Since we work in the broad field of communications, just about anything we see or do can somehow be related to our work.  Which means that even the seemingly frustrating or boring situations can prove valuable. Especially if part of your job description (like mine) is to better understand people and what makes them tick.

Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about:

1) Airports Part I.  You just found out your flight is delayed.  You're pissed off, and you should be.  But why not take the opportunity to get in some good people watching?  Grab a coffee (or a beer, if you can pull it off), secure a seat facing the walkway, and enjoy the parade.  Check out what people are wearing.  And carrying.  And sticking in their ears.  It's instant entertainment, and you're bound to make some observations you can use in your next creative presentation. (I recommend Charlotte Douglas airport for this activity, especially if you can grab a rocking chair).

2) Airports Part II.  If you have to wait for someone to arrive, check out others either doing the same or sending someone off.  Who made "Welcome Home!" signs?  Who is pacing anxiously?  Who looks like they're about to burst into tears?  We get to witness some pretty powerful sendoffs and arrivals here due to the strong military presence in nearby Fayetteville (Fort Bragg).  And even though Sept. 11 put a major dent in this one (getting emotional by the check-in counter or baggage claim isn't the same as gateside), it's still a pretty fascinating way to see the bonds that exist between people.

3) The DMV. Is there a more accurate metaphor for hell?  This is a miserable experience, no matter how you slice it.  And since it's unavoidable, why not check out what a hellish experience does to people?  Look at their faces and their body language.  See how those uncomfortable chairs can alter someone's state of mind.  I'm not being sadistic here - it's just true.

4) A baseball game.  Let's face it - even those of us who love baseball (me included) acknowledge that it's nowhere near as stimulating as, say, basketball.  Which is partly why we love it - you're there for a long time, and there are long pauses between the action - it's a recipe for rich conversation.  And if you happen to be by yourself at a baseball game, you may be forced to hear what's on other people's minds.  It's not unlike the types of conversations that pop up during a road trip - except that at a baseball game you may have an audience.

5) The Farmers Market.  I'm convinced this is the new place for young families to see and be seen.  You can roll out of bed as you are and hit the farmers market, sure.  But you sure as hell better make sure your kid and your dog look sharp, even if it is 8 in the morning on a Saturday - because that's who everyone is going to be checking out.  Oh - and you can also see who buys the locally grown produce, and who just shows up for the coffee and Daisy Cakes (yummy).