Tuesday, May 20, 2008

A moment in time

Let me set this scene for you:  I am in the sleeper compartment working at the computer desk.  As we cruise down the road (I-40 westbound in Oklahoma heading for Sacramento), I am on the internet working on the blog.  I am also downloading some podcasts for listening later tonite on my sweet little ipod (transmitter thru FM radio).  My laptop is happily playing tunes from my "Groove Mix" playlist on itunes.  I am eating a great grilled ham and provolone cheese sandwich that I grilled up on our itty-bitty sandwich grill.  I am also snacking on wonderful California cherries and blackberries that we picked up at a stop last week in the state of fruits and nuts.  All in all, a great moment.  

But wait. . . what are the rest of the crew doing?  Tony is driving - probably on cruise control.  He is finishing up an audio book that we get through a rental program at the truckstops.  It is a brand new Clive Cussler audio and I'll finish it up tonight on my shift.  Then we'll turn it in and rent another one.  They aren't cheap, but since there are 3 or 4 days of listening to each one, we consider it money well spent.

Leo is in his co-pilot car seat helping Tony drive.  He looks so macho in his sheepskin lined harness.  He is also snacking on an apple/chicken treat that I gave him.  We found a great doggie boutique in Washington and suffice it to say that Leo has a full cupboard of treats.  When the weather turns colder again, we will take him in and try on several coats and sweaters to see what the well dressed truck dog will be wearing next season.

It isn't always this sweet in the truck. . . sometimes it is downright icky, but right now is one of those sublime moments to be savored and remembered.  So, help me remember it when we are caught in a blizzard and facing Snowqualamie Summit with snow chains on the truck!  

2 comments:

Pamela Colloff said...

Jana: Hello there. I'm a staff writer at Texas Monthly magazine, and I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to reach you through Sarah Bourbon. I'm hoping that I might be able to interview you for our Working Life column -- a two-page story that runs every month, which is told in the words of someone with an interesting job (i.e. you). All we would need to do is schedule an hour in which you could talk by phone. I would ask you a few basic questions and then edit down our interview. Here's the only hitch: I would need to talk to you as soon as possible, so that we could include this story in (hopefully) our next issue. When you have a moment, I would be grateful if you could send me an email at pcolloff@texasmonthly.com or call my direct line in Austin (512-320-6983) to let me know if you are interested in doing this (and, if so, when would be a good time for me to call you). Thanks so much! Best wishes, Pamela Colloff, Senior Editor, Texas Monthly

BMc said...

I am so glad your are blogging again. I have a vivid picture in my mind of your "moment in time". What a blessing to be able to not only recognize those moments but to record them as well. So often we are waiting for the big "Ta Dah!" and we miss those REAL moments that cobbled together create our LASTING sense of well being and happiness. Enjoy each one.