AM~Erica Ran Across the 50 Yard Line

So anyway...

I've done it again...I have only been running for six weeks (as of tomorrow), and I have run 2 races...

wha-WHA???

I know. Crazy to think about!

I ran my first 5k last weekend. (reminder HERE) And that night, I signed up for another one. Ummm...happening the following weekend. Which happen to be this weekend.

If you remember my original motivation (reminder HERE), the switch in me flipped when I saw some of my non-avid runner friends doing these 5k runs covered in colors, wearing tutus & getting some bling!

Last week, the Park Trot 5k Run/Walk was OK. I ran the whole way, and I decided to wear camo & orange due to it taking place around Bass Pro. But there was limited bling to give out. Let me point out that it was a FREE run! I literally used it as my "test run". But today was different...very different!

Somehow, my hubby came across the Chiefs' Finish on the 50 [yard line] 5k Run/Walk. He thought about doing it. He asked Teen Boy if he wanted to do it. He sent some feelers out to some church friends (and a couple others) to see if they wanted to do it. And there I was...faced with whether or not to jump back into another 5k situation with very little training.

So...I signed up. I decided I would turn right around & get in on this! I mean...seriously, folks. You should know my love for my Chiefs! (find out HERE if needed)

= It was happening AT Arrowhead Stadium...the hooooome of the CHIEEEEEFS!
= It involved running into the stadium AND onto the field! THE FIELD, folks!!
= It involved getting some bling (read: a medal) for crossing the finish line.
= The finish line was ON THE 50-YARD LINE!!
= I got to wear a tutu...DUH!

What.An.Experience.

From the sheer numbers of people involved, to the prize at the end, to even the group of people I knew running it this one (which was a completely different group from last week), it was awesome!

Sadly, I didn't get the needed time in this week to really prep for this race. It was killing me that I had to walk about a quarter of a mile in the second mile stretch. I hated (yes...strong word...but it was a devil mile) the second mile.

I want to back up a bit to this past week...so please allow me this moment:
As I was trying to get some time & distance in while dealing with humidity (which hasn't been going well so far), Lil Guy has decided to give running a try & wanted to get in some running time. I knew he wasn't gonna go far, or go very fast, so I ran with him one evening. I hold my phone so I can check out my running app while on the go. I have been wanting to try to get an armband, but had not gotten to that point yet. At one point, Lil Guy assumed I was making a turn (I wasn't), and he turned abruptly in front of me, hit my hand...and my poor phone went flying & hit the sidewalk, Not. Good.

After trying not to pull a Bill Hader in a T-Mobile commercial...

...I got my screen fixed & an armband purchased! So I got to try out my new armband, too!

And I was getting it in place, as well as mentally propping myself for this 5k:

When the countdown to the start of the run began (which was awesome to hear anyway), those who were running, I took off. I was hoping to watch my pace a bit...and somehow I was going at a pretty steady 9:44-47/mi pace! I couldn't believe it! I was being passed my several...but I was in my own zone (where I prefer to be when I'm running), listening to my Beastmode playlist & listening to the clipping & clopping of the trotting & stomping of hoards of racing feet hitting the asphalt. It's such a an awesome sound. I remember hearing the sound for the first time last week.

We were told that the halfway point would have a water station where you could get your water from Chiefs TE, Sean McGrath (The Bearded Wonder, for those keeping score). I did see him handing out water, he turned his back to get more water as I ran by. I didn't want to stop!

However...the Devil Mile (read: Mile 2) had a "slight" incline & kicked my behind. It broke my heart that the sun beating down on me, the lack of getting in my distance this week, and that stupid incline really took a lot out of me. Probably my killer pace at that time, too.
I had...to...walk. *sigh*
So, I walked about a quarter of a mile off-and-on...but then the great part was coming...

When I saw the opening to THE TUNNEL, I kicked up my pace! And I could tell there was music blaring in the tunnel! So...I took out my earbuds (since I wouldn't be able to hear my music anyway), and could hear the Tomahawk Chop blaring thru speakers & bouncing off the cement walls of the tunnel! Runners started getting pumped & going crazy. Heck, a guy went flying by me like he was Rocky on the steps in Philly acting like he'd just won the race! It was exhilarating!

Last week, I finished my first 5k. I really thought I'd be really emotional about finishing it. I wasn't. I was ELATED; I certainly wasn't emotional. Color me surprised! (I'm sure it's a total Crayola color)

Today, I was going thru the tunnel...feeling like a Chiefs player...and I could see it! The light at then end of the tunnel! It was the opening to the field! That did it. I was totally verklempt & emotional by the sight & idea. I got so choked up hearing loud music blaring, the people lining the raceway...and the finish line was coming into view!

I looked to my right...and my family was there with cameras, cowbells & cheers. On my left, I could hear my name being cheered for (which was hubby, Teen Boy, and another teenager from church who ran). It was beautiful!

My non-running kiddos with cowbells

Hubby & the boys after cheering me on from the other side (since they were faster)

No, my time wasn't recorded (I'm glad this time), but I got a chocolate protein bar, a bottle of water, and my bling.

I finished. I crossed the 50 yard line. I didn't stop. I kept going...

Finish line, crowds & just getting my bling

And it was incredible!

My hubby & I have had conversations about gift-giving lately. We have discussed that "stuff" isn't as awesome anymore...but experiences are...

This was one of those experiences. I'm so glad we did it! And now...we might do the Royals 5k this summer, too!

Participating group from church - not as a team...just cheering each other on

Apparent family affair as my brother was participating too

Yes...I'm planning more 5k runs. Hey! More tutu, more bling. Bring it!

