Chapter 5 Change.

2011-12-30T22:01:00.000-08:00

Here we are again; at the end of another year. This time round I am feeling rather numb. I am looking forward to the new year and I cant wait to put the current year to an end. Similarly I can't ignore my feelings of anxiety and nervousness as I look upon the calendar for 2012. I would say that 2011 has not been easy for me but that would not be fair as I still live a life easier than some. I appreciate having a roof over my head, food on the table & great family & friends. Its definitely been a year of equal happiness and sadness; some may say its a good balance but I am actually keen (who wouldnt be!?) to have a 'happiness heavy' year in 2012. I am prepared to struggle for the first half but a 'prolonged' happiness for a few months would be nice. Am rather sick of listening to others tell me 'Your happiness is in your own hands and you can change how you feel, you should not be affected by those around you' --shut up! Mum being diagnosed with cancer (again) is not mine to change, my 1 year old nephew with his constant fits & seizures is not in my hands to change, the misfortune of the people I love around me is not something I can change & unless I am a robot: I can't detach myself from certain emotions, plus my own personal worries & problems which I need to deal with as well.

So 2012; please be kind, I am not asking to win the lottery. I promise I will work hard, be kind to others and kick some bad habits. I would like to be a better me and if you fancy shoving a couple of pennies my way, I would appreciate it too.

Your truly,

Mia in 2011

P.S Hoping everyone out there has better year ahead.

Its here.

2011-12-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

Xmas in this part of the world is a little bit different. Yes. There is the annoying commercialisation of yet another festivity. But looking closer come December I do find that people are more inclined to be involved in charitable and social work, people are more generous, courteous and a time when people are somewhat more pleasant.

For me its simple: I love the festivities, for many different reasons, Its a celebration of a year just passed and a new year about to begin, its a gathering of families and a time spent with loved ones.

From the lights in the shops, to the manic shoppers & the abundance of turkeys in the supermarkets freezers. You know its Xmas & I love it.

Happy Xmas-John Lennon & Yoko Ono

So this is Christmas

And what have you done?

Another year over

And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas

I hope you have fun

The near and the dear one

The old and the young

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

And so this is Christmas

For weak and for strong

For rich and the poor ones

The world is so wrong

And so happy Christmas

For black and for white

For yellow and red ones

Let's stop all the fight

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

And so this is Christmas

And what have we done

Another year over

And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas

I hope you have fun

The near and the dear one

The old and the young

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

War is over over

If you want it War is over Now...

55 days

2011-11-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

As I get older. Time seems to move along alot quicker. Exactly 55 days till we bid goodbye to 2011 and say hello to 2012. Its been a quite a struggle this year, however I cant knock some of things I have accomplished this year. Blood, sweat & tears and I'm still very much alive and breathing towards the end of the year. I predict an even more challenging year ahead, I cant say I am prepared but before I delve into 2012, I still have 55 days to accomplish more things in 2011.

2011, we're not over you yet; please provide us with a little more laughter, happy & unexpected surprises and whole dose of motivation.

Imagine

2011-10-18T04:41:00.001-07:00

This song has been in my head for the past couple of days. Lennon rocks.

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Photo taken in an underpass, walking to our local pub in Weymouth, England.

Inspiring video of Emmanuel Kelly singing "Imagine" by John Lennon.

jobs

2011-10-12T22:31:00.001-07:00

social media illness

2011-10-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Social media networks: good or bad? useful or useless?
Try as I might I am unable to downsize the number of social media networks I am registered to. Before you ask; No. I don't update my Facebook status every flippin' hour with what I've had to eat/done in the toilet/my dogs activities BUT I do tweet & sometimes about the most mundane of activities that no one in the world would find interesting (except a few close friends.. perhaps!) There are definite pros and cons and when utilised correctly it has brought more benefits then actual problems (for me, I can't say the same for others!). In fact one of the main reason to why I registered with social media networks initially was due to the nature of my work. Being an 'outdoorsy', globetrotting individual means less time indoors, more time outdoors and more time spent away in some jungle/foreign country; which made it easier to keep in touch with family and friends and letting them know what I was up to through sites such as Facebook. Saying that though, I think handwritten letters and emails are personal and I would prefer receiving personal messages and letters (quite rare these days), however when you have 30 odd family members and a dozen friends scattered across the globe, writing an individual/mass email takes up quite a bit of time; whereas with Facebook,. it is socially acceptable to post a short message on a persons wall or send a quick direct message without it being super long.

Ie;
Dear Mum & Dad.
Sorry haven't been in touch, check out my photos from my recent trip. We're doing well and surviving. Will call once we have the chance! Miss you loads.

M

Now that I am based in one country and am running a business (in the same industry: outdoor education, adventure travel) all the social media networks available have proven to be a priceless marketing tool and a way to get our names out there instantly plus information about us is available online to 100's and 1000's of potential and existing clients.
Also a proven success was a recent tree-planting campaign we did; we were extremely short of funds: to cut a long story short we weren't granted the funds we needed to plant the number of trees we initially pledged to plant. I started the campaign with 0 trees (each tree costing MYR5/GBP1/USD1.60) 2 days later: 300 trees, 4 days later 600 trees and the 5th and final day of the campaign I raised enough money to plant 700 trees. For a 5 day campaign, which was targeted towards friends and family; that's a pretty impressive amount to raise. The traditional method of campaigning would see me out on the streets, calling various people, posting up flyers... its amazing how one little Facebook status not only increased the number of trees but awareness of what we were doing as a company! Which is why I have now signed up to almost all the existing social media networks out there to test the efficiency of a particular app and to compare the responses. I have spoken to quite a few people who moan and groan about Facebook/Twitter/Myspace and say they really can't be bothered reading about others and updating their lives online, privacy issues etc etc: to those who complain about the ever-growing social media network, just say NO then, sign out, stop complaining that its a pain to update your status on a regular basis or bitching about someone posting/blogging about issues you don't necessarily agree with, guess what? They have every right to do so and you have every right to sign off and deactivate/delete your account or block them, I occasionally get frustrated and think why would she/he post that offensive article/quote-in actual fact: it is none of my business. As for my own personal accounts: I use 3. I am fast blocking followers to my twitter account and tweaking privacy settings as I find twitter to be my one & only outlet and I do understand that people don't really want to know what's happening in my life except a few close friends and family; so if I block you on twitter or if you unfollow me, its for your own benefit: trust me.

Jet-lag

2011-10-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have never been so cranky after a flight; I was a walking time bomb and the hubs could see I was fuming at everything! Its been a looooong journey so far and we've still not arrived at our destination yet! The local time is 11:02 pm, my body clock on the other hand is working in a different time zone and its currently 4.00pm where we were originally. I could'nt sleep so I decided to read up about the weird and wonderful world of jet lag.

"The symptoms of jet lag can be quite varied, depending on the amount of time zone alteration, time of day and individual differences. They may include the following:

Headaches (on the flight!)
Fatigue, irregular sleep patterns, insomnia (HELL YEAH!)
Disorientation, grogginess, irritability (Most definitely..)
Mild depression (Probably not..)
Constipation or diarrhoea (not to be descriptive but yes the latter!)

There seems to be some evidence that for most people, travelling west to east is more disruptive. This may be because most people have a circadian period which is a bit longer than 24 hours, making it easier to stay up later than to get up earlier.

It may also be that flights to the east are more likely to require people to stay awake more than one full night in order to adjust to the local time zone. For example, comparing a typical schedule for a traveller flying to the west vs a traveller flying to the east:

Westbound from London to Los Angeles. Time zone difference: 8 hours.

