Snow, snow, snow

Well it has been 3 weeks now since we started driving long distance. Our first run sent us to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to New York, to Illinois, to Texas, to Utah, back to Dallas to Illinois, to Tennessee, and then back home. We did this in about 5 days total. The second run we went to Tennessee to California to Texas to Tennessee to home. We are enjoying it. We have seen plenty of snow. I think that every time I drove the first week we were always in snow. I didn't think I would ever see anything besides the color white. It just kept going on and on.

We haven't had any problems except for a flat tire on one of our trailers. Another truck driver had to signal us about it cause we never felt a thing.

This week we will not be gone long at all. We will be home for a few days for Christmas vacation.

Done with Training

Well, I finished my last day of training with Old Domionion on Tuesday. Actually, I didnt even get to drive on Tuesday because right when I was getting on the highway my air brakes locked up on me and the truck came to a halt. One of my brake chambers was broken which caused my brakes to lose air. When that happens, the brakes will lock up to stop the truck. Luckily I was only going about 25 mph and wasnt in the middle of the freeway yet cause once the breaks lock up it will not move over.

Now, tonight we are on call. Which means, we don't know when they are going to call us to take a load and where we are going. But, we are ready and excited.

Week 3

I finished my third week of training at Old Dominion. I have one more week and then we will begin going to new places. I received my first full week paycheck this past Friday and it was more than what it took me two weeks earn at Eagles Landing. In another week, I get a raise so it will be even better. I am so thankful to be bringing in money again. It has been a tough couple of months without a paycheck.

Shane has been a wonderful trainer to me. I have gotten frustrated a few times but that is just my own defense system going up when he corrects me. I have been trying hard to work on that. I really enjoy working with him so far. He keeps me laughing. I dont think he realized how little I acutally talk till now.

Yesterday, I was driving and an SUV in front of us ran off the road, jumped a hill, went through the forest and then flipped back onto the road. I quickly stopped the truck and jumped out to help the couple in the car while Shane tried to call 911. Luckily the couple only came away with some cuts and bruises, and pretty shaken up. The wife said he husband started coughing and couldn't breath. We think he also got the gas and the brake pedal mixed up cause we never saw brake lights and he seemed to get faster as the wreck was happening. Shane and I had felt like we had just watched a movie after it was over.

First Week of Work

I finished my first week of work at Old Dominion. I love it. Shane is a great teacher and patient for the most part. I enjoy working with him. Right now we are just working his route during my training period. We go up to Millersville, TN each day. All my training at the school was with an empty trailer so, I never relized how much work it takes to pull over 50,000 pounds of frieght up over a mountain it would be. It is about 4 miles up Mount Eagle. By the time I get up it, my butt and theighs hurt from keeping the pedal to the floor and down shifting. But I have a great time.

Job

I got a call from Dewey today. He officially told me that I have a job and can start working tomorrow. I hope I do well. I pray I can be patient. I have a tendency to get frustrated easily if I am not doing something well. I then get defensive. During my training at the school, I had to keep telling myself, "Listen, they are just trying to teach me; not getting on to me." I know that Shane is just trying to teach me when I am doing something wrong. I just need to remember to not get defensive and listen and learn.

Interview

Today, I went and met with Dewey. He is the hiring manager at Old Dominion. I had to fill out paperwork, go get my drug test, and do a driving exam. Luckily, Shane did my driving test with me. I think I did pretty good. My main problem was down-shifting. I was taught a little different at my training school. But, Shane reasured me that everyone he trains has trouble with shifting and that will come with time. Hopefully, I will start work with Shane by Tuesday.

Driving Test

So, on Thursday, I went and took my driving test. The tester took me for an hour drive. She had me go on the highway, back country roads, around tight curves and turns, and over railroad tracks 3 times. When we got back to the DDS, she said, "Congrats, you passed!" So now, I officially have my CDL license. I go Tuesday to fill out my paperwork, do my drug test, etc..with Old Dominion. I should start work with Shane by next Tuesday. I am sooo excited.

