This date is a good one, because it's a fifth Monday of the month. No big deal, really. Except that this means I did not have either a school board or city council meeting to cover for work. Yay! Not that I don't enjoy what I do, but Mondays are usually my longest days of the week. Every Monday evening I have a meeting to cover and then stories to write afterward. Leaving the office at 9, 10, 11 at night can get draining.

So when I left today at a reasonable hour, I wondered what to do with my time. I often feel that way if I happen to get done at around 5ish because it doesn't happen very often. I had been craving a nice grilled cheese from this little coffee shop Gymocha, so I went there armed with a good book.

I ordered my sandwich and drink, took out the $5.88 I owed and the two workers went ahead and got my order. They both forgot to take my money, until I had my meal. I made sure to stand at the counter until I could hand over my money. The guy behind the counter said, "thanks for being honest." I actually didn't think it was that big of a deal. I mean, what was I going to do, just not pay? But I suppose there are some people out there that would do that. I'm just glad it didn't even occur to me to be one of them.

I'm sitting at the Austin Public Library right now. It's a pretty gloomy and chilly April afternoon. The library here is very nice, with lots of windows for a great view of the Mill Pond.

Sitting in the library can be a good place to people watch. For instance, there's an older woman at a table working on some sort of craft project. A gentleman in one of the rows of books is talking on a cell phone in a language other than English (take it outside buddy). At a table facing the pond is an older guy staring at a laptop with earbuds in. I wonder if he's watching a movie?

In college, I went to the library to do homework once in awhile. My usual limit was about two hours before I got so distracted I needed a change of scenery. But to get something productive done, I basically had to kick myself out of my dorm room or apartment.

Anyway, the next time you are in the mood for some people watching (and the Minnesota State Fair isn't an option at the time), just head to your local library. You probably won't be disappointed.