Hello, again!
It's early December, and we've already had a couple of snow storms here in Chicago. Today is Sunday, the 7th, and our high temperature is going to be about 19. Brrrrr! It's too damn early for this crap! Back in the deep freeze, already? You gotta be kiddin' me! It's almost a carbon-copy of last year (so far, at least). Let's just hope we don't get the snowfall like last year. I mean, I'm not in Madison this year, Thank God, but still, this is a bit ridiculous.
It wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact my company won't allow us do idle the truck unless in the berth. Shit, I do it anyway. I consider it a safety issue, and will not compromise when it comes to safety. I've heard that the company would rather pay however much for a jump start, rather than waste the fuel. Is that crazy, or what? What they don't realize, however, is that you have to sit and wait, in a frozen cab, for who knows how long, for the tow truck or jumpstart guy to come out, and that is not comfortable at all. It's downright dangerous.
So, what do you do? Just have to suck it up, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Am I going to have to file a grievance with OSHA? I don't know yet, but I'm prepared to, believe me. Like I said, safety is something I don't compromise on; the company expects me to act in a safe and responsible manner, I think they should have the same obligation.
Time for more long johns.
More soon,
Steve
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgivings
Hello, again!
I know it has been a while - like I said before, I'm running out of B.S. Anyway, I'm thankful for a lot this year: the usual, life, my family, I'm gainfully employed, still relatively healthy, etc. I am also thankful (as most of the truckers reading this should be) that fuel prices have dropped. I can't tell you how tired I became of all the bitching and whining about the government, market manipulation, the Arabs, etc. over the last several months, so hopefully the truckers in the forums will find something else to moan about. I mean, look, I could complain about my job: being way-laid at the cheese plant for 4 frickin' hours, the oncoming cold, my company's policy about idling, to name a few, but, in the end it really doesn't help matters. I've found that bitching and moaning only creates more problems, such as hurt feelings and bad attitudes, so I try not to as much as possible.
I just go on doing what I do, cruising down the road at my governed 62mph on cruise, and watch all the dipshits fly past. I don't care any more. As I've said before, I kind of glad I don't use a CB radio, because I'd probably be cussing these morons out, generating, yes, hurt feelings and bad attitudes. See how that works? I still do my Wisconsin route on Tues/Wed and now I'm going to Indiana on Fri/Sat. It's ok, I mean, I thought heading south might be a nice change, now that the cold weather is coming on, but it's really not far enough south to make much of a difference, so, what are ya gonna do? Sometimes I think I'm surrounded by idiots: by that I mean, people who can't or won't do their job the right way. Unlike a lot of truckers, my job is dependent on others doing their jobs properly. So, when the warehouse goofballs screw up a load, or even the office girls don't get the paperwork right, it kinda pisses me off. But, like I said, I'm starting not to give a shit any more. I guess I'm a little bit jaded, I dunno...
Back to what I'm thankful for: like I mentioned, my job is secure. Even in these tough economic times, people will still go for cheap grub, and as long as they do, my employment is safe. My company is going gangbusters; it's quite a phenomenon, and I've yet to figure it out. My car is running, yay! I had to spend about $800 to completely overhaul the brakes, and now I need to focus on the emissions because my registration is almost up, so more money will be going into the Neon, but it runs! Now, my daughter, who is only weeks away from obtaining her license, is startng to prod me about a car for her. Hmmmmm.
I started this blog two years ago now, amazing how time gets by you. I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to read my rantings & ravings. See, more to be thankful for. I've discovered, perhaps too late, but better late than never, that this life (even on the internet, where you can be mostly anonymous) is all about people. I have never been a "people" person, so it has been difficult for me to come to grips with. But I'm getting there, slowly but surely, and trying to be more understanding and tolerant of others. It's not always easy, with all the self-centeredness (euphemism) out there, but you do your best. The holidays seem particularly stressful, with crowds pushing and shoving, the commercialism of Christmas, and so forth. But you just have to keep on keeping on, for better or worse, and, with faith and purpose, you'll eventually get to where God wants you to be.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it...
