Dec 06 2008
The Pick-Up Line
My weekday wait in the pick-up line at my kids’ school is truly a perfect spot to conduct research in human nature. There are all sorts of interesting behaviors at play each and every day. Thankfully, the anger, frustration and obscene gestures that were prevalent the first month of school have now pretty much faded away. But, there are still lots of things to see.
I usually arrive in my place in line about 20 minutes before the final bell rings and the kids are dismissed. That ensures that I get a place fairly close to the front of the line. I have heard from other parents that the front cars arrive more than an hour before school dismissal! Anyway, while I wait in line, I usually call a friend or family member, chat and be silly with my little one, and sometimes read a magazine. I HATE wasted time - so I try to find something to do other than “just sit”.
While waiting in the pick-up line, I have observed license plates from many states - some from as far away as Arizona and Canada. I hope these people are visiting relatives who live here - otherwise they missed the law that says you have to get a Florida license plate within 30 days of moving here. Also, I have seen many of the varieties of Florida license plates - this state has so many to choose from. There are the “standard ones” that have that map of Florida with oranges on it. Then there are special ones that have athletic team logos (Buccs, Gators, Seminoles, Rays, etc.), some with sea turtles, some with dolphins, some with manatees, some with firemen, some with apples for education, and some like the one I have - with a shark!
Of course there are many types of cars to inspect as well. Unlike Oklahoma and Arkansas where I lived before, there are not many trucks here in Florida. There are quite a few minivans at the school which is to be expected. There are also a couple Hummers and a handful of other large SUVs. But little sedans seem to be the norm.
Now on to the human element. It’s interesting to watch to see how other people spend their time while waiting in the line each day. Many folks talk on their cell phones - which I’m not surprised by. I have been shocked however at some of the conversations I have overheard because my fellow pick-up liner is talking very loudly with their car windows down. Apparently people around here like to get into serious family feuds.
I have also witnessed people eating interesting foods and in interesting ways. Ice cream cones lapped up in disgusting ways, french fries crammed into mouths 20 at a time, hamburgers and burritos gobbled up sloppily, small cookies flung in one after the other. And then of course is my favorite - gum smacking — oh, how I hate gum.
I have also seen people reading magazines, their mail and books. One lady seemed so engrossed in what she was reading that I wanted to tap on her window and ask her the title.
I have seen parents handing toddlers bottles and food. I have seen a few mom’s starting DVD’s for their small child in their vehicle. I have heard a number of preschoolers screaming at the top of their lungs because they are tired of waiting in a car that is not moving. (I wanted to join them in chorus a couple of times.)
I have seen some people playing with mobile video games. The little electronic sound effects pour out of their vehicles. Pretty funny watching an adult spend their waiting time.
As I wrap this up, I realize that I have truly mastered the art of people watching. I do come by it honestly - my Mamaw Hillman was an expert at it and my mom is pretty good too.
