Cars

Earlier this year, my husband and I got a Mazda 5. We needed a bigger car for a number of reasons. And the sheer fact that our VW was in bad shape was a good reason to get a new car. But we were having a hard time deciding on what type of car we wanted.

In the end, we were choosing between a Dodge Journey and the Mazda 5. Obviously, price was an issue. But there were other things to consider, long term viability, selling value if were to sell it, room, etc. Thank goodness for the internet because I could do a lot of research about the cars, go to websites like Mopar parts to see how much spare parts would be, read reviews and opinions, etc.

Overall, I'm glad we put in the time to do the research and that we stuck with our Mazda. It's been a great drive so far and I'm looking forward to many years with it. Zoom, zoom!

Bluray or Dvd

Many years ago, when DVDs first came out, I was the first one to say "is it really better and do we need it?" Well, after I got one, I shut up. I actually changed my tune quickly and thought DVDs were the next best thing.

Now, it's Bluray. We have a PS3 which coincidentally is one of those Bluray dvd players. My husband was all excited about it. Me? Not so excited. And to be honest, now that I've actually seen one or 2 on the console, I can honestly say, I can't tell the difference. I find the menus harder to navigate though.

So, right now, if I had a choice of whether or not to buy a DVD or the Bluray...for the savings, I think I'll stick with the DVD.

Concert

For once, I didn't go to a Christian concert...though another one would be fun. Today, I got to go to a taiko concert. In fact, it was the 30th Anniversary Taiko concert of Katari Taiko (KT) ...the taiko group I used to belong to. Part of the reason why I went was of course to see the group play. The other half was to speak at the concert.

I was asked (and I know the group was getting desperate when they asked me) and I said yes. And as much as I hate public speaking, I owed them at least that. KT was extremely good to me, taught me lots and very supportive of my choices, including when I had to leave to have children.

And sitting in the concert today and watching how the group has continuously grown and bloomed in creative ways really evoked a lot of different emotions in me. Part of me was so proud to have been part of something something wonderful. I felt so drawn to the music as I knew many of the songs and I just wanted to get up and play! It was incredible to see how these folks moved effortlessly. And there was one song called 3+3 that was played, and honestly, it was one of the most incredible taiko pieces I've heard just 2 people play. So many great moments and it went by in a flash.

Some of the other emotions that I felt had to do with loss and coming to terms with choices. As much as I am grateful for my 2 kids and the life that I have, it's also these choices and this lifestyle that prevents me from playing taiko. And it was comforting to know that a previous member that played with me for many years felt the same way. We sat there during intermission like old fogies thinking about the past. So many good memories.

I hope that one day I will go back to taiko. Or maybe, if I start making my own drums...I can start my own taiko group out here. Anybody want to join?

Newspapers

I get community papers all fricken week. And as much as it's nice to read what's going on and see what stuff is on sale, there is a lot of paper that's generated! Thank goodness for recycling bins.

One of the papers that I went through the other day had one of those real estate guides. But it also included information on buying a franchise. That's got some potential. If you buy something like a McD's, it's got to rake in the dough. How bad can a franchise be? So I found it quite amusing that someone was selling one...how BAD could they have run the damn thing?!

Vacations

Seems like everybody is going on one...except me! We have a lady at the office that is going to Africa for about 4 or 5 weeks. Good on her, well, more like I'll get quiet at the office. But that's besides the point. Someone upstairs is taking one of those orlando vacations. Someone else is going to New Zealand. I miss my travelling days.

Oh, I think I'd be happy if I had to Greyhound it somewhere....

Work

We always plan for a certain type of work day...but holy smokes! Any of my "planned days" for the last bit have not looked remotely like it should! It's quite humourous in some ways. I figure it's easier to laugh about it or get pissed about all the things that I wish were different.

But I'm not complaining because I still really do enjoy my job. But sometimes I have to shake my head and just do all that I can possibly do in a day. The work will still there be tomorrow.

I guess I'm just tired. It's been a while since I've had a serious break from kids, errands, chores, playing chauffeur, etc. I'm not expecting to take a "real" holiday anytime soon.

But I just have to power through this. I have a date day planned with my husband soon so that should help lighten my mood a bit. Every bit of play time helps....

Informercials

I'm notorious for watching these things. It's like a car crash...no matter how bad they are, you just can't stop watching.

Anyways, I'm sure most folks have seen the walk in bath one. Lately I've been seeing it more or maybe it's just on and I'm paying more attention to it. Part of it is that I'm thinking about my parents. They aren't spring chickens and their bath tub is quite low. I'm always worried that they will slip and fall. I know my dad took a dive on the side walk not too long ago...a bathtub is way easier to slip in.

So, yes, I might have to get a brochure or something just to see how much they cost. Who knows what my parents will need as they age? I'm sure there will be many more infomercials to watch....