See Lour Panic.
See Lour Freak-Out.
Stop Lour, stop!
See Lour suck it up and get ready to go back to the STA.
Go Lour, go!
*chuckles* Whatever. The point is that Grey & I went up and re-took our Drug Screening and so we should (FINALLY) be ready to go back to the STA and get driving our Pumpkin. Woot.
Whatever happens from here on out, I'm just so ready for the whole thing to be over. Jeez, what a production. What a long month. What a *sigh* ... oy vey.
March 26, 2008
March 24, 2008
Still Debating
I am still debating pros & cons and my fear versus my enjoyment.
Although I did contact my family doctor and get a note to clear me to return to "work" (aka Training), I'm still not 100% sure that its right for me. And I think that's okay. The opportunity for Grey & I is still something we're excited about, but the reality of tight-spacing, city-driving, et cetera with that massive machine worries me.
Which is sad, because I loved driving on the highway and the rural roads. I can couple & uncouple a trailer, I can do my PTI, my FCOB check, my PoTI, and the instructors who all observed or drove with me said I was doing great. I don't think they'd lie about it.
One thing that sticks with me - and worries me - is something Jim said. He told me that "[we] can fix any bad habit or help you learn any skill, if you're willing. That's not a problem. What we can't fix is what's inside your head." He was referring to my tendancy to get flustered when I made a mistake (missed a gear, for instance). I don't know if that's something I can overcome.
You see, I notice that same tendancy in other areas of my life, so its not truck-specific. For instance, in a large group while playing a MMORPG - I am the only healer so it can get a little hairy trying to make sure each member stays alive. Normally, I am quite good at this, but sometimes I hit the wrong button or something and I get frusterated and flustered and then hit another wrong button. Obviously, this is trivial, but its a good example. The life or death in a video game isn't the same as the life-or-death-or-extreme-property-damage of driving a truck.
So yes, I am still considering it. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I feel as though driving is something I would be good at, none of the classroom work phased me, and I think I'd be just dandy with life in a truck... its just the city-driving that has me worried. Panicky. Frusterated.
Worried.
Bah. I'll let ya'll know what happens.
Although I did contact my family doctor and get a note to clear me to return to "work" (aka Training), I'm still not 100% sure that its right for me. And I think that's okay. The opportunity for Grey & I is still something we're excited about, but the reality of tight-spacing, city-driving, et cetera with that massive machine worries me.
Which is sad, because I loved driving on the highway and the rural roads. I can couple & uncouple a trailer, I can do my PTI, my FCOB check, my PoTI, and the instructors who all observed or drove with me said I was doing great. I don't think they'd lie about it.
One thing that sticks with me - and worries me - is something Jim said. He told me that "[we] can fix any bad habit or help you learn any skill, if you're willing. That's not a problem. What we can't fix is what's inside your head." He was referring to my tendancy to get flustered when I made a mistake (missed a gear, for instance). I don't know if that's something I can overcome.
You see, I notice that same tendancy in other areas of my life, so its not truck-specific. For instance, in a large group while playing a MMORPG - I am the only healer so it can get a little hairy trying to make sure each member stays alive. Normally, I am quite good at this, but sometimes I hit the wrong button or something and I get frusterated and flustered and then hit another wrong button. Obviously, this is trivial, but its a good example. The life or death in a video game isn't the same as the life-or-death-or-extreme-property-damage of driving a truck.
So yes, I am still considering it. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I feel as though driving is something I would be good at, none of the classroom work phased me, and I think I'd be just dandy with life in a truck... its just the city-driving that has me worried. Panicky. Frusterated.
Worried.
Bah. I'll let ya'll know what happens.
March 21, 2008
What Goes Up...
Must come down.
Grey is almost ready to head back to the STA. Probably next Friday, 3/29, if they can squeeze him in. Note that that reads Grey alone and not Grey & I. I've been having some second, third, fourth, fifth... *sigh* thoughts about my ability to deal with the stress of driving a huge semi in small, confined places (city streets).