Test Day

This morning I went to take my driver's test. I also took my haz-mat test.I passed my haz-mat. I passed my truck inspection, coupling test, air-brake test, my yard tests (straight line backing, off-setting to the left, and blind side parralel). I didnt miss any points. But then as my luck would have it, the truck's starter was having problems so the DDS wouldn't allow me to take it for my driving part of the test. UGHHHH!!!! So I will have to go back next week to take the driving part of the test. The next available appointment is next Thursday at 4pm. The wait is going to kill me.

Moving on Up

Today was my last day in the black truck. Starting Friday, I will be in the white truck with driving with one of the instucters helping me get use to the truck that I will perfom my test in. My instucter told me today that I will be going for my drivers test next Thursday. I am sooo excited. Hopefully, I will be starting to train with Shane at Old Dominion the following Tuesday. I am excited to work with Shane, make double the money, and still be here for my kids.

End of Week 3 Learning

So Friday was the end of three weeks of me learning how to drive a big rig. Last week, I started driving on the road and learning how to drive and make turns and stop. Friday, when I was almost done with my turn driving, my instructor told me that he had just tested me on my driving skills and I passed. This means that starting tomorrow I will be moving into the truck that I will be testing in so I can get use to the truck before I test with it. So, it should be next Thursday when i go and take my CDL test. I am so excited. I can not wait to go and work with my hubby.

On the Highway

Yesterday I was finally able to go past first gear in the truck. We wer taught how to double clutch and go up to fifth gear. Today, I was able to get on the freeway and shift to 10th gear. It was very exciting. The last couple of days I have felt like I am sooo close to getting my license. A week ago I felt like it was going to be a while before I got the hang of it. And now I feel totally different. Things are looking up.

One of the drivers that Shane was training, Shelby, was doing so well that the company allowed her to cut her training down a week. So now her and her husband have hit the road. So if you are reading this Shelby, good luck and be safe. I will soon see you out there.

180 Hours

To get a job I had to complete at least 180 hrs training. Today I reached that goal. I have been so proud of myself. My husband took me to work last Sunday and helped me practice on my pre-trip and air-brake test. He also gave me some advice about how to back up my truck and trailer and once I started doing what he said, I have been nailing the majority of my backing manuvers. They are going to retest me this Friday.

The only problem that I have had is I had an issue with a male up there. But, I went immieately to the owner and his son. They immediately took action and the guy is being kicked out. My buddy, Larry, knows about the situation and he has been watching over me and refuses to allow me to walk alone.

My training so far has been very positive. All the instructors have been very patient with teaching me. I often hear people talking about how they think the instuctors are holding them back by not letting them go test at the DDS. But, I don't see what the company would gain by doing that. For instance I paid 1700 to be taught. Whether I was able to finish the course in 3 weeks or 3 months it is still the same price. In fact, the longer I stay the less profit the company makes because I am taking up time they could use on another student, using gas, wearing down tires, etc. Then I watch these same guys standing around and talking when they are suppose to be practicing their pre-trip stuff or they are still doing bad on their yard manuvers. The guy who is being kicked out in the morning has been there for 600 hrs now. That is about 4 months, when he should probably been done in less than 2 months.

Wish me luck for my testing Friday.

Week 2 on the Yard

Today was the last day of week two of me practicing on the yard. I was doing pretty good practicing parallel parking and alley docking. I am getting more use to maneuvering the trucks around. I was doing great with the alley docking. Even better than all the guys. Today the school decided to test us on our maneuvering skills and I totally failed it. I knew I would because I already knew that I needed more practicing certain moves. I was feeling a little frustrated but everyone around me was very encouraging and supportive. I know I can do this, I just need a little more time with a lot of practice.

End of Week 2

So yesterday, I finish week two of school. Yesterday, I had a really good day. I finally was able to perform my off-setting maneuvers and I also parallel parked for the first time. I get the next three days off. I will take full advantage of it and rest a lot. The sun and heat really made me exhausted throughout the week.

