The last time I posted here I mentioned something about "whatever crazy weather we happen to get." Last Wednesday didn't disappoint.
It began about 5:20 or so when I got a text from Ms. Darkstar, who was leaving work in Plano (northwest of where we live) reporting a downpour. She told me later that the whole time it was pouring with rain, the sun was shining brightly. Since I was home, having left work early, I checked the radar and saw a few storms working their way towards Dallas. I didn't think any more of it until it was time to head to the train station.
There were a few rumbles of thunder, and it was just starting to rain when I left. It got heavier as I headed west, turning the streets to rivers in places. By the time I got to the train station, the hail started. It was small at first, maybe dime-sized. I parked at the (unsheltered) pickup location and waited.
I had the radio tuned to the local news station, and just west of where I was, a couple of field reporters were talking about hail the size of golf balls. You could hear them hitting their car even as they were talking. Sure enough, a few minutes later, the barrage started. It lasted for a good ten to fifteen minutes, and I don't mind telling you that was the most scared I had ever been, in an unsheltered area, with no refuge available, just waiting for it to end and hoping the car windows would remain intact.
By the time the train arrived, the hail had just about ended, tapering off in size and intensity. We drove home slowly, navigating around the flooded sections of the roads. There was no rain by the time we got home, and when I looked at the car, I could see lots of little dimples from where the hail had struck. I was very glad the damage was only cosmetic, and nothing was broken or needed to be fixed. I think an errant hailstone knocked the fuel door out of whack because Ms. Darkstar said the door didn't open when she first used the lever, but after using it to pop the trunk and then pressing it again, it worked okay. I'll keep an eye on it.
Apparently, we got off light. There was lots more damage in an area nearby. Here's the details.
Work's been a little crazy. There's lots of jobs coming due over the next few weeks, none of which had a direct impact on me, but it still made things interesting. The move is complete, so that's one less thing to worry about. I have no idea how busy I will be this coming week, as usual.
I'm off in a little bit to obtain tonight's dinner. Last night I made the chocolate mousse for dessert, and now I must go to the Asian market to get a couple of live lobsters.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Showing posts with label job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label job. Show all posts
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A case of the Mondays on Tuesday
I don't know what's been going on for the past couple of days, but I've really been fighting the urge to stab people in the eyeballs with a fork. Little annoyances have been escalating in my head and becoming full-blown near-biblical-rage-inducing episodes. I've been keeping it in check as best as I can, but thank goodness for my night out. We're going to have another one tomorrow night, which will be an extra help.
Yesterday, while not busy from a driving standpoint, had a lot of warehouse work. I spent the better porting of the day wrapping pallets for shipment. It might have gone smoother had I not been micromanaged by Mr. Know-it-all. I think I'm capable of stretch-wrapping a pallet on my own, thank you very much, now go away because I know where the forks are.
Today had me going out more, so I felt a little less stabby, but idiot me forgot to clock in when he got to work this morning and ended up doing so about two hours later. I got that fixed before I left for the day, so I am not going to worry about it for the moment.
Here's hoping the rest of the week improves. Maybe the vodka tasting tomorrow night will help.
Yesterday, while not busy from a driving standpoint, had a lot of warehouse work. I spent the better porting of the day wrapping pallets for shipment. It might have gone smoother had I not been micromanaged by Mr. Know-it-all. I think I'm capable of stretch-wrapping a pallet on my own, thank you very much, now go away because I know where the forks are.
Today had me going out more, so I felt a little less stabby, but idiot me forgot to clock in when he got to work this morning and ended up doing so about two hours later. I got that fixed before I left for the day, so I am not going to worry about it for the moment.
Here's hoping the rest of the week improves. Maybe the vodka tasting tomorrow night will help.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Mutual of POSSLQ's Wild Kingdom
It's not often that something happens at work that makes me feel good for the rest of the day, but when it does happen, it's a doozy. This is something that could have taken a completely different twist, maybe even had a different ending. I am glad it turned out the way it did.
This being Ms. Darkstar's day to do her volunteer work with rescued kitties, I took the bus in to work. I grab the first bus because there's no issue with making all of my connections, and the buses that I ride are usually fairly empty. So, I got to work early, and since there was nothing for me to do that early in the morning, I just went to the truck and sat for a little while.
Around 7, I fired up the truck and rolled slowly through the parking area. As I made the turn from where I was parked, I saw a couple of dark shapes sitting about where my truck tires had been. I stopped the truck, set the brake, and went to investigate. At first, in the early morning light, I thought they were a couple of big toads. Nope.
It was these.
This being Ms. Darkstar's day to do her volunteer work with rescued kitties, I took the bus in to work. I grab the first bus because there's no issue with making all of my connections, and the buses that I ride are usually fairly empty. So, I got to work early, and since there was nothing for me to do that early in the morning, I just went to the truck and sat for a little while.
Around 7, I fired up the truck and rolled slowly through the parking area. As I made the turn from where I was parked, I saw a couple of dark shapes sitting about where my truck tires had been. I stopped the truck, set the brake, and went to investigate. At first, in the early morning light, I thought they were a couple of big toads. Nope.
It was these.
Three little baby rabbits, the two were closest to the driver's side of the truck, and the single was over by the passenger's side. I was very glad I let the truck roll straight for a few feet before turning the wheel.
I approached slowly, the rabbits remaining immobile, eyeing me warily. I looked them over quickly, talking to them in what I hoped was a reassuring voice. I snapped a few pictures, and then ...
I petted each one lightly on the head. Only the lone rabbit started to hop away, but stopped to watch me a little more. Other than that, they didn't move or flinch. It was more to see what kind of reaction I would get or if they would hop to safety in the grass, under the trees. No one moved. I took a couple more photos.
I got back in the truck and went to see what work I had waiting for me. As it turned out I had to come back up to get the other trailer, and when I returned, the rabbits were gone.
And then I saw this:
I would like to think that all of the rabbits made it to safety, although evidence I found leads me to believe at least one of the cute little critters became a hawk snack. Circle of life, baby.
Sidenote: All the time the hawk was there, and the hawk had moved from its original position when I approached, it was being divebombed by a smaller bird. I got the above picture in between attacks. The hawk didn't even appear fazed by what was going on, and when I attempted to get closer to get a better picture, it flew up to a nearby utility pole.
Such ends my little drama for the day. Work went as usual from that point, but for the whole day, no matter what I was doing, or how dull things seemed, I could tell myself that at least this morning, I got to pet baby bunnies.
And that's something.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Back in the swing of things
It's Tuesday night, and once again, I'm out at our usual place, after a couple of weeks off due to general ennui and last week's bout of Ganesha's Revenge. I'm glad we could make it as we're celebrating the birthday of one of our friends. We gave presents and brought cupcakes, we received a glass of a lovely prosecco, and now I get to sit and relax for a little bit.
Work progresses as usual, although a little slow this week. I have a run scheduled for tomorrow morning and I think I'll have at least one more guaranteed run by the end of the week, but other than that there's a lot of scrounging for something to do. I'm not overly concerned because at least I can get my basic forty hours, and while overtime is nice, I'm sure it will come later on.
