tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-337203212024-03-13T11:23:14.072-07:00Dulce De Lifeabout all the sweetness of life - friends, travel, adventures and maybe ice cream...mmm ice cream Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-79131161470080435682013-10-22T21:55:00.000-07:002013-10-23T08:18:02.534-07:00Crochet craft experimentSo what does procrastination combined with dedication, insomnia, stress and a bundle of colourful yarn make?<br />
Well I didn't think I'll be crocheting anytime soon, neither did I think that I have enough patience to make anything wearable.<br />
But here. I started about 5 days ago and spent cumulatively about 16hrs on the project below.<br />
<br />
Is started simply with this:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxL_5twT-XA/UmdV6oMuj8I/AAAAAAAANWc/B-KfSn9CZEo/s1600/912499_10153397678410492_482264506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxL_5twT-XA/UmdV6oMuj8I/AAAAAAAANWc/B-KfSn9CZEo/s320/912499_10153397678410492_482264506_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and ended up with a circle scarf and a slouch hat:
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<br /></td><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueCPb8o2Wso/UmdV-cqGK_I/AAAAAAAANWk/SxJ7kjxb-Zw/s1600/snapshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueCPb8o2Wso/UmdV-cqGK_I/AAAAAAAANWk/SxJ7kjxb-Zw/s400/snapshot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Both are based on this youtube tutorial video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-CnU0C2WKw" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=O-CnU0C2WKw</a>. Slouchy hat is basically a smaller version of the scarf and then tied at the top (so it ended up with a hole up at the top.... but since it's slouchy it's not really going to expose my head)<br />
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In time for the fall.... well for these few leaves that are still hanging on the tress.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-76786130894637024462013-10-19T17:00:00.003-07:002013-10-19T17:30:21.125-07:00facebookI love how sometimes facebook wall gives these random posts in such an order that it creates either funny images or somehow conveys a hidden message.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HdkxV7uM68/UmMa8nqRDdI/AAAAAAAANVw/O3RDDAcPV7Y/s1600/New+Picture.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HdkxV7uM68/UmMa8nqRDdI/AAAAAAAANVw/O3RDDAcPV7Y/s320/New+Picture.bmp" width="175" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8J1G2ahPa6I/UmMcqxek3WI/AAAAAAAANV4/FrcnX2jqktw/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8J1G2ahPa6I/UmMcqxek3WI/AAAAAAAANV4/FrcnX2jqktw/s320/image.png" width="162" /></a>Here are a couple of examples:<br />
Left - interesting combination of images that almost creates a full image on its own<br />
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Right - interesting combination of status updates: 2 couples followed by an article about being single<br />
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Below - maybe it's due to upcoming halloween but it's hillarious: adult witches and a baby witch. hahaha<br />
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=)<br />
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<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-64184635260855876422013-10-16T14:57:00.001-07:002013-10-16T14:57:25.300-07:00comparisonsI like how without even living your own city you can do all these comparisons between the cities. Potentially between your current city and the city you want to be in in the near future.<br />
So yea I compared TO and Mel and well they're not that much different=)<br />
<br />
so this is more statistical based and compares living costs which are updated pretty regularly<br />
<a href="http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/comparison.jsp">http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/comparison.jsp</a><br />
<br />
and this one just compares some random facts that seem to be out of date in some points<br />
still a fun read=)<br />
<a href="http://www.versus.com/en/toronto-vs-melbourne">http://www.versus.com/en/toronto-vs-melbourne</a>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-16045967813853739592013-10-15T22:58:00.003-07:002013-10-15T22:59:51.610-07:00Latte ArtI bumped into this <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/galleries/foam-craft-seven-baristas-show-us-their-best-latte-art/#manic" target="_blank">article</a> and somehow got hooked on the idea to check some of these places and see if they can actually make some decent latte art.<br />
I'm failing at my crusade a tiny bit as I am not consistent with taking evidences in forms of photos. but that will be fixed. So far two places have been checked.<br />
<br />
my reviews are of course on Yelp but here are few more notes:<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/bulldog-coffee-toronto#hrid:9a2KLy_PGand1oMdlzhdpg" target="_blank">Bulldog coffee</a><br />
somehow I expected way more out of this place... it closes at 7pm that's already a minus... but oh well. What I wanted was the bulldog face in my cup! but I guess it only happens to the lucky few who get served by the owner... the two student looking servers who served us didn't look too experienced in latte art so I just got a simple heart (was so sad that didn't even think of taking a photo)<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/manic-coffee-toronto#hrid:9mzr0YvKpc3GO6QuFK748A" target="_blank">Manic coffee</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcHUiD6nJzw/Ul4qa0IFubI/AAAAAAAANVY/3-93mWs_g3w/s1600/Toronto-20131015-00009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcHUiD6nJzw/Ul4qa0IFubI/AAAAAAAANVY/3-93mWs_g3w/s200/Toronto-20131015-00009.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmm the ice cream</td></tr>
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and this place by far exceeded all my<br />
expectations! hipster atmosphere was in the air with tons of people working on their macbooks (ok there was one dell owner...) but what surprised me is stand with a huge variety of ice cream made on the spot... the only few words that need to be said: chai latte ice cream....mmmm.....<br />
also photos! my cappuccino came with a cute art on it and the cups are designed in such a funny way=) I just want this set at home!=)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kricinXgKtQ/Ul4qaemTSYI/AAAAAAAANVU/XeT60giCkP4/s1600/Toronto-20131015-00010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kricinXgKtQ/Ul4qaemTSYI/AAAAAAAANVU/XeT60giCkP4/s200/Toronto-20131015-00010.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">squirrel!</td></tr>
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Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-55440225707959494602013-10-08T19:58:00.004-07:002013-10-08T19:59:15.802-07:00Medicine infused weekI'm going in full-speed in preparation for THE trip.
