For some reason I can still clearly recall that first day of kindergarten. At some point we were all supposed to magically fall asleep at designated "nap time." Naps? I didn't take naps at home. Why would I sleep here?

And so a battle ensued every day at "nap time" between myself and our forceful teacher. I found myself in trouble with Mrs. King (aka "meanest kindergarten teacher ever") constantly for talking with my girlfriends and fidgeting while most of the other (incredibly boring) children slept. "Who were these lazy kids? There's so much to DO. How can you possibly want to sleep?" I thought.

Fast forward years later...the modern me adores the idea of a midday siesta. Brilliant idea! I try to take one as often as life allows. I'm convinced it is the secret to higher brain function and increased beauty. I'm not kidding. Some of the greatest minds in history were proponents of the mid-afternoon nap. (If it's good enough for Albert Einstein, it's good enough for me.)

Even if you're just powering down for a few moments, it helps you gain perspective and recharge. Especially on these long lazy summer afternoons. Admittedly, I like to tell myself I am emulating my stylish Italian brothers and sisters, not those lazy bums from Mrs. King's class years ago. (Something tells me those docile creatures never amounted to much.) At the very least I need to catch up on those naps I missed at the ripe old age fo five. Mrs. King, if you're reading this: I don't talk any less these days, but I'm always ready for nap time.