You may have gathered form reading this blog, but in case you weren't aware, I am a bit of a bonehead. At work, we have special keycards that we use to get in and out of the building and parking areas. Because I'm jumping in and out of a truck fairly frequently, the safest place for me to keep my keycard is in my wallet (also because I am so much of a bonehead that I will forget the card at home). So, today I used the card to get the tractor parked inside the fenced-in area, which meant I had to take my wallet out of my pocket and place it in front of the reader. I parked the truck, grabbed my stuff, went to the main building to turn in my paperwork, and realized when I went to get in to the building that I left my wallet in the truck. Great. Luckily, I was able to get in to the building through the loading dock, and once that was finished I went back in the vain hope I might be able to get back in to the parking area through the pedestrian gate. No such luck. I did find, however, that there was a damaged section of fence that had a hole just big enough for me to fit my big, fat posterior through so I could get to the truck and retrieve my wallet.
Anyway, all is well and I have my wallet and once again there is cake and ice cream and unicorns pooping rainbows across the sky ...
So, for now I will close and hope everyone else's week goes well.
Work progresses as usual, although a little slow this week. I have a run scheduled for tomorrow morning and I think I'll have at least one more guaranteed run by the end of the week, but other than that there's a lot of scrounging for something to do. I'm not overly concerned because at least I can get my basic forty hours, and while overtime is nice, I'm sure it will come later on.
You may have gathered form reading this blog, but in case you weren't aware, I am a bit of a bonehead. At work, we have special keycards that we use to get in and out of the building and parking areas. Because I'm jumping in and out of a truck fairly frequently, the safest place for me to keep my keycard is in my wallet (also because I am so much of a bonehead that I will forget the card at home). So, today I used the card to get the tractor parked inside the fenced-in area, which meant I had to take my wallet out of my pocket and place it in front of the reader. I parked the truck, grabbed my stuff, went to the main building to turn in my paperwork, and realized when I went to get in to the building that I left my wallet in the truck. Great. Luckily, I was able to get in to the building through the loading dock, and once that was finished I went back in the vain hope I might be able to get back in to the parking area through the pedestrian gate. No such luck. I did find, however, that there was a damaged section of fence that had a hole just big enough for me to fit my big, fat posterior through so I could get to the truck and retrieve my wallet.
Anyway, all is well and I have my wallet and once again there is cake and ice cream and unicorns pooping rainbows across the sky ...
So, for now I will close and hope everyone else's week goes well.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Feast or famine
One of the drawbacks about my job is there's no regularity to how busy we are. Sometimes there's lots going on and I'm constantly on the move, and other times I'm scrounging for something to occupy my time because, let's face it, there's only so many times I can get away with doing "maintenance" on the trucks.
Last week, I was kept pretty busy, so much so that I missed my usual Tuesday outing because I had to work late. This week looks to be the opposite, despite the promising start on Monday. After tomorrow's early delivery, I have absolutely no idea what else I will have to do.
This past weekend was a busy one as well. On Saturday, I took the car in for it's annual inspection (it passed, hooray), and we went to Sam's Club to renew our memberships. We did a little bit of shopping, picking up some nice looking baby-back ribs and the sliced mozzarella that I love, which factored in to our dinner plans.
Dinner on Saturday was at one of our favorite Vietnamese places. The food was good as usual, but the broth we get along with our meal was excessively oily. Oily as in, it seemed someone dumped a ladleful of oil on top of the broth in an effort to provide more flavor, but only succeeded in making it just ... greasy.
Sunday dinner consisted of the ribs cooked in the slow cooker (recipe courtesy of Robyn and Nance). I decided to throw caution to the wind and make actual baked potatoes to go with dinner. All told, I should have started the potatoes earlier, but it all still turned out wonderful. There's still some ribs left, and I'm contemplating them for afters tonight.
Ms. Darkstar made biscuits for strawberry shortcake to round out the meal, and our weekend was complete.
I usually opt for a simple dinner on Mondays, mainly because I'm all cooked out and I have no idea how tired I'll be by the end of the day. I opted for vegetarian sliders. I had these at a little pub in Plano and they were fabulous. And the simplicity -- a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, on small toasted buns smeared with pesto sauce (I used Classico's) -- nice, quick, and easy, as it should be on a Monday.
I really should update more often, but the well's been pretty dry lately. More will come when the level rises.
Last week, I was kept pretty busy, so much so that I missed my usual Tuesday outing because I had to work late. This week looks to be the opposite, despite the promising start on Monday. After tomorrow's early delivery, I have absolutely no idea what else I will have to do.
This past weekend was a busy one as well. On Saturday, I took the car in for it's annual inspection (it passed, hooray), and we went to Sam's Club to renew our memberships. We did a little bit of shopping, picking up some nice looking baby-back ribs and the sliced mozzarella that I love, which factored in to our dinner plans.
Dinner on Saturday was at one of our favorite Vietnamese places. The food was good as usual, but the broth we get along with our meal was excessively oily. Oily as in, it seemed someone dumped a ladleful of oil on top of the broth in an effort to provide more flavor, but only succeeded in making it just ... greasy.
Sunday dinner consisted of the ribs cooked in the slow cooker (recipe courtesy of Robyn and Nance). I decided to throw caution to the wind and make actual baked potatoes to go with dinner. All told, I should have started the potatoes earlier, but it all still turned out wonderful. There's still some ribs left, and I'm contemplating them for afters tonight.
Ms. Darkstar made biscuits for strawberry shortcake to round out the meal, and our weekend was complete.
I usually opt for a simple dinner on Mondays, mainly because I'm all cooked out and I have no idea how tired I'll be by the end of the day. I opted for vegetarian sliders. I had these at a little pub in Plano and they were fabulous. And the simplicity -- a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, on small toasted buns smeared with pesto sauce (I used Classico's) -- nice, quick, and easy, as it should be on a Monday.
I really should update more often, but the well's been pretty dry lately. More will come when the level rises.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
And that's something!
Day Two of our outing has commenced after what was a very trying day, both on the personal and professional fronts. Little Miss And That's Something! is flapping her overworked gums at a volume that should only be used at sporting events and for crying out loud would you just PLEASE SHUT YOUR FREAKIN' PIE HOLE ALREADY???
(Note: If you were expecting sunshine and lollipops, you came on the wrong day. Snark will flow tonight along with the hard cider.)
Hallelujah, the volume has decreased. I suspect more fluctuations are in the works in direct proportion to the amount of wine she consumes.
So, yeah. About my day...
Today started out as another typical slow day, no runs scheduled, and only busywork in the warehouse to occupy my time. My job was to use the forklift to place the pallets of finished goods on the stretch-wrapping machine, remove the wrapped pallet, place it in the shipping area, repeat until done.
At least I got to drive something.
This took about an hour and a half out of my day. My next assignment was to take our trailers out for their annual inspections, which all seem to be at least a year or so over due. Oopsies. We're doing one at a time, and when the one is done, we'll bring down the next one. So, I got to get away for a little while, picked up some hardware I needed to fix one of the trailers (minor fix, had to reattach the handle for the landing gear), and grabbed lunch. Should have been a lark, yes?
Oh no, dear reader. The plot thickens.
Let's backtrack a little bit, back to when I went to "school" to get my Class A CDL. There was a substantial amount of money that needed to be repaid, and part of the deal was that once hired on, the debt would be repaid through your settlements. Well, they really can't deduct from my pay anymore, and all I was waiting for was a simple phone call from these people to make an equitable and reasonable payment schedule and all would be good and there would be wine and cake and we would all dance the night away...
Yeah, right.
