[terrylamar]

We did some more backing today and parallel parked for the first time. I drive a F350 Crew Cab pulling a 10' trailer all the time. This must help, I haven't had any pull-ups in straight line backing and only one in parallel parking. The course was already set up, one instructor stayed behind so I asked if I could practice on my own, I tried it with out it being shown or explained, of course I screwed up. The instructor then explained it to me and I've nailed in every time since. I got to go out on the road for the first time, today. Don't ask me about shifting... yet. Some of the other students in class are having problems with various skills, mainly straight line backing, yet when a truck is open they seem reluctant to drive. I've got a spring in my butt, anytime a truck is available I'll drive. I'll stay at lunch, I'll volunteer to help part the trucks at the end of the day, whatever it takes to get drive time.

[starman5196]

Isn't it a great feeling to get behind the wheel? I hope that feeling doesn't wear off as time and miles go by. I love being out on the road and seeing new things. Too many years stuck in HEB waiting on customers I guess.

Hope you have continued success with the training

[terrylamar]

Originally Posted by starman5196

Isn't it a great feeling to get behind the wheel? I hope that feeling doesn't wear off as time and miles go by. I love being out on the road and seeing new things. Too many years stuck in HEB waiting on customers I guess.

Hope you have continued success with the training

Thanks starman. I know you are leaving soon and I'm tied up in school and I'll be at a gunshow in Houstom this weekend or I'd invite you to a cup of coffee at Starbucks. I'll catch you one of these days.

[starman5196]

Keep me posted on your progress. Will be back in RR around Nov 10th or so. Who are you going to drive for?

[terrylamar]

Originally Posted by starman5196

Keep me posted on your progress. Will be back in RR around Nov 10th or so. Who are you going to drive for?

I have decided on TMC, Long Haul Division. I graduate October 28 and I might be in Iowa about that time. November 10th is my birthday, my Marine birthday, that is.

[starman5196]

Hmmmmmm - November in Iowa. Dress warn Texas boy. Your blood is waaaay to thin for that. I grew up in Iowa and Illinois but I don't think I could last up there any more. Been in wonderful Texas too long. Maybe we'll meet up there and have that cup of coffee

[terrylamar]

Originally Posted by starman5196

Hmmmmmm - November in Iowa. Dress warn Texas boy. Your blood is waaaay to thin for that. I grew up in Iowa and Illinois but I don't think I could last up there any more. Been in wonderful Texas too long. Maybe we'll meet up there and have that cup of coffee

That's where Headquarters is. I'm not going to live there!

[starman5196]

Won't you have to be up there for a little while for orientation? Aren't they based out of Des Moines? I like that area but it's even nicer along the Mississippi River - better fishing and 5 beautiful grand daughters live in the Quad City area. Makes it kinda special

[terrylamar]

Originally Posted by starman5196

Won't you have to be up there for a little while for orientation? Aren't they based out of Des Moines? I like that area but it's even nicer along the Mississippi River - better fishing and 5 beautiful grand daughters live in the Quad City area. Makes it kinda special

Yeah, I'll be there two weeks, then they send me back to Texas for six weeks with my trainer, afterwards I get my own truck. Grand Daughters, how old are you? I'm 50. I'm getting a late start in trucking. I don't think it will slow me down at all.

[starman5196]

Terry - I'll be 58 in a few weeks and just got into trucking myself. I've only had my own truck for a month now so I'm still learing too. Got to say that I'm enjoying my new career and it's making me feel like a youngster again - guess I was due for a change. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.