Chai And A Chat #85 #ChaiAndAChat #CoronaDiaries Week 9

25 May 2020 39 Comments

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

Can you believe we’ve clocked up nine weeks of Lockdown?

Got your drink?

  • I was in school on Monday, and a bit tentative, as there would be chats about the possibility of going back into school with reduced classes as of 1st June. The teacher I was with hasn’t been in at all because of living quite far away, and having a little baby at home. He was a little nervous, but we had a good day, making butterfly feeders and going on minibeast hunts.
  • I came home with the worst migraine on that day, and admit to a meltdown of epic proportions because no one at home wants me to go back to work, I don’t feel safe to yet, but I need to, for my dear pupils. The conflict in my mind awful.
  • Tuesday, we had another Zoom meeting to discuss the new plans if and when we come back to school on the 1st June. So many questions, so many discrepancies… I can’t even…
  • I attended a webinar on Wednesday about how we could possibly saafely return to an Early Years Classroom, and it fills you with confidence when the person advising you, is not even convinced we arae doing the right thing…
  • On Thursday I was back in school pretty much all day trying to set our classrooms up for the reduced amount of children who would be attending as and when we open. It was sad. Having to block certain areas up so the children wouldn’t feel tempted to touch things that could become germ harbours. Oh, and a cleaning station too.
  • Enough about school. Seriously! I managed to finish a writing course the other week, and it was a lovely surprise to open the mail, one day to find a real certificate to show I had passed! I must be a writer!
  • And I also got my results for the first four modules of my calligraphy course, as well as completing the remaining six. I am definitely now expert, and still finish any practice with ink all over my hands!
  • I’ve been reading plenty, and spent a few days able to sit out in the garden as I worked, as the weather has been glorious too!
  • I also reached a great Amazon milestone for me, which was 40 reviews! Super excited! Then someone who read it, was gushing to me, and she told me she had already recommended it to several of her friends. I’ll let you in on a secret. I was always worried that people from my background might not like it. Maybe they’d think I was taking the mickey, or not portraying characters well, but the fact that they have really loved it as well. I am overwhelmed. And they want more! so I aam trying (struggling) to write more on book two, which is most definitely happening.
  • The weekend brought with it, high winds, accompanying the sunshine too. We had gardening time, walks out and some of the household even went to play tennis (not me – I don’t do sport!)
  • We ordered our first Chinese takeaway in around ten weeks. It was lovely to eat after for so long, but definitely highlighted that we are more happy eating home food nowadays than takeouts. But there are days that you just have no inspiration. Days like that, I provide sustenance that looks like this…
  • The biggie for the week was Pops celebrating his 74th birthday. Obviously we couldn’t be together, but Mum made him a cake, and we ensured a present was delivered on the day for him too. I cannot wait until the day we can see them, and I can get a Pops hug…
  • Oh, and that BoZo… BoJo, had his moment in the press today, and seems determined to send the babies back to school come the 1st… I am so unconvinced… but what to do? Add that to them sending the official guidance for Early Years Settings and reopening, on the Sunday of the bank holiday weekend in the half term week… Perfect!

This week, we are on official half term. Somehow, none of the keyworkers require care, so the school is officially closed all week (not great if we need to do any more last minute setting up, but there is still the chance that come Thursday, or, knowing the Govt, Sunday night, that they may do a u-turn on schools opening.

I can’t do any more than what I already have, so I have to make sure I try and relax as best as I can, before what will be a highly stressful time for us all, as we worry whether we are doing the right thing or not. I shall be reading, and writing, if all goes well, this week! And grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning, as usual…

What have you been up to?

Stay safe, my dear friends!

