Thanksgiving Day

#ThrowbackStory

I remember like it was only yesterday. I’ve told this story several times because of its significance on my life. It was Thanksgiving Day, 1996. We had to pack and load everything on the U-Haul truck, we were going to get on that bus to finally move to Texas that same evening, and say goodbye to California for good. It was one of those nights I will never forget. My two brothers, my mother, and I didn’t know what to expect. As a matter of fact we didn’t know how we were going to load up all of our furniture and appliances into the big truck. I was 13 years old, my twin was also 13, my older brother was 16, and we were still kids. Also, my mother who was a disabled cancer patient wasn’t able to do much work herself. We needed a miracle, the day was winding down, and we didn’t realize how much work and how hectic it was going to be. I remember my mother was frustrated, had a hopeless look in her face, and she sat there at the foot of the stairs and cried during one of our breaks. Suddenly, an idea crossed her mind. One of her friends who lived closed by had 2 older adult sons who were in town. My mother never liked to ask for help, but she trusted and counted on this friend. She apologized for interrupting their thanksgiving dinner and asked for their assistance as a huge favor. We were all relieved afterwards that they were so willing to help a family in need. Wow, once again I was reminded that miracles happen everyday. I never saw these people ever again, but may God bless them forever. The night ended, with more man power, our job was done, but another obstacle arrived. My older brother’s vehicle died. We couldn’t get transportation to the bus station. A neighbor came out to help by brother start his car, but it needed more than just a jump. I honestly don’t remember how we got to the bus station, but we were all there before the departure time. My father even showed up to say goodbye. I remember seeing a tear coming down from his eyes. I’ve never seen that man cry before, but we all hugged said farewell. Our new life was about to begin in West Texas. It was a long trip in that bus, and since it was night, it was quiet because many people were sleeping. We were shocked, surprised, honestly I’m not sure what we were feeling since we’ve never been through a big change like that. Deep down were at ease because we knew that it was for the better, and finally after an exhausting day we were headed to our new home/life. We stopped at a McDonald’s restaurant late that evening. My 2 brothers, my mother, and I all laughed and joked that we were eating our thanksgiving dinner. Really? A “Big Mac”? Fast forward to 16 years later…In a small town of Midland, TX lies a family with hope…Living a dream…The saga continues!

Happy Thanksgiving 2012!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to read. God bless you always and forever.

Life is beautiful: So what would you do if you wait tomorrow, there’s no more sorrow and dreams came true, so knock on wood, and cross you fingers, now count your blessings if I were you. So what would you do if you wait tomorrow, when all your great skies have now turned blue, how many days do you think you’re giving, so get on living is up to you.

How to Impress Somebody...

It's not about dress to impress. It's not about getting fit to impress. It's not about getting rich to impress. or achieving something to impress.

You want to impress somebody? Girl or boy, boss, colleague, parents, relative, friend, teacher, stranger, etc.

Love them.

Love them with all you heart, soul and mind.

I challenge YOU to love everyone you see today, especially your enemy. I guarantee that people's jaws will drop and the word "wow" will float through the air, heads will turn, and most importantly love will be given in return. GOD is good!!!!!

Election 2012

I voted once again... I don't deal with politics. I don't like talking about politics with anyone because people get offended. With that being said, I will not reveal who I voted for or which party I favor. It's one of those things that you don't want to bring up. You should never talk religion or politics with people of different views. You won't change their minds and they won't change yours. In the end, they end up judging you for it.

They asked me, "What's gonna happen if your oposing candidate wins the election?" I answered, "Nothing!" I still will continue to live my life, I will continue to be the change that I want to see, regardless of who's in office. My world does not change! We tend to hold things against people if we are not on the same page. The same could be said in sports: When my team wins, I rejoice, and when my team loses, I mourn, but my world does not change. Simple as that, there’s no need to be bitter and complain publicly because there’s going to be people out there that will hold that against you, if they haven’t already. Win or lose, may the best team win, and in this election's case, may the best man win. Please hold me to this!!!!! I will celebrate when I win, and congratulate when I lose. Nothing is impossible in this world, I wish all candidates the best. The word impossible, says I'm possible. What can you accomplish? All the above. Change your world and the world changes. You can take a look at someone's eye, and you can tell that that person is destined for greatness. I dedicate the following song to everyone who took the time to read this:

 

Social Media

Instagram: nunez83

Twitter: Eriknunez83

Facebook: Erik Nunez

MySpace: Erik Nunez

I update each site frequently except MySpace, I didn't think it still existed. Instagram is booming right now. Twitter has surpassed Facebook. I will not put the same pictures or status updates in different websites. That's my rule of thumb. You're gonna get stimulated from different angles with never before seen pictures. Join the fun! Follow me, I follow back...Nunez out!

What do I do for a Living?

Each night I ask the stars up above…At 11:11, I’m making the same wishes… Momma said they’d be days like this…These are the days that we’ll remember…I wanted to shock the world one day, now I want to shock the world everyday…What can I say? I already drove every car. I have nice cooked food. If I’m not producing the “wow” effect then why the heck do I get up in the morning? I’d be better off staying in bed. I go out to the world and I’m exposed to 100,000,000 germs everyday because I have to shake hands with every individual. They cannot go through my campus without knowing who I am and sharing some type of moment with me. Principals be like, teachers are absent we need someone to cover, “Me, me, me, pick me!” I will cover everyday for the rest of the year is what I told them. Who needs a conference period? That’s just to listen to music and catch a breather. I don’t take breaks I just break records. That’s what I been saying since the 4th ring. At the beginning of school there’s a minute of silence. Do you know how important that minute is? Calling all angels…Somebody is not having a good day. Happy meals for everyone! Am I insane? This is the normal side of me because insane doesn’t kick in until April, May and June. Where’s my easy button. I need to get a fácil button from Staples. Does anybody need a hug? That’s what the world lacks, hugs, they are scarce. Justice will be served. The cream will rise to the top. The votes will be counted. Anyone can hide, but nobody can hide their heart. Let’s say a joke. Life’s a joke, joke around. Hello, bueno, Coach Núñez is not here, he went home. Home is where the heart is. Deng, what happened? Oh, let me investigate. He did what? She did what? Intervention! Excuse me. Help me. What’s a matter? I’m more Mexican than a jalapeño pepper. Are those even Mexican? Hey Ah! Please refrain from doing that. No, my team didn’t lose. We never lose any games, we just run out of time. “Coach!” “Coach!!” “Cooaacchh!!!” Hey kids. Let’s get this party started. Uno, dos, tres. Moral of the story, don’t do drugs. Life is a dance floor. Hey, welcome, come on in, make yourself at home. I don’t have enough seats and I don’t get paid until the first of next month, but join us in this adventure. It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas. I eat tamales because it’s the only thing I can unwrap. Who am I kidding? I have the new iPhone 5 and mini iPad, the latest and greatest technology devices. I am an old stereo boom box with iPod capabilities. I want to be the best and to be the best you have to win. How do I do it? No furniture, no nonsense, no homework, and no extra work. Work hard, work smart, and laugh your butt off. lmbo. Okay, let’s get serious, wait, it’s not May yet. Who cares? Fieldtrip time! Pep rally next week! No uniform day! Vote for Pedro! Better yet vote for Pánfilo Montebello de la Cruz the 3rd. I was just kidding, j/k. These girls are crazy, but I’m flattered by the attention, some things never change. Okay let’s learn something finally. In 1996 Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets. Haha! My kids are learning Spanish the easy way. The results are in. My Spanish students are beasts! You think I’m going to give out my secrets? Heck no, we’re number 1 because number 2 is the first to lose and number 3 is still wondering what number they are. Those were the days. This new generation is not ready. They’re not ready to deal with a person like me. Do I need to tell everyone my business? I’m not from this world, but I’m stuck here, so I might as well embrace it. You only live twice. Oh, I mean once. Hash tag time! #ForeverAlone. Once upon a time, in the Permian Basin…Officer, don’t pull me over again. I haven’t received any tickets, but thanks for another warning. I’m on a roll. Play the game. Am I lucky? No, but that’s the name of my dog, he’s lucky because he’s my dog. Haha! ¿Qué onda Ese? Oh, you’re a gangster? órale, that makes two of us. Hey that teacher is looking at me weird, let me go say hi and introduce myself for the 7th year in the row. Laugh out loud. I want to help everyone. Every person needs individual attention. Let’s see if I can make it happen. I’m in the support system with my colleagues basically it’s called the Kobe System, but I don’t tell them that, they’ll freak out. Let’s play ball. Ref, Mr. Referee, can I have your autograph? I’m your biggest fan. Touchdown Mustangs! 3-point shot is good! Finish line here we come. Gotta love it…I can’t wait to get up the next morning and do it again. What do I do for a living? Can I tell you a secret? I am a superhero, if you don’t believe that, then you don’t believe in miracles. Each night I ask the stars up above…At 11:11, I’m making the same wishes…Momma said they’d be days like this…(Magical Realism).

