My last day with Vulcan

The day has finally come.... the finish line is right in front of me and I am getting ready to cross the checkered flag with my hands in the air. What a feeling.... if you only knew the things that were going on inside of me today... a ton of emotions. Hold your thoughts now.... I didn't shed any tears but you have to understand.... I have been with Vulcan Materials for almost 10 years and within those 10 years is 20 years worth of thoughts and memories.



When I was at work today, it was almost like I was becoming famous. Almost all of the employees are shaking my hand and telling me it was nice working with me and all that other good stuff. In a way- you could say it felt surreal.... because I definitely felt this was hard to believe.... my last and final day-hour and minute of the day was winding down to check out time. All through out the day, I was thinking back on all the times I could remember- from the day I was hired- till that very moment. I have spent a very big part of my life during the last 10 years at work. I think the reason I felt a little mushy today was all because of me wanting to do this kind of stuff when I was a kid. If I could have looked into the future when I was growing up and seen myself doing all that I have done with Vulcan, I probably would have fainted. This was my goal.... my desire.... my dream. I feel like I have went out with a bang and it couldn't have closed out any better. I even got a hand shake from the boss telling me I have a place there if things don't work out. To me that was very flattering.... to know that I did good enough to be rehired if I choose to go that route. As of 3:27 pm Friday Aug 31... I was no longer an employee of Vulcan Materials Co. and as my childhood ambitions of being a heavy equipment operator are at rest.... they will never be forgotten. Thank you Vulcan Materials Co. You have provided a way of life for me in the past 10 years and I won't forget the way you had my back. I was never threatened with a job loss or even being laid off.... and for that I am very grateful to know I was employed with such a company. Thanks for everything and most of all- thanks for making my childhood dreams come true. 10-4... over and out.

A few pics of the quarry and heavy equipment

I parked my truck beside the pit loader so you can get an idea of the size. Yes the bucket could scoop my truck up in one pass and yes if this loader was to run over you- the operator would not feel a thing.

The last 2 days of Vulcan

Holy smokes... I only have one more day left after this day is over. Once I wake up tomorrow it will be nothing but clock work. Every hour and every minute that passes, will be the last time I have to put forth any efforts for Vulcan Materials Co. After I wake up tomorrow, it will be the last time I have to get up that early to go to work...( thank the Lord). Once I clock in... it will be the last time I have to clock in. I am getting so excited. Stay tuned.

The last 3 days of Vulcan

Getting closer and closer.... I'm starting to see victory circle.

Another bad habit

I tell you, I'm just letting it all out aren't I. If you have been reading my stories lately you will find plenty of things that get under my skin. Look at it like this, once I get all the frustrations out, the only thing left will be nothing but good :) .... trust me...

Another habit I see that bothers me is when I see people throw there nasty cigarette butts out the window. When it's dark you can tell real easy because of all the sparks that fly when it hits the ground. I heard of a fire the other day on the side of interstate 85 and the reason.... a cigarette butt. I despise cigarettes but I do think it's your right to smoke if you choose to do so... but how about keeping them nasty butts in your ashtray.

A great idea

On the way home from a super good Mexican dinner the other night, Shelly had a good idea she wanted to present to me. Since we have moved in to our house, our evenings basically consist of me on the computer and Shelly at the T.V. We haven't had any problems of having a routine like that but she thought it would be cool if we picked a weeknight to not do anything but cuddle up and watch a movie. Now don't sit there and tell me you've never cuddled on the couch before. Well if you haven't -then you should try it. I chose Monday because it's the first day of the week and sometimes they seem to be groggy trying to get back into work mode. So this past Monday me and ole Shelly bean wrapped up on the couch and watched a good movie. I think she had a great idea because I had a good time and I'm already looking forward till next Monday.

