Happy Monday to you all! I hope your week treated you well. Back to school is nothing short of exciting, every time!

- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the start of school went really well. The kids seemed to have a relaxing break, and enjoyed relaying details of their week off, and celebrating Diwali too! We had a Diwali day at school, where the children learned some Bhangra dancing too! And we had a Halloween disco, which was a baptism of fire for some. The first time they have been left alone somewhere when it is dark outside and loud music. But we all had great fun! The topic this next few weeks will be superheroes, and they love acting like real life superheroes. I have told them they are all super kids and when they do super kind things, they get on the class rainbow. One way to get some great behaviour!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention my health. Things haven’t been great over here. From Tuesday evening, I started to get strange pains in my knees. On Thursday morning, when I woke up, they were so sore that I could barely walk down the stairs at home. I got ready, and went to school, promptly bursting into tears with my phase leader. She ws so worried, massaging my knees, telling me to go home, but I don’t think I would have been any better at home either. The pains didn’t go away all day, despite taking anti-inflammatories and painkillers. I was even given a hot water bottle to help me. I got through the day, and the only thing that really relieved the pain was a hot bath. I woke on Friday with lessened knee pain (though it hadn’t gone away totally) but more pain in my shoulder. Now, when I went to the doctor last week, he asked me about pains, but at that time I had none. When I was chatting to Pops during my few days back home, he mentioned that he had been diagnosed with fibryomalgia around twenty years ago. I was totally unaware of this. The recent pains made me realise that over the last few months, I have actually been having a lot of strange pains, including in my wrists, elbows and knees, but they were never as severe as the ones on Thursday. They are pains in the bones and joints. As I sit here typing on a Sunday night, my shoulder still hurts, and knees are still painful as I bend them. I have had shooting pains in my legs, ankles and toes too.
- If we were sipping chai together I’d say that I went to the Doctor for my initial blood test results. The results have ruled out Vitamin B12 and D deficiencies, iron levels are normal, as are all my blood counts in general, including blood sugars and hormones. We discussed the pains I had this week, and over the last few months too, as well as the migraines I have had over the last few years, bad skin which has started recently (never suffered with spots), weight gain and the tiredness. So, guess who is back for more blood tests next week? This time to rule out inflammation and rheumatoid artheritic pains. The next step would be either treatment for the above, or looking at other auto immune issues, such as Fibryomalgia. Wonderful!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d mention the other elephant in the room… NaNoWriMo. I had actually signed up this year, knowing full well that I probably wouldn’t be able to keep up, but the intention to start writing book two properly was there. Now, with this stuff going on with my health, I don’t think it is likely. Never mind, I shall spend time erasing crutch words from my existing manuscript. Who knew I used the word ‘that’ so much??
- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that we did get a chance to go out on Friday evening. The local fireworks display was on at the Prom. Last year it was cancelled as there was a stray beluga whale who had swum into the Thames Estuary, and taken up residence in the Gravesend waters. Our fireworks are usually set off on the river, so they were cancelled, so as not to disturb poor Benny. He was with us for quite a while, actually, then managed to find his way out. This year, we thought the same would happen, as a humpback whale strayed into the Estuary a few weeks ago. Sadly, he died, of malnourishment, and being hit by a ship. Then another dead whale was found, this time a Sei whale. Apparently a mixture of Global Warming and the threats of polluted water in certain seas might be responsible for these poor creatures straying so badly. But the waters were finally whale-free, so we trotted off to watch the fireworks. I had the class teddy with me too, so he watched with us!
- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the rest of the weekend just melted away into a mixture of bed and books… or sofa and books. Perfect recuperation time for me!

- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that we have our first moderation evening on Tuesday. This is when we get together with the other schools in our academy, and compare our judgements on the children in our classes. It is always interesting to see how their children are doing, as well as how they are approaching any difficulties.
- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d mention that I will have to squeeze the blood tests in to one day too, as the Phlebotomy dept is only open from 9-2pm Monday to Friday… Need to get that booked in with my Head teacher asap!
- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that Monday might be ‘interesting’ as one of my teaching assistants is not around as she has to take her daughter to a hosiptal appointment, my one to one teaching assistant for my special Beaut, has to go on a school trip with another one to one child she used to work with, and my other Teaching assistant will be late as she has an appointment… So, I might be all alone!!!
- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I am hoping for another quiet weekend… please!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
Nov 08, 2019 @ 17:07:24
I hope your health challenges resolve soon, Ritu. Take care of yourself and don’t worry about NaNo at all. Health is top priority. ❤
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Nov 08, 2019 @ 17:55:34
Thank you, Diana. ThecNaNo boat has sailed… Just waiting on results xx
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Nov 07, 2019 @ 11:35:47
I hope you get to the root of your pain, Ritu. Fingers crossed that the blood test find the cause. Super Teddy and Gloria would have a great time together! ❤️
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Nov 07, 2019 @ 12:23:11
Thank you, Jennie.
They really would have a great time!
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Nov 07, 2019 @ 23:33:51
Yes! ❤️
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Nov 06, 2019 @ 01:08:09
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 21:22:54
Oh, Wow! I am so sorry, Dear Ritu!! I so hope they can figure out whats going on with your pains!! Your knee and joint pains sound similar to what I experienced about four years ago. All of a sudden I started having joint pain in my right wrist that felt like I had hyper extended it. After about a day it had gotten much, much worse and swollen to over twice normal size, was overheated, and extremely painful to the point that I could not turn the key to start the car or push the handle on the toilet because of the pain. After about three days I telling a friend about it and he said, “Oh, I know what that is, It’s pseudo-gout. I have that and the doctor has me take gout medication and that keeps the pain away and controls it”. I was shocked. Lucky for my I had some of my medication for a bout with gout and so I took “indomyethsine (sp)” and the pain stopped and in a couple of days the swelling went down and I have not have any problems with it since. I hope maybe this may be something that will help you??? I’m embedding a link to the Mayo Clinic on this topic. You might want to share this with your doctor??? LAH!!! 💖💖🌹🌹✨✨✨
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pseudogout/symptoms-causes/syc-20376983
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 21:26:28
Thank you for the info, Chuck. I will read it. I have no swelling though. Mainly pains in joints and up and down my bones…
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 16:28:50
Best wishes, Sis! But i think you have influenced WP, and they my PC. 😉 There is pain in my electronic devices too, and i am back in the crew of button hunters. Horrible!
In conclusion it sounds you had a beautiful week, and why dont you let carry yourself by some pupils, like it had been done with the nobility centuries in the past? :-)) All the best, and think positive, because its best. Michael
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 17:12:01
If only bro!!! lol!!
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 17:29:29
:-)) Seems you have a better mood now, Sis! Beware it! All the evil will leave! 😉 Have a beautiful evening! Michael
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 19:01:10
Mood is great, I’ll not let pains ruin that!
Still tired though. A headache is brewing, but I’m still smiling 😉
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 00:17:24
Best wishes on your medical stuff, Ritu!
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 06:53:52
Thank you Rhonda 💜🙏🏽
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 20:28:06
I hope you find an answer and a treatment for the pain.
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 20:38:39
Thank you Dan 💜🙏🏽
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 20:25:04
Sis, I hope that you get the diagnosis soon in order to be able to do something about it. It is already quite a while since you visited your doctor. Lots of love, sis 💖
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 20:25:50
I went on Friday sis. Tomorrow i need more bloods taken… Xx
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 20:49:10
Oh, I see. I had in mind you were there during the school break. So, I hope that the new tests bring better results 💖
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 20:57:23
Fingers crossed… If they don’t hurt!
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 19:48:08
💖💖
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 19:37:43
As you were describing your pain, I kept thinking fibromyalgia. Our youngest was diagnosed with a severe case of it when she was in the 7th grade. She still suffers with it, but is always looking for ways to use her diet in combating the pain. She found yoga is an excellent way to help, I hope you have some good rest time. Listen to your body and do not over do. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cathi
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 19:42:10
My pops has sent me lirs if yoga and breathing exercises to relieve the pain. Thank you xx
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 19:47:00
It is a tricky diagnosis, one where you are fine one minute and the next you feel like you have been hit by a bus. I am so sorry for this. Since it is a syndrome also, there are many other things that go along with it. Praying for your body to align properly and that you feel better.
