The Road Scholar - Day 120 (Chicago Is... Still Here)

I just pulled into the Chicago area a little while ago... in fact, I'm parked next to the place I will be delivering to in the morning, a city known as Alsip, within the Chicago area.

[insert dinner length hiatus here]

I took a break from this post to grab a bite to eat, as my friend, Chris< had shown up on his motorcycle. We walked up the street about a block to one restaurant which, as it turned out, closed at 1500 (it was 1505 when we walked up), then north about a 1/2 block to a Mexican restaurant. There, Chris and I caught up on some old times and got each other up to speed on what we had been doing the last 15-20 years.

It's hard to believe it's been that long, but time sure does fly. He's on his way back home, about 31 miles north of here. Hopefully we'll get together again soon. We are both hoping it will be somewhere between June 1-3, since there will be another mutual friend in the area then... let's just see if the fickle finger of fate happens to point that way for us.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 119 (I Am Chicago Bound)

I got to the customer to load this morning about 1000, and, as I hoped, they were quite efficient, having gotten loaded and on the road before my appointment time of 1200. It's a load of fresh chicken, so I'm glad I got the trailer washed out yesterday (especially since THAT load was palletized topsoil).

I pulled off the road and got a little nap just east of Springfield, MO (and of course, to get this blog out to you), to which I will soon be under way again. My plan for tonight is to try to get about 150 miles into Illinois covered, so there won't be much ground to cover tomorrow, thus giving me more time to hang out with Chris (whom I blogged about in yesterday's post). Nice weather, light traffic... all the makings of a good day - a good Sabbath.

May you ALL be blessed today!

Shabbat Shalom (Hebrew for "peace on the Sabbath")!


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 118 (Hoping For An Easy Weekend)

I started a little later than I wanted this morning, but still made it to Oklahoma City, OK with a little time to spare. Once I unloaded, I got the trailer washed out, fueled up (in Tulsa), then made it to the service plaza here in Vinita, OK (a small town about an hour east of Tulsa, right on the Will Rogers Turnpike, a.k.a. I-44). My next load picks up at noon tomorrow in South West City, MO (it's in the southwest part of the state, but by no means should it be referred to, nor confused as, a city), and that will be delivering to Chicago for Monday morning. I am really hoping they are very efficient in the loading process, so that I can cover some ground as soon as possible.

My hopeful plan is to cover as much ground tomorrow as I can, so I may have more time available to me on Sunday, as I hope to get together with an old Marine Corps friend who just happens to live in Chicago. I've been unable to get together with Chris for some time now, as I'm usually passing through while he's at work, or short on time, or late at night, or any combination of the three. The last time I saw him was when I was transferring to a different unit, back in... my gosh... has it been that long?! 1987 or '88?! When does the time go? Some things I do remember about Chris was, 1) He was an avid D&D player, and, 2) he was a computer GENIUS (and, mind you, this was a few years before the advent of the internet)! I remember once, our regimental Executive Officer (or "XO" for short), a LtCol, came to Chris with a new program he just received from Base Command (on a 5" floppy - THAT should tell you how long ago that was), and the XO wanted to know if Chris could figure it out. Chris popped it into his computer, looked at it a little, then told the XO to come back in 45 minutes. The XO exclaimed, "45 minutes?! I've just spent the last 1 1/2 hours trying to figure this thing out?" Chris just looked up at the XO and calmly said, "45 minutes, sir."

45 minutes later, the XO returned. Not only did Chris know how to operate the program, he also knew every "back door" that was hidden in there, as well!

As I said... computer GENIUS!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 117 (Still Some Ground To Cover)

I didn't get very far last night, only to Perry, MI, about 20 miles north of Lansing. I got up and running this morning about 0815 with what I suppose can pass for a decent cup of coffee (at least it was better than the swill Pilot tries to peddle). I covered about 220 miles, and pulled off into this Travel Oasis and took a little break... and, of course, to refresh my coffee cup.

This weather is really on the fritz, yesterday it was in the 70's, with some wind and a little rain, then I wake up this morning inside a 44º truck (I won't complain, though - remember, I like the cooler temps). Well, let me close this post out so I can get on the road and try to beat some of the afternoon Chicago traffic. Even though I'm south of Chicago, the traffic still gets crazy. Plus, the St. Louis traffic will have died down by the time I get there. I'll see all you cats & kittens later!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 116 (Much Accomplished, Little Productivity)

I was up at 0400 (ET) for my appointment, assigned a door, and once I checked in the receiving office and the lumper service, I was told my product would take a while to unload (to which they got no argument from me, I just went back to sleep - early morning hours and I don't get along too well). Once I was unloaded, however, it was a while (several hours, in fact) before I got my next work assignment. I tried to make the best use of that time - made a payment on my credit card at a Bank Of America branch, picked up a few things from the grocery store (Meijer, NOT Walmart), and then picked up three 24 oz. 6 packs of Coca Cola from the Kroger down the street (they had it on sale. 3 for $9.00, as opposed to 3 for $12.00 at Meijer... and Walmart doesn't even carry the 24 oz. bottles).

I'm here waiting to get loaded in Sandusky, MI (way up in the "thumb" of Michigan, in the NE corner, about 55 miles east of Saginaw. This load will take me to Oklahoma City, OK on Friday, and right now, these guys are working as fast as they can to get us loaded, as their power went out earlier today (and since the product is outside, they're racing against the daylight). They are now starting on me, so I will be leaving before too long... though I won't be able to cover much ground, since I only have less than 3 hours of drive time left for the day. Thus is the life of a truck driver.

But at least I got some Starbucks today.




- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 115 (Michigan Bound)

I picked this load up yesterday in Russellville, AR (a load of Butterball turkey) and shut down last night in Anna, IL, a small town at exit 30 off of I-57. It wasn't as far as I would have liked to get, but I schlepped around a little too long earlier in the day. I'm taking a quick break right now about 140 miles from my destination, which has a 0430 delivery time (I really don't like those early morning appointments), in order to get this post out before it get too late.

There was some pretty wicked weather last night, and apparently there is more going on right in at the yard in North Little Rock, though it's sunny with a bit of wind here where I'm at, just south of Fort Wayne. I may get some more storm weather, but, hopefully, by then I should be at my destination. One thing that can definitely lend itself to a guaranteed good night's rest is going to sleep to the sound of rain falling on the roof of the truck, while the blowing wind rocks the truck from side to side... and the truck is turned off, the therapeutic effect takes hold and won't let go - it's actually more relaxing the watching the snow fall. Then again, that's just my personal opinion, my observation.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 114 (Holiday Over, Back To Work)

My absence the past few days has been due to my being at home celebrating Passover, and I GREATLY appreciate those bloggers that stepped in as my proxy. In case you missed any of them, here they are again:

• Day 110 featuring Lauri Rottmayer
• Day 111 featuring Lori Flood
• Day 112 featuring Chrisinda Lukens
• Day 113 featuring Sarah Storer

Now I would like, if I may, to share with you what photos I took of our meal, which we partook of last Thursday. First, my wife, Michelle, made a little centerpiece bouquet from what she found out in our yard that day:







A few days before I made it home, I picked up a boneless leg of lamb (a nearly 4 lb cut), which, by the way, I did a little digging around online as far as how to cook one, since I had never done so before. With what I had uncovered, I felt pretty confident. Wednesday night, I put the lamb in a bowl, pierced it a few times, and covered it with lemon juice and rubbed it with freshly chopped garlic, covered the bowl, and let it sit overnight. The next day, I got the grill going and put the lamb on there long enough to sear the outside of it (and just enough to give it a charred taste). Once that was done, I put it in a pan, surrounded it with fresh green beans and baby onions, sprinkled a little more lemon juice on it, then covered it with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary:




Once it was finished, we then began our Seder (and since there was only three of us, that made the preparations that much easier).

When you read in Scripture the story of the ten plagues of Egypt (which is first laid out in Exodus 6, starting in verse 2), the plague of the death of the firstborn is where you will see the first documented Seder. The reason I point all this out is because our Seder was done very similarly to the Scriptural documentation (except we didn't put the lamb's blood on our doorposts), therefore, our lamb was "roasted by fire" and none was left over until morning. What I found rather interesting about the finished product was that the onions took on the lemon flavor, and the green beans absorbed some of the rosemary flavor:




Needless to say, it was a very festive Seder, and a very filling meal (which also included Matzo Ball Soup, and an Apple Kugel for desert), and absolutely great company!

The Road Scholar - Day 113 (Acting Masculine, Feeling Feminine - with guest blogger The Naked Redhead)

Today's guest blogger is Sarah Storer of The Naked Redhead, another great blog of recommendation. I will be back on doing business-as-usual tomorrow.

The Naked Redhead (TNR) writes under the assumption that life is more fun when you're honest (naked), when things are funny, and when people get together to try to do the Right Thing. 

Her writing has been featured on Smitten, Glamour magazine's relationships blog, and across the great series of tubes that homosapiens like to call the Internetz.  She attempts to blog under a moniker, because there's not too much she likes more than getting tons of traffic from people searching for porn.  (Her favorite search query to date is "gigundous boobies".)  

