getbusyliving

For my American friends

2008-02-27T22:08:00.002+13:00

Now as a legitimate practitioner in the coffee industry, I now can voice my opinion on all things coffee with some basis of legitimacy.

What is this: Starbucks closes down to learn how to make coffee!

Please, I beseech you. Americans unite and find an independent coffee company and learn the taste of real coffee. Espresso or otherwise. To borrow from the newest cool kid on the block "Yes We CAN".
Alternatively, you can book a find to Wellington NZ and do it with me. Yay! Check what I'm up to here: Coffee Supreme

That is all.

;)

I have been so slack

2008-02-14T20:56:00.003+13:00

A lot has happened in the last month, except for updating those that care via my reading my blog.

So what has happened:

New job: I was offered a job last week and started it this week. I am the new retail manager for Coffee Supreme. I run a specialty coffee store in the heart of the wellington CBD, which is already proving to be heaps of fun. I will also be doing some business development work that hopefully helps Coffee Supreme to enhance its already impressive name. If you are in Wellington City, look me up on Woodward St, I'm in the shop most of the time.

Mosaic in NZ: Mosaic (communities of people seeking to live Christian spirituality an non-institutional way) in New Zealand is increasingly becoming the most challenging, head jolting, dynamic movement I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. Its expanding how I see the world and people, even after being connected to it over 10 years. Crazy! The Wellington based Capital Mosaic website is here should you be curious.

Life in General: If you can't tell, I'm loving it. Its challenging in a positive way, but I get the feeling I'm in for some interesting times ahead. I foresee pressure and obstacles that I haven't come up against before. Its going to be a real test of one's quality ;)

What has been happening with you?

Also a reminder, I'm on myspace and on facebook should you need another cyberfriend

A Conquer Passing Through

2008-01-11T14:45:00.000+13:00

Sir Edmond Hilary, one of the first two men to conquer the 29000ft high Mt Everest, passed away today. Many wont know who this man was, but for many Kiwis he is the epitome of what being a New Zealander is all about: self-effacing, generous, humble and modest, a quiet achiever. But Sir Edmond is anything but typical. He achieved something far greater then than climbing the highest point on earth; he realised his potential. In his case, a humanitarian to people in Nepal and to many others an inspiration to rise from the everyday-self to achieve something extraordinary.

As I reflect on the imprint his has made on the New Zealand psyche, I think about how we place him on a pedestal. I think this is a mistake. If anything our lesson from Sir Edmond should be that greatest lies in all of us. Sir Edmond wasn't extraordinarily more gifted than you or I, but he did posses something that sets him apart - the passion and perseverance to see a challenge through and knowing what challenges to devote his efforts towards. I believe the potential to leave a consequential imprint on the world is in you, me, everyone. However for most of us, I don't think we will conquer our Mt Everest. Its just too easy to justify giving up. I know I'm guilty of that, many times over.

As I contemplate what the next few months might look like for me, knowing I will be needing to make some decisions that will affect me for years to come, I want to learn from Sir Edmond's life. I want to embrace the challenge and not shrink away from what I desire most because its seem to dammed daunting to tackle.

Thanks for the example Sir Edmond Hilary. May we know many more like you.

It's been a while

2007-12-05T17:50:00.000+13:00

The sun dips behind the hills around 8; BBQ are prepped; the UV burn index is 7 minutes - Summer has begun.

I realised today that this year I have had 6 months of summer, 5 months of spring and 1 of autumn. That's not to shabby in my book.

Its just under two months since I have returned home and I am yet to feel that I have really arrived. I am still searching for an job and as such feel in a limbo of sorts. Funnily this was nagging feel I had while in states - the nagging frustration at not being able to move into all the stuff I want to which really means living the life I want to. But, its not a negative outlook. I know it I move forward eventually and when it does I'm sure this frustration will be a dim memory. But I hope it doesn't become a forgotten lesson.

I feel the bite of the reality of not settling for easy. I have found it doesn't mean you automatically step into the exhilarating or in even the direction of your passions. The decision to not settle for anything but to do what your were built for is an important one to make, but I'm finding that alone isn't enough. Its takes timing, persistence, and a preserving tenaciousnesses that I can't describe any better than by calling it faith.

As cliched as it may have become, I literally take everyday as it comes, hoping for the best and expecting that it will take some hard work to get.

By then way, I included some photos of my home, Wellington, and some friends because Larry Fudge is worried I don't mention New Zealand enough.

Christmas wishes.

P.S. Don't be stranger and drop and message. There is one of me and many of you - tag you're it.

My New Zealand Contact Details

2007-10-26T17:08:00.001+13:00

Right now I'm back home in sunny Wellington chilling in Lyall Bay.

My new cell is +64 21 110 3223

My Gmail addy is still the best one to reach me through.