Let's do it again!

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

AM~Erica Still Reveling in the Undefeat

So anyway...

Just as a reminder: I love my Chiefs. In times of good & times of bad...they are my team. Period.

Even thru the last few season that were bleak & sad, I was still cheering for them. It was difficult, but I was still on the bandwagon after so many had hopped off.

Last season? Last season was embarrassing...but the positive thought in the whole thing was that we would get the first pick in the NFL draft! The year before, we needed that first pick. We were on the road & in the "Suck for Luck" race. (Remember that?) But, Todd Haley got us thru JUST enough wins that we could n't even get that. At a 4-12 season, there were worse teams than us...like the Indianapolis Colts who could do nothing without Peyton Manning. So...they sucked enough to get Andrew Luck. And they are doing OK. It certainly didn't help the Chiefs. Figures.

As Andrew Luck seems to be working out just fine in Indy, and after the wake up fiasco of KC trying to make a move for, BUT FAILED TO GET PEYTON MANNING, the ugly season of 2-14 was proof that major changes were in need! So...THE CHANGES BEGAN...

With the mega changes made (i.e. - head coach & coaching staff, general manager, some team, etc.), we were getting hope of possibly a better season. We should be able to better the 2-14 record...even in [yet] another rebuilding year. (How many times have we heard that in the last few years? Geesh!)

The excitement from our new coach & our new GM was intoxicating & contagious! Kansas City was starting to see a resurgence of red jerseys & arrowhead logos again. All in anticipation of a better season ahead! And I'm not kidding when there was such an energy around Truman Sports Complex (home to Kauffman Stadium - home of the Royals, and Arrowhead Stadium - home of the Chiefs) that you could feel in the air when you drove by on the highway. I'm not kidding!!! Even my "who cares about sports" daughter could feel it.

Of course, we didn't want hopes up too high...but anything had to be better than what we had already gone thru...amm-i-rite?

And then, even though overall preseason wasn't great, the official season had begun...

And...the Chiefs won their 1st game...

And...the Chiefs matched what they did last season...

And...the Chiefs won more than they did last season...

And...the Chiefs won as many games as their new coach did last season with his other team...

And...the Chiefs won more than their new coach did last season with his other team...

And...the Chiefs won to match the number of wins they had in the previous 2 seasons combined...

And...the Chiefs won again...to make them the only undefeated team left standing at 7-0...

And...the Chiefs won...

And...the Chiefs won!

The Chiefs stand at 9-0. The only undefeated team left in the NFL as we enter into our bye week to rest up.

Take note, haters: KC is proud of their Chiefs! We have hope again! We know our team hasn't played well...but we've been winning. Regardless of the schedule we were given...we've been winning.

Not only are we the only undefeated team left standing, but the Chiefs haven't gone 9-0 in a decade. Yes...a full decade. And, in this time...we became the loudest stadium in the world! We are the home of the 116; achievers of the 137.5. Just want to put that out there...and it was done in an outdoor stadium built in the 70's...without sound-enhancers. All human-powered noise, baby.

The deafening & beautiful Sea of Red...it's an amazing vision...it's an amazing experience!

We have been so happy with everything going on. It's even brought on something that I had suspected...but was greater than I'd ever thought. Halloween came around...but so was fan costuming throughout the league in stadiums where Chiefs had some away games:

Yes! They play dress up of our now beloved Andy Reid! Some of them need a double take. A quick glance on TV in the stands can look like Coach Reid hanging with the fans. It's pretty incredible!

Plus...the ad team doing the Chiefs Kingdom commercials, ever since we got our new coach, have been so incredible that it can bring chills to a Chiefs' fan.

This is Chiefs Kingdom from Julian Bickford on Vimeo.

You get the idea. There's a couple others I could not get on here...but trust me...they still give chills like these others!

Now then, hubby & I have been observing & talking about what the haters are saying. They are trying to tear the worst-to-first team down now. They argue schedules & weaknesses...and attempt to throw bogus or twisted stats out there. You know what? Those stats might come in handy for game films to research...or for fantasy football. Other than that...the only stat that matters is what the scoreboard ends up: it shows who won & who lost. Simple as that. It's not always pretty. The quarterback is given all the credit for the win (much like a pitcher getting the glory or the blame for baseball wins & losses). It's not that simple. It takes a team.

Not only does it take the team...it takes the fans. It's a winning combination. Especially when you throw in the world's loudest stadium, the Sea of Red...and amazing smells of barbecued tailgating.

And those who have hopped off the bandwagon are trying to catch up & jump back on. And this ship is sailing & gaining more passengers along the way. Why?

So come aboard & brace yourselves. We aren't sure that the streak will last...but we can hope it can. Let's get rested up so we can take on Denver!! You know...the other Manning we need to beat. BRING IT!

Yes...this is totally how I looked going thru Denver (skyline behind me) as we were heading home from vacation...
Sorry Terry...*winks*

Last season, we heard that we were the best worst team out there; this season, we hear we are the worst best team out there. Guess what! We'll take the latter, if this is the case. Because we're WINNING! (sorry for the Sheen reference)

In the meantime, we have a celebratory locker room...with our very own Kool Aid man making his entrance every week...

Maybe the greatest GIF ever

And even though we keep it close every week, no team has scored more than 17 points against the Chiefs so far this season.

So...in the words of our fantastic & more-than-welcomed head coach after he enters the locker room of his winning team:

"How 'bout those Chiefs?"

Yes...how about them? They are in first place. And it feels good! And it's exciting since we will end the season with a winning record no matter what happens now. WOOT!!!

