Did I ever tell you about the time that I had a major dating faux pas? I don’t think I have. I’m not overly proud of it, but had I had a blog at that time, I probably would’ve blogged about it. It was a typical “Heather Moment”.

You see, I was very much involved in the dating sites at that time… the time being late 2006. I was talking and “playing the field” I guess you would call it and there were two men who were at the top of my list. We’ll call them Stalker and Guy I Should Have Picked (GISHP for short).

You can see where this is going, can’t you?

I thought so.

So, on two occasions I had dates with Stalker and GISHP in the SAME NIGHT! I’m crazy, I know. I don’t know how I pulled it off, I’m shocked I did pull it off, but I did.

I liked both of these guys, but wasn’t serious or committed to either of them. Stalker wanted me to swear off other men, but I wasn’t ready.

Stalker and I decided to allow our kids to meet and decided that we would take them to the Circus, the Ringling Bros. Circus to be exact. We thought it would be a great way to introduce the kids in a setting that wouldn’t leave room for disaster and as far as the kids go, there were no disasters.

The kids got along famously, and Stalker had an 11 month old and I fell in love with her instantly. She was adorable, and a baby, and we all know about my “wanting another baby” fascination. I carried her all.day.long. while Stalker took care of the older ones, mine included.

At intermission, we took the kids down to ride the elephants. I carried the baby and of course ran into 5 gazillion people that I knew who wanted to know when I had another baby. After explaining ALOT that it was Stalker’s and that we were “dating”, (I still don’t know how to define that), I finally just said that she was a friend’s baby and because I was engrossed in chatting with so many people, I lost Stalker and the kids.

They were getting popcorn. And soda. And toys that no parent WANTS to take out a second mortgage on to buy but will because it’s the circus and it will quiet the kids down.

When it was time for the show to resume, we herded the clan, all 6 of us, back to our seats. As we were getting ready to turn into our aisle, me managing a baby on my hip, trying not to trip, because I’m sure Stalker’s ex wouldn’t appreciate knowing that the new “girl” dropped her child from the nosebleed section at the Salem Civic Center, I hear someone call…

“Hi Heather…”

I look up.

There, in the stands, with his totally adorable six year old, sat GISHP.

Now tell me. What do you do/say in a situation like that?

Let me tell you what NOT to do…

Don’t reply with “Hey! How are you? Just came out with a friend to bring the kids to the circus…call me later, k”

Wanna know why? Because Stalker, who wants to be a family NOW, will over hear you, get insanely jealous and spend the rest of the three ring spectacular unfolding on the floor below marking his territory and speaking loudly about all the dates you’ve had and what he wants to do together with you and the kids.

No, I’m totally not kidding. Please heed my advice.

Needless to say, GISHP never called. Never emailed and in hindsight, I really don’t need to tell you how it all turned out because I think you know based on how I named the two men in my story and knowing that I am currently SINGLE.

However, despite the debacle that occurred, I can tell you that the show was spectacular. The trapeze artists, the clowns who made me roar with laughter, the animals that they had trained to do things I struggled to get my kids to do… like, ride a bike, jump through flaming hoops, etc.

I am continually amazed at the talents that these people have and my kids were engrossed in everything that was going on, anxious for the circus to come back.

I can tell you that I have NEVER been back to the circus since that date however, I’m considering it.

I’d really consider it if there were a 20% coupon for tickets, like Ringling is offering in these select cities:

Grand Rapids, MI - Sept. 18-21, 2008

Denver, CO - Oct. 2-13, 2008

Boston, MA - Oct. 8-13,2008
Cleveland, OH - Oct. 24 - Nov. 2
Chicago, IL - Nov. 6 - 30, 2008
St. Louis, MO - Nov. 6-9, 2008
Auburn Hills, MI - Nov. 12 - 16, 2008
Highland Heights, KY - Feb 27 - Mar. 1, 2009
Cincinnati, OH - Mar. 4 - 8, 2008

Want to go? Want to go for cheaper? Simply go to www.ringling.com and enter code MCC when you’re purchasing any ticket that costs $24, $19, or $13.

While you’re there, check out the Baby’s First Circus program that allows babies to receive a free ticket voucher that can be exchanged for a free ticket to any performance, any time, anywhere and never expires.

As for us, we’ll go back.  I know that we will.  Even though the kids are getting older, the circus is one of those events that spans the generations and makes for great family time… and dating horror stories.

Until next time…

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