ENOUGH NOW

I have had just about enough of 2011...
Its been the toughest year since 2006...
I mean how much can one family endure..and yes I specifically used that word ENDURE not the phrase "deal with"...because at this moment that is how I feel.

The loss of two grandparents, work issues, relationships issues, kiddies in hospital, hi-jacking, new jobs, and SPIDER BITES...
YES me too...I have had just about enough now!

I am sick with 2011...
but then I need to remember with all the YUK came lots of goodness too...

U2 concert, hearing my SISTER fell pregnant with a baby girl, my hubby and I getting new good jobs (out with old in with the new), being able to enrol our ladybug in the new Trinity House campus, getting a new car, nana kicking ass in her para-legal studies, me getting my honours CUM LAUDE, the beautiful people who helped in our first Golf Day, the Elvis fundraiser, the Barnyard Fundraiser, winning free tickets to two different shows, the various other concerts we attended (Kings of Leon being one of them), going to Cape Town on some superb Psychiatry training, getting our HORSIE even more intensive therapy from Reva, Louise, Hannah, (soon Juliet) and Wiggles...

And I am sure I am leaving out so much...
So...
When I look at the list...
It seems I am more blessed and should be THANKFUL!
Cathartic, helpful, needed...

The NEW babysitter

So you know every single "new Age" parenting book refers to the issue of TV being a "monster" and NOT to be used as a babysitter for our children...

Well I don't disagree at all...but in the midst of getting home and the "suicidal hours" that almost zap the very last bit of energy never mind sanity out of me between the hours of 5 to 9pm...I need some kind of crutch.

I am sure a half an hour of "EDUCATIONAL" purposeful BARNEY or an HOUR of Nemo/Cars/Happy Feet/Tangled won't harm, while you THE SUPER MOM -  cook ( a nutritious balanced super filled anti-oxidant, good protein meal), pack bags, run bath, read newsletters, potty train, play, pour tea, do washing, sweep the floor (from the biscuit snack or nut snack or biltong snack you have just given), push kids on the swing, jump on the trampoline, play some more, change nappies, make rice milk, boil water (to put in the fridge as drinkable good water for later), add Epsom salts/Himalayan salt to the bath water, sort clothing draw, make beds, clean dinner table, pour more tea.

I am sure in those moments the TV seems just like a piece of DISTRACTION HEAVEN...
So please book people (writers/authors/experts) try to keep the INSANITY of our mother's in mind when you preach that TV should NOT be a babysitter...

I have an alternative which for me was not something I DISCOVERED...my lady bug and Horsie did it all on their own.

The NEW babysitter in our house is the TUMBLE DRYER!

Yes you heard me...the dryer, with lady bug "pretend playing" its her shop/room/storage unit, and just recently her BED...she crumpled herself into the dryer and said "hi mommy, look at me! with the biggest smile on her face."

That lasted all of two seconds til our Horsie climbed on top of the dryer ( his usual FUN, he is a climber, and will do whatever it takes to fulfill this NEED, with whatever appliance, furniture piece, wall...actually whenever and on whatever he can).

He accidentally in his accent switched on the DRYER, well I have never seen lady bug jump so fast, she LEPT out...

So there goes my babysitter...so I guess its back to the fabulous TV as a babysitter.

No judgement please its all in the name of MENTAL HEALTH - MINE (and to a lesser extent the Horsie and Ladybug.)