Happy Monday to you all! I hope your week was as good as mine!
If we were sipping chai together I’d sit back, relax, and tell you that the first week back to school was actually pretty good! The new girl is still growling, but peppering the growls with smiles, though she did kick out at a member of staff, which wasn’t so good… Still, baby steps. She’s going to be doing half days for a short while, and hopefully, once a bit more confident, she’ll be with us for the full day. Honestly, she’s like a frightened animal.
If we were sipping chai together I’d say that book-wise, things are going well too, I have finally got all the niggly changes made, and everything is all set for Pub Day on the 9th February. Still working on the actual blog tour posts, though! One highlight was taking delivery of my new book marks.
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention another awesome thing that happened. someone I don’t even know, someone who looked at my cover and blurb, shared it in a Romance group on Facebook! And I didn’t even have to ask! I was speechless. That means there are people out there who will read my book, even though they don’t know me!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that we took a lovely stroll along the prom on the weekend. It was beautifully sunny, but chilly, with a bit of a wind whipping up around us, but still… fresh air! Got Lil Princess out of the house willingly. That was worth it, itself!
If we were sipping chai together I’d mention that two evenings a week are now keeping me busy, with the taxiing to tutoring on a Tuesday, and now a Thursday for Lil Man and his Winter Indoor Cricket nets, along with getting them both to Badminton on a Saturday morning. I’m glad though, that is a good few hours that they aren’t glued to screens!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that we have Lil Princess’s first ever parents evening for secondary school on Wednesday. Somehow, her one doesn’t fill me with the dread of Lil Man’s! (wonder why?)
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I really need to finish writing the blog tour posts!!!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been!
Happy Monday to you all! Can you believe it? The first Monday of 2020, and of a new decade! (Unless you are involved in the debates as to whether 2020 is the start, or 2021)
If we were sipping chai together I’d clink cups with you and say Happy New Year! It’s been quite a start, globally, and not necessarily in a positive way for many, what with the awful Australian bush fires, and what on earth is Trump up to? It upset me to the core on Sunday, when Lil Man said that it looks like WW3 was starting, and that as he’s nearly 15, there’s a chance he’d be called up. No. just no.
If we were sipping chai together I’d sit back and try and shake that thought from my mind before telling you that I had a good clean up of the house before the new year was ushered in. It’s always good to start afresh, isn’t it? I know every day is a new day, but I always feel that there is something symbolic about doing all the things you intend to do, on that first day of the year. And that your environment should reflect those intentions too. If the house was a mess, and I had not washed my hair on New Year’s Day, God help me the rest of the year!
If we were sipping chai together I’d excitedly jump up and down to tell you that I received my proof copy of the book on New Year’s Eve. What a way to finish up the year. I had sent copies for review to the bloggers who are helping me with my blog tour, and one got in touch with me to mention that while she was loving the story, she had spotted a couple of silly grammatical errors, and missed punctuation marks. Rather than not mention it, and leave me with a product that is not as perfect as I would want it, she told me what to look for, and I spent a long time on Friday, and Saturday, combing through the script for any more silly mistakes (which I did find a few of, so thank you that lady for telling me!) and another FB group friend, who is a proof reader, offered to give it a look over too, in exchange for a testimonial. So, hopefully, come next week, I will have a polished manuscript which I can resubmit, and I hope any changes don’t mess up the cover measurements! (That was a nightmare with KDP that I don’t want to relive again, plus, the cover designer is on holiday now!) But for now, look below, isn’t she beautiful, my book baby?
If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that we ushered in 2020 with the in-laws, quietly, at their house, before getting back home, with a couple of hyperactive kids, who loved being able to stay up late! But it was a peaceful start to the year.
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that I managed to read a couple of books, so that is two already ticked off on my Goodreads challenge!
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention that I was back in school on Friday for teacher training day. Two weeks flew by fast, and now it’s time for the second third of the year to start! Christmas is all packed away. Time to usher in Traditional Tales for the term, and hopefully, the roaring new child will be calmer too!
