Coming out is personal—there’s no ‘right’ way or time.

 

Coming out is personal—there’s no ‘right’ way or time.

Your identity is beautiful—never shrink for others.

 

Your identity is beautiful—never shrink for others.

Intersectionality matters—equality must include everyone.

 

Intersectionality matters—equality must include everyone.

Pride includes Black, Indigenous, and POC LGBTQ+ voices.

 

Pride includes Black, Indigenous, and POC LGBTQ+ voices.

Queer joy is resistance.

 

Queer joy is resistance.

Trans rights are human rights.

Trans rights are human rights.

 

LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

 

LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

We stand on the shoulders of queer elders—thank them.

 

We stand on the shoulders of queer elders—thank them.

Happy Pride! Sparkle harder. ✨

 

Happy Pride! Sparkle harder. ✨

You are enough, exactly as you are.

 

You are enough, exactly as you are.

Every time we show up as ourselves, we change the world.

Every time we show up as ourselves, we change the world.

 

Pride is love, courage, and freedom—wear it proudly! 🌈

Pride is love, courage, and freedom—wear it proudly! 🌈

 

Visibility is our armor against erasure.

 

Visibility is our armor against erasure.

Pride is a protest, a party, and a promise

 

Pride is a protest, a party, and a promise

Two-spirit, nonbinary, trans—the earth dreamed us first.

Two-spirit, nonbinary, trans—the earth dreamed us first.

 

Out, proud, and fabulous!

 

Out, proud, and fabulous!

Take up space. You deserve it.

Take up space. You deserve it.

#NoTanDiarioChronicles #Pride #PrideMonth #TakePride

 

Love wins—today and always. ❤️

 

Love wins—today and always. ❤️

Your identity is a masterpiece—paint it boldly.

Your identity is a masterpiece—paint it boldly.

Pride is power—own your truth.✊🏳️‍🌈

Pride is power—own your truth.✊🏳️‍🌈

Unapologetically you is the best you.

 Unapologetically you is the best you.

Love is love—full stop.❤️

Love is love—full stop.❤️

Pride isn’t just a month; it’s a mindset.

Pride isn’t just a month; it’s a mindset.

Be yourself—the world needs your rainbow. 🌈

Be yourself—the world needs your rainbow. 🌈

Pride started as a protest—never forget the fight for equality.

Pride started as a protest—never forget the fight for equality.

You are valid, you are loved, you belong.

You are valid, you are loved, you belong.

Pride is for everyone—love loudly, love proudly.

Pride is for everyone—love loudly, love proudly.

Chopstick Demo Event! - 18 February 2010

Chopstick Demo Event! - 18 February 2010

=========================

From February 18, 2010

=========================

These are photos of the Chopstick Demo Event from 2010 where we demonstrated how to use chopsticks. 

Audio: "In the Temple Garden" by Aaron Kenny from the YouTube audio library. 

Freeway Car Accident - 13 February 2010

Freeway Car Accident - 13 February  2010

=========================

From February 13, 2010

=========================

This is a photo of a vehicle that had clearly been in an collision. Saw this car when heading home after decorating a hotel room for a c-worker's wedding night. 

Decorated Room for Wedding Night - 13 February 2010

https://youtu.be/FYVed8Mv3hQ

Audio: "Carried" by Lauren Duskl from the YouTube audio library

Decorated Room for Wedding Night - 13 February 2010

Decorated Room for Wedding Night - 13 February 2010
=========================
From February 13, 2010
=========================

These photos show the room we decorated for a coworker’s wedding night.

Audio: "Wedding Invitation" by Jason Farnham from the YouTube audio library.

Spreading Joy with Childsplay One Book at a Time!- 30 January 2010

Spreading Joy with Childsplay One Book at a Time!- 30 January 2010
=========================
From January 30, 2010
=========================

These are photos from the fourth time I participated alongside #TargetVolunteers at one of Target Storybook Season’s plays by Childsplay. As usual, we applied stickers and handed out a children’s book—this time, A Bargain for Frances. We also shared details about the upcoming Target-sponsored Storybook Season preview. After volunteering, we had the chance to stay and watch that evening’s play, Peter and the Wolf.

If you want to read/watch more about the previous times I volunteered for this, follow the links listed below. 

1st time - From October 19, 2008
Volunteer Spotlight: Childsplay’s ‘Getting Near To Baby’ Shines in Target’s Storybook Season!
https://youtu.be/-7STWnr9NrM
Book we stickered & passed: The Velveteen Rabbit
Play we watched: Getting Near to Baby

The 2nd time - Childsplay Brief... Sunday, April 19, 2009
https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2009/04/childsplay-brief-sunday-april-19-2009.html
Book we stickered & passed: Junie B., First grader: Shipwrecked
Play we watched: The Never Ending Story

3rd time - Theatre for Everyone! - 12 October 2009
https://youtu.be/WTig2pS4DFw
Book we stickered & passed: Honus and Me
Play we watched: Honus and Me

More about Chilsplay
https://www.childsplayaz.org/

Audio: "Almost a Year Ago" by John Deley and the 41 Players from the YouTube audio library.

Car Wetness - 23 January 2010

Car Wetness - 23 January 2010
=========================
From January 23, 2010
=========================

There was no rain but my vehicle at the time had lots of wetness the morning of the 23rd of January before heading to work. It really was just the dew. 

Why the photos? It is because there weren't many mornings when living in South Phoenix where this would occur. Also, I'm not usually a morning person, so I wouldn't have noticed if there was dew before.

Audio: "Chasing Waves" by Karneef from the YouTube audio library.

Rock 'n' Roll Arizon Marahon! ~ 17 January 2010

Rock 'n' Roll Arizon Marahon! ~ 17 January 2010
=========================
From January 17, 2010
=========================

In 2010, I was one of the Target Volunteers for the Target sponsored water station at the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon. That year the event itself was sponsored by P.F. Chang's and so the full name was P.F. Chang's Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.

I only took two photos during the event itself (including the group photo), so I also snapped pictures of the volunteer t-shirt and goodie bag. I’ve included a snippet of the thank-you note we received, which highlights that 92 #TargetVolunteers participated, plus the map showing our water station location.

Audio: "Target Practice" by The Riot from the YouTube audio library.

Watering Can Award! ~ 14 January 2010

Watering Can Award! ~ 14 January 2010
=========================
From January 14, 2010
=========================

We won the Watering Can Award! The award was a type of rotating trophy that was awarded to the team that met certain goals. These are photos taken the time that the team that I was a part of won the distinguished recognition. 

Audio: "Back in The City" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library.

Not a Trailer… Not an Intro… What Is This? 👀 #NoTanDiarioChronicles

For a while now, I’ve wanted to create a short channel intro or trailer, but I kept putting it off because I wasn’t sure how to briefly capture the wide variety my channel includes. However, after deciding on the 📟 Analog to Digital: A Time Warp Journey , I realized it was time to also create a TikTok for No Tan Diario Chronicles—both to expand my audience and for cross-posting opportunities.

Today, I finally took the time to create a TikTok for No Tan Diario Chronicles. For the first video, I decided to make a short intro/trailer using my current YouTube banner. It includes:

• The channel name: No Tan Diario Chronicles
• The slogan that hints at my channel’s theme: El Diario No Tan Diario de Kirby.
• Five photos of me from different life stages
• Audio I originally made for Amalgam Creative Arts

The banner’s background is a fusion of flags I identify with: the U.S., Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Rainbow Pride flags. This design was previously featured in the AI Flag Fusion video on Amalgam Creative Arts (watch here).

