My Big Forrest

   

     Every so often you find yourself up so high that you feel like there is nothing that can touch you. You forget all the little things and you focus on one factor in your life, and nothing else matters. One day leads to the next, and then to the next, and before you know it all the time is gone.

     I tend to find myself lost in these kinds of days too often lately. Waking up, looking around, and going through the meaningless motions just to find myself on the same spot from when I awoke. I remember the days when I felt the drive to do more, to create, to see more, and to live more.

     It's only until I slow down and really take a look around that I really understand where I am. I sit back, look up in the sky, take a deep breath, and slowly close my eyes. So many thoughts run through my head as if it was trying to catch up, ideas, regrets, feelings, and dreams all the same. I become reminded of who I am, and what is really important.

     Today of all days, I was able to shut my eyes and remind myself, and with that reminder, I came across two of my favorite movies. Ones that, remind me of what life can become, no matter how crazy you might se it, or how little your might understand it. The moment when you experience something so profound, so life changing, and you don't even know it until someone wants to hear about it. Its movies like Forrest Gump and Big Fish that remind me of such things, that help me get back on track.  Lets me think about what stories I have to tell, or will have to tell, what I have already done, or have yet to do.

     Take a minute to get back on track, because you never quite know what you mind find.

The Itch...

          So, as I sit here in the airport, practically falling asleep in my chair like an exhausted toddler, I once again feel the itch within me for adventure. The funny thing is, it took up until now to feel it again. See, this all started about 2 months ago, when I found myself at my (at that time 3 month in) "new" job (since ending the 2 month road trip across the U.S.), when I was sitting attentively writing a "very important" e-mail to a peer of mine. Alone in the back room, I leaned back to give my eyes a rest, and as I looked up at the ceiling, I noticed a lizard sitting very still. Yea, I know, random, but there was literally a lizard on the ceiling. I was fixated on how it just stayed completely still as if attempting to blend in to the blandness of the egg shell shade of white panels. For minutes, I just sat there, staring at it, and I thought, I have never seen a lizard on the ceiling before, let alone at work. As I chuckled and bent my neck back to look at my screen, the 3 paragraph explanation that I had prepared was suddenly swept away by an unexpected "Force Close" by the magnificent machine we call a PC.

          At this point, any of us would be distraught to have this happen, but I just sighed at the unfortunate dilemma and went right back at admiring the lizard. It was at this exact point that I felt the "itch". It crept upon me slowly right between my eyes, as if to tell me to take off the figurative glasses I had to put on to live in the "real world." Once off, I felt I didn't understand how I was getting sucked in again.  Into the idea that the seat that I am currently imprinting is my true calling. Although I have been working hard and don't attempt to be mediocre, this was not what my life needs me to do. Like the lizard, I was attempting to blend into something that didn't make sense for me, a bland, egg shelled background. I bet it didn't think it would be stranded on ceiling of some office building surrounded by gigantic monsters doing crazy dances and speaking noises, noises that even if it understood english, would still sound odd to him (thanks to accents and mostly nonsense).

         All this going through my mind, I felt the itch moving towards my chest, at which point I felt a sense of hollowness come upon me. Why am I settling once again? What is it that my heart really wants from me? If I look back at my life and I found out that tomorrow was the end, what would I really have to show for it? What would I have failed at? What would I have learned? We all think of it at one point or another, some more than others, and some put it off because of other things that cloud their hungry minds, but for me, it was an all too eerie feeling. You see, like you, my readers, my friends and family don't quite understand my hunger for experience. I have always thrown myself to the wolves to see if I'd survive, or jumped in the deep end to see if I'd float, or driven on E to see how far I'd get (ok so I made up the last one but you get my point), so why aren't I doing that with my life now?

          With that feeling, I took a look around and saw my life as if it was a still painting, and just like those pieces of art, there are always things the jump out can create deeper though. For example, I have 3 friends of mine who are avid travelers, and without ever expressing my view they come to speak to me about their inner struggle with life and how we are formed to think the way we do. How life isn't all about staying put and feeling comfortable. This is scary thought even for me and as I press my finger into every button I feel the cold chill come down my spine thinking that I can leave it all behind someday. Then I thought about a commitment that I made to myself at the beginning of the year, about seeing much of the world before I turn 30, and what huge leaps I have made thus far. How, before I go overseas, I wanted to see North America for what it was. This is where the itch went to the top of my head and I came up with the brightest idea in quite some time and why, 2 months later, I am sitting in this airport, partially drooling as I type this. Let me finish that commitment to myself, let me see what it is again to see beauty in the unknown rather than fear, let me know that if I can dream it, it can happen. So here I am, my zone was just called to board, as if asking me one last time if I really want to do this, and I just gave them my boarding pass. Hello again, Kenneth, lets see where your heart takes us again...

Gainesville, Florida

          There are many places in Florida that I've strived to visit, some I look forward to for their beauty, some for their endless trails, and others for the sake of wonder, as to think, "what if." In this case, it would be the later of the options. From the moment I began my high school career, I remember debating my options, either I go up north to NYU, or across the U.S. to California in search of new horizons, but non the less I stayed in Orlando to attend my Alma Mater, the University of Central Florida. Yet, in that same decision, I also had the option to go to USF, and where this next trip took me, The University of Florida. This is not just where I got to live one of my lifes, "what if" moments, but more about meeting someone who is always up for a good time.

