# 46 ~ Anonymous

How does it make you feel when you hear of women truckers who use their breasts to get what they want in the trucking industry instead of pulling their own weight and earning it the honest way like everyone else?

The best part about my job, is that I am the only woman hauling for my account. I find it very offensive to my gender when another female uses the sexuality card to get ahead of the game. Being the only female, I do not have to tolerate such behavior, which means I do not have worry about expressing my beliefs on this matter. Ladies who work for other companies, well that is a different story. I still find it degrading, but because it does not affect me personally, I usually let it slide.

There was one time when I was traveling eastbound on Hwy 78 through Mississippi. I was listening in to a conversation that a female driver was having with 3 male drivers. At first, there was just a slight flirtation, but it was not long before she was suggesting a group gathering...I decided to take a few back roads to get away from the crowd, because I had already had 2 other drivers ask me if I was the woman making the offers. I trailed off on the back roads through Natural Bridge, Al, and by the time I made it down to Jasper I heard the faintest conversation coming through my CB. It was the hot to trot driver and her posse of horny toads. I gave them about 10 more minutes of airtime, in which I heard her declining to pull over and service the fellas. They were beginning to get rude with her at this point. After I listened as long as I could stand to, I made my presence known to the radio crowd. Let me just say that my rant on the radio was not one I ever care to repeat.

I quickly suggested they find another channel to broadcast on, but the woman claimed the guys were antagonizing her, and she just wanted to be rid of them. I absolutely lost it !!

I bluntly told her that I did not appreciate her antics at all. The first reason was that she was portraying female drivers in a negative light, and I was a hard working gal who preferred not to have that stigma placed on me. Then I reminded her that if she was going to act like a whore on the radio, offering sexual gratification, that she should not be offended if a few men were eager to take her up the offer. I continued to be very rude and informative about how I felt about her actions. In the end, she apologized to me for playing that role on the radio, claiming she would have never acted on it. I then told her she should apologize to the guys she was taunting. She did that as well, but they didn't readily accept her apology. However, there were other drivers listening in who also were relieved that I had spoken my piece. It was none of my business whether she wanted to sleep with the whole group, and I was not judging her for that. My problem with her behaviour was that she was playing the role of the whore, but then she was offended that the men were willing to take her up on the offer. When the boys got serious about her seduction, she claimed they were targeting her and being pigs.

We had been listening in for at least an hour, so there was no denying what she had offered, even if she had no intentions of following through. I, myself, have never been desperate enough for a driving buddy to behave in such a manner.

Another example.. I met a lady driver out in California, years ago. She was at a receiver, and on the radio asking someone to back her trailer into the door. I did not think anything of it at the time. She was using a very seductive voice, but not offering any favors..she was just using her femininity to her advantage. Later, I met her in the drivers lounge and she told me that in 7 years of driving, she had never once backed her trailer into a dock. She said she didn't know how and it was just easier to get the boys to do it for her. She had other drivers do it. She had the yard guys do it. She even had forklift operators climb in her truck and back it in.

It was right then and there I decided that I would know my job inside and out. I would learn every aspect of how to drive that truck. I spent hours in empty truck stops teaching myself how to back up into the lined parking spots. I would not count on my feminine wiles to help me succeed. I am very grateful I ran into her 12 years ago, because I now consider myself to be a very accomplished, professional driver. I never balk at the challenge, I just take a deep breathe and do what must be done...Plus, I like to show the boys, just how easy it is... So easy, even a GIRL can do it....

It is my practice to use my charm and personality. I like to tell funny stories. I like to make people laugh. If I am told I will have to wait, I accept that , and I never get hateful or rude with customers. If I am due for a DOT inspection, I will be courteous and humorous throughout, if the Officer has a friendly personality, but I have NEVER used my shape, cleavage, or a wiggle to secure certain advantages.

Ask me anything

# 45 ~ Anonymous

I just saw a youtube video with you and a australian man in it that has been going around the internets recently. In it you made some very strong statements about your fellow truckers, my question to you is, do you still feel that way?

Remarkable...I have been unaware of this resurfacing. This video was originally posted in March of 2009, as a compilation of the opinions of what commercial drivers think the hardest thing about trucking is.

I did take the time to watch it again and refresh my memory as to what the "strong" statements were, that I uttered. Alas, I did not find any. But for the record, I do still believe in what I did in fact, say. I do not appreciate anyone being distracted and risking my personal safety. I still don't think all CDL holders actually belong in a truck. I still believe that courtesy is on the decline. Hmm, what else did I say.. Well, you better believe I meant it when I said it the first time, and I still feel the same way.

