Daylight Saving Time Strikes Again (Move 'em on back)

Fall is upon us and amid all the brown, yellow, rusty orange and pumpkin spice everything looms another seasonal tradition: Daylight Saving Time. Yep, you read that correctly, Daylight Saving Time, that time of year when it ends and we have to move the clocks (again) and deal with the aftermath. You either love it or hate it and welcome this time of year with an eye roll and a sigh, as I do. I much prefer to “spring forward” in March and gain that extra hour of daylight.

Turning the clocks back in the fall doesn’t leave me with the same anticipation. “Fall back” is something this time change leaves me wanting to do; as in fall back into bed.

Like a lot of people, I thought that the purpose of DST was to aid the farmers, but I have learned that the farmers were strongly against changing the clocks because the sun dictates their schedule, not the clock. DST was initially instituted during WWI as a power saving measure. Somehow, the idea that energy is being saved is not a good enough reason for me to continue to want to participate in DST because my energy certainly is not saved LOL (and of course it’s all about me, right?!)

When the clock moves back and the sunlight disappears before 5:30 pm my body clock goes into sleep mode and I can kiss my evening productivity good-bye. Who wants to be cooking or eating dinner at midnight?? OK, it’s not truly midnight, but it sure feels that way! Though I appreciate the thought and it may have worked as intended ‘back in the day’, I feel as though the practice is outdated with all the power saving technology we have today, such as smart thermostats and light switches. All of which can be controlled remotely to help businesses and homes save money and power.

That being said, I do appreciate what comes along with this time change. The COOL weather!!! Being in Houston, Texas, we live with heat and humidity 85% of the year. When that clock moves back it usually means that cooler weather will soon prevail and knock some of the humidity from the air. THAT’s when it’s great to take a brisk morning jog or walk, followed by sipping coffee on the back porch before beginning the day- the day that feels like you should already be 3 steps further down your “to-do” list than you already are, but I digress. Evening walks are more enjoyable too, and having to add a hoodie or *gasp* a scarf before heading out makes it all the better.

So I will embrace this time of year, but not the time change on the clock. Playing outside will become an easier priority because the weather will be nicer, but the timing thing is going to have to be worked out. The time change not only affects us grown-ups but our littles as well. No matter if they are 2 months old or 15 years old, the kids will have to adjust as well.