But I Smile Anyway…

Hello, all! I’m back, with my first update of the New Academic Year!

Just about enought time to squeeze in a quick cuppa, while I tell you how my week went!

• If we were having chai I’d not start with School, because last Monday was a bank holiday. Instead, let me regale you with a set of disasters that started before school, and didn’t really conclude until Saturday! So, I woke on Monday, earlier than the rest. That’s a usual occurrence. I sipped a cup of tea as I read, before thinkint I’d wash up the dishes and go shower. Except I couldn’t. Because there was no WATER! After a little digging, it appears that a water mains burst, near us, rednering waterless for the best part of the day. That is no fun! It came on briefly in the afternoon, allowing Hubby Dearest to shower, but then went off again until 8pm. Great! Still, it was back. However, I woke on Tuesday, a little nervous about school, to find that a switch had tripped in our electrics, meaning no lights downstairs, at all, and the whole of the kitchen was without power, lights and sockets! Cue me running around, trying to find alternative sockets for the fridge freezer, and a place to plug in my kettle! Then I got a message from one of my team. She was ill, and wouldn’t be in. No worries. We were on INSET day, so that could be managed. Left the house with Lil Man who had to go in for his first Covid test, pre starting Sixth Form. And the road was closed, out of our lane, meaning I had to find a new way to get to school! A little later we arrived at our destination, frazzled, but ready for a new day. The power was restored at home mid morning, but the internet decided to be a pain, instead, disconnecting itself from all the WIFi discs we have around the house. So, that evening, I was trying to help get it all reset, and then proceeded to lose my phone behind a radiator! Don’t ask. forty five minutes of struggling, but we got it out. The internet issues didn’t, end, with the connection going again on Thursday, and it took me until Saturday to actually get it all set up again. Fingers crossed, it is all okay, so far.
• If we were having chai I’d catch my breath, then let you know about school. So, we had 2 full days of INSET, which is in school training and preparation days. These involved meetings, to go over changes, and developments, time to meet new staff, training on a few new ideas, and refreshers on others, as well as time in the classrooms. At least these went relatively smoothly…! Thursday and Friday were the days we had booked for home visits to children who weren’t a part of our school nursery, so we could meet them, and they were a little familiar with them. And weren’t they eye opening?! I am already aware that we have a large number of high needs pupils beginning, but all I will say is that we will have our hands full! No further comment. Oh, actually, there is one. Despite a slight fear of what is to come, the children do seem lovely! And another, some of these children have gorgeous pets! I was in school until a little later on Friday, so I could get the room as set as possible for Monday, when the children are due in for half days. Someone has misplaced an important set of keys, which opens one of my storage areas, so it was a little tough. I am hoping we find that sooner, rather than later!
• If we were having chai I’d have to say that, as always, cricket was still there, hovering in the background, and sometimes coming forwards… a couple of weeks to go… He had two training sessions, and then on Saturday played for the Mens 4ths team, and got Man of the Match! Three wickets taken. Well done, Lil Man!
• If we were having chai I’d have to mention that it was a special day for me, on Friday, as most of you know. It was my birthday! Needless to day, aside from the fact I was at work, it was lovely! Actually, the work part was as good, too! My colleagues were amazing, and I left work feeling so loved. At home that feeling continued. My dining room table is filled with cards, and I was even sent one from my own school, as I am a part of the Old Girls Association there!

• If we were having chai I’d say that we spent Sunday going out to lunch, as well as heading to the in-laws to cut a belated birthday cake, followed by much ironing and getting the kids ready for school/Sixth form, today!
• If we were having chai I’d leave you with my ever present furbaby, Sonu Singh, curled up on Sunday morning, beside me, keeping me company as I read!

This week, well, it’s time to welcome those little lovelies into my classroom for the year, as well as prepare all manner of other documents, ready for this academic year. The kids are both in school as of today, so a semblance of normality should settle, now… here’s hoping!

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!

And that’s it. In the blink of an eye, the holidays are toast!

I’ve got my last drink of the vaycay. Have you got yours?

