Posted on August 14, 2010
Well, the title pretty much said it all. Yes, it is true, and it is finally official–my sweetie and I packing, as I am typing, and getting ready to make the big move! On 8/31 we will board a plane to relocate to Westerville, OH.
We are sad. Most of my family lives in or around Longview, so it will be very painful to leave them. We also had met wonderful people while here: clients, friends, church family, co-workers, and have been influenced by many in a wonderful way.
But we are also excited about what the future holds for us. Columbus and the metropolitan area around it is a huge metropolis compared to Cowlitz County [only 100K people population] and boast sover 1,000,000 people. The diversity, which we miss so much, is wonderful.
We moved from Ohio to Washington 2.5 years ago and many of our friends still live in/around Columbus, which will make our transition less painful. Thanks to our friends there, namely Cindi R, a good friend of mine, we were able to find housing and to start making other prepartions.
So, what does that mean for you, my lovely clients? Well, if you need to place a re-order from a current session, it can be easily done. All you have to do is e-mail me. If you wanted to book a session and never did, there are two options: 1. I am available for destintion shoots [that means that I and my assistant would love to fly out and shoot your event for you if you so desire]; or 2. you can catch up with me when I am back to visit, about which I will let everyone know way ahead of time.
As for now I still have two weddings to photograph in the next two weeks, and work as second photographer at one more wedding. Once we relocate I have meetings lined up with wedding planners, photographers and other wonderful folk to get Elena Photographers booming in the Columbus metropolitan area. I will stay specialized with Weddings, Engagements/Couples, and Seniors. In my free time… when there will be some 
, I am going to be a Group Fitness Trainer, teaching Power Yoga + Pilates [I am studying for my certification now] and teaching people good nutrition and cooking classes. So, if you are in/around Westerville/Columbus OH area and want to meet me, shoot me an e-mail and we can talk beautiful photography, fitness and nutrition [separately or at the same time, which has happened many times ].
Have an amazing day!
Posted on August 10, 2010
You got them too, don’t you? Pet peeves, I mean.
I rarely speak of mine, but there are times when my cup gets to overflowing, and the lid is ready to blow off… I let out the steam by working, exercising, or just getting over it. But once in a while I want to talk about it!
So, here is a list of a few of my pet peeves:
1. Cars pulling out in front of you and going really slow, so you have to slam on your breaks, while there is NO ONE driving behind you. Really! You would think that the driver could have waited a second longer, unless s/he is in a hurry to die.
2. Car shops that fix your car and miss something. You think after paying them $3K for fixing your car you will hear no noises and have no problem… Apparently not so. I just had to take my car back to the shop to have them recheck everything, because all of a sudden, after the deer accident, my air conditioner belt is squealing with a high pitched noise and I cannot go over a bump without hearing something rattle on the inside.
3. Slurping! This one is one of the biggest evils in the world! No, I know it cannot be compared to world hunger and cruelty… but in reality it is one of the most effective weapons of torture in my life. You eat around me slurping and chomping with your mouth wide open… well, you’ve lost a friend 
and I lost a meal.
Don’t judge me! It is MY pet peeve. Not like I asked for it .
4. People who cannot say THANK YOU! It is the cheapest and the most effective way to make someone happy and feel appreciated. When someone is going out of their way to help you, even if they mess up a little, don’t take the time to nitpick! Say: THANK YOU! You can always address issues later.
It is really easy. Open that mouth and say THANK YOU! You won’t have to buy a gift or take them out to dinner, or buy a fold bracelet, but a simple THANK YOU will make their day!
5. People who yawn without covering their mouth… Don’t even get me started on this one! I don’t want to see anyone’s pearly gates opening wide! Cover your mouth! I will like you much better that way .
6. Cold houses/rooms/buildings! I hate having to wear sweaters in the summer! I have cute summer dresses and clothes collecting dust in my closet because someone decides that running AC at 65 F year around is a brilliant idea… Not so MUCH!
7. People who won’t make eye contact when talking to you.
I want to grab the by their chin and say: “There is nothing on the ceiling or the floor or anywhere around me… Please, please look at me when you are talking to me.”
Well, I think that’s enough for now. I would not want you to think that your photographer is a crazed maniac. I am really not !
I am a good-mannered, very considerate artist. I promise… I don’t do any of the things listed above . For every pet peeve I listed I like to do things exactly opposite of them! I will look into your eyes when talking to you; I will keep my house nice and cozy for you; I will never yawn without covering my mouth; I will ALWAYS say Thank You for every little thing someone does or attempts to do for me; I am a QUIET eater—no sounds coming out of my mouth ; and I won’t ever cut in front of you, especially if I can wait an extra moment to pull out on the road.
Well, there! I got it off my chest! Now I can get back to my life
Have a happy, pet peeve FREE day!
Posted on August 3, 2010
Time is truly flying by. It seems that only yesterday two bundles of joy were brought into our family, one day apart from each other. My sister Olga and her husband Farid had a wonderfully beautiful baby boy, whom they named Zakir.
The day after my brother Leonid and his wife Yelena were graced with a precious little girl, Nina–the little blue eyed beauty.
Yes… it seems as if it was only yesterday.
Nina has grown up and gotten married.
Zakir matured into a handsome young man…
…but the memories of their little faces and cuddly bodies will forever live in my heart.
Happy birthday, loves! May God be your guiding light for eternity!