This is a pic of me with my buddy, Larry. He helps me when i don't understand and he lifts my spirits and cheers me on when I am feeling frustrated.

Hopefully, I will finish school in two weeks.

Day 4 on the Yard

Today was my 4th day on the yard practicing maneuvers around the yard. I have been having trouble with one of my backing up maneuvers. It is confusing to me cause everything is backwards compared to using a car. I technically only have a week and a haft left of school but if I need to take more time, I can. I don't have to go take my driver's test until I feel I am ready and the school feels I'm ready.

The heat has been terrible but I have been drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen, and eating light so I don't get sick. I think I might actually get a tan which is usually almost impossible for me to get.

Day One on the Yard

Today was my first day out on the yard. We worked on practicing our pre-trip inspection. It is a lot to learn but with practice I will get it memorized. I have a buddy who I am partnered with to help each other out with the memorization.

Today I also got to start learning to perform straight truck backing. I had to back up in a straight line in between cones without running them over. It is very different than backing a car. In a car, when you want to back to your left then you turn the wheel to your left. With trucking, when you want to back to your left than you turn the wheel to your right. I was able to back about 8-10 times. At first, I was running over the cones. But, then I started to get the hang of it.

It was extremely hot outside (in the 90s). We are standing outside for about 10 hrs out on the hot asphalt. I had bought something that is called "Frog Legs". You wet it with cold water and wrap it around your neck. It was a life saver at helping me to stay cool. It lasted for a long time. My buddy, Larry says he is going to buy him one tonight. I forgot to bring sunscreen but I did go get some during my lunch break. I ended up with a sunburn but nothing compared to what it would have been if I hadn't gone to go get some sunscreen. Here is a pic of me right after lunch.

Learners Test

Today was day 5 of my CDL (classroom) training. We went to class for about 3 hours and then went to the DDS to take our AP learners permit test. There were 3 parts to it: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. I PASSED ALL THREE!!!! Once we left class and got into my vehicle to drive to go take it, I felt like I was having an anxiety attack. My heart was racing, my palms were sweating, my hands shaking. Throughout the whole test, I had to keep telling myself to slow down and take my time. I was excited when I finished my test and knew I passed all three. I celebrated by getting a milkshake.

Monday, we start on learning our pre-trip inspection. The next couple of weeks are not going to be easy mainly because we will be outside about 10hr/day. It is sooo hot outside. I dreading it. Well maybe I will sweat off a few pounds.

Day 2-3 Training

It has been three days and 30 hours in the classroom. We mostly just sit there and listen to our instructor read from the manual. We watch about 3 videos each day with practice quizzes. I am mentally exhausted. At night I study, study and study some more. My learner's test will be this Friday. I believe that I will do well on it.

Today a recruiter came in to try to entice us to apply at their company. There incentives were training pay at $50/day, 32 cent/mile after training, and will be home about every 3 weeks. Poor, poor guys. I think maybe I am just lucky with the job I will have after I am done. I know most newbies do not make what I will make. I also know that they have to start somewhere but I just feel bad for them that they are being pulled into companies that will most likely use and abuse them.

So I believe I now have my CB handle. One of the girls at my previous job would call me Kimbo. And when I would get mad, another girl would call me Kimbo Slice (a very large black boxer in real life). So I think I am going to use Kimbo. Thank you Whit and Jamie. My husband loved it.

Training - Day One

So my first day of training started today. This first week is all classroom time to prepare me for my learner's license. I was there from 7am to 6pm. Eleven hours of sitting at a table listening to my instructor reading out of a the CDL manual, while I read along. The first two hours, I struggled to even stay awake. A couple of times I rested my head in my hands and pretending I was looking at the book but I had my eyes closed. We had about a 15min break and after that I was better. I swear I think my instructor was going to fall asleep himself while he was talking. I couldn't hardly see his eyes because his eyes were so droopy.

In my class are three other guys and me. I am soo glad I wasn't in the class that was the week or two before me. There are a few young men who's every sentence had the "f" word in it. During my lunch I had to go off to a quiet place so I wouldn't have to hear it. Luckily the guys in my class are very well mannered.

