San Fran Game Prep

What a big week! Winning at home is expected for the Seahawks, but we have struggled in the past on the road, sometimes failing to bring back a "W". So, what better challenge than going down to San Francisco to face a divisional opponent? We have talked about facing this kind of adversity throughout training camp, on Sunday we'll be put to the test.

With the first road game of the year I have to dig into my closet to find a suit to wear that will meet the team dress code. Anyone who knows me knows that I am more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. I definitely cannot keep up with some of my flashier teammates (Brandon Mebane, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch). I don't even know where to buy fuchsia dress pants. And I will not be wearing any pink shirt this year, even if Matt (#8) says it's the new brown. Looks good on him though......(Caddy Shack fans?)

Last night Rachel and I went to say hello to some friends at Albert Lee appliances in Tukwilla. They were having a circus party in the store with fire breathers, a contortionist, and jugglers. It was pretty cool, good people too. We met two of the four Albert Lees. It made me wish we were in need of some new appliances.

We have some family in town this week as well. Rachel's grandpa is here with one of his friends, Chuck. It is always nice to have people travel across the country to come see us.

Tonight I am taking it easy resting my legs. I'm gonna grab some dinner tonight and watch some extra game film for San Fran. I also have an old DVD of John Randle's pass rush clips. He was a player that I watched as a high school student so I am looking forward to revisiting a few great moves. I might even pull a couple out of the bag for this Sunday.

Don't forget Oct. 5th at the Nectar Lounge in Freemont for Monday Night Football. It will be a great night for a charity we support -- Gloria's Angels. www.gloriasangels.org

Today's Touchdown: Every now and then we put on the boxing gloves and spar at the Seahawks facility for conditioning. It is a great workout and is easier on the knees than just straight running. I did four one minute rounds today. Sound easy? Go out and throw punches for a minute straight and see if you can repeat it three more times. I was exhausted and glad I had gotten some extra conditioning in for this Sunday.

Gloria's Miracle

It's late and I know I should be in bed, but I'm still too wound up from an amazing evening to go to sleep just yet. Tonight, Jerry Brewer (Seattle Times columnist) released his book, "Gloria's Miracle" -- a book about Gloria Strauss and her battle with neuroblastoma. For those of you who followed his story in The Seattle Times, you already know how amazing the story is and you will want to read this book. For those of you who don't know the story, trust me -- you need to read this book and you will probably finish a little better of a person than you were when you started reading!
You can find it here:http://www.amazon.com/Glorias-Miracle-Jerry-Brewer/dp/0970739974/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252476760&sr=8-1

My wife and I got to know Gloria about three years ago when she went with a bunch of us on a winter trip to Wisconsin. She caught our attention immediately, shining bright and standing out as a leader among her peers. She was gentle yet vivacious, outspoken but respectful. She was beautiful - and glorious. Less than a year later, we heard that she might not make it. We never got to see her again, but she touched us so profoundly in the few days that we were able to spend with her that we will never forget her.

Since then, Rachel and I have gotten to know her family (they are awesome) and we are on the board of directors for the charity her dad, Doug, started after she passed away. It's called Gloria's Angels, appropriately named as they activate communities around families dealing with terminal illnesses. If you want to check it out, you can find more information on Gloria's Angels at: www.gloriasangels.org. They are always looking for support and volunteers!

Anyway, tonight was the book release for Gloria's Miracle and I was invited to sing a song that my wife and I wrote called, "Too Beautiful for this World" -- you can hear the song on my MySpace page, www.craigterrill.com. I love music and I love performing, but being able to sing for this event was even more special than performing at the coolest rock concert could possibly be.

I can't help but watch the clock so I know I've got to go finish studying film for this week's game and then climb into bed. I hope you're all having a great week

TODAY'S TOUCHDOWN: Seeing the smiles on Kristen's and Doug's faces (Gloria's parents) as they saw how many people came out to support Jerry's book and to celebrate their daughter's life. It was awesome to see that they're doing so well.