Nothing too exciting (that's probably O-K!)

I've been a little elusive this week....sorry! I talk to Chuck every day, but it seems like he keeps going back and forth between Detroit, MI and Chicago! I'm sure I'm speaking for him when I say...redundant! His time to come home is getting closer...but GEEZ...this is taking FOR-EVER!! Still, 6 more days!He's trying to decide about this load, right now...he could hurry up and t-call it on Saturday at the terminal...and wait for something else, or deliver it on Monday...staying on the same load all weekend (which is kind-of stretching it out a bit!). I trust he'll do what's right. He's worried, though, because it seems like the week he wants to get home they send him as far away as he can get...and then it gets down to the last 15 minutes of his driving time when he's pulling into the terminal on Thursday...Their planning really cuts it close...especially with some changing weather moving it. He's headed for Detroit, Michigan for the 3rd time this week, I think! I noticed on the radar, tonight, that they are in the lower-western-most corner of the action the northeast is seeing...they always have lake-effect snow, anyway....but I don't want him to get caught in anything too treacherous....we have a special weekend coming up, I want him HOME!!

Things around here are good - busy...tomorrow is Marco's last Basketball game for the season; Alex joined art club, now...she's got a teacher that really likes her and is very encouraging - I think we all have had one in our lives who believed in us at one time, or another...it's nice to have a connection! So, good for her!

Marco went with his buddy last weekend to see a movie for his birthday...the new Percy Jackson, the Lightening Thief...Marco gave me the book to read so we can talk about it..."thanks, kid"... :)

Sam's getting really busy...he's climbing on top of the dining room table every chance he can get - climbing on top of the computer desk...found a way out of his crib by climbing up on the trim that goes around his room, so I had to move the crib to the middle of the room. I think he's still too young for a toddler bed - he won't stay in it! We've got a much better sleeping schedule, now, though...only ONE day this week up in the middle of the night...2-4:30. I'm not sure why, but the rest of the week was fine - in bed by 8:30, up around 5...that's a good schedule.

Anyway, school started out really crazy - I had 3 papers and a power point presentation due in the first 2 weeks...they don't just give these degrees away, you know! I had to redo my benchmark assessment 3 times (just the abstract) before my teacher would grade it..she even called me to tell me what she wanted! I ended up with 4.68 out of 5 points (talk about splitting hairs). I have to watch my grades; anything below a 3.0 and they can kick you out of the program...luckily I'm at 3.8! (not to brag or anything, but I'm not exactly a traditional student...I have 3 kids to take care of and a household, virtually on my own...I think I'm managing pret-ty good..).

Anyway, looks like we're warming up next week in the mid-thirties, FINALLY...

have a good trip to Arizona, Dad and Jean! (will they find a house THIS time?? ...(they've made this trip a few times to look at real-estate).

Take care -

Robin

Spontaneous roadtrip....

Well, Chuck's been gone 10 days...12 more to go...ugh! Yesterday morning I was talking to him at 8 in the morning and he told me he was going to be staying in Milwaukee for more than a day...waiting for his time to reset or for the appointment times to come...not sure what the original reason was....we were talking about it and I was questioning his times and everything...at the last minute I decided to take the kids out of school - it was about 12:00 noon when I got them...we packed for the night - I made a reservation at a hotel down there, with a pool -found a GREAT rate for 2 queen beds and an indoor pool, including breakfast....only 45 bucks! Anyway, we set out....I didn't call him until I was almost to Madison - it ALMOST backfired on me....he said "turn-around, go back....there won't be enough time, and I don't want you to spend the money"....I told him where I was and he said "well, since you're already this far...plus, he missed Alex's birthday, and Marco's is on Monday, the timing was good...we didn't get there until almost 8:00, but the pool was open until 10 and we had a pizza and a great time....the bad news is my camera batteries were exhausted...so I didn't get any fun pictures of Sam enjoying the pool..for the first time...he had a BLAST! All of us did - we sat in the hot tub, and relaxed...the last time we did something like this was labor day weekend 2008...Sam was TINY. We deserved it. This morning he called me after being back on the road for about an hour and thanked me for doing it....it was short, but it was nice to have a night off of the truck, with the kids and me, all together...we have to create these moments when we can, now! 12 more days he'll be home...it will be our anniversary and we have a night planned at Thayer's - 5 years ago married there...she's become a great friend...it's been 3 years since we've been back there. Looking forward to having Chuck all to myself, at least for a day!

