Chai & A Chat #11 #ChaiAndAChat

17 Dec 2018 51 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , ,

Well here we are at meeting number eleven… heaven!

Yes, it’s been another eventful week (when is it not, where I am concerned!)

  • If we were sipping chai together  I’d tell you that my dear colleague is still not well, and has been signed off for a while longer, meaning I shall be changing my priorities for the next couple of months. Reception will get my attention more, and Nursery loses me for a day. I am a little gutted as I love being in Nursery, but equally, I hold a strong belief that children of a young age really need to have continuity in their education. Different faces appearing to teach them, with different methods, confuse them. So, even though it is a change I’d rather not make, I suggested I take more time there so the class I am with at the moment manage to continue with the same staff they are familiar with, rather than lots of different faces. The other class will then also get two teachers they know until our colleague is back… But it’s so annoying… I had written my reports for our class, ready to go out on the Friday, but as the other teacher hadn’t done hers due to her illness, we will have to rewrite them in January now! Grrr!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that we’ve been in full Christmas mode in school this week, with carol concerts for the older children, the Key Stage one Christmas performance and our Reception Nativity. You can’t beat a primary school play! The kids did so well too!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d moan about these parents who send children in when they are still unwell, spread the viruses they have, then keep them off again. Yeah. Thanks. As a result, I have had the worst cold, Lil Princess has been coughing and spluttering, Lil Man was coughing and Hubby Dearest got the lurgy from me! It prompted me to do a little singing, after reading a fantastic rewrite of We Three Kings by Sue Vincent! If you haven’t heard it, check this post out, the singing link is in there!

https://butismileanyway.com/2018/12/14/sues-songs-for-the-seasonally-challenged-we-feel-ill/

  • If we were sipping chai together I’d mention that it was Christmas Jumper day on Friday too. I love a Christmas jumper! The charity, Save The Children, run an annual Christmas Jumper Day, and we all donate money for the pleasure of wearing a festive knit! I have quite3 a collection so didn’t need to buy another, though I have found a great one for Hubby Dearest… He’s a bit of a Rap fan… or he used to be, anyway!
  • If we were sipping chai together  I’d share with you my favourite jumper which I wore, and by the end of Friday, I managed to acquire a red nose to match it! And Sonu Singh joined in with the fun too! 
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d confide in you that we went to get our hair done on Saturday, as a pick me up, Lil Princess and I. My experience was fine, but she was devastated as they found a few nits in her hair… so they were unable to give her a trim! We spent the best part of Saturday afternoon treating, combing and checking her hair… think I got them all…
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that we had a function on Sunday at the Gurdwara where we had to attend, and then cookies were baked for school too, and I attempted to make some salt dough ready for school today… 
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that the end of term is finally in sight! Phew! We finish on Wednesday and have the staff Christmas party to look forward to on Thursday. The kids will be having a sleepover at friends, but I may have to ferry Lil Man to an extra set of cricket training sets on both Thursday and Friday, so no relaxation time then!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you I can’t wait for a little family time…

So there you have it… only two weeks left of this year to go! What ore fun will be chucked at me this week?

Have a great one Peeps! 

Chai & A Chat #10 #ChaiAndAChat

10 Dec 2018 30 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , ,

Well, well, well! We’ve got to the tenth week of Chai & A Chat! And what a week I’ve had… again! (is it ever quiet…?)

  • If we were sipping chai together  I’d tell you my week at school has been even more manic than a usual manic run-up-to-Christmas week! We’ve had a colleague taken ill, and hospitalised, which meant that I had to take my Reception class for more time, but my manager had to take the other class, so… I ended up having no observation! I was gutted as it was all planned for, but what can you do? I’ll have to get it looked at in January instead… more waiting.
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that the nativity play songs are running through my head constantly, but the worst thing is that I won’t get to see it being performed to parents, as the day they do that, is my Nursery day!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d mention that the craziness of ferrying Lil Man to and from his district trials is finally over. Three weeks of rushing to and from this place, in the dark – over. We just need to wait for the results to see whether he has been selected!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d excitedly tell you that the Capital Radio Jingle Bell Ball was amazing! We saw Liam Payne, Ellie Goulding, Olly Murs, Rak-Su, Jonas Blue, James Arthur, Dalton Harris, Loud Luxury, Halsey, Anne-Marie and Rita Ora. David Guetta was there too but we slipped out before he came on to get the girls back home without being stuck in traffic! Seeing a concert at a proper venue was great, even though I can admit to you all that I knew about 4 of the acts by name before… and had to listen to the songs to realise I knew the others too… old? Me…? Nah!!!!
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  • If we were sipping chai together I’d also mention that we did some visiting on Sunday (yup, I told you it was full on!) We embarked upoin a 2 hour journey to a little place in East Preston, called Littlehampton, where Hubby Dearest has a cousin. She has a gorgeous 20 month old, and also is now proud mum to 3.5 month ond twins! So I got a full on baby fix today! Clucky much? Oh they were gorgeous! ❤
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that next week isn’t going to be too much easier… we are still short staffed so I shall be juggling an awful lot of stuff at school…
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d whisper that I am so NOT prepared for Christmas…I haven’t bought proper presents for anyone, other than the children… I am forseeing a crazy shopping spree next weekend… eeeks!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d mention that it will be Lil Princess’s last ever Christmas performance at Primary school… time for me to get a little choked up… but she doesn’t want me to come… so I will be sneaking in at the back to watch!

