Whirlwind

What a crazy few weeks it has been since I last truly posted on here. I suppose the best way to get back on track, is to just jump right back in the middle of things. I keep thinking about the posts I have stored up mentally and the chronological order in which they should be published, but if I keep waiting for an opportune moment, they will all disappear into oblivion. So here goes...

I AM EXHAUSTED! Currently sitting in Milford, Ct, I am indulging in an afternoon of no obligations. Beginning on March 28th, I worked 12 consecutive days, which is completely unheard of for me. Normally, four days is all that is required of me per week.

In those 12 days, I drove approximately 5800 miles, which isn't much really. Only an average of 483 per day, but if you include the 25 deliveries I had to make in that time frame, you begin to see where I literally busted my hump. After returning to the yard last week, I picked up a rental truck and spent the next 2 days moving my household. I finished up just in time to grab a shower and jump back in the truck.

This is what is waiting for me upon my return!! What you cant see, is the 500 bazillion boxes waiting to be unpacked. I am thinking I should throw myself a housewarming party. All guests who unpack at least one box for me will get free lunch!! Another brilliant idea is to get rid of all my stuff....Ugh!! Keep the bare necessities and a few luxuries. You see, I hired a moving company to unload the truck for me. But due to their 2 hour late arrival, I unloaded a good portion by myself, knowing I had to go to work. As you can possibly imagine, I am quite sore.

So, therefore, I am quite content to be wasting my afternoon in this dusty ole parking lot. I am wore to a frazzle, and need to recuperate. Connecticut is as good a place as any!!

Quick Updates

First things, first.....

As you know, I get the pleasure of delivering in New England almost every week. There are certain benefits that come with the territory. For instance, oh, about this time every year Mother Nature puts on her finest dress and struts her stuff. She is quite a show-off.I haven't noticed her looking quite this lovely in awhile. I missed capturing the peak of her fall foliage display this year. But, trust me, she was absolutely breath-taking. I still managed to capture some of her lingering charms and put together a little video for your viewing pleasure.

and now for the updates

Running~

• 2.34 miles in Bristol, Pa. Is it possible to get freezer burn on your ears? Time to buy winter gear.
• 2.13 miles in Glastonbury, Ct. Never could get warmed up. Legs were screaming in resentment.

Truck Repairs~

Would you be surprised if I told you that my Truck was not repaired? No big deal. I was told to swing back by my new favorite shop and let the day shift mechanic have a look at it to confirm the first diagnosis. When I got there, he had left for the day. It was only lunchtime, so I was surprised. But these things happen! Maybe next week!

Relaxation~

I had the time and opportunity to spend a weekend with my SIL and the kids a few weeks ago. My Brother was only present for a moment as he had other obligations to attend to. The highlight of the weekend was Karaoke Night! SIL's Mother came over and we all had such a wonderful time letting our hair hang down.

This weekend, I am attending a little gathering at the other Brother's house. I don't think I have been over there at all this year ?! So, it is long overdue.

The Big Move~

This weekends trip is also a great excuse to load up some of my unused items laying around the homestead, and put them into storage over in Bama. Storage being in my Father's attic. I find that I need a little incentive to get on the ball about transplanting myself back over that way. With the economy, the election, and the uncertain future that lies ahead, I have been a bit fearful of making any big decisions or drastic changes. So, I figure that if all my of belongings meandered over into Bama, I would begin to miss them and eventually follow them into a new life. Kind of silly, I know. But I do love my job! I just want more out of life, and it is not happening in my present location. I know everything will work out once I do make the big move, but I am very fearful of leaving my beloved New England route. I suppose it is just the fear of the unknown holding me back and Yes, there are trucking jobs all over the place. But my dedicated route has been very kind to me, and I don't want to get caught up in something less enjoyable. But it is like my Brother said to me, " You will ALWAYS be able to find a reason to NOT leave." Hmmmmm, you know, he has a point there!

So, I guess that should cover it. Hey, did you notice anything? It seems like perhaps, just maybe, my anger has subsided a little bit. Yay!! for me.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

I have been doing an awful lot of daydreaming lately.

I have already made the decision that my time with the Alum Co must come to an end. There has just been way too much stress going on as of late, that I feel I need to step away from it all.

