I was restless so I made sausage rolls.

Domestic goddess I am not.

wrapping them up.

Life has been rather mundane recently. I'm in a limbo at work where we're focusing more on setting up operations, paperwork and not knowing where things are going exactly. I've spent most days in front my computer doing random things on the internet and on photoshop. We've been cooking quite a bit and after cleaning and spraying some random anti-bacterial solution on the counter tops in the kitchen - I decided to make sausage rolls: I know how weird and bizarre is that? I'm not cut out to a be domestic goddess. I need my jungles. I need the adrenaline rush. I need to feel I am doing something worthwhile. As much as I would like to go out and socialise more, I'm also aware of the fact that I have to be uber-careful with my spending. I havent a clue where I'll be next month so that means without any actual plans -- not that I make it point to plan anything other than work -- I need to spend less and spending less means staying in. I am getting bored, I am getting a bit stir crazy. I am very close to volunteering for some sort of charity project BUT I am still attached to a company and that involves being somewhere with internet access. *sigh* well I made sausage rolls yesterday and it looked beautiful but cocktail sausages arent the best for making sausage rolls. LOOK at me I'm talking about sausage rolls. Whats the world coming to?

ready for the oven.

I also have a chicken in the oven at the moment and the potatoes are ready for roasting!

the vibe.

Do you see the badge located in the column on the right? Do you have a couple of minutes to spare? All you need to do is click, answer a couple of multiple choice questions and you'll help earn clean water for the children of Haiti.

Thanks.

Me'si (in Haitian).

Click to join SocialVibe!

miameara invites you to SocialVibe.com

killer quake.

I was in tears watching the news this morning. The whole world is now pooling in resources in aid of the victims of the devastating quake that hit Haiti on the Tuesday (BBC news report) evening. So being that I am currently in Malaysia (and not in China! I probably wouldnt have been aware of the quake if I was there) I decided to look online and find out ways of doing my bit to assist, whether its donating/volunteering. All the local papers online state that MERCY Malaysia are encouraging people in Malaysia to channel their assistance to organisations who are currently in Haiti. However, the online news reports (all 6 of them!) did not include the list of organisations!

So I had to do my own research and found:

Charitable organizations that offer aid to Haiti:

• American Red Cross: Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization.

• Habitat for Humanity: A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry.

• Salvation Army: an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

• Action Against Hunger: Named for the original member of the International Network, Action contre la Faim, or ACF, the ACF International Network shares an overall vision of a world without hunger, collaborating closely and sharing human resources, logistics, and technical capacity.

• International Rescue Committee: Since 1933, the International Rescue Committee goes to crisis zones
to rescue and rebuild. We lead refugees from harm to home.

• AmeriCares: a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs - and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs - for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion.

• American Jewish World Service: American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is an international development organization motivated by Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice. AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community.

• Beyond Borders: Beyond Borders is a registered tax-exempt (501c3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible. We are certified by the state of Pennsylvania as a charitable organization.

• CARE: CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.

• Catholic Relief Services: Help CRS rush humanitarian relief to survivors within hours of man-made and natural disasters around the world.

• Clean the World:Clean the World is currently mobilizing and organizing several large hygiene product collections that have been committed today in addition to the normal processing and collection we receive because of your commitment to our recycling program. Additionally, we call on all soap manufacturers and amenity providers to donate as much over stock or inventory to Clean the World.

• ConcernUSA.org: a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.

• Childcare Worldwide: At Childcare Worldwide, our unique programs not only help feed hungry children and their families, they also help children receive an education that leads to employment. Our goal is to help children survive and succeed.

• Direct Relief International: Since 1948, Direct Relief International has worked to help people who confront enormous hardship to improve the quality of their lives.

• Doctors Without Borders: Doctors Without Borders provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters.

• Episcopal Relief & Development : In the aftermath of a 7.0-magnitude earthquake, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing critical emergency funds to Haiti.

• Food for the Poor: Food For The Poor ministers to spiritually renew impoverished people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Food For The Poor raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through the churches and charity organizations already operating in areas of need.

