Phew Phriday! A Little Update

28 Sep 2018 50 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

The weekend is upon us, and it’s been a whirlwind of a month to be honest!

What with the start of the month being back to school time, for me, and my children, to my birthday, the welcoming and settling in of my new nursery and reception class, family functions, initiating my school councillors, getting a nothing response for my manuscript, walking a half marathon and raising over £2500 with my Tootie Frootie group, having teen/tween crisis, then ending with a host of open days as my littlest baby will be stepping into Secondary education next year, it’s been quite a hectic one!

But I can honestly say I haven’t spent it looking at each week as a step closer to half term.

Usually, by this time of term, I am on a countdown. This year, however, I was pleasantly surprised when someone mentioned three weeks to go until the October half term!

Let’s break it down a little… School first.

Yes, I am split again this year, teaching 2 days in reception and three days in nursery, which is a tough task. But as I experienced it already last year, I am more prepared. This time last year, I was honestly contemplating giving up teaching as I was so stressed.

The children are settling in beautifully, with a mixture of abilities, as is always the case, and a rainbow of languages too. But, aside from the little pickles that are inevitable, things are pretty good.

I stepped down from governorship as we moved to an academy and there was only space for two, rather than three staff governors. That has lessened my stress levels too!

And I am still heading the School Council, where I have already made a couple of minor changes, so hopefully it will work much better over the year, bringing the desired impact for the pupils in the school.

Honestly, I do think that Art Of Brilliance workshop put me in the best frame of mind for the start of the school year, and that Pants-tastic board I created? It’s filling up with praise-filled undies!

There will always be little moments of stress, and a few teething problems, but I do feel I am handling them much better!

That Manuscript…

Some of you may remember that I submitted my age-old WIP in for a competition, the Daily Mail and Penguin Random House First Novel Competition. Well, I had to wait until the 21st September to see whether I heard anything from them… and it came and went, with no response.

I know.

First submission and all that, but I was really down for a few days, It helped to get messages from those who were with me on the journey.

“Hey, come on lovely. It’s a great story and you are a fabulous writer. Send it to agents!”

And

“I just know that you are going to be a huge success though, your blog alone will give you a massive outlet for it and your personality shines through and new readers will love that.”

Then

“I have faith in your writing, too, Ritu! Believe in your book and keep pushing your writing. Magic will happen! ✨✨✨“

I feel better now, and maybe in the holidays I’ll reread and edit in earnest before submitting to some agents!
That Half Marathon…
Yup, after not really training, as such, my Tootie Frootie group trudged through the rain-soaked streets of London, raising lots of money for Cancer Research!
So proud of my girls!
Of Teens and Tweens
I haven’t really written much about this the last month, as I am trying to stay positive, but having a ten-going on 16 year old daughter, and a newly teenaged son has been a battle in itself! God, they would try the patience of a saint, honestly!
There have been arguments, and laughter, tantrums and hugs.. oh my!
But with a combination of compromise and reward charts, and pocket money initiatives, (not bribery, no!) I think we may be getting somewhere!
Secondary School
What with Lil Princess being in the last year of primary school, we are fast approaching the time where we need to apply for her secondary school, and I’ll need to give up the overprotective teacher/parent hat, as I become simply a teacher at my school, and a parent at another!
We have been to our first open evening, have another open day tomorrow and another couple next week…
Really?
Is she ready to go to secondary? Actually, I think I should rephrase that… am I ready for her to grow up?
It’s inevitable, I know, but I still can’t quite comprehend that this time next year both my children will be in secondary school! EEK!
So, there you have it… my busy September!
I’ll be sure to enjoy this last weekend, then on we go to an October packed with more fun and games!

 

50 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. rachaelstray
    Oct 03, 2018 @ 15:06:42

    I didn’t realise you were split between Reception and Nursery – wow! I hope the open days have gone ok and you guys can make a decision on where she should go to secondary school.

