Christmas behind us...

As much as the weather played a part in the holiday celebrations this year, it actually went pretty well. It was SO hectic getting Chuck home in time to celebrate at all, but it turned out to be a nice weekend. With Christmas eve canceled, the kids and I hung out waiting for Chuck to pull in. He finally rolled in around 8/8:30 on Thursday night and we were so relieved! We had a nice dinner and went to sleep pretty early. Friday we enjoyed lunch and many nice gifts with the Hartkopf side. Sam sure has succeeded in livening up that celebration! The first few years we celebrated with Chuck's family Alex and Marco were 7 and 6...they were pretty rambunctious, but it seems like they've calmed down, some, over the last 6 years. Adding an 18-month-old to the mix became a resemblance of a 3-ring circus! He a little nut, very busy....try keeping up with him 24/7! (exhausting - especially when he's awake almost all the time...he only sleeps 8 out of 24 hours!) Saturday was a beautiful day...nothing particular to do. I really appreciated Chuck home that day, so I could sleep in and he could hang out with the kids for awhile. It was GREAT to have a break, that day's rest will pull me through to the next home-time! Sunday the Johnsons,Nylands and Jedlickas were over...8 adults and 4 kids; I'm the only one with kids in my family, but they're fortunate to have so many people in their lives who care about them! (Thanks everyone for all of the nice gifts, if the kids didn't say so I know they were thinking it!) The best thing about Chuck being gone so much, is that when he's here, he's HERE, he's very focused on the family and every little thing is special. It really was a great weekend. This morning he left at 4:30 am (I hadn't even gone to bed, yet, because Sam was still up from 11:00 last night). He had to drive down to Inver Grove Heights to pick up the truck and bring his load of insulation up to Duluth and Superior. On his way up there he got to stop and have breakfast with my dad and Jean - he really enjoyed that...I hope you got some good pictures, Jean! (you'll have to share them with me) After a lengthy visit he had to tear himself away and get back to work. He got up to Superior and then to Duluth, then he got a pre-plan from Cloquet to Colorado. He would've LOVED to take that trip, but there was a reason why he didn't (and I can't remember what it is, right now...remember, only a few hours of sleep....20 hrs ago). So they sent him another plan taking him to Indiana. He's happy with that - it's about 740 miles I thought he said. He's expected to drop that load on Wednesday. For right now, that's the deal...I'm glad he's not headed southeast for once...to go into all that snow we've just had for the past 4 days! He set his next home time for January 15th, 16th and 17th. We're hoping some people who had contacted us, previously, might want to get some tattoos on Saturday of that week...that would be good. I have to get in touch with those people this week. So, another 18 days...sad to say goodbye...start counting the days when he's back! I have this week, yet, off from school and the older kids are with my mom this week, so Sam and I have plans to put all the Christmas stuff away. We'll be home partying for the new year...that's okay...I can't remember the last time I went out on New Year's eve. I can't remember the last time I went out....! Once school starts back up the time will go faster - I spend 20-30 hrs a week working on coursework...it's very heavy and intense. Thank goodness for breaks every 8 weeks (only 4 days, but still!) I start practicum hours in February, another 10-20 hrs a week, depending on the professor. I will need a set amount of hours by the end, so if I don't do them for this next class, I'll do them for another...it's a licensing requirement. Busy busy, we're at the heart of basketball season. Alex decided not to go out this year because her grades were suffering and Marco has practice on Thursdays and games on Saturdays (10-11 at Mississippi Heights elementary, if you're interested!). He didn't make a decision on time for traveling, but he's regretting it right now...probably next year. Alex really wants to switch to swimming next year - I think that's a good decision! Anyway, getting off track! You are getting a glimpse inside my head....too many things to think about! I realized how much I take Chuck for granted when all of that snow hit...thank goodness the kids are big enough to help! Doing everything when he's gone is really hard!! 'Course I was alone with Alex and Marco with my own house for 6 years before he came along (and they were only 2 and 4 when I bought that house and they couldn't help me at all!! ...I should remember this!! I've been spoiled! :)(it doesn't mean I have to like it!) I think this week I'm also going to try to wrap up all of the end-of-the-year stuff, if I get a chance, for taxes. It's that time, again! We are learning what kind of deductions he has a driver, too...that's something new! I was REALLY busy in 2009 with loan closings, so I have a lot of mileage to calculate!! Better get going...it seems like the projects are piling up as I write this!! Well, have a great night...I'll probably be updating next on Wed. unless something profound happens between now and then!! Good to catch up with everyone over Christmas!

Robin

Not sure how Christmas is going to work out....

Chuck is finally moving out of Chicago (it's 12:30 on Thursday morning)...he's not sure how to handle this. He's going to call his driver manager at 6 in the morning when he gets in and find out what to do. He was supposed to be home on the 24th, but his hours of service don't match what they want him to do. So, what if he gets all the way to Duluth with this load (4,000 lbs of insulation)....he has 2 stops at the Menard's in Superior and in Duluth. He will be there to unload it at 8pm on Christmas eve. Do you think anyone's going to be there to unload it? Then, he won't be able to move because his hours will be up. So, he'll be ready to move at 6 in the morning on Christmas Day, but who is going to be there on Christmas day to unload him? So, he would have to sit out the whole day until Saturday when someone's there to unload him...by then the entire holiday's gone....This is turning into a big mess - between that and the snow! I'm making sure the kids don't open any presents until he gets home, though...he doesn't want to miss that. We'll have to see what his driver manager says in the morning....I'll keep you posted. We switched our Thursday to Sunday, already, but if he doesn't get home until later he'll still get 3 days home because he's been on the road more than 18 days....he gets one for every 6. Alright, just thought I'd keep you updated...Merry Christmas!! Stay safe in this weather!

