Chai and a Chat | But I Smile Anyway...

Chai And A Chat #131 #ChaiAndAChat

19 Apr 2021 27 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat

The holidays are officially over. I am gutted!

I feel like I haven’t done anything productive – I had plans, you know! But what I have done, is switch off, and not think, too much, about anything, other than my little family.

So, do you have your drink handy?

If we were having chai I’d tell you that despite not being in school, it hasn’t been far from my mind. We are trialling the new curriculum, in our school, which is a strange new thing for us, especially within this pandemic time, as well as me being the Phase Leader, so needing to know much more about the mechanics of the curriculum, and data (Oh, I hate data!) I found a great group n Facebook with a whole host of schools who are in the trial, using the new framework, and there were so many great discussions, as well as ideas. I downloaded loads of documents and sent them to my work email, so I can read them when I am at work. Refused to do it at home. Also, some of my dear colleagues did go into school, to make a start on a sensory garden that we are setting up for the children. I can’t wait to get into school to see what they have been up to!!
If we were having chai I’d say that considering I did nothing else, I did read plenty. And I am glad I did because I might need to channel more of my time to clearing out the summer house and attic, ahead of actually moving out of this place, soon enough. We have said skip, as I mentioned last week, but I didn’t make a dent in filling it, because I was just feeling Meh! Actually, that is a bit of a fib. I did do some clearing. I went through the freezer, getting rid of the out of date bits, and seeing what I actually have in here, then doing the same with all my food cupboards. I have found so much that was out of date, as well as items I know I won’t use, but in date, so I will be doing some donating to the foodbanks!

If we were having chai I’d have to say that I did manage to get my hair cut and coloured, now we are easing out of lockdown! And eyebrows threaded. I feel like a new woman!
If we were having chai I’d tell you that cricket took over a lot of my week, too, with Lil Man’s countless training sessions, and three of them were forty minutes away, so I was sat in the care for much longer than usual. It resulted in a backache… but, on the plus side, I discovered a beautiful park there, with a lake and I even treated myself to lovely ice cream!
If we were having chai I’d admit that I also ventured out to Bluewater, for. the first time in 7 months. It wasn’t as busy as I thought, and because I was alone, because Lil Princess was meeting friends, I was able to peruse the bookshops and stationery stores at my leisure! It was bliss!

If we were having chai I’d need to update you on that kitty, too… His new trick? Sitting in the tissue box, because there is obviously nowhere better to sit!

This week, it’s back to school, and some semblance of normality for us.

Now, I will say this here, so hold me accountable, folks.

On top of school, the next six weeks will be hectic. We have Lil Man with his GCSE year, coming to an end, so even though they don’t have exams, there are still assessments happening, so his teachers can submit their grades for qualifications… And there’s the house. I can’t say much, but, things are moving, and this is why I need to step back, a little from some of the weekly prompts, so I can get the clearout done! Evenings and weekends will be being used to sort out the chaff from the wheat, so to speak…

So, if you see me on here, too much, call me out!

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!

Chai And A Chat #130 #ChaiAndAChat

12 Apr 2021 30 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat

How has the first week of the holidays gone by so fast?

No, seriously, time is whizzing by, and it feels like I have done nothing I wanted to!

So, do you have your drink handy?

If we were having chai I’d start with the emotional one. As you know, if you’ve been reading my blog, it was my Mamaji’s funeral on Thursday. The week had been pretty hard, with many phone calls from folks paying their respects, but, for me, the biggest thing was to make sure Mum was okay. We spoke two or three times a day, and I think it helped. The funeral was a different experience, since it was online, for us, them being in Australia, but, aside from a very early start (3.30am) it was a beautiful service, and helped us get some emotional closure.

If we were having chai I’d tell you that I had really hoped that some words would flow, last week, but alas, nothing. I did read, lots, though, as I am prone to, on holiday, and I had a go with some lettering challenges, too!

If we were having chai I’d let you know that yes, Cricket is well and truly back. Not only was I ferrying said cricketer baack and forth to three different training sessions, but on Sunday, he was asked to play in an interclub game. Last year, he played for the Men’s fifth team. This time he was asked to represent the thirds, so that is a huge step up! I loved taking him to all the matches, last year. There were opportunities to go to clubs in obscure Kentish villages. The people who watched became friends, and we’d enjoy a day at the match. I wsa looking forward to that same feeling with this match, but it wasn’t the same. The thirds and fourths are more young men, than old guys and boys, so there were no other mothers, there. Neither were there any wives or girlfriends. I felt decidedly uncomfortable, so ended up going for a walk, then coming home. Hubby Dearest went and watched a lot of the match, then I was there at the end to pick him up! His side won, he played well, but I really missed watching him… hopefully that will change, soon enough!
If we were having chai I’d mention the dentist. I have always prebooked our appointments, so I know we are all set for six months down the line, and I get the first on in the day, so everything is done and dusted, and we have the rest of the day to do whatever we want. Well, you should have heard the moaning from my two teens, at having to wake up… and then, Shock, Horror! Mum asked them to walk! The dentist is a 5 minute walk from our house, but you would have thought I was telling them to go trekking through the Himalayas! Still, we got there, and my appointment was fine. Lil Princess is actually doing really well with her braces, and keeping her teeth clean, too. But Lil Man… oh, he is not doing good, at all… we’ll be going back for a filling, in a few weeks. What a disappointment!
If we were having chai I’d have to admit that weight loss seems to have stalled, right now, but as a plus, it has just plateaued, over the last couple of weeks, rather than gone back up. I find that in the holidays I end up struggling, because I am not as active as I usually am, when in school. Being so tired means I just want to sit, veg and read… though, I promise, I am trying to walk, or hula hoop daily!
If we were having chai I’d not be able to forget this one… He’s been begging for food, again, and thinks that us being home is great, because he can ask four different people for food, now!

