Life's Little Treasure

Today, little man and I got to do what big boys do... well, not really.

Riding in the car with Tio Carlos

Yesterday, my sister had asked me to babysit Anthony. Hesitant to say "yes", I asked question after question. "What time?" "Do I need to pick him up?" "Will I want to pull my hair out?" just to name a few. And like a normal conversation, my sister responds to all of them "7a-3p". "No. I'll drop him off." "No. He's pretty good." (She probably just said that to make me say yes). After pondering the questions, I responded, "sure..." but still hadn't hit the "send" button. I waited a few more minutes...send. 

So, then I went to sleep fairly early to prepare myself for this day with Anthony. After a delayed start on my sister's end, I was up, in my sweats and slippers awaiting for the arrival of the little man. When she arrived, she handed me his car seat, his bag full of goodies- toys, diapers, food, everything to occupy him, and said "I will see you boys later." Now this is where I started to panic... 

As she went out the front door, I turned to Anthony and said, "Well, looks like it's you and me today." Still asleep, he looked at me, smiled a little, then wanted to play with his toy truck. While playing with his truck, I was thinking of ways to occupy him while I ran upstairs and showered..but I couldn't find a way...until Steven woke up.  

*always smiling*

After I showered, we were off to run our first errand together... uniforms for my high school team. As I sat there discussing the uniforms, Anthony was all into playing ball. He wanted every single ball that was in that room- football, volleyball, soccer. After a good half hour and Anthony well behaved, we were out of there and headed home.

When we arrived home, I changed Anthony (he was currently wearing his Woody PJ's) fed him some turkey...actually he fed himself some turkey and then I fed him some applesauce. Ready to go, we were out of the door again, this time, meeting Mimi for lunch. After lunch, it was nap time and then my sister came and got him.

I usually don't get to spend much time with Anthony, let alone my sister. But today I realized something. I realized that Anthony was much more fun than anticipated. However, that is not all I realized; Anthony is our life's treasure. So full of energy, always thinking, always smiling, always wanting to be next to me or my sister or Mimi. He didn't cry when my sister left. He just watched her leave and played with his toys.

Tio Carlos and little man!

Anthony made me think today... he made me focus on what's important in life, not the unnecessary. And today's importance was my relationship as an uncle to Anthony. 

  *Analise, my sister, and everything a brother could ask for, this is for you. You have raised an incredible child, always laughing, always smiling, and always finding a way to put a smile on someone else's face. I love you.* 

A Man's Best Friend... or at least my best friend

They say dogs are a man's best friend, and in all honesty, I would have to agree with them. I talk to my dog all the time. He may not answer back but I know that he listens because when I am at my lowest point, who comes over to lick me.... my dog.

Just recently, I got a new dog and it all happened really fast. I've always wanted another dog to play with the huge, massive black lab I have at my parents house- Pepper is his name. Pepper and I always were together. He would go with me to the bank just to get a treat. He would go with me to school, just to show him off. He would always love going on walks around the block. However, Pepper and I haven't been able to do that because he know roams on 5 acres... instead of a square fenced in area...almost like the dog park...but without other dogs.

Luka watching TV!

One day, my friend and I took Pepper to the dog park off Wellington. It was a nice day- sunny with a slim chance of rain, perfect fall weather. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, Pepper was slobbering all over the window, barking at his friends, wanting to be released from the back seat of my car. So I park, get his leash, and pretty much was dragged from that point on. Pepper rarely goes to the dog park and when he does, that usually means a) hes been pretty good, or b) his owner (aka ME) actually wants to do something productive. As soon as we entered the fenced in area, Pepper was off. It was like heaven. Dogs galore. All over. Small dogs that looked like a treat to pepper. Big dogs! All types of dogs. Dogs, dogs, dogs. While Pepper was off playing with his friends, I started talking to my friend about getting another dog and we started to throw dog types off each other- "German Shepherd" "No. Too big". "Poodle?" "Too ugly". and the list went on.

After the dog park, we decided to look at some pet stores to get some other dog types in mind...but nothing was sticking. We grabbed some lunch, talked to mom, and finally something hit my friend. "Shiba Inu" and of course my response "was that english?"

He's my co-pilot!

So, now I had to look up the dog and this was the perfect dog. The average Shiba Inu will be about 30 pounds at most. They are the perfect house dog, easy to train, get along with other dogs, and more importantly, be "your best friend". This was the dog I wanted. That night, Hunter and I started looking at breeders in Lexington that sold Shiba inus...but no luck. We then found an old posting for a breeder in Shellbyville. So I emailed her, and the next morning we received a response and by that afternoon we had the dog in the car on his way to his new home.