Road Rage

You know... I use to think I didn't have any road rage and that I was a good mannered driver but I think I'm going to be honest and say.... I got a bad case of the road rage. I'm not a bully nor do I try to be but I just get so angry when these punks or stupid drivers get right on my bumper. I have even had people get so close to my bumper that I can't even see there headlights.
Another hazard that gets on my freakin nerves is people on there cell phones- not paying attention. Don't get me wrong, I sometimes wonder how we ever made it without cell phones.... for emergency purposes that is. Check this out... just the other day I was coming home from work when I got behind a lady that was swerving really bad. I was a little hesitant to pass her because I really thought she was drunk. After waiting for another lane to open and putting my Mazda through a speed test, I look over as I go by and this stupid woman was on the cell phone with her head leaned over to pinch the phone on her shoulder while she writes on a note pad ..... steering with her writing wrist. Road rage these day has gotten really bad. Everybody is in a hurry to get no where. Nobody is considerate towards each other... Every once in a while I see people being kind, esp when there is a congested area and it's hard to get out. It is a shame the world has gotten this way.

The last 4 days of Vulcan

Another day in the pit has come and gone. I now have only 3 days left. Each and every day that gets closer... I seem to have some great options open for me. Stay posted cause there is getting ready to be an explosion of stories.

The last 5 days of Vulcan

Well here it is, the last 5 days of my journey with Vulcan Materials Co is finally here. Am I excited? You bet your butt cheeks I'm excited. It's kinda like a long marathon and the finish line is getting closer and closer.

Country kitchen

Before I forget about this, I am going to post it right know. I experienced something today that came as a shock... or at least a little bit anyways. Shelly, mom and myself went to a place in Cheraw SC today to have lunch. It was called the Country Kitchen. It was a buffet bar of- yes you guessed it.... country cooking. The shocker to me was when we went to check out the guy taking the money looked at us funny when we handed him a debit card. We don't take credit cards here ..... he said. Wow.... I was a little shocked... It's not a bad thing but I'll be dad gum... I thought everybody took plastic these days. I hope that lady at the Bojangles drive thru don't go to this place.... she might be washing some dishes.....

by the way if you didn't catch that one about Bojangles... just keep reading.... you will get to that little story before you know it.

Weekend browser

Well well well..... what a great weekend. I think I am going to have to do a series just on weekends because it seems like for the last few weekends, something great happens... and the closer I get to the end of this month.. which is my last day with Vulcan, they seem to get better and better. Please be patient with me though. I feel like I'm doing about 10 things at one time. I am so backed up on stories I've been trying to get out.... that it's about to get to me. I know that seems lame to you but hey... what can I say.... I have fell in love with writing. I want to write about everything I do nowa days. So hold onto your shorts because boy ole boy do I have some stories for you.

My little secret

Have you ever had something you've done since you can remember that other people think is the craziest thing they have ever heard when you tell them about it. I noticed myself the other day and it dawned on me that I am still doing this. I have no idea where this came from but ever since I can remember... when I would make myself a sandwich I would tear the edges off.... not cut them but tear. There is a difference you know. I can remember everyone I knew telling me...whatcha doin boy.... that's the best part. I can't seem to figure out why people always say that's the best part when you are talking about food. I think the middle is the best part... of pretty much anything I can think of. Think about this, If I make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich- the middle is the softest and the thickest. To me, that would be the best part. Speaking of PB & J sandwiches, I made me one the other day and guess what I done. I peeled the edges off.

The future is here

You know, I've seen a lot of things in life but I believe this one takes the cake. I was on my way to the track for a photo shoot and all of a sudden, I began to think about how a good ole chicken biscuit from Bojangles would be so tasty while it gently goes down my throat and into my stomach.... whew.... I got a little carried away with that one. So anyways, I'm in the drive thru line and noticed the lady in front of me. When she got up to the window.... would you like to guess what she done. No, she didn't flash the guy in the window but she handed him a feakin credit card. I think I have seen it all now.

