You’d think that it would go without saying… Don’t leave Home in your Pajamas. Yes, well, this is Mexico and some rules don’t apply. But they should.
When Ed and I first moved here, we’d wake up in the morning with big plans. Walk down to the zocalo, have a coffee, stop by the bank, buy some groceries and visit friends. Our ambitions were realistic, if we were in Canada and life didn’t always make other plans.
We quickly learned that if we managed to walk down to the zocalo and make it back before dark, or the next day for that matter, we were batting 1,000. I’m not exaggerating. At all.
If I had a peso for every time I said, “It’s only 10am and 25 degrees out. The sun doesn’t set until 6pm so I don’t need a sweatshirt” or, “I don’t need an umbrella, the rain won’t start for three hours and I’m just going to get limes”, I’d be rich. It’s a good thing that limes are waterproof.
Don’t get me wrong, the spontaneity of one’s existence here is one of the things I love the most about the culture. Life is short and they live it to the fullest. But after 11 years, I should have known better.
Sure, I woke up late and Artemis was at risk of being late for school*. However, I should have changed out of my pajamas. I should have worn outdoor shoes. I should have replaced my winter hat with a baseball hat. I should have grabbed a banana. I should have brought my wallet. And I definitely should have brought my phone. But alas, I did none of the above. Why?
Because I was only going one.block.away. One little block.
But like I said, life has other plans**.
And when I got home, three hours and 15 minutes later, Ed’s response was, “I thought you went to a wedding”. Because, believe it or not, it’s happened before***.
Have you Ever Left Home in Your Pajamas?
*Note that everyone is late for everything. It’s cultural. However, if you’re late for school, they close the door and you can try again the next day.
** When I got to Artemis’ school, the doorman sternly told me that I was to go inside to speak with her teacher. I was sure that I was in trouble for some reason. Once inside, I saw that I wasn’t the only parent in trouble. There were over 100 chairs set up and parents lined them all.
In the centre of the schoolyard was a big blue tarp where the entire school was sitting. And in front, a makeshift stage with loud playing music and flashing lights like you’d find at a disco or karaoke. The event, a play complete with clowns, props and candies. They had Artemis’ undivided attention.
As for the storyline, it was about Mothers and Fathers treating each other with respect. About sharing. Giving to others in need. Values. Ninety percent of the jokes and innuendos went over the kids heads. But that didn’t matter at all because the play wasn’t really for them. It was for the parents.
I wish I’d had my camera to capture a bit of the magic. Of the hope that I left with that day. That slowly but surely, things are changing.
*** No, I don’t have any pictures of me at a wedding in my pajamas because, you guessed it, I didn’t think to bring my camera with me when I went to put the dogs downstairs.
Photo Source: Gracey
Obviously you need training in how to leave the house in appropriate attire and what to bring. I do wish you had had your camera. Lol
AlwaysARedhead recently posted…Bird feeders
that would drive me crazy. im one of those people who are early for everything. if im kept waiting (more than 30 minutes) I will often leave. that being said I don’t mind people going out in pajamas. I don’t but I don’t care what other people wear as long as they don’t have everything on display.
I would love to hear more about that pajamas wedding. is there a blog post I missed about it? was it just one wedding or is it common to wear pajamas to a wedding there?
This I would have loved to see! 😉
Freda Mans recently posted…The Friday 56
I don’t mind if people are in their pjs – as long as it’s not grossly inappropriate – like a wedding… 🙂
I love this – what a great post! Life that spontaneous would certainly be interesting! You make me long for a change so often…
I don’t think I’ve ever left my house in my pajamas. Or without make up or 3 inch heels (unless I was going for a walk or to the gym). I was hoping for karaoke, OMG let’s totally do that in Vegas!!!!!
mommy oustide recently posted…Wordless Wednesday – Paradise w/linky
Where I live there is alot of people that go shopping in their pj’s, I’ve even seen a few in onesies..lol
dear Lynda,
There’s a good chance that you’ll see some of them here… People of Walmart (http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/). Thanks for stopping by.
Besos, Sarah
Oh my goodness! Hilarious!
I can honestly say, I have never attended a wedding in my jammies.
I did once make a quick run to Tim Horton’s – and my mother was horrified! 😀
Your life is so interesting!
Peady recently posted…Family Day, we hardly knew ye.
As crazy as it sounds down there it also sounds quite wonderful and enchanting at the same time 🙂 I’ve always wanted to travel and visit different cultures; see how they differ from us in the United States. One day I’ll be able to!
Oh, and I’ve left the house in my jammies many a time. Lol
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement recently posted…Gumdrop Cases iPad Case Review & Giveaway
Dear Kayla,
I love that you think me leaving my house in my pajamas is “wonderful and enchanting”. Or maybe you were referring to Mexico. Either way, there’s plenty more of all that. Thanks for stopping by.
