P2.

For the past number of months, talk of the NHL returning to Winnipeg has monopolized our televisions, newspapers, radios and conversations. Talk in this house has been no different...at least when it comes to Jason. I have never been, nor do I think I will ever be, a huge hockey fan. My Dad didn't watch a lot of hockey growing up, I never played hockey growing up, and to this day, I would watch many other sports before opting for a game. I have nothing against the sport, and do watch it from time to time (when Jason has it on), but it has just never been my thing.

When the opportunity came our way to invest in a share of some season tickets, I knew immediately that Jason would want to. Being the understanding, generous wife that I am, I somewhat even convinced him that we could make it work financially and he should just do it. In actuality, I just couldn't imagine listening to him sulk about not having the tickets for the next 5 years. So we went for it. We are now the proud owners of 2 tickets, somewhere in the P2 price bracket, for about 10 or 11 games next season. Jason is beyond excited. I am excited too, but for different reasons than one might think. Here are a few:

1. The snacks - I love snacks. Even more than my love for snacks, is my love for snacks at sporting events. I am not even partial to the type of snacks, I love it all. From the fancier specialty items like deep fried perogies, to the classic smokie and popcorn, it is definitely one of my favorite things about going to any kind of game. Somehow it all tastes better there. I even love the fountain drinks...just something about it makes the drink taste colder and more refreshing. I will definitely not be attending all 10 or 11 games with Jason, however when I do go, the snacks will be plentiful.

2. The whole atmosphere - Even though I am not a huge hockey fan, I am most definitely a sports fan. I love the energy and excitement that stirs up in a sporting venue and know that since the people of Winnipeg have been so desperate for this time for so long, each and every game will be full of both.

3. What the team will do for Winnipeg - Bottom line, the team coming to this city will do good things. When I lived in BC I got asked time and time again "why would you want to live in Winnipeg??" My answer time and time again was always "you clearly have never been?" This is a great place to live. Our city is filled with exciting new initiatives, great museums and parks, amazing restaurants and now a professional sports team. Winnipeg is thriving and I am so glad that we will get to be a part of it.

4. Gifting a ticket or two - Like I said before, I am neither a huge hockey fan, nor will I attend every game we have tickets for. Part of what I am so excited for is to be able to then instead, gift my tickets to others who will LOVE to go to a game with Jason. There are a few people close to us who would get such a thrill from seeing their team play right in front of their eyes. I want to give that to them.

5. Time with J - We try, we really do try to spend time together just the two of us but no matter how hard we try, it is difficult. We both have so much on the go separately that it is difficult to find the time, with a babysitter, to get out together. Each and every time we do though, it is so much fun and takes me back 4 years ago when we first met. Having these tickets means we have at least a few dates already planned for next year. Sounds good to me.

So there you have it - reasons other than the hockey itself why I am excited for this upcoming NHL season in Winnipeg. I will definitely not be jumping on the bandwagon like so many others, will not have my jersey ordered and foam finger ready (although I do love a foam finger - makes me laugh), but I will chose to enjoy our tickets for other reasons.

Go Jets Go!