Rachael (not) on the Road Part Deux: Big Boy

Here’s the thing about when bad things happen: good things happen, too.

I have a lot of really great friends, all of whom jumped in with love, support and offers to help any way they can when I told them about getting laid off.

My writer friend Mark Puckett (markdamonpuckett.com) has been in Idaho for the last 200 years (3 months in Rachael time) and left his truck with a friend in town. He’s been eager to have the car driven in his absence to keep the battery charged and the tires in good shape. So when I told him I wouldn’t have a car for a while, he told me to drive his until he got back. Clearly I’m doing him the favor.

This is Mark’s truck:

It’s a Dodge Durango, but I’ve dubbed him “Big Boy,” BB for short. It just seems natural. He’s big and he’s all boy. I had a car crush on the Dodge Durango back in 2001 but quickly got over it until this week.

Big Boy and I had a short, but lovely week. We got the chance to bond over a few errands, like Starbucks, the grocery store and the dump. Then there was that time his battery died and my friend Joe Rocket came to  jump Big Boy’s lethargic battery. That was fun. Bonding.

I kept the driving to a minimum since I was afraid the battery would die again it’s not my truck, but I did realize something on my way back from a coffee run on Wednesday: I really, really like to drive. I guess the question is: what is it about driving that is so rewarding? Is it a comfort thing? Control of heavy machinery? Not sure, but that’s something I will hopefully diagnose during this month of not driving.

Today is my last day with BB. Mark is getting in from his 60-hour train ride tonight. I’m leaving they keys for him in a secret, undisclosed location because I’m pretty sure he’s going to smell awful.

I’ll miss BB. He’s a good truck.

A very special thank you to Mark for lending him to me and to Joe for resuscitating him. (Mark, meet Joe, Joe, meet Mark. You’re now connected by the electric current of a car battery.)

Deep breath: tomorrow I’ll be totally car-less. I’m oddly excited for the adventures that may ensue. 

The idea of driving is a big deal to me because cars and driving have pretty much shaped my entire life growing up and going into my career. Who am I without my wheels? I’ll let you know in a couple weeks.