the santa conundrum

Tom is already quite skeptical about things that might be construed as metaphysical or supernatural. He has told me with what seems like a high degree of certainty that there is no Devil, he is dubious about angels, ghosts and monsters. He has made pronouncements on the finality of death. Thus far Santa seems to be have escaped this critical analysis and I suspect that self-interest may be a factor. Santa is undoubtedly a part of the gravy train, an aspect, perhaps, of middle-class welfare.

Tom has asked me about the mechanics of the 'Santa system' and I have had to cobble together explanations that seem to fit the boundless curiosity of a 4 year old, while remaining consistent with the wider implications of globalisation. How, for example, does our reporting of his (Tom's) behaviour to Santa's agents (with whom all parents have formal meetings from time to time) accord with the quantity of gifts due? Where do we (mum and dad) fit into the system, for surely Santa cannot bear the total cost of making a world-wide cache of presents?

My best efforts are still flawed and will be picked to pieces in coming years. Basically, I have argued that, yes, Santa is very philanthropic but does indeed require assistance. Parents and gift-givers pay for the cost of the raw materials and Santa value adds with the help of a vast team of tireless elves in a modern, high-productivity workshop. The latter are, of course, unionised, but work happily in tandem with Santa and have rarely been known to strike.

And as I write this, Tom is thumbing through toy catalogues and preparing to ask difficult questions. I like the challenge. I just have to remember my own answers!

ten years from the rings

Ten years ago today, the 2000 Olympics Games began in Sydney. Nadia and I were overseas, travelling for a month through Europe. We chose to go at that time for many reasons, of which one was the logic that if everyone was heading to Australia for the Olympics, then Europe might be a little emptier of tourists. There was also the question of the relentless hype which started from the moment Sydney was awarded the games.

So we followed the progress of the Games from afar. But one moment has stayed with me, when the news from home momentarily invaded our journey through Europe. We had arrived in Prague from Vienna, having had a media blackout for about 24 hours, and I headed out the next morning early to grab a newspaper, keen on news of the Olympic opening ceremony. I found a newsstand and bought an English language newspaper. There has been much debate in the time leading up to the games about who would light the Olympic flame. I was curious about who had got the gong and how the flame had been lit. Both, a heavily guarded secret.

As I walked back to our room, I unfolded the paper. There was no mistaking the headline. On the front page was a picture of Cathy Freeman, the great Aboriginal athlete, standing amidst a circle of flame. I felt myself tearing up. I had to stop walking. The streetscape of old Prague became misty in the bright sunshine. All I can remember from that hugely coloured moment were the words I uttered at the time, 'They've got it right. They've got it right.'

Everyone knows that travelling is a broadening experience, bringing new perspectives on life and the common project that is humanity. Usually your land of birth recedes into the distance as you delve into the difference. But that day, my homeland hove into view like a harvest moon tilting above the eastern horizon. And I was proud or it. Terribly proud.

positive parenting 2

Last night I was the only guy at the follow up to 'Boys and Their Emotions', 'Remedies For Successful Parenting'. That's fine, I suppose, though it would have been encouraging to see more dads investing in their families emotional life.

For me, it was a double-purposed event. Anything that helps with the difficult task of raising children is most welcome. I liked, for example, the idea passed on by one of the facilitators, of using 'growing up/growing down' language to encourage kids to move towards more positive ways of behaving.

It was also useful for me to see the work of two experienced co-facilitators on the night, especially so as I had only just finished a section of this very topic (part of my Diploma of Counselling) that day. A welcome co-incidence.

Today is a little more like a spring day, the sun is out and there is even a fly buzzing somewhere behind my ear. This morning we took Tom to Hazelbrook PS for an Open Day, prior to his commencing a Good Start program. Fancy, starting school next year! Things will be a little different around our house in 2011, I think.

js48 community work and fun

Being a foreigner in Japan means getting used to being asked to do other things apart from your daily job. Maybe you'll be asked to help out with a language class at a local school, participate in a seasonal festival, share a meal under the cherry blossoms during o-hanami - well - the list is pretty well endless. Now and then you need to learn how to say 'no' and have some pretty plausible excuses up your sleeve. Not having the time is rarely good enough, because, after all, you do have a weekend or the odd morning here or there. If it isn't scheduled, then by definition in Japan, it is free.

Now, of course, most of the extra-curricular events you are asked to front up for are a pure joy to be involved in and just add to the pleasure of living and working in Japan. Amongst the many things we did during our time in Sanda was the International Friendship Festival, held annually in the autumn at Flowertown Civic Centre. On one occasion we were waylaid and dressed up in traditional kimono. On another we manned a kind of conversation station for anyone who wanted to have a chat in English. Later we popped over the road to Flora 88 for coffee and cake at Hollies Cafe. I guess you can work out which photo is which.

The New Gillard Government

Finally, after some 17 days of negotiating, Australia has a new Government. Two of the three remaining independents have thrown in their lot in with the incumbent Gillard Government. The threat of an Abbott regime is, for the time being, diminished.

This is Australia's second national Government comprising independents as the bridge to forming a majority. That's two minority governments in 110 years of federation. It is likely to be a slightly wild ride, given the fact that the House majority is made up of 72 (ALP) 4 independents (two Green and two 'country'), and the forthcoming Senate will comprise nine Green senators, who will hold the balance of power.

We can expect lots of crybabying from the Coalition in coming days. Barnaby Joyce has been having a long and irrational whinge on the ABC already.

Meanwhile, let us incline ourselves to the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.

my boy's tip truck
wedged by the night's yauping winds,
in warm verandah rails

September 1st.

spring, one light touch
of wind and bud and sun,
of continuities
unfolding.

towards government?

The formation of a workable minority government may have taken a step further with the Labor Government signing an 'alliance' with the Greens. While this only evens things up at 73-all in the House of Reps. it nevertheless gives a momentum, one way or the other, for matters to move along in the next few days.

It is my view, still, that the rural independents, who come from the conservative fold, will ultimately give their support to an Abbott Government. They have made noises of all stripes over the past two weeks, noises that muddy the waters, somewhat. However, it will be difficult, I think, for these men to support a Government whose policies, in alliance with the Greens, are traditionally the opposite of their constituency.

But then again, we have just had an election campaign and an election outcome that are odd and extraordinary by any measure, so maybe, we will get a Government that breaks the mold.

fifth anniversary of blogging

I was remiss in failing to notice a small anniversary of this blog. It's five years ago since I signed up to 'think out aloud'. I have written relatively little in that time - about one entry a week. If this really was a kind of public diary, then there should be an entry a day, at least.

Over that time, some things have changed in my life. I got married, had a baby, spent one last time teaching in Japan, completed a new house, started a diploma in counselling, and buried a few friends and relatives. There has been at least one change of government in Australia(maybe two if the pollies can sort out the current imbroglio) and the weather seems to be getting warmer.

I hope that in five years time I can write about some positive achievements and a better state of matters in the world. There are huge challenges globally and locally and if I can only add a drop of goodness to the human ocean, then I'll be the happier for it.