2022 Week 18 Update

It was so hard to get back in a work groove after the long weekend, but we did what we had to and the week ended before it even began. R is back after almost two and a half months as we missed her. I know she will leave Singapore soon to go back home and her being here was never a permanent thing. But when she does, we will miss her because, over the years, she has become a part of our family. And like people in a family, we sometimes have our fair share of differences, but at the end of the day, we are friends again.

Today’s quote is attributed to the American actress, Jennifer Freeman who gives us the reminds that we are far too smart to be the one thing that stands in our way. This quote reminds us that we need to make a mindset shift if we want to achieve anything and today, this quote resonated with me as I seek to make changes in my life.

Here’s to a wonderful week ahead and to staying safe, happy, healthy and positive.

2022 Week 17 Update

Today is the first of May, aka May Day or the International Day of the Worker, so to all of us who work, a day to rest and relax. And for us in Singapore, we’re halfway through the long weekend, one that everyone was waiting for, especially GG. This is the first long weekend since her internship started, so she is enjoying her long weekend.

At the end of April, I am still in the state of Assam, on the outskirts of its capital Guwahati. The last couple of months have been a bit slow, but I hope I can catch up in May. I have also been reading a fair amount, but I missed my non-fiction for the month so this means I need to read two in May. I have reached about 30% of my annual target, which is still short by three books. So that’s what I plan to do this month.

R will be back tomorrow after more than two months and we missed her. But we know that she will leave us sooner than later, but hopefully, we will be able to meet her once in a while.

Today’s quote is from Steven Furtick who reminds us that we struggle with insecurity because we compare ourselves with others, especially what they showcase and we compare our daily mundane lives to that. So remember this, all that you see is not the truth.

That’s all for this week. Take care and stay safe!

2022 Week 16 Update

Today’s quote comes to us from Henry Ford, the American industrialist, business magnate, founder of the Ford Motor Company, and chief developer of the assembly line technique of mass production. By creating the first automobile that middle-class Americans could afford, he converted the automobile from an expensive luxury into an accessible conveyance that profoundly impacted the landscape of the 20th century. Ford tells that obstacles are what we see when we take our eyes off our goals. What this means is that when we are focused on the goal and has blinkers on, then when we take our laser focus off the goal, everywhere we see obstacles around us.

The week otherwise was mundane and slightly boring even. I have been writing a lot and have written blog posts almost every day this month and once I have a bank of posts, I want to focus on writing some fiction.

BB & GG are busy with school and work and we are all looking forward to the long weekend next week. We have a four day weekend because of May Day and Eid and the weekend includes a family function too where we can catch up with extended family. So that’s something to look forward to.

Just as the week came to an end, the Singapore government announced that it was clawing back on pretty much all restrictions from next week. This is such great news that everyone was celebrating. The DOSCORN level which had been Orange since February 2020 has now been dialled back to Yellow and to be honest, I have forgotten how life was pre-pandemic. All employees can return to the workplace and there is now no limit on group sizes. Mask-wearing will however continue to be required indoors, including on public transport, and optional outdoors. And for travellers, there is no need for a pre-departure COVID test if you are fully vaccinated and above 12 years. So travel is going to be more or less back to pre 2020 levels. This is exciting news…

That’s all from me this week. Take care and catch up soon.

2022 Week 16 Update

It’s the end of another week and our medical troubles seem to continue. After GG’s thyroid diagnosis, it’s BB’s turn now.  Last week when he went for his National Service medical test, he was told he may have a condition known as Retinal Displacement. I lowkey panicked and immediately took an appointment to get a referral for him to see a specialist. At the polyclinic, we realised that his eyesight has deteriorated significantly over the last few years, which could also be why the doctor mentioned the retinal displacement. So over the weekend, we got him tested for a new pair of glasses and have also gotten an appointment to see the specialist, but this will take a couple of months to happen. Hopefully, till then his new glasses would help.

GG is very busy with work. School starts tomorrow, but GG will not go to school, instead will complete a couple of modules online. BB will start physical school tomorrow and I will be home alone most of the day. But it probably also means I should be able to get more done. R comes back in a couple of weeks and then I will get more time to myself to do my walking as well as more writing.

Today’s quote is from one of my favourite children’s authors, Dr Seuss. He tells us to be ourselves and say what we feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. It’s such a simple quote, but so profound because in just a few words, it tells us to be true to ourselves and those who love and care for us will do so irrespective of how we are and those who want to find faults will do so even with perfection.

And on that note, have a wonderful week folks!

2022 Week 14 Update

It’s another week to the end of the month and in India, next week will be the start of various new years as different communities celebrate their respective new years. I’ve written a bit about the different new years, so pop by here, here and here to read more.

GG is busy with her internship and she kept busy with work and school, most of which is her Co-curricular Activity or CCA. She has a leadership position in the CCA, so she is very busy and will be the same for the rest of the school year. BB’s school starts in two weeks and that will be his last semester in school before his internship. He also has his medical check-up for his National Service next year this week and hopefully, he is certified fit to serve and can get the vocation he wants.

Today’s quote is from the former US President, Teddy Roosevelt who tells us to keep our eyes on the stars and our feet on the ground. This lifehack will help us reach our goals simultaneously be grounded in our ethos and values.

Other than that, life moves on as usual. We’re now used to life without R, but she will come back by the end of the month, so then that’s another pivot for us.

Take care and stay connected!