Hey there Peeps! I hope you’re ready … never a quiet one in Ritu-World!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you – “Week Three – In-Law-less – done!!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you work has been manic (isn’t it always? Life in an Early Years class…) We had Science week, so hyped the kids up with a chance to meet some minibeasts, like ginat Africam landsnails, tarantulas, African milipedes, cockroaches and a snake! Then on the Tuesday, my day started with a panic, as my team leader was off sick, and there was a moderation meeting happening the next day, across the schools in our academy. For those of you that don’t know, moderation is when you compare your judgements about pupils with the other schools, to make sure you aren’t making too easy/harsh judgements about how a child is progressing. I was worrying as I have never done one of these without here there, and the other Reception teacher has never been to one before… blind leading the blind? Yup! On top of that we had planning to do the next day too, which was going to be cut short because of the Moderation meeting. So by 9am on Tuesday, I had gathered moderation information, chased up paperwork, and created a skeleton plan for the following week’s learning. Phew! But thankfully my Team Leader ended up back that afternoon, because she cannot stay at home! So no panic in the end! But the day did not end without a tension headache… oh yes…
- If we were sipping chai together I’d say that, moderation went well. I kinda feel a lot more confident about these things now, and hope that the experiences will help me further along in my career.
- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the rest of the school week was relatively simple, until my kids decided to embarrass the heck out of me first thing on a Friday morning. Playing up and messing my classroom before the day had even started, arguing and generally making a nuisance of themselves. I ended up blowing my top at Lil Man before he headed off to his school… Seriously? Can children not even keep calm for at least 10 minutes, without causing a storm? BP felt like it rose high!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d say that, on the flip side, he has done really well in a Maths test, proving that the tutoring we send him for seems to be working! And he is also playing badminto regularly, on top of the cricket, and on Sunday, he was scouted for a Badminton Academy! I am very proud of him and his strengths. (Not so much, his teenage strops and attitude!)
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you Lil Princess got me worried this week. I would walk past her room, and hear her shout ot periodically, “Just shut up…!”… Turns out I didn’t need to worry! Apparently she did really well, but I couldnt watch as I was short staffed at the time!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d say that the weekend was absolutely wonderful with Pops and Mum. They brought a huge box full of my old photos from infanthood to university and I spent a long time perusing… they also found old certificates of mine, and embarrasing school photos too! We spent a long time chatting, reminiscing and talking about all sorts, and I learned so much from them both, about their lives, and customs and traditions in our culture. It’s amazing how I learn new things about my parents every time we sit and chat. Seriously, you think you must know everything about them, and then they tell you things that make your head spin… I hope to share some of the stories one day, on the blog, but I tell you what, Mum could write a memoir, and it would be amazing!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d mention that mum even managed to help me Marie Kondo the heck outta my kitchen which I had been dreading! We stripped countertops, emptied cupboards, threw out of date stuff away, made a (huge) donate pile and scrubbed cupboards and drawers and walls too (bit of a condensation issue in the kitchen) and then put it all back, wrapping up equipment that is used less frequently so it stays clean and generally more organinsed. Feels good, but 8 hours of that andf my shoulders are killing, my body is exhausted and eyes are itching from dust and all sorts! Still – feels GOOD!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d also say we had to sleep on the sofa bed for two nights, as I would never inflict that upon my parents, and I totally appreciated that Sunday night bubble bath that I have made sure I enjoy each week, as part of my ‘self’ word of the year!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know we went a bit spiritual too, at the temple on Sunday, celebrating the birth of a baby in one of Hubby Dearest’s friend’s family. Soul cleansed, kitchen cleansed, body cleansed… just need my mind to be emptied now, though I fear that will never happen!
- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that official lesson observation week is also this week, so I just need to get Tuesday out of the way, successfully (my observation day) then I can breathe and relax!
- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d mention that this coming weekend, NOTHING is planned – honestly! I hope for lots of lazing around. I need it!
Have a wonderful week, Peeps! Let me know how your week went!
