Please follow the link below to read an article about my life, and journey with #PCOS
I was introduced to cysters.org by a research onto Asian women and PCOS, and they published my story.
PCOS-er And Proud! – Cysters
13 Apr 2020 43 Comments
in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Cysters.org, PCOS
Chai And A Chat #79 #ChaiAndAChat #CoronaDiaries Week 3
13 Apr 2020 52 Comments
in Chai and a Chat Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat, Corona Diaries
I swear I should be writing week fifteen by now…
- The week was not only another week in this Lockdown, but the apparent Easter Holidays for the kids, so for the first four days of this week, I had to make sure they were sensible and quiet, for their daddy, who was still working from home. To be honest, it was much easier than I thought, because they were still in bed until past eleven am every morning, and if I hadn’t woken them, they probably would have spent all day in bed! Hubby Dearest would get up, and start working. I would make teas and coffees, and do a little exercise after reading for a bit, before finally waking the kids up. During my reading sessions, my faithful Sonu Singh would accompany me, and sometimes, take control of my Kindle too!
- We received a lovely parcel as well, one day, from my sister in law at the other house, that had been ordered from Cadbury’s… a huge box filled with Easter treats for the children! How kind! And she told me that they had waited for over an hour and a half, in a virtual queue, on the Cadbury’s website, to get a chance to browse the online store, before being able to place the order… see, these queues are stretching to the World Wide Web too, not just Asda! (Don’t worry, I shall share a picture of all the lovely chocolate, a little while later!
- I’ve been writing too, which has been amazing! Using both Lizzie Chantree’s writing hour in the mornings, via her Facebook group, and Sacha Black’s Rebel Author live writing sprints, I have managed to add around 5k more words to book two, and done some research, as well as write an article for cysters.org, a charity, who in their words, do this…
Cysters is a grassroots charity, dedicated to supporting individuals & improving the health, education & welfare of those with reproductive & mental health issues. We aim to educate the public about reproductive health & education so that they can make informed choices around their treatment options & challenge the cultural misogyny behind reproductive health.
Cysters.org
- Then, after a particularly fun, productive evening writing session, labelled Poison and Prose (you guessed it, Sacha invited us to bring along our poison of choice; be it a drink, or a naughty snack!) I ended up downloading Scrivener. If you don’t know what Scrivener is, it is a software to help you with not only the writing of your projects, but enabling you to compile all your research for that project, into one place too. It is so much more than that too, but I am still learning… Still, one great feature is the wordcounter which can be a real help to reach your goals.
- We’ve also spent plenty of time in the garden, as we were blessed with beautiful weather last week. Along with our daily walks in the gurdwara sports ground. Though, I have to mention that I was a tad vigilante this week. In the grounds we have one of those outdoor gyms. It has been cordonned off, as have all areas like this, because of the risk of contamination. Earlier in the week, as I was walking around, a mother shooed her child into it. He was wearing goalie gloves, but swinging on the bars. As I walked past, I asked him to get off and leave the area as it was closed. He looked at me, ran to his mother and burst into tears! I hastily explained to the mother, who was of Eastern European descent, that the place was closed for health reasons. She mentioned that other people were using it the day before, but understood, and explained to her child. The next day, she was there again, but this time there was a rather muscly man who had gone in to do his ‘training’. I wondered whether I should say anything, then someone behind me, a turbanned man, said something a little loudly, to his own friend, about people taking the mick, and getting the place closed down. In Punjabi, I asked him if he would back me up, if I went and asked the man to go. So I shouted over to the guy. Muscle head ignored me at first, but I carried on (I can be quite persistant when I want) and in the end, he left. The day after, I was on my walk, and there were two more. Really? And this time they were Indian, Sikh, so they should have. been much more respectful, knowing the Gurdwara stance on this issue. As I geared up to say something (A bit nervously,) someone else, from the actual sports club did! Thank goodness. On Sunday, we went as a family, and guess what. There were more people in there. I can’t understand why they don’t understand that if they don’t follow the rules, this one luxury we have of being able to go out once daily, for exercise, will be taken from us too. I made my own comments as I walked past, but these guys weren’t listening. They told another person to s*d off when asked to move. So, I wasn’t successful there, but my blood simmered…
- In other news, Lil Princess has been very creative, with her drawing, and impressed me with her skills again. What do you think?
