Burma: There is Hope!

Learning about troubled countries is important and raising awareness is critical to the development of these places. After learning more about Burma, I too, felt the need to write about this country which I was completely unfamiliar with. I recently had the opportunity to attend a public program hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs titled Blood Rubies: A Lens into Burma. Here, Christian Holst, a photojournalist, Brian Leber, president of Leber Jeweler, and David Mathieson a senior researcher on Burma in the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, discussed the current living situation of the Burmese people who are under the totalitarian rule of the military.

Rangoon is also referred to as Yangon.

Burma (Myanmar), a former British colony, is bordered by Bangladesh and India on the west, China on the north east, and Laos and Thailand on the east. It was once one of the richest countries in Asia due to its abundant natural resources but today it is one of the poorest and most isolated countries in the world. As the country became independent from British rule, the military took control of all aspects of society making it extremely difficult (but not impossible) for pro-democratic opponents to prevail. After years of protests by its people and religious leaders, Burma has only seen little improvement. Although the government makes millions of dollars from its natural resources such as rubies and other gems, the money is only utilized to fund military activity. Unfortunately, none of it filters down to the people who rightfully deserve a healthcare system, an education, and much more. Those who have courageously fought for the human rights of the Burmese people have been prosecuted and jailed but recently many of these political prisoners - who shouldn't have been imprisoned to begin with - were released in January 2012. President Obama praised this act as a “substantial step forward for democratic reform” as well as a way to restore its relationship with the U.S. A senior State Department official in Washington described Burma’s move as the largest single release of political prisoners in Asia’s history: US to Renew Myanmar Ties in Light of Reforms

Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 199.
(Picture from TIME Magazine) 

Despite this, the country has a long way to go and many are hopeful for the upcoming elections where politician/activist Aung San Suu Kyi plans to run for parliament. Suu Kyi led the pro-democratic movement in Burma in 1988 but was placed under house arrest for 15 years. She was granted freedom with the condition that she leave Burma but she refused. She was released from house arrest in November 2010 and is now the face of hope for a new Burma.

Some other interesting facts about Burma:

•  Jade and the trade of gemstones, including rubies, directly funds the military (government). Unlike other countries, under the Kimberly Process, none of these resources are used to support education or healthcare.  
•  The government spends per capita 0.60¢ a year on healthcare.
• Death toll for those infected with HIV is very high because once the disease is detected, it is too late to treat. In addition, little medical resources are available. 
• Education is free but teachers are paid by parents. Educators make about $30-$40 a month.  
• 90 percent of the world’s rubies come from Burma. All ruby mines are monitored and owned by the government.
•  Burmese gem industry is worth $500M (US).
• Mine workers make about $1.20/day. Many believe that these workers seek mining jobs to support their heroin addiction.
• Other Burmese laborer workers live on a $1 per day.
• The unemployment rate is so high that it has forced many women to go into prostitution.  
•  Ethnic groups in Burma are brutalized; the civil war here is one of the oldest in the world.
•  One of the biggest challenges of the country will be national reconciliation.
• Many flee to nearby Thailand, but migrant Burmese workers are not allowed to work legally so some try to make a living by sorting garbage on dump sites and selling scraps.

As humans, we cannot look the other way and pretend that atrocities like these do not happen. Despite religion and political beliefs, there are human values that everyone needs to consider before ignoring current events like these and the efforts of others to make a difference. Lets educate ourselves and others about the world and try to find ways that we can help, even if its just bringing light to issues that are worth discussing. 

Below is a press conference announcing that Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, would be traveling to Burma. The first Secretary of State to do so in over 50 years!  

 Christian Holst's work: http://christianholstphotography.com/

Wanna make somebody smile? :)

I have always been a firm believer in the wonders that small things and small meaningful gestures can do for people. A simple 'hello' or 'hope you have a nice day' can really change a person's attitude especially if they are having a bad day. I am guilty of shutting down once in a while when I am not feeling all that happy but recently I have been trying to change my ways. Life is too short and as cliche as this sounds, it really is the TRUTH! I cant live my life questioning it or wondering why I have to face the issues that I face but what I CAN do is to try to make the best of the situation and remain calm.

