In this world of bureaucratic brickwall stupidity, arrogance, and greed, I was finally motivated to put my thoughts into print, thanks to many people, but especially
Sir John Monash (the ablest and most humane general in WW1), and
Lady (Angela) Carrick (who delivered the best speech I have ever read).
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My mother and father were true Aussie battlers, and both had to leave school early, but my mother was determined to send all her children to private schools, and hopefully to University. She went into business in Collaroy in about 1942, and created "Jay's Cakes" in many Sydney suburbs. My father kept his job in the NSW Govt. Railways all his working life.
So all four boys attended Sydney Grammar School, and three went on to University, two obtaining a Master's degree, and one (me) a B.A. in Maths and Education. The fourth son left school as soon as he could, but he has finished up with more money than the others!
At school I was influenced by a very talented team of teachers, more significantly by "Butch" Edwards (English) and Archie Keeble (Science). The memory of many others are still in my mind every day. I intend to write a book about them before long.
I graduated without fanfare (in spite of early predictions that I would be a future "star"), taught at Trinity Grammar School for two years, then entered the fledgling IT industry in Canberra, working for a number of Government departments, as well as the Australian National University, then for a few years in Sydney with the NSW Water Resources Commission. I went to Maroochydore in semi-retirement, and started a retail map shop - "Mister Maps".
I am now fully retired and working 24/7!
Along the way I married, had three children, two wives (both now deceased), and a linear string of "female friends".
I am now in my early seventies, feel like a 35 year-old, wonder why I get physically tired so quickly, and am surprised at the number of my peers who have passed on!