20 winks

When is the last time you got 8 hours of sleep? What about 10? I think a full night's sleep is one of the nicest gifts we can give ourselves. But how many of us really do it?

I'm guilty. Guilty of staying up late to watch one more show or read one more chapter. I tell myself I need the adult time after the kids go to bed. I need to focus on me for a few minutes. And that's true.

Enter thunderstorms. Or nightmares. Or a teething baby. It's a formula for midnight wakeups and hourly disturbances that keep your sleep fitful all night long.

Admittedly, there are some events you don't control. If you're traveling, if you have a sleep disorder, or if there's a newborn in the house, you're probably not choosing to lose sleep.

But what about the rest of us? Are we expecting too much? Are we trying to do just one more thing, or have we overcommitted ourselves so much we've sacrificed our restful hours?

There are lots of studies on sleep. Some say your memory is better after a full night's rest. Other studies show your immune system is weakened when you don't get enough sleep. I see the physical proof in the mirror every morning. When I log a solid eight snoozing, my skin looks healthier. My eyes are brighter. I don't just look better. I feel better.

So why are we denying ourselves this simple gift?

My three gifts to myself today:

1. An early bedtime

2. 10 quiet minutes of restful thought

3. 20 minutes of yoga

What are yours?

Pantie problems

Is your life like your underwear drawer?

My bra and pantie cubby is overflowing. Some of it doesn't fit anymore. There are a few items that have been hanging around since 1997. And I can't seem to let any of it go.

The problem is, I expect a lot from two little articles of clothing. And I hold onto my favorites way too long. Sometimes I need my underwear to be comfortable. Sometimes I want it to match. And sometimes I just want it to be invisible. (Have you ever noticed how the really cute bras and panties aren't comfortable?) So some are for wearing, some are for sharing, and there are pairs I'll only wear as long as no one ever sees me in them.

Here's my problem. I haven't taken the time to get organized. And I suspect if I spent a little time I could find more sets that meet both needs—cute and comfortable. Until I get organized I'm always going to be pulling out mismatched sets that disappoint.

Do you have similar underwear woes or other other areas of disorganization in your life? I'd love to hear your stories.

My three things I'm going to do for myself today:

1. Give myself at least 15 minutes to read.

2. Give myself at least 45 minutes to write.

3. Give myself a facial.

What are you doing for yourself today?

The cable guy

Have you ever been in such a hurry after you jumped out of the shower that you didn't stop to cover up? Yeah, me too. Usually this works out OK for me but the other day the cable guy forgot to mention he'd be in the backyard ... I hate it when they don't knock!

I did three things for me today. Did you?

For fun

Here are three things you can do for yourself with your kids:

- Paint your toenails. If you have a boy, try clear nail polish. He'll enjoy being included and it protects his toenails from cracking, especially in summer sandal weather.

- Facials. Opt for the peel off kind. Your kids will have fun peeling off your "skin."

- Bubble bath. If your tub's big enough everyone can hop in. On a smaller scale, you can all soak your feet.

What do you do to reward yourself?


-- Post From My iPhone