Year 2, Day 286 (A Long Couple Of Days)

After I left Walmart last night, I headed to Russellville, AR to get my next load. The loading appointment was for 1900, but since I was still at Walmart, it was changed until 2000 (I arrived at 1930). Things started off pretty good, but then went downhill, as I wasn't loaded until 0200 this morning. By then I didn't have the hours to drive. I left this morning at about 0815 and just stuck to the driving, making as few stops as possible. I shut down about 2115, about 40+ miles east of Knoxville, covering about 631 miles today. I still have another 580 to go, but at least I covered more than half the distance.

Once I get this delivered, I'll next head to Sauderton, PA (just north of Philadelphia) to pick up a 3 drop run, which finishes off next Tuesday in Chicago.

The good thing is I was able to make a stop into Starbucks.

Twice.

Year 2, Day 284 (A Short Run To Arkansas)

This morning something happened that rarely occurs, and something that causes me to be a little irritable when it does happen - I was late for my delivery. Not terribly late, just 20 minutes, but I was still late nevertheless. I can usually cover 650+ miles within the allotted time, but when the routing takes me off the interstate, then delays begin. After this is unloaded, I head to Granite City, IL (just outside of St. Louis) for my next load. That load isn't scheduled to pick up until 2000 tonight, and delivers in Clarksville, AR tomorrow afternoon. What lies ahead after that is anybody's guess.

Last night was the last of the three Presidential debates, which gives me the perfect score of watching none of them (though, when you think about it, either of the debates would still be more time well spend than wasting a perfectly good hour of Honey BooBoo - which I think is a complete loss of valuable television air time... and brain cells). Is there any new developments and/or revelations from this debate? Probably not. They are still playing out this "dog & pony show" to make us think we have a voice and a choice. If we truly utilized the capacity of our power over the government, Romney would not be running... neither would Obama. The sad thing is we have been instilled with the mentality (call it propaganda, brainwashing, etc.) that the choices we are given are what's available... take it or leave it.

I wonder what would happen if everybody wrote in "None Of The Above" on Election Day. Perhaps we should try it!

Year 2, Day 279 (Looking Forward To Moving)

I delivered this morning in Conklin, NY, which is just south of Binghamton, with one of those dreaded early morning appointments. This next load has me picking up in Allentown, PA and delivering in Robert, LA for Sunday. After the wonderful weekend that Tikvah and I had in Eureka Springs, AR, we are currently looking at homes in that area. We were completely taken by the culture of that area. Ironically enough, the owner/manager of Lookout Lodge (where we stayed for the weekend) just happens to be a licensed realtor. I am also seriously looking at a career change. After much consideration, I may get back to being a DJ. Though I'm in the planning stage, part of which also includes seeking out some financial backers (the equipment will be a bit pricey). It, more than likely, will start off as a side project, but I'm hoping it will take off as a full time job. Should that come to fruition, I'll be able to leave truck driving altogether.

Well, these are my dreams, my musings. Now it's time for a Starbucks run, to get my "designer coffee" - a grande triple Marble Mocha Machiatto.

Year 2, Day 264 (Fairly Busy Until Friday)

Yesterday was a little non-productive, but the next few days are looking up. After arriving back at our North Little Rock terminal at around 0030 this morning, I gave the paperwork to the other driver and dropped the trailer. After checking in to the chop for my repair appointment (which was for 0500) I wound down a little then went to bed. As of right now I am sitting at the customer waiting to get loaded. This load will take me to Lebanon, TN for tomorrow. The customer I deliver to is also where I pick up my next load, which will take me to Munster, IN for Friday. What happens from there has yet to be determined.

One thing that has been determined is the fact that I will be making a Starbucks stop once I'm finished here. I may have to wait until I get to the Memphis area, but at least I know that there are two within walking distance of where I will park the truck: one is a "free standing" location, and the other is in the Super Target, which I will park next to.

I can already taste that grande triple Marble Mocha Machiatto, with whole milk, and steamed to 190°.

What's in yourcup?

Year 2, Day 263 (Shall I Ramble? I Shall)

Today has been a little busy, yet fairly unproductive. After unloading in Covington, TN, I had to take one of the empty trailers to our North Little Rock yard to get worked on, then another trailer to pick up this load in Nashville, AR. This load will be heading to Chicago for Thursday morning, but I will take it back to North Little Rock and a trainer - with his new student - will take it on.

