhere has got my stomach growling at wanting to taste everything close by.

This was a great fair and I have been to the San Bernardino County Fair at Victorville and saw a few concerts, got on a few rides, and of course did some sight seeing. But nothing beats the OC Fair and it was such a spectacular time seeing Weird Al's Brain in 3-D (which the owl 'Norm' represents a familar guy named Dr. Norm Weinberger from UCI Lab) and it was well done very educational mind boggling experience (pardon the pun). Of course, I had to eat, and being so hungry and indecisive at the many places to get a party going in your taste buds -- I couldn't decide! Finally I settled on a 1/2 pound cheeseburger that was rather tasty! I could of gone for the 1 pounder! Thinking I needed to save room for a funnel cake (which I did at the end of the visit). Before eating my very first fried twinkie --- YUMMY! -- I enjoyed devouring some brisket and squirting down some nice cold lemonade in our souvenir cup.

The best part of the visit I believe was to see the ice sculptures which were very artistically done. A Mona Lisa replica in ice was amazing, but even more amazing was the sight of "the Thinker" in ice -- a full size replica in all it's icy form. It was expectantly not as cold as I thought it was going to be. Besides, it was hot outside and the welcome icy cold temps were a warm welcome. Continuing on to see some concerts around us, the music blasting loudly throughout the day was not too bad. Some bands were awesome, some were OK. Nevertheless it was great to walk around and see the animals at the livestock area. Little piglets were just born the other day and we saw them asleep next to their Mommy Pig. It was cute to see. There was also alot of sheep, lambs, and mainly alot of goats. The goats were very affectionate as we petted them. There were all kinds of nice animals to look at. Rabbits, mice, chicks, and of course this huge Oxen was standing so tall over us that it was an amazing sight to see an animal that huge.

As we continue to walk around towards the carnival, taking in all the sights of the rides and attractions and the barkers beckoning the people to shoot baskets win a stuffed toy or something of that nature. Alot of rides were huge and scary looking. It was such a beautiful day being outside walking around the carnival.

To me the best part was eating. Oh so much to eat, but so much to decide on! Funnel cake at the end of the day really topped it off. Ate alot of Funnel cake and stopped at the Disney section to do some karaokee for a free ice cream bar. Took that ice cream bar and walked off one of the best and most fun time I ever had at a fair. There was so much to see and do. Not to mention so much to eat -- deep fried and yummy and delicious. I don't think I have ever ate so much in my life and tremendously enjoyed every moment there. If you have not gone to the OC Fair, go! It'll be the best times ever!

Tornadoes in Southern California!

2010-01-20T17:58:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

Constant readers of my blogs I hope you are all having a happy new year. I am beginning to enjoy the expressions of blogging. The expressive medium has allowed me to write just about anything I have pondering thoughts on. Usually it's about my events in my life, and how much I am enjoying life and all those other minimalists things that I touch bases on. I enjoy my job working as a Castmember at Disneyland. This indeed is the best job I have ever had and continue to have. I always think that I would never have thought I would end up working at the “happiest place on earth.” When I was little, my joys of childhood was going to Disneyland with my family. We would drive a long ways to the Park from Barstow, California and stay the whole day through the night at the park. Then we would journey back home, usually asleep in the back seat of the car. Now that I am older, and enjoy the park close by where I live now, and continue to work at Disneyland I feel such joys at working at making others happy and allowing others to have the same joys as I have as a child.

Now to the news: The Chronicles of Gilberto Garcia has brought about such eventful weather-wise events that has been happening lately. You know in Southern California, people always knew that we are the sunny side, good weather area to live in. Always sunny and warm, a perfect place to escape to. Well, we are not so sunny at all now. We just had a tornado hit us yesterday off the beaches of Huntington Beach and it hit Costa Mesa, and quickly move into Irvine. A tornado in Southern California! Who would of thought!? It was crazy yesterday while the rains and winds crashed against our home and rattled the windows a bit. Candice was at UCI, and it shook the buildings, and rattled the windows as well. The results were enormously surprising! Tree branches all over the streets. Signs and road markers were down as well. One person facebooked a message and noticed a branch on a white SUV in the parking lot at UCI. It was crazy weather, and it still continues right now. The rain has been pouring all day today and the news reports says that it will continue for awhile throughout the night. There are storm cells moving over OC and into the Inland Empire as well. Bracing for more wet weather.. but one thing I am happy about: I am off today, tomorrow and the next day! So I can stay indoors all dry, and hope that the tornadoes don't come back.

What was crazy was when the news flashed their warnings on the TV screens, I saw the words: tornado warning in OC areas, I was just shocked: “What!?” and it was just crazy to hear that there will be tornadoes in our area. It's California! You know what I mean? Anyway, just happy that everyone is safe, and there wasn't any serious damage to anything. Just for those who think that tornadoes are crazy and dangerous: as long as you are not a storm chaser like in the movie : “Twister” do not go out there outside when it hits. It's crazy! I was even crazy myself, trying to take some pictures of the storm. Nevertheless, it was something sort of adventurous, and I thought blogging about it would be an event that is recorded on these cyber pages of my blogs. After all, it is a sort of chronological event that I had to record. I will show you pictures on this blog and you can figure out for yourself how much rain we got and how freaky the whole thing was. I just couldn't believe it happened in the OC, in the sunny state of California!

We still had to go to work. I went to work at Disneyland expecting the rain to continue over there. After the tornado hit, I would expect it to be slow and empty at the park. Indeed it was. We worked shorter shifts, and had nothing else to do really. A few people would come in and other of Disney's Clothiers store on the East Side of Main Street. It wasn't busy at all! So we got to come home earlier than expected from our shifts. But the weather outside was cold and cloudy. I knew it was going to be rainy pretty soon again. But I came home in good dry but cold weather. I came home and Candice told me all about the storm hitting UCI while she was in class. We then started to watch some prime time TV and all of a sudden we heard this loud noise outside, and indeed the rain started to fall hard! It was pouring so hard! The pool below us was splashing and we couldn't even see across from our patio to the next building over, because the sky was dark, and the rain was pouring so hard. Then all of a sudden it stopped! Just a flash of water as to warn us for the next storm for the next day.

Sure I would watch the news, and keep my eyes open for next tornado warning because it passed us and it was freaky! Sort of a thing that came to my mind when I think of the weather like this, and having a tornado in Southern California made me think of one thing: GLOBAL WARMING? Hmm.. something to think about because like in those movies about tornadoes hitting LA and causing some sort of apocalypse-ish feelings about our state of California. Hmm.. maybe its just time for some wet, wet weather in Southern California.

So wet in fact that our apartment area there was flooding:

Here are the warnings from LA Times:

Los Angeles Times | Jan. 19, 2010 | 1:32 p.m.

The National Weather Service has canceled a tornado warning for Los Angeles County, but a warning remains in effect for Orange County.

The Los Angeles Police Department has called a tactical alert and is evacuating homes in San Pedro. The department has also shutdown an area between Pacific and Gaffey and 4th and 7th Streets hit by the worst of the flood. Officials say a lightning strike hit the Conoco refinery, causing a small fire.

In Huntington Beach, the beaches were mostly empty while waves surged, lightning struck and wind reached gusts of 52 mph. The gusts topped 72 mph in Newport Beach.

The storm was accompanied by rain, lightning, hail and high waves.

Officials are worried about mudslides in burn areas in L.A. and Orange counties as the new storm hits mountain areas.

And that my friends, is our Sunny Southern California! At least everyone is safe and fine. As long as we stay indoors away from windows when a tornado hits, then all will be fine and safe. Just be careful while driving out there in the rain. Until next time when I come back to share more events in the Chronicles of Gilberto.. Until Next time!

Happy New Year ! Welcome 2010. . .

2010-01-06T16:08:00.001-08:00

Ah, it’s been awhile since I wrote in my blog and dear constant readers I am sorry to say I have a new toy and been neglecting to try to write a blog on it. Its the new Apple iPhone that I got last year and it’s been a great phone and a great mobile device to do everything I possibly can without the use of a computer! For instance: AIM, texting, emailing, twittering and blogging, and so much more! Indeed so much more. I am loving my iPhone a lot more than a PC. In that sense I think I am becoming more Apple-ish this year. I think I want to get a Mac (oh gosh here it comes the PC to the MAC fever!) But they are so expensive! Anyway, that’s one reason I haven’t kept up with the blogs. So here we go to a new year of 2010 and so far the Chronicles of Gilberto continues on a brand new year and I wish all of you a Happy New Year!

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On January 2, 2010, the Chavezes and I went to see a wonderful musical produced by Disney: Mary Poppins! It was a wonderful musical theatre and probably a first for the young ones we took with us. They had lots of fun and afterwards we all went to eat some Mexican and it was so delicious. We had a lot of fun doing stuff like that. The musical and then dinner afterwards was a beginning of a beautiful end of first week of 2010. Then Sunday, it was Candice’s birthday.. so Happy Birthday to the love of my life!

Once the year started, I begin to miss the year 2009, for this Christmas of December 2009 was wonderful. We had the kids over for the holidays and we had a lot of fun baking, making and creating so many Christmas Memories.

Also earlier in the month of December was the annual Holiday Cast Party. This time we took Monica along with us and it was so much fun. The Christmas time at Disneyland is always so wonderful to walk through. But for one thing we all were bundled up and ready for that freezing cold. Being bundled up to keep warm was not even enough – we had to get some hot chocolate and be warm. Even riding on the train as the cold air slaps your face was very unbearable, but the sights and sounds of Christmas time at Disneyland beat down the weather. It was so much fun to take a group picture in front of the tree. The gigantic Christmas Tree with it’s many decorations and lights make it a wonderful sight for the holidays.

The beautiful sights of “A Small World” lighting up during the nighttime was a wonder to watch. It was a lot of fun to do the Holiday Party with love ones.

Even though it was so cold that night for the Holiday Cast Party, being with Candice made me warm, and having Monica along made our memories even bigger. It was a lot of fun and as the year 2009 came to an end, we look back at how fast the year went by so fast. My first years as a Cast Member just flew by. I enjoy working at the Disney stores and it is so much fun to meet all kind of people. I am sure in the year 2010 will be as memorable as 2009 has been. So many things to look forward to:

January – Candice’s and Jake’s Birthday!

February – Capitan EO will be back at Disneyland!

March – My Birthday and of course, Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” will be showing up same week as my birthday!

Another Summer in Costa Mesa, and I can’t wait to go swimming again in our pool. So many things that will be coming up.

For now who knows what adventures await in the Chronicles of Gilberto. I will try to keep up on the blog, if not, otherwise follow up on Twitter! Enjoy the year 2010 everyone! Once again, Happy New Year!

P.S. What Candice gave me for Christmas is the very chair I am sitting on to blog, and it’s a neat one and I am enjoying my gaming experience and music from it. Thanks Candice!

Happy New Year!

Wow, Time Flies by So Fast!

2009-09-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of you!

Yesterday on September 27, 2009 I have been working for one year at Disneyland Resorts. I work at the Disneyland Park at the Main Street Stores, mainly the Emporium. I was just thinking back to one year ago when I first started the adventures of being a Cast Member at Disneyland and was realizing how much time has flown by so fast. It was even around this time I started my blogging experiences. I don't know if anyone out there reads them, but it's sort of like a journal writing experience for me to jot out little experiences in my life. Maybe one day I'll look back at these blogs and go, "Wow, I have done somewhat good." I enjoy what I do, working at Disneyland is a fun and workable experience. I like being the cashier, guest servicing and closing the store at nights. The perks are seeing the many changes at the park every season. Right now this is the first week that the park is decorated with Halloween themes: pumpkins everywhere, orange and black decorated all over Main Street. Even the huge Mickey Mouse face Jack O' Lantern is spotted right in the middle of Main Street rotunda.

Well, I just wanted to mentioned that it is my one year anniversary working for Disneyland and I am enjoying every minute of it. It'll be my second year to experience Halloween at Disneyland and the upcoming Christmas Season at the Park is always an enjoyable time. I can't wait for the snow covered main street and the fantastic fireworks at night during the Holidays. That is not so far away and that's why I say to myself: "Wow, Time Flies so Fast!" Mentioning the fireworks, you all have to go see the spectacular Halloween firework show that Disneyland has. It's brand new and you sure won't be disappointed! It's a neat show with music from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. Also, be sure to see TNBC's Zero flying by over the castle! (Zero is Jack Skellington's dog) Have a fun time during Halloween!

Good Bye Old Friend - Nissan, Hello New Friend - Kia Soul and Other News in the Chronicles of Gilberto

2009-09-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it was time to let my ol' car go. The Nissan has been a good ride for me, and it was time for a change. Candice and I got a new car and we are immensely enjoying it. We went to Kia Depot and got the Kia Soul 2010. It's an awesome ride and I love the Sirius Satellite Radio feature. I am enjoying my rides to work, and Candice is enjoying her rides to school/lab. Alot has been going on this month. Alot of things will happen this week. Let me elaborate:

This month of September 2009, my Mom celebrated her birthday yesterday on Labor Day. Happy Birthday to my Mom! I love her dearly. And this is the month of my one year anniversary with Disney. I am enjoying my job at Disneyland alot and it has come to show how time flies by so quickly. I am enjoying the end of summer for it was my first summer to work at Disneyland. It was crowded and busy, at some times it seemed slower than usually, but it picked up with the holidays. So Summer is coming to an end soon and I enjoyed this summer because of all the events that I had -- auditions at Deaf West Theatre, Working at Disneyland for a year, a new car, and most of all I am looking forward to the D23 Expo at Anaheim's Convention Center this week. Should be lots of fun. I am going on Thursday and that evening going to see the preview show at North Hollywood's Deaf West Theatre, "Children of a Lesser God." Should be an awesome show, and I hope all the cast breaks a leg (good luck in theatre speak), and it would've been me in there since I tried to audition. But nevertheless, it will all be a great show. Hope success for all the actors and Deaf West Theatre Company.

I haven't blogged in awhile, but I figured I let all of you know what's up in the Chronicles of Gilberto. So there you have it, life has been great, and I am enjoying all the good things to come. Especially the D23 Expo, will post more about it after my experiences. And especially my one year with Disneyland will be coming up soon in the next two weeks. Well, till next time, but be sure to check out the photos at the end of this blog for our new car! Until next time, wherever you may be, Thanks for reading my blogs!

Ah, Peak Season at Disney/Work

2009-07-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, been a busy summer for me so far. Sad news was I didn't get the part I wanted at Deaf West Theatre, but sincerely wish the one that received he role big success and everyone in the cast wonderful wishes for a big production. I can't wait to go see it myself when it opens up. So this meant, not more driving down to Hollywood (which is kind of a good thing because the drive was so long and tedious) Other than that, I will of course miss my acting program at Deaf West because it gave me some great experience, and met some great people. And of course it got me this audition which I succeeded with a callback and then didn't get the role. The experience is what counts the most, and I am happy I did what I had to do to pull it off. So now, all I can do is wait for more auditions to come up. So I am on the listserv for Deaf West for any posting for auditions. So I will keep my eyes out for those.

Still the summer started off with such fun times at Hollywood and continues to go into the middle of July. Sometimes I've been busy with work, but I managed to squeeze in some summer readings (Marlee Matlin's bio) and some exercise by swimming laps in the pool. Doing laps made me sore, but hey, it's exercise. Sometimes it gets me so tired before I go into work that night. So a long power nap does the trick, but nevertheless I am still so wiped out when I get home; I go straight to bed when I arrive home. Everything is going fine during this not so hot Costa Mesa Summer days. All of us are doing fine, just working to pay all those bills. So thank God for peak season at Disneyland, meaning more working hours.

Just the other day at my job, two nights ago on July 12, at the wee hours right before midnight, someone was waiting on a guest and I couldn't figure out his face. As a Deaf guy knowing every person in a band out there is hard to recall. But someone came up to this guest and asked for his autograph. I was like, "excuse me, why did they ask for your autograph? Who are you? And oh by the way 'Happy Birthday.'" when I noticed his birthday button on him with the name Ray. He nicely replied back to me, "I am a guitarist in the band 'My Chemical Romance." Then I was like, "I know that band." Not out loud of course, we have to treat anyone famous or infamous with the same equal amount of respect as anyone that walks into our store at Disneyland Emporium. So it was nice to see someone like that. It was his birthday and he was like almost the next to last guest in our store before closing hours. If no one knows who the band "My Chemical Romance" is or Ray Toro, check out this link: http://www.mychemicalromance4u.com/ray-toro/

Been so busy lately with the summer crowds showing up at Disneyland, and working at the Emporium makes it a challenge to walk through, weaving through the crowds of people to get to your destination . Whether it be clocking in for work or coming back from a break. The crowds are so much, but it makes the day go by faster, and the night completes quicker when it's busy. I love the atmosphere of the people, and the pace of the job. Once I had long lines of people, that I was constantly checking out the merchandise for the people, and working the registers at a non-stop motion that it felt like I had no time to catch my breath. But there are some slow hours, this is usually during the firework show. Everyone is out there to watch a dazzling light show with Disney music. But then right after, the swarms of people invade our store and we are nonstop at work till we close. It's fun, really. So fun, when you know that famous people can just show up any minute. Once I saw Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter and their kids dashing through from store to store before I came to clock in for work. And there was talk that Jennifer Lopez and her hubby, Marc Athony with their kids were there during the holiday weekend. Also George Lopez. So I have to keep my eyes open for these stars, but I can't do that when there is a long line of people and I am ringing up everyone when they are purchasing their merchandise. It's always fast paced, but fun.