After leaving us in South Milwaukee (we were 80 miles from Chicago), he had to head up to Green Bay for a pick up, and then back down to Chicago, then up to Pennsylvania....it was snowing off and on all day...for him and for us coming home. Nothing horrible, though. It was a long way for Sam....on the way there, the last 25 minutes or so he literally SCREAMED....it was awful to try and drive down there with that noise! Everyone was headed toward Chicago, and past Waukesha it was just insane! I've been to Chicago quite a few times driving - one time I got there at 7 in the morning...during rush hour....the tollway is INSANE! But with the wet roads and the darkness...I must say with Sam crying I thought I might lose it. But we found Chuck's exit where he was, and the hotel was 5 exits north of where he was...it was fine. I've driven in LOTS of states, with LOTS of adverse weather....been through the Rocky mountains in a blizzard with my friend, Sharon, and through Nebraska in tornadoes and torrential rain...the trip to Salt Lake City is 810 miles each way, and is filled with hazards! And many times I was traveling alone (or with my kitty in a carrier)...But with a van full of kids...that was a new one...

We got home today around 5:00 and Alex went to stay overnight with her friend, Allison, and Marco has his best friend, Sam, here....they're going to see the movie "The Lightening Thief"...tomorrow...he and Marco have read all of the books in the series 4 times, each....they're such nerds.....I'm glad Marco has a good friend who "gets" him! I told Marco he should be a meteorologist....all the cute nerds are meteorologists on tv! ;)

Well, I'm going to bed...Sam's asleep, and I'm drained from the 14 hours of driving in the last 2 days...have a good rest of the weekend!

Robin

Seriously thinking of a road trip...

I can't believe we STILL have 12 days left of this trip...it's getting monotonous.

We have Marco's birthday on Sunday...he's inviting a buddy to go to the movies. I'm excited for him, the timing of the release of the new Percy Jackson movie couldn't've been better...he and his friend Sam are the only 2 nerds they know that have read all of the books in the series 4 times, each! I'm glad the kids love reading so much.

I spoke to Chuck a couple of hours already this morning...he's near Appleton, WI - he's picking up a load and will be in Milwaukee tonight/tomorrow...he only has to drive 180 miles on this particular load. So, I was thinking Sam and I could get in the van and be there by 5:00 tonight....the time is going so S L O W!!

It's very frustrating....

Well, I finally got my textbook for my class that started LAST Thursday, so I should get working on my paper that was due on Wed., the professor made provisions since the book was on backorder, and so many of us didn't have it in order to do the assignment.

Still thinking of that roadtrip....could be a fun activity for Marco's birthday weekend...we'll see.

Have a great weekend, everyone -

Robin

Cumberland Mountains....

Sorry I've been gone so long....I had a big benchmark assessment due for my class and I had to revise it 3 times! Also, the kids were home for 4 days, so I had a lot of distraction this last weekend.

Well, Chuck was in Arkansas yesterday morning and he was in a huge backup...there was some snow on the ground and the state is not equipped for dealing with it! The hill he was climbing was causing some problems for some of the vehicles. It was warm enough to make it a slushy mess! Today he should make it to Nashville...they're expecting a little bit of snow, too, I believe...I have to check weather.com to see what it's going to be like. I didn't talk to him much, yesterday, not as much as usual, so I feel like it's been a long time! We're at the beginning of the 2nd week of him being gone, and it feels like it's been forever! 17 more days until he gets back home again....on our 5th anniversary.

Well, waiting patiently for my text book that is on backorder for my new class that started on Thursday and trying to organize...I'm DYING for spring! I can't wait to open windows and clean!! I see on the thermometer outside it's only 15 degrees and it's 8am...chilly! Well, we have to do some running around, today...have a great Tuesday! Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day weekend! Missed my sweetheart, but had my 3 other valentines to hang out with!! :)

Robin

Those poor truckers....

Hi everybody...Sorry I've been out of touch, lately. We had a busy couple of weeks! I just finished my class for the term, tonight...new class tomorrow....starting some practicum hours, now. I'm applying for my short-call sub license to get my foot in the door with some of the area schools...exciting! Chuck was just home over this last weekend...he was dealing with rain and snow everywhere he went for the last 3 weeks! He was home on Saturday and left this morning (Wednesday)...so we had a nice few days together. We went up to my dad and Jean's on Sunday for the superbowl...good commercials...:) Happy for the Saints, I guess...I'm a sucker for a good Cinderella story. Today Chuck is spending the night near Black River Falls, WI - he is headed for Georgia. I talked to some girls in my Trucker's Wives group who live down there and it's been unseasonably cold, but no rain or snow to speak of for the rest of the week...so that's a relief! His region is pretty much the eastern half of the US, so I'm hoping that "stuff" gets out of the Atlantic seaboard before they send him back up there!! He's staying out a little longer this time because he really wants to make it home for our anniversary. So, he'll be out 22 days, coming home on the 4th of March. It's getting pretty old having him gone, but what are the choices??? We do what we have to, I guess. Sam's getting a lot better with the separation, now. He is connected at the hip with his dad when he gets home...that's the absolute hardest part of all of this. Well, anyway, I'll update when I find out anything new!! Take care and stay warm!!! :)

Robin

Weather everywhere!

