Fortune of the Day

 And the fortune of the day is:

Spring Soccer

 It’s Spring Soccer season and we are beginning to immerse ourselves in the soccer world. It all started when I asked my Dad if I could borrow some of his soccer gear. I asked to borrow soccer clothes because I wanted to start working out again. After 3 kids, I need to get back into shape, was my mentality. He gave me 2 outfits and told me I could keep them. I started wearing them, just to lounge. Those Nike shorts felt amazing. Alright boys, let me teach you how to play soccer, became the goal.

World Cup came around and we watched some games together. I bought them some cleats and was delighted to be able to. We started playing at my favorite park in the city next to ours. Roll up goals that are netted and ready, green grass and an open field. A soccer player’s dream. 

Their Dad got them some indoor soccer sessions and while I was watching them play, a family friend invited me to play on a soccer team. Due to good timing and alignment, I signed up. I started playing and when I started playing, I started to remember who I am. I’ve had a soccer ball at my feet since I knew how to walk. 

World Cup in Qatar

 Croatia won the World Cup bronze (3rd place) today in Qatar vs. Morocco. Tomorrow is the final with Argentina vs. France. I was wondering where Italy was this World Cup because Italy is usually a big team. Apparently Italy has not been able to qualify for the last two World Cups. I really hope we, the USA, not only get into the World Cup in Atlanta in 2026, but win the whole entire tournament. Our men's team deserves to win as it'll be a first World Cup win for the United States Men's National Team ever! 

This World Cup has been a whirlwind of emotions. I cried when the USA won vs. Iran. Watching the player from Iran hug our US player and cry on his shoulder was such an emotional moment. Iran has been going through so much turmoil and people are rising up and speaking about what has been happening. The moment when the Iranian player hugged our player and cried was a moment that represented the human connection between us throughout this time period and how we feel towards Iranians. The same US player, in the locker room after the game, put his face in his hands and cried. The brotherhood of man can be so incredibly beautiful. 

The US journalist, Grant Wahl, in Qatar, was denied entry to the first game because he was wearing a rainbow shirt and that type of apparel was not allowed. Apparently FIFA and the stadium representatives from Qatar later apologized to Grant Wahl for the incident and he was released about 25 minutes later. As the World Cup continued, the journalist was apparently not feeling well and he eventually collapsed in his chair during the Netherlands game vs. Argentina in the overtime part of the game. This collapse led to his death. The soccer community has been devastated by this news. 

The emptiness from the death of Grant Wahl still lingers.

This is the type of emptiness we feel from Iran.

This is the type of emptiness we feel from Ukraine. 

As the World Cup continues, I sometimes feel like there's nothing I should say, nothing I should write. It's just emptiness in that place that was once full of life. How do we continue? 

I look at Croatia and Morocco on the map and think about visiting the places where I can look out onto the vast ocean. 

I look forward to watching the World Cup final early tomorrow morning and thank God that I am able. 

May the ones we've lost along the way rest in peace and loved ones be filled with comfort. 

Perfect Pitch

 Today is the first World Cup game I've been able to watch. The seats were from a Youtube.com live streaming via PITCH sports site. We had a birds eye view of the USA vs. England game, but I was happy to watch it nonetheless. When a foul or anything of the sort happened, we had a closer look. I can't complain. For the first time I've wanted to watch a sports game live I didn't need to jump through hoops or leave home to watch the game. It was definitely a step in the right direction. 

Social media sites have made so much connection possible but we still have to watch World Cup games through certain networks if we want to have a clear view. Same with other sports. For those reasons, I really appreciated being able to watch the game through the live stream today, for free. On Tuesday, when USA plays Iran, I'll try to post it here if it's available again. 

USA and Wales tied 1-1 first game, Iran lost to England 6-2, USA and England tied 0-0, Iran won vs. Wales 2-0. Now USA is going to play Iran on Tuesday and the outcome, I'd have to admit, seems quite unpredictable. I am really looking forward to watching the game, hopefully, from the comfort of home. What is it that makes teams win? I believe it's a combination of factors similar to the Lottery. 

1st US World Cup 2022 Game

 Today at 11 am we are watching the first US World Cup Game of 2022! We, the US, are playing Wales first. The World Cup is an amazing event that brings people all around the world together to enjoy their favorite sport, soccer (football). The differences between us somehow find common ground and we work together toward a common goal. We learned about Qatar this year. 

Qatar looks like an incredible place to visit and is known to be one of the wealthiest places in the world. The lights from the shiny (unique architecture) buildings gleam on the water at night and the city appears to be cleanly fully energized! It is such an honor for our US Men's National Team to be able to travel to Qatar and play in the World Cup! 

World Cup 2022

 If I were playing in the World Cup I'd want to have my typical before and after the big game/s meals I had as a kid every weekend when our life revolved around soccer. 

Chinese food the night before. Chicken and asparagus or broccoli, steamy white rice, hot and sour soup with no meat, unlimited water and lots of green tea with sugar. In the morning before the game its oatmeal with brown sugar and creamy milk with a side of hash browns plus ketchup. As always, lots and lots of water. Lunch is chicken kabobs with white rice and roasted tomato and some lemon slices, mast o khiar and bread with butter. Iced water with a straw and some dough. 

Every single weekend. Best meals ever. 

World Cup

  Do I believe we can win? 

Yes, I believe we can win? 

Why? 

Well, we are a very young team and I believe that's our advantage this World Cup. 

I believe there is more to the World Cup than we understand. 

When we play on a world stage, is being young an advantage? 

Yes, when we're young, we can play. 

On a professional level? 

Together we can. 

Do you believe? 

That's a good start. 

What are we? Lots of fish swimming together? 

We are the core.

We are the stars dancing in the light of the moon.