It has been a struggle to stay focused, when the truck is shut down, and my next roll should be computer related. The setback is knowing that no project, let alone a blog, is being created. My agenda is already loaded with truck related activities, some which include my records keeping. The start of all the pressure I have created is on the 30th day of this countdown. That is when a little of everything must start occurring on a daily basis, to include an end of the day Blog.

To give a little understanding of my future agenda, before my start of the day, I start the computer, and create the log from the day before, by printer, and pencil in my recap hours on another sheet. I have been able to do this without fail for quite some time. My second routine is a combination of activities which includes setting up the computer to track the truck, through DeLormes Street Atlas, and clean up my mess inside the cab, from whatever debris I created before slumbering. While the computer is configuring itself, I leave it unattended, and start PreTripping the truck. By the time I am back in the truck, the computer is ready to review, and make any planned changes. I also have to send a daily safety message. I typically plan my 10 hour break at a fueling stop, and that becomes the next thing to check off the list, before rolling towards my destination.

With each change in what is known as a “duty status”, I am back on the computer, filling in that information, using Drivers Daily Log (an electronic log program). Then I roll. Typically I can drive four hours at a time. I came up with this as my own rule. It gives me a chance to stretch, inspect the truck and trailer, and look over my preplanned map, and even update any changes in plans. It also gives me the opportunity to check messages that came over the “Onboard Computer”. This daily routine makes for an average 9 to 12 hour day. Then the last part of my routine begins. After checking the truck and trailer for the end of the day, I am back on the computer, doing data entry of my ending miles, checking over my planned trip, and saving the tracking records. It is a full day.

Day 30 means to include a quick daily Blog, and even include a picture of two. If nothing else, write a countdown of the events of the day (I really haven’t been doing that). I also have two blog projects for writing and spreadsheets, and that is just the blog projects (typically done during a 34 hour break). There is my own projects that include building a database of truck stops, weigh stations, and traffic information, which I have only recently slowed down on the progression. Two other databases to create is to keep a record of all my backup files on DVD, so I can find information on a specific DVD much faster; the second is for my own list of activities to track when and where the Blogs, files created, and other projects are, and when they were used. Day 30 begins an extension of my daily routine, that cannot be affected by my other projects, since the truck is a great responsibility, along with the load it pulls. I definitely know how to create work for myself.

So, this might explain some blogs written as simply the Day, and others that included “[Backtrack]” in its title. The days I can sit, and get a blog done get published that same day, while the “backtrack”, are me blogging about the days that have long since passed.

Today was easy to Blog about, since I only put in five hours of trucking time. It gets harder from here on out.