Can NO ONE Get it RIGHT??

I will try to keep this one short and sweet.....Just like me!!!  

Last week my laptop's power cord failed... The model I needed was not in stock.

I ordered one on line and paid extra to have it shipped Next Day!!

I received it 2 days later (YAY)...

This is what I got....

This is a two piece unit sold together as a single item, but for some strange reason, the two pieces are not compatible.....

Enough Said....I feel a few four letter expletives coming........

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!!

Are You Even Surprised ??

By now, most of you have realized that I seem to have a very unfortunate streak running through my veins....Yes, Gary, I do have good luck, but it is the small wonders that surround me that I consider to be my good fortune. I am blessed in the sense, that even the simplest moment in time can bring sheer delight to my life.

As for this post, we will journey back into the land of the mechanics.....

First, I have had suspension problems for at least 6 months now. The good news is that in trying to locate the exact problem, I have been given new gas shocks, which is a definite improvement over the original ones that came with the truck. Also, I have received a new leveling valve....But this is where the failure actually began....My valve had failed and the local shop replaced it. They pulled me to the side and told me there was a noise resembling an air leak and that I should pay it no attention.  While I agree, there is a noise resembling an air leak while the valve is actually being used, but this sound is only the air bags adjusting the suspension and you only notice it after moving the truck, or stopping. Then it only lasts until the frame is level. My noise is an air leak, and it is very noticeable anytime you are out of the truck. As long as you have air pressure, the valve leaks....and will continue to do so until you are out of air. For example, after turning off the motor, my leveling valve will continue to leak air for hours!!!  Not the standard amount of time to level out....It is a LEAK, and I have never had a valve that was made to leak intentionally...............  But I am suppose to ignore it......

But the biggest problem with this valve, is when I start out, it actually fills the bags well beyond the desired amount. Therefore jacking my frame up and throwing my drive line into an awkward angle thus, causing a vibration to shimmy throughout the truck while I am driving....Until I slow down, then the bags drop and magically the vibration disappears.... But, if you look at the gauges, it will show to be dropping while I am driving, and rising when I stop... A complete contradiction. How do I know?  I filmed it!!!     but the footage is trapped in a computer with no power, so you will have to wait for that one....

 Soon, I will have worn out major components of my drive line....You think maybe then the might believe me when I tell them my leveling valve is bad??   I hope so...I hope that little video will get somebodies attention..I filmed it one hour after parking the truck and turning off the motor....ONE HOUR...it should never take a leveling valve ONE HOUR to level itself, therefore I am pretty confident that it is a &*%#ing leak...  I have begged anyone of these "trained technicians" to just listen to me......for months........  

Do I hear Tennessee calling me again?  If you are wondering why I have not already addressed this issue with my Heroes, it is because I do not want to overwhelm them with too many requests at one time....I think the exhaust leak had more priority, along with the crazy computer problems, and I do not get through there regularly...I was expected at that shop to discuss this issue 2 weeks ago, but got pulled from the gravy run that led me to their doorstep.....I have actually had 4 other shops tell me to learn to  live with it!   BLOODY WANKERS!!!!

Lets just  hope the video is my truck's salvation........

The Mayor (the extended version)

Oh Dear, where was I at.........

Before embarking on my final journey of the week, I received a few phone calls from the Mayor. He offered to wait for me so we might be able to pass the time more quickly heading over to the scrap mill. After submitting several excuses, he finally agreed to preamble the course, allowing me to maintain my sanity for at least another 12 hours. Sheeeeesh, that was close..

We agreed to meet at a truck stop the next morning and embark on the final leg as the Dynamic Duo... I must mention that just knowing I was to remain in his company was enough to elevate a level of tension, even before he actually had the opportunity to take action.

Since we were both without trailers, we agreed that if no bobtail parking was available, we would share a parking spot in order to remain courteous to others who might need a spot to camp out. I quickly found him nestled into a spot and proceeded to back in, in front of him, thus placing his engine compartment directly behind my bed. I should have known better, but I did not want to awaken with him facing me. Amongst other demands I had placed upon him, I requested that because the mill did not open until 8am, I had intentions of sleeping in as late as possible. I assured him, I would be motivated by no later than 7:15am.

