It's been too long since my last blog. I have no excuse. Just got plain lazy. I allow myself that from time to time. Part of being Australian. No, not the lazy bit--altho one can easily mistake the "laidbackness" for such, particularly if one is so used to the "rushiness" of the big cities---but the allowing myself bit. No worries, no one's pressuring me. Only me. I've learned to allow myself certain luxuries. My choice, my responsibility. Yes, Aussies generally seem to have a huge respect for individual choices and seldom get in the way of them. I was so impressed when a friend told me how she and her family suffered her sister’s choice of boyfriend for years. They progressed to getting engaged but eventually broke off much to the family’s relief. I asked why the family didn’t say anything at the start. Aghast, she said they never interfere with each other’s choices. They knew she would come to her senses. But she had to come to it in her own time and her own way. I was dumbfounded. Lucky the sister didn’t marry the guy. What if she did? what then? I thought to myself. Well, she didn’t and all’s well. No worries.
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| Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras reminiscent of UP Lantern Parade 1000-fold |
Personal choices. Sydney is now known world-wide for its annual Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Every year the numbers get bigger which indicates the increase in "outness" from the gays at the same time increase in acceptance from the general pubic. Live and let live, seems to be the typical attitude. Learning through experience rather than through interference. Very dissimilar to the culture I grew up in. Strong "guidance" from parents and other well-meaning loved ones from cradle to grave was the norm. There are pluses and minuses from either approach. For me, now that I've experienced both, I am thankful that I have. And I am very thankful that I am where I am and that my son has the same opportunities and more.
I do have to watch myself as I still tend to poke my bib into his affairs. Thank heavens my husband reins me back in. Poor Miguel, every time I see him, which is way too seldom. I tend to switch to my "To do" mode. I rattle off things not done yet and start noticing things not quite right with his appearance (e.g. hair too long, button missing, shoes grubby, etc)---mothering is the word---which he tells me annoys him to death---instead of lighting up and just being happy for the visit and letting him be. No wonder the boy does not look forward to the visits, infrequent they already are. Duh. He's doing really well on his own and I really have nothing to worry about. I guess it's part of my empty-nesting angst at not being needed anymore. Not sure if time will heal this wound. I'll learn to let go eventually. God help me. (Note: My son has read this and insists I print a retraction---he does look forward to the visits and he's never felt restricted by me---yey!! Must just be my perception :})
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| Let go Ma. |
Yes! I have indeed just recently been approved for Australian citizenship. Had to pass a 20-question test after submitting yet another wave of documentation. I got into the process not for any profound reason, not initially at least, but more because I could. The opportunity presented itself. It was there for the taking. Why not? I really didn't think too much of it. Until I read over the national anthem."...Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we'll toil with hearts and hands....For those who've come across the seas (that's me!) we've boundless plains to share. With courage let us all combine to advance  |
| Ray Hadley every morning |
Prove them wrong by your actions I'd say. Not sure if staying quiet when slighted is an Aussie trait though because they do speak their minds. Talk shows must be the most popular information and entertainment genre in this country. Every raging issue is discussed. Audience participation is critical. I've taken to listening to one every morning. I find it's the best way to get the real news and the pulse of the people. Everyone has a say. Every view is welcome. No one is spared from scrutiny. The current Prime Minister is so unpopular lately because of an unrelenting series of gaffs---cattle export ban, boat people, and now the unpopular carbon tax. I predict a sea change in politics soon. Democracy in action. Not too different from the Philippines which boasts of a free press and the might of people power. The press is so free in fact that journalists have become endangered.
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| army guy charged to guide and guard us |
Private armies still abound I'm afraid, wielding their own laws. My husband and I came face-to-face with one some years back whilst visiting my sister in Bicol. Mayon volcano was spewing lava at the time and adventurous bushman that he is, Stan wanted to trek up the volcano. Villagers were already being evacuated and entry up the volcano was restricted (but of course!). My intrepid brother-in-law, not wanting to disappoint his new relation, called in some favours and the mayor himself sent his private army to escort us on our "tour". Ahh the privileges of class.
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| Warning sign @ foot of Mayon |
We go with the flow. Great to be on the receiving end. When in Rome......So what does getting an Australian citizenship mean to me? It means that I've found a good fit in this world. I will perhaps still be a square peg in a round hole but I feel that the fit is more comfortable here. Not so much materially but in the general approach to life. Perhaps the years have softened me as well. I'm sure its' significance will dawn on me more once I've officially made that pledge. I get to enjoy two countries rights and privileges which is a real bonus. Have my cake and eat it two (forgive the pun, couldn't help myself). Now to practice my swearing and I reckon I'll be a fair dinkum Aussie. Bloody oath.
