Should I cancel my blog?

Have you ever had a feeling: what is the purpose of my life? Take even less ambitious: why am I doing it? From time to time I have these unwelcome thoughts; and right now there are my constant visitors. I am not aiming as high as dwelling on the purpose of life; I am straggling to grasp a mere thought of my daily existing.


Looking for a change in my life, I had decided to close my blog today and was going through the old posts I have stumbled over many comments from people I never knew. It gave me a hope; it gave a glimpse of a bright inspiring feeling of something intangible but very pleasant. What is it?

Why am I so sensitive to the things which are barely noticeable to others?

Why am I able to watch “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen time after time, losing the time, falling in oblivion, and the next morning, on my way to work, listen the same - beautiful melody of the trilling Austen’s sentence - just on CD?

What is wrong with me? Spending the whole Saturday by rambling around and enjoying the world’s masterpiece “Anna Karenina” by Tolstoy. I never get tired of it. It is like Disney’s “Magic Kingdom”, the reality gives its way to reveries.

And outside is a tropic storm. “Isaac” has come. A mighty wind bends the huge palms in the garden and the dull sound of knocking branches periodically hitting the roof spreads around the silence.

Through all this weather chaos, one question is piercing my mind: Should I cancel my blog?

Ten years!

Today I got the biggest and the most beautiful bouquet of roses I have ever seen in my life. I have had a charming admirer for the last ten years! And today he surprised me again!!

California

I have spent ten wonderful days in California.

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Престиж или «мертвые» сумки

Суббота прошла спокойно. Повела несколько часов в шопинг центре, ознакомляясь с последними новинками моды. Всё не купишь, так хоть посмотришь. На этот раз моё внимание привлекла ручная сумочка (не так как сумочка, как цена) марки «Луис Витон», сумочка была очень симпатичная, из крокодильной кожи, но цена $ 17 000 конечно же, сумасшедшая. Продавец пел, как соловей, что, мол, существует только 2 сумочки этого дизайна, одна в Нью Йорке, а вторая здесь, в Майями. Как бы там ни было, $ 17 тысяч для некоторых американцев, - годовая зарплата. И вообще, я не большой сторонник «Луис Витон»: во многих случаях люди покупают эту марку на показуху, потому что вся сумка усеяна «Луис Витон» монограммой. Пожалуйста, пройдитесь по Майами, пол-Майами ходит с этими сумками, больше половины из которых,- подделки. Неоспоримо, что качество подлинных продуктов «Луис Витона» очень хорошее, но не больше, если убрать монограмму, то таких дамских сумочек хорошего качества, сейчас видимо-невидимо, за $ 300. Я читала статью про компанию «Луис Витон» и стратегические подходы к покупателям, очень интересно знать, как предприятие, с помощью маркетинга, промывает наши мозги. Интересно, что в Японии, уже каждая вторая женщина обладает подлинной сумочкой «Луиса Витона». Японцы не любят подделок, поэтому в Японии, это уже даже не выделят из толпы, зато в Китае, с этим по проще ( хотя сейчас всё меняется), пол-Китая расхаживает с подделками, и причём, некоторые очень хорошего качества и имитации, китайцы развиваются в своих успехах копирования.


Только вчера, в русской парикмахерской, в Майами, я столкнулась с очень очень хорошей подделкой «Луис Витона», которая была на продаже в салоне. Я долго присматривалась и поражалась (сумки наверное были произведены в Майами) хорошим качеством кожи ( с этим сейчас не проблема, хорошая кожа поставляется из Южной Америки), всеми мелочами монограммы и маленькими деталями на которые нас учили обращать внимание, когда ты покупаешь дизайн сумочку, даже качество подкладки и дизайн в середине, всё выглядело очень подлинно и прилично. Хорошего качества подделка: $ 400. Это приблизительно столько и стоит производство дамской сумки, включая сырьё, работу и поставку. Разница в $1.600,00, это то, что компания «Луис Витон», сдирает с покупателей только за имидж и самоудовлетворение быть владелицей или владельцем подлинной «Луис Витон» сумки. Если раньше «нормальна» средняя цена «Луис Витон» сумки была около $ 1 000, то сейчас цены поднялись до $ 2 000. Напоминает игру в кошки-мышки: компания повышает цены и с язвительной улыбкой на устах, изучают покупателя: купит - не купит. Уж очень много развелось покупателей, и престиж падает, а престиж устанавливается уровнем недостижимости, то, что выделят тебя от других, твоя уникальность. Если «мечта» уникальности для многих достигается легко, значит, это уже не престижно, и покупатель теряет интерес.

