Finally Made It

Hello Everyone...especially Anne & Family Sorry been so busy, still haven't been home since June 22. Was encouraged to run local last week after getting the truck and trailer back to the yard from Greenville SC, i wws asked to drive local srsrting on Monday and then go home needed the money so I agreed. Saw the twin cities for the first time. So when friday rolled around I was then was asked to leave out Sun. on for a OTR delivery run from Wisconsin to Columbia SC, then to Orlando and down to del ray on Tuesday we delivered at 6 stops nailed all the back ins and a few were tough ones. Then made two today in Orlando, and off to del ray and believe it or not was supposed to stay overnight for a 7am delivery of 3 items so we got there around 7 and someone pulled up throwing out trash and actually took out delivery so woohooo we are heading to Tampa for our backhual to and finally back home. We were supposed to be back next week around Monday maybe even Tuesday but we shaved a lot off our trip and heading back to WI at 7am tomorrow morning. The the instructor is amazed and we are both happy about being home about 2 days early...I am loving the job more everyday, bit this is a lifestyle that is for sure, but one I like. Time management is very important almost as much as safety...We are kicking butt so far!!! Plus got my first paycheck and was very pleased... Prayers still appreciated and can see Gods hand in this trip!!! But I am going home when I get back to the yard and will not take no for an answer!!!

Awhhhh.. you JUST made my day. (night.)

I totally get you, many of usn's do.... sheesh; you are killin' it to kick it. Kinda reminds me of a a song.. that nobody else here would know.... "Travelled back .. down that road..." But.. it ISN'T only just a DREAM!!!

I'm sooooo enamored with your success...if I could 'adopt' all y'all 'young'uns... lol ~!!! Time management is second ONLY to safetly; been the 'shortie' for 20 years. (Got the song now?!?) ;)

MAJOR KUDOS, prayers ALWAYS...

Thanks for the thanks!

~ Anne ~

STAY BLESSED; PRAYERS FOREVER! ~

Good morning everyone, finally made it back home yesterday around 3pm after a long time coming. Got the fuel pump in my other Chevy truck, and drove it, more power still has a miss, so I popped the hood last night when I pulled in and looked at the wires, it looked like a Christmas tree under there, so I am going to put plug wires on it today and see how that goes. My driving and lane control is improving especially on curves and off ramps. Can keep it centered in most cases. Plus got to pull and descend the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia, and liked it but we were light. Also getting used to wind gusts and uneven roads, it’s amazing what a draft will do when passing another big truck and almost had the steering wheel jerked out of my hand moving up on uneven pavement in a construction area, I was expecting a slight pull but not what actually happened. Had some hard backs, one blindside I gave up on and let my trainer complete it. I was worn out after trying for about 30 minutes. But did get one yesterday that was similar and did not give up, time was a factor on the other one or I would have continued. It was a bad one. All other backs for the day went well. Thanks again for all of your prayers. Please continue to pray for my wife and myself. She is struggling, but I have been gone 2 months, which was starting to get too me a little as well. Take care and I will keep you guys posted. My trainer is great, and likes the way I drive so far, which is encouraging!

Prayers sent, man.

Progress 'some' is better than progress 'none!' :)

Tell the missus there are many of us that have been in her shoes; my email is in my profile!!! (Since 2003, Tom was OTR for almost 5 years! before landing pseudo local pulling tanks.)

Some guys don't realize it's hard on the wife, too. I know firsthand.

Blessings, stay safe!

~ Anne ~

Good morning everyone, finally made it back home yesterday around 3pm after a long time coming. Got the fuel pump in my other Chevy truck, and drove it, more power still has a miss, so I popped the hood last night when I pulled in and looked at the wires, it looked like a Christmas tree under there, so I am going to put plug wires on it today and see how that goes. My driving and lane control is improving especially on curves and off ramps. Can keep it centered in most cases. Plus got to pull and descend the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia, and liked it but we were light. Also getting used to wind gusts and uneven roads, it’s amazing what a draft will do when passing another big truck and almost had the steering wheel jerked out of my hand moving up on uneven pavement in a construction area, I was expecting a slight pull but not what actually happened. Had some hard backs, one blindside I gave up on and let my trainer complete it. I was worn out after trying for about 30 minutes. But did get one yesterday that was similar and did not give up, time was a factor on the other one or I would have continued. It was a bad one. All other backs for the day went well. Thanks again for all of your prayers. Please continue to pray for my wife and myself. She is struggling, but I have been gone 2 months, which was starting to get too me a little as well. Take care and I will keep you guys posted. My trainer is great, and likes the way I drive so far, which is encouraging!

Haya, '87 !!

How's the Chevy(ies?)

How's the training going?

Hope all is well!!

~ Anne ~

Hello Everyone, Especially Anne her family and packrat!! I finally made it back....but not without the usual and not so usual setbacks. My transmission fell out about 5 hours into my trip back. Thankfully it was close to my home town so I knew were to go for parts. The case cracked causing it to chew the governor gear off leaving me with only 1st at about 8 mph. Finally found a case in Greenville SC and got it back to find the tail shaft was too short, so I did what anyone would do tore it down on the side of the road and fixed it....First time to tear a complete transmission apart and reassemble it, got it back together and installed it worked great but funds were low, so a friend asked me to help him because he could find no help. So I agreed to help for a short time to build back funds...