When she's not writing, TNR enjoys a good beer, a riveting book, a rousing conversation, and relishes the simple things in life, such as coffee, warm socks, and soft toilet tissue.  She has been seen on the stage and elsewhere (she was once cast in a reality TV show that featured, oddly, Joe Piscopo), performing improv, stand-up and other such nonsense, and loves nothing so much as hearing an audience laugh (preferably "with" and not "at").  She has two very quirky dogs (who are not, she says, NOT projecting their owner's personality. A-hem) and lives in Columbus, OH, which is quite possibly one of the coolest cities on the planet. Really.

I'm not sure what Doug was hoping for when he asked me to guest post. I'm sure he was hoping for some shenanigans. Today he gets a musing, instead. Thanks to you all for listening as I "soul puke."

The past six months have been a time of great change for me. I left my long-term, live-in relationship because I was drained of any and all capacity to give emotionally of myself anymore. We'd long stopped communicating in any helpful way to our relationship together, and I just reached a point where I knew we couldn't keep having the same fights over the same shit anymore if things weren't going to change.

So, I was done.

And with that doneness came freedom. And with that freedom came a new sense of independence. And with that independence came power.

Now, I'm not talking about being one of those take-no-prisoners career ladies, but I am talking about developing a sense of self where I know that if I put my mind to something, I can do it. In dating, that means I know what I want, and I know what I like, but I'm not necessarily overly analytical or picky. Instead, I'm quite relaxed about meeting and getting to know new people and I'm very, very laid back about where that journey may or may not go.

I assure you, this is a very different person that I used to be in the past. If a situation could have been over-analyzed, I'd be sure to put my Virgo sensibilities right on that shit and worry it like a dog with a bone.

But the problem is, this relaxed attitude gives me a bit of power. I often don't realize that I wield that power until far too late, and after feelings have been hurt.

In other words, in dating, I've become a dude. And I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Many, many of my smart, determined sisters have paved this path before me, fighting so that I could even know that I had the option to date a little like a dude. But to be sitting on the other side of the fence now...to have acted masculine, but to still feel feminine...well, that feels a bit like a conundrum.

Because it's hard realizing when you've unintentionally hurt someone. At least, for me it is. And it's hard knowing that I wouldn't (...or couldn't?) necessarily do anything differently to lead to the outcome of hurt feelings. And then it's hard because I wonder about the cost of my power, and I hope that it's worth it.

I think...well, I do think it's worth it. At least, at this point in my life I think so. There is something to be said for moving through your days knowing that the buck rests with nobody else but you, that your future is entirely in your own hands. I know we often say these things to ourselves, or hear them elsewhere...but to believe it? Well, it's a whole 'nother level.

I'm pretty sure I like this level. For now.

The Road Scholar - Day 112 (Boy, oh boy! - with guest blogger Chrisinda Lukens)

The guest blogger today is none other than Chrisinda Lukens of A Little Wicked and A Frantic Mom's Menu, a very gifted writer from Pennsylvania who's musings (and sometimes sudden mood swings) run the gamut - and are usually... well... as she puts it:

"Following along with my train of thought is a lot like watching one of those movies you need to watch a few times before you sort of get it."

The Road Scholar - Day 111 (Coming home - with guest blogger Lori Flood)

Today's guest blogger for The Common Voice is Lori Flood of shesawake.com. Lori is a writer that spends a great deal over-thinking things and under-doing chores... but it makes her happy. If she had her way, she would be the ruler of the universe (which could be a problem for me, as I am TRYING TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD... BWAHAHAHAHA... uh, sorry) and would have a battalion of minions to do her bidding.
And her laundry.
You can read her musings over at She's Awake, where she blogs in pajamas - because her minions have yet to appear (they may be held up by customs agents... after all, she does live in Canada, eh?).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So.

I've been given free reign to write whatever I want to write about as a guest blogger on my friend Doug's blog.  Heh. Silly Doug.  Doesn't he know how dangerous that could be?  I mean, really.  I could come in here and mess his shit up big time.

But I won't.
I won't because I like Doug.

I've liked Doug for a while now.  He had something going for him that made me partial to him in the first place.  You see, Doug's a Truck Driver.  And I have kind of a soft spot in my heart for Truck Drivers.  I have a great deal of respect for them, and for what they are forced to put up with on the roads and on the highways every day.

Of course, I don't mean that all Truck Drivers are wonderful people.  Because that would be a total lie.  I've met some real assholes that drive truck for a living, too.  I just choose to forget those ones.

I worked with Truck Drivers for a long time. Day in and day out, I spent more time with them than their families got to.  That's not easy.  It's not easy for them, and it's not easy for the ones that they leave at home.  And I didn't even work with guys that were away from home for nearly as long as Doug is.

I can only now truly understand just how difficult it is to be so far away from the ones that you love.

How the word 'home' has a whole new meaning when you aren't there.


I've learned a lot of things from the truck drivers that I have known over the years.  But one of the things that I remember the most is that they know what home means.  Home isn't just a place that you go, it's a place that lives inside you at all times.

Home isn't a place, it's a feeling.  Home isn't about where you hang your hat, it's about where you hang your heart. 


To everyone who isn't home; for anyone that longs to be home; and especially to those that are at home waiting, I dedicate this post to you.

The love that you keep in your heart will ensure that you will always have a home to be at home in.  And that the ones that you love will forever be there with you, even when they are miles away.

Thanks, Doug.

Welcome home.

The Road Scholar - Day 110 (Bartlesville brews - with guest blogger Lauri Rottmayer)

Today's guest blogger is Lauri Rottmayer, of Rott-i-tude.


Lauri Rottmayer is a marketing professional with many years experience. An enthusiastic woman with an entrepreneurial spirit and love of technology, Lauri is continually learning and growing in all areas that will help her be the best in everything she does. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Mrs. Oklahoma Pageant, an official state preliminary to the prestigious Mrs. International Pageant, while doing freelance graphic design and marketing.
A passionate community volunteer, Lauri serves on the board of theBartlesville Area Marketing and Communications Association and the Marketing Advisory Committee at Tri County Technology Center. She also serves on the Grassroots Action Committee for the American Heart Association and is very involved with the Go Red for Women movement. Near and dear to her heart is the work she does as a volunteer withGrace Hospice. Lauri is an accomplished public speaker, an avid reader and loves to dance.
Lauri has been married to her best friend, David, for 32 years and the couple has 3 sons: Brandon, Geoff and Ryan and a sweet boy dog, Rabi. (above excerpt lovingly and respectfully taken from her website). Thanks Lauri!

The Road Scholar - Day 109 (Home Sweet Home)

Well, I made it home late last night, and had a few errands to accomplish today, but all is done. As of this writing I am marinating a boneless leg of lamb with lemon juice, fresh garlic, and a few sprigs of rosemary on top. Tomorrow I will sear it on the grill for a little bit, then finish it off in the oven with some fresh baby onions (and a couple more sprigs of rosemary) and fresh green beans. One of things my wife and I had to get was some Mogen David wine (and we got 3 kinds - Concord Grape, Blackberry, and Pomegranate) - and when you live in a dry county, that can be a daunting task, as we have to drive about 40 minutes to the next wet county in order to make said purchase. After all the errands, we had mid-week service to attend, followed by our rehearsal for Sunday's Resurrection Service, for which I will be slamming the drums.

Wine chillin', lamb marinating, and the next task (and final for the night) is making the fresh prepared horseradish... and I do that late at night, so the fumes do not affect us in what we need to accomplish. Tomorrow: Matzo Ball Soup, Apple Kugel, and Passover Cake. For those of you that celebrate Passover, may yours be a joyous and festive one, filled with much laughter and many blessings! I shall return to the regular routine of blogging come Monday, but I will pop in through the next few days to offer introductions for the wonderful women who will be filling in for me - tomorrow's guest will be Lauri Rottmayer of Rott-i-tude.com.

Cheers!

The Road Scholar - Day 108 (The Clock Is Ticking)

I made it here to Memphis, TN nearly an hour before my appointment time, checked in, then waited... but not for long. At a little after 1600 I was called in to a door, where I now sit, getting unloaded as we speak (or more accurately, as I type and you read). I've already spoke with my fleet manager and I was informed that once I get empty, I am to go home (YAY!).

I've been out for 5 1/2 weeks, and I am most ready to go home. I don't usually stay out this long, but I extended my time out a couple times: the first time I extended a week to meet up with an old acquaintance (in which I was going to be in the group to pick up a baby grand piano that was being given to us as a donation for our congregation - unfortunately that plan fell through), and this last extension was so that I could be home for this current reason - to celebrate Passover (which began yesterday). I won't be able to stay home for Passover in its entirety, but at least I'll be there for the bulk of it.

