I went to the moon and back during my trip from the lobby to room
130. She only told me his name, Dan.
He could be one of
those weird dudes who leaves piss
bottles and shit bags at truck stops. Is he going to stare at me while I sleep?[1]
Cheetos pillow case! The Horror! THE END IS APPROACHING!!!!
Calm down. Be
objective. Clean slate, don’t generalize.
I opened the door with a Dominoes Pizza room key.
It’s 0715[2]
and from the room a curious, “hello?”
My minute panic disarmed the volume control part of my Broca’s area[3], letting out a tremulous scream, “Hey man! Here for the Con-way orientation?”
“Ya ya ya. You must be tired, man. Where’d you come from?” Quick with his words, but very smooth, very relaxed. I’m beginning to feel what I’ll soon know; Dan’s a cool cat.[4]
Through his Mexican accent, he speaks with a curiosity in a higher tonal voice. It’s humbling in a way; I know he’s as interested in me as I am in him. It’s also pragmatic, like the organized suitcase he keeps his bathroom supplies in so the hotel maids can easily clean the countertop.
My minute panic disarmed the volume control part of my Broca’s area[3], letting out a tremulous scream, “Hey man! Here for the Con-way orientation?”
“Ya ya ya. You must be tired, man. Where’d you come from?” Quick with his words, but very smooth, very relaxed. I’m beginning to feel what I’ll soon know; Dan’s a cool cat.[4]
Through his Mexican accent, he speaks with a curiosity in a higher tonal voice. It’s humbling in a way; I know he’s as interested in me as I am in him. It’s also pragmatic, like the organized suitcase he keeps his bathroom supplies in so the hotel maids can easily clean the countertop.
We started discussing life in Laredo, Texas[5].
The border. He used to work on an oil field but was one of many laid off. Now
he’s working for Con-way. Joplin’s the first time he’s ever left home (on the
states side). Later, he would show
me pictures of his wife and three children.
I woke up tense. I woke up nervous. I felt the stomach acid creeping up. Not for fear of the open road[6] nor the lot lizards.[7] I was nervous about telling my parents. That’s right! I left them in the dark on this one. I’ll spare the details on why. Regardless, I decided today was going to be the day. Call up my pops, pacing the parking lot.
I woke up tense. I woke up nervous. I felt the stomach acid creeping up. Not for fear of the open road[6] nor the lot lizards.[7] I was nervous about telling my parents. That’s right! I left them in the dark on this one. I’ll spare the details on why. Regardless, I decided today was going to be the day. Call up my pops, pacing the parking lot.
“Hellllo?!” Excited to hear from his youngest son of three,
third child of four.
Panicked, loud voice again. Here my head gets fuzzy so I lost
memory of our exact conversation; it was something along the lines of, “Whatcha
up to, pops?” In one way or another he responded with something like “Nothing
son, just with your sister, mother, brother, brother’s friend, neighbor, etc.
etc…. Driving your sister down 55 to St. Louis. Moving her into school.
Everyone’s here! If you’ve got some shocking news, the current time sure would be incredibly awkward! Is there something you needed?”
“Nope, uhhhhh, just calling to say hi!”
“Nope, uhhhhh, just calling to say hi!”
I decide to call my other brother, Danny, over in Denver “Oh
God, Brian”[8]
Danny, being a mini version of Joe McMahon[9],
reminded me that pops might not take it that bad after all. I make my way
back to the lobby.
Dan, my roommate, not my brother[10],
happens to be relaxing on a lobby couch. We get to talking about my parents,
his parents (things of that nature). Dan’s dad was a pastor. Born on the
American side, Dan’s dads’ occupation to/with God led his family to leave
Lardeo and occupy various towns and terrains in Mexico. 11 years later, Dan
graduated from middle school and his family made the voyage back to Laredo.
Tuition burdens cut his college education short, work at McDonalds followed. To
support his family he worked up to higher paying jobs. Customs broker[11]
and labor on an oil rig. Both jobs fell thru due to low demand, but the oil
experience left him a licensed commercial driver. Dan’s dream remained the
same, to give his children an education. Open a door to opportunities, giving
them access to whatever brings them happiness.
He’s shocked to hear I have a bachelor’s degree and I’ve
chosen to go into trucking, The burdens of College tuition, it appears, has
brought us both to Joplin. Still, he believes trucking will prove a worthwhile
venture for me[12]. I like
Dan. In many ways, he reminds me of my dad.
The rest of the day, when I wasn’t napping or
hunting for Thai food we talked some more. He likes Christian music so I showed
him some Sufjan.[13] Growing up
they had four TV channels. Saturday Notre Dame Football on NBC became a second ritual;
we watched them yesterday when I started writing this post. This morning, he went
to church. He keeps his side of the room really clean, and doesn’t mind my
messy ways.
