Anticipation...

Eighteen days. I cannot believe that it is almost here, one glorious month of the world's finest teams on stage, their triumphs and defeats will be etched in the minds of millions for years to come. Four years later and I can still feel the hurt and anguish of seeing the US's defeat in the quarterfinals. I still relish telling the story of the 1934 games when an underdog (aren't they always?) US team defeated England 1-0. A match that occurred long before I was born, but one that gives rise to optimism, hope beating a rhythmic whimsical song within my breast that the truly remarkable can happen.

My daily thoughts and nightly dreams are filled with an unbearable anticipation as each day brings the World Cup closer to fruition. My coworkers, friends, and family must be tired of my daily (sometimes hourly) countdown reminders and nonsensical prattle, but I find it too difficult to suppress my excitement. I've already divised a TiVo schedule and when/where I will view each match; and everyone that may have the pleasure of speaking with me during June and July has been advised not to mention the outcome of any match with full knowledge of the wrath I will bear upon anyone who dares breach this understanding.

Anticipation (n): the act of looking forward; especially : pleasurable expectation