Why 4 hours sleep is not enough

Monday, January 09, 2012

So, last night I got 4 hours sleep. You see, I have this problem. I am slightly (OK, very) co-dependant. I can only get to sleep if Russell is in bed, but awake. Since I usually get up earlier than him this is not a problem. He watches TV, I fall asleep and he goes to sleep a little later. But some nights he is tired and goes to sleep first. And I just can't go to sleep. It is weird. Eventually I'm exhusted and finally fall asleep. When I need to be up early for work and don't get to sleep until nearly 2am I end up getting less sleep than I need.

Needless to say I had 2 coffees to stay awake today (I drink soy mochas, so the have a lot of calories). However, I ate well, so I still got a sticker. I also didn't go to the gym because I got 4 hours of sleep.

Tomorrow will be better! I am off to the gym in the morning (gonna try and catch a spinning class) and then I will be busy organising the millions of resources I have inherited from my mother in law (angel). I will also be going shopping since I am out of healthy food.

4 more days at my job. I am really sad to be leaving, but excited for my next adventure!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CARLA-216 1/9/2012 2:48PM

I know how you feel about wanting Russell to be in bed so you can sleep. My hubby has to work one overnight per month and I always get less sleep that night. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUICENUT 1/9/2012 12:06PM

Good attitude about your job situation. Keep in mind, the stress of that anticipation of the change is probably also adding stress to your sleepless nights. Though you are looking forward to the next adventure, we are creatures of habit and any change in routine (like who falls asleep first or is in the bed) causes a 'stress'. We cannot control a lot of the circumstances that unsettle us. But assuring yourself that this change is good and you would not have made it otherwise, may help to ease your transition and get your sleep patterns back on track. Oh yeah.... hug yourself today and tell yourself 'change is good'. Think chameleon. Report Inappropriate Comment

BUSYGRANNY5 1/9/2012 8:02AM

I understand your need for your partner to be with you for you to get a good nights sleep! I am the same way, even though my hubby is a snorer, I still need to have him next to me to get any kind of sleep! Have a terrific day! Report Inappropriate Comment

I can't be bothered thinking of a good title...

Sunday, January 08, 2012

So, yesterday I was so annoyed about the car and the McDonalds that I didn't mention anything about the wedding. It was beautiful! The bride was gorgeous and cried pretty much the whole time. It was really sweet. Very religious ceremony with a lot of prayer. I thought the minister was really cool though because every time there was a prayer he asked that those who don't pray just think good thoughts about the couple and their future. I like that kind of understanding, especially as an atheist. However if the next wedding I go to isn't mine I may scream (5.5 years together, it is my freakin' turn already).

Today I worked. It was quiet and boring. My workmate told me that he would shout me a coffee tomorrow if I went for a run after work, so I did that. 45 minutes around the block, walking up the hills and running on the downhill and flat bits.

On track for my eating sticker for today, and already got my exercise sticker. Seriously, this is a good system. I am more excited to get home and put a sticker in my diary than to enter something into my tracker (which is usually depressing, coz you never burn as many calories as you think). And I found some other stickers so I am mixing up the stars with other cool ones.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CARLA-216 1/9/2012 2:45PM

I love that the stickers are working for you! Keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

GREENEYEDRUNNER 1/8/2012 4:04PM

I might steal your sticker chart!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MRS.PRINCIPAL 1/8/2012 6:45AM

Glad your system is working an motivating for you. Keep up the great work. My husband and I were high school sweethearts, so we dated for 8 years before we got married. (Now married for 10!) Be patient your day will come and you will have a stronger relationship for waiting. Report Inappropriate Comment

Do I get a star?

Saturday, January 07, 2012

Today did not go as planned. About an hour out of Auckland the car was handling funny and making noises. We pulled into a car place and found out that we needed 4 new tires ($$$) and it would take an hour. Crap. So we ended up in Tauranga 10 minutes before the wedding, instead of an hour before. Lunch was skipped and we ended up with McDonalds for lunch while driving home. Lunch totalled 600cal (chicken burger, small fries and a diet sprite). Car snacking was minimal and we stopped for a fruit smoothie instead of coffee.