39 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. theyearwithoutwimbledon
    Jun 01, 2020 @ 11:04:45

    I just wish that hairdressers were allowed to reopen!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Jennie
    May 30, 2020 @ 13:17:41

    Thinking of you and school, Ritu!!! Awesome to get 40 reviews.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. willowdot21
    May 26, 2020 @ 12:40:25

    Strange times Sis, I wish they would leave school until September and just repeat the whole year for everyone from reception to and of Uni./ College? But I suppose that would not please the money men 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. OIKOS™-Publishing
    May 25, 2020 @ 20:03:02

    Sounds like a great idea, Sis! War zones are great for creative people. Nature is chaotic too. Lol Congrats to the certificate, but you are really not in need of this. You are a famous writer! Have a beautiful evening, and keep the advice of Rebecca in mind.;-) Best wishes to you all, Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Erika
    May 25, 2020 @ 19:37:20

    I am very happy for you that you are so successful with your book, sis 💖

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. johnrieber
    May 25, 2020 @ 18:57:40

    I am about to embark on a work trip, and while I don’t worry, I know the the uncertainty will be there, both for me and for my co-workers. It must be grueling to determine how to teach children in this environment!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. robbiesinspiration
    May 25, 2020 @ 18:46:39

    Oh dear, Ritu, a confusing and difficult week. We are facing the same anxieties right now with escalating numbers with the virus and the government re-opening the schools and the workplaces. It is weird that they locked down when we had no cases and it was summer and now it is winter and the cases are rising, we are reopening. Makes no sense to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Rebecca Moon Ruark
    May 25, 2020 @ 16:10:23

    I say let you husband and kids do the cleaning and cooking this week, so you can relax for whatever may come with your littles at school! Good luck and be safe, Ritu!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. dearanonymousfriend
    May 25, 2020 @ 15:07:34

    Here in South Carolina, we are open for the most part. I actually get my hair cut this Thursday, although I am not certain how that will work, as they are limiting the amount of people in the salon. Life is cautiously getting back to normal here. And although we don’t do much during the week, we are able to go out, eat in restaurants with social distancing, go to church and live. Masks are everywhere, and those lovely ‘x’ marks the spot for where you are to stand are on all the floors. It’s definitely different now and I don’t feel the desire to just go out and have a day of browsing around shops, but, I could if I wanted to. So thrilled to hear about your reviews, well done you! Stay safe, I hope things begin to get better for you. Cathi

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Mary Smith
    May 25, 2020 @ 11:19:25

    Schools in Scotland are not going back now until after the summer holidays. Congratulations on the reviews 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  11. TanGental
    May 25, 2020 @ 08:02:02

    Life is getting interesting, eh. I’m not sure what the answer is other than whenever you go back the risk will be there, won’t it? I hope you find the least worst solution, and keep sane in doing so.
    My life is just so much routine these days. Lots of exercise, gardening reading and writing. We do see the kids on socially distanced meet ups. And 40 reviews! Wow. I don’t think i have 40 between all my books!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      May 25, 2020 @ 09:18:08

      I think most peoples lives are rather like Groundhog Day at the moment.
      Still, your garden is benefitting!
      Yup, no matter what, risks will be there.
      I think the apprehension is more that we are the first wave of folk to go back, so it feels like we are guinea pigs, along with tiny children, to see what happens.
      That’s thevworry. Otherwise, I want to be back with my class. I miss my day job.
      And thank you, the review number really lifted my spirits!

      Like

      Reply

  12. potatosandwich
    May 25, 2020 @ 07:59:57

    Another busy week and well done on the book reviews 👍 👏

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  13. @psychologistatwork
    May 25, 2020 @ 06:31:37

    It was very delightful to reach such a beautiful post. Like everyone, I also wish to go back to workplace very soon. Even I am teacher and taking classes on Zoom or meet is nothing compared to teaching kids in classroom.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. Potpourri of life
    May 25, 2020 @ 05:48:10

    I can well relate to your tale; being a teacher is not any other profession. Nice read!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  15. Carol Anne
    May 25, 2020 @ 05:36:23

    I hope going back to work is the right thin to do, I can see it will bring a lot of challenges, I hope your pops had a good birthday. xoxo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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