Comments By Homefire

Thanks so much for your support Starcar. I was starting to feel a little silly, but typing it all out is helping me...

I am so amazed by all the lady truckers that are here! You Go Girls with your Bad Selves...lol

Doing something different was starting to feel weird, so I am relieved that you think it will be valuable.

After I talked to him again last night he gave more detail about how his class is structured.

They covered all the basic human resources stuff (pay, benefits, policies) and issued the company book (a 2" binder packed full of material). The instructors identified which drivers were looking to leave out with a trainer right away (after finishing school) and which would like hometime first. My soon-to-be went into this with the idea he would take the first trainer ASAP after school ends, he communicated that point and we aren't sure which way it will go.

They talked about all the basics: pretrip, vehicle systems, control systems, coupling/uncoupling, shifting, ect.

Today they are working on trip planning and log books. His company issues a paper log pre-printed with the company info that all the students will use in addition to the qualcom system so they can learn paper logging.

Wednesday starts shifting practice (where they will log into qualcom for the first time) and Thursday they will learn coupling and uncoupling (hands on).

Half of the class will go on the road next week, while the other half learn to back. The groups will switch and repeat for the following week (final week).

He said he may get to the terminal close by when they go on the road (they often have the students come to the busy terminal that is about 25 minutes from home for us) so there may be a lunch date in our future or at least a glimpse and a wave if he is in and out.

I feel a little silly posting so much so often, but I am really enjoying the outlet and hope that at least some of this info may be useful to a newbie/newbie significant.

Thanks for your tolerance..lol :)

No roommate as of this afternoon. He was able to call after class and tell us about his day, the kids were happy to talk to him :)

Day 1 of classroom training went well for my soon-to-be-trucker.

He filled out a ton of paperwork and met his classmates. There are 11 students total. He has 8 chapters of homework from the company issued book. He told me that tomorrow will be another classroom day and Wednesday they will be learning to shift.

I kept to my routine at home and although I missed him dearly, it was a very productive day. I kept him "updated" through FB so he can check it while he has time: including pictures and anecdotes about the day.

The hardest parts of the day for me have been the times we are used to being together. My 10 yr old said she cried a little at school today, but she is feeling less sad this afternoon. He will call again before the kids bedtime.

So far so good.

Thanks again for listening.

I just got my first call from him. I could tell he was choked up and of course I was too. It doesn't even seem possible that it could be so hard only 9 hrs later, but I digress.

He arrived a little bit before check in time, but since his room was ready he had to only give his name, sign the company form, and be shown to his room. He says it is a nice place with a pool and a gym (I am not a truck driver yet, but I am staying at the Holiday Inn, does anyone else remember those commercials??). He didn't see an elevator and had to heft his stuff upstairs but he says it wasn't bad. He was disappointed to find no microwave in the room, but when he hunted for one he found a full kitchen available to guests and a concierge that promised to bring one up to him as soon as it comes available.

The shuttle will arrive in the morning and take them a few miles to the terminal that houses the school. He is the first to arrive for check in, so he isn't sure if he will get a room-mate or who it might be. (I am hoping for a nice person, with good hygiene and good morals :) )

He spoke with the kids when he called and they were relieved to hear from Daddy. I noticed that our youngest got a little flustered and had a hard time with talking over the phone so I plan to keep an eye on her and help her remember to tell Daddy the important stuff.

Throughout the day I posted little pictures and short "updates" to a "secret" Facebook group that is only visible to he and I. He took a few pictures on the drive down and posted them and I showed them to the kids. I hope he wants to Skype later (and the hotel internet has a good enough signal) because I do and I know the kids will want to.

Sorry I have rambled on so, I appreciate being able to post about our experience here. Thanks for listening.

Well......Sleep was difficult for the both of us.

He is heading down the road to his company school this morning. It wasn't easy, but he had a joyful/still tearful send off.

Although we knew what this would be like and talked it backwards, forwards, and sideways, it is still a shock that he is gone. Time to start adjusting.

Decided to declare it a video-game day for the kids (usually they are very limited) and wait for his call.

Thanks for listening :)

My soon-to-be trucker leaves tomorrow! I woke up this morning and it felt like my heart shattered. I started leaking and everything (tears). I'm going to drink a big cup of "suck it up butter-cup", put on my big girl panties, and make sure this send off isn't like a dag-gone funeral. Whew.

It is hard, but I am so proud of him :)

Thanks for listening.

I agree with RedGator. When my Dad had progressed as far as he could with his company (becoming a trainer ect). He opted for becoming an instructor. Hard for O/O's to make ends meet from what I've heard, though I am no expert by ANY means lol. :)

Good Luck :)

Welcome Trixx!

Any updates?