Jennie
Mar 23, 2019 @ 00:24:53
The best part of your week was learning new things about your parents. How wonderful is that!? The worst part was all the school paperwork. This is a real problem in both our countries. Teachers can’t be with students like they should be. Happy weekend, Ritu!
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Ritu
Mar 23, 2019 @ 08:22:01
You’re right there Jennie. I’ve wanted to teach since I was 7 and then I went to university my degree showed me modern day teaching was nothing like what i had imagined . It took me over 10 years to get back into this profession, because I was so disheartened. but I’m here now!
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Jennie
Mar 23, 2019 @ 12:05:36
😀😀😀
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Ritu
Mar 23, 2019 @ 08:22:20
And you’re right it was great learning you stories about my parents!
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Jennie
Mar 23, 2019 @ 12:06:02
The best! 😍
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Rae Longest
Mar 22, 2019 @ 18:12:08
I remember those big round glasses, but being considerably older than you, Hon, I was a young “cool” teacher in junior high when I wore mine. Don’t we wish we had saved those frames! We would have been ready for the Harry Potter phenomena!! LOL Once again, I am sipping green tea and I am eating fresh banana-nut bread, slathered in cream cheese…the calories!
Had my first Indian food at a Farmer’s Market last Sunday. The little meat popovers were so good (They had beef, pork, and chicken–I tried the beef; and although I had heard of capers and seen them called for in recipes, I had never tasted them in food. I bought a jar the next day. The little pancakes (the Indian equivalent of tortillas (roti???) were my favorite. I bought a jar of mango chutney—HOT!!!!
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Ritu
Mar 22, 2019 @ 19:45:19
You reminded me, My mum brought the most amazing yoghurt cake with her when she came.. it was delicious!
So, how did you find your Indian? Will you be having more??
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Rae Longest
Mar 27, 2019 @ 00:47:51
The mango chutney was just too HOT! And, I’m a salsa fan from Texas. The pastries with meat in them were good, and I loved the garlic/whatever bread circles …roti?
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Ritu
Mar 27, 2019 @ 06:56:34
They could be roti, could be naan bread!
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Rae Longest
Apr 02, 2019 @ 03:19:55
I am a sucker for breads. I rarely crave sweets or chocolates, but bread…I’m a gonner’!
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Ritu
Apr 02, 2019 @ 06:59:24
My problem… I live both!
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OIKOS™-Publishing
Mar 19, 2019 @ 18:26:02
I am so sorry, to be late again, Sis! Congratulations to LilMan, the next Badminton-Champ. Congratulations to you too. You managed the last week in a wonderfu mannerl. Dont worry about LilPrincess. She is a young girl. Re-think you own childhood. Maybe ask your Bro. Lol
Best wishes, Michael
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Ritu
Mar 19, 2019 @ 18:44:44
Oh my bro and I fought totally!
Thank you Bro ☺️
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robbiesinspiration
Mar 19, 2019 @ 04:31:20
Your weekend sounds hectic, Ritu. I am glad you explained the purpose of moderation. I sort of knew but it is got to understand exactly. I like unplanned weekends, I can write and edit.
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Ritu
Mar 19, 2019 @ 07:00:47
I need a true unplanned weekend.. Its not looking likely…
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Dorinda Duclos
Mar 19, 2019 @ 01:47:58
You’re so silly getting yourself worked up over meetings and evaluations when you rock them every time!! ❤
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Ritu
Mar 19, 2019 @ 07:00:02
I can’t help it Dorinda… But I guess that’s because I love my job. Its tody. I’m so nervous… 🤞🏽🙏🏼💜
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Dorinda Duclos
Mar 19, 2019 @ 15:22:57
You’ll be fine!!! Picture them naked LOL
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Ritu
Mar 19, 2019 @ 17:30:08
He he!!! It was all good to be honest!
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Dorinda Duclos
Mar 19, 2019 @ 18:09:09
Of course it was. ❤
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josypheen
Mar 18, 2019 @ 21:44:02
Thinking your daughter had tourettes!? You must have had such a laugh when you worked out what was really going on!! 😀
I looove that photo of mini Ritu by the way. You always were a cutie!
