This is definately the year of Santa. Not that it will be fully understood, but we will definately make the effort. “A” was shocked when I told him I never believed in Santa as a kid. We always knew what Santa represented and appreciated him, but we always knew there was no real Santa. I even have to admit that Santa has become more real to me as I have grown older than when I was a kid. Not that I think he flies around the world with toys, but the idea of Santa and the generosity that he gives. Although, if he really had a naughty or nice list, I do know there would be a lot more boys and girls out there that would be getting a lump of coal in their stockings.

Last week in the mall “J” was introduced to Santa, since it was the first meeting we decided to wait until this week to go sit on his lap and take a photo. Since the first introduction though, Santa has become a bit of a mystery. “J” is not sure what to make of him yet. A big guy who “Ho Ho Ho’s”. We are hoping to start the Santa comes if you are a good boy routine and carry it on into next year :).

This past weekend we took the boys to the Barrhaven Santa Clause Parade. Thanks to a little bit of snow, it felt very much like Christmas. We met my sister and her family there, so the cousins got to run down the toboggan hill, build snowmen and have snowball fights all while waiting for Santa to arrive. It was incredibly fun. The boys (even the oldest) waved at the floats, especially the firefighters, (who we get to see everyweek at the grocery store). Then came Santa! Well, sadly Santa was followed by another firetruck so he did not get the full attention that he deserved.

Next year, we may (weather permitting) head Downtown to the big parade! I can’t wait already, but first we have to make it through our first visit with Santa at Bayshore 🙂

Way back when the tickets went on sale. I tried and I tried. I spent hours hovering over the computer and had two phones going at the same time. As the website kept crashing, I took a last ditch effort and drove to the “Sports Experts” by the time I got there, there were only singles to be had. By the time I got to the desk the girl just laughed at me.

I felt terrible, as I was trying to get tickets for a friend as well. Which makes this just as hard. But, due to some friends of a friend having to attend to family business in Winnipeg, my dream has come true. Well, if you haven’t guessed yet, then there is just plain something wrong with you (just kidding of course)! We are going to U2!!!!!!!

When they played Ottawa many years ago, I had to make a choice between a concert or a commitment to play at a concert. I played the cello, many moons ago and if I had gone to the concert, our Orchestra would have been down to one cello. It would have been very bad, needless to say, I got a very good mark. And I always thought I would see them again. I did have a ticket when they played Montreal in ’87 or ’88 (those years are a blur) but, my loser boyfriend gave/sold it to a friend. So, here I am at 35 more excited than I thought I would be to see a concert.

“U2” has always been my favorite band. John “Cougar” Mellencamp has been my favorite artist and I have seen him in concert (so far the best one I have attended). Bruce Springsteen was a runner up for many years and won the battle of second place after I saw him in concert while pregnant with “J”. It was crazy as my vertigo had really taken over me, but it was a great concert and I felt like I was back in the ’80’s with the screaming chick with the big hair behind me. Now, I don’t know if we will ever be able to top seeing “U2”. I am afraid I might cry. I have been a faithful singer, oops, I meant follower since the ’80’s. I stayed tried and true, even when they were a little off in their path. When “J” would cry in the car as a baby, only U2 would calm him down and bring him peace (mostly the song “Grace” on the “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” album). There was one trip with a girlfriend when both our kids were crying and both of us were almost there too. What did I do, yep you guessed it, put on a little “U2”. They were asleep in minutes, it was great!

So here I sit at the crack of Dawn, excited as all can be, because I am realizing one of my Dreams. Silly eh?