Threesomes
The first Tuesday of November. Besides the requests for raising funds to help fight prostate cancer and depression in men, in the midst of all the busy routine at work, three things happened. Three remarkable events.
The first was the announcement of another decrease in the Australian interbank interest rates. This was the third time in a row that offered potential relief to borrowers and mortgage debtors in costs after a long period of gradual but relentless increase in the price of getting funds to own a home. The one in October exceeded speculation and expectations by seeing a drop of one percent - and now another 0.75% was reduced. The world and the country was heading towards economic recession. There is prediction of a drastic increase in the jobless rate whilst inflation seems to be still strong in a nation of just 21 million. Yet Australians collectively poured around AUD51million in gambling bets for the sole Flemington horse race known as the Melbourne Cup.
The second was the changing of the United States of America in attitudes, possibilities and outlook. The first black President-elect was confirmed after a landslide win. Truly half-white and half-black, the successful candidate reflected part of today's demographics in American society and re-affirmed the passions and spirit of the founding fathers of the nation. All is possible again, after so many roadblocks and disappointments. Never has the conscience of this country seen such a revival of hope and optimism. This occurs in a time of challenge, not just on the economic front, but also in the directions to be chosen in strengthening or weakening the path of a nation.
The third star appeared in the form of good advice from someone admired, someone respected. Out of the blue, I gained perspective, balance and inspiration. The day's demands continued on relentless, but I am reminded of seeing them in a different light. It was just the choice of words used in conversation with someone experienced and it lifted me to another dimension from the pall of unnecessary fog hanging around in the swamp of getting stuck with useless demeanour from company I should detach from. Spiced with humor, laden with purpose and driven by charm, I listened to a professional and observed how he handled difficult things - and that led me to realise and open my eyes and mind.
The first was the announcement of another decrease in the Australian interbank interest rates. This was the third time in a row that offered potential relief to borrowers and mortgage debtors in costs after a long period of gradual but relentless increase in the price of getting funds to own a home. The one in October exceeded speculation and expectations by seeing a drop of one percent - and now another 0.75% was reduced. The world and the country was heading towards economic recession. There is prediction of a drastic increase in the jobless rate whilst inflation seems to be still strong in a nation of just 21 million. Yet Australians collectively poured around AUD51million in gambling bets for the sole Flemington horse race known as the Melbourne Cup.
The second was the changing of the United States of America in attitudes, possibilities and outlook. The first black President-elect was confirmed after a landslide win. Truly half-white and half-black, the successful candidate reflected part of today's demographics in American society and re-affirmed the passions and spirit of the founding fathers of the nation. All is possible again, after so many roadblocks and disappointments. Never has the conscience of this country seen such a revival of hope and optimism. This occurs in a time of challenge, not just on the economic front, but also in the directions to be chosen in strengthening or weakening the path of a nation.
The third star appeared in the form of good advice from someone admired, someone respected. Out of the blue, I gained perspective, balance and inspiration. The day's demands continued on relentless, but I am reminded of seeing them in a different light. It was just the choice of words used in conversation with someone experienced and it lifted me to another dimension from the pall of unnecessary fog hanging around in the swamp of getting stuck with useless demeanour from company I should detach from. Spiced with humor, laden with purpose and driven by charm, I listened to a professional and observed how he handled difficult things - and that led me to realise and open my eyes and mind.
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