By the next morning, I was down the street at Con-way
corporate headquarters. I’m fairly certain I signed some documents to not
disclose any company secrets.[14]
Meh, besides grey walls and power points nothing much happened anyhow. During a
break, however, something caught my eye. “University of Illinois Football” in
XL t-shirt format. I inquired to the older gentleman who was 5 foot 6 in chair
and 6 foot 5 standing up. Two tooth pics dancing from cheek to cheek as Mike
Werle spoke of the current pitfall of our alma’s dynasty. For someone of his
stature, his voice threw me off at first. But like warmer waters, it quickly felt justtttt right. Slightly nasally and slightlier high pitched. Not like a
child, but it certainly keeps a child’s curiosity intact. Most accurately, a smooth
euphonium.
Mike grew up in Belleville, Illinois and played football for
the U of I in the 70s. After graduation he used his finance degree for an
honest attempt at the white-collar life in Minneapolis. Six months later, his
calculations convinced him to give sports another go. He spent much of his
adult life traveling the states playing in a Professional Men’s Softball league, he's fond of these years.
Years of physical activity and Steeley Dan concerts upgraded him to a titanium
right hip, and a polished left knee. Dan’s a fan of Pink Floyd too and, overall,
is well versed in music. He’s also a fan of Mavis Staples, mostly because he was
Jeff Tweedys’[15] little
league baseball coach for 6 years. Jeff’s mom, Mike’s close friend, told him
recording with Mavis Staples made Jeff feel like he had ‘made it’.[16]
We both erupted with joy when we discovered our mutual admiration for the
Tweedy.
After surgery, fishing kept Mike in his maximum glory. He now
shares his love for music and nature with his girlfriend. Ellen works at
Washington University, down the block from my sister in St. Louis. The only
sports he enjoys watching is college basketball, it’s the only one that still feels
“real”. Behind fishing in Alaska and New Zealand, Mike’s bucket list has “truck
driving” penciled in.
During lunch, a heated Fox News debate about gun violence
drowns out potential conversation. Most eyes were fixed on the tv, Dan Mike and
I made small talk in the back. Dan
filled him in on my situation, and Mike inquired on my parents’ profession. “I
like your dad. He’s alright by me if he doesn’t lobby for the NRA.” I knew
then, I found my crew.
After that first day, I go for round two. I’m going to tell
my parents straight up. No bullshit. “Hey dad, I’m going to tell you something,
you might not like it but I think, after awhile, you’ll understand and I’m
going to make enough money in a year to pay off loans, but its kind of a different job so you might be upset, but
either way, I’m doing it.”
“Okay, that’s fine, what is it?”
“I’m going to drive a truck.” As in across all forty-eight states. And Canada. Much to my surprise my dad was all right with it. He just wanted to make sure that I thought, “it was the right move.” By the next day he grew more curious, and by this morning he loved it! Thrilled to the point of sharing his delight with friends and family. I had a plan, and I was sticking to it. Surprisingly, my sister took it the worst. Some words that come to mind: “dumb” “this is dumb” “no” and “why?. And my mother was scared, but not surprised. Rock-climbing acclimated her to this point, I knew she was ready.[17] At this point, the family is on board. I’m here, happy as a peach to have their support.
“I’m going to drive a truck.” As in across all forty-eight states. And Canada. Much to my surprise my dad was all right with it. He just wanted to make sure that I thought, “it was the right move.” By the next day he grew more curious, and by this morning he loved it! Thrilled to the point of sharing his delight with friends and family. I had a plan, and I was sticking to it. Surprisingly, my sister took it the worst. Some words that come to mind: “dumb” “this is dumb” “no” and “why?. And my mother was scared, but not surprised. Rock-climbing acclimated her to this point, I knew she was ready.[17] At this point, the family is on board. I’m here, happy as a peach to have their support.
I spent the following days swimming in Joplin’s rivers and
running through its subdivisions. On an afternoon walk, Mike and I walked to a
nearby nursery/organic food shop in the space between shopping malls and a Food 4 Less.[18]
Mike tells me they grow basil and other herbs at their home in St. Louis. We
talk about greed in politics, my rock climbing and his canoeing trips, and how
sports arenas are bad for local economies, “those major stadiums aren’t getting
any of my money.” When we ring up our organic apples and granola I remind myself
that I’m talking with a former U of I linebacker.
The third day we grab some grub at Kinnaree Thai.[19]
We all love spicy food. Mike tells Dan about how he hates Notre Football, but
thinks they are very wise to make the NBC deal way back when. If they hadn’t who
knows if they would’ve lost the 2013 championship to Alabama, Mike’s favorite
team.
The fourth and final day of orientation came around. We get
some Panera food from Panera bread.[20]
Our friend Anne drove us. She’s one of a kind. She taught us about paid phone
numbers. Apparently you can pay to have any code phone number after an "**". For
example, you could pay $12 a month for "**croissant". I won’t share Anne’s
number, but hers is far quirkier. Anne is creating a website for recipes while
on the road. You bet your ass I’ll be cooking with Anne this year.