Westbound	Biological clock London local time	Los Angeles local time
Departure	JAN 29 – 10:05	JAN 29 – 02:05
Arrival	JAN 29 – 21:10	JAN 29 – 13:10
Bedtime	JAN 30 – 06:00	JAN 29 – 22:00

Eastbound	Biological clock Los Angeles local time	London local time
Departure	JAN 29 – 15:50	JAN 29 – 23:50
Arrival	JAN 30 – 02:00	JAN 30 – 10:00
Bedtime	JAN 30 – 14:00	JAN 30 – 22:00

Westbound Biological clock
London local time Los Angeles local time
Departure JAN 29 – 10:05 JAN 29 – 02:05
Arrival JAN 29 – 21:10 JAN 29 – 13:10
Bedtime JAN 30 – 06:00 JAN 29 – 22:00
Eastbound from Los Angeles to London.
Eastbound Biological clock
Los Angeles local time London local time
Departure JAN 29 – 15:50 JAN 29 – 23:50
Arrival JAN 30 – 02:00 JAN 30 – 10:00
Bedtime JAN 30 – 14:00 JAN 30 – 22:00
The first scenario is equivalent to staying up all night and going to bed at 6 a.m. the next day—8 hours later than usual. But the second scenario (eastward) is equivalent to staying up all night and going to bed at 2 p.m. the next day—14 hours after the time one would otherwise have gone to bed. Some sleep onboard may help the situation somewhat.

(This is actually quite accurate, I always suffer (more) from jet lag travelling from West to East!)

There is a jet lag calculator online where you can key in the relevant information and they suggest a solution, apparently for me this is recommended for countering the jet lag this time round:

TRAVELLING EAST
DAY 1
AVOID LIGHT between 08:00 and 13:00 (1:00pm) then SWITCH to SEEK BRIGHT LIGHT until 16:00 (4:00pm)
DAY 2
AVOID LIGHT between 05:00 and 10:00 then SWITCH to SEEK BRIGHT LIGHT until 13:00 (1:00pm)

SEEKING BRIGHT LIGHT
When it calls for bright light (frequently this turns out to be after you have arrived) you should spend time outdoors if possible as normal indoor lighting or the light coming through a window is not bright enough to reset the biological clock. (The amount of light you need is about enough to take a photo with a low cost camera without using flash).

AVOIDING LIGHT
The Trip Guide indicates specific times when exposure to light would be counter productive. Stay indoors and away from windows if possible during these times. If you need to go outside at a time the Guide tells you to avoid light, wear appropriate light blocking glasses that are designed to reduce light to appropriate levels (normal sunglasses typically are not dark enough). Take care not to wear them in a situation where the light level is too low for them to be worn safely.

I wonder if this method works... am going to try and sleep now, as I have to wake up at 4am!

The dog with the red bow tie.

2011-10-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about travelling is meeting people. I have met many extraordinary characters on my travels, in fact I have also met many people who are similar (".. I swear I met an Asian version of you when I was in China!") My hubs being the conversationalist that he is, can strike up a conversation with anyone--literally anyone off the streets. In his travels he has picked up a couple of hitch hikers as well as other random stragglers. Last night was an interesting evening, after a mini-reunion with a load of friends, family and ex-colleagues, we were on our way back to where we were staying in London, when we came across a homeless man with a dog wearing a red bow tie. The hubs at this point turned to me and asked whether I had any small change, I had a one pound coin and I thought he was going to give the guy the money and we would then be happily on our way. The dog initially barked at us as we approached the odd pair and settled down when the hubs started a conversation with his owner. We ended up sitting on the street with this guy and his dog for a good hour just chatting as strangers walked past us looking at us as if we were complete lunatics. In fact the dog (her name was Missy) decided to climb up on my lap for a nice long cuddle! The guy then started telling us about his life and how he ended up on the streets and how he once had nice home with a job, wife, daughter and his beautiful dog. Unfortunately both wife and daughter died, so he and Missy took to the streets as he struggled to cope after the deaths and couldn't hold a job and eventually lost everything. I was stunned, I didn't know what to say, here I was wondering whether I would have enough money for a PS3 and here was a guy struggling to look after himself as well his dog! It really broke my heart. It was getting late and as much as I wanted to give him every penny I had, I could only offer to buy him a meal--we were sitting outside a kebab shop and I think the staff knew I was buying food for the guy and they threw in a couple of extras-that was really nice of them. Being homeless is one thing, but being homeless in a country where the weather can turn really nasty overnight must be a massive struggle.

"Adversities such as being homeless and going to prison has made many people stronger."
Philip Emeagwali

Rollercoaster

2011-09-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

A friend once said: 'Life is like a rollercoaster ride, there will be ups and downs'. Despite having heard this saying years before it came out of his mouth, I never really thought about it till the start of my stint working for RI. Since he first said it to me in 2005, its been sitting at the back of my mind and every time an obstacle is placed in my way and times are a struggle, I can't help but think: when will this ride be over?

3rd time's a charm

2011-09-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

I have been a very distracted blogger this year. I haven't completely disappeared from the blogosphere, it's one way I keep in touch with family, friends and strangers. I read blogs on a daily basis and I try to update the company blog when time permits. All this technology and so little time *sigh* sometimes I forget why I started (and still maintain) this blog! I do realise though that it's one of the best ways for me to jot down thoughts and events for the year. I cringe at times when I read posts from the pasts but its an amazing tool to be able to understand why I am the way I am and where I am today.

At the moment I am back in (surprisingly) sunny England for my 3rd wedding ceremony in 2 years! (to the same man of course) This time next week, I will be walking down the aisle with my father-in-law and maid of honour to the song "Somewhere over the rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole. It will be nice having family and friends who weren't able to attend our wedding in Borneo to this ceremony but I miss having certain people here with me including my parents. I have a week to sort out some details for the wedding (including flowers and shoes!) and it will be weird going about it alone.. although my MOH has offered, she's in London and I'm way down south in Weymouth.*fingers crossed* Wedding no. 3 goes well and I don't trip down the aisle! I still don't have shoes for the wedding--trainers/sneakers perhaps?

socially inept.

2011-01-22T09:24:00.001-08:00

The past 5 years of travelling, working and being part of a big staff team has been brilliant as I've never been short of having friends to chat, socialise and discuss ideas with. These were the perks of living the life in the outdoors jumping from one country to another; everyday was an adventure and there was always a social gathering of different people. After having a multitude of living arrangements from shared accommodation, tents, living in the middle of the desert, from living in a shoe-box to a mansion; I have learnt to adapt and make anyplace feel like home.

However, as of recently I have found it very difficult to 'adapt'. Looking at how we're living our life now actually leaves me feeling rather empty inside and its definitely taken a toll on my confidence as well as my motivation to work. These days my constant companions are my hubby and my laptop. My social life and work revolves around interacting with people via the internet. I am not ungrateful and I do count my blessings but there are days when I feel like packing up and leaving again. There were many reasons for us to return and start our own company but sometimes there are days that are bleak and I forget those reasons that got me here.

The hubs and I had an interesting night last night. I initiated a conversation with the hubs and spent 2 hours discussing it. I asked him: "Have I become this uninteresting boring married person? Do people find me so incredibly dull that I have very little contact with actual people (as opposed to interacting with people online!) and am no longer invited to social gatherings?" Being the loyal hubs he assured me that it wasn't the case. He reminded me how we're in a situation where we are struggling as its only 2 of us building this business and we're doing enough work to keep 10 people on their toes, money is tight, we're back living with my parents and we do have other responsibilities.

