Christmas without the merry.

Jon and I had a wonderful meal with my parents, short in duration because of the monkey on our back (when we arrived and when the load was due the next day in PHX). However, today is Christmas Eve. I was forced to endure many minutes of very bad Christmas music played over the bluetooth while waiting on hold. We were supposed to pick up produce in Yuma. We have a list of items. The shipper states no it is less. Now we wait for someone to email someone and get confirmation before we depart. Two plus hours still waiting. Paula, Jean and Matthew home and possibly even Charlie when it comes to Christmas dinner. Jesse in Chicago and Christopher living at a neighbors. Yes I know the reason for the season, the reminder of the birth of our Savior. Grateful for the season and the blessings throughout the year, but that does not bring merry. That does not bring personal cheer. Yes I know there are many who will do with so much less than me. But is it wrong to feel sad?

Observed great colors in the sunset tonight. Need to buy a new camera to share the beauty God shares with me.

I've been everywhere

Not really; however, the student has now completed all requirements to move forward. BUT Stevens is not ready for the student to move forward. They close OT2 for two weeks, so even though he should be back on the yard on Monday, he is to remain out in the field for two more weeks. I am attempting to get him home to Columbia before I take a run for the west coast to spend a day at home.

Made a wrong turn while in Boston, it was "fun" to return to our route to get out of town. Went across an interesting bridge while downtown. Had to make a potty break run around midnight (I will blame the Chinese food) came back to the truck and it was snowing. Luckily it did not snow very long since we had 70 miles to go this morning before we picked up in Londonderry,NH. Now on the road again.

I was bad

Thought we would be heading out quickly; however, they sent us to the Dallas yard. It was partially a bookkeeping mistake on their behalf; but, when I went to compliance, I discovered I made an error, again. So we are shut down on the Dallas yard for one day to resume work tomorrow. Side note: I get to teach a class to the students in the Grad class about my error and how to avoid it. That is making the punishment fit the crime. New person in charge of compliance is a very nice person. She works hard to help you understand what was the error and how to prevent it in the future. Yes I was "suspended" for 1 day. It did not feel like a personal attack rather just consequences. Had time to show Jon around on the yard so when he drives his own truck he will understand more.

Hope a load for the NE when we leave!

Stuck

We delivered in Cedar Falls then came the message for the next load: IBP to San Diego. So we wait. It is not supposed to be ready until 7 AM on the 4th. Jon asked if we could drive to a casino, so we are in the parking lot of Isle Casino in Waterloo,IA. Hopefully he finds something to entertain himself with for a few hours.

Received pay twice this week, one would think I was making real money; however, since it was for two weeks...ouch.

Jon is okay for miles; however, the truck is also supposed to run so many miles or his time on the truck is extended. This is not fair to either one of us. Hope we start driving more quickly!

12/1/09

Did not make it home for Thanksgiving, made it to Las Vegas where we did not get a turkey feast but settled for steak. Jon was kind enough to pay. Paula called the van is being a whole lot more of a problem than planned, BK being held up until we can get $ in, being on the truck does not isolate one from problems. It allows one to brew upon the problem. If the brewing is to long it creates a bitterness for the lack of immediate solution. The isolation in the truck allows the mind to become creative with positive fixes or really play the self pity game.

It is lovely as we drive into Iowa. Hope the morning goes well.