Reflections

So if you're in trouble right up to your brain
And the boss is gettin' to you
Parents and politics, money and marriage
And life in general is making you spew
There's one thing that you gotta do
And I suggest you do it today
Stand up in your office, school or your street
And this is what you gotta say...

Skyhooks - Australian Band circa 1975

A week ago I posted on a professional computing forum, requesting information on the availability electronic postcard software. The products I'd seen around were too expensive, and although I could write an application myself, I just didn't have time.

Within a few hours an answer was posted; an American woman offering to do it for a few hundred dollars.

"You're on", I emailed back. "Good", came the reply, in seconds. "What do you need?" I explained. "It will be ready in a day or two", she replied.

True to her word the application was written (you can see it at Australians Abroad - Postcards) within 48 hours of my first posting. In another twelve I had the photos formatted and on the site, paid, and given her another commission.

On reflecting on how two women, 12,000 miles apart, who had never corresponded before, got the show on the road so promptly and with a minimum of fuss, I realised that this small incident was an example of what I like about America in general, and New York in particular.

Don't get me wrong, my fellow Aussies. I love the relaxed lifestyle of Australia. I enjoy passing long evenings with friends, sitting over the dinner table till the small hours of the morning, pontificating on what's wrong with the world. But there's something about America - to do with getting the job done - that I believe is quintessentially American, and perhaps accounts for its economic success so much envied by other nations.

I was always thought of as "Miss Conscientious" at school in Australia. It annoyed hell out of me, because I'm not that. And it wasn't just at school. There's a certain "Don't be a mug" mentality common in Australia, pertaining to people who do a good job, obey the law and so on. Just the other day a few of us were having a discussion about people who don't pay their fair share of the bill (check) at restaurants, leaving other guests to make up the difference. "It is OK if it is going on a company account", commented one Australian.

I felt obliged to answer. "I don't agree". There was a silence. Someone more diplomatic than me, changed the subject. Miss "goodie two-shoes again" I thought.

It used to worry me - that side of my nature that actually enjoyed work. That and a different notion of "fairness" that I hold which differs from that of many of my friends. And I can see now, years later, that my personality, certainly in relation to work, is more inline with American than Australian culture.

Which leads me to reflect that I am indeed fortunate, being able to spend time in both countries. In America I can express the hard-working side of my nature, and in Australia, the relaxed part of me.

Oh - and in case you need a Cold Fusion programmer, just drop us a line - one of us will be happy to provide prompt and efficient service!

Kate Juliff
Melbourne
December 2001

You can email the postcard programmer, Donna Fontenot at donna@donnafontenot.com.