- I’ve cooked plenty, from Shahi Paneer, to chicken soup, to lasagne, and pastry puffs… I can feel weight creeping up, but at least I am being active too! That Fifteen Minute Mile workout has been used many times!
- Then we get to Easter. The family rose late, as usual, and were extremely happy with their collection of eggs!
So… that has been pretty much this week, in a nutshell. This week, school will reopen again, and we will need to be present, on a rota basis, so I’ll find out soon, which days I am meant to be in.
Oh, and it’s Vaisakhi today… It will be strange this year, not being able to go to the Gurdwara to pay our respects, as it would have been strange for all the Christians yesterday, not to attend church. And the big parade will obviously not happen, though they are live streaming the prayers that will still continue.
How has your week been? Did you have a good, calm Easter?
Awesome Blogger Award!!!
12 Apr 2020 57 Comments
in Tags, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Awesome Blogger, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, tag
Dear Helena of Penable Me Blog, nominated me for a blog award.
Now, as you know, I am most appreciative of these tags, but I operate an Tag Award-free blog.
But…
You knew that was coming, didn’t you?
She wanted me to answer the questions, and, because she’s an AWESOME Bloggerm herself, I thought “Why not? It’s not like I have anywhere to rush off to, right now…!”
So, here goes.
- Name three people who have inspired you on WordPress –
There are so many bloggers who have inspired me, for so many reasons, it would be hard to just pin it down to three. From those that have become friends, and sources of mutual support, that’s my blogily, to those who have given me inspiration to actually write, to those that are just amazing individuals! Below are some special peeps who I have met, from the blogging community, who continue to influence me, daily ❤
2. Winter or summer and why
I love summer because I like to feel the warmth on my skin, but equally, I enjoy the coziness of winter.
3. What is your favourite piece of poetry and why
Honestly, I really don’t have one favourite poem. There are such different genres of poetry, as there are books to read. I love the humour in Pam Ayres poems, though!
4. Name three books you remember reading in your childhood
Books were an integral part of my childhood. You’d never find me without something to read in my hands. I loved Enid Blyton, and still have an original set of Noddy books from when I was four years old, complete with Gollywogs still in them! Then there was the A.A. Milne Winnie the Pooh books. They. impacted me so much that my reading corner in my classroom is based on the Hundred Acre Woods! Roald Dahl, and his Revolting Rhymes was another. I can;t get enough of his imaginative world building for younger kids, and the made up words!
5. Tell me something you have cooked/ baked that you are proud of
Cooking is something I really enjoy, but I don’t usually get much of a chance, as my mother in law cooks up a storm, and feeds the family in normal times. Now, however, I have my kitchen, no mother in law, as she lives in a different house, a pandemic and a lockdown, so plenty of time to cook. I’ve been experimenting with plenty, the last few weeks. But in terms of being proud, it has to be cakes I have made and decorated in the past, from my rainbow multi-layer cake, to a Hello Kitty one for Lil Princess, when she was younger.
6. What was the funniest moment of your life?
Too many to choose just one! Oh, my goodness, I am such a procrastinator, aren’t I? 😂😂 One that springs to mind, was when I was presented with an award for gymnastics, and, gracefully as I could, I glided down the centre of the school hall, and unceremoniously tripped up the stairs to the stage, on the way to accepting the award. More embarrassing for me, but hilarious for those watching!
7. Have you ever cried during a film, if so, which one?
I cry at films, soap operas, charity appeal shows, books… you’d be better off asking what I don’t cry at!
8. Give three things your friends would describe you as
Positive, happy, NUTS!
9. Have you ever got late for school when you were younger and made up a ridiculous excuse? If so, what was it?
No, never had a chance to be late, at school, as I lived far away from my school, so my mum used to drop me in the car.
