=========================
Taken November 07, 2023
=========================
#ElectionDay
#MaverickCounty
#MaverickCountyTX
#MaverickCountyTexas
Audio: Drum Cadence A by Various Artists, United States Navy Band
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 07, 2023
Sunday, June 13, 2021
Birthday Trip 2005 - Visit to Wax Museum San Antonio - From Aaron's Camera
=========================
Taken on March 2005
=========================
This is a photo collage of the photos that Aaron took during our Visit to the Wax Museum in San Antonio. In one of the photos you see a younger Kirbster (me). Haha!
Audio: The song titled Twilight by Delirium from the album Karma.
#SanAntonio #WaxMuseum
Friday, May 21, 2021
Kirby's Home - March 2005 Visit to Eagle Pass
=========================
Taken on March 2005
=========================
A short video taken by Aaron after just arriving to visit home, Eagle Pass, TX.
In the video you can see me taking out some of my bags/luggage, the old house, a bit of the street, and some of the plants including the sour orange tree.
Audio: From the video itself.
#EaglePass
Friday, June 05, 2020
Moving back to Texas!
Moving from Texas
In 1998, I moved from the small town of Texas I grew up in to The large Phoenix Metro area in Arizona. When I moved it was to go to school with the idea that at some point i'd move back. When that would be, however, wasn't something I'd thought about.
The small town in Texas had just one of some large chain stores, restaurants, and such. One Wal-Mart, one McDonald's, One Burger King, One JCPenney, One Dairy Queen, One KFC, One Popeyes, One Church's Chicken, One H-E-B Grocery, One Movie Theater with 3 screens inside the One Mall, One High School, One Sonic, One Peter Piper Pizza, ... and score! Two Pizza Huts of which one was in the mall. You get the idea right? A small town with just enough, perhaps it qualified as a small city, as I've now traveled and seen towns that have just one stop light with little to no large chain anything, the exception sometime a regional grocer or a McDonald's or such. Through the years the town has grown, and now there's a few more national and regional stores. Not quite enough to be a large city, but well on its way. When I think back now, perhaps it was actually a small city, but moving from it to the large Phoenix Metro area makes it seem like a small town to me. Would I ever move back?
In the Interim
After a couple of years I had my Associates Degree, an Associate of Arts in Visual Communications. Yup Graphic Design! Instead of continuing to the "normal" path for a Bachelors, I changed schools and due to that had to start over. At the new school I completed an Associate of Arts in Multimedia and went on to work on the Bachelor's, however I started to question whether that was truly the path for me. I liked what I'd learned, however not enough to and didn't continue.
In the interim of attempting to figure out what I truly wanted to do, I kept working at a place I enjoyed enough to continue, even if not fully satisfied. I participated, volunteered, and took part in many satisfying events. Heck, because of this the company I worked at has rewarded me twice with trips. In 2008 to Memphis, TN (Why Did he Go To Memphis?) where I learned about and toured St. Judes Children's Research Hospital and Target House. The second time was to New York City, where I attended the Family Equality Council's 2018 Night at The Pier event.
Is it Time to Move
Although I've enjoyed my time in Arizona, it was around 2016 when I started really thinking, prepping even (account with a local bank and a website for a possible business or organization Amalgam Creative Arts), of moving back to Texas in the next several years. I wouldn't move back to the same small city but rather to San Antonio or Austin. Cities that are large enough to enjoy what I'v come to like about the large city living yet closer to family. Austin is/was really my preferred choice. Although I've learned you don't need a degree if you are passionate enough and take the time to learn on your own, I thought maybe there I'd even go back to revisit completing a Bachelor's Degree, even if it means starting over.
