I usually shift between 3000 to 3500 RPM. One time on a slight slant, my car kept dying and I was stuck there for 3-4 turn lights. Man it was embarrassing.... LOL I also heard about the whole deal with using the e-brake on a hill though I've never tried it myself.
Anyways, today when I was coming home from school, my gear wouldn't go into first but eventually I thought it went in so I tried taking off and it started grinding. Awe man, my poor babie....