Что касается моего персонального выбора, я предпочитаю Сальвадор Фиррагамо. Все продукты изысканного качества и очень дискретный лейбл. Многие покупатели выделяют продут из-за его качества и дизайна, а потом уже ознакомляются с маркой. Джиму Чью, очень хороший дизайнер тоже, но я ужаснулась «дешевым» качеством вещей ( к тому же, произведенных в Китае), цены на которых, как на продукты «Луис Витон».

Мы все имеем свои прихоти и заложники человеческих слабостей и тщеславия, за которое мы платим высокой ценой, и которые выходит нам боков, так или иначе. Я поражаюсь, что во время кризиса, компании по производству люксовых продуктов процветают и даже увеличивают рынок продажи. Но постольку, покупатели согласны платить неоправданные суммы денег за имидж, многие компании, в том числе и «Луис Витон» будут процветать, продавая иллюзию престижа, как «мертвые души».

Strange things happened to me: I got chance to drive two brand new BMWs from 2012, in a period of a month. The first one was BMW convertible Sport Package and now is X5 of 528I series, which is my second loaner. I am not a car-freak (I am bag-freak), but I really like this car, because it is environmental friendly and engine turns off at every red traffic light, based on efficient dynamic, you save on gas and produce less pollutions. My “old” red lady is on service again. I hope “BMW of Pembroke Pines” will find what is wrong with it and why warning indicators are flashing.

“BMW of Pembroke Pines” in Fort Lauderdale

My car is getting crazy, not less than 10 days ago I changed my tires after flat tire accident. After “BMW of Pembroke Pines” serviced my car, a yellow “Defective lamp” is lighting all the time. I just do not have time to complain on this service and take days off. I have already lost a lot of time there when I got flat tire, and on top of it “BMW of Pembroke Pines” lost my car-key and I had to come back later when they found my key. I cannot believe it. They did not even apologize.

But today I got two yellow indicators at once: BRAKE and DSC Dynamic Stability Control DTC. In the manual it says that this combination means the driving stability control systems have failed. But it is in yellow, I have no clue if it is lees dangerous.

I am so pissed off, but more terrified. What should I do? When I turned off the car and started again the indicators did not lighten up. But still, it gives me an eerie feeling that something is not right. Everything happed after I my car was served at “BMW of Pembroke Pines” in Fort Lauderdale.

Top designer handbags

Louis Vuitton Möet Hennessy, the luxury goods conglomerate behind Louis Vuitton. LVMH is divided into categories including wine, clothing, jewelry and cosmetics. Among its 60 companies are Hennessy, Dom Pérignon, Christian Dior (French) and Marc Jacobs (New York). And recently acquired Bulgari (Italian), amazing design. Louis Vuitton Möet Hennessy has wishful thinking to acquire Hermes (French), but Hermes does not want it. So far LVMH restrains its desire to buying Hermes stocks only. However, Hermes, no doubts is the most expensive. Personally, I think the bags are overpriced, and the only collection which is really worth to dream about is “Birkin.” Now, Fendi (Italian high fashion house, 1925) is owned by LVMH, but I personally do not like design. Fendi is famous for "baguette" design.

To this French “bouquet” belongs also Chloe, French fashion house founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion. Yves Saint Laurent (Paris, 1962), classical clean style.

A group of high-end Italian bag designers: Gucci (Italian Gucci Group, which is owned by French. Gucci was founded by in 1921), Gianni Versace ( founded in 1978), Salvatore Ferragamo (Italian, amazing quality of all products). Dolce&Gabbana ( Italian, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in Milan) and Valentino (Italian founded in 1959 by Valentino Garavani, Milan).

Jimmy Choo (British, founded in 1996) the most popular among celebrities, poor quality for the price on the products, but still is one of the most expensive bags. I was so disappointed when my Jimmy Choo handbag had loose threads sticking out everywhere and the leather blurred and wearied out after a year. I bought because I was thrilled by design, but the quality was not worth it. The same with shoes, if you buy a pair, save some money for taxi every time you wear the shoes.

Michael Kors ( New York, 1997), very good price for the offered quality and design. Tory Burch (New York). She began a fashion label in February 2004.

Cole Haan (Chicago) is a fashion label that was founded in 1928.The company uses very nice leather, but the bags are a little bit dull. However, the company started with footwear line in which the company is more successful than in designer handbags. I always buy Cole Haan shoes, especially which are made with cooperation with Nike, because are very comfortable and feels like “Clarks”, but look like high-end designer shoes.

Coach (New York, 1941) .. is Coach. If you do not mind to share same designer bag with the rest of the city and if today you are on low budget, Coach is a good alternative. I have two Coach handbags, they are very practical.

A flat tire.

