06.15.10 Random Musings

World Cup Fever

I’ve got it.  You probably have it.  Certainly, most of the world has it.

World Cup Fever.  I’m obsessively watching the games, checking scores on my BlackBerry, and listening to Shakira’s “Waka Waka” on repeat.

I can’t help but recall one of my most treasured Seattle memories when I think about the World Cup.  It was during the start of the 2006 World Cup.  Four friends (KKB, JRS…yes, they go by their initials in certain groups…Kari, and myself) ate a delicious morning of banana-chocolate chip pancakes one morning before heading out to Fremont to watch a first round Italy match.  After circling the crowded Fremont streets before finding a spot, standing in line at the bar, and finally allowed entry AFTER Italy scores its goal.  Despite the madness of waiting, waiting, and waiting to watch the game, the spirit of the World Cup was infectious, and it is one of my cherished memories (despite not being able to remember the final score nor the place we actually watched the game).

Four years later, I am still excited to watch and track the World Cup matches.  I’m rooting for Italy, Argentina, Portugal, and the USA this time.  During the DIA conference today, I found myself camped out at an intelligent vendor’s stall who televised the games, watching the last minutes of the Portugal-Cote de Ivorie match, groaning & cheering our teams on with about 30 fellow attendees.  Once the game wrapped up, we went on our separate ways and continued the work we were sent to DIA to complete.

I have ESPN’s coverage of the matches active on my web browser while I crank through emails, spreadsheets, and PowerPoints.  I watch as many matches as I can while still getting through my to-do lists.  I’ve been listening to the World Cup album on repeat since it was released a few weeks ago.  My fiancé has the critical matches entered in his Outlook calendar listed as “Do Not Call Hitha”.

It’s World Cup Fever, baby.  And I won’t be cured until mid-July.

If you are immune to the fever, allow me to infect you.  Watch these following YouTube vids:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jehimvPN7JM]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zd_khk6zXo]

Download this album.  I particularly like Game On, Move On Up, One Day.

And enjoy the fever.  Waka waka it’s time for Africa.

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