Well to do an update... (I really should do these more often - the little details tend to get fuzzy after a while - old age? alzheimer's?)
We got back on the road after over a week off.. so this week, no $$ just paying for the truck sitting still... OUCH... but we did get an OK load but... yeah there is always a BUT in there...
We loaded down in Wasco, CA - and they did say in the info that it might take a while - well it did! We carried a trailer packed (hand packed) full of bare root rose bushes to the drop yard in AZ. Well the delay in loading took part of the time we needed to make our next delivery.
So we get to AZ, drop our trailer and look around for an MT (empty trailer)... as usual, none to be found there. So we call and try to get permission to not bring one to our next load, since what we are picking up is already loaded in a trailer... told we have to wait until the day shift comes in... yeah more wasted time.
Day shift comes in and says OK to go in without an MT. Now we are almost 12 hours past where we expected to be time wise. The load out (which had a pick up appt time of 3 days before) was going to be tight for us anyway, because it was given to us (a team) because it was cutting it close time wise. We let the weekend folks know - we are now going to be late - by a minimu of 12 hours - no response... We continue on (heading to MD) and the next day - let them know we are going to be late... they respond back with we will let your DM (dispatch manager) know... Her response on Monday (the day we WERE to deliver it - and after the appt time - since she comes in 0600 CST and the appt time was 0545 EST) was - I didn't think it would take you guys that long - <LOL right - and the delays had nothing to do with it!!> Sigh...
So now we dropped the load the next day - more waiting - and picking up the next one - same day, which is nice (it was even in the same state!!) - and heading back to CA... Oh and our delivery appt time is after when our next load picks up!! Here we go again!!
Now on to the WLS front - we are trying to get back on track... well I am and Gary is encouraging me (he is my Jimminy Cricket). I've logged back onto a favorite forum http://bariatrictv.com/forum/index.php and started to read (and even post a little) again. Wish us luck!! Staying away from munching while waiting... yeah... got to work on that!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Timing...
You know we make all these plans and think we have things well in hand... then God comes in and changes things around. When you look close though and look back all you can do is marvel at his timing... and sometimes you can even glimps at the reasons why...
Case in point - We had planned on being in town on the 12-14th for Gary's Doc appt... thinking Lynn would then be more up and around after surgery and we could give the kids at least a day or two off parent duty. Instead Momma fell and broke a hip. We came home early, Rick flew out and stuff (paperwork and benifits) got done that needed to get done, which needed both the brothers to do. So now we were able to reschedule Gary's appt to today, we took an extra day to cover Eddie care while Lynn has surgery (although I have a feeling there were many other offers - LOL) and while we were here the water heater took a dump. Now this was a type of dump that we would not have been able to diagnose over the phone, so it was a good thing we were here when it happened. God's plan - I think so... He has a way of having things just happen.
Such as yesterday - I was trying to stay busy outside, because there was too much food temptation inside - and I was trying to do things that would help and decrease some of the frustrations we feel when we come home. Well my usual spiral down into thinking of what ifs and whys etc... then Lynn came out and caught me and I was able to 'cry on her shoulder' - literally. I think it was a good thing - unplanned but cleansing. There is so much more that CAN be done around here, and Lynn carries it all on her shoulders... I know we only see through a small window, but what we see, we get very frustrated with.
Now if we had stuck with OUR plans - no paperwork would have been started for Momma - Rick and Gary wouldn't have had time together (and I think a greater appreaciation for what the last few years for us has been like) - we wouldn't have had the time to aid Lynn and Morgan and give them some 'off' time... and in doing so would have been super stressed when the hot water heater stopped working and we weren't here to diagnose it. So even though this 'down time' is really tough on the pocket book - it was good timing.
I have faith that things will all work out according to GOD's plans, even if that doesn't correspond with OUR plans!
Case in point - We had planned on being in town on the 12-14th for Gary's Doc appt... thinking Lynn would then be more up and around after surgery and we could give the kids at least a day or two off parent duty. Instead Momma fell and broke a hip. We came home early, Rick flew out and stuff (paperwork and benifits) got done that needed to get done, which needed both the brothers to do. So now we were able to reschedule Gary's appt to today, we took an extra day to cover Eddie care while Lynn has surgery (although I have a feeling there were many other offers - LOL) and while we were here the water heater took a dump. Now this was a type of dump that we would not have been able to diagnose over the phone, so it was a good thing we were here when it happened. God's plan - I think so... He has a way of having things just happen.