So, he is headed back alone. I think. F**K! I don't know. I really loved driving that truck, and I really loved the opportunity it presented us, but at the same time... I think I just worry too much. Maybe I'll talk to Grey one more time before we make a final decision. BLEH!
Someone, anyone - help! (lol)
Grey is almost ready to head back to the STA. Probably next Friday, 3/29, if they can squeeze him in. Note that that reads Grey alone and not Grey & I. I've been having some second, third, fourth, fifth... *sigh* thoughts about my ability to deal with the stress of driving a huge semi in small, confined places (city streets).
So, he is headed back alone. I think. F**K! I don't know. I really loved driving that truck, and I really loved the opportunity it presented us, but at the same time... I think I just worry too much. Maybe I'll talk to Grey one more time before we make a final decision. BLEH!
Someone, anyone - help! (lol)
March 17, 2008
Preparations - Again
Oy vey.
Grey & I want to thank everyone for their support as we get ready to (re)embark on this adventure. Friends, family, strangers, fellow pumpkin-folk - THANK you!
Meanwhile, we are still waiting for a doctor's appointment and washing clothes and whatnot. Its less exciting this time, I have to admit, but I'm sure everything will go splendidly this time.
At the moment its 2 a.m. and we're watching (well, listening to mostly) Xena: Warrior Princess on Netflix "Watch Instantly" and playing LOTRO. Ugh, its gonna be difficult getting up at 4 a.m. again in just a few days. Better get started on it ASAP.
Anyway - thanks again everyone!
Grey & I want to thank everyone for their support as we get ready to (re)embark on this adventure. Friends, family, strangers, fellow pumpkin-folk - THANK you!
Meanwhile, we are still waiting for a doctor's appointment and washing clothes and whatnot. Its less exciting this time, I have to admit, but I'm sure everything will go splendidly this time.
At the moment its 2 a.m. and we're watching (well, listening to mostly) Xena: Warrior Princess on Netflix "Watch Instantly" and playing LOTRO. Ugh, its gonna be difficult getting up at 4 a.m. again in just a few days. Better get started on it ASAP.
Anyway - thanks again everyone!
March 10, 2008
And the hits just keep on comin' ...
Yeah.
So, Grey is still sick and I have to admit, I'm not yet 100% either. Maybe it wasn't the Chinese after all, but a bout with that flu-bug that was going around at my previous job. I'm not sure.
Anyway, we have been re-scheduled for 3/22 in Carlisle, but we have to start all over again, including the *gasp* PWS screening. So I shall be re-stressing out over that for the next 12 days. Not to mention that we must fax a doctor's clearance to "return to work" and our family doctor cannot see us until 3/19. Eek! We're praying for a cancellation before then. He is going on vacation in 2 weeks, so naturally everybody and his brother has an appointment between now and then.
Looks like we'll get to meet CityMouse & her hubby after all.
In the meanime, I'm watching bad movies on Netflix "Watch Instantly" and praying a lot. So, updates will continue, but we'll have to begin again at the STA.
So, Grey is still sick and I have to admit, I'm not yet 100% either. Maybe it wasn't the Chinese after all, but a bout with that flu-bug that was going around at my previous job. I'm not sure.
Anyway, we have been re-scheduled for 3/22 in Carlisle, but we have to start all over again, including the *gasp* PWS screening. So I shall be re-stressing out over that for the next 12 days. Not to mention that we must fax a doctor's clearance to "return to work" and our family doctor cannot see us until 3/19. Eek! We're praying for a cancellation before then. He is going on vacation in 2 weeks, so naturally everybody and his brother has an appointment between now and then.
Looks like we'll get to meet CityMouse & her hubby after all.
In the meanime, I'm watching bad movies on Netflix "Watch Instantly" and praying a lot. So, updates will continue, but we'll have to begin again at the STA.