After highlighting the fact that we were broke, that we have a non-existent social life and we're still living with my parents, I was even more miserable. Then we started looking at the big picture (plus alcohol was added to the whole equation! Screw the finances for the day!) The night turned into a fun night where we met some random people and started chatting with them and then hopped on to another pub and started chatting with random people there.

I am human, I crave contact, intellectually stimulating conversations, a good laugh and a good whine once in awhile. I know things could be worse and that some people have bigger problems and some of my friends are actually struggling to put food on the table. Thing is; I'm simply looking for a little bit of sunshine in this very gloomy time.

Not looking forward to February, a month on my own with my laptop as the hubs is heading off to Oman. I know I need help when I start talking to my laptop.

................

Till then Goodnight Ms. Laptop and Mr. Internet it was so nice seeing you again. Same time and place tomorrow?

to do or not to do..

2011-01-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

I find motivation and inspiration from random sources: books, blog posts, a program on tv, movie, conversations, etchings on a park bench, scribbles on a coaster in a bar.. however, as of recently I've been so demotivated and inspiration has not presented itself.

Motivation & Inspiration needed (any shape/form). Suggestions?

Black, White, Yellow & Brown.

2011-01-09T18:11:00.000-08:00

I believe I am quite a tolerant person. In fact I know I tolerate most things a person probably shouldnt have to. I do this to avoid confrontation and to keep the peace. However the one issue close to heart, which I do NOT and will not tolerate is: racism (and for over the past 7 years the issue keeps popping up on my blog!). Not till yesterday did I realise how blinded and biased I have been with just one category of racism. These are the things you learn from being in a mixed marriage.

Prior to a recent incident, I recognised 2 major categories of racism : Negative and positive.

The difference:

Negative-The common sort that we observe and clearly understand as being wrong on many levels and laws now exist to protect individuals against such racism.

Positive-The category of racism people wont necessarily understand as its targeted primarily (but not exclusively) at Caucasians.

I have experienced both. However, negative racism is the one category I have grown to understand with much depth, having been about 6 years old when I first experienced it living in England!

The subject of positive racism was broached when a recent photo on FB which I actually thought was funny and not at all demeaning, in fact I piped in and said the photo was cool and 'liked' the photo! Big mistake (I have since removed my comment and 'unliked the photo).

A Caucasian serving a group of asians: Caption Photo: My times have changed from colonial rule and some comments to follow weren't very polite. Ie: Dont forget to wash my car after you finish serving.

I was told to turn tables around:

An asian serving a load of caucasians: Caption photograph: (Would anyone dare make any comments?) Or if they did and said 'Ah an Asian in his/her place. Clean the toilets after this!' That would cause a major uproar and I would be unbelievably offended!

Having tried to defend myself as to why I found the photo amusing and explaining that we were just having a laugh, I then realised I'm doing exactly what I said would never do: Make someone feel uncomfortable especially when its in relation to their nationality and race. I was gross generalising the entire Caucasian race and targeting someone who does not deserve it. So their ancestors were racist pigs doesn't make them racist too! Its not them being sensitive, its people like us who are being insensitive.

I have realised that I, Ms. Preachy Preach on racism, have been the ignorant one. Seeing someone I care, truly hurt from 'positive racism' broke my heart and to think I have been ignoring the subject for so long, it wasn't one incident but an accumulation of events.

What I have learned: There is no such thing as positive racism, there is only racism.

Snippets.

2011-01-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

Word.

grumpy chops.

2011-01-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

There is definitely a weird bug in the air? I've been blog hopping and it seems that everyone has been ill over the holidays. SO its not just me. Saying that: I am so sick of being sick. Its hard to motivate myself to do anything when I feeling so rubbish. Boo.

Blog 2011

2011-01-04T01:14:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011 cybertwerps! How did everyone start the new year? Did you spend 18 hours in the office instead of 17? Enroll yourself as a member of a spanky new gym? Had a kick-ass meal to start the year?

I spent the past couple of days reading my old blog (as well as being sick in bed!), reading specifically my 'new years posts' from 2004 - 2009. December was the month when I would blog the most. Its been almost 7 years since I've started blogging and I find that in the past couple years, I have not been blogging as much as I would have liked to. I now regret not updating my blog, as it was quite entertaining reading my posts from the past, its such an awesome way of keeping a log of what I've been up to. As for the new year posts I was never one to write down or think of any resolutions for the coming year but so far with the things I have wanted to change/accomplish, I have managed to change with the exception of : my nicotine addiction. It is one habit I really need to boot, but havent announced to the whole world as I fear the onslaught of nagging that will come with it, especially if I dont succeed!

I will and I know I should: so that would be something I need to change/accomplish this year.

Dear 2011, 2010 has been challenging, I've never asked for much and have been quite grateful for the way life has panned for me but please, please, please let this year be a successful year in all areas.

Yours truly,

Me.

smog. wog.

2010-11-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

Photo above is my home for 4 weeks :) Central Hong Kong is completely different though. There is actually a daily announcement on pollution levels and if its high that particular day: then the environmental board will actually advise citizens of Hong Kong to stay indoors! Its quite nice where we are as we're not affected (much) by the pollution. Although saying that I am now finding myself heading into central Hong Kong frequently due to work and having to put on my best corporate look when I do go in. I left the corporate world for a reason and due to certain circumstances, I find myself plodding along with the rest of the corporate world in this race to get to the office! I am looking forward to to the end of the week when this is all over. I dont think I can return to corporate world anytime soon. Lots going on at the moment, work and my own business has brought me to Hong Kong. Its a great experience, I do love the little treasures I find along the way of being somewhere foreign but now I cant wait to get back to the smog free environment that is KK, Sabah, Borneo...

Travel tales.

2010-08-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

So here I am, laptop at the ready in another airport, unbelievably jet-lagged and in dire need of a shower and sleep! I love my travelling and wouldnt have it any other way but I do miss my bed! My body clock is completely out of sync I have been travelling since Monday to get back to KK jumping from timezone to timezone and havent really a clue as to how long we have actually spent travelling! We left Poitiers airport at 8pm (French time) arrived at Heathrow at 815pm (UK time) and then drove for 1 hour 20 minutes to get to my cousins house. Woke up at 530am to get to Heathrow for 640am and flew out at 940am and arrive at Dubai airport at 750pm (Dubai time) and then left at 930pm (Dubai time) and arrived at Brunei airport at 925am (Brunei time)... phew... I know its technically Wednesday here but heck my body is confused! 6 airports, 5 countries, 7 different currencies in my wallet, 1 french horn, 1 telescope, 1 handbag, 1 laptop bag, 2 trolley bags, 3 rucksacks and 4 languages spoken, @#$%^& hours of travel all in 3 days: pretty impressive maths but now I just cant wait to get it over and done with!

Saying that: Travelling has never left me disappointed and the experience of travel is priceless.

But for now: get me out of this dinky airport!

crickets chirping.

2010-06-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

I know. I have been very quiet on the blog front. My first post in 3 months will be:

I found it. I like it. I'll post it.

I'm expecting a busy week ahead. I am not feeling great though: cold, cough and a fever: never a good combination!

Tweet. Meet. Give.

2010-03-17T23:53:00.000-07:00

So what is Twestival? In the simplest terms it’s a Twitter festival that happens one day, once a year where people get together for a tweet-up party to raise money for charity. Last year, there were 202 cities, 1,000+ volunteers and 10,000 donors that participated in Twestival Global 2009, raising over US$250k+ to fund the building of 55 wells that directly impacted and provided clean drinking water for 17,000 people in Uganda, Ethiopia and India. This year, Twestival is back in the name of education for kids, where 100% of the funds raised will go directly into education projects in the poorest communities in the world!