This week can get archived under folder - Medical checks.<br />
On Monday I got lucky when called my family doctor in the morning: I got my appointment with her immediately on the same day. I told her about the trip and since she couldn't really provide any consultation regarding vaccinations I might need she directed me to 3 travel clinics and warned me that I have very little time for some vaccinations to take place and it's sometimes hard to get appt with a travel clinic doctor right away.<br />
That got me immediately stressed so I sat down in the lobby of the clinic center and called the first travel clinic on the list right away. I guess it's the name of the doctor that played the charm here - it was Dr. Gamble=) ahaha! He later told me that he is not related to the Gamble of P&G =)<br />
Anyway I got the appointment for the very next day which is today.
After the consultation with the above mentioned doctor I was appointed to take booster tetanus/diphtheria/polio shots but no vaccinations.<br />
He told me to use mosquito repellent to make sure I don't get malaria or dengue.... scary<br />
<br />
He also made a funny note on my vaccination travel report:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Travel Details/Itinerary: Going to Australia but will also be travelling to Bali while in Australia and that is a good place because there is no malaria in the resort areas - day trips outside of the resort.</i></blockquote>
I guess Bali is a <i>good place</i>=)<br />
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On a side note: I learned that some vaccination shots are extremely expensive. E.g. Japanese encephalitis $230 per shot (series of 2), Rabies - $220 per shot (series of 3), Meningococcal Meningitis - $140 per shot, Yellow Fever - $130 per shot...<br />
man.....<br />
<br />
This clinic also has a very good site with vaccinations needs listed per country <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list">http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list</a><br />
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And to end the story of this medical labeled week - on thur I have my dental cleaning and on monday 21st and 28th I have porcelain crown installation on my tooth that was broken a while back in Vancouver.<br />
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phew. and after all that is done I'll be ready to go as a new born human with new immunity and new clean teeth=)Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-51572642128547923342013-10-06T23:13:00.002-07:002013-10-07T08:51:30.098-07:00Sometimes I cook<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seeing that I spent most of sunday at home I decided to experiment a bit with few recipes that I was looking into for a while. Here is the result:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chickpea Flour Socca with zucchini:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DoSuJSkERvM/UlJNCWh2HnI/AAAAAAAANUU/9zir99Zd5lQ/s1600/IMG_0180_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DoSuJSkERvM/UlJNCWh2HnI/AAAAAAAANUU/9zir99Zd5lQ/s320/IMG_0180_1.jpg" title="zucchini socca" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I slightly adjusted ingredients mix vs the original recipe from <a href="http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/2012/09/zucchini-socca/" target="_blank">Healthful Pursuit</a> as below:</span><br />
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<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cupchickpea flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup lukewarm water</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon red pepper powder</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons cumin</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup shredded zucchini </span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 to 6 tablespoons sunflower oil</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 50%; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tiny tomato sliced</span></li>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">then I followed the same instructions as on the Healthful pursuit: Mix flour with pepper powder and salt. Add water, and two tablespoons of oil and mix until all lumps are eliminated. Let the batter rest for an hour or so. Preheat oven to 500F. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let the skillet warm up in the over while it's preheating. Once the oven is ready, take the skillet out pour about 2-4 tablespoons of oil into it and swirl around so it covers the bottom and the sides. Place oiled skillet back into the oven to warm up the oil. Shred the zucchini and add it to the batter together with the cumin. Mix well and pour into the skillet. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let it bake for 10min. then add sliced tomatoes on the top and broil for 5-10min. then take out and YUM it's ready and delicious!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
And for the dessert I made raw banana-cashew ice cream cake. Didn't really taste like an ice cream or a cake but it was yummy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took the recipe from <a href="http://www.southerninlaw.com/2013/09/raw-banana-icecream-cake-recipe-healthy.html" target="_blank">Southern in-law</a> but I didn't have 2 ripe bananas ready. and the only one I had was smaller than medium. So my ingredients got adjusted to the following:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceBfIVDCUac/UlJNEWzAP5I/AAAAAAAANUc/74wd81T2Uwk/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ceBfIVDCUac/UlJNEWzAP5I/AAAAAAAANUc/74wd81T2Uwk/s320/IMG_0184.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2cup raw cashews</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2cup pitted dates</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 small ripe banana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons of applesauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">mixed it all in the food processor (starting with cashews and adding dates, then banana and applesauce)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">then freezed for 40min and tada - easy dessert is ready. it was gone in 2min.... yes I counted...</span><br />
