Sometimes everything aligns perfectly in the universe. Oilman will finally be on days and I will get a break in my work schedule. It is during these times that I pack an overnight bag and head up to oilfield country because it is time to see my man. I often get asked by my friends and family what it is that I do while I visit him. Just like my life in general, visiting the patch is glamorous and full of awesomeness. Here is what it actually looks like to visit my husband in oilfield country…
When I walk into the lobby of the Super 8 Motel in Karnes City, the attendant will know my name immediately. He knows my name for one reason, I’m a big deal. Some might say he knows my name because I’m the only reservation under a female name, but I know the truth. The truth is that you have to be a big deal in order to afford THESE ASTRONOMICAL HOTEL PRICES. At $200/night for a room, we decided to buy a RV instead. So long Super 8! (I haven’t looked in a while, but I’m sure these prices have probably lowered in the last year)
Nightlife is B-U-M-P-I-N-G in the patch. Well I assume nightlife is bumping, we wouldn’t know. Since Oilman wakes up between 2-4 AM to get to the well in time for the safety meeting, we generally party pretty hard the night before. It starts with dinner around 7 PM and then he falls asleep about 7:03. I read quietly in bed until I fall asleep. One might say that we are known around these parts for our legendary partying ways. On nights that we do actually venture out of the camper, we enjoy the local culinary fare. It is certainly a different vibe than that of my hometown of Austin, but there are great finds. In the Eagle Ford shale you are always in close proximity to an amazing taco. The ONLY place I will eat a gas station taco is in the patch. Don’t hate until you have tried it.
While Oilman is working, I lounge in our luxury accommodations that consist of a fifth-wheel in an RV park. I start my day just like any other glamorous oilfield wife by scrubbing the toilet, washing sheets, and going to Wal-Mart. When that is done, I resume being awesome in the RV (because there isn’t anything else to do). The time is spent doing things such as: being driven to insanity by the dog in the trailer next door who won’t stop barking, or I respond to work emails. Truly my days are non-stop action.
When it is time for me to go back home, this oilfield wife blows out-of- town driving the speed limit. You can tell it is me because my golden retriever is hanging out the window drooling. I truly enjoy visiting the small towns in the patch vs. our home in Austin. People are friendlier and things move a little slower. The truth is that it doesn’t matter where I’m sleeping, what I’m eating, or what I do during the day, those few minutes with my husband are truly worth it. I know a lot of oilfield wives would love to be able to visit their husband while he is on a hitch and I consider it a blessing to be able to do so.
Join the Real Oilfield Wives Community!