How To Win Friends and Influence Bear Fans

Here's a draft of my first blog post for PocketDoppler.com which I hope will publish tomorrow.


Many thanks to Wally for asking me to participate in these shenanigans. Hopefully you'll find the view of a (somewhat) Violent Femme worthwhile reading.

As a bit of an introduction, I've been a Packer fan for most of my life, thanks to my Dad - a huge fan of the Lombardi-era Packers, especially Jerry Kramer (as most of my family has attended University of Idaho). The story I like to tell is that I was sitting on his lap at a few months old watching Super Bowl I. If not, I must have been in the next room listening to him cheer, because I imprinted. I read his well-thumbed copy of Instant Replay when I was about 7 or 8 and it was all over with. I was hooked.

Over the past 20 years, my interest has become more intense. Now, thanks to the power of blogs such as CheeseheadTV and Twitter, I've come to feel a part of a community of fans. I think those of us who don't live anywhere near Wisconsin find this connection maybe more important than your local Packer fan realizes, because we don't often run into someone on the street who has a similar passion for our team. In fact, around here, you're more likely to meet a Denver Bronco or San Francisco 49er fan. Shudder.

I've seen a fair amount of bickering on the Packer fan blogs, sometimes to the point of name calling after a big loss, or especially during the whole Favregate fiasco. In general, however, except for the occasional presence of a troll, people at least repect the main premise of why we're all there - we love and support the Green Bay Packers, come what may.

I realized during the Super Bowl vs. Denver that I had a little problem with confrontation. We were at a friend's house for a Super Bowl party who really didn't know anything about football, which is fine, but who made the mistake (to me) of inviting a rabid Broncos fan, male, who found out I loved the Packers and went after me with the intensity of a diamond tipped drill bit. Once he knew he was bothering me, he wouldn't shut up. Usually I'm pretty quick with a quip or pointed comment, but I just sat there, and after that last, awful play got up quietly, walked out the door and went home. And cried, I must confess. (Of course, that wasn't the last time Favre made me cry.)

Last week I was reminded as to my utter inability to trash talk. A new tweep, from my town, found out my loyalties were (I can't believe he could figure it out....) and revealed himself as a Bears fan. Not just a Bears fan, but a trash talking, Packer hating, McMahon worshiping Bears fan. In an awful case of deja vu, with laser like focus he set about annoying me. I tried to play it off for a while, I tried to respond and be funny but it got worse and finally I had just had enough. So I did what any girl should(n't) do, I ran to my band of Packer fan brothers in the Twitter world and one of them was kind enough to take said Bear fanboy on.

During the Bear game on Sunday the insults flew thick and fast between them while I watched from the Twitter sidelines. If I was a betting woman (and I am) I would have bet that one, or both, was totally beside himself with rage. Then, suddenly, all was totally laid back and smiley faces. Peace and joy reigned. Each had worn himself out, I guess, and felt better, perhaps taking comfort in the united knowledge that the Vikings, too, suck.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I somehow, someway, take all of it too seriously to trash talk well. That seems odd to me, because I've seen men who I know bleed green and gold even more than I do (and therefore one would assume might care more) engage in exchanges that would make a truck driver blush. I have a cousin I'm very close to who is a Bears fan, but our "discussion" of the rivalry comes down to a twice a year my posting on my personal blog "The Bears Still Suck" video and his verbal flailing once they (usually) lose. No harm, no foul, no name calling. That's the extent of my trash talking experience.

Is this a female trait, or am I merely an example of a timid Packer fan that just needs to get some thicker skin and jump in the fray with the trash talkers? I don't know. I consulted with Jayme Joers from BrentFavre.com and she said she thought maybe we female sports fans are a little more emotional about our support. Understandable? Maybe, but when you don't know how to respond to someone it's just annoying. I'd love to have a better reaction than stony silence.

Two things I know for sure is The Bears Still Suck, and I still suck at trash talk.

