Knock, Knock, Knock...

[ATeam]

Feeling guilty, irritated, sad and introspective all at once, I wrote the following in my daily blog. Still feeling guilty, irritated, sad and introspective, I would appreciate forum-member comments. How do you feel when the knock comes? What do you do?

Blog excerpt:

(being dispatched for a Monday pickup and) No longer needing to bank sleep for a possible overnight run, we drove to a truck stop for fuel and showers. Once there, and finding a parking space we considered safe, we decided to spend the night. By safe, I mean our truck is relatively safe from being hit by other trucks.

As things turned out, it was not safe from having our sleep interrupted by a lot lizard (truck stop prostitute) knocking on our door. I hate it when that happens, mostly because I do not want what she is offering and it interrupts our sleep. But I hate it on another level too. The knock on the door triggers several questions that race through my mind.

Do I answer the door, receive her offer, and call the police to report the event? Do I answer the door with anger and threats to run her off? That has risks as some of these folks defend the truck stop parking lot as their space and may respond with threats, vandalism or violence of their own. Do I answer the door and politely decline? Or do I not answer the door, thereby keeping the window and door shut and stay safe from a possible hijacking, robbery or truck invasion that may come from unseen people waiting for me to open the window or door?

Maybe I'm wrong about her being a lot-lizard. Maybe she is not a junkie- but instead someone in desparate straights needing food or other help. Who is it really knocking on my door, a junkie-, someone needing help, or maybe even an angel in disguise sent by God to test my heart?

When people come knocking, I am haunted by the Bible verse, Hebrews 13:2. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (King James version). Is she a lot lizard? Is she an angel? Is she one of God's special children needing help?

We are asleep in the truck late at night.

Knock, knock, knock.

Who is she? Who am I? What should I do?

 

[nobb4u]

I know what the Bible says about angels unaware. So with that being said I think the Good Lord also gave us the common sense not to open our doors to someone looking to make money in the middle of the night. My usual response is to just look outside and shake my head. Now if this was someone who was hurt and bleeding I would be able to see that, and most of the lot lizards in my experience are pretty easy to distinguish. And if they might be angels, they can come back when it is light outside. It is just unsafe to open your doors to anyone in the night I as a woman would be very hesitant to open my doors in the night to even a police office in uniform. That is just common sense. And my opinion.

 

[louixo]

If you`re sleeping in a truckstop, and a lot lizard comes knocking, I would have no qualms about running her off if she woke me up. If I`m sitting in the cab, I`m likely to be more polite, and just say no thanks. I always keep a hammer or tire billy within arms reach of my bunk, and though i`ve never had occasion to use it, I wouldn`t hesitate if I felt the situation warranted said use.
I doubt that the Bible verse you quoted was written with the idea of putting yourself in potential danger. It was more likely written with the idea of "you can`t judge a book by it`s cover" so to speak, in your interaction with strangers. So put your mind at ease, and run the undesirables off. If a lot lizard asks for your help in the light of day, or in a public place, that`s another story, and one must deal with it in their own way.

 

[greg334]

http://www.expeditersonline.com/forum/women-s-view/30438-strange-people-knocking-your-door.html

 

[nightcreacher]

way back in the early 80's i use to run with my girl friend.When we were sleeping and that familiar knock came at the door,she would answer,and would always have something to say,such as hes already busy,the best one was can i help you. the best way,just hang a bra in the window.

 

[pjjjjj]

I'm probably going to get shot for this.. but just wondering..
it seems, on here at least, that not many (or at least not many that will admit to it) enjoy the lizard problem; and it seems many care about cleaning up the image of 'truck driver'; so why not call the cops? Not sure if they would rush out to do anything, but if these lizards realized they were going to take the risk of being apprehended by the police, perhaps they would find another street corner.
Out of curiosity.. does there seem to be any kind of picking and choosing by these lizards, of which trucks to hit, or is it just open season on all? ie, do they tend to go after the ones that look like they cost big bucks?

 

[gotta go]

I wonder how the non-trucking public would react to the knock on the door of their house "do you want company?". How many businesses to you go into that feel the need to put a "no lizard" sticker on the door? I have not chosen to disguise the feminine side of my truck, and get very few knocks.

 

[iceroadtrucker]

Feeling guilty, irritated, sad and introspective all at once, I wrote the following in my daily blog. Still feeling guilty, irritated, sad and introspective, I would appreciate forum-member comments. How do you feel when the knock comes? What do you do?

