Travel Tips On Heading to The Airport, At The Airport, In The Air, After Landing

Make sure you have everything you need packed, and always check back with the Airline and Airport for your flight times. It is very important to keep track of your flight schedule at least 12-24 hours prior to

departure as it is the travelers responsibility to make sure your on time for your flight and your at the boarding area well in advanced before getting in the airplane. Check in at least 3 hours before departure. We

always arrive more than 3 hours before our flight. It makes life that much easier because you know your going away that day, so you must always look at the time. Make sure you have all your important

documents such as passports, tickets, visas(if required), your declaration cards, whatever it may be. Now that there are a liquids and aerosol bans, make sure you get the right travel bottles to put the liquids in

and make sure they don’t exceed 100ml or you will be required to put them in your checked baggage. The best way to get through security is to empty out your pockets before heading to security to save more

time and the process will be much easier and you will be on your way to your airline gate faster. Due to where your destination is and what airline you will travel with always check out the maximum allowance of how

much weight you can carry in your checked and carry on baggage. If it exceeds the amount allowed, you may have to pay for each pound or each kilo added. So pack smart and pack efficiently. If you are

sending gifts or items, please do not wrap them because it maybe inspected. It is always the travelers responsibility to double check everything or you maybe denied boarding. In my past experiences, being on

time for your flight and being in the boarding area of maximum an hour or hour and a half before your flight is crucial because the flight attendants and airline ground workers will already start announcing your flight,

then they start announcing passengers between for example rows 1-15 please start boarding or 15-32. Through what I have witnessed that has happened people arrive to the gate 10 minutes before the flight

leaves. you do not want that. You want to be rested, relaxed and enjoying your trip without the sudden rush. It depends if your connecting flights though, but just relax and enjoy your airport experience and get

to places on time.

Here are some websites to help you out in your travels —

This is the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority: http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/Home.aspx?ID=1

Sunwing Airlines http://www.flysunwing.com/

Toronto Pearson Airport http://www.gtaa.com

Canada’s Airports http://www.cacairports.ca/english/

Itravel2000 http://www.itravel2000.com/HomePage.aspx

My Sweet 16 Birthday that Never happened

When I was in high school and about to turn 16, I have heard about the sweet 16’s birthday parties and the fun those people had, and planned their birthdays that it was perfect, the people who had gone to those parties, the decorations, the planning all kicked off perfectly.

Even though I did not have friends back in the day, and those who I thought were somehow, I decided to throw a sweet 16 birthday party for me. As I had invited 20 people from my school. So now when it came toward the last couple of days to my birthday, I assured people to ask if they are going to be attending my birthday and they said yes we will be there. I got so excited. I remember it was April 28, 2001, on a Saturday and Monday is my real birthday on the 30th, and decided to have it 2 days early because of School on the right day.

As I had begun decorating, and had ordered the cake and the food, as well has putting some games so people can play. As the time was nearing for people to come, I got so excited that I stood by the door to wait for them to come, my anticipation was growing deeper. As I looked at the time again and it was 2pm where the time said on the invitations, I look at the clock and it said 2:15. I said ok its ok, they are running late. Then one person came around 2:30, I welcome her into the house and she decided to wait with me. then it became almost 4pm, and it was just her and I was devastated, humiliated, embarrassed, and crying so much.

That one girl who came to my party wiped my tears away and said it will be ok. Don’t worry, I am here. lets enjoy together. Who cares about the rest that stood you up? I said yeah you are right. So we enjoyed the food, and desert and cake and watched a couple of movies until it was time for her to go home. She hugged me and said, Talin, do not worry about anybody else, they are cowards. God is watching them. Then she left as her mom came and picked her up. My heart shattered to pieces. It was a feeling that I never wish on anybody else.

After her leaving, I let out a huge cry. I said, I cannot believe this happened to me and my mom comforted me and told me, don’t worry God will punish them. So Monday came and I was still crying and devastated. I did not enjoy my real 16th birthday, but I did go out to dinner with my family, which made everything better. I actually skipped school for a couple of days and just stood home. I just didn’t feel like seeing anybody. Then I decided to go to school on the Wednesday, and none of them said I am sorry and did not bother to give me an explanation as to why they did that. All the planning, food and everything went to waste, however we kept the food and ate it throughout the week.

