CantabrIAIN

And I call it 'Revolution'

2007-10-29T22:30:00.000+13:00

I have booked my flights back to visit Auckland for Christmas. I used two flight providers to give myself the best choice of times and prices.

After booking my flight back with QANTAS, I discovered this:

And so I did. For about NZ$1.80 I figured it wasn't much sweat off my brow. I thought it was a shame that I couldn't actually raise the amount I was giving to compensate for my non-carbon-neutral other flight, but alas it is linked to my QANTAS booking only.

The system works by QANTAS giving the money towards Australian Government 'Greenhouse Friendly' approved projects such as tree planting and energy efficient projects which either remove CO2 from the atmosphere or prevent greenhouse gases from being released in the first place. Sounds good to me.

People may criticise the attempt (by either myself to be hippy-greeny, or QANTAS to be PC) but clearly an attempt at using our fattened wallets to give an ecologically responsible counterbalance to our actions is better than no action at all. And it's not exactly expensive... it's probably less than the price of an in-flight Coke.

So go QANTAS, it might make me think about using them next time too. As an aside, PacificBlue does the same thing too, running a Carbon offset scheme. Watch their fancy-pants flash video here if you want.

As I keep hearing at OBC lately, it's not only what I do that is important but how I do it.

God's Big v:Blog - Journey & Promise

2007-08-13T12:09:00.000+12:00

For the last couple of weeks I have been preparing for a video piece to be played at Church's 'Digestion' evening service last night.

It went well!

The theme was 'JOURNEY & PROMISE', the second part in the series called "God's Big Story".

God's Big Story is a way of teaching the Bible, dividing it into Creation, Journey & Promise, Power & Justice (?), Songs & Sayings, Jesus & the Gospels, and Letters of Love.

A great thing that we do is read a 'hot text' - scripture plus a reflection - and then split the audience into 6 sections where they all try to relate the text to each part of the Bible. It's quite neat, providing a sense of the flow & interconnectedness of Scripture (perichoresis! *geeky snort*).

It was fun making the video. I got to apply myself creatively, I got to interview some people about their own stories, and I got to reflect a little myself.

As I have done at other times, I helped with the music team, last night led by cuz-in-law & good friend Anne.
I especially enjoyed being able to help Steve by contributing to the teaching component; Steve's sermon, my video, and Amy's hot text meshed well together on the night.

Note: The song in my video keeps playing - intentionally - after the visual component finishes. This time was used for a period of contemplation & reflection on Steve's message and my video where people were also invited to take communion.

Above: 'Journey & Promise', my theological reflection piece.

The Church's new Mac computer held it all together well (thanks, Andy!) and there were no computer glitches on the night. I will be making another video for two weeks time on 'Songs & Sayings', with my particular focus being on Psalms.

...and then I tripped and fell into a new job.

2007-08-01T16:38:00.000+12:00

The Tale of the Unexpected Promotion

EDIT: Big post, sorry, for those who want to know details of how I just got a new job it's worth it. Identities have been assigned non-meaningful letters to protect people from my net-stalkers.

Last Thursday was an ordinary day. It was 'week 2' of the work roster and I was going to do a night-shift that night. I get a call on the phone from work, asking if I would like to relieve for the PF the next day.
The PF is the Programme Facilitator, the person who organises the groups, events, outings, community learning moments (?), visiting speakers and constructive activities that the Residents get involved with each day (unless they have alternate constructive activities, like a job). Essentially, they arrange three LSPs a day - the Life Skills Programmes.

I've never been to a group, let alone observed the PF role, so I figure they're scraping the bottom of the barrel with me but I am really interested in the role, so I agree. My security lay in the fact that the LSPs were already planned.

Then I arrive at work for my night-shift (with my PF role following on in the morning as a double shift) and find that the LSPs are NOT planned.
The first one is a walk - easy enough.
The third one is a game of netball - I can manage that (unless they expect me to know the rules other than "it's like basketball only you can only take one step").
The second group is... um... some kind of group time that I have to make up!