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to admit that I managed three separate visits to Costa this week, too! Once, on the Monday, whilst Lil Princess was meeting friends. I had intentions of writing, over a peaceful cuppa, but ended up chatting to a random older lady for one and a half hours! Then on Thursday, we popped in to grab a croissant and drink, before a nail appointment, then finally on Saturday, when I managed that quiet, leisurely lunch with my Kindle!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that right now, I just want to get through the week, and settle back into school!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your first week of 2020 has been!
Happy Monday to you all! It’s the last Monday before Christmas today. I bet you’re all busy, getting things ready for the festive season!
If we were sipping chai together I’d sigh, and say, “Yessss! I’m on holiday! It’s been a busy half term, as always, and the run up to the Christmas holidays are always chock-a-block with fun, but tiring activites!
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to tell you about last Monday. We took the children to see a little mini panto at the local theatre. A 20 minute walk from our school. We do this every year. Should be simple, right? Since when is anything I get involved in, simple? Our Monday consisted of this – we started the day with Christmas choosing activities, and spent time compiling the children’s Christmas crafts and presents for their families. Then after an early break, we gathered the parent volunteers, and got the kids ready to walk down to the theatre. All good, so far. We arrived at 10.45am for an 11am performance. To be told that it had started at 10.30am! A slight confusion there, as we had originally booked for a different day, when the performance was due to start at 11am. But the booking needed changing, so the venue happily switched the dates, though forgot to mention that the new performance was at a different time! What were we to do with a gang of 60 children and 16 adults? Luckily, we managed to arrange to see Father Christmas after this morning’s performance (which we would have done, had we been there on time) and were hastily booked in to the afternoon performance instead! Yet there was still time to kill, so we ended up standing outside the theatre near the big town Christmas tree, posing for class photos, and ended up singing carols to passers by! Then it was a quick walk back, the children ate lunch, had a run around, and we queued them up again for the second walk of the day! The children, and adults, enjoyed a little production called Christmas Rox, about a guitar playing girl who wants to become one of Santa’s elves, and a Presley obsessed elf called Elfis, who kept on dropping lyrics to Elvis songs throughout the performance! The kids arrived back tired but happy. I was ready to drop… that walking was not good for my knees!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that on Tuesday, we had another festive-fun filled day, with a little more Christmas choosing, a small class party, where Father Christmas came visiting, then after lunch, the children watched a Christmas film, whilst we tidied up around them, listened to readers and surrepticiously did one to one assessments of the kids! This was peppered with some more joy… I have a new girl in my class. She is Lithuanian, with no English. Apparently, she can say hello, but I have yet to hear that. Anyway, she was perfectly happy, being led around the classroom by two of my helpful girls, then things flipped after break. There is obviously a problem with communication, so we try very hard to make things simple for young children with English as a second language, but this child chose to roar and growl! It took a lot of cuddles and soothing voices to calm her down. But what a first day for her; playing, party, food, then film! The next day, Wednesday, was a half day for the children, and she seemed to be okay for the most part, until she had an. ahem, accident, in my home corner! (thank goodness for disinfectant!) Then the roaring started five minutes before home time. I hope she settles in better in the new year!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that we had a gift opening session on the Wednesday, before the children left for the term, and I have been overwhelmed, once again, by the generosity of the parents and children. From gift sets, to handmade items, chocolates, and biscuits, stationery and beverages, I was humbled.