I will post one more blog tomorrow, but as I mentioned a couple days ago (or, more specifically, Day 6, just in case it has slipped your mind), TCV will be run by some guest bloggers. Once again, here's the lineup:

April 21 (Day 110) - Lauri Rottmayer of rottitude.com

April 22 (Day 111) - Lori Flood of shesawake.com

April 23 (Day 112) - Chrisinda Lukens of A Little Wicked

April 24 (Day 113) - Sarah Storer of thenakedredhead.com

These are fellow bloggers, who's blogs I follow, but are much more epic at it than I am. I hope you enjoy their posts (but I will pop in on their respective post to give them, what I hope to be, a stellar introduction.

Blessings to you all!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 107 (Making My Way Closer To Home)

I was dispatched on my load at almost noon, but fortunately, it picks up almost 40 miles away. Unfortunately, it delivers to Kroger in Memphis. I say "unfortunately" because, as any other truck driver who has been there will attest to, it is NOT a pleasant place to deliver to: they are slow, rude, and a couple of the front gate security guards suffer from a superiority complex (here's a hint for them - you are a rent-a-cop, not the REAL thing... get over yourselves!).

But the good thing is, I will be that much closer to home. Though I am hoping for one more short run before going home, so it will help out the paycheck a little, but if not, I know that The L-rd will provide where it's needed. The weather here in Lockbourne, OH (just south on U.S. 23, from Columbus) is actually very nice: not too hot, with a pleasant breeze. Spring has sprung back, but I wonder for how long since Winter has been trying to hold on a little bit longer.

This load is actually not a very long run, only about 575 miles to be delivered by 1600 tomorrow. But once I get to Kroger, that may be a different matter... but we shall see. Either way (whether I get one more short run, or head right home after I get empty) I will be home for most of Passover, if not all of it. Plus I'm also pretty excited that next month, my brother, Larry, and family, will be coming out for a visit from Vegas. I've been trying for quite some time to get a load going out there to visit, even for just a few hours, but have not had much luck in that quest. He will be coming out with his wife, son, and my stepmom (all of which my family will enjoy seeing as well).

When they come, I've already promised I would make my "famous" Matzo Ball Soup and Challah Bread. There will be good times to be had!


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 106 (Just A Few More Days Until I'm Home)

I'm here in Jeffersonville, OH, just 12 miles from where I delivered yesterday, and where it appears I will be until tomorrow. But that is okay, as there are a few things I'm able to catch up on.

As I mentioned in Day 103, I will be taking a few days off for Passover, but during such time, this blog will not remain dormant. There will be some stellar bloggers taking the helm of TRS in my absence. Here is the lineup:

April 21 - Lauri Rottmayer of rottitude.com

April 22 - Lori Flood of shesawake.com

April 23 - Chrisinda Lukens of A Little Wicked

April 24 - Sarah Storer of thenakedredhead.com

If any changes occur in relation to the lineup, I will post said changes. All of these women have very excellent blogs of their own, and I am VERY honoured that they have agreed to take the reigns of TCV while I'm away.

Now it's time for coffee...

... and cheesecake!


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 105 (Go Away Rain)

I didn't quite make it to Indianapolis before I shut down last night, but I came close (about 12 miles). I finished the trip to Washington Court House, OH, a small town just south of Columbus, and I did not get preplanned on a load yesterday, so I may have to wait until Monday for my next run. But it works out alright, today is the Sabbath, so I'll relax when I get done here. I plan on heading to the Flying J, about 11 miles away, and get into a good Torah study.

There may have been a bit of rain, with more on the way, but that will make for good sleeping weather, not to mention the therapeutic effect the sound of rain falling on the truck creates. The subtle "tap, tap, tap" sound heard overhead always creates such a soothing, calming ambiance which, of course, induces the sleep rhythms into a deep state very effortlessly (and depending on what I may have eaten just an hour before, can also invoke some weird dreams - I wonder what kind of dreams I can get from eating cheesecake).


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 104 (Back To Work, But Only For A Few Days)

Left out this morning after 1 1/2 days of visiting my sister. Before I made my way back down to Olathe, KS, I ran a quick errand to make a deposit in the bank. Just recently, my youngest son, Nathan (whom is 16), told us that his Drama teacher is planning a trip that the entire class will be taking next year, during spring break. My wife and I are now putting money aside for this trip now, so his share of the trip will be paid for before then. You see, - and I am so jealous of this - his class will be going to New York City, during which they will be visiting various sites (I believe Ground Zero will be one of them), as well as attending two plays on Broadway. I guess it's my fault, really... since I was bitten by the "theatre bug" when I was younger, perhaps that "sickness" was passed on to him.

After I made said deposit (and grabbed a Starbucks), I made my way to Olathe, hooked up to the trailer my load was put on, then made my way east. As I head to Washington Courthouse, OH, I've run into sporadic bouts of rain, though at present, it still just looks overcast, as if the thunderstorms know it should get busy, but is just too lazy to put out full effort (it is Friday, after all). I'm bound & determined to, at least, get to Indianapolis before I shut down for the night, but no telling what weather awaits me before then. Besides, I just finished eating my half of the leftover Reuben sandwich from yesterday's lunch at d'Bronx (I had 1/2 a sandwich left, as did Denise - and she insisted I take both, to which there wasn't much protest on my part, as I like Reuben sandwiches).




By the way, d'Bronx was a pretty nice eatery, good atmosphere, reasonable prices, and, yes, tasty food. Which reminds me...

Did you hear about the new restaurant on the moon?

Great food... no atmosphere.

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 103 (Still In Kansas, Hopefully There's No Twisters)

I called Tyson earlier, but to no avail, since the load may not be ready until tomorrow, which works out for the better, since by the morning I will have a restart on my logbook. Today was very relaxing, just hanging out with my sister Denise (whom I haven't seen in a few years).

When I spoke to my wife, Michelle, last night, I told her I was visiting Denise, and that I may be going to IHOP (International House Of Prayer) today... which made her a little jealous, since that is the home congregation to one of our favorite Praise & Worship leaders, Misty Edwards. Denise and I went by there earlier, and I found out that at their 24 hour prayer room, Misty was going to be leading worship there from 1400-1600 (2-4 p.m.). Needless to say, I went back this afternoon, and the worship was, indeed, very deep and spiritually fulfilling. One of these days Michelle and I will have to make a trip up here so she can enter into a deep worship as I did today. I would have liked to talk to Misty Edwards afterwards, but being on a worship team myself, I understand the demands involved in ministry... but not the demands that come with the larger congregation that she's involved in - much larger congregation.

I will, however, be back to work tomorrow, making my way to Washington Courthouse, OH for Saturday afternoon (1730 ET, to be exact). On a side note: I will be absent for a few days this time next week, as it will be Passover. But there will be some excellent bloggers filling in for me during that time, and I will fill you in with the details a little later.




- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 102 (We're Back In Kansas, Toto)

I started this morning from Mt. Olive, IL, having parked outside a very quaint little restaurant called Crossroads Diner. On the outside it didn't look like much, but on the inside, it seemed as though it was snatched right out of the 50's.





In fact, it would have made for an ideal setting for a movie, had the story been written by Stephen King with the cast of Twin Peaks to star. All eerie ambiguities aside, it was a very cute place.

I set my estimated arrival time (which I had done last night) for 1600 today, which I made with 5 minutes to spare, despite the fact I had to take a detour (there was an accident on the westbound side of I-270, just before crossing the Mississippi River, with ALL lanes closed - therefore, I had to continue south into St. Louis, as opposed to west across the north end), and I hit the afternoon traffic on the south end of Kansas City (on the Kansas side). Even with those delays, I am now here in Olathe, KS. By the looks of it so far, I may have to wait until tomorrow to find out where I go next.

But all is good... I may not have Starbucks readily available, but I do have milk...

... and cheesecake.

I bless you, Adonai, my G-d (one of His many Hebrew names), for such a culinary delight!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 101 (Back In Chicago... For Now)

Unloaded in Columbia City, IN, made a stop in Merrillville, IN (groceries and Starbucks - not necessarily in that order), then up to Lake Station, IN to send in my paperwork and get the trailer washed out, now I'm in Chicago. I
have an old friend (from my Marine Corps days) that lives in Chicago, but, unfortunately here too, I won't be around here long enough to visit with him.

As you may have noticed, I know many people in many places, may it be friends, family, or other. If I didn't have to be in Olathe, KS by 1200 tomorrow, that would give me some time here to, perhaps, grab a bite to eat with Chris (and I'm sure if he reads this post, he will want to skin and roast "The Duck" for dinner). Chicago is one of those places that I've learned not to appreciate, but rather tolerate, as the experience of driving through this metropolis is enough to lead even the most patient of men over the edge of sanity, causing him to become a lawyer, or worse, a politician. This happens to be one of those cities that you either love or hate... though I am of the opinion that "hate" is a rather strong and brutal word, so in my case I shall say that I aberrantly detest coming to Chicago. If it wasn't for the fact I have a good friend that lives here, I would just as soon avoid it here altogether. It could be worse... I could be in Detroit. But I won't completely discount Detroit - they DO have a good hockey team (you hear that C.J.? The Redwings rule - The Penguins DROOL!!).

