by Julia Mackey

I'm stuck in a moment and i can't get out of it ! Two sleeps have passed since seeing U2 at GM Place and i can't quite come down to earth. I can't seem to do anything but contemplate how I can become a better person and change the world. Paul Martin is now in my speed dial and I intend to keep phoning him. If he would re-commit to 0.7 % by 2015 - I would give him my vote in a heartbeat.

We got in line a few hours before show time and started chatting with our sidewalk neighbors; My fifth concert, Anita's first! We met more first timers and alumni who were giddily reminiscing about previous U2 shows. We got the goods from those who'd been fortunate enough to go on the 28th as well, even a Dad whose third baby had just been born that day! We became fast friends in that line up; no names were shared - just anticipation, laughs and experiences. When it came time to scan our tickets, we were ecstatic when two of our sidewalk companions made it into the ellipse! Pink top lady and her boyfriend.

Anita and I made our way to the floor - found a spot stage right about 10 feet from the walkway and waited. When the lights started to come down and Bono's voice echoed "Everyone! Everyone! Everyone!" it was time to fly and we did. The ticker tape showered down on us from the man made sky and we became a City of Blinding Lights. I can't securely tell you what order songs came in and out but i can tell you that for 2 hours and a bit, U2 made the world a smaller place - they made me feel like I was enveloped in the best of what Humanity can be; all its goodness and love and unity. They made me believe that if we choose that goodness as a constant in our lives and take an active role in shaping it - miracles can happen.

If i had to choose one highlight, it would be that sequence of Bono talking about Making Poverty History; watching the Human Rights Articles scrolling down upon us; having those cell phones light up like stars - believing we really were One and then diving into Where the Streets Have no Name - at the end of the night i could have stood there for another two hours chanting 40. How long must we sing this song? Until we Make Poverty History!

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