Happiness is a son

Just this afternoon, I attended a luncheon hosted by a business associate in celebration of his son's "full moon" or first month. He already had three daughters, so the birth of this long awaited son is indeed a very happy and auspicious occasion. He invited around 100 guests, including family, church members and business associates.

In any traditional Chinese family, sons had always been favoured over daughters. Sons carry on the family surname and are considered securities for parents in their old age. Daughters, on the other hand marry and are considered members of their husband's household. Like one chinese saying, "Daughters are like water splashed out of the front door, never to return". Thus, the birth of a first son or long awaited son calls for much rejoicing and celebration.

However, this mindset is slowly changing. With opportunities for better education, most women are now no longer contented to play the traditional roles of mothers and housewives. Most have secured careers that improved their lot and given them the opportunity to compete with their male counterparts both socially and economically. To break the hypothetical glass ceiling. Although gender equality remains to be accepted or recognised in many countries, but this has not stopped women from fighting for their rights.

Hand phone or not?

Ruth is in a dilemma . She had been pestering hubby for a new hand phone ever since her UPSR results were out last year. Hubby was not too keen then, as he heard too many feedbacks and comments on the negative influence of hand phones, especially on students. Nevertheless, she kept reminding hubby with promises of good academic results and behaviour and finally he relented. So, when she managed to secure the top position in her class during the final round of her second semester examinations, he finally agreed to present her with brand new hand phone of her choice, but with the following terms and conditions:-

(a) She must achieve a minimum average of 80 marks in her term examinations;
(b) She will be given a maximum hand phone allowance of RM30.00 per month; and
(c) She will not be allowed to bring the hand phone to school.

Hubby felt that it important that she set her priorities right and learn to manage her finances. But, Ruth felt that the conditions were a little too stringent and stifling.. Now, she had second thoughts of wanting a new hand phone. When I check with her this morning, she is still thinking about it. Well, it is a big decision to make isn't it ?

My girl

It's holiday time again! Actually, the official school break is on 16th November but Ruth had it a week earlier due to the coming form five ( SPM) and upper six (STPM) examinations. She's looking forward to the long break and planned several programs to keep herself busy. I reminded her tuition teacher to allocate some "homework" during the break so that she will not be out of touch with her studies.

Ruth did fairly well this time round and managed to stay at the top of her class. But, my concern now is that complacency and overconfidence might creep in, so I had to constantly remind and monitor her. Being an only child, she craves for attention most of the time, which could affect her emotional and social development.. Nevertheless, it is important to keep a 'check and balance" at all times.

Hubby's again traveling for the past two(2) weeks with a series of meetings and conferences. Ruth misses her dad and she is looking forward to spend some quality time with him.

Some updates

The second round of Ruth's final semester exams were over. It was really a great relief as she was struggling to revise a years' work and at one stage she almost panic and cried in class. As she is real anxious to get into the "top class", so she had to burn some midnight oil along the way. Nothing comes easy!

Hubby attended Ruth's year-end excellence award ceremony last Friday. For the last 3 years, I was present, but this time round he agreed to go as I had a prior appointment. Ruth managed to bag two prizes, one at her class level and the other at her form one level. Congratulations Ruth! Hopefully you can do better next year.

Studies and exams aside, I was lamenting on the increase in the cost of living. With the recent adjustment in the civil servant's salary and surge in crude oil prices, prices of all foodstuff and consumerables had escalated. I visited the supermarket the other day and was shocked to discover a can of Ruth's favourite ham shot up by RM1.50!. It's seems almost impossible to stretch a dollar nowadays! So, we had to do with less and hopefully, the dieting regime will work even better!