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 21:48:56
Oh it was so funny!!!
And I was a total nerd lol!!!
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Erika Kind
Mar 18, 2019 @ 20:05:31
Yay, cheers to a clean kitchen, sis 🥂
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 20:10:05
Clean… And DECLUTTERED!!!!
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Erika Kind
Mar 18, 2019 @ 20:33:51
A very good feeling!!
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 20:47:39
It really is 😍
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Erika Kind
Mar 19, 2019 @ 05:45:54
😊
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syl65
Mar 18, 2019 @ 15:15:51
You were styling and profiling Sister!! Glad you had such a wonderful time with Pops and Mum. Our parents always have good stories about their experiences. Have a fantastic week! ❤️
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 15:59:06
I was so busy, I don’t quite know where the time went Brother!!!
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syl65
Mar 18, 2019 @ 16:22:07
It can definitely fly by quickly at times!!
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 17:22:50
Tell me about it😖
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syl65
Mar 18, 2019 @ 18:22:48
😮
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Rebecca Moon Ruark
Mar 18, 2019 @ 11:00:22
School librarian! That’s awesome. And, really, nerds rule. My last week and early this week will be busy with work, but then I’m off to a writing retreat–so I’m thrilled!
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 15:56:22
Wow! A writing retreat! I can only dream!!!! Have fun! I look forward to hearing all about it!
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joylennick
Mar 18, 2019 @ 10:00:52
I WAS sitting typing, quite relaxed, and – wouldn’t you know – along came whirlwind Ritu and inflicted her mad shenanigans on me! Seriously….full of admiration for the way you handle those children – yours, and those you can give back. Go girl!. xx
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 15:55:48
Aw thanks Joy!
They are hard work, but you know, I do love what I do! x
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Image Earth Travel
Mar 18, 2019 @ 09:53:31
Exhausted!
I do miss a bubble bath – only have a shower here in Italy.
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 15:55:22
I think I would have to stipulate a bath is a necessity in any house I own lol!
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Image Earth Travel
Mar 18, 2019 @ 15:57:04
Agree. Out house in Australia does have a bath, but this apartment in Italy doesn’t and don’t think they’re common in rentals as space is at a premium.
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 15:59:45
No, flats don’t often have them here either!
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willowdot21
Mar 18, 2019 @ 07:33:15
Goodness me Sis I was tired before we had chai and chat… now I am exhausted 💜
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 07:33:56
I seem to have that effect on my Monday Chai readers… 😜
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willowdot21
Mar 18, 2019 @ 08:06:30
😜🤭🌹🌹🌹🌹 have a great day and week 💜
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 08:18:15
You too sis xx
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foodzesty
Mar 18, 2019 @ 06:35:01
Ohhhh and I started on my TOSEL certificate 🙂
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 06:57:47
Go, you!!!! 🤓💪🏽
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foodzesty
Mar 18, 2019 @ 06:34:23
I had a pair of those glasses hehehhehehe…..:) Ohhh if I was sipping Chai with you I would tell you that I can finally start my YOGA classes Rituuuuu 🙂
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 06:57:30
Oh yaay!!! Enjoy them and reap the full benefits 🙏🏼💜
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pranabaxom
Mar 18, 2019 @ 06:10:21
Those glasses 😂
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 06:56:31
I know! 🤓
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pranabaxom
Mar 18, 2019 @ 14:10:51
😂😂
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Prior...
Mar 18, 2019 @ 06:09:37
love the fifth grade pic – and I think those glasses were in – and laughed at the tourettes scare
ha
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 06:56:15
Apparently they are quite En vogue now… But I still look at the photo and cringe!
Kids are funny, eh!
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Prior...
Mar 18, 2019 @ 07:40:36
Yeah – these large frame glasses one and go – I have a photo of a pair from 1989 and cringe – and I don’t care if they were in!
Thanks for the virtual chai
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Ritu
Mar 18, 2019 @ 07:45:39
Cheers!
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