We runners have this innate drive to line up at the bathrooms or porta-potties before a race. For many, it is a ritual that gives us a few moments of peace in a safe place.
Kids are the same. During class time, when they ask to go, they often don’t really need to; they just want a bit of a break, an escape from the class and teacher.
Last week, we had a fire drill at school. My role is to make sure the second hallway is empty, lights are off and doors are shut. As soon as I heard the alarm, I started my rounds.
“Is anyone in there?” I called when I got to the boys’ bathroom.
“Yes.”
“Hurry up!”
Seriously? I’ve never had that happen during a drill. I checked the girls’ and the computer lab, and I returned to the boys’.
“Is anyone in there?” I yelled again.
“Yeah!”
“Hurry up!”
I stood outside the entrance and watched the remaining classes leave. I saw closed doors and wondered if I would have to jump out of a window if this were a real fire.
“Hurry up!” I repeated a third time. “We have to get out of here!” What I really wanted to say, though, was “Shit or get off the pot!”
Finally, I heard a flush. And, in case you were wondering, I didn’t make him wash his hands.
Oh my gosh – Okay, this reminds me of something that happened when I worked at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I was a closer one night, so I didn't leave until all guests were out of Asia, then I'd move to Africa and have to wait for the last guests to leave there. Well, one night it was different! This woman would NOT got off the toilet in Asia. We were waiting over 30 minutes and she just sat there with her feet occasionally moving. Finally our manager just told us to go home and she'd wait to clear the area out. Seriously? I mean at least get off the pot then go to the next bathroom in line on your way out of the park. And there was NO family waiting for her either. Mom was just busy doing who knows what in there!
How embrassing for that kid! I bet he never wants to use the bathroom at school again. Scarred for life. heehee
Too funny! Wonder if he was embarrassed or not at all? You never know with boys!