But I Smile Anyway…

Two weeks of the holidays, done, and I feel like I have lived several weeks within them, to be honest!

Another eventful week, filled, not with school, but plenty of other stuff! Right, got your drink?

• If we were having chai I’d start by saying that cricket is exhausting. Not the playing, because I don’t do that, but the taxiing around, and the watching and the waiting… At least another four days where cricket took us hostage.. I guess it is a good thing I kinda enjoy it, eh!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that we ventured to Bluewater one day, and there were moments there, that I didn’t think I’d see, like my two actually saying they want to wander off, together, instead of trying to kill each other, so I could browse the statationery shops and book stores in peace! To be honest, I didn’t, because I am still not confident that they wouldn’t end up in an argument, but it was good to hear. They wanted to do a bit of shopping, and then after popping into M & S for some special food, we went home.

• If we were having chai I’d mention that, in other news, I spent forever in the car, ferrying the in-laws to various hospital appointments, which was fine, as, even though they were early starts, I am up early, and because it waas the holidays, I didn’t have to take time off, unlike the others in the family. So, two covid tests, and a cataract op later, I feel I have had my fill of them. There was also meant to be a knee replacement op, too, but it got cancelled 48 hours before, as the consultant hadn’t done all his checks. So my poor mum in law had to isolate for ten days, and we couldn’t even take Pops and Mum to visit them because of that isolation, for nothing!
• If we were having chai I’d say that the reading slump has finaally ended. I think I must have read around five books just this week. Honestly, I am listening to my body, especially in those periods of time that are my own. I am not going overly crazy with cleaning. The house is clean and tidy, but I am not obsessing over it. If I have spare time I grab my kindle or book, and snuggle on my sofa, in my reading/writing snug, in the garden, or on my bed, and I read until my eyes droop. If they do, I place the book to one side, and snooze. Another few days of that, and I hope to have shifted the exhaustion!

• If we were having chai I’d have to admit to being awful with eating. I have been so, so good, losing a few lbs, doing a bit of exercise, then eating well, and the lasat few weeks it’s all gone to pot! Like, totally! the scales are showing every increasing numbers, my enercy is so low that exercise is the last thing for me to do, and I want to constantly graze! Not good! See, I manage two fantastic, healthy meals, then the afternoon slump hits, and all I do is eat snack after snack…

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that those aches and pains are still there, my shoulder worse than it was before. But, we did manage to order and fit together, the garden furniture. It is being used in the conservatory at the moment, as we don’t have a dining table, but it looks rather lovely! I’ve enjoyed a couple of meals and tea times there, looking out over the garden as I eat, or read.

• If we were having chai I’d leave you with an image of Sonu Singh, who approves of the table, too!

This week, there is cricket, oh and the DREADED GCSE RESULTS for Lil Man! We are all nervous. I just want him to pass, and get his place at the right Sixth Form for him, to be honest. Other than that, no plans… maybe I will be more rested, eh!

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!

One week of the holidays done, and I have to say, it doesn’t feel much like rest and relaxation, especially when you have a son who plays cricket.

Also, I have been overindulging here so my drink of choice is a green tea. What about you?

• If we were having chai I’d start by giving you a quick overview of the week… It was busy. Not one day was filled with nothingness, which I think I realy need, right now, but the plus point pf not being at school, was that I could sit back and nap, when needed!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that there was, as I mentioned earlier, a whole lot of cricket happening this week, Lil Man was selected for the District team this season, and they had a three day cricket festival to attend. He was due to play two of the matches and was very excited. The place the festival was being held at was a very prestigious boys boarding school, not far from where we live, with sports facilities that would shame your local sports clubs and gyms, seriously! We arrived on the Tuesday to be told the match was cancelled, as the other side couldn’t get a team together. Obviously, he was disappointed. But the coach said they could stay for a while and train in the state of the art cricket nets that this school has, so while he did that for an hour, I went for a stroll around the grounds of this school, that looked a bit like Hogwarts, I kid you not! The mixture of old buildings (school establised in the 16th centure, I believe) and modern facilities was amazing, along with beautiful gardens, filled with colour, and gorgeous lavendar. We walked around 8k steps!

• If we were having chai I’d say that Wednesday was a more successful day for him, Cricket-wise. The weather was rather inclement, with covers having to go on three times, as we ran under trees for shelter, from torrentioal downpours, but they won the match. Though he only bowled two overs (should have had more!) he got two wickets so left the game with a huge smile! And on Cricket news, he played a mens game on Saturday, and again was left to bowl at the end, but only managed one bowl, getting the final wicket out on his first, and only throw! Sunday was a whole afternoon of cricket again, with his club having a cricket week for this next week. They kicked it off with an inter club fun tournament and he got a wicket again, and caught one out, too, so pretty productive!

