Hello Isaac!!

I think Isaac is still technically a Tropical Storm -- winds about 40 mph or so.  The good news -- for me -- is that the latest Weather Service tracking report shows it going more west into the Gulf as it moves north.  So even though I am on the west coast of FL, about half way down, the main force of the storm will be at sea; building strength as it heads toward Mobile, AL or so.  Those folks better be getting on their northbound horses, in my opinion.

The eye is near Key West right now.  I have been watching the radar a lot for the past couple of days, but even more so now, as it's path is being established.  Yesterday morning the talk was of a possible path THRU Tampa and the Republican National Convention starting Monday.  I'll get back to that.

But Isaac is now pointed more west of us taking aim on something between New Orleans and Mobile for the moment.  They also predict it will grow to a Category 2 -- winds up to 105 mph.  We are just now starting to get some light sprinkles and growing winds.  It's kind of neat actually watching the palm trees wave in the 15-20 mph winds. 

As I drove down Gulf Blvd this morning, it was very evident of the two groups of people -- one missing and the other very much in evidence.  I live on a sand bar along the west coast of Florida, just north of the opening into Tampa Bay.  For about 15 miles north and south of me is coastline comprised mostly of tourists and people trying make money off of them (restaurants, bars, resorts, gift shops, etc).  The tourist are all gone today.  Most motel parking lots are empty.  Cowards, all of them.

The locals on the other hand had filled every bar seat I could see at the two or three places I passed.  Let the Hurricane Party begin.  Normally, I would be hanging out with them but not so much this time.  Sundays are one of my most favorites days of the week anyway.  I mentioned that in an earlier post.  Bikes, beaches, babes and beer -- what's not to like?  Make it a special event like Daytona Bike Week, The Olympics or A Hurricane Party and you have the ingredients for a real fun time.

My interests in life have not changed, for those of you who may be wondering.  But the path I am traveling these days is a more responsible one (at least I have heard that from 1 source).  It is consistent with my believe that there is a time and a place for most everything.  That and my Rule #1 (Have fun without stepping on anybody) keep me balanced.

Speaking of bikes, the Republican National Convention is 25 miles away in Tampa starting tomorrow.  The newspapers have been full of reports about security and the expected protestors who will be here because of the National media coverage.  So yesterday morning I did my own inspection of RNC Party Central - The St. Petersburg Times Forum, well at least the surrounding neighborhood.

I had read in the paper how they had blocked off certain areas and were using assorted fencing to control access to areas.  I wanted to see.  Supposedly they had learned alot about protestors at the Chicago Convention and were bound and determined to maintain better control.  It will make for interesting TV viewing the next few days.  I can tell you one thing.  The City of Tampa police are ready.  They have completely emptied the nearest jail of it's regular inmates and are prepared to bring in any new 'guests' needing housing.

A Friday, early morning ride thru the mostly deserted streets was exciting.  The delivery trucks were lined up in ques.  The gardeners touching up flower beds.  And indeed, the fences were mostly in place.   The Forum is located on a canal of sorts off Tampa Bay -- not unlike how a moat might protect the castle.  You could see a whole lot of thought had gone into the fences -- many of them 10' tall and weighted at the bottom to prevent tipping over -- and how they are planning to control ingress and egress to the area.  And now Isaac, the Wild Card is in play.  Or at least some wind and heavy rain for a day or two.

So now I can watch the news unfold on TV in safety and say, I was there (sorta)!

The MOMENT -- that changed my perspective on life

It was the day after my fortieth birthday; a significant reality check-point along your life path anyway, but that's not what changed my view.  I was the victim of a drive-by shooting.  A car load of young males (late teens?) pulled along side of me and put a .38 caliber bullet thru my passenger window towards me.  I guess I was fortunate that it ONLY hit me in the right forearm, passing in front of my chest and into my left ring finger gripped around the steering wheel.

