Marta Szemik's Blog, page 11
April 14, 2012
M = Me!
This is the only post (other than than IWSG) for the A-Z Challenge I'm not doing about technology because:
M is for Me: Marta
Here are the 10 things you most likely don't know about me:
1. I also write under a different pen name.
2. Szemik is not my legal last name, but it wouldn't be hard to find my real name. Marta is my real first name.
3. I do not wear PJ's to sleep - T-shirts is my style (but from time to time I do make an exception for the hubby ; D
4. English is not my mother tongue and I used to speak French, which isn't my mother tongue either.
5. If my parents had not immigrated to Canada, I could have been a professional skiier (key word is could:)
6. At age of 7 I took 3rd place for GS skiing competition for age group (5-16) When in high school I took 4th place in GS skiing competition for all Catholic high schools in the Province of Ontario (Canada). Very proud of this until this day! Was off by 0.3s from third! Ok, too much bragging.
7. I have a Honours BA degree in Economics with an area of concentration in Financial Analysis
8. At one point I taught securities courses to future brokers (but I am in no way responsible for the financial crisis). I enjoyed the job a lot, because I was good at it!
9. I cannot start a morning without a cup of coffee.
10. I have a full time job as a real estate sales rep.
So, did you learn something new? Feel free to tell me something I don't know about you in the comments.
M is for Me: Marta
Here are the 10 things you most likely don't know about me:
1. I also write under a different pen name.
2. Szemik is not my legal last name, but it wouldn't be hard to find my real name. Marta is my real first name.
3. I do not wear PJ's to sleep - T-shirts is my style (but from time to time I do make an exception for the hubby ; D
4. English is not my mother tongue and I used to speak French, which isn't my mother tongue either.
5. If my parents had not immigrated to Canada, I could have been a professional skiier (key word is could:)
6. At age of 7 I took 3rd place for GS skiing competition for age group (5-16) When in high school I took 4th place in GS skiing competition for all Catholic high schools in the Province of Ontario (Canada). Very proud of this until this day! Was off by 0.3s from third! Ok, too much bragging.
7. I have a Honours BA degree in Economics with an area of concentration in Financial Analysis
8. At one point I taught securities courses to future brokers (but I am in no way responsible for the financial crisis). I enjoyed the job a lot, because I was good at it!
9. I cannot start a morning without a cup of coffee.
10. I have a full time job as a real estate sales rep.
So, did you learn something new? Feel free to tell me something I don't know about you in the comments.
April 12, 2012
K = Knowledge
K is for Knowledge
(Theme: changes through history)
Knowledge (n): 1. acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.
Remember when Earth was flat? No? That's a good thing. (source)
What about when we thought the sun revolved around Earth and we were the center of the universe? (I still sometimes think I am the center, but I have to succumb to the truth of science) (source)
More recent discoveries where human knowledge can be seen to have evolved:
- Pluto is not a planet- Hybrid cars- Solar panels- iTechnology (see my I post) and technology in general
I'm sure you can add to this list of evolving human knowledge. Try it in the comments:
(Theme: changes through history)
Knowledge (n): 1. acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.
Remember when Earth was flat? No? That's a good thing. (source)
What about when we thought the sun revolved around Earth and we were the center of the universe? (I still sometimes think I am the center, but I have to succumb to the truth of science) (source)
More recent discoveries where human knowledge can be seen to have evolved:
- Pluto is not a planet- Hybrid cars- Solar panels- iTechnology (see my I post) and technology in general
I'm sure you can add to this list of evolving human knowledge. Try it in the comments:
April 11, 2012
J = Jackets
J is for Jackets
(Theme: changes through history)
Jacket (n): 1.a short coat, in any of various forms, usually opening down the front.
I could bore you with the history of jackets and how the word came from French, but I'm not going to. Instead, I'll share my most memorable jacket:
The Bomber Jacket! I had a black one with an orange lining. (source: Wikipedia)
And for the fun of it, here is a sexy jacket I'd like to buy: (source)
And a guy in a sexy jacket, just for good measure ;) (source)
Do you have a favorite jacket? (FYI: This was the hardest letter of the alphabet for the A-Z Challenge for me)
(Theme: changes through history)
Jacket (n): 1.a short coat, in any of various forms, usually opening down the front.
