Swift - Starting the New Year training with Swift 1/7/13 - A long read...

Ha ha, those people in the lounge are too funny. Good think I always have my camera along for just those types of occasions. I think tonight I'm going to actually get into this motel that is only a couple of miles from the terminal. I really want a decent nights sleep tonight before the first day of orientation. I will definitely keep good with the terminal manager. Can't wait to meet them.

No, it was confusing but you don't need to have your hardcopy of your license for orientation, just your actual license. Mine right now is paper. The issue before was actually just getting the paper copy because I was originally scheduled to leave early Saturday morning before the local licensing office opened. Then it was closed on Sunday and MOnday so I wouldn't have been able to get my paper copy. But, I made a later bus and was able to hit the licensing office early Saturday morning. So I'm all set for orientation.

Its been really cool being on my bike again after not riding for 3 weeks. I've been catching myself doing all those things I did while driving the truck while riding my motorcycle. Checking signs, intersections a little more, swinging my turns a little wider than usual, etc. I also keep seeing all the speed limit signs thinking "speed limit is 45, I'm doing 42" as we were trained. Jeez.

 

Lol, I've heard that about people and their shoes before. I also think there is a lot of truth to it. I'll keep an eye out for it tomorrow if/when we pass through the driver's lounge.
I'm curious what my shoes say about me, lol. I usually wear my black motorcycle riding boots. They were on clearance at Cycle Gear for $20. They look like they should be waterproof but they are barely so as I discovered once again today. Hopefully they says practical. Not sure what I'm going to wear yet driving. I have some sneakers with me as well and flip flops for the shower (only).

Can't wait to get out there with a mentor. I'm a little nervous since the only driving I have done was at the academy and then for the road test. I guess if anything I'm a little slow.

 

Today was a wet and grey day. As much as I love Washington state I think I was spoiled a little bit in Idaho seeing that big burning ball of fire on most days. Since I've been back here, as expected, it has been consistently raining and grey. I think it is definitely time to get out on the road and see some different weather, any kind of weather other than this.

I spent the day running back and forth in the wet on the bike. Got my brand new battery and it works wonderfully. Returned the helmet and gloves I bought yesterday (thought I needed them - didn't) and exchanged them for a new cable lock and waterproof Bilt cover. Got both on the bike right now down below outside my motel room. Lovely as my baby is somewhat more protected. Plan to use these when I park the bike at the terminal when I go out on the road.

I stopped at the post office to try and figure out this license situation. I waited in line anxiously as I had my brand new bike battery and cover strapped to the back of the bike. Since this is Tacoma, things happen and I was worried about coming back outside to them gone. I was thinking I should have just parked on the sidewalk outside but sometimes that is frowned upon. I finally got to speak to someone at the post office and was told that they will not forward my hard copy/laminated driver's license. The state won't allow me to pick up my license and the post office won't hold it. The only possible solution was to cancel my forwarded mail. I was told the quickest route was to do this online so as soon as I got to the hotel (free wifi) I got online and canceled my forwarded mail. Now we will see how it all plays out. I got the paper copy this past Saturday. That takes either 3-5 or 5-7 days to arrive. Today is Monday and yesterday the post offices were closed so technically only 1 business day has barely passed. The forwarding mail cancelation order takes about 3 days to process so my roommate is going to tell me if I receive the license at my old address. I'm wondering if the cancellation order will process in time before my license is sent down to the state capitol to be shredded. It's all very frustrating. I use my old address as my address but before I was getting my mail forwarded to Virginia so my roommate wouldn't have to receive all my junk mail I usually receive. They make you feel like a criminal yet I've worked pretty hard to get here. I would hate to see that license shredded.

Finally bid goodbye to my old roommate, returned his battery and loaded the huge duffel back on the bike to head over here to the motel. I'm only a couple of miles from the terminal so I plan on getting up at 5:00 AM for the 7:00 AM start of class. I'm pretty excited.

Hopefully that red light camera ticket I got the day before I left for training won't make any difference. From what I have heard it doesn't go on your driving record since it wasn't given by a police officer. It's simply a revenue generator so I'm hoping this is true.

I checked in here at the Sumner Motor Inn and after some thought went down to the lobby and reserved tomorrow night too. I'm sick of loading up this duffel onto the back of my bike. Not only is it heavy but it's not waterproof so it's starting to get my stuff a little wet. I have everything rigged up in the room right now in front of the heater drying everything off. It's working well. One thing I learned out here riding in the rain after so many years it so be resourceful. I've been known to dry out gloves and things under the hand dryers in restaurant bathrooms. You gotta do what is necessary to stay warm.

Going to finish getting everything ready for the morning. I think I got it all. Just want to be able to gear up and jump on the bike to head over to the terminal. I'm excited. Looking forward to seeing some of those guys from my training last week. I think there is 3 or 4 of them attending orientation at this terminal.