mindless wandering of the wondering mind

When you are alone, not doing anything in particular, not thinking of anything specific, you tend to observe what you normally would not. The little things in life that escapes our attention.

I was sitting in the canteen after PE, slowly drinking; the atmosphere relaxed, the end of a long hectic week. I was sitting and quietly observing the Indian foodstall lady clearing up. It might probably be the cool weather or the relaxed mood that makes all actions seem slower.

I thought about the lack of hygiene the woman was famous for. How true can that be? I wondered as I watched her washing her pot. Would she bring it home or store it for next week? I mused as I saw her putting leftover food into a plastic bag. Idle thoughts to amuse myself.

I turned to the other stalls. The western food stall owners were packing up too. They too were moving slower than usual. The fruits and drinks stall was taking an order. The noodle and carrot cake stall open until now, working long hours, even during school holidays. The other stalls––closed. My eyes turned back to watch the Indian lady keep her utensils.

Why do these stalls open till now? Are they trying to earn a few more dollars, or are they just willing to provide service for the students? It this why they chose to work in a school canteen: for the students? Won’t they earn more selling to the public? I had an urge to ask them.

They may be working in our college because they like students (as if there is anything nice about us). No one knows; they did not ask of us to appreciate them.

To watch and let your mind wander off. I may not understand much, but to sit back and and appreciate the simple things in life, I feel happy. No Mark and Shannon, I was not down or unwell. In fact, it made what's left of my day. Yay.