And We're Off!

It still hasn't sunk in what is happening. I've drove a truck across multiple states, seen some amazingly beautiful things, drove through Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and learned a ton. It's amazing and terrifying all at the same time! I'm exhausted but can't sleep because I have all these things running through my head. I've drove 2 11 hour days and waited at shippers and receivers. I've learned about maintaining my lane and following distance. I've hit a couple of curbs which one was my own fault. The other was unavoidable; it was between the curb and the stop sign. I figured the curb could take it better than the stop sign! Backing is going to take some work but my driving has really improved. I've seen some beautiful trucks and cars on the highway and at truck stops.

Bottom line: I love my job! I have questioned whether or not I was going to like this. But now that I'm here really doing it, it's the coolest, most incredible and hardest thing I've ever done in my life!

Just wait, it gets better... N.E has some really beautiful place's. Always enjoyed driving through N/S Carolina or Pennsylvania..

Be sure to send that curb a Get Well Soon card. =D

Love reading your posts Chickie! Hang in there and keep posting!

Today has been a pretty dang good day! Drove from Barstow CA to Gallup NM, did two backing jobs at truck stops and nailed both of them even with crappy setups, and got some really great news!

As things are right now, I will be heading back to the terminal on Saturday to test out and get my truck! My trainer was on the phone earlier with the student driver coordinator and told him that I was flat out the best student she had ever had. Instead of being dependent on her to do things like doing paperwork or dealing with shipper and receivers, I take the initiative to do it myself and ask questions if I don't know how to do something. It made me feel pretty dang good!

We had a really great conversation about how she thinks I will do on my own. She gave me the highest possible compliment (in my book) by telling me that she thinks I have the heart and soul of a truck driver and this is what I am meant to do. Wow... I have no words...

I just saw Albuquerque at night and we are about 15 mins from the DC. After this we are deadheading to Amarillo then taking a load from there to Alabama.

We had a really great conversation about how she thinks I will do on my own. She gave me the highest possible compliment (in my book) by telling me that she thinks I have the heart and soul of a truck driver and this is what I am meant to do. Wow... I have no words...

Congratulations ChickieMonster!

Imagine that, the girl who was about to hang it all up a few weeks ago and find another company to start with, ends up being one of the best students her trainer has ever had! Man, I am so glad you hung in there! Here's a tip - there are going to be some more times that you are going to want to quit, but if you will stay the course and be careful and safe you will be glad that you did. I seriously think a one year commitment is a little short of really getting the hang of this stuff, but I still keep recommending it. I guess if I told people to make a three year commitment they would really freak out. I'm really proud of you, and hope to meet you and your husband one day.

Oh, and approaching Albuquerque in the dark of night is a memory that never leaves a truck drivers memory - it is one of my favorite sights from the road.

Way to go!

Oh yeah, I forgot - the sign you saw in Fontana is not the one I did for the "Rush" Truck Center Peterbilt folks. The location we did was in Lufkin, TX, near my hometown of Nacogdoches, TX. They've got signs like that all over the country, but they will usually use a local contractor to construct them.

Awesome news Chickie!! Congratulations. Here is my little tip for ya...when a bad day comes along..and we know it will...come back to this thread and read what you wrote...remind yourself that your trainer saw these things in you even if you didn't quite see them yourself. I believe that will help pick ya up when you're feeling down. Very happy for ya!!

Chickie- Seems like just a couple days ago you started with the Transam trainer. And that's because it was. That's very exciting that you've done so well. I'm sure you know that tough days are ahead, but as long as you're focused, and I'm sure you are, you'll do fine. As has been said on TT many times- just don't hit anything.

BTW- I'm still looking at the Cabool Mo school.

Been great to watch you - from beginning to this point.

Congrats on your progress - we remember when you were ready to walk away.

DO KEEP US POSTED HERE.

Rick

Thanks so much everyone for the support!

Everyday I am more and more thankful that I didn't give up! Thanks to the guidance I have received here and the support from home, I am getting to do something that I never dreamed I would do in a million years. I get to travel and explore and get paid for it!

Many thanks to Old School and Brett who told me what I NEEDED to hear, not what I WANTED to hear. Thanks to all who have shown their support. I'm just glad someone is reading my ramblings!

We are in Tucumcari NM at Denny's (real food!!) and showering, then it's off to Amarillo to pick up our load going to Alabama.

Oh, and approaching Albuquerque in the dark of night is a memory that never leaves a truck drivers memory - it is one of my favorite sights from the road.

Way to go!

I remember the first time I saw Alburquerque in the night... coming down into Alb was really cool. never forget it.