betrayed by the sun

Last night I stepped out of the building where I teach a class and felt like I had been punched in the gut.  It was only 5:00, but it was pitch black outside.  My plan was to head home and go to the gym, but I had such a visceral reaction to the darkness that all I could think about was PJs and the TV.

I got home and grumbled to the husband about how it’s not FAIR that it’s so dark so early and blah blah blah.  I spent my high school years in Indiana, and at the time, the state didn’t practice daylight savings.  Yes, the 10 years since I’ve lived in Indiana should have been enough for me to adjust, but apparently not.

However, I forced myself to head to the gym, and ran a miserable mile on the treadmill.  It wasn’t much of a workout, but it was better than nothing.  I headed home and regained my sanity with some healthy cooking (big green salad with shallots and dates and zuni style roasted chicken).  By the time dinner was on the table, it was 9:00.  We ate while we watched the pen-penultimate episode of Mad Men; I drank a very modest glass of wine in honor of my fancy dinner, and then I declared myself tired and ready for an early night so that I could get up early today and head to the gym.  I made my way upstairs and cuddled into bed.

And then I got out  of bed and begged Greg to watch the next episode of Mad Men with me, and to make me an old-fashioned because you can’t watch Mad Men without a stiff drink in your hand.

By the time I actually got to sleep it was past 1 AM, and I was irritated with myself for being so stupid.  However, I did manage to get up at 6:45 today (usually I get up after 8; I know, I’m spoiled rotten) and get to the gym for a nice 2.5 mile run.  All things considered, I feel pretty good.  It’s so much nicer running when there’s light streaming in through the windows, even if it is gray, rainy light.