Training Week 1

Wow! It has been a crazy few days! I'm currently somewhere in Maryland, and Don is somewhere in Kansas. We met up with our trainers (whom, incidentally, are both very nice people!), and have been learning a lot every day.

Sunset in South Carolina

My first day, I experienced driving with and without a trailer, as well as with an empty and with a full trailer. I drove in rain and over hills, and saw the aftermath of 2 major vehicle accidents as well as witnessed a trailer drop (falling off the truck due to being improperly hooked up). I successfully picked up and/or delivered two loads over short distances and picked up a trailer for the next day before calling it a night.

My second day was even crazier - we had to wait most of the day for repairs to be made, then when we finally got rolling we ended up in terrible weather - lightning, rolling thunder, and torrential downpours, the kind that force you to drive 20 mph in a 70mph zone because you can't see the car in front of you! It finally cleared up near sunset and I got to experience some night driving before the weather turned nasty again. In a short period of time, there was so much water on the road and the lights were gleaming off of it in just the right way that I couldn't see where my lane lines were. To make it worse, my trailer tires were slipping in the water on the road. Let's just say I was a little stressed out! I called it a night and my trainer finished driving the load in, and we got it to its destination on time the next morning.

Don's driving so far hasn't been quite so bad, but he has spent more time waiting around for loads, or waiting to drop loads off due to paperwork errors (the company's fault, not his), or waiting around for the service department to come fix a flat tire! He too has experienced some bad weather and less than ideal driving conditions.

Clouds before the storm

Backing is still difficult for me but I'm getting better with daily practice. I've learned how to deal with hills, narrow roads, and bad directions! I've been cut off by cars as well as by other truck drivers, and nearly run off the road because of drivers not paying attention.

However, in the course of the last few days, we have seen some beautiful country. We've seen sunrises and sunsets, thunderstorms and rainbows. We've seen trees and lakes and clouds and flowers and people picnicking. And driving is fun. Driving down an open road, enjoying beautiful scenery and getting the job done is fun.

This training period is not easy. Being apart from each other is difficult. Learning the ins and outs and details of driving is stressful. But when we are back together, in our own truck, it will be worth it. Until then, we will "embrace the suck"* and stay positive. This isn't forever, this too shall pass. And then I'll be back with the love of my life, doing something that we enjoy and making money at the same time! Doesn't that sound great!


*military term meaning to deal with things you don't like and keep a good attitude