{The Oldest Trick In The Book}

At approximately 6am, I was startled from my slumber by a very obnoxious noise. " I know he didn't"....I attempted to settle back in for the remainder of my nap, and 15 minutes later, I heard it again...His AIRHORN, blaring into my head from the short distance I had allocated to him by backing in. I managed to not utter any four letters words out loud, and proceeded to commence my day. I had no more than arisen (still in my jammies) before he started knocking on my door. Now, at this point, it is not even 6:30, we had agreed to let me sleep in. I rolled down my window and glared at his blissfully ignorant expression.

"How many times did you blow your horn?" grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

He stuttered and fumbled through his reply, " Oh, sorry about that. I was just filling in my log book and forgot the air horn was (essentially the entire surface of the steering wheel, not including the spokes) on top of the steering wheel.It was an accident!" Yeah!! sure it was, just like it is an accident the other 200 hundred times you have done the exact same thing...You know, I would think, after driving this particular piece of equipment for over 14 months, he would know exactly where his horn his located...And he does, but he doesn't realize that we all are very aware of his wake-up calls. Even though he has pulled this stunt on everyone of us, at least a handful of times, a piece. I assure you, he was not doing his log book, he was just anxious to get going and sit in the mill parking lot for an hour before they opened..I guess to beat the rush....Ummm, yeah, there is no rush, we are not delivering, we are pulling out trailers from docks that are only used by US!!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! But off we go.......

The two trailers we were to retrieve were our new hard body scrap trailers that have been customized to include an electric tarp system. With an adapter mounted on the cab of the truck, we have the capacity to open and close the tarp. My adapter...is .....ummmmm.......well.......TOO SHORT........ha, go figure!! So, because my power supply will not reach the power box to engage said tarp system, I requested that the Mayor hook to the first trailer, as the second trailer had no tarp! Not 3 minutes later, the Mayor states, " I guess I will get the second trailer....." I let him, and than reminded him I could not coerce the tarp mechanism into activity due to my improperly structured power cable.... (hee hee hee, those silly mechanics).....So after watching him unnecessarily create extra work for himself (whilst I was giggling madly to myself) I reminded him again, of the conversation that we had just finished 3 minutes prior to our arrival....Finally...I hook to the uncovered trailer and thought I should probably also mention that he needed to pull forward before closing the tarp because he was situated directly beneath some overhead power lines..When activated, the tarp mechanism reaches a height of well over 25 feet, so overhead clearance is of the utmost importance.

I make my way around the front of his truck to enlighten him....As I turn to walk back in front of him, heading towards my rig, he begins to move forward with me directly in his path....I scramble to safety, opting for a retreat rather than pushing forward. He stops!!! and smiles.....I walk forward again...He moves again.....I retreat.....He smiles.....After the third time...I am perplexed by his actions and decide to walk behind him, even though my tractor is only 10 feet away from the front of his truck. After it was all said and done, and I had reined in my state of discombobulation, I inquired as to why he would not let me pass in front of him...." I did not know what you were doing!"he replies with that little smile of his........grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

Next up....It is time for dispatch. We head into a truck stop to receive a facsimile with the intended routes listed for next week. After perambulating about for 15 minutes, I ask if he is ready to go! He says sure, but he needs to get the fax number and tell dispatch to send us the list.....UGH!! I thought that is why we stopped....What had he been doing for the past 15 minutes??? I never place my bid with the help of the LIST..I usually have dispatch ramble off the stops and mileage and make my decision per verbal transaction, but he needs the list to make his decision...therefore, I had agreed to stop...I walked back to my truck allowing him time to get it together, and thought about driving off without him, but I try not to be too nasty and rude...Remember, that which does not kill you, only makes you stronger, and we can all use a lesson in patience on occasion. So, I waited....and waited......and waited......

When we finally made it back to the plant...I had my gear stowed away in my car and my paperwork completed in a flash......I had had enough!!....With tires squealing, and dust flying, I scrambled back towards the realm of sanity...

Whew! Good thing I don't run with him often....as my temperament would surely decline if I were to remain in his presence on a continual basis....

Happy Trails!!!!

Dramatic Pause

Well, it seems I was almost on a roll there for a few posts.

