About Me
- Shannon
- I'm a slightly mad pagan trucker with an unhealthy obsession with yarn.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A visit from Bob
2:04 PM | 
Posted by
Shannon
I know some of you will probably think I've finally gone off the deep end after reading this but going with the spirit of the season, I thought I would share with you my own ghost story.
It all started about 8 years ago. I was doing the thing that all drivers hate, changing trucks. At first I just thought my CD player was being temperamental. It would play a few songs & then spit the CD out, & didn't think much about it.
After a couple days I noticed I was waking up to the same dream. I would dream that someone was knocking on the door of my truck & as I got up to see who it was, all I would see was an older man wearing overalls & a baseball cap walking away, giving me a backwards wave. Then I would wake up about 5 minutes before my alarm would go off. This went on for about a week until I got back to the yard. I had a conversation with the Rick, the shop foreman, that went something like this...
Me: "Hey Rick, did someone die in this truck I've got?"
Rick: *funny look* "Why, did someone say something to you?"
Me: "No. I've just been having a weird, recurring dream."
Rick: "Uhhhh, yeah. You're not the first one to mention that. Actually a driver did die in that truck about a year ago."
Me: "Was he an older guy that liked to wear bibbed overalls & baseball caps?"
Rick: *turns even whiter* "Uhhh, yeah. How did you know?"
Me: "Well, that's the guy I keep seeing in my dreams."
We talked for a bit more & he told me his name was Bob & that he had passed away from a heart attack. After I found out who he was he didn't visit quite as often but he would still make an appearance a couple of times a week. But when he did, I realized that he was the one responsible for my "malfunctioning" CD player. I had noticed that if it was country music or classic rock, all would be well but if I put in anything heavier, after about 3 songs it would eject.
After a few months I had to change trucks again. I was kind of sad to leave Bob behind but soon realized he was not. He still makes an appearance from time to time, letting me know he's still there keeping an eye on me. He still doesn't like heavy metal though & the occasional slap to the back of the head can be annoying at times (I get these when he thinks I've pushed myself too hard), it's nice to know that after all these years he still visits.
It all started about 8 years ago. I was doing the thing that all drivers hate, changing trucks. At first I just thought my CD player was being temperamental. It would play a few songs & then spit the CD out, & didn't think much about it.
After a couple days I noticed I was waking up to the same dream. I would dream that someone was knocking on the door of my truck & as I got up to see who it was, all I would see was an older man wearing overalls & a baseball cap walking away, giving me a backwards wave. Then I would wake up about 5 minutes before my alarm would go off. This went on for about a week until I got back to the yard. I had a conversation with the Rick, the shop foreman, that went something like this...
Me: "Hey Rick, did someone die in this truck I've got?"
Rick: *funny look* "Why, did someone say something to you?"
Me: "No. I've just been having a weird, recurring dream."
Rick: "Uhhhh, yeah. You're not the first one to mention that. Actually a driver did die in that truck about a year ago."
Me: "Was he an older guy that liked to wear bibbed overalls & baseball caps?"
Rick: *turns even whiter* "Uhhh, yeah. How did you know?"
Me: "Well, that's the guy I keep seeing in my dreams."
We talked for a bit more & he told me his name was Bob & that he had passed away from a heart attack. After I found out who he was he didn't visit quite as often but he would still make an appearance a couple of times a week. But when he did, I realized that he was the one responsible for my "malfunctioning" CD player. I had noticed that if it was country music or classic rock, all would be well but if I put in anything heavier, after about 3 songs it would eject.
After a few months I had to change trucks again. I was kind of sad to leave Bob behind but soon realized he was not. He still makes an appearance from time to time, letting me know he's still there keeping an eye on me. He still doesn't like heavy metal though & the occasional slap to the back of the head can be annoying at times (I get these when he thinks I've pushed myself too hard), it's nice to know that after all these years he still visits.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
OMG!!! I finally finished it.
Yay!!! I finally finished my Seraphina's shawl. I used a yummy purple varigated wool from Universal Yarn. Thanks to my Mom for being a sport & letting me post her ass on the interwebz. Sorry I have nothing other to report at this time, although I do have a few new posts rambling through my brain.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Where O' Where
For the 1 person that probably reads this blog & doesn't follow me on Twitter, I'M ALIVE!! No, really I am. I swear it. I have just felt totally uninspired to write anything. Hopefully that will change shortly.
But until then I leave you with some sweet bebah kittehs & a bunnah.
But until then I leave you with some sweet bebah kittehs & a bunnah.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
You don't have the right.......
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
That's right America. You don't have the right to not be offended by what someone says. They have a right to say it, no matter how tasteless, crude or socially unacceptable it may be. But you DO NOT have the right to not be offended.
Yes, I am defending David Letterman's right to say crude and tasteless things about Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter. I've been seeing people post on Twitter all day how about he should be fired & to contact the shows sponsors & let them know how upset you are by his statements. All I have to say to that is, great a freaking life already.
When did we become a nation of namby pamby whiners? I am so sick of these people that feel the need to turn this country into a nanny state. If you're offended, I have a novel idea, TURN THE EFFING CHANNEL.
Does it somehow make you feel better about yourself to want the man fired for a tasteless statement? Does it make you feel better to shove your morality down someone else's throat?
I am by no means condoning or agreeing with the statements he made. But as an American I will defend his right to say them.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
That's right America. You don't have the right to not be offended by what someone says. They have a right to say it, no matter how tasteless, crude or socially unacceptable it may be. But you DO NOT have the right to not be offended.
Yes, I am defending David Letterman's right to say crude and tasteless things about Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter. I've been seeing people post on Twitter all day how about he should be fired & to contact the shows sponsors & let them know how upset you are by his statements. All I have to say to that is, great a freaking life already.
When did we become a nation of namby pamby whiners? I am so sick of these people that feel the need to turn this country into a nanny state. If you're offended, I have a novel idea, TURN THE EFFING CHANNEL.