Now does this mean I am without sin? Of course not. I have sent a text message while driving down the road. I have used my hand held phone to make calls in a hands-free area. In fact, it was while driving through New York, that I was politely reminded that NYC is a hands-free area. I told the officer to give me a minute, as I was getting directions. He said I could continue if I wanted to pay the fine....Um, yeah, I ended the call...lol

I have not ever, however, had the computer running, or a movie playing while driving down the road. I have not ever placed a book on my steering wheel to catch up on my weekend reading. I have never applied make-up to my face while driving, all things I have witnessed others do. I think, as adults, we should all use discretion. There is a time and place for everything. Now if you are traveling in a deserted area, and punch a few letters out on your phone, that is at your discretion. I myself, wont even look at my map if there is a vehicle within 500 yds of me. But then I do drive in heavily populated areas, so I do little more than drive anyways.. There are too many distractions around me without me doing something stupid, like take my eyes off of you in your little fourwheeler.

Just a special Thanks to Tami, for letting me borrow this video and present to you the statements in their entirety..But I bet you don't find anything strong about my statements either.

Ask me anything

# 44 ~ Anonymous

I have recently read on truckers blogs that you are successful trucking safety advocate, yet you don't comment on any of them. Don't you feel like you should at least stand up and take some credit for all your efforts instead of just laying low?

There is a pretty good reason that I do not ever comment on those supposed blogs. I have, in no way, EVER presented myself to be a trucking safety advocate, much less a successful one. Therefore, there is no need for me to take any credit for efforts made, because in fact, I do not agree with some of the self proclaimed advocates you find floating around on different web-sites. But then you already know this, and I find your attempts to turn me into a hypocrite very amusing :-)

I would be curious as to which blogs in particular you are referring to. It might be useful in having a few links, so that I may check out exactly what is being said about me. If anyone has seen websites or blogs referring to me as a Trucking Safety Advocate, please feel free to pass along the info.

As for safety in the industry, we have regulations in place to govern most of the trucking industry. As far as individuals are concerned, we are all adults so therefore we should be able to police our own actions. Some folks have a harder time doing this, but it is not for me to lay blame.

I think Advocacy for Safety in the Trucking Industry is a much needed thing, but I am not the one to propose it. A few of the individuals I have read who are working under this self proclaimed title are, in my opinion, very hypocritical. Now, why would I claim to be a part of that?

I have been in the industry for over a decade, and have had very few issues to overcome. I take my own personal safety very serious... Everyone else would be wise to do as well, because no one is going to hold your hand. Lets face it, just because you share a career, does not mean everyone in that field is your friend. Use some common sense, people.

With that being said, the only efforts I make in my chosen profession, is to do the best job I possibly can. I also try to represent my company in a very positive fashion. And when I see someone in need of a little assistance, I will be sure to offer a hand.

Ask me anything

# 43 ~ Anonymous

how u decide which face 2 wear each day out of ur 2 faces?

That is a pretty simple question..If I am working, I do not usually wear make-up because I tend to get dirty working the flatbed, but on my home time, I love to get dolled up!!

Oh, wait, you were being snide weren't you??

I think anyone who knows me, would pretty well tell you that my personality is consistent. Everyone has their good and bad days, and I am no exception. Some of my stronger traits include being very opinionated, stubborn, and verbal. I also possess the knack for being compassionate, silly and tenderhearted.

The fact that I do not get along well with everyone, does not make me "two-faced". It just means I use discretion in choosing my friends. I reserve the right to only expose certain aspects of my personality to those I am closest too. As for casual acquaintances, I try to remain in a neutral territory. I think we all tend to do this. And for those whom I tend to find myself in conflict with, I simply do not engage them in any way.

Still not sure how this implicates me in any way, but isn't it wonderful to be free to be whomever you choose.

Ask me anything

Been There, Done That

Not too much going on lately. The week before last, I sauntered through the Midwest route. Took an entire week to empty the trailer and while the miles were seemingly inadequate for the amount of time I invested, I did enjoy the relaxed pace. I was forced into several 16-18 hour breaks, but I made up for it by putting 82.15 miles on the bike that week.

Last week, I returned to my stomping grounds. And as always, found myself easily entertained by a few mishaps.

While trying to make a delivery in Long Island City, Queens, I inadvertently missed a detour. Well, I didn't really miss it. I actually decided to test my luck. At the turning point of the detour, I noticed several other vehicles proceeding forward and passing the point I assumed was the "closed" area. So, I followed them. After making the two necessary turns, I straightened up and was facing a very CLOSED bridge. Yikes..At this point there was no area large enough to turn a tractor trailer around. Good thing I was pulling a 45' trailer, because I was able to just barely wiggle way my through a One-Way street (the wrong way) in order to back out into a tiny side street and reposition myself for the detour. The customer receiving area is on a back alley, and I was also forced to enter this from the wrong direction as well, due to load placement. I have several customers who hand unload. This resulted in me having to back up another 3 blocks, narrowly avoiding parked cars. Good Times.