I've created both horizontal and vertical versions of the intro. In addition to adding this to the 'An Evolving Upload' playlist, I’ll also include it in 'A Chronological Journey' and 'Artsy Craftsy Dishy Folksy' playlists since it’s an artsy creation with today’s date.

Another thing to note: With TikTok now in the mix, I'll be sharing some of my newly uploaded content. I may edit and enhance some posts, so stay tuned to relive past videos on YouTube too!

Audio: "A Tale of Fantasy" by Amalgam Creative Arts

The Last of the Target Magazines! ~ 10 January 2010

The Last of the Target Magazines! ~ 10 January 2010
=========================
From January 10, 2010
=========================

For a period of time I had been saving Target magazines with the intention of making various different crafts with them. Though I did make some, ultimately there were just too many so I tossed them all. This is a photo I took of the last of the Target magazines as a sort of memento to remember that period of time. 

Audio: "Back in The City" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library.

💿 Data Disc Dreams

  💿 Data Disc Dreams

A digital mixtape of CD-era treasures—mostly music, occasional software extracts, and other rips from the laserburn era. 

📌 Note: Videos are ordered by upload date (oldest to newest), not by original recording date."

#DataDiscDreams #CDNostalgia #CompactMemories #LaserBurn #Y2KAudio

📟 Analog to Digital: A Time Warp Journey

You may remember when I wrote about the creation of my 📼 Analog Musings playlist/label was due to my desire to digitize my small collection of music and videos that came from Cassettes, VHS, Vinyl, and maybe even some DVDs and early Blu-Ray Discs.

No Tan Diario Chronicles ~ Pre-2025 Blog: 📼 Analog Musings 

By now you've hopefully read what the No Tan Diario Chronicles: 📼 Analog Musings playlist entails. 

While working on 📼 Analog Musings it was still on the back of my mind what those other playlists/labels would be, how would they be categorized, a catchy name for each, and what would that section within my YouTube channel and perhaps even on other socials would be named. 

Over the past week or so I've  come up with the names for the other playlist/label categories and today I finalized the name of the section, which will be 📟 Analog to Digital: A Time Warp Journey. 

Though I don't have videos yet for all the playlists/labels, below is the list of what that section will encompass. Future posts on the specifics of each, except 📼 Analog Musings which I've previously shared about. 

📼 Analog Musings

🎞️ Rewind & Replay

📀 Bonus Features

💿 Data Disc Dreams

💾 Dial-Up Dumpster Dive

Cheap Wine! ~ 3 January 2010

Cheap Wine! ~ 3 January 2010
=========================
From January 3, 2010
=========================

Took a photo of wine that was particularly inexpensive. No idea where it was purchased from. 

Audio: "Back in The City" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library.

A Day After the Haircut! ~ 3 January 2010

A Day After the Haircut! ~ 3 January 2010
=========================
From January 3, 2010
=========================

Took some selfies a day after the cutting my hair from which several ponytails were donated to
Locks of Love. 

Ponytails for Locks of Love! ~ 2 January 2010 https://youtu.be/Fn4PeLvAxsY

I suppose a before and after would have been best, but alas didn't think of it at the time. 

Audio: "Back in The City" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library.

Ponytails for Locks of Love! ~ 2 January 2010

Ponytails for Locks of Love! ~ 2 January 2010
=========================
From January 2, 2010
=========================

It's a new year and the start of it began with me cutting off my hair on the 2nd of January. I'd been growing out my hair the previous year to donate to Locks of Love. 

Here you have a couple of photos of my hair in ponytails. 

More about Locks of Love: https://locksoflove.org/

Audio: "Back in The City" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library.

Tachycardia, Tapes, and Taking Time

Photo Circa 2006

If you've noticed, I recently uploaded content from the year 2009 at a much faster pace than usual here on No Tan Diario Chronicles. This sudden burst of activity had a reason behind it: On March 13th, I experienced a strange heart issue that, after several doctor visits, turned out to be tachycardia. Following some dietary adjustments and other changes, I’m doing much better now. However, in that moment, I genuinely feared the worst—that my time might be up. That fear spurred me to upload as much as I could, resulting in finishing the last few uploads from 2008 and completing all of 2009.

That same period also allowed me to post more consistently on Amalgam Creative Arts. By the time I wrapped everything up at the end of March, my health had improved significantly, so I decided to step back and take a short break. During that time, I realized I hadn’t uploaded anything for Analog Musings. Even though these are just simple mixtape extractions, they usually require more focused effort from me because I like to include track titles and artist names—details that sometimes take a while to track down if I didn’t originally write them on the cassette sleeve.

On top of that, I recently ran into some technical trouble with my cassette player (you can read more about that on From RCA Cassette Player to Sony Boombox | Analog Musings https://notandiariochronicles.blogspot.com/2025/04/from-rca-cassette-player-to-sony.html). But overall, I’m feeling much better now, which means No Tan Diario Chronicles—and to a lesser extent, Amalgam Creative Arts—will resume their usual irregular upload schedule, though hopefully with a slightly quicker pace than before.

If you’ve stuck with me this far, thank you. Your support means a lot.

Mega Mix | Analog Musings

Mega Mix is the title I gave to this particular mixtape, which is made up of songs that reflect my unique musical preferences at the time. These old mixtapes bring back nostalgic memories of my younger days and the excitement of musical discovery.

As was typical, only Side A contained a mix of songs—and thankfully, on this one, I wrote down each title.Also, like many of my mixtapes, this one doesn’t have the creation date written on it. But if you read the descriptions of the previous mixtapes I’ve shared, this was likely made in the mid-to-late nineties.

This mix takes you on another voyage into my teenage years.

00:00 Mega Mix

00:05 DJ Girl by Katalina
03:38 Soy by Lorena Herrera
07:45 El Tigeron by Garibaldi
12:42 Max Mix USA 2 (RV) by Various
17:45 Staying Alive by N-Trance
21:50 La Niña Fresa / Macarena / Colegiala / Marina by Garibaldi
25:26 Evening Bells
26:18 Scatman's World by Scatman John
30:00 Love by Thalia
34:12 Saturday Night by Whigfield
37:56 Be My Lover by La Bouche
41:54 Sex Machine by 20 Fingers feat. Katrina 

From RCA Cassette Player to Sony Boombox | Analog Musings - Vertical

This is the vertical version of
From RCA Cassette Player to Sony Boombox | Analog Musings
https://youtu.be/0SqXdZy3bXM

You may have noticed that it’s been a while since I last uploaded anything related to Analog Musings. Part of the reason is that my RCA cassette player stopped playing cassettes. While the radio still works and the player spins when no cassette is inserted, it refuses to do so when one is loaded. 

I found a Sony Boombox that belonged to my mother to use, and I even remember helping her pick it out in the early 2000s at a Target Store in Phoenix, AZ. Because I couldn't find the ac cable to it, had to go get six C batteries. 

If all goes well, I hope to add a few newly digitized mix tapes to the Analog Musings playlist this year for you to enjoy! For now, I hope you like this short video post which includes snippets from one of those upcoming mix tapes.

Audio: Snippets of "Evening Bells" , "Love" by Thalia, "Saturday Night" by Whigfield, "Sex Machine" by 20 Fingers feat. Katrina, & "Unforgettable" Piano/Sax.