Does it somehow make you feel better about yourself to want the man fired for a tasteless statement? Does it make you feel better to shove your morality down someone else's throat?
I am by no means condoning or agreeing with the statements he made. But as an American I will defend his right to say them.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
One of my favorite places
Today I thought I would share with you, one of my favorite places. It's just a little wide spot in the road on I-80 at mile marker 333, near Buford, WY.
The sign beside the tree reads as follows,
"This small pine tree that seems to be growing out of solid rock has fascinated travelers since the first train rolled past on the Union Pacific Railroad. It is said that the builders of the original railroad diverted the tracks slightly to pass by the tree as they laid rails across Sherman Mountain in 1867-69. It is also said that trains stopped here while locomotive firemen 'gave the tree a drink' from their water buckets. The railroad moved several miles to the south in 1901 and the abandoned grade became a wagon road.
"In 1913 the Lincoln Highway Association was formed 'To procure the establishment of a continuous improved highway from the Atlantic to the Pacific.' The Lincoln Highway was an instant success in a nation enamored with the newfangled automobiles and eager for a place to drive them. The Lincoln passed right by Tree Rock as did U. S. 30 in the 1920s and Interstate 80 in the 1960s. At this place the road was approaching the 8,835-foot Sherman Summit, the highest point on the Lincoln. The view of the surrounding mountains was like nothing that west-bound easterners had ever seen. Still, they noticed the little tree, which became the favored subject of many early postcards and photographs. It still is. "The tree is a somewhat stunted and twisted limber pine (Pinus flexilis), a type of tree commonly found in this area where ponderosa and limber pines dominate the landscape. The age of the tree is unknown, although limber pines can live as long as 2,000 years. The tree grows out of a crack in a boulder of Precambrian era pink Sherman granite formed more than 1-4 billion years ago." [Chuck Rhode, 07/12/2007] info came from here
This one little limber pine has been a source of inspiration for me since the first time I laid eyes on it 10 years ago. It showed me that if one lone tree can struggle its way through a crack in a chunk of granite, then surely I could persevere anything. I think we can all take something away from this little tree. Even though it gets battered by some of the roughest winds & blasted with snow & ice every winter it still stands tall. With a little effort & determination, we too can struggle through the cracks to stand tall in sun.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Policing ourselves
Today I did something I've never done before. I called in on another driver. It was just the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. While sitting in a short backup coming into a construction zone, a driver came up the left lane, passing 2 cars trying to get in the right lane. He was still doing 55 & passed them by running onto the lefthand shoulder, just so he could get to the front of the line.
This is something that is seen on a daily basis. So called professional drivers, acting in an unprofessional & unsafe manor. But as drivers what do we do? Most of the time nothing is said, other than bitching on the radio. Then the driver that says something about it is told to "shut up & drive your truck & I'll drive mine." Yet more unprofessional behavior. So what options are left? One could call the cops, but unless it's a drunk driver they generally are not interested. So calling the company is the only 'option'. And yes, companies do take these calls seriously.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating calling in for a minor "oh crap, I had my head up my butt" moment. Because we all have those from time to time. But if someone is driving recklessly that is a different story. While this recklessness is in itself a serious issue the bigger problem are companies & driving schools. Companies are under pressure to keep a driver in the truck & driving schools are cranking out student drivers at an extremely high rate. While many of these drivers will mature into very good drivers, the ones that don't make the rest of us look bad. But most of these companies have no idea of the unsafe nature of their drivers. I know it seems as though most companies only want a warm body in the truck, but most of them want that warm body to do the job in a safe & professional manner. So if nobody is telling them, how are they going to know?
So unless we start policing ourselves, no one else is going to.
This is something that is seen on a daily basis. So called professional drivers, acting in an unprofessional & unsafe manor. But as drivers what do we do? Most of the time nothing is said, other than bitching on the radio. Then the driver that says something about it is told to "shut up & drive your truck & I'll drive mine." Yet more unprofessional behavior. So what options are left? One could call the cops, but unless it's a drunk driver they generally are not interested. So calling the company is the only 'option'. And yes, companies do take these calls seriously.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating calling in for a minor "oh crap, I had my head up my butt" moment. Because we all have those from time to time. But if someone is driving recklessly that is a different story. While this recklessness is in itself a serious issue the bigger problem are companies & driving schools. Companies are under pressure to keep a driver in the truck & driving schools are cranking out student drivers at an extremely high rate. While many of these drivers will mature into very good drivers, the ones that don't make the rest of us look bad. But most of these companies have no idea of the unsafe nature of their drivers. I know it seems as though most companies only want a warm body in the truck, but most of them want that warm body to do the job in a safe & professional manner. So if nobody is telling them, how are they going to know?
So unless we start policing ourselves, no one else is going to.
Monday, May 11, 2009
A letter to those who ask why............
Dear Sir or Madam,
You have inquired as to why I would ever want to drive a truck. So let me ask you a few questions.
Have you ever chased a sunset across Montana??
Awoken on top of the hill at daybreak looking down on Albuquerque on the morning of the annual balloon festival??
Seen the sun rise off the Maine coast??
What about driving thru California farm country & seeing nothing but beautiful, fragrant roses as far as the eye can see?
There are many more breathtaking sights I have seen crossing this country & lots of others have seen these same things. But how many can say they got paid to see them?
Being a truck driver epitomizes the American spirit of freedom & independence. Yes, there are many things (the layovers, crummy truck stops, the impossible delivery schedules)that are not so glamorous about trucking. Many days it’s a dirty, thankless job. You may see a slow & lumbering truck as something of a nuisance, but please remember this, without trucks you wouldn’t have that nice car you’re driving or the clothes on your back. So next time you’re tempted to give one of us a wave, let us see all of your fingers & not just one.
Sincerely yours,
Gypsy
You have inquired as to why I would ever want to drive a truck. So let me ask you a few questions.
Have you ever chased a sunset across Montana??
Awoken on top of the hill at daybreak looking down on Albuquerque on the morning of the annual balloon festival??
Seen the sun rise off the Maine coast??
