World Champions!

My sister and I ready to cheer for the Seahawks in MetLife Stadium at SBXLVIII.

My sister and I ready to cheer for the Seahawks in MetLife Stadium at Super Bowl XLVIII.

Now that 12 days have passed since my beloved Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl, I’m finally able to focus on life outside of football.

Granted, the Seahawks have been a part of my life for more than 30 years, so it’s no easy feat for me to put their recent monumental accomplishment aside. But, smiles and joy alone don’t pay the bills, so I’m forcing myself to focus on my latest venture…my communications consulting business.

But first, can I just share with you how fabulous it was to be in MetLife Stadium cheering for the Seahawks as they won their first Super Bowl? I’ve never yelled so loudly with the 12th Man. I’ve never danced or jumped that much as a fan. I still can’t wipe the smile off my face.

It was sheer jubilation. Chanting SEA-HAWKS! L-O-B! Omaha Omaha! (Haha!) Bouncing with the sea of 12s to Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us” after every score. It was pure bliss.

I couldn’t have scripted a better game. Twelve seconds into the game Denver’s ball snap went awry, right in front of us. From there the Hawks kept scoring and scoring and scoring. The 12s kept cheering and jumping and dancing. It was camaraderie at its finest.

I love the personalities on this Seahawks team – the class of Russell Wilson, the spunk of Richard Sherman, the determination of Doug Baldwin, the confidence of Golden Tate. From the beginning of the season I felt this was their year. I love these Hawks!

I’m happy for them. I’m happy for the city of Seattle. I’m happy for the Seahawks employees who have worked for decades for this championship. And obviously, looking at the number of 12s who showed up for the Victory Parade, I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks! You deserve to be World Champions. I feel so blessed to have shared your magical win with you.

Can we do it all again next year?

GO HAWKS!!!

Okay…now I’ll get to work.

Can anyone use the services of a smiling communications consultant with a Seahawks hangover?

Seahawks are Super Bowl Bound!

Photo from Seahawks.com. Photographer: Corky Trewin

I’d like to be productive today, but I’m still reeling from the Seahawks’ NFC Championship win on Sunday.

At least I’ve finally stopped shaking! What an emotional day.

After viewing hours of postgame reports and interviews, I have 10 thoughts to share:

 

  1. The Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl! Euphoria has swept over our city. I’m thrilled for the players, the Seahawks organization, the fans and the Pacific Northwest.
  2. I’m going to the Super Bowl, too! All season I knew this team was magical and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the midst of NYC’s Super Bowl festivities chanting “SEA-HAWKS” with my fellow 12th Man.
  3. Richard Sherman is awesome! Sure, he may be loud, brash and confident, and perhaps he didn’t exhibit much sportsmanship in the Erin Andrews interview. But, check out this video, which shows Sherman leading into the Andrew’s interview, for more context. Perhaps if you knew him better, or if he played for YOUR team, you’d enjoy his antics and admire his athleticism, commitment to be the best, and selflessness in the community. He’s an animated guy and Andrews happened to grab him at an exhilarating moment immediately after he beat a bitter rival on a game-winning play. He publicly let loose his built-up aggression toward Michael Crabtree, and that was unfortunate. The hatred and deluge of racially-motivated comments that followed were inexcusable and disheartening. Even Andrews said she was glad he was as lively as he was, and she wasn’t offended in the least. The interview provided great fodder for the media, but like he said, it didn’t represent who he is off the field. Sherman is the Seahawks’ Muhammad Ali. He’s confident, aggressive, focused and competitive. I agree 100% with this commentary by KING 5’s Paul Silvi. I look forward to watching Sherman on Feb. 2 as he shows the world why he is the best cornerback in the NFL.
  4. Kudos to the 49er fans who attended the game. They were a much nicer group than I encountered at Candlestick Park in December. The fact that San Francisco chose to shut down their cable cars during and after the game due to fear of what damage their fans might do to them is a testament to what I experienced when I was there. I’m glad a different group followed the team to Seattle.
  5. I was sorry to hear that some Seahawks fans threw popcorn at the injured NaVorro Bowman as he was carted off the field. That’s just plain disrespectful and not representative of the 12th Man. Those of us who watched Bowman’s knee bend backward on the one-yard-line have that painful image embedded in our minds forever. I wish him a speedy recovery.
  6. However, speaking of Bowman, I must sadly add that I find his pregame behavior of tearing up a poster belonging to an autograph-seeking Seahawk fan to be utterly disrespectful. Fans are the reason you have a job, Bowman. Hmmm…do you believe in karma?
  7. The Sea Gals are beautiful, entertaining and full of energy! I’m disappointed ESPN didn’t show them once during the telecast. Hopefully their hard work will be recognized with some exposure during the Super Bowl.
  8. Seahawks-mania is rampant in Seattle! The Seahawks have united our community. It’s healthy for our souls and our economy. Blue, green and 12s are found everywhere you turn. What fun.
  9. The Seahawks still don’t get any respect at the national level. Even after beating the 49ers to win the NFC Conference, there’s no respect. As Governor Inslee said, “We don’t drive covered wagons out here anymore!” Lookout negative-Nellies. I’m pretty sure this “pedestrian” team will be able to “squeak out” one more win this season and prove all of you wrong. Doug Baldwin says your lack of respect has turned the chips on the players’ shoulders into boulders, and fires them up to play even harder. That’s the Legion of Boom, baby!
  10. I love this 2013-2014 Seahawks team – their talent, personalities and community service. They’ve earned their place in Super Bowl XLVIII and I’m going to have the time of my life supporting them “loud and proud” in NYC and New Jersey. Go Hawks!

