Where did that truck that hit me go?

Okay...no...I did not literally get hit by a truck. BUT...my body sure feels like it! I had to tarp and untarp in one day. And when I headed to pick up the next load this afternoon I was praying HARD that it wasn't a tarp load. Someone was listening because it wasn't! Yay! I even got lucky enough that a fairly decent looking guy took the time to help me with strapping down my load of bricks. I had to giggle to myself a little at the look he had when he realized that it was a female driver coming out of that rig. No...you just do not see a whole lot of female flatbed drivers (not saying I'm the only one...just that they are the minority of women drivers).

So the first load I picked up this morning was a bunch of grass fertilizer to be delivered in Columbus, OH (Oh so close to home!) It was going to a a John Deer store (which was interesting getting to). First I missed my exit and had to go 16 extra miles to get to the store. Then I missed the turn onto the road they were on (which was a very tiny road). Got that bitch untarped and unstrapped...watched the guy unload (making use of his restroom real quick)...then got out and put my stuff away. And as I was finishing up this lady from the store next to it came out to her car. She looked at me and asked "Did you do this all by yourself?" I told her well the guy used the forklift to unload everything. She says in return "I know. But did you do everything yourself? Did you have anyone to help you?" "No...just me." To which she merely says "You rock girl!" then got in her car and drove off. Can't say it didn't make me proud to receive that kind of recognition for doing this job.

I AM proud of myself. I stepped into a hard job. Driving a semi is hard enough...it's no picnic. But add in the element of flatbed hauling and it triples the difficulty of being a truck driver. It also adds to the danger as well. Drivers have fallen off the top of their loads. On my first pick-up I had a guy walking past tell me as I was strapping tell me "You've got more balls than I do. I married a 4'11" woman because I'm afraid of heights." How could I not feel some sense of pride when I get remarks like those I've received so far? Maybe one day we'll see more women flatbed drivers out there. Just cause you're a woman doesn't mean it's too hard!

But alas...I've had a long hard day...and I'm ready to shower and rest. I look forward to the weekend!!!