Chillin’

Yesterday we went on an outing—me and mom. As is almost always the case, we showed up early. Mom decided to sit back and relax in the car, and chill!

My siblings and I were brought up to arrive early. No matter the event or appointment, we had to arrive before the appointed time. When I was 19 I had become annoyed at people arriving late for rehearsals and meetings. I was to meet some friends at 5 for a rehearsal to prepare for a Sunday service, but I was right in the middle of cooking dinner for my mother’s friends and I decided the musician friends could wait for me…for once. It turned out that the planned rehearsal was an excuse to get me to the church for my surprise farewell party!

Growing up we often heard the story of our parent’s wedding. It was one of the hottest days ever…so hot that weekend that the bridesmaid burned her feet running barefoot on the beach. It was one of those hot summer days when a person could fry an egg on the road. Apparently my grandfather was even more serious about not arriving late. He drove my mother to within a block of the church 40 minutes ahead of time so they could wait in the car.

I’m heading to the airport this morning. They are recommending arriving 60 minutes before the flight. I am aiming for 90 minutes or more ahead of the departure time. There are many habits ingrained in us from childhood, some good, some bad. The ”hurry up and wait” habit won’t change easily as there is no way I would risk missing my flight home. I am looking forward to chillin’ at home!