Open a CD

I've never been to open a CD.

But after talking with my son today after he update his Certificate of Deposit, I am thinking of opening one. Actually, we are thinking of opening one together that is dedicated strictly to be an "education fund". This way we can earn a little more on what is sitting in our savings account, giving us that much more to put towards paying off school bills.


That I'd like to see.

night club

I've never been to a night club.

 And I'm not sure that I ever really want to. But last week at the Firefly run, I had a taste of "social culture" that I have not felt for a long time. The DJ had all his equipment and doing a great job getting the crowd pumped up and ready (I'm not sure if he was using the jbl pro at musicians friend). When we had a delay to begin the event he even had folks from the crowd give him music to play and lots of them came up on stage to dance together. A couple of the songs he played are apparently current favorites that lots of folks know. The DJ had folks on stage doing the "Wobble" and "What's the Fox Say?" It was fun to watch everyone and to learn a few current favorites!

 That I'd like to see.

firefly run

I've never been to the firefly run. I have signed up this year for the Houston event. It takes place on Nov 2 at Reliant Center. It is a night time 5k event that promises to be a lot of fun! I am also an amassador for this year's event. If you are interested take a look at their website. If you want to save on registration I can give you a discount code for $10 off registration. Simply enter the code Kouba13 at registration. It is good until Oct. 30. I hope to see you at this year's Houston Firefly event!! That I'd like to see.

promise rings

I've never been to buy a promise ring. I didn't even really know that guys still got promise rings for girlfriends. I did see that there is a site where guys can get some really pretty rings for their girlfriends. There are diamond or cubic zirconia. You can have them personalized. They even offer promise necklaces. I think a promise ring is a nice way to go if you cannot afford the large diamond ring or have a long time to wait and not ready for engagement. It is a sweet sentiment. That I'd like to see.

Seabrook Running Trails

I had never been to the Seabrook Running Trails before.

So on my day off yesterday, I set out to give them a try. I knew before hand from reading a bit on the internet where I wanted to park (Pine Gully Park) and I also knew that part of the trails were closed for flood redistribution work.

So when I got there I proceeded into Pine Gully Park but was stopped by a man in the guard shack telling me I would have to pay if I wanted to park there. I told him I was just looking for a place to park to run on the trails. He told me to park by the nearby cemetery. I did not as a sign stated "No Parking". So I back tracked a bit to another small parking area near the part of the trail that was closed off. I talked to a guy who stopped for a moment and told me he thought the closed trails should have already been opened up, but unsure how much longer they would be closed.

After I ventured a way back and forth on the trail, I realized that I actually had been on part of the trail before with my nephews.

The trails themselves are very flat with very few places going through wooded areas (though I have no idea what the closed off portions are like.) In all I ran about an hour and completely covered the trails back and forth, except for the frisbee golf section. It's not a bad run, though not sure it's worth the drive over.

I may try it again sometime when the other section opens back up. Definitely a good break from pavement running. And one of these years I just might try the Lucky Trails half marathon.


 That I'd like to see.

Software Security Solutions

I've never been to Software Security Solutions.

But I came across this site today that offers some security solutions for your computer or Android phone. They offer security software from free "reactive only" to the layered Avira Business Edition which works perfectly with networks. They state you do not have to be an IT expert to be able to utilize their software.

That I'd like to see.

Smash Burger

I've never been to Smash Burger. But it sounds pretty good and seems like they use pretty good ingredients. I wish I'd have know last weekend that there is a Smash Burger in a neighboring town. It might have been worth the drive over after our triathlon to pig out! I think I would opt to build my own burger. Nothing fancy, but they do have a multigrain bun, Angus beef, cheese, avocados or guacamole and sweet potato fries.....yum. I may have to make a trip over there soon! That I'd like to see.

home recording studio

I've never been to a home recording studio either.

 Apparently now there are folks doing their own recording at home. With equipment like the xenyx 802 mixing console available for club or home studios, it seems like it is easier to get the sounds you want anywhere. And with the lowest price guarantee, you get the quality you want at the price you can afford.

 That I'd like to see.

Texas City Dike

I had never been to the Texas City Dike before.

It is a short drive from my home and I had heard of it before but had never ventured over to check it out. The original dike was destroyed in Hurricane Ike and closed for two years. It has since reopened and is a great recreational site for many water lovers in the area. The dike itself is about four miles long. There is fishing available all along both sides of the dike. At the far end is a beach area where folks can hang out on the sand and swim. There are not really any waves on the beach area but looks like a nice place to play and relax. The dike is open 24 hours and requires a $5 entry fee for non-residents on Fri-Sun during the summer; weekdays are free.

Just before entering the dike there is a with a walking trail. There is also a road running perpendicular to the dike called Skyline Drive which folks can drive along for more fishing spaces. It is also accessible to runners and cyclists.

I hope to get back down to the dike to practice some open water swimming before my next event.

That I'd like to see.

recording studio

I've never been to a recording studio.