Costa Mesa has been nice here, the weather is fabulous! Both for sitting outside, walking the dogs, and going out for a swim. It's nice weather. That's why I take advantage of the pool, and relaxing before the high peak season at Disneyland. Once I get to work and continue on till the end of the shift, I get so tired! But having some nice days off does the trick! I've been BBQing outside on our patio and it's nice to have a cold one in hand while bbqing meats, veggies, and other things that the aroma is so appealing that it makes me hungry! As a matter of fact, I will be BBQing soon -- some vegetables, chilies, onions and whatever else needs to be BBQed. So grilling time in the middle of this nice Summer July month. . . then to the Happiest place on Earth tonight!

Until then, next time!

Life so Far, So Good in the Early Month of July

2009-07-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

I would say Life has been good so far. I was kind of disappointed in not getting the role of Orin in the Deaf West Production of "Children of a Lesser God." It was an interesting experience though to participate in the process of the pre-production of a theatrical play at a great company. I will like to congratulate the person who got the role (it was down to two people! Him and me) So that was a great audition for the first time for me. I enjoyed every minute of it, and the experience not only gave me a glimpse in the acting world, but a growing experience that I can take with me wherever I go to audition again for future roles.

Now it is the early month of July and we just celebrated our nation's birthday. Happy Birthday USA! It's been a great country, with a newly elected president, and a lot of tough issues to iron out. The world is getting confusing and now the King of Pop has passed away. I recently watched the Michael Jackson Memorial on TV and listened to all the songs, all the people talking about such a great artist and I always will remember how his music moved the world. The man was a legend, and his passing on will only carry on the tune of his music for ages. His songs and his dance moves will only keep on inspiring others to imitate Michael Jackson, but never replicate any one like him again. So with a birthday of our nation we witnessed the passing of an American Icon. May he forever moonwalk into the heavens and may his music continue to keep the beat going.

This is why with all the music and the busy times in our lives, I say Life so far is good. Witnessing the passing of Michael Jackson shows how brief life can be. How one can continue to dance till the End of Time.

Disneyland job has been going well. I recently got recognized with a certificate for a good comment from a guest recently. It's great that guest recognize the work you do and in return your job acknowledges that with recognition by a certificate and a card to show appreciation. That was very nice and this was last week I got this, and I was happy to say, "You're welcome." Working at Disneyland has been busy since it's the middle of summer. People are still finding ways to go amuse themselves at these parks. Disneyland has been bustling with activity due to the new parades, fireworks show, and Fantasmic. These shows I have to see myself one day. One day off I plan to go and see the fireworks, parades and Fantastmic. Ever since I got my language pin - American Sign Language (ASL) and people see my name and under that the town I was from: Barstow. And beneath that my language "Sign Language", people start using their sign language with me and/or they say they are learning and try a little bit with me. I think it's neat when they do that and I have such an easier time at communicating. It's fun to wear the name tags with the city, language and it's such a great conversational starter.

Well, this was my blog for July and I haven't been blogging lately, as you may have noticed been busy. But I will try to get back to this blogging when I can. The latest book I am reading right now is Marlee Matlin's Bio: "I'll Scream Later." So far, I am liking it and movies I want to see this summer includes Harry Potter, Transformers and some others. I actually enjoy watching the news for Football. I can't wait for NFL to start off. Will be blogging about that later as well. So thank you for reading my blogs and look forward to seeing you all again! Ciao!

News update:

2009-06-22T14:11:00.001-07:00

Today at 11:20AM I went to audition for the play "Children of a Lesser God" for the role of Orin. It was my very first time auditioning professionally. I had a fun time with it. Possible callbacks on Thursday! I will keep you all posted! This might be a start of something good, if I don't get it, the experience was very much worth it! Until next time, I'll keep you updated if you follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook. Again, it was a fun experience. Thanks to Amy Liberman for the chance to audition.

What’s UP?

2009-06-02T13:28:00.001-07:00

May 28, 2009, Hollywood, California.

Candice came with me to my Deaf West Acting Program class. She enjoyed watching our class and it was Suanne Spoke’s last class and she was a wonderful teacher and person to have in our program. I am glad Candice get to see her. Ed Waterstreet stopped by to observe our class. We enjoyed the teachings of Suanne Spoke and will miss her dearly.

The reason Candice came along was because in the same area of Hollywood, her and I headed to El Capitan Theatre after the Deaf West Acting class to see the premiere film of Disney/Pixar’s latest film, “Up.” We saw it at the beautiful theatre of El Capitan. We came in and got our free soda and popcorn, courtesy of D23. I am a charter member of D23 and I was glad to join this Disney community at this right time because the movie UP! was the most recent movie during the charter year of D23. We grabbed our free tub of popcorn and soda and headed up the the balcony level of the theatre. We watched someone played beautiful and recognizable Disney music on the grand organ.

After the beautiful music we applaud the talented organ player and watched the wonderful and energetic fun show of lights and dazzling effects on a backdrop on the stage. It was wonderful sight to see. And then the backdrop rises for a show of dancers and fun lively music playing.

First came down the screen with its beautifully designed animated backdrop. The animation was like watching a lightshow as the colors and scene changes from rainbow display of dazzling colors to the backdrop of the famous Hollywood sign on the hills.

After all the fun dancing, the show was about to start.

John Ratzenberger, the guy from Cheers who voice a lot of Pixar/Disney’s film was there to introduce the movie Up. He stood there to talk about his voicing for Pixar/Disney films like Toy Story, and he even talked about Toy Story 3 coming out soon! And yes, before the movie Up there was a preview of it.

The voice of John Ratzenberger is easily recognizable in Toy Story, he voices Hamm the Piggy Bank and some other voices for Pixar/Disney movies. It was neat to watch him talk about the projects in the future and how he thinks this film was one of the better ones that he was involved in. He mentioned to us to enjoy this movie and to enjoy the show. Thus the show began and I am telling you with the Disney 3D for the movie previews and the feature film was awesome! It was a great story of an old man and a little boy on a soaring adventure with a house lifted by millions of balloons. The film was opened to D23 members and I was glad to see so many people in the theatre who are members like me. We even got gifts on the way out – a D23 UP collectible pin and a balloon. We even went into the Disney’s Soda Fountain and Studio Store afterwards and bought another collectible pin and a mug to keep as souvenir of our adventures in Hollywood at the El Capitan Theatre. It was a fun time and I was glad to share it with Candice!

Mother’s Day – What It Means to Me

2009-05-11T20:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. We spent the day with my other “Mother.” My girlfriend’s mother is very nice and wonderful, and shows a lot of enthusiasm in the things she does for Candice and me. Oftentimes, I think of my Mother and how she always does things for me. And unfortunately since the distance is far for my Mom to see her everyday like I do with Candice’s Mom; I feel like even thought I am Candice’s boyfriend, I still feel like a son to her and vice versa, Monica, feels like a mother to me.

So yesterday with Mother’s Day, we did what Monica wanted. A nice dinner, all three of us, and to have some Lobster and watch the Lakers. Well, sure enough, Candice, Monica and I went to the market and bought fresh lobster. It was my first time having lobster for a meal and I didn’t know to buy them, we had to buy them still living! I was amazed by how delicious these lobsters tasted. We had our little drinks, cheese and crackers as appetizers. While the Lobsters were cooking we watched the Lakers get spanked. All of this before I left for work, which was why I couldn’t go and see my Mother far, far away. I still called her, IM her and wished my Mom and Christina a Happy Mother’s Day.

Back to thinking of that day, Mother’s Day, was feeling like any regular day. Then I realized, wow, it’s great to be able to honor all the Mothers everywhere. I admired and respect my own Mother who strived to make sure we had the best of everything. My Mom, even though was the “stay-at-home” type of mother, she still was busy in her lives raising her two children – Christina and I. I show the love, determination and hard work in her as she raised us in her religious convictions: to be able to love and obey God in our lives. She raised us to love everyone and to be kind to everyone. My Mom went through so much effort to make sure we had everything – yes, our Mom spoiled us growing up. But it was out of her heart, her love and kindness that made us become who we are today.

I see that in my sister, Christina, and how she is now a mother raising her own son. Jake Michael Franks has become such a cute adorable young boy and he is so full of life! Christina and Larry of course are trying their best to make sure Jake is happy and living the life he should. This in retrospect has given me the perspective of Mother’s Day and what it means to me. Mother’s Day has the essence of respect, love and admiration for all those hard working Mothers. We shouldn’t just take this one day yesterday and say “I Love You Mom, and Thank you for being the best a Mom can be.” No, we should be able to show our Mothers through our own hard work and dedication and show appreciation everyday to our Mothers of our current place in our lives. Without our Mothers what we do today would not be possible for the love and guidance of our Mothers from the yesterdays we have lived in the past. Growing up my perspective of Mothers have changed so much with the ever-changing life of today’s society. There are a lot of single Mothers, a lot of Mothers who are working, a lot of Mothers still going to school, and so therefore, it’s twice the effort and hard work to be able to raise your children instilling the values that their Mothers passed on to them.

This is how I see Christina with Jake. This is how I see Monica with Candice and I. This is how I see the love and admiration I have for all mothers. It doesn’t have to take that one special Day of Mother’s Day to instill our values and appreciation for all our Mothers. It takes our appreciation for them by the things we do to make them happy and proud. Therefore, I say to my Mom, Annabelle Garcia, and my other “Mom” who stays with us in our home, Thank you for being my Mom and thank you for all the things you do through the kindness and love of your heart. And may faith be your strength for the new Mothers out there, and for my sister who is making one day at a time to be as enjoyable as the next for her own son. May God always Bless you with the gifts of love and life. You sure deserve it!

Newport Beach Film Festivel and Deaf West Theatre Acting Program

2009-04-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest Vlog, which I haven't been posting a lot of these. I like doing blogs because I love to write. But with my experience with Vlogs, I am still a newbie and I am trying my best to make these Vlogs understandable and edited just right. Roughly put together, but immersed with The Chronicles of Gilberto will do this post justice. A lot has happened this past week and it was filled with Movies, Stage acting, Improv, and the likes. It was a fun time at our first Deaf West Theatre Acting Program last Thursday. Gary Austin, who is considered a great teacher in improvisation for the stage has given us great experiences and lessons in how to put on a scene. We are going to be working with him again this Thursday at Deaf West Theatre for our second class of the acting program. I am looking forward to it!

As for the movie, "See What I Am Saying" with CJ Jones, TL, and many others who documented on the Deaf entertainment field and how hard it is to actually find acts. With the noticeable community of Deaf people we tend to know all these people; but the struggles to make it out in the bigger Hearing World is a challenge. This is what this film was all about and it was well done and marvelously directed by Hillary Scarli. I enjoyed this film so much, that I hope it wins for the best film at the Newport Beach Film Festivel. I heard it won at the Philadelphia Film Festival and received great acclaim for its work.

Watch my Vlog for more information on the "happenings" of my life in The Chronicles of Gilberto!

Until Next Time. . . ! Thanks for watching.

Deaf West Acting Program - My Visit

2009-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Out of the blue, I decided to go ahead and take a ride down to North Hollywood and find the location of Deaf West Theatre. We took the 5 North all the way till we got to the Hollywood freeways. Passing the Dodgers Stadium and getting on the 134 freeway passing the Walt Disney Studios was neat. A bunch of other movie studios were on the way as well. I was excited to be back in the area of Hollywood after going to see Wicked at the Pantages Theatre awhile back.

As I took the drive into the Noho District, and getting on Lankershim Boulevard and searching for a place to park next to the Deaf West Theatre. Monica was my navigator with her trusty Thomas Guide showing me where to go. I had to memorize the way to come to Deaf West for I will be traveling alone along the 5 till getting to Hollywood freeways and getting on Lankershim Blvd. for the acting program starting Thursday. As I drove along the street and seeking Deaf West Theatre, we found a small place to park along the side of the Theatre. Since we were here and figuring out where I would be able to park, we decided to get down and look around. Monica wanted to find a bathroom; so we went ahead and went inside Deaf West Theatre. There's the office manager asked if we were lost. I explained the situation about finding parking and so forth. She gave me ideas for Thursday of where to park. Meanwhile we needed to beckon to nature's call and the office manager led us to the restroom. Passing the Theatre's huge library and into the facilities, I began to take in awe the space of this theatre. We didn't get to see the main stage (but soon I will, soon) and as I came out of the restroom, in the main office there was the Director of Deaf West, Ed Waterstreet. I met him once before at the Deaf Expo in Ontario. It was a pleasure to see him again.

Ed Waterstreet, Artist Director

I talked with him about the Deaf West Theatre Acting Program. He helped answered some of my questions and comments. It was wonderful experience to talk with him. I was happy to talk to the "main man" behind the Deaf West Theatre Experience. Running into him was a wonderful experience and he let me know what the program would be like, what will be expected, and various other comments as we talked briefly. He was very nice person to talk to. So my visit down to North Hollywood on Lankershim Blvd was pretty neat, and now I am comfortable to know where exactly to go. As we were in the area, Monica's nephew and Candice's cousin, Eddie lived not far from Deaf West Theatre, so we went to visit him.

Overall, the drive from Costa Mesa, California to North Hollywood, Lankershim Blvd was not too bad. I know I will encounter some traffic. But it is all worth it yesterday as I ran into Ed Waterstreet, the Director and creator of Deaf West Theatre. It was such a blessing to have talked with him.

As you follow my Chronicles of Gilberto, I will blog more about my acting experiences with Deaf West Theatre. Look forward to a fun filled day for it's going to be the start of the program and the start of my dreams to be involved with Deaf West Theatre!

Soreson Video Phone - Technology Benefits the Deaf

2009-04-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, I would like to talk about technology and how it has helped the Deaf in so many ways. With technology rapidly improving and becoming more mobile, the access to information and being in contact with others has greatly improved for all people, especially the Deaf. Back then, Deaf people have used what we called Telephone Devices for the Deaf (TDD) and it was a phone that connects to regular phone lines to talk to someone else who had a similar device. Then the usage of phone calls with TDDs has spread throughout the Deaf people's homes to that of nowadays Relay Operator. This service was to call businesses or other people who's households do not have the TDDs. In a three way converstations the Deaf would rely on a relay operator to relay conversation from person A to person C, while B was the relay operator. This service has greatly improved communication from households who had TDDs and others who didn't. Still, the TDDs were sometimes so slow, and the typing was so long. The conversations would be so slow and we had to type "GA" (Go Ahead) and "SK" (Stop Keying) to continue a conversation or end it. Now the recent expansion of Internet and communication via Instant Messsaging, ex: AIM, Yahoo IM, or MSN IM; the usage of TDDs haver greatly declined since the late 90's.

Now with the newfound technology of Internet and phonelines disappearing, the usage of wireless networks and cable lines has brought about faster technology communications. I believe with the wireless networks and the ever-changing computer technology we are only going to get faster and better. Sorenson has provided a faster and efficient way to communicate with others by a phone. A Video Phone (VP) and this technology replaces that of the TDD. Instead of text conversation which mainly we had to depend on literal transitions of communication by typing. While Deaf Culture relies on the communication of a visual language known as ASL (American Sign Language) we have relied on this medium of Internet and Video conferences. Thus, the web cams and the fast speed internet was a must for all Deaf people to have. But we needed a realiable phone system in case we had to call certain places that rely on phone contacts. So with this technology of video phones, Sorenson has provided the Sorenson VP -200 which I have in my living room. This amazing technology is similar to that of relay on TDDs or Internet through IP-Relay or any other services.

With Sorenson VP -200 I have enjoyed the amazing results of this video phone which is hooked up to my TV and current Internet provider through the cable lines. When someone calls me, the phone flashes and change the input channel to pick up the video image of a relay operator saying someone is calling me, and we connect and thus continue our conversation through ASL. There is not "GA" or "SK," and this feels more relaxing and a more casual converstation comes about. I enjoy my Sorenson VP and I know there are so many improvements being made out there. Especially with a company called "Purple Communications," which is now making a mobile video phone (MVP) and this will come out pretty soon for us Deaf people to actually have our own "cell phone" system that is like the Video Phone. I can't wait for this technology to come out. With the phone that I have now, I am able to stay in contact with Deaf friends, family, and businesses. The best part of a VP for Deaf people is that you can contact directly to another who has the same VP and just chat through video without a third party (relay operators), because after all with ASL being a visual language, we are all able to connect to the Deaf-World through a medium that was made for us. Through video phones we are able to stay in touch with the world.

Deaf West Theatre Acting Program

2009-04-15T16:30:00.001-07:00

Hello you all, I am sorry for not posting anything lately. I have been busy at work, been working alot of hours at Disneyland -- recent places I worked at at Disneyland include Adventureland Bazaar, Main Street's China Closet, and Penny Arcade which is the Candy Place on Main Street. Mainly I have been working alot of hours at the Main Street Emporium and have been having fun there. I am enjoying the job at Disneyland and it shows that people still want to have fun with their money and they show up at the "Happiest Place on Earth." So thank God for a stable job and swarms of people from all over who just want to have a good family time. Soon there will be graduations coming up and this will mean late hours for those grads who want to celebrate a milestone in their lives. I remember mine back then in 1995 graduating from California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) high school. Man, what a blast I had at Disney's Grad Night, and now it's my turn to be on the other side serving our guests with the joys of their celebrations that they will soon graduate and enter the world with hopes and dreams like I did back then.