Apparently, their way of reaching an equitable and reasonable payment schedule is to turn everything over to a freakin' lawyer and have this poor schmuck make the calls these people are too lazy to make themselves. Such was the call I received this morning. I am pleased to report that this guy wasn't a total asshat, and an agreement was reached. They wanted full payment to settle the claim, but there's about as much a chance of that happening as me being able to self-pleasure myself orally. Sorry for the visual.
With all of this rattling around in my head, I was given another delivery. Simple enough -- six pallets, place is about ten minutes down the road, and after that a pickup a little further away. Yeah, simple...
... until right before I was to load up, when they noticed that each and every case was overpacked. By one item. Which meant that each and every case had to be unpacked, the errant item removed, the cases sealed and re-packed, and the extras packed into new cases and stacked. Which meant that all of the paperwork now needed to be re-done, and now everything was running behind.
Joy and rapture.
So, once again, from a totally slow day I managed to get another hour and a half of overtime, which will be a big help in getting the stupid student loan settled. And now I try to relax, now that Miss Flappy Gums (among other appendages YEAH I WENT THERE) has left the building and a calm has descended over all, as I sip my cider and let today melt into memory, leaving tomorrow as a blank slate.
(Note: If you were expecting sunshine and lollipops, you came on the wrong day. Snark will flow tonight along with the hard cider.)
Hallelujah, the volume has decreased. I suspect more fluctuations are in the works in direct proportion to the amount of wine she consumes.
So, yeah. About my day...
Today started out as another typical slow day, no runs scheduled, and only busywork in the warehouse to occupy my time. My job was to use the forklift to place the pallets of finished goods on the stretch-wrapping machine, remove the wrapped pallet, place it in the shipping area, repeat until done.
At least I got to drive something.
This took about an hour and a half out of my day. My next assignment was to take our trailers out for their annual inspections, which all seem to be at least a year or so over due. Oopsies. We're doing one at a time, and when the one is done, we'll bring down the next one. So, I got to get away for a little while, picked up some hardware I needed to fix one of the trailers (minor fix, had to reattach the handle for the landing gear), and grabbed lunch. Should have been a lark, yes?
Oh no, dear reader. The plot thickens.
Let's backtrack a little bit, back to when I went to "school" to get my Class A CDL. There was a substantial amount of money that needed to be repaid, and part of the deal was that once hired on, the debt would be repaid through your settlements. Well, they really can't deduct from my pay anymore, and all I was waiting for was a simple phone call from these people to make an equitable and reasonable payment schedule and all would be good and there would be wine and cake and we would all dance the night away...
Yeah, right.
Apparently, their way of reaching an equitable and reasonable payment schedule is to turn everything over to a freakin' lawyer and have this poor schmuck make the calls these people are too lazy to make themselves. Such was the call I received this morning. I am pleased to report that this guy wasn't a total asshat, and an agreement was reached. They wanted full payment to settle the claim, but there's about as much a chance of that happening as me being able to self-pleasure myself orally. Sorry for the visual.
With all of this rattling around in my head, I was given another delivery. Simple enough -- six pallets, place is about ten minutes down the road, and after that a pickup a little further away. Yeah, simple...
... until right before I was to load up, when they noticed that each and every case was overpacked. By one item. Which meant that each and every case had to be unpacked, the errant item removed, the cases sealed and re-packed, and the extras packed into new cases and stacked. Which meant that all of the paperwork now needed to be re-done, and now everything was running behind.
Joy and rapture.
So, once again, from a totally slow day I managed to get another hour and a half of overtime, which will be a big help in getting the stupid student loan settled. And now I try to relax, now that Miss Flappy Gums (among other appendages YEAH I WENT THERE) has left the building and a calm has descended over all, as I sip my cider and let today melt into memory, leaving tomorrow as a blank slate.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
This whole "free time" thing ...
The rest of the week went pretty well. I am gradually getting the hang of things, and I proved to them that I am, indeed, certifiable when I successfully completed my forklift training. There's already a few trailer loads booked for next week (one delivery and a week of pickups) along with whatever else comes up.
Wednesday was a pretty busy day and I was glad we picked a quick and easy dinner for that night. On our shopping trip to the Target, we found a bag of Tyson's cheddar and bacon flavored chicken strips on clearance, and we made a plan for dinner based on that. We had already planned on salad, which would be topped with the cooked chicken, and a mix of buffalo ranch dressing, and a cucumber ranch dressing to cut the heat of the buffalo ranch. Top with some shredded cheese and there's our dinner -- The dressings blended well with each other and gave a nice buffalo-wing flavor to the chicken
The chicken on it's own isn't bad either, as I found out on Thursday. Since Ms. Darkstar was doing her volunteer work that night, I had a dinner of clam chowder and the leftover chicken strips, with some cucumber ranch for dipping.
And, now it's the weekend. Friday night was a trip to our favorite Indian restaurant, and then a trip to Central Market. We wandered and looked at all of the wonderful things they had, and I wept silently as I realized I would have needed that half a billion Mega Millions jackpot to get everything I may have wanted at that store. We went to the bakery and got a couple of cupcakes for our dessert (tiramisu cupcake for me, Nutella cupcake for Ms. Darkstar), and a jar of organic blood orange spread for breakfast this morning.
Saturday was our usual shopping and whatever day, dinner being a trip to get some barbecue that we hadn't had since before I left on my cross-country tour. Tonight, a simple crock-pot pot roast dinner and pie for dessert.
I still have this feeling that I shouldn't be just sitting around, that I have work to do and I shouldn't be such a slacking slacker. I'm sure that feeling will pass. Right after I get the crock pot going. Relaxation is a wonderful thing, and I intend to make the most of it.
I have six months of catching up to do, you know.
The chicken on it's own isn't bad either, as I found out on Thursday. Since Ms. Darkstar was doing her volunteer work that night, I had a dinner of clam chowder and the leftover chicken strips, with some cucumber ranch for dipping.
And, now it's the weekend. Friday night was a trip to our favorite Indian restaurant, and then a trip to Central Market. We wandered and looked at all of the wonderful things they had, and I wept silently as I realized I would have needed that half a billion Mega Millions jackpot to get everything I may have wanted at that store. We went to the bakery and got a couple of cupcakes for our dessert (tiramisu cupcake for me, Nutella cupcake for Ms. Darkstar), and a jar of organic blood orange spread for breakfast this morning.
Saturday was our usual shopping and whatever day, dinner being a trip to get some barbecue that we hadn't had since before I left on my cross-country tour. Tonight, a simple crock-pot pot roast dinner and pie for dessert.
I still have this feeling that I shouldn't be just sitting around, that I have work to do and I shouldn't be such a slacking slacker. I'm sure that feeling will pass. Right after I get the crock pot going. Relaxation is a wonderful thing, and I intend to make the most of it.
I have six months of catching up to do, you know.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Report from two days in
I started the new job on Monday morning. I was lucky enough to get the old job taken care of on Friday, because it didn't seem like I was going to be able to get everything cleared without a trip back on Saturday, which would have been another example of the utter nonsense I've been dealing with and one of the reasons I was looking for an out. Being home and not having to spend months on the road was the main concern, but the nonsense was also a contributing factor.
I was fully prepared to spend the better part of the morning filling out the various forms and going through the myriad piles of paperwork that every new hire must wade through. Instead, I think everything was completed in about thirty minutes, at which time I was introduced to my co-workers and sent out on an assignment.
