Cornerstone

Well, it's been almost eight months since I last blogged. Since then, I haven't been able to come up with things to type out, or what direction this blog was headed in. But now, I'm looking to it again. Today, I decided to post about everything that's been going on. Not to inform anyone, not to sit on my corner of the world and complain. But to help myself understand the situation and place that I'm in, and to figure it all out by typing it all out, and what better place than here.

In one month, it will be a year since I've moved to Orange County. And my gosh, what a year it's been. This is the place where most people would type out that if they could change anything they wouldn't. I can't honestly sit here and say that. If I knew what I knew now, then, this great adventure probably would have never happened.

It's been a great struggle since the first day. A struggle that's beat me up and tore me down. And I started to give in....

The past few months have been an emotional roller-coaster. You see, for awhile, I almost quit my job and moved back home. I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck and even that not being enough, I was tired of missing my family and best friends. Tired of being so disconnected from everything. I wanted it to end, and things to go back to how they were.

I considered all my options, and consulted the wisest group of people that I ever had the privilege of knowing. A group that are the absolute closest people to me. And while their advice differed, it did speak to me.

You see, I moved and thought I knew what Faith was. I've always been Christian, but never had to live off solely trusting God. And that's what I was about to learn how to do...

I always thought that when faced with a struggle, that was God saying that door is closed. But it's not. It's the opposite. You have to work for what you want, He isn't going to hand it to you on a silver platter.

I spent countless hours at Disneyland on my days off, sitting on a bench in the Hub or Main Street, and just thinking. What would I do if I moved back home? What will I do if I stay? Do I feel that staying and continuing to fight for my dreams is the right thing to do? Until recently, I couldn't answer these tough questions.

I'm not going to answer these questions for all to see, but I will say that I finally, after almost a year, have found my place and made peace with it. For awhile I thought following my dreams was wrong. That I should be doing something else. And that's when I threw everything up in the air and just said to myself, if God wants me here then I'll stay. If he doesn't he'll close the door.


The door has remained open.


My lease is nearing its end. My living situation is up in the air. The struggle is still here. But now, I know what true Faith is, I know what it means to live off Faith, even when you have $1.36 in your bank account for a week. I know that I have nothing to worry about and that God will always be there for me. I know that following my dreams is ultimately following God, and he has plans for my life. And so I'm trusting him with everything, and I know it will ALL work out. I know where I stand, and I'm going to rise up and take that place in life with the help of God.

I've had one heck of a support system behind my every step. Where I come from, moving is a BIG deal. Many people don't make it a few months, let alone a year. Many don't follow their dreams. But I did. And I will continue. Just know that even if I don't get the chance to tell you directly, I appreciate everything you all have done for me. I couldn't have done it without the encouragement I've gotten.


I already have big plans I'm working on. This dream and adventure is just getting started. And I can't wait to take you all with me.

Philippians 4:12-13 ~

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Subtracting the Plusses

Get online and look up some of the Disney-related forums, podcasts, vBlogs, suppor-I mean chat groups, or any other website. They will tell you exactly what is going on with the Disney Parks at all times, from detail changes, company information, wait times, crowds, and anything else you can think of.

Or will they?

Within the past year I've tried my hardest to stay away from all these places. I found that the people hiding behind avatars are "fans" that complain, that think they know everything about everything with the "Disney Company" logo on it, and that think they know what's best for the company. When really, they don't know much, they don't know people in the company, and unless you work for Disney, you don't know what's best for them.

I sat next to a small group of people today at lunch that described my stereotype that I just explained. They had some websites with Disney material on it, and they thought they were a hot Earl Sandwich with BBQ kettle-cooked chips. So my family and I sat there and eves-dropped on them.

There's a reason some people aren't with Disney. They were sharing not only info that Disney wouldn't want shared, but they were sharing wrong information. They geeked out over meeting up with certain people, and were a perfect example to why I stay away from these things.

I get my Disney news from 2 sources. 1. Twitter. 2. Cast Members and Imagineers that I actually, personally, know. And guess what? I don't share what I learn with anyone online, because I like to keep this info exclusive and I want Disney and these people on my side. It's unbelievable to me what some others say online, whether it's correct or incorrect.

Also, what's going on with "news" sources lately? There's been tons of minor changes in detail around Disneyland and DCA, and yet no one seems to notice. Like some new (or just fixed) lighting on the waterfall in Thunder Mountain. Something I haven't seen before. And some small new things in Racers. Plus, take a ride on some other rides, and watch some of the shows... Updates, or in Disney terms, Plussing, is happening pretty frequently in all areas, and these "Die-hard" fans seem to be looking over it.

And my blog Disney Park Secrets?  We just do that for fun. We aren't after the most fans, the most readers, and we don't give anything away that Disney hasn't already said. We just like to share the common Disney things to the average fans.

