Happy Birthday Bedbugger

After a very long 5 weeks, my aching heart has been given a reprieve. The most handsome bedbugger I know was set to arrive in Georgia just in time for his birthday.

Although the weekend was much too short, in my opinion, we were able to celebrate with several trucking friends. Here is a short video that was put together for this special occasion.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEDBUGGER !!! I love you.

There Is Always A Silver Lining...

sometimes you just have to look a little harder to see it.

Last week, I set forth on another east coast short haul. The short haul is not exactly my favorite route because it will place me on I-95 long before I get into New Jersey. I despise the stretch between Richmond, Va and Delaware, so I avoid it at all costs. And I have good reason to feel no love for the section of asphalt. It is where all things bad will happen to me! Like, for example losing a drive shaft..Or having to camp out in a motel where "security" walked me to my room for safety. The traffic delays here are to be expected, but still leave me with feelings of anxiety... I just don't like it there!!

So the week begins with an early morning delivery to Richmond, Virginia. Next up is a quick trek through the woods to Orange. The ride from Orange will take me onwards to Elkridge, Md and I love a good two lane, so my morning is off to a wonderful start...

That is until about five minutes after I reemerge onto I-95. What is it about that stinking road? I find myself having to dodge and dart through traffic, making my way to the first of several delays in my very near future. While slowing to a crawl, I notice a noise coming from my truck. As it begins to escalate, I lower the window to pinpoint its proximity. My first impression was that of a grocery sack fluttering in the wind, perhaps clinging to some portion of my little white Volvo. But as the noise began to increase in intensity, I also noticed the rhythm was in sync with my rpms. Not a good sign.

Within minutes, Frankentruck was screaming in protest. WARNING!! Pull over now or suffer my wrath! I made a mad dash to the shoulder just before the air supply was extinguished and his trailer brakes locked up tight. I had just blown the metal duct work out of the front of the air compressor, and no matter how hard I tried, the bastard was not going to move. Not exactly the best spot to break down. And ironically, I was only 2.4 miles from where I lost the drive shaft a couple of years ago, but at least I was not sitting in the back-up AND traffic had obliged me rather well when I made my blinking amber request to exit the travel lanes (from the center of the roadway).

I called into maintenance, explained my dilemma and was assured that someone would be out to rescue me in no time (which could be hours). I was mildly surprised when after only 15 minutes, I received an automated call confirming that a mechanic had been dispatched and would arrive in approximately 75 minutes. This sounded like a dream come true, because the last time I was stranded only 2.4 miles further north, it was well over 4 hours before my knight in shining grease was able to whisk me off to safety. You can imagine my exhilaration when after only 13 minutes, my highway hero made his appearance.

In a short matter of time, he had me pieced back together in order for me to be able to press onward and drive into a shop. But after only 9 miles, I was sitting back on the shoulder, a little dismayed. But wonders never cease!! The mechanic had decided to follow me, just to be on the side of caution. So after he left me, he then made a U-turn and crept back up behind me in order to watch my progress. After the second set of warning bells, I was tickled pink to see him ready to assist again without another phone call. This time, it was decided that the repairs should be made on the spot and the calls began in search of necessary parts. No luck, however, as the only parts available were going to have to be shipped in overnight. With that knowledge in mind, it was then decided that we would have to resort to alternate measures.

There are 3 things that I believe every Truck Driver should carry.... Gorilla Tape, baling wire and industrial strength Zip Ties. With an ounce of ingenuity, good ol Frankentruck was able to finish his chores and made it back to the yard where new parts where awaiting his arrival.

The silver lining, you ask. Well, lets think about it.

I did not break down and block a two lane highway for 4 hours. (total amount of down time)

I did not have to wait 75 minutes for help.

I did not have to call in for a second repairman because the first mechanic thought twice about leaving me.

I did not have to sit overnight waiting on parts to be shipped in.

And even though I did manage to accumulate 4 hours of breakdown time, I was able to still make all my deliveries in a rapid fashion, beating the original schedule that had been laid out before me.

There it is..that silver lining. And who knows, maybe it has something to do with all that shiny metal I drag around with me, creating my own silver lining everywhere I go.

