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

Chai And A Chat #219 #ChaiAndAChat with Jan 16th, 2023 #JusJoJan –

16 Jan 2023 24 Comments

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

Well, hello, Monday three of the year!

Have you got a drink? I am ready for mine this morning.

(Adding a little #JusJoJan to the prompt, with the word Optimism by June. Thanks, Linda!)

If we were having chai, I’d start by asking, “Is it me, or is the second week of the year always so meh?”
If we were having chai, I’d tell you that school was fine. As usual. Nothing new to report. The kids are getting better health-wise and keeping us busy. But I have been very tired, so I wonder whether I need to look at my HRT dosages…
If we were having chai, I’d say that one evening, Lil Princess and I spent time sorting out my washi tape collection. I ordered some dispensers and gave her the task of ordering them colour and pattern-wise. They look pretty!

If we were having chai, I’d tell you that I gave in and bought Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare… Many people have opinions on this, even those who choose to read it. I found a couple of comments on my FB author page post a bit alarming. At the end of the day, it is my choice of what I wish to read, and I am not some simpleton who will be brainwashed just by reading a book. I know this is a recount from Harry’s perspective and that there are others ideas to the story, as well as the side that is the TRUTH!
Nevertheless, I was lectured about the ‘lies’ I would be reading, and the best one? An assumption that because I bought a book like this, published by a trad press, I don’t buy or read anything Indie published, and that I was taking away from the poor Indie authors… Er, hello, I am and have been an Indie author and my choice to read Spare is my own! I read plenty of books written and published in all manners. I think you guys who read my blog can attest to that!
Oh, and I obviously will now side with Harry. This book isn’t about taking sides for me. It’s more of an interest in seeing what he felt. He is open about his mental health struggles, and that is something that affects anyone, royalty or otherwise…

If we were having chai, I’d have to admit to not being as good at keeping up with certain things this week, but that was due to feeling rather low. I suffered a lot of exhaustion and some headaches, so I did my exercises and blogged daily, but I wrote barely any words for book 3 and listened to only a couple of Hypnotherapy sessions. Still, I won’t beat myself up because at least I recognised that I needed to slow down and not attempt to do everything to my own detriment. I was filled with optimism after last week, but I’m not counting this as a failure, just another step to learn from.

If we were having chai, I would need to mention my darling, Sonu Singh. He had his dreaded annual checkup and vaccinations on Saturday. Bless him, he miaowed to the vets, even with Lil Princess by his side. Last time he was diagnosed with a small heart murmur. Along with still being overweight. Thankfully, his murmur has not changed or gotten worse. And his weight? Well, blow me down with a feather, but despite all the begging for food, he went from just over 6kg to under 5kg! The vet was really happy and said that this is the weight we need to aim for, for him, as a house cat, to stay as healthy as he can… It’s his 9th birthday next week, too!

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This week there is nothing different other than a couple of members of my team out, so we will need to cover all bases there. I will try to keep up with my exercises and hope to manage more words, 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!

Chai And A Chat #218 #ChaiAndAChat with Jan 9th, 2023 #JusJoJan – Endurance

09 Jan 2023 39 Comments

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

Aaand, it’s Monday again! Where does the time go?

I’m just grabbing my Green tea, which is my first brew of the day. Got yours?

(Adding a little #JusJoJan to the prompt, with the word Endurance by Destiny. Thanks Linda!)

If we were having chai, I’d start by saying that the start of this year has been productive, but also, Oh, My Goodness, was I shattered by the end of the week! I took it extra easy on Monday, knowing I’d be back at work on Tuesday, but there never seem to be enough days to mentally prepare yourself for the start of term!
If we were having chai, I’d tell you that school though it was only four days, it was busy. There were plenty of meetings needed, as is the norm for the start of term, as well as sickness abounding, with all these bugs, and the new Covid variant, plus Strep A… One of my classes was stricken with low attendance, the other very healthy. Still, it was lovely to see all the children again. It may only be two weeks, but my, don’t they grow in that time? But I was so tired by Friday… I needed the weekend, and a blank one, at that!
If we were having chai, I’d say that I have been working on a few things, which I hope will help me with my Word Of The Year – Strength – and all I hope to achieve with it being the backbone of my thinking. The first, which I mentioned in a post last week, was regular exercise. So, (not so) Lil Man was tasked with creating a simple plan for me to help build my core strength and tone my muscles, and maybe lose a bit of weight! He’s doing his BTEC Sport and has transformed himself over the last year or so, so I do trust him… I think! He has me on a programme of light weights three days a week. Nothing too long right now. It takes around 20-25 minutes. We are doing a “Push/Pull/Legs” programme, and in between, I’ll try walking or using the treadmill once in a while, as well as getting the hula hooping going, too, for my waist. I am here to announce that I managed my first week! Yes, there will be a battle of wills as I say, “Don’t push me, I’m your mother!” He responds, “Well, I’m your PT, so you have to listen. Give me ten more reps!” I think he’s enjoying the power trip… But, this time, I’ll give it to him. It is some quality time with him that we have been lacking the last couple of years, and I miss my boy. Can’t believe he will be turning into an adult this year! And this is where my #JusJoJan prompt comes in handy, as I hope I am able to keep my endurance up and do this!