I didn't realize I had been shot for several seconds.  My first thought was they threw something like a brick or rock at my car.  I stood on the gas pedal and took off.  5:1?  Momma didn't raise stupid babies.  It was 15-20 seconds later (I think) before I felt my left ring finger 'tingling'; it was 10:30 at night, too dark to see.  I felt the raw meat with my thumb as I let go of the steering wheel.  About the same time I felt blood running down my right elbow and pooling heavily in my lap.

It was that moment my life changed.  Because for the next several minutes -- maybe 20 or 30 -- I wasn't sure how bad I was.  Would I bleed out before getting to help?  Was I dieing.  Was my life measured in minutes?

Obviously I lived.  That has been a very long time ago -- close to 20 years.  I still have ulnar nerve damage in my right arm.  The only thing is lost feeling in my two little fingers.  Just have to be careful putting my hands in my tight jeans.  Sometimes 'pinkie' doesn't get into the pocket.  They salvaged most of the finger tip on my left hand.  But my soul is different.  I see things different than most people; but honestly who doesn't?  But how many have ever honestly thought that their life could end in the next few minutes?

I think being happy -- having fun -- is one of the most important things in life.  But with that comes a balance of not having fun at someone elses expense.  You can't step on others in the process.  But you had better make today a great day because tomorrow is not guaranteed.  And don't accept excuses.  Whether it's the job you have or the life you lead, have fun and don't step on anybody in the process.

My New Truck/Trailer is AWESOME!!

My oldest son has been driving my newest truck/trailer for about two weeks and the early returns are fantastic.  Besides the fact that he is running like a horse -- just over 5,000 miles by the time he gets home tonight -- the expenses have also been reduced because of the light-weight trailer.

When I was a driver, much of my 'windshield time' was spent visualizing the Perfect Truck and the Perfect trailer.  This setup above is almost it, for what we do.  The perfect truck -- in my mind -- is a 2005- 2007 Dodge Ram with the 5.9 Cummins.  (Yes, the early model 2007s still had the 5.9.  They switched to the 6.7 mid-year to meet the new EPA requirements).  Dodge finally figured out an automatic transmission that could handle the torque the 5.9 generated. 

The perfect trailer -- to me -- would allow us to carry pipe up to 40' or two cars at a time.  Because many of our out-bound loads are relatively light (10-12,000 lbs) we really didn't need a heavy, beefy trailer.  My older trailers all have dual, tandem axles - 4 tires/axle -- and were rated to 24,000#.  They also weighed about 7,500 lbs empty.  The one above is rated to 14,000 lbs and weighs 4,200 lbs empty.  Less weight = better fuel economy.

I am having a 'bridge' built that will mount across the very rear of the trailer -- on the end of the dove-tail -- that will give us a support point at deck height for really long pipe.  The bridge will lift off and store on the gooseneck when we are hauling cars.

About the only thing I want different on my next trailer is a solid deck at least 96" wide.  This deck is open in the middle (it's technically a car hauler) and only 84" wide.  And I have my eyes on one now.  But it's going to be 2-3 months before the cashflow will allow more expansion. 

Those 5,000 miles Nathan has driven consumed more than $1200 in fuel.  That's on top of all the other money I spend getting this equipment setup.  It is typically 45-60 days before the out-go and the income get in balance because most of our customers are on 30-day billing.  But we pay OUR expenses (fuel, oil, insurance, motels, tires, maintenance, etc) as we go.

It would be nice if I could find another experienced driver or two.  They need their own diesel pick-up truck.  Brand doesn't matter; age and mileage do.  They need to be a motivated, self-starter anxious to make some money by working hard.  There is more to this than holding the steering wheel and keeping it between the lines.  Ask Nathan!

Detailed info is on my website here:   www.stsHOTshots.com  Click on the 'Owner/Operator' tab.

FINALLY -- My PERFECT Job

It's taken quite some time.  For several of the past summers I have been soliciting my friends HARD to built a pool so I could be their Pool Boy.  But no.  Until THIS year!!