What about driving thru California farm country & seeing nothing but beautiful, fragrant roses as far as the eye can see?
There are many more breathtaking sights I have seen crossing this country & lots of others have seen these same things. But how many can say they got paid to see them?
Being a truck driver epitomizes the American spirit of freedom & independence. Yes, there are many things (the layovers, crummy truck stops, the impossible delivery schedules)that are not so glamorous about trucking. Many days it’s a dirty, thankless job. You may see a slow & lumbering truck as something of a nuisance, but please remember this, without trucks you wouldn’t have that nice car you’re driving or the clothes on your back. So next time you’re tempted to give one of us a wave, let us see all of your fingers & not just one.
Sincerely yours,
Gypsy
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Scathing Response
@TruckerDesiree’s response is just……so……uh wow…………..
Seeing as how she won’t post anything in a public forum, I figured I would share her response with you all. The following was sent to me via direct message on Twitter. Complete with typos so that way she can’t say I misquoted her.
I only block people who make a career from me because they have no life of their own. I'm tired of giving them free material when they could be foing something useful like taking care of their kids. BTW did you ever see your new friends post about how she felt about Trucker who crochet & have you easy going manner? That's the funny part. You morons don't even know where all the previous posts are that make you look like total fools. Also "Women in Trucking" um.. well, I will let you find out for yourself. Its a suprise. If you guys only have 5 brain cells between you instead of ... oh brother...
Where oh where do I start????
Ok first of all, you block people who have don’t buy into your line of crap, plain & simple. FYI I’ve made driving my career & you are just a minor annoyance along the way. By the way I can still see everything you post. Just because you’re not in my tweet stream doesn’t mind I can’t see your inane babble.
Number 2. I don’t have kids. Love them, just don’t want them. So if you’re going to try & put me ‘in place’ with a statement like that, just maybe you should find out a bit more about me.
Number 3. I’m not sure which new friend you’re talking about. But if someone has a problem with me because I crochet & knit & drive a truck…..bring it on.
Number 4. Well since I’m such a fool, why don’t you show me these posts. But I would rather look like a fool, than a misinformed ass with a persecution complex.
Number 5. A ‘suprise’ ooooooo I like SURPRISES!!!! So what are you going to do??? Drag my name thru the mud & post horrible things about me online or are you going to call my mommy & tell her I’ve been a bad girl?? (actually she already knows, where do you think I learned all my evilness from??) So whatever you decide to do, all I have to say to that is, BRING IT BITCH!!!!!!(that one’s for you Terry *grin*)
Number 6. I had more brain cells but they committed suicide after reading your tweets. I know that wasn’t very nice. But I couldn’t help myself.
You probably think that I’m doing this out of jealousy or something like that, but really I’m not. Or because your ‘girly’ & ‘feminist’, & all I have to say to that is PUH-LEEZ. I’m sure it would probably be a great shock to know that I’m exactly those things that you claim to be. I wear skirts, get my nails done, crochet & knit, & have worked twice as hard as you’ll ever have to just so ‘women’ like you can even be given half a chance. I am by no means one of the true pioneers of women in trucking. Maybe you should check out Lillie Drennan or some of the women here.
It just sickens me to see someone, under the guise of being a trucker, make crackpot statements against other drivers & the industry in general. I know it might actually shock you to know that we do agree that there are changes that need to be made in the industry. So those of us who have been working ‘behind the scenes’ to make the industry better will continue to do so, without feeling the need to bask in a spotlight.
"Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult." ~Charlotte Whitton
Seeing as how she won’t post anything in a public forum, I figured I would share her response with you all. The following was sent to me via direct message on Twitter. Complete with typos so that way she can’t say I misquoted her.
I only block people who make a career from me because they have no life of their own. I'm tired of giving them free material when they could be foing something useful like taking care of their kids. BTW did you ever see your new friends post about how she felt about Trucker who crochet & have you easy going manner? That's the funny part. You morons don't even know where all the previous posts are that make you look like total fools. Also "Women in Trucking" um.. well, I will let you find out for yourself. Its a suprise. If you guys only have 5 brain cells between you instead of ... oh brother...
Where oh where do I start????
Ok first of all, you block people who have don’t buy into your line of crap, plain & simple. FYI I’ve made driving my career & you are just a minor annoyance along the way. By the way I can still see everything you post. Just because you’re not in my tweet stream doesn’t mind I can’t see your inane babble.
Number 2. I don’t have kids. Love them, just don’t want them. So if you’re going to try & put me ‘in place’ with a statement like that, just maybe you should find out a bit more about me.
Number 3. I’m not sure which new friend you’re talking about. But if someone has a problem with me because I crochet & knit & drive a truck…..bring it on.
Number 4. Well since I’m such a fool, why don’t you show me these posts. But I would rather look like a fool, than a misinformed ass with a persecution complex.
Number 5. A ‘suprise’ ooooooo I like SURPRISES!!!! So what are you going to do??? Drag my name thru the mud & post horrible things about me online or are you going to call my mommy & tell her I’ve been a bad girl?? (actually she already knows, where do you think I learned all my evilness from??) So whatever you decide to do, all I have to say to that is, BRING IT BITCH!!!!!!(that one’s for you Terry *grin*)
Number 6. I had more brain cells but they committed suicide after reading your tweets. I know that wasn’t very nice. But I couldn’t help myself.
You probably think that I’m doing this out of jealousy or something like that, but really I’m not. Or because your ‘girly’ & ‘feminist’, & all I have to say to that is PUH-LEEZ. I’m sure it would probably be a great shock to know that I’m exactly those things that you claim to be. I wear skirts, get my nails done, crochet & knit, & have worked twice as hard as you’ll ever have to just so ‘women’ like you can even be given half a chance. I am by no means one of the true pioneers of women in trucking. Maybe you should check out Lillie Drennan or some of the women here.
