MANU GINOBILI

It's been a while since I've had something to say but my babe, Manu, did it again. I actually shed some tears for him over the 2 game losses to the Lakers. He just wasn't himself and seemed uncharacteristically down. I was worried. I prayed at church and at night. I know what you may be thinking. Aren't there other things I could be praying for? The answer is yes. But I truly love the Spurs. They are such a role model team. Kobe may be the greatest player out there rivaling only LeBron James, but teams win championships, not I's. Kobe can score 48 points but he can't beat the team himself. And so I am so proud that Manu and the Spurs once again showed their skills. Funny how when then lose they are old but when they win they are experienced. Also, isn't it great that the Spurs have the ability to out score the Lakers and take a 20 point lead? Yeah I know, they lost that lead in game 1 but a valuable lesson was learned. Let's see if the Lakers can do the same.
So read about how fantastic Manu played. He may not have the same game tomorrow but I am sleeping better tonight and not worried that he is down.

A Tragedy Indeed

Most of you know that I love the San Antonio Spurs because I lived in San Antonio for 9 years. I went there for school and stayed to teach. I had a horrific night yesterday. My friend Ruben texted me to tell me that the university where I got my undergraduate degree was on fire. To my absolute horror the school was engulfed in flames. According to the news report they had been fighting the fire for an hour already. I watched helplessly for two additional hours and still the fire was going. One news report said that more than half of the city's fire fighters were there. All though I was emotional and teary-eyed I didn't actually start crying until the news station showed footage of what the school looked like before. Another example of not taking anything for granted. I know it may just be a building but I lived there for 4 and half years and was very much involved with campus life. I'm mostly sad that future generations won't be able to enjoy it's original charm and architecture. Also, the school is located on one of the oldest and poorest sides of town. The school was a symbol of pride for many there. Not only was it one of the most historic buildings in San Antonio, but one of the most well respected. It is truly a loss.
Today I searched the web for pictures of the aftermath. I wanted to see what was left of my school. It made me even sadder but I didn't want to cry at school. I'm so fortunate to have such great friends. Most of my close friends called me yesterday or texted me with messages of sympathy. A couple of them that went to school with me were speechless.
Despite this tremendous tragedy there is a positive outcome. The statue of the Virgin Mary survived as did the chapel. It is a beautiful chapel. If I wanted to get married there I would have to get on the 6 - 7 year waiting list.
And yet, through all the heart break and costly damage, the founders of the school, the Sisters of Divine Providence were hopeful. One sister said that bad things happen but it's how you respond to them that is the real test. They said that the fire was sad and devastating but they would ultimately rebuild. And so as an alumni I will support the cause in whatever way I can.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week and my room mom is hard at work coordinating my week. I greatly appreciate the hard work she does. She always goes above and beyond for me. At my old school it wasn't really a big deal. And in all honesty it's really only one day but at my new school they celebrate us all week. My room mother worked really hard to keep it a secret. As much as I wanted to peek in the extra envelop left over after she gave every student one, I honored her wish. She is trying really hard to make it special for me. So far I know I'm getting lunch on Wednesday and possibly some arts and craft items. I think the kids are also making me something. Well I must say that I am so appreciative. I will definitely miss my room mother next year. I'm not sure if any other mother will live up to her. And don't forget she made my birthday special, too.

My Famous Cousin

My cousin Gabriel has always been a musician. He's really good, too. He has been involved with many projects. I'm really proud to announce that my cousin will be on the Jay Leno show tomorrow. His band is called Sleepercar. So I hope all of you will show love and watch the show.

Update

Spurs win 4 - 1. I get coffee every Friday in May. Yay!