Well, I've been in almost constant contact with Chuck and I could give you a play-by-play, but on Friday he went from Nashville to near Battle Creek Michigan to pick up a load. When he got to the terminal in Michigan the trailer wasn't there....the guy that was supposed to drop it off was on home time - and he took the load with him! Chuck was SO mad! He sat ALL DAY yesterday in Michigan just STEWING about it....and finally the guy dropped it off this morning (Sunday) at 5:30...Chuck needs to get that load to Buffalo, NY by Monday morning. It's funny, because the load originated in Sartell, MN and the guy pulling the load was from Michigan...and Chuck's the one to take it the rest of the way to New York...too funny. (ironic, I guess, is a better word) Anyway, so since he left Wed. he has been driving in rain the ENTIRE time! YUCK!! He's a little worried about the wind, since he's been getting closer to his destination...luckily he has 40,000 lbs to weigh him down. The goal is to stay on the road!!! He doesn't know what's happening after Buffalo, but as we speak he's looking, madly, for a truck stop where he can find a parking spot to watch the game this afternoon! :) Go VIKINGS!!!

Have a great weekend,

Robin

My Driver's Wife Spotlight

Drivers Wives Spotlight Interview Questions 1

I spoke to Chuck, today...he arrived in Nashville Safe and Sound...he already has a preplan ....I heard something about Ohio...near TOLEDO (my favorite word). After I heard Toledo, the rest was a blur....:) Hopefully they'll keep him moving all weekend since he was "stuck" at home for such a long time....rather to be not moving at home than in some crappy truckstop somewhere in the middle of nowhere....(that was an oxymoron....). Anyway, they sent him this one before he even delivered the first one, so they must be busy! (GOOD!) So, I thought I'd share an interview with you. I belong to a Truckers' wives group online....a bunch of us from all over the US (there are about 50 members, now) get together and chat daily at 6pm est, but I usually miss that because of supper, however, we swap stories and encourage one-another when things get hard - it's the best thing I could have done for myself since Chuck started this job. So, I was featured this week in their spotlight for the facebook page, and I thought I'd share the interview....my thoughts about all of this. There are some comments at the end from some of the wives as well, I couldn't remove them....Hope everyone's staying safe in the icy/snowy/ "wintery mix"....I hate that word! Have a great day!

Robin



About their drivers


So who does your driver Drive for?
Chuck drives for Swift Transportation out of Phoenix, AZ.

How long has he been driving?
He took his truck training course in May, 2009 and didn’t find someone to hire him until August. He has been driving from August to January….5 months, I guess.

Do you enjoy him being in this type of job?
Mostly no.

Why or Why not?
I miss having him here when our baby has a first or when I need more than 2 hands. I miss him at night; I miss him helping me fold clothes at night when the kids are in bed. I miss him going out to snow blow the driveway and being around as a male role model for our boys. He’s gone so much I attend most weekend functions alone or with kids, it can be very lonely. I’m glad he has this job because as far as career choices go, he is good at it and it is satisfying to him as a man.



What do you think are the pro’s of this career
The pros are the variety of locations he gets to see and he feels needed.

What do you think are the con’s of this career
This year he missed my birthday, our daughter’s birthday, Thanksgiving, almost Christmas. He missed New Year’s, he’ll miss Valentine’s Day and our anniversary….there is a lot of rearranging and planning around him. Financially it hasn’t paid off for us, yet, so he’s doing a lot of work and making a lot of sacrifices. I’m waiting for this to turn around, and it can be a source of resentment for me.



Can you think of a story that would be fun to share?
We don’t have funny stories that are funny for other people…we laugh all the time, but nothing real exciting for anyone else.


What is your position on lot lizards?
I think it’s sad that there are women in these positions in every environment. I think there are men who find them necessary; thank goodness my husband isn’t one of them! (they do sell window stickers with the red circle and line through it – no lot lizards!) He tells me every time he sees one….plus online chatting to home really helps…!

Do you feel you trust your husband?
The best thing about our relationship is the trust factor. I have absolutely no reason to mistrust him.



Was he a driver before you met? Or after.
After.



When you went into this- what were your expectations?
When he first got his CDL I didn’t imagine he would have to go OTR to work. I thought it was a good idea, but I didn’t put it together that we would have to be without him so much of the time. I was devastated, it was completely unexpected and shocking. At first I was paralyzed.