Earlier this evening, I was chatting with a lady (can I call her one of my blog fans?) about this upcoming election. I had mentioned in yesterday's post that we really don't have much of a choice for the next Presidential term. The problem being that we are only given two "choices": either Obama (Democrat) or Romney (Republican). We desperately need a candidate that is a true leader, not just somebody looking for more prestige. There are other candidates from the other political parties, but it seems they are not given fair treatment and the American people afforded the opportunity to choose. Apparently, Democrats and Republicans - with the help of the media - have blocked all other candidates from participating in the election process. If it comes down to the decision of the Electoral College, then the voice of the American people is not really being heard. During the course of the past few elections, the Electoral College has chosen who they want.

Then there's the matter of the various "scandals" and "battleground states" that have been popping up (such as the "hanging chads" in Florida in 2000, various voter fraud, and, let's not forget, voter intimidation). Are we expected to believe that there were enough inept voters in the state of Florida - people that were unable to punch a complete hole in the ballot card - to cause such a major disruption in the election process? Or that there were so many cases of dead people coming back to life just to cast their vote? That sounds as ominous as an E. Coli outbreak each year - at around the same time - on different kinds of produce, and causing a panic across the nation (remember when that happened on green onions, and you couldn't find a restaurant that would have any to add on your baked potato?).

Just a few random thoughts.

Year 2, Day 262 (Take Time To Think)

Today I'm very hesitant to even log onto Facebook, for the simple fact that with the Presidential election to be upon us in a little over a month, I'm sure the avid supporters of both sides are "kicking it up a notch." Let's face it, if you have an ardent passion to see your candidate win just because he has the same party affiliation as you, then you really are a clueless loon. If you step back and take a look at the broader spectrum, we have played right into their hands. Is Romney the best candidate for the job? No! Is Obama doing a well enough job that he should be given another term? No! What is clear is Democrats and Republicans have joined together and accomplished two goals: they have blocked other parties from getting any footage in the election process, and they have created a massive division in the American people. Not to mention that I've seen the "race card" thrown out more times these past 3 1/2 years than I have ever seen before.

Long ago, black people were seeking to attain a right to vote. During the process, they were intimidated, persecuted, even murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan in order to keep them from getting that right. Many of those KKK members were also involved in local, state, and federal governments, aligning with, you guessed it... the Democrat Party. Yet throughout the past several decades, the majority of the black population have been Democrats. Until recently. I have seen, especially the past year, an exodus of blacks leaving the Democrat Party.

At one time, the Republican Party had aligned with big business and corporations, but over the past decade - perhaps two - the party ideologies have been reversed, so now the Democrats are for big business. Think about this for a moment: this Administration talks about the jobs they have "created", yet when you look at the new jobs that have actually been created, they have been either within the unions (which has become as equally corrupt as the federal Government), or more government jobs. The President cannot force businesses - large or small - to create jobs. What he can do is offer them enticing incentives, such as tax breaks - the very same thing they accuse Republicans of doing. Both sides have been stringing us along, mainly because Socialism has been infiltrating both sides of the aisle. Would we have been better off 4 years ago is McCain was elected? No! We would have been going down the same path. Will we be better off if Romney gets elected? No! Many of the policies in place now will continue. The only difference between our present "choice" is Obama, if re-elected, will bring America to the brink of destruction quicker than Romney. What we need to do is seek out somebody that can make a difference, but yet somebody who doesn't want to run for office. It played out that way for this country's founder, right? He made a difference for the whole of the America that existed then, yet he also didn't want to be President... the people wanted him. For us to reach that point is long overdue, and we need the action NOW!

The fringe group known as "Anonymous" have done a few positive things, but have also engaged in radical activity, as well. This video could bring about a positive change that we - as Americans - desperately need, while simultaneously this video could also be the work of wackos. Either way, think of the potential... if we come together as a nation.

Year 2, Day 256 (Things Will Get Very Ugly, Very Soon)

We are in mid-September, but it's easy to see how things may end up at this November's elections. I'm not referring to who will be elected or re-elected (whichever case applies), but among "we the people" who will be taking part in the voting process. It seems the Obama supporters have completely bought into the Socialist agenda, hook, line, and sinker. Election time is supposed to be when the American people come together to choose a candidate who will be good for the country, yet just about everywhere I turn, the support for Obama is quickly getting to the brink of violence. That is not saying that Romney is the better choice. Clearly that is not the case. Think about this for a moment: 4 years ago, the Presidential seat was between Obama and McCain... Romney was bumped out of the nomination weeks before. He was not adequate enough then, what makes him adequate enough now (Trust me, McCain was not the better choice)? In my opinion, it comes down to this... we, the American people are being played like cheap hookers. We are being served a plate of horse manure and told it's a T-bone steak... and we are believing it! 4 years ago, Obama was propped up as the "Golden Child" with McCain being "chosen" to oppose him (the media "propaganda machine" was also "helpful" in this too). Romney, then, might have defeated Obama then, but he didn't fit in with the larger plan. Now that Obama has been in office for nearly 4 years, he has been able to "tickle the ears" of his minions, and they have fallen for every word! Now that Romney is in the running this time around, he can be defeated, because Obama has been "built up" by the propaganda being fed to us by the media and other political organizations.

