FIVETRIBE

The no-maid thing has had some strong reactions from some of you but what you have to remember is I dont work full-time. I actually do have the time to manage my own home. And I do have kids old enough to pull their weight. This would never have been possible a few years ago. Even though I loathe housework I do enjoy the solitude and independence...not having anyone in my house --- I will take the trade-off anyday! Levi shows Russ his holiday album  Saturday mornings are proving a lot less fun than in the past though. Russ and I had a great habit of taking off for a run and grabbing a coffee. That can no longer happen. Now we wake up and do 1hr of chores and then the weekend is ours. While I can see the benefit of this routine the kids are proving a hard-sell. >_<  My nice clean kitchen at 740am. Makes me happy! Yesterday, after chores, I took them along to the gym as Virgin is now offering a Family '24' class at 11h30. The class is fast paced 30sec movement...

We are back from a stunning holiday. The kids are back at school and Russ is back at work. This morning I had to take stock of what this last term holds and how I am going to juggle the demands on all of us. It is an exceptionally busy term. If I look at my calendar for too long I feel a very deep sense of panic and somehow I just have to make it all work. Without a domestic worker to help with the house and the kids. I had Milcah working with us for 3.5yrs. Never missed a day or ran out of airtime or came to work late. The epitome of loyal and trustworthy. Apparently not so much. We parted company (on good terms) mid September. I was gutted, she was ashamed and devastated but such is life and now we move on. I have realised that I do not need help 3 times a week. It was a luxury for us - more to help her financially. I have managed for this last 3 weeks on my own but it is not sustainable. I will turn into a mad, scary dragon-like crazy lady if forced to do this daily. Jus...

Plett Game Reserve We are at the tail-end of a wonderful holiday. All of you will have seen the updates/photos on facebook so will know that it has been a simply incredible experience. The kids are older. This makes the WORLD of difference. Storms River  Everyday we were able to adventure out without worrying about juice bottles, naps, changes of clothing or entertainment and snacks for the car. It was a matter of wake up, have breakfast, get in the car and GO. Knysna Elephant Park We returned home each afternoon, tired but exhilarated. We spent the late afternoons and evenings either reading or watching a movie/series. What makes holidays work now is that we are all on the same page. We can enjoy similar activities and downtime is expected and enjoyed. Tsitsikamma Ziplining Adventures My only regret is that we didnt get to the beaches....we just didnt have the time as we packed so much into each day. I would have loved to spend more time hiking and...