What do you think is the key to being a successful Drivers wife?
Having the trust from your husband that you are capable of running the household in his absence. He feels better about being gone if he knows things aren’t going to fall apart when he’s gone. Being strong.



What dangers do you think your driver faces?
Holy cow….20,000 other drivers on the road who have no consideration! Weather is big – since we live in Minnesota we are used to hazardous snow and ice, but different parts of the country have their own sets of occupational hazards. Personally, if I had to get in and out of the truck every day my clumsiness would be a hazard….I don’t know how they navigate those steps everyday!

How do you support your driver?
I sit on the phone with him for hours a day, when I really need to be getting other things done, but I know he is bored and lonesome. I help him with map questions and look up weather for him, if he’s going out of the region. I buy him groceries when he’s gone, so that the next time he leaves he knows I was thinking of him by planning ahead.

What do you think the most important relationship is in your driver’s career?
My husband says it’s with me….awww. (I’m on the phone with him right now) His DM is there to help him do his job, but it’s me and his family that he comes home to and motivates him to get up every day and do this again. In his words, the company is just a paycheck, but his family is his life….

How do you personally benefit from his career?
Currently, the biggest benefit is the financial one. He’s the sole provider for us. I am in graduate school and stay home with our 18 month old son; I also have 2 teen/preteens – a 7th grade daughter and a 6th grade son. His financial support allows me to accomplish my educational goals and be here at home for the kids when they need me the most. By having him away has, surprisingly, increased his value. (I say that tongue-and-cheek) This experience of having him away has really allowed me to “see” him for the person he is….he’s strong, capable and also self-reliant. I’m incredibly proud to have him in my life and to tell people about the sacrifices I know he makes every day for his family. It’s very powerful to see someone you love do something great for someone else without being asked, and I have had the benefit of seeing that.



What about dates? What is your favorite thing to do with your driver?
Is this a “PG” website? We had our first date this last home time since a year ago March….and we went with another couple – just out for drinks and a live band. We don’t really do things alone much. We hang out as a family most of the time. We enjoy ourselves together no matter what we do! We enjoy talking, laughing, working, playing, shopping….you name it!

Is he helpful when he is home?
Until boredom sets in….It’s kind of hard in Minnesota to do things outdoors, and that’s where he shines. He will sometimes help me fold clothes and he does a lot of the cooking when he’s home, especially breakfasts…and he lets me sleep in (I like that!). He spends a lot of time with our littlest one and changes diapers….makes up for lost time.

Briefly explain your interpersonal relationship with your driver.
Briefly…..I think I’ve shown some of that above, but we are very best friends. Sometimes it’s overwhelming to think one person can mean so much to you. It’s scary to think of the loss either of us would feel without the other. We are extremely committed, invested and enveloped in one another and our life really is “OURS”…not yours and mine. I think that’s why truck driving has been so difficult to adjust to!

About the Wife
I am 38 years old a mother of 3. I was born and raised in Minnesota. Chuck is my 3rd marriage, and he adopted my older 2 kids when we got married. (now they’re OURS) I love to golf (the 2 months of good weather we have here), I’ve played the piano since I was 8, I first went to college on a vocal music scholarship, now it’s just a hobby…I workout to the wii biggest loser workout – I have big goals…! My favorite foods are popcorn and ice cream…which is why I have big goals… I have 9 tattoos, and they get bigger every time, but I didn’t have ONE until I met Chuck….now I have too many, according to my mother. I belong to a literary book club that meets once a month, so I can have some adult time, but I really enjoy my new friends with the Trucker’s Wives Support group…I really needed some connections to keep me sane. I was even thinking of starting a local group, if there’s an interest….just wish you girls were closer!

Tell us about you- what do you do for a living?
I have my bachelor’s degree in speech/language pathology and am in graduate school for special education licensure. I enjoy the kids who nobody else seems to care about. I currently stay home with the youngest kid, but I help my husband (when he’s home) with our tattoo business – I’m a perpetual apprentice….and I’m also a professional notary – I conduct loan closings for title companies from all over the country.



How many children do you have? Ages, and sex
Alejandra Dahlia is 13, Marco Antonio is 12 (in Feb), and Samson Charles is 18mos.

Grandchildren? Ages, sex
My daughter says she won’t be ready until she’s 25….and Marco’s afraid of girls, so I’m safe with him for awhile….by the time Sam’s old enough he’ll already be an uncle, and I’ll be senile…

Animals?
We have 2 cats….My princess is Buffy…she’s just a regular housecat generic breed, but she looks like she has a part Siamese….her markings are like a silver-point..that’s what got her a spot in the house. Skeeter is my daughter’s cat…he’s actually nicer, but he’s a fat lazy cat who was orphaned too young, so he never had his mama teach him proper hygiene…if you get my drift. My husband has a freshwater fish tank with 12 fish in it….last time he came home one was dead, I guess I was doing something wrong….that’s his baby! We also have a million squirrels in our backyard that feed off of our garden in the summer, and are pretty brave to come up on the deck to see what’s there for them, the scoundrels!