The Bears Still Suck

Well, I didn't get the job, so I'm going to hang on until after the first of the year as certain good things will come my way if I do. Keep your fingers crossed that something happens after that. I know, I know, and I do believe things happen for a reason but sometimes it's really hard to see what that reason is.

In other related bad news, Monday Night Football sucked. (I know, Steven, you enjoyed it hugely.)

I don't care if the Bears won, they played the absolute worst game for the most part that I've seen and still managed to win - because the Packers beat themselves. McCarthy should be shot for making bad challenges - I think he went to the Childress School for the Criminally Insane NFL Head Coaches.

On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers played a beautiful game. Kid, you're growing up. *Sniff*

I remember how dismayed I was when Brent left and how I worried about Aaron's durability. I wasn't alone, I know, but I feel guilty now in the face of his grace, good humor and ability to suffer way too many sacks last year. He retweeted me this summer (this, folks, is a big deal) and I printed it out to frame and put in my pool room. Brent wouldn't know how to type, much less how to treat fans nicely on Twitter.

Anyhow, since I can't rub it in cousin Steve's face about the loss by playing one of my favorite tunes ( I LOVE a good polka), I'd like to play this particular tune for Brian Urlacher and Jay Cutler. Dudes, no one made you King of Anything.

And the Packers aren't drowning. That is all.

It's Bear Week

So, we all know what THAT means. No Steve, I wasn't baiting you with #21 on my meme.

THIS is baiting you. Good luck Sunday!

My Family is Vandal Nation

Except for Steve and I, the lepers, pretty much everyone in our family who went to college (I think), if they went past junior college, went to University of Idaho. This includes aunts, uncles and cousins. Oh, I guess Uncle Truman went to Boise Junior College as well (evil chuckle).

Today I got a call from Cousin Vern, who is the most Vandally Vandal of them all. I remember most of the night we stayed at his house in Moscow when he was at college and had his (usual) pre-football game party. I gave up and went to bed, but TH kept up with the (much) younger boys, because he is a Vandal too and he couldn't let those young whippersnappers pass him up.

I could watch Nevada vs. Idaho the next day without a pounding headache. Don't think that was true of the other male members of my family.

Anyhow, Cousin Vern is coming to town, in order to (and I paraphrase) "Drink beer and tailgate and sh--." It will be very good to see him.

Now, I must find the number of the bail bondsman.

That is all.

Thought for the Day

'If you’re going to stand up wearing Packer clothing or a Packer uniform and cheer when Brett Favre comes out, you should bring a bag and put it over your head.'

LeRoy Butler, October 26, 2009

Amen. I'll be at the ESPNZone in Anaheim, CA watching the fun begin at Lambeau this Sunday. Brent, remember, you threw an interception last week, you can do it this week. And get used to feeling that turf, son, because you'll be planted in it. That is all.

This Could Be Trouble

From BeerKid at PackerPalace.com - the musings of one lady, Lemondrop, that frequents those haunts. Here's her drinking game for tonight's Monday Night matchup (Vikings vs. Packers in case you haven't heard. Ha). Reading carefully, it seems very dangerous, as is any good drinking game.

Packers vs Vikings Drinking Game - http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2009/9/29/1061024/packers-vs-vikings-drinking-game
All participants must take a drink every time one of the following occurs during the broadcast.

1) The word "gunslinger" is mentioned

2) The word "schism" is mentioned

3) The phrases "plays/looks like a kid out there" or "that's how football is supposed to be played" is used

4) Brad Childress looks confused on the sidelines

5) The cameras pan to the luxury boxes to show either Ted Thompson or Deanna Favre

6) Anytime Mid Game, ESPN shows a highlight of Brett Favre throwing a TD AGAINST the Minnesota Vikings (note - I saw the Packers at the Metrodome in 1997 -witnessed a few of these myself.)