Kelly and I under the "DNA Bridge"

Justin, Miguel, Kelly, and I aka "cool guys" starting the night off!

We even did some reading with random books that were laying around town

Roadtrip sing alongs never hurt, right?

          Meet Kelly, she's lived in Gainesville for quite some time and has found her little paradise amongst her friends and all of her rescued animals. Her uncanny ability to just go with the flow and care for others is what really drew me to her as I got to know her more. There was never a dull moment with her or her friends, we talked about environment issues, laughed at corny jokes, and even played a some games of charades (our team kicked butt). Even with us just knowing each other for 2 days, I felt as though I've known her for years. We have the same sense of direction in life we were just on a path to intersect until now. I am glad I was able to meet such a cool group of people and look forward to going back! 

Kelly climbing up on the "French Fries" on the UF Campus

A little study Session with the famous UF clock tower behind me

Riding the ironic "Bull Gator" as a testament to my fellow UCF Knights

Erin, Kelly, and I at "The Swamp" doing stadiums for "fun"

          We were able to take a small trip on the UF campus for a bit, ok maybe like a whole day (lol) and explore the what it had to offer. I must say, even though the campus and city were dead due to the summer, its potential was definitely not lacking. With the college students setting up game systems outside to the runners not skipping a beat in the summer heat, or the hammocks set up in the trees, to the guitar players on the sidewalk, this campus had what I looked for in an University. There were so many things to do, and that was on its off season, I'm even debating getting my MBA, and I must say, UF seems like a real possibility...

Just hanging around on the trail

You know how many gators we had to run past to make it there... 0_o

A horse, and a bunch of horse shit...

Kelly and I enjoying the view at Payne Prairie

Catch me if you can Kelly!!!

Kelly's version of "my germs!"

          Even amongst all the allure and glamour that UF had to offer, there was more than meets the eye in the city of Gainesville. Just a short bike ride out of campus, you find Paynes Prairie where you can bike, hike, and see the sights (or just animals that block your way on the trail). I wasn't expecting such an adventure so close to where I was staying. I must admit, this makes me feel like I am missing something in Orlando, where are the adventurous parts?? We ran past gators, strolled by wild horses, and did handstands until our arms got tired. I must say, even with Florida swamp heat beating down upon us, we never slowed down or complained. This is where I appreciate Kelly more as a host, but more so as a person. She didn't let little things like that get in her way of adventure, in fact it drove her passion that much more. She was able to hang with all my little challenges and curious exploration of the landscape.

Miguel, Justin, Mirialys, Oliver, Pedro, Kelly, and I at dinner

Miguel, Kelly and I finding our inner spirit animal

          On my last night in Gainesville we took some time to go out and have some dinner together. Filled with laughs about the two days prior, and confusion surrounding missing plantains, it was definitely a great way to end the adventure. There were even a few games of charades and glasses home made wine that we enjoyed later. All in all, this was a great experience and an awesome way to be introduced to the city. The way I see it, it would have been easy to visit some of my college buddies up here and party, but whats the fun in partying all the time? For me, exploring new horizons with great people gives me more satisfaction than any night partying can ever do. Until next time guys!

         Stay tuned to check out more posts as I continue my adventures, and check out the trailers to the small film I am making below. Use the hashtag #MadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer)
and

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer 2)

Follow and support, "The Community Made of Us" here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs

Orlando, Florida - Home

A couple enjoying the famous Lake Eola fountain

          Oh, The City Beautiful, you have many names, and have given many floridians a ton of memories. You know, I never understood why they named it "The City Beautiful" rather than "The Beautiful City" but either way the truth is apparent. My feet have stepped on many paths pavement, grass, and dirt alike in the past months, but nothing feels sweeter than sitting back by lake Eola watching the kites floating effortlessly in the wind, or the dogs gaining their stance as a swan walks by beefing up its chest. All of which is met with the plaids of grass and tree branches swaying from side to side, and thats just what I am seeing right now. "There isn't much to do here in Orlando" is what I hear quite often by many, but my response is always the same, "What is it that your looking for?"

The pup and the dog

The best card game in town

Sideshow Bar in Downtown Orlando

          You see, like most of the locals will tell you, there is much more here than just Disney World and Universal, well considering the fact that Disney is not even in Orlando proves my theory half true, but what else is there? To start, it depends on what part of Orlando your in, whether your in the UCF student populated flatlands, to the hipster/ young professional populous of Downtown Orlando, to the suburbs of Hunters Creek, all the way to the ritzy hills of Windermere, there is something for everyone here. Amongst it all, there is something that all these places don't seem to lack, and thats the potential to sit back and enjoy the view. We may not have mountains, or the ocean in our city but there are lakes and sunshine galore. Even more so now that we are finding unity amongst ourselves with the up and coming Orlando City Lions, the ever growing live music scene, and more event's and bar crawls downtown than ever before we are becoming a city.