What 3 pieces of advice can you offer other wives?

1.) You have to be flexible….times and dates are subject to change at a moment’s notice. You have to count on it, or you will be disappointed all the time!

2.) Be honest….he’s a big boy –if you miss him, say so…tell him WHAT you miss and he’ll be your slave! He’s still the dad/husband/part of your family….if you leave things out he’ll start to feel like he’s missing too much and out of the loop. Even if he can’t do anything about it, it’s important for him to know what your life is like.

3.) When my husband comes home he wants to know he’s necessary, still. He likes to do things around the house. After resting up and taking some time to decompress and shower he asks me what I need him to do…usually it’s not much, but that’s his way of taking care of us…he wants to know that I’m not SO independent that I don’t need him anymore. He knows I can do most things without him, but I still save him some small projects. Everyone’s different….if your husband would appreciate something else, do that…But it’s YOUR home time, too. I work really hard when he’s gone, too. I don’t have weekends since I’m a stay at home mom – everyday is the same for me. I look forward to him being home so I can have some little breaks, too. He spends time with the baby and lets me workout or do something I like to do – that’s what we enjoy about his home time, but everyone’s different.

What do you do with your spare time?
spare time is not very practical for me…I go on facebook and play a couple of games, chat with some people and see what other people are up to. Work out. I don’t have a lot of spare time with a toddler at home..his nap time is when I do homework.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
My physical appearance….I like me most of the time.

If there was 1 thing you could change with in your marriage what would it be?
That we lived together every day….We have a very solid, strong marriage. There isn’t a thing I would change from a relationship standpoint. We “get” each-other.


Have you ever considered a CDL yourself to team with your husband?
No, a ¾ ton truck is the biggest vehicle I have driven, and it’s very uncomfortable. I would ride, though! He’d probably hate it because I would make him pull over at every scenic overlook to take pictures…..oh look….the biggest ball of twine….I better take a picture….!

Tell us what you think about the Driving Industry as a whole.
So far, our experience hasn’t been HORRIBLE. It keeps the economy moving forward, we depend on transportation to get things from here to there. He’s had a good DM who has done what he can, and I believe him when he says that. He was a driver, he knows what it’s like. I think they’re increasingly conscientious about safety, which I like….since I would HATE for this job to be the death of my favorite person in the world.



What do you think is the positive thing about the industry?
No matter how bad the economy gets, we still need it. There will always be jobs.

What do you think of the onboard recording devices?
I think it’s a good thing. For everyone’s safety and it keeps everyone honest.



What are your personal goals if any?
I’ve been unemployed for almost 2 years…..I CANNOT wait to be employed, be done with school and lose weight (not necessarily in that order). I am not a good SAHM, I admit, I get lazy. I do better when I have time pressures.

What do you do to relax?

Sleep…..

Are you into hobby’s?
see above…golfing, playing piano, I love photography….recently discovered digital scrapbooks, reading….

Sports? If so, teams

I kind of fell off the wagon a while ago….I love my MN Vikings (and anyone who’s currently beating Chicago, NY, San Francisco or Dallas…) and I love the MN Twins, too!


What are your pet peeves?
People who are really judgmental….I am the LEAST judgmental person I know, I am very accepting, and I have a hard time with people who make assumptions before they know anything about me or others. I also hate when people say things that are not backed up by knowledge, they just say what they think they know…without any facts to back it up. (examples: Michelle Bachman and my husband speaking politics)

Religion?
I’m Catholic…hence the hating judgmental thing…..I hate persecution by others, it’s between me and God!

If you would receive 1 million dollars today, what would you do with it?
Well, when I win the Dream House on HGTV it should be able to cover the taxes for a few years, at least, then the market will be back and I can live off the profits of the sale….TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL….I want to go to Greece, Ireland, Eastern Europe….I want to see the rest of the world.

Color?
Greens….earthy colors

Foods?
Ciatti’s (similar to Olive Garden) Lobster lasagna, Papa Murphy’s pizza, popcorn, ice cream, Hershey’s kisses filled with caramel….chimichangas and fried green beans…..mmmm I’m hungry, now.

Drinks?
Cranberry Sangria, Blonde Sangria, Red Sangria, Spanish Sangria, Margaritas…..any if they’re in TEXAS…I LOVE Margaritas in San Antonio!!

