Heading for Roehl Tomorrow

Well week three has begun! We practiced backing this morning and then learned the truckstop pull through. That was cool. Unnerving driving in between two trailers. Man you get close as hell! All in the setup like the backing. After a few of those we hit the road. I went first and really had a good run. Joe said I am ready! Woohoo! My co-driver went next and had a little difficulty. He hit two curbs. His shifting had really improved and his backing is probably in the top two in the class but his "driving" is shaky. If he has a good run on test day I think he will make it. I just hope I don't do something stupid. I know I will be nervous! I guess all drivers must have felt similarly so I will be ok, I guess. lol.
I found out today that my water pump is going on my Explorer. Dam it! That will probably set me back 250 bucks. I need to get it done before I head home too! It couldnt have went when I got back home where I won't need it. Just my luck. Oh well better to know now, rather then on the road somewhere on my way home. Probably a blessing in disguise.

I can't believe RDTC is almost over. Wow this has gone by fast! From not ever being in anything bigger than a pickup truck to where I am now is amazing! Oh well, rambling a bit. I need to read some stuff and also need to hit the rack early. Stay safe all!

 

I actually have my class b cdl as well. I took mine on a schoolbus a long time ago. It is basically the same test with a few added things so I am familiar. I am really not worried about anything other than just plain screwing up on the roadtest. lol. I have been breezing through the pre-trip every morning without even using the cheat sheet that they allow you to use. My goal has been to know it cold and then use the list to remind me of something I might forget. I go too fast for my own good sometimes. As Joe says, slow my intensity down. Its the NY in me. lol.

I will ask the mechanics if anyone is interested in helping me out with the waterpump. I don't think I want to take the chance of breaking down on the road. A guy from advanced auto recommended a local guy if I have to go that route, but I would like to save some dough. Oh well, I got to get going. Two more days. Yeeha!!!

 

Well I got the water pump fixed by a local guy. It needed a belt tensioner as well. 300 bucks. Ouch! I talked to a few mechanics today but no one seemed to want a side job this week. Oh well, at least it is fixed. Brandon said he would lend me th tools. I would have tackled the job at home in my own driveway, but I don't consider myself handy enough to try it in a parking lot. I probably would have had to add a tow charge if I did. lol.

Well one more day of practicing and then test day! We did some more backing practice today and then headed out on the roads. We got to drive on the interstate and learned the on/off ramp procedure. We also had our pre-cdl test. Brian tested my truck and Joe did the other. We all failed except the other guy in my truck! All of us just amassed too many points for various things. I have to keep my head on a swivel. I look to much with my eyes! I just got so tense as well with Brian staring at me. lol. I will be ok on test day. I have decided! lol. I just need to relax and and drive, and maybe lay off the coffee! lol.

Well my whole house has the flu at home. My wife was in tears today. I felt so bad for her. Runinng a daycare when you are sick is torture, especially when 3 out of the 16 kids you are watching are yours, and have the flu too. I wish I was there to help her out. As much as I like Marshfield, maybe closer to family is where we should move. Her sister lives in PA so that maybe a better place for the family to be.

Oh well, I am going to relax for a bit and hit the whilrpool. Stay safe all!