Wow! What a week. Things are still changing, as I type… Let me tell you how week one of the new normal has gone for me…
- I rolled up to work on Monday, having made lunches for the kids and Hubby, as. I wasn’t sure what time I was going to be back, but it’s best to be prepared, isn’t it? Their online learning wasn’t starting officially until Wednesday, but they had plenty to keep them occupied. School was a strange place. There were more adults than children, as the majority of folk had managed to get care for their kids, but there were still children of key workers in. Some staff had been assigned to be working with them. The rest of us had different duties to complete around the school and in our classrooms. A few colleagues had brought their children in. with them too. After a long discussion, it was decided by our head and the rest of the management that those with children at home, or carers for vuldernable members of family who lived with them, should stay at home, and not come in. A tough decision, but a sensible one. I was approached as I have kids at home, but to be honest, they are pretty self sufficient, and as long as I am sensible with hygeine, and shower and change when I get home, I am okay to keep coming in as necessary. I finished at normal time, and then braved the supermarket to see if I could get some chicken, as the request had been put n. They wanted my chicken soup. Obviously no dinner at my in laws as the kids weren’t there. I just about managed to get some, and. as I was cooking it up, the announcement came that we were going into more of a severe lockdown. We were still open, but I had to explain to the in laws that we were definitely not coming round there now, for the forseeable future. There are vulnerable people in that house, two diabetics, a heart patient, an asthmatic… no risks to be taken.
- On Tuesday, I knew I had a couple of computer-based school tasks to do. Most of my class team were not going to be in, so I knew I could focus. First, I thought I’d try and pop in to Asda, and get a few key things that were running low in the house, including bread. There was a queue when I got there at 7.45am and they were opening at 8am. But It wasn’t too long. By the time doors opened, it stretched way beyond my eyeline. The store was letting in around six people at a time, in order that they kept people as far apart from each other as possible. By about 8.15am I was in, and grabbed the things I needed, before heading home to drop them off then I ventured to school. My classroom has been tidied up as much as it can be. Reports, Performance Mamagement reviews have been done, Progress Grids completed. Assessments done. Rather than start a new task, I went home. But not before a detour to the in-laws. Mum had called me to say she had made food and would pack it and leave it outside for me to grab. Bless her! It was good to see the kids still focussed with their work, and a habit I started on the Monday was that regardless of anything, we would get outside for around an hour, if possible, every day. We are lucky to have the temple just walking distance from our house. the temple is closed for worshippers at the moment but their sports ground is still open for exercise purposes. Lil Man played with his football, Lil Princess walked with me, then used some of the outdoor equipment. I did several rounds of the ground, and I have been taking that time to post a daily video story on Instagram, a kind of virtual diary, if you will. Whilst walking on Tuesday, I saw two magpies… hope in what feels like a hopeless situation…
- On Wednesday I stayed at home. And as it was the kids first day using Google Classrooms, I was glad. There will always be some teething problems, but we got there in the end, even though work from a 50 minute lesson took Lil Princess and I nearly 2 hours to complete – not because it was hard, but because the way it was meant to be submitted was ridiculous! I took the chance to finish some online training that my Head had sent to us all, then I accessed an online writing course that I had signed. up to a long time ago. I completed module four of a fourteen module course, so w as quite impressed with myself!
- I have to share with you my own little bit of humour, with regards to making yourself a mask at home…
- Thursday saw me back at school for the morning, where I had to email a few bits to my Head and then I set about the task of trying to sort out a resource cupboard that is part of my responsibility, and a HUGE MESS at the moment. It was quite cathartic, to. be honest! But something that will take more than a couple of hours to complete. After taking a good crack at it, I left after 12.30pm, with the intention of dropping the containers back to my in-laws, and picking up prescriptions for our hay fever medication, because not only do we have a virus to deal with, but that allergy season is also upon is now! But, I got there a bit late and they were clsoed for lunch. Got home and sorted lunch out for the family, and then I managed another module of the course too! Go, me!