Steve
I know it has been a while - like I said before, I'm running out of B.S. Anyway, I'm thankful for a lot this year: the usual, life, my family, I'm gainfully employed, still relatively healthy, etc. I am also thankful (as most of the truckers reading this should be) that fuel prices have dropped. I can't tell you how tired I became of all the bitching and whining about the government, market manipulation, the Arabs, etc. over the last several months, so hopefully the truckers in the forums will find something else to moan about. I mean, look, I could complain about my job: being way-laid at the cheese plant for 4 frickin' hours, the oncoming cold, my company's policy about idling, to name a few, but, in the end it really doesn't help matters. I've found that bitching and moaning only creates more problems, such as hurt feelings and bad attitudes, so I try not to as much as possible.
I just go on doing what I do, cruising down the road at my governed 62mph on cruise, and watch all the dipshits fly past. I don't care any more. As I've said before, I kind of glad I don't use a CB radio, because I'd probably be cussing these morons out, generating, yes, hurt feelings and bad attitudes. See how that works? I still do my Wisconsin route on Tues/Wed and now I'm going to Indiana on Fri/Sat. It's ok, I mean, I thought heading south might be a nice change, now that the cold weather is coming on, but it's really not far enough south to make much of a difference, so, what are ya gonna do? Sometimes I think I'm surrounded by idiots: by that I mean, people who can't or won't do their job the right way. Unlike a lot of truckers, my job is dependent on others doing their jobs properly. So, when the warehouse goofballs screw up a load, or even the office girls don't get the paperwork right, it kinda pisses me off. But, like I said, I'm starting not to give a shit any more. I guess I'm a little bit jaded, I dunno...
Back to what I'm thankful for: like I mentioned, my job is secure. Even in these tough economic times, people will still go for cheap grub, and as long as they do, my employment is safe. My company is going gangbusters; it's quite a phenomenon, and I've yet to figure it out. My car is running, yay! I had to spend about $800 to completely overhaul the brakes, and now I need to focus on the emissions because my registration is almost up, so more money will be going into the Neon, but it runs! Now, my daughter, who is only weeks away from obtaining her license, is startng to prod me about a car for her. Hmmmmm.
I started this blog two years ago now, amazing how time gets by you. I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to read my rantings & ravings. See, more to be thankful for. I've discovered, perhaps too late, but better late than never, that this life (even on the internet, where you can be mostly anonymous) is all about people. I have never been a "people" person, so it has been difficult for me to come to grips with. But I'm getting there, slowly but surely, and trying to be more understanding and tolerant of others. It's not always easy, with all the self-centeredness (euphemism) out there, but you do your best. The holidays seem particularly stressful, with crowds pushing and shoving, the commercialism of Christmas, and so forth. But you just have to keep on keeping on, for better or worse, and, with faith and purpose, you'll eventually get to where God wants you to be.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it...
More soon (?)
Steve
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Beliefs
So, what do you believe in? Interesting question. I've been hanging out a lot in trucker's forums lately, and boy, are they upset! Mostly over the cost of fuel - I can't blame them there. What I've noticed a lot of is an attitude of anger, mistrust (in the government, big oil, the media, you name it) and real bitterness. I realize it's their (our) livelihood we're talking about, but, man, have a little hope people! This "The world's against us" mentality is not going to make the situation better, in my view anyway. Activism is all well and good, and I've stated my support for the "cause" in my postings over there, but I honestly don't believe a shutdown, boycott or slowdown is going to do much good. The reason being is that not everyone can get on the same page, as they seem to have done in Europe. I don't know about over there, but here there are too many factions within the trucking industry. A shutdown means more business for the cheapshit carriers (I won't mention any names) who won't support a strike. What are we doing to help the victims of this flooding? Where's FEMA? People are asking for donations for the earthquake victims in China, but what about our own people?
I dunno, it just seems like it's every man for himself (sorry ladies). Instead of whining and bitching all the time, people should get off their arses and do something about it. Try other things. There is a freakin' WORLD of opportunity right in front of your faces (here, on the internet). You just have to open your eyes to the possibilities, that's all. Look, I'm not lashing out at any one group of truckers or people. I know the drivers that post on that forum all seem reasonably intelligent, and care about the crisis that's going on. It just seems there's a lot (too much) of negativity in the whole discussion.
