Celadon Week Five Laredo Texas March 2015

Pepper

Let us know how your training goes and let me know if you need anything.

Hang in there!

HI PEPPER ! I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT COMPANY YOU USED TO RENT A TRUCK FOR YOUR TEST. IM LOOKING AT DOING THE SAME THING MYSELF. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GOOD LUCK !

Wow! What a week!

The bad weather and rainstorms that have been in the area have really affected this week. I have not had the time on the range that I would have liked, the week is over though, so what I got is what I got. On Friday, I had a meltdown on the range. I just burst into tears with the frustration that I have been feeling. I was embarrassed afterwards, but, I was really frustrated about not being able to do the backing maneuver.

Monday, I am supposed to go to orientation. On Tuesday, I will take my Celadon driving exam. The only way that I am going to pass this test is if God puts his hand on the wheel and gets me through it. I am really praying that will happen. Otherwise, on Tuesday, I will be done unless they decide to give me 2 extra days on the range to attempt to get the backing down. (Not straight backing, but the backing between two trailers. Here at Celadon, it is called a see-side)

I cannot thank you all enough for your kind words of support. Seriously, when I have had low days, I have come back here to read the words of encouragement to myself and others and that has been a huge lifter of my mood.

Today, I went with one of my classmates to Mexico, where I got one of my favorites, Mango ice cream. It was so good, and only a dollar! From there, we went to do a little shopping for souvenirs for her to take home to her family. Of course, there are so many fun things to do over there, but it was also very hot and we were only over there for a few hours.

I am going to use the remaining time tomorrow after church to look at some videos on YouTube to see if that will help me.

For the person that asked about the rental truck, I think that all of the places are the same deal, just find the one that offers the best price and location for your needs.

Everyone, have a blessed and prosperous week. I will let you all know how I do this week on my test, but it may not be Tuesday when I update.

Many Hugs,

Pepper

Pepper

Before you do your road test, close your eyes and visualize the test in your head and guide your hands and feet through the course while sitting in a chair. Act like your are on the course. Slow your breathing down and just do the test. Don't think to much about it. Just guide yourself through it. Stay calm and you will succeed!

Pepper

Before you do your road test, close your eyes and visualize the test in your head and guide your hands and feet through the course while sitting in a chair. Act like your are on the course. Slow your breathing down and just do the test. Don't think to much about it. Just guide yourself through it. Stay calm and you will succeed!

Thanks! I will try this for sure.

Hugs,

Pepper

I passed!

On Monday, I had the worst ever case of "the nerves". I was trembling and shaking as we were in the classroom. Even though I was orientation and I was happy to be there, all I could think about was that alley dock, which we also call a "See-side" here. I watched videos, talked to drivers on the yard, and I did everything that I could do in order to become more comfortable with it before the test. There was a chance that I would end up taking the test on Monday, which I was not mentally ready for.

I was expecting to take the test in the afternoon on Tuesday, as that is typically when other drivers in the Orientation had been taking the exam. That was not to be. In the morning, the examiner came and got me. I gave the best pre-trip inspection that has ever been done. Seriously, I was even covering things that were not on the test. The examiner laughed and said "I could say don't be nervous, but right now, that would be like telling you not to breathe!" We both laughed and I went in the cab and conducted the air brake test. We went on the raod, I scratched gears a couple of times, and then we pulled into the yard. He said "Ready to do the see-side?" I said yes, excited now that I was being allowed to do it, because that meant that I had passed everything up until then. As I was performing the maneuver, several trucks started going past my trailer. My examiner got out and talked to them, explaining that they saw me backing up, so please be courteous!

I made it into the slot, and I was so happy when I did. I just sat there in the seat, trembling. All I could think about was "Well, girl, you gave it your best. No matter what the report says, you can honestly say that you gave it your best effort. "

We walked upstairs, not a word being said between us. I was so nervous. There was no one that I knew out on the yard right then, which I was grateful for. He handed over the paperwork to the lady in the office and she called me in. "You'll need to sign here, please." She said, holding out the longed for blue and white card. There it was. I was done. I was literally drenched in my own sweat, which I realized then.

There are not enough thank you's that I can issue for all of the kindness and support that I have gotten from this site.

At this point, I have now completed the orientation videos and I am waiting for my status to be changed to "hired". For some people, that has happened very quickly, for others, it has taken several days. I now have my fuel card with my photo and my blue and white card. I am excited and delighted. I will continue to update this until I complete my office work, and then I will create a new diary for my OTR training.

So many thanks, hugs and prayers of blessing to you all!!!!

Kindest Regards,

Pepper

Congratulations!!!!

WTG!

CONGRATS!

Knew you could do it

You Rock!

Congratulations! I Knew you could do it! You just have to believe in yourself Pepper.

Well done!