I look through the materials in the PF room and find some 'games'. There are trust games, communication games, awareness games etc. I wanted to get everyone talking, but I wanted to stretch them and have the time make a difference. So after talking to my Team Leader in the morning about CBT (yes, like 1 hour before my first group) I settle on "Fear in a Hat".

The thing with CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy) is that it holds up cognitions and examines them in light of whatever evidence we can put for or against them, and tries to discard 'wrong' cognitions and replace them with positive/constructive thoughts and behaviours.
"Fear in a Hat" seemed perfect! In it everybody put two fears into a hat, then passed the hat around. Each person took turns reading out a fear and then tried to understand why the (anonymous) person might feel that way. We then discussed the fear at a light enough level that nobody got upset, examining the fear in the group. Finally, I realised many of the fears had commonalities, so I attempted to highlight the shared aspect of the fears, normalising them as much as I could. It went down great! Everybody discussed their fears in an anonymous, light-hearted and non-threatening way. People came out of their shell in ways that I, personally, haven't seen (although others have, I know).

I had a REALLY fantastic day, and residents and staff alike seemed to think it went well. After talking to my Team Leader I managed to secure an interview for the job which was held this morning (this was great because I had managed to overlook the advertisement in the notices book).

I prepared the following material for my interview:

Reasons why Stepping Stone would benefit from me as PF
i am enthusiastic & energetic around people
i wouldn't need to drop any current weekend or night shifts to do it
i would be passionate about the role & take it very seriously
i get on with [the one other PF] & would be able to take the programmes forward with a joint, overarching vision
i am a team player and a fast learner, and would be open to the needs of management
I emphatically support the approach of Stepping Stone and specifically appreciate the way it is informed by their underlying Christian values (I love working there)
Reasons why the Residents would benefit from me as PF
residents seem to appreciate my humour, which helps them relax around me
getting to know the residents better as a PF would strengthen my trust relationship with them (making me more effective towards them, clinically)
i would be committed to seeing their recovery through relevant & fun application of contemporary psychological techniques (such as CBT) in groups as well as the usual constructive outings
I have studied theology and am sensitive to people, translating to an ability to care for them in a holistic manner, clinically as well as 'pastorally' (and i don't mean quoting scriptures)
Reasons why I would benefit from being PF
i would appreciate fulltime hours (current 6 + 4 PF)
it already fits into my schedule & commitments
it would be excellent experience
i would enjoy it immensely, as a strong extrovert
Responses to some possible concerns:
The concern that I don't have the right experience:
I have a Bachelor in Psychology, which is perhaps more useful in an individual or group setting, such as in PF groups (compared to, say, social work being useful for a
CSW).
In 2002, when I spent the year as the 'evangelism coordinator' for EU, I spent the year motivating people, giving me experience with group dynamics.
The concern that I may not be organised enough:
During my study at BCNZ i was a Peer-elected Student Council Member. I spent one year as the Secretary for the Council.
One of my previous jobs, at Voice of the Martyrs, was Assistant Office administrator, where I had experience dealing with clients as well as handling the administrative, paperwork & computer requirements of the business.
The concern that I am too new to know about Christchurch properly:
I have settled quite quickly in Christchurch, building contacts and friends. I have actually known people in Christchurch since 2004/5, not counting my Cousin & his wife. I don't have any problem finding my way around CHCH anymore.
Mr E and Mr B have both offered to help me if I were PF.
People's responses in my favour:
Staff Mrs A, Mr B, Ms C, Mr D, and Mr E have all said they think I would make a good PF. Mrs F told me that she thought I did a good job as PF, that my 2nd group went very well, and that she felt that I had some really great things to bring into the conversation. Residents Ms Z and Mr Y, on the day I relieved as PF, commented especially that they enjoyed themselves and that they think I would be a good PF.

