Grocery Store Game

I have this game I like to play. If you've known me for any length of time, I have probably told you about it.


I make up stories about strangers. All. The. Time. I do this walking down the street. I do this on the bus. I particularly like playing this game in airports on long layovers.


 Now, some people think you need to teach kids not to eavesdrop on conversations. I disagree. A great deal of creativity comes from eavesdropping, in my opinion. 


I observe some detail about a person and fill in the rest. Sometimes I'll give them names, occupations, relationships, problems, or plans. I listen to things they say and watch things they do and edit the story in my brain as things conflict. I know...I'm nuts. But it really is fun to me. I don't always talk about my made up stories if I am with someone...but they are still there. Sometimes they are elaborate. Sometimes very simple. It's really fun though. You should try it sometime.


Now I play a version of this in the grocery store that is a bit different. I like to look at the odd combination of things a person is buying and either think about what they could be making or just ponder the strange combinations.


Today I was doing this in the checkout line. The burly man in front of me had only two items. The first item on its own made me chuckle to myself. The addition of the second made my mind put a scenario together very quickly.

First item: 

These chips

(In case you can't read that...this flavor is called Chakalaka and tells you underneath that it has African seasonings)

Second item:

This book

(Tell me, what is Africa like?)

I really like to think this big burly man went to buy this book and then saw the chips and thought to himself, "Self, you know what would make my new book about Africa all the more enjoyable? These African flavored potato chips! That's what!"


or


He was buying the book as a present for his niece or nephew's African-themed 5th birthday party and was just trying to be festive.


or


He went for the chips and was so grateful for his favorite African flavored chips that he found the book and really took to heart that he should learn something about the place that gave him his favorite chips.


or


He teaches 7 year olds and is currently doing a unit on Afrika. 


Anyone else have any ideas?