Winter reloaded

New York welcomed me in the same way that Basel bid me farewell: white and bitterly cold. But the week was affected by jet lag anyway and I took it easy. 

I always find jet lag in January to be the worst. Because the days are short and there is so much darkness, the body really struggles to adjust to the new time zone. In summer I’m perfectly adjusted to Eastern Standard Time in 1-2 days, now in January it took me almost a week to sleep through the night. Jogging usually also helps to settle in more quickly. The first few days, however, I didn’t do much physically. I twisted my back carrying my heavy suitcase on the trip and was plagued with back pain all week. On top of that, it snowed on Tuesday, followed by freezing rain – really not the kind of weather that encourages you to go jogging. Apart from doing some grocery shopping, I didn’t leave the house for a while. However, I spent every day in my studio, which is in the house next door and therefore easy to get to, even in the worst weather.

Making plans

In the studio, I first drew up a work plan for the things I want to do here in the coming weeks. I knew there was a lot to do, but I was surprised at how long the list became. But lists give me stability and I can work my way through them. I always find it reassuring when something is put down on paper instead of having it vague in my head. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve switched back to paper and use my notebook to organize myself instead of several apps. It’s simply more personal, more loving and feels more creative to me.

Jogging weather at last

On Wednesday, the weather and my back were so much better that I was able to go for my first run. The bright sunshine looked tempting, but felt different as soon as I left the house. -8°C / 17°F and a bit of a breeze put the sun’s influence out of action. Worse, however, were the icy paths in Riverside Park, which made a relaxed jog almost impossible, as I had to constantly look where I was stepping to avoid slipping on ice. But it still did the job and I arrived home safe, sound and filled with a peacefull happiness.

Two days later – the weather and temperatures were still the same – I went for a run in Central Park. The paths there had been cleared and the usual route in the snow covered park was a nice change from the work on the computer of the last few days.

Big City lights

To round off the week, I went shopping in Midtown on Sunday. I was more interested in just getting out of the Upper Westside and enjoying the big city. That’s why I prefer to spend January and February here rather than in Basel. The life that pulsates here despite the cold and darkness, the city lights that illuminate the night, the range of new things to discover. It’s good to be back here! 🗽

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