I've been reading "The Secret" lately, and wow, are my eyes opened now. I've always believed that I would have abundance (wealth, etc.) in my life; I've just been too stubborn or negative to allow it to happen. Now, that is all going to change, and it can change for everybody, if they really want and expect it. My message here is one of hope. My life is about to change dramatically for the better, with or without the trucking industry, and I want that for all my fellow trucker brothers and sisters out there. It may sound corny, or hokey, but that's where I'm at right now, so deal with it. I wish all of you peace and prosperity, health and happiness in your lives, and most of all, love.
More soon,
Steve
I dunno, it just seems like it's every man for himself (sorry ladies). Instead of whining and bitching all the time, people should get off their arses and do something about it. Try other things. There is a freakin' WORLD of opportunity right in front of your faces (here, on the internet). You just have to open your eyes to the possibilities, that's all. Look, I'm not lashing out at any one group of truckers or people. I know the drivers that post on that forum all seem reasonably intelligent, and care about the crisis that's going on. It just seems there's a lot (too much) of negativity in the whole discussion.
I've been reading "The Secret" lately, and wow, are my eyes opened now. I've always believed that I would have abundance (wealth, etc.) in my life; I've just been too stubborn or negative to allow it to happen. Now, that is all going to change, and it can change for everybody, if they really want and expect it. My message here is one of hope. My life is about to change dramatically for the better, with or without the trucking industry, and I want that for all my fellow trucker brothers and sisters out there. It may sound corny, or hokey, but that's where I'm at right now, so deal with it. I wish all of you peace and prosperity, health and happiness in your lives, and most of all, love.
More soon,
Steve
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sticking Out
Yeah, so the company has these new decals they're putting on the trailers - hideous things!
I don't know how much money it's going to cost them, but...Hey, I don't give a rat's ass what they put on there, as long as the trailer's functional, and the reefer works, I'll pull the damn thing. Advertising, without spending money on traditional advertising, is the motivation. We
look like giant pumpkins rolling down the road; as long as I'm not confused with Schneider...lol
Since we don't use CBs (at least I don't), I'm sure I'll be getting more waves and "blow your horn" gestures from kids.
The past couple weeks (chit, the whole month of May) have been crazy: first, I get hit by a
speeding idiot while sitting at a light, south side of Chicago, at one in the morning. I was not a happy camper. The guy took out my left front quarter-panel, fucked up the front wheel. Had to wait 2 hours for a replacement unit (a daycab, which meant a motel room). They fixed the truck within about 10 days, and she rolls good as new. I tell ya, me and that Freightliner have been to
hell & back together. Anyway, the next thing that happened was I stabbed myself in the face with a knife. No kidding. I was cutting through some cardboard, then punched the cardboard, knife still in hand, bam! Right in the nose! Real smart, eh? And I bitch to my bosses about their
compromising on safety! Sheesh! After bleeding like a stuck pig for 10 minutes or so, I called my
dispatcher, told him what happened, and came on back. It's fine now, docs patched me up.
The knife thing was about 10 days ago. Last week, my lead driver took a key that I needed
off my keychain, so I couldn't deliver to my last store; I had to go pick up 14 (instead of the usual
20) pallets of cheese, put the customer's product on the ass end, then double back & do the delivery. After I was done, I had a little over 3 hours left. This was in West Bend, WI and I have
to get to the south 'burbs of Chicago. In 3 hours? Are you shittin' me? I mean, Milwaukee traffic's bad enough, but then you have the nightmare that is 94/294. So I found a truckstop and did my 10 hrs, then took off.
I've been taking alternate routes (mainly 90 thru Madison, Rockford) to stay away from that 294 mess. But, it turns out another driver needed the keys I did have and he was delivering in Milwaukee, so I found yet another truckstop, waited for him, handed off the keys, and came back via, you guessed it, 294. Actually, it's not too bad at midnight, mostly fast-drivin' trucks.
Again, not a happy camper.
