Comments By Chris (the chick)

Meep.

Don't quote me since I'm the newbie, but my understanding is that psychiatric health is a huge deal when obtaining Hazmat endorsements -- particularly after 9/11. It doesn't seem like it'd be an issue for truckers in general, but does seem Hazmat does specifically mention clean/lack of psychiatric history. For someone who's had previous bouts of depression, I really hope the triggers have been assessed and are known.... and taken into serious consideration with trucking. Relying on pills is no bueno, IMHO -- personally, I'd say meds mask the real underlying issues (for many, though meds are good for actual chemical imbalances). Even diet changes can help with depression, for instance, etc. Personally, being solo is depressing but I figure better be solo out on the road getting paid and traveling the country like i've been wanting to than sitting home and heavily date Netflix.

Question -- from my time browsing through threads on here, I found it's repeatedly with strong emphasis to report all driving history, etc with no exclusions. So now I'm wondering something -- If I had received a letter notice of license suspension with an order to turn in plates for insurance lapse, but also received a letter notice of said "suspension" rescinded in my singular batch of mail (practically sent either same day or day after or whatever, just was a difference in time they received updated status on my insurance) -- is this to be reported to companies and considered having had my license suspended, thus answering "yes" to the question of "have you ever had.. "?

I thought manual were the standard/typical still these days?

Just be mindful of that softened enamel so soon after... supposedly, we were taught wrong about brushing after eating our entire lives. It's been changed to before eating? (da heck...? "mmmm minty tuna fish samwich!", i think not!). Something about the consumption and beverages softening the enamels and the brushing becomes a corrosive act (damaging) so it's now recommended to wait (forget how long) before brushing after. So that leaves, er, mouthwash? Or just eating another one.

TBH, fried foods and sugary stuff is more an acquired taste. Can train the self to no longer crave such, especially if diet has been changed to the natural elements (strawberries instead of strawberry glazed donuts) -- I personally no longer really crave such sugary things as my fruits and veggies are adequate. As for fried... go without it for a while, then it actually tastes icky, "omg, ew, i totally taste the oil. gross!"

If anyone's succeed with the hammock situation... Must. See. Photos! Complete with instructions!! OMG now my imagination's running too wild, thanks.

So, suggestion before anyone actually dies of cinnabetes (get it?! cinnabon diabetes. hahaha, me so fun-nay!) ....... a cinnabon-scented thing to sniff on whenever you want the cinnabon?! supposedly works to cut down on cravings and such, when we want to actually control our diet, haha. I tried it before with gum just to test it out, and it did work.

mouth's last conversation with the cinnabon:

mouth: "I'm sorry, cinnabon, but we need to break up."

cinna: "Noooo!! But you love my sugar! You neeeeeed my sugar! You must have my icing, you know you can't resist!"

mouth: "This is so hard for me to do, but I must not anymore! Here, rub yourself all over this parchment paper. go ahead, spread yourself!!! You smell so heavenly... good lawrd. Hurry up! Get that delicious aroma in the paper, quickly, before you're digested forever!"

cinna: *rubs all over* "But you love me.... Truly madly deeply, you told me!"

mouth: "I do, too much. But I need to love myself so deeply more! So please, just finish marinating that parchment!"

cinna: "Oh, fine! I think I've released all my juices... treasure the aroma forever, will you? Please. Come back to me!!!!"

mouth: "No, no!!!! I"m not taking you back! After I'm done with you, I'm done!!! My mouth is done! DONE, you hear me?!" *brings cinnabon to mouth*

cinna: "You're gonna regret thi --"

((long bittersweet pause))

mouth: "I want another one." *stares at the parchment somberly. sighs sadly and brings to nose.*

nose: *inhales deeply* "MMMM, baby. Oh yassssssss, that so hits the spot!"

Thanks for the info. I heard from a Covenant driver to avoid Swift like the plague.

Funny, I heard from Swift to avoid Covenant like the plague!

(ok, tbh.... i did hear both, but point? every company would say avoid the other, anyway. some are just more mature/professional about it lol)

Chris, That is a big list and quite ambitious! Many days you will burn through your entire 14 hour clock. You still need to eat, shower, shop, pre and post trip. Oh yeah.... Sleep too! Trust me, there isn't much time to do all of the above when you are turning miles. Not to say there is no down time, but life on the road was an eye opener for me, and in my previous life I regularly worked 60 hour weeks! You'll find out soon enough!

Hey now, I didn't say I'd do all those things every day/every trip!!!! LOL that was just a list of *options* I'll be providing myself with, to do whatever I choose whenever.... since I'm a person who loathes routine. Not looking to become the automated/auto-pilot employee anywhere, including in the trucking business so, of course, I'm going to provide myself with versatility! I'm just not going to sit here and think I'm stuck with my hotspot and books, or even just one type of workout equipment. Nuh huh!

I've heard Qualcomm navigation cannot be viewed while in motion (just like messages cannot be read) and hence suggested to have own supplemental navigational system.