I’ve been trying to monitor my sleeping hours lately. Between the two-job grind and the desire to go out and have fun at some point, it’s really important that I get enough sleep in so that I can function normally.

Over the years, I’ve been able to function with little to no sleep at all, and still get away with it. Now that I’m older, I’m tiring out a little more than I have been.

My weekly schedule pretty much runs end-to-end between the two jobs and sleeping time. I’ve always tried to manufacture some breathing room to get much-needed social time in. However, that would come at the expense of sleep time, which would lead to rough shifts at either job; or at the expense of the job, which leads to dedication issues.

Last year, I would stay with my sports colleagues at our post-deadline pizza-and-TV pow wow on football Fridays. Some nights I had an early XC meet that morning, and would cover the events with little sleep.

While I enjoyed the social time, the lack of sleep was getting to me. Lately, I’ve been retiring early from our gatherings. Tonight is no exception. I have to be at Casey’s at noon.

Having very little sleep has caused a lot of problems for me over the years. I’m starting to realize it’s importance right now.

Good night and sweet dreams.