While it would be pretty cool to see the artists at work, there would be tons of stuff that I would have no idea about. Up until recently I didn't even know there were different types of microphones, much less all the equipment that goes into the recording and mixing of albums. The uad apollo at musicians friend is one of those pieces of equipment that I don't understand but we all enjoy the results of! And maybe one day I'll get to see an artist at work....

 That I'd like to see.

REI Garage Sale

I've never been to an REI garage sale.

My co-worker used to work at REI and still has lots of friends there. She let us know about the upcoming garage sale that REI has every year. This includes lots of scratch and dent items-cool stuff like kayaks that we could never afford-at rock bottom prices. We are going to try to go super early and maybe come home with an awesome kayak!

 That I'd like to see.

Zoo Printing

I've never been to Zoo Printing.

Our church has had several activities this year that we have invited the community to. The two biggest have been our "Search for Happiness" and our Vacation Bible School. Both of these have called for lots of advertising. We utilized many methods, even including renting a billboard. But some of the best ways are the cheapest and simplest. For example, using cheap brochure printing to reach out to friends and neighbors is very productive and leaves them with something to refer back to. While the billboard is great, it's better for our friends to have something hands on that will help them remember the times and details of our activities.

That I'd like to see.

Cairo

I've never been to Cairo.

And while there are so many awesome things to see there-the pyramids and sphinx, the Nile, the Pharaoh village, bazaars, Alexandria, Memphis, Sakkar-now is not a good time to be traveling to Egypt. Maybe one of these days that is something that I would be able to see. If things settle down enough to warrant safe travel.

 That I'd like to see.

bankruptcy lawyer

I've never been to a bankruptcy lawyer.

But if you have read my other main blog, you know that I have been spending quite a bit of my paycheck at the store where I work! If don't watch out I just may need a free bankruptcy lawyers advice! I guess if I was going bankrupt, I would definitely want some free help! Are there really any free bankruptcy lawyers out there?

 That I'd like to see.

Places to Go, People to See, Things to do..

I've never been to....so many places!

When I talk to people in the store where I work I realize just how many places to go, people to see, and things to do, that I want to do!! I want to stock up from head to toe, pack up and head out on adventures....anywhere. Everywhere. Somewhere!!!

That I'd like to see.

Thrive Across America

I had never been part of Thrive Across America before.

This is a fitness program our company is involved in, competing against others within our company. It sounded like fun and since I am in training for triathlons this year, I knew I would be fulfilling nearly daily training. So I gathered my gear: running shoes, shoe pads, socks, running shorts, cycling shorts, running and cycling shirts, even a new cycling jersey with our company's name, and a new hat or two. Now I am ready to go and our team has stayed fairly consistent. While we have dropped in the ratings we are still above the half way mark, so I say this is not too bad, especially since we have an injured team member. We even organized a kickball game that was fun for all involved! While we may not win the competition, I am happy that we have all stayed healthy and active and encouraged each other to do so. And I hope we continue to do so.

 That I'd like to see.

Tree House at Scenic Hill

I had never been to the Tree House at Scenic Hill before.




Just outside of Brenham, TX is a nice little bed and breakfast area loaded with eight cabins, a game area, several hammocks and lots of rest and relaxation! We were blessed to spend one night in the Tree House, but sure would have loved to stay another night or two. Even though it is near the road, there was plenty of peace and quiet. We had a lovely cabin in the Tree House with a lovely porch complete with swing and spider web and tree tops with singing birds. I am hoping we will get back there to spend a couple of nights on the next trip.

That I'd like to see.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beach Clean Up

I've never been to a Beach Clean up.

 Next month our store is sending some volunteers to help with an area beach clean up. We will be given gloves and trash buckets to help dispose of debris. We also have to record any debris. I am not sure exactly what this will all entail but I think it's a great effort for our sportswear company to be a part of. There are two beach clean ups a year and I think we will likely stay involved in this effort.


 That I'd like to see.

House of Blues

I had never been to The House of Blues before.

A couple of weeks ago our family went to see Pentatonix at The House of Blues. It is a small concert area that served this group well. There is a restaurant downstairs that you can eat at before the show. We were able to call and make reservations. The food was fine, not too bad but overpriced. The venue for the concert was good enough. The stage is below and I am not sure what sort of seating is available downstairs. Upstairs we had reserved seats and were able to see just fine. After hearing this young new group I thought it might be fun to have some of their music. Of course I will have to buy akg k240 headphones to get the best listening experience.

That I'd like to see.

Fit Myths Fit Clinic

I've never been to a Fit Myths Fit Clinic. This is all about proper fitting on your bicycle. Proper fit is not just for elite athletes; it is just as important, if not more so, for beginner cyclists as well. And a fit clinic can help dispel some of the myths cyclists may encounter when trying to understand bike fitting ("your saddle will break in over time", "if you can clear the top tube it fits".) Bike Barn Houston is offering a Fit Clinic (March 21, 6-7pm) to help dispel these myths and help cyclists better understand the importance of bike fit and how it can increase the enjoyment in cycling! That I'd like to see.

rock concert

I've never been to a rock concert.