Speaking of hopes and dreams, I would love to Blog about my Big Dream coming into reality soon. On Easter Sunday, when we were getting ready to enter silence of respect and read our Bibles at home on a quiet Easter Day, I checked my email as usual and got some big news to share. One of my dreams is to join Deaf West Theatre as an actor. I got something close to that: I sent in an application to try for the Deaf West Theatre Acting program this spring and I got the email saying I am in! I am so excited for this opportunity. I noticed that the program will start NEXT WEEK! I am excited to begin this adventure on April 23rd which lasts till June 25, and it's a 10 -week course of learning about acting from the biggest and most popular Deaf Theatre in the country. I can't wait to drive down to North Hollywood and begin this wonderful experience. I will, of course, keep up with my blogs and as well as my Twitters to see what has been going on. Check out the website link to see what the whole program is about:

http://www.deafwest.org/outreach/training09.htm

The joys of acting is my passion, and it's one of my many dreams to be part of the Deaf West Theatre tradition, and being selected to be part of this program has been a wonderful surprise. Talk about discovering the biggest Easter Egg and discovering what was inside. This was my Easter Egg on this Easter holiday and I was glad to share the news with everyone that follows my blogs. The Chronicles of Gilberto has taken a wonderful surprising turn into an exciting opportunity that will unfold in weeks to come.

Twitter - What Are You Doing Now?

2009-03-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

A new craze I have found online: Twitter. Chirping away like mini-bloggettes of occasionally happenings in the dail lives of those who twitter. Twitter is the new found blogger's dream of tiny tidbits of what they are doing now. It's been around for awhile and became popular. I discovered Twitter like two weeks ago and found it to be addicting. I am enjoying the limited box to type limited text of the "going-on's" of Gilberto Garcia. Yes, the blogs I write on "The Chronicles of Gilberto" has been updated, but not as much as I like to. Sometimes I can't figure out what I want to write about! So with Twitter, the limited amount of characters one can type has been mainly challenging, and mostly fun. I found it to be an addicting website and I constantly feel like I have to keep it up. Unlike this Blog, where I have to sit down and think of what to write. Twitter allows you to "follow" someone on Twitter that they too can update. Somtimes you can send "tweets" as much as you want. Simply put Twitter is a journal of what you been doing but in a limited amount of space on the page. As you post your tweets, anyone who is allowed to follow you on their own Twitter pages will constantly keep up with what you are doing.

Sometimes hitting the replies to, on the Twitter page, you can communicate with people. The website allows one to know another is following your tweets on the page. I think it's an awesome website that you can just daily post what's up with you and follow other people as well. Obama has his Twitters and other celeberties as well. The cool thing about this Twitter page is that you can send your tweets through your cellphone or any instant messaging tools. To be able to keep up with what one is doing, the keep the constant daily tweets posted is kind of fun -- not to mention a bit addiciting. I have posted here my page if you want to check out my tweets. I have been posting from my Yahoo! Messenger and it allows me to send my tweets through Yahoo.

Check it out: http://twitter.com/Gilbert_Garcia

I think if you read my blogs, you can "follow" me on Twitter as well! Have fun "tweeting!"

http://www.twitter.com/

Pippin Rocks!

2009-03-16T11:08:00.001-07:00

Center Theatre Group and Deaf West Theatre knows how to put on a great show!

Since Deaf West and Center Theatre Group merge to create Deaf-musicals, they have been successful at what they do. The previous Sleeping Beauty Wakes got huge reviews and the first one that I saw at Mark Taper Forum was Big River. starring Tyrone Giodran. He again does the role of Pippin and Ty Taylor (picture shown below) as the scene stealing Lead Player – Both actors did a great job at this Deaf West and Center Theatre Group collaboration.

The songs and the music was awesome and it was such a great time to watch the musical numbers in ASL from both the Deaf and Hearing actors. The whole cast worked the play fluently and they seem to be having fun playing their parts. The minimalistic stage and props give the actors room to stage their ASL as the play itself. Watching the motion of the hands and arms, and the body placing themselves around the stage was such a spectacular feat in itself.

Stephen Schwartz who created the original Pippin was excited to have Pippin reproduced by Deaf West Theatre after the success of Big River by the same theatre companies, and the successful hard work by the cast and the crew displayed that this was indeed a new genre of ASL Broadway style productions. I was so impressed by the dazzling costumes, the actors and actresses who flaunt themselves on the stage and the role of the Player by Ty Taylor was very magical experience as he went from location to location singing and signing the lyrics to the musical beat of Pippin. It was such a magical experience that I enjoyed every minute of it. Let’s not forget the timing of the humor was on spot and the pace of the play was quite awhile, but worth every minute of it.

Here is a great critical review from the Schwartz website:

Pippin Finds a New Voice

By Suzy Evans

Stephen Schwartz has been waiting a long time for a revival of Pippin like the one at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. “Over the last several years, I've periodically been approached about a revival of Pippin and for one reason another the circumstances didn’t really make sense,” Schwartz explained in a January interview. There had to be enough of a reason. “And then when Jeff Calhoun called me about doing it with Deaf West, immediately that seemed the ideal way to do it.”

Deaf West is a Los Angeles-based company that casts deaf and hearing actors in their productions. Working with Center Theatre Group, they had already staged Big River with great success, and it was time for something new.

For Deaf West productions, hearing actors are required to learn their lines in American Sign Language (ASL) while the deaf actors must learn how to keep in time with the music while being voiced by hearing actors.

Schwartz thinks Pippin is a natural choice for this kind of presentation because elements of Pippin’s original production can be used to accentuate Deaf West’s interpretation. "The original production for Pippin and most of the revivals that I’ve seen involve the use of hands in various ways, gesturing etc.,” he said. “Obviously when you’re dealing with speaking with your hands and with signing then that adds a whole other element to it.”

Pippin is a story about discovering who you are, and Schwartz, who started writing the show for an extracurricular group in college, called the show “semi-autobiographical.” However, Pippin’s journey of self-discovery takes on a new meaning as these two distinct cultures merge. Schwartz wanted to play with the idea of having people who speak with their hands find their "voice." He comments, “There are ways in which certain concepts of the production and specific moments specifically speak to that issue.”

Musical Schwartz - March 16, 2009

LA TIMES is the best newspapers for Theatrical reviews as well. This one link will lead you to the Review of Pippin:

LA Times Review of Pippin from Deaf West

I am so glad I went to see this play. Since I missed Sleeping Beauty Wakes by the same Theatre Companies, I was so relieved to finally have seen Pippin. It was such a great evening with Kaisa, Candice and I. Later in the evening over a glass of wine before entering the theater at Mark Taper Forum, we met with Alex and his friend. I hoped everyone enjoyed their first Deaf Musical production if they never seen one before. But for Candice and I, this was our of of many and hopefully many more to come!

Here is a clip from Broadway World .. you can see the opening night party, rehearsals and more. And the Lead Player of Pippin Ty Taylor takes you on a backstage tour. ENJOY!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay.cfm?colid=40144

Hope you all enjoy this review of the Musical of Pippin for it was indeed a magical experience to watch it.

Friday the 13th!

2009-03-13T15:11:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone, today is Friday. The 13th Friday of March 2009. Usually the superstitious people are freaked out by this number and on this day, Friday. Anytime I hear the term “Friday the 13th” I think of Jason with the hockey mask chasing people with a machete. Oh so scary! Nevertheless, today has been a great day so far, (to the superstitious – I will “knock on wood” when I say that) beautiful outside, and blue sky. The dogs are up and about, Paris who has been not feeling well, seems to be better now. And tonight I am headed to Los Angeles to the Mark Taper Forum to see Pippin. So, with this being the next to last show, we are actually LUCKY to get some tickets and good seats to boost. I am excited about going tonight to see Deaf West Theatre production of Pippin. Should be a nice evening out with a show filled with music and American Sign Language.

Now, as I look back at all my Friday the 13ths; I never really had any bad ones. So far, I think the tradition of Friday the 13th for me has been good. So far, I am having a good day, and the history of Friday the 13th dates back to Biblical times: the Last Supper Jesus had 13 Disciples, and the 13th one is the one that betrayed Jesus; 13 suffers it’s position after the number 12, which is a complete number and since there are 12 months in a year, 12 signs in the Zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 days of Christmas, and 12 eggs in a dozen – thus 13 suffers after the number 12.

You can read more about Friday the 13th from the Yahoo Page through this link: Yahoo! News Web Site on Friday the 13th

Well, so far, so good. A Good Friday for me, and now I am off to see Pippin tonight at the Mark Taper Forum. Until next time, have a Happy Friday! And also a Great weekend!

I'm Going to See Pippin!

2009-03-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Deaf West Theatre Production of Pippin at Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, California is Friday Night and I am going! I am excited to see this neat Musical featuring both Deaf and Hearing Actors. The Link to the Show's Web Page: http://centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=7702

Friday night, Candice, Kaisa, and I are going to see the show, "Pippin" -- a musicl featuring both Deaf and Hearing actors at the Mark Taper Forum. I am excited, and looking forward to a night of Theatre once again. The last Deaf West Production I went to was Big River at the same place, and it featured both Deaf and Hearing Actors with voice and American Sign Language. The production was Mark Twain's vision of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Keep an eye open for the personal review of the production when I come back. Probably around Saturday or Sunday. Saturday I am headed to Deaf Awareness Day at Disneyland. And since I work there, I will get in for free of course! See you later everyone.. I'll keep blogging, and you keep reading.

Ciao! Until next time in the Chronicles of Gilberto. . .

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-03-06T11:30:00.001-08:00

Let’s break into a birthday song: “Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear Gilbert!” *Blow out the candles"* Yay! Wow, 33 candles on the cake. That’s how many years I have lived. Born in Apple Valley, California on this 6th day of March 1976. 33 years ago I war born to lovely parents: Annabelle and Michael. Who couldn’t ask for such better parents than these. It was 33 years ago that my life began and was raised in Barstow, California. So far, it’s been a great life. I am enjoying every minute of it. The long road from babyhood to adulthood was not quite long, I am still young! 33 is nothing. 33 is a number only in gaining the experience and memorable life so far has gained a lot of confidence in my life. I have such great confidence in my job and I am enjoying every bit of my job at Disneyland. The road from beginning and continuing onwards has given me a positive outlook on everything around me. I feel so confidence that I can celebrate many more birthdays ahead of me.

Looking forward to tomorrow when my family comes down to see where I live in Costa Mesa, California. They will come down to celebrate my birthday. I am glad to be off tomorrow. Tonight, I will work at Disneyland and still he happy for another day of celebration is still ahead of me. I am looking forward to my parents, sister and her husband, my brother in law, and my nephew, Jake to come down and spend the day with me. I am looking forward to showing them where I live. This will be a fun weekend! I am so looking forward to it.

Now, I am pondering the many adventures ahead: Baseball and Football are going to start soon. Baseball will start because it’s springtime baby! I love baseball season. The spring air, the green grass, and the ball players with the sounds of the crack of the bat as it hits the ball and the sound of the ball punching into the gloves. SMACK! Beautiful, and the game itself – America’s Game will start up again and I am looking forward to Mannywood. It’s going to be a great season, once again, for the Dodgers. And Football, my beloved 49ers has gained a lot of players, and lost some great ones due to free agency, but the team is still intact, but a new offensive coordinator will bring back Frank Gore’s running prowess. Hopefully good things will come for the 49ers. My team, forever Gold!

Well, here we go, let’s celebrate my 33 years of life and let all these balloons go! Ready? One, Two, Three! Let them go… fly, fly away to the sky!

Thanks for reading my blog today, and continue to look forward to even more and don’t worry soon there will be stories and other things coming soon…

Enjoy your day and your weekend. Until Next time. . .

Manny's Back!

2009-03-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports, March 4, 2009

Manny is baaaacccckkkk!!! Just in time he finally signed a 2 year offer for $45 million. After a lengthy back and forth banter of yeses and nos. The agreement finally came down to signing the contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. So this means that Manny Ramirez can start the spring training with the Dodgers, working out, and polishing that old maple bat and start hitting those home runs out of Ravine Park at Dodger stadium. Now all the Dodger nation dubbed Manny Ramirez as Mannywood. Of course, he's the one that brings the electrifying fans and brings the Dodgers some big explosive at the plate. I am finally happy he agreed to play for the Dodgers and not some other baseball team out there. This only makes the Dodgers stronger to overcome Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants. With a reliable hitting team, the Dodgers can now go all the way from start to the finish of the season. With such big playoff hopes now in the books, we can hope to face anyone, anywhere with a reliable at bat from Manny Ramirez. (I just hope toward the end of the season our pitching will not go through injuries or at least they can hold on and go out strong to make it through at least one playoff team.)

The big issue from this deal is that Manny was being too greedy to say yes to original Dodgers offers and not be too boastful in wanting more money. A lot of people agreed with this economic times that Manny should just take whatever offer was given. But he was right about one thing, with A-Rod being the top player in baseball, the Yankees give A-Rod a big deal and he is the top paying player right now. (Yankees can afford A-Rod and his issues of if he should be playing after the mess with the 'roids issue. If the steroids issue is true, then A-Rod shouldn't be playing at all! Thus, making Manny the top paid player) Manny just wanted to earn his keep and be worth the stuff he is made out of. I think that he is made out of a lot of stuff and even more, and I think the Dodgers can give him more money, but the Dodgers organization blames the economy. I don't think that's what Manny is concern about, and he is not greedy in some respect. With the economy we like to think people who are suffering from job losses and being laid off and wanting more money for themselves should be able to think that Manny Ramirez is just being greedy. I think the Dodgers can afford him and should give him his money worth. Why? After all, the electricity of Dodgers fans have improved so much. The fans are fired up when Manny is there, and it's become such a paranoia and a pandemonium. In other words its gotten crazy in Dodgertown. Dodgers are now embracing a new type of Hollywood. Manny fits with this team and he deserves to be here in Los Angeles, for the power of the West has shifted to the True Blue team and with our reliable hitting and somewhat inconsistent pitching, we are able to be the best in the National League. If only we can get over the hump of playoffs and get through our pitching, then we become Dodger-nation.

What can I say? Manny's back! Better than ever, because at least he'll start the season off with a bang and hopefully he will play for his money's worth. After all, the Dodgers are worth the show and Manny's the one in the spotlight, for he wants it as much as the Dodgers want that pennant and the World Series can be a reality if Manny keeps his bat polished and his swinging swift and powerful. Welcome back Manny!

Another Monday, Another Week

2009-03-02T16:40:00.001-08:00

Today is Monday, March 2, 2009. This morning was a nice cool morning, and the morning brought a gloomy overcast. The clouds had grayness for it was laden with rain. The weather report on KTLA 5 news said it will rain this week. Well, I don’t mind the rain, but what I do mind is getting a few more hours of sleep. No, but our two dogs needed to get out and to do their business. Nevertheless, I got up and took them out and realized it wasn’t that bad of a day. It’s Monday, a new week and this is the first week of March and of course, the week of my upcoming 33rd birthday. Man, the sound of 33 still rings confusedly in my ears. I am going to be 33 already! Time has flown fast and with the age going up and up, I’m thinking where has birthday 13 gone? How about 23? Long gone are these numbers, and a new one approaches – 33! Double Three. Wow, so March 6, is coming up this Friday and I am going to be one old man. Nah, age is nothing but a number and I don’t feel old at all. I feel all right and I feel good.

So I got up today, walked the dogs, and came back in had my coffee and Candice, along with her Mother, went to UCI and dropped her off, and Monica and I went to meet our friend Sara and her boyfriend at Disneyland. I let them in with my pass and we all went down to a Small World ride together. I tell you, it was a nice day out – no crowds and no lines. Monday seems to be great days to stop at Disneyland and get on rides and stuff. We went on the new boats and soar through the songs of a “Small World” and saw the new features that were added there. The dolls were improved, and they added recognizable Disney characters throughout the worlds. Lilo and Stich for the Hawaiian theme, Donald Duck in some various places, and Mulan for China, and so forth. It was worth the ride and I enjoyed it. It is still one of the most relaxing boat rides at Disneyland. The songs, of course, were still catchy with small changes to the songs for the added characters. But the view of all the “Small World” was amazing. I enjoyed this ride a lot.

Afterwards, we went to pick up Candice and we went home for lunch and now we came here to Borders bookstore to study, write, and browse around. I am enjoying a nice cup of coffee while i write this blog. So far, it’s been a good day. So far, so good.

At Borders Bookstore, I got a good book titled “American Short Story.” I am reading greats like Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, etc. And I bought this book for my reading adventures outside on our balcony for the upcoming Springtime season. I know I will enjoy these short stories as much as I want to keep striving to write my own short story. I am working on one now and perhaps in future blogs, I will be able to post some here. Look forward to my blogs in the future and just maybe you will see one posted.

Until then, later!

Hope for the Best

2009-02-27T14:02:00.000-08:00

Ah, Happy Friday! Today is Friday, but this is not the coming day of relaxation or looking forward to the weekend. For me it’s my work night and tomorrow night as well. At least I will get Sunday off. On Sunday, it will be the start of a new month. Since this is a short month with just 28 days for February. Sunday will be March 1st, and it will be a start of a new month, and from then on 5 days later it will be my 33rd birthday! Man, the years go by fast, but nevertheless I am enjoying it. March 6th is the day I was born unto this world.

