One of my favorite things about Sunday is the articles each week in the NYT series Sunday Routine. They ask an interesting person what they do on Sundays. I think I find this so fascinating because for six or seven years my Mormon Sundays were an miserly and unrestful mix of obligations- meetings, worship, and dropping in on family. I was shocked at how much more "me" time I had when I left Mormonism. I thought I would take a stab at my own Sunday Routine- and I'd love to know yours as well.
Melanie, 26, is a graduate student pursuing a PhD in American history. A resident of South Philly, she has lived in Philadelphia for seventeen months.
COFFEE, INTERNET I like to wake up naturally on the weekends since I don't often have plans- usually around 9:30 or 11. I drink coffee and catch up on my favorite Sunday internet features- Postsecret, Sunday Routine, occasionally the weddings section. I stay up on blogs and the Fashion and Politics sections during the week, so I like to have Sunday treats to look forward too. I like to keep it ultra casual- t-shirts, sweatshirts, and raggedy jeans I would never wear out during the week.
WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST In recent months I've been captivated by pancakes, so sometimes I'll make those for my roommate and I. Otherwise it's cereal or toast. In the summer I go out to brunch more often. Today I was lucky, I went with girlfriends to Local 44 in West Philly. We had their signature beer-mosas and I had a breakfast BLT with the most good quality bacon I've ever seen on a sandwich anywhere, ever.
TAKING IT EASY Some Sundays I like to take care of business- maybe laundry or a trip on the bike to Target. After brunch today, a friend and I hit up Metropolitan Bakery and walked through still snowy Rittenhouse Square, one of my favorite Philly spots. Like any day, I have to work, but not too soon. I picked up a fruit and oat bar to enjoy while I'm reading later.
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS Sometime in the mid-afternoon I get down to work. Today I have to go up to school to get some books out of my office. I left them there on purpose because the forecast was calling for sun and I really, really need to get a bike ride in after all this snow. But again- nothing too quick. I'm going to drink some more coffee before I make my way out of the house. I think I might stop by H&M on the way to school-- I am getting an itch for Spring fashion. Like everyone here, winter has worn me out.
ACTUALLY WORKING I'm studying for my comprehensive exams this semester, so I'm trying to put away five books a day. It's insane- I usually get through three books and feel fine, but the extra two is a stretch. Working through the lists is really satisfying, even though I just started really reading last Wednesday. I have class tomorrow as well, so there's reading for that. There are no days off between now and May.
KEEPING IT REAL Sundays are a nice time to relax and prepare for the week. And there's always time for a cocktail in the evening when it's time to wind down. Watching a movie- we've been into Almodovar's tragedies lately- and chipping away at an embroidery project is a nice way to wrap up the day.
8 comments:
Our Sundays have drastically changed since we stopped going to church as well - and I have to say, I enjoy them much more now :)
We typically get up at 4am when the cats wake us up, feed them, and then go back to bed, shutting the door behind us, and wake up around 8-8:30.
We get ready lazily, out the door by 10-10:30 to go have brunch at one of the handful of brunch places in our neighborhood (you can get a bike ride in every weekend when you have an array of brunch places within a mile of your apartment).
Then back home probably to do dishes and laundry (the two things that never end), maybe some grocery shopping, cooking an early dinner, and lately, sitting on the couch and watching anime online.
We try to keep Sundays, as much as possible, as the day we keep to just the two of us, so we have the whole day together. We also try to keep it really relaxed, since we have to go back to work the next morning, we don't want to wear ourselves out. I don't think our lives would be very exciting to an outside observer, but we sure do like them.
Wait a minute...you left the Church?! And you're drinking coffee now, too?! And beer-mosas?! All on the Sabbath?!
Nice work.
I seriously wonder if I'll ever be able to shake Mormonism as a reference point for everything I appreciate in life. I'm also not sure that I want to.
Melanie: I think when you grow up with something like that, which really defines your whole existence, or all of it you are aware of... If and when that changes, it's a major life alteration, a milestone, a reference point. Something where you can say, before, it was like this, now, it's different. It seems pretty natural to use that as a reference point when talking about your life.
Loved your comments on Segullah's "Who stays, who goes" post. Your words "The atonement felt too infinite for all of the constraints" especially spoke to me!
I am biding my time, 'til the "price" of my "going" is less of a burden to my family, but once I'm gone...oh, the Sunday plans I have!
Melanie! I love this post. I've read it twice now. And, I might have to come to Philly for a few photo shoots this year. If I do...could we meet? Go for a bike ride? Or maybe I can stay on your couch for an evening?
Sundays for me have been about working lately. I wake up and go to my favorite coffee shop for a little pick me up, then I do about three photo shoots in my back studio, then I take a walk if it is nice, or read a book, or watch a movie. I edit photos, respond to emails, cozy up with friends or family, and then take a long hot bath in my jetted tub.
This Sunday is a super busy one with three big shoots and then out to dinner with my Sis to celebrate the opening of our business.
I LOVE Sundays.
Melanie! I love this post. I've read it twice now. And, I might have to come to Philly for a few photo shoots this year. If I do...could we meet? Go for a bike ride? Or maybe I can stay on your couch for an evening?
Sundays for me have been about working lately. I wake up and go to my favorite coffee shop for a little pick me up, then I do about three photo shoots in my back studio, then I take a walk if it is nice, or read a book, or watch a movie. I edit photos, respond to emails, cozy up with friends or family, and then take a long hot bath in my jetted tub.
This Sunday is a super busy one with three big shoots and then out to dinner with my Sis to celebrate the opening of our business.
I LOVE Sundays.
Stella! I'm glad you liked it- I keep going back to your tongue post, it cracks me up. You are always welcome in Philly!
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