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