The Obama supporters have fallen into step just like Germany during the rise of The Third Reich. If you happen to be one of those that will get ravenously defensive at anything negative that is said about Obama, then you have just proven my point. In closing, let's see if you can look through the haze of propaganda, and clearly see how biased the media truly is by watching this recent clip from CNN, concerning Israel, free speech, Jihad, and Sharia Law.

Year 2, Day 254 (I Like This Weather)

The weather coming across Ohio and into Pennsylvania was quite rainy, but very cool. These cooler temperates fill me with anticipation as it means that Winter is drawing near. It's nice to be able to sleep at night with the truck AND the APU turned off, then waking in the morning with a little chill inside the truck. There are people who prefer the hotter weather. I don't mind hot weather, just so long as it's a dry heat... it's the humidity I can't tolerate. I'm of the opinion that when it's cold, you can always put more on... when it's hot, there's only so much you can take off - then it becomes illegal in public venues.

Within the next couple of months I will really look forward to heading to the northwest region, to gander and awe at the snow on the mountains (and closer to the roadway). Until then, I just patiently wait... and wait... and wait...

Year 2, Day 250 (A Change In Format)

As you may have well noticed, these postings are turning in a different direction. This will not be aligned to lean toward any political affiliation, as we already have more of those than we can shake a stick at. Instead, this will be one person's viewpoint, on our country's current state. We have a paradigm shift taking place, as I mentioned in yesterday's post, which isn't of a positive position. People are defending a candidate whom they support based solely on party affiliation. First of all, we live in a Republic, not a Democracy, so why are the election laws written in a way that does not sway in the best interest of the American people? The political system is set up and controlled in a way that only supports a two-party standard. Let's take our current situation. Many people (myself included) are uncomfortable with the choices we have - only two. If , on election day, we write in a candidate that is neither Republican, nor Democrat, our vote - regardless of whom it may be - will be used as if we voted for the incumbent, therefore our vote isn't really counted. Should we choose to vote for either of the two parties, our individual vote doesn't really matter, since it's the Electoral College that decides the election's results anyway. It seems that the Electoral College bases their decision upon their own personal preference anyway (and I'm sure I may get more than just a few rebuttals on this, which I welcome). I know I could be wrong on several things. If I am, I welcome the correction... but please be sure to offer facts.

Don't mind me, it's late, and I'm "shooting from the hip", as it were. One thing we all need to do is come together as a nation, put our differences aside, and choose a candidate that would best represent US, not their own interests, and not their party's affiliation, nor agenda. Remember, our first President, George Washington, 1) didn't really want to be President, and, 2) had NO party affiliation at all. Those are two rules we should apply for our next President.

Year 2, Day 242 (Remembering A Tragic Day)

11 years ago today tragedy struck our nation. It was on this day in 2001 that we all heard the terrible fate that had befallen the Twin Towers in New York City, and most importantly, the innocent lives that were lost as a result, both from the attack on the towers, and the ongoing war in the Middle East that followed. We all know this is the day memorialized as 9/11, but, sadly, many still need a reminder. Should we have sought out those parties responsible? Yes! Should politicians have been given a say in military operations and tactics? Absolutely not! The late Senator Ted Kennedy, early on, referred to our Middle Eastern military operations as "George Bush's Viet Nam." That (in my opinion) inevitably set the ground work for what became the Viet Nam of our generation. Just take a look at the similarities: both wars were ripe with political influence and agendas; both lasted longer than was necessary, and - more importantly - both told the military forces what their jobs were, then prohibited them from doing that job. The difference between the two is that we lost far more troops in Viet Nam than we have in the present cycle.

What should have started as retaliation with righteous indignation has become nothing more than socialist politicians using the military troops as pawns in their sick little game, then blaming others because their agendas didn't pan out the way they wanted, or their pockets didn't get lined as much as they hoped. It's also unfortunate that the socialist leaning politicians come from both "sides of the aisle". It seems that the only time Democrats and Republicans truly work together is to block another political party from getting into the game.