The next morning, I arrived at my Connecticut customer for my usual 5:30 am delivery appointment. The two fellas who open the warehouse were running late. Someone else showed up about 15 minutes later to open the warehouse. Normally, they head straight for the overhead door and let me in, but after 10 minutes, I decided I might need to actually go check in. Good thing, too. The new guy had locked himself out of the office area and was stuck in the darkened warehouse because he forgot to flip the breaker, meaning he could not open the overhead door. When I walked in the door, I noticed him standing in the darkened window. After slipping through the office, I was able to flip the breaker and unlock the door for him...

Other than that, not too much to report. I am dealing with the repercussions of an online feud that developed on Twitter. Seems someone took it personally when I called my truck an "asshole". Frankentruck took it in stride because he IS a local bully when it comes to running The City, but the online individual has made this a personal vendetta and I do not welcome the drama. Besides, I am not a fan of those who believe that everything in life is a conspiracy against them. Life is made up of about 5% of what happens to you, and 95% of how you react to it.

And, just for the record, Frankentruck is the name of my truck! Not some code word for any single person on the face of this planet.....But I am excited that my words were able to cause such a reaction as to make your life more meaningful. How sad that you have nothing better to do with your time than to let your guilty conscience cause unnecessary duress in your existence. Have fun with that.

Shheeeesh !!

# 41 ~ Anonymous

When, if ever, do you think it is okay to tell a lie?

I do not think it is ever appropriate to lie to someone, even if you think you are protecting their feelings.

I have found it to be true in my own life that I would much rather know the truth and deal with it accordingly, than to be left clueless. I think it shows a sign of respect to be able to be honest with someone. I realize that there are a lot of people who think it is okay to lie, if you are protecting someone's feelings. But, I am not one of those people. Give it to me straight, so that I may be able to make my own judgement of the situation. In fact, the one thing I will not tolerate is dishonesty.

Just to clarify, I have been guilty of avoiding certain truths, but when asked point blank, I will not lie about them. I have even made the statement, "Are you sure you really want to know?". I guess that would be my version of protecting other's feelings.

I guess the simpliest explanation would be this. I feel that if you have to lie to me as a person, then you do not respect the person that I am.

Ask me anything

# 42 ~ Anonymous

What did you get in trouble for, when you were a kid?

Are you kidding? I was a little angel.

No really !!

Okay, well, there was this one time.....

I do remember an instance when I was about 4 years old. I was at the grocery story with my mother and couldn't help but notice the package of Grape SuperBlo Bubblegum. It was right at eye level for me, and my inner deviant took over. Knowing that I would not be allowed to have it, I snuck it into my pocket while no one was looking.

Later that evening, the temptation beckoned me to sneak a piece into my mouth. Visualize a tiny little curly mopped munchkin with a wad of bubblegum in her mouth that was big as a golf ball. In no time at all, I had purple juice running out of the corners of my mouth and I was busted.

My penance? Well, Mom proceeded to load me up in the car and drive back down to the grocery store where I was forced to address the Manager and admit my guilt to him. I was terrified !!

I can honestly say that while it was a minor incident in the grand scheme of things, it was definitely a life lesson. You will be happy to know that I have not stolen a single piece of bubblegum since that day back in 1976.

Ask me anything

# 40 ~ Steve

How many windmills are in Indiana? :)

I am sure you have all heard the old joke "Why is Indiana so windy?.....Because Illinois blows and Ohio sucks !!"

Last week, on my return trip home, I was astonished to see the Indiana countryside transformed into a wind factory. Cruising along highway 41, I passed through the Benton County Wind Farm. Mile upon mile of these immense generators were stretched out as far as the eye can see.

I have passed through several of these wind farms, but nothing quite like this one..I remarked during a phone conversation, that there must be hundreds of them....My friend, Doomytunes, felt the need to give me a little grief and stated that I should quit making circles around the same 3 turbines...But I will have you know, Mr Smart Guy, there are actually 87 turbines at this particular wind farm, making it the largest operational wind farm in Indiana. However, there is a reported 310 turbines in the Benton and Tippecanoe County area, with another 175 already being placed.

Therefore, it is very possible that I did view up to a total of 485 "windmills" Next question, please!!!

Ask me anything

# 39 ~ Jeff

I notice you omitted Canada of your places on earth to visit. Was this a mere oversight?lol-Jeff

I see you have been paying attention Jeff!!

The oversight was definitely not intentional. Actually, one of the things I have been wanting to add to my list of "Must Do Before I Croak", is take a trip by rail across Canada. I think that would be the best way to experience Canada.