Do you have a soap box?
Haven’t I been sitting on it? I have a blog for my husband www.whatsyour20mrhartkopf@blogspot.com I use this as an outlet for myself. We also have a website www.hartink.com for the tattoo business with a forum, although it hasn’t caught on the way I had hoped. I love to create spaces on the web, though!


What do you think the biggest thing that being a truck driving wife has taught you?
I’ve learned a lot about the relationship I have with my husband. We are committed to making our life together work, and this is part of our journey. We have come through hell and high water, and this experience has made us stronger in many ways. I learned a lot about our habits as well; not having him here has really left a void I didn’t expect.
Updated 3 hours ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Report Note
Jennifer Swinyer-Mccarty and Laat Truckers Wives like this.
Laat Truckers Wives
Laat Truckers Wives
Fantastic! Thank you so much for Sharing Robin!!!
2 hours ago · Report
Marni Wells Jones
Marni Wells Jones
Robin...GREAT interview!!! Thanks so much for the advice.
2 hours ago · Report
Kathy Murphy
Kathy Murphy
awesome interview Robin and very nice picture too!! lots of good stuff :)
about an hour ago · Report
Robin Johnson Hartkopf
Robin Johnson Hartkopf
Thank you, girls....it was an honor!
55 minutes ago ·
Kathy Adams
Kathy Adams
You two are darling! I love that pic. You are one heck of a woman and Chuck is lucky to have you. Now, about the living in the frozen tundra thing.........
37 minutes ago via Facebook Mobile · Report
Robin Johnson Hartkopf
Robin Johnson Hartkopf
Thanks, Kathy! :)We are lucky to have each other!! Yeah, I'm working on that frozen tundra thing....his company's out of Arizona, and my grad school in online (but located in AZ), is there a theme going here??? ...I think you get my gist....
14 minutes ago ·
Robin Johnson Hartkopf
Robin Johnson Hartkopf
p.s. if there are any women tagged in this note who I am not friended with....please feel free!!! :)
14 minutes ago ·
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The Pillars of the Earth Television Event Series | The Official Website

The Pillars of the Earth Television Event Series | The Official Website

So excited to see this - I read this book, it's GREAT!! Tune in!

The Pillars of the Earth Television Event Series | The Official Website

The Pillars of the Earth Television Event Series | The Official Website

So excited to see this - I read this book, it's GREAT!! Tune in!

Extended weekend....but we pay for it.....

Hi everybody, it's been awhile! Chuck didn't make it home as planned this last weekend, but when he DID get home, we got him for a few extra days. It was really great to have him home...he had some good play time with the kids, AND me! Now we have to shed some tears as he leaves again...He was delayed because they are finally fixing his truck from his little crash before Christmas...He won't have to be so embarrassed, anymore! Now he's on his way to Nashville, TN. Luckily, when he went to the terminal the trailer he was taking was right there, so he can just head out! Yeay!! He'll be back home the weekend of Feb. 5/6 because we have a tattoo party that weekend and we need it to pay bills!! When he's not moving, he's not getting paid...I hate that trade-off! Anyway, just really hoping he gets far enough east and south to get out of the way from the "wintery mix" that's headed this way!! Let's cross our fingers. Alright, if anything comes up, I'll be in touch!!

XO,
Robin

We had him for one day....hopefully he'll be back at the end of the week!

Well, we were lucky, Chuck was in the area last night, so I went and picked him up and he had supper with us and spent the night in his own bed - this morning I had to take him back, since he really wasn't on home time. He's on his way to Cloquet to pick up a load of paper, and he'll be delivering it on Thursday near Milwaukee, WI, then, hopefully he'll have freight out of either Milwaukee or Chicago in time to get him back to Inver Grove Heights to have home time this weekend. He was hoping to (finally) get his truck fixed after his little dance with the guardrail in Maryland, before Christmas! The steps on the passenger side are still missing! Well, if anything comes up to change things I will send an update, but for right now...that's the plan!!
Take Care,
Robin

What do you think of when you hear "Golden, Colorado"?

