From nursing to trucking

Well, I did it! I have been a registered nurse since 1995. I married Jeff Pincheck March 31, 2009. Jeff drives a big rig and is on the road most of the time. On May 28, 2010, I passed my truck driving class and became a proud owner of my CDL. One day, when working as an RN, I decided to join Jeff on the road. I turned in my letter of resignation. My nursing peers were all very supportive. They sent me off with a bang! I even got a farewell cake with a semi-truck on it!
I signed up for a 3 week truck driving coarse. My first day was interesting, to say the least. I walked into the classroom and saw all men. I watched the door and prayed that another girl would walk in the room. Another man walked in... and another... and another... then finally, two gals walked in! I was not alone! The instructor began the day by saying... "This is not what you are expecting. This is hard work. Most of you came here thinking it would be easy. It is not." Good Grief!!! I already am terrified, I didn't need that.
After class, we went out, in groups of 4 to the 'range'. In my group, me, Lee, John, and Tonya. I was soo happy to have another woman in the small group. My instructors name was Andy. Quickly, I became attached to Andy. That man is my hero! As I explain my adventure, you will understand.
Andy tells us that we are going to get in the truck, one at a time and drive forward and then backward between the cones. I gulped. Andy saw my fear. I wasn't paying attention... maybe we all had that look on our faces. All I know is, that HUGE truck made me feel panic!!!
Andy showed us the basics of shift putting the truck in 2nd gear and reverse and he even demonstrated what we needed to do. I can't remember who went first... I was third. When my turn came... Andy said, who is next? I walked toward the truck. Andy looked surprised that I volunteered to go next. I new I had to do it. That was the single most frightening moment I can remember. I got in the truck and put the truck in 2nd gear... I let the truck coast... no gas... through the cones... forward. Then, when it was time to go in reverse through the cones, I couldn't keep the truck between the cones. I was so upset...so scared. Andy got in the truck and gave me a 'pep talk' and taught me how to do it.
It took 3 days before I could do the most basic of maneuvers... backing up. Finally, I did it with ease.
The first week was raining and cold. It was so cold, I went to the store and bought sweat shirts, boots, rain gear. We ended up not being able to do much on the range. We did classroom work. I needed to be in the truck, not in the classroom. We all felt that way.
Week One... completed.
I was backing up and stopping within the cones!