But I Smile Anyway…

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!

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!

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!

Happy Monday, Peeps! I am sitting here with a hot drink to soothe my aching throat today, rather than to enjoy… But hey ho, one week of term to go!

You got your drink?

• If we were having chai, I’d tell you that school was hectic this week because we had a huge amount of staff absences, as well as children in and out, as these bugs do the rounds. I barely had a moment to sit down, if I am honest, with rehearsals for the nativity, planning solo as the teachers I work with were off sick, a rehearsal for our staff panto, and a parent craft morning. But we made it through!
• If we were having chai, I’d tell you that last week I commented on hopefully seeing the end of these bugs, but unfortunately, it has been even worse this week in our house. Hubby Dearest succumbed on Sunday evening and then, in his kindness, passed it on to me. I have been battling it and dosing myself up with all manner of drugs and herbal remedies, as I had to be in school. Lil Princess, who appeared to be a lot better after last week, started coughing again on Thursday night and is rather unwell again. And the in-laws had to go to the hospital last week, where Mother-in-law appears to have picked something up, so she is suffering.
• If we were having chai, I’d shiver and say it has been freezing here, literally! We haven’t had snow yet, but the frost is thick, and we had freezing fog all day on Sunday, and I dread the drive to work this morning… But it looks so pretty!

• If we were having chai, I’d say that I decided to have a go at this new AI trend that is happening… and there are some of the pics that it generated of me. At least while I have a red nose and look awful, I can enjoy the AI version on Ritu!

• If we were having chai, I’d tell you that despite being a little unwell, I went out for dinner with my girlfriends, the Tootie Frooties, and it was a blast to spend. a bit of time outside the house with some great company. I even managed a spot of solo shopping in Bluewater, before I met them. It was a fun evening, but the Thai curry I had, hoping it would clear the nasal passages, didn’t work. Still. a bit bunged up!

• If we were having chai, I’d have to mention Sonu Singh. No pics this week because I have been falling asleep early every night, and on the weekend, I was shattered and was either in bed, resting, wrapping presents for school, or out for my one dinner! Sonu has spent time chasing around the Christmas decorations, and sitting on top of me when I have been in bed. Bless him.

This week is the last week of term. Yes, it’ll be hectic, but it will be fun, too! We have the staff panto, our Reception nativity performance, a visiting panto, Christmas lunch and all the fun of the last week before Christmas holidays in a school that doesn’t have the threat of OFSTED over us anymore! I’ll see you on the other side!

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!