One of my previous patients who told me about the training center came by around lunch to check up on me. Very sweet of him. Of course I am sure he was making sure they knew he referred me to them so he could get $100 for it.

My feeling for this day is..I thought it overall went real well. I think when I go and take my written test I will do good. But, I am worried that when I take my driver's test that I will fail only because of the pre-trip. I haven't started learning it yet so I am sure that feeling will change once I am practicing hands-on.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today is my daddy's birthday and my aunt Ellen's birthday. I love them both and hope they have a wonderful birthday. I LOVE YALLL!

DOT Physical and Drug Screen

So yesterday, I went to the clinic that my training center wanted me to go to for my DOT physical and drug screen. I got there at 8:45am. It was 2 1/2 hours before they called me for my exam. During that whole time I just sat there listening and watching a couple of crazy people. One lady just seemed to want attention from those around her and was just talking random stuff to herself really loudly. Another man who had just been in the hospital for atral fibrillation and just came to follow up with a doctor. He asked me i I knew what would be for a strong anxiety med that isn't a depression med. I just told him no and tried to act like I was interested in the show that was on the tv. Also, while I sat there that long, they were painting the waiting room. I'm surprised I past the drug screen after inhaling all the fumes.

When they finally called me back, it literally only took 5mins. They checked my vision, urine, bp, weight, ears, nose, throat, lungs, and pressed on my belly. No medical history asked and asking about medications, etc.

Then I had to go to Riverdale Rd and give my fingerprints for my federal back ground check. I was home by 2pm. It was a long morning but really wasn't too bad. Now I'm ready to start classes on Monday.

Signed Up and Almost Ready

Well I went to sign up for the CDL classes today. I thought that I was going to have to do the long term financing due to be leaving work sooner than expected so I have one less paycheck. But when I was just about to commit and write the check the manager said to me, "what if I knock off $500 if you pay the full tuition today?" So, I wrote the check. In the long run, that ended up saving me about 60% off my tuition. I was so excited that it went that way. Then he threw in a frisbee and a keychain. I'm such a lucky girl.

I have to go tomorrow to get my DOT physical, drug screen, and finger prints done. Fun, fun stuff.

My Last Day

Today was my last day. I was close to sleeping over because I didn't have my alarm set. I wanted to get to work about 30 min early but only got their 15 min early. Kim got there right on time and the training began. One of our doctors is on vacation so I thought it would be a slow day but it was pretty busy up to lunch time. I thought the best way for Kim to learn the routine in one day was just to follow her and let her do all the work. I would only pipe in when I needed to tell her how to do something or when she had questions. She is a very good tech and eager to learn. I know that I am leaving my position in good hands with her.

I figured that the office would have a card and cake for me today (because that is what we do for everyone) but then I realized that something was going on around 10am when I smelt food. I knew it was too early for anyone to be going to lunch and the kitchen door was shut (which signaled to me that I wasn't allowed to go into there). It turned out that the whole office had planned a whole lunch for me. It was great. We had chicken & dumplings, mac & cheese, fruit, chips, fudge, cake, beans, etc. Afterwards my manager brought out a basket full of gifts for me. The gifts were centered to help me in my new career as a truck driver. I received a pillow-pet (puppy), tension balls, plush throw, back wrap (you heat it up and put on your back), press-on nails, mug, prunes, sleep mask, eye mask (cold packs for your eyes), 6 pack of coke, odor spray, hand wipes, travel toilet paper, visa card, chick-fil-a card, and the new Chelsea Handler book with a special message on the inside. It was wonderful to see all the thought put into my fair-well. I felt so cared for and appreciated. I actually was able to hold it together. I have been such a basket-case in the last few months and then on one of the most emotional days of my life I held it together. I can't say it enough. I have worked with some incredible woman these last 3 years.

So now I will be home for about a week until my training begins. My plan is to start Monday. I am excited.

