Wildflower Writes

Everyone knows that sleep deprivation can cause problems. When I’m in need of sleep, I feel drained and lethargic. I don’t concentrate well and I tend to be irritable. In order to persuade myself to get a few extra z’s, I’ve been researching the health benefits of sleep. Heart Health Apparently the cycle of sleep does something to keep cholesterol levels and blood pressure down. What would happen to the pharmacy industry if we treated high blood pressure with more sleep? Cancer Prevention Melatonin needs dark and quiet to be produced in the body. Without it, we don’t get sleepy, and we are at a higher risk for cancer. Sleep also allows the body to repair damaged cells and reduce inflammation in the body. Stress Reduction When we’re well rested, our bodies are less likely to produce stress hormones that can cause inflammation in the body and also make it difficult to sleep. Sleep also refreshes the mind to deal with problems in new ways. Alertness Sleeping refreshes the mind and the bo...

Bright blank computer screen Empty, used-up head Vacated for vacation Should be tucked in bed Full, bloated belly Too much Italian for me Need room for dessert Wasn’t meant to be Not jet lag but van lag One hundred forty-six miles A measly two-hour meeting Rather count ceiling tiles Itchy t-neck sweater Makes me look like a tent Too pretty to trash it Giver may wonder where it went Contacts stuck to eyeballs Need to use some drops Wishing to afford Lasik Then I’d make all the stops Throat dry as a desert Water only six steps away Breath smells like garlic Toothbrush in travel bag today Love everybody with my big heart Love them down to my soles Wish I could give some more Like a job or nice new Rolls Time to call it a night Ready to relax and de-stress Try to let it go without a fight I’m uninspired, I confess

I spent all last week at work frantically tying up all the loose ends. By 5:00 on Friday I finally felt like I had input all the data, made all my phone calls, put copies in the appropriate mailboxes, and programmed a special message to anyone sending me an email over the next five days. I spent the majority of the weekend with my family, doing umpteen loads of laundry, packing, tidying up the house, and making travel plans. We had already made reservations at the hotel. We mapped out our route. We started to pack some food for the road. Now my husband and I are debating departure times. I should be happy he doesn’t want to leave at 3 or 4 in the morning, which is his usual modus operandi. I know he’d like to catch the Reds game, but I don’t know… I’d be okay with waiting until 11, since we can’t check into the motel until 4:00. I’m planning to take my laptop and a few books… I never get extended time to focus on my writing. I know it’s a vacation, and I’ll enjoy time with my family, b...