Cool, crisp, Coors Lite....and Chuck picking up a big truckload of it! For delivery to....(drumroll please).....LITTLE FALLS, MINNESOTA!!! He's scheduled to make that drop on the 13th of January anytime between 7 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon....!! He wasn't scheduled to be home until the earliest of Friday....so we're hoping he'll be able to be home for the night, then work on Thursday, maybe doing a short load down to the terminal (90 miles away) and back so he doesn't actually start his home time until Friday - that would be ideal, but I like the idea of him being home 2 days early!! That was unexpected! Things have gone fairly smoothe this trip (thank goodness, so far) and the weather looks clear along the interstates he's going to be driving for the next couple of days, so that's good! He's REALLY looking forward to some rest and relaxation at home this weekend!! It's been a really stress-filled 15 days, so far....and the thing is, he only gets 3 days home if he's out for 18 days or more....if he ends up coming home ON the 18th day, only out 17 he'll only get 2 - and that would be completely bogus! After being out that long, being short a day is so negligible!! Anyway, that's the "skinny"...he's got his preplan and is hoping to be in Omaha by this afternoon when he has to stop...Omaha's about 8 hours away! Say hello to my Uncle Gregg, Aunt Sara and Aunt Anita while you're there!! (they'll read this and, hopefully, appreciate the shoutout!) Haven't been there in a long time...since about 1993 or so...time flies! All the cousins moved away to California and Alaska, so we're all spread out!!Well, that's just that family...we have some in Boston, Wisconsin, Sweden, New York and the United Emirates of Arabia! Needless to say, we don't see those people much! Anyway, drive safe, Chuck...see you in 2 DAYS!!!! Love you and miss you!!

Robin

Better late than never....

He was a little frustrated, today...he found out he didn't have until 5pm tomorrow night, he had until 5:00 this morning...(Saturday). He called and told them he was going to be late because of the weather; apparently the parts place he is delivering for has now run out of parts! I told him "they can't possibly all be on YOUR truck..." he said, "no, there are 6 other trucks with inventory for them, all running late because of the weather"....so, he's not the only one...he'll be sitting the rest of the weekend, now, and deliver on MONDAY morning....it's quite a bit warmer in Denver (35 supposedly), the problem is, from my experience driving through the mountains...it can change really fast when there's a big mountain range! He said where he's going he doesn't have to go too far in, so that's good...my friend, Sharon and I drove out to Utah for the weekend one October, 1993, I think it was....and we got caught up in a whiteout coming over Rock Springs (the first town in Wyoming, when you cross the border from Nebraska)....it was crazy. It was 60 degrees in Minnesota when we left!! We didn't believe all the truck drivers talking when we stopped for breakfast...it was all isolated in that small spot...for just a couple of miles; complete whiteout conditions....kinda freaky...we made it okay, but it is hard to predict. Hopefully all will go well. It seems when he starts thinking "home time" it starts to get all screwed up! Hopefully next week will be easy-breezy like it's been (pretty much) the whole time this last 2 weeks...he said this morning he stopped at the truck stop and just stood in the shower for 1/2 hour under the warm water, trying to wash out the tension! It gets pretty stressful...and Chuck's so laid back and easy-going as it is! (sarcasm) :) Looking forward to a warmup next week!!! woohoo! 30 above's going to feel like shorts weather!

Talk soon - Robin

Rollin, rollin, rollin.....

Talked to Chuck at 6:30 this morning...he was just getting ready to try the rest of Iowa and head toward Denver. He was supposed to be there, today, but he sent them messages yesterday to let them know the weather slowed him up, so he won't get there until tomorrow...he has until 5:00 tomorrow night...I'm just glad when he's driving up here all the cold, cold will be done (hopefully) and he'll not have to drive that rig with all the black ice...he's been in snow, but the temp in Denver is 35! Anyway, that's the schtick! Hope everyone's staying warm...this isn't very enjoyable; next week's going to feel like spring!!! Looking forward to that! AND having Chuck home for a couple of days! Talk to you soon - Robin

It's treacherous out there!

Chuck's found himself in ANOTHER snow storm! Good grief, Charlie Brown! He's passing trucks and cars in the ditch...he's just barely in Iowa. Earlier this morning (around 8:00)he saw in his rear view mirror a Werner truck jackknife and skid forward - they were piling up RIGHT BEHIND HIM! He said he put the pedal down so the truck wouldn't pile into him, too. He's only been able to go 45 mph. He's going to send a msg. to his DM today that the delivery will be delayed due to road conditions. The weather is supposed to last until 6:00 tonight. The cold is yet to come...Jamaica's looking like the place to be right now..it's 80 degrees, there! I was looking at the weather map and the warmest place in the entire US, today, is Galveston, TX (or near there, maybe Brownsville), at 62 degrees...this is INSANE!! Hopefully Chuck will get to the truckstop, another 8 miles or so, safely and rest there for the next 8 hrs!! Keep him in your thoughts!

Until next time,
Robin

Go West, Young Man!

