Chai And A Chat #109 #ChaiAndAChat #CoronaDiaries Week 33

09 Nov 2020 51 Comments

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

Monday is back, and with it, we are at the beginning of Lockdown v2… How are you faring? Grab your drink and let’s have a catch up.

  • If we were having chai I’d start with school (as always!) If you remember, I mentioned that I would be a staff member short this week, as one of my ladies was having a hospital procedure, which required her to self isolate for 14 day beforehand, so one of my other part time team members stepped up, and added a couple of days to her week, with us, which really helped. We have one team member leaving this week, so there have been interviews for her position, three, this week, as well as a position for 1 to 1 support for a special needs child. So the interviews all happened, then on Thursday, another of my team feell ill. She was sent home, and though we didn’t think it was Covid-19 related, she got herself a test done. Her health comes first, so I had no qualms about sending her home, but it meant I was juggling my class alone for a while, then an interviewee was bing observed, so even though I was watching her, I got an extra set of hands! Friday was much the same, with one of my other ladies who doesn’t work Friday, volunteering to come in extra, to help cover the staff shortage. Angel! This proved that we could all juggle… teaching, management tasks, observations and interviews, as well as staffing issues sorted! Caan I also share a picture by one of my colleagues, who made a portrait of me, as Ritu Poppins!
  • If we were having chai I’d tell you that the kids have been great at school. Parents are coming at drop off and pick up, wearing masks, and conscious of standing apart from others, which is good to see. Only one parent has been worried about the lockdown as her child was sheilding last time, and we don’t know if it is the same this time, they haven’t had a letter confirming if she is CV (Clinically Vulnerable) or CEV (Clinically Extremely Vulnerable) yet. The latter means that she has to stay at home. But her mum really wants her at school, because she loves being there. It’s tough making these choices, though, as a parent…
  • If we were having chai I’d excitedly tell you that we chose our estate agent, so the ball is definitely rolling with the house sale. The photographer came yesterday to take photos to go on the website, and he also took what are called Map-o-plan images, which are like how Google Earth works, so an interested buyer can move around 3D images of the house, too see what it all looks like, before deciding if they definitely want a proper viewing. Need to sort a solicitor out, next! I think we might even have our mortgage Agreement in Principle, too, so that means we have a budget to work with. I’m feeling rather grown up, now!
  • If we were having chai I’d mention that I was dreading the grocery shop this weekend. What with lockdown, there is, again, a whole load of people bulk buying and a chance that supermarkets will have to do the limited shoppers in store thing. It wasn’t a problem last time, as the weather was warm, but I don’t fancy standing in a slow moving queue for any length of time, right now! I went on Saturday late afternoon, after the photos, and there was no queue, thank goodness. I was also able to get all I needed, but there were a good few shelves that were nearly gone, or empty. Seriously, Peeps, toilet roll is still being stockpiled… why?! But on the flip side, one of the big supermarkets, Morrisons, is giving all school staff 10% off all shopping (apart from spirits) until January, so that is a little boost!
  • If we were having chai I’d have to admit that by Sunday, and this seems to be every Sunday, recently, I was shattered. I spent pretty much all of it either sitting on the sofa, or on my bed, reading or snoozing. My body is telling me it needs rest, so I am making sure I listen. I’m also aching, from moving bits of furniture around, before the photos were taken in the house, and I have a cold which wants to come out, but seems shy. I get dribs and drabs of sneezes, and blocked noses, then it disappears, only to come back a day or two later. Seriously, cold, either come out, or do one!
  • If we were having chai I’d end by sharing something new with you. A few weeks back, I won a competition to have my brand logo designed, professionally. I’ve done my own with Looka, before, but this was a chance for someone who knows what they are doing, to look at me, and my author image, take my preferences, and create something for me. What do you think? Personally, I’m loving it!

This week, aside from just getting through the week, I have my ultrasound appointment for my elbow joints. It has been over a year since investigations started about my tiredness, and joint pains, so I really hope I hear from them soon, and get some answers. Other than that, there is nothing different planned for the week. I just hope it’s a smooth one!

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! Click the pic below to sign up!

Have a wonderful week, Peeps!

