6/1/11

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Are you a fan of a sports team? When did you become a fan?

I've been a die-hard Cubs fan my whole life. I suppose it's because my grandpa was a HUGE Cubs fan, as is my mom's brother, and now the rest of my family. Some of my earliest, and fondest, memories are of my grandpa sitting in his chair, in front of the TV, smoking his pipe, and watching the Cubs. I used to love sitting there with him, even when I didn't know what the hell was going on. As I got older, maybe 5 or 6, I paid attention and learned about the game, and then grew to truly enjoy watching. Although, the best part was always spending that time with my gramps. Even now, whenever a game is on, just the sound of it instantly transports me back to those days, back to the 'old neighborhood,' back to my grandparents' old house, etc. Some days, it makes me cry, because I miss my gramps SO much. Most days, though, it makes me smile.

When I was in grade school, any student who had perfect attendance won tickets to a ball game. We got to choose Cubs or Sox tickets. I won tickets every single year, K-8th grade. I (duh!) always picked Cubs tickets, and have some wonderful memories of being out at Wrigley Field with my family. Usually, my uncle would take me, since my dad could NOT possibly care less about sports. (Well, except for soccer, of course. He used to play professionally back in the 'old country.' I should have specified "American sports!")

For years, we've been talking about going to see a game together again. The last time I was at Wrigley for a Cubs game, I was VERY pregnant with Stud Muffin. It was not the most comfortable afternoon, let me tell you. Very pregnant + Chicago heat + bleacher seats = Cranky ChiTown!! I think this summer, I'm going to take my uncle to a game. Actually, maybe I'll surprise him with some tickets for Father's Day. Hmmm...I'd better get working on this little plan...