I gave the interview my all, not presuming that I would get the job but trying at least to make sure they understood why I thought it was an awesome job and why I would be good at it. At the least, I wanted them to think of me if they needed anybody to relieve the position.

They asked me a few more questions and we talked about it a little bit. From their response, I could see they liked my answers. I didn't find it too hard because dealing with people and group dynamics is something I enjoy.

My Team Leader said that I presented very well and that they had a difficult decision ahead of them! This is good, because I wanted them to stop and consider me seriously.

Later that day my phone rang. It was my Team Leader: if I wanted it, the job was mine!

So I turned it down... not!

I'm Stepping Stone's newest PF! I have fulltime hours now, between my existing Clinical work and PF work. Say hello to my new career!

Stepping Stone Trust - They Pay Extroverts To Have Fun With People

v:blog - Christchurch Sightseeing with Dave

2007-07-23T22:15:00.000+12:00

Hakuna matata,

Have I already told you that my friend Dave stayed with me for a little bit more than a week earlier this month?

It was good, barring his snoring!

I managed to compile a video for you of two separate days of sightseeing, with all their various fun experiences that Dave has never had of Christchurch.

I won't spoil it all for you, I'll just let you watch it for yourself!

I noticed two things about Dave:

1) He seems to have never seen a tree before (Dave: "Wow, look at that!"; Iain: "Where, behind that tree?"), and

2) He gets very self-conscious on camera and tends to turn around / look over his shoulder lots. It laughed at him an awful lot when I was putting this together.

I have a very minor backlog of videos in the wings, but I'm also fairly run off my feet at the moment so editing will have to wait. This massive 8+ minute, 22mb epic montage should tide you over, especially you suckers on snail-up (get a real internet connection!).

Above: Iain takes Dave sightseeing around CHCH!

I'm still practising with sound volumes, fades, and editing, so feel free to let me know what you think of my production as much as the content!

The order of the day was the penultimate U2*, so the songs on the video are:

U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - Vertigo
U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - Yahweh
U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - Love and Peace or Else
U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - The City of Blinding Lights

*I suppose U2 must only be penultimate since we know that Tenacious D have confirmed the existence of 'the greatest song in the world', alas, their version is only a tribute.

Aotearctica / New Iceland

2007-07-21T00:04:00.000+12:00

Strength... fading...

too... weak...

Must... remain conscious...

Christchurch has its ups and down in temperature. It's drainingly cold. This is my first long, Christchurch winter and I feel it-

Old picture of snow on CHCH's Port Hills courtesy of Kalena_ at Flickr.com

-in me bones!

Okay, maybe not in my bones, and it hasn't actually snowed yet this year in Christchurch City itself, but its cold. I do 'sleepover' nightshifts and usually rise by 10:30 or 11am, but today I just couldn't do it. The cold seeped into me and I just felt... drained.

Eventually I focused the chill into my spleen - I'm not sure what it does anyway - and found that my limbs worked well enough to get out of bed.

Curse ye, Wintery Gods of Antimotivation!

Poem: Kaikoura

2007-07-16T21:01:00.000+12:00

Poem: Kaikoura

By Iain McMahon,
written about my Kaikoura Road Trip, July '07.

Twisted stone reaches
For boundless skies above;
Backbone of a dragon
Etched from stony shore.
Am I alone, of those
Who marvel at your age?

Undying mountains encircle me,
Pure white teeth of fallen gods.
Winds bear your greeting,
A chill touch at my back.
Do any exist, who make
You hear their reply?

Even the stones cry out,
Chattering with each wave.
Hopeful spray escapes
To soar amongst the birds.
Is there a heart that
Would not break at your beauty?

Note: stay tuned for my Kaikoura road-trip video!

v:blog - Simple English Class cooks NZ-Style

2007-06-28T17:54:00.000+12:00

So today was Simple English class, watch the video to see a few more of the classmates than the last video I did.

