I planning to teach in Turkey for a year but haven't been before.
Does anyone have experience living/ teaching English / or traveling around Turkey?
If so, could you share any tips or useful information with me? Benefits? Things to pack from home (Canada) I can't get there? What's the cost of living like? Any areas you would advise me to check out?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance :D!
I'm planning on moving there in the spring / early summer 2010.
Snow parking This is my first winter in brooklyn(NYC in general). How does opposite side of the street parking work if there's snow? Say your cars in 4 inches or 12 inches, etc. Or is it always you have to move your car no matter what? I'm assuming you leave extra space between cars out of courtesy and so you can get out as well.
Question and Apartment for Rent Hi I posted up an ad for renting a new apartment. Someone called for a Work Advantage Program. I'm very new at this. What is a work advantage program? I looked it up and it was about the government assisting a person into renting an apartment and something about work advantage voucher.
Edit: I looked it up once more carefully and I now know what it is.
WTF, bruising. So yesterday was my first treadmill day in a very, very long time. This obviously mean that it was also the first time that I've worn a running tank top and shorts since...oh, August. Between June and now I've managed to lose 35 pounds, and I've definitely noticed that my muscles and bones are more prominant now then they were before.
Well, after getting home from the gym last night I got out of the shower and looked in the mirror and saw a NASTY red/purple/black bruise the size of a silver dollar on my left collarbone. Apparently when I was running the first 4 miles of my 8, I wasn't running with my headphones on (which is typical - I put them around my neck and then slap them on on the second half of my run) and as a result they were bumping up and down on my collarbone, enough to cause this crappy bruise. I recall that it did hurt a little when I first started running, but then I obviously ignored it. This hasn't been an issue before because from September through now when I've been running outside, I've been wearing thicker tops and/or zip-up turtlenecks with my shorts or tights.
I wear the wrap-around type of headphones because the earbuds simply will not stay in my ears. Are there other types to try? I don't think I could deal with a thicker shirt while running indoors. Since I'm confident that this winter will bring more treadmill runs, has anyone had this happen before, and what else could I do to prevent it? I had to wear make-up over the bruise with a neck scarf to work because it looks like a GIANT hickey, and hi, I'm a senior manager. I can't be walking around with that crap on my neck - what will my employees think!?
Hi! I'm having a bit of a problem. I basically need 12 foam 3-D gingerbread houses like this by Monday. They're for the pre-K class I help in. Someone threw away the box of houses I'd spent a day building. Does anyone know where I might get them, or some like it? Thanks!
Entertaining guests from the UK I have two friends from London (although one is actually Canadian) who are coming to NYC for a few days after Christmas. They've done all the tourist-y things before, and really just want to have fun and eat delicious foods they can't find in the UK.
Any suggestions? Fun distinctly American places/eateries/things to do? I'm already bringing her to Dallas BBQ's, haha.
Today I am working at the zoo in the morning. At some point I want to get in at least 6 miles and also some strength training. Probably won't be til sometime later this evening though.
So how is everyone else starting off their weekend, training and otherwise?
And it's Friday so -- weekend plans? After work, which should end relatively early, I'll be headed to Philly to pick up the girlfriend. We're going to New York for the weekend as sort of a late birthday/early Christmas celebration. Seeing as she's never been to the city, I figure Christmastime is the perfect time for a first time. There will be running in Central Park, exploring the museums, Times Square, good bars, and a bunch of other fun things. I'll also show her around my hometown on Long Island as she's never been there either. Should be a stellar weekend.
Finally, a BIG GOOD LUCK to anyone racing this weekend or otherwise going for some sort of PR!!!
So, I've complained enough to my cousin about it being cold as hell up here (we're Floridians) that she has changed her mind about camping out in Times Square for New Year's Eve. Her fiance, who is coming up with her, doesn't even own a sweater, seriously. Plus, my dad will be up here at the same time, and he wasn't in the mood for Times Square, so it just works out like this: we aren't going.
