For over thirty years, I dreaded the span of time from 2:30 to 3:30pm known as last period. It was that part of the day that I was at my lowest energy. No amount of protein bars, candy, 4 hour shots of B vitamins and caffeine, healthiest of food, or unhealthiest of foods could change this drop in energy. It got so bad a few years that I bought a cot for my tiny office and had a wee nap just to pretend I had gotten more sleep. This time of day was doubly troublesome in that rehearsals began at 4pm and lasted for 2-3 hours – – and that was the time that I WANTED to be at my peek energy and creativity. Year after year, it was a fight – – that somehow I won – – no matter the collateral damage. But now in retirement I snub this time of day and at 2:30pm walk myself into my well air-conditioned bedroom and SLEEP – sleep until I am damn well ready to get up. Take that 2:30pm! You haven’t won! I defy you with each and every nap!