The year was 2017, and the small city I'm from held their first Pride Parade. I flew out to visit during that time and really made me decide that I'd like to move back to be able to at some point help them and/or other organizations grow or expand their reach. Maybe even starting one myself or a store of some kind. After all I've had some experience when I was the De-Staging Lead for the 2013 Phoenix Pride Parade and the Route Manager for it in 2014, 2015, and 2016. After this I led my companies participation in the Phoenix Parade itself in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
December 2019, my mother passed away. Even though my mother visited me once or twice a year and similarly I would visit periodically, in the back of my mind I always thought I'd be in Texas to be there much more often. Thankful that I was able to be there during her last moments.
Moving back to Texas
As I write this with the dates, it makes me realize that maybe I should have moved in the later part of 2018 or beginning of 2019 because I stopped enjoying the work I was doing in 2016 but stuck with it. It gave me the ability to grow and learn. Then, an opportunity came up in 2019 to do something different. I took it and now I very much enjoy again what I'm doing at the company I work at, even if it is from home during this time.
The time is getting closer for me to move back to Texas. My current non-planned time line is within 2-5 years, leaning on the sooner instead or later, however what isn't clear to me is if it'll be Austin, San Antonio, or my small city that has grown to be a bigger small city.
What I Would Like, to Move
A few days ago I made a list of what the small city I am from has and what it would need for me to really consider moving to it rather than to a large "nearby" city, Austin. The list included many different stores, grocery stores, restaurants, etc., however when I look back at it, the first one thing that the city needs is an alternate grocery store. With the exception of the small town stores, the only major store is the Texas only grocery store H-E-B. Yes there is a Wal-Mart and has groceries, however I choose to shop there as little as possible. A Kroger or a Safeway/Albertson's, or a Target, or WinCo Foods, or other grocer would really be ideal.
The List: A Wishful Thinking
Before I throw away the list I made, to eliminate the clutter, consisting of stores that exist in the small city I'm from and stores I'd like to see open, here is the list.
Existing: H-E-B, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, JCPenney, Ross, Kohl's, GNC, Autozone, O'really, Discount Tire, KFC, Bush's Chicken, Church's Chicken, Popeye's, Log John Silver, Chick-Fil-A, Mc Donald's Burger King, Panda Express, Wendy's, Dairy Queen, Whataburger, Wingstop, Taco Bell, Peter Piper Pizza, Pizza Hut, Luby's, IHOP, Chilli's, Fuddruckers, Huddle House, Sonic, BBVA, Subway, Papa Johns. I might have missed some?
Wishful Thinking: Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Smart & Final, Big Lots, Target WinCo, Costco, Dutch Bro's, Chipotle, Panera, Olive Garden, CPK, Waffle House, Jack in the Box, Carl's Jr, Party City, 99 Cent Only Stores, Harkins or AMC Theaters, Alamo Drafthouse, Del Taco, Denny's, Red Lobster, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Kroger, Albertson's/Safeway, Whole Foods, BofA, Well's Fargo, Chase, Dillard's, Macy's,Walgreens, Cane's, Goodwill, additionally I've never seen an Asian nor Indian Market, Pagan/Wicca Store, Candle specific store. There's plenty that I'm sure I've missed.
Soon, this list may not be accurate as many stores may not make it through the current pandemic.
Another type of business/organization that would benefit the city would be an LGBT Center, an organization similar to Treasures 4 Teachers, and a permanent food bank. Although the South Texas Food Bank has been expanding reach to include this small city with their mobile food pantry, a permanent large food bank is really needed. In addition, it'd be fantastic if there was something like Borderlands Produce Rescue as well.
See you soon Texas!
In 1998, I moved from the small town of Texas I grew up in to The large Phoenix Metro area in Arizona. When I moved it was to go to school with the idea that at some point i'd move back. When that would be, however, wasn't something I'd thought about.
