Vending Machines and Desperation on the Road

Again, I'm off the highways, exploring old America. All the abandoned buildings that once thrived on travelers or industry, rusting and rotting as nature reclaims the earth, remind me that we are a temporary thing here. Then one glance at a sprawling field with a tiny water hole oasis, seven trees hugging close around it, and one single cow standing in the water. 

These are the beautiful moments we only get to have for ourselves. Driving home, westbound at sundown, I was blinded and lens burned from the sunset. But there were a few minutes of the god painted sky. The clouds overtook the canvas and a ripple effect turned the painting into an upside down earth. Red rocks and cliffs morphed into view, with the sun rising between the upside down earth and the night sky that was underneath me. A truly amazing thing that you cannot photograph. 

The low fuel light turned on and beeped at me. No problem, I'll just stop and fuel up, buy some smokes and cashews to snack on then be on my way. And as I'm learning to hate, the stupid station has an automated check out. I had to get the clerks attention which is annoying in itself. Get off the phone and earn your pay. I work hard, you should try it out. 

She says to me, "I wish they just had a vending machine for these things." 

Yeah, they have those in bars. They exist. But your dumb backward ass automated store is just a vending machine that I have to walk into instead of pressing G4 and being angered by accidentally selecting the almond joy bar. Why not have an ID scanner on your unnecessary machine so I can buy cigarettes. 

If a kid fakes it, fuck him. He'll die by the age of 30 and be more environmentally friendly. Self sacrifice like I do. 

Enjoy your holiday I guess.