We have a Presidential election coming up in a few months... one in which we really don't have a qualified candidate to choose from. Romney hasn't released his tax statements? So what... Obama has sealed important government documents that prove an injustice had been done ("Fast & Furious" ring a bell?). Obama won't release his college transcripts? Big deal... "RomneyCare" was the basic model for what is now referred to as "ObamaCare" (do you really think Romney would overturn something that pays homage to his own "brilliance"?).

Thomas Jefferson once said, "A revolution every 50 years makes for good government." When was the last time we had a viable revolution? This coming from the same man that also said. "When the government fears the people, there is freedom... when the people fear the government, there in tyranny."

Tyranny is upon us... most just haven't opened their eyes to it.

Year 2, Day 240 (The Peace Of The West)

I have driven a truck for many years. In the recent years I have come, with few exceptions, to dislike the east and the south, for most of the same reasons. For the most part, the traffic get pretty horrendous, and the people are - mostly - rude. At one time drivers in the metro New Jersey areas were some of the most rude... now I think that Atlanta has given them a run for their money. Driving out west has a different set of challenges and circumstances. L.A., for example, does have some crazy traffic, but you know (if you've been through there with any frequency) when and where it will usually occur. I've even seen traffic back up in the Seattle area, but it get nowhere near as bad as the east.

The west, however, does offer a lot more solace, a lot more open road... plus driving through the mountainous regions are pretty awe-inspiring. There have been times where it has taken less time to get from the east side of Denver, to I-25 north, up to the Colorado/Wyoming state lines (the distance of about 100 miles) - including traffic and the occasional work zone - than it would to take I-95 north from Elizabeth, NY to the other side of New York City, which is about 1/3 the distance.

Some drivers try to steer clear (no pun intended) of the northwest in the winter months, while I look forward to it. I find it very beautiful to drive through the valleys, surrounded by the snow covered mountains. It's very breath-taking.

What are YOUR preferred areas to travel?

Year 2, Day 239 (This Is My Kind Of Weather)

When I arrived in Tulsa on Wednesday, just before midnight, it was in the upper 70's/lower 80's; but when I shut down in Colby, KS early yesterday morning, it was in the mid-60's. The temperatures became gradually cooler from there, being in the low 50's in Sheridan, WY, where I parked early this morning. It's plain to see I had been able to make some progress yesterday, but was slightly delayed from the afternoon traffic in the Denver area. I'm running a bit tight on time, but I think I'll still be able to make my delivery on time Monday morning.

I've never been up to Edmonton, AB before, but after speaking with a driver that had, chances are my next load will come out of Alberta and deliver later next week in Denver. Either way, I will have to squeeze in a 34 hour re-start sometime soon.

This, so far, has been a lovely Sabbath, even though I am having to work. When I was in Minnesota earlier in the week, I had purchased one of the Banana Walnut breads from the store that stocks Amish goods, and have been snacking on it periodically.

It's pretty good, and it washes down well with milk.

Oh yeah... I also had Starbucks.

Year 2, Day 235 (Leaving Wisconsin)

I was unloaded at Walmart in Tomah, WI at around 1900 yesterday. Afterwards I made my way to Black River Falls, WI (about 30 miles away) to send in the paperwork, grab a bite, and milk up a few things from the store (milk being very essential for cereal). Once all that was accomplished, I hit the road again to find the customer in Greenwood, WI, which is basically in the middle of somewhere. You know you're way out in the Wisconsin countryside when not only is the customer on a county road, but I encountered an Amish buggy just before I arrived (those Amish sure do stay up late... or maybe, get up early, as it was just after midnight).

This is supposed to be a light load, but I'll know for sure once I get loaded. I could go one of three ways on the routing. The quickest way is about 100 miles further, but the shortest way takes me through a multitude of small towns.

This is not an easy decision to make without the aid of coffee.

This is due in Russellville, AR on Thursday morning at 0430, which is not good. What is good is the fact that we have dropped trailers at that customer, so I may have a silver lining after all.

Year 2, Day 234 (Soon To Head Back To Arkansas)

Having reached my 34 hour window for a re-start on my logbook, I began rolling this morning at around 1100. I made my way to Rogers, AR and did a drop & hook, then took off (but, of course, making a stop for Starbucks). Unfortunately, the trailer my load was on had an air leak on one of the brake chambers. I was able to get a quick fix from the road service that came out, only because - since disc brakes for a semi are still considered "new" - he didn't think the parts were in stock at their shop.

