Change Often In 2022

The Grand Canyon, May 2021

So let's see....what newsworthy items did 2021 open with?

Oh yeah, that's right - an insurrection at the Capitol.  What a way to start the year!  Exciting, no?

But then the year ended with the death of Betty White on December 31st, just seventeen days shy of her 100th birthday.  How's that for Pandemic Year Two bullshit?

We lost quite a few other celebrities - some who I won't miss and who should have gone sooner.  I didn't realize until I saw that article, but among the people who died in 2021 was Jessica McClintock.  Remember that floral, floaty, lacy, puffy-sleeved romantic Gunne Sax dress we all wanted for prom, special occasions, and weddings?  She was behind that.  I know many people have no idea who she was, but she was a big deal in the eighties.  Go ahead and pull out prom pictures from that time.  She was there.  

We worked quite a bit that first month, just a lot of driving and sleeping, as there were lots of team loads for us.  We eventually made it home by the end of the month just in time for my yearly mammogram and several trips to our favorite taco joint.  I guess the work in January made up for the time we were off in February.  That's trucking for you. 

March was busy, April we were home again - found out Ed had been chosen to be a Landstar Roadstar, got our vaccines (finally!), and had some work done on the truck. We went back to work until the end of August and then we were off again until the end of the year. 

Ed, in his Landstar Roadstar Award jacket

1. What did you do in 2021 that you’d never done before?
The most out-of-my-comfort-zone thing that stands out?  Going camping in the Grand Canyon.  Me.  Camping.  When my friends saw my post on Instagram they called, texted, and wrote - "Who are you?" and "You?  Camping??"   

Have you ever met me?  And if you haven't, have you read this blog?  I don't camp.  I don't even like to be outdoors.  Sitting around the backyard with friends is about as "outside" as I can tolerate. 

Let's see...what else did I do?  Well, since I got my rock painting supplies for Christmas last year, I painted a few rocks. 

I celebrated a four-year wedding anniversary.

208 weeks of bliss.

I flew on an airplane wearing a face mask.  Very odd being covered up every minute of the trip - I felt like a bank robber that couldn't breathe.    

My in-laws moved in with us for 6 weeks (more on that later). 

I went to a Cantaloupe Festival in Fallon, Nevada.  Mostly against my will.

Farm equipment at the Cantaloupe Festival in Fallon, NV

I visited The Silos in Waco, Texas, after having watched Chip and JoJo fixing up houses for years on TV. 

I discovered I was misdiagnosed with a life-threatening illness, after having gone for a second and third opinion.

I went to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle - something I didn't even do when I lived there.

And I made Tomato Jam, which was deeeelicious!

My delicious Tomato Jam

2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 
No and no.  I did once again resolve to diet and exercise and I did once again, fail miserably.  I'm just not into it.  Just not.  I find no joy being outside unless the weather is at or below 65 degrees (which is almost never in Tucson), my neighborhood is so ugly that going for a bike ride to look at dirt and cactus is not any kind of motivation, and hiking?  Up a hill?  On purpose?  No. I can't even say I'd hike up a hill if I were being chased by a bear.  I'd probably just give up and let him maul me.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin and her new husband had a baby boy - Gianni Luis - in November. Half Italian, half Mexican, 100% gorgeous!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My Tucson bestie’s mom died at the beginning of the year. She was devastated and has been having a very hard time with the loss.

The Magnolia Silos in Waco, TX

5. What countries did you visit?

Nada. Nunca. Absolutely none. And I’m getting really upset about it. I’m actually craving Europe. Can one crave a continent?

6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021? 
Follow through.  I'd like to actually follow through, to the end, many of the things I start.  I've always had many balls in the air, and I kinda like it.  And I don't feel bad when I abandon something.  But I do realize that sometimes things I WANT can only be obtained by following through.  So, I'm going to try to get on that.

7. What dates from 2021 will remain etched in your memory, and why?
January 6 - Insurrection Day. I could not BELIEVE what I was seeing. What a disappointing day for the people of our country to have resorted to that kind of behavior. Absolutely unacceptable.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving Ed's parents from New Mexico to Arizona.  It was quite the undertaking.

Ed's dad had a TIA at the end of June so he went out in July and August to see his dad, each visit for a week.  Then, at the end of August, we decided to go get them and have them stay with us for a while, just to be able to spend some time with them and keep an eye on his dad.  Instead, we wound up packing their ENTIRE house in four days, got a realtor, got a landscaper, had a yard sale, donated things to Goodwill, and then eventually got on the road.  Between the four of us, we moved a U-Haul truck, an RV, two cars, a trailer, a golf cart, and two dogs, out of Carlsbad to Tucson. In one week.