• Feed My Starving Children: Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s starving children hungry in body and spirit.

• Friends of WFP : Friends of WFP is a U.S.-based, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that focuses on building support in the United States for the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and other hunger relief operations.

• Haitian Health Foundation: The Haitian Health Foundation provides health care, development, relief, and the hope of a future to more than 225,000 of the poorest people in over 100 rural mountain villages in southwestern Haiti.

• Hope for Haiti: Hope for Haiti has held the vision from the very beginning that the people of Haiti are the ones who take control of their future and we are here to lend a needed hand along the difficult path.

• International Medical Corps: International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

• International Relief Teams: International Relief Teams is a nonprofit, international relief organization dedicated to organizing volunteer teams to provide medical and non-medical assistance to the victims of disaster and profound poverty worldwide.

• International Rescue Committee:
The IRC will be working with overwhelmed local aid groups to provide vital medical care, clean water and sanitation to the quake's survivors.

• The Jewish Federations of North America : The Jewish Federations of North America represents 157 Jewish Federations and 400 Network communities, which raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually for social welfare, social services and educational needs.

• Lutheran World Relief : Lutheran World Relief is responding to the affected communities through its partners on the ground in Haiti. LWR anticipates a large response. Every dollar donated to this life-saving effort is critical to providing the necessary emergency support to the people of Haiti.

• Medical Teams International: Since 1979, Medical Teams International has shipped more than $1.3 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and
lifesaving medicines to care for 35 million people in 100 countries around the world. More than 2000 volunteers meet the needs of people worldwide each year.

• Meds and Food for Kids: Meds & Food for Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of Haiti’s malnourished children and other nutritionally vulnerable people.

• Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps is a team of 3,700 professionals helping turn crisis into opportunity for millions around the world. By trade, we are engineers, financial analysts, drivers, community organizers, project managers, public health experts, administrators, social entrepreneurs and logisticians. In spirit, we are activists, optimists, innovators and proud partners of the people we serve.

• Operation Blessing International: Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OBI) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) humanitarian organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.

• Oxfam: Oxfam International is a confederation of 14 like-minded organizations working together and with partners and allies around the world to bring about lasting change.

• Operation USA: Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty throughout the world by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid.

• Partners in Health: Our mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care.

• Samaritan's Purse: Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.

• Save the Children: Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.

• UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) : Humanitarian fund established by the United Nations to enable more timely and reliable humanitarian assistance to areas affected by natural disasters. CERF will assure that the funds for the relief effort in Haiti will go where they are most needed in the network of international aid organizations.

• UNICEF: UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

• World Concern: World Concern works in 24 of the poorest countries on Earth, giving hope and opportunities to vulnerable people in great need.

• World Vision: World Vision helps transform the lives of the world's poorest children and families in nearly 100 countries, including the United States. Our non-profit work extends assistance to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, race, or ethnic background.

• Yele Haiti: Yéle Haiti is a Wyclef Jean's grassroots movement that builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment.

“The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” ~Ethel Percy~

“We wanted to help, even if it's just a little bit. We can't even begin to make a dent in contributions, but if we can make some small difference, then that's great.” ~unknown~

New Year. New You?

The idea of being able to transform into a 'new you' at the start of a new year can be 'exhilarating'. So at the strike of midnight across the globe thousands to millions (excluding nations who have other things to worry about: poverty/war!) create a list of resolutions and stick to it for a week, a month if they're persistent. Why do people bother then? This cycle repeats itself the following new year and then the following new year (you get the picture).. I guess in some ways it gives people a sense of hope (?).

Was reading about it online, I found this:

"People want to experience positive change. Many people have the desire to change something about their lives. People falsely believe that if they could change specific areas of their lives that instantly things will get better. Making a resolution is a good start to embracing and experiencing positive changes. The decision to change always comes before the actual change of behaviour.

People are already in a state of change. Many people do not like change but at New Year’s there is going to be change. Change is a common experience for everyone during the coming of the New Year. There is no way to avoid the passing of time and the change that happens at midnight on December 31. New Year’s almost gives permission for people to attempt the change that they need in their lives. The idea of a fresh start becomes an opportunity to welcome personal changes without a painful process."