March 09, 2008
Carlisle STA - Questions Answered
Below are some questions we received from CityMouse (Hi!) who we "met" so-to-speak via the PumpkinDriver.com forums. She had a few questions about the Carlisle STA and said that maybe it would be smart to post them so that other folks with similar questions can get the info.
1. Do you have both a fridge and microwave in your room?
In the HOJO we stayed in, in Carlisle, PA, there was a mini-fridge in the room and a microwave down the hall. There was also no coffee maker in the room like in other motels I've stayed in. When we head back on Monday, we plan to stop at Wal-mart and pick up a little 4-cup coffeepot for about 10 bucks because Grey is really grumpy without his morning java.
2. What is the provided breakfast, cereal and coffee? Or eggs and fruit and juice?
The continental breakfast at the HOJO was pretty lame. The Schneider students are placed in a seperate, old building off the main motel and we have our own breakfast spread there. Its two kinds of cereal (fruit loops & cheerios), 2% milk, assorted mini-muffins, assorted instant oatmeal, eggo toaster waffles, apple or orange juice, powdered sugar or plain doughnuts, bagels, or apples and bananas. Not as "nice" as I've experienced elsewhere. We're taking our own cereal this time, just for variety, but its not really necessary.
3. What is the provided lunch? Where do you eat it?
Schneider provides you with lunch coupons worth 6.00 at the cafeteria. There is a list of student options (to show what you can get w/out having to spend your own money) seperate from the main list, but you can always get more/other things if you're willing to pay the difference between the cost & the 6.00 they give you.
The options change from day-to-day, and some things are better than others. Fried chicken breast or grilled chicken breast sandwiches served me pretty well, with a side salad or steamed veggies. They include a fountain drink as well with the student options. Its not like, world-class cuisine, but its not terrible either. Filling enough.
There are vending machines too, but they seem kinda of pricy. Grey and I bought string cheese and granola bars to keep in our backpacks for a snack and I took a bottle of water too, because I tend to get thirsty.
As far as where, there's a cafeteria where truckers, employees and students all eat. Fold-out-style tables and decent chairs.
4. What are the choices for dinner?
Well, you're on your own for dinner. The HOJO does breakfast, the STA does lunch and dinner is up to you. We went to Wal-Mart (two exits south on I-81) the first night and got lunch meat and bread and a few other basic things. That did us well but then we ran out and were too tired to go out the night we ordered in.
There are a few fast food restaurants around like Arby's and McDonalds. Several pizza joints that deliver to the HOJO. Palumbo's was recommended to us. And the Chen's Chinese, which we suspect was the cause of our illness. We both had the same dish that night. It could have been something else though - but I can't imagine it was the STA food because no other students caught it.
5. Are the classes at the OC? Carlisle has a cafeteria and exercise equipment. I know the focus is on class, study and sleep, but a shortwalk on the treadmill may help me keep my brain cells revved up.
Yes, classes are at the OC. There is a cafeteria, yes and you can go back there to buy dinner if you like, or to do laundry or exercise as you like. We took a couple quick walks around the big parking lot, but it was pretty chilly and we're wussies ;)
That's it. I apologize for typos or other silly mistakes because I was typing very quickly. Hopefully, this will help someone else who is getting ready for Carlisle (or, probably, any STA).
1. Do you have both a fridge and microwave in your room?
In the HOJO we stayed in, in Carlisle, PA, there was a mini-fridge in the room and a microwave down the hall. There was also no coffee maker in the room like in other motels I've stayed in. When we head back on Monday, we plan to stop at Wal-mart and pick up a little 4-cup coffeepot for about 10 bucks because Grey is really grumpy without his morning java.
