How are you all holding up, my dear Peeps?
We’ve now wrapped up eleven weeks in this strange #newnormal… and things have got a lot stranger this week…
Go, grab a drink, I’m here, waiting, with mine.
- Let’s start with the stuff world stuff… I know no one will have been able to miss all the escalation of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, since the sand and unnecessary death of George Floyd. This week, I haven’t been well (more on that below) but, I have been following events and happenings around the globe, either in support of, or against this movement, in horror, anger, and solidarity. This is definitely something I will write about at length, in another post, but it has been great to see the resources that have flooded the internet specifically targeted at South Asian folk, and for them to turn their eyes inwards for a moment, before jumping on the bandwagon, because there are deep-rooted stereotypes and offensive behaviors within our own culture, that we could and should be addressing, to help educate this movement. (Some words I already wrote regarding this… here.)
- Then there was 1984 and the Operation Blue Star attack on the Sikhs in India. This week marked the 36th anniversary of the huge genocide that occured in the holy city of Amritsar, and across many places in India… Again, another time to reflect, educate and try to change… (I wrote about this earlier in the week too… here.)
- I mentioned being unwell. Yup. I had a strange week, to be honest. It all started with a strange stomach ache on Sunday which kept drifting back and forth, followed by more aches and pains, and fatigue… Oh, the tiredness. It was awful. I spoke to school and said that I had planned on popping in to do some preparation, but I was going to rest up. That was all fine… then on Wednesday, a cough. A new cough. No temperature. I was still smelling and tasting fine, but this cough, was coming and going. Was it the dreaded virus? A heaviness on my chest as well. I was scared. Maybe it’s anxiety. Who knows. The next day, things were the same, so I checked with 111 and then the GP, who said he didn’t think it was anything to worry about, but, and especially, as I was going back to school soon, and I had family back home, I should get tested. I agreed. Deep down, there was a gnawing fear that I may have picked up COVID-19 from somewhere… I booked the test at one of the pop up drive in centres local to us, and anxiously counted down the hours til I had to go. It was a surreal time. I could still drive, so I took myself off, having given myself a scare already, by watching the videos of what test involve. The centre was filled with signs saying KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED. I had to keep my email open on my phone with a booking in QR code that was scanned at several points, through the window, to register that I had arrived. Then I was given the choice of whether I wanted to do the test myself, or get a professional to do it. I opted for the professional, as I knew I’d gag if I did it myself, and possibly not get the sample they needed. Then after driving through around three checkpoints, I arrived at the place I was allowed to open my window. (Can’t do the test through glass, obviously.) After a quick chat about what was going to be done, I bravely opened my mouth to have my non-existent tonsils tickled for ten seconds by a rather long swab. Uncomfortable, but bearable. Then it was the one I was really dreading… the nasal one. After blowing my nose I offered my nostril, and fought back the “ouch!” and tears as the swab was stuck up my nose, and twisted around, gently, but painfully, for ten seconds, before being sealed up swiftly. I was told results would be with me within 48 hours but they were often sooner. Good job, as it was Thursday, and I needed to know the next day, as it impacted my work too. Ten minutes was all it took, and I was lucky there was no queueing. Apparently they’d had a lot of teachers coming in recently. It was a tense wait, for that result to ping back, and by mid afternoon, I got the confirmation that I was negative for COVID-19. It eased a little of my anxiety, but meant that my health was probablu a mixture of another virus, hayfever and the mysterious joint thing that hasn’t been diagnosed yet. But I AM OKAY, and for that I am so THANKFUL!
- The rest of the week was filled with a little writing – not as much as I wanted, because I hadn’t been feeling it, but still, some more words are better than none. And a few modules on various courses I have signed up to for marketing purposes and learning new softwares I am using. If you remember, I have been learning lettering, too. I earned a Calligraphy diploma a couple of weeks ago, and though I love the structure of the traditional Calligraphy script, I have always been mesmerised by brush lettering, or hand calligraphy, with it s softness, uniformity, but also the ability to create it your own. So I have been doing a course in that too, and I have found it to be so theraputic. I had a little project to complete as part of it, where we had to create a background as well as some lettering… what do you think?
- I had requests from some of my Insta followers, to write specific things, and one was to write Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. I joked that I didn’t have a piece of paper long enough, then, you know me. Don’t challenge me if you don’t think I can do it… determined Ritu managed this (even with one spelling mistake, but with a word that long, one mistake is forgiveable, don’t you think?)
- Sonu Singh has been by my side a lot, and even tried to take centre stage when I was preparing for a school Zoom meeting!
- The rest of the family are well, they’re back onto the home learning, after their week off, and either it is a chore to wake them, or they surprise me by being up and at their computers before I ask.
And that was weel eleven!
This week, I am in school on Monday and Wednesday, as timetabled, and quite likely, I’ll be in another day too, to prepare for the eventual opening on the following Monday. We have had to do the parent surveys again, to see who wants to send their children in. Some will be more confident, having seen other schools already open. Some may have changed their minds, not convinced that the situation is any better, since lockdown began to be eased. After we get the new numbers, there will be more to do, again…
And, since it wasn’t as successful last week, I hope to get some more words down… Marriage Unarranged is getting lovely feedback and there are calls for another one… I need to get a wiggle on!
Oh, and while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list? I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! You know you want to join… go on!
What have you been up to?