Christmas Eve is a no-go

Well, it looks like Chuck's driver manager poorly planned his route home...He was supposed to be home on the 23rd, originally....but they sent out a message that wouldn't let anyone get home sooner than the 24th. He'll be home on the 24th...at 10:30 at night....if the weather cooperates. He's in Chicago...he can start driving at 3:45. He has to go 1/2 hr away to pick up an empty trailer because there aren't any at the terminal in Gary. His load has to go up to Duluth...which will fill up almost his entire 11 hours (if the weather's good) he can add 2 hours if it's inclement, but it has to be bad...and we don't really want him to HAVE bad weather...remember what happened last time? So he'll get to Duluth but then he'll run out of hours. If he was just a little closer I'd consider going to pick him up, but that's pretty far, especially if the weather is the way they say it's going to be. So he won't be able to leave Duluth until 2:45 on Christmas Eve, but he has to take his truck down to Inver Grove Heights for his home time (which is ridiculous), they say it's for his own good - then if the truck doesn't start from the cold they have the techs right there, whereas if he's at home with the truck he'll have to pay the bill if he needs it jumped. So, he is going to be sitting in Duluth for the day and head back to Inver Grove Heights to drop off his truck, then back home in his little Dakota...hopefully the snow won't cover those little tires! As long as the snow doesn't keep him Christmas Day is still looking okay, but then the people that were coming for Christmas Eve...we've rescheduled for Sunday 12:30pm!! I would just keep things the way they were, but he wasn't home for Thanksgiving, either, and he's really broken up and homesick, so he deserves to be included in Christmas. I hope you understand! We're almost through the holidays...6 more months til June! :) Happy New year!
Robin

I ♥ NYC!.....but "I'll be home for Christmas...."......

Well, talked to Chuck a couple of times, today. He called first at 6:00 this morning. He was having trouble getting in touch with his shipper, so he thought he'd call me to make sure his signal was working....it was. So he said "hi" and said he had to go. He called again around 8:30 and he was in East Brunswick, New Jersey...he was delivering a load to the Kmart there, and then had to go up the road a piece to another Kmart and deliver the other 1/2 of the load there. While I was talking to him they kept sending him messages on the qualcom to pick up loads in NYC - he kept denying them, for one because his hours wouldn't accommodate the time frames and the other because he really didn't want to have to go back there. He finally talked to his driver manager and that's all they've got - so he's on his break right now - until 10:45 tonight, then at 11:00 he'll leave and head for New York City - he'll get there about 12:30 at JFK to pick up a load at the DHL dock at the airport and it's headed back to Illinois. His DM told him that his ticket home is to go through "Chicagoland"....meaning the greater-Chicago area - such as the terminal in Gary, Indiana. So, he'll be T-calling this load in Gary and they'll send him another shipment at that time to be able to head north to MN. Hopefully the weather will hold out - now WE're supposed to get a snow storm...yeay. He said out east they don't plow, really....they just put salt on everything because the temps don't get as low as they do, here. That's okay for 6-8 inches, but they got well over 14 inches of snow in that storm, so there's slushy messes everywhere. He's still got the piece of his truck strapped to the back of the cab, although he doubts they will even be able to use it, but if he didn't bring it they would be upset he didn't....so he's being proactive. It looks like as long as the weather holds out, now, and road conditions stay feasible, he'll be in Chicagoland on Wednesday and as long as he plans his hours right and there's freight, he'll be home on Thursday as planned. whew. Now everyone just say a little prayer and cross your fingers! Well, Sam's down for a nap, so I have to clean the house that he just spent the last 3 hours terrorizing and work on a couple of big projects that are due for class on Wed. I don't think my professor's human. My aunt Anita said to check for green blood, but I don't even think she bleeds...I think she's a robot! Well, Christmas eve is still on at my house - hopefully Chuck will be home by dinnertime - and Christmas day we'll see the Hartkopf side of the family! I'll keep you all posted if there are any changes! Happy Holidays!

Robin

He's staying put...!

Chuck finally got a tow at 1:30 to get him free of the guard rail...it took them 3 tries to winch him free of the rail. He's done much more damage to the truck than originally thought. He strapped the body piece that was in the ditch to the back of the truck...hopefully they'll be able to reattach it. He did also have a flat tire - behind the cab. He waited for a second tow to come and fix his tire so he could move forward. The tow truck pulled him to the next ramp, around 2:30 this afternoon. He is now sitting on the ramp somewhere near Cumberland, Maryland. Another driver pulled up behind him - that guy, unfortunately, was empty, so his trailer is blowing all over the road. That driver is from Maine. Chuck, luckily, has 40,000lbs of Ragu` spaghetti sauce behind him. So, he's heavy, otherwise he might have had a worse outcome earlier in the day. He was in touch with his claims department in Phoenix, luckily the woman he spoke to was originally from Salt Lake City, UT, so she knows about snow! She had him take some pictures of the truck so they can determine the damage, etc. before he gets to a terminal. I'm not sure what will happen, now. He will try to go forward, tomorrow, if there's a break in the storm. He's 30 miles from the next truck stop. He only had a 1/2 tank of gas and it had taken him 3 hours to get 40 miles this morning. He's had the truck on most of the day to stay warm. He does have food in the truck with him, and water...but no bathroom on board, obviously. He said if things got really bad he could see houses not TOO far away - probably 1/2 mile away or so. I think it's best if he stays put. He told me not to worry, that he's a "big boy"....but how can we not worry? Hopefully Swift will be forgiving when they complete their investigation....I'm not sure when we'll know that. He's just hoping to get home by Thursday. It's supposed to snow until Thursday, and I'm not sure, also, if they will have him keep driving the truck damaged or if they will want him to get it into service on Monday - that could hold things up, too. What a day! Hard to stay cheerful - thanks for all the support! I'll be in touch.

Robin

Don't know what will happen, next....

My second worst nightmare happened, today. Chuck's in Maryland stranded. He's in the middle of the biggest snow storm the east coast has seen in...."years" according to AFP news. He was 3 miles from a rest stop and his windshield wipers kept getting built up, so he pulled over to clear them off and when he went to go he crashed into the guard rail. He had sent me the picture above about 3 and 1/2 hours ago. When he first took off it was already snowing like crazy. Now I'm worried about several things....1. his safety, 2. whether or not he'll be home in time for Christmas, 3. if he's going to have a job after this. I'm thankful he's okay for the time being. He told me the right side of the cab is wrecked - the stairs were torn off. He's stuck in the snow and can't move. He went out to put chains on and 2 of them came off right away. He lost his bungee chords, so he doesn't have a way to put them on now, if he could. Hopefully they will be able to help him. He tried backing it up, but he has 40,000 lbs of Ragu` spaghetti sauce behind him, he just keeps grinding further into the guard rail. It's such a helpless feeling to talk to him from all these miles away and not be able to call someone or help in some way. He just got a message from the terminal, so I had to get off the phone with him so they could call him. I will keep this feed posted. Happy Holidays.

Robin

Going to Graceland....