For the past month I have been staying at my middle brothers house while in the southern IL area.  And he has a walk-out basement with a very nice pool.  I'm in heaven.  There is a lot more work to keeping a nice pool than many people think.

You have the chemical balance to maintain, obviously, but there are several filters that need cleaning and the pool needs skimming daily to get the leaves out.  Then there's the area around the pool.  Weeding and watering and picking up.  It's tough work being a Pool Boy.  The pay isn't so hot but the benefits are outstanding!

My Pool Boy days are about over, for now.  I'm flying back to FL this weekend.  Trading in my skimmer net for a beach towel.  Works for me.

One 'business' note; Nathan (my oldest son and newest driver) just completed his first solo trip - 1200 miles from St. Louis to Minot, ND.  At least it's the middle of the summer up there, actually quite nice.  So in the two trips he and I did together and now his first solo trip, he has yet to cross an open DOT scale.  Oh well; he's gotta get home now.  I'm betting they get him before he gets here.

I Wanna Go Home!!

I am so tired of living out of a suitcase.  I'm hoping to get things wrapped up here in IL by mid week and get back down to FL -- where it's cooler.  Crazy world.  Today is the 9th or 10th consecutive day with temps over 100.  It's after 6 pm and still 103, now!!  The last three days have been particularly brutal around here with temps closer to 110.  Yet my little spot on the beach has only got to 91 during this stretch.

But I'm really ready to be in MY space.  MY bed.  MY paradise.  I have been staying with my middle brother while up here.  And I don't mean to sound unappreciative.  He has a big house with a pool, hot tub, 3 refrigerators and practically anything else you could want.  But it isn't the same.  I'm still a guest.  I want to go home!

Things are going quite well here.  My new truck and trailer are loaded for the first time and will head for Cedar Rapids, IA early Monday morning.  For more than a year I have visualized what I thought would be the perfect combination vehicle to do the type work we do with the most efficiency.  That dream is now a reality and it looks like the maiden voyage will be a very good one, financially.

One of the main barometers I use is the dollar/mile income generated for the whole trip -- out AND back.  This first trip for my new rig will beat my average by about 10 cents.  Doesn't sound like much but I expect my cost to be down with this trip by as much as 20%.  Add it all up and this should be a great trip.  I'll know Monday night.

And, my oldest son will be doing the driving.  He is getting into the biz and this will be his first paying job with STS.  It's all exciting.  He is the main reason I'm still hanging around here.  I want to make sure he is totally comfortable since he is brand new to truck driving.

But, I really am ready to be home.

Sunday -- My Most Favorite Day (Now)

It has nothing to do with religious significance.  If that were the case, I'd like Saturdays the best; it's the sabbath.  No, it all began when Sundays were my WORST day.  I was in restaurant management and the places I worked had a different menu on Sundays -- Sunday Brunch.

So first off you have new menu items for cooks and servers to know about and perform at the same level of expertise even though we only do this for four or five hours out of the 100+ hours a week we were open.  Not alot of practice time.

Next the staff itself is usually your newer people.  It was typical to reward our 'core' people with the schedules they wanted, within reason.  Not many wanted that shift and, if they got it, were quick to trade it away.  The result was the same.  Your lesser experienced people working this crazy shift.

Then church gets out.  And all of a sudden the place goes from empty to SLAMMED in 30 minutes.  Are you getting my picture?  I HATED Sundays because as I was always the guy ultimately in charge.  Even if I wasn't working that day, I'm a phone call away from, "Nik, the prep cook that always makes the hollandaise called in sick.  What do I do?"

So when I got to the point in my life I wasn't working Sundays anymore -- because I'm out of the restaurant biz -- it became a sign of success.  Laying around in bed all morning, occasionally with good reason, watching movies or other fun things people might do when being lazy in bed.  But doing nothing but chillax.

