root, root, root for the home team

it would be dishonest to say i was excited about our move to chicagoland because of the area's great eats, attractions, lake front, etc. no, while i'm very grateful for all of the above, i was most excited by the prospect of becoming a legitimate cubs fan.

the cubbies. the north siders. the lovable losers. harry caray. america's team. and the friendly confines of wrigley field. mrs. pike and i view the good fortune of the ball club this year as evidence of our inspired relocation choice. (well, at least i do. though the team's in a bit of a slump right now.)

i've explained to mrs. pike that greeting strangers on the street decked out in cubs attire with a high five after a win contributes to a wonderful sense of community. i was elaborating on my commitment to the home team further one evening when she broke the news. she's a dodgers fan, and has been since she was a little girl.

i was heartbroken. "i thought we were in this together," i said, exasperated by the news. "oh, we are," she said confidently and kindly. "it's okay to like more than one team, isn't it?" "no, it's not!" i said emphatically. "this is the home team were talking about. supporting our community! allegiance!" i suppose i may have overreacted. just a little. after all, i have always liked the A's. (we kissed and made up.)

well, mrs. pike indulged me and bought us cubs t-shirts. we still haven't entered the friendly confines of wrigley field, but it's only a matter of time. until then, the occasional high five to a stranger will suffice.