The Gum Wall by Ray Shay

The Gum Wall 

By Ray Shay 

Troy and the Gum Wall

I thought our relatives were joking, when they first described the "Gum Wall."  I was familiar with the "Space Needle, Pike Place Market and of course the Seattle Seahawks," but the "Gum Wall?"  I wondered if it might be just an urban legend.  

This past weekend, our oldest son Troy and I took a trip to the Pacific Northwest. As luck would have it, there was a little football game being played in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday that the residents of this rainy town along the Washington coast had a personal interest in.

The 12th Man

I need to give props to Seattle. They have an amazing loyal and very vocal fan base. Their 12th man philosophy is a powerhouse of energy to support an exceptional football team.  

It was surprising to see so many signs of support for the "hawks." It was also interesting to note in the three days we travelled around Seattle, we did not see a single New England Patriots jersey.

Troy Shay

 It was a weekend of firsts.  Troy and I got to see the "Gum Wall" near Pikes Place Market in downtown Seattle.  It's not as gross as it sounds. I guess since about 1999, people have been sticking their gum to that wall, (click HERE for the history of the gum wall).

A few minutes prior to the loss of the Seattle Seahawks to the dreaded New England Patriots, Troy also witnessed his first ever bar fight when a woman near us decided to smash a beer bottle over a man's head.  It was not a pretty sight.

Troy with his cousin David, Uncle John  and Aunt Joan at Ye Olde Crumpet Shop

In years to come, Troy will likely look back on this weekend as a pretty amazing trip.  The bar incident may be the most interesting part of it to a fifteen year old while for the rest of us we all recall how we looked at each other in disbelief  on that final play call and said, "Are you kidding me?" 

Why have a beast, if your not going to release him on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots? 

The sound you likely heard in San Diego, was the air leaking out of the hopes of the people from this amazing emerald city as they tried valiantly to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. They had a good run. It's just a shame to loose to the Patriots...

Have a great week.  Go Chargers!

-Ray 

 
  

Copyright Shay Realtors 2015 All Rights Reserved

Believe - by Ray Shay

Believe 

By Ray Shay 

I love to watch a good football game.  I also enjoy writing an interesting story each week. I had a tough time finding that balance on Sunday, as I kept watching the amazing gridiron battle between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers for the National Football Conference Championship.  It was a game for the ages.

I kept thinking I needed to find something to write about as my Monday deadline was quickly approaching.  I just could not turn off the game.  I have always found by both playing and coaching competitive sports that what occurs on the field, rink, court or pitch, frequently reflects the realities of both life and business.

It is one of the primary reasons Theresa and I require each of our three sons to play any team sport they wish.  I really do not care if it is tiddly wink's.  Find the sport you love and compete.  If it emphasizes teamwork, sacrifice and giving it your all, go for it.

Russell Wilson Postgame Interview

I was not sure what I was going to write about until I watched the tears streaming down quarterback Russell Wilson's face, (click on the video to the right) during his post game interview.

Both Russell and Aaron Rodgers of the Greenbay Packers are amazing quarterbacks and competitors, who in the heat of the battle, never flinched.  I have seen men in life threatening situations show that same calmness and focus. It is amazing to witness.

Forget fear and the challenges confronting you and your teammates.  Fight on, I say.  As the leader you can never, ever quit.  As a team player, the same applies and every person has to do their job.  Forget the doubters, just bring everything you have to help your teammates and strive with every ounce of your desire to win.

It was incredible to watch Russell Wilson win the game by throwing a pass to his teammate Jermain Kearse.  On his four previous attempts, Jermaine failed to catch any of them. In fact, for a variety of reasons, each of Russel's previous four passes to him were ultimately intercepted by the Green Bay Packers.

If you don't follow football, a single interception is a bad thing.  Four interceptions  are a proverbial train wreck and in all likelihood the Seahawks should have never won the game.  

I think it was all about believing.  Russell Wilson still believed and trusted Jermaine.  When overtime approached, he even predicted he was going to complete a pass to him to win the NFC Championship Game. Russell then went out and did it.

As the tears streamed down his face, Russell said, "I believed we would win." Think about that.  He also believed in his teammate.  How often in both life and business do people face adversity and stop believing in people they previously trusted.   

Russel Wilson showed a depth of character to the world, that is often missing in leaders.  He is the type of friend and leader anyone would want to associate themselves with.  He simply never quit.  

Go HAWKS!

  

Copyright Shay Realtors 2015 All Rights Reserved