The small town in Texas had just one of some large chain stores, restaurants, and such. One Wal-Mart, one McDonald's, One Burger King, One JCPenney, One Dairy Queen, One KFC, One Popeyes, One Church's Chicken, One H-E-B Grocery, One Movie Theater with 3 screens inside the One Mall, One High School, One Sonic, One Peter Piper Pizza, ... and score! Two Pizza Huts of which one was in the mall. You get the idea right? A small town with just enough, perhaps it qualified as a small city, as I've now traveled and seen towns that have just one stop light with little to no large chain anything, the exception sometime a regional grocer or a McDonald's or such. Through the years the town has grown, and now there's a few more national and regional stores. Not quite enough to be a large city, but well on its way. When I think back now, perhaps it was actually a small city, but moving from it to the large Phoenix Metro area makes it seem like a small town to me. Would I ever move back?
In the Interim
After a couple of years I had my Associates Degree, an Associate of Arts in Visual Communications. Yup Graphic Design! Instead of continuing to the "normal" path for a Bachelors, I changed schools and due to that had to start over. At the new school I completed an Associate of Arts in Multimedia and went on to work on the Bachelor's, however I started to question whether that was truly the path for me. I liked what I'd learned, however not enough to and didn't continue.
In the interim of attempting to figure out what I truly wanted to do, I kept working at a place I enjoyed enough to continue, even if not fully satisfied. I participated, volunteered, and took part in many satisfying events. Heck, because of this the company I worked at has rewarded me twice with trips. In 2008 to Memphis, TN (Why Did he Go To Memphis?) where I learned about and toured St. Judes Children's Research Hospital and Target House. The second time was to New York City, where I attended the Family Equality Council's 2018 Night at The Pier event.
Is it Time to Move
Although I've enjoyed my time in Arizona, it was around 2016 when I started really thinking, prepping even (account with a local bank and a website for a possible business or organization Amalgam Creative Arts), of moving back to Texas in the next several years. I wouldn't move back to the same small city but rather to San Antonio or Austin. Cities that are large enough to enjoy what I'v come to like about the large city living yet closer to family. Austin is/was really my preferred choice. Although I've learned you don't need a degree if you are passionate enough and take the time to learn on your own, I thought maybe there I'd even go back to revisit completing a Bachelor's Degree, even if it means starting over.
The year was 2017, and the small city I'm from held their first Pride Parade. I flew out to visit during that time and really made me decide that I'd like to move back to be able to at some point help them and/or other organizations grow or expand their reach. Maybe even starting one myself or a store of some kind. After all I've had some experience when I was the De-Staging Lead for the 2013 Phoenix Pride Parade and the Route Manager for it in 2014, 2015, and 2016. After this I led my companies participation in the Phoenix Parade itself in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
December 2019, my mother passed away. Even though my mother visited me once or twice a year and similarly I would visit periodically, in the back of my mind I always thought I'd be in Texas to be there much more often. Thankful that I was able to be there during her last moments.
Moving back to Texas
As I write this with the dates, it makes me realize that maybe I should have moved in the later part of 2018 or beginning of 2019 because I stopped enjoying the work I was doing in 2016 but stuck with it. It gave me the ability to grow and learn. Then, an opportunity came up in 2019 to do something different. I took it and now I very much enjoy again what I'm doing at the company I work at, even if it is from home during this time.
The time is getting closer for me to move back to Texas. My current non-planned time line is within 2-5 years, leaning on the sooner instead or later, however what isn't clear to me is if it'll be Austin, San Antonio, or my small city that has grown to be a bigger small city.
What I Would Like, to Move
A few days ago I made a list of what the small city I am from has and what it would need for me to really consider moving to it rather than to a large "nearby" city, Austin. The list included many different stores, grocery stores, restaurants, etc., however when I look back at it, the first one thing that the city needs is an alternate grocery store. With the exception of the small town stores, the only major store is the Texas only grocery store H-E-B. Yes there is a Wal-Mart and has groceries, however I choose to shop there as little as possible. A Kroger or a Safeway/Albertson's, or a Target, or WinCo Foods, or other grocer would really be ideal.