One More Day

Monday is my last day at work. I have only one day to train my replacement (Kim). It isnt enough time. I really need about a week. I don't only perform x-rays but I also help with the front office (phones, appointments, etc), medical records, trying to help the MAs, doing nurse calls. I honestly stay very busy in my day and feel like there are not enough hours in the day to do everything so one day of training is crazy. But, we will get through it.

Everyone was at the office on Friday so I was able to take many pics. I know I was driving the girls crazy. No one likes their pic taken.

Better Today

I didn't get much sleep last night. I just wasn't able to fall asleep so I went into work to get a few things done and then took about a 3 hr nap before they needed me at work. I worked with a migraine most of the day. I laid down during my lunch and afterwards felt a little better. I enjoyed my day at work. I tried to keep my spirits up and worked happily.

It turns out my last day will be Monday instead of Friday because Kim (my new replacement) has a prior commitment. Which wasn't a problem since we originally told her Monday, the 15th at the interview.

I spent my evening with my daughter ordering college books, watching Big Brother and eating fried bologna sandwiches. Really enjoyed that time.

Good Night
Kim

Rough Day

Today I woke ups feeling very weird. I felt like electrical shocks were going though the left side of body especially when i stood up. Right now, I am in the medical field. So, I think I have gained some sort of knowledge on what is what. I didn't feel like I was having a heart attack but i started worrying about a stroke or something serious. But, I am usually stubborn about anything major medical going on with me. I will get the little things check out but anything major I put off. I think it is part denial and part I don't want to look like a fool if it turns out to be nothing. So, even with the symptoms, I tried to go about my day. I took Jess and Catherine to the college to get them set for college, I took Aaron 2ce to get him registered for high school cause his previous school screwed up with his transcripts. But by 3pm I couldn't ignore the symptoms and so went to the doctor. Everything looked good. It could have just been anxiety. I decided to come home and rest. I am feeling a little better now.

While I was at work, I found out that the girl I like to replace my job was hired but they will only allow me to train her for one day. I thought that I would be working there until the 26th but now my last day is this Friday. It didn't help with my anxiety much. I was so upset cause I wasn't ready to leave that soon. I thought that I would have a couple more weeks to say my goodbyes but now it is ending more abruptly. I am going to miss working with everyone terribly. Well I am going to cherish my next 4 days with everyone and make the best of it.

Moving out

I had to work today and I had a few minutes and so I started packing up my stuff from work to take home. It is depressing so I didn't want to wait until my last day to do it. I wanted to spend my last day talking to my friends and saying my goodbyes. I had blankets, sleeping bags, snacks, bulletin board, dry erase board, oral care products, hair care products,lotions, etc. I definitely filled up a box. Tomorrow I have off and Shane and I will go visit the trucking school I will be going to. I am excited about that.

Kim

Emotions

Counting down...20 more days. I am starting to get chocked up whenever I think about the big change i am making. Not because i am scared or worried about the unknown but most about leaving my job and words of inspiration that have been told to me.

Examples:

A couple of days ago, i went and talked to my manager to tell her that if she needed me to help make the back office schedule that I would continue to help her and long as she wants. She said she was upset and couldn't talk about it. I asked her if she was upset at me for something, upset at the situation, or upset about something else. She said that she was upset about losing me. I thought I was going to break down then and there. Though I feel overworked and under-appreciated by the company, all the workers along with my office manager have never treated me like that. They have always encouraged me and thanked me for any help.

Another co-worker said to me, "I'm proud of you, that took a lot of courage!"

Another said that she thinks I am making a great decision.

The support I am receiving has been soo much appreciated. I would not be the woman and hard worker I am today if it weren't for the family, friends, and woman in my life today. I would not be the person I am today if it weren't for the woman I work with. I went 15 years without working and ELFP was my first job after that many years. They have taught me about how to be a hard-worker and team-player. They have taught me how to look outside of the box to analyze things pertaining to my job. they have taught me way more to the medial field than I ever learned in school. And most of all during while they taught me these things, they were my friends. They listened to me when i needed to vent, put up with me when I would lose my temper, forgave me when i made mistakes, and patient with me when they taught me something new. Even on days like today when it has been a hard day at work, I don't want to leave them but I have to do what is best for my and my family's future. I wish there was some other way but there isn't.