How to Get Involved

There are many ways you can help and get involved. It can be as simple as spreading the word on your blog or as fabulous as being a volunteer.

If you’re interested in being involved visit Twestival to find a Twestival event in your area

If you're in Kota Kinabalu get involved by visiting KKTwestival for more information or give us a shout out at kktwestival@gmail.com. Come join us!

KK Twestival

Event Date: 25th March 2010 (worldwide) Venue: Stone Bridge Galley, Asia City. Time: 530pm - 1100pm Activities: Raffle. Auction. Performances. Food. Drinks. Entrance Fee: MYR30 *Please take note that 100% of the proceeds go to Concern Worldwide

People/Organisations to follow on twitter:

@twestival, @concern, @kktwestival,

A List of some of the participating Cities/Countries:

London: http://www.london.twestival.com

Auckland: http://www.auckland.twestival.com

Melbourne: http://www.melbourne.twestival.com

Dubai: http://www.dubai.twestival.com

Shanghai: http://www.shanghai.twestival.com

Beijing: http://www.beijing.twestival.com

Singapore: http://www.singapore.twestival.com

Kuala Lumpur: http://www.kualalumpur.twestival.com

Penang: http://www.penang.twestival.com

Here we go again...

2010-03-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Took awhile this year to pick up and leave. This time last year I had been to about 4 different countries! One thing people dont really know: despite being an avid traveller, I am an unbelievably nervous flyer. So 'Ni Hao' (hello) China we will see you soon for a fleeting visit (to collect our belongings from our temp flat and to sort stuff out with work there). This time I promise to take loads of gorgeous photos. I tend to neglect my camera when I'm on the road. I've been telling myself to take more photos for a photo collage of all the places I have been to-I've been procrastinating as usual.

'Zaijian' (goodbye) for now. Access to certain websites is restricted in China (well most of the websites I utilise anyway!). Stupid censorship board. There are other ways around it though ;)

I was restless so I made sausage rolls.

2010-02-05T01:18:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-14T23:55:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-01-07T00:21:00.000-08:00

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..

2009-12-14T22:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-05T01:35:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

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..

When 'Pink' is just a colour.

2009-10-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

Cancer is a word, not a sentence. ~John Diamond

If you didnt already know (or if you have been living under a rock!) --The entire month of October is dedicated towards the awareness of Breast Cancer.
Ribbons have been used to express solidarity on the part of the wearer with the identified cause since the early to late 20th Century *wikipedia*. Across the globe Pink Ribbons (and the colour pink) are used to express support for women (and men) who are diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Show your support donate/volunteer or wear a pink ribbon for the month of October!

Things to know:

Breast cancer risk increases with age and every woman is at risk.

Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer.

One in eight women or 12.6% of all women will get breast cancer in her lifetime.

Breast cancer risk increases with age and every woman is at risk.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 15 and 54, and the second cause of cancer death in women 55 to 74.

The first sign of breast cancer usually shows up on a woman's mammogram before it can be felt or any other symptoms are present.

Approximately 1400 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2000 and 400 of those men will die.

About 1.2 million cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

About 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer.

You are never too young to develop breast cancer! Breast Self-Exam should begin by the age of twenty.

Risks for breast cancer include a family history, atypical hyperplasia, delaying pregnancy until after age 30 or never becoming pregnant, early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), current use or use in the last ten years of oral contraceptives, and daily consumption of alcohol.

My personal mission;

"Spreading the word and this year; raising funds for women who cannot afford to pay for a mammogram."

Some people wonder why I'm a die-hard 'pink ribbon wearer'. Its a cause that has been close to my heart for many years now. It has been 11 years since my mum was first diagnosed with breast cancer. It changed her life and has affected the many people around her forever. She now volunteers for an organisation called Reach to Recovery and the work I have seen the group do is nothing short of a miracle!

When my mum was diagnosed with cancer, she wouldnt take s*it from anyone. She ate what she wanted, worked, travelled and wouldnt put up with negativity. She ignored all the 'so called' restrictions (dos and donts and what NOT to eat whilst battling cancer.) She was however prepped to losing all her hair! (I actually recall a very bizarre wig shopping trip with her!)

Guess what?

By being ultra positive during those times (although still suffering and in pain!):

- she survived. Doctors arent always right! (shes still with us till today!)

- she didnt lose her hair (that wig is collecting dust at the back of her closet)

- she has spent 11 years helping cancer patients, running campaigns, travelling the world for Breast cancer conferences.

- shes still my mum and shes still with me in all those important 'growing up moments'. When she was diagnosed i remember giving myself a timeline; 5 years to graduate, get a job, get married and have a kid! Its been 11 years i havent done all the things on that list but I'm doing it at my own pace, because she's still with me :)

Dont take life for granted.

Get yourself checked, nag your sister, your mum, your wife, your girlfriend, your fiancee, your best friend!

Remember girlies, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer too.

The most important thing in illness is never to lose heart. ~Nikolai Lenin

Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. ~Author Unknown

snippets

2009-10-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

Its been a crazy month! In fact its been a crazy year-- I have experienced so much in different areas of my life; personal, social as well as on a professional level. There have been stories/rants/experiences/conversations that I have been wanting to blog about but have been struggling to do so due to internet access and restrictions in the big C and previous countries I've been living in. (big C = China.. from this post onwards I will not mention China due to restrictions in the country).

China is interesting. (I will elaborate on this.)

I am currently back in Sabah, Borneo for an unexpected trip and am swamped with work mainly writing...bizarre but true.

I not only work as an outdoor consultant/instructor. The company has now assigned me several other tasks: in depth research on bamboo (one of the most random tasks), marketing, travel writing and web content.

I miss non-chinese food.

Its great being back in a country where it takes about 30 minutes to order your food, eat your food and pay your bill and not spend 30 minutes just trying to order your food.

*post has been edited*

Check out my new home-Yangshuo!

2009-08-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well my home at the 'current' moment!

P.s: Yangshuo is in the County of Guilin in the GuangXi province.

Spectacular view from Moon Hill! Far from being a large, congested, polluted city (ie. Shenzhen aka Shitsend is one city in China to avoid!)-- I'm definitely a 'countryside' girl..

I have read reviews of the town (some are hilarious--couldnt understand some of the websites/blogs written by the Chinese, they may not be grammatically correct at times (similar to the author of this blog!) but they are an 'interesting' community. I spent a day in Yangshuo in 2005 and I loved it!;

' Thousands of hills stand in different poses and with different expressions, such as Moon Hill, Mural Hill and Schoolboy Hill which is the natural stage of the world famous opera 'Impression on Sanjie Liu'. Sanjie Liu is a fairy singer in the legend of the Zhuang minority group. Big Banyan, a huge tree with a history of over 1,400 years, is said to be the place where her love story happened. The 'Little Li River'- the Yulong River – is a paradise for a cruise because of its green hills, silky water and ancient bridges. You can also go to Xanadu, a primitive minority village full of folk culture and tranquil rurality.

Streets in Yangshuo are well kept in the original style, presenting the simple and primitive atmosphere of the ancient town.'

review from http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/guangxi/yangshuo/

The plan: we fly on the 29th of August to Kuala Lumpur and on the 30th we fly straight to Guilin (where we had the option of taking a boat 80km down the river-- but since we are there for work, the company is sending a car to the airport for us!)

No clue as to what living in China will be like (random bloggers and travellers have mixed emotions about the place!) However, it will definitely be different from our time in United Arab Emirates.

