I've noticed I don't get as much done during the winter months as I do any other time of the year. Some of it is the cold. I'm slow to start and quick to slow down when it's cold and keeping the house at 66˚ doesn't help. But keep it at 66˚ we do. It's amazing how much difference 2˚ can make those times we ramp bump it up to 68˚ in a fit of icy fingered indulgence. But mostly 66˚ is adequate with just a nominal amount of moving around. Oh, and lots of clothes. Did I mention the clothes?
I put in less work hours in the winter so consequently it takes me longer to complete any tasks, especially when the blanket and my book are calling to me and waving me over every time I pass the couch, but I think the main thing that makes me shut down early is the dark. I don't much keep track of the time so my two big indicators are whether it's day or night. When it gets dark, I'm ready to quit and give in to the couch, the blanket and the book. When it starts getting dark 5ish and I don't often get started til 11 AM or sometimes noon, that's a fairly short day. The balance to this is that I often work til 7 or 8 PM when the days are long. what a whiner, right?
Right now I am working on some sketches and ideas for some new things for the art consultant. I need to work with color to get my art glass on the wall as the etched glass doesn't show up well on white or beige walls which is de riguer for institutions. So I'm working out a few ideas for using metal leaf and rubbing oil paints in the etched surface and also some fused techniques using frit and working with my friend.
I don't feel I made much progress today so I want to put in a few more hours except that now, it's not just cold, it's dark too. And my brain gets confused and indecisive. And, oh, look over there. My friends the couch, the blanket and the book are calling.
I am right there with you on the couch with a book! this is the time to catch up reading, says so on my calendar- we are doing what ought to be done!Yay, us!
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky that yours just wave.
ReplyDeleteMy knitting, blanket and couch are screamers.:)
This is perfect, Ellen. We're supposed to slow down in winter. Well done, you!
ReplyDelete66? Really 66? My Hubby insist on keeping ours at least 70 and sometimes higher. (he froze as a child). I am menapausal.... I am burning up all the time... 66? Can I please come live with you!
ReplyDeleteI would freeze at 66 degrees. I keep my thermostat on 75 when it's cold, but my bill is low because my home is very well insulated. However, when I lived in Maryland, on the coast, in a big old drafty house, I had to wear thermal underwear, two pairs of socks, and sweats, IN THE HOUSE, or the bill would have been sky high! But I know what you mean about the books calling. :)
ReplyDeleteThose are some mighty good friends to have this cold time of year ...
ReplyDeleteI'm with Marguerite - fortunately for Dr. M I have my own personal space heater pointed straight at me. We keep the house at around 74 for my comfort. At night we turn the furnace down to 67 or so. And I sleep under an electric blanket.
ReplyDeleteThe dark definitely does me in - I'm yawning & ready for be by 8:00 every night...
i understand where you are coming from Ellen - 5 pm gets here and I am in bed by 8 pm. It is so dark. And my bed is so warm. Let's hear it for down duvets! RAH!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about motivation or getting X amount of stuff done - you have had a hard couple of months. Take care of you.
[And Rene's comment made me laugh!]
I have a hard time getting things done in the winter time as well. I need light...lots and lots of light. And I don't tolerate the cold very well...so 70 degrees here. Mine hands just get too cold. I end up wearing gloves which isn't very conducive to work. But reading is working...Ha!!!!
ReplyDeleteGuess I am just waiting for spring!
Hugs
SueAnn
66? I would never get off the couch at all. When it gets cold here in Florida, a very damp cold, I truly feel paralyzed. Whatever work you get done, you deserve the couch and the blanket now and then. Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, I'd keep it warmer if propane wasn't so damn expensive, way more than natural gas, and it's our only heat source.
ReplyDeleteThe light makes a huge difference in the amount of work I do, too. Get a wood stove. I would be freezing if not for it. We use propane, too, and it is really expensive. We use the trees that fall during the ice and wind storms. The one stove heats the entire building ....... at times way more than I want it to!
ReplyDeleteI SO identify with you, except for the 66 degrees. I have to keep mine at 69 and I still layer, layer, layer because (except when I'm having a hot flash) I'm cold all the time. And I agree with Reya. . . we're supposed to slow down, think, dream and plan during the shortened days.
ReplyDeleteIt actually sounds very natural. You are following the body's natural rhythm. We are hardwired to live with the earth's cycles - we just don't do it in modern times.
ReplyDeleteI think it is only polite to listen when friends are calling.
ReplyDeleteParticularly such nice, inviting friends.
Sounds right to me. That looks like a very comfy chair.
ReplyDeleteEr...I keep my house at 58! 54 at night. Wanna come over? I'm part penguin, I think.
ReplyDelete