Again, as I sit out here on the balcony on such a calm relaxing day. The blue skies I see with the occasional plane droning by. I breathe a sigh of relief for I have done something yesterday that I was finally relieved to explain to my family -- I am not going to school at UCI anymore. I am deciding to work at Disneyland as my career move and a best one at that. Know why? Well, I was in the credential program at UCI and I pursued it with some sort of ambition that drove me to continue on in college. But one thing I couldn’t keep passing was the CSET and that will allow me to continue on in the program. One thing led to another as I felt I wasn’t getting the results I needed to continue up and graduate with my credentials. This was one reason I finally realize that taking a summer job at Disneyland last year was going to pay off if I kept working. So luckily the long road in education has come to a realization for me that I knew that if I don’t continue the credential program and still have a job with Disney, then everything will be alright. Thanks to God I hear that a lot of people who were in the credential program and did graduated and got their credentials are still struggling to find a job as a teacher in the school system. Right now with this economy, the State of California has laid off teachers and are not hiring many teachers right now. Briefly noticed, the school system is in a hiring freeze right now. So I count my blessings and give my Thanks to God that I do have this wonderful job at Disneyland and it’s still going strong. I knock on wood that I am able to work at Disneyland instead of continuing the credential program and afterwards not being able to find work at schools will greatly affect my life. Therefore, what I have decided to do with my education and continue working at one of the Happiest Place on Earth has, in the long run, given me positive lessons in pursuing this job at Disneyland. Of course, I know some disappointments from family that realize that I should have been a teacher already, but sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way you expect them to. I always wanted to be somewhere that made me happy and where else could you not find this “happiness” bu at the Happiest Place on Earth!? You see, I enjoyed subbing at CSDR and University High School and surrounding Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs; but I enjoyed my job placement at Disneyland so much. I am basically happy.

Sometimes with the economy the way it is in our country -- we are filled with hope that things will turn around. With a new President in Obama, we can hope that things will turn out alright in the later future. People are struggling to find work, struggling to make ends meet, and sometimes we can only have faith in what God has planned for us. Sometimes these experiences in the struggles with our economic woes do hit home. And they did. My brother in law got laid off from Santa Fe and it was such a heart-wrenching day for my Sister and my Brother -in-Law, that I felt bad. But God does have His plans and things will turn around and I am hoping that the President that I voted for, Obama can turn things around. It’s going to be a long ride and it’s going to take a lot of patience and mainly, it’s going to take a lot of courage to believe that this country can turn the economy around. It’s going to take awhile I believe, and with the State of California cutting so much from education, I believe the choices I have made will be beneficial for what I want to do with my life. Disneyland is a good economic investment and they are a place where people with problems want to go somewhere that they can escape the reality of their world for a little while. Disneyland will always be that place where both adults and children will be able to play and leave their worries outside for a little bit. And it is not just the United State of America who come to Disneyland, but other countries of the world. So somehow, people still show up to Disneyland for it’s an amusement park, and people still want to be amused, no matter what is going on around them outside of Disneyland. This is why during the Depression; people wanted to escape by listening to Jazz and watching the shows of that time. Perhaps with today’s economical times in our country, we are reaching the ideal “depression era” and to be able to escape people can only hope to go to Disneyland and/ or hope and pray for the best in their lives. I always pray and hope to God that things will be alright for everyone out there.

Especially those close to home. My sister and brother-in-law will be alright. I just hope they can realize that hope is a thing that shouldn’t be taken for granted. But with God in our hearts, we can always pray that the brighter days will still be ahead. All we can do is be happy with what we have and who we have all around us. Family, friends, and love is what keeps all of us going. Not money, but it does help sometimes. Now that is what makes me happy, knowing I have people all around me, and that makes me happy. I know the choices I make in my life will turn out to be good and mean something. After all, God has a plan for everyone and that my friends, is what I wanted to say today. Just be happy, just hold on, and have faith and courage to know things will be alright in the end. Keep on hoping and keep on praying .

Love to all and continue to keep on reading. Thank you for continuing to read my blogs. Much appreciated.

Manny Ramirez Watch

2009-02-25T11:29:00.001-08:00

Patience is a virtue we Dodgers fans must all have. But greed is a virtue that is part of the 7 Deadly Sins. Manny Ramirez being on the news a lot in Dodgertown, USA, is making me crazy. When is this dude going to sign with the Dodgers. The team of Los Angeles, California from the Ravine can be able to sign Manny Ramirez to 2 years, but it’s a lot of money. The question we must ask ourselves, “is he really worth it?” I think so, so hell yeah! He is much worth it. Look at last year, when Manny Ramirez came on board with the Dodgers, it was very big news. First, Manny wasn’t happy with the Boston Sox and he decided to move on and move on he did. He went to the Dodgers and made them from a mediocre team to a 1st place team handling the West rivals with fierceness and ferocity. And that was enough to win the West and steal it from previous winners in the West: San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks. They ate our dust when Manny Ramirez would hit those big home runs that electrify the home crowd in Los Angeles. I think Manny Ramirez gave the Dodgers the super-boost they very much needed.

Today in the sports news the rumors are still on strong that Manny Ramirez has agreed to sign with the Dodgers. This rumor came from a ticket sales rep from Dodgers organization who left voice mail to season ticket holders that the Dodgers are going to sign Manny Ramirez. But all that was a rumor according to the Dodgers organization. So if the rumors are going on strong, then that means we might be getting closer to either signing Manny Ramirez or losing him to another team (hopefully not any of our division rivals). Here is the link to the article if you are interested in reading rumors form CNN Sports Illustrated: Dodgers Refute Sales Rep Manny Rap

As we watch Manny Ramirez and how much he wants from any team for whatever years, we must be patience, but hopefully the MLB players with the greed and wanting so much money, can be able to get this Baseball season going. I just hope when the green grass at Dodgers Stadium grows, and smashing it with their cleat shoes and mitt in hand, is the dreadlocked monster of Manny Ramirez standing in the outfield will be in Dodger blue. Either the sight of him signing on the dotted line for the Dodgers to accept an offer he cannot refuse or either watching him blast those home runs and give the vibe and energetic rush that the Dodgers needed for a long time. For a bit of the season, Manny did give the Dodgers that super-boost, but a super-boost of ego in Manny Ramirez would only get him to sign with the true blue team of National Baseball League: Dodgers! Until then my friends, we have to keep watch.. Manny Ramirez watch and hopefully when we sight him in the outfield he would be wearing the old glory of Dodgers blue.

As I continue to Blog . . .

2009-02-24T13:40:00.001-08:00

Monica and I sitting out here on our balcony at 11:42am on February 24, 2009. It’s a beautiful but warm day outside. Ricardo, our maintenance guy, came out to our balcony to finish up the last touches and now with out chairs set up , we were ready to enjoy the outdoors on our balcony. It’s a warm day as we sit out here writing, freeing out minds -- Monica with her writing and I with my blogging. I continue to keep up with my blogs for I think it’s the current journal writing of our days. I like to just type out whatever is on my mind. For this time of day with the sun at high noon and the open clear blue skies with the occasional airplane taking off from the nearby John Wayne Airport, it is perfect -- perfect to sit out here and just write whatever comes to mind. With the creativity and enthusiasm to write has improved my writing a lot since I moved out here to Costa Mesa. Since I have been writing a lot in my blogs, I think I should go ahead and start a novel or a screenplay. The latter, is very hard to write out because I always get stuck on whether to write a screen play or a theatrical play. Oftentimes, novels will come easier, but the work is long and challenging. Right now, as I see the dogs out here with us, I think it’s a beautiful day so far.

Then Shumae is getting all anxious and I thought, I better get up and take her out for her “break.” I am trying to get her to potty outside. Paris loves to come along, so I tied up the leash on her and Shumae and we all go outside. I walk outside and let them do their business. It’s been awhile for Shumae to learn how to go outside and do her thing. Finally, she accomplished what I wanted her to do and I am so happy I pat her and say, “Good girl Shumae.” Paris, of course, does her thing and she wags her tail all happy. In succeeding I take them both for their walks outside and they love to walk out here in our beautiful area. I figured it was time to head back in and take my shower before I do anything else. So far it has been a beautiful day.

Back outside on the balcony overlooking our lovely pool area and watching the airplanes zooming by. (They are indeed loud, but that doesn’t bother me, it’s actually relaxing.) The planes flying overhead sounds like the ocean -- soothing and relaxing. I figure it’s nice to be out here blogging and you can see from this tiny clip, that on my web cam on my laptop, I am blogging. That’s my face of blogging. I know it’s a little too much for this blog. But I am enjoying my Aspire One Acer mini-laptop with the built in web cam. It’s been a neat feature since last night I could chat with my Dad on the IM and see him on Windows Live web cam feature. The world gets smaller when such technology like this exist. I believe the technology of the world helps us communicate better with one another. And being Deaf the technology has given us the advantage to communicate effectively and the tools to be aware of what’s going on in the world. With Blogging it’s one way of communicating daily lives of people all over the world. Whoever reads my blogs will know and understand my days as a blogger. Why is it important to blog? Mainly, it’s fun and I see myself doing this more and more as my new laptop gives me such great power to be able to blog anywhere, anytime.

Here I am blogging and I am determined to finish it so I can post it on blogger.com

As I continue to sit out here on our balcony watching the planes fly by, I am enthralled to be enjoying this last week of February because after all guess what, March is coming. And those who know me, know what March brings -- baseball! Dodgers season will open up pretty soon and yes, I admit it’s the month of my Birthday! Soon in the upcoming days it’ll be my last week to enjoy being 32, and soon I will be getting closer to being 33 and that’s something! But I don’t feel old at all, I don’t feel like I’m getting any older, after all I feel like it’s going to be a great 33 when it comes. After all, a new age, a new life in Costa Mesa, California, and a new home . . . What can I tell you? Life is great!

Beautiful Days Ahead. . .

2009-02-19T09:45:00.001-08:00

Ah, the sun is back! Beautiful days ahead or is it calm before the storm? I think it’s a little bit of both. Lately it has been raining a lot and it brings a sigh of relief when the golden sun peeks through the clouds and finally seems alive when it’s shining brightly on Costa Mesa. Since, the sun is out and shining, the days become warmer and it’s blissful! Today, I think I will just enjoy this day and relax and absorb some rays. I love the idea that my apartment has a balcony overlooking the pool and the scenery is so perfect! The blue skies and the occasional bird or plane passing by overhead is surreal and relaxing. As of now I am drinking my Breakfast Blend coffee fresh from the grinded whole beans and writing in my blog. No big news to report, just a little blogging to get my mind in working gear. Like I said before, I am going to enjoy this day and relax. What I wanted to mention in this blog is my job at Disneyland. Especially my adventures last night driving home – I got lost!

Last night I went to work in middle of the afternoon, which is hardly what I have done so far for this job. Going into work and thinking of the economy made me realize I am indeed lucky to have this Disneyland job and working has been busy but fun. I enjoy all the walks of life that I encountered. There were people from all over the world who came into our parks and into our stores. Sometimes I think with the economic crisis, that Disneyland is not going to falter, but it’s still going on strong. It was amazing at how busy it was last night and seeing how much money Disneyland’s Emporium on Main Street made so much money. It was crowded last night, so many people visiting the park and entering our store was really a weird sight – especially in the middle of the week!

Now about being lost, I was going home and I missed the turn to get on the 5 to Bristol, and when I got on the 405 and seeing that Bristol was still an apparent exit, I took it and went all over these weird streets. I figured I keep on going on Bristol to find my way back home. But no, I stupidly went on all these weird name streets and figured I better find my way back to the freeway. With no freeway entrance in sight I kept on going. As I kept going and finding the 22 and thought I head west and finally seeing the welcome sight of the 405, I headed back on the 405 and took the 55 back to the normal sights of streets I finally recognized, and finally taking Bristol that I know and am familiar with I found my way back home. It took me a long time to finally arrive home. I was lost, stressed, tired, but finally made it home. Nevertheless, it was somewhat of an adventure of a lone driver heading home from work. That goes to show, never miss the turn to exit.

Well, I got lost and was feeling better after I arrived home. I was so exhausted from work and being lost, that I went straight to bed and fell asleep. Hoping for a brand new day with great weather, I finally found the sun shining outside and thought, ah, I am off today and I don’t have to go to work and perhaps get lost in the bustle of crowds at our stores or be lost on unfamiliar streets as I find my way home. No, I will stay home and read a good book, perhaps play a game or two on my XBOX. As for now, I am enjoying blogging on Windows Live Writer and posting this blog on Blogger and hopefully someone out there in the world will read it. Now an idea as stuck the recesses of my minds (filled with cobwebs in the attic of thought I assume) and the light in the attic has been turned on and I think I will start writing more and more. Since I moved out here to the new apartments, our new home, in a new city, I found myself being able to write. I guess when one has embraced himself or herself in a new environment, the writer’s block chips away and the writer within oneself comes alive. I think this is the reason for my recent blogs, to be able to write creatively and freely. Stories that I used to write as a kid doesn't come as freely because of my creative juices that hasn't been squeezed out of my brain yet. In time, the juices of imagination will flow freely. I am sure of this.. .

Meanwhile, as you read my blogs, I am sure a story or two in this attic of mine with the lights left on will come to appear. It only takes that walking up the steps to reach the door of this attic. But from where I stand from the bottom of the stairwell that leads to this attic; I see the door is left ajar. My friend, the lights are on, but nobody is home . . . just yet. Look forward to more blogs on “The Chronicles of Gilberto.” Have a beautiful day and more beautiful days ahead!

Happy New Year: So Far, So Good

2009-02-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

Our New Home

Happy New Year - 2009

I let out a content sigh as I sit out on our back porch overlooking apartment's pool area. The “Melrose Place” essence of this pool area is gorgeous and I can’t wait for Summer this year. The pool looks so inviting and relaxing.

It has been awhile since I wrote something about the going-ons of my life. As l begin the new year ablaze filled with adventures I have already experienced. For example, my nephew’s 2nd birthday was celebrated at Disneyland Park. My Mom and Dad, Christina and Larry and of course, the adorable Jake, all went to Disneyland and with me working there, I got them in for free. It was a fun-filled day with laughter and smiles. The biggest smile of them all was Jake’s. We all had a great time getting on all the rides for Jake. We went on the Tea Cups, the Fantasyland storybook rides, and finally got on Dumbo. The flying elephants with the big ears have always been one of my favorite memories of my Mom and I riding it when I was little. Now I am not so little, but with the idea of Disney magic and memories – my Mom and I got on the Dumbo ride. It was such a wonderful time riding with my Mom like we did almost 30 years ago! Anyway, we all had a great time at Disneyland and of course this is a special event in my nephew’s life and all of ours as we celebrated his birthday Disney-style.

As I mentioned I am writing this from the patio overlooking the lovely pool on this warm day. As I look around I see all around the apartments, the beautiful green trees and the planes taking off in the sky, the sounds of the cars passing by on the streets nearby. The local restaurants make me hungry as well – Del Taco, Denny’s and many others. This is a quiet neighbor and the only sounds are the planes taking off, but that is alright, because it doesn’t bother me one bit. Inside the apartment we are already settling in and comfortable. I am enjoying this new place and I think this will be our home for a long time. I thank God for all the wonderful things He has offered us and as we take each day by day, we have to remember to count our blessings. This is the perfect place to live.

With the hiring of a moving company, we had it made, and all we had to do was take the rest of our stuff to our new location. During the move and the cleaning, we took a pause in our tiring labors to watch the Super Bowl, and I tell you it was one of the best games I have seen in awhile. The Steelers defense was so strong, that Arizona Cardinals had no chance at all. But in the end it was a game to watch and enjoy as I cheered on the underdogs. Of course, the Steelers made such a spectacular catch at the end to seal the deal. Pittsburgh wins their champion and now I look forward to a new Baseball Season coming up in the spring. With the HD channels of our new cable provider, I can’t wait for baseball to come. Meanwhile, I watch the Lakers and root them on, and they are having a blast of a season being the best they can be. I am enjoying the new place, as I look back and sigh in relief that the move is complete and over with. Settling in our new place, as I sit here on the balcony overlooking the inviting pool, I look up to the skies and thank God for the days ahead. I am happy working still at Disneyland and a few weeks back I got a memento of my 4 months of working at Disneyland: I finally achieved status of receiving my “Ears.” Cast members that work for awhile at Disneyland get recognition and the Ears are just one of the many recognitions of working at Disneyland. So I thank God for a wonderful and fun job at Disneyland, so I can proudly show off my “Ears” as I continue to work at Disneyland.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blogs and I hope to write more in the future. I haven’t been doing this for awhile since as I mentioned with the Big Move, didn’t have the time. Now as I am settled in the nice apartments and enjoying life as it comes, there will be more to come. Everyone is happy, our dogs are happy, and I am happy. I hope you too, are happy.

Another Snowy Day at Barstow

2008-12-18T16:03:00.000-08:00

December 17, 2008 - Another Snowy Day In Barstow.

My Dad sent me pictures and a video of the snowy day in Barstow. I still can't believe that it snowed in Barstow. A small desert town which is usually very hot during the summer months. But then it gets really cold during the cold winter months. Usually after rains and when the sun sets, it gets to the freezing point where all you want to do is stay indoors and cuddle up in a blanket. Usually, at my old home town in the house I grew up in, we stand by those old heaters that we all take advantage of to stand there and stay warm.

