Chai And A Chat #52 #ChaiAndAChat

30 Sep 2019 52 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat Tags: , , , , ,

Happy Monday to you all! I hope your week treated you well. Here’s my update!

  • If we were sipping chai together I’d start by telling you that this week, tiredness killed me. I got up on Monday, and realised that I needed to step back from something. My brain has been frazzled, for some reason, and I couldn’t feel creativity coursing through my veins at all, so I decided that I needed to step badck from my blog a little. That was the only thing I could do. Can’t step back from my job, being a wife and mother, so the blog was the only thing I could sacrifice. By sacrice, I don’t mean totally give up, but just step back, so I haven’t participated in challenges for a whole week so far. That is strange, but I think my mind and body really needs this break from at least one part of my life.
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that school is still going well. Tiring, yes, but better than I could have expected. We are about to start week five of term, and though there are issues, the children have settled well into class. I have a couple of children with tears at the beginning but they dry up pretty soon after getting into class. I have had two parents come up to me and say that their child is so happy in my class. Brought a tear to my eye! And something lovely happened on Friday. There was a knock at the door and some children from Year 4 were at the door. I was busy reading a story to my class so my TA took something from them and left it on my desk. Once my class had left for the day, I returned to me desk and noticed this plastic tub with my name on it. Inside was a little note about a Bucket of Happiness, and insided were some notes from the children in that class, with positive messages for me, about how they miss being in my class, or enjoyed their time with me, when I taught them… I will post about that more, but reading the notes really made my week! There were more tears waiting to spill, I have to admit!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d admit that I was really dreading Thursday, as I was to teach my first ever PE lesson! How have I got away with not teaching PE? Well, nursery children don’t get formal PE and the reception classes I taught in the past always had their PE the days I wasn’t in class. So, off I went, ready for torture… with my sports clothes on. Recalling the day we tried to get the children changed for a pretend PE lesson had my hackles rising as I thought about it. No matter how much I mentioned it, parents still didn’t have names on all uniforms, so kids didn’t know whose shoes were whose, and the identical tee-shirts cardigans got mixed up, despite me getting them to put their own shoes and clothing on their own chairs… Still, over the week, I had given each child a spot to sit at, on the tables, so they all know where to change, and surprisingly, they all managed pretty well! They didn’t take forever and a day to change, and as I had checked each and every PE bag a few nights before, I knew their kit was all named. As they changed we checked the uniform they were shedding, armed with biros, to hastily add names to unnamed items, so there would be no confusion later. And we managed a half anhour PE lesson! There was warm ups, travelling, catching and throwing anda yoga cool down too! And the kids managed to change back pretty easily too, aside from about 2 kids who are obviously used to mummy doing EVERYTHING for them! I have learned that I can teach a PE lesson, however, I must remember to bring a towel next time, as, even though the exhertion was minimal, I still got really hot!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d say that one day on my TimeHop, something popped up that really hit home, and I had to share it… It was so relevant to me right now…
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the rest of the week, I tried to get early nights, reading for a few moments each evening before falling fast asleep. I’m not sure I am recovered yet, but feeling stronger and more positive, definitely.
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that on Saturday we attended Lil Man’s cricket presentation night where the children get applauded for their efforts in the season. It was a pleasant way to spend an evening, and I got to chat to other cricket mums, and we are bracing ourselves for the nexxt season now!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d say that Sonu Singh has been my little rock this week. He always seems to know when I need a little furry cuddle, and has been my shadow whenever I am sitting down. I do love my little kitty.
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d slap my forehead and say that I cant believe that I forgot to tell you that Pops and Mum have taken an impromptu trip to the US! They are visiting Pops’s elder sister, who has been asking to see him lots recently. She is bedridden. It was a pleasure to see her and video call her, and I was so touched seeing how she leant on her little brother, and his (my Pops) smile of gratitude at being near his sister. I only wish I was with them…
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know I had a totally chilled Sunday again, what with Lil Princess being down with her first cold of the season, and a rainy start to the day. I read, wrote this blog post, and read some more. Here’s hoping that means an energy filled start to the new week!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that my unwell colleague will be back at school with me today, and I look forward to a complete team being with us this week, as long as she is all better!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that I honestly have NOTHING planned for this coming week… fingers crossed it will help with my tiredness!

Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.

52 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Rae Reads
    Oct 22, 2019 @ 18:04:15

    Yesterday was “our chat day” and I missed it. Sooooo sorry. I was glad today to read it and catch up with the latest going on with Ritu!
    I understand the tiredness and can identify. I have been cutting back on reading and writing blogs just to have a little “me” time, mostly “me and the cat.” LOL Isn’t it funny how pets can soothe frazzled nerves.
    The gesture your students made is so touching, and I’m sure you were reminded that “It’s worth it!” That happens to me often.
    How you manage your time and balance your life/commitments amazes me. I nominate you as the next Wonder Woman example.
    Singh looks like he/she (?) relaxes you like Freesia does me. They are priceless and much cheaper than a therapist! LOL
    Welcome to your mom and pop to the U.S. I hope all they meet are as friendly as we folks “deep in the heart of Texas.” I am so happy they can see your aunt.
    I, too, actually have two days on my calendar that are untouched by the pencil/pen yet, so cross your fingers for me and keep on providing this little peek into Ritu’s life. I enjoy it so much!