And that is the end of this exhausting week! Phew!

Tell me, how has yours been?

Chai & A Chat #9 #ChaiAndAChat

03 Dec 2018 36 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , ,

It’s that time of week again! Chai time! 

  • If we were sipping chai together  I’d say that, for the most part, we are a healthier bunch! So, the sniffles are still there, and my foot still hurts, but we’re cool!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that moderation, my first experience, was actually really interesting. It is fascinating to see how everyone in our Academy, at the different schools, teaches and assesses the kids. We had our discussions, and I look forward to the next time, when we look at progress made, and what happens next… This is a part of teaching I haven’t experienced yet!
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d say that I have found a way to make Lil Man remember things he needs to sort out at school, off his own back… Threaten to not let him go to a party! It’s been two weeks that I have been asking him to go an pick up some books from the Spanish teacher for his revision and print out a paper he needs for a science assessment… Surprisingly (not) he forgot EVERY DAY, then when I mentioned ‘no party’ on Wednesday evening, he suddenly managed to come home the next day with everything done!
  • If we were sipping chai together, you’d remember that cricket fever is still running high in our household, and Lil Man had his second trial for the District team…
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d say that I am getting rather scared of how fast our children are growing up… He has teenage parties to attend, and has a voice that is squeaking, and trying to break, and she, at ten, is now reaching hormonal highs, if you know what I mean… My babies are no longer babies! Stop the clock, I wanna get off!!
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d tell you about the wonderful evening I had with my Tootie Frootie mums, complete with Secret Santa gifts! We met for drinks, before heading off to Rico Sabor, a great paella restaurant, serving a Christmas menu with a Spanish twist. There was music, great food, wonderful company and I discovered a love for Virgin Mojitos! We ate, danced and took umpteed silly photos too!
View this post on Instagram

Tootie Frooties #ChristMates

A post shared by Ritu B (@phantom_giggler) on

  • If we were sipping chai together  I’d tell you that I was exhausted, after a late night (2am and I don’t see much of each other) and I slept in untoll 10am!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the rest of the weekend was a lovely festive family snuggle time, complete with getting the Christmas tree up!
  • If we were sipping chai together  I’d tell you that Sonu Singh is expecially happy. He climbed into boxes as the tree was taken out, he tasted the branches several times and knows he has his favourite spot set for the next few weeks… behind the tree. He even got mega excited at his own advent calendar!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I am now nervous about my first formal observation of the year. It is always tough being watched. I know I am a good teacher. I know what I believe in. But you always know that the day something is going to go to pot will be the day someone is watching you!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you we have a team building event at one of the Panic Rooms here. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I mean they are puzzle rooms you enter as a team, and you have an hour to solve a mystery. We did this once before so it’s exciting to be going again!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that I am excited for the Jingle Bell Ball! Can’t wait to tell you about it next week! Yes, there are a few acts I don’t have a clue about, but I hope to be able to recognise the songs, and embarrass my daughter with some silly dancing!

Have a great week all! Let me know how your’s has been!

Chai & A Chat #8 #ChaiAndAChat

26 Nov 2018 37 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , ,

Well hello there! It’s Monday morning so it must mean time for our Chai And A Chat catch up!