Such as yesterday - I was trying to stay busy outside, because there was too much food temptation inside - and I was trying to do things that would help and decrease some of the frustrations we feel when we come home. Well my usual spiral down into thinking of what ifs and whys etc... then Lynn came out and caught me and I was able to 'cry on her shoulder' - literally. I think it was a good thing - unplanned but cleansing. There is so much more that CAN be done around here, and Lynn carries it all on her shoulders... I know we only see through a small window, but what we see, we get very frustrated with.
Now if we had stuck with OUR plans - no paperwork would have been started for Momma - Rick and Gary wouldn't have had time together (and I think a greater appreaciation for what the last few years for us has been like) - we wouldn't have had the time to aid Lynn and Morgan and give them some 'off' time... and in doing so would have been super stressed when the hot water heater stopped working and we weren't here to diagnose it. So even though this 'down time' is really tough on the pocket book - it was good timing.
I have faith that things will all work out according to GOD's plans, even if that doesn't correspond with OUR plans!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Reconnecting...
How cool is FaceBook... for kicks and giggles a couple months ago I put in a few names from my childhood. Found one of them and sent a message - she replied and yep it was her!! Finally got to go and see her... talk about a blast from the past :) While I was there a friend of her's turned out to be a friend of mine from across town and 4 years earlier! Talk about a SMALL world!
Its a guys night out tonight... Gary, his brother and a friend of the family (from their childhood) are all heading out to visit... I expect them to be out for HOURS... those guys can talk and reminice with the best of them.
So I'm hangin' out with the 'kids'... she's not such a kid any more, but she will always be MY kid. Nice sitting and having a 'family' dinner with them. Fun watching Eddie too - brings me back to raising Lynn - and it doesn't even seem THAT long ago.
Got a lot done this week - things that Lynn and Rene wouldn't be able to do for us. Signatures and paperwork... trying to get increased benifits... and a bunch else... I am SO glad that it wasn't just Gary and I - Gary's brother flew out and he was a big help. Another head to keep track of things and another emotional buffer.
I must admit though I am torn - loved being home/at the house, but I'm looking forward to getting back on the road again. Plus we have sat so long that this is going to put a big dent in the pocket book. I know - that is always on my mind - its the way I'm wired :^\
Another reason I look forward to being back on the truck is there isn't as much 'temptation'. I have 'cheated' SO much on the WLS eating plan. I know better, but did it anyway - and now kicking myself. I'm sitting here BLOGing and hurting at the same time... AND kicking myself... Weight wise, I'm at 185... which is 5# MORE than the Doc's goal for me... so... I am going to put in print (and while I'm typing it I really mean it) my pledge to get back on plan... NO processed sugar, decrease carb intake, increase veggies and protein. Making sure I drink more water and less coffee even if I have to stop to pee more often... so I pledge!!
Its a guys night out tonight... Gary, his brother and a friend of the family (from their childhood) are all heading out to visit... I expect them to be out for HOURS... those guys can talk and reminice with the best of them.
So I'm hangin' out with the 'kids'... she's not such a kid any more, but she will always be MY kid. Nice sitting and having a 'family' dinner with them. Fun watching Eddie too - brings me back to raising Lynn - and it doesn't even seem THAT long ago.
Got a lot done this week - things that Lynn and Rene wouldn't be able to do for us. Signatures and paperwork... trying to get increased benifits... and a bunch else... I am SO glad that it wasn't just Gary and I - Gary's brother flew out and he was a big help. Another head to keep track of things and another emotional buffer.
I must admit though I am torn - loved being home/at the house, but I'm looking forward to getting back on the road again. Plus we have sat so long that this is going to put a big dent in the pocket book. I know - that is always on my mind - its the way I'm wired :^\
Another reason I look forward to being back on the truck is there isn't as much 'temptation'. I have 'cheated' SO much on the WLS eating plan. I know better, but did it anyway - and now kicking myself. I'm sitting here BLOGing and hurting at the same time... AND kicking myself... Weight wise, I'm at 185... which is 5# MORE than the Doc's goal for me... so... I am going to put in print (and while I'm typing it I really mean it) my pledge to get back on plan... NO processed sugar, decrease carb intake, increase veggies and protein. Making sure I drink more water and less coffee even if I have to stop to pee more often... so I pledge!!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wading through it all...