Yesterday was a very busy and hectic day, owing in the most part to some key personnel being absent, so I managed to rack up a little overtime. I forgot how sore I get standing up for so long a time, but my legs let me remember vividly with the early-morning leg cramps around two this morning.
Today was a little more relaxed, and the better part of the day was spent going through the company's truck fleet, noting defects and other issues, and if I was able, correcting minor deficiencies as I found them. Unfortunately, a great majority of the vehicles require some form of maintenance that I cannot provide, along with getting paperwork and inspections up-to-date and accurate. One truck was sent out today for major repairs to the transmission (I don't care what anyone else tells you, fifth gear is extremely important, especially under a heavy load) and general preventative maintenance.
I don't know how busy tomorrow is shaping up to be for us, but if it's like today, I will be doing more of the same, going through the trucks and trailers with a fine-toothed comb and noting defects that could be costly, both to myself and the company, in the long term and getting them corrected.
I'm really grateful to be able to engage in a little bit of wine therapy tonight, and don't have to cook since we'll order food here. Tomorrow, I'll be trying something that came about on the spur of the moment and reporting the results to you, good or bad. The review, that is, not my blog, I already know that's horrid. (joke)
In short, the company is decent, the co-workers are nice, and I am really happy to be a part of their team, along with being able to work locally and be home at night.
Could I have found The One? We shall see.
I was fully prepared to spend the better part of the morning filling out the various forms and going through the myriad piles of paperwork that every new hire must wade through. Instead, I think everything was completed in about thirty minutes, at which time I was introduced to my co-workers and sent out on an assignment.
Yesterday was a very busy and hectic day, owing in the most part to some key personnel being absent, so I managed to rack up a little overtime. I forgot how sore I get standing up for so long a time, but my legs let me remember vividly with the early-morning leg cramps around two this morning.
Today was a little more relaxed, and the better part of the day was spent going through the company's truck fleet, noting defects and other issues, and if I was able, correcting minor deficiencies as I found them. Unfortunately, a great majority of the vehicles require some form of maintenance that I cannot provide, along with getting paperwork and inspections up-to-date and accurate. One truck was sent out today for major repairs to the transmission (I don't care what anyone else tells you, fifth gear is extremely important, especially under a heavy load) and general preventative maintenance.
I don't know how busy tomorrow is shaping up to be for us, but if it's like today, I will be doing more of the same, going through the trucks and trailers with a fine-toothed comb and noting defects that could be costly, both to myself and the company, in the long term and getting them corrected.
I'm really grateful to be able to engage in a little bit of wine therapy tonight, and don't have to cook since we'll order food here. Tomorrow, I'll be trying something that came about on the spur of the moment and reporting the results to you, good or bad. The review, that is, not my blog, I already know that's horrid. (joke)
In short, the company is decent, the co-workers are nice, and I am really happy to be a part of their team, along with being able to work locally and be home at night.
Could I have found The One? We shall see.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I made it ... and just in time
It's been a while since I've been able to do a proper update here, and I confess, I forgot where it was that I last updated from. My update tonight is because I am home once again, out enjoying a glass of wine and some wonderful wood-oven baked pizza. Tonight is a celebration, for a couple of reasons. Allow me to elaborate:
For the past six months, I have been in the "training" phase of my job. I spent five weeks with a regular trainer, who showed me a little more of what the job was about, and allowed me to develop my skills of driving, backing, and dealing with various shippers and receivers under different types of loads. Following that, there was a week of classroom work, more practice on the truck yard, and then it was off for three weeks with a fellow student. In this phase, we would be reinforcing what we had learned previously while relying on each other to make it through the more difficult situations.
The final phase is three months of solo driving, essentially doing the job on your own. You were responsible for getting things done in the proper order, getting them done on time, and keeping everything compliant with company rules and federal regulations.
So, now let's backtrack a bit to the New Jersey load. I had made it as far as Ohio when they gave me another load to deliver in Pennsylvania, reason being I had more time to make the delivery than the person the load was assigned to. This happens for a lot of reasons, and I made the delivery as scheduled. I was low on hours, both for the day and overall, and I wondered about thins as I received my next assignment: picking up in Ohio and heading to Houston. I would pick up Saturday afternoon for a Monday delivery.
Had I sufficient hours, I may have been able to make it. Unfortunately, I ran short on delivery day, and as I was doing my trip plan, I made this fact known and asked for someone else to take the load so it wouldn't be late. I repeated this request on Sunday. It wasn't until Monday that I was finally able to swap loads, with my load going to Terrell, Texas on Tuesday, giving me time to sit and gain a few hours so I could make delivery.
I opted (with some minor prodding from Ms. Darkstar) to see if I could take my home time after I dropped off in Terrell. My truck had some mechanical problems that needed attention, the trailer I was hauling was due for it's annual state/DOT inspection, and Dallas was only about 25 miles away. I was glad to see that my request was approved, and I began packing. Not to mention the fact that I still had a shot at that local job that I was called about the week previous.
I got a message later on Tuesday telling me that I had successfully completed my training and would now be made part of the regular fleet. That made me happy, in that at least I knew all the hard work paid off. I was also about to mark six months with the company, and could pick up my award the next time I was at the yard.
I made the delivery, headed back to Dallas, and today I had the second interview. After about fifteen minutes, I was conditionally offered the job, pending the results of a background check and urine screening.
I know, since I hold a hazardous materials endorsement, that there is nothing in my background that is cause for alarm, and I know the urine test will be clear, so it appears I have a new job. All I need to know is my starting date. Once I know that, I can go back and process out from the company I now work for.
I wonder if I should wait and get my service award before I tell them?
For the past six months, I have been in the "training" phase of my job. I spent five weeks with a regular trainer, who showed me a little more of what the job was about, and allowed me to develop my skills of driving, backing, and dealing with various shippers and receivers under different types of loads. Following that, there was a week of classroom work, more practice on the truck yard, and then it was off for three weeks with a fellow student. In this phase, we would be reinforcing what we had learned previously while relying on each other to make it through the more difficult situations.
The final phase is three months of solo driving, essentially doing the job on your own. You were responsible for getting things done in the proper order, getting them done on time, and keeping everything compliant with company rules and federal regulations.
So, now let's backtrack a bit to the New Jersey load. I had made it as far as Ohio when they gave me another load to deliver in Pennsylvania, reason being I had more time to make the delivery than the person the load was assigned to. This happens for a lot of reasons, and I made the delivery as scheduled. I was low on hours, both for the day and overall, and I wondered about thins as I received my next assignment: picking up in Ohio and heading to Houston. I would pick up Saturday afternoon for a Monday delivery.
Had I sufficient hours, I may have been able to make it. Unfortunately, I ran short on delivery day, and as I was doing my trip plan, I made this fact known and asked for someone else to take the load so it wouldn't be late. I repeated this request on Sunday. It wasn't until Monday that I was finally able to swap loads, with my load going to Terrell, Texas on Tuesday, giving me time to sit and gain a few hours so I could make delivery.
I opted (with some minor prodding from Ms. Darkstar) to see if I could take my home time after I dropped off in Terrell. My truck had some mechanical problems that needed attention, the trailer I was hauling was due for it's annual state/DOT inspection, and Dallas was only about 25 miles away. I was glad to see that my request was approved, and I began packing. Not to mention the fact that I still had a shot at that local job that I was called about the week previous.