This week, we have a skip arriving, so we can get decluttering, before any big move takes place. That’ll keep me busy! Also, I hope to get to the hairdresser. As much as I said I’d embrace my greys, I think I am ready to embrace them with colour, now! Also, a visit to my dear beautician to get eyebrows done! Since lockdown 3.0 is easing, today, shops are open, as well as a lot of of other services. We will tentatively see what we can do, to keep these kids occupied, though Lil Man is occupying me himself, with training on all five of the week days! And an opticians appointment for him too, just before we start back to school. Speaking of school, I may just pop in on one of the days, too, to make sure I’m all set for the start back… but I haven’t decided, definitely, yet.

Chai And A Chat #129 #ChaiAndAChat

05 Apr 2021 38 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat

And breathe.

Finally, I am on my Easter break, and I have made no bones about how shattered I am. Still, last week was a hectic lead up to the break filled with ups and downs, and rather a lot more sadness than I would have hoped for.

So, do you have your drink handy?

If we were having chai I’d have to start with school. It’s been a bit of a week, even though we were only in school for 3.5 days with the kids. From having one child out, due to isolation, and several more suffering various ailments, we spent half the time worrying that we would all be caught by some mystery bug, but thankfully, that didn’t happen. I’ve had conversations with parents, conversations with children, conversations with colleagues… there’s been a lot of talking. But, we tried our hardest to make sure that the last few days of term were happy, for our classes.
If we were having chai I’d tell you that there was a lot of chocolate out there. Gifts from colleagues and children meant a lot of temptations, and I’d love to say I didn’t succumb, but I did, a little. Still, we all need some downtime from being good, don’t we?

If we were having chai I’d tell you why I’ve had a sad week, too. As many of you know, we started the week with the extremely sad news that our Blog Sister, Sue Vincent had reached the end of her fight with cancer. It was even more bitter sweet as I had only heard on Sunday that my precious uncle had been placed in palliative care, with mere days to live. I was on tenterhooks most of the week, knowing we were going to hear something. On Thursday we were told that a dear cousin of mine had also lost his battle against cancer, after fighting for a year. I attended an online funeral for him on the morning of Good Friday. Then, the news came about my uncle finally being at peace, on Saturday. There have been tears. A lot. There has been laughter and reminiscing, too, but the sadness I am feeling after a loss-filled week, that will take time to fade.
If we were having chai I’d tell you that I haven’t been as good with the walking and exercise this week, but I have been shattered, and battered emotionally, so, to find that I had still managed to lose a tiny bit of weight this week, was a bonus.
If we were having chai I’d mention that cricket is well and truly back on. I think he went training at least three times this week, and that is set to increase, if he has his waay. At least the weather has been pleasant.
If we were having chai I’d say, with a sigh of relief, that this is the state of my alarms for the next twoo weeks, thank goodness!

This week, I have a dentist apppintment, and also a couple of house based appointments, too, but the rest of the week will be spent recuperating from an emotional week gone by, and the start of some clear outs, ready for a hopeful move to our forever home, sooner rather than later. Oh, and cricket. That will be a fixture of our life for the next few months, too!

Chai And A Chat #128 #ChaiAndAChat

29 Mar 2021 24 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat

Happy Monday to you all! It’s been another busy week (when is it ever not, in Rituland?).

Are you seated comfortably?

If we were having chai I’d take a deep breathe and get started on school. If I can be honest with you, things haave been so hectic, I can barely remember what happened when! But we still have the tough slog with the child whose needs are increasing. He is on reduced timetable and has good and bad days… Then there are the others. There are several concern students. It is so worrying seeing how many children could be classed as having Special Educational Needs from such a young age. Did I tell you that there is already three children who could be diagnosed in our nursery, and whom I will have the pleasure of teaching next year? (Unless the powers that be decide to change me up to a different year group all of a sudden? But there was a silver lining. One of my little lovelies came bounding in late one morning with a huge bag of chocolates and a bunch of artifical flowers for me! I said thank you, and asked what they were for. “Because I love you , Mrs Bhathal!” I melted.