What I truly believe: Have no expectations. Thats what makes travelling and working in different countries an experience!

Goodbye Borneo (for now!) Ni Hao China!

A travelling we will go..

2009-08-20T02:37:00.000-07:00

A good traveller has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
~Lao Tzu~

Paragraphs and Punctuation!

2009-08-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

What is wrong with blogger?

Yo pointed out how incredibly 'unreader' friendly my previous post was! The font was set on LARGE and squished into one paragraph and bloody font was set to Georgia (oh the grammar teacher in her!). Fine I have a problem with punctuation-I admit. However, when I typed out the post it was in paragraphs and the font was set at normal and the font style was set to 'verdana'! I tried to edit the post and bloody blogger is still stubborn and insisted on the same settings.. and i'm eyeing this post as well and I think blogger is doing the same flippin thing again. How rude!

I should be so lucky.

2009-08-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Its August already??!!

Beyond popular belief.. I am one who cannot sit still and Mr Idle and I do not see eye to eye, after one adventure has ended I crave another almost immediately.

I got back to Sabah at the end of April and spent 10 days with a group of 26 students and 2 teachers being their guide/leader in Sabah as well as instructing several sessions of snorkelling, kayaking, climbing etc. That stint ended early May and then W arrived back from the middle east and we spent time catching up with our many friends and family.

From May to Mid July we were kept busy running around trying to cross the many barriers/obstacles to get married as well as organising the wedding (tasks that people take a year to plan & complete-we completed in 2 months, thanks to friends & family and our amazing bridal party!).

A week before and after the wedding was spent playing tour guide to W's family and our friends. We finally had a cheeky little break (if you can call it that?!) at Manukan Island and then it was straight on to leading a trek, working for Camps Int. and my previous boss Mr. R. Hall. I spent 4 days with a group of 24 students and 2 teachers from Bristol--needless to say it was very entertaining and I have never heard adults whinge and whine about dirt and leeches as much as I have from these 2 (2 male teachers who claim to be one with nature and 'dabble' in all things adventurous! Yeah Right!).

When I got back, we were both indecisive as to where and what we were to do next so we said whatever comes first- which was Wills interview in Sabah-- turns out he needs one other qualification before any visas can be offered and working freelance is definitely not an option. Oman -- I, in all honesty was not looking forward to heading back in that direction, I know its completely different from the UAE (where we spent 6 months or so) but there are aspects of the Middle East that does not appeal to me.

By some miracle we were browsing through an adventure job site and stumbled upon the advert, within 2 days we were offered the job! I have been to this part of China and it is amazing I only spent one night at this town but I am looking forward to living there for a bit. The beauty of this job: being so close that if I wanted to; I could fly back to Sabah for the weekends and it makes travelling around the region super duper easy. Thank you Air Asia!

So I am starting to research the country, learn mandarin, pack my bags, get my gear prepped, .. apparently an apartment of sorts has been reserved for us and we're ready to go!

We have always been lucky and have always been able to acquire work not for one but for both of us! Hopefully our luck will continue!

Maasalama Middle East Ni Hao China!

And they were wed by Sam Rye

2009-08-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

A very special friend wrote a little something after attending our wedding, it made me cry. I loved it and thought I'd post it on my blog (he even included some photos in his post!).
The original post can be found HERE.

I wasn't quite prepared for the lavish wedding thrown in honour of Will & Mia, but it was an incredible thing to be a part of.

Hannah, Chris, Rory, Yohanna, Freddie and I all arrived together and were greeted by Will and his groomsmen, all looking mighty sharp in their suits, and we underwent the usual process of handshakes and polite wedding chitter chatter as we awaited the wedding march to strike up.

I was pleased to hear the violins bust out Pachelbel's Canon in D instead of the wedding march - used at another of my friend's wedding - I think it's a beautiful piece of music.

canon - canon

Mia looked fantastic in what us blokes describe as 'a big white dress', but it was long and flowing and complemented Mia beautifully.

The paparazzi captured every moment of the ceremony and following reception, and the pictures are stunning - sadly I can't post them at this point, so you'll just have to trust me - unless you're a Facebook geek too, in which case they're posted on my profile page.

The reception was in the Sutera Harbour complex - one of the 5* hotel complexes in KK. This was the part I wasn't prepared for; no expense spared - 58 tables, enough to seat 580 people, about 8 courses, beer, wine & whisky galore, speeches and toasts, and 2 projector screens to show the happy couple's lives leading up to this day in photos.

An incredible event, held in a huge ballroom and it was only once a full glass of whisky was proffered to me that I knew it was about time to wish Mia & Will every luck in their future together, and make a judicous exit, and leave the revellers to continue the party late into the next morning.

There was also a second evening to the whole shindig - this time a celebration in traditional Kadazan style. Very annoyed that we arrived a little late (due to transport difficulties) so we missed the actual ceremony, a little of the kadazan fun (like blow pipes), but we made it for a beautiful dinner which was followed by dancing, more blow pipe action, and a mock harvest festival beauty pagent by Mia's cousins which was simply hilarious and impossible to describe here. It was a fantastic evening, and we drank tapei (rice wine) in many toasts to the bride and groom.

It really was great to see 2 friends so very happy, and I can only wish them every happiness in the future.

by Sam Rye.

Thank you Sam.

Maximum procrastination.

2009-07-30T02:30:00.000-07:00

Here I am to blog again. Its been ridiculously hectic in the past 3 weeks-- particularly leading up to the wedding. Yes, folks. I am now a Mrs. My form filling days of stating that I am 'Miss' and 'single' are over. Occasionally I forget, as I look confused when someone addresses me as Mrs. R! Is there a difference from the day I said 'I do' --surprisingly, Yes there is a change, I thought it would be a day where we both say I do and then the relationship is 'legal' but there's more to it than that... every year I celebrate a birthday, move to a different country or do something different and everytime people ask me whether I feel any different I actually never do... this time round I can actually say I feel the difference! I cant explain why, Im still recuperating from all the boozing, eating and merriment of the 2 week 'shebang'.. but I'll get there eventually! In the mean time, I will be blogging --some articles for my own personal blog and some for 'work' purposes! Thanks to everyone who has made the effort to attend and celebrate with us!

bubbles.

2009-06-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

I am such a kid at heart.
Forget the rice, heart shaped paper confetti-- bring on the bubbles as I walk down the aisle.

I tried my 'gazillion bubblemaker' bubble machine today, its amazing! I was transported into a different world, I spent the better part of the morning jumping up and down surrounded by a gazillion bubbles! (the neighbours were giving me weird looks-PAH who cares!)

“A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows, and bubbles all around”
~Caroline Birmingham~

here comes the bride..all bright and RED

2009-06-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ok.. so it hasnt been the easiest of months.. You would think arranging, planning and organising a wedding would be a piece of cake-think again! Now I know why people elope!!! From invitations (which have yet to be posted or addressed! YES I know the wedding is in 3 weeks!), to makeup trials, to venues, band, the dress, the photoshoot and most importantly to pleasing everyone but myself! I am ready to blow!
I just want 1 day of peace and not a constant reminder of what I need to do.. thing is I also have to update my CV and think about work post wedding and many other little details..so its Mia as a circus freak trying to juggle many other different tasks at the same time (multitasking I am usually accustomed to-but this is ridiculous!). I think Im frustrated mainly due to the fact that I havent had any time to MYSELf... to laze when I want to laze and to organise things according to my timeline and still meet the deadline.. *sigh* and breathe. I cant sit down without someone harping on about this and that not being done etc--and its during times like this I need people to ANSWER my calls--yes you wedding venue and wedding service providers I feel like chucking my phone down the toilet and flushing it away! OK end of rant.