Ed's dad, looking cool on the trip from New Mexico to Arizona.

We moved all of their stuff - from their 1,700 square foot house - into our family room.  It was JAM PACKED with boxes, furniture, appliances.  Just tons of STUFF.  His parents are 80 and 87, so there was NO WAY they were going to be able to handle any of this on their own.  

They stayed with us for about six weeks while we looked for a place for them to live and we found a lovely Independent Living facility for them just 4 miles from our house.  We went through all of their things and had them decide what they were keeping and what they'd be giving away because the apartment they were moving into was only 600 square feet with a small storage area.

The in-laws' new living room.

We set up their entire apartment - mixing old furniture with new - hung their pictures on the walls, set up their cabinets, bathroom, pantry, etc., and then moved them in.  We didn't want them to do a thing.  We wanted them to feel comfortable and be free of stress.

So for months, we were completely consumed.  I did ALL their medical stuff - set up appointments, filled out new patient paperwork with medical histories (holy shit - that's a lot of information when you're dealing with people who have lived 80 and 87 years!), and we both took them to their appointments.  We showed them where everything was.  Got them comfortable in the town and the immediate area in which they'd be doing most of their shopping and medical stuff.  We even took the dogs to the groomers!  

So I think successfully getting my in-laws settled in Tucson, has been my (and Ed's) biggest achievement for the year.  It's worked out so well and I'm so happy they're happy!

9. What was your biggest failure?
I must have had a pretty decent year because I can't recall any failures.  

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had debilitating back pain that kept me out of work for a month - it’s a recurring pain from a crash I was in and I never know when it’s going to hit. I couldn’t move, stand or sit comfortably, sleep without waking, or even take a deep breath without sharp pain.

Me, shattered by a filter.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

This lipstick and foundation from KIKO Milano (the #1 cosmetic brand in Italy), this coat, and these twinkle lights.  

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The citizens in the country who stepped up and wore masks, got vaccinated, got boosted, and continue to practice behavior that shows they care about themselves and others.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? 

Those who refuse to get vaccinated. It’s selfish, disrespectful to friends and family, and irresponsible. Do you want to be a citizen of this country? Do you like living here? Then you should do everything in your power to make sure the people you live with and among are safe from harm.  It's your responsibility as a citizen to contribute to the success of this country, whether you like it or not.

14. Where did most of your money go? 
Bills, retirement, Verizon.  

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The All-Clad cookware my friends handed down to me.  They didn’t have a use for them anymore and thought I would appreciate the quality and make good use of them.  Hells, yeah, I will!  If you know, you know - this collection includes hundreds of dollars worth of pots and pans.  I can't think of a better hand-me-down.  Thanks, M & G…I love them!  

All-Clad Pots from M & G

16. What song will always remind you of 2021?

I couldn’t name a song from 2021 if you had a gun to my head. But, there were two songs in the series “Emily in Paris” that I absolutely loved: Mon Soleil and Dynamite.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
Happy, fat, and breaking even.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Bake bread. Generally, I don't think it’s worth the effort when you can buy an artisan boule loaf for $7, but nothing really beats fresh-baked bread with butter.

                                                          This guy brings me flowers - don't argue with this guy.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Argue with my husband. I really have to learn to keep my mouth shut. Every little thing annoys me so I just have to learn to let things go. “Not argue with my husband” might have to go into the number two slot as a new year’s resolution.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
A small gathering of family and friends. Only six of us. Since we still have some vaccination hold-outs, I couldn’t include everyone this year. Such a shame. But I still cooked as if they were in attendance.  We had very non-traditional Christmas food:  

Christmas Eve, we made Brisket, scalloped potatoes that were TO DIE FOR, candied yams (my MIL’s request), corn niblets, baked beans, cucumber salad, and coleslaw. I made my Aunt Ronni’s famous rice pudding for dessert.

On Christmas Day I made chicken cutlets (at my mother’s request), mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and sautéed broccoli. Simple. Chocolate cake, cheesecake, and leftover rice pudding for dessert. Now you can understand why I’m always “fat” in question number seventeen.

This year's very pared-down Christmas table

21. Did you fall in love in 2021?

Nope.  