I'm hoping Chuck will be able to get a photo similar to one of these with his own camera, but if not I was able to find these on photobucket.....If you haven't guessed it, Chuck's on his way to Memphis, Tennessee!! He left Michigan last night/early this morning and got through to Ohio....he got to go through Toledo, again...(I love that word!)and he is stopping tonight. Tomorrow he hopes to get through Kentucky, that was the goal for today, but it didn't quite work out. He's really happy that the weather is good - he's got temps in the mid to high 50s and NO SNOW!! Still 11 more days on the road before getting back home. I'm grateful to the holiday celebrations and activities with friends and family to keep me busy while this time passes. My classes go right up to the 24th of December, so I'll be really busy with that, too. I was up until 5:00 this morning doing homework, today, then had a house full of people for the cookie exchange....I can't believe I'm still up at midnight! ( I think I got my 2nd wind 3 hours ago!).Anyway...busy,busy...I told Chuck to drive through Elvis' neighborhood and snap a quick pic for me...he said it depends...it would be hard to turn around in that windy driveway!! :) He wouldn't stick out at all!! :) Well, just a quick update - spirits are still high - he was singing Christmas songs in my ear this morning...good thing he's got another job! :) But the sunshine and nice weather makes his day go MUCH better!! He was going to bed around 6:30 tonight so I'm guessing he's back on the road around 4 or 5 in the morning - he didn't want to get to Louisville in rush hour. Well, I'm going to hit the hay, myself! Have a great week, everybody! Robin

Chicago is Chuck's new BFF!

Hey everybody - It's been a really busy week! Everytime I talked to Chuck his location was different, but he kept going back and forth between the same places! He left here on Tuesday morning at 6am and headed down to Faribault to pick up a load. He took that load to Gary Indiana, then went from Gary, Indiana back to Chicago (they're very close together) then he went back to Mayfield, Wisconsin and back to Chicago and back to Appleton, WI and back to Gary, Indiana....then he was supposed to go to North Carolina, but that turned into Hershey, Pennsylvania, he was in Hershey this morning....but tonight he was on his way to Michigan...he had to travel 498 miles empty to pick up a load in Michigan (a town near Detroit)...and he'll have to wait there for freight traveling out! It's hard to keep up with him! And I probably got it wrong...but Gary, Indiana and Chicago are so close together, that it's like going to the same town. He's been pretty lucky weather-wise, but the first day, when he left to head for southern Minnesota we were having that blizzard and he spent the WHOLE day in the blizzard in Iowa. He got so sick of his wipers not working correctly that he pulled over before his hours were up. He was hoping the next day would be better. The wind didn't die down and it didn't get better...and a little colder. He heard on the radar that there were several trucks blowing off the road from the big wind gusts. He said it was a long, stressful day. He sent me this picture, today, near where he made a delivery in Hershey, PA for General Mills. It looks pleasant there, but he said it's right around 30 degrees...I notice no snow on the ground, though...so that's what I call nicer! :) the other picture was at sunrise... This week went REALLY slow....he's only been gone 4 days...8 more to go...ugh. Had some fun holiday things the last couple of weeks, though...choir concerts and tomorrow the cookie exchange...it gives me something else to think about. Although school's keeping me plenty busy, and we decided I need to look for a job. Next semester (which starts in February) I start practicum hours, so I need to find something flexible...we'll see. We're trying to make some changes to affect our situation. The cold's been a little rough, but we're still in Minnesota, we must not hate it THAT much (otherwise we'd change it!). Looking forward to Chuck coming home Christmas eve. Christmas eve is always at my house...it's open to anyone who doesn't have anything else to do! Food, visiting...Christmasing...We've had Christmases with friends, all different family - it's different every year - I love it! Christmas Day I'm assuming will be with Chuck's side - he has to be back on the road the 26th. It'll be a short holiday, that's for sure! We have to make it count! Happy Holidays...Robin

He's on the radar!!

Hey everyone - Just a head's up...Chuck's been out on the road since November 10th, I think....he's FINALLY getting closer to home. He's spending the night tonight near Chicago and dropping his trailer off, there. He has to T-call it, meaning he's not taking it to its final destination. If he is trying to get home but the load needs to get to California - he'll accept the load and then T-call it when he gets close to home so they can authorize him to drop it at the closest Swift terminal on the route and another driver will pick it up and continue the route. (we just learned about this, this week) :) So he doesn't have another load scheduled to pick up, so he'll be sitting there until they give him something so he can move forward. He's EXPECTING to get home sometime tomorrow late afternoon - his availability starts at 7am tomorrow, and he can drive until 5pm, but can work until 9pm if he has to sit to be loaded or anything. So hopefully he'll get home in time for Marco's choir concert tomorrow night. He's never seen one because in previous years he was always working....weird. I guess we're accustomed to that part! When he worked 2nd and 3rd shifts all the time he never saw any sports practices or concerts unless they were on Saturday! It would be really weird if he was home, tomorrow for that concert, after all this time. He's going to be home for 3 days, since he's been gone over 21 days. They won't count Saturday as a day, it'll be Friday, Saturday, Sunday, he'll be available on Sunday night at midnight (Monday morning)...until Christmas. We have a tattoo party on Saturday in Durand, Wisconsin - we'll leave around 7:30/8 in the morning and get home around 2 or 3 in the morning on Sunday....that's a long day, but we really need it right now! My 2nd class for grad school starts tomorrow, too-it's pretty tough - but they aren't just giving these degrees away, so you have to actually work for it! ;) I hope all the holidays are finding everyone happy and healthy and looking forward to a new year!!

Robin

Working his way home!

Good morning,

Chuck called me at 5am - but I was still sleeping....I tried to call back but he must've been unavailable. So, the middle to end of this last week Chuck's been going from Colorado over to Greenboro, N.C. (quite a switch). He ran into just a little bit of snow in the mountains near Denver, but it's been pretty clear far. He's been getting some good miles. He was a little bit comforted by the weather he's been able to enjoy by driving down south. Even though he missed Thanksgiving he was in West Virginia and it was 68 and sunny! (lucky duck) The picture above is from a town he was going through called Nitro, North Carolina. The mountain, Mt. Pilot, was one of the landmarks referred to in the sitcom "Andy Griffith" - the town that was the model for Mayberry is 20 miles away. Chuck said they have signs posted, but he was moving too fast! :)

Just talked to him and he's real close to his stop in Illinois - to drop off his load. He said he'd call back when they're unloading....a live unload can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 8 hours!! :) Hopefully he'll get the short end...usually a couple of hours. He's in Illinois, though...working his way back home. I'm sure when he calls back he'll have a preplan for the rest of the week. They were going to send him back to New York, but he had to decline because he requested home time for Thursday and there his no way he could get there and back in that amount of time. Looking forward to having him home, but the visit's going to be very busy and seem really short - and the next time we see him is Christmas! It sure does make the time between holidays seem short! He's due back Thursday night/Friday morning. Getting all the decorations up for Christmas - it sure does warm the house up! Hope everyone's doing well! Happy Holidays!

