Reliving My Youth

Last weekend, my friend and former boss, Anne flew in for the weekend.  We were celebrating her 38th birthday.  Lucky for me, her favorite band was playing in the area not once but twice.  She is one of Def Leppard's biggest fans and after last weekend she's seen them perform 48 times.  I like Def Leppard but wouldn't have seen them once let alone 5 times if it weren't for her.

I picked her up from the airport and we headed out to watch Def Leppard on their Mirror Ball Tour in the bay. We really enjoyed the concert but it's hard to decide who or what was more entertaining, the people around us, the bands or the weather.  

The next morning we were up with the sun.  Literally!  The sunrise was so pretty we couldn't resist a walk along the water before jumping in the car and heading back to the airport to pick up our friend Tish.  The water was so calm and peaceful.  I couldn't resist walking all the way to the docks to snap a few photos with the sail boats in the early morning light.  

This little fella wasn't too fond of having his picture taken so early in the morning and flew off only moments after I snapped this shot of him to prove his point. 

We spent the afternoon in Golden Gate park and at the Palace of Fine Arts snapping pictures.  Anne and Tish volunteered to be my guinea pigs for some portrait shots. 

I loved the tiles on these stairs and thought they would make a fun backdrop for a portrait. I only wish I had squatted down a bit further to get a better angle on the lower steps.

After a little primping at our hotel we went out to dinner at Annabelle's Bar and Bistro off of 4th and Mission in San Fran.  We were taking Anne out for a night on the town to celebrate her big day.  We pre-purchased a $25.00 gift certificate for only $2.00 on Restaurant.com and enjoyed a delectable meal in a fun new place.  Tish ordered the wedge, potato leek soup and saffron risotto.  Anne ordered the crab cakes.  I ordered a cup of potato leek soup and roasted Rosemary chicken with mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe.  We finished the meal by sharing a heavenly slice of blueberry mascarpone cheesecake.  I don't think I've had a meal that savory in a long long time.  IF you're in San Fran you MUST give this restaurant a try. 

The next morning, Tish's son was performing with a Balinese (is Balinese a word?) "band" at the Asian Art museum in the first ever Bali exhibit and ceremony. Unfortunately, I can't recall the details of the who and the why but this was a beautiful event and I'm thankful I was able to take part.

I do recall this man was dancing the "Mask dance."

We finished the weekend exactly the same way it began by watching

Evan Watson,  Heart  & Def Leppard performing. This time they were at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

It's been a few years since I let my hair down and acted like a kid and it felt great.  If that weren't enough I've found a new song I can't get enough of.  Def Leppard's new song "Undefeated" speaks volumes to me.  I'm refusing to feel or be defeated in this lengthy adoption journey.  In addition, I've been told everyone's body has it's own rythm in which it beats or functions best.  I think I've finally found mine.  I could listen to the beginning percussion piece of this song for hours and dance and dance right along with it. Click on the link below if you want to hear it.  I'll warn you it's a loud one.

http://youtu.be/0e2W1C1XCTo