It just sickens me to see someone, under the guise of being a trucker, make crackpot statements against other drivers & the industry in general. I know it might actually shock you to know that we do agree that there are changes that need to be made in the industry. So those of us who have been working ‘behind the scenes’ to make the industry better will continue to do so, without feeling the need to bask in a spotlight.
"Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult." ~Charlotte Whitton
Thursday, April 30, 2009
More Blog Fodder Inspired by @TruckerDesiree
Ooooo! I’m on a roll this week….two, count ‘em two, @TruckerDesiree inspired posts & in two days no less. *grin* If she’s good for nothing else, she does give me great fodder for my blog.
This one dealing with the hauling of hazardous materials & ‘lack of’ safe parking.
I’m sure most people pay no attention to the various little placards that go on the sides of trailers marking it as a hazmat load. But those on point squares can tell you a lot about what is in that trailer. Sometimes it’s something as common as household cleaners & bleach. While these particular items can cause an environmental hazard are fairly innocuous in the grand scheme of things once packaged for consumer use. Now in tanker trucks you get everything from gasoline to sulphuric acid. Which would have significant environmental impact if spilled. Box trailers also haul these bulk chemicals but just in smaller containers.
But it seems as though Desiree’s problem is who should or should not haul these items. Which after 9/11 the rules on this changed. It used to be anyone that held a CDL could get a hazardous materials endorsement. Ohhh the horrors in that thought. *insert large amount of sarcasm* But in these enlightened times if one wishes to haul these items you have to have your fingerprints taken & a background check run. You can find out more about it here. There is also company training that one must take as well. This does vary from company to company & whether or not you are pulling a tanker or certain kinds of items…ex. Dynamite. (oh yeah, even dynamite is moved by truck) But there are certain people convicted of certain crimes that are not eligible to haul these items.
Desiree would like to add to this list student drivers. I’m not sure how much experience she thinks one should have before hauling such things. Actually to a point I agree with her. I would take little comfort in knowing that there was a student driver fresh out of school hauling 44,000 lbs. of dynamite across the Hoover Dam coming at me (which you can no longer take a truck over the Hoover Dam, thank you Mr. Bin Laden, but you get my point). But the stuff she & most of the drivers at the company where she works do not haul these ‘more’ hazardous items. So with training in proper loading & load securing these items shouldn’t present much of a challenge. But to listen to her tell it, it’s nothing short of being mentally tortured to haul a HazMat load.
Now onto the ‘lack of’ safe parking. I have been trying to figure out what exactly is ‘safe’ parking?? Is it a pay to park lot?? Which by the way are a complete joke. If you look at the little ticket they give you it says they are not responsible for your safety or the safety of your vehicle. Then what’s the point of having a ‘secure’ lot? A well lighted lot??
But if you look at where most truck stops are located, they are in the worst areas of town. So where exactly are ‘safe’ places for Desiree to park?? How about at where she delivers?? Oh right, she’s on Wal-Mart dedicated & they don’t allow truck parking at their distribution centers. Even the ones that deliver there. (Only one of the myriad of reasons not to shop at Wal-Mart)
Does she think that bad things don’t happen in safe areas?? If so then she is sadly mistaken. Bad things happen everywhere. And if a driver is ‘forced’ into parking somewhere ’unsafe’, then that is no ones fault but their own. A little thing called trip planning is a drivers best friend. They even have these nifty truck stop guides that let you know where even the smallest of truck stops are located. Even the ones in the middle of BFE. I do agree that in certain areas of the country there are less available parking areas, the north east being one. But once again with a little trip planning this can be remedied.
I know what I’m saying may not be the ‘popular’ thing to say but I really don’t care. One of her tweets stated that any publicity was good publicity & I hate to be the one to burst her bubble, but it’s really not. So hopefully she comes to her senses one day, but until then I won’t hold my breath.
This one dealing with the hauling of hazardous materials & ‘lack of’ safe parking.
I’m sure most people pay no attention to the various little placards that go on the sides of trailers marking it as a hazmat load. But those on point squares can tell you a lot about what is in that trailer. Sometimes it’s something as common as household cleaners & bleach. While these particular items can cause an environmental hazard are fairly innocuous in the grand scheme of things once packaged for consumer use. Now in tanker trucks you get everything from gasoline to sulphuric acid. Which would have significant environmental impact if spilled. Box trailers also haul these bulk chemicals but just in smaller containers.
But it seems as though Desiree’s problem is who should or should not haul these items. Which after 9/11 the rules on this changed. It used to be anyone that held a CDL could get a hazardous materials endorsement. Ohhh the horrors in that thought. *insert large amount of sarcasm* But in these enlightened times if one wishes to haul these items you have to have your fingerprints taken & a background check run. You can find out more about it here. There is also company training that one must take as well. This does vary from company to company & whether or not you are pulling a tanker or certain kinds of items…ex. Dynamite. (oh yeah, even dynamite is moved by truck) But there are certain people convicted of certain crimes that are not eligible to haul these items.
Desiree would like to add to this list student drivers. I’m not sure how much experience she thinks one should have before hauling such things. Actually to a point I agree with her. I would take little comfort in knowing that there was a student driver fresh out of school hauling 44,000 lbs. of dynamite across the Hoover Dam coming at me (which you can no longer take a truck over the Hoover Dam, thank you Mr. Bin Laden, but you get my point). But the stuff she & most of the drivers at the company where she works do not haul these ‘more’ hazardous items. So with training in proper loading & load securing these items shouldn’t present much of a challenge. But to listen to her tell it, it’s nothing short of being mentally tortured to haul a HazMat load.
Now onto the ‘lack of’ safe parking. I have been trying to figure out what exactly is ‘safe’ parking?? Is it a pay to park lot?? Which by the way are a complete joke. If you look at the little ticket they give you it says they are not responsible for your safety or the safety of your vehicle. Then what’s the point of having a ‘secure’ lot? A well lighted lot??
