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I do feel though, like I've flirted with far too many titles. While some have become mainstays in my reality repertoire, others have been a fleeting tickling of fancy that just couldn't keep my attention. I've found myself engrossed in the search for the great mate presented on the Bachelorette and The Bachelor. On occasion, I've become entranced by the original of all reality revolutions -- the Real World. I've felt my heart pounding as I've followed the consummate competitions comprised of Survivor, American Idol, Project Runway and Top Chef. And, much to my chagrin, I've become obsessed with the completely inconsequential yet oh-so-addictive shows that allow me to keep up with the Kardashians, see just how sweet home is for Tori and Dean and of course, stay on top of some of America's most influential individuals on the Hills. And while I've become a bit unsettled after compiling the copious amounts of reality rubbish that I take in, I will not apologize for my very guiltiest pleasure -- The Real Housewives. I don't discriminate, I'll take any season, any city.
I found that I watched far less reality television prior to parenthood. I do understand that this seems backwards. With less time for taking in the tube, one would think that I would have pared down my programming but not so, my friends. I am especially enthralled in the lives of the housewives of the OC and NY ... and will watch Jersey and Atlanta whenever the mood strikes. I love it all because if what I am watching is truly reality {oh who am I kidding?}, then I am way more normal than I ever surmised. Watching season after season of one RHW berate her mate, I've discovered that my wifery skills are not too shabby. With seasons of seeing backstabbing besties, I've come to the conclusion that I fare pretty well on the friendship front. Viewing another speak of the challenges of being a SAHM whilst employing a duo of nannies to mind her duo of daughters, I've determined that I must not be too horrid as a mother.
There's something about being a mom that makes me wonder if I should watch more of the History channel since I do plan to shape young minds but instead, I gladly relish in the ins and outs of the RHW. Of all of the quarrels that take place amongst the roleplayers, the very best {or perhaps, worst} are those that take place between the parents and kiddos. One mother and father are always bickering over the mother's love for her son. Another mother and father hire a professional life coach to intercede in their daughter's lives. The bulk of the moms portrayed in the episodes of the Real Housewife empire are way more interested in lifting their faces than lifting their children's spirits and would rather make a dollar than a difference...and so, in the end, it serves as a great sense of perspective on my mothering skills.
Perhaps I stay tuned to the veritable buffet of reality tv trainwrecks because it does give me a sense of satisfaction... that just maybe, I am a better mom than I give myself credit for and a more balanced broad than I often think. I may never be able to take my children to Greece. Nor is it likely that I will enroll my babes in boarding school. And unless things drastically change, my children will never have the great fortune of a summer-stay in the Hamptons ... and I'm okay with that. As long as my tykes never talk smack about my parenting indiscretions on national television, I'm going to call that a win.
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