Our cat was around 12 years old when we brought the dog home, and he wasn’t thrilled about the new addition. He’d swat our new pup with his paw or hiss to show his displeasure. But as Adele grew up, he either came to terms with the change or realized she could stand up to him. While they don’t have the kind of bond where they snuggle together, they respect each other’s space. Emotions can run high in daily life, but pets have a way of shifting our focus. Their acts and behavior can make us smile, or a walk with them can clear the air and help us reset.
That’s a tough question for me. If you asked about the most unique or beautiful bird, I couldn’t pick just one—every bird is beautiful and unique in its own way. Ukraine is home to about 424 bird species, and I’ve only seen 130 so far, so there’s plenty left to explore!One bird that left a lasting impression on me is the white-tailed eagle. Its wingspan can reach up to 2.5 meters, which is breathtaking on its own, but its history is equally fascinating. It’s listed in Ukraine’s Red Data Book, a protected species. You should Google it—it has some amazing facts.As for color, I love the common bee-eater and the blue-eared kingfisher for their vibrant hues. But I was also pleasantly surprised to spot a Eurasian bullfinch and a European nightjar—both incredible in their own right!I don’t have a specific favorite birdwatching spot because you can find interesting birds almost anywhere—whether it’s a forest, field, meadow, lake, river, or even while driving in a car. Every place has its own unique birds to discover. And since there are still so many species I haven’t seen, every trip into nature feels like a new opportunity. By the way, when you spot a bird species for the first time, it’s called a “lifer.”
Birds are definitely beautiful, but that’s just the beginning. Watching them is both visually pleasing and an opportunity to learn something new about each species. It’s a lot like testing in that you need patience, focus, and determination. For instance, I tried three times to get a clear photo of the Yellow-crested Goldfinch, one of our smallest and quickest birds. She’s so fast that one second, she’s right in front of you, and the next, she’s on another branch. The challenge sharpens your observation skills, much like how spotting subtle issues in testing can be tricky. Both hobbies require you to stay alert and notice even the smallest movements or details!
I began as a manual tester and later got into automated testing mainly out of curiosity, wanting to understand how it works. However, I find manual testing more engaging. It allows for interaction, putting yourself in the user’s shoes and trying to replicate their journey. That hands-on approach feels more dynamic to me.What I enjoy most about my work is investigating strange, elusive bugs and figuring out how to reproduce them. It feels like solving a puzzle. As for things I don’t like — honestly, I believe if there’s something you’re not happy with, it’s a sign to make a change and explore new possibilities.
I definitely prefer remote work, especially with the way things are today. It saves me from commuting every day, which means I save both time and money. Plus, with remote work, I can be flexible and work from any city or place as long as I have a reliable internet connection.
Although I don’t ride my bike as often these days—there always seem to be excuses—I have picked up some other hobbies. One of my favorites is diamond painting; it’s a relaxing activity that helps clear my mind. I also enjoy coloring various pages with pencils. With the shorter days, I’ve been catching up on my walks on the treadmill, which I prefer over running. I incorporate some exercises and Pilates into my routine as well.I love reading, especially books about birds, history, or fiction. Recently, I was captivated by “I See You’re Interested in the Dark.” I started with the audiobook and was so hooked that I bought the e-book the same day, finishing it in just three days—so engrossing that I even forgot to eat!In the fall, I sometimes get inspired to knit scarves or hats, and I have a passion for mushroom picking. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding a porcini mushroom—it’s like a little adventure each time!
I don’t travel as much these days, but I used to explore various places within the country. One of my favorite memories is visiting Petrykivka, famous for its vibrant Petrykivka painting. The bright strokes that transform into flowers and birds are simply mesmerizing. I also visited Zmiina Gora, where the Vorskla River flows into the Dnipro. The view of the valley and its floodplains is breathtaking. Each place holds its own beauty and charm!Want to hire experienced, remote-ready QA engineers for your product?
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