C.J. Galaway's Blog, page 7
January 23, 2016
There is Life After Being Bullied
I've noticed a lot of attention these days is being given to bullying in public schools. This to me seems like both a good and a bad thing. It's good because people are starting to realize that it is going on yet at the same time it is bad because not many people want to do anything about it. It's not a difficult thing to fix yet at the same time it seems so difficult.
It seems everyone is on board when the bullying is severe and crosses racial,spiritual, gender identity, or orientation lines. Then everyone is up in arms. But what about the more subtle forms of bullyin that go on everyday in schools across the USA? I'm not saying that everyone has to like everyone; life isn't fair and there are people that simply will not get along with each other no matter what. But why do people feel the need to lash out at someone they don't like or understand? Why not be polite and move on about your day? What does tearing another human being down truly benefit you?
As my 30th high school reunion approaches, I sit and remember my junior and senior high school days. (Yes I am that old that middle schools weren't around.) Some of my memories are good. There aren't many of them, but there were few. Mostly it was a blur of classes and such that I'd just as soon forget. Then there are the ones that make me cringe. Lookin back I can't believe I was gulliable enough or that desperate for friends I guess that I would let those things happen to me. I'll share one to give you an idea of what I mean.
In midle school our band had marched in a parade and we were permitted to stay and play in this carnival the town had set up, but only for a little while. They were playing rock music and I had heard Def Leppard for the first time. The song was Photograph and I loved it the moment I heard it. There was this game set up where if you popped a balloon you wona t-shirt. I spent all of the cash I had on me to win a Def Leppard shirt, but couldn't pop a balloon. The guy running the stand must have had pity on me because h told me to close my eyes and try one more time. To my surprise I had won! (I realize now he'd popped the balloon) So I ranback to the band bus clutching my t-shirt and very happy.
Well when I get on the bus, this group of girls that were the popular ones in school were sitting ahead of me and saw my shirt. They proceeded to ridicule me that I didn't know their music and that I didn't deserve the t-shirt and that I needed to trade with the one girl that had gotten the same shirt but hers was damaged. By the end of it they had me feeling so bad I traded shirts.
Should I have done that? No, but when you're shy and feel like no one likes you and you would do anything to fit in, you're not exactly thinking clearly. The thing is though I wasn't the one at fault, those three girls were. They smelled my insecurities like so much fresh blood in the water and went in for the kill.
I survived the encounter but it left scars that only I could see.
Today there are a lot of kids dealing with the same scars, and to add to it may be dealing with something else that sets them apart from their classmates. It could be a different belief system, problems at home, or blossoming feelings that still don't fit the so called norms of society. Their answer to end all of the confusion, pain, and hurt is to simply check out from life itself. That is sadly a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
I managed to see a light at the end of the tunnel after the chaos of high school and dealing with similar problems and choosing wrong ways in which to handle them. I was lucky to have a few English teachers who saw my budding talent as a writer and simply refused to let me give up on myself.
Maybe that is the solution to this: be that person who sees the good in someone else and refuse to let that person give up on themselves.
Think you can do it? I know I can!
It seems everyone is on board when the bullying is severe and crosses racial,spiritual, gender identity, or orientation lines. Then everyone is up in arms. But what about the more subtle forms of bullyin that go on everyday in schools across the USA? I'm not saying that everyone has to like everyone; life isn't fair and there are people that simply will not get along with each other no matter what. But why do people feel the need to lash out at someone they don't like or understand? Why not be polite and move on about your day? What does tearing another human being down truly benefit you?
As my 30th high school reunion approaches, I sit and remember my junior and senior high school days. (Yes I am that old that middle schools weren't around.) Some of my memories are good. There aren't many of them, but there were few. Mostly it was a blur of classes and such that I'd just as soon forget. Then there are the ones that make me cringe. Lookin back I can't believe I was gulliable enough or that desperate for friends I guess that I would let those things happen to me. I'll share one to give you an idea of what I mean.