Talked to Chuck a few times, today....he was out east...just got done delivering near Detroit, Michigan...that's where he stayed last night. This morning he got a preplan..to pick up in Detroit and head to near Denver, Colorado. Luckily, he doesn't really have to head into the mountains, he turns off before I80 goes into Utah...I personally used to love that drive back and forth when I lived in Salt Lake, City and came home, but he doesn't really like it when he's got that big load!! Actually, his load is a little on the lite side...he's only got 10,000 pounds of miscellaneous car parts....a few hoods and big, bulky stuff. Hopefully he won't meet any wind going through Nebraska; if so he'll have a hard time staying on the road. I also hope he gets through Iowa early in the morning (he's probably leaving right now!) to get through before he hits any snow! Hazard of the job!! His delivery for this load is supposed to be on the 8th (Friday, I guess). We missed Grandpa Chief's birthday...Happy Birthday, Chief...you were probably up at the casino!! :) Hope you had a great day!! Anyway, we're staying out of the cold..I've been taking the kids to school every day so they don't have to walk in it. Back to school on Monday...kind of glad. I found out they're converting my program to 4-credit instead of 3-credit classes - I think this will shorten it up by 3months!! woohoo! Only 7 more classes to go...at 2/semester....I have 3 and 1/2 semesters to go...yeay! Well,bedtime...Sam's wanting my attention! Talk to you soon....Robin

kare11.com | Twin Cities, MN | Enter the take KARE of Your HEALTH Challenge

kare11.com | Twin Cities, MN | Enter the take KARE of Your HEALTH Challenge

Happy New Year!

2010 is here, hopefully its coming is only filled with good things! Well, Sam and I just hung out...we were asleep before midnight..that's okay, we knew it would happen! So, Chuck called me at 7:00 this morning....he's in Syracuse, NY, he got there yesterday around 11am (at the terminal). The picture above was the scene, there. He said yesterday there was 1-2 inches on the ground, but overnight they got 6-8! He was a little irritated because when he got there, yesterday, at 11am he turned in his paperwork for the trailer he was dropping off and the guy never took him off the load, so it looked like he wasn't available...that he was still dispatched, when in reality he was hanging out in the truck watching a movie. So, last night when he went in to watch the news and look on the kiosk for his pending loads he noticed his status....he told the guy at the counter that he had handed in the paperwork and he found it "yep, here it is, sorry about that..." so he didn't get changed to available until last night around 6:00....for 7 hrs. he was sitting because of that guy's mistake! Here he was just thinking there wasn't any freight! So, now that the snow's come down so much and it's getting colder he's going to stay put until Sunday, at least, to reset his hours. He's kind of relieved to not have to drive in it. He's pretty excited, though....he was looking at his statistics on the kiosk....they have a rating system (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and he was platinum for a long time because he had 100% on-time deliveries, but then when he got into the "crash" they dropped him down to gold...but it looks like after they did the investigation they took the accident off his record, it shows "0" and he's back up to platinum. That means he raises in rank, so when they book freight they book highest to lowest....he's #57 out of 120,000....he's run 48,000 miles so far with Swift!! WOW!!! In just 5 short months....more than most people drive in a year! Crazy.

So, Sam and I have been hanging out the last few days, got all the Christmas stuff put away and shampooed the carpets...new year, start out with a clean slate. I've been putting off a paper I have to turn in on Monday because she's so vague about her expectations....but I better get to it...I work better under pressure, anyway! I'm halfway through the term!! (yeay) I'm working on getting my subbing license through the state so I can do some work...! A subbing license only requires a 4-year degree, but not a previous teaching license...had I known that I would've been doing that for the last 2 years! Hind-sight's always 20/20...I still wouldn't know if it hadn't been for my teacher-friend, Amy!! (Thanks, Amy Savage!!)

Anyway, working out with my new biggest loser game for the wii...crazy tough, but good!! Looking for some good results! 2010 can only be better than 2009 was!!

Health and Happiness,

Robin

Funny, I just posted this, and the phone rang....Chuck's just giving me an update...he is on the road, leaving Syracuse, NY and has to deliver in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday and a second stop in Athens, Georgia...he's happy to be going south...it's only raining down there!He'll drive until midnight, now! Drive safe, Chuck!! Love you!!

CHUCK in Cincinnati...

Well, he WAS in Cincinnati....it's hard to keep up with Chuck, he says 1/2 the time I have the cities wrong...but as I understand it, he just dropped off a load this morning in South Carolina and has not been routed to Syracuse, New York...he's scheduled to be there in a couple of days...he's been moving and moving! The first trip was 751 miles and this one is 740 miles, it would be over 1200, but he's t-calling it in New York so someone else can pick it up and take it in to Canada. He really wants to get his paperwork filed so he can do those runs, but I'm not sure when he would have time to do that?! So anyway, that's where he is. Hope everyone had a Happy New Year!! Wishing everyone a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!!

Robin