Notes from the Checkout

I worked from afternoon through evening yesterday. It seemed like every small child was crying. I mentioned to one of my customers that I hadn't heard as many kid meltdowns on the same day for a long time. She reminded me that it was the first day of school for Seattle Public Schools. Even if the small child was not going to school, if their siblings were there was a change in routine. They had to go to bed earlier the night before and get up earlier yesterday morning. I remembered being unable to sleep before the first day of school back in the day. Ah, there was an explanation for the behavior and also why we were so busy in the evening. When it was punch out time I was glad to go home for a little peace and quiet.