I got a message later on Tuesday telling me that I had successfully completed my training and would now be made part of the regular fleet. That made me happy, in that at least I knew all the hard work paid off. I was also about to mark six months with the company, and could pick up my award the next time I was at the yard.
I made the delivery, headed back to Dallas, and today I had the second interview. After about fifteen minutes, I was conditionally offered the job, pending the results of a background check and urine screening.
I know, since I hold a hazardous materials endorsement, that there is nothing in my background that is cause for alarm, and I know the urine test will be clear, so it appears I have a new job. All I need to know is my starting date. Once I know that, I can go back and process out from the company I now work for.
I wonder if I should wait and get my service award before I tell them?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Back and forth, and from out of the blue
I am now in south central Kansas, and tomorrow I should be in southeastern Illinois by the time I have to shut down for the day. Although the load isn't due until Saturday, I should be at the receiver by sometime Friday afternoon. I have to remember to call them and see if they'll let me park overnight so I can be there for delivery early Saturday morning. If not, I'll have to adjust my stopping point and find another safe haven to stay the night.
Last month, right around the time I was getting ready to roll out on this current adventure, I had interviewed at a company close to home about a local driving job. By the time I was ready to leave they still hadn't made any decisions, so with a heavy heart I set off on my journey. I kinda figured that because I'd be gone for so long they'd choose another candidate and that would be the end of that. I still sent a very nice thank-you letter (courtesy of my administrative assistant, Ms. Darkstar) and tried to forget about how disappointed I was.
As I was getting close to stopping today, I get a phone call from the company I interviewed at last month. They wanted me to come in for a second interview. I told them, quite honestly, that I was very interested in the job but at the moment I was in Kansas heading to New Jersey, and quite possibly would not be able to return to Dallas for at least another couple of weeks. The gentleman said to keep him advised of my status and to notify them when I was back in the area and could come in for a second interview.
I hung up, and a few minutes later I laughed. It was about all I could do at that point. A close-to-home job with a regular, reliable paycheck, and I can't get the process in motion to secure it right now.
On the plus side, this trip will give me the miles I need to be able to complete this phase of my training, and I should be able to finagle my way back home fairly soon. They've waited this long to make a hiring decision, so I guess it's quite possible that they may be willing to wait a couple more weeks.
Today's picture is part of the birthday present I am getting for Ms. Darkstar, and hopefully I can give it to her fairly soon.
Have a great rest of the week, and I'll write more when I'm able.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Back at it
Amazingly enough, I got off the yard without much trouble, as opposed to the last time I went through this. The class was interesting, and is something they do on a fairly regular basis for all of the drivers, so at least I'm not in any kind of trouble. I took a load out of Fort Worth yesterday and now I'm in New Mexico, where I will deliver tomorrow afternoon.
These are the types of loads I like -- no rush to deliver, no need to hustle and hustle, burning up all of my hours -- and while I wish every load is like this, I am grateful for them when I can get them. I have no idea where I will be heading after delivery tomorrow (gee, where have we heard that before?), and I still need to find a place to spend the night as well.
I'm keeping this short because I need to get other things done, and while I have the time, I better get moving on them. I'll update more when I get the next opportunity.
If I don't get online before then, have a great weekend.
These are the types of loads I like -- no rush to deliver, no need to hustle and hustle, burning up all of my hours -- and while I wish every load is like this, I am grateful for them when I can get them. I have no idea where I will be heading after delivery tomorrow (gee, where have we heard that before?), and I still need to find a place to spend the night as well.
I'm keeping this short because I need to get other things done, and while I have the time, I better get moving on them. I'll update more when I get the next opportunity.
If I don't get online before then, have a great weekend.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
A nice surprise
As I suspected, I didn't take the load that I picked up in Laredo any further than Lewisville. When I arrived at that stop, I received a message informing me that yes, there was a mistake in the dates for the rest of the deliveries. It seems the Tennessee delivery was supposed to be a day earlier, and since there was absolutely no way I was going to make it there, they had another truck ready to take the load the rest of the way. So, it was back to Dallas to make the trade, and hopefully for me, get time to rest and let my hours of service regenerate a bit.
I met the truck, unhooked from the trailer, and got out of the way. Not surprisingly, the way the load was set after unloading, and even with my load locks bracing it, the load still tipped. It was fixed, and I am hoping it was accepted as there was no real damage to the load that I could see, and was somewhat easily restacked. And, just to make my day complete, I got hit on the head with two cases of broccoli. Lovely.
Around the time all of this was happening, I received a call from my office. Since I was close to the yard, and I had a class coming due that I needed to take, and since I lived in town ... would I be willing to return to the yard and take my downtime in the comfort of my home? This caught me completely off guard, but of course I wasn't going to pass up this opportunity to see home for even a day or two at most.
I got some laundry done, organized some more music to take with me on the road (it's easier to load up an MP3 player than it is trying to find a decent radio station that doesn't annoy me after about fifteen minutes these days), and tonight I'm at a place called The Wine Therapist with Ms. Darkstar. This is her usual night to hang out with her writer friends, and because I had the car, I was given the choice to tag along. I agreed, because I had wanted to see this place ever since Ms. Darkstar first talked about it.
No, sadly, I cannot partake of any of the alcoholic offerings, and what a lovely list they have, too. Instead, I am sipping on a non-alcoholic Pinot Noir soda. It contains the pinot noir juice concentrate, mixed with sparkling water, and is quite tasty.
Tomorrow, it's back to the truck yard to take that class, see if my truck has been repaired, and find out where in the country I will be enroute to once I get final clearance to leave. My truck was placed out of service for mechanical repairs, and I'm hoping they actually get fixed this time around, as most of the problems are the same ones that existed the last time I was back in Dallas.
So, that's where things stand in my exciting life. I will update more when I find out where I'm going, and when I'm able to actually type out an update. Have a great rest of the week.
I met the truck, unhooked from the trailer, and got out of the way. Not surprisingly, the way the load was set after unloading, and even with my load locks bracing it, the load still tipped. It was fixed, and I am hoping it was accepted as there was no real damage to the load that I could see, and was somewhat easily restacked. And, just to make my day complete, I got hit on the head with two cases of broccoli. Lovely.
Around the time all of this was happening, I received a call from my office. Since I was close to the yard, and I had a class coming due that I needed to take, and since I lived in town ... would I be willing to return to the yard and take my downtime in the comfort of my home? This caught me completely off guard, but of course I wasn't going to pass up this opportunity to see home for even a day or two at most.
I got some laundry done, organized some more music to take with me on the road (it's easier to load up an MP3 player than it is trying to find a decent radio station that doesn't annoy me after about fifteen minutes these days), and tonight I'm at a place called The Wine Therapist with Ms. Darkstar. This is her usual night to hang out with her writer friends, and because I had the car, I was given the choice to tag along. I agreed, because I had wanted to see this place ever since Ms. Darkstar first talked about it.
No, sadly, I cannot partake of any of the alcoholic offerings, and what a lovely list they have, too. Instead, I am sipping on a non-alcoholic Pinot Noir soda. It contains the pinot noir juice concentrate, mixed with sparkling water, and is quite tasty.
Tomorrow, it's back to the truck yard to take that class, see if my truck has been repaired, and find out where in the country I will be enroute to once I get final clearance to leave. My truck was placed out of service for mechanical repairs, and I'm hoping they actually get fixed this time around, as most of the problems are the same ones that existed the last time I was back in Dallas.