Stay safe, my dear friends!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Jun 09, 2020 @ 02:33:12
Oh so much happened! Hopefully you are negative for Covid19! Now i freak out whenever i feel a sneeze coming lol😅 Hope this week treats you better! Please stay safe as well! 💝🌟
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Jun 09, 2020 @ 10:54:41
It was negative, thank goodness!
I know what you mean about paranoia… it is everywhere!
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Jun 09, 2020 @ 00:40:15
Joined you in the evening again, with a glass of 7 up, diet cranberry juice, and a big dose of tart cherry concentrate (for arthritis–we have been having high humidity(thunderstorms) and mid 90 degree temps…not great for my spine, neck shoulders, fingers, feet and toes…
That’s my idea of a “mixed drink” hahahaha
I’m off for the summer and doubting I’ll get a class in the fall from early stats and information. Just in case, I’m auditing a course on “Pivoting to on-line teaching” for “they” are saying even if classes start face to face, profs have to have a course on-line in place to go to just in case. Who knows? It’s all in the numbers!
I have been cooking and housecleaning. While we were working in the yard getting ready for the pressure washing last week, I’d let things go. The beautiful thing is, the pressure washing made such a big difference in the appearance of the house, we don’t have to paint after all! YAY! Some good news for a change.
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Jun 09, 2020 @ 10:54:13
It’s always good to be prepared in case a class does pop up for you!
Your mixed drink sounds pretty tasty , to be honest…!
Take care of yourself!
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Jun 11, 2020 @ 02:18:56
You do the same.
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 19:50:30
Thanks for sharing all of this – so vital to read and try to understand – we all go through life with a different viewpoint and we must stop ignoring the issues that face others every single day
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 20:04:54
So true, John.
All it takes is a little time and an open mind to begin to try and understand. Then when we understand, we can start the changes 🖤🙏🏽
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 17:48:09
painting and waxing furniture and shopping for things to hang on my walls, we are back to normal here. Good week.
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 18:42:49
Aw, Cathi. I’m glad things are sinking back into normal for you. Definitely not the case here yet 🥰
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 18:50:46
You are in my thoughts daily. Hope you continue to feel better. ❤
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 19:09:29
I really appreciate that. Thank you 🙏🏽💜
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 17:32:04
Your weeks are busy as usual, Sis! A QRcoded Sis. Lol
Sorry, i am only wondering about how fast states can use digital equipment, now.
It’s good that you’re not infected. But I can understand your concern.
I was not even aware of this genocide in 1984. It is terrible that there must always be violence because of religion, and people have to die for nothing. ;-(
Take care of you and your loved ones. As nice as everyone is talking, the virus is still there. Best wishes! Michael.
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 18:44:37
Thanks, Bro!
It was strange flashing my phone through the window!
The 1984 genocide was reported, but very little, in outside media, which is why it’s not known to many not of Indian descent xx
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 20:17:04
Thank you too, Sis! Will show to get more information about 1984. But you can also feel like something special about being reduced to a QRCode. Like in a military area. I hope that we will not be chipped in the future, like Sonu. 😉 Best wishes.
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 20:28:28
They might have planted a chip… When they took the swab! 😱😱😱
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 17:31:04
I’m calling this “new” normal a temporary one…
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 18:45:10
Yes, that sounds better. I don’t want it to be the forever normal, John…
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 15:34:51
I’m hoping your symptoms have subsided and that you’re feeling better. I just learned a friend has the coronavirus–a very mild case, but diagnosed: aches, low-grade fever, and much fatigue. This is the first person I know in person who’s been diagnosed. Now she and her teenage sons are all quarantined together at home for 2 weeks. Ugh. My guys are now done with school for the summer–and what to do with them, with the neighborhood pool closed and nowhere to go? We might all have to write books this summer!
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 16:56:07
Well, imagine the family box set you could release at the end!
And thank you, the aches and tiredness are still there, but i am definitely feeling better than before now ❤
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 13:37:39
Hope you are feeling better – such unprecedented times. Everything seems to be ramped up. Take care
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 16:55:09
Thank you. I’m better, but still achy and tired.
Everything is still very strange…
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 12:36:02
Oh god, I dread ever having to be tested. I think they’d have to get in the car and hold me down. You haven’t reassured me. Glad it was negative. You must have been really relieved.
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 16:54:37
It wasn’t pleasant, Mary, but at least it was relatively quick!
I was so relieved to see the negative result!
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 11:13:52
Sorry to hear you weren’t feeling too well, hope you feel better Ritu. Yes it’s been a globally challenging week – worries me what direction we are heading in. Have a great week!
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 16:53:49
I am just hoping that the only way is up…
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 10:31:20
My kids and their partners took to the streets. Since they were young teens I’ve taken them on and encouraged them to protest and this was an especially important cause but right now with the pandemic I had mixed feelings. As my son said, if not now when which is a phrase i taught him years ago and he’s old enough to know his own mind. Maybe I’m getting old…
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 16:53:15
I totally understand your worry, His Geoffleship. I’d feel the same. The right to protest is there, but the safety, given current situations is what is also on my mind ❤
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 05:33:20
With disgust of how cheap life has been made for some.
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 08:17:38
True…
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 05:24:31
What a week indeed, but glad you tested negative for the virus. Like you and probably most, I too with disgust is following the #BlackLivesMatter develpments. Stay safe Ritu!
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Jun 08, 2020 @ 08:18:17
Thank you. Yes it is awful. I sometimes don’t know what to say or do…
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