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 100 (I'm On My Way... But Not Home, Sweet Home)

I actually unloaded in Bedford, PA last night, and waited a few hours this morning until the CSR (Customer Service Representative, a.k.a. the cat whom finds our loads) got me my next load, which, as I mentioned yesterday, was a broker load. It picked up in Turtle Creek, PA, which is a suburb (one of many) of Pittsburgh. If I wasn't pushing to deliver this first thing in the morning, I would have tried to spend a few hours with one of my best friends (whom lives in Pittsburgh), unfortunately, I don't have such luxuries as much, since, as this company is transitioning all the trucks over to electronic logs, I'm working on a set schedule once I go "on the clock."

It may work out for my benefit, as I have just gotten a pre-planned load, that will pick up in Chicago tomorrow, which means that once I get unloaded in Columbia City, IN (just west of Ft. Wayne) in the morning, I'll have to jet the 137 miles, get loaded, then head to Olathe, KS (which is just south of Kansas City).

Who knows... I may just get a load back out of Olathe and head west, perhaps Salt Lake City, UT... but as soon as I find out, I will be sure to let you in - I promise. As for right now, I'm going to eat some Popeye's while listening to satellite radio (Dire Straits is currently talking about "Money For Nothing" on one of the classic rock stations).

"... I want my,
I want my,
I want my MTV..."


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 99 (Bedford Is Still Here)

I didn't make it to Jane Lew, WV as I hoped last night, it turns out I underestimated the distance, so I shut down in Nitro, WV instead... about 15 miles west of Charleston. I was able to squeeze into a parking spot and go to bed, then get up this morning and get a shower and top off the fuel.

I arrived at the Walmart Distribution Center here in Bedford 1 1/2 hours before my appointment time, where I am sitting right now waiting for them to put me in a door. The weather is mild (in the low 70's) and the sun is finishing off it last couple hours of work. At this point I'm not sure where I will be going next, I may have to wait until tomorrow, in which case - and more than likely - I may get dispatched on a broker load, since we don't have very many customers established out here yet. Either way, I hope it's a good run (Wisconsin or Minnesota would make for an adequate run).

This afternoon my youngest son did his final performance of Camelot for his school, unfortunately I am here.

Thus is the life of a truck driver.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 98 (Goodnight To Kentucky... Soon)

I didn't cover a lot of ground yesterday (only about 180), but that's alright, because I've until 2000 tomorrow night to make it to Bedford, PA. I'm presently in Glendale, KY (although Glendale, CA would be so much more fun to be in), and if all works out, I'll be able to get to Bedford around mid-afternoon and get together with a friend whom just happens to live in Claysburg - only 15 miles away.

For the most part, today's weather has been around the mid 80's, but it's now cooled down a little more. As i mentioned, I'm in Glendale, which is about 10 miles south of Elizabethtown, and THAT is about 30 miles south of Louisville... that should give you some idea of my general location. However, once I get to the south end of "E-town", I'll continue east, towards Lexington, then to West Virginia, etc., etc., etc. My current prediction is I will probably shut down in Jane Lew, WV (yes, that is the name of the town), giving me less than 300 miles left of this run.

The company I drive for (most specifically, the division I'm in) is really wanting the drivers to get their passports, since we now have a customer in Tulsa, OK with freight that goes into Canada. So, while I was at our terminal yesterday, I got the paperwork (application) for such, so the next time I get home, I'll have to get my birth certificate (and I actually have one, not to be confused with a "Certificate of Live Birth") for when I submit the application. Therefore, within the coming months, "The Road Scholar" series may take to the international stage... in a manner of speaking. Until that time comes I'll be preparing, by end all my sentences with "eh" (and I hope that @loripop326 doesn't get upset at me for that one), if you know what I'm talking "aboot" (nor for that one).


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 97 (Running Solo To PA)

Alan got his truck today, and, as of this writing, is getting his information (his first dispatch) written down... he is picking up in Dexter, MO, going home for a little bit, then delivering in Russellville, AR on Monday morning. As for me, I'm waiting on another truck to arrive in our terminal and taking his load to deliver Sunday evening in Bedford, PA.

It's been a slow day, but I've gotten a few things done. By the time the other driver gets here, I will have gotten a 34 hour restart on my logbook, which will work out pretty good for me. However, by the time I get unloaded, I will, more than likely, have to wait until Monday before I get my next load assignment. It's all good... tomorrow is the Sabbath, and, though I will be driving, I will thank and bless The L-rd for all He has given me, all He has blessed me with.

I will be getting home on the 20th and spend a few days of Passover, relaxing, reenergizing. By the time I get home I will have been out 6 weeks (not something I will make a frequent practice of, as I enjoy being home with my family). However, I plan on picking up a nice lamb roast and some horseradish root before I get home.

It's been fairly warm, with a moderate breeze here in North Little Rock today... I'm missing the winter weather already. It seemed as though the temperatures weren't cool enough, long enough... then again, that's just my opinion.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 97 (Farewell, Alan)

This morning we made our delivery early, and in the process I had the opportunity to chat with an old acquaintance, as well. Once the trailer was unloaded, Alan and I headed to the terminal (which was a whopping 16 miles away) so the he could take his final evaluation tests. He had to take a couple tests in order for the company to ensure that he understood what was expected of him AND to make sure that I was doing my job accordingly. This afternoon (out of sheer curiosity) I spoke with one of the instructors in the training center how Alan did, and I was told he did very well. Also, I wanted to know, not because I doubted my abilities as a trainer, but for self-validation - to ensure I was doing my job up to the company's standards and expectations.

Needless to say, Alan now has his own truck, and will meet his fleet manager (Monica - the same one I have) and get dispatched on his first load as a solo driver.

There are a total of six trainers in my division, and I happened to be the second driver to be one of those trainers. So far, there are two of those six whom have not had a student yet, which basically means, it may be a few more weeks before I get my next student. The company I drive for has been around for over 25 years, but they just started this (Temperature Controlled) Division just last May. It's been a slow road building up the fleet, as well as the customer base, so quite obviously, new drivers, fresh out of trucking school, are not exactly going to be swarming us. Besides, this company is organized enough to not bring in more students than trainers that are currently on hand.

So... Alan is now officially in his own truck - and his first as a professional driver - and because he no longer has to endure my antics, he will soon be able to have his sanity restored.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 96 (A Short Run, An Easy Day)

Unloaded in Joplin, MO this morning, ran down the road to fuel and wash out the trailer, then back up the road to load at Pillsbury... right across the street from where we unloaded. I'm one of those drivers that I prefer to load with a full tank of fuel, so a lot of problems can be avoided.

Hypothetical: let's say I go into a customer to load, with my tanks 1/2 full, and I scale after loading to find my total weight is 79,800. I would have no room for extra fuel (since 2 fuel tanks, at 100 gallon capacity each; diesel is about 8 lbs/gal x 100 gals = 800 lbs of extra weight). However, if I go in, get loaded, and my gross weight is over 80,000 lbs (with a full tank of fuel, and I bring back a certified scale ticket as proof), then the customer HAS to remove enough product to get me within legal limits.

Joplin is a nice little city, just a few miles from the OK state line, and a little more than 150 miles south of Kansas City. One of Joplin's notable residents, at one time, was baseball legend Mickey Mantle, and was also the birthplace to actor Dennis Weaver, most noted for his police drama series McCloud.

As I mentioned earlier, we loaded at Pillsbury. To be quite honest, this is the type of facility that truck drivers like best. We got there, parked, checked in, backed into the dock and got loaded, then went down to the truck stop and scaled out - all within 1 hour! Places like that really help us to make the most of our drive time; very little wait time = maximized productivity. Would I go there again? In a New York minute! Once we get empty tomorrow, we'll be heading to the yard so Alan can get processed out of the training program and get his own truck. Granted, the delivery is only going to Little Rock, but that allows for some extra leisure time: sit down and eat, relax at a Starbucks (where else?), etc.

In fact, I think I hear a Mocha Marble Machiatto calling my name!

Yep, that's what that sound was!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 95 (What Was I Thinking?!)

After perusing the last couple weeks worth of posts, I'm thinking of (if you'll pardon the pun) shifting gears and taking a different route with this blog. There's even the option (though I'll still wait a few more months) of aborting this whole effort, due to the fact I know absolutely about promoting/marketing, which, as I've seen from other blog posts I've read, does play a key role in generating traffic, hence, a successful blog.

Perhaps I was being a bit delusional in thinking I could blog about being a truck driver, since, as has become apparent, many don't care about what a truck driver does (or endures) on a daily basis (if you want to know what many people think of truck drivers, just bring that topic up in conversation... chances are, most opinions will be negative). I'll admit, there are a lot of prime specimens of the low class lot that permeate this industry, but there are a few of the respectful professionals (myself being one) that get a bad rap because of the rest. I tried to carry this blog in a way to shed a little light that we're not all dirtbags.

I don't know what I expected from doing this blog... perhaps I was having delusions of grandeur. I really enjoyed writing when I was younger, at least I could find people to read it - and a select few I could count on to be honest... brutally honest. However, it's hard to gauge (amid all this technology) where you rate in your own writing abilities when your blog is posted online, then tweeted, only to have little to no feedback... other than the usual handful of friends & family that already read it.