My lord!! The amount of paperwork is amazing... and I am lost. Thank God for family, friends and different agencies! Since Momma was in the hospital for over 72 hours she qualified for Medicare help... so a nurse came out to evaluate her and she will be getting PT (well the care home will - since she wouldn't retain any info), also a SW with VA experience talked with us today... so I have some hope there. Of course looking back, I wish we had pursued these options sooner and harder... it might have helped save some of our savings, but such is life and vision is 20/20 when looking backwards. We can just deal with what we have today. So tomorrow we start the path through the VA stuff... This time sitting still (truck not rolling) is going to make things a bit thin for a while, but there is no way we want to lay this on Lynn's door. She has enough on her own plate right now, and has been such a help with being here. It is still hard for me to realize she is a grown woman in her own right and a mother to boot!! She will always be my little girl!! I am so proud of her and how she has dealt with her part in caring for Momma. I'm also glad Gary's brother was able to come to town. Its good to see the interplay between the two, and it nice that the emotional load has been shared. Unfortunately Gary has come down with the creeping crud... we have been fighting the nose stuff for a while, but its finally gone down into his chest. The first major sickness since WLS (except during his training a year ago, but that was because this trainer kept his truck the temp of a freezer!!)... its really kicking his butt... So not what we need at this time either... So the good things (you know me - I need to look at the good things - keeps me out of my well) - the fracture Momma had, didn't need surgery - the brothers get a chance to visit - we get to spell Lynn and Morgan, and give them a small break from parenthood - we get to play with our Grand Baby!! Oh and one of the best things - we get to play with our Grand Baby!! LOL!!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Cudo's to our company...
You hear so many horror stories of how there is a family emergency and their company makes them take a load that is going in the opposite direction... well I must give thanks where thanks are due. Central Refrigerated has been good to us during this time. Not everything is under their control (more to that in a few), but our old and new DM on this dedicated fleet have been great. They took the load going to OH/MI off of us and got that covered. They also got us a load that goes from Fontana to Oakland to get us most of the way home with loaded miles. THANK YOU CENTRAL!!
Now to the circumstances not in their control... we get to our delivery (our 99 is what the company calls it) at 1030... our appt time isn't until 1500, so we get sent to a dirt lot and told to check back at the guard gate at 1400... so we do... told to take paper to receiving office and they say wait in your truck we'll call you... so we wait some more. At 1700 I go back in to see how long of a wait we are looking at, because we have places to go and things to do... the receiver goes "I was just about to call you... we can't unload you today. It won't be until 4 am tomorrow" - I'm like, your joking right? Then I go off when he says no... First you have 3 guys come to my truck and accuse me of being a guy using the women's restroom!! Now you are telling me we won't be unloaded until 0400!! My husband's mother is having surgery and you are making us wait! GRRR!
So here we sit - Momma's surgery got bumped until tomorrow (other trama cases came in) - we are still in AZ - Lynn is doing an AWESOME job of being there!! How I wish she didn't have to do this, but I'm so glad she is there! Trying not to stew on things that are out of our control - and thankful for friends and family.
Oh and on a side note... Gary and I are stress eaters - 1/2 a package of sugar free chocolate cookies each with milk - we are doing dueling tooting - thank God he loves me - LOL!!
Now to the circumstances not in their control... we get to our delivery (our 99 is what the company calls it) at 1030... our appt time isn't until 1500, so we get sent to a dirt lot and told to check back at the guard gate at 1400... so we do... told to take paper to receiving office and they say wait in your truck we'll call you... so we wait some more. At 1700 I go back in to see how long of a wait we are looking at, because we have places to go and things to do... the receiver goes "I was just about to call you... we can't unload you today. It won't be until 4 am tomorrow" - I'm like, your joking right? Then I go off when he says no... First you have 3 guys come to my truck and accuse me of being a guy using the women's restroom!! Now you are telling me we won't be unloaded until 0400!! My husband's mother is having surgery and you are making us wait! GRRR!
So here we sit - Momma's surgery got bumped until tomorrow (other trama cases came in) - we are still in AZ - Lynn is doing an AWESOME job of being there!! How I wish she didn't have to do this, but I'm so glad she is there! Trying not to stew on things that are out of our control - and thankful for friends and family.