So, that's where things stand in my exciting life. I will update more when I find out where I'm going, and when I'm able to actually type out an update. Have a great rest of the week.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Where was I ... and where am I?
The big problem with playing catch-up with the blog is I get so busy I lose track of time, and can't remember the last time I was able to post something. Add in the fact that I also lose track of what day of the week it is (all day yesterday I kept thinking it was Sunday), and it makes for an interesting time trying to remember what I last talked about.
The break I was hoping to take was a short one, and after finishing the multi-drop load on the 28th, I got to rest until the morning of the 29th, when I was sent to South Carolina to pick up a load going to Laredo, Texas. The only problem was the load was already a day behind schedule, and there was no way I was going to make it for the delivery date. So, I ran the load as far as Atlanta, and swapped out with another driver. I was then given a load out of Columbus, GA, going to Laredo. And, since this load contained hazardous materials, I had to be extra vigilant in my inspection of the trailer I was given.
It's a good thing I was, because it had one tire that had not only gone bald, but had the steel cords showing. The registration was gone, meaning I had to call in to the office to get a copy of it faxed to me at the truck stop, and then take the trailer over to a tire shop to get fixed before I could pick up my load. Which meant I was later than I wanted to be in getting to Columbus, but still on time.
I made it to Laredo without running into any of the nasty weather that was moving through the area I was driving through. I hit a couple of downpours in Louisiana and some fog through Alabama, but other than that I didn't get hit with anything.
The nice thing about being in Laredo is there's a Wal-Mart that has truck parking. After dropping my trailer, I headed over there and stocked up on things that I needed, like more food (canned soups, canned pineapple, some meats that don't need refrigeration) and other items like sodas and personal hygiene products.
I got my load early this morning. I have a stop in Lewisville, Texas before heading to Lebanon, Tennessee, and the final stop is in Elkton, Maryland. The only major problem I can see is that Maryland and Tennessee are due on the same day, about six hours apart. Forgetting the time zone change, there's no way I can cover over seven hundred miles in what will amount to three and a half hours by the time I'm done unloading in Tennessee. I've let the office know about it, and I'll continue to send the running late reports if need be, but as far as I'm concerned, it is officially Not My Problem anymore.
I didn't have a lot of time or opportunity to take pictures this past week or so, but the picture to the left is of the retreating storm clouds in Piedmont, South Carolina. The picture to the right is sunset in Dallas, Texas, where I'm staying for the night. It's sad that I'm home, but I can't go home.
Here's hoping for a decent week.
The break I was hoping to take was a short one, and after finishing the multi-drop load on the 28th, I got to rest until the morning of the 29th, when I was sent to South Carolina to pick up a load going to Laredo, Texas. The only problem was the load was already a day behind schedule, and there was no way I was going to make it for the delivery date. So, I ran the load as far as Atlanta, and swapped out with another driver. I was then given a load out of Columbus, GA, going to Laredo. And, since this load contained hazardous materials, I had to be extra vigilant in my inspection of the trailer I was given.
It's a good thing I was, because it had one tire that had not only gone bald, but had the steel cords showing. The registration was gone, meaning I had to call in to the office to get a copy of it faxed to me at the truck stop, and then take the trailer over to a tire shop to get fixed before I could pick up my load. Which meant I was later than I wanted to be in getting to Columbus, but still on time.
I made it to Laredo without running into any of the nasty weather that was moving through the area I was driving through. I hit a couple of downpours in Louisiana and some fog through Alabama, but other than that I didn't get hit with anything.
The nice thing about being in Laredo is there's a Wal-Mart that has truck parking. After dropping my trailer, I headed over there and stocked up on things that I needed, like more food (canned soups, canned pineapple, some meats that don't need refrigeration) and other items like sodas and personal hygiene products.
I got my load early this morning. I have a stop in Lewisville, Texas before heading to Lebanon, Tennessee, and the final stop is in Elkton, Maryland. The only major problem I can see is that Maryland and Tennessee are due on the same day, about six hours apart. Forgetting the time zone change, there's no way I can cover over seven hundred miles in what will amount to three and a half hours by the time I'm done unloading in Tennessee. I've let the office know about it, and I'll continue to send the running late reports if need be, but as far as I'm concerned, it is officially Not My Problem anymore.
I didn't have a lot of time or opportunity to take pictures this past week or so, but the picture to the left is of the retreating storm clouds in Piedmont, South Carolina. The picture to the right is sunset in Dallas, Texas, where I'm staying for the night. It's sad that I'm home, but I can't go home.
Here's hoping for a decent week.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Calling a time out
Wow. That was a heck of a trip. Finally, it's over and I can get a quick respite before getting my next assignment, or so I hope. I got the multiple pounds of paperwork sent in to the office so hopefully I can get paid on it by the end of the week. That, and I still have a trip that I'm waiting to get paid for, so at least there's some money coming my way soonish.Since I'm still in the training phase, I consider this part of my final exams. The challenge was to keep everything in order, plan out a good working route, make all of your deliveries on time, and keep it within the hours-of-service regulations. The variance on my miles (actual miles vs. what they will actually pay me for) was just a tad over , but it wasn't any major number and I explained it on the trip sheet I submitted, so hopefully there shouldn't be any problems. Everything else -- spot on. Yay me.
Another reason I'm hoping for a break, at least for today, is that I seem to have developed a little case of the sniffles, and I'm hoping it's just because I'm venturing into areas where more pollens are being released. The last thing I need is to come down with a full-blown cold, or heaven forbid, the dreaded flu.
The rain held off until I finished today (yay) and it's sort of a spotty showery ... thingy out there. I'll get some more work caught up, try to relax a bit because I've been up since about 3 this morning, and see where my travels take me next. Oh, and the picture above is from the current trip, when I stopped in between deliveries in Shorter, Alabama, just east of Montgomery.
So, until the next update, take care.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Do The Hustle
I have a big load. It's being spread out over seven stops, of which my first is in Mississippi tomorrow afternoon. I left my shipper early this morning and made it to Arkansas by noon, which is where I'm writing this post. I guess the naps I had over the course of the day yesterday right up until it was time to leave weren't enough, because as soon as I got back to the truck after lunch, I crashed for a couple of hours.
My income tax refund came through earlier this week, and I got paid for the partial Arizona run I did, so after I got bills paid (couple of credit cards needed tending to) I splurged for a small vacuum for the truck and over the past couple of days I've been restocking my pantry with ramen soups, snacky-type foods, drinks, water (for the soups, of course), and whatever else I have the chance to get. I must remember the next time I go back to the truck from home time, I need to pack some other spices. Salt and pepper are fine, but the ramen needs more of a kick to it. Oh darn, I guess I'll have to go to Penzey's and get some small jars of stuff.
Restocking is usually done when I have the money to do so, and lately that's been tough to manage. In addition to personal things, I also have to buy things for the truck, like oil, coolant, antigel for the fuel in the colder parts of the country, and scale tickets (when I weigh on a certified scale away from the shipper to insure the load is of legal weight and distributed properly). I get reimbursed for these things, but not until I am able to submit the paperwork and receipts, and after that there's usually a three-day lag until I get paid. It makes managing things a bit tricky, and at times it's downright frustrating.