Then, I'm heading up to Madison, and I find out the franchisee up there wants to see the new decals. So I go to the TA and find a spot on the end, so he can stop by any old time and check it out. All's I ask is he don't bug me when I'm trying to sleep (without A/C by the way - another story for another day). He never showed, so I go over to the store at closing time, and he's out there in the parking lot, creamin' his jeans over this new decal. He's like "Hey, that would be great advertising for our dinner rush!" So, basically he wants me up there every Friday, parked in his lot, so people driving by can see the trailer. Oh, JOY!
Let's see what they come up with this week - and give me something else to whine about.
More soon,
Steve
I don't know how much money it's going to cost them, but...Hey, I don't give a rat's ass what they put on there, as long as the trailer's functional, and the reefer works, I'll pull the damn thing. Advertising, without spending money on traditional advertising, is the motivation. We
look like giant pumpkins rolling down the road; as long as I'm not confused with Schneider...lol
Since we don't use CBs (at least I don't), I'm sure I'll be getting more waves and "blow your horn" gestures from kids.
The past couple weeks (chit, the whole month of May) have been crazy: first, I get hit by a
speeding idiot while sitting at a light, south side of Chicago, at one in the morning. I was not a happy camper. The guy took out my left front quarter-panel, fucked up the front wheel. Had to wait 2 hours for a replacement unit (a daycab, which meant a motel room). They fixed the truck within about 10 days, and she rolls good as new. I tell ya, me and that Freightliner have been to
hell & back together. Anyway, the next thing that happened was I stabbed myself in the face with a knife. No kidding. I was cutting through some cardboard, then punched the cardboard, knife still in hand, bam! Right in the nose! Real smart, eh? And I bitch to my bosses about their
compromising on safety! Sheesh! After bleeding like a stuck pig for 10 minutes or so, I called my
dispatcher, told him what happened, and came on back. It's fine now, docs patched me up.
The knife thing was about 10 days ago. Last week, my lead driver took a key that I needed
off my keychain, so I couldn't deliver to my last store; I had to go pick up 14 (instead of the usual
20) pallets of cheese, put the customer's product on the ass end, then double back & do the delivery. After I was done, I had a little over 3 hours left. This was in West Bend, WI and I have
to get to the south 'burbs of Chicago. In 3 hours? Are you shittin' me? I mean, Milwaukee traffic's bad enough, but then you have the nightmare that is 94/294. So I found a truckstop and did my 10 hrs, then took off.
I've been taking alternate routes (mainly 90 thru Madison, Rockford) to stay away from that 294 mess. But, it turns out another driver needed the keys I did have and he was delivering in Milwaukee, so I found yet another truckstop, waited for him, handed off the keys, and came back via, you guessed it, 294. Actually, it's not too bad at midnight, mostly fast-drivin' trucks.
Again, not a happy camper.
Then, I'm heading up to Madison, and I find out the franchisee up there wants to see the new decals. So I go to the TA and find a spot on the end, so he can stop by any old time and check it out. All's I ask is he don't bug me when I'm trying to sleep (without A/C by the way - another story for another day). He never showed, so I go over to the store at closing time, and he's out there in the parking lot, creamin' his jeans over this new decal. He's like "Hey, that would be great advertising for our dinner rush!" So, basically he wants me up there every Friday, parked in his lot, so people driving by can see the trailer. Oh, JOY!
Let's see what they come up with this week - and give me something else to whine about.
More soon,
Steve
Thursday, May 29, 2008
I'm baaaaack!
Hey, all you wonderful truckers out there!
I've decided to come back online, and do some more postings, in an attempt to offer my help to you truckers in this time of crisis. Listen, I realize that I've bashed truckers in the past, whether for looks, behavior, or driving style, etc. But I have to tell you that I truly respect & admire what truckers do for a living. I don't think (as I've said before) that I could do it. Your cause is a noble one, and I stand by your side in your efforts. What I would like to offer you is just a little different perspective on this whole fuel & economic crisis we're in. Let me also mention that I suffer when I go to the gas pump, just like most Americans. I just don't happen to drive my car as much (basically back & forth to work is all). But $60 - $80 to fill up? It's ridiculous, I know.