A couple of days ago, I got a flat tire in the middle of rush hours. I was in the utter left lane when I realized that was something wrong with my car. I still do not know how I managed to change four lanes and parked my car on the “safety” lane. When I saw what had happened I almost got panic, because the larger number of fatal accidents on  highways happened when people had emergency stop on high speed lanes.

I could not believe it was happing to me, especially when just 8 months ago I got brand-new tires. I am well aware that the traffic in Miami is a big risk factor, and my daily commuting exposes me to more danger. I was calling to my insurance when road ranger stopped by and offered a help, but unfortunately the spare tire in the back of my car was damaged, and I had not any other choice as to wait for the towing car.

The towing guy was very talkative and disclosed that he had seen a lot of fatal accidents during his carrier, and the most typical were situations when people, who got a flat tire, were killed on the road waiting for towing car. I was so grateful that I survive this unhappy encounter.

When I and my car were transported to the service center, I faced a long wait time and a fat invoice from the service assistant. But the good news is that I got a loaner ( a loan car for the time of service), a brand-new BMW convertible with 3.0-liter dual M Sport Package cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline turbocharged 300-hp 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo. Sad that I am not a race girl, every time when I start the car I feel the power of the engine and strident sound (for many man it is breathtaking) of racing engine.

Wait it is not all, the certified BMW service lost the key of my car, and I could not pick up it on time. I am still dealing with this white race horse. I wonder why they gave this car to a girl who does not like speed. A new marketing strategy?

I have passed the exam!

I have passed the exam! I am so happy and proud of myself, because not so many people who did it. Now I can do something else on my weekends, maybe more blogging maybe not. I would like to change my theme of blogging (actually I do not have any theme right now); to be more accurate: to blog about something that makes me feel passionate, something that fires my curiously.

Maybe more on professional level; t. ex.: changes on the global supply chain market noticeable in our local store. Today, in IKEA, I was so excited when I read label “Made in Italy” on plastic organizers. It just proves that we can outsource to our neighbors and still keep competitive prices. IKEA benefits on increasing sustainability and improving environment due to shorter logistic.

Today is the first day that I feel kind of happy after weeks of miseries: moving, sickness, hard studies and work related stress. My exam is in two weeks and I am spending my Saturday night by practicing on line questions.

The good news is I like our new home, little town-house, very much. The house is well located in a quiet area and very cozy and charming. We have painted the garage and two rooms. One is going to be a little home gym. A small podium of inside garden will be a little flower’s paradise. Local climate allows you to plant any type of flowers.

I got so many criticisms for the ugly picture of me in the previous post and recommendation to take away. And you know what? I will not do it. Those who think that everybody has to be perfect and we have to show only our best pictures are mistaken. Even photo models can look unpleasant and even ugly without photo retouch.
I finished my reading, but still have to go through study questions.

I found this amazing video of little nightingale-girl … you have to check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeSPyxe7hkw&feature=related

Still no time...

After a month of silence I decided to trough a line. I am super busy and even now, writing these lines makes me feel guilty of not doing what I ought to do.  However, today is the first Saturday that I do not need to go to supply chain class. The first what I did this morning was my hair: highlights and cut. That is pretty much it what I can afford time wise. I have to still pass exam, which demands a lot of reading and practicing.  I am finishing the book # four of five. Outside on the streets of Fort Lauderdale is a lot of celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. I have seen it a couple of times and usually the scenario is pretty much the same: everybody dressed in green (even dogs), pre-drinking, parade, drinking and drinking. But all people are marry and usually the celebration ends up peasfully.

Happy Birthday!!

Today is my birthday.  I worked all day. I shared a birthday cake with my colleagues. And at evening I had a birthday dinner. Thank you All for all your calls and warm emails. I love you All.

I will survive!

I have started a training program to be certified as a supply chain professional. I will take all my spare time. The class is taken place every Saturday for the duration of tree months, 1200 pages have to be read and memorized, exam has be to be passed and all this in your “free” time from work, and I work 9-10 hours every day. In other words, I will have even less time to blog. On mind come the lyrics from Gloria Gaynor song “I Will Survive”:

It takes all the strength I have not to fall apart…

I will survive!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBR2G-iI3-I&noredirect=1

Chocolate-Monday

This morning I got a surprise! On my desk was waiting a present! I am known to be a chocolate-holic, and one of my peers gave me a present. The chocolate was 5 pounds and bigger than keyboard, everybody was astonished by its size. I shared it with everyone, today was a Chocolate-Monday.