With Christmas around the corner, I always knew that someday Barstow would have their White Christmas. Another storm is on the way, and it might snow again. Unbelivably, through the view of my Dad's camera, he showed me the thick snow, and all around the ol' house on Vernon Drive of Barstow, California, it was indeed a Winter Wonderland. I watched this video with awe and was shocked to see the white snow everwhere and the desert hills I couldn't see for the snow was still falling and the clouds covered the far distant empty space of the brownish desert. Emptiness, but only whiteness all around the neighborhood. Even my Grandmother's house across the street look welcoming for you know there waiting for you is some hot chocolate, and the warmth of a Grandmother's love to stay and visit and talk with her. Even looking around the yard of my old house, you could see the two dogs running around, knowing that they were welcomed inside the warm house where I grew up in. Sometimes, I wish I was there to see the snow, but thanks to my Dad for sharing this viewpoint of Barstow during a snowy day in the middle of December. Around the corner is Christmas, and soon hopefully, Barstow will have its very own "White Christmas."

Snowy Day in Barstow!

2008-12-16T10:25:00.001-08:00

Ah, December, and Christmas is around the corner. My hometown of Barstow, California had a surprise: Snow! It snowed in the high deserts of Barstow, California. My Dad emailed me and told me that it was snowing in Barstow. I went on the Desert Dispatch website and found an amazing video of all the snow. It was indeed a White Christmas over there. Check out this link for the video from Desert Dispatch of the snow in Barstow:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1155838736/bclid1173338216/bctid4886270001

Also, I recall back in 1980's when I was a little boy, it indeed snowed in Barstow that year of 1985. It was actually in the month of December 1985 and Christina and I woke up to a snowy day. It was pure white everywhere with flurries of snow falling down constantly. Christina and I bundled up in our coats, scarves, and gloves -- we ran outside and played in the snow. My Dad even played with us and we had a small snow ball fight. We actually built a huge snowman, topped with one of my Dad's caps. It was such a vivid and wonderful memory of our "White Christmas." Even though it was early in December, it was still a blessed sight and rarely in Barstow would we ever see snow like this. So, yesterday's Snowy Day at Barstow brought back those wonderful memories and I am sure for all of those still living in Barstow, they will look back and remember that wonderful year of 1985. Here is a video of this lovely snowy Day back in 1985:

To all of those in Barstow, stay warm and enjoy your White Christmas. Love to all and Merry Christmas to all. Thank you for reading my Blogs, and yet, there is more to come in the Chronicles of Gilberto Garcia

Holiday Party at Disneyland - 2008

2008-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

December 8, 2008
Disneyland Holiday Party was a fun evening for Candice and I. We walked down Disney's Main Street where all the Christmas lights and decorations were beautiful to look at. It was a chilly and wonderful evening out. The Park was closed but only the the cast members and their families and/or friends were frolicking about the park. Candice and I went straight to Sleeping Beauty Castle and saw the beautiful light show with the snow falling during the holiday music playing. The sight of the Sleeping Beauty Castle was breathtaking.

Then after the show, we walked into Fantasyland and headed straightaway towards "A Small World" and stood in line and eating our Candy Canes. We enjoyed looking at the light display of A Small World - Holiday Style. It was beautiful to look at. Standing in line for this was worth it because inside the Small World Ride, the holiday decorations were beautiful to see.

As we walked the park and went and took in all the sights, we stopped at Haunted Mansion and it was a must because Candice and I are huge TNBC fans. We love the Haunted Manison with a twist of The Nightmare Before Christmas for the Halloween season and Christmas. It was a quick line since and we got on it and went straight to eat at a Mexican restaurant and had a great dinner. Then we went to a store to buy our Christmas hats for our pictures with Tinkerbell.

After the long exhausting line to take a photo with Tinkerbell, we went to the store I worked at: the Emporium on Main Street and did all our Christmas Shopping there. With bags filled with toys, we finally headed home and thus ended the night of our first Holiday Party of the year at Disneyland. I had a wonderful time at the Cast Holiday Party at Disneyland and I was glad to spend it with my love. Candice and I were both exhausted but we had a wonderful evening at Disneyland. It was indeed a Merry Christmas!

Disneyland: The Emporium - Main Street

2008-10-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am back and I am at the Happiest Place on Earth. Yes, that's right. I started my first days of work at Disneyland. The place: The Emporium, the biggest and most fantastical Disney store on Main Street. I love this store for it has everything! I started my training on the cash registers and now soon this week will start regular day of work. I am enjoying myself for the Main Street is the nostalgic memory of Walt Disney's hometown and it's decorated for Halloween. Check it out!

Here is a picture of me in my work attire and I just got off on my first day of the job of training and I am filled with enthusiam standing in front of a Mickey Jack O' Lantern. These are everywhere! We are getting off from work on Main Street and noticed that no one is around. It's after closing time. Pretty neat to see the park with no one walking around -- Except for the workers who were setting up for Miley Cyrus aka Hannah Montana Birthday Bash the following day.

We also took a neat tour of Disneyland and learned a lot of Disney Trivia about the Park. I love my job for it was busy busy and you know when it's busy, the day goes by fast. The Cast Members are a fantastic joy to work with. I am enjoying every minute of my job. It is sure the Happiest Place on Earth for our guests, but also a great place for a job as a Cast Member. I will keep you posted on my Disney Job as I progress through the days. It's neat.

Love it so much that I am actually looking around the store and thinking my paycheck might buy some Disney stuff.. especially all the neat The Nightmare Before Christmas (TNBC) stuff! Anyway, I am going to class soon, hope that you keep on reading my Blogs and send me a note if anything you want to know. Thanks for reading! See ya next time!

I got the job!

2008-08-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

It's been awhile, huh? I am back. I been busy...I have been reading some really great novels and I want to mention that for those who love to read should pick up a copy of Twilight By Stephenie Meyer. Candice has been reading them too and pass them to me as soon as she completes them. I can see why they are so good. We just happened to love the story. It's a saga in the Twilight series. I am right now almost done with the second book: New Moon. After that is Eclipse and then the recent release which as been popular so far on bestsellers list: Breaking Dawn. I recommend these books! They're awesome. Also to mention Twilight has already been made into a movie for release later this year.

Well, as you can tell by my Vlog and my title here I have made it! I got the job at Disneyland! I will be working the sales floor at the Emporium on Main Street of Disneyland Park. I'm so excited and the first "orientation" is this Saturday and I'm looking forward to that as my first paying day. Excited, I am and looking forward to being a part of the Disney magic.

Will keep you guys posted on my events and so forth. Meanwhile check out Twilight and you will love it! You don't have to take my word for it.. duh duh! (that was suppose to be the Reading Rainbow theme after you say that in the show);-) Check out the Vlog.. I used ASL and my voice this time. Hope to write more later on!

Summer Fun

2008-07-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

The trip to New Mexico was fun! The Wedding was very nice and I had a great time dancing the night away. The wedding itself was beautiful and heartfelt. It was fun to see all the family and relatives. Visiting New Mexico is itself a big adventure because we hardly go down that way as much. A lot of our uncles, aunts, cousins and others live down that way. The weather was very nice and the hotel we stayed at was very comfortable -- provided coffee and a nice breakfast every morning. Man, I couldn't believe how much we ate over there! Thanks to all the families that provided such lovely homemade food! Can't beat that anywhere else!

This is my newest Vlog about the Wedding, Football, and Wii Fit! (I recommend Wii Fit for anyone -- it's fun and most of all its part of a great exercise program if one needs to find a great system; go for the Wii!) Sure enough I talk about Summer almost coming to an end and you all know what that means! Nope, not school is coming back, but FOOTBALL! The NFL will start a new season and sure enough as a 49ers fan, there is so much to look forward to: A new offensive coordinator - Mike Martz, added power as in Issac Bruce, and so much more! The more reason to join Fantasy Football! Anyway, here is my new Vlog, hope you enjoy it! (Interpretation of my ASL can be provided upon request)

Dorm Life Friends -- The Ideal Advisor

2008-07-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

What does one do when someone is away from family and the main communication is not really there? When someone seeks advice from family, but seeks it elsewhere? What does one do when it becomes obvious that the advice is not rapid and not given right away because one has to wait till the weekend to seek that advice from family members who live far, far away? In this case, living in the Dorm of CSDR has given one a sense of seeking advice from dorm counselors and/or teachers. Even the idea of going up to a staff of CSDR has fallacy in any given situation. Living in the dorm, knowing the guy across the room knows your habits, whereabouts and interests. They see you everyday, and in the case of a room mate knowing you better than your own parents goes to show that, maybe then, these are the ones you seek for advice.

One such person I recall in my CSDR years living in the dorms is young in years, but wise in experience of all that happens around him. I seek him as my ideal advisor when I was living at CSDR dorms. This guy who I will call B.A.G. for the purpose of respecting his identity. He joined CSDR a few years after I came. He was an animated but honest sort of character. What we went through going to CSDR as Dorm life friends, and even as school friends, was more than any adolescent could go through. Life filled with happiness, fun, and sometimes pain. (Those pains, which were part of growing up -- broken relationships, discussions about life after CSDR, and even God.) Oftentimes. the dorm life friends were very close for we lived together for 6 days out of the week mainly, and go back to our families during the weekends. Then it starts all over again, living in the dorm. Seeing everyone around us, the close personal events that affected not only the ones going through ordeals, but oftentimes affects everyone in the dorm as well. There were events at CSDR dorms that led us to temptations of experiencing everything growing up -- even getting in trouble, getting caught; but learning from it. These are the lessons of our teen years growing up without our parents around us, but knowing once the weekend was over, there was always our dorm life friends. In a sense, it was sort of like a family. But with time, we each fell farther apart as we get older and time changes. I look back and think about those times of my ideal advisor -- someone I could talk to, someone whom I could trust. This, my dear readers, is what no one can really understand unless they lived in a dorm like that.

Even if it was advice on school, sports, friendships, love and even God -- then that was more than enough because we are able to trust and communicate in a way that bridge the gap that we felt with our own families. This was why living in the dorm and the life we have lived through at CSDR was about education, yes, but it was much more if one was living in the dorm. It was about personal relationships with those we lived with everyday of our lives at CSDR. It was that one person you could count on to get you through your hard days, it was the one person you knew was there understanding the same things they were going through, and that my friends, is the ideal advisor.

Always, the dorms were filled with Dorm Life Friends all around us. But there was a rarity of finding "The Ideal Advisor." As time goes on, and we each know that there are the separated paths that leads us to our dreams. What we always will do is look back at our CSDR school days and always there will be that foundation of remembering our Dorm Life Friends. That too fades with time, but in our hearts we will never forget those who we called our Ideal Advisor.

New Mexico

2008-07-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

The expanse desert landscape

As we all drive on our road trip to escape

The California Sun with its immense heat

Nothing can drive the sun away, nothing can beat

The insane perspiration.

Ah, but New Mexico is in our sights

As we all drive through the day and into the night

The mountainous air, smell so good

For we are finally there

A state of chilis, a state of family affairs

And flour tortillas

Perhaps a margarita

Or Two.

(If one can take all that tequila)

Rattlesnakes, desert all around

But New Mexico we are all bound

For wedding bells are soon in the air

For New Mexico we are there!

The Man in the Gray Suit - A Story

2008-06-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

*This is one of my earliest stories I have written when I was a kid. I had a weird imagination back then. I am hoping by writing alot in this blog that I can find my "weirdness" again and write more stories. Please let me know what you all think of this. More early days of Gilberto's writings to come. Thanks for reading, and continue to travel through "The Chronicles of Gilberto" And now to our featured story:

The man was walking in the rain. The rain fell hard on the man’s head. His head was drenching wet and this didn’t seem to bother the man at all. He walked briskly as the trickle of water on the ground became nosily clear that the rain was falling harder than before. The man wore a gray suit with a worn out tie that had splotches of red on a white background. The tie looked like it went through a lot of wear because the tears were obviously starting to appear.

The wet weather seemed to last for days on end. The traffic on the road was light for no one wanted to be out here in the rain — no one. At least the man in the gray suit and the splotchy tie and brisk walk didn’t mind this weather. The cloud overhead cast a gloomy mood but this man looked content as if nothing in the world could bother him. Not even the cloudy skies ready to burst open with wet weather.

The man walked all around the neighborhood and in one house a little boy peeked through the curtains watching the rain fall. The boy spied on the man walking on the sidewalk wet with water. The little boy peered through the windows with hard concentration as if he didn’t want to lose track of the man. The falling harsh rains blurred the little boy’s vision. The rain seems to be picking up. Faster the drip-drops were falling onto the ground, not to mention the man’s head.

The man didn’t seem to be bothered by the rain at all. The sounds of rain were all over the place. This little town sheepishly seems not to take noticed of a man walking in such a crazy weather. The town was all nestled into their warm brisk homes, probably by a fireplace warming up. Even though the townspeople were sometimes curious whenever a stranger came into the town, but only one person took notices, thus it was this little boy peering through the window.

The little boy peered through the window from standing on the sofa. The mother, inside the house, from the kitchen hollered out, “Zach, get off the couch! If you want to sit on the couch, sit properly — and take your feet off the couch!” The sound of Zachary’s mother’s voice seem to give him a slight jump for his whole concentration was focused on this one man walking out there in the rain in high neighborhood. This was more Zachary’s concern than his feet being on the couch. So, he ignored his mother.

“BAM!” the mother’s hand came down and slapped his behind.

“You didn’t have to do that!” cried Zachary. “I was going to go ahead and get my feet off anyhow.” He jumped from the sofa and told his Mother what he saw outside. His Mother wasn’t going to believe a word he said, thought Zachary. So he tried again: “Mom there’s someone out there walking in that rain!” Sniffing, gathering his courage to bring in those tears — trying not to cry, Zachary told his Mom again. His Mom seems to ignore him at the inopportune times.

“What did you say Zach?” asked his Mother.

“I said there’s someone out there walking in the rain.” Zachary seems to be saying this rapidly, but his Mother was used to Zachary’s fast high-pitched voice. He only did this when he gets excited about something. Excitement got the better of Zach because he kept on talking in his famous high-pitched voice.

Outside the clouds started to get darker as if they were gathering for a dark meeting. The clouds merged together one by one and created such an atmosphere by crashing and blowing. These sounds were the beginning of a storm. Lighting flashed the winds picked up and the rain flashed down suddenly created mini-pools of water all over the roads. The roads looked slippery for any cars to be going on and this was wise of this town for they were not out at all. They all seem to be snuggled in their beds or sitting by a warm fire. Zachary was the only one who peered through the windows and saw this strange man in the gray suit just walking briskly across the street to the lot where he lived.

The winds picked up and blew fiercely and the lighting flashed. The afternoon seems to be pouring away to the evening. The sun just seems to disappear behind the dark clouds. Soon the sun was gone forever down the horizon. The little boy still peered out from his window trying to see the figure or shape of this man who was walking in the rain.

Zachary stared in horror as the demented figure of the man in the gray suit walked up his doorway and stopped to peer at Zachary through the window. Zachary again tried to stifle a scream as not to wake up his mother. The man spotted Zachary sitting up on that couch staring at him. Zachary ducked down as if he didn’t want the man to see who was looking at him. The man started to approach the doorway, but he kept his eyes on the window from where Zachary hid the whole time. Suddenly Zach looked at the man and very wide-eyed, the man seemed to squint at Zach with this most evil wicked stare and the man smiled at Zach.

Zachary couldn’t help but smile back. The most fake smile Zachary ever smiled to anyone. But he felt he had to smile anyway for what would happen if he didn’t smile back at the man in the wet weather just standing there in the wet rain drenching. The man smiled back and revealed sharp fangs and very ugly crooked teeth. The man’s tongue came out and started to flick in and out like a serpents tongue. Zach became even more scared as he thought of the Wizard of Oz’s evil witch and wondered if this creature could melt in the rain from the waters. But nope, the man looks immune to wet weathers. Zachary felt like he should call his mother over and to like tell her what exactly to expect the next few days. But he didn’t.

Suddenly, the unexpected happened — the man slowly started to walk towards the window Zachary peered at! Zachary becomes even more frightened that this time he didn’t give a startled scream but a deathly agonizing scream. Zach’s Mother ran into the living room where Zachary still screamed while holding on to the mm blind controls and she could hear the crashing down of the mini blinds on the wooden board where it holds the windows in place. Zach was breathing hard as if he cried out to his Mother.
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong?” she asked Zachary with such a huge concern on her face. Zachary looked up with this wild-eyed stare at his Mom and peeked towards the mini blinds that were not closed. “Why you close the mm blinds, this weather is lovely to see from in here.” She started to get the mini blind control from Zach, but he pulled it away from his Mom.

“Don’t.”

His mother looked at him with such a strange quizzically face. “Are you all right? What’s wrong?”

The sound of the rain seems to hit the roof harder than ever and Zachary didn’t take any notice of this, but his Mother did.

“Oh dear! The rain is hitting the roof hard!” His Mother looked up at the ceiling as if the rain was going to come through the roof and land in her living room creating a pool for both Zachary and her to swim in. “How awful the rain is falling harder than ever!”

Zachary was shaking, from the cold perhaps? Not so. His Mother noticed this and questioned him. “Why are you shaking? Are you cold sweetie?”

