Hi, My Name Is Bela and Like Michelle, I'm an Addict As Well

Not to try and one up Michele Alves's article on being a football addict but I thought I'd share my own experiences as well.

I can remember a time in my life when the color blue was just the color blue.

I can remember a time when I hated going to my cousins soccer games because I could have used that time to be doing something else.

The list could go on and on but I rather get on to the real confession here.

So, I'm addicted. Addicted to football like the college freshman becomes addicted to Ramen noodles. Football, much like Ramen, is always there. Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. Also, like Ramen, it's cheap. A ball and someones rolled up t-shirts to delineate goals and you are set.

It's probably the cheapest addiction in the world.

I became addicted to football sophmore year of college when the school started offering free cable and I had Tuesday and Thursday afternoons off from class. I would flip through the channels and end up with Champions League match days.

I was actually kinda weary of it at first. You know, like the first time you raise your hand in a class. You want to but you don't want to come off as a tool. I had grew up with cousins who played American football and baseball. This football would definitely not be recieved well around the family.

So, I hid the early part of my addiction. I would look at soccernet or the BBC long after everyone went to bed. I discovered Chelsea and then the color blue became more than a color. It was a flag, a banner, and a feeling to get behind.

I finally told my mom I like football when I came home with a ball one day. From there, Christmas lists were littered with jersey and Chelsea related requests. She has probably spent more on Chelsea stuff in the last four years than she did on Ninja Turtle stuff when I was five.

Still I yern for more. More football.

My kit request list is currently up to seven teams. I took the D.C. Metro out to the ghetto to buy a D.C. United kit.

My obsession isn't just related to one team and I think that's part of the problem. I collect anything that has to do with the beautiful game. I have shirts that say (insert college name here) soccer from at least four different schools. I have had friends specifically buy them for me.

Then it comes down to watching the game.

I have sat on the couch in my apartment and watched almost every single Champions League matchday for the last four years. When I had class on match days, I'd pull ESPN up and seldom answer in class.

I have been accosted by not so bright Arsenal and Man U fans who did not take into account the hooligan'esque glare that I gave them.

I have defended the US national team to a room full of international students and somehow walked away with my life and battered adidas ball.

I have walked balls to class with me and did simple footwork—back and forth between my feet—while the teacher taught.

It is unhealthy how much I love this beautiful game. But the way I look at it, I could be addicted to something much worse. So, football, despite the fact that you nearly give me a heart attack for the entire year, you are my anti-drug and I am happy to be addicted.