I made it to the rest area just across the Minnesota state line, which leaves me about 175 miles left of this run. Once I do get emptied this afternoon, I'll head to Greenwood, WI (basically out in the middle of nowhere) to load on Tuesday morning. This load will head to Con Agra in Russellville, AR for 0430 (UGH!!) Thursday morning. Yesterday turned out to be a full, yet productive, day, covering over 650 miles. I can kick back a little the next few days... sort of.

Year 2, Day 233 (Food, Glorious Food!)

Yesterday, while I was getting a re-start on my logbook (and enjoying the Sabbath), I had put a wild idea into action. The other day I had done some shopping, and on my list I had written vegetables... so I started brainstorming. I had already picked up a pre-cooked smoked beef brisket, when this wild concoction began to form. So I wandered through the produce section to see what I could come up with. A week ago I was given several Roma tomatoes (most of which I had planned on using in a Pica De Gallo), I just had to figure out what else to use with them.

My mind suddenly went into "creative" mode (and, no, I wasn't shopping on an empty stomach). I found several ingredients to use. I chose not to use the potatoes for this meal, as that would have produced too much food. While the brisket was heating up in the crock pot, I went to work an my idea. My "Vegetable Medley" (as I have come to call it) consists of a couple slices of Roma tomato, red, yellow, and orange Bell Peppers (sliced), a couple slices of white onion (which I had already purchased for the Pico de Gallo), some Greek Kalamata Olives & green Olives (stuffed with garlic), almonds, then I drizzled it with olive oil, splashed it with red wine vinegar, then gave it all a little bit of salt, pepper, and some Mediterranean seasoning.

I also took some aluminum foil and fashioned it into a little pan, then placed it on top of the brisket, closed the lid, and let the crock pot do its work. When I went to put away & organize the last few select items from shopping, I realized I had purchased some sun-dried julienne cut tomatoes just for this idea... so I added a little to the already simmering concoction, which at this point was half done (better late than never). I let it all simmer for a couple more hours. Once I removed the lid this time, the aroma was very enticing.

Now that I've seen what my gastronomic mind created, I was more than ready to eat.

The pictures make it look delicious, but the end product surpassed what could be captured on the camera of an iPhone 3GS.

I really enjoy cooking!!

Year 2, Day 230 (This Is Going To Be A Long Day)

Once I started off yesterday morning (about 1100 CT), I finished off the trip to Rochelle, IL. By then I had received a pre-plan, picking up in Franklin Park, IL (just north west of Chicago). I arrived there at 1700, just in time for my appointment. Sadly, the load wasn't ready, and wouldn't be until as late as 2300. I've always taken issue with situations like that. My opinion has always been that if the customer cannot keep to their own appointment schedule, then why make them in the first place? I didn't leave from there until after 0200 this morning. Since this load is due to deliver at 0800 tomorrow morning in McKinney, TX, then that means I have a full day ahead of me. Having had adequate time (an 8 hour break, a.k.a. doing a split sleeper break) to drive for several hours, I made my way to Pacific, MO, just west of St. Louis. From here I'll take a full 10 hour break then leave again (after getting fuel) at a little after 1900.

The good thing is I have plenty of music to occupy the miles, with Morcheeba's Who Can You Trust? being next in queue. With less than 600 miles to go, I still have some ground to cover.

Year 2, Day 236 (This Week Is Nearly Over)

Today, being the Sabbath, is a much welcomed day, not only for its benefit of rest, but because it marks the end of this past week... which I do not care to repeat. Ever. I have found that when I spend time in the Scriptures daily, and try diligently to do no work on the Sabbath, but focus more upon G-d, the week I have just completed seems like a burden lifted, and the week to come is less stressful. This past week, though it was an anomaly, I view as more of a test. As servants of HaShem (God), and believers in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), we get spiritual tests in order to strengthen our faith and refine our character.

Though this past week was low on the productivity scale, HaShem gave me a peace and joy regardless of the sitting I had been doing, or the sudden hurdles that arose. Just so I'm not misunderstood, serving HaShem is a joy, not a burden... and He is certainly NOT a "quick fix" for all your problems. It takes devotion, study, and perseverance. Anything of a spiritual nature that can be fixed right away, won't last for very long. When we stay devoted to our studies, and keep our hearts focused on The Holy One, Blessed is He, then over time we can reflect upon our lives and attitudes and see what positive changes had transpired... we can see how our lives have been - and continue to be - transformed, by seeking His guidance, and studying His Scriptures for a deeper understanding of who He is. By doing so we also gain a deeper understanding of His Commandments (there's more than just 10).

