You can imagine my frustration this morning, if you've read my two previous blogs, when my car did not pass emissions test again. This time, to quote the tech., "It isn'tready." What now? The car's computer needs to reset. I understand that, somewhat like a PC has to sometimes reboot. It requires starting, warming the engine, stopping and allowing it to cool down. In other words, normal driving. But it has been two days! When I called mechanic back this morning, his advice was to continue driving it in a normal fashion over the weekend and give it another try the first of the week.
When I declared this to be my year of adventure. This is not what I had in mind, I was thinking more in terms of a globetrotter, traveling to unfamiliar, faraway and exciting places. However, as we all know, every single day holds adventure for each of us. It is all in how we perceive it.
Dr. Wayne Dyer, author and lecturer, often refers to Living in the moment as does other noted philosophical self help individuals. They profess the teachings that instead of being so preoccupied with the past and the future, we focus on the most important time, which is right now. By next week this little episode I have been going through will be nothing but a memory. It surely hasn't been worth the frustration and anxiety I've experienced or the time I have given it.
Long before I ever heard the expression "living in the moment" I had made the discovery of accepting that person I saw in the mirror each day. This discovery was made after brousing old photos, and thinking, how much better I looked in the old photos than at that time. I came to the conclusion, today is your day, and it doesn't get any better than this. Tomorrow you will be a day older, and then a week older, before you know it, it will be a couple of years. I don't want to look at a photo two or three years down the line and think, why didn't I appreciate myself then!
So as far as this little challengeI am experiencing right now, I will accept it as a learning experience. I will appreciate me and the fact that I am still leaning new things. And to quote one of my grandaughters as a toddler, "I do it myself!"
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Life after the Light is off
The saga continues, repairs were made and THE INFERNAL ENGINE LIGHT is off. You're thinking I better get back to emissions before it happens again, aren't you? The tech called about noon to let me know my car was ready to go, the problem had been diagnosed and repairs taken care of. He said, " I understand you brought it in because it had failed emissions?" He advised me not to take it back for at least twenty-four hours and maybe I should wait a couple of days. It takes a certain amount of time for the computer to readjust itself and the engine needs to be completely cooled down. I'm glad he told me, because I would have driven there directly, And, you can imagine how disgruntled I would have been if it had failed!
Now I'll clue you into the rest of my day. My friend brought me home after I left the car. When we got back she said she would come in for a few minutes to see Max. He was so excited because he hadn't seen her for awhile. Coming in, I had placed my purse and glasses on the hall table and we all sat on the stairs. That is Max's favorite place. He keeps his toys on the landing (not a safe place for me, I know). We chatted for awhile, and she had to get on her way and I had chores to do as well. My "To Do" list began with cleaning bathrooms, oh joy! I started with the upstairs guest bath first. I was running water in the tub to wet it before spraying the cleaner. I reached in to push the stopper down, and turned the shower on instead! Since I was looking down, the back of my head and shoulders were soaking wet. Not happy! But I did finish what I had planned for the day and just in time. The phone rang with message to pick up the car. I Phoned my friend, she said she was on her way. In the meantime I set about gathering my things. Remembering I did not put my purse in its regular spot, went to the living room to get it. I Came back to the kitchen to tell Max I was leaving, and checked for my sun glasses. I told myself, "you left them right there with your purse when you came in." Rechecked my steps but they weren't there. Then I Looked by the computer and the kitchen desk, no sun glasses. It is rare for me to go outside, without my glasses, even in the winter. Looked out and my ride had arrived. After crossing the threshold, I looked down as I shut the door, checking to make certain it was locked. Low and behold, there they were, I had been holding my glasses the entire time!
Talked to one of my sons this afternoon telling him what I had done, and after he finished laughing at me, I asked, "So, do you think I'm losing it?" "NO, not at all,mom. When that happens to me, I always think that someone who has passed is messing with me." I replied, " that being the case dad and your brother are having a great time at my expense. We both had another good laugh! Laughter is good anytime, but after stressing for several days it helps put things back in it's proper perspective. Sounds good anyway?!
Now I'll clue you into the rest of my day. My friend brought me home after I left the car. When we got back she said she would come in for a few minutes to see Max. He was so excited because he hadn't seen her for awhile. Coming in, I had placed my purse and glasses on the hall table and we all sat on the stairs. That is Max's favorite place. He keeps his toys on the landing (not a safe place for me, I know). We chatted for awhile, and she had to get on her way and I had chores to do as well. My "To Do" list began with cleaning bathrooms, oh joy! I started with the upstairs guest bath first. I was running water in the tub to wet it before spraying the cleaner. I reached in to push the stopper down, and turned the shower on instead! Since I was looking down, the back of my head and shoulders were soaking wet. Not happy! But I did finish what I had planned for the day and just in time. The phone rang with message to pick up the car. I Phoned my friend, she said she was on her way. In the meantime I set about gathering my things. Remembering I did not put my purse in its regular spot, went to the living room to get it. I Came back to the kitchen to tell Max I was leaving, and checked for my sun glasses. I told myself, "you left them right there with your purse when you came in." Rechecked my steps but they weren't there. Then I Looked by the computer and the kitchen desk, no sun glasses. It is rare for me to go outside, without my glasses, even in the winter. Looked out and my ride had arrived. After crossing the threshold, I looked down as I shut the door, checking to make certain it was locked. Low and behold, there they were, I had been holding my glasses the entire time!
