"They're gaucho pants, I got them on sale" - Drew Berrymore as Jossie Grossie in Never Been Kissed.

OK, I had to start off this week's blog with one of my favorite lines from a movie simply because I'm having a kickin' week (and, I seriously saw someone in gauchos today). So, where do I begin?

I spent my 31st birthday feeling fairly homesick, angry and bummed that I wasn't spending the day at a BBQ, drinking a beer and watching the fireworks. The entire day could have hung on like that, however I received so many birthday greetings I couldn't remain crabby. Thanks to all of you for the emails, text messages, cards and other birthday cheers. Thanks so much for thinking of me; you definitely made my day.

Thursday I went to the O2 arena to see Justin Timberlake with a friend from Southampton. We had standing/floor tickets and were honestly so close to Justin at times that it felt he was right in front of me. (I bet there was 50 feet, but for a concert that's pretty darn good.) He does put on one heck of a show and I spent the evening dancing the night away. Randomly, when I was at the train station meeting my friend, I ran into a co-worker and his wife from Denver. They were in town for Wimbledon and heading to JT. We had dinner and just chatted for about 2 hours before heading to the show. What a cool birthday treat.

Saturday was the Live Earth show out at Wembley Stadium. What a HUGE venue. We were no where near the stage and could really only enjoy the music from afar. That is until we went down to the Wembley Suite for some food, drinks and star gazing. My Aunt's husband's son (whew) plays for a band and had given me these passes. What a delight to see the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Neve Campbell, Gerry Holloway, Kyle McLaughlin, Liam Gallagher, Dave Grohl, Eddie Izzard and several others up close and personal. I even saw Prince William on a mad dash through the room. What a cool experience; I often wondered if I was in the right place. Many thanks to Aunt Judy, John and Nate for hooking me up. You definitely made the show a surreal experience for me.

Today we headed to see the kick-off to the first stage of the Tour d'France. We went and saw all the riders cross over the Tower Bridge. Again, I can't really believe this is my life. You see images of the Tour on tv but never expect to be a part of it. I'm glad I got up to see the festivities.

It is back to work tomorrow and then off to Amsterdam on Thursday for a Friday meeting. I am staying in Amsterdam all weekend with hopes of seeing the sights and ticking one more of my touristy boxes.

Hope you are having as great a week as I am!