Suffering is Love

Abuse me. Accuse me. Belittle me. Blame me. Break me. Cheat me. Convict me. Criticize me. Cuss at me. Cut me open. Don’t give me hope. Doubt me. Embarrass me. Fail me. Hang me. Harass me. Hate me. Hurt me. Injure me. Judge me. Kick me. Laugh at me. Offend me. Pick on me. Plot against me. Punch me. Punish me even if I’m innocent. Push me. Slap me. Spit on me. Spread rumors about me. Stab me. Steal from me. Step on me. Take advantage of me. Take everything away from me. Talk bad about me behind my back. Trap me. Trip me. Throw me. Turn me in. Wish badly on me.

This is what I've had to endure...and that is why I succeed…God gives me justice.

http://www.jesusandthebibletoday.com/suffering_and_pain.html

"The Beatitudes For Those Who Suffer In Any Way"

Blessed are the suffering, for they are

seen, heard and known by God.

~ Exodus 3:7

Blessed are those who suffer in the

darkness of affliction, for they learn the

mercy and compassion of God.

~ Lamentations, Chapter 3

Blessed are the suffering, for the Lord

has compassion on them.

~ Isaiah 49:13

Blessed are the suffering, for they experience

the pain of creation longing to be

set free from death.

~ Romans 8:21-22

Blessed are those who suffer, for they

are able to console others who are

afflicted and suffering.

~ 2nd Corinthians 1:3-7

Blessed are the suffering, for they are

following in the steps of Christ's suffering.

~ 1st Peter 2:21

Blessed are those who suffer, for they

know Christ.

~ Philippians 3:7-11

Blessed are the suffering, for in them

dwells the power of Christ.

~ 2nd Corinthians 12:7b-10

Blessed are the suffering, for in them

the life of Jesus is made visible

in their very bodies.

~ 2nd Corinthians 4:7-12

Blessed are the suffering, for they become

like Christ in His death.

~ Philippians 3:10

Blessed are those who suffer with Christ,

for they shall be glorified with Him.

~ Romans 8:17

Blessed are those who suffer for their

pain will turn into joy.

~ John 16:20

“Those who endure, conquer.” –Coach Nunez

Give me pain, there may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning, if it means a better tomorrow; if it's for the ones I love; I will suffer for them over and over again; ; if it means I get to deserve another chance; if it means I get to see her, even if it's in my dreams; if it means I fail beacause at the end of the day what's most important is suffering for God and His will, FOR GREATER GLORY. That is what she taught me. I love you my beautiful angel. Keep praying for me mommy.

Long Way Home

Long Way Home by Steven Curtis Chapman
Keep calm and enjoy the ride:

How to Win: Dreams Come True

First all I just want to comment that justice was served. No more tension. The atmosphere is bearable. The love and respect is there.

I’ve never been more excited than I am now for a new season/school year. I get this feeling pretty much every year. I just had one of the best summers, I know I say it every year, but this was the best summer. I tried to explain in my previous blogs what kind of work is put in during the break. The kind of work that leads to winning takes place in the off season/summer break. I’m in a position where I can be successful. Everything has been put in place and the work has been done. It’s time hit the road and continue the journey that started 2 years ago. 1,000 miles was the total distance.

Before

I lot preparation…Training physically, mentally, spiritually…With hard work comes rest which is essential for your body to develop, to get your mind right, to feed your soul. It’s the calm before the storm. Embracing the peace and silence adds fuel for later. The drawing board is where championships are won. Not having a plan is planning to fail. I hope you pushed yourself to exhaustion this summer and at the same time got plenty of rest.

During

The storm, war, battle, fight, competition, or the stage means the season has arrived. The spotlight, the millions of people watching, the jeers and the cheers is what you have prepared for. The grind and the failure begin to mold a winner. Battle tested is needed for the grand finale. Strive to persevere because only the strong survive out there in the jungle. This is the part that everyone remembers at the end, even though it’s the part that everyone dreads. Winners look forward to the battlefield.

After

Rejoice! The celebration, parade, ceremony, gathering, and the fiesta it’s what we look forward to. The impossible becoming possible is the greatest feeling in the world. The true beauty of it all is that anybody can be a winner, but it takes a special person and group (future blog) to become a champion.

Fully loaded, the tank is full, tons of ammunition. No bullet will be left in the chamber. No stone will be left unturned. I will excide every ounce of energy and power that it is within me. Winning comes from within. When I step out on the floor, I feel like I’m better than my opponent. I’ve put in more work, I deserve it more, I have what it takes, I’m more skilled, etc. They stand no chance.

Dream big! I can’t stop dreaming. With God nothing is impossible, therefore I’m not going to stop, I’m not going to wake up, and I’m going to keep dreaming because that is what every child in this world is doing. We are that child wishing on a falling star, saying that prayer, and scrubbing those dirty floors. It’s a Cinderella Story. Dreams come true! Dreams never end! That is my testimony. I’m going to enjoy the ride. Every day/game will have a unique approach, as if it was my last. I probably talk a big game, I’m probably full of it, maybe I’m a B.S’er, but I’ll leave it up to you to be the judge. On a side note: The new Dream Team! #QuestFor6

Pre-Season ;)

So many changes this school year, yet some things never change ;)
Development
Getaway
Study
Rest
Camp
Conditioning
Planning
Training
It's all a process, this will be my 7th year, definately not my first rodeo. Gotta love the Pre-Season where you're tested early.

