I took a nap today. You know what that means, don’t you?
Don’t you?
That means that after the nap, I was groggy and headachey. Recent news stories suggest that naps might benefit your heart, but I have always found naps unappealing, except during those rare months of pregnancy when naps were essential. When I wake from a nap, I never feel refreshed, but rather as if I’ve spent a half hour submerged in a murky pond, deprived of oxygen. I come up with algae in my hair and sand in my eyes.
Anyway, I took a nap today while listening to kids stomping up and down the stairs–playing tag? hide-and-seek? dodge ball? My daughter came in periodically to insist that we go shopping. From under the comforter where I’d hid my face, I promised a trip to the store after the kids went home. And, sure enough, at 6 p.m., we went to the Dollar Store where she wandered up and down the aisles admiring all the tacky ceramics and cheap stuffed animals. She spent her five bucks and a few of my bucks as well. (I mean, sure, we needed that clear plastic bag full of 250 hair bands, even though she won’t wear any sort of hair accessories, ever. And the stickers? Oh yeah, we must have stickers. And a felt basket decorated as a bunny.)
(I needed the nap because I am still fighting off this cold. Today was the day of the headache and occasional cough.)
My crocuses have begun to sprout, but I fear they will not survive the trampling of boy feet in the back yard. Alas. But, I am not in the business of growing crocuses, but of growing boys. Still, I think I’ll put a little fence around my little garden patch because I’d like to grow flowers, as well as boys.
Actual Unretouched Photo 
I’ve always hated naps because they left me feeling groggy and sluggish for the rest of the day until I started setting a timer or alarm clock for 30 minutes, lay down, try to sleep and then (essential step) get up again when it rings. Regardless of whether I slept or not. Now I always get up refreshed again.
But you talked about half an hour so maybe you’re groggy because of the cold. Hope you’re better soon.
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For some unknown reason, naps make me feel defeated — like it’s some kind of wrongful surrender to take one. And the groggy thing, too, and then I worry that it’ll interfere with my night sleep, which I already have too much anxiety about.
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I agree on the naps thing. Some days I can’t help myself, but anything less than 3 hours just leaves me feeling groggy, disoriented and unable to get up and be productive.
Good luck with your crocuses. We are buried under snow, here, but I am SO ready to start my seedlings. I would, too, if I could just get to the shed. Maybe I’ll dig that sucker out this afternoon so Tom and I can plant stuff.
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Just woke up.
Know EXACTLY what you are talking about.
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I napped yesterday afternoon as well in an effort to fight off sinus infection that I’m struggling against. I feel ok after a nap aside from the guilt at not having got something else done
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hope you are feeling better soon! I hate being off – makes mothering soooo much harder.
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I can nap if it is no more than 20 mins start to finish. Having a cold makes it almost mandatory!
My crocus have already bloomed and died down here in P-town!
Feel better.
~K!
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I love how you put it. I can’t keep any plants or flowers. I thought it was just the positioning of our yard to the sun, but I think it’s just me. I am going to just focus on growing my boys.
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I think it is hard to grow flowers and boys at the same time! I gave up on flowers awhile back…I’m glad you aren’t giving up…:)
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I love your words on growing your boys! And naps? I’m definitely for ’em.
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I’ve always felt the same way about naps. I like that phrase, growing boys. I’m growing 4 boys over here and sometimes I need some perspective, thanks!
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wow, i can totally relate so glad i found your blog 🙂
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