Just proud of my Chiefs. So I had to take a moment to rejoice. It's been a long time since we could feel good about cheering for them...so...

GO CHIEFS!

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

AM~Erica Takes in Some Live Football

So anyway...

You all know that I love my KC Chiefs...and I LOVE FOOTBALL! Amm-i-rite?

I'm not a bandwagon Chiefs' fan. I have been disappointed in them...but will cheer them on & stand up for them all day long. Even after the sadness of last season. It was bleak.

But I have been counting down to this season with all the changes made!!!

~ I couldn't believe WE LANDED ANDY REID!

~ I was stoked for us BRINGING ON JOHN DORSEY!

~ I was leery about GETTING ALEX SMITH.

~ I was hopeful after the NFL Draft.

After the excitement of being at training camp last year, I was super stoked for going back this year!! And the changes to practice were oh-so-obvious. Well, the very different weather helped a lot, too...

Last year, we did get to talk to, meet, get autographs & pics of/with some of the Chiefs. That was SO awesome! I think our overall favorite was Eric Berry after all of that. He was so personable & was willing to take several pics & sign anything without hesitation. He loved mingling with the fans...even in the heat of the drought!

With Eric Berry in 2012

But the one I was hoping to meet...FINALLY...is our kicker: #6 Ryan Succop. Because somehow I KEEP MISSING HIM! How is this?? Especially when I've been his die-hard fan from the moment we acquired him. So since I was so close last year...and I seem to keep missing him other places...or others I know keep getting to run into him...I was hoping I would get my pic with today!

We watched drills, our draft picks, we watched Coach Reid being VERY involved in the practice,
Lil Guy got to do the kids' zone,

we spotted John Dorsey (like a Sasquatch moment),

we saw running plays, touchdowns, a little tackling, smashing pads & grunting, one big hail-Mary pass, and some serious field goal kicks (like a 57-yarder, baby)!

This really is Succop & Special Teams back at 47 yd marker

They even blared a lot of music a couple of times. First song up?

Totally made me think about our high school pregames when our school would play this song for years!
Then it was followed up by more Head-Bangers' Ball playlists that rolled into hardcore rap & hiphop songs.

It was quite a morning!! Even getting thru some rain, a nice cooler morning...we got to see some of the scrimmaging & the crowds that came out 2 hours after us just to watch the scrimmage & try to catch some autographs & such.

And yes...today is when Jamaal Charles was carted off the practice field...quietly. We didn't even know it! My hubby saw a tweet about it! Go figure...

Well...as practice ended. And people were beginning to gather along the field & trail borders to try to get at least an autograph from at least one player, if not their favorite...
So...
Guess who got to meet the kicker! Go ahead...GUESS!!! No...really...!!

Cuz I don't know either. *sigh* Missed him AGAIN!!! He was still on the field working out a bit, and hubby had to head back to get to work since the practices are in the mornings.

*Imagine a pic with me posed with Ryan Succop here*

Figures.

Oh well...maybe yet another time...eventually...down the line...before Succop leaves the team or retires...*sigh*

Well...onto an exciting football season...
And, for us, absolutely ANYTHING will be better than last year!

So...as always...
GO CHIEFS!!

(You don't think that Ryan Succop is dodging me do you...???)

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

AM~Erica Will be Watching the NFL Draft: the DVR'd Special

So anyway...

Today.

Today is a big day.

Today is a big day for KC.

Today is the 1st round of the annual NFL Draft.

Today...Kansas City Chiefs have the #1 pick overall in that draft. FINALLY!

And, as my entire day has been turning upside-down & inside-out...it's taken me hours to get to this part in this post. And we are just under an hour until the draft begins...


Now then...today isn't going down as hoped...

It's about being a parent. Being a parent can throw some wrinkles into timing of things. Sometimes it thwarts our original plans all together. You know...kind of like MISSING COMIC-CON to be a parental unit instead.

Well...I am missing (again) meeting my kicker. That's right... Ryan Succop is the player I root for. Ever since the 2009 draft.

A. He was crowned that year's draft's "Mr. Irrelevant" (aka - the last player chosen); went to KC

2. He's a kicker

III. His last name is pronounced "suck-up"


Everything was against this poor guy. So I took it upon myself to be his fan. Someone needed to be rooting for him...and I decided it would be me. And this is while we were living in St. Louis. He may have been crowned "Mr. Irrelevant", but I crowned him as my very own Chiefs' player.

Well...he was making a couple of quick appearances at a couple of draft parties in town. Because of being a mommy on kiddo time...going to either of these was now out of play (sorry for the pun)

I barely missed him when we checked out Chiefs' training camp last year. I was so close to get my pic with him...in my very own Succop jersey...but it was the one day in the entire drought-like conditions that sent a storm a-brewin'...and the quick evacuation of the players before I could get to him. *sigh* figures.

Hard to see...but it's my #6 Succop jersey

Then...who schedules things around here during a BIG drafting moment? Oh...how about Lil Guy's very last football make up practice (irony?) & a meeting hubby had to be at. Go figure.

Yes...DURING the draft. What is wrong with this pic??? So much...that's what.

However...we are in an age where we can record, via DVR, and watch the event later. But I'm super bummed that we couldn't get to a party, or just watch live...or take in big festivities. Cuz it's an exciting time in KC right now, yo.

This week has had me in many different places:

1. A fine-dining/antioxidant-fortified Jesus water outing at OUR LOVE LOCK SPOT with great company

II. A poetry & music filled concert at the Kauffman Center, called Verses & Voices

C. Took in a night of the Young Playwright Festival at the Coterie Theater at Crown Center - in which Teen Girl is PART OF THE ROUND TABLE

#. I will be helping with costumes for Teen Girl's play next week

As you can see: I am having a very cultured week. I think my pinky finger may be permanently raised with so much culture taken in. I really NEEDED this sporting event!