In midle school our band had marched in a parade and we were permitted to stay and play in this carnival the town had set up, but only for a little while. They were playing rock music and I had heard Def Leppard for the first time. The song was Photograph and I loved it the moment I heard it. There was this game set up where if you popped a balloon you wona t-shirt. I spent all of the cash I had on me to win a Def Leppard shirt, but couldn't pop a balloon. The guy running the stand must have had pity on me because h told me to close my eyes and try one more time. To my surprise I had won! (I realize now he'd popped the balloon) So I ranback to the band bus clutching my t-shirt and very happy.
Well when I get on the bus, this group of girls that were the popular ones in school were sitting ahead of me and saw my shirt. They proceeded to ridicule me that I didn't know their music and that I didn't deserve the t-shirt and that I needed to trade with the one girl that had gotten the same shirt but hers was damaged. By the end of it they had me feeling so bad I traded shirts.
Should I have done that? No, but when you're shy and feel like no one likes you and you would do anything to fit in, you're not exactly thinking clearly. The thing is though I wasn't the one at fault, those three girls were. They smelled my insecurities like so much fresh blood in the water and went in for the kill.
I survived the encounter but it left scars that only I could see.
Today there are a lot of kids dealing with the same scars, and to add to it may be dealing with something else that sets them apart from their classmates. It could be a different belief system, problems at home, or blossoming feelings that still don't fit the so called norms of society. Their answer to end all of the confusion, pain, and hurt is to simply check out from life itself. That is sadly a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
I managed to see a light at the end of the tunnel after the chaos of high school and dealing with similar problems and choosing wrong ways in which to handle them. I was lucky to have a few English teachers who saw my budding talent as a writer and simply refused to let me give up on myself.
Maybe that is the solution to this: be that person who sees the good in someone else and refuse to let that person give up on themselves.
Think you can do it? I know I can!
January 22, 2016
The Madcap Adventures of A Writer and Her Trucker Part Six
Eating in a big truck is an adventure in itself. There are ways too eat healthy and keep food in the truck. My wife has a mini fridge, a microwave, a small slow cooker, and something called a lunch box oven along with a way to heat water in her truck. She also has an inverter installed which makes running the microwave and my laptop easier. the mini-fridge is hardwired in and the rest run off ports much like the ones in your cars or trucks.
Most truck stops offer deli style foods along with fast food options and some of the larger truck stops have restaurants as well. And of course there are restaurants and fast food places within walking distance if one is willing to make the short journey.
The fun thing is that there was a Cracker Barrel near to one of the shippers so while we were delayed in being loaded, we took just the truck and went to have breakfast. Which Cracker Barrel has excellent food and the most beautiful fireplaces if you're into enjoying eating by one, which I am.
As we went to check out my wife noticed something interesting about this particular Cracker Barrel. If you have ever been in one you know the decor is older items placed upon the wall mixed with the older metal advertisements. Well this one had an ax hanging above the cash register and the person who runs it. My wife looks at me and quips. "I've heard of getting the ax, but not literally."
here is never a dull moment with my beautiful trucker around.
Most truck stops offer deli style foods along with fast food options and some of the larger truck stops have restaurants as well. And of course there are restaurants and fast food places within walking distance if one is willing to make the short journey.
The fun thing is that there was a Cracker Barrel near to one of the shippers so while we were delayed in being loaded, we took just the truck and went to have breakfast. Which Cracker Barrel has excellent food and the most beautiful fireplaces if you're into enjoying eating by one, which I am.
As we went to check out my wife noticed something interesting about this particular Cracker Barrel. If you have ever been in one you know the decor is older items placed upon the wall mixed with the older metal advertisements. Well this one had an ax hanging above the cash register and the person who runs it. My wife looks at me and quips. "I've heard of getting the ax, but not literally."
here is never a dull moment with my beautiful trucker around.
January 20, 2016
The Madcap Adventures of A Writer and Her Trucker Part Five
Weather, a word most people only think of when it comes to their plans for their days off or vacation time. But for professional truck drivers it is a part of their daily routine. Rain affects visibility and wind makes it extremely difficult to stay in your lane on the road. Think of the last time you drove in the wind for those of you who drive a high-profile SUV. The difficulties are doubled and sometimes even tripled for what is a 13'6" high 53' long rolling hollow block of aluminum.
