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!

Dale Carnegie is an American writer, lecturer and developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. He is best known for his groundbreaking book “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” first published in 1936, which has become one of the best-selling self-help books of all time. Carnegie’s quote emphasises the power of perseverance and determination to achieve significant accomplishments. The quote highlights that many of the world’s greatest achievements have been made by individuals who persisted despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges and hopeless situations. It underscores that success often comes from a relentless commitment to one’s goals and a refusal to give up, even when the odds are against them. Carnegie’s words serve as an inspiration to keep striving and maintaining hope, suggesting that unwavering determination can lead to remarkable outcomes, regardless of the difficulties encountered.

India finally finished its dance with democracy with the results declared earlier this week. Like many Indians or people of Indian origin both within the country and abroad, I too was hooked to the results coming in. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), retained power, albeit with reduced numbers. The BJP won 240 seats, down from 303 in 2019, losing its singular majority but maintaining control through coalition support. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance or INDIA, a coalition led by the Indian National Congress (INC), significantly increased its representation, securing 234 seats, with the Congress alone winning 99 seats. This marked a substantial improvement for the opposition, which will now hold the status of the Official Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Voter turnout was remarkable, with over 642 million people casting their votes, including record participation by women voters. The election process was the largest in history, surpassing previous records and involving extensive phases across the country. Despite BJP’s victory, the elections were marred by controversies, including allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions and suppression of political opponents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having completed two terms, will now lead a coalition government for his third term, supported by key allies such as the Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United). Simultaneous state legislative assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim, along with by-elections for 25 legislative assembly constituencies, also took place.

BB is at the tail end of his current course before he joins his unit for on-the-job training later this month. This means that for the next 10 days, his course will be stay-out, meaning that he comes home each night. BB is thrilled with this, as according to him, he sleeps best in his bed! GG is enjoying her holidays, as she didn’t manage to secure any internships. She is doing one course in summer school and she is busy with that in addition to crocheting and going out with friends. As for me, I am still where I was last week, with no change in status.

And that’s all from me this week. Keep smiling!

Irish playwright, poet and novelist, known for his sharp wit, flamboyant style and brilliant conversational skills, Oscar Wilde’s quote suggests that the voluntary reading we do out of personal interest and passion shapes our character and intellect more profoundly than required reading. Wilde emphasises the importance of reading out of personal choice and curiosity. This type of reading often reflects our true interests, passions, and values. The quote implies that the knowledge, ideas, and perspectives we gain from this voluntary reading have a significant impact on who we become, especially in situations where our natural tendencies and instincts come to the fore. Wilde’s words suggest that what we choose to read in our leisure time can deeply influence our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours, ultimately shaping our identity in ways that compulsory reading might not.

S and I are still sick. My cold has gone, but there’s a bit of phlegm in the throat which is just not going away. If you have any remedies that work, please let me know.

My job search is still going on, but in the last two-plus months, I have not had a single interview call. I am still trying to be positive, but how long this will take, I don’t know.  

Life has become boring these days and in the last week, I had zero motivation to write. How the days passed is still a mystery!

And on that note, have a wonderful week people and stay positive!

Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comedian, writer, and actress known for her deadpan delivery and unique comedic style. Her quote highlights the significance of incremental progress and perseverance. Notaro emphasises that even the smallest, seemingly insignificant steps can lead to substantial progress over time. Consistent effort, no matter how small, contributes to long-term success. The quote acknowledges that these steps may be uncomfortable or challenging, but facing and overcoming this discomfort is essential for growth and achievement. Notaro’s words encourage patience and persistence, illustrating that accumulated small actions can lead to significant outcomes and distances, both literally and metaphorically.

Earlier this week, Lawrence Wong was sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister, succeeding Mr. Lee Hsien Loong. At 51, he is the first Prime Minister born after Singapore’s independence, symbolising a generational shift in leadership. The ceremony took place at the Istana lawn and was a significant event, marking the transition from the third-generation to the fourth-generation (4G) political team. This was the first swearing-in ceremony I watched in Singapore. Our former prime minister was sworn in in 2004 and with twin infants at home and a full-time job, I doubt I had time to even breathe. In his inaugural speech, PM Wong emphasised unity and the collective effort to build a brighter future for Singapore.

I start my unemployment days this week and hope it is a short-lived one. I am also working with a career coach, so hopefully, I will be able to erase mistakes from my resume and get interviews soon. To date, I have applied to more than 60 positions, but have not received a single interview call, and have been mostly ghosted.

That’s all from me this week! Stay positive, as I am trying to be and keep smiling!