Don't get me wrong...I love the cultured stuffs! LOVE IT!!! But there's gotta be some balance for me...

If you weren't aware, or might have forgotten, I REALLY LOVE FOOTBALL. Especially my Chiefs. It's totally my hubby's fault, too.

But we will have to enjoy this as a delayed special. And not until my hubby is home from his meeting.

And now as I start this part of the post, the draft has been going for 30 minutes. And we must wait...
TICK-TICK!

But it didn't stop me from dressing the part.

I will always show my support!

Even the Royals (who are doing very well so far) even pulled off an unbeliveable extra inning win in celebration of the great things in Kansas City! Amm-i-rite?

2013 is a good year for sports in KC. We can feel it!!

GO CHIEFS!!

So it looks like we will get to start watching the NFL Draft: DVR Special in about 1 hour delay. You know...for censorship...and stuffs. Amm-i-rite? *shrugs*

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

**** Oh...and because of kiddos getting cleaned up for the evening...it may be on an hour-&-a-half delay. Go figure in the Parenthood...*sigh* Tick-Tick...

***** OK...maybe only 1 hour & 15 minutes. Whatever...still behind. But gonna watch...GONNA WATCH!!!

AM~Erica Needs Faith in the Benchwarmer

So anyway...

BIG NEWS IN KC!

Whether you are excited for it or totally hate it, it's still big news...

There will be a change in the QB position on the Chiefs. It was thrown out there from pesky sports reporters hoping this story would stick, but it was made semi-official today that a trade would be made between KC & the San Fran 49ers.

That's right! One of the teams from THIS YEAR'S SUPER BOWL would actually trade their QB!!

*SCREEEEEEEEEEEEECH*

Hold on there a moment though...

We are trading our 2nd round pick (which is also the 1st pick in that round) for this year, plus a "conditional mid-round pick in 2014" for this guy! That's huge stakes, people!

So...we MUST be getting Kaepernick, right? This is SO exciting!! He did really well in the Super Bowl & went from a benchwarmer to a hero...plus...
...wait...
...WHAT???

It's not Kaepernick? Uh...no. We got the season starter for the 49ers: Alex Smith!

OK...now let me get this straight...
...
We are trading high-stake draft picks for a benchwarmer...to replace our now-highly-paid benchwarmer.

Meme courtesy NFL Memes

Hmmmmm...

It's been reported that this trade was happening, but the draft picks to be traded were speculated.

Now then...while Alex Smith started for the 49ers, he did fine! And apparently it had to do with the coaching that had come in. So Jim Harbaugh was a good thing for Smith. But somewhere in there, during the season that got them to the Super Bowl...Alex fell from the coach's favor & was placed upon the bench of shame...

In this very same year, we had a starter, too. But it became a very sad story. We Chiefs' Fans are a fickle bunch. But when you are used to being a force to be reckoned with...even in an off season...then you have a season where no one cares...it causes a stir, and people start looking for scapegoats.

Our named scapegoats were: GM Scott Pioli, Head Coach Romeo Crennel, and QB Matt Cassel.

The fans desperately wanted Pioli out & Cassel benched! Eventually, Crennel gave into the fans & benched our starter...who was, by now, beaten & broken. We ended up with Brady Quinn...who has a good arm, but not the vision or the accuracy...but it's what KC was asking for. Be careful what you ask for, amm-i-rite?

Non-Football Savvy Teen Girl happily with Brady Quinn. She loves him.
She could care less about talent level.

As soon as the ugly season ended...Crennel was gone...Pioli was gone...and a new regime was swiftly & excitedly put into place!

Now the fans were pushing for the QB situation to change RIGHT NOW! But it wasn't going to happen until OUR NEW HEAD COACH, ANDY REID (who I still can't believe we landed), and with OUR NEW GM, JOHN DORSEY (who was awesomely excited to get this job) could get acclimated with their new surroundings.

And...they were excited to be here! HERE!! For really-realz, yo! And I, for one, was terribly excited to land these guys! But we also knew that we would need to leave the rest up to them...like how the upcoming draft might be handled.

Even though the fans were dying to get a QB as the 1st pick in the draft (that I am hoping that's what Clark Hunt was pushing for), there just aren't any in this class talented enough to be that 1st pick. But I'm pretty sure we'll take one of them somewhere...since I have a feeling our "current starter", Quinn, will be making an exit. (Teen Girl will be so sad...)

** In my opinion...none of the QB's this year should be higher than 3rd round worthy...but that's just me **

Now then...John Dorsey has already made it clear that he would push for getting the best PLAYER out there available. Notice he didn't specify that he would be looking for any particular position...you put your stock into the best person there & work with them...whether to help your team or as leverage, I'm sure.

Now with all of that said...we come back to the Alex Smith situation. The Chiefs have decided to wager major draft picks for a talented benchwarmer. Awesome.

You know...in the 1st "official" roster change for the Reid-Dorsey team...they may have overshot it a bit...

And now that we have Alex Smith coming on board for such a high price...there's no way we will be keeping our high priced benchwarmer. We will need to release Matt Cassel.

I'm not gonna lie, y'all...I feel SO bad for Cassel. He does have talent, just not an elite QB. And with such a bad coaching run...he fell out of our grace on the field. And when he's released...who is gonna take him? We turned him into damaged goods. I say "we" as the fans. Did he help himself? No, not really...but we certainly did not support him either. So, I think he will have to be released into the wild.