Then there is that four-letter word no one who has to drive in it likes...and that is snow. And with snow comes his best friend ice. A lethal combination for any driver. For a truck driver it is magnified by the fact that people panic when the roads get bad and pay even less attention to their surroundings.
A perfect example of this is I saw a car with its' left turn signal on to merge left and then they merged right. Fortunately for the driver no one was around them and nothing awful happened.
Please be safe out there and be aware of all vehicles around you. Nothing is worth rushing to get there.
Then there is that four-letter word no one who has to drive in it likes...and that is snow. And with snow comes his best friend ice. A lethal combination for any driver. For a truck driver it is magnified by the fact that people panic when the roads get bad and pay even less attention to their surroundings.
A perfect example of this is I saw a car with its' left turn signal on to merge left and then they merged right. Fortunately for the driver no one was around them and nothing awful happened.
Please be safe out there and be aware of all vehicles around you. Nothing is worth rushing to get there.
January 17, 2016
The Madcap Adventures of A Writer and Her Trucker Part Four
Most of the time a trucker's life revolves around the pickup and delivery routine of the load that they are placed under. This is even more so for my wife as she is one of thirty drivers who deliver exclusively for one specific customer, otherwise known as a dedicated run.
These runs are difficult to become a part of, as only drivers who deliver on time and excel in customer service are placed on these runs. Yes how you communicate with others is vital in all workplace environments.
Occasionally a driver gets to experience something called down time. Either they are able to make it to a receiver ahead of schedule and must wait to deliver or due to holiday, they find themselves with a day to kill.
These times are few and far between, but if the area you're in has a hotel nearby that permits truck parking or is within walking distance of a truck stop, the opportunity to get out of the truck for a night is a welcome break.
That is where we find ourselves tonight, able to enjoy a hotel room in Georgia with room to stretch out and relax. We watched the Panthers beat the Seahawks in an exciting NFC divisional playoff game and right now are watching a very close Steelers-Broncos match up on the AFC side of the playoff race.
Tomorrow starts another round of the adventures, but for now rest.
These runs are difficult to become a part of, as only drivers who deliver on time and excel in customer service are placed on these runs. Yes how you communicate with others is vital in all workplace environments.
Occasionally a driver gets to experience something called down time. Either they are able to make it to a receiver ahead of schedule and must wait to deliver or due to holiday, they find themselves with a day to kill.
These times are few and far between, but if the area you're in has a hotel nearby that permits truck parking or is within walking distance of a truck stop, the opportunity to get out of the truck for a night is a welcome break.
That is where we find ourselves tonight, able to enjoy a hotel room in Georgia with room to stretch out and relax. We watched the Panthers beat the Seahawks in an exciting NFC divisional playoff game and right now are watching a very close Steelers-Broncos match up on the AFC side of the playoff race.
Tomorrow starts another round of the adventures, but for now rest.
January 16, 2016
The Madcap Adventures of A Writer and Her Trucker Part Three
All right, things have settled into a routine of sorts. We run based on the load she has been given and that load dictates her sleep cycle. This is a tough job guys, one that is both mentally and physically demanding. The people who drive cars complain about the truck drivers but in reality they make life more difficult for truck drivers with the reckless way they drive. All it takes is using turn signals, making sure you have enough room before changing lanes and not hanging out in a truck's blind spot. But most "4 wheelers" as truckers call them do this to other "4 wheelers" so it's almost impossible to expect any thing different.
Then there is the litter; along the side of the interstates and in parking areas...pretty much everywhere you look. When did we stop caring about our environment? I mean really? It really bothers me when there is a trash can within a very reasonable walking distance yet the trash is dropped wherever that person happens to be standing. I understand we can't stop everyone from doing this, but maybe if we didn't follow the example and spoke up when we saw someone else doing it...
All right enough of my ranting.
