Ruddonomics –or how to send $10 billion down the tubes.

This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a very exciting new program

that I will explain using the Q and A format:

Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?

A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q. Where will the government get this money?

A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?

A. Only a smidgin.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?

A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set or some such thing, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?

A. Shut up.

The future...

There are considerable advantages to being young, youth and exuberance open many doors. You can push yourself (body, mind and soul) beyond limits that seem impossible to anyone but yourself. You really are 10 foot tall and bullet-proof, because you believe that, and you don't know better.

The greatest challenge that anyone faces is growing up. The moments we fail, make mistakes and realise that we aren't invincible. We all f*ck up, it's part of the experience of life, that of pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Life offers us choices, some easier, some so challenging that we grapple with them for a very long time. What is our ultimate goal? To leave this earth the best person we can be? To leave the earth the best it can be? Where do our responsibilities lie?

When facing these questions, so much of the world is clouded in grey. Many decisions we take will change the direction of our impact, on whom we are going to impact the most, what we will learn, who we will teach, and what continues to drive, motivate and inspire us and those around us.

In many ways I can look back at some of the decisions I have made, and the paths I have chosen to walk. I have come along way over the past few years in particular. Concurrently, however I can see that certain choices have put me on a path, that while it has helped me grow dramatically, there are those paths that I haven't walked, those people that didn't have a chance to have the impact on me that they potentially could have. Some paths I have chosen have ended up being impassable, and while I was unable to go that way, I have learnt more about myself and about my world and surroundings than I did before.

I could not be more fortunate with my station in life, the fact that I have been able to choose from some truly amazing opportunities, memories that I will cherish for a life time.

If the measure of an individual's strength or success is the people around them, then I have absolutely nothing I can complain about in this life. On occasion, I feel overwhelmed, inadequate and undeserving to be surrounded by some of the most amazing people I think I could have ever met.

As I look towards the future, one that; will challenge me; will make me feel inadequate; I will throw my heart in and soul into various endeavours, only to fail miserably; and will test me in ways that I didn't even think were possible, I know that it will only serve to develop myself into a better person.

I don't deserve to be surrounded by such amazing people, but as long as I am fortunate enough to have those people there to push me, to support me, to laugh with, to drink with, to party with, to work with, to chill and relax with, through good times and bad times, the future is an exciting place to be moving...

So I am slack...

If you know me, you will realise this is nothing new.

Written communication is not my forte, however it is improving. Gradually.

So what is new in the world of Dan. I have been busy as hell, although I guess I could be busier.

I never know where to start when I write, especially when it is relatively personal.

To prove I am not a great writer, let's use the simplest method; a list.

Things that have changed in the life of Dan!

1. My address.

I have moved from the humble abode of my parents and now live with 3 friends in between uni and the city. The location is great, especially as I no longer have access to a car (the last one having caught fire mid-journey and now overheats after 5 mins). Now I have the city cat, bus and train all within 5 mins walk from the front door.

So far things are going well. It's good fun some of the time and I'm really getting into the rhythm of things.

2. Back at uni.

This is really weird. I haven't been studying for over a year, and with travel and the work I do, it's fairly safe to say I haven't had to sit still for 2hrs and concentrate on something for a long time.

It's weird to think back on how keen I was on taking time off uni and making the comparison between then and the present, where I am actually enjoying being back. I guess I may have actually gained some maturity. Let's hope not. It certainly beats working 45 hrs a week in a promotions job.

3. I no longer have a life goal.

Having in the past promised to pawn all of my possessions to see NoFX live, and claims that I could die happy if I had seen them play 'The Decline' live in concert, I have now achieved both ambitions twice over. I guess it's the rat race for me. Concerts were awesome, and this is where I will stop being a groupie.

4. I live in a hotel.

This is closely related to the first point here, however I have deemed it worthy of its own point.

Who are you to judge?

In the last couple of weeks, besides the people who actually pay rent we have had a couple of Germans, an Italian, a Kiwi, and a bunch of Chinese people staying here for various lengths of time. I feel like I have forgotten some people, however that is irrelevant. It's actually pretty cool to have a bunch of people all around the world just come and stay. I've been learning heaps about other countries and cultures and it's good to have a chat with some different people and to expand my network of people around the globe.

5. I am back in AIESEC.

I am the Organising Committee President (OCP) for a conference of about 60ish people. It keeps me a busy little bee. Or something.

6. I am naked.

I just got a haircut. My hair is very short. This is a concern for me, however I need to look professional in an attempt to get a better job with less travel than my current one.

7. I can think of nothing new of note at this point

There is bound to be more. This is long enough, however. I will spare you any more misery.


Stay true...