  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d tell you that Monday and Tuesday were total washouts weatherwise, and other! It was windy and rainy, and even haily at some times! I was glad to be inside in the warmth, to be honest…
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the reason for my being at home was because Lil Princess was still not well, neither was I and Lil Man had the sore throat from h*ll accompanied by some suitable hot temperatures… it ended up being tonsillitis, and he was prescribed antibiotics.
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d tell you that the braces have not been successful so far, because of his sore throat. I couldn’t expect him to put up with the pain of those things whilst he could barely eat or talk! Hopefully, we can try again next week.
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d say, rather sadly, that I wasn’t able to attend the moderation, part one, because of the sickness etc. But never fear, there is part two next week, which I should be able to attend!
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d let you know that Lil Man’s first district cricket trial was very promising. I now think I know what it means to bowl a left Chinaman, but I still can’t be sure…
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d also sadly tell you we heard of the passing of two lovely family members this week… Death is never a good thing, but when it ends someone’s suffering, I guess you see there is a silver lining…
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d happily say that we managed to get out and have our anniversary dinner out too, though that was not without its own drama, trying to instil the importance of family time, and NO PHONES at the table! Yes, Lil Princess, I’m talking about you!
  • If we were sipping chai together, I would also be extremely pleased to tell you I have started the edit and read through finally! Four chapters done so far!!! I may just finish this stage soon!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I am really looking forward to my meal out with my Tootie Frootie mummies on Friday!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you Lil Man has another trial for his District Cricket possible selection…
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies  I’d say I hope these colds that are threatening to hit decide to disappear!

Have a great week everyone! Let me know what you’ve been up to! 

Chai & A Chat #7 #ChaiAndAChat

19 Nov 2018 60 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , ,

Okay, this week, I am being brave and attempting to try the new Guttenberg editor… Bear with me! 

Right, so the image got there okay!

Now for the news!

  • If we were sipping a chai together I’d sink back into the comfy armchair I managed to bag, and say PHEW! I lasted the week!
  • If we were sipping a chai together I’d tell you school days, especially at the beginning of the week, were kinda manic as we had loads of staff in and out, from sickness, to courses, to ‘moving days’… yes a lot of juggling bodies around to make sure no class was short-staffed!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that Wednesday was particularly crazy, as Lil Princess was suffering from a headache, but wanted to go in. Nearing lunchtime, her class teacher found me and told me she was really not well, so I had to get her things together at lunch, grab my phone which I had forgotten at home, drop her to my in-laws, and get back to set up for the afternoon, oh and eat too, all on 45 minutes… that was fun! Don’t worry, I did eat in the end – food and I can’t be apart for long!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d mention that I had accident #4098 – yes, you know me, totally accident-prone! I managed to step incorrectly on a front doorstep first thing in the morning. my foot went under me, the wrong way, and I totally twisted it, pulling some ligaments… that day I spent in class, on my throne, with an ice pack tucked into my sock, slowly beckoning my minions pupils to me to do the work I required of them. Bless them though, they were all so concerned!
  • If we were sipping a chai together I’d tell you that the Children in Need fundraising day went really well and we raised nearly £350! And here is my dressing up effort, as promised, last week! 
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d remind you that Lil Man was getting his braces fit too this week. The day before the appointment, I got a call from the orthodontists to tell me the appointment I had been given should not have been booked in on that date as the consultant required was not working, and could I get in on the day before at 12 midday? Er, no! I had to explain, again, that as I am a teacher, it is very hard for me to get out of school, as I have classes to teach… so they reluctantly agreed to allow the original appointment to be had, with the warning that if anything didn’t fit, they would have to reschedule, and they couldn’t guarantee a time that would suit me… Grrr! Nevertheless, we got in, and it all fit perfectly. But there was definitely discomfort and pain, and at one point he even squared up to me when the pain got so bad and I was trying to help him… eeek! 
  • If we were sipping chai together  I’d tell you that the rest of Saturday was meant to be devoted to us as a couple and family, as Sunday was our Anniversary… but in the end, I spent most of it with pukey child, as Lil Princess managed to catch some sort of vomiting bug, which, thankfully only lasted 24 hours! It was not a fun day!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that as midnight struck, we romantically exchanged cards, as I had said no presents this time… there was no need to spend silly money on gifts just for the sake of it – a lovely dinner would be more appreciated… this was what I received as my ‘card’…
  • If we were sipping chai together, I’d say that the morning brought more surprises in the form of a well daughter, a son with a sore, but a coping mouth and me being sick! Great start to the anniversary! So, there was no going out, just lots of sofa surfing, with films and books all day, and dry toast! The evening arrived and I was better, but drained… takeaway for the rest of the family! We’ll try to celebrate next week, eh! In the meantime, here’s us on our wedding day ❤

And what of the next week?

  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I shall be experiencing my first taste of moderating… this is when schools get together to compare how we grade our children, to make sure we are all singing from the same hymn sheet. A bit nervewracking, but bring it on!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you the District cricket trials for Lil Man are officially this Friday! Eeeek!!!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that I hope we get our anniversary dinner next weekend!! 

So, what’s your week been like, and what are you looking forward to?

If you want, drop a line in the comments, or even link back to this with a Chai and a Chat post of your own!

Wow! I survived Guttenberg! (It’s not as straightforward as the old, I have to say, I loved the copy old post function for my recurring challenge posts, so, unless it’s hiding somewhere, that will be time-consuming!) I shall reserve judgement yet…

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