Parking Lot DJ

Life goes by so fast, sometimes we need to stop and smell the roses. Or, as I learned today, take notice of "Parking Lot DJ."

It began with a conversation. My husband and I were sitting in our kitchen and somehow we got on the conversation about our neighborhood Publix (from where I had just returned). I think the conversation initally began with a remark about how great that Publix is most of the time, but not so much when one particular manager is working. This led into a conversation about some of the very unusal people who work there or otherwise remarkable people in the community we see there on a regular basis.

At this particular Publix there are many colorful characters, but he is always there: Parking Lot DJ. A young guy who sits in his parent's Toyota (while they shop I understand) and blasts music as loud as it will go. He wears glasses that are too large for him. He's constantly and compulsively pushing them them up to peer over the lenses, looking around to see whether anyone is watching. He fiddles with the car sterero. His hands move artfully, manipulating the knobs back and forth, making adjustments to the sound. One thing is certain: he's not just doing this for himself. He is also doing this for the listening pleasure of the entire parking lot crowd.

Perhaps best of all is his choice of music. You might think a guy like that would be blasting the latest rap or hip hop song. Not Parking Lot DJ. He chooses songs like Billy Ocean's Caribbean Queen, or Abba's Knowing Me, Knowing You. He has played Lightening Strikes by Lou Christie. Ever heard Rockin Robin? He played it once.

So what baffles me most is the fact that I have been completely oblivious to this guy. Until my husband mentioned him earlier, and incredulously dropped his jaw while exclaiming "you've never seen Parking Lot DJ," I had no idea he existed! The realization that I can be so preoccupied to fail to notice this character really disturbs me. Granted, I have a lot on my mind these days, but seriously. So starting right now, I am going to make a concentrated effort to look around more and take in the world around me. I hope each of you join me in this effort. I would love to hear stories about the colorful people you encounter.