Zachary was still holding on to that long string that attached to the mini-blinds to open them up. He actually clenched on that string tighter as if he was trying to keep it close shut tight forever and won’t let go. His Mom could see the tension on his face. His wide-eyed stare was still there and he dreamily let go of the blind and it swung back into its normal position. Suddenly the thunder rolled and the lighting flashed outside. Just for a tad bit of a second the lights flickered with the sound of the storm.

Suddenly at the door there was a loud knock and Zachary looked towards the door. The doorknob was turning. Luckily, his Mother always kept the doors locked. Zachary gave a deep cry and sighed heavily as if he were about to faint. He gathered up the courage to say, “No, Mom, don’t open that door if your life depended on it.” Zachary wanted to tell his Mom what he saw out they’re in the rain, but he didn’t want to frighten his Mother.

“Mom, don’t.”

“Now who would visit us at this hour and in such nasty weather?” His Mom walked up to the door about to turn the lock, “Hmmm... Wonder who it could be?”

Zachary pulled open the blinds faster than ever to check if the man was still standing outside his window wet from the rain. Zach wanted to see if that man was still with that sneer of a nasty smile and flicking that nasty serpent’s tongue. But in the falling rain he was not there at all. Zachary looked down at the ground where he stood just few minutes ago and saw the man’s footprints in the wet ground.

Not to anyone’s attention Zachary heard the thunder rolled and the sounds of heavy breathing behind the door his Mother was about to open. Zachary jumped from the sofa and ran to where his Mother stood. He ran so fast, that his Mother only gave a glimpse of Zachary running from the living room to the door. But it was too late, the door was unlocked and his Mother was opening the door.

The rain was falling into the house and Zachary could feel the wet rainfall into the living room. At the doorway his Mother opened the door and Zachary could see the gray coat and the red botched tie. Most of all Zachary could see the sneer and the flicking tongue. The man reached into the house and grabbed his Mother and closed the door shut. He was inside the house and he heard his Mother’s screams into the dark rainy night.

* * * * * *

Zachary just sat on the living room floor and he breathed hard. He thought this was maybe a nightmare, but his Mother was gone. Somewhere out in the storm with this strange man. Zachary didn’t know what to do. He ran to the phone and dialed a number only he could know.

“Police.” the voice on the other end sounded seldom. The voice was a male cop seemly bored with the weather and nothing to do.

“Help, my Mother is gone!”

“Calm down please sir, would you please give me your address and your name.” Zachary couldn’t believe such information was needed for emergencies. “I’m Zachary . . . I live on Willow Lane.” Zach was breathing hard at the sight of the man’s arms reaching out to grab his Mother and snatch her into the night.

“What exactly is the problem Zach?” The cop seems mild manner and he sounded patience. This was good for Zach. Zach began to explain the situation of what happened to his Mother and about the strange man.

“My Mother is gone!” cried Zachary.

“Where did she go?” asked the cop.

“I don’t know! That’s why I am calling you!” cried Zach.

“Okay, calm down sir,” the cop took a deep breath, “Explain to me what happened son.”
Zachary explained about the strange man and the cop was bewildered by kid’s explanation of such weird turn of events. The cop was disbelieving and said he will send someone down. The cop said he would send an investigator. Zachary listened to the cop’s instructions and said the investigator will be down shortly to the address that Zach provided. The lighting strike and the thunder rolled again when Zach asked what this investigator’s name was and what he would look like so he would let him in. Just about when the cop was to answer, the flash of lighting struck again and the phones went dead as the thunder rolled.

“Sir?” Zachary repeated again and again. “Sir? Sir?”

The phone went dead. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Zach didn’t realize that the cops would send a guy down right away and not that fast. Still he kept a cautious distance from the door. He stared at the doorknob waiting for it to turn. He walked up to the door and yelled out, “Who is it?!”

No answer.

“Who is it!!?” Zach yelled louder this time.

Still no answer once again.

Suddenly: “Zachary!” It was his Mother’s voice.

Zachary ran to open to door and let her in. “Mommy!” Zachary ran to hug her and he cried tears of joy. He beamed up at her and hugs her tight. The thunder rolled and the rain kept on falling. This was obvious from Zach’s Mother’s dress that was drenched with the rain. Zach stared up at his Mom and said, “I miss you, I was worried — wait a minute how did you come back?”

Zach could see the look in his Mother’s eyes — dead, lost and didn’t seem like Zach’s Mother at all. Suddenly she began to sneer and her tongue came out like a serpent,

“Come and join us Zachary!” The thunder rolled and the rain crashed onto the roof; the thunders loud crashes covered the screams of Zachary and the screeching sounds of Zach’s Mother’s voice as if she called the others to come. The rain fell and the thunder rolled as the sounds of screeching continued throughout the night. Meanwhile, the investigator came and saw the door ajar. He went in and saw Zach’s Mother.

“Did you get another one?”

Zach’s Mother replied with a hiss, “Yes.”

The investigator looked behind him as the man in the gray suit came into the house and looked about him and saw Zachary on the ground. Zachary’s face was frozen with a sneer. The lighting flashed and the rain beat on the roof loudly. The man in the gray suit with his sneer hissed and said to the two others in the house, as his tongue flickered out, tasting victory: “We should make this our nest for now. Let’s wait for the rain to settle and then we’ll move on to other neighbors.”

THE END

Cowboys - Little Boy's Playtime

2008-06-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Jake My Nephew as a Cowboy.

Me when I was a little boy as a Cowboy.

Like Uncle and Nephew, we both did the cowboy thing.

Imagine wearing a cowboy hat, boots, and jeans. Going out on the range, on horseback, traveling the lonely trials of the lone old west. The sun in rising in the horizon, and the keen eyes scan the land and the skies. Out in the open is a lone ranch with horses and a house with smoke coming out of the chimney. That means someone is home.

So we skittle dawdle out there and park our horses and they drink from the water that is laid out before them. We enter the house and we give our greetings to the lady of the house. "Ma'am" Tipping our hats her way and in respect we take our hats off and sit at the table. The mother made some ribs and pork and beans, and we drink merrily the drinks that are laid before us.

It is now noon, high noon and the sounds of yelling and gunshots are heard throughout the ranch. The horses screamed in surprise and the Indians are heading our way and they are shooting their arrows and guns. They came to steal the horses from the ranch. Us cowboys get our pistols out at the ready -- just being cautious and armed.

All of this is just an old west story. A playtime story of little boys and the costumes, the guns, the horses, and the good old west always lives on in little boy's dreams. I know I did. I know Jake will. It'll be a story that will live on again, and I know for the sake of stories, they will continue to inspire and make a child's world happy and fun.

Being Deaf and the Essence of Music

2008-06-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Around 1796 Ludwig van Beethoven began to lose his hearing which made it hard for him to perceive and appreciate music. For one thing one of the most beloved Classical composer has not always been deaf, he was born normal and created numerous pieces of music that created a beautiful world for him. Many of his symphonies spoke of vibrant tones in his stories that played out in the concert halls. Beethoven being deaf didn't stop him to continue to make many of his most famous symphonies. After being deaf, he created one of my favorite and famous piece, 9th Symphony, "Ode to Joy." When the 9th Symphony was played before audiences after it was completed, it received world renowned praises. It had a choral at the end singing praises to the native country of Austria and it had universal appeal of brotherhood. It was the first symphony to have words being sung against the background of lively music. It was a symphony within a symphony. In retrospect, it was the most musical piece of music ever written, it was a combination of vibrant colors and tones being played out and the audience was soaking it up. Only then Beethoven could hear it in his mind for it was his creation; it was the essence of music that was within him to accept that the silence world around him couldn't possibly falter his passion for creating such awesome music.

"Caroline Unger walked over and turned Beethoven around to accept the audience's cheers and applause. According to one witness, 'the public received the musical hero with the utmost respect and sympathy, listened to his wonderful, gigantic creations with the most absorbed attention and broke out in jubilant applause, often during sections, and repeatedly at the end of them.' The whole audience acclaimed him through standing ovations five times; there were handkerchiefs in the air, hats, raised hands, so that Beethoven, who could not hear the applause, could at least see the ovation gestures. The theatre house had never seen such enthusiasm in applause."*

Now I can see how Beethoven could "hear" the applause as he saw the audience waving their handkerchiefs in the air. For this is why I adore Beethoven as my favorite classical artist, his essence of music has given me inspiration to love music no matter if I can't hear it like he couldn't during his 9th Symphony performance. Now this leads to my discussion about being Deaf and the essence of music.

When I listen to music, I can hear it with the assistance of hearing aids, but music is more about just hearing it. It's about feeling it through the heart and soul. To be able to absorb those vibrations through sounds and the waves that these musical pieces creates led me to appreciate music so much more. Music is all about feeling and the effects that it creates when one listens to music. Put on Beethoven's 9th Symphony, listen carefully to how he would have heard the music without hearing it but feeling it through his soul, his heart, and most of all through the vibrations that music creates. Lovely music that fills the room with vibrant tones and colors, music that enthralls and fills the soul with beauty. Beethoven is simply this and so much more; the essence of his music and his piece of "Ode to Joy" is simply that: Joyful sounds and vibrant noise that I can feel through vibrations and emotions. For those who never really understood classical music, one has to sit and listen to Beethoven's 9th Symphony to be able to understand how not having ears that work can enjoy music in it's essence. The wholeness of music is entirely on the imagination of the listener -- to be able to imagine and feel what the composer wanted one to feel what he was going through when the piece was written. Imagine: being deaf and not hearing music, but knowing there is an orchestra in Beethoven's mind continuously being played and it's as if the orchestra has always been alive in his mind even when he could hear. That is how I hear music as well. It's in my mind, my heart, and my soul. Not all music can be enjoyed through the simplicity of hearing, but loving the sounds of Beethoven's 9th Symphony through the way the music moves you.

That my friends, is the essence of music and being Deaf in a world of sounds. A world that takes sounds for granted -- a world of music that is all around us. Either we see it, hear it or feel it -- music continues to live in each and every one of us. That's what Beethoven has done for me. Being Deaf and the essence of music don't really go hand in hand, but if you understand music through emotions and vibrations it can always and only be a part of something more in our lives. Ode to Joy! Live on, the music lives on, and that is the essence of music.

*June 29, 2008. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_van_Beethoven
Photo Permisson: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Beethoven.jpg/180px-Beethoven.jpg

The Dark Room - A Story

2008-06-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

The darkness engulfed me and built a black and mysterious shroud that covered me from head to toe. I tried to allow my eyes to adjust to my surroundings. I couldn't. As I sat on the floor, finding myself in this emptiness of black space; I had a feeling of claustrophobic in my surroundings. I tried to get up, but I couldn't. Something held me down. I tried to move my arms, but something cold and hard was around my wrist. This something limited my movement of my arms. I tried to move my feet, but these too, were tied down by something hard and cold. I breathed really hard trying not to panic. Waking up to this dark room, not knowing where I was panicked me a bit. My heart rate was going sky high as I gasped for breath. Not knowing if my surroundings had enough air to breathe, not knowing where I was frightened me and I felt fear crawled up my spine.

With each panic sensation in my body, I struggled to get up -- but nothing will accomplish this if I cannot see. Listening to this dark room would have helped, but the silence itself in this room was deafening. There was not one sound, not even the sound of my shallow breathing. I knew then that in this situation I found myself in, I had to calm down and chill a bit to figure out what I am to do. And that is mainly to figure out where I am. This dark room, these chains (what I figured them to be) tied me down to this place I find myself in. How did I ever get here? I wondered to myself. What is this room? Where am I? Trying to open the flood gates of my memories, even though distant they may be. I had to try to close my eyes again and open them -- hoping that this was all just a dream. Open my eyes I will, and find myself back to where I originally was. Where this was? I do not know. What I did before I found myself in this impossible situation, that I did not know either. Once again, not remembering the before that happened, began to panic my mind and my body started to shiver and shake as I began to become nervous. Still! I must be still and try to calm down and not let the craziness begin. O if the craziness does begin, the madness I will slumber into will be heart-wrenching indeed. What am I to do? WHAT am I to DO!?

Calm. Calmness began to build inside of me. Once again, I tried to see in this dark room. I was trying to figure it out where I am, by listening, by smelling, and darting my tongue to see if the air tasted different. Perhaps a little taste of the air will give me one tiny clue to what this room is. What this dark silence room meant. This place I find myself chained to. Apparently I was chained to this floor of hard concrete and cold metal. Yes, the floor is hard, and there is nothing soft about this situation I find myself in. I must, I really must calm down before madness takes a hold of me and draws me into insanity. I can't, I mustn't and I won't be mad. I have to be calm! I need to be calm so I can figure things out with a sharp mind. Calm. Calmness engulfed my body again.

Still, the darkness wrapped around me like black wrapping paper around a child's big toy. And the bows with dark blackness tied the box down like these chains tied me down. I tried to see through this darkness. The room itself, I could feel was small. How do I know if I couldn't see? I just know. I just feel it around me like this darkness I know is there because it just is. Now what am I to do if I can't see where I am? What am I to do about this situation I find myself in? I tried to recall what I did before I came here. No memory was recollected in the deep recesses of my brain. The deep and hallow halls of my memory banks could not find one iota bit of information to help me with the situation I find myself in now. All I could remember was darkness -- darkness and nothing more. O madness that starts to make me quiver with fear. Madness in my bones shook the very frame of my body. Again, I told myself, calm. Calmness reached my lips as I tried to speak out words that I didn't know I could speak. I cussed at the dark room; mainly I cussed at the nothingness around me. I shook my arms and legs, but the limited dexterity and the limited motion of my body allowed me to tense up. I felt the panic in my bones rise again. My breathing became even more rapid than ever. My breathing became hard -- what am I to do!? Anxiety was building up in me, for I hated not knowing. I hated not knowing where I was, and how I came to be here. This room had a psychological advantage over me. It was driving me insane! I was going crazy now, as my breathing became quicker with each rising heart beat. I could hear my heart make such a heavy noise, as if the burden of my soul rested there -- heavy with grief as I began to shake. I shook like the trees with weak branches as the wind shook the leaves down to the ground. I shook like these branches of a tree and shaking I wanted to just get up and run out of this dark room and find the light! Only I couldn't -- I was limited by the chains on my feet and my wrists. My body tense as my hands squeezed shut, trying to grasp at anything except these cold metallic chains around me. Suddenly I told myself, once again to be calm. Be calm! Be calm. Calmness was long ago gone, suddenly like an old friend it crept back into my body and I could feel the tenseness disappearing . . . My Body like a jellyfish felt fluid. I felt the darkness around me once again, but the darkness was my eyelids shutting down on me. That was when I gasped and dropped to the ground as the lights from the door suddenly beamed at me. I fell down in a heap, still chained, and still not knowing what was to become of me.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Blinking; I was blinking for the light blinded me. The door was ajar and there were noises. There was some noise of laughter -- it was loud. The men wore white uniforms. They held sticks that were pointy and they all had this stern look upon their face. The laughter died down as another man entered the room. He wore red and he didn't have stick in his hand. He entered with that of a dignified man. I was still chained to the floor and the light shone and illuminated my position in this room. I was in a holding cell. The chains limited me because I was their prisoner. The men chattered but silenced down as the man in red entered the room. He came upon me and faced me, and looked down at me for I was lying on the ground. I figured I probably fainted, but who knows how much time has gone? The man in red with his little mustache and beady black eyes stared at my own eyes that could finally see. I gazed away from him to look around me. This room was small, a holding cell as I mentioned, and the floor was indeed cold for it was metal. A metal floor could only mean one thing. Even with the white walls surrounding me, after the light illuminated the color of these walls -- I knew that now the metal floor could only mean one thing: this was an institution. An institution for what? I do not know. But by the look of these men surrounding me in their white uniforms and sticks that they hold -- I knew it was a serious and strict institution. I was institutionalized for something. I have no clue how I ended up here, but I am sure to find out by the man in red. He spoke briefly:

"Get up!" His words were harsh and mean. There was a stable tone to his voice. The men in white laughed again. The man in red's head swerved and scanned the men in white uniforms. His stern look stared at his people -- for they obeyed and silenced themselves quickly. I got up, but it was hard and the idea that I was here have not occurred to my mind yet. The madness that was there seemed to be gone. My mind was numb from the light that poured in from the halls. I couldn't see outside for the lights were blinding me. The light seems to illuminate the situation a bit. The man in red looked at me again and strenuously yelled at me to get up. "Get up!"

I got up. I stood before this man and the men surrounding me. I finally breathed a little easier now because the oxygen was fresh from the door that stood ajar. I stared around at all the mysterious faces that stared down at me. Finally, the man in red asked me a question that was unexpected: "Are you ready?"

I mumbled something and gasped, and tried my voice again: "For what?"

The man in red was angry, he was mean, and he was impatient as he explained: "You are free to go."

"Go where?" I asked, still confused by the situation. The dark room I was in made more sense than what this man was asking me. The men in white that surrounded me and supported this man in red suppressed a laugh. But it was too late, the man in red heard it and swerved his heard once more to his people and they silenced their laughter once again, promptly and with respect.

"To hell, of course. . ." The man in red simply replied.

"But why, I am not dead, I am not yet dead. . . “Now the calmness was evaporating, the fear trembled inside of me again. I pulled at my chained feet, and I pulled at the chains around my wrist. The man in red simply and calmly just looked at me. He was still waiting for my answer. What if I told him no, what would become of me? Will I still stay in this dark room and go insane until the day I said yes? Till I acknowledge to this man in red, that yes I am ready to go to hell.

