One of the most prominent literary figures of the 20^th century, American novelist, short story writer, journalist, and Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway’s quote emphasises the importance of personal growth and self-improvement over competing with others. Hemingway suggests that true nobility and worth are found in striving to improve oneself rather than in trying to be better than others. It encourages focusing on one’s development and progress. The quote underscores the value of self-reflection and continuous improvement. It implies that real success and honour come from overcoming one’s past limitations and becoming a better person than one was before. Hemingway’s words highlight the importance of intrinsic values and personal achievements, promoting the idea that self-betterment is a more virtuous goal than external recognition or superiority over others.

BB has been coming home daily this week and we have enjoyed having him in the evenings. It reminds me just how much we missed him while he was in basic military training and this current training. He will move to his unit next week and then it will be back to coming home over the weekends.

This week we got some respite from the heat with rains in the afternoon. I did not feel so hot, but the heat has not been kind to many across Asia. In India, temperatures have soared to nearly 50°C, marking it as the longest heat wave in the country’s history. Singapore experienced its fourth warmest year on record, with May’s scorching temperatures reaching 37°C. Meanwhile, South and Southeast Asia have been grappling with intense heat, with temperatures climbing up to 45°C in some regions. This extreme weather has been attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change and urban heat island effects, raising serious concerns about public health, labour productivity, and the environment. Well, as for me, I look forward to the daily downpour so it can ease the heat a little bit.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe and keep smiling!