Hi, I'm Snazzy and I'm Trucker

Did he say he was going to be gone for awhile?
I hope he returns soon.
C'mon back Snaz!

 

:smt102My bedtime story is AWOL...where oh where has Snazzy gone, oh where oh where can he be????

 

OK SNAZZY WHERE ARE YOU. WIFEY DIDN'T FIND SOME OLD OUTSTANDING WARRANT ON YOU DID SHE? DON'T WORRY. JUST LET US KNOW AND WE WILL RAISE YOUR BAIL.

 

First a Big Snazzy welcome to DanB, who has been lurking and finally joined us. Secondly, thanks to the usual suspects, Big Duker, Ducks, Dollylama, Wolfie, and Lobshot. Ya'lls kind, kind. words and support is what keeps this thread going. Now, I'm not going to bore anyone with my recent difficulties, but as Life Goes On. Well, you'll get to read all about it. Oh, I may not be able to post on a nightly basis, but will try to do my best. I do apologize for any inconvenience and Snazzy points all around. What a deal !

My job, as TLX Driving School Operations Manager was a real pain in the butt. I mean, it was okay and paid alright, but my heart was never in it. Yep, I missed the Big Road, but not entirely. You know, everyone always hears a driver talk about the good old days. Well, by the mid 90's there really wasn't anything all that a good about it. Yep, I don't think that it was all that good, but just not as bad, as it is now. Now, this is just my opinion and some might disagree. But really, back then a couple of the major outfits raised driver's pay to a whopping 40 cents per mile. Now, that sure beat the average pay and it sure sounded good. But, it was only a gimmick they used to lure new hires with. Yep, you had to read the fine print and listen to the old hands. Well, I did and would share my opinion with the students that would listen to me. You see, how it worked was simple. They'd claim you'd be making 40 cents per mile and that was true. But, what they didn't say, was how long it took to get there. Yep, it took five years and that's not all. Those thieves actually cut their old hands pay, by cutting their miles. Yep, it was slick alright and gave them bragging rights to being one of the best paying outfits. Of course, your thinking that a raise, is raise and so what if you get a few less miles ? Well, on a regular job. Let's say, your flipping burgers and your hours are cut. Hot #### ! Yep, you don't have to work 70 hours a week anymore. Your going to get the same pay, as you were, but just put in fewer hours. Sounds good doesn't it ?

Hold the phone ! Yep, your boss then gives you the bad news. You have to sit in your car and wait for him to notify you, when you can punch in. What a deal ! Yep, for the same pay now, your sitting and waiting, but not getting paid a plug nickel. Well, your still bring home the same paycheck and aren't having to work as many hours. But, wait a minute ! Yep, all them new hires are working every minute they're there and getting paid. So, you have sit down with the boss and then it hits you. Yep, those new hires are making less per hour, but getting all the hours they can work. Yep, that new pay scale was really a ploy to get you old hands to quit. See, that way the company can get cheaper help and.. Well, you know what I mean. Yep, show me a job where the new hires get most of the hours, or miles, and I'll show you a crooked outfit. Oh, it's not just trucking ! It's the system and it's getting worse everyday. Yep, if they aren't outsourcing, cutting wages, laying off, charging more for medical benefits, or something else. Well, at least we have our government protecting us. Yep, they'll straighten this mess out and... Wait a minute ! Where the hell have they been ? This crap has been going on for years and it's getting worse. Oh well, it's just the system and what's to lose ? Our homes, jobs, children's future, American Dream, and .... You know, what I mean. Well, I'll get off my soapbox and give you a warning. Yep Snazzers, my next Snazzy tale is going to be a real tear jerker. You'll need an extra box of tissues, a loved one to hold, and perhaps a few hours to recoup. No ! Barney Goose doesn't die, but ...


Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

What's wrong Snazzy-did you break the kickstarter or pull rope on that computer of yours? I hope you didn;t go back to recruiting again.

