Overheard

"She only likes food other people order".....

It was a big, boisterous family at Quizno's; it looked like they were feeding the youngest only-- he of "college funds" as one said. They breezed in, crowded up the place, talked happily, so loud you couldn't help but listen to them. Eavesdrop.

I am admiring those "fully loaded chips" from afar.

I tried to concentrate on my sandwich instead of wondering about them but it pretty much was a lost cause. The entire restaurant was empty; they picked the two tables next to me. Picking at my chicken carbonara sandwich and cup of chili I caught bits of conversation. Nothing particularly interesting, but still, you just couldn't stop listening.

On a Saturday, in jeans and an embroidered hippy top I bought in London on "Bond Street", I felt messy next to this family dressed to the nines. Shirts ironed, skirts neat. Perhaps going to a college graduation ceremony? Another coffee-shop friend is getting her Master's Degree in Physics today. (Physics. Gasp.)

I wondered a little if a big group like that even notices someone like me-- sitting there alone (but not completely!) :) trying to mind my own business and failing. Destined to write about them. Magpies. That's what they reminded me of. And I, the lone nesting sparrow watching, watching.