Welcome to the world of the airlines!!! One thing about reserve is that you can either let it make your life miserable, or you can just grin and bear it and make the best of it. The latter is the best option. Everyone (well most), knows the life of a reservist isn't a cakewalk, but their are things you can do to make life a bit better for yourself. The first and most important is to TREAT THE SCHEDULERS NICELY. They can either be your best friend or worst enemy. If you're nice to them, you'll get the best of the worst trips (and cream of the crop pairings do show up)....and vice versa if you're a horses butt to them. Scheduling knows the troublemakers and does little to help them out. DON'T get on their sh*t list!! Another thing is to find a nice crashpad that becomes your "home away from home". My advice is to find one with as few pilots in it as possible so you're not competing for a nice bed or quiet room for the night. You may spend a lot of time there so make it one you won't mind being in. If you pay a few dollars more, it may well be worth it in the long run! Good luck with your new career at DAL and have fun!!