Lessons Learned at McDonald's on a Friday Night

Not many Fridays ago, I was on a bit of a tight schedule to get some things done before going to work. I had a rehearsal at church and needed something to eat before heading there. Thinking through some of the logical progressions, I decided to go to McDonald's. After all, McDonald's solved the issue of inexpensive, distance from my destination, and my time sensitive schedule. It was a win-win situation.

When I got to the restaurant, I was a bit concerned about the drive-thru lines, so I decided I would go inside to eat. It would still be tight, but the line inside didn't look quite as haunting as the drive thru ones did.

Upon entering the restaurant, I saw the person (yes, singular) working the counter taking orders. My initial thought was not exactly a kind one at that very moment. I have frequented this McDonald's enough to know several of the staff, and this particular person was not among my favorites. I stood in line waiting to place my order. Please be reminded that I am on a relatively tight time schedule.

A full ten minutes after I had walked inside McDonald's, I texted my wife letting her know I was still waiting on my food. She knew the time crunch I was on, for she was waiting for me at the church for that rehearsal I wrote about. She was watching the clock right along with me.

When I got my food and made my way to the drink station for my soft drink, ketchup, and napkins, I began to look for a place to sit. The place was relatively full. It was a good night for the owner of this particular McDonald's franchise. I decided I would sit at the high tops in the center of the restaurant. This McDonald's has had a recent facelift, and I hadn't sat at one of the newly installed high tops. It didn't take long to realize that it would probably be the last time I'd make that choice. Those weren't designed for me in mind ~ at all.

May I offer some suggestions of lessons learned at McDonald's on a Friday night in Vero Beach? First, fast food may or may not, in fact, be fast. Along that line, Friday night on a time crunch may not be the best time to fit McDonald's on your schedule.

Second, the high top seats are hip and trendy, I suppose. But I strongly suggest that portly sized men like myself probably will not be comfortable at the stationary high top seats.

Third, if you are in need of employment, there was a sign in the window encouraging potential employees to apply ~ look in the mirror, practice saying, "Would you like fries with that?" Now, go apply, they need your help!

People Watching at Starbuck's

I've written that I enjoy people-watching.  Today is one of those days that I'm able to spend a little time observing folks. I'm even able to combine that with a cup of coffee at Starbuck's. So, along with my cup o' joe, let me just tell you about some people that I've watched today.

First, there was the attorney-type. I have no idea if the gentleman was an attorney or not, but he had on designer dress clothes and his hair style wasn't that of a doctor or financier. He just seemed to carry himself like a high powered attorney who thought of himself to be God's creation to the Florida Bar Association. Please understand I realize that is a characterization at best, and not intended to be critical of attorneys across the board.

Then there is the couple sitting next to me. It's pretty obvious they're not a 'couple' as we typically think of couples. This is an older gentleman speaking with a younger lady. They're both dressed nice, but she's in more of a business suit. She's listening intently to his stories, and offering an occasional understanding response. It's almost as if he's in session with his counselor.

Oh, and there's the lady sitting across from me. She's in a warm up suit using an iPad. The unopened book on her table has a title something like Advanced Strategies In [some sort of] Art. I haven't seen the book opened yet, but she really doesn't look the artistic type. Then again, if she knew I just wrote a paragraph about her in my blog, she may take one look at me today and say I certainly don't look like the blogging type.

I suppose I was most fascinated today by the gentleman who came in wearing a kilt. I'm not so naive as to say he was wearing a skirt. I KNOW it was a kilt. I don't know if he is a Scottish man or not, and if he's comfortable wearing a kilt, more power to him. I, for one, am thankful I'm not expected to wear one.

I have a sneaking suspicion I'm not the only one thankful for that!