7) An announcer mentions Brett Favre's Age

8) The phrase, "That's why the Vikings brought him here" is used

9) Brett Favre is sacked

10) Every time a Wrangler or the new Sears Commercial w/ Favre airs.

11) Every time Allen Barbre is shown standing over a prone Rodgers with a sheepish look on his face (note, I hope this doesn't happen a lot but I'm not holding my breath.)

Or, as Lemondrop says: "I'm just going to make it simple and drink every time I hear "Favre"."

It's the Aaron Rodgers Era

I'm not totally pleased with what I saw - but -I think the Pack is Back.

Nine Hours and 27 Minutes

For Cele, I post the following which was at my workplace this morning:

Yes, that's the "Ugly Duckling" sitting on a Bronco, along with a "Bucking Bronco" stick horse. Someone offered to put the Duck under the Bronco for me when I mentioned I was taking this for a friend in Oregon. I declined.

I can't wait until this game is over. It's like living in Utah with Utah and BYU in your face all the time. It's great to have school spirit, and I did cheer Boise State on in the Fiesta Bowl. I'm even rooting for Ian Johnson to make the Vikings despite the fact he'll be playing on the same team as Judas Favre. But it's all been a bit much, like it's the Second Coming or some such. Believe it or not, I'm not the only person in town that feels this way. Even some people that didn't attend Nevada or Idaho feel this way.

As promised to friend Steve, Go Ducks. I will say - Good Luck, Broncos.

Friday Roundup

Let's see...what's going on around here....

• We have finally set a date for our housewarming - May 9. That is way too close if you look at what we still have to do, but I figure it will make us get it done. Invitations are coming soon (Yvette, here comes that chance to see Boise!)
• Our old employer, the "Mothership" as I used to call it, seems to be in real trouble if you look at their NON-earnings announcement this week. I'm hoping and praying they can pull out of the death spiral but I am really worried for all of our good friends that still depend on it for their livlihood, both here and in Utah. I saw the CEO the other night (while enjoying a great glass of wine and great jazz here) and it really took everything I had not to go scream at him for screwing up a really fine company and good employer for many thousands of people. Yes, for those of you in Idaho or around, you know exactly who I'm talking about. I think I'm going to sell the stock I bought for $45 while I can still get $3 out of it. Sigh.


• TH and I got to see Tom & Joe aka "The Fool Squad" last night at the Fettucine Forum which is something Boise State has periodically for free. The Rose Room, a huge room where they have wedding receptions, huge parties etc. was PACKED. The boys were their usual sparkling, funny selves with lots of Tom Luna (Superintendent of Education for Idaho who seems hell bent on screwing our schools as badly as possible) and Butch Otter (Governer of Idaho, ditto) jokes. I heart them.

• It looks like my Mom is moving to Boise! She has been here all week and found a place she likes, and has made an offer on it. She won't be moving for a couple of months, but unless something totally unravels, she will be near us very soon. It will be nice to have her closer, I hope she likes living here as much as we do. And, no, I didn't talk her into it. The Bits, and Little Bit in particular, are very excited about this development.
• Speaking of Little Bit, he won a pizza party for selling the most cookie dough and magazine subscriptions in his class for the PTO fundraiser. And he only sold $91 (well, I did, anyway at work). That is both cool for him and sad to note for his school. It's in the poorest area in Boise and money is quite dear to most of the parents and families. It makes me feel fortunate indeed.
• I am sick to death of clouds, rain, and snow. Come on spring, get your happy humps over here to Idaho!
• Jay Cutler got traded to the Chicago Bears. Ha. Haha. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Whew.
• Big Bit has a DATE to the PROM. *Sob**Sniff*
• My Grandmother, who hasn't been doing well, appears to be doing much better. I don't care if she's 91, she's still my Grandma and I still need a Grandma, so she'd better stick around!
• The Idaho Steelheads made the playoffs. Yay!

I think that is a pretty good roundup of developments. Have a good weekend!

