April: 30 Things We've Accomplished Before 30...

#1: Phillies vs. Yankees World Series

In October 2009, I attended the World Series. Okay, this may seem quite superficial, nor an accomplishment, but timely since today Opening Day 2011 for the Phillies.

See the thing is that growing up my grandfather LOVED the Yankees and my father LOVED (and still LOVES) the Phillies. I was always distraught as to whom I should be supporting. Not to mention, one of my older brothers was a die-hard Red Sox fan. I respected his love for Wade Boggs and thought on many occasions that I should support that team. Being pulled in three directions eventually wore on me and I stuck with the hometown team--MY Philadelphia Phillies! Nothing says Sunday more to me than Harry Kalas on the radio in the kitchen and golf on the television in the living room. To this day, when I find myself with a free Sunday I recreate that atmosphere, of course, sans Harry, but it almost feels as good.

After watching my boys of summer win the 2008 World Series, I knew that I needed to go to a Philadelphia World Series someday. Hanging out at Chickie's or the Irish Pub just wasn't going to cut it for the next Series, if there ever was one. The last one was before I was born, so I was pretty sure this was a pipe dream.

The moment became real while I was watching the NLCS at Chickie's. Suddenly, I found myself sprinting down Broad Street with A and celebrating at the intersection of Broad and Snyder in October 2009. It was then I knew I would spend whatever money I had to be there. I needed to feel (and savor) the energy in Citizen's Bank Park. Surreal.

A co-worker, a Yankees fan thankfully, and I purchased the best our money could buy, STANDING ROOM ONLY tickets. I won't even indulge you with the price. Most would be ashamed, but I'm not. It turned out to be one of the best investments of my life, thanks to the Yankees fan.

Bottom of the second inning, a desperate man comes over to us, and says, "Are you a real Yankees fan?" To which I reply, "Do you want to see her tattoo?" No kidding, she has a tattoo. He explained how his friend was sick and they had to leave. We took his tickets--THIRD row behind the Yankees. I didn't care if they were wearing blue, I was so close to J-Roll, Ryan, Chase, and Chooch!! Thank goodness for that rain delay! That had just a little to do with the guy's illness.

We lost that Series, but I won. I did something that so few have done...before I was 30!

 Hey CC!

Yep, that was our view!