Everyday I have to prove myself to the world over and over again. #underdog #champion

— Coach Núñez (@Eriknunez83) July 25, 2012

Maybe one day they will get it, and show me a well-earned respect, praise, and love, but if they do, then my life will be normal, it will not have a purpose, I will not have that hunger or that edge over anyone, so in that case I hope they never get it. I want to have that chip on my shoulder to always fight for what's right because they will continue to talk and put down. At least, some people will glance and see it, see that fire in my eye, some people will not look down at me as an inferior or superior person but someone who has great value. It is those who see and believe that will benefit and embrace greatness, and those who don't will eventually look up at me pleading and extending their hand in a last minute attempt in order to avoid falling. Those are at risk individuals and that were not blessed to see greatness, beauty, or truth, but there's always hope. Blessed are those who appreciate and see what is good without needing multiple proofs. The more proofs, the stronger I become, so they are only doing me a favor. Of course I have to love them. I treat them all the same, which includes those who hate and those who appreciate by giving them the same greeting and smile, but deep down I know where everyone stands.

Men’s Health Magazine provides: Your guide to finding good people:
Step 1. Identify what you value in people.
Step 2. Identify where this type of person spends time.
Step 3. Go there, whether it is a church, gym, beach, dance lessons, boot camp, fitness class, Chamber of Commerce meeting, local lectures, weekend seminars or weekly group meetings. You don’t meet good people by watching TV…but good people ARE out there. Go forth and find them.

Forgive, forget and find people for your own good. We all must stick to a circle of influence and not allow others to destroy it, use them as motivation to make the circle stronger. Good always prevails, I have witnessed it for 28 years. All glory to God.

Spain 2012

-What did you do this summer?

-I went to Spain.

-What?

-Did you go for business reasons or something?

-No, I went for personal reasons, just to learn, for the experience…

-What?

It’s uncommon to hear that someone travelled abroad. I wanted to explore a little bit, especially overseas and specifically Spain because a great part of my culture comes from Spanish influence: language, religion, customs, etc. Going to Spain is what I call a vacation. My favorite place to go visit is Los Angeles, California, where I’ve been going on vacation for the past 13 summers. It’s beautiful because my family is there, there’s lots of entertainment, and it feels like home because at one time it was. Spain had some similarities and many differences. I rank Spain #2 in my favorite places to visit. I recommend it to anybody who has never gone to Europe or another country outside of North America. People don’t make these kinds of trips because they do not have the funds or maybe perhaps they are a little scared of being in an unfamiliar territory far away from home. At least those were my main reasons. It might be different for others, maybe because of health or lack of vacation time or whatever. I’m not sure, but all I knew was that I had to go. This was going to be an early graduation present, to go visit a place that I’ve learn so much about in the past two years during graduate school. I graduate this December, si Dios quiere (God willing), and I didn’t want to wait until next summer. Why wait when the time is now. Enjoy life now! Blame the “you only live once” mentality.

It was an early Saturday morning when I left Midland International Airport to Houston to Washington D.C. It was at that point, waiting on my next flight that was going to cross the Atlantic Ocean that I kind of wanted to turn back. The same jitters that you get when you are buckled down in a rollercoaster for the first time and it slowly begins its course. There was no turning back, all the reservations were made and my flight was already paid for. After a long 9 hours of reading books, watching movies and playing games on the consol in the seat in front of me, and of course sleeping, I finally landed in Spain. It didn’t feel like another country more like another planet. Everything was different. The first night was a blessing because the best thing that could ever happen to me happened when Spain won the Euro Cup and made history. The people in Madrid went crazy, just like when the L.A. Lakers win NBA championships. It was a celebration that went on until the following morning. My introduction to the country couldn’t have been more perfect.

Fast forward a little bit. I went to Cádiz, where I spent a week interacting with people, practicing the language, exploring the city, riding bikes, learning history, swimming, visiting the beach and eating great food. It was everything I expected and more, it was a luxury. I ended up visiting Jerez, Tariff, Morocco in Africa, Seville, and Granada.

Ultimately, I wanted to go watch a basketball game in a different country so I did. I decided to take a trip to Salamanca, purchased my ticket to a pre-Olympic game: Spain vs. Tunisia, bought my train ticket, and booked my hotel. Once again, it brought back those same feelings that I get prior to attending a live Lakers game.

I went back to Madrid to finish off my two weeks stay in the Old World where it all began. I finished off my last night at a theme park that I coincidently found. I was in my hotel room packing and getting everything ready to return to the states when I looked at the time and said. “What am I doing here?” I wanted to go out and visit the city one last time so I took a taxi at this Teleférico that takes you on one side of town to the other. That’s where I saw it. Rollercoaster! Ahh! After running as fast as I can across this small forest, I ended up at the entrance of the park and they were not closing until midnight so I checked it out for a few hours. The next morning I kissed Spain goodbye and went to the airport to go back home where another adventure was waiting.

It was a trip I will never forget. I thank God for the opportunity and the courage that it took to undergo all odds. As a result, I came back a renewed man.

I Love My Life

This is the life that I was given

How do I deal?

We are living in a desert

It is beautiful!

The days are just right

The night skies are great

It’s nice to dream.

Free at last

I can breathe

The bad makes me appreciate the good

I once had a dream.

It is real

I pinch myself and I feel it.

I cut myself and I bleed.

These are the days

It’s hot outside?

Swim suit and sunscreen is all I need

There’s a storm coming?

Dancing in the rain is what I'll do

No obstacle is bigger than my God

They want to attack me, but they shall see

They are going to hurt themselves trying

I get paid in blessings not currency

This is too perfect

I’m living the dream

Worry free

Too good that it creates some anxiety

Is it really supposed to be this way?

I fell and scraped my knee

I was just kidding

They wanted to celebrate already

I put them to the test

They can't fool me

Testing the waters

Better yet testing the ocean

Taking a step

It’s okay to fall

A friend fell

Time to pick him up

I received a message from someone

On my way

Another adventure

Another chapter

What’s next?

The fun never ends

Up and down the rollercoaster goes

There goes another cheap shot

I guess I’ll turn and take another one

I’ll take everything

This world is full of it

It's full of crap and gold

I want it all

The good and the bad

I have chores

I take out the trash like a man

I’m just a soul whose intentions are good

Oh Lord, I’m being misunderstood

I’m just an instrument

This is not my plan

I walk into a dark valley

I use one of my secret powers and run fast

Gun shots were fired

Were they aiming for me?

Did I cheat?

I’m not the victim or the prey

This world belongs to the brave

It takes courage to withstand the hits

Survival of the fittest

The whistle is blowing, Here we go!

Love is in the air

I’m practicing how to fly

I’m almost there

At night when all the world is sleeping

Do you think of me like I think of you?

My world can be yours too

Take these treasures before somebody tries to steal them

Take my heart

I’m saving everything to share with you

You do exist

I’ll be right back

I’m taking my talents overseas

Another villain arrived

He’s never met me before

Now he’s digging his own grave

I feel the nice breeze

I have an iced cold drink

Received some good news

Paradise is here

This is not a dream

Give me scars and pain

I have more dues to pay

Plus I want a new toy

I pay with works

I work for food

I’m no different than a homeless or a slave

Therefore I’m no different than a king or a knight

I’m capable

I did it for me

Admittedly, I probably did it subliminally for you

But I just met you

I'll call you maybe

Only if you hope to be more than friends.

Wow! I can touch the sky now

Don’t tell anybody

It's a secret for now

I’m saving that for later

Laughing my butt off

Life is a joke

Momma said they’ll be days like this

My phone is ringing

I have to go

Another mission

I love how this crazy world can be beautiful

Live for today!

Summer Time!