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Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-27239403952465297912013-10-06T22:39:00.001-07:002013-10-06T23:47:58.628-07:00Nuit Blanche<div style="margin: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; width: 500px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132296916/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0130_1"><img alt="IMG_0130_1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/10132296916_1c7156ab46_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132297436/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_01351"><img alt="IMG_01351" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/10132297436_f82f3ca2d4_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132220135/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0143_1"><img alt="IMG_0143_1" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/10132220135_270c1843af_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132354793/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0144"><img alt="IMG_0144" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/10132354793_0f59fb1c3b_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132146774/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0147_1"><img alt="IMG_0147_1" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/10132146774_55a1be1b54_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132224405/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0149"><img alt="IMG_0149" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/10132224405_27bb996d6b_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132304716/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0155"><img alt="IMG_0155" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/10132304716_7d22af343e_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132362553/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0160"><img alt="IMG_0160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/10132362553_8dae515c2e_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132231795/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0168_1"><img alt="IMG_0168_1" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/10132231795_99edb019e7_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132231165/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0163"><img alt="IMG_0163" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/10132231165_50e4bd328d_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132157304/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0173"><img alt="IMG_0173" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/10132157304_11111bdf56_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/10132159574/in/set-72157636276376476/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px;" title="IMG_0175"><img alt="IMG_0175" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/10132159574_78f68c5178_s.jpg" style="border: none; height: 75px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/sets/72157636276376476/">2013.10.06 Nuit Blance</a>, a set on Flickr.</div>
ok so this NB was really not as great and impressive as the one year ago and two years ago. We started at 2am (perfect timing to avoid insane crowds) and few of us lasted until 5am. <br />
Few of the installations that we visited: <br />
Metro Square:<br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1330" target="_blank">Tanks</a><br />
<br />
Nathan Philips Square:<br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1311" target="_blank">Forever Bicycles by Ai Weiwei</a><br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1303" target="_blank">The Rose is w/o why</a><br />
<br />
Along University avenue:<br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1315" target="_blank">(X)Static Clown factory</a><br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1254" target="_blank">My virtual dream</a><br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1318" target="_blank">A quack cure</a><br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1338" target="_blank">Hybrid Globe</a><br />
<br />
Bata Shoe Museum:<br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1292" target="_blank">Ad Astra</a><br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1293" target="_blank">Light Scape</a><br />
<a href="http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/project.html?project_id=1294" target="_blank">RevitaLight</a><br />
<br />
While in line for Virtual Dream (we didn't have enough energy to stand in the "participants line" that was averaging 2hrs wait time and went into "observers line" instead that was about 30min wait) we chatted with few guys in front of us and they apparently did a very thorough research on the topic of this particular installation and while they didn't believe that actual "brainwave reading" technology is used for the installation they did share interesting for me information about existing toys that read brain waves.<br />
Just watched this video and it's pretty impressive - Mattel's MindFlex toy and it's 2009 video?... man we do live in the science fiction future...<br />
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Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-13501577040218063262013-09-30T18:45:00.001-07:002013-10-07T08:54:05.203-07:00It's in you to give<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/qmIQ3kW2bBO4VdYO19dpQMjeITkgIzvDY8f2kkHfMC0=w311-h207-p-no" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/qmIQ3kW2bBO4VdYO19dpQMjeITkgIzvDY8f2kkHfMC0=w311-h207-p-no" /></a></div>
Finally I donated blood! After few failed attempts few years ago and being discouraged because of that I finally made it to the donation center.<br />
It was a busy place. I came in under #67. Had to wait for quite a bit. Then got a low blood pressure according to the results and had to sit down, eat sodium filled snacks and drink high sugar juices in the resting area. While doing that saw my colleague who told me that he has been donating non stop since he was 17 and has made about 80 donations so far. My second check showed normal blood pressure and I went into one of these comfy dentist-like chairs.<br />