The List: A Wishful Thinking
Before I throw away the list I made, to eliminate the clutter, consisting of stores that exist in the small city I'm from and stores I'd like to see open, here is the list.
Existing: H-E-B, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, JCPenney, Ross, Kohl's, GNC, Autozone, O'really, Discount Tire, KFC, Bush's Chicken, Church's Chicken, Popeye's, Log John Silver, Chick-Fil-A, Mc Donald's Burger King, Panda Express, Wendy's, Dairy Queen, Whataburger, Wingstop, Taco Bell, Peter Piper Pizza, Pizza Hut, Luby's, IHOP, Chilli's, Fuddruckers, Huddle House, Sonic, BBVA, Subway, Papa Johns. I might have missed some?
Wishful Thinking: Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Smart & Final, Big Lots, Target WinCo, Costco, Dutch Bro's, Chipotle, Panera, Olive Garden, CPK, Waffle House, Jack in the Box, Carl's Jr, Party City, 99 Cent Only Stores, Harkins or AMC Theaters, Alamo Drafthouse, Del Taco, Denny's, Red Lobster, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Kroger, Albertson's/Safeway, Whole Foods, BofA, Well's Fargo, Chase, Dillard's, Macy's,Walgreens, Cane's, Goodwill, additionally I've never seen an Asian nor Indian Market, Pagan/Wicca Store, Candle specific store. There's plenty that I'm sure I've missed.
Soon, this list may not be accurate as many stores may not make it through the current pandemic.
Another type of business/organization that would benefit the city would be an LGBT Center, an organization similar to Treasures 4 Teachers, and a permanent food bank. Although the South Texas Food Bank has been expanding reach to include this small city with their mobile food pantry, a permanent large food bank is really needed. In addition, it'd be fantastic if there was something like Borderlands Produce Rescue as well.
See you soon Texas!
Thursday, January 09, 2020
Mi Bella Madre ~ My Beautiful Mother
Mi Bella Madre ~ My Beautiful Mother
My beautiful mother passed away this past December. It's been a whirlwind of emotions. Our family and friends have been very supportive during this time. I had the last word during the burial of her ashes in Mexico. I'm not a person who shows outwardly emotion because I understand that there is a reason for anything and everything that happens, and death is currently inescapable. I'm thankful that she was peaceful during her last moments and that I was able to be by her side.
I wrote down what I said during the burial ceremony. Here's my last words:
Muchas gracias a todos los que estan aqui y los que estan presente de corazon y alma.
Por su apoyo, por su aprecio y el cariño que lebrindaron a mi madre en vida y en sus ultimos dias.
Se que en sus ultimos dias se dio cuenta lo querida que era y se fue tranquila.
Muchas gracias a mi familia por todo su apoyo.
Gracias.
Saturday, December 09, 2017
Selena ¡Vive! a Tribute Concert!
Selena ¡Vive! a Tribute Concert
=========================
Taken on April 6-7, 2005
=========================
Selena ¡Vive! was a tribute concert in 2005 for the tenth anniversary of the death of Tejano singer Selena.
I took these photos and video the day before of the concert as well as in the concert with my first ever digital camera, which was a boxy looking HP that was a printer/camera bundle. As you can tell from the graininess, not the best quality.
Music: First song is Amor Prohibido by Thalia which is on the Selena ¡Vive! tribute concert album as well as on Thalia's albums El Sexto Sentido and El Sexto Sentido Re+Loaded.
Second song is a medley of the songs Como la Flor, La Carcacha, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, and Baila Esta Cumbia by Selena that you can find with the title Cumbia Medley (Live At Houston Astrodome) on the album Selena: The Soundtrack [Soundtrack].
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Eagle Pass Pride Parade 2017!
On Sunday, October 15, 2017 the First Ever Pride Parade in Eagle Pass, Texas, USA will take place.
That's, right yawl!
