Gi-Gi Roxx - The Ravings of a Lunatic

Man, I've been seriously fortunate lately. Since I last posted, I had the pleasure of finally putting that darned HAZMAT endorsement to use by taking a load of potassium nitrate into Canada. Of course, my initial reaction was to wonder why my dispatcher hated me enough to do this to me. But then I realized it was just a fine opportunity to expand my horizons. I was afraid that the load was going to be a huge hassle when crossing the border. Turns out, they didn't give two craps about what I was hauling. I approached customs anticipating much ado and received...well... nothing. I was in Canada in less than 5 minutes upon reaching the border crossing. Woo hoo! So far so good. So I arrive at my destination and find myself thinking that finally the tables have turned and luck is running for the hills. The place I delivered to was a small "airline hanger" of a building on a road that was restricted to 5 tons per axle (which equals NOT ME). Of course, I had to tak...

I'm back on the road. Actually I came back out on this past Wednesday. I was reluctant to get back into Trucky that morning, as I'd enjoyed myself thoroughly while I was at home taking some R &R and therefore spoiled myself. I always end up doing that when I take more than two days off! But, once I'd settled back into the routine, I was happily plodding along the highways doing my dandy deeds as dispatched. I picked up a load out of Parkersburg, WV and headed to the Philly area to deliver. I spent the first night in Maryland. And after delivering my load, spent the second night at a drop yard in PA waiting for a relay that would take me to New Hampshire. I can't seem to get it into my dispatchers head that I loathe the north east. I've tried reverse psychology but it's apparently not working. He must be immune. I woke up Friday morning, the first day of Spring, and found about an inch or more of snow covering the ground and my truck. Nice. But luckily it was...

*sigh of relief* Well I'm glad that's over! I made my way from the rest area on I-29 south to I-90 and eastward to I-35 and up and over to I-94 to Eau Claire without a single incident... or near incident. I took my time, kept my eyes on the road, my mind on the task and my hands on the wheel. Thankfully the worst of the wintry weather went north. My decision to go south was probably my only saving grace. And that's okay with me. I like it when I make good judgement calls. So I delivered my load in Eau Claire then was told to head east to pick up my next load in the Stevens Point area. So on the road I go...and go....and go. And then I realize I went too far... and had bypassed the turn I needed to make by about 5 miles. Go figure! So I pulled off the highway to give a look at the atlas and then call the facility for directions from the "other" side of town. As I dialed the number on my cell, my Qualcomm beeped. Annoyed, but curious I checked it as I liste...

Today I was really put to the test. I survived milky dense fog in north western Iowa and the south western corner of Minnesota this morning. I didn't drive any faster than necessary, the rule of thumb being don't drive so that you can't slow down or stop in the distance which you can see with your headlights alone. I had about quarter mile visibility at the best times and comfortably drove at about 55 mph. There were a few times I had to slow down though, when I couldn't see more than 300 ft. in front of my truck. Flashers are dandy and useful in such instances. I delivered my load at the Swift Pork Company in Worthington, MN a little bit later than I'd hoped to, but still was way early. And while there I had friendly "in your face and up your nose" reminders of why I spent 14 years of my life NOT eating pork. The smell was overwhelming!!! I choked and gagged while dropping my load and picking up an empty. It was horrific. But, I once again survived. After...

Some of you might notice that my blog no longer is at the www.gigiroxx.blogspot.com address... it is now www.gigiroxx.net which is pretty exciting. For now I will be just hosting my blog there, but I'm gonna play around and see about building a pretty cool site to be hosted there instead. But I figured that in the meantime, since I am paying for a domain name, I might as well put it to good use.

Looks like Mother Nature likes me after all. I am sitting in Sioux City, IA and was told to be expecting 1-4 inches of snow... I'd say barely half an inch fell and stuck. Most of it is melting off already. I'm not sad about that either. I'm so ready for spring that it's just not even funny! I had a taste or two of spring while I was enjoying the warmer climate of southern Mississippi late last week. As you can see, the trees are already beginning to bud down there. In the morning I'll make my way to Worthington, MN to deliver my load of chep pallets to the Swift Pork Company, which apparently is so large of a facility that you "just can't miss it". I hope that's accurate... I hate searching for places that people say are obvious but aren't in reality. LOL Who knows where I'll go from there... hopefully towards home. Right now I'm basically two good days of driving away from home, but I'll be doing a bit more than that hopefully. I...

Today my mind was so blessed to be filled with many fond memories. I am currently on my way to Minnesota (for the first time ever!). And my route took me up I-29 through Council Bluffs, IA. Which is right across the river from my old (temporary) stomping grounds of Omaha, Nebraska. Actually when I lived there from 2001-2003 I was based in Bellevue, as my then (now ex) husband was stationed at Offut AFB. I thought about the many friends I made while we lived there and all of the great times we had there as well. I LOVED the Henry Doorly Zoo most of all, but there were other locations we frequented with friends and by ourselves that I'd love to see again. Such as the Old Market area of downtown Omaha. First, stopping to dine at Spaghetti Works , then strolling through the shoppes to work up an appetite for dessert at Delice , which makes the most savory deserts and designer coffee's. I also enjoyed what the locals simply referred to as the Mall. And no, it wasn't a shoppi...

Feeling a little deflated. Things aren't going as well as I'd hoped they would. My plans included making a transition to another division within my company. I've been met with several forms of opposition and have endured some frustration in the process. I'm still optimistic and hopeful, but feeling a little down about it. I know the door will open when it's ready to open, but I'm not patient so it's a little annoying. But I'll keep trying... and keep everyone posted. Regular blogs will resume soon... ;o)