Somehow I expected the experience to be more painful, I expected to have dizziness, to feel sick or have some other issues. But it was super quick and in 4min I gave my 500ml.<br />
Chatted with few volunteers and they all told me that they can't donate due to anemia. Which is low iron in the body. That is something I was worried I'd have since I'm a female (monthly loss of blood is very not helpful) and a vegetarian (no carnivore iron full diet) but I passed that test easily.<br />
<br />
As a first time donor I was stickered with that title and got my 1st time donor pin. Next pin I was told is given at the 3rd session and then 10th, 25th and so forth. And then there are plaques and certificates... this is a cute way of making people feel important and valued.<br />
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-38673793606797962492013-09-29T19:38:00.003-07:002013-10-07T08:54:05.210-07:00Weekend with Red Cross<a href="http://gatewaygazette.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cdn-Red-Cross-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://gatewaygazette.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cdn-Red-Cross-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a>So this weekend I spent very efficiently.<br />
Both sat and sun were dedicated to learning first aid and CPR techniques.<br />
Reasons that made me go for this:<br />
- I discovered that my PWA (Personal Wellness Account) covers this course and I want to use up all the money I have there (ski boots covered most of it)<br />
- After the course is completed (successfully) you get a certificate in FirstAid/CPR that might be needed when considered for hiring (e.g. work with kids (can't imagine doing that but who knows))<br />
- Generally a great knowledge to have in life to be able to safe people around you.<br />
<br />
We started the sat session by introducing ourselves and giving reasons for taking this course. out of 17 people only my friend and I were doing it not as a requirement of our current job but just for our own knowledge. That somehow immediately put us in good books of our instructor. Both of us were also the most positive charged in the room (w/o constantly complaining about the length of the course and without constant boredom written across of our faces) and we were also the most involved in the course (we would volunteer to show things explained to us, speak up etc). Anyway our instructor definitely loved us as she kept on joking with us from time to time when we were working on hands-on assignments.<br />
Some people were...mmm... strange. Some answers they were giving to questions asked by the instructor were crazy (or so it seemed to my friend and me). E.g.:<br />
- at what age can we consider a child to be developed as an adult so the same CPR techniques can be applied as to a full grown adult? Answer: - 2 years old. <i>(mmm...really?)</i><br />
- what are some examples of emergencies when EMS should be called? Answer: - Ocean <i>(mmm ocean what?....)</i><br />
<br />
there were tons more but these are the only few I actually remembered as they shocked me.... ahahaha<br />
<br />
some comments during the break behind the door were bizarre as well:<br />
- in response to multiple complaints that this course is too long: - she [the instructor] could have adjusted it to one day long but she just doesn't want to <i>(mmm.... it's a standard 2 day long course, people designed by red cross or EMS or whoever but not her personally)</i><br />
- a comment about how the final test will be organized: - it will be an open book test and we will be answering the questions in groups <i>(mmmm... honestly do you want a person who might later someday save your life to be certified based on the open book test assisted by another 10 dummies around him/her?[I might have actually asked this rhetorical question out loud... which might have caused a very awkward silence...])</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
We ended the course with a 50 multiple choice questions test that took two of us (and few other people) only 30min to accomplish (I ended up making only 1 mistake) the rest of the group stayed behind....<br />
The only thing I hope for is that most of these people will never ever have to save my life... judging by how much they were interested to learn the material I really wouldn't trust them with my life...<br />
<br />
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-25556072932617784582013-09-27T18:54:00.000-07:002013-10-07T08:49:36.918-07:00Bike sold - success!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlXxpaMR2M8/UkjYeudLsaI/AAAAAAAANTc/RHqMRcPdflA/s1600/bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlXxpaMR2M8/UkjYeudLsaI/AAAAAAAANTc/RHqMRcPdflA/s320/bike.JPG" width="320" /></a>YAY! Sold my bike for the price listed on Kijiji.<br />
that's one success and few more to go.<br />
I'll miss it a tiny bit. but not much.<br />
<br />
I still have my faithful supercycle which traveled with me for many and many kilometers! Major trips that were accomplished on my $100 supercycle: TO-NF (about 145km), NF - TO(145km), NF-NiagaraOnTheLake-NF (50km), TO-Port Credit-and partially back to TO (200km), few rides on DVP (50km and 75km), and tons of city cycling. It was tuned up with thin road tires, had issues with brakes and wheels... but it's still here and performing well=)) Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-17086500386180798472013-09-26T21:28:00.001-07:002013-09-26T21:28:03.021-07:00Getting rid of stuff<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/4062469555/" title="Berlin"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3523/4062469555_d16d46f418.jpg" alt="Berlin by Neesa R." /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/4062469555/">Berlin</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/">Neesa R.</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>You would think getting rid of things is a pretty easy thing to do. But it definitely isn't so when you're actually trying to get rid of things fast. <br />Well in my case I actually am trying to sell some stuff I haven't used ever or used few times knowing that when I'm back in a year I probably won't suddenly start using that particular thing and I better off having some cash now vs useless apparatus in a year.