Blog excerpt:

(being dispatched for a Monday pickup and) No longer needing to bank sleep for a possible overnight run, we drove to a truck stop for fuel and showers. Once there, and finding a parking space we considered safe, we decided to spend the night. By safe, I mean our truck is relatively safe from being hit by other trucks.

As things turned out, it was not safe from having our sleep interrupted by a lot lizard (truck stop prostitute) knocking on our door. I hate it when that happens, mostly because I do not want what she is offering and it interrupts our sleep. But I hate it on another level too. The knock on the door triggers several questions that race through my mind.

Do I answer the door, receive her offer, and call the police to report the event? Do I answer the door with anger and threats to run her off? That has risks as some of these folks defend the truck stop parking lot as their space and may respond with threats, vandalism or violence of their own. Do I answer the door and politely decline? Or do I not answer the door, thereby keeping the window and door shut and stay safe from a possible hijacking, robbery or truck invasion that may come from unseen people waiting for me to open the window or door?

Maybe I'm wrong about her being a lot-lizard. Maybe she is not a junkie- but instead someone in desparate straights needing food or other help. Who is it really knocking on my door, a junkie-, someone needing help, or maybe even an angel in disguise sent by God to test my heart?

When people come knocking, I am haunted by the Bible verse, Hebrews 13:2. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (King James version). Is she a lot lizard? Is she an angel? Is she one of God's special children needing help?

We are asleep in the truck late at night.

Knock, knock, knock.

Who is she? Who am I? What should I do?

Just remember somthing Ur always being tested, what did Jesus say when they were going to stone the ?? (Let he who is without sin cast the first stone)
that should be your answer on this subject. Ive been married for 26 years and I no need anyone else. If this be a test then pass the test. Who are we to judge that person are we all without sin, if you were U wouldnt be here would you.
No one is perfect, we all have flaws, Help the ones in need and stop, God will protect you and U will know with ur feeling if somthing is realy wrong. Ive had knockers on my truck and it had been of both beggers and the other. Beggers i have given food of what I have and the others I told them no and suggested they need to go home and rethink there life. like I said God will let U know and he wont leave U alone, as with the Foot Prints in the sand when u look and only see one set well then he is carrying you.
have a safe one

 

[aristotle]

Let he who is wothout stones cast the first sin.

 

[iceroadtrucker]

Let he who is wothout stones cast the first sin.

sir its let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I hope that is what u truely meant have a safe one sir.
and

Blessed be the welders best ark makers since Noaha.

 

[pjjjjj]

Many would likely call the police if they were being approached by 'lot lizards' in their homes or businesses at night, and these are your homes-away-from-home afterall.
I can't imagine how desperate someone would be to take the risk there might be a female, or a couple in the truck.
If it were me, I'd want to clean up the image of my chosen profession.
Where I live it's illegal for street people, as well as prostitutes, to approach and ask/beg for money/anything. I don't know that those who give them what they need/want are doing them any great favors. And I don't really call it stone casting if you're calling to report this behavior, afterall, we all have rules we must abide by, or be willikng to suffer the consequences. In their case, they'd likely be better off in a jail cell for the night.

 

[cheri1122]

[, God will protect you and U will know with ur feeling if somthing is realy wrong.

If that were true, no one would die, or be injured, at the hands of a lunatic - they'd know to get away, or scream for help, before it got too far. Sometimes, we have a "hinky" feeling, but so many times, innocence walks into evil, unprepared. (I'm thinking now of the young man who was just killed, on a Greyhound bus - for no reason anyone can find, so far.)
I know how unsettling it is, to ignore what may be a cry for help, but really: the odds are far greater in favor of the knocker being one who wants something from you, that you don't want to give. Under those circumstances, it seems foolhardy to answer, and I never do. I am sure that if the knocker were truly in need of help, they'd be inside the lighted building, asking for it, not knocking on darkened windows.
I think it might be a good idea to call the truckstop, and complain to the manager on duty, but I don't think too many police would want to be bothered - guess it depends on what sort of night they're having.

 

[greg334]

It's funny, religion has zero to do with this issue.

You all know that there is a couple schools that teach these people how to beg and knowing a couple of these real winners, they make more money begging and pan handling than many van owners make driving for FedEx or Panther. If I remember correctly, one pulled in $42k so far this year.

