I always know summer is here when I begin to slack off on pretty much everything. Something in the 100 degree heat drains my ambition and commitment and stores it in a safe place until the coolness of fall arrives. I will not, however, give you a classic blogger apology about how I've let down my followers or abandoned my craft. The truth is, you see, I know that my piffy little blog is not meaningful enough to cause anyone disappointment nor are my ramblings anything but a feint resemblance of a craft. So unfortunately, dear readers, assuming you exist, there will be no remorseful discourse.
What I do wish to discuss are the things we see. I am continually surprised by what I can learn from observing other people. Pseudo-philosopher that I am, I enjoy the occasional although slightly creepy people-watching session. Begin story.
The other day I was at a local movie theater, waiting for some friends to meet me. Arriving uncharacteristically early and having that "awkwardly waiting on someone alone in a public place" feeling, I settled myself on a low wall to see what I could see. What first caught my attention were two young guys, standing decidedly apart, eyes anywhere but on each other. First date, I categorized. I smiled as I watched these two check watches, look at their phones for non-existent texts, sway, and continue to avoid each other's eyes. After a couple minutes, one of the boys was rescued by his date, greeted with an uncomfortable side hug and a brisk entrance to the theater. I mentally wished him luck as the girl barged ahead towards the concession stand. I managed to make eye contact with the remaining guy and shot him a quick, "I know how you feel" smile, feeling a sense of unity with this other stranded stranger. Apparently he did not share my sentiment and quickly turned his back on me, pulling out his phone for the tenth time in five minutes. A few more minutes crept by and a man and his young daughter walked up to the box office. Once he had purchased their tickets, the father began to walk towards the theater, stopping once he realized his girl had stooped several feet behind him. Turning, he and I both saw his five year old, stooped over, picking up handfuls of tampons and calling out "Daddy! You dropped these from your pocket!". I tired to calm my laughter as the man, clearly embarrassed, rushed back to his girl, yanked her discovery back into his pockets and rushed into the theater. That is either one dedicated husband or a questionable man. Smiling, I looked over at first-date guy to see if he had witnessed this gem of a moment. Alas, he'd missed it- nothing but phone checking and head shaking.
I followed his lead, checked my phone, sure my friends would be there soon. Putting my phone back in my bag, I saw the dreaded group of tweens approaching the theater. I don't know if it's just this movie theater, although I'd doubt it, but it seems like every time I go out to a movie, a unnecessarily large and loud group of 11-13 year olds have been set lose on the theater. Seriously, it's like they don't go home, choosing instead to plague innocent shoppers with their squeals and squawks and skate-shoes. I shutter to think I too, was once a mall-invading 12 year old. One girl, Hollister jeans and stick straight hair, was fumbling around with her wallet before purchasing her ticket, ended up dropping all her change on the tile floor. With an echoing cling, coins rolled for feet, as if escaping this wallet was their only opportunity to escape the mall. As her buddies giggled, she swept her hair off her shoulders and walked away, not even bothering to get the quarters that littered the theater entrance. As soon as the group had made its way into the theater but before I could squat down to pick up the loose change, a trio of elderly women made their way up to the line. Precious and permed, one white-haired lady noticed all the money on the ground and quickly alerted her girlfriends. Amused, I watched as all the women, dropping their purses, struggled to bend over and collect the change, finding value in what the 12 year old considered worthless. Once their treasure had been collected, the ladies got together and counted all the money, grinning and laughing at their good luck! I was and continue to be amazed at the difference between the perspectives of the generations.
Now at least 15-20 minutes had passed. My rear end was cold from sitting on the tile, our movie had already started, and first-date guy was still refusing to look at me! Happily for both of us, the boy's date finally showed up, rescuing him from my unceasing attempts to make eye contact. I hoped she was worth the wait.
I am glad to report my friends eventually showed up and we had an enjoyable time drooling over Johnny Depp in a pirate outfit. But even more than just watching the bad guy that might be good but who is really just good at being bad, I had the opportunity to really see people. If I hadn't been early, if my friends hadn't been late, if I hadn't had my eyes open, I would have missed it. So, keep a wary eye out. Because people are worth being seen.