<br />So a list of things I posted on CL and Kijiji: <br />- bicycle<br />- tent <br />- ski boots<br />- camera lens & camera bag<br /><br />Somehow I was sure I'll get a ton of response for the ski boots.... but it's all quiet... I guess people are not in winter mood yet, eh?... the only item that actually stirred some interest is the bicycle... and while one person already bailed (after we spent time exchanging 20 text messages back and forth trying to organize a meeting just for him to realize that one can't take a bike on the subway during rush hours and then that person wanted me to deliver this bike across the city at 8am???) and the next one is tomorrow.... fingers crossed I'll get rid of the bike.<br /><br />But if in my case the pricing might be what holds people off jumping and tearing things our of my hands, in my friend's case, who came here just for 10 days or so to clean up her storage, the stuff is FREE! She's giving most of her stuff for free in hopes to get rid of them faster. She posted that on CL/Kijiji/FB and not only people didn't flock to that immediately .. they were actually bailing.... this is mindboggling.<br /><br />Now.... what else should I get rid of?....</p>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-73110159147536924292013-09-26T20:44:00.002-07:002013-10-19T21:42:44.400-07:00How to lose and gain faith in humanity in one dayIt's interesting how in a span of a day your perception of humanity might change drastically from completely negative and to absolutely positive.<br />
I read this article earlier and was shocked at what some people can do to those around them. to those they supposedly promised to love and protect for the rest of their lives together.<br />
And I especially don't understand when evil things like what's described in the article happen to kids. How can anything be their fault if they are not making any decision yet?...<br />
and I'm referring to this acid attack in iran <a href="http://lightbox.time.com/2013/01/24/the-agony-of-injustice-in-iran/?iid=lb-gal-viewagn#1" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a><br />
<br />
<br />
But then at the same time there are people who make me proud being a human being. These are shots taken all over Russia from driver's POV.<br />
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<br /></div>
And even more faith in humanity I have after reading <a href="http://www.newrepublic.com/article/113673/families-putin-didnt-want-exist" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a> about adopted kids. And of course this is only one side to the whole adoption situation and there are kids who are molested or abandoned after they're adopted.... but does that mean adoption has to be banned?....<br />
<br />
Faith in humanity remains... for now....<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-16901030071184957002013-09-23T21:09:00.000-07:002013-09-25T21:44:27.140-07:00IT ARRIVED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXNublqIGlI/UkOyKOKhrwI/AAAAAAAANSs/7k5T0IrEk-A/w356-h534-no/IMG_0118%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXNublqIGlI/UkOyKOKhrwI/AAAAAAAANSs/7k5T0IrEk-A/w356-h534-no/IMG_0118%255B1%255D.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
IT ARRIVED!!!! Came home today to face a fat brown envelope, stuffed with my medical/travel insurance policy, tickets booking confirmation, an Australia magnet and Australia bookmark and a thank you card from my travel agent Ryan=)<br />
IT IS HAPPENING!!!! ta-da-da-da!<br />
<br />
Few words about the travel agency. At some point of my Oz research I found this website that connects you with country specilized travel agencies near you. If you pick TO there are only two agencies that are located here and specialize in Downunder. I contacted both, but the quote sent by Downunder Travel was considerably cheaper.<br />
<br />
Here is the list of agencies I contacted and round trip fare offered to me with a one week stopover in LA:<br />
<a href="http://www.downunder-travel.com/" target="_blank">Downunder Travel</a> $1845.34 + $75 service fee + $250 fee for a date change on the return ticket*<br />
<a href="http://www.vision2000.ca/nancydason" target="_blank">Vision 2000 Travel Group</a> $1756.94 + $25 ticketing fee + $425 fee for a date change on the return ticket<br />
<a href="http://www.aspiredownunder.com/" target="_blank">Aspire Downunder</a> $1753.43 +$300 fee for a date change on the return ticket<br />
<a href="http://www.travelcuts.com/" target="_blank">TravelCuts</a> $2196.51 (didn't even ask about the fees... too expensive as is)<br />
<br />
*Note from the travel agent: <span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">Now since you are flying with Qantas and we have a great relationship with them there is a very good chance that we can get the $250.00 waived and you would only have to pay the $75.00 (plus any change in fare/upgrade).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
So if I'm actually going to have the date change fee waived (all saved in emails and I'll fight for this!) then I got myself the cheapest possible option flying Quantas both ways!<br />
<br />
And then there were of course all these amazing search engines:<br />
Google Flights<br />
Kayak<br />
Skyscanner<br />
Fly.com<br />
and bazillion of others but I decided that it's just less stressful to organize all the tickets with the stopover via one agent and also easier that way to change the return date so it will be them working out all the connection routes for me.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, I also got medical insurance with the same travel agent. All of the above offered approximately same price for medical+travel insurance for a year - of about $700-750.<br />
<br />
I feel very poor nowMehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-41851078037848122982013-09-22T20:48:00.000-07:002013-10-07T08:49:36.922-07:00Winter elementsI might say this a bit too often... but I LOVE WINTER! yes yes yes it wasn't a typo. Winter is when I ski! when I fly down a mountain/hill with adrenalin rushing through my blood and endorphines popping up in my brain.