From RCA Cassette Player to Sony Boombox | Analog Musings

From RCA Cassette Player to Sony Boombox | Analog Musings 

You may have noticed that it’s been a while since I last uploaded anything related to Analog Musings. Part of the reason is that my RCA cassette player stopped playing cassettes. While the radio still works and the player spins when no cassette is inserted, it refuses to do so when one is loaded. 

I found a Sony Boombox that belonged to my mother to use, and I even remember helping her pick it out in the early 2000s at a Target Store in Phoenix, AZ. Because I couldn't find the ac cable to it, had to go get six C batteries. 

If all goes well, I hope to add a few newly digitized mix tapes to the Analog Musings playlist this year for you to enjoy! For now, I hope you like this short video post which includes snippets from one of those upcoming mix tapes.

Audio: Snippets of "Evening Bells" , "Love" by Thalia, "Saturday Night" by Whigfield, "Sex Machine" by 20 Fingers feat. Katrina, & "Unforgettable" Piano/Sax.

Holidays 2009! 24 December 2009

Holidays 2009! 24 December 2009
=========================
From December 24, 2009
=========================

Another holiday season has come and gone. During the 2009 holiday season I only took photos on the 24th of December. 

The only other photos taken were during Holiday Play! - 19 December 2009 https://youtu.be/10i3F31hZVM

As you can see from the photos, most of them are of my gift wrapping, but thankfully, I also took some photos of the decorations.

Audio: "Home for the Holidays" by TrackTribe from the YouTube audio library.

Ice on Car - 24 December 2009

Ice on Car - 24 December 2009
=========================
From December 24, 2009
=========================

Another year coming to an end and we wake up to some ice on our vehicle again. If you remember back on the 5th of February of 2008 I was also able to capture ice on my car. 

Ice on Car ! ~ February 05, 2008
https://youtu.be/cPlfg-Zj5zU

Ice on Car, it's a big deal in AZ :) - February 05, 2008
https://youtu.be/OMnIFCJTjMA

The car that I had at the time was a green 2002 Honda Accord.

Audio: "Almost a Year Ago" by John Deley and the 41 Players from the YouTube audio library. 

Holiday Play! - 19 December 2009

Holiday Play! - 19 December 2009
=========================
From November 19, 2009
=========================

These are the photos that I took at a Holiday Play that Armandzraven's niece Kateri participated in. It was held at a house and as you can see it was packed with parents and family members. Decided to add a frame on the ones where you see Kateri to better focus on her.

Audio: "Christmas Village" by Aaron Kenny from the YouTube audio library.

Sick Day - 05 December 2009

Sick Day - 05 December 2009
=========================
From December 05, 2009
=========================

On this day Armandzraven was a bit under the weather. 

Audio: "Wake" by Rick Steel from the YouTube audio library.

Profile Photo Flashback! - 05 December 2009

Profile Photo Flashback! - 05 December 2009
=========================
From December 04, 2009
=========================

Although I'm not one who changes/updates profile photo often, I do update it from time to time. When I do update it, I like for it to be unique. On the 4th of December of 2009 I trimmed my face from a photo that was taken by Rocio during the road trip for Reventon Super Estrella from 2008.  

After cropping the photo to be just my face, I turned it into grayscale, then changed it to a black and white silhouette. Those are the images you see on this collage

The chronology follows the creation/edit date.

If you want to see the original unedited photo, go to minute Four Fifty One of the
Reventon Super Estrella 2008! ~ From Rocio
https://youtu.be/XcLWlJ4Qgpo

Audio: "Uh Oh" by Slynk from the YouTube audio library. 

Fruit - 04 December 2009

Fruit - 04 December 2009
=========================
From December 04, 2009
=========================

A random photo that I took of fruit in a bowl. 

One thing I've noticed as I've gone through my photo albums, and perhaps you may have too as I share them via these photo/video collages, is that many times the random photos are something I found interesting at the time. Perhaps it's appreciating and capturing the small little moments. Life passes by so quickly that we need to pause from time to time to just take it all in. 

Hopefully, you are enjoying a small view of my life as seen through my lens, occasionally through the lens of family & friends, as well as the occasional audio/video/game/etc. that has shaped and continues to shape my life.

Audio: "Carried" by Lauren Duski from the YouTube audio library.

Baby Shower! - 14 November 2009

Baby Shower! - 14 November 2009
=========================
From November 14, 2009
=========================

These are photos of the baby shower for Lorena. All photos were taken and then shared by Rocio, her sister.

Audio: "Pixelated Autumn Leaves" by Jeremy Blake from the YouTube audio library.

Celebrate American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month! - November 2009

Celebrate American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month! - November 2009

=========================

From November 2009

=========================

This is from the November 2009 diversity calendar where we provided information American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Read below for the information.

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month

    • At the turn of the 20th century, people began making proposals for a day to honor Native Americans. 

    • In 1914, Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfoot tribe, rode horseback from state to state in the hope of gaining support for a day of tribute. 

    • The following year, Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a member of the Seneca tribe, persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to designate a day of recognition for Native Americans. 

    • New York was the first state to observe American Indian Day in 1916. Over the years, other states followed suit in designating a day to honor Native Americans. 

    • In 1976, Jerry Elliott (High Eagle of the Cherokee/Osage tribe) authored congressional legislation that was signed by President Gerald R. Ford. The legislation declared the week of October 10-16, 1976, as Native American Awareness Week. Elliott served as national chairperson of the event. 

    • The celebration was expanded to a month in 1990. 

Audio: "What Planet is This" by Amalgam Creative Arts. https://www.youtube.com/amalgamcreativearts

Theatre for Everyone! - 12 October 2009

Theatre for Everyone! - 12 October 2009
=========================
From October 12, 2009
=========================

This is a photo of the booklet and ticket stub I received for the play "Honus and Me," a play adapted from the book, which was part of Childsplay's 2009-2010 season of Strikingly Original Theater for Young Audiences and Families.

I was able to watch the play at not cost because I volunteered along with #TargetVolunteers to help stamp and pass out books for the upcoming shows that were part of the Target Storybook Season. 

This was photo taken a day or so after the event, was my third time participating in this type of volunteer event, and originally blogged about it a few days after the event.

Theatre for Everyone
https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2009/10/theatre-for-everyone.html

The first time I wolunteered was back on October 19, 2008 where, if you recall, I took several photos and previously made a photo video collage

Volunteer Spotlight: Childsplay’s ‘Getting Near To Baby’ Shines in Target’s Storybook Season!
https://youtu.be/-7STWnr9NrM

The second time I volunteered, I didn't take any photos, however I wrote a quick blog about it.

Childsplay Brief... Sunday, April 19, 2009
https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2009/04/childsplay-brief-sunday-april-19-2009.html

Audio: "Almost A Year Ago" by John Deley and the 41 Players from the YouTube audio llibrary.

Fresh & Easy Lamb! - 04 October 2009

Fresh & Easy Lamb! - 04 October 2009
=========================
From October 04, 2009
=========================

These are photos taken of lamb purchased at Fresh & Easy back on the 4th of October of 2009.
There's a bit more story on original blog post from the 12th of October about a search for lamb.

Midwestern Meats https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2009/10/midwestern-meats.html

Audio: "Chase Waves" by Karneef from the YouTube audio library.

