Daylight Savings Time arrives this weekend, and I have the welcome mat out in position.
Although the daylight has been on a spiked increase in recent weeks, the official start of DST puts us yet another step closer to warmer weather. Better yet, Spring officially starts a week later.
I don't know about you, but I simply cannot wait!
Although I experienced an abbreviated version of winter weather this season, I can honestly say I'm done with it. The extreme cold temps, the psychotic wind, and the hazardous road conditions are just not my gig.
Alas, with Daylight Savings Time, there are great things headed our way:
For those of us who work outside our homes, DST is a huge blessing in terms of post-workday daylight. While I'm not afraid of running in the dark, and I have ample reflective/light-up gear, I much prefer true authentic daylight.
While it may still feel a bit wicked outdoors, at least in the Midwest, the temps are no longer consistently sub-freezing. Even the wind feels a bit more balmy than frigid. In terms of winter-like weather, we all know there's a definite end in sight.
As mentioned, with the extended daylight, there's more opportunity to witness the sunset. It's nice getting home from work and still having time to enjoy the sunset(s), often after a workout or dinner.
Daylight Savings Time also signifies the approaching spring season. We can finally enjoy the disappearing snow, the budding of trees, and the return of floral fragrance and birds singing.
Finally, and quite possibly my favorite, is the quick "relapse" we have of darker mornings is very short-lived. Honestly, it seems like the darkness (from the sacrificed hour of morning daylight) is only an issue for a couple weeks. I'm totally on board with that!
So, in case there's any confusion, I am really glad to be moving away from all things winter. While I don't allow the cold nor dark of Winter to affect my livelihood, I much prefer the warmth and beauty of daylight. Call me crazy.
Your thoughts? Do you mourn the loss of that "extra" hour, or do you welcome all the beautiful daylight that comes with it?
I'm also linking this with Michelle, Renee, Darlene, Jenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.
ha I do love the longer days as well, I am not thrilled the actual weekend it happens though. I just moved my Sunday run back an hour :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, waking up this morning (Sunday) and realizing it was an hour "later" than what it felt like was weird. It's all worth it, though, as the extra hour (after dinner) will be nice!
DeleteI work so you know I'm all about those runs after work... can't wait for that extra hour of daylight. Maybe even some sunshine!!
ReplyDeleteEven though I do most of my runs in the early morning hours, I really appreciate the extra daylight after work. I would rather be outside than inside, and the extra daylight makes it more enjoyable.
DeleteI'm not quite as excited as you are. I don't love losing that hour on Sunday, or the darker mornings. But I know if I lived up north I would be much more excited about All Things Spring- down here it's the start of our unrelenting heat and humidity! However, I am happy for you guys- I didn't enjoy winter either when I lived up there.
ReplyDeleteWell, the darker mornings seem rather short-lived to me (at least this time of year). When we do the time change in the fall, though, the darkness comes so much faster!
DeleteWhen I was in Switzerland over the winter, I was like you: the longer light in the evenings was something I was looking forward to like crazy!
ReplyDeleteFun fact: Europe changes it clocks only on the last weekend of March and in South Africa, there is not change at all.
Enjoy ALL the sunsets, Kim!
Some states don't do the time change (in the fall or spring), but not many. I've always lived in areas where we do have the time changes, so that's my norm. Yes, give me ALL the daylight!!! ;-)
DeleteI am all about DST. I've been loving the early morning light and you're right that we don't lose it for very long when the time changes. The only downside is what Catrina said, that the time change for my work won't be for another two weeks so I may need to start a bit earlier to have more time with the rest of my team.
ReplyDeleteThe early morning light has been so prominent, that I don't think it will be a huge change for me (come Monday morning, when I actually have to be up in the early hours). I'm really looking forward to a nice long walk, after dinner on Sunday!
DeleteUnfortunately we are facing our second snowstorm of the week tomorrow. However, next week is supposed to get up to 60, so the snow shouldn't be sticking around too long.
ReplyDeleteI just enjoy the slowly elongating days!
We have temps in the upper-50's in the fore3cast all this next week. Bring it!! ;-)
DeleteI want the extra light! Ugh, I am over this cold weather. Finally it will warm up on Sunday which I am excited about.
ReplyDeleteI took Max out earlier, and the 34F temps felt warm! The upper-50's, this next week, are going to feel tropical!
DeleteI do hate the dark mornings since it seems to make it so much harder to get the kids ready for school (they don't care, but it always seems rather depressing to see them eating in the dark). But this passes quickly and it DOES mark an important milestone of getting every closer to spring.
ReplyDeleteYes, every milestone that gets us closer to Spring also gets us even closer to Summer ;-)
DeleteI am looking forward to the extra daylight, but like Deborah said, I'm never thrilled the weekend the clocks change. THe Sunday's not so bad, but boy of boy Monday is a challenge!
ReplyDeleteI thrive on less sleep than the average person (LOL), so the time change isn't usually a factor for me. We'll see if that theory holds come Monday morning...
DeleteI prefer Daylight Saving Time for all the reasons you listed!
ReplyDeleteWhile I hate losing the hour in the moment, I do love the longer days. Now, if only Spring could get here.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, we have Spring Break this week, so we have about a week to adjust. Whew. I'll just have to get A used to using his bike lights when he goes back to school.