Throughout the 2007 NFL season, I have not heard a peep about the beloved (?) local Seahawks.  I was aware that Seattle did have a team, but I knew nothing of their schedule, their record, or where their fans go to watch the game.    Things became interesting last week when several of my co-workers began announcing their allegiences to the Seahawks.  Had I not been so busy working, I may have noticed the "Packers are gonna lose" jeers.  I teased my boss about jumping on the bandwagon, and his reply was "I only hang out with winners, Jill."
 
Jud and I had plans to go skiing in Bend over the weekend, however the rainy forecast in the mountains derailed those pleans.  Jud was leaning towards cancelling our trip when I said "It's ok if we don't go; I can watch the Packer game instead."  Jud snickered and said, "It's probably not raining that hard ;) "  In the end, we decided to postpone a trip to Central Oregon for a weekend when the snow was a bit more desirable. 
 
Jud humored me by watching the first quarter of the game with me.  However, the emotions I was exhibiting throughout the quarter seemed to be a bit much for Jud.  It was recommended that I go down to a sports bar to be with "my people."  Donning my pink Brett Favre jersey, I drove down to Squirrels, expecting only to see a couple of possible Seattle fans watching the game.
 
I was right about the "couple" of Seattle fans.  The rest of the bar was a sea of Green, Gold, and foam cheeseheads.  Green Bay had just taken the lead when I took a barstool next to an outspoken Bears fan and a loud Packer fan.  The Bears fan continued to remind us that we lost, twice, to them.  He also mentioned that if I like Obama, I should consider rooting for Chicago, since the Senator is from Illinois.  I turned and said "I'm rooting for a team who is playing this weekend."
 
"Oh my god!" yelled out a guy, wearing Seahawk Green and Silver. "A PINK PACKER Jersey."
"The jersey is in support of breast cancer research."  I responded.  Perhaps the Seattle fan would have enough class to end the jousting there, but past experience shows that Seahawk fans are poor winners and poor losers.  Green Bay had just scored again, when the Seattle fan grabbed the remote control and muted the TV.
 
"What!" I yelled.  Are you trying to make it as quiet as Quest Field!"  Roars of laughter throughout, as I explained the MYTH of the Twelfth Man.  I have been to two Seahawks games, both times it was so quiet I could place a phone call and not ask "Can you hear me now?" 
 
"How 'bout dem FUDGEPACKERS.!" as he made the crude gesture.
"Hey crowd...raise your hands if you NEVER HEARD that one before!" was my response.  More giggles throughout.   Eventually, I was asked to join  the Corvallis Packer Fans mailing list.   Seattle guy was reduced to making 'pink' comments, none of which generated laughter.  His companion, also wearing a Seahawk cap, was giving me the thumbs up.   All was quiet until late in the fourth quarter, with the victory sealed and we heard, "Hey! you in the CANCER JERSEY.  Come here!"   Trash talking is one thing, demeaning a serious cause is another.  A barricade of Seahawks and Packers fans lined up between us, to prevent any sort of altercation.  I heard the comment, but I was in the midst of explaining to the Bears fan that the Bears still suck.  His jaw dropped on the comment, but soon, the obnoxious fan was outside, enjoying a cigarette.
 
The final seconds faded away, and there was near bedlam at the bar.  "Attention Seattle Fans!  The Bandwagon will be dropping you off at the next stop!"
 
Monday morning, I approach my boss and say, "Hang out with winners, eh?"
"GO PACKERS" he shouted.