Curtis with the Cameron Crazies

I have been waiting for this night for two and a half months. This is the night that the Duke men's basketball team takes on Georgia Tech at Cameron Indoor Stadium. If you're surprised that I have been looking forward to this night, you probably should be. I swore off televised sports when the Astros were in the World Series a few years ago. I hate investing time and emotional energy into a game that usually leaves me disappointed in the end. Amanda does not like to lose and Amanda does not like for her teams to lose. Since I am obviously very immature, sometimes it's better for me not to play and not to watch. However, in an effort to be my husband's dream girl, I have emotionally invested in this Duke team.

When I was twelve years old and dreaming about being the next Gabrielle Reece-slash-Barbara Walters, Curtis was dreaming about being a point guard on Duke's basketball team. His devotion to the Blue Devils has not lessened over time. I can't count how many times I've heard him say that he'd love to go to a game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. My understanding is that a Duke home game is like watching the Aggies play at Kyle Field. Simply put, great atmosphere, great traditions, and great fans. (Read this and this and you'll get it.)

Last Christmas the Lord provided an incredibly generous bonus for our family. I wanted to do something really special for my man since he is the love of my life and the best dad I've ever seen. So I took a deep breath, ordered a plane ticket, reserved a rental car, and bought one ticket to tonight's game (which was ridiculously overpriced, but they can do that). I recruited some partners in crime, Daniel and Amy, who happen to live in North Carolina. They were sweet enough to offer Curt their couch for a night.

I have never been so excited to give a present to anyone in all my life. It was painful keeping it a secret until Christmas Day. When the day finally came, Curtis opened a Duke hooded sweatshirt from me and Jackson and then I told him, "You're going to a Duke game! At home!" It was so much fun. You know how they say it's better to give than to receive? So true.

What totally sweetens the deal is that Duke is having a great season and we are rapidly approaching March Madness. March Madness is my worst nightmare because every game is so close and my nervous stomach can't handle it. Amy and Daniel are fans of Duke's biggest rival, North Carolina. (Amy is a proud alum.) Now that would have been a cool game to send Curt to, but I think the cheapest ticket on StubHub was $1,000. I have my limits, people. In honor of their dear friend Curtis on his special night, Daniel and Amy are going to be Duke fans for a couple of hours. In fact, Daniel was able to get two tickets to tonight's game at the last minute and they are sitting together! (Hopefully they found a buyer for that other ticket!) (*Update - they sold the ticket for $20. Considering how much I spent, that really hurts.)

So even though I have an Oprah and America's Next Top Model on my DVR, I will be glued to this game tonight. I'm hoping to see my hubby jumping up and down in his bright blue sweatshirt, but just picturing his smile in my mind will be enough.