Spring Expectations vs. Reality

Spring, a season of transition, often appeals to many as it brings warmer weather, longer days and spring break. After a typically lengthy and cold winter, we North Carolinians welcome spring and it’s flowers (not showers) with a warm embrace. However, with spring comes pollen, the issue of spring cleaning and a general fever to be outdoors! I am sure you can identify with the following expectation vs. realities that come with the approaching spring season.

Spring cleaning

Expectation: Spring will motivate me to clean my room, clean out closets and also help out around the house. There is nothing better than a good day of cleaning! Oh and I will also organize my backpack and keep a calendar for school! I am the master of productivity.

Reality: The motivation soon wears off and I get very distracted. How is it that my room always ends up messier than it was when I started? I will clean it tomorrow! Oh, just one more day. Forget it, no one else sees my room! There is always next spring.

Time change

Expectation: Yes! The time change means it will be light outside longer and I can play outside with my friends until 8:00! This is sooooo much better than winter when it gets dark at 5:00, which is just depressing. The sun always seems to improve my mood.

Reality: Wow, why did my clock jump from 1:59 a.m. to 3:00 a.m? Does that mean I lost a whole hour of sleep? Did I wake up too early? Why is it still so dark outside? It is very hard to wake up and get ready for the day when it is still dark in the morning. Also, it is increasingly difficult for my parents to get my siblings and I to come inside at 8:00 when it is still light outside. The skies awake so I’m awake!

Blooming  

Expectation: All of the trees begin to grow back their bright green leaves and spring flowers begin to bloom. The pastel colors always associated with spring are manifested in the beautiful blooms. That means more artsy pictures for VSCO and fresh flowers all over the house!

Reality: Pollen. Need I say more? The annoying, yellow, powdery stuff that ignites all allergies and creates a layer of yellow over EVERYTHING!  Also, what is that terrible smell? That would be the pear trees, yuck.

Weather

Expectation: Yay! Spring means better weather as we are closer to summer. The weather is not too hot or too cold, but just right. Perfect for hammocking, going to baseball games and sitting in the courtyard for study hall! Time to pull out the sunglasses.

Reality: What in the world it is 90 degrees outside today! If it is only March, I cannot imagine how hot it is going to be this summer. Tomorrow the temperature is going to be what? 43 degrees? I wish mother nature would just make up her mind!

Spring Clothes

Expectation: Bring out the shorts and tank tops. No more dark colors for me because now it is socially acceptable to wear bright colors and patterns! Pinterest will be my best friend this season for new trends and outfit inspiration.

Reality: It is too cold for shorts and I don’t have any spring clothes. I have to much black and too many sweaters. Time to go shopping, and spend more money. Great.

Tan

Expectation: Now that the sun decided to show up, it is time for me to lay out and start working on my tan. I have to prepare for spring break and also summer! The weather is so nice that I don’t even have to use the tanning bed and the sun gives a perfect UV index for tanning in spring.

Reality: After a measly 30 minutes of laying out in the sun… I am completely sun burned. Forget natural tan, I will just buy some bronzer!

Working out

Expectation: The warmer weather and sunny skies will motivate me to go outside and run! I have to prepare my summer bod for spring break. I will also go to the gym with my friends every day.

Reality: After only 5 minutes of working out, the sweat starts pouring and you slowly gravitate towards the shade. Remember when you said that you were going to work out every day? Yeah… that didn’t happen.

Spring Break

Expectation: This spring break I will hang out with my friends and have a blast at the beach! It will be a well needed break from school work before focusing on finals. It will also give me motivation to get through school before summer break. A small glimpse of the “bright” future!

Reality: Well, so much for going to the beach! I will just stay home and sleep late and do nothing. Maybe I will study for my history class. Or maybe not…