I think truckers have gotten a bad rap/rep for being uneducated hillbillies, and it's really not fair. If you've read my previous posts, from last year, I've said the same thing. But I understand now that I've been generalizing, and that's a dangerous thing to do.
What I'm here to share with you is this: if I could show you how to generate multiple streams of passive income (by passive, I mean, not having to actively work at it) would you guys & gals be willing to check it out? Look, I'm not saying any of these programs will make you rich (although it's possible), and I'm certainly not suggesting that anyone quit their jobs. Further, I am absolutely NOT going to try to sell you a darned thing! My motivation here is to try to help out the working man/woman, by showing you a whole world of opportunity out there on the internet. You can take or leave it as you please, all I ask is that you leave me your e-mail address, so I can give you pieces of information from time-to-time. It may be recommendations on programs that have worked for me, or it may be just an inspirational message. Rest assured, though, I will not be sending you e-mails every day, or week, for that matter. Just once in a while, I'd like to share my thoughts with you, and I would be grateful to hear your stories (success or otherwise) as well.
It's all about relationships: building solid personal & business relationships is the key in any business endeavor, and if you happen to make a lot of money in the process, so much the better. I am still a novice at this (as compared to a "newbie"), and certainly do not have all the answers. But I have learned from some of the best out there; I'm willing to share my ideas and strategies, and will honestly and openly listen to others' opinions as well. We are all in this thing together, and, the way I see it, we need to reach out and try to help each other.
So, if you are interested, by all means click on the link below, and let me know how you are doing frome time-to-time.
Thank you for reading, and God Bless,
Steve
http://tinyurl.com/6ztcrs
I've decided to come back online, and do some more postings, in an attempt to offer my help to you truckers in this time of crisis. Listen, I realize that I've bashed truckers in the past, whether for looks, behavior, or driving style, etc. But I have to tell you that I truly respect & admire what truckers do for a living. I don't think (as I've said before) that I could do it. Your cause is a noble one, and I stand by your side in your efforts. What I would like to offer you is just a little different perspective on this whole fuel & economic crisis we're in. Let me also mention that I suffer when I go to the gas pump, just like most Americans. I just don't happen to drive my car as much (basically back & forth to work is all). But $60 - $80 to fill up? It's ridiculous, I know.
I think truckers have gotten a bad rap/rep for being uneducated hillbillies, and it's really not fair. If you've read my previous posts, from last year, I've said the same thing. But I understand now that I've been generalizing, and that's a dangerous thing to do.
What I'm here to share with you is this: if I could show you how to generate multiple streams of passive income (by passive, I mean, not having to actively work at it) would you guys & gals be willing to check it out? Look, I'm not saying any of these programs will make you rich (although it's possible), and I'm certainly not suggesting that anyone quit their jobs. Further, I am absolutely NOT going to try to sell you a darned thing! My motivation here is to try to help out the working man/woman, by showing you a whole world of opportunity out there on the internet. You can take or leave it as you please, all I ask is that you leave me your e-mail address, so I can give you pieces of information from time-to-time. It may be recommendations on programs that have worked for me, or it may be just an inspirational message. Rest assured, though, I will not be sending you e-mails every day, or week, for that matter. Just once in a while, I'd like to share my thoughts with you, and I would be grateful to hear your stories (success or otherwise) as well.
It's all about relationships: building solid personal & business relationships is the key in any business endeavor, and if you happen to make a lot of money in the process, so much the better. I am still a novice at this (as compared to a "newbie"), and certainly do not have all the answers. But I have learned from some of the best out there; I'm willing to share my ideas and strategies, and will honestly and openly listen to others' opinions as well. We are all in this thing together, and, the way I see it, we need to reach out and try to help each other.
So, if you are interested, by all means click on the link below, and let me know how you are doing frome time-to-time.
