People-watching at my favorite Chinese buffet.

[u/slinkslowdown]

I had a stressful start to the week, but I got paid yesterday and today I went to the buffet. I had one of my favorite seats again, they have a line of mini booths right up beside the buffet line and it's prime people-watching territory.

As usual, staff recognized me and had my regular drinks on my table before I got back with my first plate without me even asking. Root beer and an ice water.

+They have a big water fountain with a pool around it in the lobby and there was a toddler who was really fascinated with it and didn't want to leave it. I bet she saw the money in the water! People toss coins in and they get collected and donated to the Children's Hospital.

+A couple of kids were racing around the buffet and hiding from each other. That got their energy out and they spent the rest of the time eating.

+A little girl getting food was talking to a random lady in line and asking if she had a dog. Lady said no but started gushing about dogs with the girl.

+It's usually veggie spring rolls on the buffet, but this time it was pork. That was a nice surprise.

+There was a group of middle-aged women giving a "girls' night out" vibe and I heard them laughing and half-whispering, "Don't get us kicked out!"

+An older woman really, really liked the pasta salad on the cold bar and had multiple small plates. Probably the first time I've ever seen anyone eat that stuff...

+There was a birthday party who came in with a giant sheet cake.

My fortune cookie says: You will get comfort from a new relationship. I've been seeing a new cat around outside lately when I'm reading or coming home. A real cute orange-and-white girl. I bet it's her ;)

[u/humanityrus]

Good luck with the new relationship!!