• If we were having chai I’d probably begin by lamenting the speed with which the time has flown. I feel like I havent been very productive this summer, because, usually, I would at least write – but the mind has been nowhere near ready, I’d have been in and out of the school getting things ready – not as much as I wanted, and I’ll explain my frustrations a bit more, below. I’d had plans to get a lot more of the little bits and bobs done in the house, but, apart from new garden furniture, nothing else was done…
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that I have continued to read. My reading mojo picked up, at least, so where I feel I have been extremely lazy (though I wasn’t being lazy, I was resting and recuperating, when I could, with a book or kindle in my hands!) in many parts of my life, I read almost twenty books!
• If we were having chai I’d mention that, obviously, cricket was another big part of our week,w ith Lil Man having two matches for his District team, three other training sessions and a mens match for his club. There have been some interesting conversations over the week, regarding what he needs to do, next, to progress, because, unfortunately guidance and support has been lacking where we had hoped he would receive it. however, early days… I’ll fill you in more, when I can! He did, however, have many compliments thrown at him, on Saturday from his club members, for his amazing improvement and performances over the last year, which was nice… but. a little too late?

• If we were having chai I’d have to admit that though the sky looked like that on the Monday, Wednesday’s match brought a very hot afternoon, adn this silly cricket mum forgot her sunscreen, so ended up with a burnt nose, arms and chest! Ouch!
• If we were having chai I’d say that we managed to get to Bluewater as a family, to a) pick up the remaining bits of Lil Man’s suit for Sixth form, and to have a lovely meal in Nandos. It is the first meal out we have had as a family, since the pandemic started! Oh, and finally got Lil Man’s hair cut, ready for his start of term. He’s also got his vaccination, since the 16 and 17 year olds were offered their one shot, too.

• If we were having chai I’d end with a little photo of Sonu Singh. I did open my laptop to do stuff, but he was havnig none of it. It’s like he knows time is drawing closer, when we won’t be home with him, all day… I’ll miss my fur baby when we are back at school!

This week, well, aside from going back to school, and keeping track of the days I have to ensure my two are in for their pre starting school Lateral Flow Tests, it will also be my birthday week!

As a little gift, so to say, for all your support for me, Marriage Unarranged is discounted for the week, so, if you fancy a fun read, please go ahead and download it, and it’ll be like a birthday gift to me, too!

https://getbook.at/MarriageUnarranged

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!

Oh, Lordy, four weeks down, and only one to go!

Well, if you’re ready with your drink, I’m ready with my recap!

• If we were having chai I’d start with a little sigh, and say that I still feel very, very tired. It’s not going to be a long post, today. I don’t have it in me, to be honnest, and with just a week of holiday left, I am not sure I will be firing all cylinders at the beginning of term.
• If we were having chai I’d tell you that we went suit shopping for Lil Man and his Sixth form. It’ll be strange seeing him getting ready to go to college, rather than school… with his suit on rather than uniform, but how wonderful, too!
• If we were having chai I’d mention that I popped into school briefly on two occasions, to move a few bits around, and get some things ready. There isn’t a huge point in doing too much right now, because we really don;t know what the cohort of children will be like, so the basic preparations will be done, and we can take it from there.
• If we were having chai I’d go a bit quiet and say that, again, I have eaten far too much this week. The scales are mocking me. Nuff said…
• If we were having chai I’d excitedly tell you that this week Lil Man’s Under 17s team won their league, and the cup match, then on Saturday, the 4ths Mens team he plays with, also won their match, meaning they will finish top of their league! And on the cricket front, my brother was playing a T20I tournament with Finland, against Sweden, and after four matches, they drew 2-2, so not a bad cricket week, all round!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you it was Rakhri on Sunday, where brothers and sisters celebrate their love for one another. I miss being with my own brother, but always feel blessed that my own two have each other to continue this tradition with.

This week, I still have two intense cricket days, where Lil Man is playing for his District team, along with three traininng sessions, and another match on Sunday. I also have to go into school for the day on Tuesday, to spend some time with my team, getting set for September. But Hubby Dearest has time off on Thursday and Friday, so it will be lovely to chill with him, too, and hopefully relax a little before back to school hits!

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!

Have three weeks of my break really passed me by? Do I really only have two weeks left?

Well, if you’re ready with your drink, I’m ready with my recap!

• If we were having chai I’d start by telling you that since the holidays have started, I have no idea what I am doing… my life is so up and down, with things going on, constantly, that I forget what happened last week/this week, what is yet to happen… I think, this week, my mind spin is coming from the fact that I didn’t have a huge amount planned, so I was a bit lost, to be honest.

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that, as always, cricket still featured heavily. (It’s the summer, it’s the season, I can’t get away from it!) He had two more one to one sessions with some of his district coaches, who appeared very impressed with his skills and progress. There were three club training sessions, where I had a great chat with one of the ‘cricket widows’ as she described herself, with her husband being the director of cricket for the club, and two sons who have been immersed in cricket since they were mere dots. Then, he had his club match on Saturday, where he did phenomenally. 3 for 11 of 9. In plain English, that means that he bowled for nine overs, and managed to get three wickets (batters out) only giving away eleven runs, which is pretty good!

