Well done, m8.
I too recently joined the ranks and completed STS 1 and 8. Although being more of a flightsimmer this sim made me a spacenut in mere days. I just have one problem with the product. Which is this....
I hate procedural sims.
Space flight is a lot of boring procedures.
I switch and press buttons.... a lot.
Than WHY is it soooo compelling, fun, rewarding, interesting, educational, sensational... in short, I am awestruck by the design of this sim. Superb job. The fact I can complete a mission in many days is wonderful. Graphics are so well done.
Compared to many flightsims, a mission in this sim is a Mission with a capital M.
A labour of love this product is. I too had to practise landings a zillion times taking it on the ninety.
And than we are spoilt with new patches and missions for free...
One minor minor thingy: given the amount of time and effort going into the learning curve there are two moments in this sim which I find slightly disappointing;
mission ending on the runway or the loss of a shuttle... a wee bit 'empty'.
And than, regarding the chores; when putting the bin out I reframe it as an EVA :-)
Capt. Slow