I was, however, late for plenty of university lectures, as I toyed with being a rebel… but it didn’t last past university. I have the punctuality gene ingrained in me by my parents, who were always early for EVERYTHING!
10. Would you rather spend a night in a haunted house or by yourself in the woods??
I think I’d take my chances in the woods… at least I could run if scared. With a haunted house, who knows… could be locked in!
Read Helena’s post at https://penableme.wordpress.com/2020/04/11/awesome-blogger-award/
Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 267 – Gratitude
12 Apr 2020 44 Comments
in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday
“Some painful endings bring the best new beginnings.”
Shae Ross
Well, that is a kinda apt quote for today, and the today the world is living in, Spidey. You’ve obviously got a lot more time on your hands… because, as we all know, the real superheroes of now, are the frontline carers, not you colourfully costumed figures!
I know, we’ll always need, you, but alas, your facemask is not actually medical grade, and therefore not really going to help you stay healthy… and as for Batman, just an eye mask? Really? Did no one tell him he needs to rethink his facial wear for a little while?
Sorry, I digress. Firstly, may I wish all those that celebrate, a very Happy Easter Sunday!
I know it’s a quieter one than usual. There won’t be gatherings of family over an Easter meal, exchanging eggs as per the traditions, after attending a service at church.
But, essentially, Easter is a time for rebirth. Think of new beginnings. And in order for there to be a new beginning, we need to finish the previous chapter.
Now, I know that we are far from finished with the current chapter of this world’s life, but have you noticed the shoots of new beginnings, already trying to burst through into our bubble of lockdown?
Skies are beginning to clear of the clouds of pollution that hung heavy for many years. Animals that feared the open, are beginning to venture out into the world that was once theirs, before humankind began to destroy their natural habitat to build upon it. Gardens are beginning to bloom with the signs of spring. Each morning, and throughout the day, due to less traffic on roads, the chorus of birdsong is audible to all.
And that’s just nature.
Within our humankind, people are reaching out to others, in various ways, be it shopping for vulnerable family members, or neighbours, or making a phone or video call, to catch up with someone you haven’t spoken to in forever. We are appreciating, more than ever, those folk who do the jobs that keep the world as we know it, spinning smoothly, while we go about our very important lives.
Who knew, Mr Dustbin Man is far more important to me than an overpaid lawyer. A supermarket worker holds higher regard than Mr Business Man who travels to the office daily to spin money from deals. Thank you Delivery Drivers, for making sure we have all we need. Mrs Teacher, after spending so many months with my own children, I think you must be a saint to want to do that for a living! (Sorry, had to nod at my own profession!)
And those health workers. I doff my cap to you all, I clap every Thursday at 8pm with the rest of the nation, but inside, I’m clapping 24/7. From the nurses and doctors, to the orderlies and hospital cleaners, the paramedics and the pharmasists, to the carers visiting vulderable folk at home. Thank you.
I truly hope that after this awful time is over, the new beginnings that emerge include much, much, much more appreciation for all you do.
So… tell me, what will you appreciate more, when this pandemic is done with us?
Have a peaceful Sunday, Peeps And enjoy your week! ❤
April 9: Flash Fiction Challenge – Unveiled
11 Apr 2020 36 Comments
in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills, Sheild Your Face
Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt this week:
April 9, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that declares, shield your face. It can be a knight of old, a doctor, or a senior citizen. What is the circumstance? Who makes the declaration? Go where the prompt leads!
Unveiled
I stepped outside, onto our rooftop veranda.
The sun, still warm, was beginning to set.
I needed to collect the clothes from the line, but first, I just had to make the most of this moment.
As far as the eye could see, roof terraces were visible, but, unlike other days, no one was out on them.
This virus had scared everyone.
Slowly, I unhooked my veil, allowing the warm rays to touch my face.
This was a bliss I was rarely allowed to experience.
“Shield your face!” My father appeared.
I scrambled to reinstate the veil. “Sorry Abba.”
But I Smile Anyway... 