So how can I shape this better?

Advice?

Comments?

A fond "farewell"?


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 94 (Why Are Chicken Plants So Slow To Load?)

Our delivery was made this morning in Lenoir City, TN, then we went 7 miles up the road to the Flying J on the west end of Knoxville to send in the paperwork. Our next load picked up in Morristown, where we STILL are. This customer has us back into a door at 1515, where we have been sitting for nearly 2 1/2 hours with no movement in our trailer (no movement = not loading). Sometimes I wonder if these chicken plants book loads on chickens that are still in the growing stages. The rain has been off & on, and the skies still look, shall we say, a trifle unfriendly.

This load is bound for Joplin, MO, but still unsure if we are to route through Little Rock, AR so Alan can get his own truck. At least he is seeing this job isn't always "peaches & cream", that occasionally there's a jam thrown in.

Looking in the distance, as dusk begins to segue in, the skies look as though they are plotting a tempest for tonight... one I wouldn't particularly want to be around for.




- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 93 (The Start Of A New Week)

Today is another relaxing day, but tomorrow could be hectic (it could also be fairly uneventful, too). It's showing to be about 55° here right now. It's a nice day, one that would be awesome to enjoy in California (can you tell I miss it out there?). Now that I have a restart on my logbook, I may head to Super Target and browse through the shops nearby, even get a Mocha Marble Machiatto from Starbucks.

I've always been fond of the northern states, even the north east, mainly because it's, generally, cooler. Although I have ALWAYS liked it out west much better. I was born and raised in S. Florida, but dry heat is more bearable (much more bearable) than humidity. Granted, it's more expensive to live out west - though I would like to know who it is that determines property value, and why they are making 6 figures a year to tell us that one state is more expensive to live in than others - but it's still where I would much rather be.

I wonder if my wife and I could qualify to get a loan and purchase that $49K condo in central California, then when our youngest son moves out, sell our current house and head back to Cali?

Just a thought...

... and a dream...

... a wish, even.

The Road Scholar - Day 92 (Another Beautiful Sabbath)

It's nice to have an office with a view... at least, my version of it. I'm still here, just west of Knoxville. Since the delivery appointment was changed to Monday, Alan and I are parked (in a good spot, I might add) at a truck stop getting a 34 hour restart on our logbooks, actually there are three truck stop here: Petro (where we are), across the street is a T/A, and across the interstate there is a Flying J. There's also a moderate variety of food to choose from: Popeye's, Pizza Hut, and Burger King (all at T/A); Iron Skillet (Petro); Denny's (Flying J); and, of course, all three have the usual "grab-and-go" selections you would usually expect at any gas station/convenience store (hot dogs, etc.).

But I've taking advantage of this downtime to get into my study of the Torah (after all, it IS the Sabbath). No matter what the weather may be, whether it's nice out (as it is today), snowing, or even if I'm in the middle of the California or Arizona desert, I'm always amazed by the beauty of my G-d's creation.







I'm very grateful for days like this, where I take advantage of the time at hand, as opposed to taking it for granted, which is something we all find ourselves doing daily. In our hectic & busy daily lives, we should - at the very least - clear our schedules for at least 1/2 a day, just to slow down and catch our breath.

I dare you to try it: 1/2 a day with nothing to do, completely unplugging from work related tasks.

Then talk about how it felt.

I dare you!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 91 (Congratulations, Redhead!)

We didn't make the delivery appointment on time today, so it was rescheduled for Monday morning, which kind of stinks, but at least Alan and I can get a restart on our logbooks. It works out well, since the Sabbath begins tonight, I'll be able to really dive into study and worship The Lord and be thankful for this downtime.

Things like this happen... it's all part of the job (you can add any other cliché that you wish, as well, here).

However, there is some rather cool news I've recently learned. Last month (I think it was last month) I was honored with the opportunity to write a guest post on another's blog. Even though I'm using Blogger more exclusively than WordPress (I'm slowing phasing that blog site out), it was a wonderful experience to write a post on The Naked Redhead's site. But the latest news is... well, you can read her latest post for yourself (and it is a great post). In the time I've dabbled with Twitter, and since I've begun blogging, I've met some truly amazing people, from all over the world (more commonly here in the U.S. and the U.K.), and Redhead is absolutely among them.

I pray you will be blessed beyond measure, TNR!


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 90 (90 Days? Really?!)

It's hard to believe I've been doing this series for 90 straight days (so far). By the end of this year, I'll probably say the same thing then (except 365 will replace 90).

Alan and I stopped at the yard in Madison, IL, which is right next to East St. Louis, IL (and I'm sure I don't need to say that's right across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, MO... but I just did!) and took take of a few things: shower, laundry, shopping, and, of course... Starbucks (my first stop in a week). The good thing is, we don't have to go through St. Louis tonight, since today is the season opener for The Cardinals.

Presently we are continuing our trip to Lenoir City, TN. I was hoping we would be getting Alan back to Little Rock tomorrow so he could get his own truck, but that may not happen until next week. He's a little bummed, as am I, but in this line of work, you have to learn to adapt, as things change quickly. For example, I once had a load with 3 stops: Los Lunas, NM, Casa Grande, AZ, and Riverside, CA - ALL Walmart Distribution Centers. Well, the Riverside drop cancelled part of the order... while it was en route! It's one thing if it hadn't shipped yet, but I was making the Arizona drop when they cancelled the order for 4 pallets of product. In my opinion, that is too much power they have been given... but what do I know, I'm just a measly consumer.

What are your thoughts?

Am I overreacting?

Am I off base?

Should I NEVER go more than 4 days without Starbucks?



- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 89 (This Load Is A Piece Of Cake - LITERALLY!)

We were sent our next load assignment just before noon to pick up a load at Dolly Madison Bakery (yes, that Dolly Madison) in Emporia, KS. I would have really liked to have gotten this load dispatched sooner, then we could have covered more ground by now. This load has two drops: one in Moberly, MO (just west of St. Louis), and it finishes off in Lenoir City, TN (just west of Knoxville), with a whopping grand total weight of less than 14,000 lbs.

Moberly's drop is due in the morning, which is why I would have wanted to be dispatched sooner; we could have gotten loaded, down the road, and shut down earlier than the predicted 2200 that we are presently looking at. That, and I may have had some time to visit my sister in Kansas City. After we deliver Friday morning, I'm really hoping that we will get sent through the N. Little Rock yard, so Alan can get processed out of the training program and get his own truck.

Out here in Kansas, where we're about 50-70 south of Kansas City, there appears to be a battle raging between winter and spring; spring is vying for control of the weather, but winter isn't ready to go into hibernation yet. Though, judging by the tweets I've been seeing in my twitter stream, it seems that people are ready for spring to assume control... but I'm rather enjoying this cool weather!


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 88 (Subway Or Chester's Chicken? Maybe Some Noodles.)

We left out of Mt. Pleasant, TX at 0815 and are making our way to Enid, OK, and so far, the weather has been rather bleary, to say the least. Though I still see it as a beautiful day, because The Lord has provided another day for me.

We got to the customer just before 1500, got unloaded, now we are sitting at the Love's truck stop in Tonkawa, OK, and we may not get our next load until tomorrow. It's just as well, since I've got a headache right now, probably just pressure from the cold/overcast weather.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Hopefully Starbucks.

That would be nice.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 87 (Oklahomaaaa, O.K. - I Guess)

We unloaded this morning in Longview, TX, and are now sitting at a chicken plant (NOT Tyson), waiting to pick up a load bound for Enid, OK, though the 0700 delivery tomorrow we will not make. This is due to, as I've mentioned in previous posts, us being out of hours in accordance with the "14 hour rule" as established by the Department Of Transportation, a.k.a. DOT.

In a few more days, Alan will be processed out of the training program and his status changed from "student" to "driver", and he will be getting assigned a truck. I think he will do well, as long as he keeps his current level of caution.

I sit here looking across the street and I see a chicken wandering through the trailer drop lot, possibly plotting its next phase of the impromptu escape, one that was suddenly "hatched" out of opportunity. It reminds me of a time, several years ago (and at a Tyson plant in NC) when Michelle saw a loose chicken. She ran after it, trying to chase it off the property, shouting, "Run away! Run away! Save yourself" - very similar to Eric Idle in Monty Python & The Holy Grail, except he was running away... from a rabbit.

Aaaah, the funny memories we have, and the odd situations of life that trigger them!


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 86 (In Texas, Is It Still Called "Texas Toast" Or Just "Toast"?)

This morning we started from Fairview, TN and continuing to make our way to Longview, TX. Alan got some good experience yesterday - we had some snowfall coming through the Louisville area, big flakes I might add. It wasn't exactly a heavy fall, much like what is commonly seen in Denver, CO or Cheyenne, WY, but it was uncommon, since it was Kentucky in mid-March.

These last 2 weeks he has seen a bit of the real environment I have endured all these years - rude, inconsiderate, and self-centered driver... especially from fellow truck drivers. The good thing is, he remains undeterred from continuing in this line of work (we all have to support our families, right?).

