White Lightning, Not Mountain Dew

*March 9th*
I should feel bad about that truckstop breakfast burrito I just scarfed down at the Flying J here in, you guessed it, Texas. Loaded with all sorts of calories, carbs, grease, and sodium.....it provided me with nothing of nutritional value. But alas, no guilt. I've lost a few pounds since being out here. It's a conscious effort on my part to not gain any more weight at all of these greasy spoons located within these fuel stops. I didn't think I'd be down in pounds  as much as I am. I'm not complaining. Lord knows I have enough of a surplus to not worry about wasting away. That burrito I just had may not be the best for my goal...but it sho wuz good. After 7 days of beef jerky and pre-made salads, I needed something decadent. I'm also coming off of 8 glorious hours of wonderful sleep in the night time hours with a cab temperature of around 70 degrees. Probably the best sleep I've had since I left NC. So yeah, I'm feeling pretty good about now. Apparently hunger and sleep deprivation can affect your mood.  Who'd a thunkit? I think Steve is a little annoyed because the shipper we were picking up from was suppose to call us when the trailer was loaded. They didnt. It caused us to hook and go about 3 hours later than expected. 3 extra hours of good sleep. Breaks my heart.
   Feeling good feels pretty good. I miss my wife and my home tho.
   An hour after writing that^^^, Steve and I boogie on down the highway. On the radio, "White Lightning" by George Jones starts playing on the radio. As soon as it starts...we look over at each other with huge smiles. Completely unplanned, we both start singing along by the second verse..haha. The song starts fading out, and I'm feeling kinda gay and awkward about our impromptu sing along. BAM...."The Battle of New Orleans" is on next. Why ruin a good thing? Away we went. If this trucking thing goes South...we got an act ready to go. Hey..a comfort zone. :)

*March 10th*
Rolling through Texas at the moment. The last few days have been alright. Pretty uneventful. Just working on my skills, which have gotten much better. Especially my downshifting. When driving through Dallas rush hour traffic, you really have no choice but to pick it up. My backing skills still need improving. But I'm noticing at truck stops and loading docks, even seasoned truckers aren't good at it.
     I've been out with Steve for 9 days now. According to my training counselor,  I'm ahead of schedule in my training. Good. It gets me closer to making good money and driving my own truck. Today or tomorrow Steve will drop me off at the company headquarters where I'll be assigned my next trainer. More than likely I'll be put on a plane, sent to some destination, then shuttled to a truckstop to wait for my next partner.    We'll see. I'm just rolling with the punches at the moment. I hope I like my new trainer.  You hear horror stories about some of them being real assholes. I like Steve. He can be kinda grumpy as it gets closer to the evening. But that's fine. I'm not overly sensitive. I sure am gonna miss his XM satellite radio. The soundtrack for the last 9 days has been old country music. In fact, almost stereotypically,  "Six Days On The Road" by Dave Dudley is playing as I type this. I will be procuring the means to have this in my truck.
   Anyway, gotta put this down for now. I gotta look out the window and think about home while some sad song plays...haha.

*March 11th*
    Here at the terminal in Dallas. I bid Steve a farewell last night as he dropped me off at the hotel close by. No pleasantries...no parting words of profound weight. "Be good". Haha. That's fine. Not gonna particularly miss him either. I learned some good things. I also learned that nobody is impressed with the "cranky old vet" schtick. I already met my new partner. Seems alright. We just shook hands. To be totally honest, I was shamefully hoping they would assign me on Monday. Some time off is needed. Badly. Now I jump in the truck in a little bit to take off. Now I have to relearn some new guy...his personality....his routine....his cab temperature. I hope this guy values and understands the importance of sleep. This shit is weighing on me. Last night at the Motel 6 I had a whole room to myself that was very well cooled. Damn it was glorious.
    I try to look on the good side. A new guy MIGHT be easier to be around. I'll get through this probationary period faster now that we're doing real long hauls.  Then I'll be released to my own truck where I'll be sent home for a week. That's the prize my eye is focused on right now. The next time I write here, I should be out of Texas. Should be....