The men in white awaited my answer as well. The impatience of this man in red appeared on his face, for his stern look became even meaner. He slowly squinted and gazed at me. He reached into his jacket and pulled out one key. Just a key that was black. Dark black like the darkness that enshrouded me hours ago -- was it an hour or two ago? I do not know. Time seem to have no meaning in this dark room.

"Why? Did I die already? What is this place!?" I asked in expiation.

The man in red smirked at me and with contempt in his voice said, "Oh you don't know? You don't know what this room is?"

The laughter of the men in white had the same smirk on their faces as well. The laughter died down again as the man in red once again shushed the men to be quiet. Approaching me with the key at hand and unlocking the chains that held me to this dark room, he stood a couple of paces back and turned to reveal the door with the glowing light that illuminated the room.

"Why you are in purgatory, my friend. You have suffered and now come to the crossroads between heaven and hell. Guess where you are going? And this key that I now hold in my hand here will give you the answers." He demonstrated the key by holding it in his index finger and thumb, grasping it by the bottom tip -- the part that goes into a door. What door, and where will that door lead me, I do not know. The key was black and the man holding it wore red, while the congregation behind me wore white. I knew by the way this man was mean, how he scolded me to get up and how the laughter filled the once dark room with devious noise. I knew by looking at this man that the key that he held was for only one place and that one place I dread more than this dark room.

The man in red handed me the key and I took it in my hands. The movement was at ease now; I could move my legs and arms for I was not chained anymore. The very key that gave me my freedom in which I am able to move about this dark room. I followed the light and stepped to the door frame where the illuminated was behind me as I turned back to the men in white who still hold their wands in their hands, and looking back at the man in red -- his smirk was still there. His eyes gazed at my every move and he asked again: "Do you know where you are going my friend?"

I shook my head and silently said no. I mouthed these words, but in the back of my mind I thought to myself: Anything is better than this dark room.

Anything?

The black key I held in my hand and I walked into the light. The crowd of men in white watched me as I walked into the light. The last thing I saw was the man in red still with his smirk on his face and his eyes were menacingly looking at me as I continued to go into the light. The key in my hand started to burn my skin, but I held on, and I know this was my pain. This was my punishment for sins. This was the key that I held that will lead me to another room, and the key that I put into the door that I will face will have to be opened wit his very key. And I will be walking into the room with the same four walls of white, and the hard concrete floor and on that floor in the middle of the room will be the very same chains that held me before. Free I was for only a brief moment of time to once again use the black key to chain myself to the floor and toss the key away. Then as I close my eyes to accept the darkness once again, I will start to feel the panic raise in me as I begin to flutter my eyes open in an hour or in two hours; then I will find myself enveloped once again in darkness. The place I will find myself again will be this dark room. The very dark room that the man in red had led me into led me to believe that my sins are not repented. My insanity built up here and then, as the fears allowed me to scream and be lost in this mysterious dark room.

Ah, darkness here! Here in this room. The dark room that I find myself chained to. The darkness that is there, and chases my demons here on, forevermore!

Photo Permisson: Accessed and Copied on Web from: http://www.cybertrn.demon.co.uk/guardian/door.jpg

June24, 2008

Too hot? Then Head to the Beaches!

2008-06-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today I was determined to head out to the beaches. I took my 49ers chair, some sodas and water. Few snacks as well. I even took my backback with swim wear, towel and a place to hold my valuables. Gathered all this and headed out to the PCH.

Took a drive down the One and enjoyed the vast immense view of the Pacific Ocean. Passing Laguna and headed to Aliso Beach, where there were a few people (not as crowded as Laguna and Newport). I parked there and it was like a dollar for one hour for parking. Not too bad, I thought. Then I got out of the car, gathered all my stuff and changed into my swimming gear and headed to the sandy beach.

I plopped myself and my stuff near the coast, where the waves were gigantic and wonderful to watch. It was still early in the morning and there were alot of dudes with surfboards. There were even tourists, and you can always tell, they didn't come to swim, but to take pictures and they wore clothes that seem to be fitting for walking around a mall instead of sitting down or going for a swim.

Alas, I enjoyed watching the surfers. It was interesting how good they were, and how they kept their balance to ride the waves. Alot of daring stunts as they oftentimes crashed with the waves and failed to ride it. But that didn't allowed them to not have any fun. They tried again and there was some amazing balance as the dudes hung on for the ride.

The high waves looked so beautiful. I gazed at the blue sky and saw a sea bird flying overhead. Searching for something to eat, I assumed. Sitting here, with The Godfather novel in hand, and a nice cold Dr.Pepper; I felt relaxed and content for the first time in this Summer Month. I wished that Candice was sitting next to me and enjoying the sights of the surfers and the crashing waves, and the soothing melodies of the ocean.

Here I present some pictures of my views of the wonderful Beaches near Irvine, California. In the near distance is Laguna and next to that is Newport and so on.. I just found myself here at Aliso Beach and enjoyed the wonderful relaxing atmosphere of our beautiful Pacific Oceans. In a way, this was my mini vacation and I enjoyed it. . .

Summer Blues

2008-06-19T14:15:00.001-07:00

2pm, 88 degrees at Irvine, California. I am hanging out at my apartment at Palo Verde 8127. Outside it's a clear and beautiful day, but one step outside that door, the heat wave will grab at you and pull you all the way down to the Summer Heat Wave. The Heat Wave that will lessen someone's enthusiastic going about the day feeling. Right now, it's the Summer Blues. Candice is still at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Our two dogs are sleeping off the afternoon and I am here writing out this blog for the day. The heat is rising all over Southern California and the hot air is blowing in from the open windows. In a way it is kind of nice because it shows that Summer is finally here. It's still in the middle of June and all that is left to look forward to is Candice coming home from the East coast. Meanwhile, I am still searching for any kind of job to keep me busy. As of right now, Disney is still not in the future yet. Since the audition I was kind of disappointed, but nevertheless I am still on the search for a job.

I think with this Summer month, it is beginning to pick up the heat waves and building higher and higher with each passing Day into the lateness of June. Staying indoors and staying cool is my priority right now. Gas is expensive and the price of everything is on a constant high. Where has our summer vacations gone? With the craziness of gas prices and everything else, staying indoors seems more and more like a fitting idea: since it's cooler. Alas, the idea of going to New Mexico is still in store. Driving down to New Mexico will be expensive on gas, but it would be nice to attend a wedding. It will be nice to go to the Mountains of New Mexico and perhaps catch a hot air balloon ride soaring high over our heads.

But like Dorthy from Kansas once said, "There's no place like home." That is why the summer blues, for I miss Candice and await for her arrival back home to Irvine, California. A place where the beaches are a few miles out and that my friends, is what I plan to do sometimes to get my Summer going. As for now, I need to do so many other stuff before I go out and chill by the beach. Palo Verde Apartment 8127, the place where I am staying indoors to chill with iced teas, movies, and of course some good books to read. The ocean's waves are calling to me from Newport or Laguna, even Huntington Beach -- the waves are crashing on the sandy shores where I bet there are many people now laying and basking in the summer sun. The heat wave continues to bring in the Summer Blues. The Blues of our Pacific Oceans, and the blues of our beautiful skies, and the blues of gas prices and the blues of missing Candice. Maybe when Candice comes home she'll be able to say, "There's no place like Home." And that my friends, is Irvine, California -- Palo Verde Apartment 8127.

Photo permission: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2403/2203980054_343ed7a026.jpg?v=0

Well, there's always Next year...

2008-06-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

LAKERS LOSE :-(

What happened? Where was the MVP? Kobe was MIA (Missing In Action) instead. (Check out Bill Plaschke's article in LA Times)

http://www.latimes.com/la-sp-plaschke18-2008jun18,0,5112683.column

Instead of showing up as MVP in the most embarrassing loss for Lakers fan, we got a Kobe Bryant that didn't show up. Well, the whole blame can't be on Kobe -- there was Odom that disappeared, Fisher, Gasol and some of the blame on this loss can be placed on our very own Phil Jackson who is still tied with Red for most championships. I think the Celtics were more hungry for a ring, for many of those never had one and this Finals Championship was their first. But I am not going to say what a loss for the Lakers because with what they had and what they went through to rebuild this team, and with Kobe wanting another player to fit the puzzle to continue their run in playoffs -- they got it, they had it, and it just fell apart at the very end. I think next year, yes there is always next year, they can find more pieces of that puzzle to create a new run at the championship and don't forget Celtics fans, Lakers were mainly not really put together because Bynum wasn't there. That one guy could added more blocks, added more rebounds, and it would have been a different outcome. (who knows?)

Anyway, this is just one short Blog to applaud a great series and great acting (Oscars all around to the so called injured players - P.Pierce and others). Along with their championship trophies on the mantle, there will be Oscars Trophies standing alongside. I know this sounds like a sore loser, but really, I applaud a great dramatic series and I applaud the Lakers from being "nothing" to a great caliber team to the playoffs. No one expected it, and no one expected the Lakers to face the Celtics. Of course, everyone expected the Celtics to go to the Finals, but the purple and gold had a drive that no other team had and this was from their MVP. If the Lakers add more enthusiastic players like Kobe we could have hung there and made it a tougher series. Yes, a lot of players were MIA, but the heart and soul of the team would probably hang his head and head on home and demand another trade until he got more players that he wants. Congratulations to the true MVP of the Finals -- the actors of the Celtics.

Still Kobe was probably not as hungry because he already has his shares of NBA Finals Rings. He was MIA because of his heavy hand with all those rings -- he didn't need Shaq, because he had a young and hungry team. Just that in that last game of the year, they were probably full because Kobe fed them with his own hunger and it didn't seem to motivate them. Like I said, LAKERS are still the team to beat and there is always next year!

Kobe with all those rings and Garnett, Paul Pierce with just one.. a dynasty for the Celtics? hmm.. nah, because we had that one missing piece Bynum. It would have been a whole different series.

Until next year -- now on to Football!

Link used from: LA Times. http://www.latimes.com/ 18, June. 2008. Copyright 2008 Los Angeles Times

On This Father's Day...

2008-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally made it back home to Barstow, California. Everyone always wanted me to come back for a visit. Well, here I am. I spent yesterday with my nephew Jake at his Grandpa and Grandma's house. He was so much fun to hang with yesterday. I arrived at Barstow and knew, but didn't really expected the hot heat of this small desert town. But here is mi familia. I went to visit Jake at my old home.

Here in Barstow, I came and went to dinner with my family to celebrate Larry's birthday. My Brother in Law, Daddy to Jake and husband to my sister, Christina. Such a happy family and so much in the store for Jake as he quickly grows up. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him -- bubbly personality and walking around already. Also, he loves to eat! (Reminds me of me when I was a little toddler myself)

Anyway, in this Vlog I put down today I mentioned the fact, I didn't make it at the Disney Audition -- they already had the maximum amount of people that meets the height requirement. Yes, I was disappointed, but oh well.. there are other opportunties out there. I will try to find another position at Disneyland I hope. If not, I am just going to make the best of my summer and enjoy the beaches and so forth. I will have to try to study hard for my CSETs and pass them to continue my education at UCI. Nevertheless, I am not disappointed as much, but enjoyed the experience of auditioning and trying to get in. As I continue this Vlog, I mentioned spending time with my Father on Father's Day. We worked on my car this morning and washed it and waxed it. Quality time with my Father is always a pleasure.

As I go on in this Vlog and write in this Blog about missing my one and only love, Candice, she is already settled at East coast and she will send me pics and she will be able to talk to me on Video or IM when she gets a chance. Of course, she'll have those busy days. I love her so much and miss her, but I am sure she is having a great time. I will count the days when she gets back.

Anyway here is my Vlog for today: Happy Father's Day to all the Dads. Especially mine who I love so much. Thank you for all the things you do for us. Even when we don't ask, or don't need it, you provide all the words of wisdom and give us assistance when you feel we need it. Thank you for you for being you! You are one of the greatest Dad and I am honored to be your son. God Bless you always, Your Son, Gilberto.

Continue for today's Vlog:

Oh no! Oh, Well...

2008-06-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Oh no! The Lakers lost the biggest lead in a NBA Finals ever! The Celtics, which I have to tip my hat off to, never gave up. The Lakers really did a great first half and Odom finally scored! He finally got his game going, but with great offense always comes great defense. That my friends, is what disappeared for the Lakers in the second half. The Green envy of the Lakers showed up and demolished the biggest lead in NBA Finals history and the Lakers just disappeared off the face of this earth for the whole second half. Actually they disappeared in the lights and glamour of Hollywood and soaked into the knots of the Staples Center hardwood floor. What was Phil Jackson thinking!? Why didn't he not tell his team something like "okay, we got a big lead, keep playing a great offense. . ." Oh, well.. what about the defense of the Lakers that disappeared!? As a Lakers fan, I am frankly embarrassed! :-(

Anyway, as I write this on Friday, the 13th of June, I think the bad luck omen as arrived a tad bit earlier for the Lakers and their fans. It was an embarrassing loss and I am going to get over it because life goes on. Oh well, life indeed has a lot of surprises in the store for all of us Lakers fans. We just need to hold them off for that one last bit of victory that could give the Celtics their Champion status up there in the rafters. For this reason I say, Oh no, but oh well.. next time! One more game in LA and back to Boston. (If LA can come back stronger than that measly effort in the second half.) Like I said beforehand, well, life goes on and it's tomorrow that my Disney Auditions will be coming up and then Father's Day. For all the Fathers out there I wish them Happy Father's Day and if you are a purple and yellow fan, don't give up, Lakers could win it again and try to win 3 straight (which has been done before). Oh well, I just hope Disney holds in the store for me is a job and a fun one at that. And if I do work at Disney, which is the most happiest place on earth, then I might just need it to get over this devastating loss and most lopsided defeat in the history of NBA Finals.

My Girl, Candice Chavez, leaves tomorrow to fly to the East Coast to work in the labs over there at Holes Creek at Massachusetts. I will miss her dearly, and I know she will do really wonderful over there. I have to say I am proud of her accomplishments at UCI and in her life. She has done so much and has worked hard, and sometimes I think I know she will be successful at whatever career she finds herself in; I just know and hope she is Happy where ever she is and I know I love her so much that whatever happens for me, I hope it makes her happy too. I wish Candice the best of luck on her journey and I know we will definitely keep in touch. I love her so much and that always and only makes the difference in my life as I go on my own journey to Disney and continue to bask in the Summer Sun of Irvine, California. Also too, congratulations to all the Grads who are graduating and much Love to all the Dads, especially mine.

Happy Father's Day Dad, I love you so much. Thanks again, for reading this blog and the others. I will continue to post my Vlogs and Blogs, as I continue to journey through the Chronicles of Gilberto during the Summer months.

Candice: I really Love you. Have a Safe Journey!

Lakers Win!

2008-06-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

GO LAKERS

Wow! They did it! I was relieved that they finally beat the Celtics, but it's not over. It's still a long ways to go to win this series. Luckily the momentum has shifted to LA and playing at home has been great for the Lakers. I am sure they can keep on winning 2 more at home since the format of the series is 2-3-2. The first 2 at Boston was tough, since the home crowd was at their feet for the Bostonians. The Lucky Green has been infectious at home and the Lakers were just sick with green. I guess the green rubbed on the Lakers but it was actually the black and white stripe guys that rubbed a little bit on the Lakers. They were miffed! Phil was out of his Zen and was furious. But it worked because the Lakers had some great calls their way (and so many others that wasn't very good). In my Vlog on this Blog I mentioned that the Lakers won the game and inspired by Kobe's efforts to put a winning smile on Jack Nicholson and the many LA Fans -- my Smile was Great! :-D I was very happy they finally beat Boston. Still, it's going to be a tough series. We'll see how it goes from there. As I mentioned in my Vlog, the Lakers should win all their home games and go back to Boston and rob the Celtics of their Glory of many championships and rob Red of his record, and allowed the Lakers to bask in the Glow of the California Sunshine with yellow rays. Hopefully the California sun will be out in Boston and allow the Lakers to clinch a much deserved championship, only if the other players of Kobe's team can score and play solid defense. Like I said: let's see how it goes from here.

GO LAKERS!

My Nephew Jake

2008-06-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

On January 29, 2007 Jake Michael Franks was born. One year later on January 29, 2008 he celebrated his 1st Birthday. When a baby is born in the world, we are all fascinated by the miracle of life that one can hold in our arms and be amazed by how fast time flies and before one knows it the baby is big and is able to walk, and babble. I am proud that my sister Christina Franks and my brother in law, Larry Franks had Jake and amazingly enough they are a small but Big-time loving family. When Christina and Larry got married, I was happy and I know that Jake will make our lives happy throughout his life. I am sure will grow up to be a wonderful young man. I hope he keeps his zeal and smiles, and bubbly personality forever when he grows up.

I am Jake's Uncle and I am sure he knows it and since I am here and they are over there, I am sure he knows it. I wanted to post something about my nephew because when he grows up he can be able to see this and now that his Uncle was always thinking about him. This is Jake on the right side playing the piano. Perhaps someday he will be a musician. Perhaps he will be a baseball player and love sports like his Dad. (Or me for that matter -- a fan of sports, but don't really play all that much.) So, maybe he'll be a musician like Christina and I were in band. Her playing the clarinet in elementary school band and I, playing the drums, perhaps a musician? Who know what young Jake will be interested in when he grows up.

