T minus 1 day

June 2004. it was a very bittersweet time for me. The beginning of the month was spent galavanting about Europe with two of my closest friends. But the end of the month marked my return to America. I remember very distinctly pulling away from the gate in Paris, desperately wishing that there was some way i could stay. i racked my brain to come up with any reason i could to not go back to the US. I came up with nothing and that flight goes down as one of my worst plane journeys ever. For months after I landed a battle raged in my heart and mind; I did not want to be back. I just knew i was destined to live a European lifestyle. The cafes, the bars, the people, the clothes, the sports...everything. I was convinced it was the life for me.

I made 3 promises to myself that day. I wrote them in my journal so I would always remember. They are as follows.

1. "I will marry some from who hails from this European continent. An American will simply not do. I am destined to marry someone with an accent."

2. "I will live overseas. Even if it is not forever, I want to experience what it really means to live in another country. Not even just any country, a European country."

3. "Sports in America just dont compare. I want to be overseas for every major sporting event for the next 10 years. Major sporting events in Europe is like a world wide block party. People in the streets, people in the pubs, singing, dancing, laughing. I want to be a part of that."

six years on from when i wrote that I would say i am doing pretty well. I married a European and I live in London. So what about number 3?

I would have to say I am doing pretty well achieving that goal as well.
2004: The Euro (giant european football tournament) I was in Spain. The tournament was held in Portugal
2005: The Lions Tour: A MASSIVE rugby tour every 4 years to the southern hemisphere. It was in New Zealand in 2005. I was in New Zealand for the entire tournament.
2006: Football World Cup. It was in Germany. I was in France and Spain for the tournament.
2007: Rugby World Cup. It was in France. I was in France and England.
2008: Olympics. on this one I was actually sad to not be in America for this. I missed my national anthem.
2009: The Lions Tour. again, hanging out in the UK for this one. You cant even get the games on tv in america.

Which brings me to 2010. In ONE day the football world cup beings. Starting tomorrow and continuing until 11 July football will take over the world. and I will be in a football mad country to enjoy it. Take for example my local supermarket.



yeah, its crazy. and wonderful all at the same time.

England plays America on Saturday. It is the first game for both countries. and I CANT WAIT!! Its funny how we achieve goals. or in my case, its funny what my goals are in the first place. regardless, i will have a good time watching the world cup.