If we were having chai I’d have to let you know about the vaccine and the side effects, too. Well, after all my worries, I was actually perfectly fine! There was a moment on Thursday when I thought I might have a headache, but that was more to do with the rest of school stresses, rather than the vaccine. Some of my colleagues, however, were not so lucky. I had two down on Thursday, and one was definitly to do with severe side effects! But by Thursday, we were all back up to scratch! Oh, and another school based pic here. On one of the days when I am out of my class, planning and doing management stuff, the children and adults created this for me and my Teaching Assistant. I was so touched. It made the rest of my week!

If we were having chai I’d tell you that another couple of lbs down, and I am so happy to be on Noom, and trying hard to change and maintain my good thinking towards my lifestyle!

If we were having chai I’d tell you that the weekend went smoothly… more house-related things, as well as chilling, and reading. My reading has definitely slowed, recently, because I am shattered every night after school!

This week, I will be relaxing, for at least part of this week. I think I deserve that, at least, after the 3.5 days left, of term, but then again, will I? Cricket season is now upon us, and what with Lil Man playing for his local club, he has also been selected to play for the District, so matches and training with double! Joy!

Chai And A Chat #127 #ChaiAndAChat

22 Mar 2021 40 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat, Corona Diaries

I’ve got to be honest, this last week felt like it was at least seventeen days long. Anyone else felt that?

Right, get your cuppa, and let’s have a catch up!

If we were having chai I’d start with school, as always. So, we had the Ed Psych in to see that student of mine. Even she waas left, at the end of an hour saying she was confused, and that she could see we were all on edge. We monitored him, but also wanted to see his behaviours fully, and she did. Not listening, doing what he wanted, and even going to throw a chair at one point. Children were moved for their safety. The report had me fuming, though, as even though she understood our frustrations, in it she made out as if we hadn’t even tried to do anything to stop him! Honestly, woman, if I wasn’t going to risk damaging the rest of the precious little minds in front of me, I could have directed all my attention to him, but after they had already experienced a pretty traumatic first week back, I needed to make sure they were safe and happy, as well as that one student. Breathe, Ritu. One of my part time team members has offered to come in every day, even the days she doesn’t work, so he can have a constant face as his person, for a while, to try and coax him back to the classroom, the way he was handling school life before the lockdown. Fingers crossed!
If we were having chai I’d have to admit that this last week, as I mentioned above, feels like it’s been never ending. Every morning I woke up convinced that we were at least a day further along than we actually were, and when reality sank in, it was rather depressing. The class have been fantastic, in general, but there are some who are becoming increasingly hard work… a mixture of SEN issues and the cumulative effects of lockdown, I guess, but whatever it is, I am exhausted, and have, for the first time in my teachign career, been counting the days to the Easter break, not just because I need a break, but because I need a break from the kids. That isn’t a fun feeling, I’m telling you, because I love my class to bits, but I do feel overwhelmed. Still, a nice little present I got in the post, cheered me up!

If we were having chai I’d remind you that it was Comic Relief on Friday. I was unable to get an official Red Nose this year, but, to be honest, a Red nose Mask would have been more appropriate! We all wore red to school, and donated money to a great cause. And one of the best parts of the day, was receiving a present from a parent… See below! I only had one, I promise!

If we were having chai I’d add in that seeing as I am on my healthy living mission, I was relieved to know that, despite my HUGE Mother’s Day meal, and the nibbling that comes from exhaustion, I still managed to lose a teeny bit of weight this week, and I exercised every day, be it following a video or going for a walk! Yay, me! And on Saturday, despite being shattered, I was challenged to a 20k steps in a day challenge by a friend, so I took it up! And I did it! Actually, I hit 25K in the end, and even though I was shattered, I was so proud of myself! I didn’t win, one of the others topped 30k, but I was second, and I was more than happy with that!

If we were having chai I’d say that I also got my second Pfizer shot, too! If you read my Spidey post, yesterday, you’d know that our staff at school were honoured to have been offered the shots, earlier this year, but because of the possibility of clashing opinions as to whether I should have had it, I hadn’t made it public. But now, I have. And I am, so far, okay, with regards to the side effects, but the last time it was two days before the headache from hell kicked in, so there is still time… but, then again, there is still time for me to feel no side effects, too. (Here’s hoping!)

If we were having chai I’d say, quietly, that house stuff is moving along very positively, too, and I hope to be able to give good news, soon… but not yet!
If we were having chai I’d tell you that the kids have started doing their home tests now, so that is three of us, testing on a regular basis. What fun. At least we know that we are safe! And Hubby barely goes out, so if we are okay, it is almost safe to assume he is, too!
If we were having chai I’d leave you with our darling Sonu Singh. He’s been keeping me company most nights, in my exhausted state, snoozing as I snooze, too!

This week, I will be pretty much the same as last week, with more school based issues to deal with, as well as trying to stick to my healthy lifestyle. Again, not much energy for anything else! It’ll be the last full week at school before the Easter holidays. The last week of term is 3.5 days!