Today I have the pleasure of sitting on the balcony at my brother's house looking out over a pool, lake and wooded area watching the sun come up.  I'm sitting with my coffee listening to the wildlife, mostly birds.  There are more visible birds in FL.  These guys up here make a lot of noise but stay fairly hidden.

A lot more trees here.  And BIG ones, at that.  I'm looking OVER the top of the house next door to the end of the cul de sac where there is a MONSTER Oak tree at least 80 or 100' WIDE and more than 200' tall.  It's REALLY big.  And majestic. There are actually a lot of mature trees around but this one has been nurtured to the point that it dominates the corner.

It's the sunrises and sunsets everyday in my life that give me pause to thank GOD for what I have and hopefully be just one HALF the man that Dizzy (my brothers dog) thinks I am.  With the Fourth falling on Wednesday this year it really screws things up for people as they try to plan their time off.  But we should always remember these seven special days out of 365 to commemorate something very significant that should not be forgotten or taken lightly.  This Fourth of July remember to thank GOD that you live in the greatest country on Earth.

 (Not that Canada, Mexico, Spain or any of the others are bad.  I have been to these places and more. But, there is NO WHERE else I want to call home.)

Veterans Small Businees Conference

It was very expensive ($200+ for a hotel room, REALLY?) and it was HUGE (three different levels of the Detroit Convention Center with some meeting rooms more than a football field away) but in the end, I got what I wanted; information on how to do business with the governent.

And it didn't take long.  The very first seminar I went to Tuesday afternoon was the best.  And to be honest, the rest of my experience there was less than fulfilling.  I spent an hour and a half standing in a line for pre-registered attendees only to learn they couldn't find my bag and name tag.  At least 'I was in the system' meaning they took my money.  I knew that since I had a confirmation number.  I got a temporary and was told to come back in 30 minutes.  I checked back three times over the next 2 hours -- between meeting -- before I got a real badge.

Perhaps the worse part of this conference -- other than the cost for this tight-wad -- was the way many of the seminars were conducted.  There were perhaps 30 different, 1-hour break-out sessions going on at any given moment.  But the vast majority of them never repeated.  Several times there were two seminars I wanted to attend going on at the same time.  So I would bounce around.

A couple of times I went to a room and the speaker was a no-show or the topic being covered was not the same as was listed in my printed agenda.  Other than the one seminar Tuesday afternoon, the next bast thing was the networking opportunities.  There were ALOT of people there.  Our federal government alone spends more than 6 BILLION dollars a year.  All of us there were looking for our piece of the action.

I also learned a new language; or at least started too.  It was impossible to carry on a conversation with-out at least one acronym per sentence and usually two or three.  Like VSOB = Veteran Owned Small Business; or SDVSOB = Service-connected Disabled Veteran Owned Business; or RFI = Request for Information; or RFQ = Request for Quote, and on and on.  I'm serious when I tell you I felt like I was in a room full of people speaking Klingon.

I attended a seminar on the Verification Process for a VSOB, which I just completed last week.  The poor guy making the presentation was pounded by distraught veterans who had been denied certification.  Judging from the feedback from the audience, the VA has some real issues.  Hopefully, I will not be amongst that group.

I planned to stay thru Thursday -- today -- but left yesterday after the morning session.  I had seen all I needed and that motel room was KILLING me!  Besides, my goal of learning how to get more business from the government was accomplished at my first meeting.  Luckily for me, I caught it.

One final observation about our government is how it is a self-perpetuating  monster.  It is so big and so complex that it takes more and more people to keep it running.  Don't misunderstand me, there is not one other place in the world that I'd rather live than in the USA.  But I think living in a democratic society means accepting that the government is an insanely complex megatron that is nearly impossible to oversee.  It's just too big.  Too many closets.  Too many self-interests.  Too many rules with loop-holes.  Too many people with too many hidden agendas.  Is this another example of 'Too big to fail?'