Trying to communicate

When we were up in Canada over Chanukah, and people would ask me where I lived, they would always ask me whether I was excited about the Seahawks' record this year. And I would always mumble something about not really following sports at all.

The usual response was that instead of saying "Oh, Ok" and moving on, they would continue to try to talk football with me, as though somehow I wasn't serious, or perhaps lying because I don't like talking to people, or because I was keeping secrets from our perky neighbors to the north. Something like that.

When we got back, I asked Tim (the biggest sports fan I know) what I should say in those situations — how could I give some sort of culturally appropriate response without actually having to know anything?

Tim thought for a moment, and then gave me a magical phrase to use. "Sounds good!" I said, and tucked it away.

This morning on the bus to the gym I got my chance. There were several Seahawks fans on the bus, heading down early to do whatever one does before a football game. They were laughing and talking about previous games and where to eat after the game.

As I got ready to get off the bus, they noticed me and asked "Hey man! You going to the game today? Wooohooo!"

I turned to them and said, smiling, "It's a great time to live in Seattle."

They cheered again and went back to their conversation! It worked! Thanks Tim!