A time for some first's

2007-10-26T14:26:00.000+13:00

Though my beloved All Black's could not manage winning the recently contested Rugby World Cup, this has not stopped me from relishing some firsts. The most notable experiences have been my first Wellington coffee (so good words cannot express), my first home cooked meal by my Dad (for any of you planning to visit me, see the second photo as an indication of what to expect), and my first steak and cheese pie (first this year and absolutely beautiful).

All three brilliant experiences make life so hard here - yeah right.

I'm in the process of job hunting at moment. Have options which is good, but also have to wait and let the recruitment process play itself out. I should have an idea of where I stand for two jobs by the end of next week. In the meantime I am doing some administrative work for a friend's company.

The second weekend back I was lucky enough to be invited to join two of my friends on a short roadtrip up the east coast of the North Island to the Hawkes Bay region - wine country for those not in the know. A mixture of weather, but we had a great time anyways and I had the chance to connect with the land once more. We went to the Hasting A&P show. You can see my agriculturally inspired photos on facebook here, plus the photos from my last weekend in the United States with my parents.

I'm happy to be back in good old N of Z. I'm happy that we are going into summer. But most of all, I'm happy to be able to put words into practice and I can now connect with my home city and her people.

Back to the Future

2007-10-12T11:54:00.001+13:00

Back in New Zealand safe and sound. But for the honour of flying into Auckland with none other than Sanjaya and his sister (she smiled at me - gush!) it was an uneventful flight. I did see the film Once though which is tell a sweet story and has an o for awesome soundtrack.

As strange as it sounds it feels like I haven't really been away at least as far clicking with my closest friends. I'm yet to catch up with all of them but those that I have thus far we pretty much picked up were we left off which is great. They we're worried I was going to come back different in a bad way aka Americanised. They are grateful that that's not the case, as am I of course :)

I feel at home yet, obviously, having been here for only one day the challenge to get into the thick of it hasn't yet begun. I will be posting updates of my adventures on this site so please stay tuned and watch out for update notifications via email.

I have a welcome home BBQ tonight and in typical NZ fashion its raining so that means we drag the Barbee into the garage have go from there.

To all my friends in America, thank you so much for putting up with me and making feel valued. I look forward to seeing you in the future.

11 more sleeps to go!

2007-09-29T12:05:00.000+12:00

It dawned on me last Friday that I only had two more weeks to experience as much as I can. 14 days and a bit of change to pack in as much time with the people I love most here and to squeeze out every insight gleamed through the LA lens as I can. Now with one more Friday under the belt I'm feeling the pressure of time running out.

I was in San Diego last Thursday and Friday to hang with Andy and Russ for R & R. Low key adventure but quality times. The city is feels ghost-townish during the day, but has surprisingly good shopping and great night life. Plus the bonus of being able to walk the entertainment area.

I have mentioned before that I do really want to come home, but leaving is going to be hard. Not only having to say goodbyes to people with no certainty around when we will meet again but also with the swelling desire to hold on to all that I have learned and to all the I have become while being here. This time has been it; living the dream.

One thing that will kill me to leave is my Mosaic+UCLA team. With key leadership from Russell Murphey, we have waited 8 months to be in the position we are in now. We are starting two exciting new things which if successful will create something never achieved before at UCLA - a thriving Mosaic presence. The two things we are doing are targeting freshman and current Mosaic faithful to grow a new core group defined by a high standard of participation; and the second thing being a key student leadership team made up leaders of groups like the Gay Alliance, the Feminist Group, an Anti-War group, Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Stock Trading group, Artists Alliance and many more. The intention of this venture is to change or challenge the life trajectory which these Student leaders have set for themselves by shaping the way the see themselves and their potential to impact and change the world 10 years from now. We have just begun what will be a risky yet great climb of a mountain of an opportunity.

As stated - I'm very gutted not to be around for these things.

But I will be living this adventure vicariously so I'll keep you posted. My view on returning home is wide open. I have not inquired about any potential jobs or even painted a picture of what life will look like once settled back in New Zealand other the attitude and intention by which I now want to live. I started this journey with the phrase "get busy living, or get busy dying", and I feel that I have just begun to see a glimpse of how awesome life can be when you choose to really live.

So what's been happening?

2007-09-15T08:28:00.000+12:00

Being back in LA after 16 awesome days in New York is, surprising to me, really, really enjoyable. NYC is such an awesome place. Its almost like being in a different country with what seems a limitless life of the city to engage with. I went with one other friend and we saw a lot, yet much more still yet to be experience - maybe another visit someday in the future is warranted.

New York Photo Gallery #1
New York Photo Gallery #2

As I begin to look at returning home I realising a lot in me has changed. Much of it is not dramatic shifts it seem but more subtle changes in my attitude and behaviours. As I begin acclimate myself back into NZ culture and get to hang out again with my Kiwi friends in a months time, I wonder if they will notice a difference?

My last month is about making sure I finish my time here in LA and with Mosaic on a high note. I'm working with my co-leader at our Westside/Beverly Hills gathering venue to create a new system and team that our hope will be self-sustaining within a few months. I also have a similar aim with my involvement at the UCLA to grow a new team over the next several weeks that can benefactors build on the progress we have made thus far as well as looking to the future to by laying a platform for sustainable momentum.