From then on, I didn’t care about interacting with anybody and I just went about and studied, did my homework, attended all my classes, and then once school was finished, I’d never waste another second and just go home. I was so disgusted. That one girl changed schools the year after because her family had moved somewhere further, and that really made me even cry more. She was the only one who really cared. It was so nice of her. I still have the give she gave me 14-15 years later.

As I reached another milestone this year. At the end of April on the 30th of 2015, I will be celebrating my champagne birthday turning 30 on 30 and it is coming up so quickly. As I almost say Goodbye to my 20’s, I am truly hoping that I can have a sweet 30th birthday that will make up for the sweet 16th birthday I never had. I know it is not good to expect it, but when you’ve never had a birthday party reaching a milestone, it makes you wonder how and what might have been. I just want to have a great time with my lovely and beautiful loved ones I have in my life which really matter to me more than anything else.

Have you experienced a disappointing turnout at a party or function you have had? I am sure you felt humiliated and distraught. Have you had a similar situation where people didn’t bother to show up and not telling you why and not having the common decency to call and explain? If you have, I am so sorry to hear that. I know exactly how you feel. It is not a good feeling at all.

Hopefully nobody has to go through what I went through. Best wishes to you and may your dreams come true, because everyday is our birthday and celebrate it by the gift of breathing and living through another day. We are blessed and that is what matters the most.

What is Endometriosis? Raising Awareness

Endometriosis is a immune system disease as well as hormonal of which cells are similar to that line the uterus *Endometrium* which produces growth outside of the uterine cavity. It is commonly on the membrane which the abnormal cavity lines to the peritoneum. Endometriosis is an excruciatingly painful feeling you get that is worse than having your menstrual cycle monthly. The most common cause is dysmenorrhea.

Endometriosis is usually diagnosed during the reproductive years, also has been diagnosed way before that as well. It can cause infertility, poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), you can develop many cysts, and many other conditions of the female reproductive system. It can cause irregular menstrual periods, missed periods, as well as causing dislocation of organs around the reproductive system with the bowels, bladder, fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries. The nervous system can also be affected by Endometriosis. Hormonal imbalances can be a factor as well.

Pelvic pain can range mid to severe aches, cramps, and pain that makes you feel like you have been stabbed repeatedly. you can feel the impact to the legs, lower abdomen, back, and down to the rectal areas as well. It depends from person to person on the severity of the case. It causes urine urgency, as well as voiding painfully sometimes. It also complicates intercourse and makes it very painful.

If you are experiencing very painful menstrual cramping, it is best to go see a gynecologist, and your family doctor to send you to a specialist to see what is going on with an ultrasound, MRI, CT Scan, or whatever examinations are needed to determine the main cause of what is going on. It is always a good idea to be screened, even if you are not active in intercourse. When you are on your period and it is extremely heavy, and periods that last over 7 days, it is a good idea to get screened right away to figure out what is going on.

Unfortunately when you do get diagnosed with Endometriosis, there is no cure for it, however there are a variety of treatment options such as surgery, hormonal, and pain medication. It depends on a persons situation and varies from what stage of Endometriosis that you have.

Endometriosis is a huge thing and not many people know about it or maybe they have and some people do not know what it is. It always good to ask questions and talk to other women who have Endometriosis and to get educated on these things.

I want to spread awareness as much as possible about this as I know someone who has this and its unfortunate what she is going through. I wish her all the best with this crazy disease. Women and girls go through a lot as they are growing up and going into adulthood. The body changes so much, especially when you get your first menstrual cycle. It all begins. Sometimes even before that.
It is so important for women to see your doctors regularly. Even if you do not feel anything wrong, it is always a good idea to get checked out for a peace of mind. It really is a good idea because its better to be safe and to know. Best wishes to you.