Sooooooooo, what's going on for the New Year? I was going to call Flatiron Lounge and see if they were taking reservations, but failing that, do you know of any cool martini bars or cocktail lounges that are doing something? My cousin's all about being somewhat fancy and drinking cocktails that night. If it were up to me, I'd be at home, snuggling my dog, so IF IT'S EVEN POSSIBLE, just finding a place we can make reservations and continue as normal (I keep seeing things for events with open bars and "celeb sightings" and that's a little much - I'll pay for what I drink myself, thanks) would be great.
ratchet straps/bungee cords? Does anyone know where I can get ratchet straps or bungee cords (for tying down a bed in the back of a truck) in the Mission area without paying an enormous amount? I could imagine the random junk stores carrying this stuff, but often there are things that I can totally picture the random junk stores having, and then none of them do. I assume Ace Hardware or Cole's will have them, but if there are discount-y places that carry them, that'd be better.
Room in Bed-Stuy available February 1 - $675/month I'm moving in with my boyfriend on February 1, so I'll be leaving my awesome roommates behind. We live more or less at the Bed-Stuy/Clinton Hill border, and the new roommate would need to sign onto the lease, which runs through July 31. If you're looking for a room or know someone who is, feel free to pass along the info! People can email us directly at franklinavehouse at gmail dot com.
Men's Black Hanes Crew Neck T-Shirts Without a Pocket - Size Medium Ok, so, I've shopped Amazon and Hanes.com (they have every size except medium.) I've visited Target, JC Penney, Macy's, Sears, and Marshall's to no avail. I probably would have given up by now normally, but it's starting to feel like some sort of gauntlet at this point.
Does anyone know of a specific place in the city where I can purchase these stupid t-shirts? It's the only thing that my boyfriend wants for Christmas and I'm now feeling like a shopping failure for not being able to pull off this simple task.
I'm going to try K Mart today, but I don't have high hopes.
Today will I'll be running 8 or so miles, nice and easy, after work. I'll also be doing a ton of pull-ups and push-ups and something with the medicine ball and/or truck tire,
So what is everyone else up to today, training and otherwise?
Does anyone have any suggestions for a relaxing/romantic spot in the Catskills that would be good for a weekend trip in January or February?
Are there any particularly cute towns with nice skiing or other fun things to do in the winter nearby? I would really love to get a log cabin (the old-fashioned kind, with a fireplace and everything) but all the "cabins" I'm finding are more like cottages you'd stay in during the summer to go fishing. I guess a rustic-styled bed & breakfast would be good, too. Not really looking for nightlife or fancy meals, just a cute town (antiques?) and wintery outdoorsy stuff.
I don't really know much about the Catskills so I was hoping some of you would have some suggestions. Or...if you know of a similar place that's not more than a 3 hour drive away, that would be fine, too! Thanks :)
Best Community College for Art Classes? Hey Bay Areans, I'm looking to take several art history and studio classes to fulfill pre-requisites for grad school admission. Community college courses seem to be the most cost effective way to go, but quality instruction is still very important. Right now I'm looking at CCSF, due to their metal arts classes, but their Art History courses seem a little uninspired. I'm also considering the Peralta colleges, since I live in the east bay and the idea of not having to commute to the city everyday is pretty attractive. I'm willing to attend multiple programs if a school really excels in one area but is lacking in another, but it would be super great if I only had to go to one place.
So, help? Any first hand experience with either program? Or other suggestions entirely?
p.s. Any good suggestions for chemistry as well? I need to take some of those too ...
seafood I am moving to SF in January and along with a million other things I am trying to figure out a good seafood restaurant with oyster selection. Any recommendations?
upd I am looking for a restaurant that is not very expensive, but not so cheap that it's not safe to eat oysters there.
2010 Las Vegas Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon At the event a week and a half ago, they told us that registration for next year's race will be $145 for either the half or the full marathon; however, their web site says $135.
If you register by May 1, 2010 and use the code "OWNTHESTRIP", you will get a $10 discount off registration.
(Registration for the first 1,000 people to register on site at this year's race for next year was $95.)
