Accessing Teh Interwebs

The best part about my work life, aside from the glorious commute, is that although I work in almost a strictly digital world, I have about 75% up time for actually connecting to the digital world. I think if we did a review of my time, 20-30% of it would be spend click-refreshing to try and hit a server.

I have a 50-50 shot at accessing the server in the office next to me, where we store all of our materials. I have a decent chance of getting my email but only because I rely on my Crapberry to get it. I have about a 75% chance of hitting the Drop Box. And have to refresh 4 or 5 times to get to any web page.

The good news is that once I get a connection to a single page, I can keep it for hours. So that comes in handy for things like listening to southern radio stations and Univision.

It does not come in handy for things like connecting to a Webinar about hyperlocal marketing software. Because THAT would actually help me do my job better.

Work - World Cup Balance

I used to think the hardest balance to find was work-family. But it turns out, it's actually all about the world cup. Last month, I met two people who take the entire month and work at home so they can watch. And that doesn't count anyone I know who works for ESPN.

If I'd known, I would have tried to do the same (who am I kidding, I can barely get permission to work at home once a month, nevermind that I do 3 times as much work there). Anyway.

I missed this morning's PK extravaganza because I was doing an employee review. The stupid thing is, she's totally into the WC too. I could have easily just said "Let's meet quickly, keep our eyes on the match, and watch if we need to watch."

And now I am waiting for a 3PM call. Luckily, it should be exactly a half hour. So I'll be able to watch at least one of my favorite boys. For some of the match. Like now, on my other monitor...

GO PORTUGAL!!!!

Morning Match: Wherein Godzilla Fights One of The Guays.

At the half, it occurs to me that I really have no opinion here. This is rare. I try and have an opinion about everything from what cars other people should drive to how to make the best popcorn.

And yet, I cannot muster any energy for this match. Perhaps I am saving all my emotion for this afternoon? I could flip a coin and generate more excitement for myself but really, maybe I could finish reading the Social Media Bible or I could paint my toenails and root for one foot to dry first.

Or someone could give me a reason to root for Japan or Paraguay. Any recommendations with solid reasoning behind it?

Brazil and Smoothies

So the Robek's next door has all these crazy Mardi Gras signs up and beads out and jazz silhouettes and such. My friend Jane suggested I might get free smoothies for showing them my breasts but it seems like that's more of a JANE execution than a ME one. I did, however, ask if the protein boost could be rum (see below).

I finally asked the cashier what was up with this Mardi Gras in June. He looked horrified and he said "It's supposed to be a promotion for our new smoothies."

Naturally, I had to ask about the Hurricane smoothie. He once again looked horrified as he explained to me that it wasn't Mardi Gras, it was supposed to be Brazilian Carnival.

I started laughing and he said "It gets worse. I'm Brazilian."

Poor guy. So we started talking about Kaka and the World Cup and how incredibly funny it is that his corporate HQ thought Mardi Gras has the same decorations as Carnaval.

I wrote an email to their HQ asking why on earth they would have signs up promoting Mardi Gras and expecting me to connect that to their Acai smoothie. The guy rightfully pointed out that most Americans don't know about Brazil.

I guess they figured, why not make a total mess of it?

GO BRAZIL! VIVO HURRICANES! VIVO BOURBON STREET!

Netherlands - Slovwhatever

I don't know why I can't keep the Slovs separate in my head. One is in, one is out. I should woman up and just commit to figuring it out. But I think I assume The Netherlands is going to win bigtime so I can't put effort against figuring it out.

This match, however, does reinforce my daughter's statement that I would watch paint drying and root for one to dry faster if there was some coverage of it. Or nationality. Or even just if it happened.

Because I have absolutely no real opinion on The Netherlands. I mean, I had these super excellent treats at the end of the Heineken tour. And they do have that whole space cake thing going for them. And I had this honey cake thing in The Hague. So that was nice. But other than that. No real opinion. And I can't even make one up.

But I think I will root against Slovwhatever because they didn't have the sense to pick a less confusing name.

Germany - England

So we've had au pairs for the past 5 years and our current one is leaving next week. She's also German and I have had the pleasure of being able to watch some of the Germany matches with her. I'm not even sure why I like it that much since she sits there very stoically and watches all nervous like until she feels like it will all work out. But having someone sitting there who can correct my pronunciation of the German team members is handy. Plus, she's pretty great.

Yesterday was outstanding for the family though. I made us a poor attempt at German apple pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and bloody marys. Even the kids watched for a while but eventually we had to send them out of the room so we could actively watch.

I never thought I would say this but I kind of felt bad for England. That discounted goal really took the wind out of their sails. Though, I feel a need to point out that when that happened to the US, TWICE, we just sucked it up and pushed on. It wasn't over! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? NO! But they just gave up.

I hate to admit it too but I have a love/hate with the thorough destruction of effort when the leading team pulls their best players. I mean, part of me was pretty angry at England. You don't just GIVE UP EVEN MORE! But then, it kind of made me laugh.

Sorry to my English friends. I'm sorry you felt on Sunday the way I felt on Saturday. :( But you can't just mentally walk away if your goal doesn't count. You have to act like Teddy Roosevelt! Ernest Hemingway! Grab control and fight back, buckeroos!

But no. They say "Oh well, off to the pub for us." And I, for one, cannot argue with that position.

USA

Well, that was really fun. I most sincerely hope that what this did, even though we lost, was to get more Americans involved in a truly great game. It was exciting, engaging, and a great run. AND, it isn't over! Just because the US lost, there's more soccer to watch. And we can even watch if our team is out.

I am fascinated with the role ESPN is playing in this. My next door neighbor works for their secondary sports division and I am really enjoying watching their updates and their way of growing their US and global community.

I'll be interested to see what they do now that the US is out - I am hopeful that they will take this chance to keep on and give Americans the reasons to keep paying attention. It is enjoyable, a great fixed end way to spend an afternoon, and a beautiful beautiful sport.