- Friday – another school morning. It was even quieter than normal with only two children in for care. I got another huge amount done on my cupboard sorting, but not before I was called upon to join the children with their daily PE slot, the live half an hour session with Joe Wicks on YouTube. I was definitely out of puff by the end, and I tell you what, I knew I was going to suffer the next day! I left by 12pm and got home, fed the crew, then curled up in bed with my son, so we could watch a film together, after he had finished his work.
- On Saturday, I was woken up at 7.30am by a video call from my brother and nephews, which was lovely. Since I was awake, I decided to just get up. Grabbing my MacBook, and Kindle, I set myself up in the living room, with intentions of getting more of the course done. But when I went to log in, the website wouldn’t load! I got worried. Had I lost all my progress? Has this virus affected the company. providing the course? After slight hyperventilation, I thought I would jsut try something else, and started viewing vidoes from a Productivity course I had also signed up to. Lunchtime came and after making food for the masses. who had finally woken up, I grabbed my Kindle for a little light reading, only to find it wouldn’t switch on, even after being plugged into the charger! After a conversation with Amazon support who basically said I would have to buy a new one, I frustratedly just put it back on charge and thought I’d look at it later. Then I turned back to my course…but the MacBook had decided to make a funny noise. Jeez! What was happening with my technology today? I switched it off, and decided to bake cupcakes with Lil Princess instead.
- The evening brought news of a big jump in deaths as a result of COVID-19. Things are getting really scary now. My aunt has been taken to hospital with suspected COVID-19. She is on oxygen now, and still awaiting confirmed diagnosis. We tried to be light-hearted. Watched films together, had a take away, but my mind is elsewhere…
- On Sunday, I literally stayed in bed ALL DAY. Mother Nature was showering us with all sorts of weather, from beautiful blue skies, to rain to a hailstorm! I read all day, which was just lovely, then we decided to venture out for around twenty minutes for a walk. It was too cold to stay out any longer!
So there it is. My week. It’s been strange. And as of Sunday, the lockdown is to get much more serious. Apparently, there will be police or even army at checkpoints, making sure no one is out unless they have to be.
It’s my assigned day with the children today, Monday. Then I won’t be in school unless there is an emergency. Then we just wait and see what the government says about what happens after the Easter holidays.
It’s a strange world we are living in at the moment…
How has your week been?
But I Smile Anyway... 
Apr 10, 2020 @ 12:45:16
Daughter is considering changing jobs from one that entails intensive family therapy to one that would involve more actual play therapy. She has claimed all my play therapy toys upon my retirement.
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Apr 10, 2020 @ 13:10:49
Think play therapy will be in big demand soon enough..
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Apr 01, 2020 @ 17:52:52
What a whirlwind of a week with so many changes and way too much to do. Thinking of you, Ritu. ❤️
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Apr 01, 2020 @ 18:11:13
Thank you Jennie. I’m hardly doing anything. It’s the management who are taking the stresses 💜
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Apr 02, 2020 @ 11:47:59
We now have to account for working 8 hours a day. That is hard to do. Management is taking the brunt, but every day is hard for teachers. Best to you, Ritu.
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Apr 02, 2020 @ 11:53:07
How can you do that??? It is a seriously tough time.
Our slt have set us training to do.
If we can’t come in, it is hard to do specific school things at home…
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Apr 02, 2020 @ 11:56:04
It is hard!! Of course planning and other things account for the time. Still…
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Apr 02, 2020 @ 12:05:10
There’s only so mychbpkanning and assessment you can do though, not knowing what is to come… Hugs, Jennie 🤗🤗🤗
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Apr 02, 2020 @ 14:29:23
Exactly!! Mega hugs to you, Ritu! ❤️❤️❤️
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Apr 01, 2020 @ 05:58:47
Very interesting to get these insights into what is happening in the UK, Ritu.
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Apr 01, 2020 @ 09:47:33
Thanks Robbie. My journal from these crazy days!
