Paper Scissors Rock

We went to Westfield in Chatswood for shopping on a Saturday. It was near lunch time. Everybody circled round and round inside the car park looking for parking spaces. It was indeed very hard to find one.
Out of nothing, a car backed out from a parking slot in the middle of the aisle. So I hurriedly accelerated and signalled the left indicator light. Opposite from the other side, another car also hurriedly accelerated and signalled the right indicator light. The outgoing car then drove away, leaving our two cars stuck in front of the empty parking slot. I poked my head out of the window, and a lady in the other car also poked her head out of the window. We both argued that we were the one who spotted the parking space first. Temperature began to rise, and cars began to queue up behind each of our two cars. Suddenly, my son Johnson sitting next to me said, "Paper Scissors Rock?" So we proposed. The lady agreed. And the matter was quickly settled.

The result of who finally got the parking space is immaterial. The important thing is, even in resolving conflicts, we can always turn a hostile situation into a friendly one if we care to.

Kung Hei Fat Choy

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Wish you all a happy, prosperous, healthy and lively Year of the Tiger!

The Bright Side of Financial Crisis

People are usually distressed by negative news of financial crisis. But there is always a bright side of everything. Looking back at the financial tsunami two years ago:

. Countries were more united than ever; working in collaboration in combating world-wide recessions.
. Most Governments gave out financial stimulus packages such as cash bonus, subsidies etc; you had extra cash to spend at your own will.
. Housing became much more affordable to the general public, for residence and for investment.
. Financial products (e.g. stock, commodity etc) were inexpensive everywhere; you could easily pick a few and make a fortune as time went along.
. International oil prices declined as economy weakened, but it was good for your pump as local fuel prices fell accordingly.
. Aussie $ fell to historical low; it provided a good opportunity for holidaying down under.

There are always bright spots among dark clouds. Given time, patience and prudence, you can always get through the gloomy storms. You can even be better off in a financial crisis, if you have the money (still)!