This Inaugural Eagle Pass Pride Parade is presented by the Eagle Pass Sexuality Advocacy For Everyone (S.A.F.E) and is followed by a Pride Festival. I believe they've had one or two previous festivals, so this may be their third?
Follow Eagle Pass Sexuality Advocacy For Everyone: Eagle Pass SAFE
I think it's amazing that the little town I'm form is having this. When I was growing up in Eagle Pass, there weren't any events like these and really nowhere, at least that I knew of, that you could go to an be yourself. Probably would have helped me coming out while I was still there instead after I left. Small towns/cities , in my opinion, need events like these even more.
The theme is Love Without Borders and I'm hoping to be able to go watch it.
#LoveWithoutBorders
#AmorSinFronteras
#TakePride
#EaglePassSAFE
#EPSAFE
Thursday, January 21, 2010
¡Pero Que Sera Esto!
¡Pero que sera esto! No, no es un UFO, es la Torre De Las Americas en San Antonio, Texas, United States. La fot es del 2004.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Dwight... Thanksgiving.... and X-mas....
Yesterday I got the Dwight Schrute Bobble Head I had won at ebay... so excited.. not sure if I should keep him at work or at home? OH I also got some Thalia cds (Japanese versions of the ones I already have) and Mortal Kombat II for the SNES. I never had that game, but played it quite a bit back then when it came out. Thankfully I still have my old SNES to play it in... Oh and Target has the Seasons 1-3 of Smallville on sale for $14.88. That's right $14.88 I had originally gotten the first season at regular price and then realized if I kept buying them I would have spent tons of money on it. So am so glad that they are on sale. plus I get my 10% off.
I also went and got Viva Pinata at Target plus they were giving out $10 giftcard just for buying it. I don't have the Xbox 360, but eventually I will. Oh another thing I want to get that I haven't gotten a chance to is the Zune., however before I can get that I need a new computer. My computer is from 2000 and it is running Windows ME. Yeah I know old... So, I have been looking around. Originally I wanted a super beefed up computer from Alienware or Voodoo, but realized I don't really play as many PC games as I once used to. It would be really expensive if I did get one with all the additions I wanted that I really would not use.
Now on Thanksgiving that's already next week... I had decided that I would get a ready meal for that day since I was working. I still am. In past years I have either made it myself or bought it ready made from Albertson's or Safeway, but for X-mas. It was not really tradition for us to do any celebration for Thanksgiving. It is more an Anglo thing, and I am Hispanic/Latino who grew up in the border, my cousin the same, and Aaron is Native American. So yeah celebrating Thanksgiving is really not something that is on my mind, but I do love turkey. Anyways, I think I will be getting it from Supertarget though.
Albertsons had a very basic one for $39.99 Which is already more than what Jerry, Aaron, and I could eat in a week. It included Turkey (10-12lbs), Bread stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, choice of pie, and rolls.
Basha's has a fuller meal for $49.99 that includes Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, baked yams, green beans, gravy, cranberry/orange sauce, pumpkin pie, and rolls.
Safeway... I haven't been to Safeway in the longest time and have not seen their specials so I have no idea what they are offering as their ready meals this year.
Supertarget has theirs for $59.99 and includes 10- to 12-lb. Butter-Basted Turkey, 1.5-lbs. Fresh Green Beans with side of 15-oz. Lemon-butter Thyme Sauce, Potato Trio: 2-lbs. Traditional, 1-lb. Bacon Cheddar, 1-lb. Sweet, 2.5-lbs. Stuffing, 15-oz. Gravy, 15-oz. Cranberry Sauce, 12 Dinner Rolls, choice of pie, and it also includes appetizers Triple Créme Brie, Artichoke and Spinach Dip, Stone Ground Wheat Crackers, Honey Cashew Crunch
So it seems I get more bang for my buck at Supertarget and it's practically free. I will get 10% plus with all the OT gift cards I have received, this will be essentially free. However Supertarget, has pick-up days from Monday - Wednesday, I think they are closed on Thursday, while the others I believe are open part of the day on Thursday. So I may just do Thanksgiving a few days early for us at home since on Thursday I will be going over to Marla's and may even stop by at Nancy's also.