I had made a decision in the recent past to move back closer to family and try to get a local job. Promises of a transfer were made when the New Trucking Co took over my dedicated account last August. But last month, when I made my formal request, they all but said there was no chance in hell. That was when I had found out they had indeed hired someone within a short period of time to cover the position I was requesting.

The issue of the governor during the past two months has all but drove me insane. They are lifting the governor as I type this, so I should be elated. But with everything that has happened, all the empty promises, all the mis-communications, all the attitudes, I really think that this position has already been tainted in such a way, that I will never feel the way I once did. Yes, I still love my route. Yes, my customers are awesome. But the ones who are most directly responsible for "taking care of the drivers" have shown their callous side. After 7 years, I feel completely unappreciated and abused.

So , where does that leave me.

Back to daydreaming.

I have been considering pulling out my map and throwing a dart. Wherever it lands, I go! Find a job and enjoy some new scenery for about six months, before planting my roots back in Bama. I have to be honest, other than the people who reside there, The Rocket City does not call to me. So, while I am young, maybe I should go see something new.

I have also toyed with the idea of packing it all up, and going back Over-The-Road. Put everything in storage, and just ride. Take my home time in Bama with the family and pay off my debts. I don't have much, so it wouldn't take long... I am coveting that new Challenger, so I should pay off the Pony Car, right!!

Right now, both options seem pretty reasonable to me. Maybe my head is not screwed on straight, and I am not thinking clearly. But a huge change is imminent, and I don't want to jump too fast. I am known for jumping!! This is the longest I have stayed in any one location and maybe, just maybe the nomadic side of me is awakening. Afterall, one day I will be too old to do impromptu things like this. I am young, and have no ties that bind, with the exception of blood family.

I really need to do some soul searching and find the best answer for ME... I promised the Bri-Baby I would move closer to her, but if I took all my home time in Bama, would that not be just as good.

So much to be considering.

Are We There Yet?

I keep looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, or perhaps a silver lining. But I can't see it yet. I know it is out there, but it just seems anytime I try to do anything, I am knocked on me arse.

I had been debating on making the move back to Bama. At first, I was undecided. After some time, I had made up my mind, but still felt much anxiety over the decision.

Recently, I have become quite excited over the changes that will take place when I make the move. October is the target month.

The biggest fear I have been dealing with is that the New England route is my comfort zone. I have so many great customers up there. The route is easy (if you can get over driving in NYC) and the miles are good. It has become my second home. My brother mentioned to me that I will have great customers anywhere I go, because there are great people everywhere.... But still, it has made me leery.

The last two weeks of May proved to me that he was right. I ran some southern routes and had a good time getting acquainted with the "new" (to me) customers. But they were all splendid! It was also nice to be home more during those two weeks. In fact , I did not miss New England at all, just the pay check.

Which is something else that I have been fearing. I do not want to take a pay cut. It is hard enough on a single income, and with gas prices in the ludicrous range.. sheeesh! So,I spoke with a driver out of the Chattanooga yard, and he gave me a ball park estimate on his salary. Turns out, I might make a buck or two more! and the freight will be a little bit more stable.

Next on the list, which will make it even easier to head back to Bama, is the confirmed rumor that our trucks will be turned down to 62 mph..... I know that they think this will help with fuel economy, but at such a slow rate of speed, the truck is being suffocated. I already cannot climb a hill, even now at 67.... My current fuel rate is 6.8 mpg... I am curious to see what happens when they cut me back. But it is not the fuel economy that has me concerned. I just cannot see driving to Massachusetts at 62 miles per hour... That adds a few hours to my trip, but the frustration of always being in the way would cause me to explode. Come on, 67 is already hard on my nerves!

And if you are paying attention, you are probably wondering to yourself, " If you transfer, won't you still be in a 62 mph truck?"

YES, but 62 in the city is a whole heckuva lot less stressful than 62 on a 70 mph interstate!!

Also, having the fluffy kitten hanging around those two weeks has awakened my desire to have a pet of my own! Yeah, my SIL wants me to get a dog, so she can play with it, but I want one for my own selfish reasons!! I need the companionship!! Also, I am excited about strengthening the relationships I have with my niece and nephew!!! :)

So, I was gonna put in the official request to transfer this week, but my boss is on his honeymoon and won't be back until next week. He is going to be sooooo upset with me, but a girl has got to do, what a girl has got to do! Besides, I told everyone I would come off the road by the age of 35. Missed that deadline, because I enjoy my New England route that much.

