“Break Time”

I enjoyed attending primary school (Grades K-5/6) in Jamaica and appreciate the experience so much more today. Many of my memories are filled with laughter, sunshine and cool breeze, being outdoors and playing with my friends. Even rainy days were special because it offered me an opportunity to wear my “Punky Brewster” sweatshirt to brave the chill of 75-78°F weather. What made school days special was “break time,” which many refer to as “recess.” We had two “break times” a day, one at 10am and another at noon. A time to hydrate, eat and PLAY. Next to Track and Field, there were two other games that dominated playgrounds, sidewalks, front and back yards all over the island — “Dandy Shandy” and “Chinese skip.” (Sidenote: I have no idea why “Chinese” is in the name of the game we call “Chinese Skip” and I’m half terrified to seek its origins as I really need it to remain about smiles and sunshine). 

The two were equally my favorite pastimes and subsequently my favorite Jamojis — you’ll hear me say this a lot. I was really good at both games, but not nearly as good as I thought I was, but good enough to fake proficiency. Both required a minimum of three players, but was best with more souls and sometimes an object, i.e. a chair, tree, wall or electric post at the opposite end would suffice if ever in desperate need. The “Dandy Shandy” game piece was a juice carton box stuffed with paper, representing “a ball”.  Elastic bands joined together to make up the building body obstacle course that was “Chinese Skip.” In short, “Danny Shandy” would be equivalent to “Dodge Ball”, and “Chinese Skip,” if we had access to real gymnastics. Seems poverty-stricken today, but back then it was pure joy and oddly, a sense of power, as I could be or do anything I wanted after a dandy shandy win. I used to believe that if I performed well at “break time” my crush would like me back. In primary school this was a power play, but truth be told I’m as much the same person today. A crush makes the mundane bits of life so much more interesting — I never missed school or had quarrels about attending. Today, my crush helped me through the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing with “The Daily Social Distancing Show.” However, this time it was less about seeking approval and more about indulging in childlike, free-spirited fantasies. 

As silly as it may be and as lacking as it may seem, enjoy “break time” and do whatever it is that brings you JOY.