The unknown

A few weeks ago, Shelly and I went to one of our favorite hole-in-the-wall grills up town Charlotte for some grub to devour. You know me, if were heading up town, I'm gonna have my trusty camera by my side ready to get any kind of shot that might appear before me. This was one of those hazy days that got up to 100 degrees or better so I wasn't really seeing anything jump out at me but hey.... this is the digital days so why not get a few shots to see how they turn out. As I was snapping this shot here.... I walked back to my truck to put my camera up when I heard Shelly call my name. Out of my peripheral vision, I noticed a middle aged man come up to me. At this moment there are several things going through my mind.... is he going to try something... or try to rob from me or beg for money. None of the above believe it or not. First of all- when people walk up to you like this.... you don't know if they have a weapon or what they might try to do... esp. since Shelly was there with me... my first and foremost thought was to keep her safe and be on guard just in case.. So I proceeded to listen to this guy while checking my surroundings at the same time. You never know what kind of BS someone is giving you or what kind of prank they might try. Anyhoo, the guy went on and said he was looking for work so he could eat. I begin to tell him I didn't have any work but if he was hungry- I would be more than happy to buy him something to eat. Usually thugs try to hound you for money but his reply actually shocked me. He said he would love that but wandered if I would go to a grocery store and get him a pack of ham so it would last longer. Still in a little shock I told him I would do that if he would stay put. He then said he would like that but nobody never comes back. Coincidentally, we were parked in a parking lot at some burrito grill. I was about to drive off but wondered if he would stand true to his word and then decided to just get him something there. We walked in and I said get what you want.... one chicken burrito w/ fries and a coke coming up... As I was about to walk out- I look over at this fella and said are you going to be OK..... with a gentle answer he just said.... thank ya buddy and gave me a light tap on the arm. When I walked out of that restaurant, I felt something I haven't felt in a long time and that was the feeling of helping some one when they really need help. In this world of craziness and madness....I believe there are some people out there that are sincere. Why else would he have accepted my offer to eat. If not then he just got me for a chicken burrito....... big deal. The part that got me was when he said he was hungry and Shelly and I just walked out of a restaurant with our belly's full... and this guy showed me he had lost a lot of weight from the heat. To this day I often think about that fella... he was wearing blue jeans and an orange T shirt. The way he said thank you and me wishing I could look back into the past to see what he really has went through is a mystery I may not ever figure out. One thing is for sure though.... he got his belly full even if it was only for a moment. Who knows, I may never see this guy again but I do know this... I am very proud of myself for buying him some food. Many people would run because of discomfort from a stranger. Then again...he may not be a stranger. Think about it. For my hungry friend out there..... I hope and pray you are safe and you find your way in life. When you do maybe we can have lunch... because If you are sincere.... I would love to catch up with you and try to understand what you went through. Until then my friend.

Passage Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.

Day of notice

Well the day has arrived ( and long gone know) that I officially put in my notice at work. I was kinda anxious to hear what kind of lip I would get.... but to my surprise... it went over really well. I was also a little unsure about when to pop the big news but I came to a point where I thought I was in good shape to put in a notice that long. I popped the notice on them the first of the month and will work till the end of the month. To my surprise, I have actually got a lot of positive comments from everyone. I thought for sure they would drag me down into there pit of misery. Instead, it was like...man I can't blame you a bit. I would get out of this place if I was in your shoes .... and I've had a few people tell me they were jealous. You know something though, when I look back on the years I spent working at Vulcan.... I always thought this would be my job till life. I am doing the things I dreamed of when I was growing up and to get paid for it was even better. As my working days are about to come to an end- I am going to write a little story on what it was like to work with a company with a back bone like Vulcan. I know for a 110% fact I am heading in the wright direction. I keep having doors open for me all around in different kind of ways. I will face new challenges in many different ways but I am so excited to get going.... I'm about to go nuts. Be on the look out cause next week I am starting a countdown titled.... The last 5 days of Vulcan.

