1Year Ago-I Was Preparing To Leaving For Orientation-UPDATE

Favorite Highway – I really enjoy I80 in PA, run this a lot. The company I’m with doesn’t usually send you west of Denver until you’ve had a year behind the wheel.

Best memory – Seeing my Brother In Law on the toll-way in south Chicago. He works for a local company out of S. WI and they use day cabs. Needless to say we caught up for a coffee at one of the the oasis. I had left from I69 in Indiana that morning. 2nd best: Shutting down in northern MS on I55 and had a chance to run into another driver I went through orientation with.

Biggest challenge – for me it is the alone time in the evenings when I am shutting down, esp when I have some wait time on a delivery the next morning. When I'm working, no problem, but being away on a weekend night or missing a family event is a challenge.

Close mistakes – Missing a sign for “low bridge” but it worked out, I stopped and watched another 13’6” truck make it under. I also came close to taking out some utility lines once, remember to always look up. Oh and G.O.A.L. saved me many times, I never wanted take the chance, I really don't want the paperwork.

Best Meal – X69 in I94 in Wisconsin. There is a family run restaurant across the street from the Pilot. Homemade bakery and the best steak at a great price.

Best purchase for the truck – Rand McNally GPS. This saved me many times when trying to find a place to shut down. I still never use it for local directions to a customer. 2nd best: the “lunch box” oven. I make my own bagel egg sandwiches at home, freeze them and warm up one each morning for breakfast. Also great for warming up leftovers from home when spending the night at a customer and there is no place to purchase supper.

I am amazed at how much I've learned and I'm still learning. I'm home this weekend but leave out again Wed morning. This site continues to be a source of some good reading and encouragement.

Hey glad to see ya back Steve! It's been a while. You know we love it around here when people check back in from time to time. Certainly glad ya did! It's great to hear that things appear to be going well for you out there.

How often are you getting home these days?

What kind of miles have you been turnin?