“Café Europa” on Las Olas charges customers with huge “optional“ gratitude

The restaurant “Café Europa” has very nice food, but it is very expensive too. The restaurant serves the Italian cuisine, and I hate to admit the food is delicious. All service- folk talk to you with lovely romantic Italian accent, and the atmosphere is great. Everything is too good to be true… until you get your bill.
The restaurant “Café Europa” on Las Olas charges you automatically with 20 -22% “optional “gratitude. How gratitude can be optional when it is already included in bill? It makes me piss off, not only me, other people too. Last time we had a company of eight people; the service was acceptable but not the best. We got a bill with a huge “optional” tip. We asked to exclude the tip from the bill and pay cash according to the provided service. The waiter refused to do it, he was rude, confrontational and referred to the restaurant “rules” to include tip in a bill when a table more than six people. Lie, lie and lie: after this incident I went there with my girlfriend (only two of us), and the result was the same — a tip of 25% (!!!!) was included in our bill. Outrageous! As much as I love the food there I will never go there again, EVER.

As a local, I would rather recommend you truly authentic Italian restaurant, “Kitchenette.” You will never regret it, the food is amazing and nobody forces you with “optional“ gratitude, you give tip according to the service that was provided.

Flu

This week was one of the most frustrating weeks for the last 6 months. I got sick: sore throat, persistent cough, fever, constant sneezing, nasal congestion and all the other symptoms when you have flu. I had to go to work, due to I was scheduled for training program, which runs ones in a year, and I could not miss it. After the class I had to stay a couple of hours at my desk to fix the urgent issues.

When Friday came, I was so relieved to get chance to rest and stay in bed. I did not exercise, I did not move myself, and I did not even change my pajamas. I am a little bit better right now, at least no fever, but still it will take a week before I can take up my exercise again.
Everybody is sick around me, some kind of flu goes around and people are coughing as mad for weeks.

I am back to Florida, and life is as usual. During last two weeks it was cold in Florida, I even had a leather jacket when I came back from France. Today the temperature is back to normal, and the central street of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas, is very crowded. Today also is the annual “Art Show”, which is really big event here. Tomorrow is Monday. God, I wish we could skip Mondays.

Мелкие неприятности больших перелётов.

Время летит быстро и через два денька уже надо ехать домой. Опять придётся лететь с двумя пересадками: через Амстердам и Атланту. Последний раз в Амстердаме, после просмотра ручного багаже, я забыла мой ручной чемоданчик на конвейере. Вспомнила уже в киоске, покупая воду, да как рванула назад за забытым чемоданом с неоплаченной бутылочкой воды в моих руках. К тому времени, мой чемоданчик окружили сотрудники безопасности, я забрала чемоданчик, сразу же бегом бегом назад в киоск пока за мной не послали полицию за неуплаченную воду. Всё вроде бы обошлось, голландцы люди спокойные и здравомыслящие, кипиша не подняли, хотя с Американцами мне пришлось бы долго объясняться, как за забытую сумку, так и за неуплаченную воду.

На этот раз мне пришлось поплатиться за мою дурную привычку －закрывать и не закручивать банки, бутылки, тюбики, пакеты из-под молока или сока и так далее－на моём горьком опыте (Арина, поздравляю, ты не одна искусственница в этом грязном деле). Минеральная вода разлилась по всему рюкзачку, из не плотно закрученной бутылочки, которую я засунула в рюкзак, при приземлении в Женеве. Мой мобильный телефон долго измывался в агониях, дрожа, вибрируя и издавая странные звуки умирающего электрического аппарата. Хорошо, что iPhone лежал в другой сумочке. Да уж, мобильник это тебе не разбитая банка помидор, на что, я, великий рукодельник и оттачиваю своё мастерство, продолжая хвататься за незакрученные крышки при доставании их холодильника.

The New Year’s Eve French dinner

Yesterday we had a New Year’s Eve dinner consisted of 10 small meals at very nice gourmet restaurant: ”De L’ALTIPORT.” The dinner started at 8pm and continued after 12, and the atmosphere was very French and merry. The restaurant was quite small, and I counted only six families and yet a couple of tables were available. After we had enjoyed the midnight wirework at the restaurant’s terrace, we went back to the warm and cozy restaurant. In a matter of seconds we were surrounded by the other guests who were wishing us happy New Year accompanying it with the abundance of kisses. It was awkward from the beginning, I did not recall when the last time I had exchanged so many kisses with completely strangers, but after a while we all felt like a big family. Everyone was happy and merry. I was not happy about Alex tooking an espresso, and I was really distress when the waitress tried numerous times to serve spirit to my teenager. After the second try I was very clear that it was not OK, and I did not accept the French frivolous way to serve vine to kids. Other than that the party was excellent. Regardless my not drinking even champagne －my “Yoga Promise”, yearly detoxing of body － I had a blast.

Do not ask me about the ingredients of the all courses. I can only tell you that it was super delicious and very French cuisine.