Sprinter temtress in yard

TJ959 · Oct 28, 2008

It's been about 14 weeks since I semi-retired. Since then I have been working in an auto parts store in Caledonia MI. The thing is, I find myself driving by the exit76 truck stop just to see who's there. I kinda feel like the retired fire dog that still chases the truck to all the fires. I know some of you are in similar situations. One guy who comes to mind is the old prof. So how are you guys doing? I find that my Sprinter is calling to me from the side yard. How about you? I sorta wish that the Sprinter had sold back a few weeks ago because now it's exerting a little pull on this old chubby guy. Now they have closed the store I was working in and nothing is holding me back except the wife and daughter. The temptation is great. Help me Obie One Kanobe you are my only hope.

arrbsthw · Oct 28, 2008

I think I would stay home until the winter weather is over
then if the call is still there maybe you could find some one
to work for. I don't like snow and ice myself.

TeamCaffee · Oct 28, 2008

We tried to quit once and that was a joke. In no time at all every truck that went by we turned and looked. We were going stir crazy and had to sit down, talk and make plans for our future. We are still very happy with our decision to get back out here. The pull of the road is a tough call to ignore.

theoldprof · Oct 28, 2008

Yep, tj, I miss the road. Don't miss it enough to go back on the road again, though. I miss the machine shop at GM, also. There again I don't want to go back into the factory. I like to watch "How it's made" on I think it is the Discovery Channel. That's as close as I want to get to heavy machinery. I also like to look at trucks going down the road. Like a sexy 18 year old gal. Nice to look at but don't want one.

TJ959 · Oct 29, 2008

Right now the Sprinter is not tempting me as much as it was. It's in the shop getting a new turbo installed to the tune of $2000+. I have always kept up on service and repairs but it's hard to do when its not earning me any money. .....Back on the market it goes. ....But still, a nice shapely little cutaway turned my eye just the other day. MAN; Look at those mirrors and those chicken lights. WOWSER

TeamCaffee · Oct 29, 2008

You have more self control then we do! I am glad you can look and not touch you are tough.

fastman_1 · Oct 29, 2008

I left the Road back in Jan. and went to work for a Small Delivery Service in their Operations Dept.Parked the Van in the Side yard, and Began to enjoy my new Job. Then one day I came home and she was Leaking Oil, so I took her in to the shop to be fixed. Thats when the Itch started to get bad. I resisted to get back out there. Then the Boss says we are a Van Short for a run to Nashville. and I broke down and said I would Go. Since then about once a month I get to scratch that Itch. Just can't shake the Love of Bad highways, Bad Food, and Lousy Hours.

moose · Oct 29, 2008

its funny how its dose not matter how little you drive it ,it will still break down at the same rate...

Moose.

TJ959 · Nov 15, 2008

I think the thing I miss most is waking up in the middle of the night needing to go to the john. It's January and the temp is in the single digits. The wind is blowing about 30 miles an hour and blowing snow and bits of ice up your pant legs. This is the night you found a parking place 300 yards from the door of the truck stop. It's a job for a real man. Oh, and just before you get in the building a tour bus stops and unloads 53 retirees and they all get to the john before you do. Man I miss that.

TeamCaffee · Nov 15, 2008

That middle of the night trek can be tough as well as first thing in the morning!
Here is some of what I like though:
I love the cool crisp air on my face and a nice warm coat I am wearing.
I like the warm mittens, scarves and hats for winter
I enjoy the crisp nights and the great sleeping weather
I like the gray skies and the snowflakes drifting down beside you.
I enjoy the warm foods of winter
I enjoy the smell of a cup of hot chocolate or the smell of freshly brewed coffee not sure why that smells so good in the winter
I enjoy snuggling up in our truck and watching a movie
I really enjoy from Thanksgiving on seeing all of the decorations and lights on the houses
I have found that ever season has amazing things that happen and that I enjoy watching.

x06col · Nov 15, 2008

Ah tj, jes git in her and go down and work I-10 for the winter. Cold fingers problem solved. Don't have any suggestions for the wife, daughter excuse tho. But, it is a temptation. I'm happy there isn't any equipment in my yard anymore to make it easy to regress.

cheri1122 · Nov 15, 2008

x06col said:
Ah tj, jes git in her and go down and work I-10 for the winter. Cold fingers problem solved.
It sure solves the problem I have with cold fingers (an autoimmune disorder called Reynaud's) but the dang shippers just don't always cooperate, eh? And cold fingers are easier to live with than poverty, any day.
I do need really good gloves, though - any suggestions along those lines? ( I hate wearing gloves, it feels like I'm using someone else's hands, and they're even clumsier than I am - if that's possible)

cheri1122 · Nov 15, 2008

TJ, I didn't mean to hijack your thread - tell me where the closest truckstop is to you, and I'll visit you next time I get there, and remind you of all the fun you're missing, (not!) ok?
PS I miss your tagline: " I'm not nowhere, but you can see it from here" It always made me smile!

TJ959 · Nov 16, 2008

I really do like the winter and driving in it doesn't bother me at all. Call me an idiot but I couldn't live where it's warm all the time. I like the seasons and I really don't like it when it gets real hot. When I retire for real, it's the U.P. for me. God's area code is 906 and I'd like to join him there. The pull of the road is getting very strong so I may be out there before very long. Then my tagline will return. Right now I'm somewhere.
PS> Cheri, I hate gloves too. I just need my hands to breathe. Oh, and holler anytime. I live less than 5 miles from the only truck stop in Grand Rapids MI.

Dreamer · Nov 16, 2008

It is a strong call.. I left it 3 times.. LOL... and came back every time.

Working in offices, I went nuts, and would end up down at the loading dock on lunch break talking to the guys and checking out trucks/vans, etc.. LOL.

I think it's a disease Tom

Dale

cheri1122 · Nov 16, 2008

It's not "just a job" - it's an addiction! (But it sure pays better than snorting coke. Well, most weeks, anyway.)

TJ959 · Nov 17, 2008

In a Sprinter, sometimes it doesn't pay at all but I'm still addicted to expediting. I miss my Freightliner some too but I think I'd miss it more if it had been a Kenworth. The durn thing just broke too much. Thankfully, my only real addictions are expediting and Doritos.

TeamCaffee · Nov 17, 2008

You sure have that right it is an addiction. This older couple we know we’re always talking about all the things they were going to do when they retire which they are pretty close to doing. Last summer she had a heart attack and was out of work 21 weeks. He said in no time all they could talk about was getting back on the road and when and if they do retire it will be to semi retire. He said there is no more talk of getting rid of the truck and they both about went crazy with nowhere to go! It was really funny listening to them and we could so relate. Yes it is a life style and it is an addiction.
You either love it or grow to hate it.

TJ959 · Nov 19, 2008

AARRRRG Here we go. I worked on the personal stuff last night. The TV and VCR-VHS go back in today and an oil change this afternoon. Shopping commercial insurance and wireless internet as we speak. Back on the road by monday at the latest. Where were you Obie One.