One week of summer has gone by. What did I do? I slept the entire week. That would be my typical response to the media. I did way more than that, but I don’t want everyone to know about the underground work that I’ve been doing. Are you kidding me? This is the World Wide Web and I don’t want the public to know.

Did I mention that I loved my job? Okay, I’m going to stop bragging for now and time to get serious. June, July, and August are the best months out of the year for me. They are filled with lots of fun activities and I am my own boss. My school district still pays me for those months to do absolutely nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve earned that right August through May, believe me because it’s nonstop action, but my reward is the summer. I don’t know any other job that gives you 3 months off. Maybe a 2 week vacation tops, but 3 months? Either way, I’ve been given a short time frame to regroup so that I can come back and repeat that challenging cycle, but come back a better person than what existed in May. This is my offseason to improve in everything that I can. There’s not a lot of time, but I can assure you that when I come back partied out ready for next school year, I will not be the same person that I was yesterday. In the summer (June, July, and August):

1. I sleep as much as I sleep the entire school year because some days I don’t even sleep. There’s just so much work and procrastinating that takes place. I finally get to sleep when I want for as long as I want. “El sueño es la mitad de la vida.”

2. I eat more during these three months than normal, so that’s why it’s important to watch what I eat and eat what I watch. If I’m in California anything goes. “Una vez al año no hace daño.”

3. I work out more than usual because I have the time and motivation to do so. After all, who wears shirts in the summer? I have to so I can compensate because all the food that I consume requires me to burn those calories, so that’s another reason. Yeah, I burn calories, yeah I work out. These fitness gurus said: Guys, you want guns? Girls you want buns…Well, You have to work hard. “Preocúpate por número uno y que número dos se preocupe Dios.”

4. I filled my mind with knowledge by most recently taking summer classes to finish my degree. On a personal level I have several books to read, and film to study, etc. We never stop learning. Anything that will give me an edge. “Vamos a descansar cuando vayamos a morir.”

5. I do some summer cleaning. This is one way to get organized and keep things simple and clutter free. Organize your stuff, and you organize your life! Okay, okay, I’ll get to it. “El huevo tiene doble trabajo.”

6. I spend a lot of time with my family and friends more during this time than the rest of the year. They keep in touch all year round even in long distance and vice versa. I like to take the opportunity to add to the fun memories by traveling and visiting my people. Everyone expects my visit every year. They anticipate it and prepare for my hyperactive behavior. It’s all a show. “La familia viene primero.”

7. I take the opportunity to learn more about my faith, so that I can continue to do God’s work. On top of everything else, He even gives me three months every year to get closer to Him because He is good and deserving of my love and attention. “Gracias a Dios por un pan que comer sin saberlo merecer.”

8. I have fun! I am thankful for every summer day, even the 100+ degree days. I enjoy them because these are the days that should be cherished, what a wonderful blessing. If a person in my position cannot be happy during this time of year, then that person is not going to be happy in other times of the year no matter the day, time, weather, etc. There’s so much to do. Get a tan, don’t forget your sunscreen of at least an SPF 30, go out where’s there’s air conditioning, shop, movie theaters, travel to other areas of the country better yet other areas of the world, or some days it might be better to stay home and get better/improve because some days I like to take care of business, but whatever it is that I do I’m going to enjoy it.

Last Day = Sad Day

The last day of school is the happiest and saddest day of the year. It gets worse every year. I don’t know what it is. I get attached to these kids, being together for two years straight, and all of a sudden I realize that I won’t see them daily again. We’ve been through so many battles together that will never be forgotten. They become part of my life. I used to see them first thing every morning, eat lunch together, have them during class and in some cases multiple classes, I would see them after school, and with athletes it’s a special bond, it’s extracurricular during practice and games, sometimes these countless hours that we share include weekends. Often I’m the first person every morning to acknowledge them, of course they’re going to admire that, everyone does, they have done the same for me during their two year term in junior high. We share our dreams, fears, and stories. I become their hero, and they become mine. And just like that they are out of your life :’( I hate goodbyes, but I’ll see them again though, I always do. This day has become very difficult for me. I guess this pain is the prize that I have to pay for a wonderful and restful summer, that potentially always leads to cherished memories. I don’t like letting go, but these kids need to be set free to explore and experience other great things. The world is theirs! My way of coping is sitting right here in my classroom alone, without doing anything. All of my work has been done for the school year, but I don’t want to leave my second home just yet. Once I leave from here, it’s not going to be the same as it begins to prepare for a new set of students, new goals, new obstacles, and new battles against evil. I don’t want to let go, but I must, and before I do I’m sitting here looking at this empty room as it is one last time, and when everybody leaves besides the janitors I think I might take a walk down the hallways of what once belonged to them. If they can read this right now, I want to tell them that I wish them the best, and that they will forever be in my heart and in my prayers. Thank y’all for EVERYTHING!!!!! Thank you for being just the way you are.

"To be yourself in a world that’s trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

LOVE OR HATE ME

Friday is a day I will never forget. My students decided to ask me if they can borrow one of my Lakers jerseys for No Uniform Day. I’ve been doing this for years, letting the kids wear my jerseys, but this time the Lakers were not in the Playoffs. I brought them out anyway. I received the most love despite having been defeated, and these students had the courage to go out and display the team and of course to support me. Sadly, my students received the most hate for wearing them. At the end of the day my students told me every single hate remark that others made. I know exactly who those people are although there were a few surprises. It was bitter day for them and sweet for me. I guess these haters never had anybody who has worn their jersey to represent them especially their own personalized one like mine with #83, so it was obvious envy on their part. The leader of the pack, the one in the middle that wore my jersey defended and represented well. I was very proud of all of them. One of my friends said that I’m special to my students for them to do that. That was a powerful statement. I'm thankful for the love! <3

Not one of those haters ever said a word to me only to the students. My question is why do people have a difficult time supporting what others love and represent, despite their race, social class, upbringing, or even something as small as their favorite team? Everyone has the freedom to express themselves and is entitled to their own opinion. This shouldn’t be taken away from anyone especially a kid. To me, that's another form of bullying, this along with suicides is what we are trying to put a stop to. Hypocrisy? Things like this reveal people’s true colors and those are the individuals, young or old that I do not trust. I don’t trust those people because if I root for L.A. whether I’m from there or not they automatically classify me as the enemy. As if the Lakers did something to their loved ones for them to have so much hate. They win championships, 16 total so far. They are like the New York Yankees you either love them or hate them. The fans of those teams you either love them or hate them as well, just because they are fans. It’s the team that should receive the hate why are the fans getting ugly looks? Why are they being attacked? Wow! Here's why:

They can hate me all they want, half of them are not true fans because they jump on bandwagons and the others can continue to be miserable while the Lakers and Yankees win championships. By the way I’m a Los Angeles Dodgers fan. I have friends that are Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Midland Lee High School Rebels fans and I never hold that against them or bash them when those teams don’t succeed if anything out of love and respect for them I’ll jump on their bandwagon when their team has a title shot, but that doesn’t give me the right to bash others because I would only be a bandwagon “fake” fan in support of my friends. To those that don’t hate I’ll see you around, I trust you, we should hang out and Bar-B-Q, travel the world together, and I’ll make room for the Lakers bandwagon because there’s lots of room for next year’s championship run because you matter and you don’t mind. To the rest of you, well, you’re not important to me.

