Location:
CA
Driving Status:
Company Driver In Training
Social Link:
I am 55 years old. I've been lurking around here for a while now. I was laid off from my job at a major tech company a little over two years due to outsourcing. I've been researching trucking in-depth.
Right now, I'm working on getting some health and personal issues in order before finally deciding whether or not to take the plunge. If I do go in, I plan to go in all the way, work hard and do what the experts here advise to do in order to succeed.
Posted: 6 years, 4 months ago
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I am still with my mentor at CR England and have an Automatic Transmission Only designation on my CDL. I have no problem with that.
I started out training with another company that had manual transmissions. Frankly, after going over Donner Pass four times now, including at night (no snow, thank God), I realized that I'm a much safer/better driver on an automatic. I don't feel a manual transmission is for me, though I get that other people prefer them.
Best Regards, Colin
Posted: 6 years, 4 months ago
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Distractions Can Kill Your Career, or Worse - article by Rainy
Thank you for another great article, Rainy. I especially needed to hear that your DM expects you to make mistakes and that we should not beat ourselves up over them. I'm my own harshest critic and am trying to learn to not do that to myself. It's still a work in progress though.
Thanks again, Colin
Posted: 6 years, 4 months ago
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Update and sorry for the delay
Thank you for your kind words Brett and Harry. They help a great deal.
Overall, I am enjoying this a lot. When negative thoughts creep in, I try to get rid of them right away before they fester.
I had three weeks of school and tomorrow it will be four weeks with my trainer with zero home time in between. I'll get through it though, thanks to everyone here at TT.
Take care, Colin
Posted: 6 years, 4 months ago
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Thanks for your great stories and emphasizing having a positive attitude, Buckethead. They will serve me well as I get ready to transition away from my trainer soon.
Continued Success and Stay Safe, Colin
Posted: 6 years, 4 months ago
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Update and sorry for the delay
Greetings! I'm sorry for the delay in posting and for not finishing my diary yet. I'm still with my trainer. We either are running hard, and I have no time to update, or we are in an area that does not have phone/Internet service with my service provider.
I am hoping that we have the time for me to finish my required practice backs this week. I have found someone to team with that I get along with very well once that happens.
Today is one of those days that I find myself questioning my new career choice, but I'm sure it will pass.
Take care, everyone, Colin
Posted: 6 years, 5 months ago
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I'm glad things are working out, Big Scott.
My trainer likes to be early and I'm finding that is best. It can leave you time to deal with the unexpected and still be on time or early.
Be Safe! Colin
Posted: 6 years, 5 months ago
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Happy Independence Day, everybody, especially our veterans!
I am at a TA in Livingston, CA until the 6th, enjoying some downtime.
Be Safe, Everybody! Colin
Posted: 6 years, 5 months ago
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Thank you, Old School. It's hard work, but I'm enjoying it. I will confess to looking forward to some down time while trainer gets home time for the 4th though. I'll update more at that time.
Best Regards Colin
Posted: 6 years, 4 months ago
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Sleep Apnea
I have a CPAP machine. Yes, it does take some doing to get used to sleeping with a mask attached to an air hose, but it can be done. It is something I need to keep me from dying in my sleep. Why would I not wear it???
Make sure to keep your mask clean. This week I'm getting one of the mask cleaners like Rainy mentioned.
Good luck, Colin K.