Precious Commodity

In my estimation, 'sleep' is about the most important thing (outside of air and water) my body needs. A good night's rest, or a much needed nap, or a nap followed by a good night's rest, is just a highlight in my life. Lately I've formed a habit. Not necessarily a good habit. I'll come home from work in the evening, and the natural progression of things goes as follows: 1. My wife will ask about my day, and I usually respond with all the stupidity I've plowed through for 8 - 10 hours, just to accomplish 4 hours worth of work. 2. We will then discuss supper ideas if she doesn't already have it in progress. 3. Get a little snack to take the edge off, accompanied by a beverage of choice. 3. Watch some news. 4. Eat supper. 5. Get sucked into the couch in front of the television, and next thing you know, I'm bobbing and weaving like a professional boxer. 6. Kick the kids and toys and books and shoes and remotes, etc. onto the floor, and assume a horizontal position. 7. Nappy time :) It seems lately, that I have to take a nap, usually starting around 8 PM, just so I have enough energy to make it to bed. Last night was no different. My wife finally woke me around 9:30, and poked and prodded until I moved my sack of bones off the couch. I protested ever so slightly, about being made to go to bed, (nobody enjoys being awaken before their good and ready). I now see why the dog gets upset when I catch him on the couch, and smack him in the hind quarter, to get him off the couch. The only difference is, I'm allowed on the furniture, he's not. So off to bed I go, and sleep rather soundly until my alarm goes off at 6 AM. Apparently my body needed that much sleep last night. But there are other times, I won't go to bed until midnight, wake up at 5 AM, and be ready to go. I wish I could level out this 'sleep pendulum' I've found myself on. I know part of the problem is, once I stop working or moving around, my battery wants to conserve energy, and go into a sleep mode. Another theory my family has come up with is a condition called, 'tight skin syndrome'. After eating a meal, the extra weight in your stomach pulls on the skin from your belly button all the way to your forehead. If your skin lacks elasticity, the extra weight pulls your eyelids shut, giving the appearance of sleeping. Scientific enough for me! That's the excuse I'm going with.