Besos, Sarah
I have never left my house in pajamas but a lot of my friends do.They go shopping in them.LOL Maybe I have to loosen up.LOL
Dear Wanda,
Do not loosen up. Not unless you want to be featured on People of Walmart (http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/).
Your choice.
Besos, Sarah
Oh no! My neighbors are quite nosy… I definitely could not be caught in my PJs!!
Wow! I love it! And wearing pjs as much as possible! Please do me a favour an always carry a camera in future-for me—-please;))
Well, I gotta let my hair down, and try going out in pajamas myself! I need some spontaneity in my life! Sounds like the play was interesting!
Very funny! In college I wore sweatpants to class!
Julia recently posted…A Look Back at 2013
I have to say… that sounds like an interesting way of life! We spent a few months in Panama looking at that as a choice, but now I’m thinking Mexico sounds kind of cool too, LOL!
I love stopping by and seeing what’s going on in life at the Zoo! You definitely are full of surprises, keep the stories coming I’m loving it 🙂 .
Laura recently posted…Make Grocery Shopping Easy with this Checklist Printable
I don’t mind if people are in their pjs,it dont bother me
oh my, I would have been mortified!, although many of today’s P’sJ are so nice and could pass for street clothes
Wow! I guess it would take me three or four lifetimes to get used to this lifestyle or maybe not. I am a quick learner. Once i walk in a puddle once or twice, it does occur to me that a puddle is wet and maybe I should wear rubbers or go barefoot. On the other hand, it sounds delightful if you take a tote and a rain poncho, cell phone and lunch. Then you would enjoy it more, maybe?! Sounds delightful if you aren’t a Type A personality–if so, the heart attack rate could be rather high. Thanks for this entertaining look at your life.
that was a fun story
Haha 🙂 I love it! I have to say I am guilty of leaving the house in my pyjamas -including once when I didn’t know there was a tear in the seam at the back… and ended up walking around with a giant hole in my pants…. I learned my lesson 🙂
But yes, you should always know life throws you curve balls!
I see people young\old all the time shopping out in pajamas
Lol, sometimes being spontaneous is the most fun, anyway! Yes, even here, I’ve often seen people out and about in their PJ’s! Strange, though, I think!
Wow, that definitely would have been funny to see!
Being at university, definitely seeing more and more people out everyday in their pyjamas…
See this more and more now, especially with younger kids
Even though it seems to be a trend now, I just don’t think pyjamas should leave the house
i’ve seen plenty of people walk out of the house in their pjs. i’ve done double takes plenty of times.
I work from home and spend the entire day in my pyjamas more often than I can say. I welcome the opportunity to get dressed up whenever I have to leave the house, so going out in my pyjamas holds no appeal for me. I can, however, see the appeal for people who have to wear regular clothing all the time. It would be such a novelty for them! 😀
I am one of those people who are early for everything so when I vacation in a culture that is always late it is a bit of an adjustment. No stress allowed on vacation!
a wedding in pajamas that sounds so awesome
corrine recently posted…singalong book club giveaway CANADA ONLY
ive never left home in my pajamas, and all my pajamas are rags so im sure im doing society a favour by staying home in them
ok I’ve gotten over wearing my Pj’s out of the house, the novelty has worn lol. BUT my boy still does it. Living in this small town has done this to him, and apparently it’s quite common for high school kids here to do this. It’s cool??? I don’t know, don’t really care. However, I will make sure he’s got clean ones on. None of this “hop outta bed and off he goes” business. Gotta draw the line somewhere, right?
Dear Laurie,
I remember wearing NEW men’s boxer shorts to school (with undergarments). I wonder if kids would be allowed to wear them nowadays? Thanks for stopping by and sharing your funny stories.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…Get a Tricycle that Grows with Your Child! @SmartTrike #Giveaway, CAN, 8/4
Living in Mexico seems quite a bit like living in Alice in Wonderland (without the Chesire Cat, The Mad Hatter or the March Hare) . It sounds rather wonderful, I suppose, once one gets used to it or do ‘partimers’ ever get used to it?
Anyway, it sounds like a really good place to relax and go ‘with the flow.’
Dear Elva,
When we first moved back from Mexico in 2008 (we lived there for three years), it was tough. I felt like I was in two places at the same time. However, over the years, I’ve been able to switch between Canada and Mexico very easily.
Mexico is such a beautiful place with lovely people but it’s a daily dose of living in Wonderland (love the association).
Besos Sarah.
Sarah recently posted…Getting Ready for a 5,000km, 4-day, 3-country Road Trip to Mexico