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Mar 31, 2020 @ 20:32:51
Wow, way to keep on keeping on! It certainly has gotten scary out there. So are you all providing child care (daycare) for essential workers at the school, am I understanding you right? I’m in the midwestern US and while I don’t have kids my understanding is schools are outright closed. Except of course for the lovely fact that they are still providing meals for students. My state is one of many on a stay at home lock down. It’s not SUPER different from my usual life but what is different is really setting in more than before. Like, what day is it? Nope, still not Saturday or Sunday. Feels like a big long weekend.
We don’t have Magpies in our area but I’ve seen them in RL before and I think they’re beautiful. We do have Blue Jays, so for that I feel lucky. They’re year round and some of their calls are really pretty.
LOVE the underwear mask! I might have to give this a shot at least for a funny photo. And your cupcakes look so delicious. I had to scroll away quick before I start wondering how I can get something like that. 😉
I’m so sorry to hear about your Aunt, that must be very stressful for you. I have a Great-Aunt and Uncle who are sheep farmers and lambing season is coming up. They are in their 80s and need help. I love helping them but I’m so afraid of exposing them and not knowing it. Not only are they older but they have significant health issues as well. I’m praying for all of us the world over. May we get ahead of this thing sooner than later! Things are getting scarier by the minute here in the states, no thanks to a really crummy delayed response to the virus’ arrival. I’ll leave that there.
Prayers for you and yours. I hope your Aunt is strong and pulls through this alright.
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Mar 31, 2020 @ 20:50:02
Thank you so much 💜
Yes, we are effectively child care for the keyworker children.
Now operating on a rota system as we don’t need all staff in. Its a scary world…
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 20:30:31
You are right. What a week, Ritu.
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 20:33:52
Hope you are okay, John 💜
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 20:54:04
Yes. Thank you. Hope you remain okay, Ritu. 😁
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 22:16:27
We’re all still hanging on, John 🤞🏼
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 23:06:29
Good for you. 😁
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 19:59:51
Amazing
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 20:01:03
Thanks
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 20:01:53
😊
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:07:26
Thank you for this great posting. Its very motivating too, Sis!
I am sure in a few weeks we will call you “Milla” (or how her character is named in “Resident Evil”. Lol
The idea for this depends on your intro “I wasn’t sure what time I was going to be back (…)”. A claim for a thrilling novel, too. 🙂
Congratulations, to finishing module four, of your writing course. In my opinion you are not really in need of this course, but it can not harm. Can i rent your mother-in-law? 😉 Sounds like on Easter, with the eggs. Love this delivery service, you told about.
Stay well and save! Best wishes, to you all! Michael
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:33:16
Educating yourself never ends, Bro. That’s how I see it. We always have new things we can learn 🥰
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:43:14
So true, Sis! The whole life is a challenge itself. Take time for yourself, and for resting, too. Best wishes, Michael
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:45:01
💜💜💜
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:49:39
😉
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 17:55:03
Just passing by to say ” Hello Mrs.Ritu” ( I did read the post also),
What do you think is the first rule for life?
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:01:38
Breathe!!! (But clean air 😂)
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:12:23
I only have money for smokes and few so i´m about to kill the next person that I see that smokes….. so no, won´t breathe, I´ll take it easy,
plus you should thank me I commented on your blog, jus bow to me…. see? I should breathe so you are right, now you are my psychologhist, I´m just writing and writing so don´t hear me really, but you are Mrs. Ritu, nice person for this person, don´t worry I´m not dependent on you or something…. just grateful you might re write to my crazy comments, although I do test you (my bad), but I do know in my heart you are a good person not perfect but a good person
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:32:42
No one is perfect! But you hang in there. How are you, aside from lack of smokes?
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 19:43:57
I have Internet for now, so might use if wisely. Did hear a bunch of videos of ” how to write”, I actually think I´m smarter than the so called experts, and the smokes…. I should quit I know.
Overall doing good for know.
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 19:45:51
Keep doing good!!!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 20:28:47
In my way, I shall. That is for sure.
