Tale of Two Soccer Balls

In 1986, I was 12 years old and in sixth grade.

The World Cup was played in Mexico City.

My Dad brought me home the prettiest soccer ball I had ever seen, a World Cup Ball. I LOVED it so much, that I never actually used it. We purchased a special net so that it could hang from my bedroom ceiling. (It's still encased in the net.) It had all the countries who qualified, and it was nothing like I had ever seen before. I vividly remember believing it was the coolest thing in my room.

In 2010, I'm 36 years old, with two sons, nearly 5yrs and 2yrs.

The World Cup is in South Africa.

We wake each morning at 6AM, and turn on the TV. It doesn't matter who's playing, because each game is exciting in and of itself. My favorite part is when the teams walk through the tunnel, and  pass over the official soccer ball with their flags.

From the moment I first saw it, I had the same feeling about the 2010 ball as I did in 1986. I knew I had to have one. Today, Nate and I bought the last one in stock at Big Five Sporting Goods. I brought it home, and took it out of it's box. Jack instantly grabbed it and threw it in the street. (Gasp....)  It's way too pretty to be kicked. I rushed over to rescue it and buff out any scuff marks.  It has a perfect sheen with a very colorful design with the official World Cup logo. I know it's going to be hard to keep this ball safe...I mean clean.

I wonder what Doug would think if I hung it in our bedroom?