They will just have to get use to me visiting often and bugging the crap out of them.

CB Handle

So since all truckers have CB handles, I thought it would be fun to choose one for myself. I tried to think of something appropriate but fun. I am not very creative so it has been hard to come up with one. I have red hair so some obtions I thought about were: Ginger, Ruby Locks, Sexy Locks, etc. But, I am really not feeling like any of them symbolize me. And it doesnt seem like really anyone else like the names much either. I probably won't use the CB much but when I do I don't want strangers to know my real name. If anyone has any suggestions I am open to them. Post your responses and lets see if i like one.

Reactions

Reactions to my accouncement varied:

My kids are use to us always talking about our dreams and what we want to do but dont often see us do it. We dream big but acheive little. So they thought at first that it was just another crazy idea coming from us. Now they relize it is really going to happen and they seem to be just fine with it.

My work was second to be told. I think they thought that it was me talking crazy again until I gave them a months notice.

My mom laughed hysterically for about 5 minutes but is very supportive.

My dad did not like the idea at all. Of course his biggest worry is the kids. I wouldn't expect anyone to react any differently. He is good grandfather.

I dont think everyone realizes that my biggest worry is the kids. Everyone, I think, believes that we are just going to leave the kids at home alone for weeks but that isnt true. The longest we would be gone is abt 4 days at a most. During that time we have made arrangements for the kids to keep them busy with family and activities.

My sisters were shocked at first but have been supportive. One of my sisters wanted to make sure that I do have a will and that she will get the kids. I think she would steal my kids away from me right now if she could.


If i see that this isnt working for us, i hate it, or my children are suffering in anyway than I will quit it and get a job close to home.

I believe to live life fully that you sometimes have to take blinded leaps into the unknown. You will never know what is possible if you stay in your safe little box.

The Beginning...

So Shane and I started talking about me getting my CDL about 2 months ago. I was complaining about being overworked, under payed, no jobs in my field out there and jokingly I said, "I should get my CDL and we could team up and make a whole lot more money." He laughed it off. Then a couple of weeks later he told me about how he had being thinking more about it and if it were feasible to do. He started researching it by asking team husband/wife drivers about their experiences and how they make everything work. He then approached me about actually doing it. So we decided to try it.

This wasn't a decision that we took lightly. We had to think about the kids and what is going to be best in the long run for them. They are entering adulthood and we didn't want to enter elderly-hood with debt that they will have to pay off. We wanted it possible that we can retire at a decent age with money in our savings, debts payed off, and a future for our children and grandchildren. I will be staying at my other job for "as needed" so if this is working out or I am in town with nothing to do than I can still be on their payroll.

Jess is going to be busy with college and Aaron will be kept busy with his activities when we are working. We already have several family members who are willing to help him stay busy and safe. Also, if he wants to, we can take him with us when we know we will be gone for more than a couple of days.

Counting down to training...25 more days.

Me!

I am a 38 year old mom and wife. After being a stay-at-home parent for 15 years, I decided to go back to school so that i could go into the field with an education. I chose to become a radiologist technologist mainly for the money but soon came to realize that i loved the profession.

In 2008, i was offered a job in my field of education. From the first moment, I loved both it and my co-workers. I wasn't paid much but i continued in being educated by both mine and the nurses jobs and how we can work as team players. The only issue I had was after 3 years, I and everyone else that worked there had not received a raise. They would fire workers and then expect us to take up the slack without addition pay or gratitude. I did it willing in hopes that the company would see how hard i work and either give me a raise or a position in which had a higher raise. I realize that to them i was just a number, a work-horse, and that i had no secure future with this company.

My husband is an OTR truckdriver so he suggested that i go back to school and get my CDL and from there we would team up and make twice i was making at this doctor office. So after interviewing several husband/wife team.I decided to do it.