For more information and Links of Interest in Relative to Endometriosis:

Understanding Endometriosis.
http://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/understanding-endometriosis-symptoms

More in depth look at Endometriosis
http://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/default.htm

Causes and more
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html

Women’s Health, Diagnosis and more…
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/endometriosis.html

Other information
http://endometriosisinfo.ca/index_e.aspx

You can find more on your search engines.

Armenian Memorial Faith Build – Habitat for Humanity – The Armenian Genocide Centennial

100 Youth for 100 Years.
In dedication to the Armenian Genocide 1915-2015
of the 1.5 Million Armenians that were killed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

About the Event and the Armenian Memorial Faith Build:
In the Words from The Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS)

This project will commemorate the Armenian Genocide Centennial by giving back to our community and help build homes for the less fortunate. It will be our way of giving thanks to Canada for its help to Armenians during and after the Genocide.

In 2006, the Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS), Holy Trinity Armenian Church, started a collaborative and first of its kind initiative with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area called the “Armenian Memorial Faith Build” which annually has commemorated the Armenian Genocide while making a difference in our local communities. Since we started this initiative, over 130 participants raised over $14,000 for HFH(Habitat for Humanity) Toronto.

Once again, we are preparing for a Memorial Build in April 2015. This year being the Centennial year of the Armenian Genocide, we are targeting 100 youth to participate over a period of 2 Saturdays to take part in the build. This initiative will be part of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Events.

We hope you will join us and be a part of this milestone. We need to remember and honour those who perished 100 years ago in the first genocide of the 20th Century.

Where? The 960 Brimley Road Project (960 Brimley Rd Toronto, ON M1P 3E9)
When? Saturday March 28, 2015 OR Saturday April 11, 2015
e-mail contactus@afsstoronto.ca or call Sareen 416-431-5549
Requirements: Age 16+, Registration/Pledge Forms available
Included: Free Habitat t-shirt, lunch, snacks, a great sense of satisfaction!

Construction skills NOT required

Great for Resume and High School Community Service Hours.

————————————————————————————————————

This will be a fulfilling experience, as well as meeting new people, giving back to the community and  honouring the memory of the Armenian Genocide.

Links of Interest:

Website: http://www.afsstoronto.org/

Click on the Armenian Family Support Services Facebook Page: For photos and more. https://www.facebook.com/TorontoAFSS?fref=nf

Click on the Event Page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1549221768670559/

Creator of the Armenian Alphabet – St. Mesrob Mashtots

In 362 A.D in Taron, St. Mesrob Mashtots was born and passed away in February of 440 A.D. St. Mesrob Mashtots was a theologian in Armenians, Hymnologist, as well as a linguist. In Our Armenian culture, he is best known as for inventing and creating the 38 Letter Armenian Alphabet in 405 A.D. It was an incredible step to increasing, strengthening and establishing a bond between the Armenian Statehood, Armenians Living in the empire of Byzantine and the Armenian kingdom. It also created a sense of identity and difference in the world that prospered into a beautiful language with creating words, where we are now able to read, write, speak and express ourselves in our Armenian communities, churches, in our homes, and in our day-to-day lives.

In Armenia, we have a Library called the “Madenataran“, where his Statue and the Armenian Alphabet beside him sits, and where the most important books, scriptures and important parts of our Armenian Heritage sits in the museum within the Madenataran. In 2005 Armenian Alphabet turned 1600 years old, where then as a celebration a field with all the Letters in the Alphabet was created by the Mt Aragats.

St. Mesrob Mashtots also created the Albanian, and Georgian Alphabets.

St. Mesrob came from a village in “Hatzetgatz Kyough” (HATS-EH-GATS KYOO-GH), and passed away in Vagharshapat (Vagh-are-shahpat), then he was laid to rest in the town of Oshakan. To this very day many tourists and visitors to Armenia, visit his tomb in the church to pay homage and respects to the creator. St. Mesrob Mashtots spent most of his life devoted to Christianity, and to spread the word of God. He is known to be a big icon in the world and prominent individual, which inspired many people in the Global world history and still does to this day from hearing about his biography, what he accomplished which changed our Armenian identity and put a positive and beautiful impact in our world.