• If we were having chai I’d sthen fill you in on the next exciting part of my week, which was Pops and Mum coming over to see us, in the new house. I haven’t seen them for a year, so this was so, so special. They arrived on the Thrusday afternoon, and we spent the three days they were with us, just chatting, eating, reminiscing, walking, and Pops got to watch his grandson play cricket for the first time, too! Originally we had plans to go out and about more, but due to the current circumstances, we decided to limit that. But, mum did request visits to the local supermarkets, because she is odd like that! It was blissful. There were tears upon them arriving, and when they left, but I feel blessed to have had that lovely time with them!
• If we were having chai I’d sigh and admit that the writing bug hasn’t hit me, yet. I was hoping that this holiday would give me the boost to really get going with writing again, but energy levels have been so low, I just can’t get my brain into gear, yet. But I have been catching up on my reading, as well as ending up with more new books on my Kindle and shelf! Ooops!
• If we were having chai I’d leave you with an image of Sonu Singh, who seems to be using my desk chair more than me, recently!

This week, yuo, you guessed it, cricket, as always, with a game today, maybe Friday, and Saturday… but I also have a new duty this week, of hospital visits, for the in laws, as I am on holiday, so it means no one else has to take time off to take them to their various checks. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday are my medical days, that means! Maybe, just maybe, some words will appear on my screen, and I hope to devote more time to doing things that will male Lil Princess happy, too, since cricket is definitely not her thing!

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!

Boy am I glad to say this… I am finally on holiday!

Still, an eventful week, as always. Is your drink ready? Mine is, and for once I can drink it while it’s still hot!

• If we were having chai I’d start by updating you on the final week of school. Wow. Seriously, what a week. It was our last week with our current class, and the emotions ran high, the whole week! We started, on Monday, with a transition day for the children, where they go and meet their prospective teachers for the next year, and spend the day in their soon-to-be classrooms. Usually, I would have the children we will be teaching in, in reception for the morning, too, but this year, being the way it is, we couldn’t do that. Instead, the day was filled with phonecalls to the new pupils parents, introducing ourselves to them, and answering any questions. All I can say is that next week will be very interesting! On Tuesday, another bubble burst in school. This time the Year six classes, which was so sad, as that meant these children were to miss the last ever week of their primary school. The chance to say goodbyes, taken away… it was so sad. That was a class I had from Reception, so I was especially gutted not to have been able to say goodbye to them. We had a mini graduation for our little lovelies, too, which was precious. They all wore a little mortar board had, and had their graduation scrolls created for them, and a photo taken too. We made Little Bags Of Happiness with them, too, as a gifts for them to take home from us, filled with little significant goodies, and a poem attached. They had a film afternoon, and plenty of fun activities, followed by a class dance party before the final day ended. IF you read my Spidey post from yesterday, you will know just how emotional everythig was, and we were spoilt rotten by the parents, I’ll be honest. There were tears but laughter, too!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that my head teacher took the leadership team out for a meal on Friday night. That was my first meal out since the pandemic started. It was such a lovely evening, too, with everyone who was able to come, fully relaxed, and happy. And I am pleased to announce, that you are reading the words of the new, permanent EYFS Phase Leader! This year was a trial run, as I wasn’t sure I would cope, but you know what, though I miss the time I can’t be with the children, I have loved having ateam to manage and look after. And to be honest, they are the best team ever. We all gel so well – long may it last. Yes, the responsibilities are huge, but the rewards are just as great… just dreading the thread of OFSTED now, which is due to happen next year!
• If we were having chai I’d say that outside of school, I have cricketed every night, pretty much this week. We had three lots of training sessions for the North West Kent District team that he has been selected for, as well as two lots of training with the adult teams in his club. Then, well, I am such a proud cricket mum right now. On Saturday, he played with one of the adult teams, and he was just on fire, and even received recognition for his performance! He got five wickets for eight runs in five overs. The lad hasn’t wiped the grim off his face since Saturday!

• If we were having chai I’d sigh and, with a smile on my face, say that finally I am on my break. I have high hopes for rest, writing, etc, but who knows what the next four weeks will bring… I did open my Scrivener project, the other day, to make myself feel writerly, again… and my furry muse sat with me! We all need our personal cheerleader, and this one is mine!

