This is usually how my mornings start, as I get off the early bird shuttle to campus. For the last week, however, my shuttle driver - Ron - has been on vacation. On a cruise. With his wife. Where it's warm. And I won't see him again until AFTER THANKSGIVING. Ron - who told me I must have trucker blood in me. Ron - who told me not to wish my life away the last time I went home. Ron - who gets the two-handed, Usain Bolt-style wave from the newspaper man every morning. Ron - who has started calling me trouble here in the last few weeks. Ron - who is the greatest shuttle driver ever.
I thought I'd be okay with the substitute shuttle driver. He's a perfectly nice man; he says hello, he wishes us a good day when we unboard. He has lots of colorful tattoos to admire. Slowly but surely, I've realized how much Ron's little gestures mean to me. And I've realized how much the little things can grate on your nerves.
Let's make a list! Let's make a list! I like organization. Yay.
- At first, I thought the substitute driver just didn't think to warm up the shuttle before he picks us up in the morning. Nope, he just doesn't turn the rear temperature controls on at all! His own temperature controls are on, but ours are off. Brrrr...
- He listens to talk radio. I thought I could handle it. Perhaps I was spoiled by Ron's "best of the 80s, 90s, and today" radio station selection. Anyway... It's not just talk radio. The volume is VERY LOUD. Okay, background sound is nice, but I don't want to be forced to listen to this. Now I have no choice. And then, yesterday afternoon, I realized that not only is it talk radio, it's Rush Limbaugh. Okay... I guess I'll wear headphones next time.
- [#3 omitted because I realized I was just complaining. But seriously, my shuttle needs to run on time]
- [#4 omitted because, again, I was REALLY complaining. Honestly, though, could it get any colder on this shuttle? Seriously (insert eye roll).]
Peace, love, and Ron the shuttle driver--
Emily