Without St. Mesrob, we would not have our alphabet, our ability to read, write and communicate with the words and our beautiful language that exists in our world. This is an example of how Turkey failed to wipe Armenians off the face of this earth during the April 24, 1915, Armenian Genocide, because to this day we continue to speak, read and write our beautiful Armenian Language. Thank you to St. Mesrob Mashtots for giving us our identity. We Armenians are forever grateful and we are so blessed to have you in our life and your legacy will live on within our hearts forever.

Links of Interest:

click this link to see the Armenian Alphabet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_alphabet

click this link to see the Madenataran Library in Armenia – http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Matenadaran

How Well Do You Know Social Media? Test Your Knowledge With This Quiz

Multiple Choice

1. What year did Twitter first make its Debut?

A) 2009
B) 2008
C) 2007
D) 2005

2. When Was Facebook Founded?

A) 2006
B) 2004
C) 2010
D) 2012

3. We know this “#” Symbol is called a Hashtag, but there is another word for it. What is it?

A) Octothorpe
B) Number Sign
C) Global Advertising
D) Pound Sign

4. What is a “DM”?

A) Direct Message
B) Double Messaging
C) Draw Me
D) District Media

5. What does “SEO” Stand for?

A) Search Engine Organization
B) Search Engine Optimization
C) Search Entitle Openly
D) Social Engine Organization

6. What is Opera?

A) A type of Music
B) An Internet Browser
C) Part of Website Building
D) An internet sensation

7. What is a Permalink?

A) A permanent Website
B) A Re-blog
C) An address or URL of a post within a blog or website.
D) Linking Many Websites at Once.

8. What is a Tag Cloud?

A) A List of Hashtags
B) Keywords
C) Words
D) User Generated Tags for Word Content

9. What is MetaData?

A) MetaData is collecting data from Websites
B) A Type of Statistic for Blogs and Websites
C) Information in Collecting data from Titles, Captions, Tags
D) Data from Social Media Outlets

10. What is “RSS”?

A) A Link to Websites
B) Videos that capture Vines
C) A News Feed
D) Really Simple Syndication
Answers Below:

Answers:

1. C
2. B
3. A
4. A
5. B
6. B
7. C
8. D
9. C
10. D

100 Years, 100 Reasons – Armenians Are Still Here – 1915-2015

This year in 2015 on April 24th, It will be Armenian Genocide’s 100 Year Commemoration.
The Turkish Ottoman Empire failed to wipe Armenians off the Earth and here are 100 reasons why Turkey Failed. #TurkeyFailed

1. We can Still read Armenian
2. We can still speak Armenian
3. We have 38 letters in the Armenian Alphabet
4. We are the first Adopter of Christianity in 301 A.D.
5. Our Flag is Red, Blue and Orange
6. Armenians have been Around for thousands of years and will be here forever
7. We can still write in Armenian
8. We are few in the world, but will always remain Armenian
9. We have the first church built named “Sourp Etchmiadzin”
10. We have a beautiful Country
11. The Apricot, Grapes, Pomegranates are fruits of our Nation

