4.01.2008

change of scenery

I have really been having a hard time lately. I know that sentence sounds so depressing, but it is true. I have been having more downs than highs lately. I know the weather is a HUGE part of it. In fact, it may be about 95 % of it. When it is nice and sunny outside, I feel happy. When it is not and dreary, I feel sad. My friend once said that the sun was her Prozac. That is totally how I feel lately. I hate that the weather has such an effect on me.

The last time I felt like this was about 4 years ago when I lived in Salt Lake and there was an awful inversion. We did not see the sun for about 6 weeks.

I am typically a happy and positive person. But I NEED some sunshine! It has been cold and snowy for the past 6 months. The last time I was on a vacation was in December. But, it was visiting family and friends in Utah. And it was super snowy and cold there too.

My point is, I have not had a chance to leave the state of Illinois in the last 4 months. I do not leave my house very often because I work from home in my office with a view of my garage. Sometimes I change it up a bit and work from my kitchen table. I hate to complain because I have great friends here and a great life. However, I just need a change.

So today, I grabbed my laptop and went across the street to Subway (of all places). Can I just tell you how much better I feel with a change of scenery? I am sitting in on the 2nd floor in front of a big, fat window watching a storm roll in. The storm is not making me feel depressed. It is actually really amazing.

I write this because I know many of you often feel the same way. So, change it up a bit the next time you are feeling down. You can always join me here at Subway. I am happy now. Or as my kids would say "all better".

13 comments:

Sarah S said...

Rachel, I was just thinking today that it is a good thing I don't suffer from seasonal affective disorder, because this weather is atrocious. I think we're all ready for something besides gray skies, snow, or rain.

I'm glad you found solace at Subway :) This gray weather just makes me want to climb into bed and not getting anything done. (not good)

Alifinale said...

I totally feel for you. I got so depressed living in rainy cold OR. It is hard to not see sunshine for so long. I am glad you found a change of scenery and just think you will appreciate the sun all the more when it does come out.

PS - totally random but I had dream about you the other night and we were in your ward there. At church you invited my hubbie and I to go out to eat that night at a fancy restaurant but my husband didn't want to spend the money (not that it was Sunday) so we invited you to our house because I guess you were having an Open House (selling your house). Very random but it made me laugh that my brain came up with all that.

Elisa said...

I have been a blog stalked for a while, but had to comment. I so appreciated your post! The thing I miss the most about the great state of IL is watching the storms come rolling in... and hearing the Thunder for HOURS before the storm actually hits.
Lucky girl.
I really enjoy your blog.

Scott said...

Ang and I were reading your post and we are having the same experience here in UT. Here are three things that we have done differently this winter: We changed out some of our light bulbs for brighter ones. We went to the local GNC and got some melatonin (see http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/melatonin-overview). We also have had fresh flowers around the house more this winter--it makes it feel like Spring!

Lindsay said...

I'm glad you had a great day at Subway. I totally know the feeling. I can't wait until it warms up.

Mrs. Dub said...

i think borders with a trashy mag and a tasty cookie did the trick for me. (minus the cookie, though i really should have.)

thanks for a fun night out ... and while it wasn't warm, you did wear flip-flops!

Coco said...

I hear you. I NEED the sun! But a change of scenery will help.

Emily Osborne said...

The worst month of the year is March. All the stores are selling swimsuits and shorts...and it's dirty and cold outside. How depressing. I feel like my life is the same thing day after day after day. The highlight of my week is Tuesday night t.v. How sad?!

Mindy said...

We must all be feeling it! Think SPRING! (How cute that you have blog stalkers that comment). Next time you are in UT in the summer, we could go boating and laugh at this post!!!

Anne said...

Chicago winters are hard! I sympathize as my mood improves with the sunshine as well. I know it's bad for your skin and I don't advocate this practice at all, but I hear tanning can help boost your mood in the winter because of the UV exposure.

Kara said...

amen on the tanning. i hear seattle-ites go regularly in the winter. i'd never fake baked in my life but finally gave in my first winter in chicago. the salon owner even gave me a discount! i put on sunscreen and was only in the bed for 10 minutes but i felt warm all over and walked out of that place a new woman (with slightly burnt cheeks!).

Kira said...

We just got back from San Diego last week. It was WONDERFUL!!! I miss it already. I was worried the first day there since it was overcast. My first real day back and it is rainy/snowy.....maybe I need to find a Subway :)

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