I would say with a small dinner I would be within my calories. So, you guys decide. Star or no star? I DID have McDonalds.

Be honest.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CARLA-216 1/9/2012 2:43PM

I think you get a star. You did really well under the circumstances! So sorry about having the expense of having to get new tires. Report Inappropriate Comment

GREENEYEDRUNNER 1/8/2012 4:03PM

I say you get a star, you didn't totally blow it and sometimes you have to deal with what life gives you! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAFEINMYFRAME 1/7/2012 2:57AM

I'm inclined to say that you get one. Life isn't going to run smoothly and adhere to a plan. Stuff happens, and it's how we roll with the punches that determines if we really have made a lifestyle shift. You kept your calories in range despite lousy options. Star it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

Interesting fact

Friday, January 06, 2012

Apparently, you have to hold a stretch for 14 seconds, minimum, before it has any impact. 14 seconds is how long it takes for your muscles to relax. I was told this yesterday by my boss who used to study sports and nutrition, and thought I would try it after my run. Couldn't hurt, right?

Well it worked. I held each stretch for a count of 20 and this morning I have nearly no pain in my legs. Usually I struggle to walk up and down my stairs, but this morning I just walked on up the stairs.

I knew that you had to hold a stretch for a while, but never really did it until I was told WHY you need to stretch for so long, and exactly how to you need to hold it for.

Hope this helps someone!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MRS.PRINCIPAL 1/6/2012 7:11PM

Interesting, but makes sense. Thanks for sharing Report Inappropriate Comment

LOSING_N_KONA 1/6/2012 3:20PM

Thanks for the information...I'm better with follow through too when I know the WHY. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALICIA214 1/6/2012 1:47PM

Good to know. Thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

STOCKSROCK 1/6/2012 1:46PM

Thanks fr the info! Report Inappropriate Comment

REDHOTDIVA 1/6/2012 1:42PM

Great info - thanks for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

Its a 2 star kinda day!

Friday, January 06, 2012

Or a 2 starfish kinda day. Coz thats all I can find in the emotions. Come on spark, give us a gold star!

Ate well. Had a more filling breakfast which held me over longer. Smoothies are quick and delish, but not filling. Wish I could have dairy; yogurt would probably make it stick to my ribs a bit more. Dinner was a bit bad, but I didn't cook it, and kinda have to go with the flow. It was crumbed chicken, which had been panfried, but I left as much of a crumbed bit as I could and tucked into the veggies.

I got my ass off the bed (I hang out in my room a lot) and went for a walk around the block with a few running bursts in there. Took a very hilly route so I walked uphill and jogged the flat and downhill bits. Compromise. It makes the world go round.

So, in short, I got 2 stars!

Tomorrow I am going to Tauranga (about 3 hours away) for a wedding. So, 6 hours in the car. Hope to get some walking done in Tauranga though, as I think that walking is the best way to see a new town. I have only been to Tauranga once, and I was like 9, so it is more or less a new town. I have to research lunch places so that I can find a healthy option. Don't want to be caught off guard! Also need to stop in at the supermarket and get some nice, healthy car snacks!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OUTDOORSY_DAD 1/6/2012 3:12PM

Great that your planning ahead and getting yourself some car snacks. Have a great time at the wedding. Outdoorsy Dad Report Inappropriate Comment

CARLA-216 1/6/2012 9:20AM

You could add some beans into your smoothie to up the protein. Start with small amounts and add more as you find you can tolerate the fruit/bean combo. I use something like garbanzo beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans. Have fun at the wedding and exploring the town! Report Inappropriate Comment

GREENEYEDRUNNER 1/6/2012 7:41AM

Sounds like the plan is working for you. Have fun at the wedding! Report Inappropriate Comment

MRS.PRINCIPAL 1/6/2012 5:44AM

Have fun at the wedding! Report Inappropriate Comment