I tweet some of these changes when I come across them, so feel free to give me a follow if you wish.

I'll continue to look around and laugh at these fans against everything Disney is doing, or these updates that are completely false yet everyone falls for them, or those that think they are pretty popular for having an AA twitter account. (Not calling anyone out here. I know I met some of you this past weekend who run those. I just think it's funny how serious some people take it.)

Anyway, back to organizing my room and getting things ready for the week.

It's Life

Let me start off by saying this post your reading right now is long overdue. It's coming to you now with many events inspiring it over the past couple of months. It isn't directed at any one person, but for many and many to come.

With that said, I'd like to say that I'm too busy to worry about the small stuff in life. I'm out in the world trying, and so far succeeding, in making my dreams come true. I have a girlfriend and an amazing family by my sides, and I'm tackling my challenges head on and holding nothing back.

I'm not perfect and I never have or will claim to be. I make mistakes. Part of my character and who I am is learning to do things the hard way. It's just what I've always done. I stumble on this path labeled life. But with God's help I stand back up, taller than ever, and continue my journey.

I'm learning to not be afraid to speak my mind, respectively. Friends come and go, family disagrees and leaves you alone, I understand that. I'm not expecting everyone in my life to stick around forever. Just a small select few, and I know who they are and they know who I am.

Making enemies is part of your path. You can't be liked by everyone. I believe it was Eminem who said that if you have enemies, good, you stood up for something.

With all of this said, I'm going to continue my trek, continue doing what I believe, and continue being there for the people I love and care about.  No person can ever separate me from the ones I love. No matter how hard you try.

In conclusion, I will say that I'm giving it my all. I've come this far, I can't and won't give up now on anything. My adventure is just getting started, whether you'll be joining me or not at the end of it all.

Brothers

It's not often that you find friendships that last a lifetime. From my experiences, it's actually pretty rare. But a few short years ago this one guy came into my life, and changed quite a bit. Through a few strange coincidences, the "bro" term that guys call their best friends turned out to be quite literal. And the crazy times began.

But first, to step back in time to show how it began~

 Unfortunately, I can't screenshot images. And these turned out bad. But it's how we met online through a friend. Talking about Disney, of course!

After the friend requests were sent, and realizing we have some stuff in common, I asked Mr. Jake if he would mind filming my Christmas Light Show.



So our first official in-person meeting happened. Cool, a new friend, right?

We hung out a few times after, but it wasn't until the Fourth Of July that it all sorta came together. The realization that we, oddly enough, look alike. And get along too well. (Blowing stuff up of course, and talking about all things Disney. Not to mention the occasions where we finished each others sentences and could tell what we were thinking just by a glance.)

So our friendship grew to where we would hang out at each others places often. Which totally confused our parents and sisters, because they never knew which one of us walked by, or talked to them. In one case my sister started yelling at Jake, thinking she was talking to me. The great part of it is, whenever something liked this happened, we just played along with it. We now answer to either name.


But there was no greater confusion than working together at Chick-Fil-A.

Almost daily we were asked if we were twins. "Yeah, of course!" was our reply.


It became a joke in our families that somehow, we actually were related. (Who cheated on who? Still trying to figure that one out.)


What's crazy is, sometimes the same things happen to us on the same days. For example, we both got a speeding ticket 1 hour apart from each other. Just the twin in us, I guess.

So, let me get this straight... A best friend that looks like me, acts like me, has the same interests and passions, same goals, and same lifestyle? Something isn't adding up. We decided to dig in our family history a bit. What we found was crazy. See, it turns out that Jake's dad is from Denver, Colorado. My mom is from Denver, Colorado. For personal reasons I can't say much about my mom, but she has a brother around his dad's age that's "long lost" one could say, in a way. And we have relatives on both sides of our families with the last name "Holmes". A little strange, right? Whether we actually are related or not, we aren't friends. We are brothers and family to one another.

Happy 20th birthday to not only my best friend, but to my one and only brother. Our lives are just starting, and I know we'll be there for each other on every adventure thrown our way. Can't wait to see what the future holds for us! Love you man!

Weary Soul

Have you ever been to a place where you can feel inside you that you don't fit in, and that you won't last long here? I'm sure you have. I think we all have felt that way at one point. And, well, I've been feeling that way now.

As some of you know, for the past two months, I've been training at my new job. And let me start off by saying, it's really a great job. My position as opener is a good one, and I'm getting the hours. In fact, my hours seem to be increasing as I learn more. Which is great!

But I don't feel right about this place. And that's unfortunate. Lately I've just been manning up and doing my job. Clocking in, doing what I know, and clocking out. But here's the deal: It seems I can't do anything right there. I'm still new. I don't know how to make everything on our menu. I'm trying to pick it up as fast as I can, but it's such a large menu that I'm struggling with it. And I think everyone there is getting frustrated with me. That, and I'm still trying to get my morning routine perfected, so I'm not all that fast, which puts everyone behind for the day. (Remember, I was hired as an opener. I make sure everything on the food-side of things is ready and good to go. But if I don't finish a task due to customers, or any other reason, others fall behind too.)