But if you look at where most truck stops are located, they are in the worst areas of town. So where exactly are ‘safe’ places for Desiree to park?? How about at where she delivers?? Oh right, she’s on Wal-Mart dedicated & they don’t allow truck parking at their distribution centers. Even the ones that deliver there. (Only one of the myriad of reasons not to shop at Wal-Mart)
Does she think that bad things don’t happen in safe areas?? If so then she is sadly mistaken. Bad things happen everywhere. And if a driver is ‘forced’ into parking somewhere ’unsafe’, then that is no ones fault but their own. A little thing called trip planning is a drivers best friend. They even have these nifty truck stop guides that let you know where even the smallest of truck stops are located. Even the ones in the middle of BFE. I do agree that in certain areas of the country there are less available parking areas, the north east being one. But once again with a little trip planning this can be remedied.
I know what I’m saying may not be the ‘popular’ thing to say but I really don’t care. One of her tweets stated that any publicity was good publicity & I hate to be the one to burst her bubble, but it’s really not. So hopefully she comes to her senses one day, but until then I won’t hold my breath.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Women in Trucking
Another Twitter inspired post. This time my inspiration is @TruckerDesiree. I know I may get some flak from her supporters over this but I don’t give a fat rats ass. She gives feminists & women truckers both a bad name.
Let me start out by saying I love my job. It’s just the numerous whiners & complainers & people that don’t have the slightest clue that make rethink career choices. Some of those people that don’t have a clue, sad to say, are supposedly smart, intelligent women.
I understood that trucking is part of the ‘old boys club’, as far as professions go when I started 10 years ago. I also understood that I might not be accepted at places & subjected to some crappy, chauvinistic behavior. And I must say as far as that goes I’ve been treated very well for the most part. Actually most of the crap that I have gotten over the years wasn’t necessarily from the older drivers but ones that were in my age range. Yet I have managed to garner their respect, for the most part (some are just total assholes that can’t be dealt with on any level), by standing up for myself. If someone gets in my face, I give it right back. I have also busted my ass working twice as hard as most of the guys out here just to prove that I could do the job & to be taken seriously.
Over the last 10 years I have heard horror stories about what some women have had to go through during training & the way these complaints were dealt with by their respective companies. I have tales of how women were treated by their trainers & the unsafe things that their co-drivers have done. I’ve come to the conclusion that a lot of these women are part of the problem. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying anyone deserves to be treated the way any of these drivers have, but it’s obvious that complaining to the companies doesn’t work. Some women don’t even bother reporting these unsafe actions of other drivers. But yet these women continue to work for the same company that treated them so horribly. It’s as though the only empowerment these women get is through their victim status. If you won’t stand up for yourself, no one else will.
If things are so horrible where you’re working, why are you still there? There are thousands of other companies out there at which you could choose to work. But wait, if you did that you’d lose your victim status wouldn’t you?
Do you honestly think posting your “story” on a blog & saying that “nice” people would like to work in the industry but “nice” people won’t play the games required, is going to help your cause? Does calling drivers predators & equating the company you work for to terrorists, really help?
As far as students not being prepared for what to expect from the industry, as far as work hours & things expected from them that is nobodies fault but there own. Granted I had a bit of an advantage before I decided to jump into driving because my ex boyfriend was a driver. All they have to do is go to the closest truck stop & chat up a few drivers. Ask them about what they do & the hours they work. Because even though some people like to portray us as such we are not all psycho predators & will gladly answer a few questions. Never once have I been laughed at or made to feel stupid by asking another driver for advice or help.
So crawl out from under your blankie, put on your big girl panties & be part of the solution & not part of the problem.
Let me start out by saying I love my job. It’s just the numerous whiners & complainers & people that don’t have the slightest clue that make rethink career choices. Some of those people that don’t have a clue, sad to say, are supposedly smart, intelligent women.
I understood that trucking is part of the ‘old boys club’, as far as professions go when I started 10 years ago. I also understood that I might not be accepted at places & subjected to some crappy, chauvinistic behavior. And I must say as far as that goes I’ve been treated very well for the most part. Actually most of the crap that I have gotten over the years wasn’t necessarily from the older drivers but ones that were in my age range. Yet I have managed to garner their respect, for the most part (some are just total assholes that can’t be dealt with on any level), by standing up for myself. If someone gets in my face, I give it right back. I have also busted my ass working twice as hard as most of the guys out here just to prove that I could do the job & to be taken seriously.
Over the last 10 years I have heard horror stories about what some women have had to go through during training & the way these complaints were dealt with by their respective companies. I have tales of how women were treated by their trainers & the unsafe things that their co-drivers have done. I’ve come to the conclusion that a lot of these women are part of the problem. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying anyone deserves to be treated the way any of these drivers have, but it’s obvious that complaining to the companies doesn’t work. Some women don’t even bother reporting these unsafe actions of other drivers. But yet these women continue to work for the same company that treated them so horribly. It’s as though the only empowerment these women get is through their victim status. If you won’t stand up for yourself, no one else will.
If things are so horrible where you’re working, why are you still there? There are thousands of other companies out there at which you could choose to work. But wait, if you did that you’d lose your victim status wouldn’t you?
Do you honestly think posting your “story” on a blog & saying that “nice” people would like to work in the industry but “nice” people won’t play the games required, is going to help your cause? Does calling drivers predators & equating the company you work for to terrorists, really help?
As far as students not being prepared for what to expect from the industry, as far as work hours & things expected from them that is nobodies fault but there own. Granted I had a bit of an advantage before I decided to jump into driving because my ex boyfriend was a driver. All they have to do is go to the closest truck stop & chat up a few drivers. Ask them about what they do & the hours they work. Because even though some people like to portray us as such we are not all psycho predators & will gladly answer a few questions. Never once have I been laughed at or made to feel stupid by asking another driver for advice or help.
So crawl out from under your blankie, put on your big girl panties & be part of the solution & not part of the problem.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Go Home & Have Babies Ya Dumb Broad!
LOLOMGWTFBBQ!! Who said that?? I said & I meant it.