Dinner at Pan Asia! - 03 October 2009

Dinner at Pan Asia! - 03 October 2009
=========================
From October 03, 2009
=========================

These are photos of dinner at Pan Asia, a restaurant that no longer exists. It was a sushi Chinese fusion restaurant located in the South Phoenix area at 2485 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042. 

As you can see, the photos came out much better than the previous time because I used the better of the cameras I had at the time. It was a Sony Cybershot DSCW100 camera. 

Dinner at Pan Asia! | With Aaron and Jerry ~ November 12, 2008
https://youtu.be/PSMQ7qp_Ux8

Audio: "Mizuki" by Baad Snacks from the YouTube audio library.

Purex Complete 3-in-1 | Purex Insider - 02 October 2009

Purex Complete 3-in-1 | Purex Insider - 02 October 2009
=========================
From October 02, 2009
=========================

This is a photo of the Purex Complete 3-12-1 taken on the 2nd of October of the year 2009 that I would use for a blog post later that week. 

If you want to read the whole story follow the link below to the original blog post. 

Purex Insider https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2009/10/purex-insider.html

Audio: "Chase Waves" by Karneef from the YouTube audio library.

AIDS Walk Arizona 2009! - 04 October 2009

AIDS Walk Arizona 2009! -  04 October 2009

=========================

From October 04, 2009

=========================

After the previously leading foundation of the walk, AIDS Project Arizona, went bankrupt, the AIDS Walk didn’t happen from 2002 to 2007. The event returned to Phoenix in 2008 when Aunt Rita’s Foundation became involved. 

You may have seen the photo I'd previously shared from 2008.

AIDS Walk Arizona 2008! https://youtu.be/As4WWZUAwkE 

These are the handful of photos that I took at the AIDS Walk Arizona 2009. I participated along with #TargetVolunteers and forgot to take a group photo. 

Audio: "Gently, Onwards" by ELPHNY from the YouTube audio library.

Official Xbox Magazine! - 26 September 2009

Official Xbox Magazine! - 26 September 2009
=========================
From September 26, 2009
=========================

These were a couple photos taken of my Official Xbox Magazine taken on the 26th of September after I had decided to cancel my subscription to the magazine. 

If you'd like to read more about this, you can check out my original blog post.
OXM https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2009/09/oxm.html

Audio: The sounds/audio from the Original Xbox Startup. 

Para el Recuerdo! ~ Updated - 23 September 2009

Para el Recuerdo! Updated - 23 September 2009
=========================
From September 23, 2009
=========================

This is an updated/edited version of a video that my Tia Magda made in celebration of her son turning 14 years old. He is of course my cousin and also my godson.

Although my cousin's birthday is in July, because the 23rd of September of 2009 is when they shared the video with me, that's the date I've used as far as my chronology.

The original video that my aunt made had the song "First Touch" by Yanni as background that when originally uploaded showed a worldwide block when I had uploaded it as is back on the 9th of September of 2018. Such was the block that it was considered a copyright violation by an entity with the name Private Music that I chose to use the remove the music option provided by YouTube. 

Now that I've reached the chronology of updates for my video uploads I decided to add music from the YouTube audio library. I've left that original upload without the music available.

Para El Recuerdo! https://youtu.be/qWEh26acuPo

However, hopefully you enjoy this one with updated music.

Audio: "Vinyasa" by Chris Haugen and "El Billete" by Edgar Lopez and Quincas Moreira both from the YouTube audio library. 

The Life of My Plants! - 19 September 2009

The Life of My Plants! - 19 September 2009

=========================

From September 19, 2009

=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 19th of September 2009. Here you see the ones that didn't make it.

Audio: "Eternal Garden" by Dan Henig from the YouTube audio library. 

Basket Raffle Benefitting United Way! - 18 September 2009

Basket Raffle Benefitting United Way! - 18 September 2009

=========================

From September 18, 2009

=========================

These are photos of a Basket Raffle that was done at my then current place of employment. The funds generated from this were for United Way.

Each basket had its ow theme, they were:

Las Vegas

Christmas Money Tree

Money Plant

Pot O' Gold

Go Green

Target Games

Twilight

Necessities

Feng Shui

Audio: "A Trip Around the Moon" by Unicorn Heads from the YouTube audio library.

Pizza Sunday! - 06 September 2009

Pizza Sunday! - 06 September 2009
=========================
From September 06, 2009
=========================

The pizza dough recipe is the same one I've used now for while. The only difference is that I included whole wheat flour for these. As you can see we made two types of pizzas. A typical American style pizza with the red sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni but with an addition of sliced black olives and one with homemade pesto sauce topped with chicken and fresh tomato slices. Additional Mozzarella cheese was sprinkled on top of both. Delicious!!

The pizza dough recipe can be found on the following posts and below.

It's in the dough https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2009/09/its-in-dough.html

Homemade Pizza: It's in the Dough! - 16 May 2009
https://youtu.be/EgzBR70m6vs


Crusty Pizza Dough

1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water(105°F to 115°F)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 1/2-3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornmeal

Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed mixer bowl. Add salt, olive oil, and 2 1/2 cups flour. Attach bowl and dough hook to mixer. Turn to Speed 2 and mix about 1 minute.

Continuing on Speed 2, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and mix about 1 1/2 minutes, or until dough starts to clean sides of bowl. Knead on Speed 2 about 2 minutes longer.

Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top.

Cover. Let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down.

Brush 14-inch pizza pan with oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Press dough across bottom of pan, forming a collar around edge to hold toppings.

Add toppings, as desired. Bake at 450°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings (1/4 pizza per serving).

Audio: "Sunday Plans" by Silent Partner from the YouTube audio library.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! - September 2009

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! - September 2009
=========================
From September 2009
=========================

This is a from the September 2009 diversity calendar where we provided information about Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from the 15th of September through the 15th of October. The first image is what it looked like originally. The second is with some slight edit for readability.   

The info from this image snap:

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. 

The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. On the 2000 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino." More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the 2000 Census

If you'd like more specific information about the countries generally featured, go watch—and pause as needed—my video of the Celebration at Work for Hispanic Heritage Month, which took place on September 17, 2008.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2008!
https://youtu.be/s0_ypKVJT_Y

Audio: "Yucatan Peninsula" by Biz Baz Studio from the YouTube audio library.

Target Oahu-Honolulu West! - 21 August 2009

Target Oahu-Hnolulu West! - 21 August 2009

=========================

From August 21, 2009

=========================

These are photos of the Target Oahu-Honolulu West Store that a co-worker took during their trip to Hawaii and shared on August 21. This was one of the first two stores Target opened in Hawaii on March 4, 2009. 

Audio: "Easy Seas" by Chris Haugen from the YouTube audio library. 

Goodies from Phx Public Market! - 15 August 2009

Goodies from Phx Public Market! - 15 August 2009
=========================
From August 15, 2009
=========================

These are photos of a collage the goodies we got at the Phx Public Market on the 15th of August.

Audio: "Drifting Sands" by JAde Wii from the YouTube audio library.

Celebrate Rakhi Festival! - 12 August 2009

Celebrate Rakhi Festival! - 12 August 2009

=========================

From August 12, 2009

=========================

These are photos of the event we put together to celebrate the Rakhi Festival. For the event we set up a table with the materials needed in order for participants to be able to create their own embellished threads. 

