Last night I managed to watch “House” and then read for about thirty minutes. Next thing I knew, Gary was waking me up and the late news was on. Now, I realize that I get up at 4:30am, but honestly, you’d think I could stay awake until 10pm. I can, but only if I’m moving around. If I sit down to watch television or read or even use the computer the brain shuts down and the eyes close. That’s one of the things I hate about winter. My energy level is worse than ever!! It’s like I’m trying my best to hibernate!
I’ve spent very little time in cold climates. While in CA we made annual treks to the mountains so our children could play in the snow, and we lived in the high desert for a year. Our nine months in Iowa was tantamount to an eternity for me. Probably one of the major reasons why we didn’t stay! And while we have cold weather here, as I’ve said before, it is so erratic that it makes it bearable. We might have snow tonight and 70 degrees next week.
What fascinates me is how those of you in truly cold climates survive the day to day struggles of life while trudging through snow and ice. I guess what got me to thinking about it was looking at the L.L. Bean catalog that came in the mail yesterday. We have flannel sheets and winter coats and a few sweaters, but I can’t imagine wearing half the stuff in the catalog. I’d have to walk to school to need a down coat, or even a down vest. I wore a sweater and coat to school yesterday. Wore both to the first recess. Only needed my sweater for the second recess. Didn’t need either in my classroom because I have the thermostat set at 70.
And I can’t imagine driving in snow every day. It makes me tense to even think about the few days that I might have to do it here. What usually happens is that school closes and I get to stay home. One year when I was working an hour away I left in the middle of a storm and almost didn’t make it home.
I guess what I really want to know is how you stay awake. How do you manage to have the energy to do anything besides go to work and eat dinner? How do you keep your spirits up during days and days of gloomy weather? My daughter bought one of those lamps that simulate sunlight. I hope it helps her energy and her mood. I know she is not excited about another long Vermont winter.
I have friends in cold climates who love the snow and seem to thrive in the cold. I love them, but they’re just weird. Lol Most of them were raised in the cold and don’t know any other lifestyle.
I don’t want to love the cold…I just want to stay awake!
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