Ok so it hasnt been all that bad.. W and I had fun during the pre-wedding photo shoot jumping, trekking, sweating (I have never in my life found trekking to be as hard-climbing and trekking up hills is challenging enough without the big white wedding dress and a veil trailing down my back in flip flops!). I have also heard from friends who have suddenly said they're coming to the wedding when initally they thought they couldnt. I have had my ups and downs but at the end of the day I have my MOH (maid of honour - who has been keeping me sane: we need another day out!) and I am marrying my best friend.

*sigh* not long now.

Sunday Quote(s)

2009-06-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Planning and organising the wedding is all I am doing these days!! So some funny wedding related quotes are needed to lighten the mood!

When you meet someone who can cook and do housework--don't hesitate a minute--marry him.
- Unknown

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the wedding cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
- Ogden Nash

Improvising.

2009-06-08T04:28:00.000-07:00

Its Monday!

I started my Monday at 4:17am and woke to a loud obscene ringing coming from under my pillow-my bloody mobile. It was my dad-who needed a lift to the airport. I was groggy, I got out of bed, flopped back down on the sofa (oink oink- the snooze button and me have a very close relationship), dad was still munching on breakfast and he was watching a horror flick called "Whisper" which freaked me out (specific scene: driver driving, no one in the car turns to the front passenger seat and a little boy was sitting there staring at him!). As we were driving to the airport he decided to relate the story of how my bridal house (well the bridal house I am currently renting my dress from) is haunted and there were many cases of unexplained events that have occurred there which is why none of the tenants stay very long. 4:30am and there I was in a car on a lonely road, it was still dark and I had to drive home on my own. My imagination started going berserk.. I practically ran out of the car and jumped right into bed almost crushing W who was sound asleep. I found it difficult sleep after that!
8:21 am Woke up to the sound of my mum who needed a lift to the clinic as she was not feeling very well.. was so glad I could then roll over, nudge W who then said he would take her. On their way to the clinic there was a road block with a guy holding out a green flag to one side of the traffic and turned to the direction W & my mum were coming from and waved a big red toilet brush---in pain and still groggy, both my mum and W burst out into hysterics! *sigh*

Thats what I call excellent improvisation!

Chicken Nose & Sugar Pie

2009-06-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

No. They're not 2 characters from a new animated series. In fact, supposedly both names refer to me! My beloved fiancee has on several occasions woken up at odd hours of the night and has 'addressed' me by these random names (nope not by other girls names but cutesy/weird names as stated above!). I think somehow, I am destined to share a room with a colleague/partner who has some sort of sleeping disorder! I have had 5 room mates in the past who sleep talk/sleep walk/sleep fight. My recent roommate in the UAE was by far the scariest of them all (I love her though she's ace!). In fact she neglected to mention her bedtime problems and initially I started having proper conversations with her only to realise she was actually ASLEEP! She has also laughed in her sleep (really loud and that was really eerie as it occurred in the dead of the night!) and was once asleep but sat up in her bed and started frantically flailing her arms.
Other wacky roommates I have had have:

1) Started speaking Chinese in they're sleep (I don't speak the language only a couple of words so I haven't a clue as to what was going on)

2) Started speaking French in they're sleep (AND AGAIN I don't speak the language only a couple of words and YET AGAIN didn't have a clue as to what was going on)

3) Walked out the bedroom door and into the kitchen put the pan on the stove (didn't light the stove-which was quite lucky!) and walked right back in the bedroom and hopped into bed.

4) I have been kicked before, take note this was a room mate whos' bed was on the opposite side of the room. How bizarre!

Sleep Talking/Somniloquy (excerpt from some random website)

"Also called somniloquy, sleep talking is a type of parasomnia sleep disorder referring to a condition wherein a person talks aloud while sleeping. Sleep talk can oftentimes be loud enough and range from simple, nonsense sounds into long-winded and understandable speeches. Sleep talking can occur for a number of times throughout a person's sleep. Unlike other sleep disorders, which occurs at a specific stage of sleep, sleep talking can occur during either the non rapid eye movement or NREM stage of sleep or the rapid eye movement or REM stage of sleep. The most usual occurrence of sleep talking is during the transitory arousals of a person from the NREM stage of sleep. If the sleep talking occurs during the REM stage of sleep, it could represent a certain motor breakthrough of a speech from the person's dream. This means that the words being spoken by the person in his or her dream are expressed aloud.

Most people who are sleep talkers are not aware that they talk aloud while sleeping or utter sounds unless their bed partners or roommates who have heard them, tell them so. Many sleep talkers are composed of young children. About 50% of young children are reported to be affected by sleep talking. Most of them manage to outgrow such condition upon entering the stage of puberty. However, it could also persist up to a person's adulthood. According to reports, about 5% of adults are affected by sleep talking disorder (5%? How is it I end up sharing a room with these people then?) .

Sleep talking, as much as sleepwalking can also be hereditary. Aside from hereditary reasons, episodes of sleep talking can also occur because of strain and stress, medical conditions called febrile illnesses or most commonly known as fevers, anxiety disorders and other psychiatric disorders. Sleep talking is not a relatively serious condition. However, it can be considered serious if an underlying medical condition or another sleeping disorder is causing it. Most of the sleeping disorders that trigger sleep talking or are associated with sleep talking are sleepwalking, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorder or RBD, night or sleep terrors and sleep related eating disorder.

If a sleep talker becomes quite profane, dramatic or emotional, then it may be a symptom of another sleep disorder. At this point, it is best to consult a sleep doctor in order to have an accurate diagnosis and be advised on the proper treatments to undergo"

Handy Links:

Understanding Sleep Disorders

Snorers are the least of your worries. Trust Me!
Yawn. ZzZZ.

Monday Pic

2009-06-01T00:34:00.000-07:00

Experiment 246

2009-05-31T22:53:00.001-07:00

I am currently attempting to blog with only the use of my mobile phone with the predictive text function switched on. Apparently the word 'blog' does not exist in the predictive text dictionary! I am currently snuggled up in bed on a 'monday' afternoon (its been a long bank holiday weekend!) Before accusing me of being a big fat oinker let me just say that i havent been in bed all day, i was up and about but decided that today i am going spend time in my room with a good book and maybe when i can some how haul ass out of my comfy zone, i will grab my laptop and do some work (hmm..). Had an eventful weekend which has left me exhausted and will blog about it when i actually am on my computer instead of my mobile phone. In the mean time - sayonara. Lets see if i can upload photos via mobile!

life is like a tin of sardines..

2009-05-29T00:18:00.000-07:00

random quote for a sunny friday afternoon..

Life is rather like a tin of sardines - we're all of us looking for the key.

~Alan Bennett~

Vote Sipadan!

2009-05-28T10:42:00.001-07:00

2 weeks ago I attended a 'Vote Sipadan' event which was held at the Imperial International Hotel... I only knew about the event 5 minutes before it was due to start but managed to grab Yo and drove over to listen to the talk on why we should vote Sipadan..

To be honest I had no idea as to what the event was about and why Sabah Tourism was involved in promoting the whole 'Vote Sipadan' malarkey. I was intrigued.

Previously I was working for a British based charity in Sabah, so part of the job involved recommending certain tourist destinations and the one place I would always encourage people to visit would be Sipadan. Its amazing how I can promote the place yet have never actually set foot on the islands or swim in that amazing reef. I have however seen thousands of photos from friends and family alike who have been there...

