Ceremonies

I try not to miss the news on TV3 at 8 pm every night. There was an item about our PM attending some function in Penang. He was being ushered on stage by a group of girls, all dressed up in traditional cloths and it was quite an elaborate display. That reminded me of an issue that I feel very strongly about - unnecessary government expenditure!

Is it necessary to have all these ceremonies? A lot of time must be spent, getting these girls ready, having rehearsals, and money spent on their costumes and other hidden costs. Is it unfasionable to get straight to the point? Can't we do away with all the pomp and pageantry? Shouldn't we be saving all that time and money for better use? Do other countries have such practices?

That brings me to another issue - most meetings held in government departments are accompanied with meals - breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, depending on time of meeting. These people who attend the meeting are doing their jobs, it is their working time and they are working. Give them a break to have their meals and be back at the meeting table. Why spend money for their meals? Do doctors and nurses have meals provided while they work? I'm not served with a meal while I work as a teacher - I pay for the food if I want to or need to eat!

Providing 'free food' is one thing, all the wasted, uneaten food is another! And to know there are so many people out there without food. I would rather my tax money be spent on them!

First Post

At long last my blogspot has been set up, thanks to Dhivia, my daughter. I have always wanted to write about issues that catch my attention, but have never been disciplined enough to put all the ‘talk’ in words. After lengthy discussions with husband, friends (and even myself sometimes!) I just let the thoughts pass, unrecorded. With this blog now, I better be more conscientious as it will be embarrassing to have an empty blog!

What sort of issues interests me? Most issues! Being a teacher, anything regarding education; being a mother, anything regarding parenting and children; social issues; politics; and even sports to keep up with the men in my life – husband and son! (Chelsea rocks!!!!).

It was my 21st wedding anniversary two days ago. No celebration as my son was away. Spending a quiet day at home gave me time to reflect on 21 years of married life. I thought long and hard if there was anything that I would have liked to change and I realized I like my life the way it is. My husband is a great guy (except for his snoring!) and I love my three children dearly. All four of them have given me so much pleasure in my life that I’m grateful to God. Of course life has not been painless, then it may even have been less meaningful.

I am a little lost for words, not having written in English for a long time! So this entry has to be short and sweet for now.