Hobbies on the road.

[theoldprof]

What kind of stuff do you guys and gals do while sittin' and waitin'? The obvious is reading, showering, fueling, eating, etc. Does anybody have a hobby they work on like making model choo choos or hand sewing voodoo dolls in the likeness of your favorite security guard or dispatcher?

Thanks. :+ :+

 

[LDB]

When I'm not sleeping or doing things like fueling etc. I catch up on expeditersonline.com and some other websites of interest. I also listen to some amateur radio and do a little studying so eventually I can get my license. I also like to read mysteries and listen to old time radio on satellite radio. I also talk to folks at home when it's the right time of day for that.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[redytrk]

Cruisin the internet on WiFi,And XM radio.I have even become addicted to the C-Span channel.I never knew those wind bag politicians could be so entertaining.

Whoops,I almost forgot XM has reawakend my interest in major league baseball. It used to be so frusterating going down the road,and loosing the signal just when the bases are loaded in the bottom of the nineth.

 

[Marmino]

Online survey sites on the internet are fun and you can make wsome bucks too. I'v4e been doing this for a few years and make between $200 to $225.oo a year in cash and gift cards. Email if you're interested , I'll explain further and give you the best sites.

 

[Bob and Hooligan]

About 10 years ago I visited a wood carving show while on a layover. I have been hooked ever since.

There is nothing more personally rewarding, yet totally useless than carving a chain out of a piece of wood.

All you need to start is a sharp knife, and a piece of wood.

Oh....some bandages are a great addition.

Dr Bob and Hooligan

 

[dieseldoctor1]

I carry my Aerobird radio controlled airplane with me and will find a park or field somewhere and fly it. It is battery powered so very quiet and you don't have to worry with the fuel. lots of fun. Google aerobird if you are interested. LOL just registered on me. I have an Aerobird in my Aerocell.




Dieseldoctor

 

[davekc]

???????
This is a family site
I don't think I can list mine here:7
I had to be funny at least once today
Davekc

 

[theoldprof]

davekc, you are perverted, twisted, sick, and warped. I like that in a person.

Thanks. :+ :+

 

[The Gibster]

We're trying to start some kind of exercise regiment on the road, we're getting concerned about how stiff we are, flexibility is less.

We're using the stretch/resistance bands. Literally no weight at all, and you can use them in the cab and sleeper. Then fold them up and they store away in very little space.

Now if we could just pull ourselves away from the cheescake deserts!

The Gibster

 

[pellgrn]

This is a great topic and one that newbies who run single should look at as much as the truck they buy,what carrier they run for,its a big part of the job.I love to read so bookstores are one of the first places i look for,i try to get to state parks and hike the trails[gotta watch your cellphone sig] i considered a bike but i would get to far from the van [gotta make pu time] go see a movie,i alot of drivers fish,golf,i like batting cages walking around the malls.If you spend money on a room,which i think is a good investment if your layover on a weekend you will most likley get a load offer before you get to use the shower.

 

[onlnadvct]

Those are all good ideas.

I like the band exercise idea for OTR. Have you tried exercises, isometric/isotonic, in which you tighten or flex and hold a specific muscle group for a count (one thousand one, one thousand two...) of several seconds? This can be done with no expense, anywhere/time and helps to keep the circulatory system active. An active circulatory system provides more blood to the brain and helps to fight road hypnosis, vision problems and fatigue.

I love audiobooks, my music, "self-help" tapes/CDs and language tapes. I love to write, so I use a portable tape recorder to compose my stories. This could also be done for recording messages to your spouse or kids back home...Sometimes, to hear a loved one's voice may be just that extra something that would make their day!

I hope to be able to manage my website from the road: receiving and sending emails, posting articles to new pages... If anyone has experience with or ideas on that, I'd like to hear them!

In all things, isn't this about the quality of our lives and the pleasure and satisfaction we receive from knowing we've done the best job possible and earned the money to pursue our goals? This creates and instills within us a confidence which is reflected in our job performance. Our hobbies are a means to an end: our ultimate goals.

