Birgin from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

[Melonblue]

Hello, long time forum lurker, even longer Burning Man enthusist (vicariously through braver friends).

My name is Melon (not my real name; Kris is my real name....but Melon has been my gaming handle from like 1994 onwards....so I guess either works since I seem to answer to both)

I'm Canadian, from Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

I'm super hoping to attend in 2015. I've been following since 2002, but honestly was not in the appropriate mental state to even begin to plan a trek into the desert back then.

I'm pretty heavily introverted, the whole concept of going to a massive interactive arts experiment in the middle of nowhere has everyone I know shocked at the very idea that I'm even drawn to this event.

But I think I have lots to share with the playa. And while I know there well be times I will be overwhelmed, my coping strategies have been tested and held true.

I'm a mental health worker for the province. Working with those with traumatic impact injuries and concurrent disorders. I work within my limitations and have good boundary skills, but I also know when to take risks to expand my comfort zone. Which I can imagine will be of much benefit out in BRC. So I'm thinking my gift might be to volunteer as a peer worker for some over simulated peeps. Just thinking out loud.

I'm an acrylic medium painter in my weekend life. It's my self care. To which I am ready to also expand in artistic style and concept. Really looking forward to getting my hands dirty in some art projects! I'm hoping to contribute something really cool to a project like AntiMs home for wayward art. Again thinking out loud.

I will be traveling on my own, it's a "need do" thing. My introversion can be a hindrance, but I'm not the kind needing to be babysat or hurt feelings about being on my own. I'm cool with myself. I just get lost in my own thoughts for hours and forget I was in a conversation with other people.

It doesn't mean I'm not open to meeting new people, just the opposite. I'm hoping to meet some awesome people!
And I know that starts with me

I can be kind of rambly (captain obvious). That's just part and parcel of my own ADHD (inattentive, not hyperactive subtype)

And with so many opportunities to get lost in the mix (in a positive way) I feel like this event was built for my brain type. Shiny stuff everywhere, just begging for you to interact and emotionally invest in the outcome.

But I'm really looking forward to this year's event. I know it all starts with a ticket. So clicky fingers are in training when they launch

I'm connected to the Vancouver and Victoria burner groups via their com's pages so I'm learning as I go.

Hoping to meet some like minded campers to join too, but I'm knowing that will take some time to develop those relationships.

Sorry for the wall of text.

TL;DR version.

HI I'm Mel! Can't wait to meet you all on the playa!


Cheers and thanks for listening
~Melon (Kris)

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[lucky420]

Nice post and nice to meet you

[Elorrum]

Welcome. Don't worry about limitations. You'll be so empowered by your adventure.

[Drawingablank]

Welcome.

Great post, and don't worry about introversion too much. The playa tends to cure that ( at least it cured mine).

[Savannah]

Hi Melon!

You can volunteer your mental health skills via the Emergency Services Department. Volunteering w/ ESD is a great experience.
http://www.brcesd.org/?pg=volunteer

Welcome!

[Melonblue]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Much appreciated

I'm certainly up for the adventure!

Thanks for that suggestion Savannah and for linking their information. I'll definitely explore that opportunity; it might be a good fit.

~ Mel

[Savannah]

. . . I should add that you don't have feel as though you must do on the playa what you do in the default world, especially if you need a break. I know Fire and Emergency Services people who don't work (or work in other departments) on playa. You will have informal opportunities if you want them; the playa is a tricky atmosphere.

Oh, and there are healing camps such as HeeBeeGeeBee Healers, you might contact them if you want to be part of a theme camp (less independence than when solo, but more support). I don't know much about HBGB except that 1) they're a long-established camp & 2) a friend of mine sought some counseling there once, and it was a positive experience.

http://www.heebeegeebeehealers.org/

[Melonblue]

Thanks for that Savannah,

The HeeBeeGeeBee's look fun! The name raised my husband's eyebrow, which made me laugh He's a little nervous about me going but he's supportive and knows it's about personal growth.

I had to think on what you said, about default world and on playa responsibilities. I honestly didn't think of it that way. But now that I am thinking on it....I AM drawn to Burning Man because of the possibility of new perspectives on life in general....and not necessarily on developing my professional career... I mean if a new feeling about my worklife happens while there, then that's great; whatever. But you're not wrong, in that my first drawn reasoning for even going in the first place....wasn't really about getting deeper into the work...it was about replenishing the cup and new "life" opportunities.

I'll have to reflect on that more. Maybe my first time out isn't the best time to dive in so deeply into a work-mirroring role
I guess I'm trying to find a place where I fit, maybe a little too hard

That was super helpful, Savannah.
Thanks muchly!

~ Mel

[dragonpilot]

Join in the fun with your local Burners...there are some awesome folks that come out of Vancouver. Gives you the advantage of sharing resources and information with people you know. Yeah...don't "try" to fit in...just go with the flow...bring cookies and share them with neighbors on the playa...the easiest place in the world to make friends!

[Sham]

Welcome to eplaya. Make yourself at home here!