So today is Day 4, and I feel it is my duty to state the obvious: I really, really stink. I actually caught my professor giving quite a distressed look after I walked by in the hallway, like he’d just opened the garbage after it had been sitting out all day in the sun. Okay, so probably not that bad, but still pretty bad. I also found myself standing in a few lines today, and it was a little embarrassing to know that I was that one malodorous garlic clove amidst the flowers in the garden.

Despite feeling a little awkward, and grossing out some of the members of my conference team, being homeless has been quite liberating. Even though we still have to fulfill our academic and extracurricular activities, life has been boiled down to just the necessities. We find food during the day, a warm place to spend most of the night (usually the library), then head back to our covered area outside of the UBC Bookstore.  There is no more fear of what people think; you have to take care of your survival needs first. I’ve also realized that some of the comforts I “couldn’t live without”, have not even been missed. For instance, I “could not live” without my iPod to accompany me between classes, but it sure didn’t take long to forget about it. Granted, I love listening to music while doing work, and have thus missed the speed at which I work when my headphones are on. In the big picture though, it was more of a distraction to block other smaller distractions out and become focused; now myself and my garbage bag full of belongings are the focus. One definitely appreciates the relative weight of things like textbooks, once one has to lug all of his or her personal belongings all over campus for a week.

If you’re even considering participating in the 5 Days campaign next year, I’d highly recommend it. Thanks to everyone who has donated thus far; you have made this campaign the success that it is!

T-Murph, out.

After waking up from what felt like a pretty sound sleep, I bounced up this morning feeling fully energized and ready to face the world. Unfortunately, after an Operations class and ticket selling for our conference this Friday (Ya Me Inc.!), I was absolutely gassed. It actually felt like the world was in slow motion, and I don’t think I have ever wanted a nap more badly in my entire life. It’s amazing how sleeping under different conditions affects the quality of your rest; it’s almost like a state of hibernation, not sleep.

In addition to my sleep revelations, I also learned what it feels like to have to rummage for food in front of people; it’s pretty frigging depressing. When people talk about having to “swallow your pride” and do something unpleasant, I don’t think any of them have dug around in a pile that looks like garbage to find something to eat. Granted, it wasn’t ACTUALLY garbage it was a pile of leftover food from a few days’ worth of donations at our little campsite, but it still gave the same impression. There was no one else around, and to passers-by I’m sure a scruffy looking man with all of his belongings in a garbage bag looking for something to eat was not a pleasant sight. In fact, as I munched on a somewhat dry piece of bread I was able to take stock of the scene around me, and was greeted by looks of pity and disgust. It didn’t matter that I had a laptop beside me on the ground, or that the cardboard sign behind me advertised our cause, because all people seemed to see was a pitiful human being digging through someone else’s waste. It was quite a sobering experience.

Before I sign off for another day, I’d like to take a quick moment to thank all of our incredibly generous friends and everyone who has supported the 5 Days campaign. You have all given so much to the participants and the 5 Days event, and deserve all the good Karma one can have. From the bottoms of our hearts, thank you.

- Tyler

So we’ve officially spent one day outside in the rain, and I must say that my eyes have been opened. Not just in the sense that I now understand a fraction of what actual homeless people have to deal with, but also because I’m experiencing what it’s like to swallow my pride and accept help.

The eight of us began the first morning amidst the sound of construction and people on the stairs in front of us. Most would pass by seemingly unaware, while others couldn’t help but be confused, as the sight of 7 disheveled boys and 1 well-groomed man from Kazakhstan was apparently just too much to miss. We said “Good Morning” to several of the passers-by, but I can’t remember any of them responding. It felt like there was mirrored pane of glass between us, and they weren’t 100% positive if we could see even see them.

The people who have seen us though, have been unbelievably supportive. From the neighbour who showed up with a sandwich and granola bars on the first night, to the roommate that brought cereal and milk in a reusable container, to the classmate that insisted on getting me sushi in the SUB, there is no doubt in my mind that I am surrounded by some of the most wonderful people on this planet. If any of them happen to read this, I hope they know how grateful all of us are for their donations and visits; good conversation has definitely made the experience that much more enjoyable.

As mentioned in the opening lines to this blog, accepting help in the form of food donations has been difficult for me. I am naturally a very stubborn and independent person, and it’s tough to have to depend on the kindness of others to eat and survive. By the end of these 5 Days though, I hope to be able to let go of some of that fear and grow stronger as a person, and in doing so find added strength in the show of a little weakness. We now return to your regularly scheduled program.

Peace, love, unity.

Ty

This is the very first time I’ve ever actually written a blog, and I must say that I do feel quite special.  The sky overhead is overcast, and I’m going to venture a guess that it will rain tonight; a pretty safe bet in Vancouver I think. Though the forecast for this week calls for rain, I feel somewhat blessed that we’re not waist-deep in snow like our friends out East. It will be an incredible test for the students braving those frigid conditions, but at the same time it will also be a true test of their character, and something they can look back on with pride. Some of our participants have just headed off to our Student Union Building to “forage” for food, and I’m already wondering when I’ll start feeling the first pangs of hunger. I’m already starting to feel a bit tired as well, but I’m not sure if that’s a function of the time of day, or if it’s an early warning that I’ll be needing food soon. Oh well, I’m off to scout out some bathroom locations - T-Murph out!