But I Smile Anyway…

Oh, my, can you believe this will be the last weekly update of 2021?! This year has truly flown by, I have to say…

So it’s a Christmas recap, now. Are you ready?

• If we were having chai I’d begin by saying our family member who has been in hospital, was discharged on Monday, so we were all relieved. It is not a great place to be, at the best of times, but right now hospitals are the last place you’d want to be, so to have a vulnerable elder there was worrying for us all. Thank goodness. That was a good start to Christmas week!
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that I enjoyed may hot dtrnks, all thanks to that Tassimo machine we got Hubby Dearest. I have been indulging in a Chai Latte daily. I know, it’s a little decadent. but while I can. I should, isn’t that right?

• If we were having chai I’d say that we did brave Bluewater, one evening, because the male contingency were desperate to watch Spiderman, while Lil Princess and I spent a couple of hours wandering around, and trying to locate some last minute crackers. Old BoZo had announced that we were to be allowed to mix for Christmas, and we weren’t planning a party, however we would go to my In-laws, and my sis-in-law went to get the food, but forgot crackers. You’d think, in a place as large as Bluewater, that we would find some, but what a mission! We walked the whole way round the shopping centre, twice, upstairs and downstairs, and only found ones with whistles in, so you could play tunes (LP said ‘No way!’) some with skittle in so you could play a game (again LP ruled them out, along with the ones that played a Piggy Race game!) and there were shed loads of ones that were Fill-Your-Own style, but I didn’t have the time or energy to then find gifts for them. Eventually, at the last place we looked, I found some with little chocolates in them, and Charades prompts. She said yes. (I didn’t mention the Charades game, but she actually enjoyed playing it at the table, even though she had no clue how to! I think the hight from the presents and money she had received meant she was less sulky teen, and more giggle girl for the day!)
• If we were having chai I’d mention that where my reading has been very, very slow, I managed to read approximately a book a day, (actually, Maybe more…) including my first full reading of Charlotte’s Web! (I have had it forever, but never read it as a child, and Jennie is always talking about it, so I had to read!)

• If we were having chai I’d say that Christmas Day came round and we had a blast. I was awake early, but the rest surfaced a lot later. We got ready, and opened presents, before heading off to the In-Laws. Dinner was already on the go, and I stationed myself in the kitchen with my dear Sis-in-law, where we made the final preparations to the meal. Everything was delicious, and we had fun. It was lovely to be together after such a quiet one, last year. I have eaten so naughtily for the last few months, and this last week has been uber full of convenience foods, as well as rich, festive food and puddings. I mush be a healthier eater, soon!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you I feel blessed. The children were happy, Hubby Dearest was happy, and so was I. Did I mention that I got a fantastic present? Hubby Dearest bought me a new Kindle Oasis! I was toying with investing in one, to be honest, as I have never been one to get into audio books, however, this means I can now dabble! Plus it feels so great to hold. So light yet it feels decadent. My first finished book on there was The Art Of Spirit Capture by our own Geoff Le Pard. And it was a fantastic read! I thenk followed int with Mary Smith’s Donkey Boy and other Stories. I am determined to plough though my vast array of TBR books already on the Kindle, before buying more. I know this will be tough, becaue I can’t not by books, but I realise some I have are from years ago, and I have been putting all the ARCs ahead of them. So, I finished my last NetGalley ARC (Ithere will be more next year, but I shall be more discerning about what I request…) and started upon the TBRs. I do love a chance to just immerse myself in books!

• If we were having chai I’d mention that I am now waiting on a contract from said publishers… it could be a very different year for me, next year!
• If we were having chai I’d leave you with the cute pic of Sonu Singh, from his younger years, when he allowed me to dress him up! I have to admit it’s one of my favourite pics!

This week we have a couple of bank holidays, and I am hoping beyond hope that I am able to fit in my visit to Pops and Mum, even if it is only for a night. We then have the New Year to bring in, in our new home, which we are so excited about, too! And, it’ll be 2022 the next time we reconvene to chat about all things that happened the week before… and I’ll still be off school on that Monday, at least!