Double Lake Eola fountain beats double rainbow

Hanging out with these two characters, Chrisse and Lisandra

The group of hooligans called my friends.

          Now, some would say, what about me, I'm not even 21, to which I would response, get off your cellphones and separate yourself from the countless selfies. Since when does being under 21 stop you from a bike ride to the park? Or taking a moment to enjoy a good book under the the palm trees? Not to mention being able to hang by the pool 99% of the year in Florida. Even when it rains, when's the last time you just hung out in a downpour? If you can move, there is nothing you can't do? But to stop myself before allowing myself to continue this tangent, what's the harm in listening to the sounds of outside? Really appreciating the value of a long walk, or life in the moment?

My buddy Leo and I enjoying the nice breeze

Everything is better with racing pigs in your life

Strawberry Shortcake with my friend Angela

          When I left Orlando about a year ago I felt as though there was nothing left for me to appreciate, nothing that would help me see what a city like this really offered. But after traveling, being out of my element and meeting some of the most interesting strangers that later became my friends, I realized I was always looking for the wrong thing here. What that thing is, I'm not fully sure yet, but what I do know is that I will have fun looking for it while I am here. I guess it's true what they say, you never really appreciate something until you don't have it anymore, but when you find it again, try not to let go...'Till next time community members, and welcome to The City Beautiful.

 A moment in time.

         Stay tuned to check out more posts as I continue my adventures, and check out the trailers to the small film I am making below. Use the hashtag #MadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer)
and

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer 2)

Follow and support, "The Community Made of Us" here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs

Arlington, Texas

           Texas, Texas, Texas... oh how large and plentiful you are. I have never been before, and quite frankly I didn't know what to expect. Driving into the city, my first impression was, where does it end? I mean Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Arlington are like one huge city. I mean damn, I know everything is bigger in Texas but it's like they built one big city and gave it 3 different names (haha). Complete with a six flags, street art, a few views worthy of a broken neck, and some delicious food, I'm already thinking of moving there, and I haven't even gotten to my destination yet. Little did I know this feeling would only multiply when I met, who I like to call, the "Texas Welcoming Committee."

Meet Anwar, Ornella, Anna, and Steven

          It all starts with Ornella, a Texan I met on couch surfing on my search for hosts. She caught my attention because she was Peruvian and from New Jersey, just like me. So naturally, I sent her a message and she was happy to take me in. As I pulled up to her place, I was excited to see who I would meet being this was my first time in Texas. I knocked on the door and to my surprise, her roommate Anwar acted like she didn't know anything about my arrival. I was confused and unsure of what to do, until she started laughing and said "come on in!" It was at this point, I knew I was going to have an awesome time. We immediately sat down, and started chatting around a few cups of tea. I met the third roommate, Joe and their friend Anna, which were all about some good jokes. Shortly after, Ornella walks in with her great dane named Marble and greeted me with a huge smile and huge. We talked about life in Texas, the Rodeo, drinks, amongst other adult topics. Shortly after stumbling on the topic of alcohol, we naturally decided we should go out, and that was only the beginning.

Anna and Anwar showing their faces natural state

       They decided to take me to a local watering hole in downtown, and the story unravels from there. We first agreed that it won't be a crazy night (yea, that's never the case). We went on to innocently play some connect 4, then jumbo Jenga (I lost), watched some karaoke, then I get my behind handed to me in foosball by Ornella, oh yea, and sprinkle some beers, shots, and drinks in between. At some point in the night we decided to head to the "Fort Worth Stock Yards," which is basically very old western buildings turned into bars, you know, the way it should be (haha). It was an awesome saloon feeling and we bar hopped to a few places, enjoyed some live music, (shots) and they even showed me how to two step, Texas style.

The took me to the Fort Worth Stock Yard

        Eventually, we get back to the car, decide to cruise a little, and all join in to what I like to think of as a synchronized, heavenly choir as we sang some songs on the radio. Don't believe me? Think of a car full of responsible adults singing out loud after a night of bar hopping, yep, that was us. We eventually get home and enjoy some homemade fresh hummus, veggies, and funny enough, tater tots (who doesn't love some good tots, right?) We all hung for a bit but we slowly dropped like flies. Unfortunately everyone either had class or work the next morning but they offered their kitchen and their home to me and I was able to stay as long as I liked.

        I must say, the whole time we hung out I kept thinking of, "So a Texan, Mexican, Palestinian, and 2 Peruvians walk into a bar" but I couldn't find a way to finish the joke, so I'll finish it as it should be, "and they left as a group of friends." Hanging with this group of people helped me realize the importance of "The Community: Made of Us." They all met each other in different ways, all come from different backgrounds, and found comfort in one another. They took a perfect stranger in, immersed me in their world, and showed me the value of a great laugh. Thanks guys! See you soon!

Great times!

        Next stop will be Rosewell, New Mexico. Check out the trailer to the video I am making below. Use the hashtag #TheCommunityMadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, and when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer)
and

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer 2)

Follow and support The Community here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs

Support by donating: http://www.gofundme.com/TCMadeOfUs