Thoughts Over Coffee, Looking Out My Window.

Thoughts Over Coffee,
​Looking Out My Window.

by Jarad Johnson 

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I don’t particularly enjoy living in an apartment. 

I mean, it’s fine I guess, but I’d much rather be in a house with a large garden (If any attractive rich men with estates are available, call me - it will be best if you travel and I can be in the house alone from 50-90% of the time.)

There are some pleasant things about my current life though. I live alone, no roommates, and I have my privacy to putter around in whatever state of dress I feel like. 
Oh, and people watching. That can be a real event. Get your popcorn ready. There are very few moments that call one’s attention in an apartment parking lot that reflect the best of human interaction.

Now, if I had my way, any neighbors I did have would shielded by about half a mile of woods, guarded by fierce some wild beasts, and only the bravest and most attractive heroes  would make it to my secluded abode, asking for advice on a task commanded to them by the gods. But as it’s an apartment, they said no to that idea when I asked. Apparently, “lions are dangerous.” Here, kitty kitty. So I have a front row seat to the show.

I’m forced to look at people every now and again. I’m equal parts fascinated and disgusted by the behavior I witness. People will have absolute melt downs in the parking lot, screaming at their spouses, crying and carrying on. And then the next day, they walk out to their cars like the whole complex didn’t hear them drunkenly shout at their boyfriend and sob on the curb. Admittedly, this has only happened once, as my apartment is relatively quiet and secluded,  for an apartment that is. Those two didn’t hang around very long. 

There are some characters here though. There was an older(?) woman who would walk around looking in the bushes for her latest drug drop. Of course, she could’ve been young, as hard drugs aren’t great for your complexion. It was comical and sad, the way she would put her arms behind her back and walk in a way she must’ve imagined was inconspicuous. Sorry, ma’am, but it was obvious.

Another memorable one was the Dominos driver who came to the apartments across from my building, while he was working, to scream at his wife. Something about custody, if I remember rightly. It was hard to take him seriously in the hat with the little flashing dominos sign. He didn’t even give her or the kids a pizza. How rude. These spectacles are uncomfortable for viewers and I always wonder at the ability for emotions to overcome the need for privacy - or even consideration for the peace and serenity of your fellow humans.

I suppose that what it comes down to is I’m not particularly suited to  this mode of living. I like to let the outdoors in, but as entertaining as it can be, would prefer not to be privy to the intimate emotional moments of those around me. When they aren’t screaming or casually rifling the bushes for drugs, most people keep their blinds closed 24/7, and not a single one of them have plants on their balconies. My windows are usually open, because I have a cat, houseplants, and I like sunlight. I also have around 30 plants on my balcony. I’ve thought about putting a sign out front, “ye olde witch,” but as this is Alabama, I’d rather not be killed in my sleep If I can avoid it. 

Ah well, can’t have everything, can we? Of course I plan on having a house sooner rather than later, but I’m an impatient person. I want everything and I want it now. No appreciation for the journey, only the destination. I’ve been told it’s to do with my zodiac sign. I don’t put much stock in things like that, but I’m a Taurus, and we’re known for our skepticism. 

I’ll just have to settle for visiting the botanical gardens, hiking, and growing as many plants as can be crammed onto my little balcony. For now. Hopefully, it will be worth the wait. 

Bio:
Jarad recently graduated from college at MTSU, loves tea and coffee, and tries to spend every spare second reading. He has been a fervent gardener for 6 years and is fascinated by all related topics and has spent the last several years writing about this passion. He believes that nature is our greatest teacher. He majored in English with a concentration in literature and plans to pursue and master’s degree in Ecocriticism. 

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