"Hello my name is..."

Time for another random intro most people won't even come across. But here goes.

Hello! My name is Sunnie and I am not a trucker, but I am a trucker's wife. (The love of my life goes by BuckeyeKev). I am 35, mother of 2, step-mother of 4 more... and a crazy dog I'm ready to pawn off to my man in his truck. I don't have many hobbies but I like local festivals, cheesey 80's big hair music, Club Pogo, and have a huge naughty streak. I'd love to connect with other women who put up with the same nutty life style as I am about to participate in.

He is a new truck driver, so this experience is new to me.

After an abrupt change in career about a year ago, I haphazardly mentioned we should go OTR together as team drivers, half joking. It was something I considered for myself solo years prior (before we had met) and just kind of threw out there. He laughed it off... we can't do that... kids at home, life, etc etc. And then it simmered for a few months. About three months ago it popped back up full force and now here we are.

He started school in September at MTC. (Don't get me started) so off he went to Missouri. That was my first taste of being alone for any extended period of time, and it felt even more of a shock I think because our schedules before that allowed us to pretty much be together every day and most nights. It was hard to say good bye, but I was excited about his new adventure. I was proud of him for taking the chance to do something new and scary. I was excited that he would be learning a trade nobody could take from him, make new friends, etc.

So the school was unprofessional and mismanaged so what should have taken 4 weeks ended up being more like six. I was able to make it out to STL once to visit (had to bring my man some eats and get some lovin'!) and once to take his butt home to Cincinnati before his job training.

He got to stay home for a week and a few days them off to Columbus. We crammed a lot into that week, everything from figuring out finances, arguments about dumb stuff, family time, quality time... it was a good week and I was blessed to have it. Then off he goes to Columbus for his 4 week job training.

Week 1 complete and I already miss him like crazy. I worry about his safety (being new) and where he is. I already get a bit of anxiety from not knowing and hope I learn to let the worry go. I worry about him eating enough, having supplies he needs, taking care of him... but deep down I know he is fully capable, responsible, and takes this job seriously.

So far his training has been a piece of cake. He has really enjoyed the runs he's been on and says he feels this is the right choice. I feel it's the right choice too. Knowing he feels confident and successful makes me pretty happy. I had my first 'big life' experience without him this week, had an emergency and ended up in the hospital with possible emergency surgery looming. It's a weird feeling when the guy who protects you, loves you and makes you feel better is far away. I know I'm on board with his decision because no matter how selfishly I wanted him to come home and be with me, I never would have suggested it (or let him do it.)

So now I'm sitting in the hospital (probably going home today) eating my nasty hospital breakfast and reflecting on it all. I look forward to being his woman... freezing him meals to take, doing his laundry, taking care of his dog, his house, our life... but there is a lot I have to learn. While I don't necessarily feel lonely and need companionship, I miss his company like crazy. I worry about our sex life (I know, TMI!) but we're going from an every day event to once a week if I'm lucky... Momma no likey. I need to learn not to worry so much about his safety, it is what it is and he'll be the safest driver he can be. I need to learn to trust him with complete freedom, which really isn't something we've experienced before... and while it's low on the list, I'd be lying if it hasn't crossed my mind. I worry about the quality of the "us" time we have in store for us. Now we have to make sure he gets relaxation, family time, and relationship time in just 24-36 hours. I worry about the amount on control I'm giving up in our life.

I also know there is a lot of good that comes from this. We both get independence (which we both like). He gets a career that pays the bills well and gives us some security (which we've been struggling with the last two years). He already has a new sense of accomplishment and pride, which alone makes it worth it to me. I look forward to joining him when I can, starting for occasional trips. There may even be a plan on the 2-3 year future for me to team drive with him. Possibly go O/O in a 5-8 year plan. Who knows what this holds.

I'm excited to find out.

 

Yes, just started. Going on his second week. He has a trainer, he is doing runs from Columbus to Chicago right now so seems like a piece of cake. So far I think his take on Hogan is not the best the not the worst. He has a good attitude... "gotta put in my time." He's been doing all of the driving and says he enjoys it.

 

It's hard to tell at this point. You know every carrier says: "We love our employees,'" "Home time is important, "We take care of our drivers." It'll probably be 5-8 more weeks until we see the true colors.