Yeah, I think it is definitely time for a change. And I know it will be good for me! But the way everything keeps smacking me in the face,I am now becoming concerned with whether I will be able to afford the move. Not in the long run, but the actual moving costs....See, there was the insurance issues, which I had to pay out due to mis-communication, both medical and dental! And the radio issues cost me a total of $400. Now, gas prices! It will be hard, but worth it in the long run, right? I can live on Ramen Noodles for a few months, I guess. I am trying to hoard every single penny I can get my hands on, but costly things keep popping up! Dammit!!

Oh well, at least the future looks bright, if I can just hold on until then.

Fluff-n-Stuff

You will never guess who was patiently waiting for me to come home last Wednesday night around 2am.....

Okay, so maybe you did. Yep, my furry little feline friend was camped out on my porch nestled all snug in the pillows on the chair. He was very happy to see me and just as verbal as ever. You should hear this little guy. Not your typical mews....

He is some body's baby, as he has been declawed!! The way he hangs about the place suggests to me that perhaps he has been abandoned. Skinny as a rail and starving for attention, he cautiously greets each resident to see if he might score a meal. To think that someone would abandon an animal who cannot defend himself infuriates me. Oh well, as long as he stick s around, I will provide for him.

Who knows, maybe he will make the trip to Bama come October.

TigerLily

I made a new friend today......

I don't know where he lives, but he has been meandering about quite a bit lately, and a tad bit on the thin side....

He is the most affectionate little darling . I have never heard a cat talk so much.....Like a dog, he will stand on his hind legs and beg you to pick him up....with his paws placed on your legs ,of course.

He has spent most of the day indoors with me, and I feed him some treats.. Wouldn't hurt my feelings if he didn't leave, but the door is open if he so chooses....

Just another reminder of why I am wanting to move to Bama... So I can have a pet!! Right now he is curled up in my lap sleeping like a baby..

On The Move

I was just sitting here drinking a cup of coffee and surfing the Internets, when I notice a moving van pull up outside. (I live in a Gated Apartment Community) So. I am thinking, "Wow, that was fast"

Last week, one of the tenants in my building had moved out. This week a different unit has become available, and next week my neighbor is leaving also..... That is 3 units in a single building in a 3 week period.

I can't say that I blame them for leaving.. It is a nice community, but they are increasing the cost of living here...No, they cannot randomly charge you more on your lease, (mine did go $25 last year), but they have found other ways to require you to pay mo' money. For example, our water, sewage and trash are all billed by an outside company, but paid directly to the Complex. You just include it in your rent payment each month. When I first moved in, my additional bill was only about $20 a month. It is a pay per usage, so I expected it to be low seeing as how I am only home 30% of the time. Then they decided to offer a new amenity..... Valet Trash Service...

Valet Trash Service ?! Sunday through Thursday, they come around and collect your garbage from a little container that they have provided for you to sit outside your doorway between 6 and 8 pm. Nice, no more putting those bags in the back of the Pony Car, except.... I am not home Sunday through Wednesday. I carry my trash out before I leave each week, so there is no garbage to be picked up when I return home on Thursday...Therefore making the Valet Trash Service completely useless to me. But it is a $25 dollar service that you are REQUIRED to pay for...... grrrrrrr....... no exceptions!

Then, a few months ago, they decided to change the billing company of our water, sewer and trash usage. The new company requires us to pay a flat rate for the service, along with a usage rate on top of that. Sure, it is only a few extra dollars a day, but there are 365 days in a year....

Add to that the ever increasing fuel costs, and it does not look like I am making any headway when it comes to my dream of purchasing a home when I move to Bama...... Maybe I should call Fannie Mae.

But back to my original thought of the morning..... While I am excited about moving, I completely dread the work that will be put into it packing all the stuff. I don't want to keep doing this every 2-3 years...And the guy who is moving out this morning.... He has only been here TWO MONTHS.....At least he has lots of friends to help........ okay, so I was not actually awake when the commotion began this morning, but there is nothing like a large group of testosterone filled males to get your morning started.. Seriously, each guy could carry one item and have the place cleaned out.