Thank you for reading, and God Bless,
Steve
http://tinyurl.com/6ztcrs
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Oye
Hey, sorry I haven't been on in a while; I've just been beside myself with family commitments, stressing out about work, money, etc. Excuses, excuses, right? Anyway, I'm still here, doing my thing every week; I've thought very seriously about changing my employment situation, but I hesitate, for reasons I've already mentioned. You know the grass is always greener, etc. The physical nature of this job is really starting to take its toll, though. I think to myself, "I'm getting too old for this kind of work!" I could very easily go drive for someone, but it really would have to be an ideal situation; no OTR, just something regional midwest, or dedicated, I dunno. I talk to the old lady about it and she's like, "Hey, do what you want," but when those health benefits go, it'll be a real hardship for her and my kid, ya know? So I stay, and I stew, mainly over a bunch of meaningless bullshit that I have no control over anyway. Part of this job is just stuff that you have to grit your teeth and bear; complaining really does you no good, because it doesn't change anything.
Anyhow, I've just been detailing my impressions here; driving, drivers, my job (and all the BS that goes with it), my general ideas about the trucking industry. Again, I'm not a know-it-all, so I welcome any criticisms, opposing ideas, shit, even if you agree with me, feel free to leave a comment. Thank you to those who've already chimed in; I've even made a couple online buddies
through this blog, so I guess it's not a complete waste of time. I don't know what the fuck is wrong with me lately; I guess I feel kind of old and jaded. Same shit every week - even my vacations were not incredibly satisfying. I think I know what my problem is: I need to get laid!
More soon,
Steve
Anyhow, I've just been detailing my impressions here; driving, drivers, my job (and all the BS that goes with it), my general ideas about the trucking industry. Again, I'm not a know-it-all, so I welcome any criticisms, opposing ideas, shit, even if you agree with me, feel free to leave a comment. Thank you to those who've already chimed in; I've even made a couple online buddies
through this blog, so I guess it's not a complete waste of time. I don't know what the fuck is wrong with me lately; I guess I feel kind of old and jaded. Same shit every week - even my vacations were not incredibly satisfying. I think I know what my problem is: I need to get laid!
More soon,
Steve
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Tidbits, #5
I don't have a good quote for today's post; I've taken a little time off, for a couple of reasons: First, I'm not really sure how many people are even reading this damn thing, so I've become somewhat discouraged about the whole process. I KNOW nobody's checked out my sponsors (or very few anyway), so the $ I'm spending on adwords to promote this blog is not getting me many results. Secondly, I guess I just needed some time to gather my thoughts. Really, I'm running out of bullshit! I've been posting these blog articles for 8 months now, and, my job being so repetetive, there's really not much new going on. Same ol' bullshit, different month/year.
Anyway, I thought I'd review my positions here, for those of you who may not have read my earlier posts, so here goes.
I don't consider myself an actual "trucker" despite the handle trucker44; the job I'm in right now is different from what OTR truckers do. Not better or worse, just different. Perhaps the day will come when I actually go over-the-road, right now I can't say. I guess I'm content, if not happy, with what I do, although every week I ask God to deliver me from this f'ing BS. Maybe I do need a change, I dunno. But, I have mixed emotions about you OTR people: I respect what you do, don't know if I really would or could do it. On the other hand, the way some of you present yourselves, and the way many of you drive, kinda disgusts me, ya know? Sorry, that's the way I feel.
I've talked about the different places I've gone, some of the more interesting occurences I've seen, truckstops, drivers, the sweet little waitress I never really got to know, that kind of stuff.
To those who have responded with comments, I thank you, and will be more than happy to check out your sites as well. I've also mentioned my strong desire to get out of this line of work altogether. I still feel that way, although it's becoming more and more apparent that my "retirement" from trucking is still a long way off. I mean, I'm sure like many of you out there, I can't afford to quit working (still playing the lottery, though, lol). My bills seem to be growing far faster than my income, that's for sure. Now, the wife is talking about buying a house next year, and my daughter turns 16, so she'll be wanting a car of her own. It all seems so overwhelming sometimes, ya know? Shit I can't even afford to have the transmission (slipping) on my car looked at. But, I suppose it could be worse; hell, I'm still able-bodied, and willing to bust-ass for my paycheck. Turning 45 this year makes me start to think about how long my body is going to hold out, though. And this fucking smoking is really starting to kill me. My next vacation is next month, so I'm commited to quitting, this time for good. Can't afford to go anywhere, besides the kid goes back to school that week, so that puts a damper on any travel plans.