Actually after a twitter post by @vincereardon asking why women who tell other women to go home & have babies don't follow their own advice. And linking an article about Dr. Laura. Which I at first didn't see the link but answered him that a lot women without children are sick of mothers as using their child as an excuse for everything. (ie.....little Jimmy's sick, little Jimmy needs to go to the doctor, schools closed & I couldn't get a babysitter) You wanna have kids & a job?? Fine, but don't expect me to do your work & mine too because you decided to go forth & procreate. And we all know little Jimmy is just gonna grow into an obnoxious teenager that walks all over you because you're to busy trying to be his friend instead of his parent now. And why is it acceptable for all these moms to bring in crap that their kids are selling?? I'm sorry when I was a kid (and it hasn't been that long ago) that if you were selling something you went door to door. I know not everyone lives in a small town like I do. But what about going around the neighborhood or people you go to church with.
And I swear if I hear one more mom bitch about how she doesn't know how she's gonna find time to take little Susie to soccer practice, or little Mary to piano & dance, & fix dinner & get groceries & go to work, I may not resist the urge to smack them upside the head & say you should have thought of that before you had kids.
I also responded to @vincereardon with, "Some women are incapable of doing the job they have chosen & the only thing they are good for are spewing out obnoxious little bastard children". I didn't really fit all of that into my tweet but that was the gist of it. And I think that pisses me off even more. As a woman truck driver I have had to bust my ass twice as hard as any guy out here just to prove that I can do the job & to be taken remotely seriously. Then some dingy, goofball, hosebag that only became a truck driver to sleep her way across the country or to find herself a man comes along & makes me want to punch her in the face. And throws all my 'work' out the window. So if you can't do the job GO HOME!!! And fix your old man some dinner while you're at it.
OK, now that I have offended all 3 of my readers so I guess I'll just go back to my crochet & twiddle my thumbs now.
Actually after a twitter post by @vincereardon asking why women who tell other women to go home & have babies don't follow their own advice. And linking an article about Dr. Laura. Which I at first didn't see the link but answered him that a lot women without children are sick of mothers as using their child as an excuse for everything. (ie.....little Jimmy's sick, little Jimmy needs to go to the doctor, schools closed & I couldn't get a babysitter) You wanna have kids & a job?? Fine, but don't expect me to do your work & mine too because you decided to go forth & procreate. And we all know little Jimmy is just gonna grow into an obnoxious teenager that walks all over you because you're to busy trying to be his friend instead of his parent now. And why is it acceptable for all these moms to bring in crap that their kids are selling?? I'm sorry when I was a kid (and it hasn't been that long ago) that if you were selling something you went door to door. I know not everyone lives in a small town like I do. But what about going around the neighborhood or people you go to church with.
And I swear if I hear one more mom bitch about how she doesn't know how she's gonna find time to take little Susie to soccer practice, or little Mary to piano & dance, & fix dinner & get groceries & go to work, I may not resist the urge to smack them upside the head & say you should have thought of that before you had kids.
I also responded to @vincereardon with, "Some women are incapable of doing the job they have chosen & the only thing they are good for are spewing out obnoxious little bastard children". I didn't really fit all of that into my tweet but that was the gist of it. And I think that pisses me off even more. As a woman truck driver I have had to bust my ass twice as hard as any guy out here just to prove that I can do the job & to be taken remotely seriously. Then some dingy, goofball, hosebag that only became a truck driver to sleep her way across the country or to find herself a man comes along & makes me want to punch her in the face. And throws all my 'work' out the window. So if you can't do the job GO HOME!!! And fix your old man some dinner while you're at it.
OK, now that I have offended all 3 of my readers so I guess I'll just go back to my crochet & twiddle my thumbs now.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Babble
Just a few random things.........
Not smoking update - almost 1.5 months and still going strong. Although some days I still have the urge to put make fake cigarette out in someones eye or knock someone down & steal their cigarettes. But so far I have been able to suppress these urges. Some days its been a close call though. Actually I had urges to put my cigarette out in peoples eyes & knock them down before I stopped smoking so maybe it's just my personality.
Lessons in knitting - I have made a sufficient amount of dishcloths that my mother won't have to buy any for at least 5 years. And she has know enlisted me to make her a scarf & hat. I finally bought a set of interchangeable circs yesterday so the hat making can commence. I also have bacon yarn that is just screaming to be made into a hat. Because who can resist a hat that looks like bacon?? I have also find a neato blog post that explains how to make a hat that fits. Crazy Aunt Purl's roll brim hat.
Crochet update - I am currently working on my own Seraphina's shawl. I am using a yummy variegated purple wool from Universal Yarn.
Not smoking update - almost 1.5 months and still going strong. Although some days I still have the urge to put make fake cigarette out in someones eye or knock someone down & steal their cigarettes. But so far I have been able to suppress these urges. Some days its been a close call though. Actually I had urges to put my cigarette out in peoples eyes & knock them down before I stopped smoking so maybe it's just my personality.
Lessons in knitting - I have made a sufficient amount of dishcloths that my mother won't have to buy any for at least 5 years. And she has know enlisted me to make her a scarf & hat. I finally bought a set of interchangeable circs yesterday so the hat making can commence. I also have bacon yarn that is just screaming to be made into a hat. Because who can resist a hat that looks like bacon?? I have also find a neato blog post that explains how to make a hat that fits. Crazy Aunt Purl's roll brim hat.
Crochet update - I am currently working on my own Seraphina's shawl. I am using a yummy variegated purple wool from Universal Yarn.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Letter to a lunatic
I'm sure I probably won't win any points with this post but it's something that I need to get off my chest. But when someones psycho-ness interferes with my friendship that's when I have a problem. And since she was checking out my Twitter updates (which I've removed from my blog page, & made private), I'm sure she has found my blog page as well.
Carole,
Far be it from me to tell someone how to deal with their issues but this has just gotten entirely out of control. If I was dating someone who had a friend that I wasn't sure about, I'd at least make a phone call to introduce myself to the person and maybe find out a little about them. But noooo you'd rather just throw a fit and get all pissy with Rob about the time we spend on the phone. Trust me if I had been so inclined as to try and put the moves on Rob I would have done so long before you came into the picture. Heaven forbid two people of the opposite sex are friends. Perish the thought. So right now your problem is me, in 2 months who's it going to be then??, the waitress at dinner, the cashier at Walmart? So hopefully you get some help for these issues.
