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!
Friday, November 20, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
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?
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?
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