Happy Monday to you all! Can you believe it? The last Monday of 2019, and the DECADE!
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- If we were sipping chai together I’d take a sip of my Chai and sigh. 2019 has been quite a year, in so many respects, hasn’t it? And you have been there, clinking cups with me, the whole time, so for that, I thank you ❤
- If we were sipping chai together I’d have to tell you that this week was, for obvious reasons, busy, what with Christmas to prepare for, and cater, presents to wrap and deliver, festive cheer to keep alive, you know! Well, Christmas went well, apart from a slight slicing of finger as I wrapped presents. But then, this Ritu we’re reading about here, there was always going to be at least one accident! The kids were so happy with their presents. Lil Man got a smart watch, Lil Princess got a new phone, and they both got money and trainers too, so they were more than pleased. I was so lucky to get a Dyson Air Wrap hair styling system (not a new vacuum as some thought! ) And dinner was yummy, as always. I love cooking with my sister in law. Here are a few memories from the run up to Christmas and the day, itself!
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- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that we drove to my sister-in-law’s family home on Boxing Day for a few hours, then the kids and I continued on to Birmingham for a short, but sweet visit to my Pops and Mum. We didn’t go anywhere, but just relaxed together, enjoying time, making memories. Lil Princess made cupcakes with her Nani, we watched films together and had yummy home made pizza for dinner.
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- If we were sipping chai together I’d better not forget to tell you that I had to take Sonu Singh to the Vets for his 6 month check up. Now, I have been trying hard to reduce his food, as he is overweight, but this check up made me realise, I am fighting an uphill battle… He lost 20 grammes! Should have been 500! But I am not in control of the ‘treats’ a certain fur daddy cannont help slipping to him! So come the new year, there will be a furry companion with me on a weight loss journey! (Yup, I need to do this too!)
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- If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that once back home, we tried to relax up for a days. I read lots, and spent a huge amount of time trying to sort out the paperback cover for the book. I never knew how much trouble 0.088mm can cause! Nonetheless, my persistance, and help from my dear cover designer meant that the book is finally ready for me to press Publish! And I actually did, by accident! I wanted to order a proof copy, but clicked publish instead, then didn’t realise what I had done until the next morning when Amazon sent me a lovely email saying that my book was LIVE now! Eeek! I had to rush downstairs, log in and get the settings changed! That was close, but it;’s all sorted now. I’m just anxiously waiting for my proof copy to come… 20 years of blood, sweat and tears, will finally be in my hands.
- If we were sipping chai together I’d have to sit back and just reflect upon the past year. There has been a lot to smile about. A lot of effort gone into elements of my life; like my writing and my new classroom. There has been laughter. There have been tears and injuries. We have welcomed many new members into the family, through marriage or birth, but lost loved ones too. And there is so much to look forward to, going forward. The book release, for a start. That will be the big one for me! I really should raise a cup to 2019. You have been unforgettable, and 2020, I’m pretty sure you will be memorable too!
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- If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that I am looking forward to the New Year, and I wish you all a most wonderful 2020! Enjoy your celebrations, and we’ll meet again next DECADE!
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Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your year has been!
Dec 31, 2019 @ 00:11:03
Enjoy your New Year’s celebrations! I look forward to seeing pics on IG! Here’s to a successful 2020–with publishing, writing, and life in general. Cheers!
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Dec 31, 2019 @ 00:45:55
Thank you Rebecca! Happy 2020 🥂💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 20:51:21
This year you really have done a perfect job, Sis! With a fullfilled schedule like have of Kent. Good to mention, Dyson not only produces vacuu cleaners. Lol
Sonu Singh only lost 20 grammes? Unbelievable! Was this the hair cut? 😉 The last image i had seen, he looked like coming home from war.
Before i will forget: All the best to you and yours! Have a wonderful beginning of 2020! The year Europe will loose one of the greatest member state, and HRH Lizzy! Lol MIchael
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 20:52:37
SORRY! Please cancel the “t” in the first line, and put in a “e”. Lol
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 21:22:41
🤣
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 21:22:32
Lol! Thank you for all your support, Bro, and here’s to a wonderful 2020! 🥂💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 23:09:47
🥂💜 Thank you, Sis! Same to you too. Dont forget finding time to relax.
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 23:22:54
I’m always trying, Bro!
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 23:29:26
Wish you all the best for this too, Sis! Take Sonu for a outdoor walk. After coming home put Sonu into his basket, go into a silent room, and close the door. Perfetto! :-))
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 23:36:28
Sonu is the least of my peace worries, lol!
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 20:11:41
I love your cheery posts! Congrats on the book being published and Happy New Year!
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 20:32:46
Thank you so much Rhonda 💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 18:05:44
Sounds like you’ve had a great week too, Rae!
Wishing you a wonderful 2020! 🥂💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 17:53:20
A very fruitful year for you, Sister. Hopefully a lot more ups than downs. The New Year looks even more promising for you! ❤️
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 18:04:03
Here’s hoping, Brother! Happy 2020! 🥂💜🥰
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 18:12:46
Happy 2020, Sister! 💜♥️🍾
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 16:32:53
A terrific look back, and so much to be excited for going into 2020 – cheers!
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 17:06:19
Thanks John, and happy 2020 🥂💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 16:00:26
Just wonderful, Ritu! Love the photos, even the boo-boo. 🙂 Happy New Year! 🎊
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 17:05:47
Happy 2020, Jennie 🥂💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 17:41:53
And to you, Ritu!
