Why living here is so dang cool

So I was just sitting here catching up on things on the computer when I hear something I think is a car going down the road. I try to ignore it, it didn't stop, only to get louder to the point I could feel it. Then it dawned on me "Oh, crap, the launch!", and simultaneously with the thought I rushed out to the back yard to catch the last half of the Shuttle Discovery going into space. Seeing and feeling it happen is such a beautiful rush of exhilaration. Even after the view of the shuttle was long gone, leaving its large trail and glowing booster rockets gliding back down to earth, you still continue to hear and feel the power it makes. I just love it and can't get enough of it. Definitely one of the great highlights from the move we made almost 4 years ago.

Its Official...

Well...I am now 28, and no longer a Duran Duran virgin. I stretched the birthday celebration over the past couple of days which has been fun. First on the 18th we dropped Zelda off with Julie, Helge, & their daughter so that Ryan and I could go head off to see Duran Duran for their Red Carpet Massacre tour. It was so awesome to finally see them! Our seats were pretty good, a little over on the side, but that is ok. The opener, Your Vegas, was actually good, but of course the highlight was finally seeing Duran Duran on stage. Simon's voice is just as good on any record. They performed a few songs from the new album, with Timberlake's influence really showing through. Naturally they played songs spanning their career. I was thrilled to hear View to a Kill and Come Undone. Halfway through the set the band lined up in a quartet of sorts and did a 20+ minute medley of songs played in a minor key, which included The Normal's Warm Leatherette...it was definitely the highlight of the show. Anyway, here is the setlist:

THE VALLEY
RCM
NITE RUNNER
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF
PLANET EARTH
FALLING DOWN
COME UNDONE
SKINDIVERS
THE REFLEX
SAVE A PRAYER
A VIEW TO A KILL

ELECTROSET;
LAST CHANCE/ALL SHE WANTS/LEATHERETTE
I DON'T WANT/SKIN TRADE/TEMPTED

NOTORIOUS
GIRLS ON FILM
ORDINARY WORLD
SUNRISE
WILD BOYZ

RIO

After having a fab time with Duran Duran, we headed back to get Zelda, and hung out with a tired Julie & Helge for a little bit. Next on Monday we went out for the traditional birthday dinner along with Eliza. We went to my fav, Wolfgang Pucks. It was so yummy! When we got home we danced the night away, previewing our convertable dance club before the grand opening next month. Kenna even stayed up past midnight dancing away. It was a blast.

Yesterday I woke up to the phone ringing, but didn't get to it due to my wanting to sleep in. An hour later I got up and it was a message from my Dad singing me Happy Birthday. I called him back and spoke with him and my Mom. It is hard being away from family on my birthday...birthdays are important with us. I realized this is the first one without any of my immediate family here. I've been spoiled the last few years; in 2005 my sister flew out here, in 2006 I got to meet all of them in Vegas, and last year my parents arrived early for a planned trip to surprise me. I love my family and miss them, but it was still great to be able to talk with them. How I wish I could be with all of my good friends and family now!

Later I met up with Jen @ a PostSecret exhibit in Melbourne. It was very interesting and spanned all sorts of human emotions and frailties. Most all were touching in many ways...some quite sad and desperate, and some funny. If you aren't familiar with it, go to postsecret.com. Zelda & I headed out to a few stores and I got her a little milkshake..she had such fun making a mess! Speaking of her and making a mess, when we indulged in my birthday cake Zelda's face was completely covered with chocolate. It was so cute. Anyway, Jen came back over later yesterday evening, and we played Worm's Armageddon for the XBox and watched some Flight of the Conchords...both of which were hilarious.

Well, thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes, gifts, friendship and love. I've now got 2 more years in my 20's...so I'm going to make them rock! So far I'm off to a great start.

Cheers,
Heather