And one final thought.......

With all of those who have decided to move, the parking area will at least be more readily available to me (I have in the past few months had difficulty finding a parking spot in the wee hours of the morning) and it will also make it a whole helluva lot easier for that little Birdie Bastard to find my car!! Yes, folks, he is back at it again!!

Finish What You Started!!

Okay, I figure it is about time to go and close up some loose ends...

1. Wally World- After many attempts to get a resolution, I finally decided just to let it go. My limited amount of home time is precious to me. I spent many Saturdays at Wal-Mart trying to get them to see things my way, but to no avail. I made many phone calls to speak with the appropriate Manager only to be dismissed. My last attempt was sometime in November, and the response I had received was to go get an estimate from a particular vendor (whom was over an hour away). I was instructed to bring the estimate back to the Tire and Lube Express for approval. Then the manager informed me, " I have to be honest with you here, There is no evidence of abuse on our video tapes. No visible proof that our technician damaged your wheels. And our claims department is more than likely going to deny the claim with no footage."
Now let me get this straight... The car was 4 months old, the tires had never been rotated or balanced, the technician had 3 days of untrained experience, and the wheels had to be rebalanced when he got finished. Not to mention that I would need a police report of the damage before a police officer could view the video tape (not me, I would not be allowed to view it without a court order!!) OH TO HELL WITH IT!!!
I know that my meager contribution to Wal-mart will in no way be missed, but I have not purchased anything at that store since then... Besides, Publix has fresher produce and fruit anyway!!!

2. Scratches- I have yet to pick up the little thing-a-ma-jiggers for my doors. I went by there, but the parts guy was at lunch and his replacement did not know how to look up inventory to find them... Other than that, I am just procrastinating.

3. Uniforms-Six weeks (or is it seven??) and still no replacements... I am not making this up. That's okay, the uniforms remind me of a clown suit anyway. By the way, we order our next set of free uniforms this month. I should have mine by Fall, at this rate.

4. Old Flames-Yes, I can breath again. It took two weeks (not bad if you ask me) but I got a response from Mr Wonderful. I was pleased to hear he was doing so well. He even remembered old passions and nicknames which really got me going!! I was hoping for a reunion, but did not mention it because he is to be married soon. So, I will let that slip back into my memories and wait for the next available individual of the male species whom has a pulse to come along..

5. New Home- Yes I still have some boxes that need to be unpacked. *hee hee* I told you I am the Queen of Procrastination.

Well, I guess that should about cover it!!

New Friends

I have only been in my new home for 12 days, but already I am making new friends. Too bad, they cant stick around for awhile.

I got home from work tonight and did the usual. Take a shower, get jammified and grab a bite to eat. A funny thing happened on the way to the kitchen...... I noticed something unusual out of the corner of my eye. Upon further investigation I made my first new friend.

He was a healthy fellow. Very limber. He could touch his head with his tail. And quick too. I think I will call him "Speedy". I am sure he spotted me first because he greeted me with tail waving high in the air. Before I could grab anything, he sensed eminent danger and scurried under the refridgerator. Good thing those babies are on wheels. Once I moved the fridge out of the way, I realized that I was trapped in the kitchen area. Not a problem if you have enough determination. So I scanned the perimeter and grabbed a weapon of mush destruction.

He put up a good fight, but in the end the box of Caesar Salad Croutons was victorious. And now......

MAJOR PARANOIA HAS SET IN!! I still have so much to unpack but am afraid to stick my hands down into the boxes. I am also contemplating the use of a dust ruffle on my bed. (No need to give them easy access) I have checked my houseshoes and they are sitting on the coffee table when not in use. (yes , I am scared to barefoot). Rolled up my pajama legs well above my ankles and using the coffee table as a foot rest. Do you think I am over-reacting??

New agenda for tomorrow. 1. Get signed up for the exterminator pronto!!!!!

Father Time

I am very excited about my new apartment. Maybe it is just the newness of it, but it seems very ..... Well, lets just say I no longer feel like I am in the Ghetto. It seems I am not the only one who likes the new place.