2. What is the provided breakfast, cereal and coffee? Or eggs and fruit and juice?
The continental breakfast at the HOJO was pretty lame. The Schneider students are placed in a seperate, old building off the main motel and we have our own breakfast spread there. Its two kinds of cereal (fruit loops & cheerios), 2% milk, assorted mini-muffins, assorted instant oatmeal, eggo toaster waffles, apple or orange juice, powdered sugar or plain doughnuts, bagels, or apples and bananas. Not as "nice" as I've experienced elsewhere. We're taking our own cereal this time, just for variety, but its not really necessary.
3. What is the provided lunch? Where do you eat it?
Schneider provides you with lunch coupons worth 6.00 at the cafeteria. There is a list of student options (to show what you can get w/out having to spend your own money) seperate from the main list, but you can always get more/other things if you're willing to pay the difference between the cost & the 6.00 they give you.
The options change from day-to-day, and some things are better than others. Fried chicken breast or grilled chicken breast sandwiches served me pretty well, with a side salad or steamed veggies. They include a fountain drink as well with the student options. Its not like, world-class cuisine, but its not terrible either. Filling enough.
There are vending machines too, but they seem kinda of pricy. Grey and I bought string cheese and granola bars to keep in our backpacks for a snack and I took a bottle of water too, because I tend to get thirsty.
As far as where, there's a cafeteria where truckers, employees and students all eat. Fold-out-style tables and decent chairs.
4. What are the choices for dinner?
Well, you're on your own for dinner. The HOJO does breakfast, the STA does lunch and dinner is up to you. We went to Wal-Mart (two exits south on I-81) the first night and got lunch meat and bread and a few other basic things. That did us well but then we ran out and were too tired to go out the night we ordered in.
There are a few fast food restaurants around like Arby's and McDonalds. Several pizza joints that deliver to the HOJO. Palumbo's was recommended to us. And the Chen's Chinese, which we suspect was the cause of our illness. We both had the same dish that night. It could have been something else though - but I can't imagine it was the STA food because no other students caught it.
5. Are the classes at the OC? Carlisle has a cafeteria and exercise equipment. I know the focus is on class, study and sleep, but a shortwalk on the treadmill may help me keep my brain cells revved up.
Yes, classes are at the OC. There is a cafeteria, yes and you can go back there to buy dinner if you like, or to do laundry or exercise as you like. We took a couple quick walks around the big parking lot, but it was pretty chilly and we're wussies ;)
That's it. I apologize for typos or other silly mistakes because I was typing very quickly. Hopefully, this will help someone else who is getting ready for Carlisle (or, probably, any STA).
March 08, 2008
Classium Interruptus
Please excuse the lack of updates - Grey & I are still dead-set and excited about the STA, SNI, and team-driving.
Unfortunately, we made the mistake of ordering Chinese and ended up with a nasty (nasty) case of Food Poisoning.
We are at home to rest and recouperate for the weekend and - if they have room - Neil has assured us we can start up again Tuesday. Wish us luck - again - and we'll keep updating as soon as we're back at the HOJO.
~Lour & Grey, fighting over the single toilet for three days is not fun... *sigh*
Unfortunately, we made the mistake of ordering Chinese and ended up with a nasty (nasty) case of Food Poisoning.
We are at home to rest and recouperate for the weekend and - if they have room - Neil has assured us we can start up again Tuesday. Wish us luck - again - and we'll keep updating as soon as we're back at the HOJO.
~Lour & Grey, fighting over the single toilet for three days is not fun... *sigh*
March 05, 2008
STA - Day Four
Wow.
Our time here is just blazin' by. Its already the start of Day Five and even though I slept pretty long last night, I don't think it was very good sleep. And thanks to CBS morning news, I know way more about the primaries last night than I really wanted to know.
So, day four was flipping HARD. I mean, HARD. After a brief meeting with our in-truck instructor (I'm with Greg, Grey is with Jim B.) we went out to the trucks and got the day started. Jimmy was my co-classmate for the day and he'd never driven a manual transmission - ever - so his shifting was a little ugly but it was pretty cool to see how he improved over the course of the day. My shifting wasn't terrible but the bump & run to come down kept baffling me. Breaking my rhythm. Clutch-neutral, rev, clutch-gear. Ugh.
