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! “
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/
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Ritu
Oct 03, 2018 @ 21:52:16
Oh, it’s the hardest thing, being in two classes! 70 kids to be thinking of!
And the open days have been pretty good so far. One to go, then decision time!
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Simon
Oct 02, 2018 @ 22:39:34
Your should definitely submit to agents, good luck with it but that you need it.
😀
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Ritu
Oct 03, 2018 @ 06:41:58
Thank you Simon 😍
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Simon
Oct 03, 2018 @ 15:09:48
Always a pleasure Ritu 😀
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byrnewithme
Oct 01, 2018 @ 22:58:38
Time for all of that AND your blog. That’s impressive for sure!
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Ritu
Oct 02, 2018 @ 06:51:55
Sometimes you have to find that balance!
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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. 🙂
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Ritu
Oct 01, 2018 @ 19:54:40
Thank you so much for appreciating 😍
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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. 🙂
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Ritu
Oct 01, 2018 @ 18:14:56
Thank you so much! I feel like I’ve been going through the teen thing the last two years as a parent to a girl who isn’t even 11 yet!!!!
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Snuffy
Oct 01, 2018 @ 18:21:13
I have heard that from many of my friends and family with daughters. Makes me count my blessings I have a son. Not immune but it seems to be a bit more manageable!
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Ritu
Oct 01, 2018 @ 19:02:33
It’s a nightmare!!!
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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!
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Ritu
Oct 01, 2018 @ 16:45:59
Ha ha!!! As I’ve said before, I’m glad my ramblings are enjoyed!!
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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.
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Ritu
Sep 30, 2018 @ 11:50:51
Thank you so much Geetha! 💜
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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
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Ritu
Sep 29, 2018 @ 20:43:34
Lol!! Vacation…? What’s that?
I hold JK Rowling’s experience in my mind a lot as I think about how I’m going about getting the break I’d love 💜
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Vashti Q
Sep 30, 2018 @ 01:52:11
That’s what we have to do and keep moving forward. 🙂
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Ritu
Sep 30, 2018 @ 10:04:37
💜🙏🏼
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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.
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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!!!
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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 💜💜💜
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Ritu
Sep 29, 2018 @ 18:38:10
Lol! Thanks sis! But there are a lot of others in my situation! ❤
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willowdot21
Sep 29, 2018 @ 19:14:07
Yes I know but you do it so well 💜
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Ritu
Sep 29, 2018 @ 19:17:05
💜💜 aw shucks! Thanks sis!!!
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willowdot21
Sep 29, 2018 @ 19:26:59
💜💜💜
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OIKOS™-Redaktion
Sep 29, 2018 @ 14:55:53
Congratulation to the Headmistress! 🙂 Have a nice weekend. Michael
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Ritu
Sep 29, 2018 @ 15:11:06
😀 thanks Michael!
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OIKOS™-Redaktion
Sep 29, 2018 @ 16:19:37
Its always an honor. Michael
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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! 😍
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Ritu
Sep 29, 2018 @ 14:02:40
Thank you for your encouragement Jennie 😍
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Jennie
Sep 30, 2018 @ 00:16:21
Always, Ritu. Always. ❤️
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syl65
Sep 29, 2018 @ 04:43:14
You’ve had a busy, inspiring and creative month Sister!!
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Ritu
Sep 29, 2018 @ 08:56:30
It’s been pretty crazy!!!
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syl65
Sep 29, 2018 @ 15:03:31
I can sense the craziness!!!
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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.
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Ritu
Sep 29, 2018 @ 08:57:06
Thank you! 👌🏼
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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 😉
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Ritu
Sep 28, 2018 @ 23:04:27
Thank you sis!
YOu know what it’s like though, sometimes we seek that validation from outside, even though inside we are confident…
I’ll get things done soon enough!
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Erika Kind
Sep 29, 2018 @ 20:41:06
I totally get you. We need that kind of approval to get confirmed we are on the right track. But in the end, it only needs that one person to believe in it!!
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Ritu
Sep 29, 2018 @ 20:44:14
True … You’re right sis 😍
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Erika Kind
Sep 29, 2018 @ 20:46:53
💖💖
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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.
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Ritu
Sep 28, 2018 @ 23:03:30
Bless you for that faith in me!
I’m rather partial to my Pants-tastic idea!!! ❤
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Annette Rochelle Aben
Sep 28, 2018 @ 21:28:24
You are making MAGIC! ❤
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Ritu
Sep 28, 2018 @ 21:29:17
Aw shucks! Thanks sis… If that’s the case, making magic is exhausting!!!
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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.
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Ritu
Sep 28, 2018 @ 21:27:38
You are too lovely Dan, thank you! And I’ll try my hardest to keep upbeat!
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