I don't have a list of resolutions, but I DO want to make some changes this year.
All the best for the new year people. Hope you quit the ciggies/lose the 5 pounds/go the gym everyday/reduce the booze intake...and even if you dont: have a great year ahead!

all I want for xmas..

Other than World Peace, a 'brilliant solution' from the Climate Change conference in Copenhagen, happiness to everyone, money to the homeless...

Sometimes I think its pretty selfish wanting things when some people dont even have a roof over their heads. So whenever possible during the festive season I try to do my bit, this year the family abroad, I've asked them to donate to a charity instead of buying me a pressie and posting it over.



I can still dream though.. there are some things I need (and want) *sigh* if only Santa exists..


























Books: I cant get enough of them these days, I read Sci-fi, non-fiction, biographies, travel, fiction, chick lit.. I read everything. However I found these two books in KK and I want to read them--I've been reading some heavy stuff recently and need something light-Marian Keyes is a witty Irish author, she and Cecilia Ahern are brilliant chick lit authors without being too 'chick lit'.

For work and pleasure. I need a decent SLR camera.


I need a pelican case for my laptop. Scratchproof, waterproof, shockproof.. I remember reading the label: the only thing the pelican case can not protect your laptop from: shark bites, bear attacks and 5 year old children.

There are some cool tents in the market (pictured above: wind and solar powered tent!). I forgot my tent in the middle east and need a good, durable tent. Santa: tent with an entertainment system would be nice, I spend many long weeks in a tent!
























An iphone or an LG Chocolate touch. I love gadgets..at the moment I dont actually own a mobile phone. With constant travel and being in the outdoors, phones are lost or get damaged (which is what happened to me). But I will be spending more time in the office. So a mobile phone with many functions would be uber useful, particularly in my line of work.

I love Benefit products. As I spend most of my time in trekking shorts/trousers and boots. I need to feel a little less rough and tough and little more 'girly'.


I use biodegradable wash or shampoo (to wash my face, shower etc). Its always about packing light when you're out camping and hiking, so one product goes a loooonngg way. SO when I am back in civilisation: I love pampering me!

I hope everyone gets what they want this xmas.
When and if you can help those in need this Xmas.

Happy Holidays everyone.

P.S If you do meet Santa in your travels, tell him to read my blog and see what he can do about the things in this post!

The BIG 3-0

That day is drawing near. The day I can no longer say I'm in my late 20's. When filling in forms, I can no longer check the box that says age 24-29. The day I'm supposedly a more mature individual.. no longer am I in my awkward teens or experimenting in my 20's---I'm a mature, successful 30 year old. *PAH* I want to be a kid again, I want lots and lots of colourful presents to unwrap, I want a big birthday cake and I dont want to worry about adult responsibilities! Well truth be told I am pretty happy with my life and accomplishments. I may not have gone down the 'usual' path but I'm known for that. I wouldnt have been happy with the 9 to 5 office job, 2.5 kids and a dog with a white picket fence. I have the husband and that at the moment is the only commitment I have. We love the nomadic life we live. Money is funny--at times we're good and other times we live on instant noodles. But that to me is the experience. We havent a clue at times where we're going and what we're doing next but we've got each other and a passion for the outdoors and fixing this planet! Our parents constantly worry as we havent set up a permanent 'nest' anywhere-will cross that bridge when we get there! Am I happy? Yes & No. Would I do things differently or change my lifestyle? No. Is my life perfect? Of course not but I am pretty happy with it:

SO heres to ME on my 30th.. I may be spending most of the day travelling and sitting on a plane-theres a surprise-but I get to see my family and old friends and that I think is a terrific present.

"Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have."
~Doris Mortman~

a little frosty

Its November. ..Correction: It is now coming to the END of November! How did we race through yet another year? I feel as if it was only yesterday I was frantically preparing for my wedding--when in real time its been exactly 125 days since I've said 'I do'! This time last year I was sweating it out in the Middle East prepping for our trip back to England for Xmas. This year I am freezing my mitts off in China and prepping for a trip back to Borneo--we may do Nepal first! I really didnt expect it to be this cold at this time of the year.. I am currently sitting in my room, wearing every bit of clothing I own! The significant difference between being cold in the UK and being cold in China-- there's central heating in the UK, houses are designed for cold weather. In China, houses are designed for the extreme heat in Summer. So come winter, its just as cold indoors as it is outdoors.. In fact there are times where we get home and instead of reducing the number of layers we have on we increase our layers and then dive into bed and pray to the duvet gods that our miserable duvet will keep us warm through the night. I think some of my colleagues are now thinking twice about their incessant whinging of the British weather: The Chinese weather goes from one extreme to the other; blistering hot or blistering cold.

I have actually developed a rather bad/annoying habit recently : When asked "How are you today?/How are you?/ What have you been up to? Fancy going for a drink? Want to try someplace new?"
I will reply with the same annoying answer "Its frickin freezin!"

So if you have been wondering what I have been up to and why I never blog its purely because:
"Its frickin freezing!"

Thats a lie, here are some of things I have been up to and some of things I have learnt:

1) Having only been here for 2 and a half months, I had to learn about the organisation. I have been working lots;doing random jobs as I had to start from scratch.

2) I have also been promoted (twice): and have taken up more responsibilities. I am writing, designing, marketing, selling, instructing.. amongst other things!

3) In the past 2 weeks, I have spent a week away in the mountains camping, looking after camp, as well as preparing food for 50 people, I have carried water from the river, trekked, dig holes, put up tents, built a kitchen etc. I have also lead an Orienteering session in an area called the Dragons Plains, I have also spent way too much time on the computer for work purposes. I have also been complaining about how cold I have been whilst doing all of the above!

4) In the past 2 and half months I have been to : Guilin, Shanghai, Nanbeihu, Ziyuan, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Yangshuo and stopped in many little towns on the way to all these places.

5) The longest time its taken me to travel to get to my destination: a 24 hour train ride from Guilin to Shanghai and then 2 hours on the bus to get to our final destination Nanbeihu.

6) Sessions I have instructed since I have been here: Camping, Orienteering, Rock Climbing, Team Building, Low ropes, Trekking, Kayaking, High Ropes.

7) I am working for a company that has been awarded "Best Adventure Co. in the world" by National Geographic for 3 consecutive years! ( I only knew about this 2 weeks ago! )

8) C.h.i.n.a media censorship board for internet browsing is one of the worst in the world. They have banned Facebook, twitter, blogs, international news, google (!). People are using proxys and software to access these websites.

9) Table manners is non-existent in this country. You can do WHATEVER you want at the dinner table: spit, blow your nose, throw food on the floor (not just at the restaurants but at family homes).

10) They have the 'talent' and 'skills' to fake everything: not just watches, bags, DVDs.... but also water, eggs, cheese and meat!

11) Heavy lead content in the tap water: tap water is basically not suitable for anything --consumption, showers (my hair is ultra frizzy!) ..am wondering whether continual use of tap water when brushing your teeth will have long term effects on your gums and teeth!

12) China is a beautiful country, rich in culture and history. Breathtaking scenery and is a brilliant giant playground-- however, how people live here for years on end is beyond me. The pollution is terrible, theres an entire city(the size of Singapore I reckon!) of factories 2 hours from Shanghai!

13) Medical facilities here are scary, even the Chinese send their sickies to Hong Kong, Taiwan or Malaysia!

14) Its all about 'face value' here. The whole society and culture that revolves around 'not losing face' even when you're wrong! It sucks and makes working difficult.

15) My back has been giving me problems: the beds in China are hard, they dont believe in soft mattresses here..

16) I am loving life here though. Staff benefits are amazing: food, accommodation, free beers, free ice blended drinks, staff lounge/bar with a Wii console. Makes working hard worth it.


Till then : "Oh the weather outside is frightful.."

Christmas is around the corner..