spring forward

I can hardly believe that it is daylight saving time (DST) again. So soon! It always seems to take my brain a few days to catch up with the new change. My body dragging behind it. As I was growing up I never fully understood the meaning behind "changing the clocks." I can just recall what a hassle it was to run around the entire house and adjust all the clocks. Also, how upset I would be on school day to have to get up an entire hour earlier! But, my mom always reminded me that we would get out of school an entire hour earlier, as well. Somehow it smoothed things over.

What is DST? Why do we have it? Well, the name kind of puts it right out there- daylight "saving". We are saving daylight. To me, saving daylight produces a whole slew of advantages. For one, we use less energy (electricity, gas) with the sunlight being seen longer. I don't have to flip my lights on in the evening as much. With the sun out longer, I am able to be outside longer and less in front of my TV! I can work in the yard and grow food with my extra hours of sunshine. I can spend more time with my family, riding bikes or going on long walks. I am able to stroll for beach glass by the lake or gather the family and watch a spectacular sunset. My longer days are filled with events and activities that are made possible by the sun staying awake longer, for me!

There is a long history behind DST. There is even a book written about it. The date changed from early April to the second Sunday in March, back in 2007, due to the Energy Policy Act. This also made DST end the first weekend in November, rather the last weekend in October. (Maybe to give trick-or-treaters a safer time?)
Whatever the case, history, or reason for DST, I am just going to "spring forward" myself. This unusually warm March has already sprung forward a nice amount of surprises: my flower bulbs are sprouting, the grass is greening, and the birds are waking me up before my alarm does. It came in like a lamb and hopefully will leave just the same. I look forward to what these longer "saving daylight" days will hold for me. I am eagerly anticipating the warmer weather and the bright sunshine beaming on my face. Happy (almost) Spring, everybody!!