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Hands down, Yellowstone. If you are not watching this show, I don't even want to know you.  I cannot get enough of this show.  The hour flies by and always leaves me wanting more.

In addition to Yellowstone, because I guess I have to balance out the rugged cowboys and the badass force of nature that is Beth, my other favorite is This Is Us.  I absolutely love this show.  I love the writing, the characters, and the feelings I have when I watch it.  Sadly, this season is the last one.  I'm preparing to cry a lot and be emotionally devastated by the time it's over.  I fear I may not recover.  I need to immediately start looking for a show to take its place.  Any suggestions?

Storm in South Tucson

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Well, I’m going to quote my nephew’s girlfriend with the answer she gave to my question, “So, how do you like your job?”

She said, thoughtfully and gracefully, “Well….I am grateful for the experience, but I hate people.”

I agree 100%. People are horrible.

24. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read at all this year - mostly listened to podcasts.  Oh!  And guess what?  There's a Yellowstone podcast!  Yes!!  I should probably do another "favorite podcasts" post since I've started to listen to so many new ones.  Yeah, that's an idea.  Look for it in 2022.  

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Probably BTS (a Korean boy band) because of their song Dynamite, the one I heard in the Emily in Paris show. I knew of BTS, I just never really knew any of their music. Now I do.

From the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle, WA

26. What did you want and get?

Well, I finally got a pedicure after going all of 2020 without one! And Ed bought me an Italian language learning app to go along with the free ones I already practice on.  I can read and say sentences now.  Pretty cool.   

27. What did you want and not get?
I really wanted side diamonds for my engagement ring but it just didn't happen - mostly because I can't decide on the shape I want (baguette? trillion? oval?).  I'm still combing Instagram for ideas.  Damn being an indecisive Libra!

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I watch so many movies it's hard to make a choice.  And it's hard to remember what I even watched!  The two that stand out right now as ones I liked - The Starling and 12 Mighty Orphans.  

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

My 54th birthday was spent in Elko, Nevada. We were on the road. It was less than exciting.  But I did get a few trinkets from Ed that he picked up at the truck stop - a tiny etch-a-sketch and mini Lite-Brite.  Then, once we got back home, Ed ordered the Cheeses of The World collection from Murray's Cheese in New York City.  So delish.

My quote of a quote in Real Simple magazine.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Writing something.  Like a book.  Or a compilation of short stories.  Or poetry.  Or even more blog posts.  I was a total slug and thought about writing, but didn't.  I did have a quote I like published in Real Simple magazine (see photo above).  That was kinda cool.  But I didn't write it.  So, yeah, I should probably start.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?
I did a lot of leggings and tee-shirts in 2021, and I even ventured away from my signature black into wearing some crazy-colored leggings (see photo below).  I also liked floaty dresses and capri leggings with ballerinas.  I'm considering paring down my closet this year to maybe ten outfits.  I always wear the same thing anyway so really,  I only need about five outfits in regular rotation.  

My cool tropical leggings.

32. What kept you sane?
Genetics.  I come from a very sane line of Italians, believe it or not.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Stanley Tucci.  I think I've always loved him but I really enjoyed him in the CNN special, "Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy".  He's handsome, classy, charismatic, and Italian.  You can even get the recipes for the meals he ate in each episode.  Check them out here - the Spaghetti Alla Nerano is at the top of my list.  I can't wait for the second season!

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Voting rights.  I'm sick of the ways politicians are making it harder, not easier, for people to vote.  And the others I'm always very passionate about - are healthcare, immigration, and equality (race/gender/etc).

New York-style bagels in Tucson.

35. Who did you miss?
My best friend. She's in Nashville and I haven’t spent quality time with her in YEARS. I need a girls' weekend, just her and I, to talk about old times and laugh until the wee hours of the morning. 

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Since I rarely left the house, meeting new people was challenging.  I can't say I met anyone that stands out as a "best new person".  Maybe next year. 

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021.

Always be prepared.  I can't say I necessarily learned that life lesson in 2021, but there was a very important event I was part of where preparation meant everything.  I'm a nerd.  I make notes, I document in detail, I take pictures, I remember who I spoke to, and I put dates on things.  I'm always prepared.  And it usually pays off.  Yay for me!

A tree in our yard.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. 

