Friday, May 17, 2013

guitar shopping

I've never been guitar shopping.

I am no musician so I would not know what to look for anyway! My father in law, husband and son are all self-taught guitarists. So I know when they guitar shop they are looking for the best deal they can find. And with Father's Day coming up, I was glad to learn that I can save on yamaha guitars right now!

That I'd like to see.

Monday, May 6, 2013

eBates

I've never been to eBates. This is a website that I just found out about. Apparently from here you can do all your online shopping and earn rebates on the money you spend. I learned about it from a customer and am hoping to check it out soon. As much online shopping as I do a few eBates (rebates) will be welcome! That I'd like to see.

Saudi Arabia

I've never been to Saudi Arabia.

 And really the only folks I know of who have stayed there temporarily are those who worked in the oil industry. So now that it seems that Saudi Arabia is slowly opening it's doors to tourism, and with saudi airlines booking becoming more accessible, there may be a few places that I would one day like to see....

 Beginning in the north there is Madain Selah with it's pre-Islamic archeological sites and Standing Stones. Then there is the Empty Quarter, the largest area of sand on the planet-it's area is larger than Texas! It is said that dunes can rise as high as the Eiffel Tower! Of course the wind can shift the size of dunes from time to time. Here you can probably see camels and oryx. Then in the south there is what just may be considered the most liberal shopping mecca of Saudi, Jeddah. Here you can traverse the souqs, take in the coral houses and I wonder if there is diving in the Red Sea reefs? The country of Saudi Arabia also contains both holy cities, Mecca and Medina (Makkah and Madinah) to which all able Muslims are to make a pilgrimage (hajj). I have no idea if I would ever be able to see either of these two places being outside that religion.

 At any rate there are surely some wonderfully fantastic things to see if a visit to Saudi Arabia ever becomes reality.

 That I'd like to see.

Friday, May 3, 2013

UT Austin

I had never been to UT Austin before.

 I took my daughter to visit this week to see if she could see herself there for her university years. The campus is big-about 340 acres. The student population is large-nearly 50,000. And there is a lot going on. But the visit was nice. We learned a lot about how large schools can help students "shrink" their experience down. For example, there is of course orientation. But they also offer smaller communities that you can meet with before school starts so that you know a few folks going into those large classes of 250-400. They also offer dorm communities in line with those small community members. Perfect for those needing a place to belong, folks to know, and study groups. We also learned about the network of almuni and how that works to serve all students-getting jobs, taken care of in a new community, etc. So if my daughter does decide on UT I know she will not only get a good education but have a good background of support.

 That I'd like to see.

rehab

I've never been to rehab.

 Thankfully neither have I had to look for a rehab facility for a family member. But this is definitely something that affects many people and families. I am sure it is a heart-wrenching decision; one that takes much research and care to decide. I noticed that in the area between Los Angeles and San Diego there are nearly a dozen rehab centers to choose from, including Newport beach rehab center. I hope that anyone facing these decisions can find the help they need at one of these locations...

 That I'd like to see.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Hensel Cliff at night

I had never been on the Hensel cliff at night.

But this year we did something different: we climbed the cliff at night. Tiki torches had been placed along the trail during the day and the group was led by college guys with lights. And of course many in the group brought along their own flash lights. It was a lot of fun being up there at night, though I did wish I had gone up during the day as well. Maybe one of these days I'll go back up there during the day...

 That I'd like to see.

guitar lessons

I've never been to guitar lessons.

But my son has. Here is what he has to say about his learning to play guitar:

When I was little, I loved to play guitar.  I would spend hours tucked away in my room teaching myself chords and notes.  Guitar relaxed me, satisfied me, and challenged me.  I loved it.  And then I discovered that there were actually multiple types of this instrument!  The first time I got my hands on my own electric guitar, I loved it.  A modern variation of a classic instrument intrigued me.  There were so many options.  I only wish that I had started with a better quality of electric guitar, instead of the basic starter brand.  These days, things are much easier.  With a simple click on the internet, you can find yourself a solid guitar for both beginners and advanced players; one with a simple design yet polished and brand named.  If you are really interested check out the best Fender Stratocaster, a legitimate brand of guitar suitable for all levels of experience and never lacking in quality.

 That I'd like to see.