We went around to Elizabeth's house and we cooked Muffins, Scones, and Pikelets. Many of them had never heard of Pikelets at all before, and others were amazed at how easy it was to cook very nice tasting Muffins and Scones.

It was a big success!

Also, I recently invested in a new Tripod, so this is a Bonus Edition v:blog because I include travel footage with commentary on Christchurch's motorway & Cashmere Hills.

Enjoy!

Above: Simple English Class cooks Kiwi food, bonus: Iain10-7 Travel Cam

The tracks in the video are:
The Doves - The Last Broadcast - 'Intro'
Chicane - Far From the Maddening Crowds - 'Offshore (original)'

vblog: Alice in Videoland

2007-06-23T17:00:00.000+12:00

'Alice in Videoland' is the coolest video/DVD rental store in New Zealand.

Situated corner of Tuam and High Streets in the heart of Christchurch (merely under five minutes away from where I flat, no less... hooah), it truly is a sight to behold.

Charlie Chaplin awaits you outside, and inside the fun really begins.

Think of a movie that you liked as a child, or one that you wonder has disappeared into the mist of time, and see if they have it on their website catalogue at http://www.aliceinvideoland.co.nz/

Their website even has a dynamic, searchable MAP so you can go straight to your DVD when you arrive in the flesh.

They've got everything: french, aussie, anime films (and more), action, thriller, sci-fi, geek (that small, dark room you see on the video. Its the best description for it!), kids, TV Series, blah blah blah and blah... *pant pant*

When I first discovered them I hired out 'The Last Unicorn' (sob!) just cause I COULD!

Above: Welcome to Alice in Videoland. Be jealous.

The owner and/or manager was nice enough to let me film around inside. Hooray!

It's pretty eye-catching, I hope you agree. Like... a candyland... where candy were DVDs and you watched them instead of eating them.

Music in the video is 'Busy Child' by Crystal Method.

vblog: My flatmates [[BLOG POST TRIPLE COMBO!!]]

2007-06-21T20:54:00.000+12:00

Yeah so to continue this veritable onslaught, ahem,

ONSLAUGHT!!!

...of blog posts, here is one I shot of my flatmates and our first flat dinner.

There were only three of them there, uhh...

TRIPLE KILL!!!!!

So I hope you enjoy it!

Above: My flatmate Issa, and landlords Offy & Shil (Annie and Kevin absent)

All random tourets outbursts copyright Unreal Tournament PC game.
All rights reserved.
Several chickens WERE harmed in the making of this dinner.

vblog: Espresso pt. 2 - The Alternative Congregation

2007-06-21T16:40:00.000+12:00

So on Tuesday night, 7:45pm, at Opawa Baptist Church, I attend Expresso/Espresso, my tuesday night 'emergent church' / alternative congregation.

It's conversational based, and no opinion is stupid or disgregarded. It's really great and we can splurge about things that are on our chests in an environment that is safe, open, relaxed, non-judgemental, and yet provides a healthy forum for discussion and debate about biblical and other responses.

For privacy reasons, and the agreement we make between each other, I didn't film actual content of our conversation.

The format is opening prayer, discussion 'rules' (i.e. play nice, don't be rude), then

OPENING

DISCUSSION & FOOD

CLOSING

We randomly select a topic of discussion from the bowl of questions that we have all created. Come and add yours!

If you want to know the stuff we talk about, then feel free to come along to get more detail in person :)

Again, it's Tuesdays, 7:45pm, at Opawa Baptist Church, CHCH.

Here's the teaser trailer I made: (oh, and my conscience leads me to add that I didn't manage to get Jessica in the film - sorry, Jess!)

Above: an inspecific video of Expresso, including my delicious, home-made, vegetarian cheesecake!

vblog: Espresso pt. 1 - The Cooking Show

2007-06-20T07:56:00.001+12:00

So at Espresso this week I did food.

The topic on conversation was about money & spiritual practices directing us towards God in our finances, so i themed the food on Money.

I wanted to but chocolate coins, but at the last minute time failed me.