But not only am I struggling a little with my actual tasks. I also just simply don't fit in. Most of my co-workers (including some managers) like to drink. Like to smoke. And apparently do quite a bit of drugs. The thing is, it's not really a secret. They freely talk about how they are hung over, how they partied too much the night before (4-5 times a week usually), and how they had a good batch of "stuff" the other day. And then there's me... Just there, trying to do my work. I just don't feel welcome there, to be honest. It's not my group of people.

Like I said though, the job is a great one. Yeah, it's tough at times. Getting up at 3:50Am everyday is no easy task, and it's physically and mentally demanding throughout my shift. By far one of the hardest jobs I've ever had. However, if perfected, it's not all that bad.

I've been fed up lately. Bad. I've been deep in prayer about things, and randomly going off on friends. But the past few days I've opened my eyes. Things really aren't so bad for me. Others have it much worse. I should be thankful.

Then an email came that changed everything. I'm not going to say much because if one of my co-workers happened to stalk me a little online, or wanted to add me on Facebook and somehow read my blog, I don't want them reporting back to anyone at work and causing drama and problems for me. So all I'm going to say is this:

In a little over a week, I have the happiest interview on earth.

Light Shift

Yesterday I prayed for change, today I woke up thinking to myself, why not be the change I want to see. And tomorrow I'm going to make those thoughts become actions and do just that. Changes in my life, for the best.

White Noise

I'll be honest. I want to vent. I want to pour everything that's inside of me right now out on my blog. Because when I write things down, I can see choices and options more clearly. But I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to be THAT person, or a negative person, and quite frankly, I know you don't want to read about it. Plus I don't trust many people to know that much about me behind the scenes. I've let my closest family and friends know what's up, and they have helped me a ton.

I will ask for your prayers. Not just for me, but for everyone. It seems a lot of people are struggling right now, and we all can use some help.

I can really feel a change inside of me that's going to happen. Here's hoping it's for the better.

Classically Trained

After a few of my last posts online about soundtracks and music, some of you have asked what my experience is in the musical area. I thought it would be best to describe it here then just refer people to read it this way, instead of trying to explain it individually.


I started playing the piano when I was in third grade. As I practiced playing each night, I'd look at the shadow box hanging over my piano which contained my great grandfather's old violin. I begged my parents to start violin lessons, and by fifth grade they let me. (On a cheap violin, not on my grandfather's. "Once you're good enough", my dad said, "Then we will fix it and you can play that one.")


I started the violin in school, and picked it up incredibly fast. So fast, that my elementary school teacher wanted to do a duet with me for my last concert in sixth grade.
In seventh and eighth grade, I was in a summer music conservatory, Strolling Strings, Honor Orchestra, and played in my school orchestra. All of these lasted two years, and it was a steady competition between me and two other friends for first chair in school the entire two years. I also had the privilege of doing Magic Music Days, where we got to play in Disneyland. (My first backstage experience, that I remember to this day!)

I started private lessons in sixth grade, and continued until about two years ago.

My freshman year in high school I was in my school orchestra, The Bakersfield Youth Symphony, Honor Orchestra, and Solo Ensemble (Where you play a solo with a piano accompaniment for a judge.)

Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year was the same routine. School, Youth Symphony, Honor, and Solo Ensemble.

My Junior year, I was offered a full scholarship to Cal State Long Beach for music performance. I decided to turn it down for several reasons, and looking back now, it was the right choice.

Throughout my musical career, I had the amazing privilege to work with one of the finest conductors in California, to perform with Barrage,  to play for several weddings, parties, and funerals, to coach and teach younger kids, and to meet some truly great people all around the world.

What now? I haven't played much since I've moved to Southern California, and I decided not to pursue a career in music. But this won't keep me from continuing my passion. I plan on joining an orchestra down the road, continue teaching on the side and playing for weddings/parties. And who knows, maybe some day down the road, I'll be conducting or writing music for something. It definitely crosses my mind pretty often.

Oh, and when was I "Good Enough" to play my great-grandfather's violin? That would be in eighth grade.

Twenty Ounces of Coffee

As I sit here drinking twenty ounces of a Starbucks mocha frap minus the whip cream, I figured I'd blog a few stories to keep those updated who live a distance away from me. So here comes the wonderful, caffeinated update.

Training at my new job is going really well. It's a ton of stuff to remember, and they use procedures I'm not quite used to, despite my past restaurant experience. But the people are nice and helpful, and by next week I should be opening by myself.
For those that don't know, my position is an opener. So I'm up at 4Am to get ready, and work from 5AM to either 10, or 1:30. I prefer this, because like today, I'm home by 10:30Am and ready to take on the rest of my day with coffee and soda by my side. Yeah, I'm in bed by 9 now, but I feel more productive throughout the day.