We were assigned our trainers and sent back to the hotel to
wait until our mentors make break from shipping season[21].
Dan and I made our way to Mike’s room to say goodbye since his trainer is
meeting him in STL.
I see a Willie Mays book on his bed. Mays and Mike shared a
birthday. During Mays’ heyday, Mike’s parents took him to see his hero in San
Francisco.
“I knew it was his birthday. After the 7th inning they
took him out, so I go down next to the dugout.” Back then you could follow
players up and out of the stadium if your heart desired. Though no one did
because you wouldn’t be allowed back in the stadium. Well, young Mike followed
him out to his cab and in one breath said, “Mr. Mays I know its your birthday and its
my birthday too so I wondering if you’d sign my ball for me.”
“And my god, he signed my ball. My hero, signs my ball and
takes me back and tells the security at the door its my birthday and to let me
back in for the rest of the game.” The gladness in Mike’s eyes makes it a
shared experience for Dan and I.
“When’s your birthday?” I asked
“May the 6th” he said as matter of factly.
“When’s your birthday?” I asked
“May the 6th” he said as matter of factly.
No shit. I show him my
ID. The three of us can’t
get over it.
“So is Orson Welles.” I respond.
“That’s right. And George Clooney.” Oh ya, he’s a May 6er.
“That’s right. And George Clooney.” Oh ya, he’s a May 6er.
We help him bring his luggage to the parking lot. We meet
his girlfriend he’s talked so much about. She takes a picture of the three of us and gives me her card in case my sister needs anything in St. Louis. We wish
each other safe travels and hope to see one another on the road.
The past two days have been slow moving. 20 miles of running
and walking around Joplin. Swimming in rivers, reading and anticipating the road.
Right now, I’m stationary. I’m content. When Dan and I aren’t sharing stories
and thinking out loud, we’re enjoying each other’s company. If he goes for a
swim while I’m in here writing, he’ll leave his room key. He offers me Dominoes
pizza, and I offer him my Kung Pow carry out. I’ll listen to music while he
watches Notre Dame football or I’ll read a little and he’ll talk to his family.
I’m reminding myself to enjoy the nuances of another’s presence. In a month,
I’ll be done driving with my trainer. I will be in a truck by myself for,
hopefully, a long while. Dan is one person away from complete solitude. Until Wednesday
the La Quinta Inn is my home and Dan is my family.
Handshake Drugs – Wilco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vF1o6zg9vI
Oh I was chewin' gum for something to do
The blinds were being pulled down on the dew
Inside, out of love, what a laugh
I was looking for you
The blinds were being pulled down on the dew
Inside, out of love, what a laugh
I was looking for you
Saxophones started blowin' me down
I was buried in sound
The taxicabs were driving me around
To the handshake drugs I bought downtown
To the handshake drugs I bought downtown
Oh it's okay for you to say
What you want from me
I believe that's the only
Way for me to be
Exactly what do you want me to be?
Exactly what do you want me to be?
I was buried in sound
The taxicabs were driving me around
To the handshake drugs I bought downtown
To the handshake drugs I bought downtown
Oh it's okay for you to say
What you want from me
I believe that's the only
Way for me to be
Exactly what do you want me to be?
Exactly what do you want me to be?
[1] Dan I know
you’re reading this. Probably while I’m in the hotel room next to you. These
are jokes. I really had these concerns tho :0
[2] Remember!
Military/Europe/ Trucker time
[3] ^ a
region in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere of the hominid brain with
functions linked to speech production. However, if its stress related it
probably also involves the amygdala:
[5] Con-ways’
second biggest terminal behind Joplin, MO
[6] bring it on,
road!
[7] Bring it on,
lot lizards!
[8] Definitely
not as hard as being a camp counselor for ten pubescent 13 year olds in the
mountains of Wyoming.
[9] Joe McMahon=dad
[10] Dan =
Roommate. Danny = Brother
[11] A
profession that involves the "clearing" of goods through customs
barriers for importers and exporters (usually businesses). This involves the
preparation of documents and/or electronic submissions, the calculation and
payment of taxes, duties and excises, and facilitating communication between
government authorities and importers and exporters.
[12] Perhaps I
convinced him of this! I’ll take it!
[13] He was into
it, but Seven Swans unnerved him and rightfully so, the Book of Revelations is
terrifying enough. We don’t need an allegory song with demon birds! https://youtu.be/99TCWaHmWKc
[14] Shhhhhhhh -
; ) http://www.food.com/recipe/real-new-york-style-cheesecake-supreme-365946
[15] Wilco,
people!
[16] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW0kE6mucFY
[17] Love you
MOM! Call whenever, we’ll talk.
[18] We talk
about how it’s the opposite in cities. Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks between mom
and pop shops, record stores.
[19] My spot
[20] Bagels and
bagel sandwiches. Maybe a fruit cup.
[21] Shipping
season = always