The biggest criticism that has existed for 6 years is: Coach Nunez’s Spanish students don’t learn anything besides Lakers. Really? I think you discredit the entire school system if you say or believe that. I know for a fact that ALL teachers bust their behinds all year-round and work long hours show up early in the morning and/or leave late at night. There’s no doubt, even the ones that don’t like to teach are forced to meet expectations because it’s part of the job assignment, there’s no getting away with not working hard if you’re involved with Education. One teacher doesn’t necessarily work harder than another everyone gives everything they have to submit their paper work and deal with the everyday problems in the classroom. Whenever you point your finger, there are more fingers pointing back at you. Lastly, don’t worry about others, worry about yourself.

The superintendent has been trying figure out how to deal with this suicide issue with our youth in Midland. Here’s my solution. Teachers like myself, should spend more time loving and caring for the kids, and less time sending them to detention or the office. Somewhere on that mission statement should have the word "Love" afterall it's a commandment. Teachers like myself, should focus more about teaching life lessons rather than the curriculum. The curriculum is important, and if our scores are not up to par then yeah change these priorities, but if everything is in place then we need to find a creative way to show students a life lesson in our subject area. I’ve been doing this in my Spanish classes for 6 years that will always go unnoticed. Look at the above example with the girls wearing Lakers jerseys. I taught them to stand up for themselves even if the world was against them. They already had courage by putting on the jersey, but this experience taught them to persevere and not be ashamed about who they are and what they represented. That’s what I taught them and I didn’t even say a word only openned up the door and sent them loose. Yes, my students do learn about basketball in my classroom AND Spanish, History, Math, cultures, traditions, customs, about my experiences…the list goes on. I learn about them as well, their passion, life story, struggles, home life, and their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers find out more than you can imagine about kids and we use that to serve, teach, and inspire them.

We are in the business of loving kids, if we can’t love them even the naughty ones, then we can’t teach them or in some cases SAVE their lives. Nevertheless we need people that criticize. I love that kind of attention. I want my kids to have that attention as well because it will fuel them and they will fight to survive. It will cause them to break through walls, prove any doubters wrong, push to accomplish their goals, and do the impossible. Kids are lights and have bright futures. We should embrace that, not hate that. I know because I was once a kid, oh and the kid in me still lives. Can’t wait what’s in store for the next 6 years. More rings? Maybe, but one thing that’s for sure haters will still be criticizing about kids learning about Lakers in my classroom. I use what I'm passionate about as a tool. Some people just don’t get it. Here, this may sum it up:

Don't worry about what’s being taught, it's important but they are not going to remember it anyway. We should stress on what’s more important, LIFE. In the words of today's youth, "You only live once (YOLO)." Loosen up, quit hating, love your job, and love and enjoy your life. People do have a decision to make because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This blog is not intended to persuade anybody to love me because even after reading this blog people are going to continue to love me, or hate me. I know I mentioned that I was not going to talk much about the Lakers, but some things just never change, so in the words of Kobe Bryant:

Love me or hate me, it’s one or the other, always has been. Hate my game, my hunger, hate my fade-a-way, my swagger (2012 best swagger award), hate that I’m a veteran (6 years), a champion (football, basketball, and track), hate that, hate it with all your heart, and hate that I’m loved for the exact same reasons.

It's okay kids, don't worry, the cream always rises to the top, Coach Núñez knows what he's doing, I think...haha! One of my beloved students wrote on my board earlier this year, and yes I took a picture of it because these young individuals inspire me, and teach me just as much, they are the true fighters in my book:

To my future students (2012-2013) at San Jacinto Junior High and Midland College this goes to you:

My basketball player told me at the beginning of my career in 2007, who is graduating this Saturday from MHS and will go on to play college ball, "Don't give up on us." I will never forget those words :'( The song of the month is by Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up On Us.

God, Love & Basketball

No Lakers games until November. It was quite interesting this year from the Chris Paul trade being vetoed, the other trades, and the suspensions that happened just made a championship run difficult. As always, it was a fun experience in this year’s Playoffs: the crazy Lakers haircut design, Round 1 Game 7, the celebration during Round 2 Game 3, but this is where another season comes to an end.

Most people don’t understand what it’s like to be a fan. You’re not a fan until you endure and take defeats like a “champ” then you have the right to talk trash and can celebrate the victories or should I say championships, five and counting to be exact just to let you know. I’ve grown with the Los Angeles Lakers because they represent my city where I grew up. They represent my family because they ALL eventually have become Lakers fans. I won’t be talking about the Lakers much during my blogs for a while, since there won’t be any news only trade rumors, until after the Olympics. Like the Lakers it is time for me to go fishing and blog about other stuff but not before I take you deep into my world where my heart is, where I call my sanctuary.

In order to understand what the Lakers or the city of Los Angeles mean to me you have to understand what basketball means to me. Basketball is life! Basketball is not a joke, and I take it very serious, sometimes too serious, but it is what defines me. Honestly, although I’m listed as 5’7” I came to the understanding that I was born to play basketball. A midget stuck in a world of giants. You see, something happened when I picked up the ball for the first time in 3rd grade that sparked my destiny. I was selected to be the “ball monitor” by my teacher and I had to issue out all the sports equipment during recess: the football, soccer ball, hand ball, etc. Being the ball monitor had its privileges and that was that I had first dibs on what I wanted to check out, and so my friends told me to get the basketball. At that time, I never had played basketball in my life, but I began to learn quickly and I fell in love (coincidence #1). Yes, for you girls, I believe in love at first sight ;) You might be surprised, but I never really had a girlfriend, and I believe it is because I am too fixated on the game. Call it an obsession, call it weird, or call it whatever you want because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Someday a girl will understand or maybe not, but I’m happy man, and you will always find me anywhere with a grin from ear to ear feeling like a million bucks, unless it’s after a loss. I’m going off topic. “Relationships” is for a different blog. Read on…

Playing the sport led to watching the professionals on television. I grew up in the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls era during the 80’s and 90’s. Everyone loved Magic and everyone wanted to be like Mike. The Lakers were not producing in L.A. after Magic Johnson’s shocking retirement due to the HIV virus that he contracted so it was the “Air Jordan” show for a while. In 1996 I moved to the Permian Basin and that meant I had to show my L.A. pride. I loved Jordan, but Los Angeles is what I stand for. That same year, Shaq was signed by the Lakers and Kobe Bryant was drafted from high school to the NBA. There was something about this Kobe kid that had greatness written all over him and drew early comparisons to Michael Jordan. Before I moved to Midland, Texas in 8th grade, my father bought me my first pair of Kobe Bryant shoes. Maybe it was coincidence, but I believe that it was part of the plan that I was going to take my talents to West Texas and begin a new life in Midland while Kobe began his career taking his talents to the NBA (coincidence #2).

I knew what it was like when Kobe and the Lakers were swept from the Playoffs three years in a row. Kobe was a rookie, and I was a rookie or newbie to the state of Texas trying to fit in and find an identity as an adolescent. As a student of the game I was playing for the Midland Bulldogs, whose colors by the way are purple and gold (coincidence #3). I believed in the Lakers, in the summer of 2000 before my senior year in high school the Lake Show finally became world champions, let just say it was the best summer of my life. You never forget your first. I started driving around Midland with my Lakers flag for the first time as the Lakers cruised through the NBA Playoffs again to repeat as champions in 2001. My mother and I shared a lot of time together especially during the Playoffs and the Lakers ended up winning their third championship in a row my freshman year in college in 2002. The next year just as I was going to graduate with my associate’s degree at Midland College, my mother became very ill. I did walk the stage that summer without my mother being present and sadly, the worst thing that could ever happened to a human being occurred when my mother passed away after battling cancer for almost 12 years in June 2, 2003.

