Kelly’s First Entry
Tuesday 16th October 2007
at 12:38pm
Q: What do you get when you cross the wife of a Packers fan with October weather in Wisconsin?
A: A totally unprepared Aussie at a Packers game with no more than a turtle neck to keep her warm.
Well today was a very big day for me. First of all it was my first Packers game and second of all it’s the first time on this trip that I ever felt like I needed to ‘speak’ to everyone who reads this site. I am generally just around in the shadows doing the mum thing, caring for my little boys and supporting Wayne as best I can. However today, as we were walking into the stadium just in time for the flyover, (which was also a first for me and boy was it loud) I instantly said to Wayne, ‘I have to write about this’.
I have wanted to write for quite some time but honestly, I wasn’t really sure that anyone would be that interested in hearing about a typical day with the kids and the hurdles that we face being on this adventure with such young children. So here we are, my first ever entry. I hope you all enjoy reading it.
As we were making our way to our seats I was surrounded by a mass of Packer fans in the stadium getting ready for another game. I couldn’t help but notice though, that everyone around me was wearing their winter coats, gloves, hats and scarfs. I was of course dressed according to my mood today, not the fact that I was about to walk into a cold, wet and uncomfortable stadium where I was going to spend the next 3 hours without so much as a pair of gloves. Thankfully, Mary Beth, our friend that we went to the game with had a pair of gloves that she was very happy for me to borrow for the day. That and shortly after kickoff Wayne took me down to the pro shop where I purchased my first (and last) piece of Packers supporter gear. A warm (yet discretely Packeresque) hooded sweatshirt and a funky thick headband to keep my ears from falling off. After grabbing a traditional Wisconsin Brat and a beer we made our way back to our seats just in time for the rain to come down. With that came the biggest (co-incidentally green) poncho to keep me dry and looking like a huge Christmas tree without any decorations.
As I sat and enjoyed my brat, beer and second shower for the day, Wayne began to explain the rules of the game to me. I just nodded and sort of understood until he started talking about how the crowd gets louder and louder every time the other team is about to make a play (pretty impressive hey, I know the lingo.....). Who would have thought that the immense cheers from the crowd were not for showing team support but to deafen out the other teams play being called out by their quarterback? (I actually had to ask Wayne whilst writing this “who’s the guy that calls out the play” just so I could finish this sentence.)
So amongst a sea of whistles, cheering, chants and screams was a very confused, cold and guilty mum. Not guilty because I felt maybe my seat would have been better occupied by someone who actually understands and loves the game but because today was the first day (ever) that we have left Ben and Lucas with anyone (at least awake that is). Don’t get me wrong, Ben and Lucas are quite often left with my Mum and Dad back home in Australia but that’s family and the boys are unbelievably close to my parents that they don’t even blink when we walk out the door. As it turns out Ben and Lucas were fine and having lots of fun each time I called to check on them. Ben only got a little upset once when he was trying to explain to our friend Kathy what it was he wanted...unfortunately Ben has trouble pronouncing the word biscuit (or cookie as it is also referred to) and it was coming out as ‘beecee’ – eventually he spotted the emergency lolly pop I had stashed in the bag and the ‘beecee’ crisis was averted.
As the game went on so did the rain and my appreciation for the intense support fans have for this team. I asked Wayne a question as I was sitting shivering in the 3rd quarter, “so do people still sit here when the rain gets heavier?” Wayne’s response was, “yeah they sit here when it’s snowing”. Enough said…
As my Packers experience was coming to a close and the game heated up (pardon the pun) towards the end of the 4th quarter, I actually did start to appreciate more than just the hot coffee between my cold hands. The game is alot more strategic than I ever understood...these players are more than just fit, tough footy players. They need to learn plays, know where they need to be and stick to it on a cold field for 3 hours. I obviously still don’t understand much of the game but now at least, if I do ever happen to see a game on the TV I will have some idea of what’s going on.....just don’t ask me what a ‘down’ is because I’m still not so sure.
So, all in all, my first and probably last Packers game at Lambeau Field was alot of things. Exciting, freezing, fun and eye opening. The intensity and passion of the fans and the atmosphere that I experienced in the first 5 minutes of being at Lambeau Field was enough of a memory to last me a lifetime.
Comments
Thu 18th Oct 07
at 01:12pm
Great post, Kelly. It’s really fun to see both perspectives of a single event. I hope we get to read some more from you at some point.
I’m slowly trying to teach my wife the rules and strategy of football as well. Just be patient and you’ll slowly pick up on things over time. I’ve been a fan for 19 years (of my 28 total) and I’m still learning new things about the game.
Hope your family has a great week!
Thu 18th Oct 07
at 04:22pm
Hey Kel bel,
Well done , your brother will be very pleased to read this.Next time you go to a game make sure you take your jacket, gloves hat etc, etc....anyway loved reading your entry I,ll be waiting to read the next one.Miss you heaps and my little handsom,s
xxoo
Thu 18th Oct 07
at 09:27pm
Hey Kel!
I’ll get Rach to read this post as she’s been asking constantly if you’ve put anything on here yet and I’m sure she’ll enjoy reading your perspective.....and probably agree with every single point!!!
