I don’t know how this random memory came into my head but it came and I have to share it with all of you.

You are welcome.

I worked in a cubicle next to a temp who would eat baby food…straight out of the little glass jar…for her lunch. All the cubicle residences existed in half-walled cubicles. Like the ones at a doctor’s office. So not much room for privacy. The cubicle to my right didn’t have a permanent occupant and was usually delegated to the PR intern or a temp worker…that ate baby food.

Everyday at lunchtime, I would here the distinctive click-pop of the baby food jar. At first, I couldn’t distinguish that sound from the opening of a soda can. But now with my honed baby food jar opening hearing, I can detect it immediately. Jealous? Thought so.

I was confused when I first heard this sound. But sitting less than five feet away with a half wall separating us, the temp held an open jar of mashed bananas. I believe it was Gerber’s. And no, I don’t think it was the organic stuff. And with no humility, the temp proceeded to tell me how she had a roommate (another adult female) who also ate canned baby food.  Only the fruit options. And she didn’t have any young children. I was appalled yet fascinated.

I came to expect hearing the click-pop of the jar every day around noon. And sometimes I would even ask her what was on the menu for that day. Berry Medley? Apple Pie? Yams? I imagine it was kind of like watching a drug addict take a hit. 

And then one day, the temp was no longer there.

 In her place was the new PR intern. And of course, I turned to him and asked, “So, what did you bring for lunch?”