One comment I still recall and to this day makes me realise how amazing the place must be was this:

"It was difficult to see the various different underwater creatures and plants there...to do so I would have to push aside the many turtles that were in my way"
~colleague, UK 2007~

That comment alone made me want to visit Sipadan but I do have my reasons for not visiting Sipadan just yet (probably soon though!). I am a globetrekker and have had the opportunity to dive in many different countries-I really would like to save the best for last. If Sipadan wins and is nominated as one of the 7 Natural wonders of the world, preservation of the area for the future will be conducted properly and no silly tom, dick and harry can build random marine parks and random buildings/resorts in and around that area. So for all of you who have had the opportunity to visit Sipadan and had an awesome time diving there, come vote for Sipadan as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World!

VOTE HERE!

Can you say DOH!?

2009-05-28T06:39:00.001-07:00

Found this video---whilst attempting to update my CV! (Procrastinating as always!)

A tear or two.

2009-05-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

I think the people who work for the Hollywood movie industry are sadistic buggers. Before you start sending me hate mail, let me get to my point.. Movies that will make you cry-why oh why do people want to watch a movie that would make them cry? How did Hollywood initially manage to market that? I confess I have cried watching some movies but hardly ever! I recall 10+ years ago when Titanic hit the big screen and I 'had' to succumb to peer pressure and join the thousands in the longest queue into the cinema awaiting the moment where Leonardo sinks to the bottom of the ocean and away from the frost bitten Kate Winslet as to which at that very moment I am "supposed" to cry. Did I shed a tear? I watched that movie with my then boyfriend, one my best mates and her other half.. 3 out of the 4 of us were in tears... and it wasnt me leaving the cinema with bloodshot eyes.

In fact, I googled "Top 10 list of Movies that will make you cry" and TITANIC is rated number 1!
Are you kidding me?
Here are the top ten movies that will make you cry (according to someone!):
1) Titanic
2) Beaches
3) My Life
4) It's a Wonderful Life
5) E.T
6) Romeo and Juliet
7) Gone With the Wind
8) Terms of Endearment
9) Ghost
10) Old Yeller

I DO have emotions and I guess at times a good cry fest is therapeutic, but still its bizarre how movies can make millions if they manage to trigger some tears. There have been some movies that have made me shed a tear or two but more often then not I've shed that tear due to the fact that the movie kinda reminded me of what I was going through emotionally at that particular moment such as:

Other movies that I would recommend to be added to the Top Ten movies that will make you cry:

The 5 films listed above are the only films that have managed to make me cry.. oh and one other recent movie featuring this dog:

Taken from an interview with the author of the book:

Q. Isn't it a little frivolous to spend this much time and energy discussing a dog when there are so many problems in the world? Why are dogs important enough to write about?

A. I have this theory, and writing the book sharpened it, that people can learn a lot from their dogs. Lessons on how to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Lessons for successful relationships. Think about it. Many of the qualities that come so effortlessly to dogs � loyalty, devotion, selflessness, unflagging optimism, unqualified love � can be elusive to humans. My hunch is that people who act more like dogs have happier marriages. That's assuming, of course, you don't marry someone who emulates cats. Then you're in trouble. Cats will outsmart dogs every time.

In with the old, out with the new?

2009-05-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

I have been blogging at this blog address for the past 5 months now. Friends and readers are visiting my old blog and are asking me as to when I'll start blogging again--er I moved! I guess the title of my new blog doesnt really have a nice ring to it: Chapter 5... sounds more like some sort of gospel preaching/history research page than a personal blog! Hence, the whole revamp of this blog. I wasnt 100% happy with the look and feel of my original design for the blog. Since being back in Borneo (surprisingly having excellent internet connection!) I have decided to spend a bit more time blogging. Why blog? I find it interesting to read my past posts and thoughts and it is a great way to document my life - an electronic diary of sorts I guess. I have also decided to update my travel blog and rant about the various different places I have been to in the past 2 years. So watch this space!

Indecisive

2009-05-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

I have actually had quite a bit of time on my hands and decided to update all my blogs. I have also decided to redesign this particular blog- I did like the previous design, however blogging and updating that bloody template was quite a challenge! I cant decide on the design of the header for this blog, so have decided to change the header from time to time depending on my mood.

Borneo baby!

2009-05-01T21:15:00.001-07:00

Here I am - actually where I have been for the past 2 weeks or so.. what have I been up to? Work expedition thingamajig was great: praises from the Big boss, the teachers who came out and the kids. I have also been trying on a gazillion wedding dresses, getting stuff sorted for the wedding, reacquainting with old friends and trying to get my act together while I am here. I actually have thousands of things to do -does not help that the house is currently in bits. Renovating and refurbishing sections of my mums house, including my old room. So I am still living out of a suitcase and sleeping on the couch. Had a thousand things to blog about ..and will blog soon.

so watch this space.

I *heart* Sabah, Borneo.

sigh

2009-04-10T03:52:00.000-07:00

Yes.. *sigh* .. a sigh of relief that I'm leaving the dump that is the UAE and heading back to the wonderful shores of Sabah.. back to sights such as this:

This week has gone by extremely slow... I have spent the week in solitude, at camp, in the middle of nowhere. I started packing about a week ago - thats how eager I was to leave! I always leave packing(shoving things into a bag more like it!) right to the very last minute. I still have 2 more days and I leave.. WOOHOO. Moderate sunshine ( I have been in the middle east!), rivers, jungles and fun here I come!

28 days to go...

2009-03-14T01:07:00.001-07:00

I have different 'countdowns' for so many events I am looking forward to!.. 28 days till I head back East and back to the lovely shores of Kota Kinabalu.. 125 days till I get married, 4 days till I head to Oman to run mountain biking sessions! It has been about a year and a half since I left (in fact the exact date I left was 26th December 2007) Since then I have been living in various different countries. I have to say the Middle East is by far my least favourite part of the world but the money is good and I need the moolah to get married and to travel more! I have never felt so restricted.. from what I wear, to my activities, to showing affection, to having fun... I have principles and have seen what the local women have to endure-its appalling. As an expat in the country it isnt as bad but I think its rubbish all the same -as expats still have restrictions and the expat life is somewhat superficial.. however, expats are categorised as well and depending your country of origin, you will be treated with the 'acceptable' amount of respect you 'deserve' (It is shit I know!).. Everyone here assumes I'm a mix of something just cant quite put a finger on it.. No offense to anyone from the Phillipines I have nothing against Philipinos but if I'm asked one more time whether I am Philipino I will scream .. one reason why I am so cheesed off is because people will assume that and then start treating me like scum. True event: I work at an adventure centre dealing mainly with kids. These kids will ask where I am from and will guess and usually say Phillipines (although they get confused because of my accent and some will say England..) I had one kid not to long ago who decided I was 'definitely' philipino and proceeded to shove his foot in my face in his oh so precious little expensive trainers and ordered me (not ask) to tie his shoe laces, being professional i lightly smacked his stinking foot from my face and told him to grow up and tie his own shoelaces (he was 10!). Same thing happened last week at a fancy boat/yacht exhibition I was at, I was there with W and J (both very white and very British).. I felt like the bloody maid, as both of them were greeted very pleasantly, brochures were handed to them and I got nothing but a smirk (not even a smile!), much to the horror of one of the staff working there I asked for a brochure and she had this look on her face; the why-would-you-need-this-brochure-you-cant-afford-anything-here-and-arent-you-the-maid
look. I think they assumed I was either the maid or W's cheap sex slave.*sigh*
Its definitely becoming a problem for me now - I dont know whether I will ever settle in one country, I have spent a little over 4 months in this part of world and I am bored (already) and need to move on again. The good thing about working and living in these parts, I will be spending most of the summer (May till September) getting married and travelling which is something I have been wanting to do for quite a while now and due to the fact that we've been paid really well out here I can actually survive without having to work for awhile. I am pretty sure when I am in a country I feel comfortable inI will actually settle for a bit but with the middle east (particularly being female and in these parts) I am not comfortable or 100% happy..

