Tropical Schedule and World Cup Fever

A heat dome has parked itself right over Europe this week, shattering records for new highs and turning many countries — including the Netherlands — into blazing infernos. Right now, it’s 98 — ninety-freaking-eight!!! — in Amsterdam. Some schools have instituted what’s called the Tropical Schedule: When indoor temps reach a certain limit, students must be picked up at noon, a concept I find hilarious, because what are some parents supposed to do? Bring their kiddos home and sweat even more trying to figure out childcare while balancing deadlines, calls, and melting into a puddle?

But there’s another reason it’s so spicy around my house: We have a serious case of World Cup fever. Is this the best one ever or what?!? The USMNT showing strong in their first two games (both convincing victories that have helped clinch a first-place spot in Group D); several 0-0 draws that have been absolute thrillers; and — it must be said by this proud GenXer — players who should be well past their prime continuing to kick plenty of ass. I can’t get enough, even if it means staying up way too late way too often.

But it’s what’s happening off the pitch that truly warms my heart: the love affair between fans from all over the world and my home country. This is what social media is made for: the fascination with free refills; Waffle House; and huge portion sizes (um, ok, yes, this all obvs contributes to our obesity epidemic, but still); plus massive gas stations; rodeos; Wal-Mart; the awe of AC; and the widespread appreciation for Americans’ overall friendliness and hospitality.

But these this video especially — “The headlines will show you a country. Americans will show you America” — well, let’s just say I think there’s something in my eye. How wonderful it is to see fans from every corner of the globe looking at us not as an extension of our government, but at who we are as people.

Whatever happens with the USMNT, this may be our biggest victory yet — at a time when we really needed one.

In addition to the usual onslaught of pitches and press releases, I’ve received a ton of press trip invites as of late, which is so much appreciated. But just a friendly reminder that I’m focused solely on writing 100 Haunts of a Lifetime, so I’m not traveling beyond book research and I don’t have the bandwidth to respond to unsolicited pitches. When my schedule frees up a bit after summer and book deadlines, it will be business as usual! Thanks for your understanding.

I am currently working from my neighborhood library, which not only is part of an independent theater I need to check out some time, but more importantly, HAS CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING, a concept as rare in Europe as supersized anything. It’s properly frosty — I am wearing a sleeveless dress and I should have brought a cover-up — and I am plotting how we could sneak in our sleeping bags and camp out for the night in this divine chilly oasis, instead of having to cram the three of us into my son’s room, which is the only one with a window positioned that will allow us to vent our portable AC unit for a comfortable(ish) night of sleep.

All of which is to say: If you’re reading this from the States, be sure to cherish that most American of superpowers: central AC.

I know many visiting World Cup fans will be.

Stay cool,

Blane