Talked to one of my sons this afternoon telling him what I had done, and after he finished laughing at me, I asked, "So, do you think I'm losing it?" "NO, not at all,mom. When that happens to me, I always think that someone who has passed is messing with me." I replied, " that being the case dad and your brother are having a great time at my expense. We both had another good laugh! Laughter is good anytime, but after stressing for several days it helps put things back in it's proper perspective. Sounds good anyway?!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Infernal Engine Light-2
Last night I went to sleep asking myself the question: "When did they begin putting this particular computer in cars?" You know, it tells you, the door is ajar, or check engine oil, the coolant level is low, etc.. It never tells you anything good, like, "Whoopee, your running great! Searching back through our old cars, there were none before 1984. We had a conversion van from then until it went swimming in the canal (another story) and we purchased the Labaron Convertible. That was probably early nineties, and they did not have an engine light. So, it had to have been the first Cadillac we owned. Don't think we more than drove it off the lot before it's light came on, and it was new! I remember how frantic I felt, and took it in immediately. The tech did not seem at all concerned, just rather nonchalant about the whole thing. Now, I understand why, that infernal light comes on at a whims notice, always causes consternation and anxiety, and is a delight to that money syphon thing I've spoken about. Before that computer light, what did we do? WE DID NOTHING!
I fully understand the problems of pollution caused by emissions of millions of cars on the road. But I do question the authenticity of the seriousness of message, "Check engine soon!" That engine light on my car is now on again, less than two weeks after repairs. You can't tell me, that whatever is causing it to be on now, wasn't there before! It doesn't take a genius to realize what is going on. My car has a hundred-fifty five thousand miles on it. Of course, parts are wearing. I can predict with certainty, this infernal light will continue intermittently, from now until I do replace the car! It has a political name, called planned obsolescence!
I fully understand the problems of pollution caused by emissions of millions of cars on the road. But I do question the authenticity of the seriousness of message, "Check engine soon!" That engine light on my car is now on again, less than two weeks after repairs. You can't tell me, that whatever is causing it to be on now, wasn't there before! It doesn't take a genius to realize what is going on. My car has a hundred-fifty five thousand miles on it. Of course, parts are wearing. I can predict with certainty, this infernal light will continue intermittently, from now until I do replace the car! It has a political name, called planned obsolescence!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Infernal Engine Light
Several of you have inquired about my car and what happened? It's a debatable topic of concern. This transmission company had my car for eight days. They did not rebuild the transmission, just repaired the problem to the tune of $2900.! I knew this beforehand. The cost was 90% labor as most car repairs are. That's something I've learned and come to accept, over the past nine years that I've been taking care of it. Any of the cars before that, Dick always looked after, even doing what repairs he could. I, on the other hand have relied on the dealership except for the last couple of times. I was just a little disgruntled when my tech told me I needed to buy a new car!
When I first took it in after failing the test, I took it to Salem Boys Auto Repair. We had used them in the past and the company has been in business in Phoenix many years, are well known, and have the reputation of honesty. After checking emission test results, they recommended Tri City Transmissions, because the work that had to be done might be out of their realm. Taking their advice, I made the call for the other company and set up an appointment. After taking the car to them, it was a few days before they got back to me as to their diagnosis and what the charges would be. I had my son call and let them explain it once again. Only after being reassured did I give my okay for the repairs.
Finally, more than a week later, the call came that they had finished. It was none too soon for me. After I arrived they went over all the paper work, saying that there were so many signatures I needed to make, it would feel like buying a new house. It was a slight exaggeration. On the way home, I could tell absolutely no difference in how the car was operating than before. But I figured that going in. For the next few days I was so busy with errands that it became my excuse for not returning to the emissions place yet. After all they gave me 60 days to have repairs made. Well, that was another big mistake on my part because that infernal engine light is on again, as of yesterday!
If I could, I would take a hammer to that idiot light! One more lesson learned the "hard way."
Procrastinating is never a good thing.
You know my fear is, that yet something else has gone awry. It could also be that it is nothing at all. We'll see what happens tomorrow. In the meantime I will remain calm and positive. And if you believe that, like the song, "I have some Arizona beach front property to sell you."
When I first took it in after failing the test, I took it to Salem Boys Auto Repair. We had used them in the past and the company has been in business in Phoenix many years, are well known, and have the reputation of honesty. After checking emission test results, they recommended Tri City Transmissions, because the work that had to be done might be out of their realm. Taking their advice, I made the call for the other company and set up an appointment. After taking the car to them, it was a few days before they got back to me as to their diagnosis and what the charges would be. I had my son call and let them explain it once again. Only after being reassured did I give my okay for the repairs.