With all that said introducing my new awesome piece (or rather two pieces) of winter equipment!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4XmBmqsWUs/Uj-4JoPlm_I/AAAAAAAANO0/ussXT1Kkh3Q/s1600/ski.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4XmBmqsWUs/Uj-4JoPlm_I/AAAAAAAANO0/ussXT1Kkh3Q/s320/ski.JPG" /></a></div>
they are called Dalbello Krypton Lotus and I'm in love officially!=)<br />
Isn't it nice when your company covers your sports equipment purchases?.... I will miss this side of working here... oh well...<br />
It's a bit sad to bid adieu to my old faithful pair of Rossignol XenaX8 but they served me well since the winter of 08/09. they went with me to Quebec and Banff, they were worn in rain and on ice, they took me through races and to half pipes. it's time for a change....
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ogk2qugTmOQ/Uj-5LkHQJFI/AAAAAAAANPA/XlCOySvqzWs/s1600/xena.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ogk2qugTmOQ/Uj-5LkHQJFI/AAAAAAAANPA/XlCOySvqzWs/s320/xena.JPG" /></a></div>
also great review of my old boots <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNK0sLWnBH4" target="_blank">HERE</a>. My skies are now in tune up and rossignol boots are on sale online. I'm all ready for winter.... which I will have to miss.... mixed feelings... Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-25634816254979571422013-09-21T16:08:00.001-07:002013-10-08T20:11:32.567-07:00Rainy Day<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/4146319758/" title="night TTC"><img alt="night TTC by Neesa R." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2682/4146319758_c1e480d5ed.jpg" /></a><br />
sometimes rainy day turns into a photographic treasure. mistiness left after all the moisture in the air. a bit of darnkess combined with long exposure. fast moving lit up objects and a bit of patience. <br />
this photo wasn't taken today. but today definitely was a loooong rainy day. because of that my so expected trailblazer club's ride in barrie was cancelled. We were supposed to ride 75km along the abandoned railway tracks http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Simcoe_Railtrail<br />
<br />
I joined the club just last week but it was on my to-do list for aaaages ever since few friends who are captains there told me about it. This is a great incentive. It allows vision impaired people learn and enjoy cycling and is a great social club in general. Really hope I can make it to the Rouge valley ride on the 5th of october!<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=006AqhjV9XQMehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-80157509588815341062013-09-20T09:38:00.002-07:002013-09-24T11:59:57.303-07:00Talented kidsI've always wondered how do some kids get so seriously amazing in sports. I watch kids on ski hills and they are usually doing great. some of them are performing mindbogling tricks with jumps and backflips at the age when I didn't even know about skiing. I see kids rock climbing and some of them are superstar monkeys that can hold onto anything and swing their bodies in a way I didn't think is possible. Then there are few amazing kids in capoeira that I saw perform tricks that only experienced capoeira instructors do.<br />
and then there are dancing kids that dance so perfect that it takes your breath away. and this video of B-Girl Terra who's only 6 years old is what reminded me of these thoughts<br />
<a href="http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/09/meet_b-girl_terra_the_flyest_pre-school_dancer_around.html">http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/09/meet_b-girl_terra_the_flyest_pre-school_dancer_around.html</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://aonehiphop.ru/media/photo/preview/preview_main_8946d8fd59d62a40ca408e769d41ca94.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://aonehiphop.ru/media/photo/preview/preview_main_8946d8fd59d62a40ca408e769d41ca94.jpeg" /></a></div>
And when I see these kids I always wonder: is it something they actually like to do? do they have silly childhood like we all have? is it something their parents force them to do to piggy back on their child's potential fame?<br />
Or are these questions irrelevant and it's just great that they're so amazing in what they do never mind the way they achieved it?<br />
I don't have the answers to any of these but I do somehow always feel a bit sad (along with amazed) for these kids because I feel that they are missing out on childhood the way childhood should be - silly, reckless, happy, no 9am-5pm trainings, etc etc etc<br />
<br />
but anyway. the video of this girl dancing is just mindblowing!Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-67431698062871500902013-09-19T15:00:00.002-07:002013-09-24T15:31:09.898-07:00back?... soooo.... last post over a year ago... is that how consistent I can be? I'm sure I can be better.... now my mind is consumed with the ideas of creating a travel blog. I also need to make sure that I will update that new blog on a regular basis. Which bring me to a question: will I have enough of something to discuss on a regular basis? will that be interesting to anyone to read? will that be useful for the humanity (ok that last one is only a side wish... I doubt I can create humanity changing blog)
anyway this post caught my eye recently and I want to experiment making cookies too <a href="http://www.handletheheat.com/2013/07/the-ultimate-guide-to-chocolate-chip-cookies.html"></a>
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Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-60867993228892274792013-09-16T21:07:00.000-07:002013-09-25T21:08:27.763-07:00Getting prepared.... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DK8wr7piZbM/UkOyROS1ZJI/AAAAAAAANS0/aIM0ZNb8_48/w801-h534-no/IMG_0109%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DK8wr7piZbM/UkOyROS1ZJI/AAAAAAAANS0/aIM0ZNb8_48/w801-h534-no/IMG_0109%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
