USA! USA!

So, I’ve chanted “USA! USA!” more in the last week than I ever have in my life.

In case you’ve been living under a rock (and this could only happen in America) and don’t know what the rest of the world is celebrating this month, let me fill you in. But first, don’t feel bad. I was you 4 years ago. 🙂 Before the last World Cup I had no idea. Anderson kept talking about it FOR MONTHS, and I was like, “Oh. So it’s a soccer tournament?” Hmm. Like the World Series or the Superbowl or something. Um no. It’s basically a religion. Pride of country. A ray of light and a beacon of hope for people with little to hold onto around the world.

I know. You’re rolling your eyes now. I did. But I’m for real, people. It’s big stuff. So I was a little more prepared when 4 years later, it was time to gear up again. I dug out my Americana gear and even found a Brazil shirt in the back of my closet. Gotta rep both countries. 🙂 We’ve been watching the games at sports bars, at other crazy fans’ houses, and we’re even planning our own party later this month. We kicked off the month-long celebration by going to the US vs Nigeria friendly game right before they headed to Brazil for the World Cup. There is nothing like watching a soccer game in a stadium with a bunch of psycho fans all cheering for their country. Not their city or state, but country! And we’re talking Team USA. Small stuff. Nobody’s throwing toilets or fireworks onto the field. I can’t imagine what it’s like in other places.

And even though I still don’t love the game, I’m loving the drama, and the crazy costumes, and the hair. Did you know that the trendiest hairstyles all come from men’s soccer? Seriously. I used to think it was just David Beckham, the ultimate trend setter, but no! Most of these guys have the best hair. It’s worth watching at least part of a match. So I’ve got that +  an excuse for a theme party or two to look forward to this month.

Go Team USA. (And Brazil). I mean, I have to say that.

PS – Kingston doesn’t love being in a really crowded, loud place with 17 tvs and people screaming and running around. It freaks him out a little. But when the whole place screams, “GOOOOOOOOOOAL!” he runs around and yells, “Oh. My. COOOOOOW!” It’s pretty much the best part of the whole thing.