Stories I Tell My Friends, "The HONK"

As the big 18 wheeler passes, I hear a “HONK HONK.” This occurs daily at as I walk into work. I park in back of the building which happens to skirt the busy highway. The number of trucks significantly increases as new construction of a hospital is underway.

“HONK HONK.” Another 18 wheeler passes by.

At first I’m embarrassed for as I know those honks are for me. I'm the only one outside. I hear the honk and look down and walk faster towards the back door of work.

“HONK HONK.” Again.

Several weeks go by. A hundred more honks, or so it seems as the 18 Wheelers go whizzing by.

I think about the honking and  change the way I feel about it.  I decide to embrace the noise of a honk that honors my appeal. I must be something to look at, even tho I’m past the age of 22 and feeling old…er…older. I decide I am going to relish those honks, and appreciate the compliment. I wave back and grin. I have it going on.

“HONK HONK.” With my new attitude I turn to face the 18 wheeler and wave. “Thanks buddy,” I shout out knowing he can’t hear me.

“HONK HONK.” Another wave, another feeling of euphoria. Two thumbs up.
A couple of months pass. I am thrilled the trucks are still honking. I wonder if it’s the same truckers. Maybe. A two handed wave, a big grin on my face as I continue to shout back. Gosh, life is good. I feel fabulous.

Then one day, I’m sitting in the back conference room with floor to ceiling windows facing the busy highway waiting for a meeting to start. It’s just me another staff member. We sit quietly waiting. A 18 wheeler rolls by and I hear the HONK HONK. I smile and give myself a mental high-five. Gosh, the truckers can see me sitting in the office. I feel great! I must really have it! I am never skipping another Zumba class ever.

At which point, the staff member turns to me and said, “I must really get my car alarm fixed. Every time those big trucks go by my alarm system honks back."

So much for 'having it.'