I could not be married to a trucker. From what I’ve heard from my family members, who drive trucks, they stay away for weeks a time. No thank you. Parish was working on a commercial job in Bryant last week and had to stay in Center Ridge because he needed to haul his 16-foot trailer every day. There is no safe place to keep the humongous trailer at our apartment complex, so he has to keep it at his parents.
Of course I’m overjoyed that he is busy given the volatile economy and construction industry. I guess I just like having him around. Due to his absence, I’ve been doing things by myself like working out, attending a coworker’s birthday and the most awkward event to do by your lonesome – going to a wedding. One of my book club friends got married in Hot Springs and invited Parish and me to the nuptials. My lover had to start a job in Choctaw that day, leaving me to go to the wedding alone. I’ve been to over 25 weddings, but this was the first one I can recall where I went without a family member, friend or partner.
The wedding took place outside at Camp Tanako, and it was absolutely beautiful. Lake Catherine sparkled in the distance and numerous hawks swooped through the light blue sky. Besides the five bug bites on my leg, it was an ideal affair and absolutely serene.
Following the wedding, a reception was held at the Elks Lodge, also in Hot Springs. That is where I felt like a complete loner. Most of the guests seemed to be family members and they all sat together, naturally. I was sitting at a huge table all by myself when Brooke (the bride) whisked by in her lovely white gown. “Are you all by yourself?” she asked. When I smiled sheepishly, she quickly walked me over to some of her former coworkers and introduced me to them. She saved the day! The rest of the night was so nice and I met some really great people in the process.
Yet, given the choice, I would much rather have someone go with me to the next wedding. I don’t mind working out alone, because I like listening to my iPod and jamming on the treadmill. Parish and I usually chat about the day and catch up on life when we work out at Snap Fitness – I like that, too. I’m an only child, so I’m familiar with using limited resources to keep myself busy and occupied. Maybe it’s time to conjure up an imaginary friend like I used to have…
My hard-working husband eventually came home and it was so fun to just hang out. We went to Chipotle, the mall, Target and he took me by the large job he was at all week. He was so proud of the parking lot, curb and gutter his company completed. It was so neat to see him so excited and proud of the work they did. I’m glad I have a partner who works hard and is able to look back on his accomplishments with pride. I just hope the next commercial job doesn’t interfere with my social calendar – how rude.