If we were sipping chai together I’d say that after a quick tidy up of the room, on Wednesday, and a quick drink with my colleagues, I got home, exhausted, full of cold, and ready for my rest and down time. But is it ever that simple for me? No… My car’s tyre pressure light started to flash at me on Tuesday night, and I knew I needed to go and check it out. But the dark evenings and rain prevented me. My intention was to spend all day on Thursday, my first day off, in bed, recuperating. But no. I started off, after sending Hubby Dearest off to work, by checking the tyres, and filling them with air, then picked up a parcel. Got home and did a bit of laundry, then settled down with my cup of tea, and Netflix on. But my Sky Q box kept playing up. It would intermittently drop the wifi signal, meaning I couldn’t watch anything. I ended up on the phone to their customer services for over an hour, and in that time, had to go up and down the stairs around 15 times, (my knees did not thank me) yet we still didn’t solve the issues. An engineer has been booked to come and trouble shoot, but that won’t happen until mid-Jan! I spent the rest of the day either watching a film, or resetting the Sky boxes… great fun, and not relaxing, at all!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the rain has been relentless over the last few days, and I was desperately hoping for a dry day on Friday as it was the staff Christmas do. I wanted to get my hair blowdried straight, and I’d already had my Christmas nails done. I had moments of luck, then it would tip it down, but I got ready, then dropped the children off to their grandparents for the night. The do itself wasn’t the best we’ve had. An old pub was the venue, and it was cramped for us. The food was so so, but the entertainment, a band called Roast Dinner – I kid you not – was not really my cup of tea, so just after 9pm, my colleague and I slipped away, preferring a cup of tea to moshing in a dingy basement! We ended up at the only local place that was serving hot drinks… McDonalds! And though we had a pleasant time, I found out the next morning that around an hour after we left, a lad was stabbed there! Jeez, the streets aren’t safe as it is, and neither is McDonalds now…
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to tell you that Saturday morning was an easy one, as there was no sore head from the night before, or kids to wake us up! After a leisurely lie in, I picked them up, and we ended up doing a little Christmas shopping at Bluewater, before Hubby Dearest and Lil Man went to watch the new Star Wars film, leaving Lil Princess and I to our devices… obviously, more shopping, and there was cake, chai latte and frappuccino involved too…
If we were sipping chai together I’d push my phone over to you to show you what happened on Sunday… whilst I was tapping away on my MacBook Air, I decided that it was time to sort out my publication date, and not only that, I listed my book on Amazon! So, now I have no excuses! Blurb is written, most documents have been uploaded, and I am just waiting for the paperback cover template, which I should get in January, as it is the festive period! But, it is out there. Pre-order is live, Peeps, if you fancy getting your hands on an ebook copy of Marriage Unarranged, as soon as it is released! Just click this link – getbook.at/MarriageUnarranged . If you fancy a paperback, cover pending, it should be available on the official publication date of 9th February, 2020!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that I know the week ahead will be hectic, but fun-filled, as usual! Obviously, there is Christmas to look forward too, and we may have a little visiting arranged for a couple of days too, but I’ll fill you in on that last Monday of the year!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
Happy Monday to you all! And it’s the first Monday of December. Seriously, where has the year gone? Right, you got your drink? I’ve got mine!
If we were sipping chai together I’d start by telling you that illness appears to have left the building… well, for now, anyway. Though Hubby Dearest was complaining of another sore throat last night… *Go away evil bugs!!!* And the kids at school appear to be a lot more hardy too this week. There were a couple off, but not the hoard we had last week. Good thing too, as we have to start the Nativity rehearsals!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that I do love the lead up to Christmas in school. The children have been practicing their play songs, and slowly, the parents are getting the costumes in. I just hope they are all in by today as we need them for rehearsals! I was busy on Friday, with one of my dear colleague friends, creating a Post Office for the children, removing the Superhero HQ that they have loved so far. Just hope they aren’t disappointed with the change! And I put a few decorations up ready for December too. The children will help us decorate the tree this week.
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention my observation. I am pretty confident as a teacher. I know the children and their wellbeing, as well as their learning will always come first to me, but when I am being watched, I end up like a bowl of jelly… I know I will do everything, but I will forget little things. I even got the wrong group of kids to come to work with me! But realised pretty fast, and changed over. Aside from a couple of silly mishaps, it all went well, and my feedback was pretty much all positive. I don’t know why I worry, but you know, I’m only human!