I could bore you with the history of jackets and how the word came from French, but I'm not going to. Instead, I'll share my most memorable jacket:
The Bomber Jacket! I had a black one with an orange lining. (source: Wikipedia)
And for the fun of it, here is a sexy jacket I'd like to buy: (source)
And a guy in a sexy jacket, just for good measure ;) (source)Do you have a favorite jacket? (FYI: This was the hardest letter of the alphabet for the A-Z Challenge for me)
April 10, 2012
I = iEverything
I is for iEverything (source for all photos)
(Theme: changes through history - though this history is short)
iEverything: This is where I usually post a definition for the word, but as you can see, this word is self explanatory :)
It started with the iPod
Then came the iPhone:
Followed by the iPad
Rumor has it iTV is next. Me, iWish I could have an at home iHelp button which could upload me with iInfo on how iCan best use all the technological tools and resources. So for now, iStay away from too much iStuff. (But secretly iItch to buy an iPad and my iItch is growing)
iDone with my I :D
What is your iWish?
(Theme: changes through history - though this history is short)
iEverything: This is where I usually post a definition for the word, but as you can see, this word is self explanatory :)
It started with the iPod
Then came the iPhone:
Followed by the iPad
Rumor has it iTV is next. Me, iWish I could have an at home iHelp button which could upload me with iInfo on how iCan best use all the technological tools and resources. So for now, iStay away from too much iStuff. (But secretly iItch to buy an iPad and my iItch is growing)
iDone with my I :D
What is your iWish?
April 9, 2012
H = Home
H is for Home
(Theme: changes through history)
Home (noun, adj, adv, verb): a house, apartment or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family or household.
It all started with caves.
(source)
As humans evolved, so did their home.
(source)
Those lucky in this world live have some sort of shelter,
(source)
which they call home.
(source)
Others, still use cardboard and plywood or a heating vent of an intersection. That makes me sad :(
To me, home means safety, happiness, fortune, love, protection, family.
What does the word home mean to you?
(Theme: changes through history)
Home (noun, adj, adv, verb): a house, apartment or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family or household.
It all started with caves.(source)
As humans evolved, so did their home.
(source)
Those lucky in this world live have some sort of shelter, 
(source) which they call home.
(source)
Others, still use cardboard and plywood or a heating vent of an intersection. That makes me sad :(
To me, home means safety, happiness, fortune, love, protection, family.
What does the word home mean to you?
April 7, 2012
G = Games
G is for Games
(Theme: Changes through history)
Game (n): 1.an amusement or pastime: children's games.
As a kid, these were the games I played (dodgeball).
When we didn't have a ball we used mud and...
...sticks - Fun times!
As I grew up and my parents immigrated to Canada, we found out there was a thing called Board Games.
This was the first computer game I played :)
And now, kids have so many choices (and adults):
Perhaps too many choices? Are we limiting our children's imagination?
Do you have a favorite childhood game? When was the last time you played it?
(Theme: Changes through history)
Game (n): 1.an amusement or pastime: children's games.
As a kid, these were the games I played (dodgeball).
When we didn't have a ball we used mud and...
...sticks - Fun times!
As I grew up and my parents immigrated to Canada, we found out there was a thing called Board Games.
This was the first computer game I played :)
And now, kids have so many choices (and adults):
Perhaps too many choices? Are we limiting our children's imagination?
Do you have a favorite childhood game? When was the last time you played it?
April 6, 2012
F = Flying
F is for Flying
(Theme: changes through history)
Flying (adj): 1. making flight or passing through the air; that flies: a flying insect; an unidentified flying object.
Those of you who know me, know how much I hate flying. To the point that I need to be "tipsy" before I get to the airport, but not too much so I can pass through security. So it's natural I would pick this topic for F for the A-Z Challenge.
I would never get on one of these.
(source)
Or these
(source)
Hate getting on these
(source)
Or these - there's a pattern here:)
(source)
Would be cool to fly in this one - not that I would! (source)
But I'm really hoping someone will invent teleportation, just like in Star Trek :)
Do you have a secret to get rid of the fear of flying?
(Theme: changes through history)
Flying (adj): 1. making flight or passing through the air; that flies: a flying insect; an unidentified flying object.
Those of you who know me, know how much I hate flying. To the point that I need to be "tipsy" before I get to the airport, but not too much so I can pass through security. So it's natural I would pick this topic for F for the A-Z Challenge.
I would never get on one of these.
(source)
Or these
(source)
Hate getting on these
(source)
Or these - there's a pattern here:)
(source)
Would be cool to fly in this one - not that I would! (source)
But I'm really hoping someone will invent teleportation, just like in Star Trek :)
Do you have a secret to get rid of the fear of flying?
April 5, 2012
E = Electricity
E is for Electricity
Electricity (n): 1. electric charge 2. electric current. 3.the science dealing with electric charges and currents. 4. a state or feeling of excitement, anticipation, tension, etc.