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 19:55:02
Thank you Cathi x
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 19:30:02
Sorry to hear about your health issues. I do hope they get to the bottom of it soon. Have a great week!
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 19:41:32
Thank you Darlene. I hope so too xx
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 17:29:51
Wishing you good health very soon.
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 17:34:36
Thank you xx
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 15:53:51
An interesting week, Ritu. I am sorry to learn of your pain, I hope it clears up soon and they can give you something to improve your health.
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 16:06:18
I’m hoping, Robbie ❤
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 15:19:01
I hope that there is a quick diagnosis and treatment for what is causing you pain…it’s not fun to have to press the pause button on life to work out physical issues…we take it all for granted until something goes wrong….again, good luck!
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 16:05:41
So true, John. Thank you!
I am enjoying my extra reading time though!
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 16:06:18
Well, at least these issues aren’t making that more difficult…it’s an escape from the real world…I just got a new book and am digging in today!
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 16:07:02
I think I read 3 over the weekend (one was a kids book, but still!)
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 14:51:01
I am so sorry you are having continued health issues. Fibro can be difficult to diagnose as it is often a process of ruling out other things. I am glad you had a time of bed and books. Self care is so important. I am writing for NaNoWriMo but I have had to excuse myself in the past so many times because of health or family issues. Just be kind to yourself. ( I, too, love the word ‘that’. Too much I’m afraid.)
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 16:05:04
Thank you Maggie. Yes, the Dr said he wants to try and rule out other possible reasons first, which is fair enough.
I really wanted to try Nano this hear, but it won’t happen…
And I cut That from 0ver 800 to under 400!
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Nov 07, 2019 @ 13:29:59
Wishing you the best on your health journey.
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Nov 07, 2019 @ 17:51:23
🤗
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 13:48:34
Hi Ritu – so sorry you have been suffering pains – I hope you are feeling better. Take care 🙂
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 16:02:53
Thank you… think I’m, just getting old…!
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Nov 05, 2019 @ 13:11:52
Same here!
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 12:37:06
Aw hun. It’s not easy, I hope you get some respite.
I’ve found that sometimes a cold gel helps for some pains hot for others. But that’s one reason for my trying the cold emersion for pain management, though I haven’t braved it since the air temp dipped.
Also, a wrist splint has been invaluable for pain there. Fibromyalgia is bad enough, I hope it’s nothing worse ♥️
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 12:57:06
Praying they can find some answers out at least, so I can equip myself better.
thank you ❤
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 09:34:23
First, I must enthuse about your beautiful photograph.Wow, Ritu. It’s a classic!
So very sorry to hear about your aches and pains. I do hope the doctors will find the cause and the cure! Wishing you well. Hugs xx
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 12:21:24
Thank you Joy! It’s amazing what filters can make us look like! And at least the drs are looking for a cause ❤
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 07:05:12
Dear Ritu, I hope and wish you feel better soon. I know these pains, as you said yes, it takes time but you will be fine. I would always like to chat and to have a coffee with you dear Ritu, Thank you, have a nice day and new week, Love, nia
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 07:31:49
Thank you Nia. Have a lovely week too xx
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 06:50:03
It gives some meaning to read about your health today, Ritu.
The process to find out about both Arthritis and Fibromyalgia are close to be the same and can use much time to find out, what it might be, as make you so tired and with much pain. I wish you all good luck 🙂
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 06:57:46
Thank you Irene. I know it’ll be a long process… But at least I’m on the path
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 06:58:49
Yes Ritu and then you will be able to get some help too.
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 07:31:29
💜🙏🏽
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 06:11:37
hi ritu,long time not heard from you…i haven’t been online so much these days….i hope you feel better….
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Nov 04, 2019 @ 06:46:49
Thank you. I’ve been stepping back a big too…
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