If someone is really in need, they will do what ever it takes to get money or help. I know this because I was there once. I have this issue with some people who are better dressed than I am asking for money, like the fellow trucker who was standing in his Tony Lamas with a Stetson on his head. I told him I needed a CB and he needed the $40 I had in my pocket so it was an easy solution but he refused to make a move telling me he was begging.

If you feel Guilty because you refused to help someone you think was in need, then I have a charity you can send $100 to for each person who ever knocked on your door.

 

[gotta go]

When it comes to someone with a sob story I usually respond in two different ways. If they are offering to polish tanks & wheels and I'm feeling lazy, I'll hire them. I respect someone willing to work. If they ask for money to "eat" I'll let them know what time dinner will be coming off the BBQ and that they're welcome to join in. Other than that, forget it.

 

[cheri1122]

GTG, that reminded me of one of those "only in trucking" moments, that might hold an answer: when I was new enough to answer that knock in the night, it was a woman, claiming to need money for food. I said "Ok, hang on" and rummaged around, then handed her a handful of peanut butter crackers, and a cup of applesauce. She looked really startled, lol, but what could she say?
Maybe stocking up on some inexpensive items, for just such occasions, would allow those who feel uneasy, to rest assured that they did what they could. If so, it's money well spent.

 

[pelicn]

We had a man approach us asking if he could clean windows, or polish our tanks to earn some money for food. We didn't need our tanks or windows done, but like Cheri, we offered him some ice water, peanut butter crackers, and an apple. He was so appreciative. We do keep simple food items in the truck now for that reason.

 

[theoldprof]

Iceroadtrucker wrote: " Ive had knockers on my truck ......" Did you have a bumper from a '57 Chevy on your truck?

 

[Streakn1]

Who is she? Who am I? What should I do?[/QUOTE]

She most likely is a young (dropdead gorgeous) entrepreneur. She's running an enterprising direct sales business. She probably attends college during the day to become a brain surgeon, and is financing her education at night in the truckstop (at least that's what one told me as I chased her off! LOL)

You are her potential first time customer that will help enable her to complete college and stay off of the welfare program. By denying her earned income her future most likely is in jeopardy.

Now, if she is an angel sent by God to test us men, then I've seen some REALLY scary angels in my time at some of the truckstops.I thought all angels were suppose to be beautiful! They must be "she devils" on a devilish mission!

Be strong young Jedi, may the force be with you!

 

[ATeam]

Who is she? Who am I? What should I do?

She most likely is a young (dropdead gorgeous) entrepreneur. She's running an enterprising direct sales business. She probably attends college during the day to become a brain surgeon, and is financing her education at night in the truckstop (at least that's what one told me as I chased her off! LOL)

I know you are joking but I am not laughing. If she was in fact a prostitute working a truck stop, hers is a tragic story and a broken life. I grow sad when I wonder about how she got into that situation.

When I worked in a prison for a few months (as a computer guy), I met some pretty messed-up people; as in really, really messed-up. But at least they had a support system around them, medical care, and "three hots and a cot" as they put it. The girl who knocked on our door would be safer and better cared for in prison than where she was. Very tragic and very sad, in my view.

 

[PantherPower]

Don't forget that some of these lot lizards ARE the police. They have a big sting operation at the Flying J in Gary, IN. At leaset that's what is said over the CB. These girls there advertise themselves on the radio and the drivers chime in warning prospective customers not to fall for it because she is a cop.

That guy at the Monroe T/A selling his CD has been there a very long time. He has asked me if I want to buy one at least two dozen times. There was a waitress from the restaurant there who also worked for Idle Aire. She was working the parking lot selling more than Idle Aire. She was eventually caught and fired from both jobs!

My favorite place (being sarcastic, of course) of all time is the T/A in Atlanta. In the course of 15 minutes, I had drugs, sex, and polishing services offered to me. All with the local police sitting 100 feet away. The pimp was on the radio advertising his girls and he was cruising the lot in a Buick Electra (tinted windows, 20" rims and a Wilson antenna on top). The police were either involved in this or just didn't care. There were some shady-looking characters standing there talking with them. Maybe a distraction?

There are certain truckstops I HATE to go to for these very reasons. If I can afford to deadhead, I will go somewhere else. When I can't, I lock the doors and ignore the dreaded "knock, knock, knock".