Tiny holiday lights, candy shot glass 1) Has anyone seen a store selling teeny-tiny lights for desktop-type Christmas trees? Borders had one set, but they were pink and overpriced, and I need two sets anyway. Target had none. I know it's late, but someone must still have them.
2) Sometime this week I saw a candy shot glass for sale. ("Drink from it or eat it!" hahaha.) A family member collects shot glasses so I thought this would be funny to send her, but I've forgotten where I saw it. I was thinking Target, but I couldn't seem to find it today. Any ideas?
Zipcar? I'm thinking of getting Zipcar - I live in LIC/Astoria. Does anyone have any personal experiences, especially in that area?
I'm mostly considering doing it to get rid of the expense of my car. I'd probably use it some weekends, for random trips to Target, as well as for trips out of state for a couple of days (if that's possible.)
(Sorry LJ doesn't want to do 'cuts' at the moment? Go figure?!)
I was to go and pace my good friend Mr W around this course. He wanted a sub 1:40 time, which was do-able for me. As for him, well as a member of a decent running club, and a keen competitive runner it was on the cards -probably!
I stayed over night and had lots of fun with his 3 year old, ate lots of pasta the night before and generally enjoyed mesel. The day dawned bright and early for pre-race breakfasts, and general coming rounds. The weather was 'fresh' to say the least. It were more than a little bit cool!
We set off for the car park to join the bus shuttle to near the start of the race. I kid you not, all a bit of an effort but ultimately sensible. Arriving in plenty of time I hit the portaloos, already a good queue building from the promised 2,000 runners that were expected. We were on our own at this race so we dumped bags in to the baggage area (very smooth and efficient) and clad in the customary pre race bin liners (it was cold!) we set off for the car park to warm up.
When I say 'warm-up' its more a figure of speech than an actual physical manifestation! Man it was cold. I'd already planned to race in gloves and hats with shorts and t-shirt, vest on. Glad I did. We soon warmed up, but, well as I said - IT WAS COLD!
The race plan went - Mad mile at the start, steady till mile 3, very steady and work hard at the hilly bit all the way till mile 9, then enjoy the downhill section and try for a final kick depending on how Mr W was feeling to the end.
The Mad Mile was just that! How people don't trip over and fall ALL the time at the start i do not know! The steady to mile 3 was a bit rich, but he looked fine coping well with the sub 7:30 a mile pace; and in fact managing even quicker speeds. The working hard up the hills was just that, steady and work for him. But with lots of cajouling, abuse and general helping along he did well! The downhill section was EXCELLENT! Very quick, and lots of 'just let go' ('Luke!') relax and peg it down the hill. A slight shower at mile 9 was refreshing but not too bad and was quickly over. From mile 12 the field started to really thin out and it was evident that we were doing well for time, and that people were finding a kick to the end. Not convinced that Mr W did. He was starting to tire at this point, but having ran amazingly a sub 1:40 was looking on the cards. The last mile to the finish was hard work, but I tried to help, dropped right back and pushed, and helped in my own little way (read: 'shouted abuse a lot!' LOL!) The run in to the finish was strong and we crossed the line in a new personal best for Mr W with 1:36.29. BRILLIANT!
Personally I finished feeling fresh, happy and well in control. It hadn't really stretched me too much, but that wasn't the point. The point was a new way to experience a race through beautiful wintery scenery with low lying Winter Sun at some points. Running down quiet little roads with bleak open farm fields on either side. The icing on the cake was his jubilation at acheiveing such a good time for himself and within his standing in his running club.
A cool race which I think I'll have a real run at next year! And a few piccies... I'm the guy in front with Mr W in the club vest.. waving at the official photographer within the last mile and a half! and even Mr W managed a wave!
Wee bit o' WEDNESDAILIES! Good morning runners! Here's the daily training thread! Today I'll be doing about seven miles on some trails at my park right after work, with some hill sprints after. So what is everyone else up to, training and otherwise? Question! What temperatures correlate to what types of running attire for you? Discuss... and HAPPY RUNNING!
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