Year 2, Day 267 (A Few More Days Until I'm Home)

Yesterday I had unloaded in Munster, IN (just outside of Gary) and - since my next load didn't have to pick up right away - I went over to Merrillville to do some wishful shopping at Guitar Center. I did this because for the past few months I've been pondering getting back into the D.J.'ing world. Since Panasonic no longer makes the Technics MK 1200 turntables (which were the turntable of choice by many "old school" jockeys), it looks as if I may - albeit reluctantly - be going the digital route.

After looking at a few things, toying with some equipment, and even Darren (one of the guitar Center reps) showing me some of the capabilities of one piece, I think I may be hooked... I was certainly drooling. Though the only setback is the financial aspect. To build from the ground up, the system I was compiling would cost around $10K... and that's not even including a basic lighting setup. At least I can still dream.

This has been a peaceful, and blessed Sabbath. Since I am due to be home on Tuesday, Monica (my Fleet Manager) arranged for a load swap for me, so instead of picking up today in Franklin Park, IL (on the west side of Chicago) and heading to South Carolina, I did a drop & hook last night in Chicago, going to Covington, TN... which will have me closer to home. Yes, HaShem is awesome!

May your day continue to be blessed!

Year 2, Day 266 (The Torah Cycle Re-Starts)

As the Sabbath approaches, so does the end of the Torah cycle. This last potion of the Torah is the only one that is not read on the Sabbath, but instead next Tuesday, on Simkat Torah (the giving of the Torah), the commemoration of when Moses received the Torah from HaShem on Mt. Sinai. The next Sabbath, 13 October, will be the reading from Parashah Beresheit (the first portion, also known as beginning in Genesis 1:1). Now that I have all the volumes for Daily Dose of Torah (series 1), I'll be able to keep up more with the various commentaries (there were a few times that I was on the road when a volume came in, so I had missed on a few days, sometimes a full week, of commentary). As such, I am contemplating the launch of a once weekly blog post, possibly called Journey Through Torah, or something like that.

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Year 2, Day 248 (A Peaceful Day To Start Off A New Year)

I arrived just at midnight here in Clarksville, AR, though my delivery isn't until tomorrow. It turns out for the better, as today is Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year. Unlike the Gregorian (or "civil") calendar that we commonly follow - which tell us it is the year 2012 - the Hebrew (or Lunar) calendar follows a different system of marking the years. According to Jewish tradition, the Lunar calendar dates back to when the ancient scribes and sages believe was the beginning of mankind. Therefore, the year we have just entered into is 5773... makes a little bit of a difference. There are still a few more weeks until the Torah study cycle begins again.

Anybody want to take up the challenge and join me in the weekly study portions? If so, let me know, and I'll be more that happy to share with you the weekly portions (especially if you are unfamiliar with them).

Year 2, Day 232 (I've Decided To Get A Re-Start)

I arrived in Clarksville, AR at 0045 this morning, shutting down at the truck stop just across the street from Walmart. I've enjoyed the peace that comes with the Sabbath, and the time I spend in this week's Torah portion. Tomorrow, though, I'll take off and head to Rogers, AR to pick up the load that will next take me to Tomah, WI for Monday afternoon. I'll try to cover as much ground as possible tomorrow, so Monday's work won't be as bad.

Tomorrow's post will be one of a foodie style. I'm in the process of making a smoked beef brisket with vegetables, and, so far, the results are looking quite nice.

The weather has been back to the typical humidity that Arkansas is known for. Fortunately I have an a/c unit that works quite nice. It's not the heat I have a problem with, it's the humidity of this region. If I want to be in a sticky atmosphere, I'll go into a sauna, that that's not likely to happen any time soon.

Where ever you may be, stay cool!

Year 2, Day 237 (A Lazy Day)

Today has been just what the title implies... and much welcomed. I've spend much of the day engaged in Torah study... because I can. Perked up some coffee and occasionally watched out the truck window as the rain fell earlier. Shortly I will enjoy some of the cobbed corn that I cooked up in the crockpot.

I had somebody recently suggest that I boil it. I've had it that way when I was younger, but doing so takes away some of the flavor. Since I don't have a grill, the crockpot seems to be a pretty good alternative. I also have some leftover Caribbean Wings, so I'll finish those up along with the corn (which will be slathered in butter - or at least what is being passed off as butter - and some salt & pepper). It may not be a gourmet (or even elegant) meal, but it works. And since the corn was free, that makes it better still.