Luka sleeping!

Now you are probably like, "well, Carlos, what is a shiba inu?" According to the AKC website, the Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese native breeds originally developed for hunting in the mountains of Japan. The Shibas are very alert and make an excellent watch dog, but yet they make a good companion. Back in the day, the Shiba Inu was used to hunt bear, wild boar, and small wild game. The name in Japanese means "brushwood" and Inu means "dog".  You can read more at this site: http://www.akc.org/breeds/shiba_inu/

At only 6.9 pounds and only 4 months old, I would like to introduce you to my (well our...kinda) new puppy LUKA!
This little fox, I mean boy has been everything I have wanted in another dog. He listens to me. He listens to my room mates. One room mate has even taught him shake which is pretty impressive at 4 months. (I have video proof...) He is a bundle of joy and my little boy. When him and Pepper are together, Luka likes to steal all his toys (typical "sibling" rivalry). Although he frustrates me sometimes, I know he will always be my best friend, something I was promised as a child.

The easiest thing to write about is the hardest thing for humans to do...

Lately, I have been on this kick to write, write, write. I don't know why but writing helps me relax in times of stress. Besides the current short story (or maybe fictional story), I have let myself go with some poetry. Also, this past summer, I entered into a free poetry contest just for the hell of it. A few months back, I received a letter stating that I was a semi finalist and I have a chance of winning $1,000 (LEGIT!). The poem I entered was titled "You and I" and was the first blog ever posted... so wish me luck! Anyway, these next six poems have come from thoughts in my head, or just a few lyrics to songs, to even pictures... enjoy!!

Our Private Universe

The bright full moon was shining down outlining each ripple of the lake

as we stood there on the dock- fingers interlocked- eyes gazed at each other.

Around us was the sound of frogs gargaling in the sludge

while I pull your frail body close to mine.

Hand in hand- I stare into your deep blue eyes

I feel you tremble- scared to let me in and kiss you

but you lean in closer allowing me to brush my lips against your soft lips.

Everything disappears as we stand there looking at each other.

No longer scared, I take your hand and give it a slight kiss

to prove to you this is not a dream.

We sit there on the newly polished deck- moon shining brighter than before.

Arm in arm, I lay my head on your chest listening to every beat of your heart.

This is not a dream. If it is, I don't want to wake up.

In the midnight blue sky, a shooting star passes, lighting up the sky

and on the dock we lay there- hearts matching

dreaming that someday we will be together forever.

The shooting star dwindles in shine, but not our love

I just want to lay here forever till morning comes.

Slowly, surely, we will be together forever.

As the bright moon rises, it allows me to see your deep blue eyes.

We lay until we think it's morning but it's barely even midnight

Around us, I hear frogs in the sludge, trees rattling in the wind, your heart beating

while the stars overhead become our own private universe. 

Whenever I'm with You

Whenever I'm with you,

forever is a step away,

my love continues to grow,

with each passing day.

This thing called love,

I keep close in my soul,

how much I love you...

you'll never really know.

You bring happiness to my heart,

I've never felt before,

with each touch of your hand,

I love you more and more.

Whenever we say goodbye,

whenever we part,

just know you'll always

be close to my heart.

So these seven words 

I pray you hold true,

"forever and always,

I will love you".

My Friend

It's always nice to have a friend

in which I can confide,

You'll be there when I'm feeling down

comforting me by my side.

I know you'll never betray me,

or cause me any harm.

You're a dear friend, you see,

and never has a fault.

I thank the Lord for such a friend

there are so very few.

Loyalty is a forgotten trait

not so the friend I've found in you.

Staring into Space

I lie on the warm ground

and stare into space,

while the stars start to move,

into the shape of your face.

I see you there now,

looking down at me,

with that cute, little smile,

that I just love to see.

You say, "close your eyes

and tell me what you see"

I respond so quietly,

"baby, just you and me".

We're walking the shoreline

with our feet touching the water, getting wet

while on the horizon, so brightly lit,

the sun slowly starts to set.

We make love through the night

on that soft, white sandy shore.

Then, I hold you while thinking

I could want nothing more.

I wish I could be

in that one special place,

as I lie on the ground, 

and stare into space.

1 Phrase

I- one letter not worth standing alone

LOVE- four letters worth much more. 

YOU- three letters with a lot of meaning

1 phrase encompassing it all.