I feel very fortunate to have a defined end date becuase it brings and urgency and intetionally to my interaction with people in my life here. Everyday seems to be fulled with at least one purposeful conversation. Moreover, everyday seems to have its silver lining to enjoy. Its seems odd to me that though I have no job title, no wealth, or no status to hang my hat on, I feel confident in who I am and what the future in NZ may hold for me. Its my hope and prayer, that I maintain this assurance in the face on growing uncertainty as I begin to work our next steps once back in Aotearoa.

I'm looking forward to seeing you friends back home in Wellington. I hope you have some time schedule for some stories and laughs. We have much catching up to do.

Only a few more weeks to go. I hope to make the most of it.

All things come to an end (& new the adventures begin)

2007-08-15T10:54:00.000+12:00

Man, August 13th was the hardest day for me since I've been in LA - even worst then when I was involved in my car accident. The summer internship ended which marked the best 10 week period since I've been out in LA. Let me explain why:

You will know from previous post that for the past 10 weeks I was living in an apartment Los Feliz, Los Angeles with 27 people who came to LA to chase adventure and to become part of the Mosaic LA community. My role in the apartment was to act as sounding board for the interns as they negotiated their immersion into Mosaic and LA city herself.

A large part of this being the best time for me here owes to living with the summer interns. However, there was more to it than that. In those 10 weeks I felt that I really saw LA and really lived in the city. This period of time also saw the deepening of relationships with fellow Proteges and most excitingly a deeper connection with God.

Come August 13th great friendships had been made just in time to farewell them as the course of life caught up.

Part of my responsibility in the apartment was to be the last to leave to ensure we finalised our lease. As I locked up the two guys apartments I couldn't help see the faces of those who had called Los Feliz Plaza home for the past two and half months. It was the first time since being here that I wish I leaving for home myself. However even home feels likes a lose lose situation right now as not only would I not see my roommates, I would also have to say goodbye to my friends out side the internship programme.

At the end of the day I was left feeling quite isolated as I lost proximity to strangers come friends all the while being painfully aware of my own (rapidly) approaching departure on October 9th.

But as the says its better to have loved and lost then not loved at all, so I'm extremely grateful for the people I grew to care for and for the experiences had.

Its not all a downer as I have the chance this week to fulfill my dream to visit New York city. In a since I can't believe I'm going even though I leave in two days. Hopefully I'll love the city as much I want to, but what ever the case I'm sure it will be a time to remember. There will definitely be some pictures share.

Anyways, I'm off to learn more about how the world works with all these people on it.

All said and done

2007-07-13T05:01:00.000+12:00

Well the Vegas/Grand Canyon trip is all said and done now. It was great road trip with two other guys, Phil and Andy, from my Protege team. Lots of yelling, high-jinks and craziness. And that was just the car ride. You can checkout some pictures here.

Vegas wasn't on my radar of places to see in the world, but with the need to be cash conscious it lined up as the most realistic opportunity to experience something outside of California. And an experience is what we got. Los Vegas is really a weird place. On one hand you have some amazing hotel complexes that are quite remarkable, yet you get the distinct impression that none of it should be there. It's so out of place and so not real (aka real enough to think its not fake, yet fake enough to know its not real).

We got to see three amazing shows (two for free) while we were there; Ka, Ice, and Mystere. Humanity produces some extraordinary things, stunning creativity and breathtaking expressions of emotion, yet in Vegas this is in amongst a sad reality for some people of addiction and loneliness which for Phil, Andy and myself, was a realisation we could not escape.

The Grand Canyon was surprisingly quite awesome to behold. We went to the Northern Rim and got there in time to catch the sunset and get some great photos. See here. As the case always seems to be, the photos don't do it justice, but it was really cool to see. Our initial plan was to camp just outside of the Grand Canyon National Park, but on a whim, at 10:30pm, we decided to drive back 4 1/2 hours to Los Vegas. As I said, crazy times.

In all, I passed through three States on my trip: Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. At this stage I don't see myself returning to either Vegas or GC, but as I never intended to see them in the first place who knows what will happen.

Other news: I'm in the process of completing the paper work for my Visa extension. My intended return date is October 9th 2009... Just kidding - Oct 9th 2007. So after I pay some ridiculous fees on paperwork, I'll be able stay for the extra time I need.

Talk to you soon.

Point and Click

2007-06-27T19:52:00.000+12:00

A Month and a Day

2007-06-27T06:23:00.000+12:00

Kia Ora,

One month and day since I last updated you all with news from LALA land.

As most often appropriate I shall begin with the most dramatic - I have moved out of the McManus' to live with the summer interns who are here to do the Barbarian Project. I'm still part of the Protege group with the added task of living in one of the apartments to add some texture to the summer interns' lives. I'm enjoying apartment living (8 guys in a four bedroom is not as bad as it sounds), but most importantly I love the area I'm in. I live less than 10 minutes from Hollywood. I'm much more central to everything I do plus the area has a very cool edginess to it; some great cafes with decent coffee, and believe it or not some natural beauty. Check the where I live here.

