flashback friday.

When I found this picture it really cracked me up. I remember this moment so well, even though I was only 2.5 years old. First of all...that is a pretty short skirt for December isn't it Mom? No, this flashback isn't about how I was neglected as a child, :) even though for whatever reason, I am finding it easier remembering the traumatizing/humiliating experiences from my childhood to blog about. Really, my childhood was picture perfect.

This was our ward Christmas party, 1988. The children were lining up to walk out on the stage, sit on Santa's lap, and say into the microphone what they were hoping for that Christmas. To me, this was intense amounts of pressure. Being 2.5 years old, I didn't know the concept of coming up with what to say in advance, or being impromptu about such a huge decision. I remember being so stressed out in front of all of those people, not knowing what I really wanted.

My turn rolls around, and I sit on the old man's lap. He holds the microphone up to my mouth and says, "what would you like this year Abby?" I frantically tried to come up with something, but my mind was blank........long pause.....I look around as if to get an idea from somewhere.....Santa asks me again, needing to hurry me along...and I finally just settle with the first thing that comes to my head: "a....train?"

The audience laughed...I, however, knew that I really did NOT want a train and started crying. I panicked! I didn't know what else to say. It was probably what the little boy said who went right before me or something...and now that is what Santa was going to bring me, and that is what the entire ward thinks I wanted for Christmas. How embarassing.

I remember my mom asking me if that's what I really wanted, and for some reason I told her yes. I think at that point I just decided to go with it. What was the use of changing my mind now, if Santa already knew that was apparently at the top of my wishlist?

Christmas morning rolls around and there, among my dolls and barbies (which were always a huge hit with me...) was a little pink and blue circus train set. At first I was embarrassed. But, funny enough, it was one of my favorite toys growing up and it was perfectly girlie so I didn't feel like I was playing with a boy's toy! Which is a big deal for a little girl...Santa did a good job.

And that, my friends, is where my fear of public speaking began :)


P.S. remember to send me your e-mail address if you want to keep reading, since we are going private next week. You can just send it to jarbyjones@gmail.com.