This trip will find us making our way through Texarkana, a city that, like Kansas City, is on a state line and covers two states (Texarkana is in Texas & Arkansas; Kansas City is in Kansas & Missouri). I was hoping we would make it into Longview tonight, but our logbook hours won't allow that plan to come to its fruition, so we'll have to finish it up in the morning.

In just a few more days I'll be dropping Alan from my truck and he'll be getting his own, then I'll go home for a few days. I may have a new student by then, and the cycle will begin anew... or there may not be any students.

I'll find out.

Sooner or later.

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 85 (Texas, Anyone?)

The appointment time to load today was for 1400 (ET), but we got it loaded and on the road before 1100 (ET), so that is a plus (or in the words of Charlie Sheen, we are #winning!). Alan backed the truck into the dock, and did quite well... plus, it also helped that he had room to work with.

The next couple days will be busy, as we only have our logbook hours that we pick up each day to work with - not much spare time to play with. My goal is to get us into Longview, TX on Sunday, then we can have our full day of hours to work with first thing on Monday.

Sitting in the passenger seat offers a different view (and different perspective) of the road, but it also allows more of a chance to look around at the passing terrain (though to be going through New Mexico or Arizona while in this seat would offer some great photo opps. It will be a lot greener here in OH in about another month and a half, unlike now:




The company I drive for, hopefully, will be getting more freight going west, so I can post those shots... until then, not much by way of mountainous photography.

Bummer!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 84 (Wooster? What's In Wooster)

The Nestlé load we had didn't make it to Bedford Heights, OH by 0800 (we ran out of hours), so the broker that we got the load from had it rescheduled for 2000. However, it got unloaded about 3 1/2 hours early (which is good), so Alan drove us here in Wooster, OH, where we will pick up our load tomorrow afternoon, though we are hoping to get it loaded early as well. This load will take us to Longview, TX, which delivers Monday.

Today, I have moved Alan into the 3rd phase of his training. What that means is he will be doing it ALL - the only thing I will be doing is observing. For this third week, it will be as if I'm not in the truck... he will do all the paperwork, route planning, calling customers for directions, etc; basically, I'm just getting him fine-tuned and prepared to go solo: his own truck. Although, I have informed him that once he goes out in his own truck, I am still just a phone call away, should he have any questions. Three weeks could never give you even a majority of "real world" scenarios that one may encounter as a truck driver. These last 2 weeks, Alan has seen many types of situations he may encounter, but still has barely scratched the surface. In the 10+ years I've driven, there is still something I encounter that I haven't dealt with before.

I think he will do well. Only time, and experience, will refine his skills and abilities that three weeks cannot.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 83 (Cleveland Doesn't Rock - It Just Wobbles)

Alan and I are still here on the west side of Allentown, but now we are getting loaded at Nestlé with product delivering tomorrow morning in Bedford Heights, OH, a suburb city of Cleveland. I had Alan back into the dock door, which posed a bit of a challenge for him, since there are trailers just across from the dock doors, not to mention the trailers in the doors on either side of us. But he did pretty well. I was outside spotting for him since he had not done anything like this before, but he took it in stride, and did a pretty good job.

Though it's less than 400 miles to Bedford Heights, the longer they take to load us - and as of this writing, they haven't started - the longer this night could be.

Last night was nice, though, because while we were in the truck stop, it snowed - and it was pretty watching it come down. There wasn't very much, but it was enjoyable watching it fall. The Weather Channel called for a rain/snow mix last night (which it did), and snow today (which has yet to show itself).

Maybe snow tonight.

Maybe not.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 82 (It Was 20 Years Ago Today... )

Yes, it was 20 years ago today, but there was no Sgt. Pepper, nor any band... but there were lonely hearts (two to be exact). As I promised in the third paragraph of my Day 76 blog post, this is a special blog, dedicated to my soulmate & best friend, Michelle.





On this day, two decades ago, Michelle and I met - 1 week after I returned home from Operation Desert Storm, and 1 week before I would propose to her, though I had never met her until this day... well, not this day, but this very date, minus twenty years... you get the picture.

The young woman whom had introduced us was Christina. I had met Christina through her sister Caroline, in fact, I had known that family for about 5 years (Caroline and I met doing community theatre together, and had become really good friends).

The day Michelle and I met, I had spoke with Caroline and they were having a get-together for Christina's birthday. My car was temporarily out of commission, so they picked me up at a music store (where I picked up a few cd's) and brought me to the house. When I agreed to go, that's when Tina (Christina) began her plotting, because Michelle, at that time, was separated from her husband, and Tina had told her about this "really nice guy she HAD to meet." When Michelle arrived, I was chillin' in the den, while Tina was telling her that the "really nice guy" was there (though at that time, Michelle was adamant against meeting ANY men). When I walked into the front room, Michelle was bent over, looking through my bag of cd's. "Love & Rockets? Skinny Puppy? Frank Zappa?! Who listens to Frank Zappa?!" she asked, in disbelief. I replied, "What's wrong with Frank Zappa?" When she stood up and turned around, our eyes locked... and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.

We have had our share of rough times (and we sometimes wonder if somebody else pawned off their share on us as well), but The Lord has helped us through EVERY time. We've learned to put our faith & trust in Him, and I continue, to this day, to thank Him for bringing Michelle into my life. The other day on the phone, she asked why I sounded so excited, and I told her it was because I was talking to her.

"You really need to get a life" she said.

I replied, "You are my life!"

I love you, Michelle, and I think we should go another 20... thousand years together...

Whadaya say?


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 81 (There's No "Panic On The Streets Of London" - Ohio, That Is)

We started off this morning from Strafford, MO and are now shut down in London, OH... a total of 612 miles away, 305 of those were driven by Alan. Tomorrow we will finish this trip, plus I have my special blog post to put up (I've given a few teasers in the past).

As of right now, we only have about 461 miles left on this run, and where we head to next is unknown. Obviously it's been a full day, and one that has been fueled by not one, but TWO visits to Starbucks - how cool is that (yay, me)! Tomorrow I will make a call to the customer we are delivering to, in the hopes they allow for overnight truck parking on their property, which I hope they do as it makes things a lot more convenient.

We shall see!


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 80 (Well We're Heading Out To Allentown - Yes, Another Song Reference)

It's Monday, the day is over, and we've been given the bird again... turkeys this time. Alan (my student - for any new readers) and I are taking a load of Butterball to PA. Today, one of the instructors at our company's training center was checking up to see how Alan was doing, to which I informed Mike that Alan was doing quite well.

At our company, any new student that gets on a truck with a trainer, must be out at least 3 weeks before getting their own truck and going solo. If that trainer is still not comfortable with the student's abilities, they can keep them out another week or two. With what I have seen, I don't think I'll have to keep Alan for more than the required minimum time frame. I have been pretty impressed, and, basically, all I'll be doing for his last week is fine-tuning. One thing that helps a trainer is when the student is not arrogant, as most younger people are. Alan, being slightly older that I, is neither arrogant, cocky, nor a "know-it-all." These next (less than) two weeks will be to help him to find a routine that is beneficial to HIS success; a pattern that will help him to remember all that is required, until it becomes to him as it is to me: second nature.

I'm quite sure of this...

... and I'm never wrong - I may not always be right, but I'm never wrong.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 79 (Monday, Monday - Blah, Blah... Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah)

Tomorrow is Monday, another delivery (this one at 5 in the morning)... I really don't like these early morning deliveries. Alan and I stopped at our yard in N. Little Rock and got a shower, did our respective laundry and I took care of some other business that needed tending to. We got here in Clarksville still before sunset. What tomorrow will bring, as far as our next load (or anything else, for that matter) is still undetermined. The good news is... I got some Starbucks!

Now that the weekend is over, there is another week before us, plus we have to worry about regaining a few hours on our logbooks. Though I think we may have to shut down somewhere and try to get a restart (which I think would be our best bet).

Tonight it's kind of cool, not cool enough for my liking, then again, you know my preference.

Did I mention that I get Starbucks today?

Carpe Java!!
(Seize the coffee)


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 78 (Going To Clarksville, But Not On The Last Train)

For those of you that are not well versed in pop culture/music, my parenthetical title was a reference to an old song by The Monkees; for those that did catch the reference... well... your age is showing (just kidding).

I'm sitting in Franklin, KY, just 1 1/2 miles north of the TN state line, and about 40 miles from Nashville. There are still quite a few miles to cover, but I'm hoping tomorrow is not a long day. Alan has been doing well, but I'm beginning to reconsider this whole trainer thing. The way I see it, if I'm going to be scrutinized so harshly, then why bother? I'd be better off just being a regular driver.

In the philosophic words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I'm gonna say about tha-yat!"


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 77 (Can I Get A "Do Over" Please?)

The long and short of it: this has been a day I'd rather not repeat, nor really go into tonight. Let's just suffice to say it's been a bad day.

Perhaps I'll go into detail tomorrow.

... or not.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 76 (And Tyson Is So Great Why?!)