How would you feel if he got all upset and was snooping through your phone bill to see how much time you were spending on the phone with one of your friends?? I don't think I'd be going out on a limb by saying you wouldn't like it very much. So why do you feel its ok for you to feel this way about his friends?? Ohhh that's right, you're fucking mental.
I'm not sure which saddens me more. To see a grown woman with teenagers act this way for no reason. Or the fact that Rob is putting up with this. All I can say is, damn that must be some hella wicked pussy.
But like I said I hope you get help for your issues. Because if I continue on I'll just make an ass of myself on my own blog.
Have a nice life,
Shannon
Carole,
Far be it from me to tell someone how to deal with their issues but this has just gotten entirely out of control. If I was dating someone who had a friend that I wasn't sure about, I'd at least make a phone call to introduce myself to the person and maybe find out a little about them. But noooo you'd rather just throw a fit and get all pissy with Rob about the time we spend on the phone. Trust me if I had been so inclined as to try and put the moves on Rob I would have done so long before you came into the picture. Heaven forbid two people of the opposite sex are friends. Perish the thought. So right now your problem is me, in 2 months who's it going to be then??, the waitress at dinner, the cashier at Walmart? So hopefully you get some help for these issues.
How would you feel if he got all upset and was snooping through your phone bill to see how much time you were spending on the phone with one of your friends?? I don't think I'd be going out on a limb by saying you wouldn't like it very much. So why do you feel its ok for you to feel this way about his friends?? Ohhh that's right, you're fucking mental.
I'm not sure which saddens me more. To see a grown woman with teenagers act this way for no reason. Or the fact that Rob is putting up with this. All I can say is, damn that must be some hella wicked pussy.
But like I said I hope you get help for your issues. Because if I continue on I'll just make an ass of myself on my own blog.
Have a nice life,
Shannon
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
My adventures in quitting smoking.
I think like every smoker out there that has tried quitting, I too have tried just about everything under the sun. Patches(my dreams are screwy enough as it is) , gum(ewww that was gross), lozenges(way gross), antidepressants(I just hate taking pills every day & especially one like that) and even cold turkey(was sooooooo not a pretty sight).
The last couple of months I had been seeing these Njoy electronic cigarettes & finally decided to give one a try. And I must say despite the weird taste, it totally represses my urge to poke someone in the eye or bite their face. But the biggest thing is that it helps with the something to do with your hands while your trying to quit smoking, which I think has been my biggest problem. Especially sitting on my ass all day & driving. Because when I'd stop for the day I could always find something to do like crochet or read a book and I really wouldn't have the urge to smoke. But so far these really seem to work & I am now 46hrs without a cigarette. So cross your fingers & wish me luck.
The last couple of months I had been seeing these Njoy electronic cigarettes & finally decided to give one a try. And I must say despite the weird taste, it totally represses my urge to poke someone in the eye or bite their face. But the biggest thing is that it helps with the something to do with your hands while your trying to quit smoking, which I think has been my biggest problem. Especially sitting on my ass all day & driving. Because when I'd stop for the day I could always find something to do like crochet or read a book and I really wouldn't have the urge to smoke. But so far these really seem to work & I am now 46hrs without a cigarette. So cross your fingers & wish me luck.
Labels: crochet, yarn
electronic cigarette,
njoy,
smoking,
supressing homicidal tendencies
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Sunday, February 8, 2009
An Epiphany?
While talking to my BFF yesterday I came to what could be considered an epiphany. I think. But I have come to the conclusion the reason I am still single at 33 is due to my being a truck driver. And not for any of the obvious reasons like never being home or anything like that. It's just in the almost 10 years working in a male dominated profession I have seen more into the way the male mind works then any female really has a right to.
Most guys when they are around women they tend to act with a modicum of decency. Not that all truck drivers are neanderthals but a lot of them tend to act in ways towards women drivers that they would only act with their male friends. Again, I am NOT saying all, just a good portion of them act this way. I guess I should feel honored that I am now "one of the guys", but I'd rather not be. There are some things I just don't need to know or don't want to know.
Most guys when they are around women they tend to act with a modicum of decency. Not that all truck drivers are neanderthals but a lot of them tend to act in ways towards women drivers that they would only act with their male friends. Again, I am NOT saying all, just a good portion of them act this way. I guess I should feel honored that I am now "one of the guys", but I'd rather not be. There are some things I just don't need to know or don't want to know.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I was tagged
I was tagged on my facebook page so I figured I would post it here as well. For all of those that want to peek deep into the inner workings of my psyche.
1. I'm a recovering Baptist. I don't follow any particular pagan path. It's more of a broad polytheistic view.
2. I am an amateur radio operator. Currently Tech class but am studying for my General. Call sign KC8LMU
3. I love to read & will read just about anything. Or try to at least.
4. Still single & no kids, with neither in the near future.
5. I'm still trying to find that rich old man that's about ready to kick the bucket & gonna leave me all his money. But my luck if I did find him, he's leave all his money to his cat or something.
6. I taught myself to crochet about 2 years ago & am currently teaching myself to knit.
7. I'm addicted to my blackberry. And her name is BB McGee. Yes I know it's a sign of being crazy admitting this, but so be it. (you should meet the rest of the family......they make me look normal)
8. I have way more grey hair then any 33 year old should have.
9. I could easily seeing myself becoming a hermit.
10. I've been everywhere man, I've been everywhere......ok technically NOT everywhere but I have been to all of the lower 48, all of Canada except the NW Territory, Yukon Territory, PEI & Labrador. I have also been to Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana & Nuevo Laredo, MX & Jamaica mon.
