You just do.

My cousin came by today with her baby son, Reece. (The boys decided he should have their train table since they don’t use it anymore.) So Reece was jumping around. Playing with stacking cups and a plastic hammer. He was so happy. And so very, very busy. And loud. Loud in a very happy, yet exhausting, sort of way.

When I had a baby his age, I was pregnant with another. When my second was that age, I had a toddler and was pregnant. And somehow, the happy noises, the constant motion didn’t bother me. Yes, I had my moments. But basically, it was fine. Great, in fact. But when Reece left today, I was tired.

My home life is hardly restful. We have baseball games almost every night this time of year. Tonight is the enrichment fair. All the boys have book reports due this week, so that adds to the regular homework gig. It’s a lot. But I’m used to it. Just like I was used to having toddlers and babies. I remember people asking how I managed with three little ones. I replied that you just do. Sort of like now. I just do.

Which brings me to work. Some weeks, there is just more that needs to be accomplished than is humanly possible. Or so it seems. But it’s hard to say no to that wonderful client who needs a rush job. And the regular work can’t slide. And which long-term project can get sidelined to make way? None, it seems. But somehow, it always gets done. Sure, it can be stressful. And of course, I tell myself that I need to work on my ability to say “No, that 20 hour project can’t be done in 10.”

But you know the saying that if you want something done, get the busiest person to do it? It is oddly true. Stress aside, some people just get things done.

And as exhausted and demanding as that can be, I do get this rush from delivering what I promised, when I promised. And I admit, I like being able to beat the odds. It makes me feel like a winner.

A tired, but happy, winner.