so what have I been reading for the past few days? oh many interesting books. and all of them are about Australia, Oz, DownUnder=)<br />
these travel guides are full of useful information. Most of them I took from the library. and one I borrowed from a good friend. <br />
So here is what I am reading:<br />
1.<br />
<a href="http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?R=446017" target="_blank">Australia gap pack : all the facts and expert advice for gap working in Australia. 2006 </a><br />
2.<br />
<a href="http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?R=221156" target="_blank">Gap years for grown ups New ed., rev. & updated. 2006 by Susan Griffith</a><br />
3.<br />
<a href="http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?R=2892893" target="_blank">Work your way around the world 15th ed. 2011 by Susan Griffith </a><br />
4.<br />
<a href="http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?R=2574407" target="_blank">Lonely Planet Guide: Australia 15th ed 2011</a><br />
5.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Guide-First-Time-Around-World/dp/1409363821" target="_blank">Rough Guide Special: First time around the world</a>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-24373055534927597292012-07-31T19:00:00.001-07:002013-10-07T08:50:12.500-07:00Vancouver 2012<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818380588/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7818380588_ae4bd56acf_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818394458/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7818394458_36d085d32b_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818351668/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7818351668_f6cb0c786d_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818391332/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7818391332_59880865dc_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818344916/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/7818344916_bcce854b98_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818367972/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7818367972_de2b64178f_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818365338/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/7818365338_751d4a22b6_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818384202/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7818384202_c76a7ce0d5_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818356664/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/7818356664_467c56de75_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818403840/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7818403840_bf28fdb233_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818358684/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7818358684_0a26b4f5e2_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818397334/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7818397334_f34b309921_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818370408/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7818370408_13aefc2bb5_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818353996/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7818353996_e3b76c7669_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/7818406856/in/set-72157631148270584/" title="Vancouver" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7818406856_3f69ff5bdb_s.jpg" alt="Vancouver" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/sets/72157631148270584/">Vancouver 2012</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>кратко описание поездки в ванкувер и викторию:<br /><br />Мы ходили гуляли по городу в первый день моего приезда в Ванкувер в вскр а в понедельник умотали в Викторию. нас было 5 - Алекс, Надя, надин бф Филип, надин друг Дэн и я. на пароме мы переплили в Викторию где провели 3 дня у друзей дэна. эти 3 дня мы провели совершенно бестолково. тусили с новыми знакомыми, пили, гуляли по паркам и немножко по городу и спали. еще съездили на очень красивое озеро, где провели почти весь день.<br />Там же я нашла отличную беговую дорожку и одним утром устроила себе раннюю пробежку.<br /><br />После этого сложились некоторые проблемы с каучсерфером в Ванкувере и поэтому планы поменялись, и мы поехали в рядом лежащую местность Сквашим. где мы с палатками провели 2 ночи в лесу с медвядями и озером. Там же устроили поход в гору с водопадами http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stawamus_Chief очень красивый вид и мой первый раз в настоящих горах (ну не считая гималаев которых я не помню). залазили мы на самую верхушку долго. останавливаясь для фотографий, ланча и купания в ледяной воде водопада. <br />спускались гораздо быстрее как горные козы вприпрыжку. <br /><br />Через пару дней вернулись в ванкувер и жили у других друзей дэна все семером... или восьмером... нас было много.<br />От Ванкувера очень курортное ощущение и чувсвуется какая-то богатая жизнь. мне очень понравилось. а еще странное ощущение температурное: там при температуре +17+20 было так же тепло как здесь при +25 я не могла этого понять но зато нагулялась в платье и юбке и шортах=) <br /><br />В последнии дни у меня была капоэйра. Воркшопы в пят. А в суб фестиваль. Там я сидела фотографировала конкурсные бои. Под конец вышли два парня которые кроме капоэйры еще и ММА занимаются. Им сказали чтобы не дрались очень жестко. Но они все равно дрались во всю силу. В итоге один вылетел прямо на меня . я закрыла лицо рукой, но все равно со всей силы ударила в зуб который раскрошился на 1\3... я испагулась. пошла в пункт скорой помощи. мне заклеили ранку на руке и сказали идти к дантисту. я себя в зеркале не видела т.ч. на ощущение казалось что зуба нет на 3\4... через полчаса пришли надя с алексом и филипом и сразу меня успокоили. оказывается у нади тоже такое было и потом еще два парня с капо подошли и такие же истории порассказывалаи и я успокоилась немного. <br />после этого я получила свой пояс и в вскр мы туда пришли тока на полчаса и больше я ничего не фотгографирговала. <br /><br />Следующее в списке: починить зуб.</p>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-71440175052631161222010-05-21T14:13:00.000-07:002010-05-21T14:13:21.620-07:00методы раскрутки блоганекоторые методы:<br />
