Chai And A Chat #104 #ChaiAndAChat #CoronaDiaries Week 28

It’s the first Monday of October. Where has the time gone? Last quarter of the year, and what a year it’s been, so far.

Ready with your drink?

  • If we were having chai I’d start with admitting that I am having trouble even remembering what haappened last week. Time is blurring into one…
  • If we were having chai I’d tell you that school is still standing. The kids are settling, and hopefully staff will, too. But in all honesty, I do have a pretty stellar team, so I can’t ask for more. A funny thing happened though, the other day. On Friday, it was a colleague’s birthday and he popped the obligatory cakes in the staff room to share with the rest of us. I don’t get up there too often, but I managed, this time, and scoffed a mini cupcake and two brownie squares (they were the size of postage stamps, honest!). As I was leaving, I noticed some biscuits on a tray, and said, “Ooh, biscuits too!” No one mentioned anything as I took a shortbread and waltzed off to the classroom. I hadn’t got far when another colleage rushed behind me. “Ritu! You didn’t take my biscuit, did you?” She saw my hand, with a half eaten piece of evidence. “That was part of my lunch!” She collapsed into giggles. “They are wetting themselves, upstairs!” I was so embarrassed! “I did ask, honest, but no one said anything, so I assumed they were just spares from the school kitchen. Sorry!” She laughed and took a tiny corner from what was left. “I’ll tell them I snatched this from your mouth,” and whizzed back. A little later she left me a gift… Love my crazy colleagues, and I may become known as the Biscuit Burglar from now…
  • If we were having chai I’d tell you that I am so relieved. The painters, carpenters etc, on the inside, at least havea finished! They’ve gone, and we had a whole weekend of no earaly starts, and no drilling, sawing, banging, etc. The first in nearly 7 weeks! On Sunday we went to look at some cheap carpet, expecting them to say about 2-3 weeks for fitting, but it may even get done as fast as by the end of the week, so fingers crossed… Just a few tweaks on the outside to go, then we ar good to go with getting it on the market. Forever home, you are one step closer.
  • If we were having chai I’d have to say that it was good to get into the kitchen to actually cook a meal from scratch after so long. I’ve been relying on oven food, the Mother-In-Law’s curries and takeaway for far too long, as the kitchen was out of bounds for several reasons as the workers were in. Managed Chicken Soup and Spaghetti Bolognaise this weekend. Yum!
  • If we were having chai I’d mention another exciting thing. I was on another podcast! It is a Human Stories one, by Tony Lloyd and he spoke to me about teaching and writing, which was great fun. I’m getting used to these video chats and recordings!
  • If we were having chai I’d end with saying Sonu Singh is happy to see the back of all these workers. He’s been holed up in different rooms as they come in and out of the house, so now he’s back to roaming the house freely, disturbing us all, and looking for cuddles.

This week, I hope that carpet will be one of the things ticked off, and I have a meeting with a special advisor at work, to help with my CPD, as a school leader… eeks! Who knows, the energy may peak, and I might even get writing again, 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!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 291 – The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

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“The best part is that I’m still here and, because the end is in sight, I treasure it all more.”

Diane Keaton

Another great quote, Spidey. Thank you. Most apt for me again!

As you know, there has been a huge amount of upheaval in my life, recently, what with the changes to work life, with the pandemic still rife, as well as the work happening on our house.

Well, I can’t see the end with the school stuff, or the pandemic, but, at least with the house the END IS IN SIGHT!

We’ve had the first weekend with no builders, decorators, or carpenters ringing the doorbell at 8am, (even on a weekend, yes!) and then proceeding to saw, bash or bang various parts of the house.

It’s not quite finished, yet, but almost. Just carpet to be chosen, and a little bit left to sort out, outside.

Honestly, it’s been an experience, but we have learned a lot, and whenever we need to do something as drastic as this, again, we’ll know what to do and what not to do!

The place is looking lovely, and I’m almost gutted that we are putting it on the market, but I do hope that whoever buys this place, is able to create many happy memories, as we have.

Now the fun starts, looking for our forever home!

So… tell me, do you have something you are really looking forward to?

Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps.  And enjoy your week!  

Oh Yes, Another Podcast Featuring Moi!

Oh, yes… Another podcast!!!
This time, Human Stories with @tonylloydradio!

Pop over to hear us chat on about teaching and writing.

https://www.tonylloydradio.com/human-stories-1/episode/497d7cbd/episode-24-ritu-successful-author-and-teacher

#writer #lifeofawriter #writestagram #writing
#teacher #lifeofateacher #phaseleader #eyfsteacher #teachersofinstagram
#podcast #debut #MarriageUnarranged

September 2020 Books #AmReading

It’s a busy month, my birthday, and starting back at school. I am always shattered every evening, so it’ll be interesting to see how many books I manage to read this month… not many…

Christmas Sisters

Christmas Sisters by Tammy L. Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christmas Sisters is a wonderful introduction to the characters due to star in a series to be released soon.
A woman filled with grief at losing her husband and child, opens her heart and home to a young girl who has been left with no carer, and as she comes to terms with having a new child in her life, she ends up with not one, but four new foster girls.
No links to one another, but connection that becomes so strong, they become soul sisters. Looking forward to reading the series, now!

Breathing Two Worlds

Breathing Two Worlds by Ruchira Khanna
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Neena is an immigrant who has moved from her life and family in India to the hustle and bustle of modern USA.
This story charts a period in her life where the two cultures clash in many ways, when her father is taken ill, back home, and she has to rush back to support her parents.
How do you mesh two cultures together, keeping hold of your roots, as well as embracing the new one you now live in?
An interesting story.
My only sticking point was that some writing was a little clunky in places, possibly due to language differences, meaning there were moments when certain situations cot lost in translation.
However, if you look beyond this, the story has good potential, and makes good points.

