So today a friend of mine asked me (at 2:30 am whilst I was working) how I do it all. By all, she meant raising 3 kids (and a husband), working 2 jobs, keeping a semi clean home AND writing a novel. She was the third or forth person to ask me that this week alone. My reply varied from "because I love my kids" to "you do what you gotta do." But in my head, my first response (which I always edit because pity makes me break out in hives) was "I have no freakin' idea! I'm so tired I could curl up on your shoes and sleep for a week!"
See? I think my shrug and non-answers are the better choice.
Yes, I'm exhausted, but it won't be like this forever. My husband let me stay home with the kids while I was between jobs, and now it's his turn. I have to leave them everyday, but I also get to come home and see their wonderful, excited faces every night. All three of my kids stay up until I can read them a book and tuck them in. This is amazing. Those sleepy kisses are what keeps me going.
And even though Daddy is home, they still want Momma. That little fact shouldn't make me so happy, but it does. I feel wanted; needed. Sometimes that's all a person needs to jump start their "motivation" gene.
Right now, I'm writing with one hand while holding my 13 month old as he eats a Gerber granola bar. It's the happiest I've been all day. Weird? Maybe :)
Hooray for the simple and wonderful!
-Ali