I often consider the Internet, and my laptop to be a superfluous luxury. But this week, when my power adapter suddenly ceased to function, I realized just how much I rely on this modern marvel to sustain continued entertainment in my life. I have a new one ordered, as my model is not in stock, so I should be up and ranting in no time. Until then, I have confiscated my Sister-n-Laws PC to fill in the blanks. shhhhhhhhh!!

Ignorance Is Bliss

I left off having received the wonderful news that I would be spending some time with the "The Mayor".

First of all, I should tell you a little bit about him. He is a good man! He is blissfully happy. He would go out of his way to do anything for me, and treats me like a daughter. BUT.....one of my biggest pet peeves is ignorance, and while he is not a stupid or unintelligent man, he is blissfully ignorant.

Let me give you an example. A few months ago, there were 3 of us picking up new scrap trailers in Indiana. Upon completing our mission, he asked which way did we need to go. We were at the main highway, and had only two options. North or South.. We arrived coming from the South. So, it was pretty obvious that a southbound heading would lead us back home. I am pretty sure Georgia has always been south of Indiana.   Okay, maybe not such a good example.....

How about this one....A few weeks ago we were traveling together. The temperatures outside were a brisk 10-15 degree.  I am sure all of you are aware that at such a cold temperature, there are no bugs splattering the windshields!! Well, surprisingly, I did have one huge bug go splat. It shocked me!! So, over the airwaves, I said to the Mayor..."Guess what just hit my windshield.."  I had expected such responses as a rock, or bird poop.  But the Mayor, in utter seriousness remarked back with.........

A PILLOW.......

What....did he just say Pillow??  I don't know about you, but I have never been anywhere that pillows were pelting the windshields....I had no reply.....

Another time, he was literally pushing a fourwheeler down the highway..I noticed the driver of the car was getting nervous and weaving a little, only after having the grill of a truck blocking his entire view out the rear window. I do not think this person was drunk, or distracted, just nervous! We were in a 55 zone, and restricted to two lanes...I immediately backed off at least 200 yards, giving them all the room they needed to battle this out.. I don't believe in pushing!!  You never know how the person in the car might react, and I do not want to be responsible for their death, so I don't push!!  After traveling several miles this way, a Police Officer made his way up an entrance ramp just as the Mayor was passing it. He was quickly pulled over and cited for following too closely.

The thing about this that irritates me, is after the fact, the Mayor ranted and raved for 2 days about the injustice of it all. He was told the fourwheeler had called in for help, because of the aggressive Big Truck tailgating him...He could not understand what he had done wrong, and thought the Officer was just abusing his authority..I myself was not surprised at all, and had remarked that I could not believe he was pushing the little guy. I though he deserved the ticket, but the Mayor maintained his innocence. I watched the entire procession, and to me, he was clearly guilty...But, the Mayor also has the habit of running down two lanes at 68 mph.. He is one of those people that goes as fast as he can at all times, regardless of the laws.. I fear the day he hits a child, or car load of people on one of these small country roads. but still he sees no harm in his blatant disregard for safety....

One last example....I was following him.....and as he weaved across his lane several times, crossing the white/yellow lines, and could not maintain a constant speed, I asked if everything was okay.  He remarked....I am just checking my emails......  Are you serious???   If you think you are such an awesome driver that you can give your attention to something other than the road before you.....well, you are a bloody idiot!!!  I have seen several people end up in mangled vehicles because they were checking emails, reading books, surfing the web, or watching a movie.....while driving....  I think I am an awesome driver..... a little aggressive up in the City perhaps, but I am fully aware of everything going on around me. I drive looking ahead a few miles.  You will never catch me distracted by modern technology...And shame on you for thinking you are just so awesome that you don't need to pay attention to what is going on around you... It only takes a split second to end a life.....

But my point was this.... He is blissfully ignorant. He sees no harm in his poor driving habits, and his thought process somewhat astounds me.......... A freaking PILLOW  ????

So, it is all I can do to follow him anywhere without blowing a fuse or wanting to beat my face into the asphalt....I usually try to hold my tongue, my jaws in a death grip to not yell at him for his stupid maneuvers....And he does often ask why I cannot keep up....

I don't want any part of what is going to happen around him, so I refuse to keep up!!!  and this journey was surely to be no exception..