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  3. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Oct 03, 2019 @ 06:37:24

    You’re doing great sis. Keep on resting. It’ll soon be the weekend! Xxx

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  4. OIKOS™-Publishing
    Oct 02, 2019 @ 17:18:27

    Sorry for the delay on visiting Sis, but i thought you are on a break. A very busy week you had. Hope you are feeling better this week, the half has been done. Best wishes, Michael

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  5. Jennie
    Oct 02, 2019 @ 13:37:51

    I’m glad you are stepping away from some writing and taking a much needed rest. Love the Bucket of Happiness from the children!!

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  6. eloisedesousa
    Oct 01, 2019 @ 17:32:40

    I’m late to catch up with you but hope your week has started well. It’s good to hear the energy reserves are being replenished. Keep resting when you can and have an awesome week!

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  7. johnrieber
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 21:05:10

    Understand how you need to mental break, looking forward to reading you again soon!

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  8. Trinity Rony
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 20:39:24

    Take care of Yourself Ritu!

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  9. Erika Kind
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 19:53:15

    Awh, sis, that was touching to read about the kids visiting you. I remember when I visited my teachers again when I was off to business school. Of course, I was a lot older than the kids visiting you. But it must be a big reward and mean a lot to the teacher when the students come back freely to visit. I am happy they surprised you that way.
    Other than that take care, sis 😘

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  10. robbiesinspiration
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 17:42:21

    How nice for your folks to visit the US, Ritu. I would love to go. I have also got a cold with a miserable sore throat and block ears. I hope it goes away without the need for any doctor’s visit.

    Liked by 3 people

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  11. John W. Howell
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 17:21:01

    Step backs are good. Hope your strength returns.

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Rebecca Moon Ruark
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 15:27:30

    Wow–so busy. Yes, indeed, sometimes we need to step back from one aspect of our lives. Something’s got to go to that back burner–otherwise, we burn out! It’s been the blog for me, too. I’m hoping I have another interview coming in soon, but my feature editor duties for the lit mag I’m working on have taken over that part of my brain. However, I still love interacting with other bloggers–like you! Might even see about compiling all my Rust Belt blog stuff into a book one of these days. When I have time!

    Liked by 2 people

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  13. dearanonymousfriend
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 15:10:08

    I hope you get some good rest this week, you do not want to wear yourself down to exhaustion, which is so easy to do. ❤ Cathi

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Rosemary Carlson
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 14:19:33

    Enjoyed reading this, Ritu. You must have started Chai and Chats since I’ve been away! Until recently, I’’ve had a full time writing job and have been trying to keep up with family life. Yes, exhausting. I’m going to take some time off and blog a bit here. I had thought about starting a feature and reading Chai and Chats makes me want to do that even more! I hope you’re well. Take it easy. You can always take a little time away.

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. joylennick
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 13:14:03

    Good on you,Ritu, as the Aussies say… Having been a ‘Dinner Lady’ for ten years, I got to see how hard the teachers worked, so full of admiration…(I also ‘home-helped’ a few slow readers…which I loved doing.) My week’s been extra special because our eldest son – who normally lives in Denmark with his partner Ann – has spent it here in Spain with us. Wall to wall blue skies and sunshine, plenty of chat, noshing and love around…Can’t beat it! Hugs x

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  16. The Avid Reader
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 11:19:03

    It’s so nice to have some recognition from students! It really keeps you going. Take care of yourself!

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. weggieboy
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 08:28:22

    Blog burn out is common enough among us regular posters I think. There are days I feel like not posting, then I realize my simple kitty blog is followed on every continent except Antarctica, and there are people who look forward to seeing what’s up with the kitty boys this day. I owe it to these loyal readers to try, try, try to post on those days I just don’t have the energy to give them something up to the best of my abilities..

    Anyway, Ritu, best of luck finding some rest and relief from burn out. I know where you are! It isn’t r=easy to get rest with all the obligations we have each day.

    Liked by 2 people

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  18. pranabaxom
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 07:49:29

    Teacher, is “sacrice” a new word in the dictionary 😊

    Liked by 2 people

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  19. Rachael Stray | https://rachaelstray.com/
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 06:46:41

    You do so much Ritu- taking a bit of a break from the blog is important so you don’t burn out. I bet the parents are so grateful you made such an effort with the kids so they didn’t mix up uniforms!

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. willowdot21
    Sep 30, 2019 @ 06:04:48

    Take care of yourself dear Sis 💜💜

    Liked by 2 people

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