On The Job Accidents

I received a bit of bad news this week while on vacation.

One of our regular drivers was injured in an accident while delivering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Not sure of all of the details, so I can only presume how this might have happened.

The driver was waiting for the customer to unload and during the process, several bundles of aluminum toppled off of the trailer, knocking the driver to the ground and breaking his pelvis multiple times. He was taken to the local hospital and endured surgery. Thankfully, no other serious injuries were reported. We are hoping to have him transported back to Atlanta fairly soon, so friends and family will have more immediate access to him.

The last time one of our drivers was injured while unloading, it was life threatening. He remained hospitalized in critical condition for an extended period in Texas, hundreds of miles away from home. He recovered.

So, I am cutting my vacation time short to go help out. But most importantly... Jeremy is not fighting for his life. He is stable and only time will tell how well he recovers.

In Case You Were Wondering...

I am on vacation......

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!!

And Speaking of the Big A

Oh gosh, I hope you did not think I was referring to my beloved New York City....

No, the Big A , I am referring to is Atlanta.

Last week, while cruising around the Watermelon 500, a lively conversation was taking place amongst the Truckers as to just "Why exactly is everybody in such a hurry in the ATL?" You see, while the speed limit is set at 55 mph, there are only about 5 people who actually abide by it. As for the rest, they will run you over.

Of course, everyone had to put their 2 cents worth in. Although some remarks were meant to be humorous, the initial inquisitor was actually quite disgruntled

"...because they are trying to catch their spouse cheating on them."

"...because their spouses' lover will drink all the beer, so they are trying to catch them."

"...because they want to get home and be the first to the mailbox to get the welfare check."

"...because Judge Judy comes on at five."

after a litany of not so clever responses, I casually pick up the microphone and inform the masses that the real reason everyone is in such a hurry in Atlanta, is because the last one in is a rotten egg.

SILENCE

And then the airwaves were filled to capacity with bellowing laughter. Between gasps, sighs, cackles and guffaws, the original initiator of the conversation thanked me for my insight and assured me he was in a much better mood to deal with the rest of his lap around the loop.

Hey, it was the least I could do!!

What's In A Name

Everything has a name. Whether it is a common noun, or Proper Name, all things are identified. Some of you may be unaware of this (not the part about nouns, duh), but most of our States have been renamed by the Truck Driving community. Of course, some of the nicknames are fairly obvious and we cant lay claim to be the brilliant ones who thought of such wonderful nicknames, but some are truly generated from the minds of my fellow Concrete Cohorts. For example, can you tell me which State would be known as the Keystone? How about the Bluegrass? Of course you can. But how about the Bikini , Shakey or the Hillbilly. Well maybe those are fairly obvious too.

Okay, let's try cities......Smoke? No, I am not asking you if you would like to....Which city is known as Smoke? Guitar? Circle City? MonkeyTown, MickeyMouse, Little Cuba, Cigar, Cowtown, Armadillo, Brickyard, Beantown, K-town, E-town, Big A, Big D...

...and I am seriously digressing. So, back to the matter at hand.

Missouri is most commonly referred to as The Show Me State. This may, or may not be appropriate in all aspects, but today, it certainly was, and naturally, I think kudos are in order.

Today, while traversing the I-70 Corridor, I was pleasantly surprised. Every time I turned my blinker on, a car slowed down and let me change lanes. Every time there was merging ramp traffic, all vehicles accommodated those who wished to enter the rat race. Every time a Police Officer had a subject apprehended on the shoulder of the road, everyone moved to the left. Every time there was a lane closure, everyone had merged well before the lane ended. Everyone! Every time!

Show Me, indeed. It seems that we can get along and behave properly on the interstates. Of course, there were alot of girls showing their legs as well, according to the truckers. But that is not what made me so proud.

Thanks Missouri, for showing me a good time. Thanks for giving me reason to have a little faith in my fellow travelers. Because , you know as well as I do, that there are a lot of idiots out on the roads who are only concerned with themselves.

Update for Gabby

I suppose the rest of you could not really care any less about my running adventures, so this will have to be a post for Gabby. After all, she is my current inspiration. Well, maybe Indy.....I think he pays attention too, and has been inspired a little himself.

So, I had a wonderful day. Absolutely beautiful. Tried out a new running trail which just happens to be only a few miles away. I am so glad I went to that running store and felt inquisitive. They turned me on to alot of information. In fact, the trail I ran today is proposed to be a 40-50 mile circuit meandering through much of the area by the time it is completed. I believe they have 4 distinct sections finished and the one I was on today was a 4 miler (out and back for 2 each way).