 

Yep Big Duker, I've been having some puter problems, besides some very bad luck of late. But, as promised here is a heart wrenching tale that is difficult for me to share, as Life Goes On.

It was a stormy night in the Big D and I was admiring the fireworks. You know, watching the lightening streak across the moonless sky. The rain was coming down in sheets that were blown sideways, as thunder clapped and shook the earth. I lit another smoke and inhaled it deep into my lungs. My thoughts were mixed and I was unsure of what to say next. I really didn't know Dale that well. I mean, we'd shared a few drinks overtime and I knew that he was an owner operator. He always seemed easy going and a bit shy. Yep, he never acted strange or out of control. I tried to retrieve bits of our past conversations. Yep, the best that I could remember he had to be in his early fifties. Let's see, I knew that he had spoken about being a widow and the last place he called home was somewhere in Missouri or was it ? Well, that wasn't important now, or was it ? My mind was overloaded and the rain pounding on the long nosed Pete didn't help any. Dale's lanky frame was still slumped over the wheel and his long fingers still gripped the sawed off shotgun. I cranked the knob just enough to allow some fresh air in and quickly folded my hands back. You know, I kept them in my lap, so Dale wouldn't do it. Well, he wouldn't do it, because of anything that I did. Yep, this was a pickle alright. I really wasn't scared, but just so confused and unprepared. Yep, I guess next time I'll know better. You know, you see a familiar face and just want to help out. I didn't know he had gone off the deep end and was off his rocker. Yep, he had been just sitting there and looked a little bit upset. I sashayed over and slapped him on his back. Man, if I had only known. I bet the waitress thought that we were gay and having a lovers spat. Man ! If I live through this, I'll sure need to set her straight. Well, at least Dale had kept it together inside the Flying Hook. Yep, he hadn't made too big of a scene inside. Well, if crying and uttering nonsense doesn't count.

Dale began those deep heaves of despair and slamming his first against the dash again. I cut my eyes to see where the gun was pointed. Yep, he had it in his left hand and his thumb still on the trigger. The barrel was point blank at his chest and resting on the steering wheel. Yep, there wasn't a chance in hell of me getting it away from him. I sat still and listened for anything that made sense. You know, so when the time came I'd be able to speak with words of wisdom. Of course, none of his words, so far had made much sense. Let's see, ' God Forgive Me ! What have I done ? What have I done ? Oh Baby ! Daddy's sorry ! I'll never leave you again ! What have we done ? What have we done ? "

I blew smoke, " Say Dale ! Listen to me ! I know that something must of happened and your pretty upset. Now, there's nothing that we can't fix and pulling that trigger isn't a solution ! "

Dale kept his face buried in the wheel, as his fist continued to punch at the instrument panel. Yep, the glass broke and Dale's fingers began to ooze blood from his cut knuckles. I decided not to push matters too quickly. I mean, as long as he was punching and muttering nonsense, he wasn't pulling any triggers, so far, so good ! I cracked the window some more and rubbed my hand against the cool wet roof. I used the rainwater to wipe my face. You know, that helped me to refresh my thoughts and try again.

I spoke with a whinny pitch, " Come on Dale and let me help you. Now, nothing can be that bad. If it's money, or you need something, just let me know. Now, if it's a woman..."

Dale's cry of helplessness came from somewhere deep down in his soul. It was one of those silent screams that makes no noise, but is deafening. His whole body trembled, as his mouth hung open and continued to pour out echoes of silent agony. I actually felt his pain, as it was absorbed through my pores. His eyes were swollen shut and tears of grief rolled down his anguished face. I'd never witnessed any human, nor animal express such unbearable pain. I gently placed my left hand on his right shoulder.

I spoke soothingly, " Dale, I know what your going thru and I've been thru it myself. But, trust me ! You'll get over it and no one is worth ...."

Dale pushed my hand away, " Don't say that ! She, she, she, oh Lord, I can't go on ! My God ! I want to die ! "

I nodded, " I know exactly how you feel ! It's like your whole life is over and nothing will ever be the same. But Dale, it passes ! The sun is going to shine again and ...."