A pillow...........indeed!!

Statistics

                  JAN   FEB   MAR   APR   MAY   JUN   JUL   AUG   SEP   OCT   NOV   DEC

2008         10         51          52          48         44           19.5      8.7       10.5        23.4     46.44     37.45     0

351 miles

2009           0         15.93   13.15

Up In Smoke

Where were we.....

Oh yeah, the door was opening....My week was planned...Scrap Haul to finish out and a few more truck repairs......ha ha ha ha ahaahhahhaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

But, even the best laid plans can be brought to destruction, by the hands of fate.

After leaving my final delivery point, I began my 4 hour journey back to the plant! Georgia On My Mind, if you will. Excited about the prospects of a no hassle finish to the week, I was in excellent spirit.

I was on track to make it back to the plant with plenty of time to head north through Atlanta before rush hour slowed things to a grinding halt. My intentions were to get through town, swap trailers, and hit the two lanes to avoid the impending congestion that is Atlanta at its finest.

My intentions were tossed out the window as I rounded the curve at mile marker 35, a mere 12 miles from the plant...

I had noticed this guy passing me just a few minutes prior to his collision. I make it a habit to look at each Trucker as we pass..Usually to return a friendly wave, YES, I still do that!! This particular fellow did not appear to be sleepy, but he definitely was in another zone.  He smacked the barrier wall at top speed, ripping the front axle and fuel tank completely off the truck, sending diesel fuel over the entire roadway. Do not know how the driver fared this event, but I think he made it out un~charred.. Certainly, if the poor bloke had sustained major trauma or even death, we would have been there a lot longer....NO one mentioned seeing him pulled from the wreckage, so I assume he walked away.

After a two and a half hour delay, we were finally set free. It was now 4:30 pm...All hopes of getting into the mill before they locked the gates had vanished.....Another 30 minutes to grab the scrap trailer, plus a 1.75 hour trip through Atlanta...in Gwinnett County Rush Hour....Not gonna happen...So, I opted for a shower and a meal, then spent an hour or so catching my breath. The gates reopened at 10pm, and at this point, the five hour drive to the dump was out of the question. I made the swap, hit North Georgia and called it a night.

After dumping my load and scheduling repairs for my return trip, I headed back south towards the mill. About an hour from the mill, I received a phone call telling me NOT to go back.. There was nothing there for me.......My attitude took a nose dive. The week was too young to head for home. Besides, I had not even earned a decent paycheck yet. But lucky for me, we were pulling some scrap trailers out of another mill...  I was instructed to bobtail into North Carolina, and grab the last one.  So that is what I did....My repairs would have to wait until another week....Grrrrrr... and the best news of all.... I would be making the trip with the "Mayor".....

to be continued...................

You Get What You Deserve

Last week, I worked myself into a frenzy trying to catch up after several delays early in the week.So when it came time to bid on this weeks run, the only thing on my mind was recovery time. I chose a short haul, 10 stops in Alabama, calculating the amount of time I would have off in the evenings to recuperate.  My projected schedule would have me unload 7 stops on Monday, 15 hours of downtime, 3 more drops bright and early on Tuesday and a quick trip through the woods to get back to the plant.

I was browsing through my paperwork looking for any instructions. Often there are notes for the driver to call ahead and schedule appointments, of give 24 delivery notification.  Such was the case for a new delivery destination in Ethelsville, Al. The notes indicated that a 24 hour notification was required and an appointment was needed. POOH !!  I was hoping to get that drop off as part of my Monday.  The next three drops were at the far end of the state, and with the loss of making this delivery on Monday, that would push my arrival at the plant until Wednesday Morning.  900 Miles in 3 days, Not Good!  So, I quickly began to make the necessary calls hoping I could sweet talk someone into receiving me early. That is when I found out that this location was not even opened on Mondays. I left a message, and rather than get in a tizzy about  it, I accepted my fate, and finished out what I could. After my 6th drop, I was busy making plans for a shower and some R n R....

My phone rings, and lo and behold, it is my 7th customer. He says that he will be more than happy to meet me at his shop and promptly get me unloaded, as he only lives 2 miles away. After delivering he gives me his mobile number, and assures me than if I am ever in the area with another delivery, and can not get through the office phone, to call him personally and he will make sure someone is there to meet me, even on the off days!

