Super Fan

JKS writes me love letters at McNally Robinson in Winnipeg

Well kids, it's nigh on five years since moving to Winnipeg. Some of you may recall when I first started Olivebits I had a bit of a crush on The Weakerthans (see blog post Winnipeg Love Letters: W is for The Weakerthans). I guess if I'm being truly honest, the crush may have been directed at John K. Samson. Sure, he's not your typical crush material. But ever since high school, I've had a thing for the geeky smart boys.

In this post's collage you'll see I've finally got my wish: a personalized note from JKS thanking ME for moving to Winnipeg. It's a dream come true for a Super Fan. But truthfully, more than this sweet dream, this lovely iPhone collage, this token of my fandom, I have something more amazing.

These awesome images of the awesome JKS were taken by Jay, my very own geeky (handsome!) smart boy. While I was at home preparing for our 10 year old's birthday slumber party, he, the one who hates waiting, was waiting patiently in line for an autograph. He knew how much it would mean to me to have the book of lyrics and poems. He knew how much it would mean to me to have that personalized one-liner from a great Winnipeg ambassador. He knew I would never stop talking about it. He knew all this, and despite a whole world of embarrassment for him, he still did it. For me. For the Super Fan.

He's off to bed now. I hope he knows that deep in my heart, and way out on my sleeve, I am HIS Super Fan. And he, forever and a day, will be my number one geeky smart boy.

Skating

I grew up on the west coast. As a kid my dad would take me skating at the local arena. Now I really don't think this stands out as a fond memory because I loved to skate; I have a sneaky feeling it had more to do with the post-skate vending machine hot chocolate. Mmm, watery chocolate beverage.

This past weekend, the weather in Winnipeg was freakishly warm. So much so, it prompted me to break my lazy streak and take the family out skating. My son (a chip off the ole ice block) has never shown much of an interest in skating. He was far more interested in keeping his boots on, while  slipping, sliding and prat falling. Clearly, he too was in it for the post-skate watery hot chocolate.

So imagine my surprise this weekend when he happily donned his rented skates. He grabbed his Dad's hand and away they were off down the trail. Before I knew it, he let go. Wobbling, shuffling, and beaming from ear-to-ear, the little guy was off to catch his sister and her buddy. A new love of skating was born! *Insert Proud Parent Pride Here*

Realistically though, I know full well that in his mind, skating was about to be one more thing he could kick his sister's butt at. Oh yes, sibling rivalry is alive and well in Winnipeg.

Post Post-Script: Something you non-Winnipeggers may not know: Winnipeg is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest outdoor skating trail (a whopping 8.5 kms). And, just today, the Toronto Star did a feature story on our architecturally marvellous warming huts (http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1121473--reasons-to-visit-winnipeg-in-winter-starchitect-frank-gehry-and-a-spray-on-igloo). Winterpeg Rocks!