Sunday, November 07, 2010

Five Months of Darkness

Many across America rejoice the "additional" hour of sleep today as the nation switches from Daylight Savings to Standard Time. As for myself, I dread it.

This time-tested tradition only means that the days become dramatically shorter and sunset will soon be happening at 4:30pm - the absolute most dreadful time of the year.

Last year around this time, I was just returning from a trip to Nicaragua and would remain home for five months straight. Five months ensconced in darkness, buried in snow, freezing in the cold, building a new coffee shop, training new baristas, experiencing innumerable building/opening delays, running the company into the deep red and simply making poor personal life judgments.

Last winter was dark and bleak. A dark time in my life. Lots of little mistakes and one majorly bad choice made those five months drag on as though the world was grinding to a halt and I was on fire.

Quite simply, I don't ever want that kind of winter ever again.

Some people love the winter, the snow and the darkness. I am not one of them. Eight years living in Honolulu and not once did I ever wish for cold or snow. Yet, in the midst of winter, I always long for warmth and sunshine.

As I write this, it's nearing 4pm. The Ravens are just about to win another game and the sun is low in the sky, threatening to set very soon.

I can't wait to fly the hell outta here as soon as possible.