As, an added bonus, I was dispatched on another run that week ( in a spare truck) and was able to officially make the acquaintance of 2 fellas I have befriended on the Interwebs. Brian and Geoff. Both men seem to share my passion and drive for being in this industry and I consider myself lucky to have met them both firsthand.

Fishin' Season

Last week, I received a surprise phone call from none other than the Fisherman. I have to be honest and say that a few years ago, when he left the company, I was a little more than relieved. I have never known a pathological liar, but I am feeling pretty secure with my assessment that the Fisherman is just that.

So, after a few missed calls, I finally decided to see what he could possibly want. It seems that he keeps in touch with quite a few of our drivers and while his phone call was apparently harmless in nature, there was a particular reason he had phoned me, although he never stated it. I will get to that portion of this story soon enough.

The amazing thing about the Fisherman, is that he has not changed one iota. After catching up on all the going's on, he casually mentioned that he was going in for retesting. Retesting? He then elaborated by telling me that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had been going through a series of chemo and/or radiation therapy. He was going in for more testing to make sure he was still in remission.

??

I, of course, offered my support and sympathy. I wished him well. Oh yeah, he also mentioned that he had been running about 4000 miles and it was wearing him out. Okay, so I had officially took the bait, but felt that perhaps there were some inaccuracies in his tale. He was also quick to inquire how my week was going. At first, I thought nothing of it.

BUT, this week did hold a few surprises for me, which had me reeling with a mild anger.

My trip was to be routed through Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky before returning home. Whew! Big Trip, lots of miles and with the first stop being only 3 hours from the plant, I was in no hurry to leave out on Sunday.

That morning, while I was still tucked snugly in my bed, my phone begins to ring at an indecent hour. It was the Mayor, calling to say hello ?! I did not answer the phone, and his message was just that. "How are you? I have not spoke with you in awhile and just wanted to check on you."

When I returned his call a little later, it was once again just superfluous jargon with no hint of urgency. I finally arrived at the plant around 8pm and that is when I found out that my first stop had been omitted and my trip was now a 10 hour run straight into Louisiana. YIKES! I was not prepared for an all nighter. After dissecting my trip numerous times, and trying to reroute myself for efficiency, I finally decided to stick to the original plan. After all, the second customer had no clue that they had become the first, so there was really no harm in not arriving at 7am. They were not expecting me until lunch anyways. I drove my three hours and went to bed. If you know me at all, you would be aware that I had a very hard time not forcing myself to pull the all nighter. I am the epitome of efficiency when it comes to making my deliveries. I could not fathom not being at the customer upon awaking. It was just not acceptable (to me). But I gave in after completely stressing myself out.

I had no problems making all my deliveries. I even completed the task before expected, because I do reroute myself for efficiency. I felt very good about everything. Until.....

I received a phone call from AA. He was concerned about my trip and asked if I was okay. A little clueless, I inquired as to what he was referring to. It was then that he alerted me to the fact that the Mayor had looked at my bills and knew that my trip had been altered. I had originally panicked (mildly) when I saw the changes. Now, I am furious. You see, the Mayor knew. The Mayor called me that morning (which would have been ample time to for me to make the Louisiana destination at 7am) But the Mayor never said a word.

It is not often that I receive phone calls from other drivers, especially those who no longer work with us. I should have known something fishy was going on. I received multiple phone calls that week. Everyone curious has to how my week was going. I guess everyone else already knew that the Mayor had been privy to information that would have been helpful to me. And I suppose everyone knew that the Mayor kept this information to himself.

Now I know why the Fisherman called me. And for the record, I was also told that NO, the Fisherman does not have cancer, nor has he been through chemo. Yeah, I thought 4000 miles a week would be a little difficult to manage during treatment. I cannot believe the depths this man will go in weaving his delusions.

I know this post is running rampant, but as an added bonus, I thought I would share with you the first thing I encountered after learning my trip had been altered. I had been blocked in. The truck on the right was hooked to a trailer and ready to leave, however the driver was at home relaxing by the pool. He did not do this intentionally, but he also did not notice that my truck was now barricaded into position. I called him to see if he would move his rig, so I could begin my altered trip. Good thing he only lives 5 minutes away. All the other drivers live no closer than 45 minutes away. And our trucks are not keyed the same.

It was a good week all in all. I completed my route on Wednesday, and got to run with Gabby and James back into West Memphis... Good Times!!