This week, it is still filled with cricket, with a three day tournament with the District team, followed by cricket week at the club, the week after, but forget taht. My most exciting news is taht Pops and Mum are coming down to stay! I haven’t seen them in nearly a year and I can’t contain my excitement, seriously!

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!

Finally, I write this as I hit the last week of term! I am sorry it’s late, but life has been hectic in different ways.

Let’s give you a quick recap, along withour weekly drink! Ready?

• If we were having chai I’d start by telling you that I wasn’t at school, at all last week… Yup, our bubble popped, due to a staff member testing positive, and as a result the nursery, and my Reception class was affected. So, instead of celebrating the last full week with the kids, I was drafting up home learning again, with the children, recording stories, and catching up on the mountain of emails accumulated in my work in box. It was very productive, but I really wish I had been at school, instead!
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that I have been horrified by the racism that poured out onto the screens on social media, and even out there, in reality, focussing on three individuals who happened to be black-skinned, and who missed penalties, meaning that England unfortunately didn’t win the Euro 2020 final… sickened, I was…
• If we were having chai I’d say that the temperatures have been getting higher and higher, ending in an extremely warm weekend, so it stands to reason that we spent a long time in the garaden. The inflatable pool was out, ice cold drinks, ice creams, and fun!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that I have been sitting here, stewing over the prospect of #FreedomDay that Boris Johnson has decided wil happen today… wheree all restrictions will be lifted, more or less, because, desipte numbers rising, he says, “Well, we have to do it some day…” I really don’t know what to say… Actually, I do… My thoughts on Instagram, yesterday…

This week, it’s the last week of term, so there will be lots of fun, on top of the push to continue to plug gaps created by lockdown. The children met their new teachers today, and I spent all day calling my new parents for next year. Had my end of Year Performance Management, finished doing all the ones I needed to do on my team, changed display boards… The rest of the week will be a mish mash of the same, with 5 days of cricket training or matches, and hopefully, I’ll end the week, with a meal out with our management team, fingers crossed!

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!

So, we are finally at the penultimate week of term, and it’s going to be different, but that’s for next week! Last week? Well, read on!

Let’s give you a quick recap, along withour weekly drink! Ready?

• If we were having chai I’d let you know that we had another interesting week at school. It was all a bit higgledy piggledy, because we had staff in and out, school work experience pupils in, and with Monday being a staff INSET day, that left us with just 4 days with the children. We also had the height, weight and vision xhecksfir them, that are usually done much earlier in the year!
• If we were having chai I’d mention that we did manage to have our children’s first ever sports day, of sorts. it wasn’t the way things usually are, with the parents coming, and EYFS and KS 1 joining together, because of needing to avoid bubbles mixing, but the children had a whale of a time! We had balancing races, the egg and spooon race, the over under game, a sack race, as well as some running races at the end. And, I won the teacher race too! That is more of an achievement, to be honest! 😂
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that data and reports are done, all proof read and printed out, ready to go out.
• If we were having chai I’d let you know that I am trying so hard to make sure I read, little and often, as it isn’t easy right now, and I need that wind down time, but it’s little and not as often as I’d like!
• If we were having chai I’d share that Lil Man had the last match of his Under 16s league and their team won. He was even more excited that he came out as the top wicket taker of the team for the year so far! I was extremely excited that I got to try a new Kitkat at the match!

• If we were having chai I’d also remind you that I am still doing Sacha’s challenge over on Instagram. Head over if you haven’t seen!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that I am writing this before the BIG MATCH. As you are all mostly going to be aware, England are in the Euro 2020 finals, and the country is going mad. The first major tournament final that has been reached by the Mens team, since 1966! Still got my fingers crossed! UPDATE: So, it was a nail-biting game, with an early goal by England, which got equalised in the second half. Another 30 minutes of extra time gave no winning joy. So, we went to penalties. And in the end, Italy won at 3-2 penalties. Well played Lions. We’re proud of you. I dread to think how fans reacted, last night, though…

• If we were having chai I’d end by updating you on tha cat of mine, Sonu Singh. He’s been doing his usual, and though there was no sneaky treat stealing, he has been begging for food a lot more! Oh, and he spent lots of time with me, up in my writing room, in Saturday, as I read, while he lounged on the armchair with me!

This week, it may feel a little slower, but that doesn’t mean I get an easy ride. There is still so much paperwork for me to do, along with keeping the kids (mine, as well as my class!) on track, so I will just keep trucking along, and hope the week passes smoothly!

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!