No respect (8/7/2022)
Truckers often complain about getting little or no respect and about how badly they are treated at times. They all have a story to tell about dispatchers who put too much pressure on them, about a mechanic who goofs off instead of fixing his tractor. There must be plenty of examples where shipping and receiving employees don’t find them worthy of talking to them and of course there is the frustration with the four wheelers who show no respect for the big rigs.
Let me tell you about a little incident that happened to me. It may not be important in the greater scheme of things, but I still get mad when I think about it.
On a Sunday morning I was on my way to one of the company terminals in order to get fuel.
I hadn’t been there before, but the place was easy to find. The entire street had parked trucks on both sides which made me wonder if the terminal was too small. That became pretty obvious when I entered the gate, the place was jam packed.
They don’t get it (8/1/2022)
Many years ago, I worked for an auction company and frequently I would visit the homes of potential customers and give them an appraisal.
Every now and then something like would happen.
Me: Before I give you my figure what do you think the market value is?
Client: No clue. I have absolutely no idea what it could sell for.
Me: To my best knowledge I would say that it will probably go for between $1,500 and $2,000.
Client: That's all? I thought it would be at least $3,000.
Me: Wait a minute. You just told me that you have absolutely no idea of its market value.
Client: Well, I don't. But I do know that it should be more than what you are saying.
Fast food & annoying people (7/23/2022)
A burger restaurant was the only place in the area where I could get a bite to eat. I hadn’t eaten yet that day and the supplies in the truck were long gone.
I was somewhat in a hurry and was hoping it would a quick in and out. No such luck, a single line was backed up to the door and for a few seconds I contemplated skipping a meal.
A rumble in my stomach made me decide otherwise. The line was moving slowly, and while the person at the register was working as fast as she could the orders left the kitchen at a snail’s pace.
Just ahead of me was a family of five, mom, dad and three kids between 5 and 10 years old, to my best estimate. Dressed in colorful outfits, which convinced me they were tourists, and chattering non-stop they made their way to the counter.
“What can I get you today”, asked the friendly employee with a smile. And then it started. Before mom or dad could say anything the kids started yelling at the same time and within moments the three youngsters turned into a screaming wild bunch.
No silly names for dogs (7/10/2022)
A while ago I ran into a lady who walked her dogs. Two cute and well behaved little critters, pets to be proud of I should think. She told me that they are like kids to her, something I can very well relate to.
Their names? French Fry and Ketchup. What, did I hear that right? How in the world can you give them such ridiculous names? And since you think of them as your kids: if you had real kids would you name them like that?
Be serious, if you have a dog, give it a decent name. At to the Humane Society they had the sweetest little puppy named Pumpkin. We wanted him, but the name had to go. As soon as we got him in the car we renamed him to Reno. I think that is a cool name.
Even worse than silly names is giving them a dumb looking haircut. It's a dog, let it look like one. Get rid of those terrible bows and other accessories. And don't even think about dying its coat (yes, some people do that). Don't do what makes you happy, do what makes the dog happy and comfortable.