Robin

I'm Thankful for Chuck....who's not just "doing a job"

Chuck and I were talking earlier this week...he got a message on the qual-com computer in his truck from the company headquarters that said they were trying to make an effort to get all drivers home for holidays, realizing the importance of home time and being with family. At the end of last week Chuck was in New York City and hauled a load 1400 miles down to Denver, Colorado...it took 4 days. When he got there he got another load taking him up to Iowa. When I first heard that I was really excited....thinking "maybe they're trying to get him home?!". It took a couple of days to get up to Iowa, and when he got there and made the drop he got another pre-plan....to North Carolina. I guess I was wrong...I'm pretty upset about him not being home for Thanksgiving. It's hard to be thankful when you're worried and missing your favorite person in the world. So we continued the conversation and I was talking about some pictures to use for Christmas cards that I might use the one with him in the truck with all 3 kids...he said "it's not all about me driving truck, it's just a job". This is where the disagreement started. See, it's not just a job. If it were just a job he would leave in the morning and come home at night or maybe work 3rd shift as he did for so long... but when he's not working on the truck he's sleeping on the truck or watching tv on the truck or eating on the truck. He's home 3 or 4 days a month. The truck is his lifestyle, now. I don't know how much more I can emphasize the fact that our life has changed because we have a new lifestyle. I know people probably get tired of me pining for him to come home, or wishing he was here, or feeling bad that he's giving up HIS holiday to be working. TONS of people do it - doctors, police officers, people who work in nursing homes and hospitals....and truck drivers. But this is the first time. I'm entitled to be disappointed. I've gotten very little support from friends and family - I don't know if they just don't want to hear it, or they have little empathy and caring for what our family is missing...I'm not going to get used to it because that means I don't care if he's here or not, and that won't happen. This is an extremely difficult time for us. When Chuck comes home after being gone, now, for almost 4 weeks Sam won't recognize him at first. It'll take 1/2 of a day for them to get reacquainted and he's only home for 2 at a time! So, sorry to bore you with my on-goings. This is our life, now, I'm trying to keep him involved in ours and you involved with his. I'm very proud of the sacrifices he's making. There are many people who make the choices he's made and also choose to divorce their spouses to pursue their careers. Most people are not strong enough to do both. It has not crossed his mind to make trucking a priority, he's out there day after day, in an extremely dangerous occupation (the 2nd most dangerous, according to MSN) and spending Thanksgiving alone so we can have a decent Christmas. I'm thankful for Chuck who is providing for my family RIGHT NOW. Thanks, honey, I hope you find a decent, clean, truck-stop that will serve a decent dinner for you on Thanksgiving. We miss you and love you.

XOXO
Robin

Rocky Mountain Rain....

Chuck should be almost to Denver by now....Last Thursday (I hope I'm right) he left from New York City for a 1400 mile trek to Denver, CO. Every day we've talked for HOURS...he stopped in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Missouri (I might have missed one or 2). He's only driving about 8 or 9 hours a day, even though he can drive 10, because the hours stop when you get to a certain point, so in order to stay driving every day, and not have to sit for 24 hours somewhere, he has to drive less per day. So he leaves about 5 in the morning or earlier,and stops around 1 or 2. At least when there's a long trip like this there can't be any trouble....until he has to drop off! I'm hoping they route him up this way, even for a day. We have 11 more days until he's due home for some length of time (3 days) and he was only home 3 days in the month of November! This is very, very hard on all of us. He's making so many sacrifices. Thank GOD he has a job, but sometimes he goes 2 or 3 days with no shower, if they don't route him near a truck stop that has them. He has to sleep in the cab of his truck - eat there, sleep there, be there 24 hours a day. This is NOT an easy job! So I hate to burden him with news from home that may be less than desirable. Now that the weather is changing I add another worry for his safety...! He had some safety training last week in Kansas and they told him that Swift is the single largest carriers in North America - they have 22,000 trucks on the road - even more than FEDEX ground (the 2nd largest). Last year they logged more than 7 billion miles and had 42 deaths. FEDEX logged only around 2 billion miles and had 9 deaths. He said every day there is news of accidents with trucks. 2 weeks ago Swift made the national news because a driver was in an accident, and a mile later a driver from another carrier was in the exact same type of accident...they were both falling asleep at the wheel! As strict as these companies are about the hours you are ALLOWED to drive it is still very difficult at times to get good sleep....like when you have a refrigerator truck parked next to you at the truck stop all night (right Chuck? :)). Every day we just have to trust that Chuck is smart and safe and will come home soon! Not a day goes by, Chuck... Love you~

Robin

I ♥ NYC!

I Heard from Chuck a couple of times, today....he's a little bit nervous. As you may or may not know he brought a load up to Lancaster, NY, yesterday. Today he was supposed to pick up some freight in Buffalo, sat there for 8 hours and they called him a 1/2 hour before he was supposed to go get it and they told him it wasn't there! So, they told him he could go up to Albany (120 miles away or so) to pick up some other freight....going to the place he has been DREADING since this all began...NYC! Luckily, he's picking the freight up at 9:30 at night (their time, so 3 hours ago, our time) and had to deliver it to the JFK airport terminal where DHL goes out from New York to Jamaica. They told him on his preplan he was going to Jamaica, New York....woops! So, luckily he will be driving there in the early morning hours...hopefully the traffic will be sort-of light....all those trips to Chicago were just working you up to this, my dear! Chicago's going to be a rural town, compared to this! He's really nervous, so let's all pause and say a little prayer for Chuck's safety and most of all patience....that this goes smoothly. I'm sure he'll do GREAT!~ As I told him on the phone, today....would you rather be driving through New York City at 4:00 in the morning, or Cheyenne, Wyoming, right now with 10 inches of snow (in the Rockies)? He picked the city. Good choice. So I imagine the phone will be ringing around 6:30/7:00 in the morning tomorrow with either a HUGE sigh of relief or a VERY angry man on the other end of the line! Time will tell. So, that's the excitement for today. He admitted he's getting used to the hurrying-up and waiting....it's become part of his day. I guess you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! We love that old dog! :) I'll let you know how it went when I hear from him, tomorrow! I need to go work on my benchmark assessment. Instead of writing a thesis for my Master's degree I just have Benchmark Assessment projects at the end of every class. I got the assignment Friday and it's due TOMORROW. I just got the last interview done, today, with an administrator....so I'm drinking a pot of coffee and sitting up until it's DONE!! Have a great night~~

Over and Out,
Robin

HOLY TOLEDO!