Oh wait! I have a job for him! Let's push for him to be another analyst on ESPN! Amm-i-rite? You know it could happen.

Now then...as the NFL SCOUTING COMBINE winds down...it will be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks.

Remember when I called this KC/SF deal "semi-offical"? It cannot be actually official until the NFL season is actually declared open. This will happen on March 12th. Then the officiality of the deal will take place.

Then it's countdown to Draft Day(s)! Wonder if we will take that Sandcastle...

On another quick note...I really like having the KC Chiefs as a lead sports story in a positive-type light. *shrugs*

GO CHIEFS!!

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PS ~ It was pointed out that the last time we got a QB from SF was the last time we WON a playoff...back in 1993 with Joe Montana. Hmmm...hoping for history repeating itself...maybe not this year...but soon enough...??

AM~Erica Wants a Sandcastle

So anyway...

Even though I WAS SICK THRU THE BIG GAME, I still enjoyed watching the Super Bowl. I wasn't contagious any more (supposedly), but I kept my distance from company as best as I could.

I did enjoy getting some of my wit back to poke fun at the game, the coaches, the halftime, the power outages, the commercials...so not a total waste. Plus, I even called a few things before my hubby did during the game. See? FOOTBALL IS TOTALLY IN THIS GIRL, RIGHT HERE! *fist bump* Anyone?

So...now that the Big Game is done & over...and Coach Harbaugh came out victorious with his team (*snort* I crack myself up sometimes) we are shifting the focus to the next part of professional football:

The Combine!

You know...the moment when many college (and maybe other) prospects dropped their names into the draft hat & hope to show off their amazing skills to NFL teams in hopes of being chosen & put on an NFL uniform. This is where many drills are run & numbers are taken to compare in hopes of competing to be chosen for a higher place in the draft. Scouts, agents, owners, general managers, and coaches are all trying to see new potential for the game, and hopefully to find good fits for each team.

So, this brings me back to a portion of the Super Bowl that a lot of people look forward to...the commercials! Amm-i-rite?

Overall, there was a major lacking in the commercials this year. A few stood out, but there is one that I want to talk about. And you may know where I'm going with this, but that's OK...

Believe it or not, the commercial was for the NFL Combine!

Do you remember it?

OK...I know it's quite a stretch...but I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CHIEFS' SEASON coming up! The changing of the guard in hierarchy certainly has people pining & jonesing for a better season! Amm-i-rite?

Right in the midst of the fan base recharging, this commercial came out. Even though we desperately need a quarterback...and with John Dorsey (KC's new GM) saying he would take the best player out there, regardless of the position, a firestorm was set off, even if for a couple of days, of what would happen if we landed a "Sandcastle."

With Dieon trying to throw the staff off by changing his name to "Leon", and then totally playing our our quarterback's name (Matt 'Cassle'), a new pheonom was created! And he would be the best player out there, which would totally make sense for him being KC's 1st pick in the draft!

It was crafty. It was creative. And it got KC going even more...

So...it's the combine. We need a quarterback...but with no one (not even Heisman winner, Johnny "Football" Menziel), we need the best out there...

I want a Sandcastle!!! Anything to totally charge us up the way KC Chiefs' fans should be! Let's see who the best of best of anything out there is! And let's git'em!

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

** SIDE NOTE: Leon Sandcastle is not who you think it is! It's NOT Dieon Sanders...totally...

People...meet the athletic part of Leon: It's Andre Dawson, the cornerback at Ball State! Still want Sandcastle? I'll take him...

AM~Erica is Even More Stoked

So anyway...

You know that I have been very excited about the UPCOMING CHIEFS' SEASON! Right?

After we acquired Andy Reid as our new head coach, we landed John Dorsey as our new GM! All in 2 weeks worth of time, we got rid of Romeo Crennel, got Andy Reid, got rid of Scott Pioli, and then got John Dorsey. And then the welcoming press conferences to officially welcome both Reid & Dorsey were exactly 1 week & 1 hour apart.

It was exciting to know that we got Reid, as you well know...and the press conference was only exciting due to the fact it was a full-frontal public welcome. It was a lot of gentle schmoozing, nicey-nicities, and apparently a lot of wings.

When JOHN DORSEY GOT HIS TURN to get his full-frontal shot at the public. And you know what? It was ELECTRIFYING!! There was such an amazing presence & energy from this guy! Did he do the schmoozy-nicities? Yep...sure did. But...it was different!

As it turns out, Mr. Dorsey was approached by other teams, also. He didn't talk to them. The thought of coming to KC in its obvious turnover & newness seemed very appealing. And he told Clark Hunt in the interview that he wanted to come to KC...because "it is the crown jewel of the NFL." He went on to say that Clark asked him why he viewed it as such...and he went on GLOWINGLY about the fans. He loved the passion of the fans...and he didn't even compare us to the fanbase or the organization of Green Bay (where he has been involved with in some capacity for 20+ years). He's ready to roll up his sleeves & get to work.

In a later quick interview, he told a reporter that he is "The GM of the Kansas City Chiefs. And that's AWESOME!"

You know what else? He's not going to take stupidity from the press at conferences. He wants them to not ask stupid questions (like they tend to do...I guess they can't help themselves) & just get to the point. He proved that during the press conference. It was magical.

My hubby & I were so excited, so charged up...we literally did the 2-person wave on the couch (actually Teen Boy considered that more of a ripple than a wave...whatevs). And we were sad we had no big Chiefs' foam fingers to wave in the air. That's how amazingly excited we got!