I’d like to call the next couple of years of my life the “dark days” because without my mother it was difficult. After all, I was only 19 and I had to work 2-3 part-time jobs just to get by to pay my bills, my tuition and books, and attend college full-time so that I can finish my degree and be a certified teacher. To top it all off, I was having difficulty with a few people who were trying their best to make my life a living hell, but I knew that pain was only temporary and that I had a bright future ahead of me. Kobe had “dark days” of his own, when his life was forever changed because of accusation due to an incident in Colorado. No wonder the Denver Nuggets fans despise him, I guess many viewers were given more reasons to hate the player and might as well the game because they were quick to throw the stones. We weren’t going through the exact same thing, but I felt his pain, he was alone and the world wanted the best player in the game crucified (coincidence #4). I will never forget his words after showing up late to the game in Denver due to a court hearing just before the tip off only to hit the game winning shot as the final buzzard sounded. The interviewer asked him, “Kobe, how do you do it? Despite everything you’re going through, you managed to perform and pull these miracles.” Kobe responded, “I JUST THANK GOD EVERYDAY...I JUST TRUST IN GOD.” (coincidence #5)

My mother was and is my biggest inspiration in my life. She was the strongest women I know, raising 7 children, as a single parent and overcoming every obstacle that came her way, and I knew it was because of her strong faith. I used to go to church with her every Sunday and still do even if it’s alone thanks to her. I thank God every day as well for giving me so many gifts. The biggest gift of all was my angel in heaven who continues to look out for me and my brothers and sisters.

Lakers returned to the finals in 2004 and fell short to the Detroit Pistons. Their dynasty was broken up, trading Shaq, their head coach retired, and all the blame was on Kobe Bryant. The Lakers failed to make it to the playoffs in 2005 for the first time in decades. They returned to the Playoffs in 2006 and 2007 and were beaten in the first round both times by the Phoenix Suns. I graduated from UTPB in 2006 and I started a new career teaching at the school where it all began for me, San Jacinto Junior High. I chose SJ because of my history there and because they offered me to coach my favorite sport basketball (coincidence #6). Being a teacher is tough especially in middle school, and let’s put it this way that in 2006 and 2007, just like the Lakers were going through developmental years and rebuilding, I was also developing as a professional and it was challenging (coincidence #7). In 2008 I suffered the same injury as Kobe Bryant during a pickup game when I dislocated my finger and tore a few ligaments (coincidence #8). Unlike Kobe, I underwent surgery to repair the damages. Furthermore, for the first time I had an undefeated season as a basketball coach to win my 1st of 3 championships and the Lakers returned to the finals in 2008 (coincidence #9) only they fell short from the crown in an embarrassing loss to their all-time rival. They eventually won back to back titles in 2009 and 2010 avenging their 2008 loss to those green guys. I witnessed those finals live and attended both parades on Figueroa St. In 2011 and this year 2012 they were eliminated from the Playoffs in Round 2. Kobe Bryant said, 5/21/2012, after being eliminated by the Oklahoma Thunder: "Come hell or high water we're gonna be there again. It's just something about the Lakers' organization.” (coincidence #10?????) Migth be a future prediction, don't judge me, shhh!

My life has revolved somewhat around basketball, not necessarily the Lakers or Kobe Bryant, but I do keep the focus around God and what He wants for me because I’ve given my life to Him and at the end of the day, may His will be done. It is interesting that I have endured and grown with basketball and the Lakers comparing victories, defeats and injuries. I’ve gotten in fights, mostly verbal altercations all on the court, because let me tell you it’s an emotional and physical game. Anybody who plays or has played will tell you the same thing. All of that has allowed me to transition that competiveness and fight in me into my life. Basketball is a lot like life, you win some you lose some, ups and downs, good times and bad, you defend and score points, you turn it over and you assist someone, face opponents and built teammates or allies who assist you and help you get closer to the ultimate goal…I don’t know if I’ll ever play some type of pro basketball even if it’s in a minor league, I don’t know if I’ll be coaching for my entire life, but you can bet that basketball will always be in my life even if I’m a 50 year old man live at a game sitting next to Goldstein or Jack Nicholson courtside or if I’m the 50 year old man shooting baskets at a local gym or in my drive way. As long as God gives me the health and the energy, as long as it’s in His will, I will literally be facing giants on the court until the day I die. I’m always going to be the underdog that’s why people had attacked, are attacking, and will continue to attack me where my heart <3 is. It’s like attacking my Christian faith, my race, a family member, a love one, etc. and I may take it personal or I may brush it off, but just to let you know I’ll always have my guard up. I defend what I represent with my life. To me: “This is more than a game this is a passion.” Thank you for taking the time for reading. For that I love you too, almost as much as basketball.

Not Afraid

Yeah, It's been a ride...

I guess I had to go to that place to get to this one

Now some of you might still be in that place

If you're trying to get out, just follow me

I'll get you there...

And I just can't keep living this way

So starting today, I'm breaking out of this cage

I'm standing up, Imma face my demons

I'm manning up, Imma hold my ground

I've had enough, now I'm so fed up

Time to put my life back together right now

It was my decision to get clean, I did it for me

Admittedly I probably did it subliminally for you<3

So I could come back a brand new me, you helped see me through

And don't even realize what you did, believe me you

I been through the ringer, but they could do little to the middle finger

I think I got a tear in my eye, I feel like the king of

My world, haters can make like bees with no stingers

And drop dead, no more beef flingers no more drama from now on

I promise to focus solely on handling my responsibilities as a father

So I solemnly swear to always treat this roof, like my daughters

And raise it, you couldn't lift a single shingle on it!

Cause the way I feel, I'm strong enough to go to the club

Or the corner pub, and lift the whole liquor counter up

Cause I'm raising the bar, I'd shoot for the moon

But I'm too busy gazing at stars I feel amazing and I'm

Not afraid to take a stand

Everybody come take my hand

We'll walk this road together, through the storm

Whatever weather, cold or warm

Just lettin' you know that, you're not alone

Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road

"Not Afraid" by Eminem. Although I cut some of the lyrics off, the artist captures a strong feeling from his personal experience to make this a great song. This is an intense song that pumps me up, but I prefer the clean version. Everyone can relate to it. It is not Lakers related, but I randomly had to throw in some pics to describe their current situation in Round 2.

On a side note: Game 5 tomorrow...I still have hope for a Game 7;) just like I did during last year's elimination game when I went to Dallas to watch the Lakers live in Game 4. Never lose hope.

Hispanic Causing Panic

And the craziest and most exciting week award goes to __________.

Yes, this past week. Actually these past few weeks have been critical, and I’m not sure how I made it through. I wanted to do something crazy, as always, something that was going to get the youth’s attention, but at the same time not degrade what I represented. Also, I wanted to promote an exciting time of year for me, the 2012 NBA Playoffs. So I decided to contact the best in the local business that can do a design similar to what Metta World Peace had two years ago.