Keep it classy, Niners

Sunday I attended the Seahawks vs. 49ers game with my family in Candlestick Park. Numerous friends and strangers warned me to be safe and be careful. I shrugged off their concern.

Game day in Candlestick!

Game day in Candlestick Park!

I wasn’t worried because I’m a nice fan. I’m not one who provokes anger from the opposing team’s fans. I simply cheer for my team and its success. I don’t belittle the other team or their fans.

Sadly the Niner fans take competitive bantering to the level of vulgar swearing, “in your face” insults and physical intimidation. We truly were concerned for our safety.

We saw this sports bar readerboard while riding a cable car in San Francisco. It perfectly illustrates the classless Niner-fan mentality.

This sports bar readerboard we saw while riding a cable car typifies the classless Niner-fan mentality.

We felt comfortable when we were surrounded by the 12th Man at the tailgate party, but other than that our eyes were wide-open. Someone told me Candlestick Park was nothing more than a glorified penitentiary, and that is how it felt! I told my kids I should get them a T-shirt that says, “I survived Candlestick Park!”

Diehard 49er season-ticket holders who reflect the class of the past. They're giving up the tickets they've had for 50 years at the end of this season.

These diehard 49er fans have held season tickets for 50 years. They reflect the class of the past, and are giving up their tickets at the end of this season.

Perhaps when the Niners move to their new stadium next year their fan base will change. I hope so. The sweet couple in their 80s who sat behind us Sunday are such devout Niner fans they have a “49er shrine room” in their home. They said they’ve been season-ticket holders for 50 years but are releasing their tickets after this season. They said the team and fans have changed over the years and the class is gone. The glory days when the team was led by Joe Montana have passed.

So now I understand why my friends were concerned. Thankfully I believe all of the 12th Man in attendance made it out safely. Of course we were disappointed with the last-minute loss, but at least we made it out physically unharmed.

Most likely the Seahawks will play the Niners in the playoffs next month, and that game will be on our turf. The 12th Man won’t have to be told what color to wear to the game, when to cheer, or when our team has scored. (“Listen for the foghorn Niner fans – that means your team has just scored.”) Really? Are they not watching the game?

I could carry on with more negative Niner experiences, but I won’t. I’ll wrap up with one final thought. Hearing the SEA-HAWKS chant on our flights, throughout downtown San Francisco, in Candlestick’s parking lot and inside “The Stick” made me smile. I’m honored to represent the Seahawks and their class organization.

Niners – you have some work to do.

GO HAWKS!

A Beautiful Reunion

2013 Sea Gals with alumni in the locker room at the Seahawks vs. Bucs game 11-3-13.

2013 Sea Gals with alumni in the locker room at the Seahawks vs. Bucs game 11-3-13.

I couldn’t get to sleep Saturday night. I knew the next day was going to be one I would remember for the rest of my life.

Reunions inspire reflection – remembering how things were “then,” reminiscing about all that has happened since, and embracing how things are now.

Sunday I reconnected with friends I hadn’t seen in 30 years. I was the choreographer for the 1983 Sea Gals squad and the Seahawks recognized the 1983 Seahawks and Sea Gals during halftime at yesterday’s game.

Some things never change. The gals looked the same. They acted the same. They moved the same. I guess we are who we are despite the passage of time.

Even though three decades have elapsed since we cheered for the Hawks, as we walked around the field rallying with the 12th Man, it seemed like yesterday. The fans cheered, took pictures, shared kind words. It was heartwarming. It was like yesterday.

I’m so grateful for the reunion. I loved rekindling lost friendships, sharing joy with others who share a similar bond, and feeling at peace with myself and my life.

Yesterday was beautiful. And I slept great last night. Bring on tomorrow….GO HAWKS!

Go Seahawks!

My daughter, Kristi, as a 1996 Jr. Sea Gal.

1996 Jr. Sea Gal Kristi

Patience is not my strongest virtue. I’ll admit it. And waiting for tomorrow’s Seahawks game is killing me.

I know it’s just a football game, but this season the Seahawks unified and electrified our city. They evolved into Seattle’s sweetheart team. It’s more than just a game to fans like me.

Throughout the city, fans are dressed, tattooed and dyed blue; city lights are twinkling green and blue; the 12th man flag is flying everywhere. The buzz is all about the Seahawks.

This game is a big deal. Winning will take Seattle one step closer to the Super Bowl; one step closer to winning that pinnacle game, and shedding the negativity stemming from Seattle’s prior Super Bowl experience. Ugh…it pains me to even think about THAT experience.

So as I wait impatiently for tomorrow’s game, I am doing my best to revel in the camaraderie, the fun and the excitement in the city. I am grateful for the wild and winning 2012 season and the joy it brought to Seattle fans. And, I optimistically anticipate a continued path to the 2013 Super Bowl.

Bring on the Atlanta Falcons, and let’s see how the Seahawks fare. My guess is they will do quite well.

GO HAWKS!!!