11. I'm a serial killer.......it's just all in my head.
12. I would love to own my very own yarn shop. Somehow I don't see this helping my yarn addiction.
13. I love to listen to old timey radio shows.
14. All of my disillusionment issues stem from an incident in the fifth grade when I lost a naming contest for a math robot. I still think Sir Math-A-Lot is way better then Math Amigo.
15. I'm a button pusher.
16. I believe tattoos are like potato chips.......you can't have just one. That's why i have 10.
17. I am thinking coming up with 25 random things about me is a lot harder then I thought.
18. I lurv lol catz. Tehy r teh ishtz.
19. I have always wondered that if Canada would see it as an act of war if we gave them Michigan.
20. I am a true Gemini.......just ask my mom she had to live with the mood swings.
21. I brake for Starbucks.
22. Soooooooooooooooooooooooo not a morning person.
23. I still think fart jokes are funny.
24. I'm not as cranky & mean as a lot of people think. I've just had to stand up for myself to be taken even remotely serious as a female truck driver and I refuse to take any one's crap. And women that decide to become truck drivers but can only half assed do the job, do the rest of us a favor & go back home & have a couple of more kids or something.
25. I've been drug free for 9.5 years now. And I owe so much to my mom, because most parents would have given up, but she didn't.
1. I'm a recovering Baptist. I don't follow any particular pagan path. It's more of a broad polytheistic view.
2. I am an amateur radio operator. Currently Tech class but am studying for my General. Call sign KC8LMU
3. I love to read & will read just about anything. Or try to at least.
4. Still single & no kids, with neither in the near future.
5. I'm still trying to find that rich old man that's about ready to kick the bucket & gonna leave me all his money. But my luck if I did find him, he's leave all his money to his cat or something.
6. I taught myself to crochet about 2 years ago & am currently teaching myself to knit.
7. I'm addicted to my blackberry. And her name is BB McGee. Yes I know it's a sign of being crazy admitting this, but so be it. (you should meet the rest of the family......they make me look normal)
8. I have way more grey hair then any 33 year old should have.
9. I could easily seeing myself becoming a hermit.
10. I've been everywhere man, I've been everywhere......ok technically NOT everywhere but I have been to all of the lower 48, all of Canada except the NW Territory, Yukon Territory, PEI & Labrador. I have also been to Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana & Nuevo Laredo, MX & Jamaica mon.
11. I'm a serial killer.......it's just all in my head.
12. I would love to own my very own yarn shop. Somehow I don't see this helping my yarn addiction.
13. I love to listen to old timey radio shows.
14. All of my disillusionment issues stem from an incident in the fifth grade when I lost a naming contest for a math robot. I still think Sir Math-A-Lot is way better then Math Amigo.
15. I'm a button pusher.
16. I believe tattoos are like potato chips.......you can't have just one. That's why i have 10.
17. I am thinking coming up with 25 random things about me is a lot harder then I thought.
18. I lurv lol catz. Tehy r teh ishtz.
19. I have always wondered that if Canada would see it as an act of war if we gave them Michigan.
20. I am a true Gemini.......just ask my mom she had to live with the mood swings.
21. I brake for Starbucks.
22. Soooooooooooooooooooooooo not a morning person.
23. I still think fart jokes are funny.
24. I'm not as cranky & mean as a lot of people think. I've just had to stand up for myself to be taken even remotely serious as a female truck driver and I refuse to take any one's crap. And women that decide to become truck drivers but can only half assed do the job, do the rest of us a favor & go back home & have a couple of more kids or something.
25. I've been drug free for 9.5 years now. And I owe so much to my mom, because most parents would have given up, but she didn't.
Pagan Standard Time
Why do people think that PST is acceptable? When did this become an acceptable practice? To me it means you are a pain in the ass who thinks the world revolves around you.
I have never been a stickler for things starting right on the dot but the idea of showing up 2 hours late, if you even bother to show, because it interferes with your natural flow is a total crock. What about everybody else's natural flow? I would so love a life and job that doesn't require the rigors of standard time, but unfortunately I live in the real world and not some fantasy land. Neither am independently wealthy to have such a laissez-faire attitude.
Some pagans wonder why a lot of people don't take them seriously and maybe the fact that you are habitually late could NEVER be a reason. There are quite a few others that I could think of but won't go into for the sake of my blood pressure. So maybe for the sake of your fellow pagans you can grace them with your appearance on time for a change.
I have never been a stickler for things starting right on the dot but the idea of showing up 2 hours late, if you even bother to show, because it interferes with your natural flow is a total crock. What about everybody else's natural flow? I would so love a life and job that doesn't require the rigors of standard time, but unfortunately I live in the real world and not some fantasy land. Neither am independently wealthy to have such a laissez-faire attitude.
Some pagans wonder why a lot of people don't take them seriously and maybe the fact that you are habitually late could NEVER be a reason. There are quite a few others that I could think of but won't go into for the sake of my blood pressure. So maybe for the sake of your fellow pagans you can grace them with your appearance on time for a change.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I'm losing my sanity
Ok actually I lost it a long time ago, but that's besides the point. Sorry to any that may have been reading or trying to read my blog whilst I was going thru the mental anguish of trying to decide on a new template. I think I've found one that I can live with for awhile.
Chistmas pics
Christmas crochet has been completed & gifted. And as usual I have been slacking on my blogging. But the pictures are finally here. This is the pink camo afghan that I made for my youngest niece. It was originally supposed to be Tunisian lace, but do to time restraints & my tendinitis, it got frogged & turned into a peephole chevron. If you look beside my nephew you can see his camo scrap granny that I made. He was more interested in the other presents that needed opened. :)
And without further ado.......The Scarf That Ate Cleveland. It morphed into something about 10' long & reminiscent of a feather boa. It's a 3-2-1 pattern. It took almost 6 skeins of Yarn Bee Jewelsong. It's a good thing she loved it or I would have had to hurt her. ;P
And here is the Seraphinas shawl that I made for my mom. It was made using Lion Brands Wool Ease in wheat. The only gift that didn't get pictured was a granny rectangle that I made for my oldest niece.
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