worth every penny, part 2

spencer played most of the second quarter, roughly 12 minutes, with 5 points, and we couldn't get enough! i'm grateful for the close seats as they allowed some good shots, even on the little camera (i think i need to name my cameras - any suggestions?).

this great photo was taken by rachel :)

towards the end of the game a 'celebrity' entered the arena. we knew it was a celebrity by the way the girls in the section next to us reacted. but for the life of me, i could not figure out who it was! lakers games tend to draw celebrities, so i actually expected we might see someone. what i did not expect is that i would not recognize one if i saw 'em.

when the jazz game ended we had some time before heading out to meet spencer at his hotel. i continued to be stymied by the 'celebrity' but i suspected that once i found out who it was i would want to smack myself for not having figured it out. when the 'celebrity' decided to use our aisle as an exit for a food or bathroom run, i decided to take a picture, just in case.


the aforementioned girls went nuts, and when he had passed, brad asked them (for me) who the guy was. they responded 'he's on the hills' and i couldn't believe i hadn't recognized frankie, probably two feet away from me! the hills, for those not in the know, is an mtv 'reality' show i've been watching since when it was laguna beach. this was a guy i was pretty familiar with!

what i forgot, and was later reminded of, is that my 6'8" nba playing cousin is a HUGE closet fan of the show. he was extrememly disappointed to learn later of frankie's attendance stating (dejectedly) that he would have gone over and said hello.


after the game we stayed to watch the lakers tip off and really mostly to see kobe play for a bit. but we had a prior engagement, so we didn't stay for too long.

we headed to the ritz carlton to pick up spencer for some grub. when we arrived the valet told us we could park and wait 'behind the mustang.' i should mention, the mustang was probably the grubbiest car there and it was brand new.


mick called spencer's cell to tell him we'd arrived, but much to my relief, he didn't answer. you see, i wanted an excuse to go in. i figured some of the players might be hanging around...and they were.

okur was sitting in one of the lobby chairs waiting for some teammates to head out for dinner. he kept giving me that look that goes something like "does she know who i am? is this a groupie stalker girl?' he was joined by a few other players giving me similar looks, and i was waiting for spencer's arrival in the lobby to prove that no, i was not a groupie stalker girl, but rather, one of the cool kids who hangs out with nba players.

i was so disappointed when they all headed outside to grab a cab before spencer had made it down:( i would forever be groupie stalker girl (and by forever, i mean the 2 seconds before they forgot i existed). BUT, it turns out i'd have my moment yet.

they were still waiting for the taxi when spence and i headed out. i slithered between 3 or 4 6'8"-ish guys (hello, can anyone say, fantasy!?) excusing myself as a did so. spencer, following behind wished his teammates a good night, and the air palapably changed as we could both sense jaws dropping.

you see, my cousin, who is not only a good little mormon boy, is also married. and his teammates were watching him leave the hotel with a girl. spencer picked up on it quickly as he turned around, walking backwards, arms in air, yelling to his teammates "she's my COUSIN!". almost as amusing, we were getting a lot of 'yeah, sure's' as i told them it had been fun to watch them play, while trying to fight the sly smirk that seemed intent on taking over my face. as we approached the minivan where the rest of the fam was waiting, i think they finally started to believe that i might actually be his cousin.

the fact that i was and still am sooo amused by this scene is probably indicative that i do actually have a tiny little groupie/stalker side. oh well.


we took a vote in the van and headed to ihop for dinner! we were joined there by cousins of spencer's on his other side, and had some great catching up! it was fun to hear about his experience, his hopes, and his expectations. what really struck me is that he had clearly made a peace with not knowing what the future would hold, and maintaining a sense of gratitude and wonder at the journey so far.

have i mentioned before that i love my family? i seriously think i have one of the coolest families around, immediate AND extended. i am reminded of this regularly when i spend time with the donahooligans, and having a chance to catch up with spencer just reminded me again. as if i ever forget!

sadly, we learned that spencer was cut on wednesday. though not a surprise, i think we were all hoping he would beat the odds and fulfill this lifelong dream. nevertheless, he is one of those people who deserves nothing but good things, and i'm sure they will come his way!