Cazzo! Che stress!

I've been attempting to pack all day. I ran into town and into Wal-Mart for last-minute crap twice. I got everything I can think of together, but I doubt I've managed to maintain my focus long enough to make it all the way down my packing list, so I've probably just cobbled together bits and pieces through quick glances, and I hope it was thorough enough. I can't even check right now. I do not have the mental together-ness. I'll wake up early in the morning and do it. I really need to get some sleep.

Thinking it was a good idea to relay my departure through northern VA, DC, and NY was one of the stupider things I've done. I hate the very idea of bouncing around so much, but there's nothing I can do about it now. I may end up alone in northern VA with a bunch of luggage tomorrow, trying to find somewhere to sit for several hours while I try frantically to contact people.

I'm so disappointed about the USA loss today. But we played well most of the game, and I'm proud of our team. I'm happy about the unprecedented attention being paid to soccer in the US. People complain about World Cup fever and the fact that Americans only care about soccer every four years, which apparently makes us huge fakes, but I don't think that's the case. I think more and more, with the attention paid to the US in the World Cup this year, soccer will gain more recognition and respect in the US, and I'm glad for it. For me, paying attention to the World Cup this year has served to remind me of how much I used to love soccer, and I don't have any interest in ignoring it as soon as WC 2010 is over. Here's hoping we do even better in 2014! My only regret, as I never expected the US to even make the semifinals, is that I won't be able to watch either Italy or my home team from Perugia. There are still other teams I support (Japan and Mexico are my remaining favorites), but none that will hold the same interest as an American in Italy. But Landon Donovan is still my hero!

(for those who wondered but didn't look it up, "Cazzo! Che stress!" basically means "Fuck, this is stressful!")