diggerToday was Boy Z’s second birthday. He’s dozing soundly, content in a sugar induced coma after a small party with some friends. Dr. O’C put in a command performance, whipping up a digger cake that made the boy’s eyes dance. He was devastated when we cut it up to serve it. Days like this, watching Boy Z run around the house in a state of ecstasy from too much sugar and too many new toys – these are the days that make all the nights of lost sleep worthwhile.

Now he’s told me, that all he needs to make his birthday perfect is a big win for his Bubba’s Georgia Bulldogs over the loathsome South Carolina Gamecocks. We’re well kitted out for the game, thanks to the Coal Miner’s Grandaughter. Heather came through for us for the second year in a row, sending over a big box o’ Dawg gear for both Boy Z and Not Max. bubblesWhen Boy Z saw the replica jersey he shouted ‘Go Dawgs!’ and started ripping off his clothes in a flurry to get the new jersey on. And the cross stitched singlets for Not Max are perfect for the blossoming Australian spring. Thanks, Heather, you’re a superstar.

We’re ready, let’s hope the Dawgs are as well.  The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Eastern (8:30 a.m. Sunday in Adelaide). Let’s get  it done, Dawgs. GATA.

Today was also the Adelaide Crows-Collingwood Magpies AFL finals (playoffs) game. I’m trying hard to get into Aussie rules football, largely because my sons are more likely to be fans of the Australian game than the American. But it isn’t easy. It is a bit of a birthday1silly looking game – a couple of dozen skinny white guys running around a circular field occasionally, and without apparent reason, slinging one another to the ground. I can imagine the origins of the game – a pub somewhere in the streets of Melbourne, several blokes, several pints, a fair bit of testosterone and a rugby ball.*

But Aussie rules is what I’ve got to work with, so I’ll become a fan of the game. But here’s my question – how do you choose a team? I’m a devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan, because that’s where I went  to school. But I don’t get professional sports. I’ve never made any kind of connection with a pro team and don’t see how one does. But growing up, my dad was an L.A. Dodgers fan so I was an L.A. Dodgers fan. I remember taking sineadharrygreat pleasure in rooting for my Dad’s team. I feel like I owe my sons a similar experience. But how to choose? I live in Adelaide, so one of the two Adelaide teams would be an obvious choice. But growing up, I really enjoyed being different from my peers – a Dodgers fan in Braves country. I told Agnes that I would become a fan of the winner of this game, but a conversation with Mr. Arizaphale today made me realize that barracking for a Melbourne team may set my boys up for some harassment. So many factors to consider.

If you’re a pro sports fan, how did you become a fan of your team?

UPDATE:

Dawgs win! 41-37. Not pretty, but a win’s a win.

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*All that being said, tonight’s game was a cracker. Came right down to the wire before Collingwood won on a last second goal.

 
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