I purchased this clock 2 years ago, and when I got it (on-line purchase), it wouldnt work. Hasnt worked for two years!! So this morning, I get up to start my day and as I am sitting on the couch gathering the motivation to get ready for work I hear it. Tick tock Tick tock Tick tock.

Things are coming together nicely!! I have got 1 room completely finished. That is the dining area. The only room I will probably not be using, HA/HA. It was the easiest room to start in and I simply moved all of the boxes to their respective locations for unpacking. I should be living comfortably by Christmas. Seems I am the Queen of Procrastination.


Oh, how rude of me. I havent showed you were I have moved to.

This picture is at least 2 years old. There is now a four lane road on the right side of the photo and a new neighborhood being developed on the top-side. It already has several homes built. But you get the idea.

Overwhelmed

Just returned home from my weekly adventure into the Northeast. I knew what I would be returning home to and had made plans to "Git R Done". So this morning, I sit here and look around and feel completely overwhelmed by what I see. I chose to pack in such a way that, no box actually belongs to a particular room. I packed for weight, therefore I might have dishes mixd in with clothes. Sorting all the boxes is more complicated than I had anticipated. I have asked several people if they would be willing to unpack for me, no takers. DAMN!! Yes I am procrastinating, which seems to have become my new favorite hobby.

Okay, so on with the show. Wish me luck!!

Moving Day

Okay, not quite yet. Only 8 more days to the big move. I have a little more to pack, but it looks like I have packed nothing. All the big stuff fills the rooms and all the small stuff is boxed up in the corners. I have packed over 25 boxes at this point with more to go. I didnt realize I had sooooo much small stuff. I swear it looks like I have packed nothing......

Anyway, I am very excited about the move. I have new neighbors above me and well, all I can say is Thank God I am moving. It sounds like there is a herd of elephants on a rampage above my head. (This is a one-bedroom apartment, so how many folks can be up there???) And let me just add that they have a very healthy sexual appetite. Very annoying at 3 in the morning. The previous tenants were also stompers. The ones prior to that were never heard. So, as I have said before, this place is getting progressively worse. Luckily my knob on my stereo has a little more adjustment left in it. I think I am on about 6 now. I started out at about 3. So long Suckers!!!!

And the Walls Come Tumbling Down....

And the walls keep crumblin, crumblin........Doooooowwwnnnnn.

I have been doing a little more packing for the big move in 2 weeks. Almost all of the small insignificant stuff has been packed. Only the things I need only a daily basis are left untouched. Feeling pretty good about the whole situation so far.

I decided to remove my window treatments and have them cleaned. Boy was I shocked at what I found. During the course of my two year stay I have called several times to report some water damage. Just wanted to make them aware of it, so they would not try to bill me for it upon vacating the premises. The damage I reported was mainly on the window sills. Swollen boards and water marks on the sheetrock. Also , the blinds have broken several times during my stay and were replaced promptly with each call made.

But are you ready for this:

It seems the walls are shifting. Almost looks like that whole section will detach itself eventually. It appears to have been patched before, but now there are some new cracks running vertically to the ceiling. Definitely taks me back to that Ghetto feeling I was having about 2 months ago.

It almost makes me want to rehang the curtains, just to avoid looking at it.

Back to the Ghetto

I recently recieved a notice that my lease would need to be renewed soon. Oh Boy. I just love obligating myself to another year. With the new increase in my rates I have decided that it might be time to look elsewhere to hang my hat. So, today I did just that..... Got out and looked around.

SURPRISE..... It seems that I am living in the Ghetto of luxury apartment homes. After doing a little research, I have come to find out that for roughly the same amount I could be living in a much nicer community. I also found out that my humble abode has an overall rating of 29. (out of 100) and most previous residents would not recommend it to their friends. YIKES. I even heard a vicious rumor that Lakeside is now approved for section 8 living. I wonder if they will be giving away free government cheese with every new lease. I AM OUTTA HERE.

Well , a few more locations to scout out tomorrow and hopefully a few phone calls concerning availability and I will be breaking out the boxes.Okay not quite yet. I do have 2 more months to vacate.

Signing off now. I have to be up at 4:30 AM. Local deliveries tomorrow and I am determined to beat the anti-destination league to Atlanta.