a step in the right direction

Today I was in a few seminars.  Earth shattering I know.  But during my seminars a couple of things happened today.  

One:  I was in a seminar that talked about marking different parts with a barcode.  There are laser marking (etching) systems that will mark all sorts of information on different items you and I use everyday, but might not realize it.  From automotive parts, baby bottles, to surgical and medical equipment.  It was actually kind of interesting.  Then he began to talk about how they want to mark eggs, milk, ground beef, and even fruit in such a way so that if there is a recall for some reason it can be tracked down by a specific date and/or process.  I know pretty boring stuff.  But then my imagination began to swirl a bit.  What if?  What if they are getting so good with marking organic stuff.  Where would it stop?  Would they want to start marking humans?  Will there be some sort of group of people (government?) that plot out a way to mark everyone.  The writer alive within me began of thinking of different stories that might lead to something....hmmm

Two:  Another teacher was Italian and while it was a little hard to understand his english with his accent, I began to think at a writer.  So I began to write down the little things he said and how he said them.  You never know when you might need a character with a little Italian accent.  Would be a little hard to write dialogue, but at least I have something written down. :)

It really excited me that I was thinking as a writer, they talk about it all the time in the books I read, and I always want to...because I am always eaves dropping on other peoples conversation or people watching.  I never think to write anything down.  But today I did and it felt good. :)