Ha ha...we laughed this morning about that word...say it...."Toledo"....that's pretty fun to say! So, last week was so fun - we had a couple of extra days home we didn't plan on. He was home on Sunday and Monday (the 5th and 6th) I think it was, then he went down to the terminal in Inver Grove Heights to pick up the truck and when he got down there he found out he had to get a load up north, in Perham! So, by the time he went up there to get the load and was back down (headed to deliver it in Kansas, I believe), he ran out of hours....so he just came home for the night! BONUS! I brought him back to his truck at 5:00 the next morning and he left, took his load down to Kansas. While he was there he had some safety training and stuff they needed him to do. He ended up getting a load from Kansas back up to Bloomington! So he was home AGAIN! Just for Saturday. Then, Sunday morning early he had to leave to get back down to his truck. The pre-plan this time is to go to Lancaster, New York. Lancaster is 11 miles west of Buffalo. He'll be real close to Niagra Falls. Today he called early...around 7am, bored out of his mind! On the tollway it's really boring - if you've every driven on it, you know....it's very flat, and very boring! 6 hours on the tollway and he will be stopping in Erie, Pennsylvania....just across the border from Ohio. When we were talking about it we were laughing about O-Hi-O!! (yell it like it's echoing, it sounds funny!) He told me he was only a few miles from Toledo, and I said "Holy Toledo!"...so he took this picture for me and sent it...WE had a good laugh....guess you had to be there! :) This is a nice long trip...it's going good....he's got 4,000 pounds of Holiday popcorn balls from Con-Agra foods....what's REALLY funny is that he has to call when he gets within an hour of New York to get a "special permit"....I said...."Oh, you need a special permit to take popcorn balls into New York?"....that's a new one....apparently, HE does!! :) I think this is the reason so many drivers avoid New York, because of the permits needed to come in with certain products. We had a good laugh over it, though. He will NOT be home for Thanksgiving, unless by some MIRACLE he gets a load up here and they schedule him for home time, but he did NOT request it. We need him home for the weekend of Dec. 5th. He'll have 3 days off, then. Marco has a choir concert that Thursday, Friday we have a 40th birthday party for my cousin, Todd....and Saturday's the tattoo party in Strum! We're jam packed!! Then, the next home time will be Christmas....! So we'll have to sneak some Christmas shopping in somewhere, too! :) It's getting a little better...as long as there are no issues like last week. His health card was the big issue - why they wanted him to come home to get it straightened out, because it was expiring - but the Dr. had approved it, it just wasn't sent to Swift for the final "OK". Now that issue is gone, so there shouldn't be anything else to get in the way for awhile. We're only on Tuesday...it could still get messed up. We're trying to be optimistic. He just called...he's going through Cleveland....Cleveland Rocks!! (Any Drew Carey Fans out there?) :) I'll update in a day or 2!

OVER AND OUT,
ROBIN

A Long yucky week...

This week has been really rough. Chuck had a horrible time - he sat for over 24 hours outside of Peoria, Illinois waiting for some direction to come home - he was SO mad! He was ready to pack it up and come home....All I can do is keep encouraging, look for the silver lining....If there's one to be found I can find it (or at least try)! This morning he still didn't have any clue what was going to get him home, but by 1:00 he was rolling toward Gary, Indiana, to pick up a load to bring up to Inver Grove Heights. He should be here by around 3/3:30 in the morning tomorrow...he doesn't care what time it is, just so long as he gets here! He said he wasn't even going to stop if he absolutely didn't have to. The challenges abound with this job. It's not only the time away - there were times when he could definitely feel like he's on his own with no way to figure out what to do - relying on other people to find out for him. He was very helpless and frustrated. I was really frustrated, too...working on homework with Sam destroying the house around me! We have definitely been challenged. Can't WAIT to be done with school so he doesn't have to do this job anymore! He can find something local by that time, he'll have had enough experience. This is a really crazy time, right now. We're having our family Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow evening since he won't be home for the actual day....he won't be home again for 3 weeks (December 5th) when we have a tattoo party in Strum, Wisconsin.....we need that party for Christmas! Anyway, hope things are better for everyone else - we're going to try to enjoy the next couple of days! He will be going out on Wednesday!! Take Care!

Robin

He was ready to pack it up and come home after today....

I felt so bad for Chuck, today....he's having a horrible day. He worked 14 hours and only got paid for 4! Driving around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to get a trailer. He was so angry. He's swearing off Texas....every time he goes there it's a disaster. The last time he was stuck in Laredo for 3 days...this time he spent the whole day in Houston - it took them over 5 hours to unload his truck!Awful. Tomorrow he's on his way to Memphis, then hopefully they'll be sending him toward home.

Looking forward to having him home this weekend. He's scheduled to be home on Sunday. We're going to have our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday since he won't be home for the holiday.

Well, here's hoping for a better Wednesday!! The week's halfway point.

Hope everyone else is having a great week!

Robin

A little bit of down time

When I talked to Chuck last night he said he was only going to be able to drive for 4 hours today, then he had to stop for the "week" - his weeks end on Monday. He got all of his hours in, so now he has to sit for today, after he delivers his load in Houston. He's been driving through the south - Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and now, Texas. He's complaining about the temperatures, there...poor guy...needs to sleep with AIR CONDITIONING on! (whatever...rolling eyes) So he'll sit in Houston until tonight when he can reset his hours and go again.

I guess I'm doing much more of this blog for myself than anyone else, I've realized I needed an outlet for all of the ambivalence I have about this. He has an opportunity to do some runs up here between MN and WI, but he still won't be able to stop home until the 2 weeks are up. The worry I have about that is the weather that's going to be starting up here any day. I already worry so much, I might have a stroke! :) It's very hard, here....I'm trying to focus on school and the kids. My friends are all, magically, disappeared, since I need them....funny....when they needed me I was there. Oh well. I should've known. So, trying to find strength to be the best stay at home mother I know how to be (which I have no clue!) and wife to someone I can only see 4 days a month! Okay, I think I got that out of my system - don't want to burden anybody.

Chuck sent me these pictures of an antique race car he saw on the road a week ago - he took the pictures, but didn't send them to me right away. He said he saw it on the highway and was all disappointed he didn't have his camera ready, but then when he stopped to fuel up there it was at the truck stop! TONS of people taking pictures of it. Very cool sighting! A benefit to being all over the country.