Summer has arrived, and not so sub salt in open raw wounds, but its SO good.

Over the past month the realities of life have hit a couple of people in my Protege team. Though this stuff isn't pleasant it has lead to deepening of friendships. Furthermore, I feel convinced that our reactions to experiences and the introspective learning that has resulted is the biggest take-way for us.

I'm at the point where I am contextualising everything in the mindset of how will this apply back in Welly, NZ. I feel very optimistic about our cities future and Mosaic Wellington's influence on it.

I guess one of the biggest themes of the last month is the amount of learning and insight I have undergone about myself. To no surprise of some I'm sure, it has been through listening to others' stories that I have learned more about myself (as opposed to focusing on myself), both the good and bad of my character and temperament.

If some of you have a spare moment - read this on ENTP's and let me know your thoughts - you can comment directly to this post.

I'm sitting in a really cool low key cafe on Sunset Blvd and Cahuenga Blvd, overhearing a conversation about the makeup for a music video though I can't work out who for...wait I think it might be Jessica Simpson. Either her or Britney or Madonna - definitely someone very white. Can't really work it out. Guess I'll have to wait for the music video to come out. Update: just heard - Jessica Sutta from the Pussycat Dolls - don't worry I had to Google her as well.

One other thing very quickly. The idea of New Zealand being the staging ground for a number of Mosaic people is becoming a frequent topic of conversation. In part due I think this is due to the fact that I have been suggesting the idea to a couple of people but mostly due to something greater - some thing important is going to happen in NZ in the next five years.

I'm going to post a few photos collected from the a last month later tonight so please come back for a visit. I'll let you know when they're up.

I'm off to Vegas tomorrow for a day and half then off to the Grand Canyon. First time out of the State and first real blowout. Going with two other guys from which I expect a lot of high-jinks.

C U sooner.

As time flies by

2007-05-23T12:42:00.000+12:00

It has been a month since my last post to all you good folk out there in the rest-of-the-world land. Man, has time traveled fast.

Let me pick up were I last left you...the Kiwis are coming!

Origins
Origins was wicked awesome. It was very cool to have so many Kiwis in town and they really made an impact on the Mosaic crew I relate to. (Origins is a convergence of leaders from around the US and the world who are all drawn to the why behind the Mosaic movement). I was so proud to be associated with Mosaic over that week. The spirit of the those that made Origins happen was inspiring and hopefully the message of what we are about spreads further and grows a little louder as a result of the week (esp. in NZ!).

The Cruise
Last week, I embarked on my first ever cruise ever - can you believe it! A surreal experience to say the least. There you are trapped on a ship with nearly 3000 other people who you pretend aren't there so you can holiday with your friends. Weird. But despite the whole cruise ship thing it was really cool. I was invited on to the cruise to join the Protege 1 group, (I'm a Protege 2), in celebrating graduating the programme. We stopped off in three exotic locations: San Diego; Catalina Island; and Ensenada, Mexico. Ensenada was probably the most unusual of the three stops as it was pretty close to third world living conditions - a stark contrast to the convenience and comfort of the cruise. Now that I have done one cruise, would I do another...no. With a large party, it makes some sense from a logistical and cost perspective. But for a holiday option with just a couple of people, I would definitely consider other options first. I think the option of lounging around at home would come before going a a cruise.

The Mini
I finally got the Mini Cooper back last Friday. Freedom at last! It has been very constraining not to have a vehicle, and as such the last month has been very low key as I had to pick and choose the things I got involved in. They overlooked to fix one thing, but that can be done in a day. Otherwise its like it didn't happen.

The Getty A few weeks back, I went to the Getty Center. Its a purpose built art center where the architecture of the buildings and landscaping is a much as a feature as the art works it displays. It was very cool to be in such deliberate spaces where the intersection of textures and and shapes are designed to bring feeling or meaning. The highlight of the experience was seeing a handful of Monet's including The Bridge over the Water-Lily Pond; it such an awesome thing to get up close and personal with the are work.

Basketball
I'm really enjoying learning the game. The NBA finals are currently underway and watching them really helps me understand how to play better. I either practice or play about three times a week. Some times more. Its great to have a way to get some exercise and sun, and goodness knows I need it.

The flu
Some useless trivia for you: I blew my nose for the first in three months on Monday. I have been under the weather for the last few days but I think I'm on the other side of it now.

The next month
The summer holiday period begins soon. We have the summer internship starting on June 1st which will bring in 30+ people from around the US and a handful from overseas. A lot of Protege 2s are going on holidays, either traveling back home or checking out other parts of the country. There are also several short-term trips that Mosaic has organised to Africa and Indonesia. I don't have any plan to travel yet. I have to pick and choose my options as the fiscal belt strap tightens.