Your Spot

I lay in your spot, wishing you were here

holding me tight in your arms, kissing my

back, whispering in my ear, "I love you".

I lay in your spot with my head on your pillow

smelling the scent of when we just met.

I lay in your spot praying my body

conforms into yours so I can feel your 

warmth at night while I sleep.

I lay in your spot remembering those late 

night conversations about everything till one

of us fell asleep realizing we are the only one talking. 

I lay in your spot, listening for your heartbeat

knowing that if I close my eyes and 

listen closely, I'll hear two hears in unison.

With all these things you do, I know

one day you'll be laying right 

next to me with your arms wrapped around

me, kissing me ever so softly putting me

to sleep every night. 

I hope you enjoy my poetry. Let me know what you all think.

Is your glass half empty or is it half full?

Which is it?

We have all heard of this expression: 
"Is your glass half empty or half full?" While some may argue their glass is half empty, others may say it's half full. However, I've taken a different approach to this expression which is commonly used rhetorically to indicate that a particular situation could be a cause for optimism or pessimism, which ever way you see it. 

Lemons for lemonade?

When you look at your glass half full, you are considered to have yourself a good attitude (yay me). It goes along with another popular expression, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." However, when you look at your glass and say its half empty all of a sudden, you are labeled as negative, a pessimist, bad attitude (need I say more...?). 


However, I wouldn't test your level of happiness on what's in the glass but instead look at it as if you are being logical or reasonable. As a smart ass, the logical answer to the question would be that it is neither or both. When you are pouring something into your glass, it is half full. When you are drinking from your glass, it is half empty. 


Which then leads us to another question: "How can the glass be neither half full or half empty when it's always full- half filled with liquid, the other half with air?"


Think about it this way: you are a pilot and you are in flight to your destination (say Cancun, Mexico- kind of sounds nice right now, right? depends on how you see it ;] ). You look down at your gauge and it is smack dab right in the middle between empty and full. Do you look down at the gauge and say "Oh, my tank is half empty. I need to look at places to refuel" or do you look at your gauge and say, "oh, I have a whole half of a tank of fuel left! No problem! My tank is half full!" I'll let you answer that...


Now let me throw you for another loop:
What if you look at the glass as half empty and therefore are motivated to go and get it filled? ( I know I wouldn't...I'm too lazy). Would that not be positive instead of negative? And what if seeing it half full leads to complacency? It is kind of like what Tao has to say: 
"the importance of emptiness and that the empty glass is opportunity and therefore the person viewing the glass as empty is actually positive and not negative."


The part of your life you have not lived yet are the empty pages waiting for you to take the pen into your hand and write your own story. 


There is a time and a place for positive attitudes and fortunately that is most of the time. However, negative thoughts often times are warning signals that your tank may just be half empty. Time to start looking quickly for a refueling station. 

Life's Milestones!

When someone asks me if I had a good summer, I tell them "it was a summer I wouldn't trade for anything". Before graduation, I kept telling everyone that I wanted to get out of Lexington, Kentucky because I was sick and tired of it. I wanted a new experience- something I hadn't done and that is exactly what I did this summer. Being in New York opened up a new door for me, one I never realized was closed.

I have always wanted to work for a magazine company and never in my right mind would I have thought that I would work for a world known magazine- People en Espanol. Although I worked for the website itself, I was still able to meet some publishers and editors for certain pages of the magazine. Never would I have thought that I would live in New York although it was only for two months. Yes New York is busy and crowded but I did enjoy myself. Along the way I meet some friends I know I will be in touch with for many years to come. I put everything on the line. I gave everything my all. They say that New York is "the concrete jungle where dreams are made of.."- I definitely made my dreams real. My name was in lights a few times and I was able to experience something I didn't think was acheiveable but I did. Thank you New York, thank you friends, but most of all I am thanking myself (not to sound selfish) for pushing towards what I wanted and striving to do my best at everything.

However, there is an important milestone I am celebrating this week with my family- my grandfather's 90th birthday! (I hope to make it there someday). 90 years old! That is one huge milestone. Although I don't want to go, I know that it'll mean a lot to mom and to him for us to show up. He's been there for me! I am named after him (Carl). He's my grandfather who has experienced more than anyone I can imagine. He fought for us in the wars. I mean the list goes on. He's one special person who means a lot to me! Happy Birthday Grandpa!!! Love you!

Capitol DC

This past weekend, Katie and I decided to meet up and show each other our new "homes". Just a short four hour bus ride to NYC, she was here before I knew it. After meeting her near Madison Square Garden and grabbing some breakfast, we decided to hit the town! 