I Think The Affair's Really Over This Time

Well, if you follow football, you've heard the news already (ad nauseum if you watch ESPN) and if you don't, you may not care other than the effect it had on me, your (at least online) friend, but my man retired again today.

I do not share the cynical thoughts of many Packer fans, who relegated him from demi-God to Satan's little helper in the course of a few months and are already promoting conspiracy theories picturing him as still trying to go play for Minnesota or (gasp!) Chicago. I think he thought he could prove Ted Thompson wrong, and in many ways, he did. Until he got hurt, he was playing at a high level and his team beat both a team that went to the Super Bowl (Arizona) and the only undefeated team (Tennessee).

So not too damn bad, my man.

Those of us who simply thought you were a hell of a football player, fun to watch play (and just look at) and a devoted father and husband weren't surprised you wanted to play. Yes, we were disappointed that you wanted to play somewhere else, but in a way we understood, and it was still a joy to see you jump around like a kid when you threw a TD pass. We know that someday you'll reclaim your Packer legacy and you still have plenty of support.

Though I'd still like to pair up Little Bit and Breleigh, your daughter has competition now - Malia Obama. So you better make sure she turns out right.

I'll miss you Brett. A lot. When you started playing pro ball I didn't have kids (but you already did). You weren't married (but I already was). I got divorced, you got married, we both had more kids. Oh yeah, I got married again before that. I felt bad when your Dad died and when your saintly wife got cancer. And I'd like to think the support of Packer fans did help all of you through those things. It seems to be so.

We grew up a lot together and both of us had a mighty good time. But I think this time it's really for the best.

Good luck.

News from foundinidaho

We've got some news to share, we do!

First - Homeboy made the Pro Bowl! Way to go Jordan!

http://www.idahostatesman.com/104/story/606361.html

Second - Little Bit turned in his last assignment before Christmas Break - a diorama for Idaho History about Native Americans. There were of course several tribes to pick from but he picked my favorite (without me saying a word) the Nez Perce. Yes, he actually did a lot of work on this including mapping out the locations, helping glue and build as well as placing the horses and people. Granted, the people were from the dollar store so they were pretty stereotypical of the old Wild West movies, but hey, they said to only spend $5 on the supplies (Yeah, Right). Tomorrow night we go back to Winter Garden Aglow for his Pack meeting, although I am suffering from an ear and sinus infection (boo!) and it's supposed to snow tomorrow night, if we don't go we'll never hear the end of it. Hopefully my face won't be swollen up tomorrow night like I've been sucker punched.

Big Bit arrives Saturday and we will make a day trip to see my Dad, Pattie and my Grandmother. Little Bit turns 10 Sunday (OMG) so Grandma will be around for a small party. Next year - big party in the New House, which we signed papers on today. Back in debt we go! I promise a big housewarming party in the spring when we can enjoy the back yard.

Hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season, particularly Mr. Thomas Wayne (newborn baby of Cousin N - now I'm down to TWO pregnant cousins) - I hear it snowed up your way dude, glad you got a first white Christmas as your cousin Rory did. Not that you care any more than he did but at least your Mom and Dad can get some cool pictures for the baby book.

We'll try and post some photos from London, we're taking the laptop but I'm not sure how that will all pan out. We bought tickets to Spamalot on Boxing Day yesterday. Can't wait to see the Killer Rabbit yet again.

Happy Holidays!

Thanks Ted Thompson. You Suck.

A Packer Fan's Lament 2008

sung to the tune of "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt

(full credit to Beer Kid @ Packer Palace)

My Pack ain't brilliant

My Pack ain't good

I saw a devil of that I'm sure

He smiled at me from the skybox, he was with another fan

But I won't lose no sleep on that,'Cause Ted T's got a plan

You're pitiful, You're pitiful,You're pitiful, it's true

I saw your face in a crowded place,and I don't know what to do

'Cause we'll never win with you

Yes, he caught my eye as I beer-runned by

He could see from my face that I was murderous

And I don't hope that I'll see him again

But we shared a moment that will last till the end

You're pitiful, You're pitiful,You're pitiful, it's true

I saw your face in a crowded place and I don't know what to do

'Cause we'll never win with you

Further Thoughts

I will note that if BSU and BYU end up playing in the Poinsettia Bowl, I will indeed cheer for BSU. I will, however, not wear blue and orange. Some things are just too much to ask.