The College stuff I'm doing will wind down over the next couple of weeks so I'm going to have more free time. Not sure how I'm going to fill this yet. I hope that I will be mentoring some of the summer interns so that should occupy me a bit. Other than that I guess I'll just to have soak up the sun :(

So there is the update. Sorry its been so long between drinks. Will be in touch soon.

This week on the Mosaic Podcast...

2007-04-24T07:05:00.000+12:00

Well after the karaoke and bowling, I didn't think things could get any better for me but this weekend was yet another milestone for me in LA. Checkout the Video Podcast from Mosaic this week as I make a guest appearance.

But on to more serious matters. Last week was my toughest week in LA. As some of you may already know, I was involved in car accident Thursday just gone. I was principally at fault as I hit the other car from behind. Long and sort of it, I damaged the Mini and it needs to get repaired (gulp). As you can imagined I was more than a little gutted by this turn of events. Things have to work through the insurance process now but the real killer of the whole things is that I'm without a vehicle in the city of cars.

One of the unexpected outcomes of this was how tired I became the three days after the accident. I have discovered that embarrassment and shame are very draining emotions for me. I plan to avoid situations and circumstances that create these emotions as much as I can for the rest of my life!

Thankfully the cure for my self loathing lay in spending some time with others and forgetting about myself for a while. The Mayan was really fun last night, partly because I was involved in the talk with Kim (re podcast). Friendship makes life so rich, and I really appreciated the ones I have made here more the ever this week.

So I'm feeling more like myself this week. 30 or so Kiwis are headed this way for Origins (Mosaics Leaders Conference) which starts next week. Most arrive either on Saturday or Sunday and I'm really looking forward to seeing them (though I think I mentioned this in my last email).

That was my life - please tell me your interesting stories; I appreciate hearing from your side of the world.

The telling of the one tale...Part Delux

2007-04-18T06:33:00.000+12:00

If I had made a list of all the quintessential Americana experiences I wanted to participate in while I'm here, I would have just crossed three of the list this past week. So in no particular order of importance, here we are:

Singing karaoke in a small backwater bar
Enjoying the great American past time of bowling at a small backwater bowling alley
Going on a blind date to a college formal (Graduating class of 2007)

Alas, which such adventures lived all in one weekend, I fear that I may run out of things to do and be forced to return home early... Last week I went on the Protege 2 retreat to Big Bear. It snowed on the way up and was freezing cold at -2 or -3 at times. But once we got to Big Bear its self the snow cleared and blue skies presented. The first day was brisk but I enjoyed the fresh air for a change, as did my lungs no doubt. Our accommodation was resort/motel like and very comfortable. Central heating is a blessing let me tell you. It cools down something terrible at night which a group of us experienced firsthand when went down to the lake around midnight on the second night - literally freezing.

The retreat was an awesome experience giving me the opportunity to connect and converse with other Proteges who up until then I hadn't had the chance to get to know. Moreover, the Apprentice like challenge we had to do was another great chance to know others better. Though we didn't award a first prize, my team was informally told that we created the best experience and space for people to connect with God. I attribute this largely to our team gelling so well. We had a synergy that the other teams didn't share and I for one enjoyed the the whole experience.

Interestingly, the boardroom sessions after each team had done their thing were really interesting experiences as people responded to what was said very differently. Some in our Protege group are highly empathic and were powerfully affected by the emotional charge in the room. It has provoked a lot of discussion around how we handle conflict and what are appropriate ways to admonish others; the whole point of the exercise.

The overall retreat was great. My boardroom session was sweet as and very unlike the other teams. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing!

Mosaic's Origins (Leadership) conference happens in two weeks with 30 or so NZers traveling over here to attend. I will get to hang out with my Dad and Auntie and Uncle who are coming over for it together. It will be great to see them, hear a familiar accent and swap some stories.

These next two weeks will be busy as I have stuff every night for a whole bunch of things happening across the Mosaic community. As a result of these things going on I have been making tonnes of connections with people which is creating a dynamic landscape of friendships. Its going to be hard to leave some of these behind. I'm trying not to think about that too much right now.

With summer approaching I'm hoping I get the chance to travel around bit. LA can get stinking hot and can be quite unpleasant apparently. So if I get the chance I will hopefully head up the West Coast to slightly cooler and more pleasant weather. I hope you enjoyed my tale. I have to start getting into gear for a party tonight that kicks off a new chapter in the Mosaic/UCLA story.

...not

Myspace users you can checkout more pics @ www.myspace.com/foveaux

In short - One tale in two tellings

2007-04-08T17:52:00.000+12:00

Kia Ora kind folk,

I'm soon off to sleep but once again I though I should take advantage of wi-fi and write this short post in bed (I submit the people's exhibit A as evidence).
And before anyone becomes suspicious and their sleuthing skills kick into hyperdrive, I'll explain the reasons for the woman's blouse in the background of the photo. No, I have not been suckered in and corrupted by the lure of the Hollywood lifestyle and shacked up with someone. Rather, I am house sitting. Some friends of the McManus' are away and I accepted their offer to watch their house for a week (I submit the people's exhibit B).