In contrast to the last time I was in these parts, today was a beautiful day. The winds were a little fierce but it wasn't too cold and the sun was out. I took this picture right around sunset. I'm in the same truck stop I was in the last time I was here, because it has two things I look for in a stopping place:
My income tax refund came through earlier this week, and I got paid for the partial Arizona run I did, so after I got bills paid (couple of credit cards needed tending to) I splurged for a small vacuum for the truck and over the past couple of days I've been restocking my pantry with ramen soups, snacky-type foods, drinks, water (for the soups, of course), and whatever else I have the chance to get. I must remember the next time I go back to the truck from home time, I need to pack some other spices. Salt and pepper are fine, but the ramen needs more of a kick to it. Oh darn, I guess I'll have to go to Penzey's and get some small jars of stuff.Restocking is usually done when I have the money to do so, and lately that's been tough to manage. In addition to personal things, I also have to buy things for the truck, like oil, coolant, antigel for the fuel in the colder parts of the country, and scale tickets (when I weigh on a certified scale away from the shipper to insure the load is of legal weight and distributed properly). I get reimbursed for these things, but not until I am able to submit the paperwork and receipts, and after that there's usually a three-day lag until I get paid. It makes managing things a bit tricky, and at times it's downright frustrating.
In contrast to the last time I was in these parts, today was a beautiful day. The winds were a little fierce but it wasn't too cold and the sun was out. I took this picture right around sunset. I'm in the same truck stop I was in the last time I was here, because it has two things I look for in a stopping place:
- Plenty of parking, so even a tired, strung-out idiot like me can park the truck without hitting anything; and
- A restaurant that serves things other than disc-shaped patties of ground beef between buns with fries and sodas.
I'm feeling a little bit of a headache tonight, and I'm guessing it's because I had no coffee today and my caffeine level is getting low. I've had food, so I'm sure that's not the cause. I'll take some pain relievers before I go to bed and I should be okay in the morning after I have some coffee. It's about four hours to my first stop on this load, so I don;t have to rush off right away and can actually get a decent breakfast in the morning. If I'm lucky, I might be able to get a shower. I only say that because they're remodeling the showers and don't have a lot available like they usually do, so even though I'll be up early, I won;t be rushing right out to the highway.
Have a great weekend, in case I can't get back online then, and be well until next time.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Working from sun to sun
My day started in Phoenix, right around sunrise, when I went to fetch my load. I was pleasantly surprised to find it all ready, so all I had to do is hook up, weigh out to make sure everything was legal (needed a minor correction but overall was fine), and down the highway I went. I missed the bulk of Phoenix traffic leaving when I did, fortunately, and made good time to my fuel stop in Willcox, and from there I headed to my stopping point in Van Horn, TX.
I wasn't sure if I would be able to grab a decent picture when I stopped this evening, so I took this one before I left Willcox. You may have noticed that I like taking pictures of the mountains when I'm in that area of the country. Maybe it's just me, but there's just something about seeing them rise up over the landscape, watching the sun rise and set over them, I just find it awe-inspiring. And, the different lighting angles at times produce amazing colors on the rocks.
Timewise, I was cutting it close getting to Van Horn, but this was the only place I could stop that had a) actual facilities like restrooms and a place to grab some food and other supplies, and b) anything else would have been too far away to be of any use in saving as much time prior to departure, so after making sure I would be legal on my times, I rolled, just catching the beginnings of El Paso traffic as I was leaving the city (yay for my planning [yes I planned it, don't be silly]), and got parked just as the sun was beginning to set.
Tomorrow should be an easier day, as I can stop a short distance from my receiver and rest up, preparing to roll early in the morning from wherever it is I decide to camp. There's some places nearby, but before I say for sure where I will be, I want to do some more research. Luckily, I can do that at my fuel stop, and if worse comes to worse, I just stay where I fuel. No big loss either way.
Also, because I know you all might be getting tired of the landscapes, and because I've been reading blogs about other people's cats, here's a photo I shot last night at the truck stop in Phoenix. I don't know where this cat came from, but it seemed to have the right attitude for hanging out at a truck stop. I watched as some of the truckers and other customers tried to gt the cat to come over to them, but each time kitty side-stepped and moved back to a more secure location. Pretty cat, though, and I wonder if it lived nearby or was truly a stray. Looks a little too healthy to be a stray, I think.
Tomorrow, up bright and early yet again to roll to my next stopping point, and delivery on Thursday morning. Depending on where I end up, I may be able to blog, so I guess we'll see what happens, or even if I have anything to write about.
Have a good night.
Timewise, I was cutting it close getting to Van Horn, but this was the only place I could stop that had a) actual facilities like restrooms and a place to grab some food and other supplies, and b) anything else would have been too far away to be of any use in saving as much time prior to departure, so after making sure I would be legal on my times, I rolled, just catching the beginnings of El Paso traffic as I was leaving the city (yay for my planning [yes I planned it, don't be silly]), and got parked just as the sun was beginning to set.
Tomorrow should be an easier day, as I can stop a short distance from my receiver and rest up, preparing to roll early in the morning from wherever it is I decide to camp. There's some places nearby, but before I say for sure where I will be, I want to do some more research. Luckily, I can do that at my fuel stop, and if worse comes to worse, I just stay where I fuel. No big loss either way.
Tomorrow, up bright and early yet again to roll to my next stopping point, and delivery on Thursday morning. Depending on where I end up, I may be able to blog, so I guess we'll see what happens, or even if I have anything to write about.
Have a good night.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thawing out
It was a good thing I took yesterday's picture when I did, because the snow came in not long after. We had waves of snow all through the day, which caused me concern because I had to run all night to make my first stop in Arizona and icy roads really tend to hamper progress. The roads were the worst through New Mexico and a little bit into Arizona, but they gradually got better and drier the further I went. One more little ice patch in the mountains outside Flagstaff, and all after that was smooth sailing to this morning's delivery.I'm spending today in Phoenix, since my available hours are up and I can't go anywhere until tomorrow. Compared to what I was in for the past week, I'm really enjoying the warm weather. I'll be staying more south on my run back to Texas, away from the ice and snow for at least a little while.
I took the opportunity to get a shower and I'll take advantage of the nice weather to get my truck cleaned up a little bit. Granted, I've been up since 8 pm yesterday, but I need to get back into a "normal" sleeping pattern for this next run. Tomorrow looks to be a hard-running day, slightly better Wednesday, and delivery Thursday.
I don't foresee any more chances to get internet tonight as this is a very busy truck stop and the signal at the truck leave a lot to be desired. Next update will be when I have the chance to connect once again, probably tomorrow night at my rest stop. Have a great day.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
More idiotic ramblings and a serious answer
As many of my long-time followers know, I am an idiot.
I make no secret of this fact. However, yesterday I did something that falls on the borderline of idiotic and accidental, so this time I am an accidental idiot.
Much to my surprise, I picked up some new blog followers. I know, I was shocked, too. One of these followers is the wonderful Sonya, who had left a comment on my blog yesterday. I got the notification in my email, and went to hit the Publish link. I think we can see where this is going.
Either my fat thumb hit the wrong mark, or the touchscreen placed the touch in the wrong spot, but -- I'm sure you've figured it out -- the Delete link activated.
In my defense, Blogger should have a window that appears whenever you attempt to delete a comment that says something along the lines of:
I hope this answers your question and I apologize for being an idiot.