We got here just before lunch and security had us drop the trailer in the lot. We had one load preplanned, it cancelled, then this one, which delivers tomorrow morning in Washington Courthouse, OH - which the trailer is still not loaded.

I've said it before, I'll said it again: I detest dealing with Tyson!

Today is St. Patrick's Day, and it's hard to believe that 20 years ago today I was leaving from Kuwait and heading back to Camp Pendleton, CA, just 2 weeks after the cease-fire was called on Operation Desert Storm. It still doesn't seem that long ago... yet, 20 years ago today, I had no idea what would be in store - and YOU will find out what exactly that it, but you'll have to wait until the 23rd (hint: something happened that would forever change my life for the better).


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 75 (You Just Might Be A Truck Driver Yet, Kemosabe)

A lot of progress has been made by Alan today... Sunday (his first actual day of driving with me) he drove 195 miles, today he covered 410 of the 553 we covered. As any truck driver will attest to, it takes time to build up your driving stamina & endurance. It's no easy task to condition oneself to drive several hundred miles per day, not to mention the multitude of other tasks you must attend to with each load; route planning, time management, customer directions, and fuel stops along the way are just a few.

By the third week, I should be doing nothing more than sitting, observing, and fine-tuning... Alan should be doing it all as if it's his truck and he's the only person in it - so far he's off to a pretty good start.

We would have already been at the customer's facility, except Knoxville road crews decided to reduce the east bound side of I-40 from 3 lanes of traffic to one - DURING RUSH HOUR! That in itself delayed us enough to have to shut down 80 miles away (we ran out of hours).

It happens... we'll go at it again tomorrow.

The Road Scholar - Day 74 (You Are Doing Well, Young Jedi)

We finished our trip to Horn Lake, MS, which Alan drove the last 200 miles. I also had him back the trailer into the dock door, just to see how he performed... and my analysis can only be summed up in the words of Darth Vader: "impressive... most impressive." While the trailer was getting unloaded, I spoke with Patrick (another friend and fellow truck driver) and jokingly told him that Alan backed a trailer better the him.

After the trailer got unloaded, I drove us up to Matthews, MO, where we got fuel and showers (NOT together), then finished our journey to Dexter, MO, where our Wilkesboro, NC load was not only ready, but preloaded on one of our spot trailers (rather efficient for Tyson). We are now back in Matthews, where we parked for the night.

Seeing the influx of trucks trying to get the last remaining parking spots reminds me of some of the outlying areas of California, where trucks, there too, are scattering about trying to shut down for the night. Two such places would be Mojave (between Bakersfield and Barstow) and Lost Hills (about 120 miles north of L.A.). I've always liked parking in areas like that because there is a certain amount of isolation, away from the cacophonous cities. A place to look up at the sky, and even, in the summer months, feel the warm breeze blowing across the desert floor. Depending on where I'm at, even here the rustling of a lone tumbleweed as it makes its way, aimlessly, through the California tundra.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 73 (Another Day)

Unloaded in Indianapolis this morning, waited 1 1/2 hours, reloaded in Indianapolis (which took a couple hours - they were behind) and Alan (my student) and I are heading to Horn Lake, MS... which is basically a suburb of Memphis, TN. It's due at 0700, but it's not going to make it, as we ran out of hours.

It's all good, though... 18 pallets of corn starch. He got a little more driving time in, this time in the rain (yay, him). He handled it pretty good. Maybe tomorrow I'll put him through a rougher task - driving through Memphis.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 72 (Not Bad At All, Grasshopper)

Left this morning from Rogers, AR, made it all the way to Indianapolis, IN without a hitch. I got us through St. Louis into Illinois and stopped at the first rest area on the eastbound side of I-70, where Alan "got his feet wet" for a while. He drove all the way to the rest area just before Indy. 195 mile stretch and he did pretty good, considering that's the longest leg he's driven in a big truck, in one sitting. There's still 3 weeks with me he has to complete, but I think his progress will come along quite well.

I like what he said earlier when he told me he wants to make this training period "as boring for me as possible." Now that's a positive outlook (meaning he wants to do well... VERY well).

We kick this stuff off tomorrow morning, but no idea just yet where we'll be off to next. After all (in the words of Scarlett O'Hara) tomorrow is another day.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 71 (Indianapolis Bound)

Left out this morning and picked up my student today. Alan lives in Missouri, used to be in construction, and seems laid back and eager to do the best he can as a truck driver. I don't claim to be a good judge of character, but The L-rd has given me a sense of discernment - and in Alan's case, my initial observation is that he will do well at this.

In order to help him in this new venture, I did the driving here to Rogers. Tomorrow he'll get some time behind the wheel. There will be updates on his progress in the next few weeks.

Baby steps...

After all, it worked for Bill Murray (watch the movie What About Bob?). I'm quite sure Alan won't take as long.

Tomorrow will be a full day, so, for now, I bid you goodnight.

... And don't forget to set your clocks ahead.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar -Day 70 (So Much For The Weekend Off)

Got the dreaded task of having a tooth pulled today. I'm glad I got it over and done with, but what stinks is I'm going to have to go back out on the road tomorrow. I'll head to Little Rock, to our yard, to pick up my first student, then head up to Rogers, AR to pick up a load going to Indianapolis, IN, for Monday morning. Monday was actually the day I was planning to head out.

I'm getting ready for bed, bearing with the mild post-op pain. wondering what direction to go into (I think this is what is referred to as "writer's block"). But today did turn out pretty exciting, as I was a guest blogger on The Naked Redhead ... and I must say, I'm quite honored that I had that opportunity.

The Road Scholar - Day 69 (My T.V. Room Is Complete - Almost)

Long and busy, but enough of Emeril's chef's knife. I (mostly) emptied the entertainment center, disassembled it then reassembled it in its new location. Most of the stuff from the shelves is at least in the room, just not put away yet, as I need to reorganize (records, dvd's, etc.). Then the matter of relocating the cable cord, moving a sofa into said room, then moving another sofa upstairs from the garage.

Needless to say, I'm tired... and I see the dentist tomorrow (boo!). At least I don't have to talk for blogging.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 68 (It's Nice To Relax)

It's been a nice day, just spending time with my best friend. Friday is getting closer (dentist appointment), and I'm getting a little nervous. I'll probably going to get my first student next week - more details to come...


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 67 (I Agree With Dorothy - There's No Place Like Home)

I am now at home! I probably would have have made it in last night, but I ran out of hours (legal driving time - and when the log book is electronic, it's rather hard to cheat the system), but I made it home. I met up with the other driver, we swapped trailers, and now he is on his way to Conklin, NY.

However, I did find out this morning that TCD (Temperature Controlled Division - the division I'm in) has 5 trainers (me being one of them), and there is one student in orientation this week, with 4 more slated for next week. So, by the end of next week, I will probably have my first student... unless they don't make the cut in orientation.

In the mean time, I'll have some things here at home to take care of: dentist, move the entertainment center into the recently vacated room (a.k.a. music room... and I think I will initiate it by playing some Steely Dan... or Café Jaques... or Brand X... or The Thompson Twins...

We'll see...


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 66 (Almost Home)

Delivered in Arlington... blah, blah, blah... yakkity schmakkity. Arlington to Ft. Worth, TX to here in our terminal in North Little Rock, AR. I was fortunate enough to get out of the D/FW (Dallas/Ft. Worth) area before traffic got bad, and in many places in that area, it's not hard. Take, for example, I-35, which splits in two just south of Denton and rejoins just less than 40 miles north of Waco. I-35E runs through Dallas (a total of about 97 miles), I-35W through Ft. Worth (86 miles). Once I-35W intersects with I-820, on the north end of Ft. Worth, that interchange is known as "Malfunction Junction" (and I'm sure no further elaboration is needed). But that interstate split is not unique in just Texas, as that same interstate (I-35) also repeats that I-35E/I-35W split for Minnesota's Twin Cities (I-35E through St. Paul, I-35W through Minneapolis).

I must admit, since becoming a truck driver, I have learned more about American geography than I recall ever learning in school... or maybe I just didn't pay attention in school.

Tomorrow I will be meeting up with another driver and giving him this New York load. I don't really want to give it up because it has good miles, but I don't want this tooth bothering me either, so I'll give up the miles. It will all work out in the end, The L-rd ALWAYS knows what He's doing - even when we don't (and that's the majority of the time - at least for me).


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 65 (Not "Deep In The Heart" Of Texas - More Like The Shoulderblade)

I made it to Arlington, TX at a relatively decent time, PLUS I was able to stop for Starbucks, then Carl's Jr. For those who may not know of the latter, it is the company that bought out Hardee's many years ago. Carl's Jr. is usually in TX, OK and all points west. The food is basically the same, but Carl's Jr.'s signature items (i.e. The Six Dollar Burger, and all it's different variations) are exclusively Carl's Jr.'s. It's something to do with territories and/or regions (the same thing with Hellman's Mayonnaise - when you get west of the Rockies, it's Best Foods Mayonnaise).