Anyway. We bobtailed around the yard in the morning, just to get a feel for it. Apparently I "granny-hand" the steering wheel and need to work on my hand-over-hand motions. Do-able, definitely. I was just SO nervous.
After lunch though, came the real horrifying thing. We took the truck and trailer out on live roads. For instance, up Rt.11 and onto the Carlisle Pike (a very busy road with shopping on both sides and rush-hours that last from dawn to midnight :P). I seriously thought about bailing when we found out we had to go on the real streets.
But we survived and apparently Greg had enough faith in me to have me take the highway back to the STA. So that's a good thing.
Grey and I are having doubts this morning though. He is having a little more trouble shifting than I am and I think his nerves about the future are getting to him. I know they are for me. This really does seem like our "last chance" or "best hope" and so its a lot of added pressure.
Anyway, its getting close to 6 and I need to scarf down some Cheerios before we catch the pumpkin bus.
Our time here is just blazin' by. Its already the start of Day Five and even though I slept pretty long last night, I don't think it was very good sleep. And thanks to CBS morning news, I know way more about the primaries last night than I really wanted to know.
So, day four was flipping HARD. I mean, HARD. After a brief meeting with our in-truck instructor (I'm with Greg, Grey is with Jim B.) we went out to the trucks and got the day started. Jimmy was my co-classmate for the day and he'd never driven a manual transmission - ever - so his shifting was a little ugly but it was pretty cool to see how he improved over the course of the day. My shifting wasn't terrible but the bump & run to come down kept baffling me. Breaking my rhythm. Clutch-neutral, rev, clutch-gear. Ugh.
Anyway. We bobtailed around the yard in the morning, just to get a feel for it. Apparently I "granny-hand" the steering wheel and need to work on my hand-over-hand motions. Do-able, definitely. I was just SO nervous.
After lunch though, came the real horrifying thing. We took the truck and trailer out on live roads. For instance, up Rt.11 and onto the Carlisle Pike (a very busy road with shopping on both sides and rush-hours that last from dawn to midnight :P). I seriously thought about bailing when we found out we had to go on the real streets.
But we survived and apparently Greg had enough faith in me to have me take the highway back to the STA. So that's a good thing.
Grey and I are having doubts this morning though. He is having a little more trouble shifting than I am and I think his nerves about the future are getting to him. I know they are for me. This really does seem like our "last chance" or "best hope" and so its a lot of added pressure.
Anyway, its getting close to 6 and I need to scarf down some Cheerios before we catch the pumpkin bus.
March 04, 2008
STA - Day Three
Eek! I didn't get a chance to update last night, after Day Three, because we ran to Wal-Mart to get gloves, ponchos, magnifying glasses and pocket calculators. We were seperated yesterday for the Sim & Lab lessons - I went to those in the morning, then back to class in the afternoon and Grey was vice versa.
We were both really grateful for the "experience" of shifting in the simulator so we don't go completely blind into the real truck today (TODAY?!?! AHHHHH!). I think I got the up-shifting pretty well, rev bump bump. But the bump & run on the way down was giving me fits. I ground a bunch of gears trying to get the clutch-neutral, rev, clutch-gear rhythm down. O'well. It wasn't as horrible as I thought.
We also learned coupling and uncoupling and how to safely climb in & out of the truck and the catwalk. My stubby little legs made it interesting, but I made it - no worries. Whew!
Today we're headed out to the trucks for the first time - to drive them. Grey & I are both excited and nervous. Should be interesting ;) Wish us luck!
We were both really grateful for the "experience" of shifting in the simulator so we don't go completely blind into the real truck today (TODAY?!?! AHHHHH!). I think I got the up-shifting pretty well, rev bump bump. But the bump & run on the way down was giving me fits. I ground a bunch of gears trying to get the clutch-neutral, rev, clutch-gear rhythm down. O'well. It wasn't as horrible as I thought.