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!

Aaaand… at ease, every educator out there! (Well, most of you, anyway. I know some schools are still going for a couple more days!) It’s the Holidays!!!!!!!

Are you ready with your drink?

• If we were having chai I’d have to start by telling you all about the nativity! So, we practiced every day, after our lunch hour, as the hall was always free then, and each day, I saw the children’s confidence, and performances getting better and better! Thursday arrived and I had a nervous tummy, I kid you not! It was also my directorial debut, so there were added nerves. New show, new songs… EEK! But, those children did us proud. There were one or two absences, but we managed to cover them. One of my SEN children was out, and the mothers of the other two sat with their children, to help them out with such a big change. One sat on his mum’s lap the whole way through. The other sat for a while, then did try and storm the stage a couple of times, but only to join in with the singing, and to check up on baby Jesus in the manger! The parents were happy, the children were wired, the staff were relieved! We did it!
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that the rest of the week was not quite a right-off, learning wise. We still had our activities, but the children were definitely in a heightened state of Christmas excitement. Maybe it was the consumption of chocolate with breakfast, as they cracked open their advent calendars each day. Or just that feeling of manic energy you get when you are all so tired. Or was that just us staff? Whatever it was the week went smoothly, even though we were all wondering if the Government would suddenly decide to put everyone on remote learning for the last week, seeing as the Omicron cases slowly rose. Part of me wanted this, as it could be the circuit breaker we may need, in order for everyone to have a decent Christmas. But, another part of me desperately didn’t want it to happen. Remote learning is a bummer for little children, and another end of term with no Christmas festivities for the children would have been awful. So thankfully, we got to the end of term. Crawling, I have to admit, but we got there!
• If we were having chai I’d say that I felt extremely spoilt and appreciated, again, with all the love showered on me by parents and colleagues. The whole team were, actually. I cant thank everyone, enough!

• If we were having chai I’d mention that even the Secret Santa gifts were gigglesome!

• If we were having chai I’d have to put this out there, though, especially… One of the little lads in my class, I have great affection for, because, even though we have some tussles with some of his choices, and behaviours, he really does try hard, and wants the approval and praise from the adults around him. After school finished, he came back with his mum with a beautiful box of biscuits from Fortnum and Mason’s along with this lovely message, that I want to frame and keep forever! The biscuit tin is also musical, so it’s another lovely keepsake!

• If we were having chai I’d let slip that I had a preliminary meeting with the publisher, on Friday, too… watch this space, is all I can say, right now!
• If we were having chai I’d let you know that the weekend was very, very quiet. We did hardly anything, but to be honest, I don’t think I could cope with much more than that, given the tiredness! The weekend involved, aong with a little laundry, grocery shopping, and housework (necessities!) plently of reading and drinking warm drinks! A perfect weekend!

• If we were having chai I’d share tghat even Sonu Singh decided to give me a lie in on Saturday, with no 5/6 am racket, demanding food. In fact, when I had fed him, and came back to lie down, for a little longer, he joined me!

This week will hopefully be finned with the joys of the festive season. We have a family member who hasn’t been well, and should be back in the family fold by the beginning of the week, and everyone is tentatively waiting for any last-minute announcements from the Government, regarding Christmas and mixing households… I am sure that I shall have at least two more trips to a supermarket, since the teens have turned into gannets, and even the shopping I did on Saturday seems to have already disappeared! Fingers crossed all the presents arrive as well, so I can get them wrapped. The next time we meet for a drink, will be the last Chai of 2021… where did this year go?

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!

Hello, all! Relief is spreading through me, right now, as I embark upon the final week of term!

Are you ready with your drink?