    Rachael | https://rachaelstray.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Simon
    Oct 02, 2018 @ 22:39:34

    Your should definitely submit to agents, good luck with it but that you need it.
    😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. byrnewithme
    Oct 01, 2018 @ 22:58:38

    Time for all of that AND your blog. That’s impressive for sure!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Susanne Swanson
    Oct 01, 2018 @ 19:41:07

    Wow! Quite a month indeed! Just so you know, I am truly grateful to all the dedicated teachers of the world. Your hard work and care for children make a huge difference in this world. thank you. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Snuffy
    Oct 01, 2018 @ 18:08:26

    Ha! I love how you call those children-who-will-not-be-named “pickles”! There are definitely a few in every bunch that make the school year interesting! and good luck with the teen thing. Been there, still doing that but getting better at age 21. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Rae Longest
    Oct 01, 2018 @ 14:42:26

    Dee-light-ful post! I simply LOVE reading about your life. You do it with such class and touches of humor. At times it has been hilarious/heartwarming/sad and many other things. My day-to-day life is so boring compared with yours. I am learning UK phrases and even found myself writing, “spot on” the other day describing an author’s characterization skills. You are definitely a good influence on me!

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. Geetha B
    Sep 30, 2018 @ 11:28:30

    I hear you about kids growing up, especially daughters. You get around to accepting it though and my elder two are in University now with their own lives.
    I hope your book gets published. Meanwhile, just keep doing what you do best, writing.

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Vashti Q
    Sep 29, 2018 @ 19:49:52

    Hi Ritu! Don’t forget that author, J. K. Rowling was turned down numerous times (like 100 xs) for Harry Potter. Those agents and publishers must feel like fools now. :/ Keep at it, perseverance is the key to success. Wow! You’re so busy! I need a vacation after reading about all you do. Phew! Wishing you all the best! 😀 xx

    Liked by 2 people

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  9. robbiesinspiration
    Sep 29, 2018 @ 19:04:31

    Our school year currently runs from January to December so I still have another whole year before little [read as tall and lanky and grown up] Michael goes to secondary school. I am going to cry buckets. As for your manuscript, do remember that many of us self publish or go with smaller publishers because we want freedom of expression and don’t want to write to a script. I think your books sounds very interesting. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Sep 29, 2018 @ 19:08:18

      Thank you for the encouragement Robbie. Yes I know independent is another route, but I’m going to try a little along the trad route first… Then if I’m not happy, indie it is!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. willowdot21
    Sep 29, 2018 @ 17:12:54

    Phew! You juggle so well, so much on your plate and you manage to keep it all up ! SupaRitu 💜💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. OIKOS™-Redaktion
    Sep 29, 2018 @ 14:55:53

    Congratulation to the Headmistress! 🙂 Have a nice weekend. Michael

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Jennie
    Sep 29, 2018 @ 13:36:46

    You are one busy lady! I feel my own stress level just reading all you do, Ritu. Sounds like school will be a bit easier this year. Whew! As to your wonderful writing, do not give up or become discouraged. Just think of JK Rowling and how her ms was fished out of the trash by a secretary. A rejection is no reflection on your writing, it’s just not what the publisher wants at the moment. Best to you, my friend! 😍

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. syl65
    Sep 29, 2018 @ 04:43:14

    You’ve had a busy, inspiring and creative month Sister!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. pranabaxom
    Sep 29, 2018 @ 00:15:59

    For your book, you have completed the half marathon. Now is the time to get ready for the full marathon. All the best Ritu.

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. Erika Kind
    Sep 28, 2018 @ 22:15:54

    September was definitely anything but boring for you… Regarding the book, there are more ways to get it published. You know your work, believe in it and go for it. You are not depending on a jury 😉

    Liked by 1 person

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  16. Rebecca Moon Ruark
    Sep 28, 2018 @ 21:47:07

    You can do it all–if anyone can! Pants-tastic, I still love that so much.

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. Annette Rochelle Aben
    Sep 28, 2018 @ 21:28:24

    You are making MAGIC! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Dan Antion
    Sep 28, 2018 @ 21:25:51

    You have been a busy girl. I am so impressed with teachers who care – the world owes you all a huge debt of gratitude. Good luck on the stress that October will surly bring. And yes, we do love your writing.

    Liked by 1 person

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