Oh and on a side note... Gary and I are stress eaters - 1/2 a package of sugar free chocolate cookies each with milk - we are doing dueling tooting - thank God he loves me - LOL!!
Torn...
Another really hard part about trucking is not being where you feel you are needed, and not able to drop everything to be there!!
Case in point... Gary's Mom (not sure the exact how) broke her hip. It wasn't directly obvious, so they weren't sure about taking her to the doctor vs: ER. Lynn and our very good friend RS went to the care home to say yes or no on sending her to the hospital because we weren't there able to do so. God bless friends and daughters!!
So now Lynn is at the hospital with Momma getting her admitted, while we are heading to AZ under a load... And one waiting for us to take us further away to OH and MI. Now granted Momma is in a state of advanced dementia... but... The frustration of not being there and the feeling of helplessness! Not that we really could do much there, beside taking the burden off of Lynn's shoulders... but we would BE there.
So any that are thinking of trucking is a glorious, wonderful carefree job... Think again! You are tied to a trailer and a load with the responsibilities that go with it. There really is no quick way home when something happens. We did know this when we started, and that is why we had people in place that we trusted to be there 'just in case'... just wish we didn't have to need them... (if you get what I mean)
Case in point... Gary's Mom (not sure the exact how) broke her hip. It wasn't directly obvious, so they weren't sure about taking her to the doctor vs: ER. Lynn and our very good friend RS went to the care home to say yes or no on sending her to the hospital because we weren't there able to do so. God bless friends and daughters!!
So now Lynn is at the hospital with Momma getting her admitted, while we are heading to AZ under a load... And one waiting for us to take us further away to OH and MI. Now granted Momma is in a state of advanced dementia... but... The frustration of not being there and the feeling of helplessness! Not that we really could do much there, beside taking the burden off of Lynn's shoulders... but we would BE there.
So any that are thinking of trucking is a glorious, wonderful carefree job... Think again! You are tied to a trailer and a load with the responsibilities that go with it. There really is no quick way home when something happens. We did know this when we started, and that is why we had people in place that we trusted to be there 'just in case'... just wish we didn't have to need them... (if you get what I mean)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Another day in the life...
Well my weight is staying stable... Not increasing, which is a good thing. We eliminated the nut munchies... It was hard to give up, and gum chewing has significantly increased, but the weight hasn't ... So that is a good thing :)
Right now we are at a Freightliner dealer getting some warrantee work done. I just hope they work in a timely manner. We are 'under load' and need to be in FL on the 22nd. However the tech said it was a good thing we came in when we did... The bolt that has been coming loose and starting fires, was loose and a 1/4" away from doing the same for us 8^0 There also was another recall that we didn't even know about from the company... Thanks guys! So here we wait... Definitely have to learn patience in trucking... Lots of waiting! Even if we have a deadline, others do not and there is usually no rushing them... Sigh
The new 'dedicated' fleet is working out 'ok'... There has been an increase of miles, so that's a good thing... We are running on our recap, so that means we are keeping moving... I just hope it stays stable. This last week wasn't as much as the week before. Just don't want that downward slope to continue.
Trucking is still very two sided for me... I'm liking the scenery and even the 'lifestyle' but I miss a stationary home. We have a 'house' and family/friends there... but...
Well... There is an actual TV here and I haven't watched TV in at least a month (since the last time we were at the house)... So bye for now :)
Right now we are at a Freightliner dealer getting some warrantee work done. I just hope they work in a timely manner. We are 'under load' and need to be in FL on the 22nd. However the tech said it was a good thing we came in when we did... The bolt that has been coming loose and starting fires, was loose and a 1/4" away from doing the same for us 8^0 There also was another recall that we didn't even know about from the company... Thanks guys! So here we wait... Definitely have to learn patience in trucking... Lots of waiting! Even if we have a deadline, others do not and there is usually no rushing them... Sigh
The new 'dedicated' fleet is working out 'ok'... There has been an increase of miles, so that's a good thing... We are running on our recap, so that means we are keeping moving... I just hope it stays stable. This last week wasn't as much as the week before. Just don't want that downward slope to continue.
Trucking is still very two sided for me... I'm liking the scenery and even the 'lifestyle' but I miss a stationary home. We have a 'house' and family/friends there... but...
Well... There is an actual TV here and I haven't watched TV in at least a month (since the last time we were at the house)... So bye for now :)
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