Falling behind

Once again I am falling behind on my stories. I've gotta get down to the nitty gritty because it almost feels like pressure is building when I don't get to my writing. Normally, I have been taking a big notebook and doing most of my writing in the haul truck I drive. Here lately we have been running pretty strong and not to mention all the other odds and ends they have me doing. I am qualified to run almost all the equipment so when someone is out or has to leave.....whew... it's on. In the next few weeks I am going to get some shots of some equipment so you can understand the size of machinery I work with. However, I need to plan this out because you will not get the full effect if I just take a shot of the 992G CAT pit loader we have running in the pit. Oh no, I am going to have to stand beside of it or park my pick up truck near the bucket so you can see how big this thing is. Now what I really would like is to go back to the Rockingham quarry and get some photos of the truck and loaders they have. Those CAT trucks are huge. Well thats all I am going to spill for this article because I am about to start rambling about another story I have. Just for a heads up though... I am going to write up a few stories about Vulcan Materials Co and my departure with this huge operation. Hopefully I will be able to get the photos I want but if not, then a plain article will suffice.

Photography by Bunn

I told Shell bell the other day.... I bet I would get more customers if I just took pictures all day instead of riding.... boy oh boy... let me tell ya..... I think I need to start looking for an assistant. You know how some people are though, they say they are interested but you never hear from them again. That is the cool part about this for me. I am not out to make a living on this but hey, the sky is the limit... it would be OK with me if I got enough business to support myself and some left over. I told a fella the other day that I was doing this for fun but I can have you a poster or some other type of print made if that is what you want. Only time will tell if I get some business from all who asked.

Since I was not riding- I took over 600 shots....( the beauty of a digital camera).... but when I got home and uploaded them into my computer... I only saved around 300. I was a little impressed with the number of people I talked to about my little poster business after only 1 day of shooting photos of riders. Here are a few of the shots I got that I like the best.....

A few photos from Andrews motocross

My first customer

Patricio

When I first got my camera, the first thing I thought of was..... oh boy... I can't wait till I get some shots and have a few posters made. Of course I purchased this camera for other reasons but all I could think about was making a poster of some friends at the track. I started taking photos immediately after my camera was in my arms but it took a long time to figure out how to get a photo.... believe it or not. I have come a long way but I still have so much I need to learn. Anyhoo, I started taking pictures every time I went to the track and then shared them with my friends through a photo show. Since then I have been asked by a few people about if I sell photos. Hey.... everything is for sale you know...... so I had a few posters made and I'll be doggone..... the next thing you know... I got a customer. This is Patricio Lopez trying to show some style going into a corner. You know, I am tickled like a pickle on a cheeseburger.... I can't wait to see the look on his face when I show him his 20x30 poster. I even had ole Shelly bean make me a little sticky pad so I can put them on the back of the prints I sell. I am so excited about this new adventure I am experiencing.

Customer # 2

Another satisfied customer. I really enjoy talking with these guys. They seem to be some really good people. They come out and ride around together all day long. All I know is there first name but this is Tim (94) and his son Devin (no number). Tim is about 90% deaf but he is able to get some words out where you can understand him. I forget how old Devin is but he has learned sign language very well at a young age.

I don't know what is going on but I seem to be having some technical difficulties here. For the past few weeks I have had a little problem with uploading pictures and now I seem to be having a little trouble with typing a message with a photo. Don't you just love it when stuff like this happens. Almost all of the knowledge I have gained on computers or even this blog have mostly been from myself. Every once in a while I will start begging for answers but for the most part I try to figure it out on my own. The only problem with that is It usually takes me ..... forever to figure something out. Well, back to the grind.... maybe if I start now I can have it figured out before blogging becomes dated.

Apples or Corn?

On the way home from work the other day, I had a big ole red delicious apple by my side- starring at me and wondering when the chance of a roller coaster ride from my chompers to my stomach would come. I quickly answered and I have to say... both me and the apple had an enjoyable experience..... Since I'm driving down 485, I thought I would hang on to what was left from Mr. Apple. I'm in no way going to throw it out the window. Once I got home I had an idea.... wonder if Ralph the squirrel would like some leftover fruit.... so I left it on the little squirrel feeder we got. When Shelly and I got back from grub that evening I noticed the apple was gone. When I say gone..... I mean gone. There wasn't a trace of anything... I leaned over to see if it had fell under the porch but nothing. I thought Shelly was trying to pull my leg but she keeps saying she hasn't touched it. Now wouldn't that be funny to see... a squirrel jumping from limb to limb with an apple in it's mouth. I looked at Shelly and said.... wonder what squirrels do at night.... now get this..... she says they are probably laid back in there nest watching some TV...... I rolled my eyes and thought ... that is the craziest thought I've ever heard..... Personally- I think they are in there nest on the computer surfing the Internet.....

