Profile For Dockwench

Just curious; I understand the tarp is quite unwieldy and heavy

I have a multitude anxiety issues too, but 'cannot' take my preferred and most effective method of alleviating it: clonozepam. Anyway, when I went for my exam, the physician suggested that I would have to switch to an SSRI-type of drug (yeah, yeah, ineffective; of which Zoloft is one) and I got cleared for one year. But, sometimes full disclosure is not in your best interest; sertraline is not a controlled substance, and you need not reveal the existence of a 'disability ' (anxiety disorder, mental illness, whatever) unless reasonable accommodation must be made for you.

Zoloft isn't inherently sedating, as you know, and just pick up or look up side effects on most drugs and you'll see: Warning: Do not operate heavy machinery etc. Zoloft DOES still carry some stigma, so I'd keep my ****ing mouth shut.

Thank you, Vending Dude, for some validation; but thanks too to Brett and Old School for their sage if hard-nosed advice. It was the second week of December, temp about 28F, and we were standing around doing pre-trip and the wind was funneling through a structure I cannot describe. Anyway, very prescient of you, Old School, to pick up on thyroid - no problems there - but I was (juice) fasting, foolish I know, for about two weeks. What can I say 'cept I like a certain fit in my jeans and running in Indianapolis wasn't achieving my goal quickly enough.

I acknowledge and accept Celadon's purely business decision regarding me; hell, I've read stories on this forum of people sent packing during orientation for other offenses. What I find worrisome is what Rick said, being labeled a 'problem child,' and having this moniker follow me elsewhere - if such a blacklist exists. I have carefully considered this career/lifestyle change for over a year now, and whilst I was in school for that week I approached my training with utter seriousness and calm determination. Yep, I did lose my **** and was ill-prepared in my Salvation Army pickings; not to sound callous, but now that I have my dead friend's Carhartt gear, my hope is that the next time I should do just fine.

Hi Moziere; I expect to start England after the 18th, when an old accident falls off my MVR. What location are you at, just out of curiosity? I expect to be in NC, but I am aiming for Salt Lake, if they'll allow it. My one experience prior to England was at Celadon (you can read about THAT in the General Discussions, posted this morning) and my only advice is to get started now, this moment, on your pre-trip. If time has eroded your memorizing capabilities as it has done mine (I'm 48) start working on pneumonics or whatever aids you might use to make the memorization easier. I came to this without any knowledge of engines or mechanics so I was at a bit of a disadvantage. If we don't speak again, I wish you the best and hope for the same. Cheers!

...And it wasn't for a surprise on my background check nor was it due to a failed pee screen. Here's the backstory, as succinct as I can make it:.

Week 1, Friday; outdoor pre-trip tutorial/demonstration. I took my instructor at his word when he told us that since he had to be out there (wind tunnel conditions, 28F) we had to be out there. Fair enough - I had prepared as best I could; leggings under double jeans, double socks, hoodies, hats, double gloves and fleece. But I got cold, pretty damned cold, to the point where I was feeling a little loopy and had stopped shivering (bad sign, hypothermia). I hung on a little longer, then mumbled an apology and went inside. I did Wilderness First Responder many years ago, and I recalled a condition called 'paradoxical undressing' wherein the victim paradoxically feels hot, and thus starts removing clothes. Which is exactly what I started doing, upon reaching the hallway - I left a trail of clothes until I think I was down to a pair of leggings and a bra when the head of Security glimpsed me ( hard to miss, right?) I was ushered into a back room and EMS was called.

I am not faulting Celadon, they recognised a problem and addressed it by immediately calling 911. EMS, when informed, did not offer warming fluids or blankets. Maybe they thought I was malingering, but I was naked under a ****ing blanket - I didn't want the damned itchy thing, but I retained some sense of propriety. I opted to stay, I don't know why, but people with hypothermia tend not to be sensible.

I really wish that I had told James - a reasonable guy and patient instructor -well before my condition became so damned melodramatic. It would have saved me much embarrassment, though luckily my fellow students were otherwise occupied. But a good story of a woman stripping travels fast, and who could conceive of such a thing as paradoxical undressing?

I was confused, I mumbled and slurred, and was undoubtedly hyper-emotional for the rest of that day. That evening, I discovered that my closest friend died on the table during a colectomy (colon cancer). Add a little hysteria now, too. I hid for most of the weekend, but Security would occasionally peek in on me to make sure of what, I don't know.

On Monday, I was politely told that the Director, along with Security and one of my instructors needed to see me. I steeled myself. They said that perhaps I was unsuited to complete the course due to my delicate constitution ( my words) and that they advised I go home, to return in March. They wanted to give me every chance of success, and I appreciated that. So I left, wishing I had gotten the offer in writing.

Since I've been home (almost 7 wks), I discovered on Driverapp that Celadon changed my application status to 'Declined'. Also, my dear deceased friend's house is off to probate (ongoing divorce) and I am facing a move into my car (at least it's a wagon, right?) I've no savings, and have burned through unemployment benefits. My CLP will expire in about 2 weeks. I've checked with half dozen other companies, along with Drivers Solutions, but no one is interested because of a recently resolved (in October) license suspension/reinstatement (failure to pay a combined $800 fine - mostly parking tickets from DC). Roadmaster wants a co-signer, but well, he's dead. CR England said yes, but not until after the 18th when a minor accident falls off my MVR. I know, boo ****ing hoo.

So finally I get to my question: should I work up the balls to talk to Celadon about my situation? I'm just a bit disturbed by my 'Declined' status. I have a bunch of warmer, hunting-type clothing now that my friend is gone. The only reason CR England is not really a feasible option is that I have to drive to Fletcher, NC and then back and forth to school - guessed it yet? No insurance, and last week I was pulled over (and let go, thank ****) by a very nice policeman who nonetheless scared the **** out of me. I think he got curious about a WDC Volvo that was driving too slowly....

I guess I just don't want to phone them up to ask a question I don't want to hear the answer to. That yes, three grown men colluded and lied to my face and offered a big juicy carrot to expedite the process.

Sorry this post has been so longwinded - I hope at least some of it was a good story - and I would greatly appreciate any advice and counsel from everyone.

Cheers, Anna

I was rejected by both Roehl and Swift because of a 2005 Misdemeanor 'Obtaining Drugs by Fraud.'(prescription forgery). Apparently this is a crime of 'moral turpitude' or dishonesty that even 12 years cannot forgive. It's incredibly frustrating.

Hi! I'm starting there as well, after 18 Jan when an old accident falls off my MVR. How did you finagle going to Utah? It seems I'm destined for a school outside of Asheville....

Guys, I appreciate your responses to my query but please don't user me as a whipping post...It's just that I had read on the forum about someone's first run and he had to drop the trailer in the knacker's yard and then wait 12 hrs for the slaughter to be completed. That's just kinda grim. As I said, I have recently-resolved suspension issues and am grateful to England for taking me on; I just wanted to know what would likely be behind me when my hands are on there wheel.

I'm just kind of curious - starting school there soon - and being a vegan i'm wondering if I'll encounter any dead cow. Have little choice anyway because of a recently resolved suspension...Thanks guys.

OMG that's a good point, no more liquid for me!