Since blogging entered our vernacular I’ve wanted to tap into this method of communication. There’s much I’d like to share, but organizing my thoughts is not my strong suit. But now, finally, as I learned that I had gotten tickets to the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa, I realized that this occasion was monumentous enough to wrap a blog around. The main emphasis is soccer and my journey to South Africa in June, but I’ll stray far from the topic before always trying to make my way back, no matter how disjointed the course. I’ll share stories of people I’ve met (or at least observed from afar), my adventures in travel, preparations for the trek ahead, and whatever else comes to mind.
I’m 32, have played soccer since I was 5, and no matter how many times I’ve tried to quit, the ball always bounces my way again and drags me back onto the pitch. I currently play on a company-sponsored club team in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. My wife, because she is a good wife, supports my habit, as well as my other bizarre mix of obsessions including flag football, experimental travel, competitive Scrabble, geocaching, and listening to music most of you have never heard of. I have no kids, but the youngest of our two cairn terriers is developing into quite the soccer player, and his endurance is already at World Cup level.
My hope is that you enjoy the trip for as long as I can uphold it, which, my mom will tell you, could be nothing more than a passing fad, a short-lived whimsy to exorcise a few stray thoughts floating around in me noggin, or could be sustained longer than I would have ever imagined, possibly even too long. Either way, sit back, but don’t relax too much, it’s guaranteed not to be a smooth ride.
