BUS.

I'm getting my bus license... actually referred to as a "passenger endorsement". In other words, I'm a school bus driver, not a school, school bus driver. Make sense? Good. Anyway, I thought I should keep a record of my experiences... because it has been quite an experience thus far.

I sat in the break room of the First Student Bus Company, waiting for my trainer. At a few minutes after 9, in walked a burly and extremely friendly older man nicknamed Denny. Walking up to me with a large smile, he extended his hand and said, "Courtney?" I reached out my hand, shook his, and clarified, "No, Jeremy." "Oh!" he said, "It's great to meet you!"

Do I look like a Courtney?

We did the pre-trip inspection before hopping into the bus for 4 quick spins around the parking lot. Then we headed out onto the main road. What a strange experience... to look back and see SO many feet of bus behind you! Turning was by far the weirdest, as it is only done after entering the intersection and driving for quite a while. It sort of seems that you are going to drive straight, but then at the last second you turn. Very weird. But fun. I enjoyed it a lot, and am looking forward to driving an entire bus load of 4 and 5 year olds places.

Let me mention that for a moment. We are actually taking the kids on three field trips a week. Including a Twin's Game, Old Log Theater, and Valleyfair! Keep in mind that some of these kids are even Pre-K! Arg. I'll update you on how that goes.

In conclusion, my first bus driving behind the wheel went well. I'm looking forward too my next few, and hopefully at the end of the week I'll be a champion driver.

There's more to come... beep beep.