A brief summary of Rakhi:

Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It typically falls on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana (usually in August). On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called rakhi around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love, protection, and lifelong commitment. In return, brothers offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters. The festival transcends biological relationships, often extending to cousins and close friends, and emphasizes the values of family, unity, and care.

Audio: "Bageshri" by Aditya Verma from the YouTube audio library.

My Collage Art Piece! - 03 August 2009

My Collage Art Piece! - 03 August 2009
=========================
From August 03, 2009
=========================

These are photos of a collage art piece that I started working on. This was to be part of a larger overall piece, however didn't get to complete the rest. Perhaps one day I may finish the rest, however first I would need to locate this portion of it. 

Audio: "Drifting Sands" by JAde Wii from the YouTube audio library. 

Celebrate Obon! - August 2009

Celebrate Obon! - August 2009
=========================
From August 2009
=========================

This is from the August 2009 diversity calendar where we provided information about the Obon Festival. Read below for the information.

Obon Festival

Obon is one of the most important traditions for Japanese people. It is a Buddhist event and is the period of praying for the repose of the souls of one's ancestors. People believe that their ancestors' spirits come back to their homes to be reunited with their family during obon. Obon is an important family gathering time and many people return to their hometowns.

People clean their houses and offer a variety of food such as vegetables and fruits to the spirits of ancestors in front of butsudan (Buddhist families altar). Butsudan is decorated with flower and chouchin (paper lanterns). On the 13th, chouchin are lit inside houses, and people go to their family's graves to call their ancestors' spirits back home. It's called mukaebon. In some regions, fires called mukaebi are lit at the entrances to homes to guide the ancestor's spirits. On the 16th, people bring the ancestor's spirits back to graves, hanging

chouchin painted with the family crest to guide the ancestors' spirits. It's called okuribon. In some regions, fires called okuribi are lit at entrances of homes to send the ancestors' spirits. During obon, the air in houses and cemeteries in Japan are filled with the smell of incense called senko.

Toro Nagashi (floating paper lanterns) is a custom often held during obon. On the evening of the 15th, people send off ancestor's spirits with a paper lantern, lit by a candle inside and floated down a river to the ocean.

Audio: "Ether Real" by Density & Time from the YouTube audio library.

Random Car Accident I Spotted! - 29 July 2009

Random Car Accident I Spotted! - 29 July 2009
=========================
From July 29, 2009
=========================

As I was heading home after work on the 29th of July, I spotted a random car accident that happened at the intersection of Baseline Rd. and 16th St. in South Phoenix. These are the two photos that I took.

Audio: "Carried" by Lauren Duski from the YouTube audio library.

Ice Cream Social! - 29 July 2009

Ice Cream Social! - 29 July 2009
=========================
From July 29, 2009
=========================

These are photos of a social event at my then place of employment where we encouraged fellow employees to celebrate, learn, and provide ideas for diversity activities. The below is what we had sent as an invite communication. 

-----

Diversity Ice Cream Social!

When: Wednesday July 29, 2009
Times:  11am – 1pm  & 4pm – 6pm
Where: Building A in the café
Why:

    • To celebrate Diversity!
    • Learn more about how you can participate in upcoming Diversity activities!
    • Opportunity to offer suggestions for upcoming activities and possibly win a prize in the process!
    • Share your email address to stay informed on current Diversity initiatives.
    • Foster an inclusive culture in which people from diverse backgrounds are respected and valued!

-----

During the event we had a table with a tri-fold display that included photos of past events, a sign up sheet for employees to provide their email to stay informed, a drop-box where they could leave their ideas and if they provided their name they could win a prize, and of course we had ice cream for all to enjoy.

After the event, we sent an email with photos of the event and winner of a prize. 

The photos you see at the beginning of this video were taken by Robin who sent me the images to share with the communication. She inadvertently sent me some images of her pets at the time. I decided to leave those in and include the photos that I myself took of the event following them. My photos also show a bit of the prep work inflating balloons.

Audio: "Ice Cream" by Joey Pecoraro from the YouTube audio library.

Kobai Plum Wine Tasting! - 25 July 2009

Kobai Plum Wine Tasting! - 25 July 2009
=========================
From July 25, 2009
=========================

These are photos of the one time we tried Kobai Plum Wine. 

Audio: "Carried" by Lauren Duski from the YouTube audio library.

Coffee! - 24 July 2009

Coffee! - 24 July 2009
=========================
From July 24, 2009
=========================

These are photos that I took on the 24th of July. I named the folder I saved them in, "My coffee with Splenda and organic vanilla soy milk." By now, you may have watched some of my videos featuring random photos. Often, I take photos like these with the intention of posting them on one of the social media at the time, even if I never end up doing so. Now that I finally have some time, we get to revisit them in a sort of throwback.

Audio: "Coffee Stains" by Riot from the YouTube audio library.

Exploring Los Angeles! - 19 July 2009

Exploring Los Angeles! - 19 July 2009
=========================
From July 19, 2009
=========================

These are the photos that I took during the road trip to Los Angeles with Rocio and Ene to attend Reventon Super Estrella 2009! 

Because I didn’t take my camera to the concert, there are no photos of the concert taken by me. Thankfully, Rocio and Ene did bring theirs. Below are the videos I made with the photos they each shared.

Reventon Super Estrella 2009! - From Rocio
https://youtu.be/4A3mvudk4FA

Reventon Super Estrella 2009! - From Ene
https://youtu.be/57K4MeXCKqg

My photos are from the day after the concert where we explored a little of Los Angeles before heading back to Phoenix, Arizona.

Audio: "Back In The City" by the 126ers, "Silver Lakes" by Wes Hutchinson, and "As We Go" by the 126ers all from the YouTube audio library.

Reventon Super Estrella 2009! - From Ene

Reventon Super Estrella 2009! - From Ene
=========================
From July 18-19, 2009
=========================

These photos were taken by Ene from July 18th through the 19th during a weekend road trip taken from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California for the Reventon Super Estrella 2009 concert that took place at The Staples Center.

Rocio and Ene drove from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles and I flew in from Las Vegas, where I had been celebrating Armnadzraven's birthday, to meet them. 

Las Vegas Birthday Trip! - 16 & 17 July 2009 https://youtu.be/g4lRlt8R7a8

Because I didn’t take my camera to the concert, there are no photos of the concert taken by me. Thankfully, Rocio and Ene did bring theirs. Additionally, I don’t have any memorabilia from this concert; however, these photos and the memories they bring are fantastic.

We then drove back together from Los Angeles, California to Phoenix, Arizona.

Audio: "Fin de la Noche" by Luna Cantina, "Bailando con el Viento" by Luna Cantina, "Latin Lover" by Quincas Moreira, and "Mariachiando" by Doug Maxwell and Jimmy fontanez, all from the YouTube audio library. 

Reventon Super Estrella 2009! - From Rocio

Reventon Super Estrella 2009! - From Rocio
=========================
From July 18-19, 2009
=========================

These photos were taken by Rocio from July 18th through the 19th during a weekend road trip taken from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California for the Reventon Super Estrella 2009 concert that took place at The Staples Center.

Rocio and Ene drove from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles and I flew in from Las Vegas, where I had been celebrating Armnadzraven's birthday, to meet them. 