Once I get this unloaded, I will head to Ft. Worth to pick up a load bound for Conklin, NY, a load I won't be taking all the way, as I am getting home this Thursday, and a dentist appointment on Friday.

The temperature is very mild (48°), the traffic wasn't that bad coming down - I seen it MUCH worse on a Sunday. Basically, it's true: everything in Texas IS bigger... including the traffic jams (which I will have to deal with tomorrow, something I look forward to with as much enthusiasm as my upcoming tooth extraction).


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 64 (I'm Just An Okie From Muskogee... Ok, Not Really)

This has been a peaceful & relaxed day, as well it should be - it's the Sabbath. I started today from Madison, IL. Before I left from there, I was running low on milk, so I took the company vehicle into St. Louis, about 5 miles away, where they not only had milk, but it was Oberweis brand, which means it's milk in glass bottles. The place I went to, which is a common market chain in the St. Louis area, is called Schnuck's, but since it's located in the downtown part of S.L., it's designed in a more upscale motif (therefore it's called "Schnuck's Culinaria"). I was hoping another one of our drivers came along so he could have driven, and I could have collected a few pictures for you. Instead, I got just one:




Like this really surprises you, right?

Out across I-44, and into Joplin, MO, where I stopped to top off the fuel tanks (they do need attention sometimes). After I left there, I continued on, into OK, to Muskogee, where I am presently. Muskogee (sounds like the name for a bad smelling aftershave) is about 48 miles SE of Tulsa, and approximately 150 miles east (with a slight jog to the north) of Oklahoma City. It's a fairly decent sized city... big enough to warrant the ability to rock a 3G on AT&T. It's quiet here right now, and chilly (30°). No worries... I hope to rest nicely, and kick out these last 260 miles tomorrow. The depressing thing today is that my phone continues to be useless as a phone without my headset, and I have been unable to talk to my angel, but I got to hear her voice, along with an exchange of texts, but it's still not the same.

Let's see what the new day brings... maybe Starbucks...

... Please?

... Anyone?

... Beuller?

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 63 (Goodbye, Chicago - Until Next Time... Maybe)

Well, I finally got the chicken unloaded (and got a 34 hour restart in the process), got some Starbucks (like that's a big surprise), and travelled about 9 miles - still in Chicago - to put some MORE chicken on, but this time I'm going to Arlington, TX. Many people already know where Arlington is, thanks due to this last Super Bowl. For those that don't, here you go: Arlington is a city/suburb tucked in between Dallas and Ft. Worth... actually it's more accurate to say that Arlington is more like an extension of Dallas, since, if you've ever been through the area, the suburbs basically don't exist inside "The Mixmaster" (the interstate loop circling Dallas/Ft. Worth). But I digress...

The timing to get loaded and leave Chicago couldn't have been more perfect - almost 1700 (note the sarcasm?). It was a few miles north on Ashland Ave. to get to I-55 south, only to run into this:




It took about 2 1/2 hours to cover 90 miles, between the traffic and the rain. The traffic let up south of Joliet - about 35 miles - but the rain... well, that's another story. It let up to a mild drizzle two, maybe three, times... otherwise - free car wash! I'm done for the night, having parked at our terminal in Madison, IL (3 miles north of E. St. Louis, IL). I have until Monday to make it another 600-650 miles, so I may be able to get a few good pictures. In the mean time: Shabbat Shalom!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 62 (Chicago? Still?!)

I am still here in Chicago. As it turned out, the distributor I'm delivering to didn't have room for the chicken I brought in, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to get unloaded. I did, however, get to walk around the general vicinity a bit, including this place, which may be familiar to you all:








Yep, just a few blocks away from where I deliver. There were a variety of different eating establishments as well, including a place call Alhambra Palace (a Moroccan restaurant):







Their Lamb Tagine was pretty good:







... though I have to admit, not as flavorful as I expected... then again, I didn't really know what to expect. I'm sure whenever I get a clay Tagine cooker, I could probably do better (not to brag, but my sons - even in their pre-teen years, when they are most picky - rarely complained about my cooking).

There were some nice photo opportunities I seized upon, such as Randolph Rd., facing east toward the I-90/94 expressway:







Other than that, it's been rather uneventful. Fortunately, the customer I'm delivering to has a secured parking lot, so I don't have to hassle with the hustlers, though I do wish I could go back to the Alhambra Palace, as there is a band playing there tonight. The artist's name escapes me, but it's R&B, though at the sound check (when I was there), the bassist, drummer, and keyboardist were throwing down some smokin' grooves! Perhaps another time.

But it would have been cool to jam (on drums) with them... if only during the sound check.

Those cats were smokin'!

- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 61 (This Crazy Little Thing Called "Life")

As I mentioned the other day, there is a crazy little thing, simply known as "life", which, unfortunately, has reared its ugly head towards me. I picked up this load in Green Forest, AR and it's bound for Chicago. Well, the driver that was going to swap, decided his home time was more important than mine (it's not like I'm dealing with a bad tooth, or anything like that). Therefore, I am now sitting in Chicago... but I have this feeling that The Lord has something in store, something which I will find out when the time comes.

It's about 25° here and no snow (BOO!). What can I say about Chicago that hasn't been said? Where I am at is the Marketplace District... streets are lined with all kinds of markets (meat & produce) with the occasional speciality distributor (Hispanic, Asian, etc.), not to mention delivery trucks, either owned by those distributors, or the outside carriers bringing product in (such as me). Come sunrise, this area will be alive with activity.

In many cases, this area can be crawling with hustlers and scam artists, trying to shyster the drivers for money, either because it's a "show of gratitude" because the hustler told the driver where there was a safe place to park, or because their "mother is in the hospital" - welcome to Chicago! It's usually like this, but not tonight. It's actually rather quiet, an almost eerie dormancy.

I have a couple friends that live here, people I knew from the Marines, and I can understand going back home. I'm originally from Ft. Lauderdale, but I didn't move back, mainly because I don't like the humidity (yet, I live in Arkansas - go figure THAT one out)... but Chicago? Oh well, different strokes, etc., etc.

There is a lot to choose from here. In fact, I passed a Lebanese/Greek restaurant on the way here (and I would have stopped, had I not already picked up something from subway when I topped off my fuel) - and being the foodie I am, I'm always on the lookout for different places. However, me being Jewish, I'm sure I would have turned a couple heads if I walked into the Lebanese place - but the food! One other thing I should add to close with... there is a Starbucks just a couple blocks away. In the morning I may be holding true to my motto:
Carpe Java (seize the coffee).

note: I threw that in there for two people - my wife Michelle, and Lauri Rottmayer.


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 60 (The Clock Is Ticking)

Yesterday I swapped off my Indiana 3 stop load for one that I unloaded at zero dark-thirty this morning. I am now sitting in the dock getting loaded in Green Forest. AR, which is... well... in the sticks (at least it seems so). It's about 60 miles east of where I unloaded in Lowell (where the trucking company J. B. Hunt is headquartered), which itself is between Fayetteville and Bentonville (home of Walmart - to which I say, "la-di-bloody-da").

This load is heading to Chicago (and if you need me to add which state that's in, perhaps you need to go back to school) for Thursday, which I will swap this load off as well - remember, I'm going to the dentist on Friday (yay?). I haven't been taking very many calls today, not because my tooth is bothering me, but because I realized (when I was loading in Rogers, AR) that, in the midst of moving my stuff from my last truck to this one, I left my headset charger in that truck. Needless to say, I'm only talking on the phone when I am parked.

So I will sign off for now, my load is done, and I'd like to cover some ground tonight.

Toodles!!


- Another rant via BlogPress

The Road Scholar - Day 59 (Time To Put On Your Big Boy Pants!)

I left out of Rogers, AR at 0230 on the 28th, and they (Tyson) expected me to make my first drop in Shipshewana, IN (716 miles away) by 0700 on the 1st. However, my parenthetical title is not in reference to my beef with them, but more towards many of the other truck drivers I encounter on the road. You, in fact, have also encountered them: the ones that are slobs, always in a foul mood, and gripe about everything.

Tonight there was a driver that's talking about leaving the company he (and I) drive for. His complaint was low miles, sitting around waiting to load, etc., etc. The problem here is, a) I'm not the one you should complain to, but your dispatcher, and, b) things may not be going your way, but here's a news flash for you: they rarely do! It's this funny little thing called "life" - deal with it! This may not be the best company to work for, but considering what I went through with my previous employer, this is the best company for me. Besides, now is NOT the time to switch employers... start somewhere else, things go fine at first, then WHAM!, it begins to tank, you're not happy and the cycle begins again... dude (and this goes to ALL with whom it applies), suck it up - and above all... don't just talk with your dispatcher - COMMUNICATE!

I'm sure many of you encounter this type of person within your workplaces, so this banter can actually be an "equal opportunity reality check," should you choose such an option.

I may not get many miles this week, which will give me a scant paycheck... but at least I will have a paycheck - and one that I worked for, not one that I felt "entitled" to. I guess the words of my SSgt (when I was stationed in Guam) have stuck with me all these years: EARN YOUR PAY!


- Another rant via BlogPress