The only concerts I've been to were at the rodeo and to see Neil Diamond in the '80's. A pretty far cry from a rock concert. My coworker went to the rodeo this week to hear Styx. Now that is more the kind of music I can handle. And about the closest thing to a rock concert I would attend. Why I would not be able to tell the new peavey guitars from the keyboard...well, ok that may be a stretch....but at least it would give me some decent music to hear other than country western or hard core rock....

 That I'd like to see.

Cheesecake Factory

I've never been to The Cheesecake Factory.

There is a fairly new one in our area that folks rave about. I don't like cheesecake so I obviously have not made the effort to give the place a try. But my daughter does like cheesecake and with her birthday coming up I thought we might take her there. I did ask someone who was talking about the place if they have anything other than cheesecake. To my surprise she said they do, even hamburgers and such.

 That I'd like to see.

Asthma Center

I've never been to an asthma center.

There is one nearby and I have wondered if it is something I should look in to. While my asthma is only exercise and environmentally induced it can at times get in the way of the things I am doing. Whenever I run, swim or bike I often have trouble with coughing fits or pain while breathing. And anytime I am around smoke-whether it be from cigarettes,  black & mild cigars or from wood burning fires-or lots of dust and allergens, my asthma can kick in. I have been told that I should and could have this better managed. I guess that  is why I wonder if an asthma center could help me keep it under control....

 That I'd like to see.

Labor Day Triatholon

I've never been to a Labor Day Triathlon.

 I was supposed to have done one last year but it fell through. I just learned about another area triathlon scheduled for Labor Day. I am really excited to hear it and would love to do it but I work on my feet all day Saturdays and Sundays and just feel like that might be tough to do the day following working all weekend. And only ten days after another area tri that I am supposed to do. One of these days maybe I'll be strong enough to do both of them that close together (and they will hopefully continue having it on Labor Day!) That I'd like to see.

crippled ship

I've never been on a crippled ship before.

 Living not too far from the port of Galveston, you can imagine there was lots of talk about the crippled ship Triumph in our area. I've heard conflicting stories as to just how nightmarish the time on board was. While everyone agrees that it was not the trip they imagined, I have heard numerous times that the crew did do the best they could in the given circumstances. I do feel sorry for all the folks on board, crew and passengers alike. I wonder just how they got all their gear home from Alabama. What about all those folks who had packed extra items for their time away-things like scuba gear, equestrian riding apparel, hiking gear, golf equipment or other specialty items they might have wanted for their adventure abroad. Whatever happened I know that each person's tale is similar yet unique. I do hope that all those on board are safe and well reimbursed for their misadventure...

 That I'd like to see.

Mykonos

I've never been to Mykonons. This most famous of the Greek isles looks like a lovely place to visit. With the white-washed villas and the stone hills in the background, situated on the Aegean Sea, I guess it could arguably be called the epitome of Greece. If we ever make it to Mykonos I would surely want to see the second Petros (the pelican mascot who lives among the wharves), the windmills and the Armenists lighthouse. I would definitely also want to make it over to Delos, the small neighboring island which has been declared a national museum. That I'd like to see.

Cycling Adventure Tour

I've never been on a cycling adventure tour. This seems like such an exciting and beautiful way to experience a region. While it's true that you have to put out the effort of pedaling your way across, I think it would be an exhilarating experience. I did find one company that even offers the option to upgrade to an electric assisted bicycle! And though you use the tour company's bikes, I am sure they do complete inspections on every bike before every ride-from the roller bearings to the tires and brakes. This kind of trip demands a premium on safety measures. After reading the price and what all is included, I think this kind of trip could be comparable to a cruise or a trip to Disney. I sure would like for my husband and I to take one of these cycling adventure trips sometime. That I'd like to see.

China

I've never been to China. My husband's cousin is studying there now and having an amazing time. While there is too much to encompass about China in one small post, this gal has been studying, involved with locals in a bazaar, eating new foods, celebrating Christmas there and even got to ski with the Great Wall as the backdrop! That I'd like to see.

Cruise Ship Job

I've never been to apply for a cruise ship job. But my friend's son wanted to be an entertainer aboard a cruise ship. I don't know for sure what all the application process involves, but there are a few things to consider before applying for a job aboard a cruise ship. If you are looking for info on how to apply for cruise ship jobs, this site will give you a good springboard about things to consider and point you in the right direction. Who knows, maybe I'll see you on my next cruise! That I'd like to see.

mother-daughter mud run

I've never been to a mother-daughter mud run.

And while I don't particularly like the idea of running through the mud, I do like the idea that this is something my daughter wants to do and will "allow" me to do it with her! So I am hoping that we follow through with this and join the mother/daughter event of the mud goddess run in Galveston come May 4.

That I'd like to see.