I'm Taking The Plunge, I Am Getting Ready To Start School Oct 1 At CRE

Since I was in college in 1976, and worked for a photographer on weekends I have wanted to become a Driver. I had a job that took me to different churches every weekend where I would take pictures for a package that the churches sold to raise money. I had a CB, I talked to the drivers, I got the bug.

Well, time goes by and now I don't have a family to worry about. I thought I could retire, do my artsy/crafty thing and make things work. Well, it seems that things have changed, and I have to make a choice of living in an unacceptable home environment or ... be free. Guess which one I'm choosing. Yep, I have a class start date of Oct 1 with CRE. Yes, I've read the good and the bad. Because of my finances (lack thereof, actually) and my lacking work history for the last 5 years, (HELLO, I THOUGHT I WAS RETIRED!) I find that CRE is the school I will be going with (Read Prime said no because I've been self employed for the last 5 years).

I am excited. I'm nervous. Well, I'm worried that I will do badly on the tests. I'm good on tests. I have studied the High Road Training Program and I have taken the Alabama State practice tests. I scored 92%. BOO YAH! I'm worried about my blood pressure test. smh. I can take my blood pressure any where and it is on the low side. Always has been. But, when I went in to take it for the medical card........ WOW! It was 150/100. oops!!! So, I have to go back in and yes, I'm on blood pressure meds now. Lord, help me Jesus! I have read every tip about getting your blood pressure down that is on the internet. LOL

That is my only worry. I don't drink, do drugs, smoke, never had a ticket in my entire life... My home situation is going to cause me to be desperate and I'm scared to DEATH my BP will be high again. smh

Well, I have so many questions about going to school in Salt Lake City. I've never been there. I'm looking forward to that. I don't know how much meals are going to cost. It's higher there than it is here in Winston County Alabama. I don't know if I'm going to be able to cook for myself. I have a picky diet cause I'm keeping my blood sugar down by diet. It's working, but I have to be careful. Plus, it's hard to loose weight eating junk. Is it better to have a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket? Do I take my cowboy hat or just a ball cap? Do I need two sets of work gloves, or can I start with one set and buy more after I start phase 1. So many questions, that are important to me, but probably no one else.

I know I'm making the correct decision. I have at least 10 good years of driving ahead of me, and I'm making long term plans. I love reading the comments, questions and advice on this site. I've been a member for a couple of years, but I'm finally taking that all important step! I'm putting family members and every thing else on the back burner and I'm doing something for me for the first time in so many years, I don't remember!

Thank you every one here for giving me the hope to make those changes.

OH! If something does happen and it doesn't work out at CRE, I'm going to find a way, SOMEWAY, ANYWAY!!! to get me CDL , even if I have to drive a substitute school bus!

That’s great.

However you posted an identical CRE post a year and 8 months ago. What happened?

That’s great.

However you posted an identical CRE post a year and 8 months ago. What happened?

Yes, I did post about starting with CRE, although it wasn't identical. What happened was my brother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and I chose to spend his last day being with him as much as I could. I don't regret that.

That’s great.

However you posted an identical CRE post a year and 8 months ago. What happened?

Yes, I did post about starting with CRE, although it wasn't identical. What happened was my brother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and I chose to spend his last day being with him as much as I could. I don't regret that.

Very sorry to hear that, please accept our sincere condolences.

Good luck with your schooling and training. We are here to help you succeed.

Whew! Well, the step that had me so terrified that I'd fail is over, it's not done with yet, but getting there!

I passed the blood pressure part of my medical certificate with flying colors. 112/87! YES! The only thing I have to go is merely getting an current eye exam. Seems mine was over a year old. Well, tomorrow I have the appointment. Then my medical certification is MINE! I take my learner's test Tuesday. I'm scoring 90% and above on all the practice tests I take, and I'm still studying 4 hours every day on the High Road Program.

I am determined to pass this!

My next hurdle is having enough money to get through, but I still have a couple of things to sell.

I have hope!

Very sorry to hear that, please accept our sincere condolences.

Good luck with your schooling and training. We are here to help you succeed.

Thank you, this site has made a huge difference already. Thank you for all the wonderful information and encouragement you provide here. Sometimes people don't comment, but they read everything. You'll never know some of the people this site has helped.

Moziere - your driver recruiter at CRE should be able to help out with specific items you will need for your first foray into the truck. The Truck Driver's Career Guide Chapter 5 also offers some good insight for you.

Eating on the road will be a challenge for you, especially if you're watching carb loads / sugar and fats. The truck stops wont be your friend, you'll want to learn the truck friendly Walmart lots to shop for groceries. I use a thermoelectric cooler, and carry items that I know my nutritionist wont yell at me about eating, but during your training you may not have enough space to accomodate one of them. I know there have been some threads in here about food options, dietary requirements, etc. If you go to the search by tag section you can read what others' experience has taught them.

Good luck to you!

Moziere - your driver recruiter at CRE should be able to help out with specific items you will need for your first foray into the truck. The Truck Driver's Career Guide Chapter 5 also offers some good insight for you.

Eating on the road will be a challenge for you, especially if you're watching carb loads / sugar and fats. The truck stops wont be your friend, you'll want to learn the truck friendly Walmart lots to shop for groceries. I use a thermoelectric cooler, and carry items that I know my nutritionist wont yell at me about eating, but during your training you may not have enough space to accomodate one of them. I know there have been some threads in here about food options, dietary requirements, etc. If you go to the search by tag section you can read what others' experience has taught them.

Good luck to you!

Thank you for the encouragement!

Well, my medical card is in my hot little hands! BOO YAH! I took a picture. So, yesterday, I'm on my way to Cullman, AL to take my test for my CDLP. I have a flat, so the money I had for my permit had to go to buy a new tire.

Well, I'll just have to go Monday. Got to raise a bit more money. I make jewelry, so last night I sat down and made about $150 worth. Just have to sell it this weekend.

But the good thing about all this is, when I have a set back, something good happens to put me forward again. For instance, Wednesday I had to have an eye exam. Somewhere along the line, I lost $10. When I got to the eye doctor, I was short $10 for my exam. He told me not to worry about it. When has a doctor ever told you not to worry about it when you were short on a bill??? Wow. I'm still shaking my head over that one.

Well, missing my CDLP will set my start date back. I was scheduled to start Oct 1. Not sure of the date now. My recruiter is very helpful, very nice. I would say my experience, so far, with CRE is positive. I'm looking for good thing in my future.

Hello

Sounds like you are still on pace to get to school soon. I look forward to reading your blog.

Safe Travels.