From Smoking Hot Oregon
Matt and Mike drive through a smoky wildfire haze in Southern Oregon to deliver a load to a Lowe's store, sharing insights into the various types of commercial trucks on the roads. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall in Texas, they urge moving beyond political tribalism and focus on shared humanity and working together to overcome daunting obstacles.
Good afternoon, this is Mike George here with everyone’s favorite "Trucker Daddy," Matthew. We are coming to you from Southern Oregon, just south of Eugene. If you look outside, that isn't fog—it’s actually haze from the smoke of nearby wildfires. There is even ash all over the truck.
Matt:
You’re a little ashy yourself; you need some lotion.
Mike:
We started our day in the Portland area after some Burgerville, coffee and burritos. Matthew, tell the folks what we’re up to today and what kind of load we’re pulling.
Matthew:
I’m driving a dry van today—which is just the big box trailer most people recognize. We are hauling merchandise from a Lowe’s Distribution Center to a store in the Sacramento area. It’s an easy "drop and hook" job — we drop an empty trailer and pick up a full one.
Mike:
It’s a nice contrast to our previous loads, which were all flatbeds. With those, you have to do the heavy work of securing the load with straps and chains so nothing shifts while you’re moving. I’ve survived about two and a half weeks as co-pilot now without being replaced, so I’m doing well in my trial period!
Matt:
Just don't get too comfortable.
Mike:
I’ve also been busy dodging student loan collectors. I actually owe money to the Royal Bank of Canada, and the best part is that Canadian credit doesn't touch my US credit. That’s a "pro tip" for you all, though we are not financial planners or lawyers, so please consult a professional for real advice.
Matt:
Exactly. Stick to what you know, like marketing.
Mike:
Right! My old professor, Dr. Ramsey, taught me the four P’s of marketing: Price, Product, Placement, and Promotion. I think I remembered them all, which isn't bad for a class I took 10 years ago!
But now, let’s get to our daily tradition: wisdom from Frank Tennyson’s book, Sparkle and Kick It. Today’s quote is:
“Just as water is a solution of nature that can liquefy hard stuff, a good attitude is a solution of the spirit that dissolves problems”
As a Pisces, I love the water metaphor. When water hits a rock, it doesn't try to destroy it; it just flows around it. I think our culture teaches us to be too confrontational when we should be finding creative solutions around obstacles.
Matt:
I don't see it as being confrontational; I just expect people to do their jobs. To me, that quote is about the path of least resistance. In trucking, you take the safer, straighter path instead of overcomplicating things. Life is 10% circumstance and 90% what you do about it.
Mike:
That’s a great way to look at it. It reminds me of what’s happening in Houston with Hurricane Harvey. Even though the devastation is massive, it’s brought out a sense of national unity. You see local people driving their own fishing boats to save their neighbors, putting aside all their differences.
Matt:
It is "we" that makes this country great. We need to stop the fighting and realize the real threats aren't each other—it’s the people who want to see chaos and misinformation because it’s easier to control people that way.
Mike:
Amen! We are seeing different things in our hometowns, too. My hometown of Steubenville has the top-rated Wells Academy, which is beating out rich suburban schools despite the town going through tough times. And your home, Denver, is just exploding.
Matt:
Denver has a surplus of money right now, and they are actually investing it back into the future—expanding the light rail, fixing roads, and building parks.
Mike:
It’s good to see a government that doesn't squander its money. Well, we’re going to keep traversing this smoky mountain range safely. Just remember, in this age of social media, be authentic. Tell on yourself before someone else does, and don't do anything you wouldn't be proud to tell your mother or post on Facebook.
Matt:
Have a blessed day, everyone!
Mike: Tata for now!