I was rejuvenated. The shoes worked very well. I was a little timid at first thinking that with all the pain I had been through lately, maybe I should just stick to walking. But after a 10 minute fast walk, I was ready. The shoes are awesome and felt like I was running on clouds. I never once felt the urge to stop before my predetermined time was complete. In fact , I wanted to keep going. So, I am back on schedule for the program I started several weeks ago. Therefore, I did not continue on, but I am looking forward to my next run, and trying out the other trails.

Riding High

Just a little update on Frankentruck. I get very tired of posting my trucking issues here, but I sincerely feel the need to document them because I have never in my life been witness to, or experienced such complete mayhem when it comes to Big Trucks. I swear, this series of Volvo is such a complete joke. You know, they actually had a good reputation with their trucks several years ago, but I suppose as it is with just about everything else, quality is no longer a standard when it comes to production.

My beloved Frankentruck is in the shop this week. Are you surprised??

I do not know if I had mentioned this before, but for the past few months, I have been losing traction, sliding, and living in constant fear of an imminent jackknife. I have mentioned previous occasions where I had concerns about suspension problems with the other trucks, primarily Maggie, but this is altogether something completely new. I was breaking traction when taking off from a complete stop. My rear axles seemed to be sliding every time I made a turn. And, I would slip and slide continually on wet pavement, to the point that it felt as if I was driving on pure ice. I have registered many complaints. I have had everything checked from airbags, bushings, springs, traction bars, tread depth on tires, everything, shocks, everything! Nothing looked damaged. Nothing looked worn or cracked. Nothing!! The ride itself does not seem to be affected. No bronc riding, no bouncing out of control, no hardness at all.

I have been very zealous in taking care to not let Frankentruck take me for a wild ride, but the tension it was placing me in was beginning to wear on my nerves. This week, when returning to the shop, I slipped and slid through the yard and just as I thought my frayed nerves would finally snap, I decided to try a little test. I proceeded to play in the dust and gravel. Yanking the steering wheel as hard as I could to the left, I accelerated. Man oh man. Now that was a good time. Have you ever seen a Big Truck that could turn on a dime? Well, Frankentruck can. Seriously!! While studying my drive axles in the mirror, I noticed my pivot point was on the forward axle. I was literally able to turn at a 90 degree angle. I continued doing donuts for awhile, just to relieve a little stress and afterwards I got out to look at my tread marks in the dirt. That is when I noticed that my rear axle tires were barely touching the ground. I was leaving absolutely no tread marks in the dirt. Now the forward axle would leave a pattern, but the rear axle would brush lightly over them, smoothing them out. Okay, I thought, maybe it is only doing that because I was playing around while bobtail, and the leveling valve could not keep up. So, I hooked to a 45,000 lb load, and you know what? Still no tread pattern.

After making that delivery, I headed back into the shop and proceeded to show one of the Stooges my discovery. He had never seen anything like it. Next Moe was notified, and after a brief consultation, he decided to exchange the leveling valve and all four drive axle shocks. Hopefully, this will take care of the problem, but if not......Frankentruck goes back to Volvo for more complete repairs.

Good thing I noticed this when I did, because it looks like the warranty for this part of the truck runs out in 7000 miles. That means we only have two weeks to figure it out. I know, you are probably thinking, 'Why not take it in now, while it is still under warranty?'

Well, shocks and valves are not covered, and we do not have permission to go to the big shop except as a final measure, so that gives us 2 weeks to get it straight and determine if the problem has enough merit to be sent in. Confused yet? Me too!!

Either way, this needs o be resolved before winter strikes again. It is bad enough driving in ice and snow, but to only have one axle making contact one hundred percent of the time is frightening enough of warm, dry pavement. Because, when the second axle grabs the road, it tends to throw me sideways for a brief moment before recovering.

I will admit however, me and the Ol Boy sure had alot of fun relieving some anxiety out there in the dirt! Git R Done!!

I cannot believe I just typed that, but it was that much fun............

Running Scared

It seems I just cannot get ahead. Whether it concerns trucking, or any number of different aspects regarding life outside of the truck. I don't feel as if I complain too much openly, but I do feel the intensity of it all weighing down on me physically.

Just this week, for instance, I have been having major problems with my legs. In regards to the running shoes, it seems that having been so determined to have a good mileage to record for the month, I may have possibly harmed myself by wearing the wrong shoes. In fact, for the month of June, I completed a total of 60.25 miles, which is my highest mileage ever for a one month period. While that may not be so impressive to die hard runners, it is quite a respectable accomplishment to me. The problem is that I was using a rigid shoe for stability. Not what I needed!! This in fact threw my entire body out of alignment and every joint began to ache. So, I opted to use my alternate shoes which were less rigid. And, while they were great for my foot strike, they had absolutely no cushioning, which resulted in very tender knees. I pressed on however.