If you have questions, feel free to drop me a line. I may not be a Torah scholar, but I will try to seek an answer, and send you in the direction that will give you your own deeper understanding of The Scriptures and their meaning.

Year 2, Day 235 (An Interesting Day, So To Speak)

The day - and its excitement - actually began last night. When I arrived at the customer, I tried (operative word: tried) to maneuver around their lot to set up for a parking spot. Several factors should be considered at this point: the property was not on level ground (in fact, there were several inclines that all converged at one point, which would have been the ideal place to put a storm drain), and the employee parking was assigned in the most inconvenient place... between the building and where their own delivery trucks were parked. As I swung around on this multi-angled lot, (to make a long story short) my trailer (being positioned on one of the inclines) popped the catwalk off the frame of the truck (which was positioned on a different incline). Then this morning, the customer rejected 7 pallets of bell peppers because they were bad.

After a few hours, I've been sent to White Pine, TN (about 30 miles east of Knoxville) to get them unloaded at a different facility. Once I'm done here I'll be able to head to Shelbyville, TN to pick up my next load. We have a drop trailer there, but having been to that facility several times, the load won't be ready until just before midnight.

With the Sabbath approaching, I am really looking forward to this one... I think I really need a rest. Perhaps next week will be MUCH better.

Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 233 (The Repairs Are Being Done)

This morning repairs began on the trailer in order to get me back on the road. The technicians that were working on it did so for a little over an hour, then left again, presumably to get other parts... though it's not exactly clear, as they didn't express so prior to leaving. When they did leave, I went to the back of the trailer to check the progress to find they still had some work ahead of them. It is all still in the hands of HaShem, my G-d (for those who may be unfamiliar with this Name, it is one of the Hebrew Names of G-d... one of the many Names. HaShem literally translates to The Name, implying that His Name - written in Hebrew as יהוה - is so sacred within Judaism, that we don't read it as it is written, but rather shorten it to HaShem).

Years ago (possibly even this time last year) I would have been fraught with frustration at such a delay because it detracts from my making money. What's happened now? I've been trying to be more focused and diligent in my involvement of Torah study. On the road I'm trying to become more disciplined in waking up at least 1 1/2 hours before I need to start driving for the day. During that time, I am going through that day's section of the weekly Torah portion (reading the commentaries of the various Sages, as well) and following it up with the Daily Dose of Torah section for that day. Trust me, this is not an easy path to navigate as I wasn't raised in Judaism, nor do I have a Rabbi or Torah scholar whom I can study under (where I live in Arkansas, the local idea of going to a deli is in making a trip to Walmart).

Though I have been here since early Sunday morning, I am still at peace. I can't change the circumstances. Besides, why would I even want to change them? Each day we are presented with a variety of decisions to make and paths to choose... we should also be willing to accept the consequences for those paths & decisions that we make, should they prove to be the wrong ones. Today it's become all to common that people do NOT want to take responsibility for their actions (a case in point is this news from 3 months ago, or this blog from yesterday - which includes a 4 minute video worth watching).

Every day is a learning experience. The question is... will you choose to learn from it, or blame somebody else that it happened?

You choose.

Year 2, Day 230 (All's Well That Ends... Not So Well)

When I shut down this morning in Cedar Falls, IA I was nearly out of hours, and exhausted. When I got up 8 1/2 hours later, I found out I had more hours come back (using the split-sleeper method) than I thought. So I left out for Ottawa, IL, in order to get there before 1600. It worked out, having a 2 hour break while getting unloaded. On the way up to Green Bay, I stopped at one of the Travel Oases on the I-294 Toll Road in Illinois (for Starbucks), and stopped in Oak Creek, WI to top off the tank for the reefer fuel and get the trailer washed out. About a 1/2 mile down the road a tire blew. To make a long story short, not only did I lose my remaining drive time waiting for the tire to get replaced, I also had to return to the truck stop (and being in violation of my logbook) because the brakes locked up on the axle that the tire blew on, and it may not be until Monday - maybe even Tuesday - before the service is able to get the parts to replace the caliper, disc pads, and the rotor on that tire.

As of right now, I have no idea what's going to happen with this load, and I don't want to leave an unresolved issue for another driver to deal with. No telling what's going to happen next. I would say, "what else could go wrong," but that would just be an invitation for something else to happen. Maybe I'll get an opportunity to get a bike ride in.

And Starbucks.