We also learned coupling and uncoupling and how to safely climb in & out of the truck and the catwalk. My stubby little legs made it interesting, but I made it - no worries. Whew!
Today we're headed out to the trucks for the first time - to drive them. Grey & I are both excited and nervous. Should be interesting ;) Wish us luck!
March 02, 2008
STA - Day Two
Ah, Sunday, I barely knew ye.
I swear, we passed out last night and blinked and it was 4:30 on Sunday and Day Two began. Fortunately (or not) I apparently got enough sleep because I was hyper and excited and could hardly keep from dancing everytime we were on our feet.
The day was pretty uneventful - studying logging requirements and some fatigue goodies. Nothing strenuous, not yet, but tomorrow we hit the Simulators for the first time and have to learn about shifting those big, scary manual transmissions.
10 gears? Jeez.
1st - zero. 2nd - 6. 3rd - 8. 4th - 10. 5th - 15. 6th - 20. 7th - 25. 8th - 30. 9th - 40. 10th - 50 and up.
Woot. Now if we can just remember all that, we're good to go. You should see Grey & I sitting side-by-side shifting in the air with our right hands. Its amusing. And now - back to the Food Network (Oy! I have missed cable tv) or a little Without a Trace and sleeps for me.
I swear, we passed out last night and blinked and it was 4:30 on Sunday and Day Two began. Fortunately (or not) I apparently got enough sleep because I was hyper and excited and could hardly keep from dancing everytime we were on our feet.
The day was pretty uneventful - studying logging requirements and some fatigue goodies. Nothing strenuous, not yet, but tomorrow we hit the Simulators for the first time and have to learn about shifting those big, scary manual transmissions.
10 gears? Jeez.
1st - zero. 2nd - 6. 3rd - 8. 4th - 10. 5th - 15. 6th - 20. 7th - 25. 8th - 30. 9th - 40. 10th - 50 and up.
Woot. Now if we can just remember all that, we're good to go. You should see Grey & I sitting side-by-side shifting in the air with our right hands. Its amusing. And now - back to the Food Network (Oy! I have missed cable tv) or a little Without a Trace and sleeps for me.
March 01, 2008
STA - Day One
Well, Grey & I arrived at the HOJO at around 8pm last night as snow fell all around in a nasty little storm. But we were safe and we're in a room together, which is lovely. Its not too ghetto, but its not exactly the Ritz.
Anyway, we arrived, we're safe and that's all that really matters.
We didn't get up as early as planned and I didn't sleep for beans (I blame the Arby's Motz sticks I had for a late dinner) but we made it to the continental breakfast room on time and got to the bus with plenty of time to spare.
The big orange pumpkin bus picked us up and shuttled us about 10 minutes up the road to the Carlisle OC. It was actually smaller than I pictured. Anyway, they led us up to the portable classroom and we got started on the gads of paperwork. Oy vey.
Our instructor today was Mike Dakan and we only had about 12 people in the class. So far, everyone has been awesome.
I'd write more, but Grey wants to use the laptop for a bit. So to cut it short, both Grey & I passed the PWS test and all I can say is... well, hear it :P
Anyway, we arrived, we're safe and that's all that really matters.
We didn't get up as early as planned and I didn't sleep for beans (I blame the Arby's Motz sticks I had for a late dinner) but we made it to the continental breakfast room on time and got to the bus with plenty of time to spare.
The big orange pumpkin bus picked us up and shuttled us about 10 minutes up the road to the Carlisle OC. It was actually smaller than I pictured. Anyway, they led us up to the portable classroom and we got started on the gads of paperwork. Oy vey.
Our instructor today was Mike Dakan and we only had about 12 people in the class. So far, everyone has been awesome.
I'd write more, but Grey wants to use the laptop for a bit. So to cut it short, both Grey & I passed the PWS test and all I can say is... well, hear it :P
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