"Life is dynamite"

It comes from the BTS song I discovered this year - Dynamite:  

'Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight
So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight

Shoes on, get up in the morn'
Cup of milk, let's rock and roll
King Kong, kick the drum, rolling on like a Rolling Stone
Sing song when I'm walking home
Jump up to the top, LeBron
Ding dong, call me on my phone
Ice tea and a game of ping pong, huh

This is getting heavy
Can you hear the bass boom? I'm ready (woo hoo)
Life is sweet as honey
Yeah, this beat cha-ching like money, huh
Disco overload, I'm into that, I'm good to go
I'm diamond, you know I glow up
Hey, so let's go

'Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight
So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight (hey)
Shining through the city with a little funk and soul
So I'ma light it up like dynamite, whoa oh oh

Bring a friend, join the crowd
Whoever wanna come along
Word up, talk the talk
Just move like we off the wall
Day or night, the sky's alight
So we dance to the break of dawn
Ladies and gentlemen, I got the medicine
So you should keep ya eyes on the ball, huh

This is getting heavy
Can you hear the bass boom? I'm ready (woo hoo)
Life is sweet as honey
Yeah, this beat cha-ching like money
Disco overload, I'm into that, I'm good to go
I'm diamond, you know I glow up
Let's go

'Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight
So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight (hey)
Shining through the city with a little funk and soul
So I'ma light it up like dynamite, whoa oh oh

Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na, life is dynamite
Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na, life is dynamite
Shining through the city with a little funk and soul
So I'ma light it up like dynamite, whoa oh oh

Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na, ayy
Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na, ayy
Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na, ayy
Light it up like dynamite

Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na, ayy
Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na, ayy
Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na, ayy
Light it up like dynamite

'Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight
So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight
Shining through the city with a little funk and soul
So I'ma light it up like dynamite (this is ah)

'Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight
So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight (alight, oh)
Shining through the city with a little funk and soul
So I'ma light it up like dynamite, whoa (light it up like dynamite)

Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na, life is dynamite
Dy-na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na, life is dynamite
Shining through the city with a little funk and soul
So I'ma light it up like dynamite, whoa oh oh

And my slogan for the New Year...

Change often.

Winston Churchill (who I know nothing about) said, "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."  I am not afraid of change and I like the idea of perfection, although I know it's impossible to achieve.  But I think getting as close to your version of perfect is a good goal.  So, change often.  

Downtown Port Huron in Michigan.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2020: The Miserable Hike
2019: How 2019 Fell Through The Cracks
2018: Galloping Into 2019
2017: 2017 Saw A Snowstorm, A Penitentiary, And A Wedding
2016: 2016 Has Ended And It's Time To Breathe Again
2015: The Sun Sets On 2015
2014: Thanks, 2014. For Everything.
2013: I Am Gonna OWN You, 2014!
2012: Wrapping Up A Year Of Making My Own Sunshine
2011: Later, 2011!
2010: That’s A Wrap!
2009: Out With The Old
2008: Another Year, Another 365 Days
2007: All Good Things Come To An End
2006: The Symphony Of A Thousand Saws
2005: Suicidal Firewood

Christmas All Day And All Night

 My Christmas Tree,  in day and night mode.

I've done this same color scheme for several years now - white lights, gold ribbon and balls, some glass ornaments, and red snowflakes.  Next year I think I might have to change it up.  Or, add a second tree to the house with another theme. 

I keep the tree lights on all the time - I love the twinkliness of them!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2020: Contained
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: The Most Exclusive Rooftop
2017: Cell Block 8
2016: The Price Of American Made
2015: Sunset In The Brick City
2014: The King Of Light
2013: The End Of WiFi???
2012: Through A Canopy Of Oaks
2011: Clap Your Hands
2010: Wishing For A Blizzard But Will Settle For Flakes
2009: A Hideous Thief Exposed 
2008: Southwest Sunset
2007: Subtlety Is SO Not His Middle Name
2006: Bridging Chicago
2005: Oxymoronic Holiday

The Conquerer

 

Ed and I have been swamped getting his parents settled here in Tucson - we moved them here in September from Carlsbad, New Mexico.  We've been non-stop for the last couple of months.  

Sadly, I haven't cooked for weeks - we've been doing a lot of takeout and eating at restaurants, sometimes a quick fast-food hamburger on the go while out and about for the day.

But tonight, Ed took me to Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort, a place I actually worked many moons ago.  

The patio of the restaurant has a beautiful view of Pusch Ridge, part of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range, and the weather this time of year is just perfect for dining outside.

