Knowing the limit

In usual style, I was running late for a catch up with friends today. No disasters getting ready or tantrums to slow me down, just sometimes organising 2 little big men and 1 Mama is an effort in itself. Approaching the Anzac Bridge, I changed lanes to overtake a bus struggling to make it up the rise. At the last moment I noticed a police officer standing to the side of the road, speed gun pointing straight at me. I quickly glanced at the speedo. I was doing about 68. For the remainder of the way to our destination, I tortured myself with a number of questions. Rationalised the outcome, if I have been booked and kept telling myself that it's not the worst thing in the world if I have. I guess the overwhelming question... what exactly was the speed limit along that section of road?  

My friend and I had a good catch up. The kids played perfectly. The babies slept peacefully. Then a story she told me started me thinking about limits again. Her sister-in-law recently had a major meltdown. She is the Mama of 3 little boys. Has a husband who works long hours and likes to enjoy 'his' time when he's not at work. One night, she scared herself with a reaction she made towards her middle boy. He hadn't been sleeping and they were both beside themselves with exhaustion. So with that, she packed a bag and told her husband she needed a night away. She checked herself into a hotel, had dinner, drank wine and slept the night in peace. It was in no means a solution to her situation and probably not something she will repeat too often. I was impressed by her self awareness in knowing when she had reached her limit. Who knows what someone is capable of once they reach that place. 

Angus and Lilly are kindred spirits. I have said this a million times. Born 10 weeks apart and best of mates from the start. When Lilly is not in sight, Angus needs to know why? and where? and who with? The feeling is mutual on Lilly's part. So they played and played, in a fabulous indoor play centre (those places are heaven sent for parents, hooray!) and their Mama's babbled and laughed. Until both 3 year olds had reached their limit. A limit that is so crystal clear and obvious to detect. If only all limits in life were as easy to recognise.