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that school has been somewhat easier. Unbeknownst to me, a new member of the team was to start on Monday, in my class. A new one to one support assistant for one of my SEN pupils. It’s always good to have these adults to support the children who really need it, and as we were down one of those children as they were unwell, it was a little easier to manage. Yes, there were meltdowns, but we had that extra adult to support!
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that we have done around three run throughs of the nativity, sans costumes, and it has gone from being a hot mess, to a kinda luke warm one. Some children are aware of their lines, some still have no clue… thanks parents, for reading the letters and supporting your child with learning their ONE LINE!
• If we were having chai I’d say that the week ended on a higher note than it started, at school. We were made aware on Monday evening that one of our academy schools had received the OFsted call. Knowing we are also due an inspection, it meant we were all on tenterhooks, as when they visit one academy, they tend to follow with another school from the same group, and as they were in the area, it was highly likely. However, we were then informed by the DofE that there would be no more inspections this side of Christmas, to allow schools to arrange for all the midigations that would need to be put in place, in case of lockdowns, or stricter restrictions again. Oh, and maybe that we could enjoy the last week, too! (There is still a high chance that we might not be able to do our play to the parents. but at least we have it all sorted, and costumes for most of the children are in. We could always video it, amateurly, and send it to parents, I guess!
• If we were having chai I’d mention that on Friday, we had a little team meal out. It was a kind of thank you to everyone for the support they have given, a little Christmas get together, and a chance to catch up with my TA who had to leave, after being injured. I think it was a get together that was much needed, outside of the school walls. I do love my team. They are the reason my job is a little easier… (but not much, because it is HARD!)
• If we were having chai I’d whisper that there might be a little interesting news from me on the book front… It’s not official, yet. Contracts and terms are being read and looked over, but, what a lovely way to end the year! (And it was me that was approached, not via any sort of submission!)

• If we were having chai I’d let you know that the weekend was very, very quiet. And I think that was needed. Aside from a little house work, and laundry, I did nothing apart from snooze and read, because I was incapable of doing anything more! “(One week to go…)
• If we were having chai I’d give you little Sonu Singh update, since he’s been a little absent from the blog! Here he is, guarding the Christmas tree. I think we have found the right sparey now, to deter him from trying to eat the branches, however, he does love to sit by int, or lounge near it! Bless him!

This week is the final one before we break up. Still wondering whether things will be cancelled, Christmas performance-wise, for parents, however, we will ensure the children have a great lead up to Christmas! There is still present shopping to do and plans to be made for the festive season, but until we are told, by the powers that be, it’s hard to make any plans. I really want to be able to drive up to Brum to see my parents, even for a day and night, so I can reassure myself they are both doing alright, especially Pops, after his operation. I already have the basics of the Christmas Dinner in the freezer, just in case things end up with everyone having to stay at home… but we are hoping that won’t be the case! And I have a meeting with the publisher, who is interesting in signing me, too, so wish me luck, everyone!

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!

Hello, all! It’s me, and yet again, I am writing this with an air of some ailment or another lingering… (nausea and sore throat!) However, I cannot be unwell, now, we have two weeks of term left, and a nativity to get sorted!

Are you ready with your drink?

• If we were having chai I’d tell you we still have the same issues at school, re: those SEN students. Until the system changes, nothing will change, but there have been at least 3 disruptions to learning due to them being unable to cope. I am just so proud of my team. With staffing shortages, and so much going on, they are just the best.
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that we have started to practice the nativity we are perfomring (hopefully) for parents in the last week of term. We are doing one called ‘We’re going on a Baby Hunt’, written by a teacher who I came into contact with via Facebook! It’s short, and there are songs to the tunes of familiar nursery rhymes, so the children have found it easier to actually pick up the tunes and some songs are much easier to remember, than others, but they are doing fantastically! I do hope this new varient doesn’t end up messing things up. Fingers crossed we can have a covid secure performance with limited numbers!
• If we were having chai I’d say that I tried to order presents for the class, being extra organised, and my colleague volunteered her mother to wrapp up the 60 gifts… only for the company to completely mess up the delivery, which shouldhave been next day! After over 45 minutes on the phone on Saturday, and a request that I wait 48 hours more (Really!), they suddenly turned up on Sunday. Well, at least they are here!
• If we were having chai I’d mention that Friday couldn’t come soon enough! I was shattered, and knew it, seeing as I have been falling asleep every evening, way before my intended bedtime, then not sleeping all the way through the night! I ended up watching The Holiday with a huge bowl of Popcorn, and fell asleep at the end of that, too!