Positive Influences

Sunset in The Ozarks

A few weeks ago ( or longer) I had the pleasure of running out to Texas and along the way, got to meet up with fellow blogger Gabsatrucker. We were able to spend a few hours together chatting away like two schoolgirls and seem to get along quite splendidly. Gabby is so awesome and extremely devoted to keeping fit. I told her I had lost motivation and she was able to give me a magazine that had a section directed at starting a new running program and a guideline to follow.

She also said to me that it is not important how hard you strive as long as you get moving! Essentially I believe she meant that even if you cannot go out and run long and hard, at least just get out there. ( Forgive me, as these are not direct quotes, but I am exhausted and well, you get the jest of it).

So, I began a newly modified version of this program and have been quite successful at keeping up with it. It is a slow starter, but I am apt to push to hard and burn out after a few months, so this is doing wonders for building my stamina and encouraging motivation. The only problem I seem to be having is that I cannot always find the time to run. I know, sounds like another excuse, but after a 14 hour day of non-stop deliveries along with 3 to 4 hundred miles of driving, 10pm is just not the best time to get out and run in some of my delivery neighborhoods.

Tonight I ran into that exact problem. After driving 596 miles, dusk was catching up with me very quickly. I had to get fuel before I could allow myself time for a run, and fueling could not be done until I got close to the end of my day. I expressed my dismay to a friend, and he concurred that I should be happy with the fact that the desire is so strong, but some days I will just not be able to do it. The more I thought about it, the more it sounded like an excuse! So, I got my run in tonight. I will not settle for excuses anymore. It was a boring run around a parking lot but I got it done and satisfied my need.

Anyways, I have completely digressed. My point is that Gabby has made such a positive influence upon me, and her husband is awesome too! I had the pleasure of visiting with them last week, again. This time we set out on an approximate 2.5 mile walk across the Big Dam Bridge. Such a beautiful place! Afterwards we grabbed a bite to eat and chatted some more. I am really grateful I have gotten to meet these two wonderful people!! and the influence reaches even further.

Due to my enthusiasm, my niece and nephew have also been bitten by the bug. When I am at home, they often ask to tag along on my running adventures. Of course, because they are young, I take them to the local track so I can keep an eye on them. Last week, they went with me and both of them were able to complete 2 miles easily. They opted to rest while I finished up my workout, but I just think that is so awesome!!

Anywho, way past time for bed and I no longer make sense to myself, but I just felt the need to share!!

Dont Ya Just Love The InterWebs

So really..I got nothing....Don't get me wrong, I have things to say , I just have a lack of enthusiasm.

I had a delightful time last week, venturing west into Texas.  I had the opportunity to meet up with fellow truckdriver/runner/blogger Gabrielle. She was such a delight and we enjoyed a nice chat and meal. Such a lovely lady. I also had the pleasure of meeting her husband, if only for a brief moment. I sincerely hope to meet up with her again soon. Too bad she lives so far away, I think she would be great for motivating me back into running. 

I also had close encounters with one of the Famous Youtube Truckers. Tex of 593Films. However, it was not meant to be. We arranged for a meeting  and a meal, but due to conflicts with his work schedule, we had to postpone until another date. Good thing, too. He rang me at a later time and alerted me to the fact that I had just barely dodged a twister. It was traveling through the area we had determined to be our destination. In fact, he was watching it through his mirrors as he drove towards home.

I did get to meet up with another Youtuber, and had a pleasant chat and a meal just a few hours from the homestead, so that was nice.

Finally, I had arranged to meet yet another Famous Youtube Trucker, OneSillyTrucker and his dog Jack. But once again, duty got in the way. He got a good load and with this economy, he just couldn't refuse. So, because he lives locally, I know we will bump into each other eventually. 

This weeks entertainment was basically provided courtesy of the Interwebs..... Isn't it wonderful how our reach and influence is far greater than what it used to be. There are so many terrific people out there..Hopefully, I will be able to meet a few  more. Until then, I will search for more enthusiasm, as this post seems to be a bit lacking.

Oh YEAH, I almost forgot..Heading back to NYC next week!! YAY!!

Blue Skies

"Blue skies, smiling on me.....nothing but blue skies forever I see...."

or something like that....