• If we were having chai I’d mention that Lil Princess and I went to the haidresser for trims after a good six months. I have also decided that I need to sort my diet out, so after a post I saaw by my author friend Dan Wilcocks, pledging to only shave his beard once he hits his target weight, I have created my own little challenge #keepinggreyuntililovehowmuchiweigh – yes, I am not dyeing my hair until I hit that target. My roots are pretty obvious already. Who knows, I might just like the au naturel look, but for now, that is my incentive, and boy, do I need it… I ate FOUR donuts in one go on Saturday. I am SO ASHAMED!
• If we were having chai I’d say that

• If we were having chai I’d excitedly tell you that Lil Man’s GCSE results came out, and HE PASSED! So, as of September, he will be attending the Sixth form of his choice to continue his education. We are so proud of him!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that we had a lovely lunch on Sunday, with my in-laws who came around after a long time. My Bro in law has been in plaster and a walking boot since April, and he was unable to move, before this, so it was his first time at the new house. Such a lovely few hours, it was.

• If we were having chai I’d leave you with an image of Sonu Singh, who is still very haappy with the new table!

This week, there is cricket, as always, but only the the club training, and a match on Saturday (and possibly, Thursday). I have an appointment to take my father-in-law to, on Wednesday, and I really need to log into my work laptop, and also pop into school, too… But, I also am still on r & r mode… I need to be in tip top condition for the begining of school, so I’m still reading and relaxing!

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!

Two weeks of the holidays, done, and I feel like I have lived several weeks within them, to be honest!

Another eventful week, filled, not with school, but plenty of other stuff! Right, got your drink?

• If we were having chai I’d start by saying that cricket is exhausting. Not the playing, because I don’t do that, but the taxiing around, and the watching and the waiting… At least another four days where cricket took us hostage.. I guess it is a good thing I kinda enjoy it, eh!

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that we ventured to Bluewater one day, and there were moments there, that I didn’t think I’d see, like my two actually saying they want to wander off, together, instead of trying to kill each other, so I could browse the statationery shops and book stores in peace! To be honest, I didn’t, because I am still not confident that they wouldn’t end up in an argument, but it was good to hear. They wanted to do a bit of shopping, and then after popping into M & S for some special food, we went home.

• If we were having chai I’d mention that, in other news, I spent forever in the car, ferrying the in-laws to various hospital appointments, which was fine, as, even though they were early starts, I am up early, and because it waas the holidays, I didn’t have to take time off, unlike the others in the family. So, two covid tests, and a cataract op later, I feel I have had my fill of them. There was also meant to be a knee replacement op, too, but it got cancelled 48 hours before, as the consultant hadn’t done all his checks. So my poor mum in law had to isolate for ten days, and we couldn’t even take Pops and Mum to visit them because of that isolation, for nothing!
• If we were having chai I’d say that the reading slump has finaally ended. I think I must have read around five books just this week. Honestly, I am listening to my body, especially in those periods of time that are my own. I am not going overly crazy with cleaning. The house is clean and tidy, but I am not obsessing over it. If I have spare time I grab my kindle or book, and snuggle on my sofa, in my reading/writing snug, in the garden, or on my bed, and I read until my eyes droop. If they do, I place the book to one side, and snooze. Another few days of that, and I hope to have shifted the exhaustion!

• If we were having chai I’d have to admit to being awful with eating. I have been so, so good, losing a few lbs, doing a bit of exercise, then eating well, and the lasat few weeks it’s all gone to pot! Like, totally! the scales are showing every increasing numbers, my enercy is so low that exercise is the last thing for me to do, and I want to constantly graze! Not good! See, I manage two fantastic, healthy meals, then the afternoon slump hits, and all I do is eat snack after snack…

• If we were having chai I’d tell you that those aches and pains are still there, my shoulder worse than it was before. But, we did manage to order and fit together, the garden furniture. It is being used in the conservatory at the moment, as we don’t have a dining table, but it looks rather lovely! I’ve enjoyed a couple of meals and tea times there, looking out over the garden as I eat, or read.

• If we were having chai I’d leave you with an image of Sonu Singh, who approves of the table, too!

This week, there is cricket, oh and the DREADED GCSE RESULTS for Lil Man! We are all nervous. I just want him to pass, and get his place at the right Sixth Form for him, to be honest. Other than that, no plans… maybe I will be more rested, eh!

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!