I think I'm Done, with the Gov't Part Anyway

I spent yesterday morning in Springfield, IL finalizing (I think) the state requirements for my Operating Authority - permission to haul freight. I left town with a new license plate ($404 for nine months!) and a couple of fuel tax stickers for the side of my truck; so I would consider things a success.

And speaking of Illinois, I have an almost unbelievable tale involving the Illinois Interstate Commerce Commission. In my post last Saturday, I took a swipe at them for not returning my phone call after leaving them a message. It was not a very malicious comment (I do have a sharp tongue sometimes) but factual. You can scroll down a couple of post to read for yourself.

Last Monday, two days after posting, I get a phone call from Dave with the ICC. At first I assumed it was a return call - two weeks later - from my voicemail. NO! Dave calls me and is looking for 'the guy who wrote the blog.' I know alot of people read my blog - even tho my 'followers' shown to the left are few - but the State of Illinois is looking in? I got a huge kick out of it at first. After I got over the initial pride of my wide-read blog, I began to wonder; how did they find little-old-me with the gazillions of postings on the web HOURLY! Now I'm getting scared. George Orwell's "1984" and Big Brother are REAL! What else are they looking for? A great deal of the science fiction on TV and in the movies isn't fiction!

Anyway, Dave was fantastic, a super nice guy. We talked for awhile. I was driving and had to pull over, I was in such shock at first. He gave me several contact people and phone numbers as well as his own. In fact I faxed some things directly to him to expedite my application. I think he is a valuable resource to have on my 'friends list.'

Tuesday I paid my new insurance premium. Just yesterday, I saw the fed website had the updated info. Everything has a July 1 effective date so it's difficult to tell if all requirements have been satisfied. It LOOKS like it, but my authority - while GRANTED - is not ACTIVE yet. I'm assuming (danger - danger - danger Will Robinson!) that because my insurance is IN PLACE but not IN FORCE until 7/1 that this is the reason. Guess I'll find out next Thursday.

I am still waiting to actually RECEIVE my state authority. But here again, indications are that things are done on my side (Dave gave me my MC number) and it's just a matter of time to process. There are notices that get published - like my dba name - and then waiting periods for someone to challenge I suppose.

Also yesterday I ordered my new signs for the side of my truck. They will be done today. I need some delivery tickets printed, ones with MY numbers and address on them. I also need to open a business checking account; banks are funny about depositing a check made out to a business into a personal account. I will take care of both those things today, assuming I don't get called into work. Which I HAVE NOT been all week. Remember my earlier post? Feast and Famine.

Today I also want to design a flyer that I can leave with potential clients. I have to get business cards ordered (JUST remembered that one). I don't think it would be very professional to go solicit business and then leave my name and number on a post-it note. That is a MAJOR item on my 'Things-to-do List" - go solicit new business. And get another driver lined up. Because once I have a driver - and something for him to do besides sit around updating his blog - I will be able to do what I like -- Travel the USA! I am anxious to get back on the road.

And speaking of fun, last nite was a blast (mostly). It has been hot as blazes here - upper 90s and humidity to match. Summer just started officially but the weather has been more like a late July thing. Until yesterday. My ride up to Springfield - about 100 miles - was with the windows down. I could have taken the bike but I was so wound up about WHAT I needed to do that I never even considered it until I was on the way.

Last nite was Bike Nite again around town. The Pasta House one is sponsored by the Harley dealer in O'Fallon, IL who I was extremely active with several years ago when they were located here in Belleville. It was like old home week again for me. I saw people I haven't crossed paths with in 3 or 4 years. It was very kool!

(sidebar: I think I may have a few new peeps reading this so I should mention, I try to protect the privacy of my friends on here. I do not mention identifiable names of private individuals with-out asking them first if ok. Public entities are another matter. I have no qualms about slamming or praising as I feel appropriate.)

The weather was absolutely perfect late yesterday. Clear skies, temps in the low 80s, low humidity and an almost Full Moon last nite! (OH-OH! The full moon is Saturday night. Danger - danger - danger Will Robinson!) This morning it is also spectacular out. But the weatherman says we will be back in the muggy stuff by tomorrow. No sweat (literally), we shall enjoy today!

And speaking of weather - one of my favorite topics. One of my friends challenged me yesterday thinking that I 'hated' to be in Illinois. Not exactly true. What I hate is the WEATHER - much of the time - in Illinois. Perhaps more specifically, I hate the winters here, and the fact that there are no beaches. (Sorry Lori, lakes are different) But I love the people. There is truth in the perception that people in the Midwest are more laid back and easy going. I have lived here most of my life but I have also travelled extensively - both nationally and internationally. I feel qualified to make this observation. Besides, I write a blog read by people I don't know. I must be legit! (Tongue-in-cheek)

So, to recap what we have learned today: Be VERY careful what you say on the internet. Which seems like a very appropriate follow-up to my Sunday post regarding Facebook. Hmmmm, ironic.