This week, I was almost in panic mode when I noticed my knees and ankles were swelling, and there was an unusual amount of numbness in my legs. I did work a very high mileage week with very few breaks to stretch my legs, but the discomfort was so intense, at one point I had begun to worry that I would have to give up exercising, driving a truck, or possibly both. I believe I would be more able to give up running, as I could swap it for something of lower impact such as cycling. But driving? It is my livelihood. How would I cope? What would I do?? I regret to announce that I am not trained or educated to the degree of earning a salary to that which I am accustomed. I am completely self dependent, and if I had to give up driving, I have no idea what would happen to me. I thought about looking for a rich old man to fall in love with, but decided against that option. It would be nice to have someone to fall back on, if times got hard, but sadly, I have no significant other. And truthfully, I have never had any intention of growing old in a truck. Guess I better start making plans for my future, eh?? I don't think it would be too bad, if I could find something local and was home every night, but I just do not see me driving all over God's Creation when I am a little old lady.

So, for now, I have made a few alterations.

I have purchased a pillow to sit on, to raise my derriere up and prevent the seat from cutting off my circulation. I am planing to stop more often for walk breaks, and I got fitted (once again) for new running shoes.

Amazingly enough, I found out today that I have a perfect foot strike!! YAY!! What that means is the only requirement that my feet have when it comes to running shoes is the level of cushioning I require. That is exactly what I thought even when the other store recommended a rigid shoe for stability. I was videotaped while running and my foot strike is perfectly aligned. I got back into a pair of Sauconys and felt as if I was walking in the clouds. Took them for a test run, and had no immediate discomfort. So, I now have 3 pairs of running shoes. This is getting expensive!! sheesh... I do have the option of returning this pair if they do not work out, but they felt divine. I will find out tomorrow how they feel with several miles on them. The last pair of comfortable shoes I had were also Saucony, but they broke down quickly. I was told that this pair was rated for about 400-500 miles. The last ones I was able to run in only lasted about 200. Here's to hoping I can get more than 3-4 months out of this pair. But I am stoked!! I also learned of a few running trails in the area, and of some weekly fun runs. Also got signed up for event alerts. Sadly, the store did not have its own running team, like Gabby and her Cabot Cruisers, but later when I get a little more confidence built up, I will search for my own local crew to run with. The fun runs will be a great place to start as far as meeting some running buddies.

I seem to be rambling, but that is my latest update on the misfortunes that are ever present. Hopefully, I can get the leg issues worked out...Stay tuned....

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!!

Off And Running....That Is

As some of you may be aware, I have been trying to get back into running. Seems I have had a rough go of it this year. I bought new shoes (were actually fitted for these) to replace my worn out ones and have just not quite gained any momentum. My legs scream in agony after a short trot, so I decided that maybe I had become extremely unfit in the past 8 months.

I began a new program and seemed to fall right into a comfortable stride. That is until I hit the 2 mile mark. Doesn't matter if it is walking or running, after two miles, my legs will no longer cooperate.

I decided maybe I should just give up on running for awhile and concentrate on becoming a little more fit. I opted for five mile walks. Once again, after only a short while, my legs were in agony. Hips, knees, ankles and muscles that I have never used before, all revolting against my wishes.

I have noticed my pace is slowing with every run, and although I am no where near breathless, I just cannot complete a good run. Grrrrrr.. I was running 6-7 miles at a time one year ago!!

Saturday, I set out on my 5 mile walk, and it was not long before I wanted to phone someone to come pick me up. I was done. It was then that I looked down and noticed my shoes. You see, I have always walked/run on the outer edges of my feet. These shoes were causing me to strike at almost a flat step. I watched in amazement as the realization hit me. These shoes (fitted specifically for me) were causing me to twist all of my joints in a way that was unnatural to me.

However, I was determined to not give up entirely. On Sunday, I had decided to check out a road I had been eyeballing in Virginia and get a few miles in for the day. I left my new (fitted specifically for me) shoes at home, but that was not going to stop me. I dug out my old shoes, laced them up and set out for 4 exhilarating miles.

Seems the little road was a perfect place for my workout. I met a group of 7 cyclists, another pair of runners, some cows, horses and 4 dogs.

Nothing but the picturesque Appalachian Mountains to my east, and several horse farms to my west. I

originally set out to walk the entire distance, but after 2 miles, I thought.....I want to run!!.....So run, I did. And there was absolutely no discomfort. It was divine. A beautiful day with lots of fluffy white clouds shading me the entire time, 78 degrees and a relaxing breeze.

There is hope for me yet!! And just for the record, I began running again on May 9th and to date have accumulated over 75 miles. Not bad considering they were 75 very painful miles!!