I knew I was going to hear a lot of criticism towards it, but I was willing to take the hits because I knew what that meant. It was worth the sacrifice and adds excitement because it’s fun to live on the edge. I wanted to be the first teacher/coach that can reach out to these kids in style. That’s what I’m about, I love fashion, I love what is new, and I love to be up to date in order to keep up with the kids that I deal with day in and day out. I’m like a cell phone constantly updating to the latest and greatest. My intentions always point back to the reason I got into teaching to inspire and influence kids in a positive way by the way I live. That’s my way of evangelizing. I’ve been doing this long before I became a teacher, but recently I’ve gone more public than ever before. Kids are easily influenced by negative lifestyles because that is all that gets promoted, so why not turn it around and show them an alternative. I do things like this to win them over. Once I have their attention then they really listen. Yes, teenagers do listen. It’s like magic.

The person responsible for the design above is a true artist. He is a Hispanic that is well known in town, my own students referred him to me, so I decided to contact him. It wasn’t easy, and when I got to his shop which was his garage at his own “pad” it was like I was in Los Angeles, my home. In L.A., it is easy to smell the smoke in the air, even more so since the legalization of marijuana, while viewing the graffiti on the walls and feeding off of the energy of the Hispanic culture that is very alive. These lively people literally put everything on the line for a better tomorrow. That’s what I admire most about being Chicano. I don’t want to send any wrong messages here because I’m 100% against smoking, alcohol, and drugs as I mentioned before in a previous blog. Personally, I don’t want any tattoos because 1. It marks God’s temple. 2. It’s permanent. 3. My body is already beautiful and if I want to make it better I can do it by adding muscle not ink. Tattoos look cool, but not for me. My older brother, Desert Storm veteran, received the following tattoo in 1992 that will forever change the way I feel about segregation:

I’m not a gangster, but the color of my skin and being American stereotypes me. When I was in 8th grade, at San Jacinto Junior High, where I currently teach, I was either a gangster or a kicker. Since I was American and spoke English, I was gangster, but because I spoke Spanish well, I was a kicker or “wet back”. I didn’t understand those stereotypes then like I do now. Everything is much clearer now. I see the world with different set of eyes then the youth because of my education and upbringing. I can relate to every single one of them. After all, not only was I once sitting in their seats, but I am one of the closest adult to their age. It’s all about youth. We must be like children and their innocence to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Even though every year I’m one year older, I feel one year younger. I’m never going to “grow up”. I understand! I understand all ethnicities. Without labeling by race, I understand all kids. The bad boys who think they are too cool for school, the ones that don’t speak English, the straight A students, the goodie-goods, the economically disadvantage, the wealthy, the preps, the jocks, the nerds. I understand because I represent every one of those groups. I like to call myself a new breed or shoud I say the last of a dying breed, who had to privilege to live all these lifestyles. I chose education as a career for a reason. I felt the call to serve the next generation or should I say my generation, not because I’m young also, but because it’s about having ownership. We are in this together if the kids fail, then we fail, that means I failed and I’m not talking about a state mandated standardized test. I'm not talking about TAKS, STAAR, THEA, SAT, CRE, etc. I’m talking about life.

As the week went by I had to remind myself, based on the movie Zombieland, rule #32 to survive in a zombie infested world: Enjoy the little things. Semester finals were hectic. Everything was due at the last minute. Plays, presentations, research paper, comprensivo, presentation, take home final, presentation, research paper, and research paper. It was worth it, and I should finish with straight A’s in the toughest semester, first time full time student as a graduate student. 2 more classes left for my Masters of Arts in Spanish. One class in Summer I Session and the last and final one in the Fall with the comprensivo attached to it. Life goes by so fast. We often forget the little things in life that make everything worthwhile. Live a little, dance like no one is watching and live like it’s heaven on earth. May 10th was Mother’s Day in Mexico, so I wanted to say happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers before this Sunday on Mother’s Day. May 10th was my father’s 75th birthday. He has walked this earth for three fourths of a century. I love my father the only father I have on this earth. I started teaching at Midland College again part-time in the evenings. I’m about to rock my student’s world. They are going to get a full dose of my enthusiasm and passion. My goal in the next few weeks is to blow them away while I’m teaching them remedial algebra. It’s going to be wild and crazy.

I’ve been under attack. It’s like I’m at war right now and I love it. Nothing new, I’ve been in this situation before. I’ve been tested numerous times since my childhood days in the West Coast, and I love it because it what makes me this strong. I love the 12th round, I love the 4th quarter, I love the 9th inning, and I love Game 7. I love “haters”. Haters = parasites who panic.

With that being said, we are living it up. These are the days that we will remember forever. We need to cheer up. Wake up and smell the coffee or the whey protein shakes. It’s not thugs and violence that people fear it’s something far greater. I’m starting a revolution, with the Martin Luther King and Cesar Chávez approach of non-violent acts to greatness. When will they stop hating? When will they start appreciating?

Metta World Peace

So all week I've been hearing a lot of criticism from a handful of people about the elbow shot from Metta World Peace (MWP). By the way, to me MWP stands for "man with power."

-"What a disgrace, what are we teaching our kids?" -Anonymous

-"¡Más put*!" -Erik Núñez (in a George López voice)

The world is not all sunshine and rainbows, life is good most of the time, but in reality we are living in a cruel place full of sinners. We are teaching our kids to be tough. In the transition from boy to man a boy needs to learn to stand up when knocked down. The boy needs to learn how to deliver hits, but most importantly how to receive them. We should not sugar coat the game and say that people won’t push and shove because they do, it’s a natural instinct. It happens when hustling and sometimes intentionally, kids are not stupid they start to figure that out real early. During a grudge match the aggressors usually win the battle leaving the softies intimidated and/or crying to their mommies wanting to be breast fed.

"The Lakers are thugs!" -Anonymous

-"¡Más put*!" -Erik Núñez (in a George López voice)

That’s a tremendous complement, considering that 4 years ago they were a bunch of “softies” and got their butts handed to them in the 2008 NBA Finals by a TOUGHER team. Needless to say, we bounced back healthy and won the championship the next year in 2009 and reloaded with Ron Artest a.k.a. Metta World Peace to avenge the Boston Celtics in Game 7 in 2010. "Thugs" that's just music to my ears. They are like gansters now taking over territories. Fear! Fear Andrew Bynum who was suspended earlier this season for a similar action at the end of last season. Fear Paul Gasoft, I mean the Spaniard Paul Gasol. Fear the Black Mamba, fear World Peace (I kinda like the ring of that) and Matt Barnes, and don't forget to fear Sessions. So we are now tough. Toughness wins championships. It’s been proven already, they might just have to prove it again. The Lakers were once bullied, but cannot be bullied anymore. You either hunt or become the hunted.

Hypocrisy? Maybe these critics never fought anybody before, maybe they never got mad a day in their life, maybe they never yelled and showed any anger. I doubt it. It’s hypocritical to criticize a man for similar actions. These critics want him crucified. If they are without sin, then I want to see one of them be the first to throw the stone. Enough with the hate, enough said.

The NBA does not want World Peace. At least for 7 games which is the number of games he is suspended for. 7 games? Oh, I get it 1 game left in the season and the Lakers will win the 1st Round of the Playoffs in 6 only to play the Thunder in the 2nd Round with Metta ready to go. They like it, I like it, and you like it because ratings are going to be off the charts when World Peace is back in action. Even these critics are going to be watching, that’s how interesting physical play can be. We can relate to this ordeal. The problem is that they are scared and do not want the Lakers to win another championship again. Especially after that double overtime game victory against a potential championship contender. They are scared that Kobe is going to get his 6th ring and be better than Michael Jordan. They must be the same consumers of the Lebron James IPhone, the Lephone, which only vibrates and doesn’t have a ring.

