The Home Team

Last night Curt and I went to American Airlines Center to watch the Mavericks play the Houston Rockets. I got these tickets as a present for Curt's birthday, which was on January 1. I thought long and hard about which team I was going to cheer for. If you know me well, you may know that I am, or that I at least try to be, a loyal person. And I'm unquestionably sentimental. So rooting against my hometown's team was a big deal for me. Some of my favorite memories are of those 2 years when the Rockets won the Championships. I feel connected to them in my inner man. A year ago I would most definitely not have rooted for the Mavs against the Rockets. But now we've lived in the Dallas area for over two years, we've had a baby here, and we own a home here. It seemed time. I thought I was ready. But truth be told, it was hard. I had to separate myself mentally from who the other team was and just focus on the guys wearing blue. I was really annoyed with the people who were yelling mean things at Tracy McGrady, who in truth was utterly amazing. What made it easier was the fact that I sat next to a man who had to have been the inspiration for Hank Hill (King of the Hill). And the announcer was constantly coaxing us into saying "Defense" in a slightly demonic-sounding voice. Between those two, I was laughing the whole time. It was a really good and close game up to the last few minutes when the Mavs pulled ahead into a comfortable lead. Our seats were at half-court. But don't be fooled - we were seated in the heavens. Even so, they were good seats and I was completely impressed with the arena. As we drove home Curt said this was the best birthday gift I've ever given him. Yay! Thanks, Uncle Daniel and Aunt Amy for keeping our boy while we had this fun date! To cap it all off, this morning we woke up to a blanket of beautiful white snow covering everything. It was quiet and still and there were no prints or marks in the snow. It was completely unexpected and a wonderful surprise to wake up to.