First stop: World Trade Center

This being my third time here, the feeling still remains. It is a somber aurora that overcomes you when you walk the streets, past the fences around the WTC sites. Not able to take photos, one can just imagine the people trying to survive such a terrible day in the history of America. 

Next, Statue of Liberty from afar

Katie had been here before but she had never been to the statue. So, we decided to head down near the Hudson River and see the Statue from the distance. We sat there with the sun beating down just gazing at the huge statue that means soo much to America!

Next, Time Square, Rockefeller, NBC, and Time and Life Building

Conveniently located near each other, we dodged the street vendors and advertisers to get a full view of Times Square. After taking our picture with Times Square billboards behind us, I showed her Rockefeller Square with all the flags and showed her the Time and Life Building, which I currently work in.

Being a tourist can be a lot of work, trying to pack everything into one day! So, since we were both tired, it was nap time... at Columbia! (yay for dorm beds...NOT).

Near Columbia, there is one of the most famous cafes in NYC- Cafe Lalo- where "You've got Mail" was filmed. We decided to venture over there for some tasty dessert- a mixed fruit tart and Key Lime Cheesecake.

Before!

After!

Now refreshed and full, we decided to head to Central Park in the heat of the day and sit in the shade and people watch. People were playing frisbee, playing their guitars while a group of zombies were  being filmed! (weird!!).

After Central Park, we ventured back to Columbia where I packed my bags and we left for DC!

getting ready for the bus ride to DC!

9/11 Exhibit

After arriving in DC at 2:30AM, we decided to go to sleep and wake up the next morning refreshed! First stop? Newseum!

The Newseum  is a 250,000-square-foot museum of news and offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. The Newseum features seven levels of galleries, theaters, retail spaces and visitor services. It offers a unique environment that takes museumgoers behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. As a journalist and a communications major, this has to be one of my favorite museums I have been to. It was interesting to see the exhibit of 9/11 with the antenna from one of the buildings. Also, alongside the wall, there were all the front pages from the attacks that happened (pictured above).

After about 2.5 hours in the Newseum, we walked down the National Mall which is commonly referred to as the area between the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol. On the way we ventured inside the American History Museum. The museum includes everything from the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat to Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.” 

Washington Monument!

Just a little brisk walk through the mall, we ventured to the Washington Monument. It was build to commemorate the first president of the United States of America- George Washington. It is the worlds tallest stone structure and the worlds tallest obelisk standing at 555 ft. 

Trudging through the heat in flip flops, we walked over the World War II memorial. The memorial is dedicated to the Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during the war. 

Lincoln Memorial!

Drenched in sweat, we decided to walk a little more and view the Lincoln Memorial, which was built to honor the 16th president of the US- Abraham Lincoln. The building is in the form of a Greek Doric and contains a large seated sculpture of Lincoln and inscriptions of two well-known speeches by Lincoln- The Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address. It also has been the sight of many famous speeches, including Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream"speech. 

Front of the White House!

Just a few blocks up the road was the White House, the home of the President. We decided to view the back side of the White House before walking around the block to view the front. 

After a busy, long, hot day in DC, it was time for me to venture back to the Big Apple. After a great day in DC, I hopped on the bus and left for NYC. Being in DC for the day, makes me realize that I am lucky that I live in America. It has made me think of the core values of this country that I call home. 

God Bless America!

The best memories are the ones you can't explain, you just had to be there!

It has been a while since my last blog and so much has happened over these past few weeks. From a bomb threat at the Statue of Liberty to watching Derek Jeter going for his 3,000 hit to even having my articles published on the peopleenespanol.com website, one can say I have been busy. But where do I start to beginning to discuss the amount of memories I have created...

Shortly after my arrival in New York, I went back to Northern Kentucky to be part of a special wedding- my best friend's wedding. Kevin and Courtney were married on June 25 in the beautiful gardens of the Creation Museum. In her ivory dress, the rest of the party wore blue- girls in blue dresses and the guys in ivory shirts with blue ties.

After the wedding, of course, there was the reception which was held at a place called Receptions (ironic, eh?) Our entrance was us swashbuckling like pirates to Pirates of the Caribbean's main song. Creative, eh? After an excellent meal, it was time for our speeches and let me tell you, I was nervous as can be. However, after a little bit of rambling and two toasts, I delivered my speech which everyone loved. Overall, the wedding was successful and I couldn't be any more happier than I was for them on that day.