For now... Maalsalama.. (goodbye in arabic) -my arabic has somewhat improved.

2009-01-16T04:23:00.000-08:00

expat brat & dickhead
*please be warned that this post is somewhat crude. Names have not been mentioned, although the current names I've used are much better suited for both and they should consider a permanent name change to the names I have chosen.

Ranting is healthy. Putting all your annoyances, frustrations into words by either typing or writing is alot better than doing physical harm to someone.
I have been working with this Adventure/Expedition company since the end of September last year and since day 1, 2 individuals have definitely stood out and not for reasons to be proud of.
We have the classic expat brat whereby in her world everyone is beneath her and shes always right and then theres dickhead who in short is the worlds nastiest/obnoxious/cruelest person I have ever met in my 29 years of living and travelling on this planet. They make quite a pair , funny how they cant stand each other having been ignored by the rest of us, you would think they would need at least one friend. Ms. Expat Brat is French but has a British accent and a British passport at that-the nerve of talking about immigrants when in actual fact shes an immigrant! She thinks very little of me and has done nothing but bitch to the owner of the company about employing the likes of me etc. Needless to say I tried being civil and nice to both of them but I do have my limits and they've crossed the line-now I just ignore her.. most people say Dickhead is worse but I have to say in reality they are equally as bad just in different ways. Ms. Expat Brat complains, whines, whinges, bitches and does very little work to make matters worse she treats rats with more respect that she treats the non-caucasian staff. Dickhead on the other hand is the most inconsiderate, conniving (this is where they're similar), nasty, cruel (he kicks the camp cats around!), has a filthy mouth and to top it off stinks (yes he SMELLS bad!). *sigh* I am soo glad I am no longer sharing a room with Ms. Expat Brat and thank the gods above for tits and a vagina as I would rather sleep out in the rain with the cats than share a room with El Stinko in the Male sleeping pit.

*nuff said. end of rant. although characters in this post may be mentioned in future posts.

2009-01-16T04:12:00.000-08:00

put the goat on a pedestal. freaks.

With a day(s) off every 3 days I have been able to plan, organise, clean, read and watch. W is away so I have been keeping myself busy and actually enjoying my own company. Most people think I'm nuts not taking advantage of the nice sunny weather .. *sigh*In my 'current' world in the middle east where your race determines your status I would much rather lock myself up in the room then having to deal with ignorant/obnoxious idiots (The race hierarchy: 1st Emiratis/locals 2nd Goats(yes as in the ANIMAL) 3rd Caucasians(Europeans/South Africans/Australians) 4th Americans 5th Philipinos 6th Pakistanis/Indians.
In Asia people think I'm chinese/japanese,in the middle east most of them think I am philipino so being treated as an equivalent to pond scum and seeing goats being chauffered around in Limos is not my idea of a great day off (*hint of sarcasm). They do get confused though by my accent and my ability to actually converse in what one might refer to as 'proper' English and not just 'Speaking'. I do thrive for alone time and I dont tolerate racism what makes it difficult is that rude/racist people are everywhere I even work with a couple of them (one of which is an expat brat and the other is just a dickhead). Do I really have to blog about racism every other month...? I cant wait to be back in KK, a sense of belonging is somewhat an exhilaratiing idea and something I havent experienced in awhile. Only 102 days to go till I get there...

ready. set. go.

2009-01-16T04:04:00.000-08:00

ready. set. go.

And how was everyones new years celebration? I am back in the Middle East all ready for action.. had 3 days work and then 4 days off which was such a pain! I still havent gotten around to modifying my blog (am changing the template and design-AGAIN!). Its impossible to actually do any sort of internet related activities/tasks here though as the internet connection is shit and a couple of days ago the storms affected the power cables which then affected the computer and as a result we are currently computerless at the adventure centre and are oblivious to the depressing news of the world. I do have my laptop unfortunately wireless internet connection is an expensive privilege here! For a country thats developing a lot quicker than any other country in the world (hence the statistics whereby 85% of the world construction cranes are in
the UAE) they depend solely on one telecommunications company (talk about monopolising the market!). One of the reasons as to why calls/internet usage are ridiculously overpriced. I blog and type my emails on my own laptop and then save it on a USB thumbdrive before heading to the internet cafe. Its costs 25 Dirhums to use the internet for 30 minutes here (thats RM25/GBP4/US$2), which I think is a rip off but is my only connection to the outside world
till the company decides to get a new computer to replace the fried computer thats currently sitting in the office and collecting dust.

Being in a one horse town has it benefits:
1) I dont spend any money (except on overpriced internet usage).
2) I read a WHOLE lot more. (I kid you not I brought 12 books back with me from England)
3) I will appreciate any other one horse town I head to next. (Alcohol/cohabiting is illegal..there
goes other forms of entertainment)
4) Definitely reduce my alcohol consumption (not entirely though as there is an illegal off license
in the hotel opposite us)
5) Swimming with turtles, gym (when I haul ass) and other physical activities are about the only
other entertainment available here)
6) I will soooo appreciate friends and family (not that I dont!). (We have some nice people, some
a**holes just not on the same level-my only companion is W and G when they're not around:
My books and my laptop!)

So I am counting down the days till I leave this gorgeous yet utterly dead town and to date I have exactly 103 days to go! The other thing both W & I have been trying to do since we got back from England (almost 2 weeks now) is to chuck the nicotine habit out the window. W went cold turkey and had his last ciggie in Heathrow, as for myself I have had a cheeky ciggie or 2 and am on patches, inhalator (mock ciggies) and gum. To be completely honest it is unbelievably difficult. For 2 reasons: habit and nights of boredom. Yes: If you have been puffing away for x amount of year, you will get withdrawal symptoms. The 2 obvious ones for me are: easily agitated (not the best when you're dealing with kids most of the times) and insomnia, which is why I have been having at least a sneaky ciggie before bed but have gone without for the past 5 days-It is very tempting when W is out on expedition but I have been good - so far. I havent been eating much which came was rather bizarre as most of my friends who've given up have put on loads of weight. I have been craving big time though- infact
the other night I spent the whole night dreaming of my ciggie craving! Oh well.. all in good time and I am pretty confident.

I'll kick the habit-eventually.

indecisive..

2008-12-29T02:11:00.000-08:00

Right. This is my new blog. I am not 100% happy with it though. It somehow doesnt seem to flow well and I cant add wacky, tacky gadgets (mainly due to the fact that I am out of touch with HTML codes and cant figure out how to!) . I need a simple blog which I am able to edit and update even whilst I'm in the UAE where the internet connection is super duperly slow. I am currently designing an alternative blog so I will be changing the whole design and layout! Ah.. indecisive me..See you soon.

new year. new chapter. new look.

2008-12-23T15:50:00.000-08:00

A new page to rant on. Still the same person behind the blog who has new plans for the new year Next year I will "acquire" a new husband (not that I had an existing husband to replace!) and a new family (no kiddies yet! I am referring to his side of the family!). Despite the many new people and events in my life, Christmas is definitely a time when I start reminiscing I only hope that the people who have been there for me throughout my life, my oldest and dearest friends and family enjoy themselves this xmas.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays...
*clink* glass of wine *cheers* : "Heres to a better year ahead!"