I hung out with Harry tonight (no not Potter, but Dirty).
Having some space to myself has allowed me to do some much needed conjuring and writing down of ideas swirling around my head. I'm in an on going process to recording my observations and insights gleamed through my experiences here.

Another benefit of house sitting is that it is the first time since I have arrive that I have cooked for myself two days in a row (other than toast, and even then).

Coming up this week, I have a retreat with the intern group I'm in. This is the one with the Apprentice inspired challenge. We are going to Big Bear I think which will be 30 to 50 Fahrenheit, which roughly translates to 0 to 10 degrees. Anyway got to jet. Hopefully I be able to post on the more meaningful recent events in the next couple of days before I go away - hence the one tale in two tellings thing. BTW - my cell if anyone wants to give me a text - 1 562 201 0337. (Fats - is that the number that displays at your end?) Night everyone.

What do you get if you cross a laptop and a wireless connection?

2007-03-30T10:31:00.000+12:00

So I'm sitting here in the new offices which Mosaic moved into three weeks ago and I am thinking you guys. So with the luxury of a wireless connection and laptop I thought I would pen my latest experiences for your digestion.

Last Thursday, the USC (University of Southern California) crew held Mist which is an
on-campus gathering where people can meet and dialog about Christian spirituality and God. (I took accompanying two photos on that night). The night started at 11:30pm and finished around 1:30am. Its Dead Poets Society-esque, very cool and gaining some momentum. Its going to be exciting to see how this unfolds while I'm here.

Speaking of interning matters. Our Protege team is having a retreat Apprentice style in about three weeks. There are three teams and we are each tasked with the responsibility of creating an experience based on certain parameters. It's teamed based but like the Apprentice show, individuals will win the prizes and can be fired. Sounds fun.

On Monday I went to Disneyland to hangout with some people I met at the Mayan. It was a fun day of waiting in lines. This is actually a great way/opportunity to be able to talk with people and doing so makes lines seem very short. The people I hung out with are from Northern Cali and its was really interesting to hear a different perspective - one not typical of the people I have encountered so far.

I have really enjoyed hanging out with people here. I'm mixing with some very talented yet very warm people. Its makes being here that much more worth it.

I took this night shot last night. Bearing wise, if I turned 90 degrees to my right I would be facing Downtown LA/Hollywood. This shot was taken about 7 mins from where I'm staying in Whittier.

Since I've been gone

2007-03-15T09:24:00.000+13:00

It has been 13 days since my last confession...
So what has been happening then? I have been on both USC and UCLA campus' to help other Proteges aka interns with their endeavors to connect with College students and link them in with Mosaic. Both campus' have fledgling movements so it will be good to be apart of their growth (fingers crossed).

The potential for an audience in LA creates opportunities that just don't happen outside of big cities. Since I have been here, I have sat in on a interview with Anderson Cooper and Walter Conkrite, been in a Q & A with Rob Bell, and am going to hear Markus Buckingham (think "Now Discover Your Strengths") speak next Wednesday.
It has been great exposure to some excellent communicators and very worthwhile even if only for being present in the live environment itself.

Have got lost a few more times - amazing what happens when you miss on turn. Nothing major though and have been able to correct my mistakes. Fortunately get lost here is accepted as no one here knows how to get everywhere; it works more like a collective mind when it comes to traffic predictions and road directions.

Have been making some good connections with people and am really enjoying meeting new people. Six months just doesn't seem long enough unfortunately but that's the way the cookie crumbles. I priority is to make the most of all opportunities as the come, but the cost of this will be the end of new friendship formed after the six month period.

One of the coolest things about being with the other interns is all of them them are highly motivated to be here. They have an eagerness which is refreshing. They also bring a high consciousness of their strengths and abilities which makes working with them more pleasurable as they a focus on making things happen. It makes me wonder if Kiwis hesitate to much, or maybe look at what they can't do (weaknesses) instead of what they can.

I am helping out at the Beverly Hills gathering on Sunday mornings and then go to both the Mayan gatherings in the evenings were I don't have a specific role but just pitch in. I was going to have defined roles at both venues but after doing it once I realised that it was way too much - 14 hour day all said and done. Though my goal is to make the most of my time, participate, experience and learn as much as can, I know I must also pace myself so I don't become to overwhelmed.

I'm not missing home - yet. I keep getting asked this question. I actually feel really connected to NZ still. I think all the mental preparation I did is paying off. I think having wanting to come back here for four years allowed the idea of living here to seem like a very normal thing. Thank you to those of you who have been willing to Skype me. Its much appreciated.