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to say that it was my five year Blogiversary too! I am always amazed that this little blog that I started on a whim, has now got just shy of 8,000 WP followers, and over 14,000 when all followers are included! Awards won, blogiversaries celebrated – that’s all fantastic, but the biggest things to have come out of my blog are the friends and Blogily I have met and the encouragement to write. Thank you all for that. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for you all!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that I am aiming to get my time management into gear, thanks to a great book I read at the weekend. I feel quite fired up, and have even written some goals out too! Time Management for Writers, by Katie Forrest. Available on Amazon, if you are interested!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that we had a lovely chilled weekend again. After swimming, Lil Princess and I went to get nails done and my eyebrows threaded, then we had a takeaway dinner, and it was great to be able to switch off from the madness that is my life usually.
If we were sipping chai together I’d also have to tell you that on Saturday was my Finndian nephew #1’s fifth birthday! I’m always gutted that we aren’t close by, but a video call with him and the rest of my Finndian family made things a lot better! He is such a little clown, and makes us all laugh!
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention that it is now December! Yes, the decorations came out and the household was Chrismassed up! Advent calendars were opened and all is well!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d mention that we are going to be busy this week, getting all festive at school! There will be rehearsals, and Christmas crafts starting up, and to top it off, the children will be having their Flu Spray immunisations too! fun and games!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that I have another Dr’s appointment on Friday. Let’s see if there is any other joy as to why I am still getting these pains. Tiredness has been less, thankfully, but I still need that hot water bottle on my knees every night… Ow!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
Happy Monday to you all! Can you believe it? we’ve been sharing a cuppa every Monday for 60 weeks now? That’s mad! Now, if you’re ready with yours, let’s go!
If we were sipping chai together I’d start by telling you the lurgy hit the household this week! Hubby Dearest and Lil Man were struck down by Man Flu, then Lil Princess did something to her neck, and was full of sniffles too. The bins have been overflowing with tissues… perfect! And me? Well, I think I have saved myself mostly from the lurgy, but the pains, well they are still around. Anopther Dr’s appointment has been booked but it’s not for another two weeks… And at school we haven’t been safe either. On Monday I had 21 students in, instead of 29, many off with a Norovirus style bug. Then we ended the week with one confirmed Chicken Pox case… let’s see what this week brings…! I’m due to have my flu jab on Friday. Hope I can last until then!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that we had our anniversary last Monday. Being a school/work night, we didn’t really do too much, and with Hubby’s Man Flu, we’ve kept our celebration on ice for now. But I was gifted beautiful flowers and a gorgeous figurine by my wonderful man, as well as a T-Shirt I was joking about… what do you think?
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention that despite my aches and pains, I had a date with Lil Princess and our friends, to go and watch the real Little Mix in concert on the Thursday night! It was a rush to get there, after school on Thursday, but we did it, and had a great meal together, before watching the band. The girls loved it, and I think is mums might just have enjoyed it a little more!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that I was shattered by Friday. This out on a school night really is too much for me now! I got through the school day, and rushed home to get cleaning done, and then whizzed to the shops for the grocery, then once I got home, I was ready for bed. I had a fantastic sleep! And we did nothing this weekend, bar rest, eat, read and watch TV. A much needed set of downtime!
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to tell you about something really fun that we did at school this week. We have been learning about seasons and decided to make season bottles with the children. I have to say, I was pretty proud of the ones we made with the kids in our class… Check them out below! And nativity song practice is in full flow too. We have been singing our play songs each day, and the children have really impressed me with how well they have picked up the words! And I have mentioned this before, but they really do sound so angelic. I can’t wait for the performance!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d mention that the week may involve less children, due to sickness, but it also affects adults, and I already know one of our team is going to be off for one day, due to her own kids… Tis the season to be sicky, fa la la la la, la la la la!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I am a little nervous as I am being observed on Thursday too. Being observed is never fun. I hate that we have to be judged on a 20-30 minute lesson, when I KNOW I am a good teacher… but hey, at least I know my observer well!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d let you know that it will be my Finndian nephew #1’s fifth birthday too this week… where did that time go? And that means that I’ll be celebrating my five year Blogiversary too this week!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