I've managed to get some really nice photos and will be posting albums for you to enjoy on my Facebook page. Most are of scenery but they were building a new bridge in Kentucky and I managed to get some unique view shots i think you will enjoy. The link to my Facebook page is:
www.facebook.com/cjgalaway
One of my wife's trainees said something about the fact that "all you see are trees" and in a way that is very much true. Because trucking is a lot of interstate driving. But you do have to get off of the interstate to pick up and deliver goods. Some of these require driving through small towns on roads that are barely big enough to hold a car let alone a full-sized tractor trailer. But the sights you can see make up for it; from the beautiful homes to the old family cemeteries to the statuary and unique landmarks that only a small town can have.
You'd be surprised at the beauty hidden just off the interstate.
Then there is the litter; along the side of the interstates and in parking areas...pretty much everywhere you look. When did we stop caring about our environment? I mean really? It really bothers me when there is a trash can within a very reasonable walking distance yet the trash is dropped wherever that person happens to be standing. I understand we can't stop everyone from doing this, but maybe if we didn't follow the example and spoke up when we saw someone else doing it...
All right enough of my ranting.
I've managed to get some really nice photos and will be posting albums for you to enjoy on my Facebook page. Most are of scenery but they were building a new bridge in Kentucky and I managed to get some unique view shots i think you will enjoy. The link to my Facebook page is:
www.facebook.com/cjgalaway
One of my wife's trainees said something about the fact that "all you see are trees" and in a way that is very much true. Because trucking is a lot of interstate driving. But you do have to get off of the interstate to pick up and deliver goods. Some of these require driving through small towns on roads that are barely big enough to hold a car let alone a full-sized tractor trailer. But the sights you can see make up for it; from the beautiful homes to the old family cemeteries to the statuary and unique landmarks that only a small town can have.
You'd be surprised at the beauty hidden just off the interstate.
January 2, 2016
The Madcap Adventures of a Writer and Her Trucker Part Two
Today finds me being able to find a stable surface to work at for a few hours, namely a table at a Country Pride restaurant at a TA truck stop in upstate New York.
The weather is cold and snowy and I can't help but smile at the sight of it, as I've not seen too much since moving to North Carolina from Pennsylvania.
Today has been a bit more sedate, I must admit. We delivered the load and picked up another at the same location. I must admit they keep her moving on this dedicated account.
Well we found ourselves with some down time and we found a TA to park, get a shower, and hopefully find some good food.
Then the fun began...
We had settled into a spot and were discussing our next moves when the men in the truck across from ours were doing something outside of the truck. My wife thought they were attempting to move the 5th wheel that attaches the truck and trailer. So being the nosy sort that I am, I settled in to watch thinking this might come useful in a future story...and almost instantly regretted that I had.
Apparently man #1 likes to wear is pants saggy (why people do that is beyond me). So when he bends over to direct whatever it is that man #2 is doing his pants fall and I am graced with the full view of his completely naked ass not once but twice. Of course I quickly looked away, but not in time to catch the second showing. Thank the Goddess he didn't turn to face me.
A full moon out in the middle of a cloudy day, ho bizarre. He had to have felt the cold.
If you will excuse me I must go find the bleach...
The weather is cold and snowy and I can't help but smile at the sight of it, as I've not seen too much since moving to North Carolina from Pennsylvania.
Today has been a bit more sedate, I must admit. We delivered the load and picked up another at the same location. I must admit they keep her moving on this dedicated account.
Well we found ourselves with some down time and we found a TA to park, get a shower, and hopefully find some good food.
Then the fun began...
We had settled into a spot and were discussing our next moves when the men in the truck across from ours were doing something outside of the truck. My wife thought they were attempting to move the 5th wheel that attaches the truck and trailer. So being the nosy sort that I am, I settled in to watch thinking this might come useful in a future story...and almost instantly regretted that I had.
Apparently man #1 likes to wear is pants saggy (why people do that is beyond me). So when he bends over to direct whatever it is that man #2 is doing his pants fall and I am graced with the full view of his completely naked ass not once but twice. Of course I quickly looked away, but not in time to catch the second showing. Thank the Goddess he didn't turn to face me.