All I know is that Jake's life will be filled with love and happiness as we can see him playing the keyboard on this film. His Grandpa Garcia loves to film Jake and you can see the joy in his filming of Jake, his Grandson. This makes me feel blessed for our little family in our lives. With every day that Jake grows an inch or two more, he will be young man on a journey of life as much as we all are on right now. The only difference is that his is just starting. And that idea only makes me smile even more.

Much love to my nephew Jake and the parents raising him. Also much love to my parents as they see how their first grandchild make them smile even the more everyday.

For Christina and Larry, Jake's Parents, wish you luck in being part of a young child's life and to be able to anticipate the many challenges that will come - especially with education and the choices this young man might make in the future. I love you and your family, and may Jake's journey be similar to all of us that has gone through so much in our lives. May Jake have his chronicles and experiences.

Wherever you are, whatever you do: I Love you Jake, my nephew.

My Second Vlog - News From Palo Verde, UCI

2008-06-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! This is my second attempt at Vlogging. As you see from my earlier posts there is a vlog that I tried for the first time. Here is my second Vlog and I titled it "News from Palo Verde, UCI." At the University of California, Irvine we live at the graduate Housing apartments of Palo Verde. Palo Verde is where my girlfriend Candice Chavez and I, along with our two dogs Shumae and Paris, reside for awhile already.

In this Vlog I talk about our two dogs Shumae and Paris. I mentioned about my upcoming auditions at Disney this Saturday. Also on the same day my girlfriend Candice will be flying to the East Coast to stay at Cape Code for a month for her research field. Should be a nice setting by the coast of the Atlantic ocean and while she is gone, I hope to be working at Disneyland.

Another thing I talk about in this Vlog is the Celtics-Lakers match up tonight at LA Staples Center. Hopefully they can sweep at home and come back to Boston and grab one more for the championship! We'll see.

At the end of the Vlog, I talk about keeping in touch with Candice either through video phone, IM, or other means. We'll see how that goes. I will miss You Candice, for I love you very much. Ah, she will gone for a month :-( But time will fly by fast and she'll be home before I know it.

Well, here it is my second Vlog: News from Palo Verde, UCI.

Thanks for watching! More posts in my Blog: The Chronicles of Gilberto will be upcoming. Enjoy your summer and congratulations to all the graduates -- Remember the key to opportunity lies in the fact that education will open many doors to your dreams. Kick back, get a good book, hit the beaches and enjoy your summer! Cowabunga! Surf's Up!

School is Out - Welcome Back Summer

2008-06-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Summer days are here again, and I feel like this will once again be a hot one. (And probably an expensive one - what with the gas prices and all!) Nevertheless, summer has always been an adventure filled with surprises and fun. Starting off my summer will of course be the auditions at Disney this Saturday! I am so excited about this! (I hope I can be a character, perhaps Mickey Mouse himself - who knows!)

This Summer there is going to be my cousin Regina's wedding in New Mexico in July. I think that will be fun. I have always love New Mexico. It's so beautiful out there. New Mexico is where my family is from, but I'm a born Californian. That's why I think I love Summer. The sun, the beaches, and the feel of perfect weather to be outside with a good book and a cold glass of iced tea.

Summer time is nice at night too -- the cool breeze from the Santa Ana winds, the nice skies of twinkling stars, and the big moon overwatching us. The summer nights are wonderful because its usually is the welcome guest of the hot days.

Another thing I love about summers are the movies! I enjoy going to the movies. Candice and I, hopefully we will go see a movie or two this summer. I love the idea of going to the movies and enjoying it with one you love. Its the best feeling in the world. The scent and taste of popcorn, the big soda drink to satisfy the thrist, and the loud sounds of the movie soundtracks -- its Hollywood at its best: on the Big screens during the Big holiday months of Summer.

Now school is out, summer is in and the fun begins. What does summer hold in store for me? Disney? Movies? Wedding bells ringing? Trip to New Mexico? Only time will tell. As time does fly by quickly, so does the fun. Time flies by as the fun builds up to an all time high. The closer the days get to my audition, the higher the excitement to probably get a job for the summer. For school is out, I'm officially on break from UCI till the Fall, and which is why I am looking forward to summer in hopes to work as Mickey. Oh summer time, but oh oh what about those summer nights....yes, summer is here again. Welcome back old friend.

Now how about a bike?

My First Vlog

2008-06-06T13:05:00.001-07:00

Here it is: This is my First Vlog. For those of you who are bloggers and are new to Vlogs ... like me! I am new at this blogging and now I discovered how to make Vlogs. Video Blogs. Since the Deaf world rely on visual cues to communicate -- what better way to promote their words through the language of ASL through Video. With Vlogs, sort videos can be a diary of identity of what one wants to communicate across to an audience out there on the world wide web.
This is one of my first experiments at Vlogs and I know it probably will not come out as well, but I tried! I hope this Vlog will be something I can continue to do in the future, but I love to write. Maybe more vlogs will be on the way if I can train myself to do a professional job next time. As for now, the Vlog I give you is my first, an introduction to the Vlog blogosphere. It was fun, and I hope to do more in the future, Enjoy!

Hope that was good. Well, as I said in this Vlog in ASL was that I am basically at UCI, studying in the single subject English credential program. Hoping to teach perhaps Middle school or High School. Also, I said I went to CSDR where I graduated in 1995 and there it was my Deaf identity that I obtained and now I am hoping to someday have my name published in my own works, perhaps a book. I am Gilberto Garcia, and hopefully I can create more Vlogs as these. Bye bye.

That was my first attempt at a Vlog and this was something I thought long and hard about because since Vlogs are becoming the current trends in blogging for the Deaf world, I figured I'll try my hand at one of these. As I mentioned, more will come if I figure out how to tweak it to look better. Thanks for reading this "Chronicles of Gilberto" and I will continue to take you on the journey through the Deaf World as well as my World: The Chronicles of Gilberto. Peace and See you soon!

CSDR - Home Away From Home

2008-06-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

CSDR - Home Away from Home

Just sitting here thinking about my past, thinking about how much time has flown by. Here I am sitting here at UCI in the Education Resource Center, eating my lunch and reminiscence about the old days. Thinking back to when I was a teen and being in a school at Riverside, California where my roots were planted and where my personality grew to become who I am today. I look at this picture and recalled - Chet, Enrique, and Brian who stood next to me and we graduated Middle School at CSDR. Behind us was our dorm, Rubidoux, and this was where I stayed -- my home away from home.

The reason it was home away from home was because Riverside was far away from Barstow, California. I stayed at this dorm Sunday Nights to Friday afternoon -- where we took buses or vans to transport us from our homes and to school where we stayed in our dormitories. This was life for me from 1989-1995. These friends I made, there people I learned from and had great enlightened conversations with. Now, I think back to where they are right now? What are they doing? As I sit here at UCI and thinking back to what I wanted to be when I "grew up." Of course, I wanted to be a writer or an actor. Things can change through the years and who I am today is due to our childhoods and what we went through as adolescents. The maturity level that we went through as a student at CSDR was due to the major independence in living in a Dorm and learning to live with others in the same room. The only negative impact of living at CSDR was missing one's family, being away from home. A lot of growing up with Mom and Dad, and siblings was greatly missed. Was my time away at CSDR worth it? In many ways I would say yes due to me learning about the Deaf-World, and learning about the language of ASL.

The connections of missing home and family due to being at the dorms at CSDR and attending school was a way to think back to the then and respect and embrace the now of my life. I am obtaining goals and learning so much at UCI, and I believed I have grown since my days at CSDR. CSDR gave me my identity as a Deaf person, who is able to achieve whatever I put my mind to. CSDR has been my home for a lot of years and I made a lot of friends. I even respected the establishment that teachers and counselors who were at the school because they were part of my experiences in growing up. To be matured at this age and think back to the past and thank CSDR for being my Home for awhile. Now living here at Irvine, California, I think that the belief that Deaf people can do anything they want -- except hear is proven true. I can't hear as much as the average person, but I do listen to the past and hear that I was once young and went to CSDR, but now I am ambitiously trying to be a teacher to be able to give back to others who have the opportunities as I do in the future at this wonderful school. I do hope they take advantage of their "home away from home."

Audition at Disney

2008-05-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I am excited to say, I will be on another adventure in this chronicles of gilberto. I am searching for a summer job since I will be on a break during the summer. I was looking into many job opportunities, and this one came with persuasion of people who are close to me. I thought "well, I can try it out and see what happens."

So I went down to Anahiem, and went to the Casting office in the back lot of Disneyland. I was excited because this is a "dream job" really. I always wanted to try to work at Disneyland. So i went for the job, and applied at their computer center over there. I was amazed by how many people were over there -- young and old, and many various races. I was amazed to see how many people want to work at Disney -- I am sure it was their dream job as well as mine. So I applied and got to go into this room where they showed a film on "the Disney Job" and how we are suppose to be happy workers for Disney to continue Walt's Dreams of making others Happy. I thought so far, so good. I am able to do that. So, continued the film on how we are suppose to present ourselves. So far, so good. Then we took a personality quiz and I guess I answered it good because we waited a bit for another person to talk to us in their small office. One by one people who want to work for Disney came in and out. Some came out excited and some came out disappointed and you can bet you know what that meant.

My name was finally called and I went in and they told me, they want me to come back and talk to someone else. So I came back that afternoon and talked to a casting agent and he interviewed me and said that I would be able to audition for a character. I was so excited, this is exactly what I wanted to do.

The Most happiest place on Earth, and I might one day be working there!

"I'm going to Disneyland!"

I will keep you all posted!

The Language of the Deaf - ASL

2008-05-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hello again to everyone, I am complete with a persuasive paper that I have worked on for one of my classes. The topic was ASL, of course, and I acknowledged that ASL is indeed a language. ASL is one of the many beautiful languages out there. In my persusasive piece I labled ASL as a language in it's own right. For many centuries when ASL was evolved from the basis of French Sign Language by Laurent Clerc and Thomas Gallaudet who formed one of the first Deaf Schools in America. After the evolution from FSL to ASL as we know it today, alot of people didn't comprehend that ASL was a language -- they thought it was just gestures that Deaf people used to communicate with one another. Since William Stokoe, from Gallaudet who is a Linguists and he came up with ways to document the grammar, syntax and certain characteristics that indeed recognizes ASL as a language.

So in this case, I wrote my paper on persuading the readers of my paper to accept that ASL is indeed a language. With cultural perspectives of a community of Deaf people who go to the same schools, share the same stories, and share a common trend in the language they convey a respect among each other. This respect is knowing ASL as a language. In short, ASL lets Deaf people come together (and hearing people who know the language as well). With ASL being the thread that holds all Deaf people together, wether they know each other from schools, communities, and other places. The idea that ASL makes the human race that are Deaf (or Hearing) can be one of the most beautiful thing about the Deaf-World. ASL transcends over time to pass on knowledge, cultural beliefs and ideas to one another. It's a generational idea of passing on things from the past to the present and onward to the future. With ASL being labeled as a language, this gives the power of Deaf Culture a continuous message that Deaf people can continue to be able to connect to one another through their language.

Recall ASL is a visual language and to be able to see and understand the language of the Deaf, is to be able to understand the culture of the Deaf-World. Now that is why ASL is a language and it will always be one of the many forms of communication that connects us all as a human race that can not only hear, but understand the whole world around them. If one doesn't understand what ASL is, then they do not really understand that there is a world known as the Deaf-World. That's the only thing an outsider will be able to understand that it's not a physical world that exist, but a world that is visible by the language of the Deaf -- ASL.

My Hands - A Poem

2008-05-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

To be able to comprehend the notion of ASL for Deaf people, we must be able to express ourselves through ASL and that is itself a visual language. This is why vlogs (video blogs) are catching up in the Deaf-World. With the idea of sign language and video, Deaf people are able to share ideas with the world. The idea of the Internet has caught up with vlogs, and this is something I might want to explore someday. For right now, since I am a writer at heart and I love the English language I want to continue to express myself through the use of blogs and poetry. This is one poem that I got publish through poetry.com. I added this poem here for the expressive purpose of what ASL means to me. As I continue my Chronicles of Gilberto, I will be able to express all of these ideas and opinions of ASL and the Deaf-World. After all, it is a part of who I am.

My Hands

Signing with my Hands
Trying to make you understand
Your eyes follow what I say
What I want for you to understand
Is that I will love you always
My hands that tried to show
How much I love you so
The language I speak with my hands
To Words I say with my heart
Longing to hear the words that
Will never keep us apart
My ears cannot catch the sound
Which I was never around
For as long as the silence remains
Then my heart feels the pain
Why, with my wondering eyes
Do I feel the love that you provide?
We don't need words to express feelings
We need only the simple touch
With our hands and heart--we'll never be apart.
Gilberto Antonio Garcia
Copyright ©2008 Gilberto Antonio Garcia

*[a.] Barstow, CA [title] "My Hands" [pers.] "My Hands" was created to demonstrate the need for communication in any form--spoken, written, or sign language--the most beautiful of all is sign language. Sign language is a visual language as poetry is the Internet with the eyes and ears. Most of all, poetry should be interpreted with the heart. I have been writing poetry and short stories ever since the written word intrigued me, or the written word is as magical as music to an audience of Beethoven listeners. Thanks to my family, for their love has continued to inspire me to write poetry.

From: http://www.poetry.com/Publications/display.asp?ID=P1492857&BN=333&PN=1

Deaf Can

2008-05-07T12:45:00.001-07:00

Since I was born with some hearing and able to pick up speech, I was able to fit in with the world of hearing. Sometimes, my identity of who I am was a constant struggle. Fitting in with the world that depended on voices to be heard was hard. I could hear a bit with the assistance of hearing aids. Since I was 2 years old, wearing hearing aids made me be able to grow up in the hearing world. Once my hearing beginto decline, I had to rely not on hearing the speech, but reading people's lips. This was a "guessing game" by how the words are formed on the people's lips when they talk to me. The hearing aids allowed me to hear only a small percentage of sounds, but with my being able to read lips helped a lot.
Now, I am able to fit in the hearing world, but still my struggle of identity came about when I joined CSDR -- and this was the beginning of my journey into the Deaf-World. It was at this world that I knew that my identity was that I am Deaf. Being able to communicate with both speech and ASL was to me a blessing. I was able to communicate with my friends from the Deaf-World and be able to communicate with my family and friends from the Hearing World. This path from CSDR to many things in my life, bridged the gap between these two worlds. Being at CSDR has allowed me to grow as a strong person, and be able to be successful in both worlds. Within the gates of CSDR, the knowledge of culture and language has allowed my identity as a human being to grow. I am blessed to know that these two worlds are actually a part of who I am. With my family I am able to speak, with my friends and others I am able to sign. Oftentimes, I find myself finding a comfortable environment at any place that is our world. Being with my family and friends I am able to communicate because I can hear a little bit. I am able to do sign language which to me is a beautiful language. But I always think to myself, what if I can't hear at all anymore? What if I can't hear the speech and what will happen to this "hearing world" that is not able to do sign language? Will my identity of who I am be gone? Not really.
I believe that being Deaf has allowed me to have a positive outlook in life and I am able to succeed in any place in the world. I am now attending UCI, and doing something I love. I enjoy going to school and being around various people -- this allowed me to be able to travel from one world to the next with the ability to speak and sign.
With the ideals of Deaf people in a Hearing world, they should always think they can do anything they put their hearts and minds to. To be successful in anything they dream of, is to have that positive outlook on everyone and everything in their life. I believe that I can do anything. Deaf can -- Deaf I am, and Deaf I always will be. But these two worlds I stand on the bridge between the two and in a way, I am content.
Further on in my Blogs, I will talk about the challenges and dreams that I have. I will talk about standing on that bridge between the Deaf-World and the Hearing World. I will talk about the many posiblities of living a life as a Deaf person, but with the many strengths and endeveors of being able to communicate in both ASL and speech. This is not a political blog, nor is it a blog that will shatter the barriers of the Hearing World and the Deaf-World, but rather it is a blog to connect my place in this world through the use of words. These worlds are beautiful, these worlds are a part of who I am, and these worlds are all around us. Come, take my hand and we begin the journey right on this very bridge between the two worlds --come and learn about language, culture, and about who I am: I am Deaf and I am part of two worlds that is connected through languages: ASL and English.

My First Blog

2008-05-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

So, for my first blog I have decided to tell you a little about myself. My Name is Gilberto. I am in the credential program at UCI. I would like to be a high school English teacher which is weird since I am Deaf. If you don't know, American Sign Language (ASL) is NOT English. I am currently writing a persuasive essay arguing that ASL is in fact a language. Believe it or not, spoken languages are not the only languages. I went to the California School for the Deaf in Riverside (CSDR) through junior high and high school. It was there that I learned ASL. ASL was the bridge that connected me to the Deaf world because I am actually from a hearing family. I am the only one in my family who is Deaf and the only one who uses any sign language. Since my family does not use sign language, I rely on lip reading when I am with them. I am able to speak well because when I was young I had a lot of residual hearing. My ability to lip read has helped me be part of the hearing world while my ability to communicate in ASL has helped me be part of the Deaf-World. With these chronicles of Gilberto, I hope to share with you my perspective on living between both worlds. With that, I hope this blog is off to a good start and I will post again soon.