Las Vegas Birthday Trip! - 16 & 17 July 2009 https://youtu.be/g4lRlt8R7a8

Because I didn’t take my camera to the concert, there are no photos of the concert taken by me. Thankfully, Rocio and Ene did bring theirs. Additionally, I don’t have any memorabilia from this concert; however, these photos and the memories they bring are fantastic.

We then drove back together from Los Angeles to Phoenix.

Audio: "Bailando con el Viento" By Luna Cantina from the YouTube audio library.

Las Vegas Birthday Trip! - 16 & 17 July 2009

 

Las Vegas Birthday Trip! - 16 & 17 July 2009
=========================
From July 16-17, 2009
=========================

Photos from the birthday trip to Las Vegas, celebrating Armandzraven's birthday. My memories of this trip include a great birthday dinner at a Japanese restaurant, followed by hanging out at the pool and hot tub with Armandzraven, their brother, and their brother's girlfriend at the time.

Audio: "Uh Oh" by Slynk from the YouTube audio library and the ambient of the one video section that is very typical Las Vegas traffic honking.

Make Your Mark on Diversity! - July 2009

 

Make Your Mark on Diversity! - July 2009
=========================
From July 2009
=========================

These are photos of a banner that was created with the help of participants by encouraging them to trace their hands and color them as they wished. What you see is the final result. Once completed, it was hung from the second-floor railing of the most trafficked building for all to see.

Though I can’t remember exactly when we originally placed the banner out for participants, I was in charge of sending out the wrap-up email communication, which included a photo. I took photos of the banner on the 4th and 5th of July and then sent the corresponding communication. The first image is of the communication, and the rest are the photos.

Audio: "Lost and Found" by Jeremy Blake from the YouTube audio library. 

Celebrating Independence Day in Yuma! - 03 July 2009

 

Celebrating Independence Day in Yuma! - 03 July 2009
=========================
From July 03, 2009
=========================

These are the photos and videos (previously uploaded individually) from the Independence Day celebration in Yuma that took place on the 3rd of July. It was a day and afternoon at the Colorado River by Pivot Point Plaza. We then watched the fireworks from parking lot of the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe office that is up on the hill and overlooks Paradise Casino. 

Audio: "Water Lily" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library on the photo sections and the music/ambient of the videos. 

Celebrating Independence! - July 2009

Celebrating Independence! - July 2009
=========================
From July 2009
=========================

This is from the July 2009 calendar that as you may have guessed is Celebrating Independence.

The Declaration of Independence

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”

The Declaration of Independence document proclaimed the independence of the 13 British colonies in America and was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The declaration recounted the grievances of the colonies against the British crown and declared the colonies to be free and independent states. The proclamation of independence marked the culmination of a political process that had begun as a protest against oppressive restrictions imposed by the mother country on colonial trade, manufacturing, and political liberty and had developed into a revolutionary struggle resulting in the establishment of a new nation. 

Audio: "True to the Flag" by United States Marine Band from the YouTube audio library 

The Life of My Plants! - 28 June 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 28 June 2009
=========================
From June 28, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 28th of June 2009. As you can see, I took only one photo of a tomato plant.

Audio: "Eternal Garden" by Dan Henig from the YouTube audio library.

Jalapeños! - 20 June 2009

Jalapeños! - 20 June 2009
=========================
From June 20, 2009
=========================

These are photos of Jalapeños from the 20th of June. The photos we choose to take and keep is interesting. This one I had listed as Jalapeños from Fresh & Easy that I stuffed. They were probably delicious as stuffed jalapeños is one simple dish that I've almost never messed up. One thin is for sure is that Fresh & Easy was my favorite go to store when it existed. Wish it would make a comeback.  

Audio: "Eternal Garden" by Dan Henig from the YouTube audio library. 

The Life of My Plants! - 13 June 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 13 June 2009
=========================
From June 13, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 13th of June 2009. All those basil sprouts grew exponentially and they eventually took over that whole window sill. You can also see tomato plants bigger and a few new seedlings of other plants.  

Audio: "Eternal Garden" by Dan Henig from the YouTube audio library.

Celebrating Pride Month! - June 2009

 

Celebrating Pride Month! - June 2009
=========================
From June 2009
=========================

This is from the June 2009 calendar Celebrating Pride Month. The first image provides the top portion of the calendar that provides a brief history of Pride Month. Decided to share a snap of what the complete calendar looked like the rest of the images. I believe this may give you a better insight into what the Diversity Calendars we created during this time looked like.

June is Gay & Lesbian PRIDE Month.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community worldwide events are held in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City on June 28, 1969, which most historians consider to be the birth of the modern GLBT civil rights movement. At the time, police raids on bars catering to GLBT patrons were common, but that night, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back. While historical accounts of the night vary, the violent response ignited a national firestorm of activism that brought new visibility to the struggle for GLBT equality.

Audio: "Dance 4x" by TrackTribe from the YouTube audio library.

The Life of My Plants! - 28 May 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 28 May 2009
=========================
From May 28, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 28th of May 2009.

Audio: "Veracruz" by Quincas Moreira from the YouTube audio library.

The Life of My Plants! - 25 May 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 25 May 2009
=========================
From May 25, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 25th of May 2009.

Audio: "Veracruz" by Quincas Moreira from the YouTube audio library.

Homemade Pizza: It's in the Dough! - 16 May 2009

 

Homemade Pizza: It's in the Dough! - 16 May 2009
=========================
From May 16, 2009
=========================

These are photos of when I made homemade pizza with my go to pizza crust recipe. I'd originally blogged about this with a bit more story on September 06, 2009 via my No Tan Diario Chronicles ~ Pre-2025 Blog. If you want to read that you can go to my It's in the dough blog post. 

It's in the dough https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2009/09/its-in-dough.html

Although the recipe is geared to use a stand mixer, you can certainly mix by hand.

Crusty Pizza Dough

1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water(105°F to 115°F)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 1/2-3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornmeal

Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed mixer bowl. Add salt, olive oil, and 2 1/2 cups flour. Attach bowl and dough hook to mixer. Turn to Speed 2 and mix about 1 minute.

Continuing on Speed 2, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and mix about 1 1/2 minutes, or until dough starts to clean sides of bowl. Knead on Speed 2 about 2 minutes longer.

Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top.
Cover. Let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down.

Brush 14-inch pizza pan with oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Press dough across bottom of pan, forming a collar around edge to hold toppings.

Add toppings, as desired. Bake at 450°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Yield: 4 servings (1/4 pizza per serving).

Audio: "Seaside Piazza" by Aaron Kenny from the YouTube audio library.

The Life of My Plants! - 14 May 2009

The Life of My Plants! - 14 May 2009
=========================
From May 14, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 14th of May 2009. At the end of this one you see some trees and some of their dropped seeds from the place of my employment at the time. 

Audio: "Veracruz" by Quincas Moreira from the YouTube audio library.

The Life of My Plants! - 10 May 2009

The Life of My Plants! - 10 May 2009
=========================
From May 10, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 10th of May 2009. 

Audio: "Veracruz" by Quincas Moreira from the YouTube audio library. 

The Life of My Plants! - 09 May 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 09 May 2009
=========================
From May 09, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 9th of May 2009. 

Audio: "Veracruz" by Quincas Moreira from the YouTube audio library.

The Life of My Plants! - 08 May 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 08 May 2009
=========================
From May 08, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 8th of May 2009. 

Audio: "Take Your Time" by Dan Lepowitz from the YouTube audio library.