And? Because of the fact that Clark is part of the Hunt family, it holds great weight in the football community. When Clark Hunt talks, the NFL community listens...and gravitates. We are also getting quite a coaching staff together, too.

Oh what a year this may turn out to be. Have I mentioned that I'm excited & stoked? Cuz I'm totally excited and stoked!

Now...Dorsey did give warning that things are not gonna just happen. He begged the fans to be patient, and called this a marathon...not a sprint. It was a really good reminder. But after hitting rock-bottom, we can only head upward. We are no longer a lethargic & apathetic fan base. We are charged up. Anything would be good. And now appropriate & exciting people are jumping on the S.S. Arrowhead!

Clark Hunt has definietly been working the Hunt name, and has made things happen quickly because of it. He seems to want to be much more involved now, too. Good or bad...it's something...and it says a lot...loudly. That's pretty much what Reid AND Dorsey said in their press conferences. It was who called them that got their attention.

And, if you remember, I am stoked for getting on the gimmicky band wagon of a tired trend.  THE MOUSTACHE TREND is what I am totally ready to rock when the Chiefs take the stage.

Well, I have a friend from high school who shared this pic on Facebook:

It was in a local paper of "The Pitch." Well, after I got ridiculously excited & hoped someone would find me one of these...she was awesome & offered to send me her copy! Woo Hoo!!!

Well, a couple of days later, I got an empty envelope. I was bummed. Someone had opened it & taken my moustache printout. *sigh*

She offered to find me another, but I decided I would just look online...and...??

Yeah...stick them up your stupid nose! *snort*

You're welcome. Now you can join me! Wanna see?

So...who is seriously getting pumped & stoked & excited & stuffs for some serious (and hopefully, finally, some competitive) Chiefs Football??

I'm ready! Adding to the 'stache collection...football season is gonna be entertaining, for sure...

Quick! Let's do the wave! I'll start...

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo....

Hmmm...this was much better than just 2 of us on a couch...

GO CHIEFS!!

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

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AM~Erica is Getting Even More Pumped

So anyway...

I have already expressed my excitement for the upcoming CHIEFS' FOOTBALL SEASON. And...it continues to escalate...

The Kansas City fanbase was already treated to the mega turnover in the organization by cleaning house & landing Andy Reid as our new head coach. And in very short time, too! And, the press conference was held exactly 1 week after the clearing out of the past season's regime. Then it was about filling more coaching and a new GM.

This time, it looked like there were a couple of very hopeful options that seemed truly viable for us to land in the General Manager...especially since we got the new head coach that we did.

Then, it was shared that we landed one of those two options to be our new GM: John Dorsey!

This is John Dorsey - the new GM for KC. He was the one I was pulling for, too!

Wha-WHA??? People, we are landing some serious football commodities, here! And I want to applaud Clark Hunt for making the strides in trying to turn things around.

If you are not here in Kansas City, you cannot fully understand what has happened around here...and the excitement that surrounds our area.

I have had to travel on I-70 a few times in the last couple of weeks. There is about a quarter mile stretch, as you pass the stadium complex (the K...or Kauffman stadium that houses the Royals, and Arrowhead stadium which houses the KC Chiefs) that has such an energy buzz that you can intently feel in their air as you go by. It's crazy, but true. Can anyone else feel it while driving by the stadiums? Step forward if you do...or don't.

Interestingly enough...as the coaching staff grows, too, the countdown to the official press conference introducing John Dorsey as our new GM will happen tomorrow afternoon...you know...one week after the official press conference to introduce Andy Reid...you know...one week after the mudslide of firings began with Romeo Crennel. And, as I'm thinking...Andy had his press conference one week after Romeo was let go; John Dorsey was a confirmed hire just right at one week after Scott Pioli was let go. Interesting parallels, I am sensing. (sorry...went all Yoda for a moment there...)

Oh...and the press conference is happening on Monday...again...since...well, you know...that whole thing where the NFL frowns upon other NFL news stealing spotlight from the playoff games. (Which, btw, the playoff games this weekend were unbelievable & I hope the Super Bowl ends up as exciting as these games this weekend.)

The renewed excitement around sports in KC is astounding! It's electrifying again. I love it!

Even if this year doesn't turn out as well as hoped...I hope we remember these building moments. It's a beautiful thing!

I'm also excited about the MOUSTACHE TREND that I think will be sticking around in KC. Even a local paper, The Pitch, had something about it. More on that to come...

Also, with Andy Reid getting a buffet for his press conference that included 6 different kinds of wings...do you think John Dorsey's will have a buffet with a bunch of ribs? Just thinking?

By the way...these kinds of welcomes have never happened here before. What is happening is huge. What Clark Hunt is doing is turning things around.

There is even a welcoming commercial for Andy Reid right now:

**WATCH VIDEO HERE**

*shivers* It gives me chills. I get goosebumps on my face, even.

Yeah...that's the kind of excitement we've been desperately needing around these parts. And it feels amazing to have that feeling back in the air.

And, as always...GO CHIEFS!

But, no pressure...really...none at all...(lots of pressure)

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

Now AM~Erica Wants in on the 'Stache Trend

So anyway...

With the ending of 2012 & the beginning of 2013, there's always a year-end set of lists that get thrown at us. One of the lists had to do with 2012 trends that should end in 2013. One of those trends had to do with the whole Moustache Domination. You could find almost anything "machoed up" with a moustache printed or attached to it. It was generally a puffy handlebar style, but I found that most any would do.



