Precious Sleep, Where Art Thou?

Last night I woke up at 2 AM and was completely unable to go back to sleep. A superfluous amount of topics were flying through my brain and I was helpless to quiet them. Ideas for blog posts, random song lyrics, projects to complete, interesting words (like superfluous), books I need to finish, menu plans, the laundry I need to catch up on, birthday gifts to buy, errands to run, the exercise I have been neglecting, the list went on and on. And it wasn’t like I was trying to think about stuff…it was just a jumble of useless information that had overtaken my brain and was depriving me of my very precious sleep.

In the midst of all this nonsense, I was also bothered by the fact I wasn’t able to sleep and began to worry that the cycle of insomnia from the previous winter-summer was going to plague me again. Which I’m sure did even more to prevent my slumber.

What happened to the little girl that use to sleep through thunder storms and didn’t even stir when being carried into the basement during tornado warnings in the middle of the night? I’m afraid she’s long gone, and in her place is a young woman craving a solid eight hours of sleep without dreams, thrashing about, or alertness or any sort.

There is next-to-no caffeine in my diet, and I know that I need to “unwind” before I’m able to sleep, so over the past year I’ve tried: medications, teas, TV, music, reading, praying, doctor visits, sleep study…

…and I’m running out of ideas.

What else is there?

By morning I am completely exhausted and can barely drag myself out of bed.  It just seems so messed up to me.
Any suggestions on how to get a better night’s sleep?

Cough, Sneeze, Wheeze....

Hubby & I have been sick the last few days, and still not feeling quite up-to-par. Although we’re being responsible and dragging ourselves into work, we’d much rather be home sleeping.

I haven’t been to the gym in over a week…and dare I admit this to all my bloggy friends…I actually miss it. Can you believe it? I miss my Pilates class and how good I feel afterwards (even though my balance isn’t very good and often times I end up feeling like a dork because I can’t keep my entire body properly balanced while elevating myself off the ground with my hands and my feet resting on nothing but a large ball that likes to move from side-to-side instead of staying anchored securely in place). *sigh* But I do love that class.

This week hubs & I went into this splendid health food store not far from our house…and fell in love…with the store of course (*ahem* we fell in love with each other long ago). Aisle after aisle of good-for-you-loveliness that I know won’t make me sick or give me a headache. Now if only our budgets were so wonderful and allowed us to shop in such places. ‘Tis a shame that such places are so expensive. My happiest find was a large box of honey-puffed-wheat for only $1.99. It is SOOO good with a handful of peanuts on top for breakfast!

As I was unloading our fabulously healthy food-finds at home and singing the praises of preservative-free foods, my husband exclaimed, "Pretty soon we're going to be wearing nothing but sandals and fig leaves!" That statement sent us into peals of laughter, which I might add, is a very common occurrence in our happy home. :)

My husband is also realizing the benefits of us succumbing to these Organic & Natural foods, and is just as delighted about it as I am. Well, maybe not quite as delighted, but pretty close. :)

Off to whip up some dinner for my man.

Tomorrow is Friday ya’ll! Anybody have plans for their weekend?

Zzzzzz......

This is how I've been feeling lately...

At work:

At home:

I need some energy.