Anyway, the point of this post is to let you know how I plan to make somebody smile. This somebody is a family member who was recently diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkin's Lymphoma to be exact. Her journey in this has not been easy, as you can imagine, and it has been particularly difficult for her parents. As much as I wish I could be a miracle worker and cure her from this horrible disease, there is not much that I can do. But I can support her and let her know that I am here. Always.

Although I dont know what she is going through, because I have never suffered from cancer or any other illness, I can only imagine how bad some of her days can be. For this reason, I decided to gather a few fun items and create a "Feel Better Soon" box and send it her way. Inspired by Eco Emi (check out my post about organic beauty products), I decided to purchase some of my favorite organic and eco-friendly things in hopes that she will smile even if its just for a little bit. Considering the fact that ALL of these products are good for the environment and HER, I know that she will love it. I learned about most of these products through this program and so far I have to say...they are AMAZING. In particular the Fortune Cookie Soap which comes in all different scents. So I packed everything in an USPS Small Flat Rate Box - like Eco Emi does - and wrapped most of the things in nice tissue paper. Seriously, when I get my box every month, I feel like a child during Christmas, its so exciting to see whats in my monthy box and I wait anxiously for the next one to come in the mail!

I have realized that as I am in the process of opening each box, I cant stop smiling and in a way, I wanted to share this experience with my cousin. There have been times when after a long and stressful day an Eco Emi box is waiting for me at home and  it truly transforms me into a much happier-relaxed person. And I can assure you that it is not just the excitement of opening a 'gift' but also the scents and the pretty things that I get to indulge. SO, if YOU are ever in the need of ideas try creating your own box with your favorite goodies. I purchased many of these items at Whole Foods except for the Fortune Cookie Soap (more information below on where you can find it).

Ultimately, I hope that my box can help my cousin feel better especially when she returns home after a day of chemotherapy. I have yet to learn how she likes the items I selected but I will keep you posted. In the meantime, here is more information on what I got her :)

* Alba Botanica Deodorant
* No Bad Stuff Lip Balm
* Verdura Botanica Sal - Black Olive Botanical Minerals for the Bath (verdurabotanica.com)
* Fortune Cookie Soap in the "The Candy Addict" scent (fortunecookiesoap.com)
* Glee Gum - All natural rainforest chicle
* Herbaria Pure Pleasure soap in Almond Spice
* Hello Kitty Sniff Tissue
* Auracacia Soothing Organic Milk and Oath Bath
* Rise Energy Bar in Blueberry Coconut
* Yummy Earth Organic Hot Chili Pops
* EO Handsanitizer
* Auromere Rejuvenating Hand and Body Lotion

The Pink Soap on the Right is called "Pink Lemonade" and it truly smells as such.



I think this says it all, right???



If I had learned about these soaps before my wedding, these would have been our Wedding Favors!!! These are the best things EVER! Definitely future gifts for people!



This stuff is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!



I even cut out small leaves to give the box an autumn feel!

  

Women, War, and Peace

For the past three weeks I have been watching a PBS special program titled, Women, War, and Peace, and I must say that it is perhaps one of the most comprehensive reports on the role women have taken in the peace efforts and political change of some of the most troubled countries in the world. If you havent watched it please do yourself a favor and watch IT! I have learned so much from the women featured in this program, and more than ever, I feel so lucky to live in a country where I know my voice is heard.

As you can imagine, many of these stories are sad and extremely disturbing but learning that many have taken these negative experiences and done something positive to help others is quite admirable. Anyway, I have a new found respect for women in countries Im not sure I will ever visit but that somehow I feel connected to because I care.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/

Yay for Organic Beauty Products!

A couple of months ago I was on youtube watching make up videos...because this is what I do when I am extremely bored...and I came across a couple of gurus who talked about Eco-Emi. This small company works with others to bring awareness of the importance of organic beauty and body products as well as other household items. People who are interested in this movement and learning more about how they can be more eco-friendly, can become a member of Eco-Emi and pay a monthly membership fee of $15. This fee includes a box full of goodies that will seriously blow your mind away! Each box contains samples, between 5-10, from companies that produce organic items and for those who wish to purchase full size products, your box contains a ton of coupons!

I have fallen in love with this company and my membership fee is totally worth it. Last month, June, I received my first box and it was AWESOME BUT I just received my July Box and I think I love it even more!!!! I had somewhat of a rough day today so coming home to my box completely changed my spirit. I hadnt even opened the box and I could smell heavenly goodness. Below you'll see a few pictures of the items in this month's box but the following are my favorites! I will have to order full size products of these:

* Fortune cookie soap with lavender essential oils - NO harmful animal testing is conducted for this product.

