Comments By kayakngal

I hope I'm not over thinking it Pebbles but, I sure do like learning any technique that'll help because this is where I'm least confident (backing) so, if I find this technique works for me then cool - way cool (Star if it works for me I'll be so excited). Driving forward I feel totally fine - with some stress in very tight situations but, I believe that will probably exist throughout my driving career. Backing is when I start praying and hope for some "lucky skill" to come into play. :)

Technology - I'm on top of my laptop being with me at all times and I have satellite WiFi so I hope I'm good there because I need this bad baby to pay my bills. And, once I'm solo I'll bring my old laptop for movies and such. For some reason Star I can't seem to read a book from my pc. I still like old school paper books although, as I mentioned in another post I'll take some online courses while on the road so at some point I'll have to read curriculum from a pc. That will be a learning experience too because I always took classes on campus. I'll wait until my training is complete before I sign up for any courses though.

Kathy you're so lucky to have someone to get practice with - take advantage of that as much as possible. You will feel so much more confident if you've practiced before you take your skills tests, especially backing up.

Superb information to have. I am so happy I found this forum. You've got to love technology!! :)

Starcar, I went to CDL class with a young man who was 20 yrs old and he grew up on a farm, backing horse trailers and other equipment since he was a kid. He was a natural when he got behind the wheel of a semi - blew me away. That's how I'm imagining you since you grew up around it. Did it come to you naturally? Also, I'm clueless regarding "Mable and her 4 sisters"? Curious.

Kathy, I know a heartache is a hard to get over and I genuinely empathize. The only thing I can say with any confidence is that time does heal a heartache. I'm sure you know this but sometimes it helps if someone reminds you. It sounds like you have a good civil service/government job though? Mabye not?

Redgator, wow that's a bummer about Bob!! I can't imagine life without Bob in it. :) It sounds like your ex is stepping up to the plate regarding your kids. That's cool. But you divorced the same time you lost a job? That's a lot on a persons plate at once so, obviously you're a very strong woman.

Great stories. I really enjoyed all the various backgrounds of each of you - we're all coming from so many different directions. Isn't that interesting. It seems the independent drivers are enjoying what you do for a living so that's reassuring.

I think I understand. You're saying put my hands, palms facing me, at the bottom of the steering wheel with my hands against the backside of the steering wheel and, if I want my tandems to go left I would turn the wheel using my left hand (from the 6 o'clock position toward 9 then 12)?

Or, are your hands in specific places? For instance; left hand at 7 o'clock and right at 5 o'clock?

Or do I have this totally messed up?

That's a bummer. So, what are your options? Calling someone or waiting it out? I guess I'm curious about what you're supposed to do now? Well, look at the bright side at least your at a location where there's hot coffee, showers and food :)

THAT'S IT...no more lurking around on this page for me...

Eeek, it's pretty naive to think men couldn't read this isn't it? So, it's like Vegas in here Guy. What happens in Vegas stays in ...

Even not on the road it can be a crap shoot.

Red,

I'm going to email you my cell phone#. Class ends at 5 and I'm usually in bed by 9 so call me in the evenings. I'll talk to you anytime.

As far as "relations" don't forget Bob. You know, your Battery Operated Boyfriend.

I've been divorced 12 years and Bob has been one of my best friends!

LOL! He is a good friend to have indeed!!

Wow, this is REAL conversation in here. So, it looks like all the ladies in this thread are single? Probably hard to meet a quality man from a semi truck!

Really that's the last thing I'm even thinking about right now but, I'm sure at some point it will present itself. I've seen a lot of trucks parked very close in off the beaten path areas and wondered ... what they're up to? lol

So, what did you ladies do before you became truckers? What brought you into the business? I used to be a heavy equipment operator many moons ago, quit that to raise my two sons (both grown and independent men) and spoil my then husband. When my kids were older I went into management for many years until I was laid off in 2009. I've not been able to find a job that paid as well since.

I divorced last September after a two year seperation so, I now have my CDL license and I'm ready to try and make some money again. Life is really good and I sure hope I have no regrets about this lifestyle choice. Oh, and I intend on continuing my education via the internet while on the road. Figured I can take at least one course per semester until I figure out if more would be doable.

It would be cool to establish some trucker friends. I know I'll miss my girlfriends from home and I'll need to have some new ones who relate to this new career choice. :)

Mind you I never said anything that would undermind her dad or caretaker. Its just crappy becouse I have a daughter and hope and pray she isnt that mean. I am not looking foward to the teenage years ahead.

That was just a weird teenager. Teenagers are hell though so do a lot of praying :)

my training with another woman? I realize everyone is different and nobody here on a forum will be able predict my situation. What I'd like to know is things like this; * What was your experience like - when you reflect what is your overall opinion of it? * What are some positives and some negatives you took away from the experience? * Was your trainer a positive person or demanding and rude? * What was the shower situation like, if you get a free shower for fueling I'm assuming it's only one shower so, did you pay for your shower during training? * I'll be on the road for a month straight before I get to come home so, what are some essentials I should pack that I may not think about now? * Did anyone have an argument with their trainer? If so, why? * How do the male truckers typically treat you? * When/If you're in areas where you feel unsafe how do you handle it? What's do you do to create a safer atmosphere? * Does anyone have their dog with them? * Are they any joggers, bikers who get out and exercise? If yes what's your routine like?

Anything that comes to mind that you believe, as a woman, would have benefited you when you started driving would be appreciated. I start training at my new company on the 18th so I'd love to hear from all of you ladies on the road, starting, experienced, etc. Doesn't matter I enjoy having an opportunity to vicariously enjoy your experiences.