We started with the Charred Vegetable Quesadilla with a Chiptole Crema, which was fantastic.  It actually gave me an idea to make something similar at home since back when I was cooking, I did a lot of roasted vegetables.  Those would definitely be great in a quesadilla.  

Then we had a salad - Ed had the Baby Caesar, I had the Epazote Wedge - both delish.

And for dinner, we both opted for the Grilled Prime New York Steak.  It was served with Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus, and a Poblano Chili and Onion Goat Cheese Fondue spooned atop the steak.  Poblanos and goat cheese are two of my favorite things and on steak, something I wouldn't have thought to do, they were fan-freaking-tastic! 

It was definitely a wonderful evening and made me realize I should have Ed choose the restaurants more often.

El Conquistador came through just as I had remembered!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2020: Route 66 Midway Point
2019: Hello, My Little Dumpling
2018: Colorful Confections
2017: The Opposite Of Being Seen And Not Heard
2016: El Ed Rides El Tour
2015: Not Everything Is Lost
2014: Hairspray Is Gross
2013: Breathing Retro Life Into The West End Of A Miracle Mile
2012: A Little Bit Of Wyoming
2011: A Franchophile’s Paradise
2010: 10 Things I Learned On My Vacation In Italy
2009: A Beautiful Deep Fried Pocket Of Cornmeal Dough. Or, My Mom.
2008: A Foxy Furry Little Friend
2007: The One That Got Away
2006: Don’t We All?
2005: Miss Singular

Hello, Gorgeous

Today we drove sixteen miles for a bagel.

A New York style bagel.  Yes, there is a difference.  And in Tucson, a half-hour drive for a bagel of this quality is worth it.  

We went to a new place called Bubbe's.  Located on the East side of town.  There's almost no reason to go to the East side of town because generally, they have everything we have on our side of town....except New York style bagels.  

Bubbe (pronounced Bubbee) is Yiddish for Grandmother.  And there were a few touches in this place that might remind you of your Jewish grandmother.  Like the Juicy Fruit gum.  Although, I think that's a staple for all New York grandmothers.  And Scrabble.

The Juicy Fruit sits on a shelf with other Jewish standards....the picture of Barbra Streisand Streisand being a standout among them. 

Hello, Gorgeous.  

Ed and I each ordered two bagels - one plain, toasted with buttah, and the other with a schmear.  I tried the chive and green onion, Ed went with plain.

The bagels not only look beautiful, they were also delicious.  Just like a New York bagel - a glossy crust with a bit of a bite, and chewy inside but not doughy.  I don't know how or why I walked out of there without taking a dozen with me.  I guess I was in a rush to eat the one in my hand I just didn't think of it.

If you have an opportunity to visit Bubbe's, I say do it.  It's worth the trip from any side of town. 

But be prepared to stand in line.

You can find them in El Dorado Village at 1101 N. Wilmot Road.

Enjoy! 



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
2020:  Sweet And Petite
2019: Sorry, no post on this date
2018: Stepping Outside Of The Comfort Zone
2017: Fall, Falling, Fallen
2016: Twisted Monday
2015: The Bitchy Beast Of Strijen
2014: Montana Moments
2013: Scanning Comes To A Mouth Near You
2012: Go Ahead, Judge Me
2011: Con Los Años Que Me Quedan 
2010: Ten. Ten. Ten. A Perfect Score! 
2009: Lighting The Testosterone Torch 
2008: Eddie Helps The Economy Friday 
2007: Talk About A Thorn In Your Side 
2006: My Sentiments Exactly 
2005: Mason? Dixon? Line? BELOW It.

This Place Is The Bomb

Last month we moved some equipment to The Saylor Creek Bombing Range in southern Idaho.  This month we hauled it back to its original location.

The range, which covers over 100,000 acres is one of the most advanced in the country.  It's associated with Mountain Home Air Force Base, which is a fighter training base located about an hour north of the range, and it draws aircraft from around the country and world for training exercises.  

As a bombing range, it is used to make training as realistic as possible.  They have a mock airfield, villages, and other structures.  It's used by ground forces for training, including MOUT (military operations in urban terrain).  This is not your basic gunnery range.  

It's in a very quiet, rural area where you see horses and livestock roaming the fields on the way to the entrance area of the range.  People live in the area, too, which makes me wonder what they think of being roused from sleep by the sounds of Humvees being shot to pieces.