So, my load finally was ready last night, and I rolled all night to my stopping point in western New Mexico. The load has two drops. I will not be able to make the last one since my hours for that day will be up before I even get close. No problem I'll just have to have the load repowered and someone else will have to make the final stop.
I will close with a picture of the view from where I am. Have a great day.
I make no secret of this fact. However, yesterday I did something that falls on the borderline of idiotic and accidental, so this time I am an accidental idiot.
Much to my surprise, I picked up some new blog followers. I know, I was shocked, too. One of these followers is the wonderful Sonya, who had left a comment on my blog yesterday. I got the notification in my email, and went to hit the Publish link. I think we can see where this is going.
Either my fat thumb hit the wrong mark, or the touchscreen placed the touch in the wrong spot, but -- I'm sure you've figured it out -- the Delete link activated.
In my defense, Blogger should have a window that appears whenever you attempt to delete a comment that says something along the lines of:
"You are attempting to delete a comment. It is quite possible that you may want this comment published after all, and deleting it now would make you look like a total idiot. Are you absolutely SURE you want to send this comment off to comment oblivion? And make sure you hit the right button this time, idiot."However, all is not completely lost, because I had the good sense to save the comment email. Here's the question Sonya asked in her comment:
Has to be exciting waiting for the next dispatch. Do you usually have an idea where it might be (repeats) or is it always a complete surprise?All of my dispatches are a surprise, and I never know from one moment to the next where I may be going. So far, I've never been to the same place twice as far as a shipper or receiver, but I have traveled the same highways in the same parts of the country. It is a bit exciting getting sent to an area I've never been to before, and in a way it's nerve-wracking, mostly from trying to figure out how to best get the load picked up and delivered.
I hope this answers your question and I apologize for being an idiot.
So, my load finally was ready last night, and I rolled all night to my stopping point in western New Mexico. The load has two drops. I will not be able to make the last one since my hours for that day will be up before I even get close. No problem I'll just have to have the load repowered and someone else will have to make the final stop.
I will close with a picture of the view from where I am. Have a great day.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Taking the left turn
Once again, it's time for a reset of my clock, which means I get to sit and relax for about a day and a half. Sometimes I get some wonderful views, other times I don't get to see anything other than the parking area of the truck stop.
The truck stop I'm spending my time at is on top of a hill, and below me the city of Albuquerque is laid out, row upon row of lighted streets, and in the distance, what I believe could be some of the downtown buildings. I stood for a few minutes after dinner, just looking down at the lights below, another American city I've had the chance to spend a little time in, even if it was just on the fringes.
I've encountered many cities like that in my travels. Boston, San Diego, Tucson, Philadelphia ... there's many others, but the story is the same for each of them. I was only there because I had a job to do, no time for sightseeing or exploring. Still, I consider myself lucky to have been there, as I consider myself lucky to see sights that up until now I could have only seen in a television show or movie. I never for a moment dreamed that I would pass through the southwestern deserts of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Nor did I even imagine I would see the sand dunes in southern California, or see mountain passes and open prairies up close and personal.
One of these days, I might get to actually put my feet in the Pacific Ocean instead of gazing upon it as I drive past enroute to pick up or deliver another load to parts unknown. Or, perhaps I might be able to sit down to a lobster dinner in New England again, instead of having to be satisfied with the standard truckers' fare at the truck stop. There's a lot of things that I would like to do, but the realities of the job won't allow it to happen. And vacation? Please.
I can barely afford to sit and reset my clock.
No matter. For now, I relax. Work will return soon enough, and the frustrations and stresses along with it. Where do I go from here? Only my dispatcher knows for sure.
The truck stop I'm spending my time at is on top of a hill, and below me the city of Albuquerque is laid out, row upon row of lighted streets, and in the distance, what I believe could be some of the downtown buildings. I stood for a few minutes after dinner, just looking down at the lights below, another American city I've had the chance to spend a little time in, even if it was just on the fringes.
I've encountered many cities like that in my travels. Boston, San Diego, Tucson, Philadelphia ... there's many others, but the story is the same for each of them. I was only there because I had a job to do, no time for sightseeing or exploring. Still, I consider myself lucky to have been there, as I consider myself lucky to see sights that up until now I could have only seen in a television show or movie. I never for a moment dreamed that I would pass through the southwestern deserts of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Nor did I even imagine I would see the sand dunes in southern California, or see mountain passes and open prairies up close and personal.
One of these days, I might get to actually put my feet in the Pacific Ocean instead of gazing upon it as I drive past enroute to pick up or deliver another load to parts unknown. Or, perhaps I might be able to sit down to a lobster dinner in New England again, instead of having to be satisfied with the standard truckers' fare at the truck stop. There's a lot of things that I would like to do, but the realities of the job won't allow it to happen. And vacation? Please.
I can barely afford to sit and reset my clock.
No matter. For now, I relax. Work will return soon enough, and the frustrations and stresses along with it. Where do I go from here? Only my dispatcher knows for sure.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Westward, snow!
I can't begin to tell you just how much of a thrill it is to be back on the road yet again. I can't tell you, mainly because I don't find it thrilling at all. I find no thrill in spending two full nights without heat in some quite cold areas, racing to make as much time as possible before any potential ice shuts down your travel route prior to delivery, or eating in restaurants that offer buffet items such as mashed "potatoes" and brown creamy "gravy." (true story, saw it this evening at the place I stopped at in New Mexico. At least the salad bar looked better than most of the ones I've encountered.)
As is typical of this time of the year, especially in the mountain areas, there's some snow in the forecast. Looks like it will be a quick storm, and I'm hoping I can get moving at a decent hour tomorrow. Moving west makes it a little bit easier, as the time zone changes make things earlier in that part of the world, and thus easier to find a parking spot. And you know I'm all about the convenience.
I don't foresee any delays as far as my delivery date, so that's one ray of good news.
Although, if I had my druthers, I'd be with the one I truly love today, instead of in a truck that FINALLY HAS WORKING HEAT THANKS A BUNCH YOU JERKHEADS FOR MAKING ME WAIT TWO WHOLE DAYS TO GET THE DAMN THING FIXED, a bunch of miles from home, lonely as hell, with no entertainment other than "Life and Love, Redneck Style" enacted live in the restaurant a scant two tables diagonally away from me. Special Guest Appearance by The Lyin' Drunk!
I'm offending myself, so it's off to the showers with me. More when I am able, as usual.
As is typical of this time of the year, especially in the mountain areas, there's some snow in the forecast. Looks like it will be a quick storm, and I'm hoping I can get moving at a decent hour tomorrow. Moving west makes it a little bit easier, as the time zone changes make things earlier in that part of the world, and thus easier to find a parking spot. And you know I'm all about the convenience.
I don't foresee any delays as far as my delivery date, so that's one ray of good news.
Although, if I had my druthers, I'd be with the one I truly love today, instead of in a truck that FINALLY HAS WORKING HEAT THANKS A BUNCH YOU JERKHEADS FOR MAKING ME WAIT TWO WHOLE DAYS TO GET THE DAMN THING FIXED, a bunch of miles from home, lonely as hell, with no entertainment other than "Life and Love, Redneck Style" enacted live in the restaurant a scant two tables diagonally away from me. Special Guest Appearance by The Lyin' Drunk!
I'm offending myself, so it's off to the showers with me. More when I am able, as usual.
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