Remember how we used to cook our food, heat and light our homes and make hand shadows with one simple natural element? Fire
No, me neither. But, some people in this world still do rely on it the same way we rely on electricity
This simple light bulb developed in the 1970's was the first publicly available application of electrical power (Wikipedia) Think how many of these you go through in a lifetime, yet some don't even know it exists.
It seems unnatural to harness such power, but humans weren't the first to discover electricity.
The electric eel uses it as self-defense from predators.
These terrify me. As a child in Eastern Europe I had to drink Iodine when the plant in Chernobyl exploded. I will never forget that day. I know the consequences of radiation exposure too well.
IMO, our nations rely on this energy too much.
My next fictional WIP has a lot to do with nuclear power plants.
I wish we could harness and store the electricity which nature provides us with every second, of every day.
What's the first thing you'd do if the power went out right now?
Electricity (n): 1. electric charge 2. electric current. 3.the science dealing with electric charges and currents. 4. a state or feeling of excitement, anticipation, tension, etc.
Remember how we used to cook our food, heat and light our homes and make hand shadows with one simple natural element? Fire
No, me neither. But, some people in this world still do rely on it the same way we rely on electricity
This simple light bulb developed in the 1970's was the first publicly available application of electrical power (Wikipedia) Think how many of these you go through in a lifetime, yet some don't even know it exists.
It seems unnatural to harness such power, but humans weren't the first to discover electricity.
The electric eel uses it as self-defense from predators.
These terrify me. As a child in Eastern Europe I had to drink Iodine when the plant in Chernobyl exploded. I will never forget that day. I know the consequences of radiation exposure too well.
IMO, our nations rely on this energy too much.
My next fictional WIP has a lot to do with nuclear power plants.
I wish we could harness and store the electricity which nature provides us with every second, of every day.
What's the first thing you'd do if the power went out right now?
April 4, 2012
D = Danger at IWSG
D is for Danger (tying A-Z Challenge with IWSG)
Danger (n): liability or exposure to harm or injury; risk; peril
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer's Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Is it dangerous to dream big? I do all the time and find myself facing dangerous disappointment.
As a writer, I face these dangers which lead to insecurities:
* comparing myself to others
* having high expectations
* letting distractions rule my writing time (ie: internet)
But I am a dreamer. This is one of my favorite songs ever by Ozzy Osbourne. When I feel danger as a writer I listen to this song to remind myself it's all right to dream. I understand the song is not about danger (well, to a degree I can argue it is), but for me Ozzy's music puts everything in perspective.
<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;Do&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>
Do you have a song which keeps you grounded, away from danger? Does the song wash away your insecurities?
This is a blog hop. Click here for the linky list:) Happy Hopping!
Danger (n): liability or exposure to harm or injury; risk; peril
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer's Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Is it dangerous to dream big? I do all the time and find myself facing dangerous disappointment.
As a writer, I face these dangers which lead to insecurities:
* comparing myself to others
* having high expectations
* letting distractions rule my writing time (ie: internet)
But I am a dreamer. This is one of my favorite songs ever by Ozzy Osbourne. When I feel danger as a writer I listen to this song to remind myself it's all right to dream. I understand the song is not about danger (well, to a degree I can argue it is), but for me Ozzy's music puts everything in perspective.
<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;Do&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>
Do you have a song which keeps you grounded, away from danger? Does the song wash away your insecurities?
This is a blog hop. Click here for the linky list:) Happy Hopping!
April 3, 2012
C = Cell Phones
C is for Cell Phones
(Theme: changes through history)
Cell Phone: 1.a mobile telephone system using low-powered radio transmitters, with each transmitter covering a distinct geographical area (cell), and computer equipment to switch a call from one area to another, thus enabling large-scale car or portable phone service.
Here's a quick evolutionary chart of the cell phone. And, though recent, it's already outdated!
(source)
What many use now:
(source)
What does the future hold?
Watch this concept video for iphone5 (this post is being written early so if the phone is out by the time you read this, it only speaks to the technology we have at hand).
What do you think will be the next break through in cellular technology?
(Theme: changes through history)
Cell Phone: 1.a mobile telephone system using low-powered radio transmitters, with each transmitter covering a distinct geographical area (cell), and computer equipment to switch a call from one area to another, thus enabling large-scale car or portable phone service.
Here's a quick evolutionary chart of the cell phone. And, though recent, it's already outdated!
(source)
What many use now:
(source)
What does the future hold?
Watch this concept video for iphone5 (this post is being written early so if the phone is out by the time you read this, it only speaks to the technology we have at hand).
What do you think will be the next break through in cellular technology?