Hey Kids... I am really excited to report that I will be playing Over The Road trucker next week. Well, okay, maybe not anymore than I normally do already. I am however, venturing out into uncharted territory. Um...yeah, okay so it is not so remote, not even to me. The girl who thrives in the North Eastern United States, and yes, I have ventured west of the Mississippi River a few times here of late.

This week, I have chosen a route that will take me back "home". I am making deliveries in Alabama, Memphis, Louisiana, and Texas!! The way it is set up, will actually take me longer to deliver than I am normally accustomed too. I have usually completed my deliveries by lunchtime on Tuesday, but I foresee myself to be lingering in Texas well into Thursday.

You know, I am beginning to feel a little restless, but have no fear, I tend to get this way every so often. I think a nice vacation would do the trick. Maybe a beach trip!  

But alas, I am feeling better about things, although I do have some excessive energy I need to burn off. Mentally and physically, perhaps due to the restlessness. But things are looking up emotionally..You cant fight this stuff forever!

'Tis the Season

I have been somewhat lacking in my enthusiasm for the holiday season this year. I have so much going on and so many changes taking place that I have not relished all that is to behold during the holidays.

Until Tuesday Night. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks, if only for a moment.

During the course of this weeks deliveries, I was bestowed with several Christmas presents from some of my regular customers. I begin to feel an inclination to head home and start making gift bags to hand out myself next week. Typically I love the holidays, the best part being finding that perfect gift for everyone on my list. Sadly, this year, cash will have to be the perfect gift.

sigh.....Who knows, I might get it in gear.....

But back to my Christmas Tale.

On my way home, I stopped in a rest area for the night. This particular one was maintained by a gentleman whom lived in a camper a few miles down the road. He was very quiet and kept to himself to stay out of the patrons way. While I was searching the snack machines for a treat, I noticed him humbly waiting in the corner to continue with his duties as the restrooms emptied. No one would look his way, much less greet him or even acknowledge him for that matter.

No one, except myself. He seemed pleasantly surprised as I engaged him in cheerful, witty banter. He shared a portion of his life story with me, including his dream to reach ALASKA for the adventure of a lifetime. I cheered him on with words of encourage and awe as his told his tale.

His eyes were sparkling as I made my way back to the truck for some rest.

Then it dawned on me....(I am a little slow, sometimes) This man was not used to having people treat him with respect and friendship...My heart began to fill emotion. I then proceeded to rummage through my bounty, and selected one of the gifts that had been given to me.

Feeling a little bit awkward, because I did not want to offend him by assuming anything about his lifestyle, as so many others were seeming to do, I made my way back inside the building. I immediately was discouraged because he was no where to be found. But as I left, I noticed him collecting the trash along the sidewalk. Beaming from ear to ear, I quietly approached him. I asked him if he had family in the area, and how he would spend his Christmas. I then offered him a Christmas present. His eyes welled with tears as he smiled. He let out a jolly laugh and expressed his gratitude. He told me that he could sense what a wonderful person I was from our previous conversation, and that had been enough of a gift to him already. I insisted he take the present, anyways.....To which he did not hesitate.

In return, he asked for one thing.... To give me a Hug! He said it was all he had to offer me, and I gladly accepted it. I made my way back to the truck with a bounce in my step, a smile on my face and all the joy that the holidays contain abounding in my heart.

I do not need for any of you to tell me what impression this story might make on you. I am not looking for your approval. I got what I needed from the smile in his eyes, as I walked away.

I would just like to remind each and every one of you, that there are people less fortunate who could use an extra smile, a moment of conversation, or even a hug!! My wish this Christmas , is that we all take a moment to spread the Christmas Cheer to those who are less fortunate!!

Happy Holidays!!

Pay It Forward.....

I feel that I need to do something nice for someone.... because something nice was done for me. Although the treat I received was not anonymous or without intention, I still feel the need to pass it along.

Hello, my name is Terry and I am a Tight Wad.

I love to go shopping when I can afford too, but for the most part I hate to spend money frivolously. I really do have a hard time treating myself to anything just because. As a matter of fact, I will go so far to admit that I put off purchasing such luxuries as running shoes until I absolutely need them... For instance, if the duct tape no longer keeps the sole in place, well then it is time to purchase new shoes.

