The Sleep Number

Each day that we choose to get out of bed, we are faced with new sets of challenges. No matter what the previous day presented to us and no matter the carry over, there is always something different that stares us down.

Take for instance, my current state of flux. Maybe flux isn’t the right word to use, since I am quite enjoying my time at the Renner Ranch, but even so, I know it isn’t and can’t be permanent. I realize that I am welcome to stay as long as I need, but there is still a desire to find my own space to call my own and find new challenges. I will say that living here has made me appreciate a new sense of relaxation and taking things just one day at a time—as life hands them to us. For that, I am eternally grateful to Joe and Kathy.

My tremendous friend Rosemary and I shared an incredible weekend together. We were able to catch up, spend some great times together, and share an awful lot of laughs. She reminded me that facing certain challenges (like a lack of water at a huge gala event) is something that can be quickly overcome. Even tough conversations that have been looming over our heads for years aren’t quite as difficult when you can look at someone over a cup of granola and just be honest. For that, I am eternally grateful, as well.

I know, too serious. So I get to the point of this diatribe.

Rosemary and I were wandering around the mall killing some time before we had to get ready for our big outing when we passed the Sleep Number store. I told her that my roomies have a wonderful Sleep Number bed and my new good friend Tanya and her husband recently invested in one as well. So, we decided to just drop in and see what the current pitch of the week happens to be. Off we go, arm-in-arm, ready to accept the challenge.

We proceed to chat up the sales associate and talk about our sleeping habits, both of us stomach sleepers, and our current bedding situation. We do a great job of playing their game and quickly the sales associate begins to refer to us as husband and wife. As a matter of fact, in the quotes she gave me, she refers to us as so. I am a 40 and Ro is a 35. A perfect match, the associate says.

For over an hour, we try out each of their models, the simple bed that just does it’s job; the pillow top middle-of-the-road model that is obviously their best seller; the bed with a little more padding, and then….THE CADILLAC OF MATTRESSES! Sweet pillow top, with incredible padding, amazing inflateability with a super quiet motor, and a price tag that rivals some used cars. Up and down, this one is great, this one stinks, this one should make me breakfast and a happy ending.

The associate just doesn’t know what to say about us and can’t really figure it out, but we put on a great show. At one point, we are lounging on the bed in the front of the store and we notice a group of people staring at us from outside. They are just laughing. We wave, smile, and yell to them that they MUST come and try this place out.

We walked out of the store with some prices in hand and the agreement that we did a sufficient job of confusing the store and everyone who walked through it’s doors. It was great. But, I couldn’t stop thinking about the sleep number bed. I even dreamt about it.

Two days later I went and bought one. Yes, I succumbed to the pressure. It will be delivered to my new address in October. And I can’t wait!

Be well friends. Here’s to sleeping well and with someone that you enjoy!