Bittersweet...
I've been realizing just how close the end of my OTR career is these past few days. Sure I can always come back, but I really don't see it happening.
Anywho, I was driving along yesterday when I passed a hospital that I've seen go from literally a dirt mound littered with bull dozers and back hoes to a full service, full parking lot, fully functioning medical care facility. I've realized just how much change I've been privy to over the past three years, as I've made my way around the country. I've seen things built, destroyed, and otherwise altered in many places.
I've seen sunrises and sunsets in 44 of 50 states.
I've chased and been chased by tornado's, super cell thunderstorms storms, snow storms, and other threatening weather phenomenon.
I've driven through inches of snow and ice and lived to tell the tale.
I've busted two trailer tires from careless rookie mistakes.
I've helped other drivers whenever I could. And been helped by others' whenever I needed it.
I've been treated like a lady, like a dude, like a child, like a professional, like I didn't exist, like I was the best thing since slice bread, and like just another driver in a long line of drivers coming and going.
I've been asked if I'm old enough to drive a rig, if I'm tall enough to reach the pedals, and if I am ever afraid of being behind the wheel of an 80 thousand lb killing machine.
I've been applauded when I bumped a particularly difficult dock and when I bounced back to my feet after a particularly embarrassing fall into a snow drift.
I've been here and there but no where near everywhere.
I've had a blast.
I am anxious for my next step. In the meantime, I'm still trucking. :o)
Anywho, I was driving along yesterday when I passed a hospital that I've seen go from literally a dirt mound littered with bull dozers and back hoes to a full service, full parking lot, fully functioning medical care facility. I've realized just how much change I've been privy to over the past three years, as I've made my way around the country. I've seen things built, destroyed, and otherwise altered in many places.
I've seen sunrises and sunsets in 44 of 50 states.
I've chased and been chased by tornado's, super cell thunderstorms storms, snow storms, and other threatening weather phenomenon.
I've driven through inches of snow and ice and lived to tell the tale.
I've busted two trailer tires from careless rookie mistakes.
I've helped other drivers whenever I could. And been helped by others' whenever I needed it.
I've been treated like a lady, like a dude, like a child, like a professional, like I didn't exist, like I was the best thing since slice bread, and like just another driver in a long line of drivers coming and going.
I've been asked if I'm old enough to drive a rig, if I'm tall enough to reach the pedals, and if I am ever afraid of being behind the wheel of an 80 thousand lb killing machine.
I've been applauded when I bumped a particularly difficult dock and when I bounced back to my feet after a particularly embarrassing fall into a snow drift.
I've been here and there but no where near everywhere.
I've had a blast.
I am anxious for my next step. In the meantime, I'm still trucking. :o)
Comments
I've admired you for doing this all on your own and it's still amazing to me - I don't know that I'd do it without Eddie as my co-driver.
I wish you all the best with your life as a fiance, a future wife, a daughter, sister, aunt and friend...all of those things you're so good at and so many love you for.
I wish we would have met in person - but you never know - it could happen someday.
Will look forward to your future posts until the very last word comes from you. I will be checking in as I always do.
Ciao!
I guess this goes for most of you whom I've made online trucker buds with. If you're in the area even for a short stop for a quick meal, gimme a shout (I get immediate email alerts on my phone when someone posts a comment) and I'll do my best to come visit!
Some of you already have my phone number... so I expect to hear from you eventually.
In the meantime... truck on!