You know what? I hate facial hair. Ask my hubby. I love seeing his face. And I, personally, don't enjoy feeling the scruff. Just not my thang, yo. He had to grow facial hair for a Last Supper thing at church a few years ago. I told him that the moment it was over, the scruff goes. I almost took a razor to the church. But he did shave when we got home. Because...you know...*cringe & shiver*


So imagine me being baffled at the fact that the moustache took on a life of it's own this past year. It seemed to be the symbol of macho power...for guys AND gals! Was I entertained? Of course! Was I all impressed & stuffs...ummm...not really.

I do wonder if part of the draw was the RELEASE OF "THE LORAX" MOVIE this past year.

Now THAT'S a 'stache! But it went beyond that...all kind of famous moustaches in all sorts of eras were being immolated & celebrated. Just a real head scratcher for me.

Let's all take a moment to thank Mario for being our moustache model today...

But I may have had a slight change of heart...

Now, settle down...I do NOT want my guy to start sprouting a lip garden all of a sudden. No...even though it was on a list to get rid of the 'stache trend this year, I say we keep it around. Why? Well, allow me to explain.

Not sure if you've heard the news or not, but THE CHIEFS JUST GOT A NEW HEAD COACH! It's kind of a big deal. Especially around Kansas City, for sure. And...have you seen our new guy? It's Andy Reid, y'all! Check out this guy's lip garden:

That, my friends, is some serious 'stache workin'. Don't you think so? Well, I do! And I'm so excited about him coming, I couldn't wait for the "Official Press Conference" today. It happened to include a lot of niceties, schmoozing, hard-question-dodging, and a buffet that included about 6 different kinds of wings. Was it all earth-shattering? Nope...not really. The format was interesting, but not the content. However, it was still exciting that we have this guy. It builds hope for maybe the nostalgic feel of the Hank Stram days. It is building the hope & faith back up in a once great organization. We want that history to repeat itself. And maybe, just beyond the donning of red apparel, but we might have the power of...THE 'STACHE!

So, it got me thinking. And we all know it can get scary inside my brain when the wheels start turning...
I would love to have Chiefs Football Opening Day Kickoff get-together...featuring...MOUSTACHES!! Not sure if we can make the opening day one happen...but at least once.

There's even a PINTEREST BOARD I SET UP just for that reason.

I'm usually AHEAD OF THE TRENDS...but sometimes I grasp on a little late. And I think it will work in KC. We need to properly welcome & support the newness of our football coach and renewed team in 2013 & beyond!

Who's with me? And how many mock-'staches do you think will be found at Arrowhead Stadium once the [pre]season gets started?? Hmmmmm....

Workin' my own 'stache to welcome & support Andy Reid in KC. Like it? 

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

What Has AM~Erica Cheering Again

So anyway...

OK...I've posted about MY THOUGHTS ON SWIMSUITS, and I, of course, had MORE BRAGGING TO DO...so what took me so long to get to this? Take solace in knowing that I really was working on it...

As you may know...I am a Chiefs fan. I truly am. Not a bandwagon one, either. Even in their bad times (*cough* this season *cough*), it's always about finding the positive. Always. Like...holding out for just landing the 1st pick in the draft. Yeah...no matter how bad, there's gotta be a positive.

And, if you don't know, there was a group formed, in KC, called "Save Our Chiefs." They pooled funds together to fly a banner over the stadium, by plane, that read:

RETURN HOPE - FIRE PIOLI  - BENCH CASSLE.

Yowch! There was even a food drive planned called the "Can Pioli Food Drive"...you know to help Harvesters...*cough-cough* and to make a point *cough-cough*

The "Can Pioli Food Drive" banner - event was canceled due to the tragic events around Jovan Belcher

Yeah...Scott Pioli wasn't popular around these parts any longer. And Romeo Crennel was an odd head coach. We finished the season 2-14. Fans wore black to "black out" the games in mourning of how our beloved Chiefs had ended up. No teams were afraid to come here anymore. We had no discipline, and it was bleeding into the personal lives of some of the players. There was a thughish feel about our team (much like the horrible Jovan Belcher situation); I thought the thugs were the Raiders...but we seemed to be slipping into that mold, and not keeping up on a spectacular rivalry with the Raiders, at that. Our Chiefs had fallen into, what I have decided to call, "Patheticism."

I hated seeing the Chiefs like this. We all did. And it was obvious we were WAY overdue for major change. Our hayday had seemed to be far behind us. That's pathetic coming from a hardcore football town.

But then Black Monday hit...you know...the Monday after the last round of regulation NFL games for the season. It's the day when there become job openings throughout the NFL due to a wave of "mutual *cough- cough* parting of ways. (OK...many are not so mutual...but you get the gist.)

The KC fanbase already knew we had the 1st pick in the 2013 draft in the bag, but we needed more...desperately. We needed to have the closure and satisfaction of a major change in the organization.

On Black Monday, we did get word of a swift letting go of Romeo Crennel. That was a start...but not enough...

When? When would we see an exit by Pioli?? We KC fans were getting pretty antsy about it.

However...there seemed to be a bit of hope! It appeared that Clark Hunt (the now owner of the KC Chiefs, inherited from his late father, Lamar) was paying attention. He realized how restless the fans were getting. But, instead of cleaning house mid to late season (like getting rid of Todd Haley with 3 games left to go last season), he waited it out. As awful as it appeared on the surface, I think Clark may have been very smart about this. As we ached, he was planning...I think he wanted to make sure we would get the first pick in the draft sealed. When Haley was let go, we had already screwed up our chances for the "Suck for Luck"...or anyone else, for that matter...so letting him go close to the end of the season didn't make a difference. Waiting it out to get the 1st pick sealed also meant it could be a bargaining chip in a good house cleaning! Well played, Clark...well played.