I'm really excited that my family will be coming down this Saturday to spend the day in Disneyland. I get to show them Buena Vista Street and Cars Land for the first time, along with Ghost Galaxy. Will I completely lose control and geek out? You betcha!

Things down here in the OC are going swell. I spend my free time in Disneyland, at the beach, Denny's with friends, or just wondering around town. Also hanging out with my bro or whoever else comes this way. There's so much to do, so much to see. Still really enjoying it, for the most part.

The fair started today. For those that don't know me- I grew up at the Kern County Fair. I raised sheep my whole life, and have entered countless exhibits. I haven't missed a fair in 15 years, and I don't plan to miss this one. Actually, I plan to take my girlfriend Danielle to the KCF and give her a tour. She has no idea what she's in for.

Other than that, this pretty much sums everything up for the moment. Oh, and I just finished my Starbucks. On to the soda I brought home from work!

Corkscrews and Loops

Lately I feel that I have been putting too much information online about what's going on in my life. I've been trying to keep some updated through social networking because this is the only means to do so. However, I still think I'm going to cut back all the stuff about what I'm up to, and more just random thinking. With that said...


I had another loop up, down, and right turn in my life happen today. Now like I said above, I'm not going to get into the little details of it all. If you absolutely must know, then text or call me. Also, send me a message or DM. But it's not for the public, just those that I trust to know. But basically with the Berry Farm, I was only going to be working 2 days a week. And on every shift I've worked so far, they cut me back to half a shift. So that's approximately 8 hours a week. Living on my own now, that doesn't pay for anything. That doesn't even cover gas to jump on the 5 and get their. Unfortunately, I had to give them my goodbyes.


I have a second interview tomorrow with a restaurant I'm very fond of. They make the best chipotle chicken sandwiches! If things work out with them, Great! And I'll be back on track soon. If not, I made peace with it and am taking a different road in life.


That's basically it. Will I be traveling on Road A or Road B next week. I'm not sure yet. But God will lead me through whichever he chooses. And I can't wait for the adventures on both. Because both have pros and cons, and both are new experiences.

Mind and Power

"In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true, either is true, or becomes true."

-John Lilly

The mind is a very powerful thing, and we can see a lot of examples of this happening daily. At least I can.

Orientation Day 1

The Walk Of Shame is the saying now when I'm dressed for work and walking from my door to car to drive to Knott's. Not only did people see me coming for a few miles away, but the few who had to walk past me was blinded. But when I walk from my car in Buena Park to work, it's a privilege to be wearing that bright neon green shirt, hat, and tan pants.

Today was my third time walking through the gates alone to go backstage. There's really not a lot of words to describe it. I'm extremely honored and happy to be working at a place known throughout the world. As I walked next to all the Haunt props and sets, I took a right to the training center to start my first day of orientation.

We started off by watching a slide show of what Knott's stands for, their motto, and what they expect. After came a few short videos of the history. And let me tell you, if you haven't already, look up the history of Knott's Berry Farm. It's pretty awesome. For example- Knott created the boysenberry. Every boysenberry in the world can be traced back to Knott's Berry Farm here in Southern California. There was a lot of facts like this, and history of the Theme Park altogether.

After the powerpoint, we then took a tour of Knott's, both backstage and onstage. We talked to a lot of managers in the different departments, and whenever we approached a building or ride talked about the history of it.

I want to make something clear to my hardcore Disney fan friends out there. First off, Disney is obviously my first choice of employment and career. It's still a passion, a dream, and a hobby. BUT, don't limit yourselves. Go see other theme parks, for example, Knott's Berry Farm. Walt had a little part to play with the other Walter, and the history behind BOTH parks are incredible. One could almost say Knott's Berry Farm inspired Disneyland in a few ways. I'll let you research it yourself and see what you think.

Back on topic. Today's orientation was pretty radical. Between learning more about the Park, and walking around with the guests as an official employee, I was filled with excitement. What do I think the best part of my job is? Hmm... Perhaps the free unlimited supply of coffee and tea!

Really though, I'm excited to finish my orientation tomorrow for my department and to actually start working. Is it Disneyland? No. But it's still awesome to be working for a Theme Park, to be working for a place that people come to have fun from all over the world, and to still experience the atmosphere of the authentic Old West.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow, to this upcoming week, and to the upcoming months. Not just for work, but for everything that's going on in my life. God has blessed me with the opportunity to not only move, but to get a decent job, and to share this time in my life with incredible people. Thank you everyone supporting me and being there for me.

Oh, and one more thing.


Welcome to the Farm. It will be my pleasure to help you today.