While sometimes brutal and stubborn, I’m at least very honest. I can sugarcoat things, within limits, to avoid unnecessary hurt feelings but it makes more sense to me to say what I think. My friends have compared me to Dr. House (of a TV series on Fox) and Dexter (yes, the serial killer on Showtime, how nice). I’m definitely more fun and outgoing but the way I say certain things may come across to others as cold or insensitive.
I like to travel, it’s my beloved hobby. I like to stay in foreign countries for extended periods of time. It’s important to me that I get to see at least a glimpse of the daily lives of the countries I visit. The hotel pool and the two museums just won’t give a realistic picture of anything.
Because of traveling, I have developed an interest in languages. Sometimes I read dictionaries for fun. That sounds sad and it kind of is. I can’t help it, dictionaries amuse me.
Going to the movies is one of my favorite things to do when I’m not traveling. Well, it’s actually even more interesting abroad. You never know whether you’re going to see a movie in English or dubbed in Turkish. I’m totally against dubbing, by the way. I’m sure I’ll post a rant about it sometime.
One part of me is a total nerd. Computers, cell phones and other consumer electronics keep me entertained when everything else fails. Oftentimes they keep me so entertained I know I should be doing something else but I just can’t resist the temptation of my Nokia.
This is in no way a comprehensive description of me. Unravel the rest of my many dimensions by reading my blog.
You can email me at:



i’ve found a old photo about you in my contacts on flickrs. the one you’re barefoot in the grass. like it. so I went to your profile and i’ve seen your blog. plesae dont forget to upgrade your flickr position. your (few) photos are really amazing! have a good week, harma
Harma, what’s your Flickr address? I can’t find you.
Edit: Nevermind, I just noticed you’ve changed your screen name recently.
I’m glad I found your site. You’re fun
Have you been to Australia in your travels?
anita
Your blog is awesome! I’ve been dying to learn how to do Photoshop but it seems so hard. How long did it take you to get as good as you are now?
One more thing - because I don’t see a link to an email address I have to bother you through here. Sorry about that - which version of Photoshop would you suggest to someone who is BRAND NEW to it? Would I be better off getting the cheapest version or should I go ahead and get the best one even though I wouldn’t be able to use it to its fullest since I don’t know how?
@goddess: Sorry, I forgot to reply! No, I haven’t been to Australia but it’s something I wish to do.
@Pepper Beaumont:
I started my journey about seven years ago. I didn’t take any courses or read any books, I just downloaded a demo version of Paint Shop Pro and started playing with it. After my 30-day trial was over, I downloaded Photoshop and immediately fell in love with it. It’s hard to say how long it took me to get “here” because it’s a very gradual process and you never stop learning new techniques.
I strongly recommend getting the latest version, which is, as of writing this, Adobe Photoshop CS3. If you are new to Photoshop, there is no point in learning old school techniques. Even newbies can utilize new features such as Smart Filters and the Quick Selection Tool. It will take you some time to get comfortable with the program so you can then skip the next upgrade or two. If I remember correctly, Adobe doesn’t offer upgrade pricing more than three versions back so why spend money on something that is already old?
I should also mention that there are two editions of the current version, Photoshop CS3 and CS3 Extended. Please note that CS3 Extended is aimed at 3D and video professionals so you do not need it.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask me. My email address is also now visible.
Hi, just want to let you know your blog is great and very informative! I don’t know much about Photoshop, but my brother does and he refuses to teach me! Is it possible for me to learn on my own? I’m just amazed what you can do to those photos!
Yes, Foong, absolutely. I’m living proof that you can learn Photoshop on your own.
Oh, that’s good to know! Thanks!