Well folks, I got through day 3 of my community college course and let me tell you, my head is swimming. I feel like I'm in an 8-week course to be an electrical engineer. Sheesh. Day 1 was primarily orientation; a lot of rules and regs gone over, introductions made (including the class). I figured the first week would be all academics but surprise, surprise, surprise, they're gonna let us drive nearly immediately. Half the class will go on the road tomorrow, my half on Monday, the 12th. My bunch will work on the training field doing straight line backing exercises, coupling/uncoupling exercises and a forward/zig-zag exercise. I got my hands on the straight line backing today and actually nailed it the first time. Better to be lucky than good I guess. I'm still nervous and still wondering if I can possibly ever get it all down but I figure if I take it one day at a time, I'll fight thru. I just don't like feeling overwhelmed like I do. I've messed with the pre-trip inspection some and today we covered transmissions (9 and 10 speeds) and whew, there's a lot to absorb. I've admitted to being a stick novice and just about everybody says what you guys do: No habits are better than bad habits. I guess Monday I'll learn what my good habits ought to be.
I kind of feel like I'm back in basic training and with that being the case, guess I'll take the Forrest Gump approach: "Pitt, what are you doing in my truck driving school?!". "Whatever you tell me to driver instructor!!". I'll try and keep you posted.