As I continue to Blog . . .

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. . .

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

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

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!

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

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

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!