Pineapple Express
Nov. 8th, 2008 10:24 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fenchurchThe rainy season is definitely here. As indicated in the subject line, we're experiencing a phenomenon known as the Pineapple Express, which one of the local weathermen described as "someone in Hawaii aiming a firehose at the Pacific Northwest" and he's not far off. Basically, it's a long line of clouds sweeping up from the vicinity of Hawaii... bringing warmer temperatures and LOTS of rain. To give you an idea, normally up to this point in November SeaTac airport has received 1.20 inches of precipitation. As of this morning, they've gotten 4.56 inches (and we've had more since they did the last reading). On the plus side, even though we were having a bit of a deluge yesterday, it was nearly 60 degrees outside... so I tossed on a raincoat and went for a lovely 45 minute walk outdoors! Not going to have too many chances like that until late spring!
I actually love the constant overcast skies, it's one of the reasons I've always wanted to live in this area. But I've also found that it can make it tough for me to wake up in the morning, if I'm not careful (it's just so *dark* outside). So, earlier this week I hooked up my "alarm clock" again... it's a cobbled together full-spectrum light alarm (a full spectrum Ott-Lite bulb in a desk lamp plugged into a digital timer -- works wonderfully and is MUCH cheaper than the real thing). It's amazing what a difference a bit of light can make! It's the most reliable way I've found to wake up and I feel great when I do... not groggy or cranky. I really wish I'd known about this particular trick when I was in high school.
An old friend was in town last night for a book-signing and it was great to see him again! It's been a few years since we've had a chance to bump into each other...![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
rackham and I had intended to meet up with him for dinner with celedraug, but trying to get into the U-District from Juanita at rush hour? Not happening. At least not in a reasonable amount of time. So, we just went to the booksigning and visited a bit there, when the line died down. This also served as a great reminder that I've fallen woefully behind on reading his books. Time to toss a few more on the Teetering Pile!
I actually love the constant overcast skies, it's one of the reasons I've always wanted to live in this area. But I've also found that it can make it tough for me to wake up in the morning, if I'm not careful (it's just so *dark* outside). So, earlier this week I hooked up my "alarm clock" again... it's a cobbled together full-spectrum light alarm (a full spectrum Ott-Lite bulb in a desk lamp plugged into a digital timer -- works wonderfully and is MUCH cheaper than the real thing). It's amazing what a difference a bit of light can make! It's the most reliable way I've found to wake up and I feel great when I do... not groggy or cranky. I really wish I'd known about this particular trick when I was in high school.
An old friend was in town last night for a book-signing and it was great to see him again! It's been a few years since we've had a chance to bump into each other...
rackham and I had intended to meet up with him for dinner with celedraug, but trying to get into the U-District from Juanita at rush hour? Not happening. At least not in a reasonable amount of time. So, we just went to the booksigning and visited a bit there, when the line died down. This also served as a great reminder that I've fallen woefully behind on reading his books. Time to toss a few more on the Teetering Pile!
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no subject
Date: 2008-11-09 12:47 am (UTC)Love the warmer temperatures (our temps just nosedived). But I don't think I'd do so well with all the overcast days -- I crave some sunlight, now and then. On the other hand, hauling one of those lights around with me would make a difference ... yeah, i'll take the warmer temperatures!
no subject
Date: 2008-11-09 01:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-11-09 05:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-11-10 06:54 pm (UTC)So, about that discussion of seeing you at local cons? :P
no subject
Date: 2008-11-12 05:34 am (UTC)I haven't talked to you in ages. How are you doing?
I have the same problem. I bought one of these: http://humboldt1.com/~zerdo/index.htm a couple of years ago and it has made a huge difference. (this is the poor man's version). I wish I had known about the whole light /dawn thing ages ago. Would have saved me a lot of grief!