If we were having chai, I’d proudly tell you that I have written each day of the year so far! Whether it was 10 words or 1000, I have added to the WIP for book three every day, and I feel pleased with myself. Keeping up with the #JusJoJan challenge this month will also encourage me to get back into the regular writing habit, so next month, I may not blog daily, but I will get used to taking myself off to my writing space and getting words down! I have added around 4k to the draft since New Year’s Day!

If we were having chai, I’d have to mention a book I am currently reading a little each day. It is Menopausing my Davina McCall, and it is a game changer. I am lucky that I managed to have the conversations with my GP, and they have put me on HRT to combat some of the symptoms I have been feeling, but there is so much more in this bible, not only for the women embarking upon that time of their lives but also for the family, partners, other females in the family who will experience this too, at some point. A brilliant, informative read.

If we were having chai, I would need to mention my darling, Sonu Singh. He’s had to get used to the house being a little quieter in the daytime as we all head off to school. At least he has Hubby Dearest working from home, but he does miss us all, too. He makes up for it in the evenings, lazing on Lil Man’s bed with him, or being my kindle holder on the weekends, as I have an early morning, or an afternoon read. Bless my lil kitty!

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This week is definitely back to the usual grindstone. A full week at school and a vet appointment for Sonu Singh on the weekend. He’s going to love us. I hope I can keep up with the training and my writing, too… fingers crossed! 🤞🏽🤞🏽

Chai And A Chat #217 #ChaiAndAChat

02 Jan 2023 24 Comments

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

Welcome to the first Monday of 2023!

You got your drink? I’m nursing my cuppa today, calmly, which will be a different matter from next week, as well be back into the seeing of school! Still, let me relax today …

If we were having chai, I’d start by saying this week has felt very long but also extremely short as well! As I mentioned the last week, Pops and Mum were coming over for a few days, so on Boxing day, we had our second family Christmas dinner with them! No,w in our new home, we still don’t have a decent dining area, so we usually feast in the living room during the colder months and the conservatory when it’s warmer. So our dinner was on our makeshift table in the living room!

If we were having chai, I’d mention that we popped over to the in-laws on Tuesday so my parents could visit, and we paid our respects. at the gurdwara, and then on Wednesday, we had a trip to Bluewater, seeing as there were vouchers to be spent and post-Christmas sales!
If we were having chai, I’d say that Pops and Mum headed off on Thursday morning after a lovely visit, even though it sped by, then Lil Princess and I attended a long awaited appointment, for something she’s been struggling with. I’ll tell you about it, one day… Just not yet…
If we were having chai, I’d tell you that I have been cooking more than usual, as well and I made an awesome (even if I do say so, myself!) shepherd’s pie for dinner one day!

If we were having chai, I couldn’t avoid the other event that took place, aka New Year! As always, we didn’t do anything crazy, but visited the in-laws in the afternoon, then saw the new year at home. As I posted yesterday, my new Word Of The Year is Strength, so let’s see how I get on with that! It’s also probably the last one for a while that we are all together, as this time next year, we will have a new adult in the house, and I am sure he will want to see in the New Year with his mates!

If we were having chai, I would give Sonu a couple of mentions since we had less pics of him the last few weeks. He’s had a fruitful festive period, with lots of family company. He was so excited to have Nanu and Nani (Pops and Mum) visit, as he always remembers them. He tried to get into their bags and left plenty of his fur for them to remember him by! Now, below, you can see some of his gifts! He got a teepee as well as a radiator bed, which he seems to enjoy. Bless him!

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This week I shall savour Monday, as it is a bank holiday, before the craziness of the term starts up, again! I am back at school on Tuesday, and my kids are back on Wednesday. So the grindstone calls us! Elsewhere, we have nothing else planned, so let’s see how things go!

Chai And A Chat #216 #ChaiAndAChat

26 Dec 2022 32 Comments

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

And, it’s Boxing Day! What a busy week we’ve had for the first week of the holidays! Appointments, shopping, preparations, and CHRISTMAS!!!!

You got your drink? I think I need a soothing Green tea to help ease the excesses of yesterday!