At least maybe for that game my cousin Danny will let me in his house. He wouldn't invite me over Saturday.

Who You Lookin' At - You?

This, dear friends, is Alphie. He's a wolf and the mascot of my alma mater. I sincerely hope tomorrow by the end of the Boise State/Nevada game I can parade into the Piper Pub downtown in my "ugly" hoodie (Jim, the professor at BSU and friend of TH calls my hoodie this) and go HA HA HA. Jim, TH (if he makes it back from Utah alive) and others are supposed to congregate to watch the game. Little Bit, Big Bit and I will watch from home in relative safety, being one of the few Nevada fans in this town. I'm noisy when I watch football as my sons can attest, and if I'm losing I don't want to endure the taunts.

Really the only thing I don't like about Boise is their university. They're as obsessed as BYU fans. Major yuckitude.

Probably won't happen, but I can certainly hope so. If I get arrested because it ends up in a bar brawl, please come bail me out.

WOLF. PACK.

Sorry, Steve, The Song Remains The Same

Oh, and the Jets lead their division. Overall a fairly good football weekend.

Now if Nevada can beat BSU....

It's Been A Long Season

Well, here we go again, football fans. Is there anyone that's not playing hurt or out that I like?

Homeboy, aka Jordan Gross of the Carolina Panthers, will not start this weekend. He has started every game since coming to Carolina in 2003. I did not realize he was knocked out last week against the Falcons...I would have been concerned.

Why the interest in this guy, you ask? Well, if you look him up, you will see he is from a little burgh in Idaho called Fruitland. As is The Husband. We do not know Jordan, but TH did go to school with his older brothers and sisters and lived down the street from the family. He probably saw Jordan as a toddler now and then. (Yes, they have a big family).

Though not a huge Panthers fan, or a University of Utah fan (where he went to college), we are big Jordan Gross fans. I hope he's okay. Here's a shout out to Homeboy - get better man!

Unretirement?

Well, now....preseason football hasn't started yet, but this, if true, would make me happy. Except for we're going to London, so going to Green Bay this winter would be very very hard to manage. But I may have to insist.

I need to hug Fuzzy again. I'm sure he misses me.

And there is no way Brett would ever play for Da Bears. He knows what the backlash would be.


http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?id=3475850&sportCat=nfl&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

Mourning

I'm sorry, I was going to post a humorous story about the new addition to my neighborhood as an example of why Utah is SO interesting. However, with the announcement of Brett Favre's retirement,I am officially in mourning. To paraphrase another Packer blogger, everyone (I think) knows there are several phases of grief. His suggested phases for this particular day were:


* Shock
* Denial
* Depression (that's one I added)
* Pabst

Substitute Chardonnay for the Pabst and you just about have where I am at.

Mr. Favre, you and your wife are class acts. I will miss you sincerely. I'm also proud I was able to see you play in your last regular season game at Lambeau Field.

Hopefully later today I can post the funny story. Right now I'm too depressed. The Chardonnay will have to wait until later as well.

Ouch

That hurt. A lot. Last Packer post for a while, fer shure. I'm nursing my wounds and still hoping that #4 comes back next year - he's an amazing person and an amazing player and I know I that I will be sad if I have seen him play for the last time.

The boys and I are going to Green Bay next year (all 4 of us) if he comes back. Then I can quit my stupid job.

And in fact...

The Crygirls did lose! Excellent. I wish I was in Green Bay now...just as cold as Utah but a hell of a lot more fun. Maybe I'll win those tickets tomorrow and get to go there for the weekend.