Ask me anything

For those of you who have asked me a question, I want to assure you that I will be answering them as soon as possible. I have been having a hard time getting logged on to that the formspring website..I am not ignoring you...LOL....I just cant retrieve anything at the moment..Thanks for your patience.

Flirting With Disaster

Finally made it home from this week's journey and it was an exciting week to say the least. Well, there were a few exciting moments, anyways.

After the initial disruption and shock of the morning, Tuesday progressed into a most usual day. I made my Connecticut and Massachusetts deliveries. By lunchtime I was sitting in New Hampshire and waiting for my 4pm appointment to unload my last stop. Knowing that another major snowstorm was on the prowl, I called ahead and asked for one of those special favors. The customer agreed to unload me 4 hours early.

I made it back to Frystown, Pa and with the snow already falling, I knew there was no way I would find a parking spot if I continued south on Interstate 81. Besides, I prefer to face treacherous roads in full daylight.

When I went to bed, there was not quite an inch of fresh snow on the ground. I awoke to a half of a foot.

Deciding that I had better get a move on, I managed to make it out to the truck stop just before a pickup pulling another fourwheeler spun out on the main road and blocked the only way back to the Interstate. I had been watching the vehicle struggle to make it out of the driveway and before reaching the entry ramp, I heard that the road behind me was blocked. Talk about timing !! If you look to the left side of the picture you can see him. Who tows another vehicle in snowy conditions ??

As I merged onto the Interstate, I had a moment of regret that I had not continued further south the previous evening. Roads conditions were barely tolerable but there was no one else to be seen, so I had plenty of room for mistakes, although I had not intentions of making any.

I set a comfortable pace and and found myself in a rather content mood. I love winter, and I would much rather be in my Big Truck, than attempting to maneuver in the little Pony Car. Upon entering Interstate 81, the traffic got thicker and the pace got slower. For the next 90 miles, all motorists were content to play Convoy in the right lane, or wherever the tire tracks were. A few drivers reported over the CB that the Maryland Stateline was closed and we should find a place to park. If you are not aware, most states now implement the 511 Road Condition/ Traffic Report hotline. I called in and the road was opened, so I trudged onward.

Upon reaching the state line, I stumbled upon the reason for the earlier proclaimed closure. Good thing the snow stopped him, because next stop would have been head first into the bridge embankment. We were able to pass, but almost immediately the roads disappeared completely. At about this time, the winds picked up and started driving the already fallen snow into a whirling frenzy.

No visible road surface, and travelling at about 15 mph with little or no visibility, my passenger side windshield wiper decided to give up the ghost. With one last swipe followed by a loud thump, the wiper fell under the edge of the hood and played possum. I was extremely grateful that it was not the driver side. However, I was having to use a common truck driver trick to keep the amount of ice on the remaining blade to a minimum, even with the defrost set on broil.

By the time I made it into West Virginia, I was a little frayed. One more quick flick of the wiper and............. the damn thing flew into the wind and disappeared forever. I guess, it was tired of me beating on it. I grabbed the microphone, alerted the guys behind me that I had to slow down. Luckily for me, the next exit ramp was only 1/2 mile away. I rolled down my window and while leaning out to literally face the brunt of the winter storm, I was able to pull off. After making it to the end of the ramp, I was able to pop the hood and finagle the blade from the useless arm and reattach it to the driver's side. Thank God for duct tape, because I had broken the clip with numb fingers while removing it from the icy clutches of the now deceased wiper arm. During the whole process, a Trooper had pulled in behind me, because it seems I had parked in a 2 foot snow drift. LOL, I really had no choice, other than to block the entire ramp and with limited visibility ( me hanging out like a dog, lapping at the snow) I had been unable to discern how close I was to the right edge. I assured him that I was not stuck, because I had tested the waters twice by pulling forward before actually setting my brakes. He then leaves quietly. What happened to helping a damsel in distress. Oh well, he was a young pup and remarked that he knew nothing about Trucks, even though I was only working with wiper blades, which I am sure most vehicles do have these days.

By the time I made had the necessary repairs, I looked like a 5' snow bunny. I eased back out into traffic with no problem, except I lost a mudflap/hanger in the snowdrift. Another 50 miles and the roads were absolutely beautiful. Blue skies emerged and the snow was blinding as it reflected the brilliance of the Sun.

By this time, Pennsylvania had begun to shut down the Interstates...Those that I had just travelled. I had no more problems the rest of the way home, and I am even more thankful that my NH customer provided that one little favor. Otherwise, I would have spent a lot of time hanging out in Pennsylvania this week...Something I try to avoid doing with an empty trailer.

Looks like Ol Man Winter took me up on my dare last week, as he was throwing some pretty good punches. Stay tuned, I hear I am in for another one next week...