On the menu was a Non-baked, Vegetarian, Pineapple Cheesecake - I used 'Agar-agar' as a substitute for gelatine so that my vegetarian friends could "Enjoy without the added Guilt!"(TM)
Why was this money themed? I found it under a recipe title, "Million Dollar Cheesecake". Presumably this just means it tastes like a million bucks, but who cares.
Second on the list of food was 'Silver-Dollar Pancakes (a.k.a. pikelets in NZ) with Mixed-Berry Topping'. Silver dollar? Haha?

Since i was taking the time to cook the pikelets (i had made the cheesecake at Andy & Regina's the night before, using the awesome tools there), I decided to make myself a cooking show!

Above: CantabrIAIN Cookery - Silver Dollar Pancakes with Mixed-Berry Topping

Yeah okay, not very rugged or hairy of me. Whatever. I eat well.

vblog: The Motukerara Social Club

2007-06-19T00:00:00.000+12:00

The Motukerara Social Club?

Okay, maybe just a closer look at my friends Andy & Regina.

Come check out an evening of dinner at their place, followed by table-tennis at the Motukerara hall.

The hall feels like something as rustic and REAL kiwi as the people in Whale Rider. Its way out of town (okay, 20mins... not much for Auckland), at the mouth of the Banks Peninsula. Out there, the Port Hills(?) loom over you one side and a true Canterbury sunset sits on the other.

No lights, no people. Only stars, friends, and VEGETARIAN NACHOS!

If you look carefully you'll see me switching between bruce-lee-ninja-grip and standard grip on my bat. The ninja-grip is good for spin and it provides a single front towards my opponent rather than having to select forehand or backhand.

Above: Dinner and Good ol' Fashioned Motukeraran Fun

Last time we played I TOTALLY pillaged the scene with my Tibhar Bat of Doom (thanks, Chris). This time I won when I used my bat, but Andy beat me in two other close games where we used the same type of bat. As for the others, I don't have too much trouble winning.

Cousin Paul and his wee wifie Anne were there too, which was nice.

Tomorrow night, Expresso (the tuesday night conversation-based congregation at Opawa)

vblog: Meet the Simple English crew

2007-06-18T14:34:00.000+12:00

So, allow me to introduce you to the two teachers of the Simple English class that I attend for part of my fieldwork on Thursdays: Maureen and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is also the mother of a very good friend of mine here and she is very cool, a useful person to have in my life.

You'll also meet Pearl and Monica, two students of Simple English. Pearl was generous enough to shout us all lunch at Infuze Cafe.

Above: My trip to Infuze cafe for lunch with some Simple English people

I might also add, smugly, that on the way back from the Cafe I noticed that I took around about 5 minutes to get home ;)

Now, back to studying for Church History A!

vblog: Opawa Baptist Church

2007-06-17T15:12:00.001+12:00

So come check out my local church, Opawa Baptist Church!

Inside, you will find Rev Dr Steve Taylor wearing a 'Princess Fiona Ogre' wig, as the public spectacle portion of his sermon based on the first 'Shrek' movie!

You'll see the worship, bah!, music team that I'm a part of and meet some of my friends.

Above: My church, Opawa Baptist Church

So I have been doing my fieldwork there on Thursdays at their Simple English class. I will also be expanding my fieldwork into trying to organise monthly 'International Lunches' for internationals in the congregation plus any interested kiwis.

Steve has spoken to me about being a 'Plus5' intern, which is the church's way at intentionally supporting the growth of potential leaders (theoretically, keeping their eye on the state of leadership in five years time, hence Plus5).

Anyway, sorry for those who would prefer more. I had to keep it somewhat brief for the suckers on dial-up!. It is fairly large nevertheless.

Cheers, enjoy life.

Update: Steve noticed my vblog's outing of the Fiona-gate wig debacle, posting my video with a hat-tip of sorts here.

vlog: A Night in the Life of Stepping Stone Trust

2007-06-17T08:15:00.000+12:00

So, I promised you my work, and here it is!