One More for Christmas: A Novel

One More for Christmas: A Novel by Sarah Morgan
5 star

I’ve always enjoyed Sarah Morgan’s Christmas inspired stories and this one was no different.
One More For Christmas explores the fractured nature of a mother’s relationship with her daughters, where her trying to do the best for them, ends up forcing them apart.
Then an accident brings them together, where secrets are unveiled, and in the midst of it all, a romance begins to blossom.
A great read for Christmas, with some touching moments,

Releasig 22nd October, 2020

To be published 15th October. I can’t actually put my review up yet, until the publication date… but it’ss GOOD!!

Life In Pieces

Life In Pieces by Dawn O’Porter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved Dawn O’Porter’s So Lucky, so jumped at the chance to read her take on the Lockdown of 2020, and was not disappointed, whatsoever.
There were many moments I was nodding my head, agreeing with her thoughts, times I was giggling at her antics, and then, especially as she discussed the loss of her good friend, Caroline Flack, there were moments of deep sadness.
Dawn’s experience, regardless of whether she is a celebrity or not, mirrors the emotions of many families, stuck at home, home schooling, dealing with being in a home with the same people for months on end.
A great read!

Releasing on October 1st, 2020

The Christmas Swap

The Christmas Swap by Sandy Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve got to be honest with you. The last few weeks have seen me read less and less, not for want of trying, but because I am exhausted due to the trials and tribulations of this whole Covid-19 craziness.
Books that I would usually whizz through, are unable to keep me awake and reading,
However, for the first time in around four weeks, I found a book that kept me reading, and I finished it in two sittings.
And that book was The Christmas Swap by Sandy Barker.
OMG, I LOVED it!
It was just the level of lighthearted reading that I needed, with characters that I felt invested in from the beginning.
The May Ladies, or rather Jules, Lucy and Chloe, are a trio who met as youngsters and formed a true bond, despite living in totally different continents, America, Australia and England. Their friendship stays strong over the years, with them meeting up regularly.
This Christmas, however, they end up swapping their lives, with Jules, the Aussie, ending up in a small village in Oxfordshire, Lucy the English rose, in the snowy depths of America, and Chloe, the American, enjoying a warm Aussie Christmas in Melbourne.
A total departure for each of them, and who knew they might just meet some one special in their new Christmas abodes?
I loved how Sandy switched slang for the different characters, so you could tell the origins of each character. The chemistry that simmered between certain individuals as they tested their feelings out, and that hint of something physical, without too much graphic detail.
A really wonderful read, that promises to take you on a journey of discovery, and a whirlwind tour of the world!
Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Released 16th October, 202

See, it was a much quieter reading month for me, due to starting back to school. the first few weeks always drain me totally, and having the builders around doesn’t help! Still, I was always reading, whether it was a page a day, or a chapter.

Which book caught your fancy?

What are you reading?

Chai And A Chat #103 #ChaiAndAChat #CoronaDiaries Week 27

Monda’s come around so fast, don’t they?

I’ve got my Chai. You got yours?

  • If we were having chai I’d start with school as always. Things have been crazy, and I can say that I have been fully stretched, in my new role as Phase Leader. Not only am I getting to grips with the whole new curriculum we are trialling, but there are issues with SEN (Specian Educational Needs) pupils, and parents not quite on boarad with the fact that their chld may not be functioning quite on the same wavelength as the rest of the class, children with other needs (possibly Social Services), and staff disquiet. I have definitely been pushed in new directions, but to be honest, I am so lucky to have a fabulous team around me, all pulling together, that things are easier to stomach, and deal with.
  • If we were having chai I’d have to tell you that it’s all been a bit too much, though. Last weekend, I didn’t go into much detail, but Lil Man had tonsillitis, so we had a huge rigmarole to run through, in order to get him antibiotics, then Lil Princess got a stonking cold, which transferred to her chest. She was off school for three days. This also hit Hubby Dearest too, Me? Well, I’m exhausted, what with the house stuff, as well as school and illness in the house. So exhausted, that I ended up going home early to rest on Wednesday, with the full support of my above mentioned wonderful team. Still much needed, that rest, but I had a bit, at least.
  • If we were having chai I’d let you know that the house is so close to being done, but still, there are niggles that need completing. The flooring is all down on the ground floor, the painting is pretty much all done, just a little more in the kitchen, and some touch ups around the place. There are some new splashbacks to be installed in the Kitchen, then we should be done inside. But, there was a leak in the new shower, so the guys turned up on Sunday to investigate. We think it’s been fixed. The next shower will tell… Outside, the front is pretty much done, just some light fittings to reattach. We need curtains for some of the rooms, but the rest… nearly there. Then we need to choose carpet for upstairs, before getting this place on the market!
  • If we were having chai I’d let you know that my exhaustion was mildly dispelled by some lovely bookmail that I received from my New Zealand brother, Matthew Goodall. He’s a children’s author and illustrator. Immensely talented, and he sends me all his books which I treasure! Can’t wait to read this one to my class!
  • If we were having chai I’d remind you that writing is totally not on the radar right now, but it was wonderful to receive a letter from the British Library on Friday, acknowledging and accepting Marriage Unarranged onto their register! Yay!!

This week, I just hope that the Covid numbers start to control, as they are rising sharply, and I just wish everyone to be safe. School will be what it will be. And that darned house stuff, I really hope it’s done and dusted this week!

Can you believe we hit October this week?

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!

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