The Life of My Plants! - 03 May 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 03 May 2009
=========================
From May 03, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 3rd of May 2009. 

Audio: "Take Your Time" by Dan Lepowitz from the YouTube audio library.

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! - May 2009

 

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! - May 2009
=========================
From May 2009
=========================

This is from the May 2009 calendar Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month honors the achievements of American ethnic groups with roots in Asia and the Pacific Islands and recognizes their contributions to the United States.

The U.S. Census Bureau lists more than 25 such groups -- Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipinos, Indian, Pakistani, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, Laotian, Indonesian, Thai, Burmese, Malaysian, Taiwanese, Sri Lanka, Bangladeshi, and native Hawaiians, Polynesians, New Zealanders and Australians. As Americans, they contribute to the strength of the United States, help shape its future and share in its promise and opportunity. 

According to 2005 U.S. Census Bureau statistics, approximately 13.5 percent of U.S. residents say they are Asian or Asian in combination with one or more other races.  Hawaii is the U.S. state where Asians make up the highest proportion of the total population (58 percent) but, like most other ethnic groups, Americans with Asian or Pacific Island heritages reside throughout the United States.

Audio: "Nature Nurture" by Quincas Moreira from the YouTube audio library.

The Life of My Plants! - 27 April 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 27 April 2009
=========================
From April 27, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 27th of April 2009. 

Audio: "Take Your Time" by Dan Lepowitz from the YouTube audio library.

Phoenix Pride Parade & Festival 2009!

 

Phoenix Pride Parade & Festival 2009!
=========================
From April 18, 2009
=========================

The Phoenix Pride Parade of 2009, took place on the 18th of April with the Phoenix Pride Festival on the 18th and 19th of April.

You may have seen my previous videos where I volunteered with #TargetVolunteers to help with some of the festival setup. There was also a thank-you social for the volunteers on the 17th. Additionally, I attempted to take a selfie while we waited for the bus, which would take us to the light rail to attend the parade and festival on the 17th. 

Target Volunteers at 2009 Phoenix Pride! - April 17, 2009
https://youtu.be/4COWCo7PMmM

Pride Volunteer Thank You Social at Lux Coffee Bar - 17 April 2009
https://youtu.be/8FVbHG8X2NI

Oops I clicked camera ~ Phoenix Pride 2009 - Saturday, April 18, 2009
https://youtu.be/I-SLb3nFPOg

Audio: "To the Top" by Silent Partner from the YouTube audio library.

The Life of My Plants! - 18 April 2009

 

The Life of My Plants! - 18 April 2009
=========================
From April 18, 2009
=========================

These are photos of my plants taken the morning of the 18th of April 2009. As you may have noticed in many of my previous photo video collages from places I’ve visited, there are always pictures of plants, foliage, trees, and more of the like. I’ve always enjoyed plants, but this seems to be when I started trying to grow more of my own. Here, you can see some basil seedlings and my "Teléfono" (in Spanish), which is known in English as the "Wandering Jew" or "Spiderwort." Its scientific name is Tradescantia zebrina.

Audio: "Take Your Time" by Dan Lepowitz from the YouTube audio library.

SpongeBob SquarePants! - 17 April 2009

 

SpongeBob SquarePants! - 17 April 2009
=========================
From April 17, 2009
=========================

We saw SpongeBob SquarePants on top of Burger King on our way home after the Social at Lux!

Target Volunteers at 2009 Phoenix Pride! - April 17, 2009
https://youtu.be/4COWCo7PMmM

Pride Volunteer Thank You Social at Lux Coffee Bar - 17 April 2009
https://youtu.be/8FVbHG8X2NI

Audio: "Emerald Seas" by Aaron Kenny from the YouTube audio library.

Pride Volunteer Thank You Social at Lux Coffee Bar - 17 April 2009

 

Pride Volunteer Thank You Social at Lux Coffee Bar - 17 April 2009
=========================
From April 17, 2009
=========================

This is a photo taken by Armandzraven (thank you!) at Lux Coffee Bar (now Lux Central) during the Thank You Social for the Target volunteers who helped with the Pride setup earlier in the day.

Target Volunteers at 2009 Phoenix Pride! - April 17, 2009 https://youtu.be/4COWCo7PMmM

This is the only photo taken during the social gathering.

Audio: "Avocado Street" by Wes Hutchinson from the YouTube audio library.

Hawaiian Party! - 04 April 2009

Hawaiian Party! - 04 April 2009
=========================
From April 04, 2009
=========================

These are photos of the Hawaiian themed party celebrating Rocio, Lorena, Alex, and Kirby's B-days at Pedro's House. The photos are from Karola, Pedro, and from Kirby(me). I also included the video that I took. 

I had previously uploaded the video I'd taken: Hawaiian Fiesta!! https://youtu.be/bBnmcuAUwGw

For this compilation I edited the video slightly so you can see it a bit better.

These are some fun memories/times with coworkers and friends.

Audio: "Island Wave" by Track Tribe from the YouTube audio library and the music/ambient of the video at the end. 

5th Annual HRC Arizona Gala Dinner 2009! - 21 March 2009

 

5th Annual HRC Arizona Gala Dinner 2009! - 21 March 2009
=========================
From March 21, 2009
=========================

These are the photos taken at the HRC Arizona Gala in 2009. I was not able to participate this particular time, however I did ensure the info and recap were shared as during this time I was part of then called TFST Diversity Council, the TFST is for Target Financial Services Tempe, which we would sometimes simply call Tempe Diversity Council.

This was the recap shared with photos:

The 5th Annual Human Rights Campaign Arizona Gala Dinner was held on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The Tempe Diversity Council had helpers there throughout the day.  Two store team members help with set up and four team members and two friends helped with the silent auction.

Audio: "Target Fuse" by French Fuse from the YouTube audio library

Birthday 2009!

 

Birthday 2009!
=========================
From March 20, 2009
=========================

These are photos of the birthday cookout celebrating my birthday in 2009. As you can see, mostly photos of the food and cake. 

Audio: "Happy Birthday Soul" by E's Jammy Jams from the YouTube audio library.

Celebrating Women's History Month! - March 2009

 

Celebrating Women's History Month! - March 2009
=========================
From March 2009
=========================

During my time with the TFST Diversity Council—which would undergo several name changes in the future, including Tempe Diversity Council, Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Council, Tempe Inclusion Council, and others—there was a period from 2008 through 2009 when we created and shared a Diversity Calendar. I’ve decided to share parts of those calendars where the information provided offers historical insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This is from the March 2009 calendar Celebrating Women's History Month. The first image shows how it originally looked, and the second has been updated so you can hopefully see it better. You can also read the text in the description below.


Celebrating Women’s History Month

“Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose - not the one you began with perhaps, but one you'll be glad to remember.”
~ Annie Sullivan

Anne Sullivan was the daughter of Irish immigrant farmers, Thomas Sullivan and Alice Cloesy. She had one brother, Jimmie, who was crippled from tuberculosis. Growing up, Anne was subject to poverty and physical abuse by her alcoholic father and at the age of five, trachoma struck Anne, leaving her almost blind. Two years later, her mother died and her father abandoned his children to an orphanage in Tewksbury, MA where her brother died shortly thereafter.

Despite being left in a orphanage with no formal educational facilities, Anne Sullivan prospered. When the state board of charities chairman,

Frank Sanborn visited the Tewksbury orphanage, Anne literally threw herself in front of him crying, "Mr. Sanborn, I want to go to school."

