World Cup Fever

The only time I wish I owned a T.V. happens once every 4 years. I like the Olympics, and I'll watch a few events, but I LOVE the world cup. Though I haven't played on a team for several years after about 12 years of being a goal keeper, I haven't lost my love of the game. There is something still pure about it...the athleticism, the drama, what's not to love.

My heart is still pounding from the US vs. Algeria game. I can't believe we're actually advancing.We played well, even though they robbed of us of a goal (the instant replay shows we were NOT off sides!). The Algerian keeper was amazing (and gorgeous), but their defense just wasn't there. I think this is the only time this week I've voluntarily gotten up earlier than 7am, but it was well worth it. All the games are being shown in the local pubs no matter what time they start. I remember not being able to watch the games when I was younger because we didn't have cable, now they're on everywhere.

The first world cup I remember really watching was when I was 16 and in love with Italy. My mom and I were traveling in Senegal and every time we went to a bar or restaurant with the game on, I was busy trying to figure out if my team was going to move on, much to the amusement of the Senegalese people who really did not understand why a 16 year old American girl would care. Then there was the world cup in Japan/Korea. I was living there at the time and even playing on a team again for the first time in ages. I did everything I could to get tickets, short of spending the night out on the street, but due to a glitch in the electronic system, I (like many others) couldn't get tickets. I had to settle for pub watching, but it was still amazing. It's the energy, the elation, the devastation, the intensity of watching your team work through the matches. Like the Olympics, people from all over the world put their collective attention on the games and though we're hardcore about supporting our teams, there is still a camaraderie about simply being there and watching, no matter who you're cheering for. I can't quite explain it. It's like for this brief window of time we're all on the same page, we're all wondering what's going to happen next.

Gratitude

It has been a crazy month. Tina and I hosted 3 Red Couch Gallery fundraisers featuring arts and crafts by: Tina Blu Creationz, Mikal Whoberry, Rachel Malinak with AphroditeXchange, Nacala Ayele of Euphoryia, Nick Moorhead, VJ, and a few others. I was also the featured performer at Ladies 1st this June. Between fundraisers, art and book sales, and some very generous donations, I am happy to announce that I was able to reach my financial goal. I've purchased my tickets and I will be leaving Seattle on July 2.

The general itinerary...subject to change:
July 2 Portland, OR
July 12 Phoenix, AZ
August 15 Ghana (via NYC)
August 24 Morocco
September 1 Spain and Portugal (am working out a side trip to Lisbon)
October 1 New York, NY
October 5 Washington DC
From there...not quite sure.

While I am thrilled to have made the money, this has been a hard process. I've realized that I don't like asking for help...which I suppose is why I don't do it very often. It's uncomfortable and sometimes vulnerable, but I have been blessed and at times overwhelmed by the generosity I've experienced. The Buddha teaches us that our energy is karmic and has an echo...that the things in our life are a reflection of what we've put out. I don't know what I could have done to be so well blessed, but truly I will up my game and be a better person to my entire community simply to feel worthy of these amazing gifts.

First and foremost I have to thank my family, especially my parents who have been wonderfully supportive. And thank you to Mz. Blu my sister and roomate, who has gone above and beyond by helping to recruit artists and always pushing me to do the smart thing even when I was cranky and didn't want to do it anymore. Special thanks to all those who were able to contribute financial and also those whose contributions were in time, support, organizing, and cleaning.

THANK YOU: Mom, Dad, Julie, Tina, Lyndon, Karen, Nacala, Torito, Julie and Jason B, VJ, Mikal, Rachel, Mike and Courtney, Pedro and Luzelvia, Nick, Jeannie, Ron, Callie, Kendall, Camille, Joan, Nancy, Diane, Linda and Russ, Meghan and Melissa, Roman, Anna, Lori, Samantha, Alex, Tamika, Sylva, Sarah, Paula, David, Julia, Yaneth, Ossob, Lindi, Shana, Bea, Sonia, Eric, my entire sangha...Michael, Laura, Gia, Garth, Katie, Sheri, Not A Number Books and Gifts, CSL, Amazing Grace, Black Girl Crew, CARA, The Neo Arts Program, The Meridian School, and the Wallyhood Blog.

I will be taking my computer with me and thanks to some lovely co-workers I will have grounded adapters for each country...meaning I won't be frying my laptop with the change in electrical current. So get ready for the adventure! I know I am.