A full moon out in the middle of a cloudy day, ho bizarre. He had to have felt the cold.
If you will excuse me I must go find the bleach...
January 1, 2016
The Madcap Adventures of a Writer and Her Trucker Part One
Well I have decided to start thenew year by spending some much needed time with my wife. As a writer I can write aalmost anywhere and I can see the country at the same time.
After all why not have fun while you work?
First day out some crazy lady runs a red light and pullss out in front of us...almost. She did stop in time but also scared the two of us half to death. Hopefully this isn't an omen of things to come.
On a lighter note the fog threading through tthe mountains was spectacular. If itwould have been safe todo so, i would have snagged a few photos. But alas it wasn't. Hopefully next time.
Time to get to work, the novel will not write itself.
Happy New Year!!
After all why not have fun while you work?
First day out some crazy lady runs a red light and pullss out in front of us...almost. She did stop in time but also scared the two of us half to death. Hopefully this isn't an omen of things to come.
On a lighter note the fog threading through tthe mountains was spectacular. If itwould have been safe todo so, i would have snagged a few photos. But alas it wasn't. Hopefully next time.
Time to get to work, the novel will not write itself.
Happy New Year!!
The Madcap Adventures of a Writer and Her Trucker
Well I have decided to start thenew year by spending some much needed time with my wife. As a writer I can write aalmost anywhere and I can see the country at the same time.
After all why not have fun while you work?
First day out some crazy lady runs a red light and pullss out in front of us...almost. She did stop in time but also scared the two of us half to death. Hopefully this isn't an omen of things to come.
On a lighter note the fog threading through tthe mountains was spectacular. If itwould have been safe todo so, i would have snagged a few photos. But alas it wasn't. Hopefully next time.
Time to get to work, the novel will not write itself.
Happy New Year!!
After all why not have fun while you work?
First day out some crazy lady runs a red light and pullss out in front of us...almost. She did stop in time but also scared the two of us half to death. Hopefully this isn't an omen of things to come.
On a lighter note the fog threading through tthe mountains was spectacular. If itwould have been safe todo so, i would have snagged a few photos. But alas it wasn't. Hopefully next time.
Time to get to work, the novel will not write itself.
Happy New Year!!
August 14, 2015
Schedules and Time Management
The two things most writers learn to juggle are schedules and time management...scheduling writing time, blogging time, promoting time, even sleep time. Oh and let's not forget about the grind of a job for those not fortunate enough to be as prolific and famous as Nora Roberts. I mean really four new books a year, every year? I'm a fan of her books but she just cannot be human.
Up until about two months ago I trudged away at a mid-level management job in food service of various types throughout the years, hating every second of it and wishing I had the courage to put my fiction out there for the world to enjoy. My time away from work was spent reading, writing, or playing Runescape an MMORPG online game that I still play.
Then one night while playing Runescape I met the woman who would become my wife, not realizing that things would change for me in more ways than one. For starters, I let her read a short story I had written and shared with her my passion for writing. Wen she found out I had one book finished, she encouraged me to self-publish. Now I have two books out with a third on the way.
My drudge of a day job fell through, then my wife suggested that I focus full time on my writing. Like any other semi-sane writer out there plugging away at their craft I jumped at the opportunity. I mean who wouldn't want to write full time?
Then the other half of the equation reared its ugly head, namely time management.
Why do i need time management? I have all day to write, read, do research...it sounds divine.
Then you spend all day on the sofa sucked in by one mindless TV show after another, or online playing whatever game is hot on Facebook. Don't forget about Netflix now. That endless pit of entertainment meant to sap the hours right out of your day Before you know it, the day is gone and so is that stash of junk food you were saving for the next rainy day.
So here's to juggling schedules and time management...when you figure it out, please tell me? In the meantime I'll be on Runescape.
Just kidding, I'll be working on the next course to feed your imagination.
Up until about two months ago I trudged away at a mid-level management job in food service of various types throughout the years, hating every second of it and wishing I had the courage to put my fiction out there for the world to enjoy. My time away from work was spent reading, writing, or playing Runescape an MMORPG online game that I still play.