Things that I have liked a lot:

TiVo - quite possibly the best thing to happen to TV since 24
The spirit of the people at Mosaic. This community, warts and all, is truly non-believer focused and some amazing things are beginning to happen. At the same time they are also very humble about were the stand as community and the learning processes they still have to go through.
The freeway system when not congested is a great way to travel across the city quickly. This means traveling late morning, early afternoon, or after 9pm and never on the 405.
The McManus family have been so good to me. Staying with them give me great insight on life lived with a different perspective.
Had the best coffee yet in LA at Urth Cafe in Beverly Hills. It even had a flower design in the milk froth on the top.
The friends I'm making and interesting people I get to meet.
Believe it or not LA has some very nice areas. I have found a place I could realistically live in (if that opportunity came up i.e. I meet the girl of my dreams and get a green card).
THE CONSISTENT WEATHER

Things that are not so great:

The natural beauty, overall, pales in comparison to that of N of the Z. I miss green hills and clean air.
The intensity of some people, most often guys, in situations which should be chilled out. Young American men need to relax a little.
Working out whether things are good value or not. Some things are definitely really cheap, others are not. Makes life just that much more complicated when you have to watch the pennies. I wish I could work here.
People who have Mac Computers/Laptops who don't know how to use them. Computer literacy amongst common folk is low.
ETHNOCENTRISM

Take care guys, and I'll right to you soon.

Sweet ride

2007-03-01T13:01:00.000+13:00

Well, been in LA for over a week now. Already have a lot to think about. Did the Yelo experience in the weekend and got some insight into Strengths & Myers Briggs which is going to lead me into an interesting path of self discovery while I'm here. So if it seems like I'm a different person when I come back, it may be because I'm more like myself than ever before - wow that's weird huh!

Been having some real fun driving over here. Accidentally ended up in Long Beach on Monday night (which for comparison purposes is like intending to go to Upper Hutt from Wellington City but somehow ending up on the Kapiti Coast instead). All fun and games though. The McManus family have very generously lent me a car - a Mini Cooper S. I'm very grateful as you can't get around here without one. Did I mention it has six gears and goes the wind?

Making new connections with the Proteges (2 year internship programme) and hoping, God willing, I'll form some strong friendships. Thanks to those who prayed for me on this front. An interesting experience I'm having at the moment is feeling like English is a second language. Not hearing a NZ accent, other than my own, is like sensory deprivation. Its unsettling but hopefully something I'll adjust to. Got something pretty cool things coming up, here's a brief overview:

Joining the Construction Preforming Arts team for this weekends service
Going to be involved in enhancing the Alliance website
Will be participating in developing a registration pack for international internship applications
Multiple engagement points with the Origins Conference which kicks off in May.
Plus being involved in the Protege experiences as they come up

Until next time, take care

Today

2007-02-22T20:45:00.000+13:00

Hi folks,

Today was the kind of day that I came to Mosaic LA to experience.

Nothing out of the ordinary, in fact it was the mundane activity of unloading 1000 new chairs for Mosaic's Pasadena Campus over hours. But it was through service that I was able to connect with a great and diverse group of people.

Oh and I watched American Idol and it was an excellent episode. Mosaic has a worship leader in the top 24, Sabrina, and she did a great performance. I watched Idol with a bunch of very fun people from Mosaic, lots of laughs.

Cool, well gonna hang out with the family.

P.S. Photo's of my context to come soon hopefully

In the last 18 hours...

2007-02-21T06:06:00.000+13:00

I have had my first fast-food dinner, been to the movies (Bridge to Terabithia is a must see by the way...), watched the first few episodes of 24 Season 6 (believe it) on TiVo, and had my first Starbucks coffee - Venti Cappuccino, Extra Hot, Wet. What the wet means I have no idea as my order was taken wrong and I ended getting the same as Erwin McManus' order. Guess Starbucks isn't perfect after all.

Things that went well: Customs was a breeze in the end. Got six months (August 18th) and some advice on when to apply for an extension in the event I need to stay on a bit. At this stage I am hoping I can stay till September but we'll see how that works out.

Things to do:Need to talk with Steve Saccone who runs the internship programme to get the ball rolling and figure out what I'm doing here.

...not

No turning back

2007-02-19T19:28:00.000+13:00

Well guys this is it. 1hr until my adventure begins. I have just enjoyed my last meal cooked by Chef Phil Le'Crawford.

After an initial scare that two containers of liquid might be over the 100ml limit, I have double checked and I'm ready to leave.

I look forward to seeing you all again on the other side.

God Bless

Farewell BBQ

2007-02-12T14:01:00.000+13:00

For anybody reading this based in Wellington, I'm having a farewell BBQ this Thursday 15th of February at the Crawford family house in Lyall Bay.

From 7pm - please bring some meat to contribute . Your welcome to bring any beer or wine of your choosing.

Flight info

2007-01-15T22:38:00.000+13:00

Hi guys,

I have booked my flights to LA.

Here are the details:
Flight NZ2 - Auckland to Los Angeles traveling Air New Zealand.
Arrival in LA 19 Feb 2:10pm LAX

I have also organised my international driving licence and travel insurance. wOOt!

