I have previously found occasion to invoke Montesquieu's warning against introducing too many unnecessary rules, since that undermines respect for those that really matter. Well, the elected governments of the Western world seem to think building a framework of lots and lots of rules, enforced and monitored - and gamed - by expensive professionals is the way to create optimal conditions for humanity. It is not, not by a long shot. We need to release creativity and entrepreneurship; Google has made us all knowledge billionaires and we cannot let that go to waste by clinging to unproductive bureaucracy - what the world really needs is a long line of unemployed lawyers and lobbyists! Now, you might very well think this is not strictly relevant for the Haagens' 2012, but that would be a mistake; finance is one of the sectors hardest hit by this trend, and it sapped the last vestiges of enthusiasm from yours truly. The wheel was still spinning but the hamster was gone. It was time for a change.
And so I have embarked on my integrated farming adventure untroubled by any actual familiarity with the subject, and I find it both invigorating and liberalizing; it is not at all obvious where I am on the spectrum between stern environmental concern on one hand and unadulterated self indulgence on the other. Or is it ok to save the planet and have fun at the same time?
It certainly is fun; just the other day I bought 45,000,000 Hawaiian prawn eggs (I know, why couldn't they just say 200 kilos or something...), and we'll grow those into post-larvae stage in a prawn hatchery on the bootcamp in the Phils. That's a lot of nappies to change and names to remember; think Michael Palin. I do hope the original trio doesn't get jealous.
But of course they have their own agendas; Jojo represented Spain on Model United Nations' security council on their session on Syria, and we came up with a well thought-out recommendation: (1) to establish a constitution to (a) protect the rights of minorities and (b) deny politicians the right to borrow money beyond their term of office, and then (2) go straight to full liberal democracy. In the end her partner on the Spain bench overrode this on account of its having too many syllables, and they went with his suggestion: "Spain believes Assad should step down". Sigh. Patricia has surprised herself (but not her parents) by being a math ace, along with being as popular among the teachers as she is with her schoolmates; she makes it easy to be a parent. And Lilleboss Catherine issues stern rebukes when we call her KitKat, reminding us that she is now 'a big girl' and has little patience with these childish names. She's a girl in a hurry, keen to catch up with her sisters. Their proud mother continues to grow as an artist; she co-founded Pintura Circle this year, as seen here. For obvious reasons I was especially proud of this creation, although I found it damn hard to stand in that position for the almost two hours it took to finish it:
Count blessings, smile more, and have a great 2013.
Irene and Anders
Oh, and a Post Nota Bene: Are you a parent? Do you worry about your kids' job opportunities? Run, don't walk, and buy this!!