"Military aircraft training and operations have been conducted over southwest Idaho since 1942. To train aircrews for combat in the Second World War, the U.S. Army Air Force established training airfields in Boise (now Gowen Field) and Mountain Home (now Mountain Home AFB). Flying B-29, B-24, and B-17 bombers, as well as P-38 and P-63 pursuit aircraft, the aircrews conducted training over much of southwest Idaho, but particularly in the 420,000-acre Saylor Creek Bombing Range and four other Precision Bombing Ranges (PBRs). Training included a wide variety of activities such as aerial gunnery, bombing practice, low-altitude flight, and navigation."

I guess they're used to the noise.  And they probably feel reaalllly safe.




~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2020: Rescue A Coconut, Save The Plane
2019: Sorry,  no post on this day.
2018: Pom Wonderful
2017: How Do?
2016: Silver Luxe
2015: Art From The Bottoms Up
2014: Weekend Getaway
2013: Long Shadow In Kansas
2012: Spreading Joy, Pixie Style
2011: Coming Soon 
2010: Feren Films Y’All Shouldn’t Miss 
2009: This Guy Sucks 
2008: Shine And Shine 
2007: Eddie Hoots It Up Friday 
2006: Eddie The Bird Whisperer 
2005: Laundress

Crème De La Crème

Earlier this year we got a phone call from Landstar Corporate offices asking to speak to Ed.  It sounded serious so we both sat there waiting to hear alarming news.  It turned out to not be alarming at all, but it was unexpected. After they told us why they were calling, they asked us to keep the news to ourselves until the company made their formal announcement.  They have now released the information so we are able to share it with anyone who's interested in listening - worldwide, as it turns out since this blog reaches as far as the internet will take it.

They were calling to let Ed know that he had been chosen to receive Landstar's most prestigious safety award:

The Landstar Roadstar. 

He is one of 14 receiving the award this year, and one of only 150 in the company, which leases over 10,000 drivers.

In order to be eligible for the Roadstar award, drivers have to meet certain criteria.  First, you need to have logged, at minimum, one million safe driving miles.  The means you've had to have driven one million consecutive miles without hitting anything.  It's harder than you think, considering the motoring public these days.  Ed has actually driven about 2.5 million miles in his career, 1.4 of them with Landstar.

Second, drivers must have a high level of productivity and the ability to provide top-notch customer service. Ed has done both.

With that in the bag, there's one more thing that puts you on track to receive a Roadstar award....

A nomination.

Someone has to nominate you.  They have to tell Landstar that you are a good fit for their highest award.  We don't know who submitted Ed's name, but someone out there believes he deserves this honor.    

In addition to being a recipient of this award and being "crowned" in the company of your peers at a lavish awards banquet that takes place at a three-day company paid-for event at a resort somewhere in the southeast (it's a different place every year), the Roadstar also gets the navy blue blazer Ed is wearing in the photo (that most drivers wear at the yearly banquets to show off their status as Roadstars), a Roadstar belt buckle, a Roadstar logo for your truck (the one you see is temporary, we are having a more professional vinyl one made), and to top it all off, the best perk of all, are the complimentary license plates they pay for every year for the rest of the time the driver is leased on with the company. 

That's a $1,700.00 bonus each and every year! 

Apparently, that's a big deal for drivers.  Kinda reminds me of the time I won two steer tires at a raffle (valued at approximately $800 each) and the room went crazy with oohs and ahhs.  I was thinking, what the hell am I going to do with two steer tires??  But boy, the real truckers in the room thought I hit the lottery.  

I am very proud of my husband for being the recipient of this award.  It was a goal of his to reach this status at Landstar, and he did it!  He is also feeling very proud and accomplished.  At 46 years old, with 25 years in this business, he's exceeded so many of his career goals and he just keeps going.  He's not just a Roadstar, he's a regular star!!

Keep going, baby!  I'm thrilled to be married to the cream of the crop!

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2020:  Fire And Brimstone In The West
2019:  Bird Of Prey
2018:  Down The River
2017:  Valion Pride
2016:  Be Virtually Anywhere
2015:  This Is Not 100% Natural Spring Water
2014:  Rain Day Delay
2013:  That Sunday, That Summer
2012:  Heading To The Mountains
2011:  End Of Summer Rainbow
2010:  UGG, What A Surprise!
2009:  Under The El
2008:  We Escaped With Our Teeth Intact
2007:  Praying In The Jewel Of The South For Over 250 Years
2006:  Drive Time Champion
2005:  Yukon Bet We're Far Away