Easy Like Sunday Morning

I used to love that Lionel Richie song... "Easy."

Until I moved to the US, that is, and got into a top 10 university in upstate New York, in engineering.

Then Sunday became a time to study or work. In fact, I spent all of my time either studying or working (I had a variety of jobs.)


When I graduated, Sundays become a time to do errands, odd jobs, catch up on bills, go to the movies, do shopping, tour the malls, etc. American is so convenient! Everything is always open late, and open 7 days a week also. Plus, the society is one in which people like to work, as evidenced by many studies that show that Americans take less vacation than any other industrialised country (and I would say, any country at all.)

So, Sundays become for me a time to get a LOT of stuff done. How convenient.

Here in Jamaica it is Sunday, and it is quiet, although there is more activity than usual because tomorrow is Independence Day.

Sundays in Jamaica actually take some getting used to for returnees from North America, because nothing is open, no-one is working, the offices are closed... and it is expected that one will NOT work on this, the day of rest.

Sure, it's a pain when you want to go out and buy that shirt that you would like to wear to that function on Sunday night, that you forgot you needed.

But with the lack of convenience comes a much slower pace, and a very different expectation.

I remember when I started travelling to Jamaica in 1997 or so. I had to train myself to decompress on the flight down, knowing that I couldn't rush into life the way I was used to doing in the US.

Now, Sunday is a time for exercise, sleep, reading the Observer, Gleaner and Herald, eating with family, blogging, and recharging the batteries.

I am teaching myself to take it easy.

Like Sunday morning, I guess.