If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There was a catch. — It was Thursday evening, I was about to finish work and I checked the Telegram chat I have with my girlfriends. We live far away from each other but we like to chat and laugh. Even if I just share my cat photos, everyone is extremely happy to interact. One…

Originated in the 19th century, this surprising tradition is full of colors. — Do you use handkerchiefs as a part of your everyday look? I don’t — after all, I’m not James bond. We don’t see handkerchiefs as much anymore unless we go to posh work events, do we? Those are the only places I ever see that style of accessory nowadays. The…

A letter to a mother who got murdered trying to save her children from a war zone. — Dear Mom, Today is exactly two months since the day a Russian soldier shot you in the stomach in front of my eyes. We have lived such a quiet normal life in the city of Mariupol in south-eastern Ukraine. You always made my brother and I smile regardless of how…

Ending a relationship might be a good thing. But some people do so for silly reasons. — People break up all the time, don’t they? Sadly, they do. And we often get back together with exes, which can be either an excellent idea or the worst thing ever. I’d rather be single my entire life than ever go back to an ex. While many individuals have good…

At some point, you get annoyed at people not knowing geography. — I was born and raised in Ukraine before moving to Canada in my teens. I wasn’t sure how to explain where I was from because Ukraine is a small country far away from Canada, and some Canadians may not know it. Ukraine is actually the largest country in Europe and…

I ran the numbers, and they aren’t what you think as there are many factors at play — Viewers worldwide have been glued to the screens watching the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard trial in the past several weeks. The Law & Crime Network even hit a new record in early May: 330 million people have been watching the defamation trial. …

Fairy tales don’t have to stay fairy tales. — We all want to have a perfect love story that lasts our entire lives, don’t we? The story of meeting the love of our life, starting a family, and growing together till death does us apart at a late age. Isn’t that what many of us desire? I’m conflicted about…

Seeing your money gone never feels good. But the life experience is priceless. — I participated in a financial pyramid the other week. As you read that, you may think: why? Why would anyone get into a Ponzi scheme when they know the pyramids are bound to fall apart? Why would you invest money you know you’re going to lose, Joanna? I know, I…

Can I reach this goal, or will I fail? — I haven’t participated in challenges recently. To be honest, I have been distracted by everything happening in the news since the end of February. Not only do I need a good distraction, but an extra income to send to my friends and family in Ukraine. Long story short, I’m throwing…