"Where are you...???? I'm in a glass case of emotion!"

Well, not really. But I've just watched Anchor Man and now I've got all sorts of distracting phrases flying threw my head. Ahem:"Veronica and I are trying this new fad called 'jogging'- or perhaps is 'yogging' with a soft j. Apparently you just run for an extended period of time-it's supposed to be wild."

Ok. Enough of that. I'm just going to start off by saying "You know how to cut to the core of me Baxter. You're so wise. Like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair." Sorry. Last one. I promise. 

Although I'm not in a 'glass case of emotion' per say, I am in a little place called Alpha, and granted it's not quite as exciting as a Will Ferrell flick, I suppose it's about time I told everyone a little bit about the town, my job, and the people around me. To make my current life and situation appear more exciting than it actually is, I've decided to present the information in the form of a movie script or, more accurately, what I believe a movie script looks like: 

A Gateway to Western Outback Australia

The Story of a Roadhouse

Cast of Characters

Glenda Henry-Part owner of Roadhouse. Entrepreneur and full time business woman-owns three companies in various cities and numerous real estate investments; consequently only visits Alpha perhaps two or three times a month. Although hardly present, she holds a particular view of how the Gateway should run on a day to day basis which conflicts with the opinions of many of her employees.

Collin Valler-Part owner of Roadhouse, lover to GLENDA. Though owner, operates more as a handyman dealing with construction projects and day to day running of the roadhouse. Interesting mix of personality traits: one minute good humored joking, the next frustration when you don't read his mind and innately discern what he wants to be completed.  Rumored to hinder financial gain of roadhouse by buying expensive 'toys' (AKA fancy tools) and borrowing 'petty cash' for personal use from safe.

Deion-Recently arrived New Zealander charged with newly instated post of manager to the roadhouse. Talkative, jovial, and hard working man 40 years of age, he is well liked. Resents GLENDA and COLLIN for interfering with his duties and preventing him for doing the job for which he was hired-day to day management of the business.

Narelle-Runs cafe adjoined to roadhouse in addition to administrative duties. Wife of DEION, although not a KIWI (New Zealander) but an Australian born woman of 28. Together they have five children ranging ages 1 to 13: the four oldest from previous marriages and the youngest, CHARLIE, being a result of their union.  

Charlie Marie-Daughter of DEION and NARELLE age one. Adventurer, trouble maker, and all around cutie pie. This rambunctious tot, whose recent achievements include learning to walk, is well known for falling down stairs and harassing pets.

Tanya-One of three customer attendants currently employed at the roadhouse, TANYA is a local woman in her late thirties/early forties and is the longest standing employee at three years. Friendly and accustomed to the job, she performs tasks she feels are necessary avoiding doing anymore than she absolutely has to.

James-English traveler in his late 20s, JAMES is a carpenter by trade. This is-to his dismay- his second stint in Alpha working closely with COLLIN on numerous projects at the company's behest. Quiet and reserved, this man from Birmingham retires from work generally to cook dinner, have a beer, watch a bit of TV, and head to bed. His plan is to save as much money as possible in the next 6 weeks before traveling Australia with his father.

Chris-Half English/half Malaysian backpacker in his early twenties and employed as a customer attendant. Tall, dark, handsome, and incredibly goofy, CHRIS is solely working in Alpha to save money for his travels. When not working, he is most likely to be found playing the computer game Medieval War II 

Shivonne-Adventurous Texas nomad age 23 traveling with her boyfriend CHRIS. Also employed as a customer attendant but frustrated with the monotony of the job. Looking forward to continuing her travels through the great country of Australia as soon as she has saved enough money.

Time

Present Day. Southern Hemisphere Autumn. Spanning the months from March through May.

Setting

Small town Australia in central Queensland-on the eastern edge of the infamous outback. The worn roadhouse sits along the well known Capricorn Highway which makes it way from the east coast starting at Rockhampton and plunges through the heart of the outback situated on it's namesake, the Tropic of Capricorn. The roadhouse hosts customers ranging from the daily locals (whom can be friendly, though slightly eccentric) to the frequent travelers-both international and domestic, from lonely truck drivers to energetic families. The counter is attended by only one worker at a time, making the job a solitary and often lonesome one.

To see how the play unfolds, you'll have to keep reading! (Don't worry, I promise not to play this in script format from now on :)