Dale pointed the gun, " Get out ! I've got to do this and your not going to stop me ! I can't go on and baby I'll always be with you ! Baby no matter where you are, I'll never leave you ! "

I sat motionless, " Now Dale ! Look where you've got that gun pointed ! I'm just trying to help you and this is crazy ! You need to think about this and not do anything hasty ! "

Dale placed the gun under his chin and KABOOM ! Yep, the explosion dang near knocked me out of my seat. I was in shock and disbelief, as the cab filled with the odor of gunpowder mixed with blood. It was like slow motion, as red, gray, and white particles of Dale wallpapered everything. Yep, including me ! What a deal ! I grabbed the door knob and stepped down slowly. The rain had lightened up, but pools of water still covered the parking lot. I staggered towards the entrance and even checked myself over for any wounds. Just as I reached the entrance a Lot Lizard caught up to me. I recognized her, as most any driver would had. Yep, she was a regular crack head that sold herself for the usual price.

The Lizard spoke first, " Did he do it ? He said he was and I hope that he did ! That SOB ! Is he dead ? "

I gave her the look, " What do you know about this ? "

The Lizard jumped for joy, " He did do it ! I can't belief it ! That SOB did it and it serves him right ! "

I grabbed her shoulders and shook, " You better watch what your saying ! He was a friend of mine and ..."

The Lizard broke free, " Screw you ! Some friend you had ! He got what he deserved and I'm happy he's dead ! "

So, while me and the Lizard were cutting it up, two of Dallas's finest swung in code three. They parked directly in front of the crime scene and got a secondhand look of what a headless man looks like. I grabbed the Lot Lizard and drug her over with me. Yep, I didn't know what was going on and sure wanted some answers. Well, I got them and they weren't what I'd ever expected. Yep, it seems that old Dale, back in his youthful days had married his high school sweetheart. She gave birth to their only child a few moths later. His daughter was just an infant when Dale left to buy a pack of Chesterfields. Yep, that was 30 years ago and four million miles back. Well, Dale did remarry and his second wife had died of cancer. So, Dale on occasion, as many drivers do, paid cash and took risk for some commercial company. Well, that night after a romp in his sleeper Dale made his fatal mistake. Yep, he invited the Lizard inside the J-Hook for a cup of java and a little conversation. Yep, you guessed it. Dale had just learned that he had poked his own daughter. Of course, it didn't help that she blamed him for everything. Yep, she was just as surprised, as he was to learn about their being related. But, she unloaded with both barrels of guilt and shame on him. Well, that's when I sashayed in and walked right into a tragic story. Yep, I didn't know about all of that, when I suggested to Dale we go to his truck, so he could get a grip. Nope, I didn't know that he kept a loaded shotgun in his side box. Yep, every since then I always wondered when an old trucker pays for it. Well, you know what I mean, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

I'm glad your back Snazzy! Hope things smooth out for soon.{currently}
I'm still driving aimlessly around the east wondering where my life is going but I have my health and have my yellow lab with me now, best company I know, even though yellow hair is everywhere. sittin at the notso econemy lodge in Cornersville,TN taking my 34 off what a holiday, but God Bless all those that served and gave they're all. I'm always here Snazzy even when not seen. Hang in! Alllab

 

Sorry you had to be involved in any thing as traumatic as that Snazz. My grandfather had a similar experience with my father and it never left him the rest of his life. But that's why we're here. We are your buds and sounding board.

 

Good for you AllLab and keep on trucking. Your health and a loyal companion will take you futher in life than anything else. Now Big Duker, I sure hate that some of these truer than fiction tales hit so close to home. Yep, at times it seems that our entire world is carried on our shoulders. Well, I'm sure that's what keeps us fit and makes it a real challenge, as Life Goes On.

