First, let me say that if you haven't read my post on depression, it's right below this entry. This is a real tough time of year for a lot of folks, made only worse by how bad the economy is. So, please, I encourage you to keep a watch out for the signs of depression and seek professional help if you or someone you know might need it. Ok, what sucks? Well, it was about a week ago that I was e-mailing Wayne Weisser of LifeontheRoad.com and Adventures in Trucking.com about my (gloating) being in 70 degree weather on vacation and him sitting MT in snowy PA waiting to start driving for Clark Transfer.
So, now here I am, sitting MT somewhere in northwestern Virginia - I think it's called Tazewell - it's dark, cold, wet and yucky. I'm at the "Happy Mart" truck stop and there is space for 1 more truck - that being a total of 4 available spaces, 3 already filled, 1 by yours truly. I toasted a bagel and opened a can of ravioli for dinner. Cinnamon raisin bagel, cream cheese with chives and Chef somebody ravioli - what a combo! Now that's mighty fine dining!
I came out of the house 48 hours ago. I was deadheaded at 3pm from FL 500 miles to Darlington NC to pick up a load of re bar going 300 miles close to where I am right now. I had plenty of time while waiting to get loaded to read one of the many stupid signs on the property - see the photo. Flatbed freight is dead and my company is limiting sending Qualcom messages to cut down on expenses. That is never a good sign.
In these 48 hours, I could have easily parked the truck, gone back on vacation or just plain have chosen to do something else - Peace Corps.? I was quickly reminded of two of my biggest OTR stresses. One - the lack of available parking early in the evening - especially in horrible NC - and second - drivers "shopping" while parked in front of me on the fuel island. Not a good sign.
And in those 48 hours, I've already passed and saw, since it was very dark outside, two box trucks, going slower than normal, watching DVD's (movies) on a player sitting to their right on top of the dash. One screen was large enough so that I could tell one of the flicks was "True Lies." Watching movies while driving a big truck on a cold dark night? Definitely not a good sign.
If I'm not reloaded tomorrow with a trip for the weekend, I will have 800 miles for the week. And boy, does that suck. And that's damn sure not a good sign. I just looked at the temperature and it's dropped from 42 to 34 degrees. I won't be surprised if, when I wake up in the morning, that everything around me will be be white. I have enough to eat and drink on board for another day. I didn't do my usual $125 "I'm leaving" Wal-Mart order. But then the "Happy Mart" is within 50 yards of the truck. I've seen nobody go inside for food or go through the "Jarrod's" drive-thru for a burger, fries and shake. And neighbors, that is not a good sign. Later.
Photo credit is V. Grumpy.
