About Me ~ Karen Zabawa I am currently a freelance writer and webmaster in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. I received my Diploma in Journalism - Print (Sheridan Scholar) from Sheridan College in 1996. Prior to and following graduation I have worked as a journalist. Previous Occupations My previous occupations gave me a good basis for journalism; They include: • Toronto Mississauga Market Research Field and Office Supervisor; direct sales; interviewer • Toronto, London ON, Vancouver, BC, Saint John NB Telephone company customer service rep; methods and training • Edmonton, Alberta Lamaze method pre-natal instructor • Mississauga On TESL teacher Other Interests While at Sheridan, I got my first taste of the world of web design, but it lay dormant for several years, until fostered by web-expert-friend-traveller Teena (AbFab Art Studio), when I volunteered to set up a web site for a then-new charity Starthrower Foundation. After setting up the Starthrower Foundation site (though I continue as webmaster), I set up my own, on which I continue to work. See SnapshotJourneys.com. I find web site design and maintenance endlessly absorbing and challenging, and a lot of fun! I also keep a blog ~ Snapshot-Travel-Blog -- and a blog for Starthrower Foundation Updates from Haiti -- Starthrower Foundation Blog Evelyn Hannon at Journeywoman.com, a Toronto Canada-based website for travellers, was a fabulous support and mentor in travel and writing about travel. See Journey Woman Travel Tales, and Travelling Solo But Not Completely Alone, and Journey Woman - Women's Words on Hong Kong, and Journey Woman International Travel Tip Bazaar I frequently contribute articles to West of the City Magazine, as well as other Metroland publications. Previous contributor to Mississauga News, the Mississauga Booster and Good Life Mississauga and Oakville. I am a member of the Canadian Freelance Union. Where I've Lived in Canada Nelson, Kamloops, and Vancouver, in British Columbia Sherwood Park, Alberta London and Mississauga, Ontario Rothesay, New Brunswick Most Asked Questions about me Are you Polish? (answer: No.) Are you African? (answer: No.) What nationality are you? (answer: Ukrainian) Do you speak Polish/Ukrainian? (answer: No.) Most Rarely-Asked Questions About Me Can I send you a lot of money as a gift? (answer: Yes!) Can I gift you my air miles? (answer: Yes!) Other Questions, Comments If you have a question, or would like to comment on this site, please send an email using the email form. If you'd like to enable my web hosting needs and addiction to travel, send cheque or money orders payable to me to the address on the contact Karen Zabawa page. If you'd like to make a token contribution to the above, and still get something for yourself, you can make a purchase through the Amazon store pages. I thank you in advance! Happy travels!