* Aloe and green tea hand and body lotion - Smells soooo good!

* Rose hips black soap deep pore wash and mask - I cant wait to try it.

* Organic vanilla mint lip mosturizer balm - My lips are going to be in heaven!

* Body washes by Dr. Hauschka

And one of my ultimate favorite things is a drawstring bag stamped with a water based non-toxic ink. First of all, I love dragon flies and secondly, I can use this little pouch for anything! So as you can tell, I am so happy to be a member of this company and I cant wait to share my excitement with friends and family! If you are interested in joining please visit them at: http://www.ecoemi.com/.

So simple yet beautiful!

The experience of opening an Eco Emi box is AMAZING. Sounds silly but its true! The packaging is so pretty you dont even want to open it!

What else can I say? Its just great.

Here comes the Duchess!

Sure...she's beautiful, graceful, and has a great sense of style, but I think there is much more to the Duchess of Cambridge that attracts even those who can care less about the English Monarchy. As everything else in the media, all we hear about is how thin she is, what she is wearing, what designer brand her shoes are, blah blah blah...but honestly, I could care less. I do think that despite all the fuss, she appears to be very humble. Behind the fancy dresses, she is like any other woman...sure, she's married to a Prince and can live in a castle if she wants, but there is something very genuine about her that makes her seem relatable...yes, relatable. Perhaps it is because we are so close in age and she seems to be just as independent as any Western woman and I truly admire that.

We all know that as a future Queen, her work, whether positive or negative, will impact everyone worldwide. She is now in a position where she can help millions and the fact that she is intelligent and young makes me believe she will make a great role model. It is actually pretty exciting to see what the future holds for her and the people that follow her soooo we'll just have to wait and see. Of the few famous people that I would love to have coffee with she is definitely one of them! I wouldnt mind looking through her closet either despite my comment above :)    





Here is a postcard that was sent to me by an old friend who now lives in London. I'd show you the other side but the message is private ;)  

 

Weapons of War against Women

CNN is currently working on a series of articles regarding weapons of war against women and children and when I read this article: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/06/24/holocaust.rape/index.html?hpt=hp_c2 my heart broke. I cant belive that man kind can be so cruel...I understand that war encourages heinious crimes but what gives man the power to violate those that cant even fight back? If you want war, you got it but fight it fair! I know, I know, that only happens in a make believe world...war is war I guess... but seriously, using rape as a weapon? Can you be any more of a coward??? 

So why is it important to know what happened to women during the Holocaust, during the war in Bosnia, or in violent countries in Africa? Because this is an issue that goes against all of our human rights...it doesnt matter what country you live in or what your political or religious beliefs are, we should do something to make a difference! This shouldnt have happened then and it shouldnt be happening now! The sexual and physical abuse of any human being is appalling and even though we live in a very sad world, I strongly believe we can change or control this type of behavior. Raising awareness of what happened or happens to women in troubled countries is definitely the first step in making a difference! Im not sure what follows, wish I knew but I dont, but this is why I think everyone has to be on the same page to come up with a solution(s). Ignoring that this violence happens now is definitely a step backwards...I mean, wouldnt YOU want someone to come to your rescue?

This said, I do know that another step would be to stop being afraid...scared of our surroundings and what could happen if we voice our opinions. Many women have sacrificed themselves to protect other women and we should be willing to do that if we want this world to change. While I think of other ways we can make a difference, Im going to read Ashley Judd's "All that is Bitter and Sweet: A Memoir." She is not only one of my favorite actresses but she has done a lot of work with the United Nations and has traveled throughout Africa and other parts of the world to help vulnerable women. I appreciate that she has written this book because I just think more public figures should be like her...just saying.

Anywho, Ill do a book review once I am finished and I know it will be great :)

Baby, aka Richard, aka Pichis

My doggie, Baby, is pretty much my child...he keeps me company and makes me really happy. Most of the time at least when he's not barking at other dogs or people. He's a mixed terrier, ten years old, and diabetic. Yep, diabetic. He requires 8.5 units of insulin each day and only eats sugar free, fat free, dog food! His diet is better than mine and my husband's!!! 

<3