Resolutions & Democracy

It has been a rough start to 2010 on the resolution front for me.  One of the things I resolved to do was to post to my blog at the end of every week.  I'm kinda sorta doing that.  I also resolved to keep up a fitness program through the winter months.  Not easy to do out here on the road plus I injured my right leg running in the snow back on the 9th of January....... and...... I'm making excuses so you know where I stand on that one.  It's not going so well but, there is always tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that and so on.  So how's it going with your resolutions?  Don't give up.  If you fall of the wagon just keep starting over!!

Over the past couple of weeks I have become a "CAPPhead".  CAPP is the acronym for the facebook group "Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament".  Last night the numbers in the group topped 200,000.  Discussion in the group has been civil, non partisan to mildly partisan for the most part. (there will always be the extremes - a minority)  I have never participated in political discussion to such an extent before.  I have felt empowered by the experience and for the first time in my life (yes the first-really) have been firing letters off to our MP's and political leaders expressing my opinion.  I have had thoughtful replies from my MP and some canned replies from the opposition leaders but no replies at all from our governing members or the PMO.  Hmmmm.  They have been saying for a month now that they want to consult with Canadians.  I'll try writing again this week.  Show your support for our democracy by attending a rally in your city on the 23rd of January or just go to the facebook site above and participate by joining the group and adding your voice.

It felt like a really slow start to the year out here in the truck.  I arrived in Vancouver over a week ago and sat for a day and a half.  Then I headed up to Edmonton and sat there for almost two days.  Now I'm back in Vancouver along with several other drivers. So I expect to be here for a day or two again.  There is lots of freight coming out to the coast.  Olympic effect?  Probably.  Not a hell of a lot of freight going back east though.  No worries.  After all, January, especially the first half, is typically slow.  As I passed through Calgary yesterday I stopped at our terminal for a shower and struck up a conversation with one of our Calgary drivers on this topic.  He told me that a number of years ago he was working for Grimshaw Trucking and had one trip in the whole month of January.  $70.  It was a trip from Calgary to Edmonton.  So things are not that bad after all.  Let's just call it a blip and not a trend.

There, I did it.  My post is done for this week. :)

P.S.  Don't forget to make your donation for Haiti earthquake relief.  Those folks are suffering beyond anything we are likely to experience in our lifetimes, at no fault of their own.  Living a good life starts with a generous act.

Truck Driving.........Right Livelihood?

The fact that I am a long haul truck driver often leaves me feeling empty inside.  I find the solitude and independence inherent in this profession attractive yet repelling at the same time.  I find it especially difficult to go back out on the road after the Christmas holidays.  In fact any family event has the same effect on me.  It is at these times that I question my choice of livelihood.  The benefits of solitude and independence take a back seat to feelings of companionship, fellowship and community.  This is when the feelings of emptiness set in and the existential questions begin.  Does my work make a difference?  Do I make a difference?  Is my work helpful to others?  How can I possibly be of help to others sitting in a truck all day?  Is my job harmful to others in any way?  How can I participate in my community if I'm away for extended periods?  The work provides economic support but what about being there for my family?

I read somewhere that in the province of Ontario fully 50% of the people that obtain their class A license give up their aspirations for a career in trucking within the first year.  Right Livelihood?  After 10 years over the road I'm still not sure myself.  Maybe I have yet to find my niche in the world of trucking.  For now, it's back to the road!