With that having been said I will continue forward with my unexpected treat.

I have owned my CB Radio for the entire length of my trucking career. It is a good radio and it works. No need to upgrade. The one I have costs about $300 brand new with no modifications, and I bought it second hand in California years ago. It kind of has sentimental value also, so once again, no need to upgrade. But inevitably these things need to be adjusted and occasionally replaced. Mine has been on the declining side of performance for the past few years, but it still worked. Along with the fact the the Truck I am driving has a very poor ground, which would require several more modifications to correct. But, being the tightwad that I am, I just make do.

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed that my radio was not receiving as well as it had previously. And this week, it seemed that no one could even hear me. So, I decide to bite the bullet and spend a few bucks... Not for a new one, no!!! Remember the sentimental value? I was just going to have an electronics man do a little fine tuning on it and purchase the extra items needed to correct that ground problem.

The next issue I needed to resolve (now that I have decided to spend the money) was where I was going to take it to be fixed. Some of those electronics guys are shady and have their preferences to which radios that they specialize in. Mine is not a common brand and most techs do not have the training for certain adjustments.....So, they tweak a few things and send you on your way, having not fixed anything.

I decided on a shop in South Carolina that I heard advertising for several months. The only drawback was the shop hours. It is owned by a Christian man, so he closes early for Church on Wednesdays. I made it in time and presented my problems. He got busy working on it while I chatted up the rest of the crew. There were three of them total. After a few hours of socializing and repairing, I was sent on my way with a $100 repair and $150 worth of new components for the total price of NOTHING. Nata ZILCH Zero. WOW!! I would like to think that there was no hidden agenda behind this act of kindness, but....... The radio Tech did seem to fancy me, and was interested in maybe getting together sometime. Ughhhh... Even if I was interested in pursuing a relationship right now.... well, I just was not attracted to him. I did explain that I would not be running this route much longer and have full intentions of moving back to Bama soon. We did have a delightful conversation and I admit that it would be great to include him on my roster of friends, but just not as someone I would date. Anyways, I once again offered to pay, and was still sent on my way without a penny spent.

So, in the spirit of giving, I feel that I need to pass something along to someone else. Any suggestions?

and I also found out that one of the fellows I was busy chatting up has a terminal illness. He was just such a delightful man with an outstanding personality. So, for those of you who are religious,I ask you to please say a prayer for Kevin. What an amazing guy!!

I am Psychic... Trust Me!!

In the past few days, I have been doing a little cleaning around my blog. Nothing you will notice.

So, I stumbled upon an old post from February of 2007. I clicked the links and followed the story line until it led me to the part that said that MOST of my customers were closed on President's Day last year. Hmmmm, so Monday is President's Day...

After making a quick phone call, I was assured that the customers would indeed be open.

I call BULLSHIT! Remember, I know these customers and their habits. I even blogged about them being closed last year. I have proof!! But I was told to Go North, Young Lass!!

So, I will and don't be surprised if I have a post describing the wonderful day I spent in Queen's with a new friend. Because he is off on Monday, too!!

Silly Little Phobias

This is probably the silliest thing you will ever read on this blog. Not silly as in ha~ha, but more along the lines of ' You have got to be kidding me'

One of the things that has been bothering me lately is how empty my life feels. There seems to be a lack of personal relationships with people other than family members. Well, I do have friendships with some of my business acquaintances. But I could have many more. I am a people person. I have no fear of engaging strangers in conversation. I am quick to humor people with my witty sarcasm.

But I have this tiny little phobia that seems to eliminate many people from remaining in my life.

I can not call people on the phone.

Except for a few family members, I do not generally call someone just to chat. I can come up with three excuses for why I am not able to phone a friend. All three reasons seem stupid to me at this point, but I still have anxiety over dialing a phone number. If someone calls me, however, I will chat for hours.

1* I was not allowed to use the phone much as a child/teenager. And I was forbidden to phone a boy! Yeah, I would think I would be over this by now, and I am sure it does not play a big role in my anxiety but I am just trying to cover all the bases.

2* I have dated a few guys in my lifetime that when I would try to reach them, they would be doing something they should not have. You know, for instance.... cheating with another female. Then I would be lied to about why they would not answer the phone, and later find out that the other woman was with them when my call came in. This should not have anything to do with calling friends, but it still plays a role in the anxiety of it all.

