Gone to The Dogs

I really don't have too much to contribute at this point. So, just a quick update because I am at work, and tired of driving at the moment.

I am back in Frankentruck. I should not tell you this because it makes Shadow worry about me, but I do not believe the new leveling valve fixed the problem. Truck is still way too sloppy...I will inquire about the shocks that were ordered but not mounted, when I return this week. This also means I am in the only seat that does not hurt my booty, legs, hips or knees AND, so far so good. Nine hundred miles into this trip and not an ounce of pain.

Okay, maybe I do have an one thing to contribute. I did something very nice for myself this weekend. And yes, I did this for me. I volunteered at the local pet shelter. Walking dogs, grooming, cleaning, whatever was needed. I had such a good time, and of course, they were glad to have me. I am looking forward to spending more time doing volunteer work. But, I could not believe some of the dogs who have been abandoned... There was a gorgeous 2 year old Alaskan Malamute. I would have taken her home in a heartbeat, had I been able. All the dogs, except 2 , had very lovely dispositions and temperaments. There was one adopted out while I was there. His name was Hiway, and he was found by a trucker on the side of the road a few weeks ago. He was also adopted by a trucker just after being walked and groomed by a trucker. No, I did not adopt him.. I bet he will make a good trucking dog, though!! LOL

So that about wraps it up. Heading to New England.....Oh yeah, and I did manage to get 2 good runs in this weekend, after last weeks tearful fiasco....What kind I say, sometimes I get a little emotional, I am after all, just a girl!! Run Terry Run.....

Busty Wonder

Rusty

2004-2009

Rest In Peace

I loved this little guy. Meet Rusty. Rusty was my brothers dog. One day, several years back, he came strolling through the neighborhood (a victim of abandonment) and decided that he was going to make himself at home. It did not take long at all to claim him as a member of the family.

Rusty was well cared for, and absolutely cherished. He was one of the best tempered dogs I have ever been exposed to. We all loved him. But last Sunday, Rusty was savagely attacked by some neighboring canines. Rusty has always been confined to his yard and was never allowed to roam freely about the neighborhood. One of the neighbors had a female who was in heat and they decided it was a good idea to let her roam about freely at night. Of course, you can imagine the havoc caused by this. Not only was Rusty attacked in his own yard, but another family pet who lived two houses away was also injured in another battle. I am not sure if the other innocent dog survived, but Rusty died from extensive injuries 5 days later. The offenders were owned by a man who lived a few houses away and he refused to keep his dogs in the fence. In fact, his dogs are now somewhat running with a pack of strays.

I am very sad! And I could rant and rave about this for quite awhile.

What we have here is just another prime example of people being stupid and irresponsible. This did not have to happen! Rusty did not have to be killed this way. He was still young but because one person thought it was okay to let a bitch dog in heat run wild at night, and another thought his not so friendly beasts were also not required to be confined, and then there are all of those people who want a puppy and after a few months, they drop them off in a field or down a deserted road because they no longer want the responsibility. I am angry!! so very angry!!

but mostly

I am very sad.... I love you Busty Wonder!!

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.