Things bumped along and actually turned boring for me. I guess that holding down a desk and tied to a computer does that to folks. Weeks turned into months and one day was like another. The only thing that mattered was getting the students their CDLs and keeping everything up to standards. You know, so when the State came a calling everything looked legit. Well, it was for the most part. I mean, if the applicant had a clear three year driving record, wasn't a wanted felon, and could pass a DOT physical. Well, that's all that was required back then. Yep, it sure is different now and it takes an act of congress to get a CDL. Well, one day a student caught me in my office and made an outrageous claim. Yep, he dropped a bomb that rocked my world.

I sat in awe, " Now wait a minute ! Your telling me that one of the TLX instructors is doing what ? "

The Student sat fidgeting, " He told me that for $100 he'd make sure that I passed my CDL test. Mr Goose, I don't have a hundred dollars and ..."

I went postal, " Who ! Which one ? I'll fire his butt and see to it that he never works again ! Now, be honest ! If your lying to me ..."

The Student swore, " It's that new trainer that just got here. That Mr Bill guy, who works evenings. He's the one and I swear ...."

I rubbed my face, " Crap ! Now, who else knows about this and has he offered to ..."

The Student was honest, " Yeah ! There were four of us that he offered that to. We all failed our skills test and had to retest. He's told all if us that for one hundred bucks each he'd guarantee we'd pass. "

I lit up, " Well ! Did anyone agree to pay him ? Now, be honest and .."

The Student dropped the bomb, " We all did ! We're suppose to meet him in the morning and he's going to take care of it. Me and another guy didn't have the money, so ........."

I gave the look, " Wait ! Your telling me that you all agreed to it ? Where the hell did ya'll come up with the money ? Man ! Every time that I turn around, ya'll are crying about being broke ! "

The Student confessed, " We can all get our cash advances after midnight tonight and a couple of guys are at the blood bank now. They'll .."

I rolled my eyes, " Their selling blood to pay for it ? What the hell is wrong with you guys ? A half witted moron can pass this course and ... "

The Student agreed, " We should of passed ! He failed us on purpose ! We did everything we were suppose to. He ..."

I got it, " Oh, I see now ! It's more like he's blackmailing ya'll. That makes better sense ! Yeah, if you don't pass the skills test here, well you can't take the CDL test at the DPS office. He's got ya'll by the balls, or at least he thinks he does. Now, here's what we'll do ! "

So, I put my plan into effect and laid my trap. Yep, it was bad enough to have a bunch of students being ripped off by the system. Be ######, if I was going to put up with a crooked trainer ! I mean, heads were going to roll and Katy bar the door ! Now, the one thing that bothered me the most, was how deep did this go ? Yep, if one trainer was pulling that, maybe more were involved. You know, how your mind works ! Well, if I had to fire the whole staff and start all over again, I would ! Man ! This was really, really, bad and I knew it. Yep, once the word got out that for a few bucks ... Well, you know what I mean ! Now, I tried to call Crook Junior, but he was out of town, as usual. Yep, he was gone more than here and playing CEO every chance that he got. Of course, calling Ed wasn't an option to me. Junior and Ed, were still at odds and besides that. Yep, I couldn't deal with Ma Crook ! She was too much for me. No, not too much woman ! She was too much of a horse's behind. That woman thought that she was God All Mighty ! I swear, she had her nose, so far up in the sky that it wasn't funny. I think she enjoyed watching folks squirm and digging her heels into them. Yep, I never could stand being in the same room with her.

Anyway, I had the four students check out of the Fleabag Motel and got them rooms at the Vacation Inn. Yep, I had moved there myself a few weeks earlier. It sure beat the old motel, as far as being nice, but the rates weren't as cheap. But hey, I could afford it and it was just across the freeway from my work. Now, the reason I had the students move over there was simple. Yep, I didn't want them spreading the word, about what was going on. I mean, it was bad enough that they had been ... Well, you know what I mean ! Yep, I even skipped happy hour that night and hit the sack early. I wanted to be primed and ready to stick my foot up some low life's rump. Yep, Snazzers it's butt kicking time, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Welcome back Snazzy!!