After regaining her eyesight from a series of operations and graduating as class valedictorian in 1886 from the Perkins Institute for the Blind, she began teaching Helen Keller. When Miss Sullivan first arrived, Helen was seven years old and highly undisciplined. Miss Sullivan had to begin her teaching with lessons in obedience, followed by teachings of the manual and Braille alphabets. All who came in contact with them were amazed at the ability of Miss Sullivan to reach Miss Keller and Miss Keller's heightened ability to grasp concepts unheard of by deaf and blind students before her. Alexander Graham Bell, Andrew Carnegie, Henry H. Rogers and John Spaulding were only a few of those who met them and supported them.

Audio: "Travelator" by Density & Time from the YouTube audio library.

Celebrating Black History Month! - February 2009

 

 

Celebrating Black History Month! - February 2009
=========================
From February 2009
=========================

During my time with the TFST Diversity Council—which would undergo several name changes in the future, including Tempe Diversity Council, Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Council, Tempe Inclusion Council, and others—there was a period from 2008 through 2009 when we created and shared a Diversity Calendar. I’ve decided to share parts of those calendars where the information provided offers historical insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Today I share this image from the February 2009 calendar Celebrating Black History Month. 

“I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

- Rosa Louise Parks

December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks refused to yield her seat to a white man, as the law required. Her arrest triggered the Montgomery bus boycott.  Parks was fined $14 which she refused to pay and instead appealed to the circuit court.

A 1956 district court lawsuit brought by the Montgomery Improvement Association and other civil rights advocates challenged segregated seating in public transportation; the court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court later upheld the decision in November 1956. Desegregation of Montgomery buses began a month later.

Audio: Narration by me with "Rainy Day" by Matt Harris from the YouTube audio library in the background.

Holidays 2008! - 25 December 2008

 

Holidays 2008! - 25 December 2008
=========================
From December 25, 2008
=========================

These are photos from Christmas Day in 2008. While most years I take photos throughout the season that include decorations, snacks, food, and more, in 2008 I only took photos on the 25th of December. 

The only other photos taken were during specific events:
Phoenix ZooLights 2008! | Extended Version ~ November 28, 2008
https://youtu.be/ik-ykNkCQ30

APS Fiesta of Light 2008! - December 6, 2008
https://youtu.be/DseG-v19cyc

Holiday Party 2008! - 20 December 2008
https://youtu.be/kusWoflz8Dk

Here, you’ll first see how I decorated the house we lived in at the time. The window painted to look like stained glass was done by Armanzraven. You’ll also see a close-up of the Precious Moments nativity scene, which I still have and use to this day. After that, you’ll see the presents I received that year. Those were good times when you could get nice gifts at decent prices, as over the years everything has become much more expensive. Following the photos of the presents, you’ll see the indoor decorations with their lights turned on, as well as the holiday cards I received that year.

Audio: "We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Instrumental Jazz)" and "Up on the Housetop (Instrumental)" both by E's Jammy Jams from the YouTube audio library.

Holiday Party 2008! - 20 December 2008

 

Holiday Party 2008! - 20 December 2008
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From December 20, 2008
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These are photos from the 2008 Holiday Party hosted by Rocio. The first five photos were taken by me at the party, the next six photos are of my preparation of some gifts, and the rest of the photos were not taken by me but were shared by attendees.

Audio: "Deck The Halls" by The Soundings from the YouTube audio library.

APS Fiesta of Light 2008! - December 6, 2008

APS Fiesta of Light 2008! - December 6, 2008

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From December 6, 2008

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These are all the photos and videos taken during the 2008 APS Fiesta of Light parade that took place on the 6th of December. This compilation of photos and videos are organized in the order they were taken. If the video portions appear familiar, it's because I'd previously uploaded the 26 videos of this parade individually. 

However, for this edit compiling all the videos and photos, I added some slight effects on a handful of the photos and the videos to be able to see them a bit better. 

Audio: "Oh Christmas Tree" by DJ Williams from the YouTube audio library on the photos sections and the music/ambient of the video sections.

Mom Takes Flight! - November 29, 2008

 

Mom Takes Flight! - November 29, 2008

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From November 29, 2008

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This is a photo of my mother with a coffee as we waited at the airport before her flight.

In November of 2008, my mother visited during the Thanksgiving week. She arrived on the 21st with the last day being the 29th. During her visit we went to various shops, malls, markets, events, and of course Thanksgiving Day dinner. 

If you'd like to watch photos that were taken by my mother during this time, you can go to minute 2:28 of the video Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2008 ~ Phoenix ZooLights https://youtu.be/ratQ7qc4sAU as well as Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2008 ~ Phoenix ZooLights https://youtu.be/ratQ7qc4sAU

Audio: "Si Señorita" by Chris Haugen from the YouTube audio library.

Phoenix ZooLights 2008! | Extended Version ~ November 28, 2008

 Phoenix ZooLights 2008! | Extended Version ~ November 28, 2008

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From November 28, 2008

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These are all the photos and videos that I took on the 28th of November, 2008 at the Phoenix ZooLights. They are organized in order of the time taken. 

If some of this appears familiar, it's because I'd previously uploaded just the videos themselves as well as the ones from my mother's camera. 

2008 Phoenix Zoolights! ~ snippets https://youtu.be/Ym7MkwJSW4g

2008 Phoenix Zoolights! https://youtu.be/olQW8y6dWZA

In November of 2008, my mother visited during the Thanksgiving week. She arrived on the 21st with the last day being the 29th. During her visit we went to various shops, malls, markets, events, and of course Thanksgiving Day dinner.  

If you'd like to watch photos that were taken by my mother during this time, you can go to minute 2:28 of the video Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2008 ~ Phoenix ZooLights https://youtu.be/ratQ7qc4sAU as well as Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2008 ~ Phoenix ZooLights https://youtu.be/ratQ7qc4sAU

Audio: "Snow Princess" by Jimena Contreras, "Christmas Chores" by RKVC, "Christmas Homecoming" by Aaron Kenny. "Joy To The World" by DJ Williams, "Silent Night (Instrumental Jazz)" by E's Jammy Jams from the YouTube audio library and the music/ambient sounds of the video sections.

Thanksgiving 2008! ~ November 26 & 27, 2008

Thanksgiving 2008! ~ November 26 & 27, 2008

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From November 26 & 27, 2008

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These are photos of Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day! 

On Thanksgiving Eve we prepped some of the items including cuernitos and pumpkin pie. I made the pie and my mother made the cuernitos. On Thanksgiving Day the first thing in the oven was the turkey that we chose to cook in one a bag. My mother made the deviled eggs while we prepped the table and the other dishes. After all these photos that I took of the prep and ingredients, we enjoyed a lovely meal, yet didn't take a photo of how the plate looked like. HAHA! 

In November of 2008, my mother visited during the Thanksgiving week. She arrived on the 21st with the last day being the 29th. During her visit we went to various shops, malls, markets, events, and of course Thanksgiving Day dinner.  

If you'd like to watch photos that were taken by my mother during this time, you can go to minute 2:28 of the video Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2008 ~ Phoenix ZooLights https://youtu.be/ratQ7qc4sAU as well as Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2008 ~ Phoenix ZooLights https://youtu.be/ratQ7qc4sAU

Audio: "The Thought of You" by TrackTribe from the YouTube audio library.