Twice in as many weeks I've been told by friends that I move really fast. Both times, the context has been multitasking children and household tasks.
I'd never really noticed it before; whilst I am acutely aware of the multitude of things I need to do at any given time, I don't really think about the processes involved in getting them done - I just get on with it. It does mean that I have no option but to multitask because there simply aren't enough hours in the day to do things one at a time. But, on reflection, now that they've mentioned it, it also means I am often zooming around the place, stopping only to dodge furniture or small children.
Well, truth be told, its not a choice and not an easy way to live. But for the moment, when I have a million things I needed to have done by yesterday, its the only way to get by.
I apologise to those friends that find me a bit full on. You're lucky you can't see the state of my mind. I've no doubt you'd run a mile if you could!
The silver lining is that I don't need to go to the gym. I get a cardio workout just getting the children ready for school in the morning. Who needs a spin class, when you're chasing 4 under 10 to get them washed, dressed and presentable? And a pump class is no more strenuous than lugging a 2-year-old on your hip whilst bathing, dressing, cooking, vacuuming and hanging washing (that last one is probably more akin to circus training but I don't want to show off!).
I do have moments when I get to take a breath. But with those breaths I will inevitably inhale guilt and exhale anxiety. 'You could be doing this' or 'you should be doing that'.
This is the way it is in big families. Economies of scale might work for material needs but they certainly don't for every other need. Each child requires individual presence and attention.
So, for now, this is how it is. Fast, intense, chaotic. If its too overwhelming for you, give me a shout in 5 years or so.