We’re so bloody proud of you guys and are so pleased for you all. The funny thing is that we’re probably “seeing” more of you than we do when you’re only 30mins drive away from us....
Anyways, Freddie says hi to the boys and can’t wait till they can all run around and cause havoc together.
Take care and keep enjoying it all.
Love from Reubs, Rach and Freddie.x
Thu 18th Oct 07
at 11:46pm
Welcome to the Midwest! As a girl, I lived 100 miles from Green Bay and we were taught that we had Green blood--thus, we cheered the GB Packers every Sunday!
My parents are long gone, but the Green blood is not!
I now live on the other side of Lake Michigan from GB, in Grand Rapids, MI, and applaud your quest!
I’ve become quite fond of Australians, as my neighborhood plumber and family are from Sydney. Just for fun, he’s Rodney Jubelin and his wife is Hermione Kidd.
I will be forwarding your column to many family members who are GB fans. Best of luck as you
become accustomed to Wisconsin climate and culture. Be sure to leave some of your culture behind when you head back Down Under!
Toni
Fri 19th Oct 07
at 07:50am
I was in the same predicament. My girlfriend’s dad has tickets, but she hardly goes with him and forfeits her game every year except for this year since we were together and I love the Packers. Everytime I got really happy or really mad, I had to explain myself and explain what happened. I think like Wayne though, I don’t think there’s another more fun way to spend a game then with your significant other.
Fri 19th Oct 07
at 10:43am
awesome post kelly !!!
hope to read more post from u
enjoy
Fri 19th Oct 07
at 11:52am
Hey Kel,
well done, very interesting reading look forward to reading more from you.xx
Fri 19th Oct 07
at 02:07pm
For someone whose not the biggest sports fan.. it was good to hear you enjoyed it…
You will have to come to the Sharkies games with us when you get back… NO excuses now…
Fri 19th Oct 07
at 07:51pm
Kelly,
You rocked that “G” jumper and headband!! It may not have been the best game to attend (weatherwise), but you stuck it out, and that’s admirable. Great pictures, great post!
tari
Fri 19th Oct 07
at 08:38pm
hey kelly.. I have 5 pairs of wool socks, big insulated rubber boots, 3 wool shirts, 2 pairs of wool pants, and some ski hats that you can wear to your next game.. that might keep ya warm, plus with all those clothes on, you can just roll to the next game.. was quite a nice post kelly… hope we get another one and more on your take on the games and the countryside if you and wayne get out to enjoy it on the bye week… paul
Sat 20th Oct 07
at 05:11am
Finally, A woman’s point of view. Although, I was born in Chicago, I grew up in Upper Michigan. So my family rooted for the Packers. But I don’t get into it, even though, I understand the game. I just can find better things to do than sit at a game or in front of the TV for 3 plus hours. My hubby though never misses a game.
But your’re a good mate to go along with Wayne. Too bad you couldn’t have had better weather. It would have been more fun for you.
Continue to blog once in awhile. Good to get your views, too. We know Wayne is living a dream, but how about you??
Sat 20th Oct 07
at 07:47am
I am so proud of you kelly!! Great job on the post, and for sitting through your first,and hopefully not last, packer game!
Nancy L.
Sat 20th Oct 07
at 08:15am
woohoo! Thank you Kelly for your first post; it made my day to click on the on your site and see you had finally posted! I love your and Wayne’s story and I have been enjoying reading about your adventures. As a “woman”, I would love to hear more from you on what you are experiencing in your day to day life in the United States… how are things different for the better, the worse and then, just different? Hi to Wayne and the boys… thank you for sharing her!
Sun 21st Oct 07
at 10:27pm
Hey Kelly,
Great to hear from you! Of course we’re interested to hear from you too. You must be the most supportive wife in the world to agree to do this with Wayne and completely change your lives. I’ve been a Wisconinite all me born days and I guess I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the Packer’s, and our ever changing weather (brats and beers aren’t too bad either). Good to hear from you and hope you continue to do so! Enjoy the bye week.
Randi in Dale
Tue 23rd Oct 07
at 01:48am
I’m on Packer withdrawals after moving to Oregon many years ago. As a native Wisconson-ite, Sunday afternoons was Packer time! I still try to catch the games whenever they’re broadcasted here on the west coast. Hoping to get to a game next year.
Is your friend MaryBeth a teacher? We’re connected—she was a bridesmaid in my wedding a zillion years ago. You can’t find a better person anywhere!
Wed 24th Oct 07
at 05:48pm
GREAT POST KEL, WAITING FOR MORE
JUST KEEP IT COMING .
TONY.
Thu 25th Oct 07
at 10:42am
Hey Kel,
I am so proud of you and Wayne.
We miss you heaps and need to catch up when you return.
love Libby and Rich
kisses to the boys! (the little ones) sorry Wayne.
Wed 31st Oct 07
at 11:54pm
I never had the opportunity to attend game with my father. He died of Prostate Cancer in 2005. My father taught me all about the Packers. Most Packers fans have such loyalty to the team. I know my father is in heaven cheering for the them. I’m inspired by your family because you all are proving that dreams can come true. I’m glad you agreed to the challenge. Go Pack Go!!