When I returned to NYC, I knew I had a month or so to make the best of it. On July 7th, Abby invited Virginia and I to go watch a New York Yankees game. Of course, I couldn't turn down the opportunity so I met up with Virginia and we left for the stadium. That night, they were playing the Tampa Bay Rays and Derek Jeter was going for his 3,000th hit. When Virginia and I arrived at the stadium, Jeter already was one step closer to getting his 3,000 hit but at the end he wasn't successful.

Me after my week of Harry Potter!!

     After the game and a relaxing weekend, I was put to work. I was asked to do an phone interview with Maria Canals-Barrera, who plays the mother in Wizards of Waverly Place. What an experience!! (here is the link Maria Canals-Barrera Interview ). Also, during the week, I was assigned to go to the Harry Potter Legendary Adventure meaning watch all 8 movies in 4 nights and write two articles on the hype of Harry Potter Part 2. I have never been a fan of Harry Potter and I always fell asleep in them whenever my aunt took the kids to go seem them (what can I say?! The theater is a perfect place for a nap..it's dark!!) It was a fun experience to watch them from the beginning to the end and see how the characters developed throughout the series.
Here is the link to each of those articles:
1st: Harry Potter Movies 1-6
2nd: Harry Potter Movies 7.1 and 7.2

In the new issue of People en Espanol magazine, my name is listed:

After a very wizardy week, Hunter was coming up to visit me in NYC and it was his first time to the Big Apple. When he arrived on Friday, we went and saw Harry Potter Part 2 and this time I didn't fall asleep (surprise, surprise). Since it was his first time up to the Big Apple, I decided to be a tourist with him and we did everything that was possible to do in NYC.

Rockefeller Center - Top of the Rock has an awesome view of NYC!! 

View from the Top of the Rock!!

Times Square!

Billboards in Times Square!

Empire State Building!

Entrance into the Empire State Building!

View from the 86th floor!

View from the 102 floor!

Statue of Liberty- Ellis Island!

So not so funny story. As Hunter and I are approaching the entrance to the ferry to take us to Ellis Island, I notice there was a brown bag just laying there. Not paying any attention to it all, I casually walk by it and carried on my way of passing through security. Well, I wasn't able to pass through security and neither was anyone in the area because that brown bag had a bomb in it. So I entered through the entrance and exited through the emergency exit. The NYPD came in and surrounded the area so they can take care of the bomb itself. After about 30 minutes may be a little more, we were able to enter through security and onto the ferry to take us to Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty. 

World Trade Center

I wasn't able to take picture of this place because they had fences surrounding the area but as soon as we walked out of the subway, one could feel the somberness, and hatred and the anger felt by the American population. Just walking around the area, it made me realize that together, us American's are able to unite for one thing... freedom! America will never forget 9/11!

Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge was probably one of the coolest things I have ever done. The bridge starts in Manhattan and connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. 

(this is not my photo)

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883, it connects New York City to Brooklyn over the East River. It spans 1,595.5 feet (and yes we walked the whole thing!!). The bridge was originally constructed by German immigrant John Augustus Roebling, however, while conducting surveys for the project, he sustained an injury to his foot when a ferry pinned it against a piling. He then later developed a tetanus infection and died. His son, Washington Roebling took over the project but with the help from his wife, they were able to complete the project 13 years later. After many complications and failures, the bridge still stands today and just 3 years ago, it celebrated its 125 anniversary of the opening of the bridge. 

Wicked at the Gershwin Theater-

To end our 5 days of being a tourist, we decided to go see Tony award winning broadway- Wicked at the Gershwin Theater. The Gershwin Theater is the theater located in mid-Manhattan (near Times Square) and has the highest seating of any broadway theater with 1,933 seats. 

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future wicked witch of the west and her relationship with the good witch Galinda. The two women struggle through their opposing viewpoints and personalities, rivalry over the same love-interest, their reactions to the wizards corrupt government, and lastly, Elphaba's fall from public grace. 

Gershwin Theather

Playbill from Wicked

So, I feel like a New Yorker now, since I have explored every aspect of the city. Being able to get around on the subway is really nice and I wish there was public transportation like this in Lexington, Ky. 

I have two weeks left, and let me tell you, this internship has flown by super fast. I remember when I first started and now in two weeks, I am leaving the Big City and moving back home (for now!). But before I go, I have one more visitor coming to NYC.. Katie Oakes will be coming to New York on Saturday and I will show her around NYC and make many memories with her. On Saturday, I will travel down to the capital and she will show me DC. I can't wait for this weekend! I am making the best of this summer, one not to be forgotten! 

"The best thing about memories... is making them!"