I know I sound like just another guy bitching about his job, but this is my forum, so I guess I'm entitled. People ask me "Do you enjoy your work?" Enjoy? WTF is that? I don't know the meaning of that word. My job is something that I "get through" till the next weekend. Yeah, and I'm lonely out there by myself too. The family doesn't care. They barely even talk to me when I call. They have their own issues to deal with, I guess. Yeah, so I reflect about my life, my work, home, family, etc., and I find I'm not as satisfied as I'd like to be. But, truth be told, I'm kind of scared of the alternative: being an OTR driver, with no sense of when I'll be back home again. I know there's middle ground out there, but, like I said before, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, and sometimes it's best to just stay put.
So, grit yer teeth and bear it, that's my situation at the moment. When a change might happen, I couldn't tell you. I have to keep my family's needs first, which helps them, but makes me unhappy. Oh, well, that's life in the big city. Speaking of which, my next post will be about Chicago. Again, thanks to all who've read this rambling idiot's warped view of the world, or my little piece of it, anyway.
More soon,
Steve
Anyway, I thought I'd review my positions here, for those of you who may not have read my earlier posts, so here goes.
I don't consider myself an actual "trucker" despite the handle trucker44; the job I'm in right now is different from what OTR truckers do. Not better or worse, just different. Perhaps the day will come when I actually go over-the-road, right now I can't say. I guess I'm content, if not happy, with what I do, although every week I ask God to deliver me from this f'ing BS. Maybe I do need a change, I dunno. But, I have mixed emotions about you OTR people: I respect what you do, don't know if I really would or could do it. On the other hand, the way some of you present yourselves, and the way many of you drive, kinda disgusts me, ya know? Sorry, that's the way I feel.
I've talked about the different places I've gone, some of the more interesting occurences I've seen, truckstops, drivers, the sweet little waitress I never really got to know, that kind of stuff.
To those who have responded with comments, I thank you, and will be more than happy to check out your sites as well. I've also mentioned my strong desire to get out of this line of work altogether. I still feel that way, although it's becoming more and more apparent that my "retirement" from trucking is still a long way off. I mean, I'm sure like many of you out there, I can't afford to quit working (still playing the lottery, though, lol). My bills seem to be growing far faster than my income, that's for sure. Now, the wife is talking about buying a house next year, and my daughter turns 16, so she'll be wanting a car of her own. It all seems so overwhelming sometimes, ya know? Shit I can't even afford to have the transmission (slipping) on my car looked at. But, I suppose it could be worse; hell, I'm still able-bodied, and willing to bust-ass for my paycheck. Turning 45 this year makes me start to think about how long my body is going to hold out, though. And this fucking smoking is really starting to kill me. My next vacation is next month, so I'm commited to quitting, this time for good. Can't afford to go anywhere, besides the kid goes back to school that week, so that puts a damper on any travel plans.
I know I sound like just another guy bitching about his job, but this is my forum, so I guess I'm entitled. People ask me "Do you enjoy your work?" Enjoy? WTF is that? I don't know the meaning of that word. My job is something that I "get through" till the next weekend. Yeah, and I'm lonely out there by myself too. The family doesn't care. They barely even talk to me when I call. They have their own issues to deal with, I guess. Yeah, so I reflect about my life, my work, home, family, etc., and I find I'm not as satisfied as I'd like to be. But, truth be told, I'm kind of scared of the alternative: being an OTR driver, with no sense of when I'll be back home again. I know there's middle ground out there, but, like I said before, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, and sometimes it's best to just stay put.
So, grit yer teeth and bear it, that's my situation at the moment. When a change might happen, I couldn't tell you. I have to keep my family's needs first, which helps them, but makes me unhappy. Oh, well, that's life in the big city. Speaking of which, my next post will be about Chicago. Again, thanks to all who've read this rambling idiot's warped view of the world, or my little piece of it, anyway.
More soon,
Steve
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