Then one night while playing Runescape I met the woman who would become my wife, not realizing that things would change for me in more ways than one. For starters, I let her read a short story I had written and shared with her my passion for writing. Wen she found out I had one book finished, she encouraged me to self-publish. Now I have two books out with a third on the way.
My drudge of a day job fell through, then my wife suggested that I focus full time on my writing. Like any other semi-sane writer out there plugging away at their craft I jumped at the opportunity. I mean who wouldn't want to write full time?
Then the other half of the equation reared its ugly head, namely time management.
Why do i need time management? I have all day to write, read, do research...it sounds divine.
Then you spend all day on the sofa sucked in by one mindless TV show after another, or online playing whatever game is hot on Facebook. Don't forget about Netflix now. That endless pit of entertainment meant to sap the hours right out of your day Before you know it, the day is gone and so is that stash of junk food you were saving for the next rainy day.
So here's to juggling schedules and time management...when you figure it out, please tell me? In the meantime I'll be on Runescape.
Just kidding, I'll be working on the next course to feed your imagination.
August 5, 2015
To New Beginnings
I have always heard that when a door closes another one opens...along with everything happens for a reason. Both are interesting sayings that can have several meanings, depending on the mood nd mindset of the person reading them. For me opprotunity started with a door that didn't simply close, it slammed shut in my face.
My day job from the time I was eighteen has been foodservice in one form or another. From fast food to an amusement park to a basketball arena that was also a concert venue...then back to fast food. I am good at what I do and for a time I enjoyed doing it. I will admit to never truly loving what I did. I was good at it and it provided me a paycheck. Yet as each year passed i was beginning to loathe the work I did and felt as trapped as a rat in a cage.
My true passion is and will always be the written word, but I was afraid to put myself out there for several reasons. The obvious was a fear of failure. What if people hated what I wrote? the next reason will seem ridiculous to most people...what if I succeed? What if people actually like what I write and want to read more? What then?
Well apparently the universe has decided fo me, as I was terminated from my latest foodservice job. The reasons don't matter in the grand scheme of things, however the timing of it all does. You see I was fired less than two weeks from my very first book tour. When I called to tell my wife who is a truck driver, her response was simple and succint: I told you i didn't want you stuck in food service. Maybe it's time for you to step out and become a full time writer.
Me? Write full-time? Could I take that leap of faith? More importantly, dare I?
My wife believes in me, so i can only trust her as I step into this bold new adventure without a safety net. I haven't spent much time on promotion, and now I can. I can also devote more ime to the creation of my fiction. But now comes the hard part, managing my time properly and not become a daytime tv watching, game playing couch potato.
Wish me luck, I will need it and I will keep you informed...
My day job from the time I was eighteen has been foodservice in one form or another. From fast food to an amusement park to a basketball arena that was also a concert venue...then back to fast food. I am good at what I do and for a time I enjoyed doing it. I will admit to never truly loving what I did. I was good at it and it provided me a paycheck. Yet as each year passed i was beginning to loathe the work I did and felt as trapped as a rat in a cage.
My true passion is and will always be the written word, but I was afraid to put myself out there for several reasons. The obvious was a fear of failure. What if people hated what I wrote? the next reason will seem ridiculous to most people...what if I succeed? What if people actually like what I write and want to read more? What then?
Well apparently the universe has decided fo me, as I was terminated from my latest foodservice job. The reasons don't matter in the grand scheme of things, however the timing of it all does. You see I was fired less than two weeks from my very first book tour. When I called to tell my wife who is a truck driver, her response was simple and succint: I told you i didn't want you stuck in food service. Maybe it's time for you to step out and become a full time writer.
Me? Write full-time? Could I take that leap of faith? More importantly, dare I?
My wife believes in me, so i can only trust her as I step into this bold new adventure without a safety net. I haven't spent much time on promotion, and now I can. I can also devote more ime to the creation of my fiction. But now comes the hard part, managing my time properly and not become a daytime tv watching, game playing couch potato.
Wish me luck, I will need it and I will keep you informed...