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 15:28:11
You will look back at this week as one of the strangest in your life, as our world is turned upside down and we all have to live in this “new normal” – stay safe!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:37:24
This week, this month, this year, I think, John!!!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 15:22:06
A different atmosphere we’re living in these days. Day by day and weekly adjusting to the situation. As long as we continue to stay open to hope, it will make an appearance to keep our heart and spirit up. Have a great week, Sister 🙏🏽💜
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:37:09
Thank you, Brother! You too! Stay Safe ❤
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 17:32:39
You’re welcome, Sister! Will do ❤️
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 14:49:18
Definitely better safe than sorry, sis. I also hope modern technology finds its way back to you soon 💖
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:35:09
Thank you sis! It all seemed to fix itself by the afternoon, but it was just one thing after another!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 19:53:04
It is tyiring to say the least. I can go so mad when those technical things don’t work the way they are supposed to and I don’t know what to do… so mad… Patience is not my second name …lol
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 20:00:48
Lol!!!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 20:01:34
😄
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 11:01:20
I hope your aunt is okay, Ritu. You must be worried for her. Love the improvised face mask 🙂
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:33:34
Thank you, Mary. We are worried, and it is hard to get many updates from anywhere too…
And as for that mask… the things you end up doing when you have time on your hands!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 11:00:26
I hope your aunt is fine dear Ritu, praying for you all and for all of us. Please take and and be in safe, Love, nia
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:32:50
Thank you so much, Nia. ❤
Stay safe ❤
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 10:54:38
I want to first say you are very brave in your work! Hopefully the cleanliness will pay off and no one will get sick.
And those cupcakes? Daaaang, those are impressive!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:32:37
Thank you so much for the good wishes. I think I am done now with going in as we are closing on Wednesday for Easter break anyway.
I was mighty impressed with the cupcakes to be honest!!! ❤
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 10:37:50
I hope your aunt is ok Ritu, take care ❤
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:31:35
Thank you Ruth. Waiting to hear from my mum today to see what the news is… ❤
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 10:20:51
Love your home made mask video, so clever. I also like the way you have posted your instagram posts on your website, was it difficult to do?
Glad you’re finding so many fun things to lighten your day!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:31:12
Well, you have to, don’t you!
I just pasted the link from my Instagram post into the Block Editor and it comes up like that.Try it!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 19:08:02
Ah, you have the new Gutenberg editor!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 06:56:37
I’m using my boxers now when I go out cycling next. Yesterday I went riding and it was chilly on my face!!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 07:39:49
🤣🤣🤣 make sure they are a pair with slightly loose elastic… Might be a bit constricting otherwise 🤣🤣
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 08:39:42
Ha ha. And obviously mega mega clean!!!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:28:34
These ones were unworn, gift from the kids one Fathers day pants that were a little small!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 05:25:33
Oh my! I read earlier that this quarantine here will last through the end of April. Sitting here trying to think of how to have Easter with just hubby and I, and also thinking of my grands, wishing I could see at least one of them besides online. Praying for you all, this is such a strange time, isn’t it? Talked with a neighbor who works at the local hospital, she admonished hubby and I to avoid all stores and only go when the seniors are allowed in. She said it is going to get worse here. Now I am looking for non-perishable things on amazon… Please take care and be safe. Cathi
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 07:38:56
Cathi, it is a crazy world we are living in… Crazy quiet…
We’ve been told there’s a chance proper normality won’t be seen for nearly 6 months…
But hopefully not lockdown conditions…
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 15:02:37
hopefully we won’t be in that long… but it does conjure up images in my brain of people coming out for the first time and seeing others, almost sci-fi like! Hope you had a good Monday and that the rest of the week goes well for you.
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 16:35:33
It is like some kind of extreme disaster movie, doesn’t it!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 17:44:44
maybe we should think of writing a script for it!
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:01:11
🤣
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 05:08:28
Shelter at Home enforced in Minnesota… within 3 weeks the world has changed so much, it has become unrecognizable. I pray everyone, everywhere stays safe🙏🏻
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Mar 30, 2020 @ 07:37:03
My prayers every day too 💜💜💜
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