For security reasons I have limited what you see. I wasn't able to do a more comprehensive video, but thats good because it saves on time/space anyway (it's already 15mb).

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about what I do!

Next stop, Opawa Baptist Church! (after I sleep :P)

Edit: It might have to process the video for a while, I'm not sure. It looks like the same video as the intro repeated again right now. If its still doing that later then it obviously hasn't worked.

Video Blog the first!

2007-06-16T21:03:00.000+12:00

Here is my new attempt to revitalise CantabrIAIN and do it right this time... with my video camera!

Above: My first YouTube vblog

I hope you enjoy the upcoming videos. I have no idea what quality this video is, so we'll all learn this process together.

Cheers,
Iain the Slacker

The Trip Down (pt 1)

2007-02-17T12:58:00.000+13:00

(If you are getting this by email and don't see any pictures then you'll need to go to http://cantabriain.blogspot.com)

Thankfully, the trip from Auckland down to Christchurch went without a hitch.

The sun managed to follow me down the whole length of my journey, providing me with wonderful warm weather without a slippery road in sight.

My Dad managed to pack my poor little Subaru Justy with all the stuff that I wanted to take with me - you might not be able to tell from the photo but the car is ABSOLUTELY packed full, including the passengers seat up front, all the floor space, and with a wooden plank behind the front seats to stop it coming forward into the driving compartment!

It took me so long to arrange all my stuff that I didn't get away until about 3pm that day. With a long road ahead of me I set off, heading for Taupo...

The way to Taupo was fairly uneventful, although I enjoyed the trip. I prefer the Far North rather than the drive south of Auckland, but the drive was fairly good.

I managed to entertain myself - the raving extrovert that I am - with plenty of music to karaoke along to from my Creative Zen MP3 Player (so good!).

Eventually Taupo spread out before me and I had to locate the place where I was staying...

...known by the campsite as 'The Last Resort'. I *think* the manager lady thought I was a bit odd to ask for it by name, but she rented it to me anyway.

After my stop at Taupo to watch Heroes (what, me addicted?) I left the next day with my sights set on a five hour journey to my friend Malcolm's place in Wellington.

I passed through the desert road, which my Mum loves. My friend Annabe says that the desert road looks a lot like the land in South Africa. See for yourself:

The drive was beginning to take its toll on me (I didn't realise how much it would until the time I got to Christchurch the next day!), but it always enjoy the drive heading in towards Wellington.

Following the tracks of my EU friends on the route to where TSCF always held the Student Leaders Conference was fun, but it felt weird not having a car-load of mates with me.

I made sure to wave hello at Paraparaumu and the SLC campsite on the way past, until the fantastic views of the harbour around Wellington just begged me to take some more pictures.

So here's a panorama shot of Wellington I took from some mountain! (click it to see it in more detail)

Wow, this is a mammoth post. I think i'll break it up here just in case things go funny when I try to upload it. I shall continue this another time.

Stay tuned for next time: when we see Ferry Rides (including people who miss the boat), the Sounds (and crazy holiday homes there), The South Island, and arrival at Christchurch.

Christchurch - the Adventure Begins

2007-02-04T21:48:00.000+13:00

Greetings all and welcome to CantabrIAIN; my online journal updating my Adventures in the South Island. This blog is primarily designed so that my family and friends can keep tabs on my new life without having to convince me to send them all emails!

Born and bred in the thriving metropolis better known as Auckland, I am now about to take a test-drive of living in Christchurch for at least 2007.

As somebody told me on my last holiday to Christchurch, "Auckland is a great place to be from..."

So farewell Auckland, the city of sails...

And hello Christchurch, the garden city.

When I wake tomorrow (Feb 5th) I shall set off in my Trusty Subaru Justy. Taking a stop in Taupo and one in Wellington, I expect to arrive the afternoon/evening of Feb 7th, wish me luck!