The choice of hobbies we pursue can be motivational and recreational at the same time. They all have a purpose and may be the difference between a painfully boring assignment that is drawn-out and seemingly never ending and one that is an interesting exploration into our favorite interests; sports, novels, radio programs, nano technology and multi-dimensional string theory... It's all relative to your personal interests.

Personally, I love to sing! Oh, that's not totally correct...I make a joyful noise! :7

Onlnadvct

 

[Broompilot]

Use to love to read, have not read a book since starting this. I need to learn to relax more out there waiting for the next load. I am seriously considering making a sign and try to make a couple of extra $ cleaning carpeting and upholestry while I am out there.

I still enjoy cleaning things.

Most of all I like meeting other people. This has been much more enjoyable than I thought.

It generally takes a couple of hours to do the paperwork and double check everything over again. Have found errors more than once in my logs but cought them double checking how I make them I do not understand it but I am getting better.

Making it a committment to read one book a month min I still love learning, and hopefully I can clean two to three trucks a week inside that is. Have the electric, equipment, solution, so why not give it a try. Anyone intrested????

 

[onlnadvct]

Ha! Too bad you're not in Arizona!

How about all those people you see at the fueling stations for 4 wheelers, fix'n windshields? That's something you could do any where...

Onlnadvct

 

[davekc]

Thankfully, the wife does as well:7
Davekc

 

[mvbn1]

OK folks, after reading all of these great posts, I think I'm going to try a few new things. I'm thinking of wood carvings of voodoo dolls, and then trying to work that into the model airplane groove. I do see a problem crossing the border with sharp knifes, model airplane fuel and a verity of wood carvings that look like border crossing officers, but, what the hey. :+

All jok'in aside, I watch TV/DVD's, do word search puzzles, listen to the local fire department or railroad on the scanner, and, when time allows, some digital photography.

 

[The Gibster]

Mike, I know this isn't exactly a thing about 'sittin' and waiting', but i think we should all remember to ENJOY the scenery as it goes by.

We have one of the few professions where we get to watch the seasons change before our very eyes; and I guarantee each and every trip, even to the same place is different and wonderfully beautiful.

Ever think about cataloging those dig pix and selling to a postcard company? Your subject matter is right outside your window.;-)

The Gibster

 

[Critter Truckin]

I suppose 'showering' could be considered a hobby, if you're into to good 'clean' fun (I kill myself). I usually sit and read or dork off on the computer, if my teammate isn't hoggin it. If not, I spend way too much money on the seriously wicked awesome PGA game in the lounge!!! Otherwise, I call people until I'm bored blue and fall asleep. Hope I've managed some help and maybe a chuckle or eight.

Cheers,
Jay

 

[BigBusBob]

Regarding layover time... I keep busy, whether rollin' in a truck or a bus.
in truck I chatter on CB and cut up and make fun and joke. I clean chrome, clean glass in/out, inspect truck good for leaks and possible problems. Long layovers I clean truck good and check equipment I don't use too often. I also read and watch movies.
in bus, there's just as much to do. There's alot of cleaning that can be done. 45 feet and 57 seats, all with armrests. most have foot rests. there's pull down window shades too. The restroom as well. all the glass too. The drivers area alone can be time consuming to clean. There's 5 TV's to tend to. The luggage bays and latch mechanisms. There's rarely chrome on a seated passenger coach, but on the private coaches there's alot, there's also stainless steel to polish and keep clean. I watch alot of movies on the busses, but I also try to get out of the bus in certain areas to sightsee and play tourist. I like to write postcards to people too. I sometimes will go fishin' on layovers, if I'm near saltwater and have the time. I plan this summer to try freshwater fishin' out and see what thats all about.
One day I'll have a laptop and this will be my hobbie during layovers. Smile!

 

[FlameMerc]

While sitting, I will polish Chrome/Stainless. Chrome is my favorite color. When not polishing it, Im in the truck stops shopping for more or looking at catalogs for my next order. Oh yea I watch tv too. :7 Have Fun out there. Butch

 

[raceman]

I am with you on the thew shine Flame. I just put new polished Aluminum rims on my truck and Oh do I love those babies. They are accuride and talk about a better ride. It is great.

Hey by the way did your truck used to be an ABlair truck? Looks like those Tom has.

Raceman
OTR O/O