12. William Saroyan’s Quote “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.”

13. Our Armenia Capital is Yerevan
14. We can sing Armenian Songs
15. We can pray in Armenian
16. We have many churches across the world
17. We have many Armenian Community Centres across the world
18. 13 Million Armenians are living around the world
19. Armenia became independent in 1991 from the Soviet Union
20. St Gregory the Illuminator was our first Catholicos
21. We have Armenian Inventors, Innovators
22. We have So many Armenian Singers and Performers
23. Armenians are great at Chess
24. Mesrob Mashtotz, Creator of the Armenian Alphabet
25. Vartan Mamigonian – year 451 Vartanantz
26. Sassountzi Tavit – David of Sassoun
27. We have beautiful Armenian Scripture
28. Armenians have the rarest and most beautiful books in Madenataran – Library in Armenia
29. We have Khor Virap Church
30. Mount Ararat will always be ours even though The Turkish Ottoman Empire took it away from us
31. Hagop Oshakan, novelist, literary critic
32. Atom Egoyan who is a film director, producer
33. Isabel Bayrakdarian/Serouj Kradjian — Armenian Pianist, Singer
34. Cher Sarkissian — Singer “Cher”
35. Daniel Varoujan, lyric poet
36. Vahan Tekeyan, poet, political leader
37. Arshile Gorky, abstract painter
38. Hovhannes Shiraz, nationalistic poet
39. Paruyr Sevak, Eastern Armenian poet
40. Tigran the Great — Dikran
41. Charles Aznavour – Armenian singer
42. Kirk Kirkorian – Businessman and MGM Owner
43. Kev Orkian — actor, musician & comedian
44. Eric Bogosian, playwright and performance artist
45. Ken Davitian, actor
46. Robert Zildjian, founder of Sabian Cymbals
47. We have delicious Foods
48. Armenians have the best coffee
49. Andre Agassi — Tennis Player
50. Geghard Church
51. Garni Temple
52. Republic Square of Yerevan
53. Lake Sevan
54. Zvartnots Airport and Cathedral
55. St. Hripsime Church
56. Tatev Monastery
57. The Yerevan Opera House
58. Erebuni Museum
59. Sardarabad
60. Gyumri
61. Kohar Music School – Kohar Music
62. Shushi
63. Nagorna Gharabagh – Artsakh
64. The Armenian Dram — Armenia Money Currency
65. Dilijan
66. Talin City
67. Oshagan
68. Armenian Alphabet Field
69. Mamig Dadig Statue
70. Noravank Church
71. Beautiful Hills and Mountains
72. Our DOOF Kar — Our Armenia Rock
73. Rich and beautiful Agriculture
74. Hayasdan is Armenia
75. We have beautiful and rich history, that will always remain part of us
76. Armenians are Forever
77. We have Armenians in Sports
78. Jermuk Falls
79. Ararat Cognac
80. Yeraplur
81. Akhtamar
82. Armenian Cross Rocks — Khatchkars
83. The Gate to Armenia is Always Open – Welcome!
84. Mayr Hayasdan Statue — Mother of Armenia statue with a Sword
85. Beautiful Roads leading to beautiful cities and towns of Armenia
86. beautiful trees and nature
87. the skies, the ground, Armenia is natural
88. Armenian Communities of the world Come together to commemorate the Armenian Genocide
89. We Armenians get together in our communities
90. Armenians enjoy parties and get togethers
91. Ararat the Movie
92. My Uncle Rafael Movie
93. Musa Dagh
94. We feel great when we hear someone speaking Armenian in a store and just hear our beautiful language spoken
95. Armenian Folk dances are beautiful
96. Armenian Patriotic and National Songs are touching
97. Wedding attendances are large
98. Our Armenian Identity is special
99. Our hearts, minds, souls, body, physically, mentally and emotionally will always be Armenian
100. After all that we have been through from the Armenian Genocide and beyond, we are still here and will be forever.

 

There are so many other reasons.

God bless Armenia and Armenians!

Because, Turkey Failed – The Armenian Genocide 100 Year Centennial

Hashtag and Keep this going #TurkeyFailed

– We can still say our Armenian Alphabet, Because TurkeyFailed
– We can still hold our Armenia Flag high up in the air, Because TurkeyFailed
– We can still talk in our Armenian Language, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have beautiful and rich history, that will always remain part of us, Because TurkeyFailed
– Red Blue Orange, Because TurkeyFailed
– We are still here, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have our Armenian Landmarks, Churches, Community Centres, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have the greatest innovators, celebrities, musical artists, artists, and many other talents, Because TurkeyFailed
– We will always have Mount Ararat and it will be returned to us once again, Because TurkeyFailed
– Turkish Ottoman Empire wiped out more than 1.5 Million Armenians, But were still here, Because TurkeyFailed
– More than 13 Million Armenians around the world, Because TurkeyFailed
– Armenians are Forever, Because TurkeyFailed
– 100 years later, we are still here, Because TurkeyFailed

April 24, 1915, Because, TurkeyFailed

 

The Armenian Genocide Centennial

100 Years