U2 2009

Anyone that knows me, knows my love (ok, obsession) with all things U2. So, last night's stop of their 360 degree tour in Houston, has been a much-anticipated event since BFF bought our tickets back in May. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. They were so awesome! This was my fifth time to see them, and each time I wonder "can they be as good as last time? " and each time U2 kicks ass and the answer is a resounding "Yes!"

The building where I work shares a fence with Reliant Stadium, so I have been as excited as a kid on Christmas Eve since I saw the hundred trucks carrying the stage set-up pull into the Reliant parking lot Tuesday morning. It is said to be the biggest stage set in concert history, and it was truly a vision to behold. I can only imagine what Bono and the boys dream about at night to come up with that crazy claw contraption. So, ever since I saw those trucks pull up, and then when I saw chron.com report on the band's trip to NASA with their kids the day before the show, BFF and I wondered "what do they do all day the day of the show? Where do they go? Where do they eat?" We're nosey like that.

I get why they called it the 360 tour, with the band wandering around the entire claw during songs, but I personally think it should have been called the "Thank You" Tour. I've never been to a show that sounded so much like the liner notes on a c.d. (remember those, before we bought all of our music online?). Bono thanked NASA (repeatedly) for help with the tour's space theme and the visit the day before. He thanked the crew (who deserve it for setting up and un-setting up the claw every couple of days), he thanked the tour's sponsors (Blackberry, which made their love for U2 well known around the stadium), and he thanked the fans and other members of his band.

But my favorite thank you, was his unique "classic band shout-out to the city where we're playing tonight." He shouted "Houston, Texas!" And the crowd roared. And then he followed it up with, "Harris County!" Huh? And then "Sugarland!" ??? Followed by "Baytown!" Really? I don't think I've ever heard any band that I've ever seen give a shout-out to Baytown, and this includes when I saw Lollapalooza at the Baytown RaceWay Park. BFF and I were giggling wondering what suburb Bono was going to give a shout-out to next. And then BFF turns to me, with her usual quick-wit, and goes "I guess now we know what they did today. They bought a map." She cracks me up!

So now my own Thank Yous to add to Bono's:

• Thank you to BFF for attending yet another U2 concert with me. And this time with her being pregnant and having worked all day. You are the best friend I could have ever hoped for, and I LOVE sharing these special times with you.

• And thank you to Crush for enduring my Bono love with such a good spirit. He has heard about nothing but this concert for weeks, and yet he stood by my side and enjoyed the special occasion with me with a smile on his face and love in his heart. I tease him that Bono is my "free pass," but I can't imagine being with anyone other than you my Crush.

• And a thank you to my Bro who allowed me to redeem a "free night of baby-sitting" pass that he gave me in my birthday card. I know the boys can be a handfull, and I really appreciate it.

• And to Bono, thank you for being such a damn good entertainer!! You have brought many happy hours to my life, and I can't thank you enough for that.

Ok, I'm out. Manvel! Kingwood! Silverlake! Peace!

And Happy Birthday Girly Stuff!!