Truth be told, the media loves to focus on the negative and these jabronies fall for it. Let me tell you the positive side of Metta World Peace. He donated his 2010 championship ring to charity, auctioned it off, and the proceeds went to help Mental Institutes for children. He donated his entire salary this year to charity, which means he’s not making a dime at all for a great cause. Metta World Peace is insane and that’s a good thing. There’s a little Metta World Peace in all of us who’s genuine, caring, and giving, and at the same time that will knock the living crap out of anybody who tries to mess with us. Last time I checked this was a man’s game. The NBA is not for little girls in elementary.

Shut up already!

Unfortunately, we will never see the end of this in terms of the human toll on the guy.

Current World View

This is my view of this world. I’m climbing the biggest mountain there is, the one that nobody has ever lived to talk about. I get closer and closer to the top. I hear the cheers, I hear the jeers. They are pulling me down. They are grabbing everything they can get a hold of, my leg, my pants, my Kobe Zoom shoes. They already tore my shirt off, but I’m still climbing. I don’t want to look down but the crowd is getting bigger. I’ve fallen off the mountain before and I these pests, blood sucking leaches, man eating carnivores did not want to let me climb back up again. I kept climbing, I got even further to the top, but I have voluntarily stepped down to help a love one that was crying for help. I can climb again, no big deal, I’m strong enough, conditioned enough to get back to the point where I was and I know that eventually I will reach my goal. Everybody wants a piece of me. They want to use me, or be used by me. “Sweet dreams are made of these, who had a mind to disagree, travel the world and the seven seas, everybody is looking for something.” The zombie apocalypse has begun. They do not let me climb. I’m taking them out one by one. I took a huge stride today. I’m not looking down, I’m looking up. My glass is half full. Metta World Peace just clobbered a guy in the head. Somebody had to do it, if not I was going to. Get the freak out of my way people, I’m on a natural high pumping my chest, if you’re in my way and begin to shove you will be next. I want to fly and never come down. I want to go to the moon, if I only knew how. Wait! This world doesn’t want to see me. These jabronies don’t want to see me. They don’t know who I am, if they knew they’ll back away. I’m starting a revolution with a new generation of laborers, good ol’ hardworking individuals with the capacity to take over the entire world. Blame it on my ADD. Sail! I love that song. Meanwhile, I’m hanging on my fingertips holding onto a rock, somebody just said to keep going. I actually have a few fans that are trustworthy. Deng these parasites! Look there’s a bird, a plane, wait it’s me starting at this broken mirror. I fell in love once again. I have my second wind.

Now back to working on my research paper for school.

“Ladies and gentlemen what you are about to see is real. No smoke, no mirrors, just two men and a ball. His opponent thinks he’s seen this one before, but how will he finish this time? Which sleeve conceals the card? A good magician keeps em’ guessing, every night something different, every night something big.”

Read Books!

Reading is fundamental! According to the National Basketball Association.

Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson

If you speak and act with a polluted mind, suffering will follow you, as the wheels of the oxcart follow the footsteps of the ox. If you speak and act with a pure mind, happiness will follow you, as a shadow clings to a form.

I read this book my freshman year in college and I could not put it down. The author was the former coach of the Chicago Bulls and at the time current coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. Of course I had to listen to what led to championships, since one of my own was in progress. I took it to heart and it was life changing for me, the rest was history.

Catholic Warrior by Robert Abel

With the power and authority that God has given me to keep my spiritual sanctuary clean, I say to the demons, “This is my circle of influence. There are no trespassers allowed. I have given you a command; because you have not obeyed my orders, I judge you as disobedient, and sentence you to be destroyed in the lake of fire.”

When I pray to have the demons destroyed it’s like cleaning house. It wouldn’t be right to take my trash and throw it in my neighbor’s yard. Trash needs to be properly disposed of in the landfill, or in this case the lake of fire.

Once a warrior learns how to take authority over his own inner sanctuary, he is ready to use the same principles to increase his circle-of-influence. In the same way the Israelites were sent to take authority over every place the soles of their feet tread.

A priest is a man who calls forth the power of God…A prophet is a man who speaks the Word of God and delivers God’s message…A king is a man who rules over his kingdom…He has called every Catholic to be priest, prophet, and king. He wants his children to push back enemy lines, utilize the power of the angelic army, strike down anything demonic, and purge all evil from his kingdom. He has called every warrior into battle! (Abel 83-90).

Abel, Robert. Catholic Warrior. Denver: Valentine Publishing House, 2004.

I read this book after graduating from college. A friend of mine, a brother in Christ, one whom I have deepest respect for, let me borrow this book and it put things more in perspective. I still find myself applying this principle. It’s about having authority over you own life, your circle of influence, it’s about controlling what’s around you and protecting your happiness. I’ve been doing this for years it’s not something that I started last night. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this world is a mean and nasty place and I don’t care who you are, it will try to take everything you have and throw you to the ground and keep you there permanently if you let it.

“The Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail.” -Jeremiah 20:11

In a night of defeat, with authority that I've been granted, I’m claiming victory.

Huge weight has lifted off my shoulders. Life is great!!!!! Isn't it? :)

Fun Pics

Wanted to share a small collection of photos, hope you all enjoy.

Lakers = amor, familia y respeto

“There are certain kinds of people that are purely driven. I can tell who they are simply by looking at them. I have faced so much criticism for my drive that at times it has alienated me from the majority: the people who are comfortable with second place, the people who hate against me because I am not. You know these kinds of people; they are the ones who fear winning, the jealous ones who envy...” -KB24

I remember I always wanted a tattoo growing up. I think I was influenced by my older brothers who were crazy about them. Every adult who grew up in Los Angeles had a tattoo, so I thought it was the thing to do. Tbch (Facebook game), I always wanted to get a spalding basketball tattoo on my arm with fire and my initials to symbolize my passion for the game, but I never did. My twin brother told me in 2008, "If the Lakers win the championship let's get the Larry O'Brien NBA Trophy tattoo together." I once again refused for my own reasons. Nevertheless, he ended up following through and getting a tattoo the next year when the Lakers finally won the championship, their first of two in a row. This blog was not meant to talk about tattoos, but to hopefully show how personal the Lakers are to me and my family by using the examples of other fans and what this team means to them.

See, I’m not the only crazy one!

“There are certain kinds of people that are purely loyal. I can tell who they are simply by looking at them. I have faced so much criticism for my loyalty that at times it has alienated me from the majority here in town: the people who are comfortable with bandwagons, the people who hate against me because I am not. You know these kinds of people; they are the ones who fear losing, the jealous ones who envy championships...” -KB24 (modified)

I’m not a Cowboys fan or necessarily a football fan, but I hope that the Cowboys will soon reach the top of the NFL once again so my fellow Texan comrades, who can probably relate, can experience the joy and glory that loyalty has to offer. Lesson of the day, lesson that I try to literally teach every day of my life: Respect the game! Respect the game, sport, team and even player please, and we won’t have any problems :)

Oh! [in a whispering voice] there’s plenty of room in the Lakers bandwagon, hurry before it gets full in June.