My third and final week he told me on wed. he did not feel well and Friday I was the same...we both got very sick for about 6 months and I am sorry to say that he passed away! I am still taken back by all of it, but the Lord decided to let me live. It took me about two months to get about 80% of my strength back after the high fever, losing 55 lbs, ect. I was so sick that I no longer smoke cigarettes, still cannot smell or taste anything except on occasion. So packrat, I finally ran into something that I could not fix quickly and keep on going. I am Sorry I lost a 37 year friend, but thankful I am still here. Needless to say my employer was not happy, even after telling me to take care of what I have to and just give us a 3 day notice before returning. I found out on Tuesday last week that they no longer want me stating that this is a service oriented time sensitive business and that I must know nothing about that or on time delivery. I was blown away to say the least after keeping my word to come back and not just using them to get my cdl's and leave them high and dry, but it is ok, my trust is completely in the Lord. So after the shock set in I sought their advice to find a directory they mentioned and went to look for it, the lady at the store they sent me to had no idea what I was referring to, but when she found out I was looking for a job asked for my number, I was reluctant but gave it to her anyway.

It took over two thirds of my saving to make it all the way back up here, but do have my camper back at least with no problem. I like the guys who trained me, actually felt as though they were more than co workers, professional friends so to speak, but things happen and like I said my trust is completely in the Lord. I am no longer beholding to them. So the back to the nice lady I met my first day back looking for a job directory...Well she happened to refer me to a local trucking co. who not only called me the next morning but hired me that same day. I had to take a test drive in a peterbuilt 13spd which is all new to me. I was only in a volvo million miler 10 spd for the most part and one new volvo auto. So to say I was put on the spot in a do or die situation is lightly put to say the least. I was sweating bullets almost had an anxiety attack I think never had one but it felt like I was in fight or flight mode!! lol

When we go back he was honest and told me I know nothing, backed in good, hunted gears, cut the first corner short but did not hit anything. I could tell I was catching onto the 13spd. the shift pattern just made more sense to me for some reason plus the love of driving a big rig was coming back quick. I cannot believe how rusty I was so quickly. On Friday I took the drug test, my medical card was good and would have went to the same place anyway for a new one so he accepted it. Went through orientation Monday and was told today the drug test was back, and would probably start moving trailers this weekend and until the trainer returns next week to make a run with him. I am actually going to be able to learn flatbed, do dry van or both if I wish, with a good increase in my original mileage rate of pay. I am so thankful that the Lord put me in the right place at the right time, with the right people. During orientation one of the owners even brought me frozen hamburger and kielbasa sausage to make sure I did not go hungry until I started getting paid...Honestly I had to fight back the tears at that point. Please help me pray that I can do well, and become the best employee that I can be for the Lord, my family, and my employer. Thank you all again for your help along the way, sorry for the delay, all of this time I was still fighting the good fight and not giving up on my dreams of becoming a professional truck driver. Actually I am just getting started!!!

I posted a couple photos of the transmission tear out but they went to my profile photos for some reason instead of the post....

I posted a couple photos of the transmission tear out but they went to my profile photos for some reason instead of the post....

...because you didn't 'label' them, then hit 'GO!' :)

OMIGOSH it's so awesome to see you stop back, man! Yeppers, Momma Anne 'still in the house,' haha!!

Dang, I'm SO sorry about your friend, wow..man! I've lost a few really close friends in the late to recent months, as well. Dang bummer. Sadly, most of them (if not all of them..) WERE vaxxed! (Correlation?!?!)

At least it all worked out in the end, man. Finally. GOOD for YOU!!! My other half said a 13 speed makes more sense than a 'super 10' also. Glad you caught on quick!!

Hopefully you'll stick around, and let us know more about how this NEW gig goes for ya!!! Sending prayers, man.

Best always! God Bless.

~ Anne ~

ps: Change your status to 'Rookie Solo Driver' now!!!! :)

Thank you Anne, I will change my status and yes when my friend got sick he was a few weeks away from his second booster and apologized for giving me what he had...He had other things going on as well but seems too ironic to not speculate what ultimately led to his death. So on a positive note just got back from training today where I secured and tarped my first load...I must say I like flat bed a lot so far. Tomorrow we are taking an oversized load with my trainer about 300 miles away and was told I am leaving with a trainer on Sunday for California...Woo hoo never been outside of my home state much, so this will be exciting...The company has been wonderful to me, and the training pay is phenomenal!! I think I have found my home. It’s easy when you are working with fair people who have integrity. All of the hard work is finally starting to reap its rewards!!

All smiles for you. Glad you're enjoying things.

Hello guys first day out headed to California, somewhere in South Dokota....I was able to drive 603 miles today. Getting ready to crash...long day shifting is becoming like second nature, still a few hiccups but am doing it now without thinking about it much of the time...