3* Septmber 11, 2001. Believe it or not, 9/11 plays a tremendous role in my inability to be able to call people. On that morning, after the news had spread, I called every single number stored in my cell phone. I had plenty of service, so it was not the fact that the signals were jammed. I called family and friends, co-workers, employers... every number!!! I could not get a hold of any one.... I got answering machines and voice mails, but not one single solitary flesh and blood person. At this point in time, the plane heading for the Pentagon had not crashed yet. But the reports were being aired about the hijacked plane that was supposed to be heading for Dulles Airport near DC. HOWEVER....the announcer on the radio station I was listening to kept mispronouncing the destination. She said DALLAS instead of Dulles. Yeah, easily misunderstood except for the fact that I was unloading at DALLAS (DFW)..... The only thing going through my mind was how close I was. I needed to tell everyone how much I loved them because I did not know if I would live to see another day. NO ONE answered the phone, and I felt so insignificant...

So, now anytime I try to call someone, if I don't get an answer, I do relive the anxiety of it all. Of how insignificant I felt that day. Well, not everytime, but quite frequently. Oh, and not with family members.

So.... why am I bringing this up now....

Because I have made several new friends in the past few months and I can't call them. Yes, a few of them are male and have called me on occasion, but they always ask why I never call them. I can completely understand why they would question me on this, but I can't give a legitimate answer. I would take it wrong myself if someone never called me. I have no problem sending a text or an email, but heaven forbid I actually dial a number. I am sure I have lost a few potential friends over this same issue.

So, what do I do? Do I confront my fears and just start dialing numbers. Sure people are busy and can't always answer. I understand that, but there is still that trigger that goes off in my brain. I feel the anxiety of it until I hear back from them and that is no fun. This all seems so childish to me, maybe a touch of low self-esteem. I don't get it. In person, I am not intimidated by anyone. But that damn phone can really hurt my feelings.

So, if you have any thoughts on the topic, please feel free to share. It just all seems so silly to me, but I even felt my chest quicken while typing the 3rd item in my little list. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You Shell! xoxo

With so much to do, and so little time to do it, and so many thoughts, emotions, ideas, stories, etc.... to post.......I thought it would only be right to start with the most important post of all....

Life has been so hectic the past few weeks and I feel as if I am on the verge of exhaustion....I think I will go take a much needed nap....But with all that has been going on, it was so nice to come home from work this week and find out my Mischka was thinking of me!!

She sent me this lovely bouquet and bear..... Just Because!!

That is the best reason of all, don't you think... Just Because. I heart her so!! It is so delightful, full of fall coloring and the roses smell delicious!

Okay, so back to my nap...........zzzzzz zzzzzz zzz zzzzz

I Am Loved :)

CHANCHITOS

In the small village of Pomaire, Chile,

it is believed that the "chanchitos",

little pigs, bring good luck.

Three legged chanchitos are especially

fortunate and are traditionally given

to friends as a token of goodwill and

love.

I am feeling very loved at the moment!! Thanks Mischka!!

California, here I come!!

I am so excited!! I just booked a flight to California!! I am in desperate need of a vacation and being such a tight wad, well, I just had to do it!! For sanity's sake!!

The trip is scheduled for late August, but knowing me I had to book it right away, or else I might have procrastinated!!

More details to follow.... Stay Tuned!!

Shell

Here is to 18 months!!!!

The Calm After the Storm...

Well, I must say... After signing up for the MySpace account, the deluge of "Friend Requests" was a tad bit overwhelming. 231 in a mere 36 hour period... Although at first I had a negative reaction, it seems that all is well in my little corner of CyberSpace. DENY, DENY, DENY... Sorry folks, if you don't know me-then you will not be misrepresented as one of my friends!!

On a more positive note, I was very pleased to find a few profiles of long lost friends.. One in particular sent a torrential outpouring of emotion through my very being... My First Love...

I sent out a few messages, and received some back... Reliving the glory days via email!! So, I have changed my initial impression... Not such a bad place to be after all...

By the way, I sent a message to the guy who first stole my heart all those years ago and I am waiting to see if I will get a response.... He better hurry up though... my heart is pounding and I haven't been able to breathe in two days!!