by Kari Peter

Despite the bone-chilling cold and snowy weather, the crapload of money I spent on this little adventure, and the migraine I got the following day--December 9, 2005 ranks as one of my top days of the year.

This was my third concert of the year and I'm continually amazed at how these boys can put 150% of themselves into a show--unbelievable! I've always been so impressed with how they interact and connect with the audience, and Friday night, they certainly didn't disappoint. I thought the setlist was tight and solid--Gloria, Original of the Species, the homage to Lennon and Instant Karma--terrific, no complaints. The energy from the fans wasn't as intense as what I've experienced previously, but that didn't seem to slow the band down at all.

Something did bug me during the show--to the woman standing to the right of me who had the "Zootopians United" banner: After "Love and Peace or Else", Bono came over and looked at me and gave me the drumstick--not you. There are witnesses to support this. I understand everyone's want to have a "tangible memory" of the band, but you grabbed the drumstick from me and, frankly, that was just plain rude. The reason you ended up with it was because I chose to be the bigger person and let go--instead of wrestling you for it and creating an embarrassing scene.

However, I am a "glass half full" kind of person--my friend Emma, who was standing to the left of me, was the one Bono gave the other drumstick to (I was thrilled to bits because it was her birthday!). She was kind enough to let me hold, study and have my picture taken with her drumstick. I don't know how many people can say they've held both of Larry's drumsticks in the same night...every cloud has a silver lining.

There are individuals I must acknowledge that made 12/9/05 a fantastic day:
To my parents: Thanks for the early Christmas present of new snow tires--without them, maneuvering the streets of downtown Buffalo during the morning hours would've been more than interesting.

To the folks of the HSBC Arena: Thanks for being compassionate towards the strong-willed, devoted, nothing-is-going-to-stop-me-from-lining-up-early U2 fans and allowing us the comfort of waiting the day indoors, as well as using the bathrooms. My digits are highly grateful to fact they didn't suffer frostbite.

To my fellow compatriots in the GA line:
The local Buffalo girls: Thanks for being so kind and generous and sharing your grub!
Michelle and Allen of Bradford, PA: Michelle, I hope you had a lot of fun! Allen, I hope you got some good stuff for your impressive "U2 wall"!
The Shrewsbury, England representatives, Steve and Emma: You guys were such a blast to be around! I hope the rest of your visit in the U.S. is as memorable as the concert!
The Canadian gal and Irishman: You were a joy as fellow GA-linemates!

To Bono, Edge and Adam: Thanks so much for hanging out on the catwalk as often as you did--what an amazing treat! Bono, thanks for the personal acknowledgements--you so made my day:). Edge, you never cease to amaze me with your powers: running while playing the guitar. Wow. Adam, you bring a whole new meaning to the word "cool".

And last but not least, to my fellow diehard Elvis fan, Larry: Thank you for your gracious grin. I must admit--it made my year. Perhaps our paths will cross at Graceland someday...TCB:)

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