take me out to the ball game

i wasn't sure if we were being adventurous or stupid when mr. pike and i decided to take our almost month-old baby boy and our two-year-old little girl to a ball game. but i found a great price on tickets for our favorite home team, and we wanted to get at least one game in this season. might as well do it sooner than later, right?! (why should we procrastinate enjoying america's favorite past time?)

fortunately, it proved to be an adventure and not one we regret. little girl enjoyed watching the boys run and hit and catch balls. and when that didn't prove exciting enough for her, she ran back and forth in our row (where there were some empty seats). and baby boy slept the whole time.

too bad that our lovable losers lost to the astros. but we'll keep rooting for the home team.

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.