<br />
написание качественных материалов<br />
не только “интересный контент“, но и “нужный контент“<br />
необычная тематика<br />
кросспостинг в различные блог-сервисы<br />
<br />
надо бы мне этим серьезно заняться... как-нить в будущем...<br />
<br />
<A HREF="
http://virtual-lab.ru/672-samye-popluyarnye-metody-raskrutki-bloga/">больше инфы здесь</A>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-48701777535502204322009-11-11T13:58:00.000-08:002013-10-07T08:50:12.503-07:00germany trip YAY!<object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fbeesmile%2Fsets%2F72157622581818251%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fbeesmile%2Fsets%2F72157622581818251%2F&set_id=72157622581818251&jump_to="></param>
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<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fbeesmile%2Fsets%2F72157622581818251%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fbeesmile%2Fsets%2F72157622581818251%2F&set_id=72157622581818251&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-89238795168131263082008-12-27T20:36:00.000-08:002013-10-07T08:51:30.102-07:00YUK for Gelatin!!!that's just terrible!<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelatin">Gelatin</a> is "following" me<br />
First the discussion about gelatin (as per Wiki: "substance, extracted from the collagen inside animals' skin and bones") started in regards to jello which is part of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubble_tea">Bubble Tea</a><br />
Luckily this type of jello is usually is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nata_de_coco">coconut jelly</a> (not always though so I have to check next time I'm ordering bubble tea)<br />
Now I discovered that YOGURT has gelatin in it!!! <a href="http://www.yoplait.com/products_6pack.aspx">The yogurt I eat EVERYDAY</a>!!!!<br />
Luckily there is solution to that and it's available in Canada - <a href="http://www.danone.ca/en/products/naturalia.aspx">Naturalia yogurt by Danone</a><br />
which has no gelatin in it.<br />
So at least life is not THAT unfair (can't imagine my breakfast w/o yogurt!)Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-15960964332377662852008-12-21T10:23:00.000-08:002013-10-19T21:42:44.394-07:00how to get to listen to an adventurous travel storyhuh... so I went to buy my climbing shoes.<br />
who knew they are ALL made of leather? I hadn't... until I read that on the sticker attached to the shoes<br />
so I went: <br />
- Ooooooh... I can't climb!<br />
the store clerck:<br />
- what's that?<br />
- they are all made of leather!<br />
- ? mmmm why?<br />
- I can't have leather shoes....<br />
- vegan?<br />
- uhum<br />
- Oh never even thought about such a problem... well yeah they are all made of leather...<br />
the other clerck:<br />
- here are some vegan ones - pointing to 4 pairs<br />
the first clerck (Adam)<br />
- oh cool then=) Yeah my friend is vegetarian... it's very hard to be one<br />
me:<br />
- it is apparently for climbing<br />
adam:<br />
- not only. when he went to the south asia trip he had to start eating meat again cuz such countries as Laos don't serve vegetarian food or even if they do then the food is cooked in the same pan where meat was<br />
- oh so you traveled too?<br />
- yeah we spent 6 months in asia - great place... <br />
<br />
and the story went on for 1hour until the store closed=)<br />
the moral of the story: be vegitarian/vegan and it will make ppl tell you cool stories=)Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-61334511330948503562008-11-26T00:33:00.000-08:002008-12-03T06:32:21.448-08:00FLICKR UPDATED!!!!woohoo! woohoo! woohoo!<br />
excitmentttttt=0))))<br />
I did it!!!<br />
<b>at last FLICKR is uploaded </b>with some great Cuba and winter photos!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/3060073875/" title="DSC04782 by BeeSmile, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3060073875_390865680a.jpg" width="200" height="170" alt="DSC04782" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beesmile/3060036063/" title="DSC00182 by BeeSmile, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/3060036063_687c35405f.jpg" width="200" height="170" alt="DSC00182" /></a><br />
phew it took me a while!!!<br />
<b>THANKS again </b>to<i></i> <a href="http://imagelegacy.com/">Gail</a> for her gift of flickr=) which advanced me to a Pro account=)) <br />
<br />
Now if only someone knew how can I embed flickr slideshow at blogger....cuz seems that the slideshow embeding link doesn't work for google blogs=((Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33720321.post-39719752494384656102008-11-23T03:04:00.000-08:002008-11-23T20:35:35.778-08:00WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!Woooohooo indeed=)<br />
After 4 hours of wasted time I found an ideal temporary blog background: 2 columned, stretched and more or less warm colored<br />
However as I've already mentioned it's just a temporary stuff as I'm planning to work through <a href="http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/jennifer/blog-templates.html">photoshop blog tutorial </a>and learn how to do blog background myself...<br />
phew... now I can go to sleep=)<br />
and french tomorrow!!!=)<br />
<br />
p.s. that's how the blog looks now btw (I hope it will look somehow different soon!!!=))<br />
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/Jh24q2NKQ3Ea65Rgf5-ZcA?authkey=sqnlmWuZedk"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gQdiPKjONV0/SSousBV7PVI/AAAAAAAAK1g/pWWSQWNCqcA/s144/New%20Picture%20%286%29%20copy.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.ca/beesmilester/BloggerPictures?authkey=sqnlmWuZedk">Blogger Pictures</a></td></tr></table>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585387349208710952noreply@blogger.com0