One of the firings on Black Monday happen to come from Philly. I saw one of the strangest firing press conferences...ever. Watching Andy Reid being let go was...just...odd. After 14, mostly winning, seasons...they turned him loose after a couple of bad seasons. And? They gave him a game ball to commemorate being (I think they said) their most winningest coach, told him they would always remain friends & then wanted him to give his parting speech...in a locker-like room. Probably the weirdest "parting of ways" I've ever witnessed. Ever.

Now, when I watched that spectacle on Monday, I never would have thought the Chiefs could end up with him. I really didn't know who we'd get, actually. I didn't think we looked like a real prospect for anyone. However, not only did we have the 1st pick in the draft in the bag...but it turns out having 5 players going to the pro-bowl is pretty attractive, too!

Now, when Romeo was let go, many noticed that the announcement came directly from Mr. Hunt, himself. That was interesting...hmmmm...not from the current GM. And? AND? Clark said he would PERSONALLY start looking for a new head coach immediately! Wha-WHA??? The owner was taking over what the GM should be doing? Could this mean what KC hoped it meant?

We are having quarterback issues. It's no secret. When we couldn't get PEYTON MANNING TO CONSIDER COMING, and when we really needed a head coach...Jeff Fisher (who may have been my top pick) wouldn't even consider coming, either. UGH! What could be the deal? Well, after some reports of ugly, sneaky & overbearing behavior from Scott Pioli, and with Todd Haley accusing Pioli of spying by bugging his cell phone, who would want to come to this once great organization? *face palm* So we just kept the interim coach, our defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel. Yeah...that went well.

Well, even though there were reports that Andy Reid was going to head to meet with Arizona & possibly San Diego, Clark Hunt decided that Reid MUST be our guy...and met him in Philadelphia. Didn't even let him leave the airport for 9 hours. It was also reported that about 7 other organization members came, too...one of them being Pioli. Wha-WHA??? All of a sudden, Reid cancelled his trip to Arizona...and any others. It looked like KC might be close to a deal to make Reid the head coach...and, even though not everyone agreed with this move, we were hoping the Chiefs weren't gonna screw this up.

Then the reports were coming out that "...all the major details had been agreed upon; now just waiting to work out the minor details..."
O...K...???
What minor details? This went on for WAY too long! However...we (a large part of the the following KC fanbase) were wondering if it had to do with the fact that Pioli was still around...

Then...THEN? IT HAPPENED! We got word that...Pioli & the Chiefs had "*snicker* mutually parted ways *snicker*." My hubby & I noticed that none of the sports anchors on any station could say that without that snickering in there. But...it was DONE!
Sing it with me, fans:

"Na-na-na-na...Na-na-na-na...hey-hey-hey...Goodbye..."

So imagine my disappointment when there was no dancing in the streets to be found. We finally got it, people! What we had been clamoring for almost all season...and there was no visible celebration? Wow...

Oh...and? Magically, we were being told that Reid was unofficially the new head coach of KC. Go figure! Looks like the "minor details" had to do with getting Pioli out. Reid would have a lot of control & is a good judge of quarterback talent. *ahem*

Oh...and? Just to keep things looking more than "unofficial"...Clark Hunt was personally driving Andy Reid in a black SUV to the Chiefs' facilities. Hmmmm...looking pretty official to me!

All of this was taking place within about a 72 hour span, people. Wow...just...wow.

Now, we were all waiting on pins & needles to see when the officiality & ceremony of the pomp & circumstance of a press conference would happen. But there's a snag: the NFL apparently gets grumpy if any other NFL happenings outside of playoff focus happens. D'oh! So...probably a postponed press conference...but...shhhhhhhhhhhh...there was a modern-day loophole. Social media couldn't stop the Chiefs from making sure the fans knew that Reid was a go!

We were delighted to be treated to this photo posted on Twitter:

*insert cheers from Chiefs fans here*

That's right...
So, we can't have a press conference? Well, we are still going to let everyone know we signed our guy. Thank you, social media!

Thank you, social media, indeed.

Many KC fans owe Clark Hunt a huge apology. HUGE!! He heard the screaming fans, but was smart to wait it out to make sure that 1st pick was a go. Then, he targeted his guy, said he'd go get him, cleaned house, signed his new coach & put faith & excitement back into this organization...all in less than a week. Wow! And it wasn't some chump who was a menial coach somewhere in the league...I think we got who we needed. I hope it was the right move overall, but I do know it's a good start.

Now, just note, tomorrow, Monday, January 7, 2013 at 1:00 PM CT...be watching for the pomp & circumstance of the ceremonial press conference with Clark Hunt OFFICIALLY welcoming Andy Reid to KC as the new head coach. I wonder if any word on a new GM might be at least cryptically speculated during the press conference since there has been a few days to attempt make something happen. Just putting it out there.

So, I would like to take my moment to welcome Andy Reid, too. We expect bigger things...but no pressure or anything...*snickers*

Thankfully, too, it looks like Reid is assembling his Avenger-type staff from all different places...not just a bunch of cronies following him over. In this, we should rejoice. And, no other Chiefs coach has had this kind of power since Hank Stram...you know, the only coach to take us to any super bowl (the ONLY 2 we've ever appeared in)...in the late 60's! *face palm* What took so long? I have never gotten to see my Chiefs in a Super Bowl. I hope this changes in the near future.

I am, once again, ready for some football! Who's looking forward to the draft & the start of next season?

*raises hand* Hope has returned.

GO CHIEFS!

Welcome, Andy Reid. You look good in red.

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica