On Borrowed Time

Daylight saving time and, whoo hoo, if Fall Back isn't my favorite time of the year! I remember it best back in high school when it gave me an extra hour with my friends at that certain upperclassmen party! As I got older, had children and worked harder than ever that extra hour was a welcome gift. Yes, yesterday morning was a pure delight when I realized that I had an extra hour of sleep, rest or relax-whatever I wanted or needed to do-because time is precious, especially these days.

What could I do with my extra hour on a Sunday? More time to make my football picks. More time to do laundry, cook, clean, sleep or spend with my family. I felt like I hit the time lottery and my psyche had a slight  positive respite, if only for an extra hour. As happy as the extra hour makes me, there are those who do not delight in the borrowed time as I do.

Originally, the DST was method adopted to "save energy" during World War I and World War II, but recent studies actually show that this is not the case. It shows that it may decrease lighting use but may increase heating and AC use. It would seem that there are benefits and dangers to both moving the clocks ahead and back, and there are lobbying groups both pro and con for DST.

For me? I am just taking it one day at time and enjoying stealing an extra hour for myself. Talk to me in the spring when I have to give that hour back. For now I'm moving ahead living on the borrowed time.

A Daily Dandy Public Service Announcement

It's spring ahead Daylight Saving Time! That special time of the year when the loss of one hour of precious sleep kicks you right in the a**. I've put together a list of helpful tips and things to watch out for to get you through the next few days.

Drag your butt out of bed.

Yes, it's dark when you wake up now. No, the clock's not wrong. You still need to get up for work. The bright side to all of this is that spring is here!

Eat breakfast.

Even though you feel like you could crawl back into bed and sleep for a few more days, eat a proper breakfast to provide fuel for your busy day.

Drive safe today.
Studies have shown that the Monday following the spring Daylight Savings Time change, has seen a 17 percent increase in motor vehicle accidents. Sleep deprivation is the major contributor resulting in the statistical increase. Do your best to be sharp and focused while driving today.

Avoid Cranky people.
Watch out for serious crank pots today. Everyone's snooze button was working overtime this morning, so expect unusual irritability while people re-adjust their bodies bio-rhythms. Not the best time to ask for that raise or an extra vacation you've been longing for. Wait a week or two.

Stay on schedule.
For the first few days of the time change, I find myself looking at the time and thinking to myself, "but it's really an hour earlier". This causes me much confusion and chaos inevitably ensues. Better to stay the course.

Pick the kids up on time.
Now that the time change is in effect, the kids soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball practices can take place later and at the outdoor facilities. Don't be that mother sitting at the middle school waiting to pick up your child while your child is waiting to be picked up across town at the field. Make sure you get THAT e-mail today.

Limit your caffeine intake.
Thinking thoughts like, " the sun is still out so I can have that extra cup of joe" may work against you. Consuming caffeine later in the day is sure to wreak havoc on your already readjusting sleeping patterns.

Enjoy the extra hour of sunlight.
Fire up the grill! Nothing says spring and summer like the smell of burgers cooking on the gas grill. The best of spring is yet to come.

Get your sleep.
As I said before, stay on schedule. If bedtime rolls aroud 10 pm or later, don't kid yourself into thinking it's really 9 pm or an hour earlier. Stay the course because either way you pay. And when the clock strikes 6am the clock strikes 6am.

It's a harsh reality.

Happy Daylight Saving Time.