Lost anything lately???

I think I have found something that really works ....I have actually found this to be very precise. If this ever happens to you then rest assured.... I have found the answer.

Have you ever had something in mind you wanted to buy.... something you wanted really bad that didn't cost an arm and a leg but enough to put a dent in you wallet. Well I guess I should rephrase that cause some folks have a deeper wallet than others but hey.... you get the idea right.... I thought so.... lets just say this item you have been wanting is a luxury item instead of necessity.... somewhere between 15 to 50 dollars. You finally purchase your highly valued item you have been longing for since who knows how long.... then all of a sudden that highly valued item disappears.... vanished... grew wings and has flown away or sprouted legs and walked off. The crazy part is you just had it the other day but it is no where to be found. You have looked all over the place time and time again and you are about ready to throw a screaming fit. After all this item you have wanted for so long was one of those things you had to have but could live without. If you have ever had this happen to you then look no further. From here on out you don't have to throw any more fits because I have found a solution that will solve this dilemma once and for all. It is so simple.... just follow this small step and you will find whatever it is you have lost...OK

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=



Here is the answer....



Go buy another one!!!!!!!!!

Hey look here now- I'm not a magician, but I'm telling you this works..... Once you are so aggravated that you had to go and spend your hard earned money on something you already have but cannot seem to find no matter how long and hard you have looked.... within a very short time your lost item will suddenly jump right out at you. Try it.... cause it really works. I'm speaking from experience. There is a money back guarantee on that too.... keep your receipt on the new item. By the way that reminds me .... where in the world is my Breaking Benjamin cd.
I can't seem to find it anywhere.

I have spoken to a few people that told me... they have been reading my blog. It gives me great joy to hear when people have said to me- I have been reading your blog... it's really good. It just makes me happy as a kid in a toy store.... err... a video game store. I forget the kids these days are a little different than when I was a kid. Anyhoo, I said all that to say this, if you would like me to add you to my distribution list or you know of someone then hey- feel free to email me your email address and I will happy to oblige. The more the merry. I really enjoy writing these stories.... to be honest- I enjoy writing about everything. I think I am a little better with expressing myself in writing than in speech. Well there you go, the invitation is wide open... the bunny show is for all who are interested. Just send me an email to the address at the top or either my other address at bunnmx87@yahoo.com

In the meantime, I have some writing I need to get to.

Homecoming 7-22-07

I am a little late posting this but hey.... better late than never right... It started with a call to Moms to see if she was going to be around....cause we had some cycling in mind. When I talked to her she said Homecoming was after church and she was going to be out their for a little while. I don't like to miss Homecoming and I am so glad Shelly loves to go as well. Since I'm one of those wanna-be photographers- I took the big bad Nikon out for some photos of the folks I will always know as ...my hometown family and friends. These are some of the greatest people a person could get to know. Both Shelly and I went out to homecoming and had some good country cooking and then went for a ride around Lilesville. Here are some of the photos from Homecoming. Enjoy!

A few photos from homecoming

A few other photos around Lilesville

The crazy dogs

Where in the world does time go when you're home from work. I have been getting of work around three or four in the evening and I still feel like I don't have enough time. As soon as I leave work I try to go for a run or some mountain biking and then I try to lift weights two or three nights a week. You gotta eat some time (whether you go out or eat in) so that takes up time. I need time to work on my bike to get it ready for the weekend... that can take hours. Last but not least- I need all kinds of time for writing and studying. Good grief.... all this comes from me having to get up so early. I am pushing the limit more than I should really cause I can't seem to keep my eyes open at work. I drive an off road haul truck all day and it can be very monotonous. There is a 150ft drop off on one side and a high wall around 100ft on the other side. I have come close to both.If I can just hang in there 1 more month... I will be done with having to get up so early in the morning. I can't wait.