Well, Sam and I are going to Menard's ....we have stuff to do....Take care and have a good day!

Robin

I hope I'm not really getting "used" to this....I don't want to

Unfortunately, even though Chuck is MILES away, life goes on. This week we have conferences, 1 down, 1 to go....Sam had his 15 month office visit, with immunizations, of course. I'm in the 5th week of my 8week term for classes, so I've got lots of things to do....I think Sam broke the mouse for our main PC - he keeps chewing on it, and I found it under his crib....(it's wireless)....and I think the laser's broke in it. I think it needs a pager, too, because it took me 2 hours of looking around to find the darn thing! At least he's sleeping through the night, now...he's asleep by 8:00, but he's up at 4:07 ON THE DOT!

Anyway.....Chuck's called me a few times when he's had time. He doesn't call too much while he's driving because his earpiece doesn't fit well so it's really uncomfortable to talk. Last night he was parked in Columbus, Ohio. He is on his way to North Carolina, just south of Greenville , I thought I heard him say. He said today will be a full day of driving, it will take the full 11 hours he has to get there. He's allowed 14 hours on the truck, including loading and unloading, gassing up and stopping. He said it's been raining the whole time since he left on Monday morning. But look, honey, the first week is almost done! His anticipated day home is November 9th. They told him he has to be gone at LEAST 14 days. That part stinks. I'm a single wife! I dont' get much adult contact, so feel free to call or visit. :) Sam's fun, but he doesn't speak words.

Anyway, we're getting ready for Halloween...the kids' costumes are cute. I haven't decided if we're going to go out or just stay home, but they don't have school on Friday, so we might do some early trick-or-treating that day!

Have a great weekend everyone - I'll update next time I hear from Chuck!

Over and out
Robin

Off and running....on an early Monday AM

4am came excruciatingly early this morning...made breakfast for Sam and Chuck and got Chuck ready to go. His preplan was for Elwood, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He's called a couple of times today - it's been raining all day (that sucks!) He got to his destination around 7:00 tonight and he'll get some sleep. He's got another pre-plan, but it's only 77 miles away - he was a little disgusted about that, but if you start turning them down they don't call you anymore! You have to take the bad with the good.

We had a really good weekend, but it was really short. Luckily they didn't count the day he got in (Friday) as part of his weekend. The time goes by so fast.

It's getting better...I'm not as sad all the time, but if I ever get USED to this, and DON'T MIND IT, somebody please put me out of my misery.

I have a lot of stuff going on this week...Conferences for the older 2 kids...that'll be fun. Sam has his 15 month checkup and shots, tomorrow...party, party. The older kids don't have school on Friday, so hopefully we can get some yard work done before the snow flies (they're going to hate me). Oh well, who said being a parent was a popularity contest?!

Thanksgiving's going to be tricky...just FYI - he needs to have home time for December 5th for a tattoo party (we have to have that party for Christmas money). So, he probably will not be able to be home at all the week OF Thanksgiving...the next home time will be November 9th - and maybe only for one day...then gone for 3 weeks - so we'll have to just do without him, I guess...this might make me cry.

So anyway, just wanted everyone to know in case they were thinking of making plans. The holidays will be very short. I do want to plan my cookie exchange, again, though!!

I'll believe it, when I see it!

Chuck has been calling me a couple of times a day, now...trying to get home. We found out today that he's going to run out of hours before he gets home, tomorrow (yes, tomorrow....NOT today!). So, he MIGHT make it to Inver Grove Heights under his time limit, but then I'll have to go down and pick him up because he won't be allowed to move forward for another 10 hours! 90 miles each way to that terminal! (yuck) But, we do what we have to do!! :) I miss him tons. He really gets worked up during the days when his schedules are coming in....gotta let ya' go....gotta plan this - even though I don't have to leave for 12 hours! Undies in a bunch, much?? :) It's okay, I get it. He's starting to talk about he and his truck in the "we" tense....he said it this morning... "we should be there by Friday afternoon"...who's we, you got a turd in your pocket? Well, I'm glad things are going good - it's going to be a short stay this time - that's kind of a bummer. We're getting used to is, is that a good thing or a bad thing? I don't know if I want to get comfortable with my husband gone more than he's home. This morning I was thinking about the holidays. It's okay to only have one day to celebrate the holidays, I've never had the day after Thanksgiving off, or anything like that - I always used to work on those days, so I never had extended celebrations until I worked in the school system, but this is going to give a new meaning to all of that. The other thing I was thinking about was change. When we refer to changes we refer to them as either a "change to the good" or a "change to the bad"....to me, I'm finding out.....a change is a change. In the 5 short years Chuck and I have been married we have had 3 addresses, together (I've had 4 because of the house I sold when I met him). We've had 5 different vehicles (not including the motorcycle). He's had.....7 different jobs, I think, I've had 4....we both have gone back to school - I was in school when I met him, I stopped because I didn't think I needed it....then went back for medical transcription, until I realized nobody would hire me with less than 2 years experience, he went to truck driving school and now I'm in graduate school for special education....last year we added a member to our family...THAT's a big change, I didn't foresee, but couldn't imagine any other way....the changes just keep coming and coming. Life doesn't stop for us, just because things change. So, to me, I've learned....there's no such thing as a good change or a bad change...they're all an opportunity for your life to be different than it was before. The good thing about both Chuck and I ....we like change. We get bored with the same-old thing all the time. We have had a lot of fun adventures. I'm looking forward to riding with him when I can, so I can see what he's seeing. Plus, I wouldn't miss him so much!! :) Well, we'll get to talk to him, tomorrow face to face...*yeay*!! He wore a hole in the road between West Virginia and Maryland this week...back and forth...good he can get away from it a little bit! Well, goodnight everyone!

Change of Plans, weird.....:(

I talked to Chuck, yesterday, but didn't have too much new news for ya', but this morning he called and it looks like the original plan for the end of this week is changing....the nature of the beast! Yesterday when we were talking he was in Baltimore and had received a pre-plan to go up to Delaware...not too far away...like 150 miles. He had to go up to Amazon.com and pick up a load at 3:00 in the morning, that weighed....get this....100 pounds! So he dropped that off this morning, no biggie...was waiting for the next pre-plan. He's going back and forth between Maryland, Delaware and he'll go down to West Virginia....little short runs. He had put in for his time home for Thursday (because he has a dr. appt on Friday) and they sent him a pre-plan to Indiana from West Virginia, and the delivery isn't set up until Thursday late, I think I heard him say....which means he won't be home until Saturday. 2 more days....14 days has turned into 16.....that stinks. This is the part I'm going to hate, I just know it~ Well, thought I'd let you all know in case you had plans that might involve Chuck....! Hopefully he'll get home safely!! Hope you all have a GREAT rest of the day!!

