#mad week

This is a song + reflection post. If TLDR : Born Ruffians are super rad!! Their new album is a gem if you heart them and have been hoping for a return to the more minimalist of their sounds, with a bit of a punk flava.   I got to see them when they were at Sugar 2ish weeks ago, and I got to talk to Luke Lalonde (that’s the guy who sings) and was super relieved to find him super down to earth, easy to talk to, and appreciative (apparently no one has ever thrown flowers onstage before! I totally popped Born Ruffians flowers-thrown-on-stage cherry [also, lemon-ginger tea bags but anyways that I’m not so surprised at]), whaattttt! ).  And he drew a pretty impressive cat face with his autograph (I’m assuming it’s because I got him to sign the back of the my “cat personalities” T that is an inadvertent heirloom from my late auntie Louise, who died of uterine cancers several years after I got the shirt from her in a bag of hand-me-downs…[ I didn’t mention all that, it was more like ‘oh sheet the Sugar bouncer guy is telling us we need to wrap up our convo and and now the merch table is closed and I have nothing OH WAIT could you sign my cat shirt?!!! It’s one of my favourite most comfy Tshirts, I got it from my aunt who died, and it’s white so it’ll be perfect!!“ mad hugs shoutout to my M side.  Cancer fucking sucks. ] Today I find myself feeling probably the most grounded and reserved I have since getting out of my latest longterm dysthymia on election week (thanks election week! Now I’ll actually be able to chart at least one 2015 mood switcheroo within a few days! : p ) and it feels really nice.  The last week has been fucking nuts, in the best, I’m-living-life-by-the-safest-most-mindful-seat-of-my-pants way possible, and this post actually started out as a FB post that was going to be me posting “Stupid Dream” by the aforementioned band and saying how it’s a good/appropriate song re: mental health and my last week, finding that mix of keeping my lid on and literally and metaphorically dancing my squirrelies out when need be, and sending out thanks to everyone who helped me through that.  

Anyways, I can feel my energy fading and I think it’s time for a restorative mini-nap and breakfast.  At some point I’ll figure out all/some of the details on how to post what and all that, but until then I’ll try to post said song as a link… fingers crossedddddd

Day 1: Arrive at caring for the future Malaysia

Day 2: Building a garbage disposal

What we did: Firstly, we were given an introduction tour about how the orphanage sustains themselves and then after, we made the base/foundation for a garbage disposal with cement, the proportions are

2 sand: 1 cement: 3 rocks. The use of rocks helps to save cement which comes into play with the sustainability of the environment.

What I learned: Throughout the day we saw ways in which the orphanage tries to sustains itself, such as growing their own mushrooms, growing their own fish etc. Sustainability is essential for the orphanage, because they can not solely rely on donations. Like the common saying “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” 

How I made a difference: Through making a garbage disposal, we are able to provide a more hygienic environment for their kitchen. When we had our first meals, there were lots of flies; this could be dangerous for the kids in the orphanage. Due to the construction of the garbage disposal, far away from the kitchen, we provided a safer environment for the kids.

Day 3: Cement for the road 

What we did: We made cement once again, but this time it was without the rocks. We used the cement to extend the road already put in place by other schools who also went to help build a sustainable environment for the children. At night we were given a presentation by the founder of the orphanage, Abe Mitsuhiko, as to why he decided to move him and his family from Japan to Malaysia

What I learnt: I learnt that the rocks placed in the road has multiple functions 1) it helps save cement and hence increasing the sustainability due to the decreased use of paid resources. 2) it’s part of the design and 3) it’s symbolic of how life is a challenge as the rocks pose a challenge for people to walk on. At the presentation by Mr. Mitsuhiko, I learned that a kid in Malaysia changed his life forever, by inspiring him to move to Malaysia to give kids from villages a chance at a future.

How I made a difference: I made a difference by getting involved with the making of the road to their new recreational center that has yet to be built, through this not only have I made a difference to the children’s lives but also my life as I learned so much about the appreciation for life and the reason why Mr. Mitsuhiko did what he did.

Day 4: More cementing + making the plaque + painting the garbage disposal

What we did: We finished of our portion of the road to the soon to be built recreational center and designed and made a plaque including all our names on it. I also helped paint the garbage shed with galvanizing paint, hence preventing it from rust.

What I learnt: We learnt that the reason why they didn’t hire workers to build the road is because they want young people like us to know that it’s not all about fund raising, but it’s also about getting involved, making a difference, making a change for others.

How I made a difference: By finishing off our portion of the road, we provided a pathway for the children and visitors a way to get to the recreational center. In addition I made a difference by painting the garbage shed, this was essential as it prevents rust and is a key aspect in sustaining the condition of the garbage disposal.

Day 5: Relaxation day at the beach. I got to see the beautiful environment of Sabah, e.g. corals, fishes etc.

Day 6: Adventure center day: Zip-lining, abseiling, rock climbing etc.

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