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In Real Life

We are a normal family, one dad, one mom, 2 boys (aged 7 & 2), 3 dogs, two of which are male.

We have experienced financial difficulty and decided not to pay our TopTV subscription and go back to the usual SABC/etv line-up. It was hectic because our kids (and I) love watching satellite TV. We usually went from bath to dinner to watching Rubbadubbers, Angelina Ballerina, Barney & Friends until it was time for lights off. Then I would watch my stuff (What not to Wear, House Hunters, etc).

Now it is Afrikaans news at 19:00 and whatever's on after the news and then off to bed. The boys are having a tough time. They have taken to singing their favourite show's tunes.

But it has done us wonders upon reflection. We talk more, spend more time with them, rather than leaving them in front of the telly while catching up, mopping up and planning the next day. I have started reading them stories again, or making some up along the way. Our youngest is now at the Why? stage, so its Flinkdink all the time!! Our eldest now actually spends more time outside in the garden, making tents out of old bedlinen and rolling on the grass with the dogs.

I have also realised that humans make the best of what they have, and when faced with no options, we don't just curl up in a ball and feel sorry for ourselves. We might feel that way, but we don't really do it. We make do with what we have.

Now I need to plan tonight's supper. With two tins of sardines, lentils, rice and lots of imagination!!

Thanks for your awesome newsletters. Always a joy to read.

Regards,
R
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