Over and Out,
Robin

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy....

Chuck's been in touch every day....all the talking finally paid off (thanks, honey, I appreciate it). It helps me get through the day when he calls and at least ACTS interested in what we're doing here! Usually he talks about what's going on there....he's on his way up north-east, still...he's going to try to see if he can drop off his load to Maryland early...he gained an hour because their clocks are set back, so he's probably a little ahead right now. He's near Knoxville, TN....he said he might get slowed down, now, when he gets to the hilly parts of the country over there...West Virginia, etc. Hopefully he'll send some interesting pictures (hint hint, I know you're reading this, Chuck!).

My dad said something about a snowstorm up by Pennsylvania a couple of days ago....something like 6 inches of snow...it was historical for them. Hopefully you won't meet that weather until later, rather than sooner. Well, I didn't have too much to say, today. Everytime Chuck's called he's been lecturing the kids to help me since I've been so sick....they are so....what's the word? I don't know...but tomorrow they're back to school after the long weekend, so I won't have to pick up all the mess! Just Sam. Looking forward to having him home this week ....hopefully it goes fast! It IS going to be Thursday, Chuck....just wait and see!

YEAY....He got out of Laredo!!

Chuck was so happy when I talked to him this morning...FINALLY got out of Laredo after sitting there for 2 days (almost 3). He is on his way to Maryland - this trip will take him to Tues, since he can only drive about 650 miles a day - his truck is set at 55mph, what do you expect?? :) We had a good laugh, tonight, when he called - he said the other day he was in the truck and he caught himself talking to himself.....and he was looking at the map referring to himself and the truck as "we".....if "we" get here, by this time.....blah blah blah....too funny. We need to name his truck, apparently, since that's his new girlfriend! LOL He was talking about getting a pet to bring with so he won't look so stupid talking to himself, he can talk to SOMEONE....even though they can't talk back. You're right, Chuck, you REALLY won't look stupid talking to a pet instead of yourself *wink* you just keep telling yourself that! :) It's fun to talk to him when he's in a good mood and things are running smoothly! Hopefully everything will be on time and ready to go when you drop off on Tuesday north of Baltimore, and they'll have another trip back west to come home right away, so you don't have to sit there at all. We won't talk about that. You still have a few days of this trip to go! He's getting up about 2 in the morning to go on his way - right now he's in Alabama, heading north and east. Home time is scheduled for Thursday!! Hopefully all will work out so this can happen. Still nursing the flu over here, so I could use the other parent right now!! Looking forward to a big hug!!! ( I so need it!) ....5 days!!

Over and Out

Still sitting....has to be frustrating

So, talked to Chuck last night, so we could celebrate Alex's birthday over the phone, with him. I called him when we were going to sing and she could tell him all about her exciting day! (notice the new haircut and ears pierced!) I think he was happy that we included him in on this celebration he was missing. And so frustrating...stuck in Laredo at the terminal for all this time. At least this time he's not in someone else's truck - he's in his own with the tv and the computer...his phone doesn't work unless he goes inside. Yesterday he was complaining that it was 104 degrees! Today it's ONLY 81....huge drop for them, I'm sure...but I would LOVE to have that rather than this dreary rainy cold we have! He's getting tired of sitting on the truck. He said at least when you're going somewhere you're concentrating on something instead of waiting for the qual com to beep with a new destination! Only 5 more days!! You can make it, honey! ( hopefully he'll be home on time). He has to be ready at a moment's notice to leave, though!

I'm enjoying getting to know some girls on facebook through the Life as a trucker website they started a wives' support group ...it's GREAT. All different kinds of truckers' wives - some get to see their husbands more often...some hardly ever. I'm still getting used to any time away at all. It's very difficult to have him gone. But can't wait until he gets here!! Things are finally getting a little better for me, I hope they get better for him really soon!! Still waiting for everyone to be healthy, but every day's a little better! Must work on some homework...Hopefully the next time I talk to Chuck he will have some good news!! We love you sweetie - we're supporting you!! Stay safe.

Over and Out.

We're half way through this trip, honey!

Chuck called today...he was in a hurry - they set him up to bomb, today, so hopefully he'll show them!! Since they put limits on truckers for hours in a day to be on the road - 11 driving and 14 total on the truck including hookups and loading and unloading....that can be a real drag when it takes the warehouse 6 HOURS to unload your trailer!! Hurry up, scuttlebutt - then WAIT! But, he went as far as he could, today...got to San Antonio. I told him he should stop at a good steakhouse and enjoy a cooked meal instead of peanuts, apples and water, he said there's no time for that :( AND he had the audacity to COMPLAIN that it was 91 degrees there!! waw, waw, waw (like the teacher on Snoopy)0. If we were in 90 degree weather the entire family wouldn't have Type A Influenza!! So, he has to get up in 2 and 1/2 hours and drive (at least there won't be any traffic) and get to Laredo (correct me if I'm wrong, Chuck) and drop off at 4:45 in the morning....he said he'll be late, but he's trying to get there as close to that time as possible. He said the absolute hardest thing about all of this is managing the weight of your truck. If you have a load that weighs 38,000 lbs and you're not supposed to go over 53,000 and your fuel weighs, I don't know how much, but you need gas and you're close you have to make sure not to put in too much and be too heavy at the scale or it's a ticket on HIS head for $300.oo for being overweight (the truck, I mean). He said that's the toughest one, so far. He's found some things he needs: Here's your Christmas list.....flashlights, gloves, small tools like vice-grips and pliers, bungee cords....zip ties.... a broom, maybe a car vac. anything that can plug into the lighter he has a converter, butI don't know how that works. Stuff he can take with. He basically lives there, so those are the things he's mentioned so far. I'm sure he would be eternally grateful. As for us, Christmas is going to be scarce, if you're up for it, we'd like to do family gifts this year, maybe, instead of individual. Thanks for the understanding!! Hope everyone's doing good and enjoys having an update on what Chuck's up to!! Over and Out! (7 more days, Chuck!!)

Chuck's a Little lonesome....

