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They Cut Down Part of our Treehouse

Today I am mourning the loss of one of the many small reasons I love this apartment so much.

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Not Cool, Canon! (A Public Service Announcement)

After doing some quick research online, I discovered a very interesting, widely unknown fact about Canon and HP printer cartridges: They are region locked.

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The Role of a Lifetime

It’s 8:30pm and 25 degrees outside. I just finished a smoothie here in Cafe Monet, one of our new finds not far from our apartment. I’m surrounded by Russian conversations, a TV silently playing old movies, and Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole playing on the stereo. Це моя Україна — This is my Ukraine.

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An Epiphany in Kharkov (Photos and Video)

As we wrote about last year, the 21st of January is Epiphany according to the Orthodox calendar. Katie, Jordan, Cody, and I once again attended the event this year, which took place not far from our house.

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I’m Going To Be A Grandpa!

While Sasha and Nastya were visiting over the New Year’s holidays, they shared the exciting news that Nastya is pregnant! They found out on their one-year anniversary and are looking at a July due date.

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Happy New Year’s

On Monday Katie and I hosted aNew Year’s Eve party for the second year in a row. We had a wonderful time celebrating with our friends here in Kharkov and enjoyed an evening filled with food, games, and a lot of fun.

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Stop Waiting For Change

Instead of dreaming about how you want the next year to be different, think about what would make today better. Take your dream, create a realistic plan to achieve it, and begin immediately.

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Winter Strollers

Obviously people in a walking society would be pretty big stroller users. And, in fact, they are. But what about in the winter? Chains? Snow tires? Nope, sleds.

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Watch Your Back (At The Airport)

When flying, Katie and I often chose to make our trips through security last longer than they needed to be by requesting pat downs instead of walking through the body scanners.

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The Gloves Are Off (Shaking Hands In Ukraine)

Just like the United States, Ukraine values the handshake. It’s a gesture that says, “I see you, I value that you’re here right now.” It’s a very important part of communication. Over the years I’ve lived here, I have learned several cultural rules regarding the handshake which I find fascinating.

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