That and coffee.

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 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 231 (Blessed Beyond Belief)

Yes, as the parenthetical title implies, I am blessed beyond belief. One would think that something spectacular has happened - it hasn't. In fact, I am still sitting here in Oak Creek, WI, waiting for the repair shop to get the parts needed to fix the brakes on the trailer (apparently, disc brakes on a 53' trailer are still considered uncommon), and the load going to New Jersey had been taken off of me. How much longer will it take to get the parts is unknown, as is what my next load will be... but one thing is certain, I am here for a reason, a purpose. In fact, we ALL have a purpose, not just to wander through life aimlessly or "try to be a good person."

I wasn't raised in Jewish traditions, in fact, quite the opposite. However, I have been try to live my life as if I had, which means I've been trying to catch up for the past several years. This past year I have been diligently trying to really get involved in studying the Torah, by taking each weekly portion and breaking it up unto daily readings, and accompanying it with that day's section of Daily Dose Of Torah. There have been several times where I fell behind, but I have made every effort to try to recoup. The point of all this is that, even though I'm sitting here waiting for the aforementioned part (or parts), then I'll have no real idea what my next load will consist of, or where I will head to, I am still blessed. HaShem blessed me with another day of life... He has blessed me with an awesome wife and four wonderful sons... I have a place to call home. These are things that all of us take for granted daily, yet very seldom are we thankful, TRULY thankful. I had been one. For some reason it's as if my heart has been overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.

HaShem, my G-d, is truly an awesome G-d!

Year 2, Day 223 (It's Nice To Catch Up With Old Friends)

Yesterday was mainly spent immersed in Torah, which, in this line of work, is always nice when I just just shut down and have the Torah as my only focus for the day. Once the sun had set, just on the spur of the moment, I decided to call a friend, whom I hadn't spoken to in some time. Mike and I had served together in the Marine Corps, and because of the things we had done together during that time, is one I can truly refer to as a friend. After 4 years in the Corps, he ended up going into the Army (why a Marine would do that, is beyond me). He apparently enjoys it, as he has served his country for over 20 years now. He and his wife live in the Nashville area, and though I've passed through there on several occasions, I have yet to get together with him, either because, a) I was limited on time, or, b) he was unavailable.

Mike was a good kid back when we served together, and has become a respected man, Father, and husband. I asked his when he would ever retire from the Army. He said he wasn't entirely sure, since he was "still having fun." He was always gung-ho like that. Once a Marine, always a Marine... even in the Army!

Semper Fi, brother!

Year 2, Day 212 (On The Final Stretch)

I had hoped to make it to the customer last night before I shut down, but with the hours I had available - and the various delays along the way - I ended up shutting down in Ripley, TN, just 15 miles away and only 7 minutes left on my logbook. I parked at a Walmart for the night only because there was no truck stop. Once I started moving around this morning, and had read today's section of this week's Torah portion, I made my way to the customer to do a drop & hook. I had to make a stop in the North Little Rock terminal to take care of a few things before heading home.

I have enjoyed having Nathan with me for these last few weeks. I was rather bummed than I was unable to secure a load that would take us to the northwest, but at least he was able to get into Canada. This may be a difficult year for my wife and I, for the simple fact that Nathan - the youngest of four boys - will be graduating from high school this upcoming school year. His plans are to go to college, but it's still hard because we will be faced, after all the years, with the "empty nest".

Maybe we'll throw a party.

Year 2, Day 208 (On The Road... Finally)

My appointment to load in Ft. Worth, TX was for midnight, and I arrived at 2350. I checked in, went around the building to get the required bulkheads, then waited. After I while I went into the sleeper bunk to get some sleep while waiting. The yard driver finally came around at told me to back into a door (it was a little after 0230 at this point). I backed up to the dock, then went in to the shipping office to get those preliminary measures taken care of. Back to the truck, back to sleep. By the time I was loaded, billed out, then getting sealed at the gate on the way out it was after 0530... and I don't plan on going very much further.

One of the downsides about dealing with this broker (C. H. Robinson) is that they treat each load like a dictator holding a government secret. The way I have always planned my trips is to have everything taken care of from the beginning... everything. But because I'm having to deal with them, they won't give me the directions for the final drop until after I've made delivery on the first.

At least I have until Monday morning to get there, so I will have time to get some sleep... and Starbucks.

Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 204 (On The Way To Kentucky)

I was up at 0530 (CT), my second day in a row, to make sure I spent some time in the Torah before heading out to make the delivery in Bethlehem, PA. I arrived 45 minutes before my appointment time, but it took a while to get unloaded. From there I headed to Souderton, which is just north of Philadelphia. Fortunately it was a drop & hook. What was unfortunate was that there was a bit of damage to the trailer... which leaves me to get the repairs done.

Since it was a drop & hook, I was able to be in & out relatively quickly. I was hoping to have covered more miles, but with the damage, that cut me shorter than what I wanted. My original plan was to get into West Virginia then shut down someplace there, but the repairs had been done in Greencastle, PA (about 5 miles north of the Maryland state line), so that was the end of the line for the night.

I only have 530 miles left to cover, but the fact that my delivery appointment in London, KY is for 0300 (ET) on Wednesday means that I was up at 0530 (CT) this morning...again.

Coffee was definitely in order this morning.

Year 2, Day 194 (I'll Be Busy Until Monday Night)

Nathan and I have been sitting here since yesterday afternoon, but the trailer has finally been loaded and we are heading up to Auburn, IN. I took advantage of the downtime and read through this week's Torah portion. As I get ready to put today's post to bed, I am brewing up some coffee and taking care of last minute preparations before heading out. It's been raining off and on here in Goodlettsville. Fortunately I don't have to head back down through Nashville, as (according to another driver whom just came up from there) there are several accidents, and quite a bit of traffic backups through the city on the interstate. Better them than me.

Year 2, Day 181 (Chillin' Out In Olathe)

We arrived in Olathe, KS at 0015 this morning, did a drop & hook, and now are getting a re-start. We are getting a re-start due to the fact John and I were both low on hours, that and the fact we didn't have a load pre-planned on us after this delivery. While we were heading this way, I put the rest of the roast in the crockpot to heat up for dinner. We stopped in Booneville, MO where we topped off the fuel, as well as took care of some other, more personal, business. This morning has been uneventful, but not a waste of time. I, as my first activity of the day, partook of my daily studies in Torah. This afternoon has been spent cleaning the few dishes left over from last night, then watched a few movies. The first was the re-make of Conan The Barbarian, which I didn't think was too bad. Either way, this day has been quite relaxing and refreshing.

Now it's time for coffee.

Year 2, Day 166 (A Revelation During Torah Study)

John and I arrived in South Bend, IN just as we ran out of hours for the day. He lives about 30 minutes away, in Michigan, so I allowed him to go home for the night. I must have been pretty wiped out from yesterday, since I didn't even hear my alarm go off this morning. Instead I awoke to the sound of John opening up the door. He climbed in, cheerily saying, "Good morning, sunshine!" I replied with a "Bah, humbug!" to which he handed me a Starbucks cup... that only makes for a tolerable morning. What would have made it a good morning is if that cup were being handed to me by my wife, Tikvah.

We left out around 0945 and continued heading west. I had us make a stop at the terminal outside of Gary, IN. I took a shower at the Pilot last night in South Bend... but they didn't have any laundry facilities (not good!). It worked out, kinda, because I did get my clothes washed at the Gary terminal, but the dryers: one was out of service, and the other was not far from it. So I did what any Marine would do - improvise, adapt, overcome.

On the way, I engaged in this week's Torah portion (Numbers 13:1 - 15:41) and the accompanying Haftarah (Joshua 2:1-24), to which the Spirit of The L-rd opened my eyes to a parallel between the two that was not brought up in the commentaries. In the Torah portion, you can see where The L-rd is preparing to lead the Children of Israel into the land that He promised them, at the original time. However, the Children of Israel wanted to sent in spies to check out the area beforehand, to which HaShem acquiesced. There were 12 leaders that were chosen: one from each of the tribes, except Levi (for that, there was one taken from Manasseh and one from Joseph). Of those 12, 10 of them gave their report from a negative standpoint, which lowered the morale of the rest of the nation. The two that gave a positive report were Caleb and Joshua. That's when the "40 years of wandering" began, because the nation chose to believe the negative reports. Then, 40 years later, when the Haftarah took place, the leader, Joshua (also the successor of Moses, and the same Joshua who gave the positive report), sent in spies. Though this time it was onlytwo - symbolic of the 2 spies that were obedient, and stood strong in their faith to the word of The L-rd.

I found that parallel to be quite interesting.