Magazine / Off the Beaten Path
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I’m Free… Falling…
I’ve always been surprised that my photo does not appear in the dictionary next to the words: scared, neurotic, anxious, crazy, insecure. It’s true, I am all of these things and so much more. I have more phobias than Doan’s has pills. But som... -
You Serious, Clark?
Not gonna lie to you, my life is kinda like living with the Griswolds. I’m not just talking about my family, but interactions with some crazies out there in the big old world… Now, granted, sometimes it’s just some tiny, irritating things t... -
Don’t Tell Mom!
“Don’t tell Mom!” Growing up as the youngest of three kids (and the only girl), my older brothers implored that of me… a lot, especially the brother who is three years older than me. I was a teeny, tiny, scrawny, sickly kid and when my s... -
He Don’t Need No Rockin’ Chair…
My Dad just celebrated his 85th Birthday in early March. I can say with all honesty that he ain’t your average 85 year old! He’s out there dancing in a leprechaun hat and beard with his great-grandkids. He’s still going trekking through t... -
Just Breathe…
As I navigate my way through this new life without my Mom, I am at times awash with such grief and anxiety that I struggle to put one foot in front of the other to continue my journey. When my Mom was in the hospital, and we were unable to see he... -
You Were An Angel In The Shape Of My Mom
My Mom died at 12:44 am on January 3rd. My Mom died. No matter how many times I have thought those words, said those words, and yes, even screamed those words – each time is like a knife is stuck in my heart. My.Mom.Died and this 60 year old da... -
I Ponder As I Wander…
I am writing this column exactly seven days before Christmas Eve. It’s newspaper deadline day and I have been working at Movin’ Out for thirty-nine years now and I swear that this monthly deadlines just keep coming earlier and earlier. It’s bee... -
Where Are You Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You?
It’s no secret that 2020 (and for that matter, most of 2021) stink, stank, stunk… No amount of air freshener or Poo-pourri would ever be able to conceal the stench that has been lingering for the past 20+ months. Last Christmas was definitely one... -
You Take The Good, You Take The Bad…
I am writing this column on an early mid-October Saturday morning as the rain pelts my window and drums on my rooftop. Of course, there will be no sunrise this morning, it’s that’s dreary. Once again, I have the November issue of Movin’ Out c... -
Get Outta My Lane!
I’m settling into the 60s rather nicely if I do say so. Knees that are constantly sore and achy? √Lost my car keys? √ (although I have been doing that for at least 30 years!) Have to turn the TV volume up to at least 58? √ Overheard mutteri... -
So, This Is 60...
When I turned 19, I cried at work ALL.DAY.LONG. No, I'm serious. The boys up at Larry’s Truckstop teased me so much and told me that the government would probably change the rules and make women aged 19 register for the draft and I freaked out beca... -
“How Do You Spell Lost?” (Cause That’s What We Are!”)
I have always said that I could never be a Professional Truck Driver – heck, I could never be an Uber driver…. Yep, I am one of *those* people who can’t drive a stick shift. I also stink at parallel parking; I think the last time I attempte... -
That’s Just The Way It Is…
I recently drove over to my daughter and son-in-law’s to pick up my grandkids for the day. They were waiting for me in the driveway, jumping up and down with excitement. As I opened my car door and prepared to exit my vehicle, my six-year-old g... -
Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just A Ramblin’ On…
I received an email last week from Kevin. He wrote, “What does Pam Pollock's ramblings have to do with trucking? The rest of the print is great.” Ouch. No, I really mean OUCH! Kevin’s words stung. Seven days later and they are still s... -
All She Wants To Do Is Dance!
I admit it – I have two left feet and I am incredibly klutzy. I trip over my own feet! I have no rhythm and I seriously cannot dance. I only went to one school dance my entire life – and that was either in the 6th or 7th grade, where I met ... -
Give Flowers While They Live…
My emotions are all over the place right now and apparently so is my thought process. Since November 2020, five relatives and 3 friends have died. Two of my cousins were my exact age – we grew up together. Diane was always my protector throug... -
Live, Love and Laugh…
So many times, in life I don’t know whether to laugh or to cry, so I will do both. Thank goodness for laughter during the past 11 months, it’s carried me through some very trying times. It’s the day before Valentine’s Day and I can’t wait t... -
Alone Again – Naturally…
I’ll be upfront right off the bat – I have NEVER been an outdoors freak. Do I enjoy nature? Yes, very much. But I never felt the desire to be traipsing in the woods every day – until this past summer when the stress and worry about the Pand... -
Every Picture Tells A Story
It’s no secret that I am a lover of photography. I always have my iPhone with me, and I have been known to purchase the latest release just for the camera upgrade. But I am one of those rare souls who still totes around my faithful companion, m... -
And To All A Good Night…
My spouse and I will be celebrating 38 years of marriage in a couple of weeks. I guess you could say that our courtship was a little whirlwind – he asked me out on a date on May 18, 1982 and we were married on December 10, 1982. A lot has chan...