By: Paul S. Cilwa | Viewed: 4/18/2024 Occurred: 7/28/2002 |
Page Views: 2051 | |
Topics: #18-Wheeler #TruckDriving #BigRigs #Schneider #TruckDriver | |||
We all need someone we can be ourselves with. |
Sunday, July 28, 2002
Yes, it's Sunday but that's no day of rest for us weary truck drivin' trainees.
Today we watched a slide show on how to avoid fatigue, for which I could
hardly keep my eyes open, and another one on how to lift correctly. That last
one could have been deadly dull, but was actually quite interesting. The rule is
no longer lift with the knees
; in fact, that is now discouraged. Keep it
close, and keep the curve (in the spine)
is the rule.
We also (finally) covered employee benefits…and what do I find, but that
same sex spouses
are not considered family as far as benefits are
concerned. (I had previously asked the HR person I spoke with on the phone
whether Schneider had domestic partner benefits
and she answered, I don't
know
…making no further effort to find out.) In fact, that exact phrase is
used in the benefits package for specific exclusion, in such a way that would
override the laws of any state that might legalize same-sex marriage, or even if
the Federal government did so.
So far, I have to tell you, I'm growing less impressed by Schneider with each passing day.
I have been out of the closet for years…and have been working hard to not
say too much about my private life to my roommate or driver training partner,
even though I like them and feel bad to hold back when we are sharing our
stories. I am careful not to lie, but it still feels like lying. I always
use the word spouse
to describe my husband, but I know they still hear wife
.
Nevertheless, I felt badly about not being honest with Wayne, my driving
partner. He and I have had a lot of time for conversation, and he's shared a lot
about his life. So, tonight, we ate dinner together and I came out
to him. As
I expected, he thanked me for my respect for him, mentioned that he isn't
gay (which I already knew; no one can fake that much enthusiasm whenever any
female comes into sight!), and we proceeded to have our usual conversation about
hopes, dreams, and how trucking fits into them. It feels good to have one friend
here, with whom I can be completely open.