The semester is winding down and now it's time for me to meet with my student teachers for an "exit conference" to review their portfolios. It is a one-to-one meeting that lasts about an hour per candidate. I have been looking forward to these meetings because it's a time to reflect on the semester's successes and progress toward program requirements. Fortunately, I have a solid group of students and have no concerns with any of them... they are all on track.
My students asked to have our meeting at a little coffeehouse that's near campus but situated so that parking is free and abundant, unlike the university. So early yesterday morning, I went to the designated place and found a good table, one that would give us some privacy, relatively speaking, since it is a rather small but popular coffeehouse. It is not unusual to for study groups or faculty to park themselves for hours at this place. Between appointments, I observed those coming and going as well as people who sat at adjacent tables. Although I am not in the habit of eavesdropping, due to the close proximity of the tables I could not help but overhear some conversations.
Among the most "fascinating": Lady A and Lady B
Lady A: "So, you guys get any nibbles on the house yet?"
Lady B: "Nope. The realtor wants us to lower the price AGAIN! There goes any equity we might have. We may as well walk away if it goes any lower."
Lady A: "Oh, honey, I know what you mean. The equity in our house has dropped over 300 grand from a couple years ago. We thought we were all set but we'd be lucky to get a mil for it now. At least we don't have a mortgage."
Lady B: Silence.
Me, to self: Lady A, may I recommend a class in Sensitivity Training?
Another interesting interaction between mother and child waiting in line to order:
Boy (about 4): "Mama, I want one of these!" (grabbing a icing-decorated Santa cookie from display case.)
Mother: "No! Put it back."
Boy: "But I waaaaaaa nit!!!" (in whiney high-pitched voice)
Mother: "I said no!"
Boy: "I hate you!"
Mother: "Listen, you better settle down, you hear me?" Then she says to no one in particular: "He always makes me spend money I don't have!" and proceeds to pay for the cookie when she places her order.
Me, to self: May I recommend Parenting 101?
Adventures in People Watching
December 9th, 2008 at 07:17 pm
December 9th, 2008 at 07:29 pm 1228850988
Oh, dear ... the things one hears!
December 9th, 2008 at 07:34 pm 1228851285
December 9th, 2008 at 07:51 pm 1228852273
December 9th, 2008 at 07:51 pm 1228852314
December 9th, 2008 at 07:53 pm 1228852398
December 9th, 2008 at 08:54 pm 1228856082
have you ever heard of a site called www.overheardinnewyork.com? they also have an office one and a beach one. they are all exactly what you have posted, and you can spend quite a while reading and laughing
December 9th, 2008 at 09:22 pm 1228857735
December 10th, 2008 at 12:49 am 1228870188
I've mentioned before on these blogs but the most bizarre things we overhear are at the playground. Parents on their cell phones - and WAY TMI. Plus they aren't paying attention to their kids so it's like a double whammy - all wrapped up in their soap operas.
December 10th, 2008 at 01:59 am 1228874342