Briefly...

The last few weeks have seen much change.

I’m now on board with Innovex (microBeatmini). We’ve got a brand new forum that I’m hoping will be a new venue for lively discussion of all matters AVS in general and the mBm in particular. http://forums.microbeatmini.com/  There’s not a lot to see yet but join up anyway and we’ll see what evolves.

Without doing a great rehash of the history, my wife and I have had interesting times for the last 18 months or so. It seems we have rounded the corner and things are looking up. My wife has a job, I have my AVS contract work. We’ve been able to leave the 12′ caravan that has been home to me and the cat for the last 18 months with wife and dog moving in about six months ago. Two adults, a dog and a cat in a 12′x8′ space (plus awning the same size) – not ideal. Place said caravan in a paddock with only as much power as could be carried 50m by an extension cord, water by garden hose from a tap 60m away, internet via cellular modem. No toilet. No shower. No proper kitchen. We have lost a lot of our Western entitlement. We are both very grateful to be moving into a little house near the beach.

Our visit to the realm of poverty in New Zealand has been a real eye-opener. First, we were amazed at how quickly things can fall apart and land you in such a situation. Then appreciation for our country – New Zealand still looks after its people. And people – over this time I have had to deal with several government and related agencies – I’ve been as upfront, honest and co-operative as I have been able and people have responded with spectacular warmth and assistance. Much that is good has been found between us and our friends and family.

A question that has come to my mind a lot lately relates to how people treat people. I look at how miserable the lives of so many Westerners are becoming. There’s always been poor and homeless, but until recently it wasn’t usual for them to have graduate education or practical expertise. We are seeing the decline of an empire, from its roots in Greece to its youngest buds, Australia and New Zealand. It’s obvious that the world may not be as we know it for much longer. I’ve created numerous “end-of-the-world” scenarios, none of which is without foundation, but I’ve begun to dwell on the “as we know it” clause. The world as I know it would look a lot different with New Zealand as a Second or Third World country. I find myself hoping that the next culture to assume dominance will treat us better than we have treated those who were not “of us”. I never tire of the United States “US” as opposed to “them” image.

Cheers,
Craig

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