If we were having chai, I’d tell you that this Christmas was a definite lastminute.com version! Right up until the day before, I was buying things and helping Hubby Dearest with taking deliveries and wrapping! There was one huge frustration when a parcel that should have arrived on Monday didn’t come at all, and despite reassurances that it would get here by Christmas Eve, we were left rushing around to get replacement gifts! We spent the actual day with my in-laws, enjoying time together and eating plenty!

If we were having chai, I’d mention that I took Lil Princess out on Monday to meet a friend, so I had a couple of hours to do my first of several grocery shops for the week, as well as sitting in Costa having a little me time!

If we were having chai, I’d say that I was a bit excited to get my replacement cookie press, as my original one had lost a piece in the move! Lil Princess and I made lots of cookies together as part of the lead-up to Christmas!

If we were having chai, I’d tell you that I am trying to get my words in, but it’s not happening as I wanted. Still, you can admire the lovely henna from my colleague’s mehndi night!

If we were having chai, I’d admit that I have been a little lazy on some days, bingeing TV serials, like Emily in Paris, when I should have been preparing for the big day, and reading, but that is never a waste of time!
If we were having chai, I’d have to mention Sonu Singh. Ever since he was a kitten, he has had an advent calendar, and he actually knows when it’s the time of year for that daily treat! Instead of a catnip treat, I got a delux one this year for him, with real chicken and salmon treats in it! He loved it! And, he was a little spoiled by his daddy, too, with some new gifts… but, let’s be honest, he preferred all the wrapping and boxes!

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This week I am a tad excited as Pops and Mum are coming over for a few days. They haven’t been here since last summer so they haven’t seen a lot of the things we have done to the house over the last 16 months or so! There’s also another appointment I need to take Lil Princess too, as well as the small matter of the year ending… See you next year!!

Chai And A Chat #216 #ChaiAndAChat

19 Dec 2022 26 Comments

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

Happy Monday, Peeps! It’s the first Monday of the holiday, and I have had a busy weekend already, with no signs of letting up, either! Hence the late post, sorry!

You got your drink?

If we were having chai, I’d breathe a sigh of relief that we are finally on holiday! It’s bee a tough big term from September to now. A lot has been happening at school and in my personal life, and it has been equally exhilarating and draining. But the start of the week brought loads of snow, so Monday was a snow day!

If we were having chai, I’d tell you that, though a snow day is fun, at this time of the year, it throws an already hectic week into even more disarray! We were meant to have our staff Panto on Tuesday but had to cancel it to accommodate two children’s performances that were postponed from the snow day on Monday. And because the hall was booked of other things, the rest of. the week, we had to reschedule it for next term. A good thing, really, as we weren’t ready, lol!
If we were having chai, I’d mention that we had our Reception Nativity performance on Wednesday, and it went really well, considering the children didn’t get as much practice as we usually would have. A couple of random lines shouted out, getting parents and carers, a really loud singer and one frozen shepherd whose stage nerves got to him, and it was perfect! That same day, we had our school Christmas Dinner for the kids. Thursday brought an official panto to our school, which the children enjoyed, and Christmas Jumper Day for charity and Friday was a half day for the kids! All in all a lovely festive week.

If we were having chai, I’d say that I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the pupils, families and staff, with all the sweet gifts we were given. As I mentioned yesterday, it’s never expected or necessary but humbly and gratefully received. And my Secret Santa Present was the best ever!

If we were having chai, I’d tell you that I bought myself a little set of gifts, too, because, well, why not! A few bits of branded stationery to get me back into the mood of writing, ready to get Book three off to a good start!

If we were having chai, I’d tell you about that manic weekend, too! So I managed to relax on Saturday, daytime, then in the evening, I had the pre-wedding event of a dear colleague, who is like a little sister to me. Lil Princess accompanied me to the do, and a few other colleagues were there, too, so the evening was spent equally helping her get ready, explaining the different customs to the work bunch, and enjoying a lovely evening! And on Sunday, after another relaxing day, I got ready for our staff Christmas Party! It was one of those corporate dos where you book tables at the local Hilton hotel and we had a blast! the food was okay, the music cheesy (but you have to love cheese!) and the company wonderful. It was an evening for everyone to let off some steam after said tough term. I left before a load of the others, but not without a full belly and aching feet from dancing all night long! That was Christmas Dinner #2 of the year… I think I have two left to go!

If we were having chai, I’d have to mention Sonu Singh. Another week of no pics, but he’s been looking out of the windows at the white stuff, a lot (which has now disappeared thanks to the rain that came overnight!) And he’s happy we are all around again for a little while!

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This week is the run-up to Christmas. I have a few appointments to take Lil Princess to, and some last-minute preps to finish for Christmas, which we will spend with the in-laws. I am thanking goodness that the temperatures have turned upwards for a while as it has been freezing in the house, and what with the cost of living, heating is rationed too, so there has been lots of snuggling in bed with hot water bottles and layers!