51 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Rarenwise
    Nov 21, 2020 @ 16:53:41

    Wow!!!! Missed ya!!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  2. Catherine Green
    Nov 15, 2020 @ 10:08:47

    Wow, you have been busy! School sounds very challenging. My daughters are glad to be back but they don’t like the new arrangements where they can’t play together or mix with friends from other classes. Good luck with your house sale and medical appointments 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Nov 15, 2020 @ 10:11:51

      Thank you!
      School is getting harder to be honest… So many new things to consider. It’s hard.
      But you know, we just have to keep going!
      My reception class have never played with the other school children… It’s all new for them, but the rest of the classes find it hard.
      Still, we do this to keep them safe xxx

      Like

      Reply

  3. robbiesinspiration
    Nov 14, 2020 @ 07:59:15

    Life is exhausting at the moment, Ritu. My boys are both writing exams at the moment which has added hugely to my time demands as Michael needs a lot of help and ‘pushing’ to get the learning done. I am finding by midday on a Friday, I am also tired out.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Jas krish
    Nov 13, 2020 @ 03:07:16

    The pandemic times has been difficult for all… specially for the children with special needs and their parents…school was the only outing opportunity they got …it was their only exposure to outside world which COVID put a hold on…good that the schools are slowly opening…and people are following the precautions…
    Chat over chai is always so refreshing ..
    Regards

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Jennie
    Nov 10, 2020 @ 02:29:45

    Ritu Poppins!! I love it. They know you well. It’s interesting to read your Covid protocols, like CV and CEV. I love your brand logo! It is perfect for you. Super news on the house! I’m glad you’re listening to your body and taking care of yourself.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 21:05:23

    Love your new logo Ritu. Hope your staffing issues calm down. Tricky times. Take care, hope your cold goes soon. x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. OIKOS™-Editorial
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 20:55:57

    Congratuations to the very amazing logo, Sis! Its looking wonderful! I was really fallen in love with the image of Ritu Poppins. Lol It seem your school life furthermore will be very busy, but you had advised the pupils parents very will (has a smell of dictatorship Lol) For a durable assistance you should consider hiring someone like Jennie’s Gloria.
    All at one it looked like a normal week in “Ritu style”! Be well, stay save, and dont treat Sonu too much. 😉 Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Erika
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 19:44:45

    What a great drawing, sis! Wishing you good progress with the house sale!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Rae Longest
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 18:04:23

    Getting coffee, and taking it black this Monday noon. I just got back from my foot surgeon/doctor. I went expecting the NEW shots this time, which have just recently become covered by my insurance. Lo and behold! It turned to be a follow-up where they had not heard from the shots people…why couldn’t they have told me that on the phone!!!!
    We did stop at our neighborhood friendly cafe/grill, Diana’s just down the road from our house and have breakfast. We ate too much as usual, but brought some home for another meal.
    Looking forward to a good week ahead, and I hope yours turns out well as well. LOL (well as well!!)
    Praying for the house to sell right away and for school to continue as now. Those little ones especially need in person instruction!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Nov 09, 2020 @ 18:20:38

      Thank you Rae!
      Oh, how frustrating about your appointments! That really grates on me, too. Why can’t they be clear???
      Here’s hoping the week is calm, but who knows!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. syl65
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 15:02:27

    I’m glad to hear things are coming along nicely for the house sale. Hopefully the lockdown is a short one and people don’t go bunker crazy. 🙏🏽💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Dan Antion
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 14:30:22

    Take care Ritu. I like the logo very much.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. John W. Howell
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 13:29:02

    House sale and house purchases are both very stressful so pay attention to what your body tells you. Best wishes for the sale. Your logo looks terrific.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. jenanita01
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 09:03:01

    Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie ~ Authors.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. jenanita01
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 09:02:44

    Not sure how you cope with your very busy life, but it sure makes interesting reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Gloria
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 09:01:24

    Best of luck with the house Ritu. Hope all goes smoothly!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. chapter18
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 06:48:05

    Good to know that kids are back to school…and teachers too!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. The Zesty Geist
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 06:42:34

    if we were having chai, I would first tell how beautiful the aroma is, with the colour and the smoke billowing out, how fresh it detoxifies our souls on having a couple of sips, and then the ramblings of life. 🙂 Keep well and stay safe. A great read. thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. CarolCooks2
    Nov 09, 2020 @ 05:14:00

    Love the new logo, Ritu…good to hear the parents are observing social distance and masks 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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