• If we were having chai I’d breathe a huge sigh of relief and tell you that for me, cricket is done for the year, finally! Lil Man had his last evening nets on Thursday, so at least we can get home at a decent time, now!
• If we were having chai I’d let you know that Lil Man had his second Covid jab, and it’s just Lil Princess who we are waiting for that second one for, now.
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that Lil Princess and I went for a haircut, too. I am sticking with my no colour decision, and had it straightened for the day, (literally just the day – I woke up on Sunday with a halo of partial curls around my head!). She went for ‘curtain bangs’ and the rest long, and looks lovely!
• If we were having chai I’d say that our handyman had his last visit out to us for the year. We now have an outside tap at the back of the property instead of at the front. (In the summer, when the kids wanted the pool filling, no word of a lie, we had to thread the hosepipe through bedroom windows, and Hubby Dearest’s office window, to fill it, as the hose wasn’t long enough to go around the house! That won;t be a problem nexgt summer, thankfully!) We also have some pretty smartbulbs in our hallway light fitting, and they are all multicoloured ones that I can change via an app on my phone! Very fancy! Also, old nail/screw holes have been filled/sanded and painted, so things are looking pretty rosy, right now! There are a few more bits and bobs to do, but we will leave them until the new year now. I think everyone would love a weekend with nothing like that pending! (I know I would! I never sleep well, the night before, and considering I’m not sleeping well every other night, either, that’s not a good thing!)

This week there was meant to be a visit from the heads of the other school in our academy, which was a little stress-inducing, however, that has been cancelled… phew! But we still have a nativity to get sorted, and still got some staff shortages too. In my personal life, I need to get more organised for Christmas! I got my Secret Santa gifts for school etc, and the odd present for the kids, but nothing else! Oh, and still waiting on a little nugget of news that I might be able to share!

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!

Well, hello there, Peeps! How are you? What a week… (I apologise if sny of what I type makes no sense, as I am writing this, tired, and with a bit of brain fog – might be related to that booster jab I had on Saturday…)

Are you ready with your drink?

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that I feel done in. School is tough. I can’t even really explain it. But what with Covid Rates going up, and staff members dropping lile flies, it’s not an easy place to be, right now. We are supposed to be thinking about the nativity, but something tells me we won’t be able to do one, again, this year… I just can’t… But, in other Covid related news, I had my booster jab, at least!
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that once the week finished, we ended it with an evening of putting the Christmas tree up! Yes, I know it’s not quite December, and usually, I refrain until at least the 1st, but this year, it feels like we all need that extra bit of happiness, so, here it is!

• If we were having chai I’d say that I also managed to reach this milestone, this week… Seven years! Wow! You guys put up with me for that long!

• If we were having chai I’d update you on Project House. The handyman was in, again. Yup, the jobs are never ending! This time we got a new bathroom heater installed, and some stubbord wall fixings removed, as well as curtain poles put up. Still a few bits to do, but we are getting there!
• If we were having chai I’d have to mention that we got our first snow in the new house, too! While some parts of the country were getting battered by a storm, we awoke to a smattering of snow!

• If we were having chai I’d say Pops is doing really well after his surgery, though I think he is already getting antsy about not being able to do everything yet! Poor Mum is being Florence Nightingale, and trying to stop him overdoing things. I really wish I was closer, so I could help! But, it’s good to hear Pops so much happier. Thank goodness.
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that I spent the weekend reading a behemouth of a book (nearly 600 pages!) ready for a book tour, and it was a paperback, so I found a great solution to aching arms!

• If we were having chai I’d share with you that Sonu Singh had his scan, and blood tests, and thankfully, all is clear! Phew! He’s still on reduced food rations, and is still not very pleased with us!

This week I feel like I don’t know what is going on… My mind feels a little foggy. However, I might have some interesting news to share, come the next update! There is a vastly understaffed school to attend, as well as meetings, and a little cricket, still, along with a beautician’s visit, too…

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!