I talked to Chuck quite a bit over the last couple of days....he had to sit in TN for a couple of days, waiting for times for drop-offs, and then went to Alabama ....still in AL, today. He has to be at his destination early I thought he said. Then, it's off to Texas....not very long trips. That's okay, as long as he stays busy and away from the bad weather! Now that the bad weather has started up here that's my big worry. He was complaining in Tennessee that he had to turn the air conditioning on because it was 80 degrees and humid...the day after it snowed, here. Well, as long as he stays in that region the only thing he'll have to worry about is tornadoes and maybe tropical storms if he gets close to the borders. We don't want to think about that. The layovers got so long he started calling everyone who might be home just to waste the time.....we have unlimited minutes on our phone, so don't worry about taking up his time...he needs to know he still belongs to this family! He ended up talking to my dad for 45 minutes...he was the only one home!!

I finally went to the Dr. today, Chuck said he was sick of worrying about my health while he was gone....turns out I have the flu! (what a shock) Sam and I both got prescriptions for Tamiflu, however, the dr. said we could fill it, or not, it's a virus, even if it is H1N1. She said they only send them in to the CDC if there are other risks involved. So, type A influenza covers H1N1, too. I didn't really think we had it, anyway. We've been self-medicating this crud for a couple of weeks, already. Sam's had a high temp, though....but he's really good at drinking water - that's the main concern. Anyway, so, honey, we'll be fine. Just lots of fluids, lots of sleep (right) and no outside socializing for a week ....that'll be really tough (since I NEVER leave the house). Anyway, I'm going to rock the baby to sleep...he's very needy right now....stay safe out there - they salted the bridge and intersections in Sauk Rapids, tonight (that shocked me) it was 26 degrees...you better enjoy your 70 and sunny, baby!! :) Love you & Miss you!!

Sure when he's just sitting.... :)

Talked to Chuck again, tonight - he took all day to get through Illinois, I guess...headed for Nashville, but they won't let him drop off his load of dog food until Monday morning. He's going to stay in Ill. until Sun. am, then he'll be moving a little closer - he only has a little over a 100 miles to go, I guess. He's up at 5 am and in bed by 8pm (still surprises me) :) - after all this time working 2nd and 3rd shifts. He feels really helpless when he's not moving. It'll be okay - it's just another day..!

So, I filled him in about Marco being sick - turns out I was being a little hard on him - he did end up with a temp over 102, today. Here I thought he was just pulling a fast one. We're supposed to go to a big birthday party over at my cousin Todd's and his girlfriend, Heidi's house. They have 4 kids between the 2 and they're around the same age as Alex and Marco - they all went to Valley Fair this summer and had a blast. It doesn't look like we're going to be able to go with Marco so sick, though...crazy. It's hard to get motivated to go to family functions when Chuck isn't around....I guess that's something I'm going to have to overcome, or I'm going to become a hermit!

Sam's terrorizing EVERYTHING....he's climbing up on end tables, stools, toy box....to get to higher ground - NOTHING is safe!! Every pot is out of the cupboard and in the middle of the kitchen...he's going nuts! :) Why do we buy toys, again?

Day 2: Finally heard from the man....

Looks so cozy, doesn't it? That's the top bunk - you have to sleep in that hammock when you sleep on top to keep from falling out!! you can't see the lower bunk, but it's at least a little bigger!
Got a call from Chuck, today...FINALLY. He's on his way to Nashville. His load left late yLooesterday so he spent the night in Iowa. Said he frozLooe because he couldn't figure out how to turn....."something".....on....I didn't catch that word in the conversation. It couldn't be heater, because he's smarter than that! :) It got pretty cold last night, so I'm sure it was uncomfortable...the bed in his rig is like a twin bed covered in vinyl with sheets on it. It's SUPER cozy (sarcasm)...! He was cut-ting-out-e-ver-y-w0rd-was-like-thi-s. We so value what little conversation we get, huh? :) At least I know he's moving, not sitting...and he hasn't gotten into a crash or anything. Funny how our minds go to the worst possible scenario! At least now that I've heard from him I can think about other stuff...my brain doesn't let anything else in until I KNOW everything's okay. He's just now starting to understand. Sam and I have been hanging out, today - he was up from 1-4 again last night. I'm waiting for the day he sleeps through the night...and we were rocking in the chair....and he threw up on me....nice. Gotta go change my shirt. Marco's home sick, today....but not sick enough in my opinion. I think he's just wanting some time with his mom.....awww. :) I think I'm finally coming into my own with this thing....thanks to Joann and Susan who both had some GREAT words of wisdom, being much more experienced than I at being a trucker's wife. I have to go put Sam down for a nap and take care of some bills....woohoo. I know you wish you were me! :) Over and out....

Sam sees the truck

We showed the truck to Sam so he could see what Daddy is doing. It was a real bummer after Chuck came back after being gone for 6 weeks....Sam didn't remember him at first. After about 4 hours he was better.

Day 1: First Solo Mission

Hey everybody! I'm new to this blog thing, but I've read enough to know that it's the best when the entries are short, interesting and honest. Honest I can be....short, we'll see....and maybe not interesting for everyone.

My husband, Chuck, decided to become an over the road truck driver in May after being laid off in the printing industry (like many others). It was a complete 180 from what he used to do. When he finally got a company to hire him the deal was he had to be over the road (OTR) for 6 weeks with a mentor. He just completed that. I SHOULD have blogged that because THAT was a NIGHTMARE!!

Early this morning....BEFORE the crack of dawn....I drove him 90 miles (each way) to his terminal to pick up his new rig. He gets to drive alone, now. It doesn't seem so bad - there's a bed in there and some cabinets to keep everything he needs. He should be just fine. The part that is hard is the not knowing (haven't heard from you to tell me you're alright, yet, my dear!). The other part is the intense MISSING. I never thought I could miss someone so much. Obviously I haven't had enough loss in my life, or I woudn't me able to say that. I have tons of fears, hopes, emotions and frustrations about all of this and I just want to put it out there. If someone decides to post a constructive post I would be happy to hear any comments. I've talked to a few wives who are more "experienced" than me....and they've been a ton of help. Hopefully I will reach someone else who is alone and we can commiserate! :) Just kidding...not all misery...

I have 3 kids - 2 are teenagers, one's a little one (15 months old this month). It's not like the only thing I have to think about is my truck-driving husband...but it does tend to monopolize my mind. (not that I don't want it to) There is more to life, but I've learned from talking to a few other women that recognizing that our lifestyle is unlike many others is the first step...finding others who understand and can support us is a tremendous help.

Thanks so much for reading my first blog...I look forward to hearing your stories and hearing about your experiences ! Truck driver's wives, UNITE!! :) (so tough)

Robin