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 15:23:23
WordPress won’t let me hit “like,” but I liked the last one of the decade, this Chi and a Chat. I have my extra strength Vietnamese coffee here at my elbow and will sip as I type.
First, I LOVED your photo summaries. Maybe some day I will be techie enough to use your technique as well. I, too, perceived socks–Wonder Woman and two pair of kitties socks–pink and a sedate tan with brown cats…the perfect gift for me, The Original Old Cat Woman.
We had visitors going in and out for most meals (college students know they will be fed here!) Most were current or former students. One is trying to convert me from Christian Country (music) to Tejano music and seems to be close to succeeding. I am even picking up some Spanish words from listening!
We have eaten lots of good food, not all of it traditional, and our friends have brought their over-abundance of lemons, oranges, and satsumas from the trees in their yard. We are full of vitamin C! We ate out on Thanksgiving but had a student and her friend over for Christmas Eve super after church. My ancient digestive system is not used to eating a heavy meal that late, and my, we were up until two Christmas morning, gurgling and groaning. We have been eating our biggest meal at dinner (lunch) time since we turned 65, and it fits us well.
I finished the Cybils reading and have actually knocked out two adult offerings from my TBR shelf. I plan to work on those shelves first thing this New Year.
Speaking of which, may 2020 bring you and yours only good things and may it be a spectacularly good year professionally.
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 13:59:48
Sounds like it was not only a wonderful Christmas time you spent with your dear ones but he year seems to be ending beautifully too. Have a great change of the year sister. Cheers to a good start which already looks good with your book being published soon 💖
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 14:03:37
Thank you to my dear sis 😍😍😍 happy 2020
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 15:43:09
Yay, happy one to you too💖
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 13:55:36
Best wishes for a happy and fulfilling 2020.
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 14:03:07
Happy 2020n
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:41:04
I guess this is the time for me to admit I’ve never actually drank chai before… 🤔😂🤷♂️
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:47:05
Right… that is it. One of your goals for 2020!
Get to Starbucks or Costa and order yourserlf a Chai Latte!
Or failing that, if you have any friends of the Indian persuasion, get them to make you Masala chai (not strong,though!)
Happy 2020 Dr C!
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:48:29
I always get nervous ordering new things at Starbucks, especially if there’s a line. Those customers are pushy and rude if they have to wait lol. 😀
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:54:58
Well, I’ll give you the words, you just have to learn them… repeat… and you get your drink!
“Chai Latte please, with cinammon on top!”
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:57:18
I’m gonna write that down. Thanks Ritu LoL! 😀
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:59:07
Lol! Wish yoh the best 2020! 🥂💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 10:02:30
Thank you! 🙂
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 15:26:08
I’m headed to Starbucks or Rocket Coffee today. I tried Chai tea and it just wasn’t my cuppa’…maybe the latte will be.
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 15:34:03
It’s not everyone’s cuppa, but have whatever warm drink you like, and cheers to 2020!
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Dec 31, 2019 @ 02:59:29
I’ll clink my coffee cup (I got two nice ones for Christmas) against your Chi any day. I love our chats.
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Dec 31, 2019 @ 09:26:41
I enjoy them too 🥰 clink 🥂
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 08:31:00
May you be blessed with all that you need Sis and may all of you and yours have a very happy and healthy New Year 💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:45:44
Thank you so much sis!
And a happy, and healthy 2020 for you too, I wish for ❤ ❤
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 10:01:01
💜💜💜💜
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 08:29:35
A very, very happy new year to you and your family, Ritu. And wishing you lots of success with ‘Marriage Unarranged’, too.
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:45:15
Thank you so much Colin!
And wishing you a fantastic 2020 too! ❤
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 08:03:06
You have had a very active year, Ritu 😀
Wish you a beautiful and Happy New Year ❤
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:44:55
It is a bit non stop, Irene, but I woudn’t have it any other way! Happy 2020! ❤
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 12:29:10
Thank you
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 06:04:48
Thank you for sharing a slice of your life with us Ritu 😊best wishes for your new book!! Happy 2020🤘🏻
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:44:32
Thankl you Daisy, and wishing you a fantastic 2020 too!
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 06:00:40
A lovely review, it has been a year. Wishing you a great 2020.
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:44:16
Thank you , and wishing you a fantastic 2020 too!
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 05:42:19
A great year for you, Ritu. My 2019 was good from a personal point of view although bad from a country point of view. We are hoping to get Greg through high school here as he only has two more years, but we’ll see if the government can keep the lights on for that long. I don’t think I will have as many books in 2020 as A Ghost and His Gold is chewing up my time and energy and I have some big work engagements on the horizon.
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Dec 30, 2019 @ 09:43:57
Do you think you may come back here to the UK?
Well, I know you work your ‘butt’ off all the time, and I wish you every success in the new year with the projects you have going on, Robbie! ❤
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Jan 01, 2020 @ 14:23:39
It is proving to be quite difficult to get jobs in the UK in our fields, Ritu. Terence is South African and Brexit has made everyone quite edgy and reluctant to hire foreigners it seems. We are aiming to make the most of our life here until we are either forced to leave due to circumstances or opportunity presents itself.
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Jan 01, 2020 @ 14:28:14
Hope’s that whatever you decide will be the best choice for you 🥰
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