It is offical

2006-12-22T09:17:00.000+13:00

Hi everybody,

Today, at 9:08am, I handed in my resignation letter at work. I have been waiting to do this from the day since I decided that MosaicIntership2007 was for me. Crazy to think that the trajectory for this moment was set 6 months ago. Where has the time gone?

How do I feel? Its a little scary really. Starts to put some reality on this dream of mine. I'm getting close to the point of no return.

But its also exhilarating to know that I'm now one bit closer to the biggest adventure of my life (to date).

Argggh!

My Contact Details in the US - Updated

2006-11-02T20:00:00.000+13:00

I will post my US phone and postal address details once I have confirmed them.

Update: I will be living with the McManus family for the first month of my stay. Details below

Address: 8452 La Bajada Ave., Whittier, CA, 90605 (check it out on Google Earth)
Skype name: benn.crawford
Cell: +1 562 201 0337

While I am in the US I will be using the following email address : tyro.bwc@gmail.com
This email addy is up and running now and can be used to contact me.

Staying Connected with an RSS feed

2006-10-31T23:47:00.000+13:00

For those of you who are new to this blogsphere there is a niffy technology that will help you stay clued up on new post to my blog.

The technology is called RSS (Real Simple Syndication) and is often represented by this symbol:
With this feed you can check for updates to my blog without even loading my page. Simply open your browser or feed reader and check the link to see if there is anything new. Piece of cake really

With new web browsers like Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7 and Mozilla's FireFox you can tell if a website supports RSS by seeing the RSS logo in the address bar. To subscribe to the RSS feed you can do a number of things.

The Easiest:
Click on the RSS icon in the address bar and in new page that loads click on the "Subscribe Now" button located near the top (with FireFox 2.0).

Second Easiest:
You may be able to add the feed directly to your web browser by clicking on the logo and dragging on to the browser's toolbar area.

More Involved:
Download and install a desktop based feed reader like this (free and great) one to manage your RSS feeds.

Visa Update

2006-10-31T23:28:00.000+13:00

This morning I received my study Visa* for the US. This entitles me to be in the US for more than the standard 90 day period provided to New Zealanders under the Visa Waiver Programme. I had an interview Monday morning in Auckland. By interview I mean a 10 minute interaction with Consulate staff half of which time was handing over and checking my documentation. Full credit to the ref though for efficiency as it only took a total of 40mins elapsed time which is pretty good I s'pose.

*= This Visa only gives me the ability to have valid entry into the US for study (i.e. no paid work) within the next decade. The length of time I am legally able to be in the US on this Visa is determined by a Customs Official a LAX whom I shall meet once I arrive. I have been informed that I will probably get the 6 months for the internship but any extra time for travel within the US will have to be applied for under an extension application which I am to do immediately upon my entry into the States. w00t

Visa Interview

2006-10-25T19:04:00.000+13:00

On Monday 31st October at approximately 9:30am Auckland Standard Time, I have a meeting with the American Consulate to help determine my ability of a non-immigrant visa for the duration of my internship.

For the last few months I have been pulling together the documentation that will support my application. Hopefully they like what they see and grant me a visa. I'm not entirely certain on the time frame for processing my application after my interview but I believe that I have given myself sufficient time in case disaster strikes, the wheels fall off and I have to put into action yet another plan to get me to Mosaic.

Fingers crossed that doesn't eventuate.

Tips for the praying kind (Updated!)

2006-10-23T21:46:00.000+13:00

In every pursuit of God, great or small, prayer plays a powerful role. If you are of the praying kind here are some things you can pray for on my behalf:

Visa application - Update: obtained a study visa
Connections - pray that I will meet people at Mosaic and in LA whom I can grow to like and love and that new, lasting friendships and connections may be born.
Focus - LA is a busy place fill of distractions. Please pray that I stay focused on why I'm there and that I grow in wisdom through that process of discipline.
Experience - I undertaken this internship in the belief that I will develop a more mature understanding and experience of God. Please pray that I also grow in courage to display the character of Jesus to those who don't know him.
Transport - If you have been to LA or even had a look on Google Earth, you will know it is a sprawling sea of concrete. To traverse this city I need wheels of the motorised variety. Please pray that i can find a solution for this. At this stage it looks buying a car is probably the option open to me. Leasing is too expensive because I'm under 25.
Customs - the final step of the Visa is the admittance by US Customs Officials at LAX. They determine my actually period of stay in the states. Please pray that who ever it is who ends up deciding this, is empathetic to my trip and grants me te full time I request, that being 7 months.

Making a Financial Gift - Updated

2006-10-23T16:24:00.000+13:00

Welcome to getbusyliving, my travel blog.

If you received my invitation to activate and would like to make a financial contribution to my internship with Mosaic in Los Angeles please refer to my account details below:

Please contact me for account information: tyro.bwc@gmail.com

If you would like to stay anonymous when making a gift, please indicate the transfer as Mosaic 07 and I will respect request your anonymity.