Now on X-mas... I need to locate the boxes where I have the x-mas stuff to sort and start decorating. I have not started x-mas shopping yet, however I don't have alot to get so it can wait for a while. I did get already most of the x-mas cards. That's the one thing I always do, send x-mas cards. X-mas cards make me happy. I don't really care so much about gifts 'cause I can always get myself what I want/need, but I do like cards. I have all my x-mas (and birthday cards) that I have received through the years stored by years, since 1998. That was the year I left home in the little town I lived in Texas.
Ok so now back to work.... Have a good day ya'll!!!
I also went and got Viva Pinata at Target plus they were giving out $10 giftcard just for buying it. I don't have the Xbox 360, but eventually I will. Oh another thing I want to get that I haven't gotten a chance to is the Zune., however before I can get that I need a new computer. My computer is from 2000 and it is running Windows ME. Yeah I know old... So, I have been looking around. Originally I wanted a super beefed up computer from Alienware or Voodoo, but realized I don't really play as many PC games as I once used to. It would be really expensive if I did get one with all the additions I wanted that I really would not use.
Now on Thanksgiving that's already next week... I had decided that I would get a ready meal for that day since I was working. I still am. In past years I have either made it myself or bought it ready made from Albertson's or Safeway, but for X-mas. It was not really tradition for us to do any celebration for Thanksgiving. It is more an Anglo thing, and I am Hispanic/Latino who grew up in the border, my cousin the same, and Aaron is Native American. So yeah celebrating Thanksgiving is really not something that is on my mind, but I do love turkey. Anyways, I think I will be getting it from Supertarget though.
Albertsons had a very basic one for $39.99 Which is already more than what Jerry, Aaron, and I could eat in a week. It included Turkey (10-12lbs), Bread stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, choice of pie, and rolls.
Basha's has a fuller meal for $49.99 that includes Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, baked yams, green beans, gravy, cranberry/orange sauce, pumpkin pie, and rolls.
Safeway... I haven't been to Safeway in the longest time and have not seen their specials so I have no idea what they are offering as their ready meals this year.
Supertarget has theirs for $59.99 and includes 10- to 12-lb. Butter-Basted Turkey, 1.5-lbs. Fresh Green Beans with side of 15-oz. Lemon-butter Thyme Sauce, Potato Trio: 2-lbs. Traditional, 1-lb. Bacon Cheddar, 1-lb. Sweet, 2.5-lbs. Stuffing, 15-oz. Gravy, 15-oz. Cranberry Sauce, 12 Dinner Rolls, choice of pie, and it also includes appetizers Triple Créme Brie, Artichoke and Spinach Dip, Stone Ground Wheat Crackers, Honey Cashew Crunch
So it seems I get more bang for my buck at Supertarget and it's practically free. I will get 10% plus with all the OT gift cards I have received, this will be essentially free. However Supertarget, has pick-up days from Monday - Wednesday, I think they are closed on Thursday, while the others I believe are open part of the day on Thursday. So I may just do Thanksgiving a few days early for us at home since on Thursday I will be going over to Marla's and may even stop by at Nancy's also.
Now on X-mas... I need to locate the boxes where I have the x-mas stuff to sort and start decorating. I have not started x-mas shopping yet, however I don't have alot to get so it can wait for a while. I did get already most of the x-mas cards. That's the one thing I always do, send x-mas cards. X-mas cards make me happy. I don't really care so much about gifts 'cause I can always get myself what I want/need, but I do like cards. I have all my x-mas (and birthday cards) that I have received through the years stored by years, since 1998. That was the year I left home in the little town I lived in Texas.
Ok so now back to work.... Have a good day ya'll!!!
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