Adrianna's 26th Birthday

My baby sister turned 26 on July 15th...so, to celebrate we went to eat at Chiles. Afterward we went back to our apartment for her to blow out the candles on her cake...we also played some music and danced. Tia Irene and Mom provided the "entertainment." We had a great time. Happy Birthday Dri...we love you.

New Mexico, July 8-11

This past week Ulisses had an Army training in Santa Fe (check out the picture of my handsome soldier)...and I was more than happy to be able to tag along with him. While he was at his training from 8:00-4:00, I was sleeping in late, reading books and shopping. Every afternoon we explored down town Santa Fe which is an area rich in history and artistry. Our first day there, we visited the Loretto Academy of Our Lady of Light, which has the famous staircase that was built by an mysterious man in 1852. As the story goes, the sisters of Loretto needed a staircase that led to the choir balcony built and were told that it couldn't be accomplished without taking up too much of the floor room. So, being of great faith, they prayed a novena to Saint Joseph and received an answer to prayer. A mysterious man, whose name is unknown, shows up on a donkey and offers to build the staircase. He builds the impossible... a circular staircase that makes two complete 360 degree turns and contains 33 steps...one for each year of Jesus's life. Also wooden pegs, rather than nails, were used in this beautiful masterpiece. After his work is completed the man leaves unannounced and without pay. This an account of a true miracle...that of which the physical reminder remains. It is proof that miracles have and do happen still...and that God honors faith...and without a doubt sent an angel to the sisters of Loretto to build them their staircase.
We also visited the beautiful Catherdral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and heard the Santa Fe Desert Chorale perform. It was awesome.
The next day, totally by chance, we entered the Zuger Galerie, which houses sculptures by Gib Singleton. Gib is famous for creating the Fourteen Stations of The Cross in bronze. He is also the artist who designed the crucifix carried by the late Pope John Paul II and is now carried by Pope Benedict XVI.
We also visited the Palace of the Governors, which is the oldest seat of goverment in the United States, many art galeries and shops. There was also a music festival going on and so everynight we'd go hear the music at the plaza... we saw many excentric people...it was a unique experience. Ulisses and I also ate a different local restaurant every night and really enjoyed the food and locally brewed beer.
The last day we were there we visited Sandia Peak in Alburquerque. We rode the world's longest tramway at over 10,000 feet. The view from the top was beyond beautiful...you felt like you were in the clouds. Later on that evening we flew back to Midland and arrived tired but satisfied from our trip... we saw much and experienced much together. Above are some pictures from our trip.

Long Time...No See!

In the last month I was thrilled to see friends some of which I hadn't seen in years. For example at Terry's wedding I was able to visit with Letty Garcia and meet her precious girls. I hadn't seen Letty since her wedding! She and I were good friends when I lived in San Angelo. We had some of the same classes and she and her sisters would invite me out. It was great seeing her again...

On the way to Abilene I get a call from G. telling me he was meeting up with Jessica Carrion in Sweetwater so that I could meet up too. So in the parking lot of K-Mart Ulisses and I stopped off with G. and Lauren to visit Jessica. I can't remember the last time I saw Jessica...but it was wonderful to see her and her beautiful Maddy, even if it was for just a few minutes. She's a friend for life...

Then immediately after arriving at the reception hall I see Mr. and Mrs. Riley. Mrs. Riley was my fifth grade teacher (wasn't she just about everybody's?!) and my mom was her teacher's aid before I was born. Well needless to say I became really excited...I think last time I saw her I was a student in her class! I was so happy to see her and to introduce her to Ulisses. He's heard plenty about her from me...she's my absolute favorite teacher...and I've modeled myself after her in my own teaching experience...and the fact that she has impacted my life so dramatically and in a positive light, reminds me that teachers do have the power to change lives...Mrs. Riley made me feel smart and that I could do and become anything in life...and now I pray I do the same for my students...

Also at the wedding/reception were all the Marquez...Terry's family from Tia Ritas side. I hadn't seen any of them since Pete's wedding six years ago in Merida. It was great to see Julie and her family...she's still as fun as ever...and I was glad to see Pedro (uncle grumpy). Jennifer and I bonded with him on the trip to Merida. He cracks me up...he's got a bit of a bad attitude but in an entertaining way...he reminds me of my Buelito in that sense.

And finally on our trip to Santa Fe I got a blast from my past all the way back to my high school years. What's weird is that the day before Ulisses and I were driving around the plaza and saw a girl run across the street. I immediately told Ulisses that she looked like Britney Bass...a girl who was in Fernando's class when we were in Gail...her sister Christa was in my class and had been a great friend of mine...anyway Ulisses pointed out that the girl crossing street looked about twelve or thirteen years old and could've no way gone to high school with me. O.k., so the next night we're dining at a local cafe when a waitress looks familiar to me...I ask her name and it's Britney Bass! After visiting with her a while she tells me her mother and younger sister, Samantha are also dining there...she walks us over to their table to say hi...and get this Samantha was the girl we saw crossing the street the day before!! Don't ask me how I recognized her...last time I saw her she was in pampers! Anyway...Britney and her friend invited Ulisses and I out to a local bar called the "Matador." We had the best time hanging out...I even got to talk to Christa on the phone for a bit...and at the risk of sounding cliched I must say "isn't it a small world?"

Terry's Wedding, July 5

My cousin Terry married Patrick Gainey earlier this month...and may I just say that she made a beautiful bride. She looked radiant.

After the church ceremony everyone drove to Abilene for the reception and dance. It was also a sort of family reunion...it was great to see all the family. Ulisses and I sat with Dri, G., Christopher, Nick, Nate and Britney. Our table was all laughs. It was a great night of dancing and having fun that wouldn't have been complete without a group singing of "Volver, Volver." (check out the picture at the top of the page)

Congratulations Patrick and Terry Gainey!

Upward Bound

For the second year in a row I taught summer school for the Upward Bound program. This program is funded through a grant at Odessa college. It specifically targets high school aged students who live in Odessa and surrounding cities who are going to be the first in their families to go to college. The students come and stay at the dorms at O.C. and attend both core and elective classes the month of June. I taught this great group of sweet and creative youth Spanish beginner and advanced levels. They were an absolute joy to teach and I look forward to teaching under this program next summer.

We ended the summer with a banquet in which students received awards and recognition for all their hard work. My students also put on four puppet shows in Spanish. I guided them in making sock puppets and writing their funny story lines. They truly impressed me with their creativity. Their parents were all present at the banquet and really enjoyed the puppet shows. Above are some pictures of my students taken the night of the banquet and of myself with the director of Upward Bound, Debbie Vasquez. (also it was great to have Mom attend the banquet with me...Ulisses couldn't because of work)