I know I will never have to call in on this favor, but this is why I love our customers. Maybe it has something to do with the long term relationship they have with the Aluminum Company, or maybe it is more directly aimed at me, for being such a pleasant and efficient representation of the Alum Co. But either way, I am very spoiled and treated very well!  

So, I made the 8th stop bright and early, and now I sit awaiting my final two stops. OMG..I am actually waiting for another truck to get out of my way....that does not happen often......

Dispatch has assured me that I will be taken care of, having so few miles this late in the week (remember I only work through Wednesday, typically) so I am to get back on the scrap haul...The one I ran last week. Which is exactly what i was hoping for, because I have  more issues with the truck...... So if you will, laugh..laugh out loud!!!! Please!!  Because if you don't start laughing at me, then I might just start crying.....

No seriously, they are not major issues. Just something I have put on the back burner until I got all the important stuff cleared away. Well, except for that one noise....It seems that I might be developing a hole in my air to  air boot....Kind got that sucking wind noise going on occasionally....or more like air being slowly released from a balloon in short spurts!  So, the door is opening..I must go back to work now!!!

Ooroooooo, for now!

Run Happy

After having a physically and emotionally frustrating week, I thought I should try to get back out on the trail and start running again. Those endorphins help to keep me on cloud nine.

The last time I ran, was before Thanksgiving...I have used multiple excuses... Pain and discomfort, numb legs, cold weather, stress, blah blah blah.. I know, they were all just convenient excuses.

So, in order to get my stride back, I headed to a Specialty Shop to get fitted for the right type of shoe.

HA!! It turns out, I have been in the wrong shoe wearing the wrong size. How could I not know? Well......I just didn't, but the extreme leg pains I was experiencing in November were a telltale sign that the shoes were worn out with less than 200 miles on them. So today, I happily purchased last years model of a shoe built for stability at a 25 percent discount (last years model).  Brooks...  I have never tried these. I hear good and bad reports (everybody has their own personal favorite), but I have also  used Asics, Saucony, and New Balance.  I guess we will find out when the pains set in again. 

I wanted to try them out, but it is raining (another excuse) and I have to pack for work....

But I can no longer use the excuse that  I need new shoes!!  I am terribly behind in my mileage for the year..Yikes....I am so ashamed!!

All Is Well That Ends Well.....

Update.....After this weekends numerous mis-communications, I did found out that everyone except me knew about the new gate hours.  The reason I was never told, is because I am normally in New England, and don't typically haul scrap.

Monday finds me sitting back at my FAVORITE SHOP. I was able to swap trucks and continue on my way, after a slight 5 hour delay. The delay was necessary due to the fact that the trailer I had grabbed at the mill had 5 leaks in the air lines, one wheel that was about to fall off, and no license plate.  Trailer repaired, I made my way back into the scheme of things.  Two days later, I was told my truck was ready....

You know, I think from now on, if I have any more problems with the truck, I will just head straight to Tennessee. I mentioned 3 things that needed the once over, and all three things were addressed and corrected.  Two of the items where the result of an oversight at the Atlanta shop. After all the whoopla with the battery cable ordeal, it turns out that a wiring harness had melted and shorted out as well, hence the loss of power and lack of an engine brake. But the big news is.......The elusive exhaust leak that I have been plagued with for months has now been repaired!

The Ol Girl is now completely road ready. REALLY....There is nothing else wrong with her...Nothing........

sigh

So, I am awaiting one last trailer that will send me home in the morning. I am exhausted. 

Oh...I almost forgot....When I originally got this truck 14 months, it had a bad leak on the rear end. Well, not really a leak. There is a vent on the rear chunk, and as the pressure would build in the rear axle, this vent would blow oil out....I would have to have the rears filled with oil on a regular basis. I gave up on having this diagnosed and repaired after numerous attempts in a 4 month period.  I mentioned this predicament to the Tennessee shop one time....Today, a new vent was installed. .....

There is nothing else wrong with my truck....Seriously...... Thanks to all the wonderful fellows at those Tennessee shops!  I heart you in a big way!  Maybe, I will send them a goodie basket, just for getting everything fixed, after 14 months of struggling.....