Finally, more than a week later, the call came that they had finished. It was none too soon for me. After I arrived they went over all the paper work, saying that there were so many signatures I needed to make, it would feel like buying a new house. It was a slight exaggeration. On the way home, I could tell absolutely no difference in how the car was operating than before. But I figured that going in. For the next few days I was so busy with errands that it became my excuse for not returning to the emissions place yet. After all they gave me 60 days to have repairs made. Well, that was another big mistake on my part because that infernal engine light is on again, as of yesterday!
If I could, I would take a hammer to that idiot light! One more lesson learned the "hard way."
Procrastinating is never a good thing.
You know my fear is, that yet something else has gone awry. It could also be that it is nothing at all. We'll see what happens tomorrow. In the meantime I will remain calm and positive. And if you believe that, like the song, "I have some Arizona beach front property to sell you."
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Fast Writing
Given the talent, I would request the inspiration to emulate writers like Andy Rooney, Erma Bombeck or Clay Thompson. They take the simplest topics and make them interesting. All three include humor and there is no hidden meaning, you know exactly where they are coming from. My favorite of Erma"s was the title given one of her books: "Why is the Grass Always Greener Over the Septic Tank?" For Clay Thompson an often used quote, "Oh, you people," when for the upteenth time he has to once again explain something. In case you are not familiar with him, he writes a daily column for The Arizona Republic newspaper. Clay also referes to his superiors (editors) as his masters! Andy Rooney, is the greatest in my opinion. Anyone can relate to his topics at the end of 60 Minutes TV program. My favorite is "The god of dents, dings and money syphons." I admit , I copied the title and wrote my own version (giving him credit of course.) It's in my journal somewhere. I recall one evening he used his time talking about what he had in his pocket? How can anyone make something so simple, meaningful to millions of viewers. They use an idea everyone can relate to, and make it interesting and fun! They have my vote at being the best in what they do!
Yesterday morning, I sat looking at the blank page and couldn't think of a thing to write. This is where I struggle. "What to write?" So, I am compelled to share this recent experience.
I subscribe to "Easy Way to Write" web site and newsletter edited and managed by author and teacher, Rob Parnell. I had lost this connection and only recently found it again, after perusing my writing folder. It gererally contains a short writing assignment and yesterday's lesson was "Fast Writing." I tried it out and was startled and amazed at my results! The directions were as follows:
Use a relaxing technique, like deep breathing. Visualize words appearing on the page, do not try to read them, think of a color and your lucky numbser, write them on the top of the page along with a name of a character, open a book and select a word at random, write it alongside the other three. Without thinking begin writing, don't stop for ten minutes. Do not edit, do not go back, don't look at the page. Write in a trance, think story and the four words. Don't stop!
I was so surprised by the results, I just sat here at the computer startled and amazed! What I had written actually made sense and something I could continue at a later time as a short story. AMAZING! I only had to go over half way aroung the globe to Australia, to find this and other writing experiences just as good, and they are free! The newsletter always concludes with, "Keep Writing!"
Yesterday morning, I sat looking at the blank page and couldn't think of a thing to write. This is where I struggle. "What to write?" So, I am compelled to share this recent experience.
I subscribe to "Easy Way to Write" web site and newsletter edited and managed by author and teacher, Rob Parnell. I had lost this connection and only recently found it again, after perusing my writing folder. It gererally contains a short writing assignment and yesterday's lesson was "Fast Writing." I tried it out and was startled and amazed at my results! The directions were as follows:
Use a relaxing technique, like deep breathing. Visualize words appearing on the page, do not try to read them, think of a color and your lucky numbser, write them on the top of the page along with a name of a character, open a book and select a word at random, write it alongside the other three. Without thinking begin writing, don't stop for ten minutes. Do not edit, do not go back, don't look at the page. Write in a trance, think story and the four words. Don't stop!
I was so surprised by the results, I just sat here at the computer startled and amazed! What I had written actually made sense and something I could continue at a later time as a short story. AMAZING! I only had to go over half way aroung the globe to Australia, to find this and other writing experiences just as good, and they are free! The newsletter always concludes with, "Keep Writing!"
Friday, July 23, 2010
Money syphon god
This is rather a long story, but here goes. Every year, in Arizona, we are required to have cars emissions tested based on age of auto etc. Well, my cadillac is nine years old with a hundred fifty five thousand miles to its credit. And I am happy to say, we(my husband and I) put those miles on it over the years. There are too many trips to name them all, but included a trip from coast to coast and enumerable trips to Nebraska (home state). In the past few months there has been two trips, Nebraska in May and Vegas the end of June. The engine still hummms, great mileage on the road, all in all exceptional condition for it's age, much like me, ha, ha! Couldn't help myself.
Just before leaving for Vegas I received registration information and wouldn't you know, it had to be tested again. It passed a year ago, so shouldn't be a problem. Much to my chagrin, as I read through it, at the bottom it stated, "If the engine light is on, the car will fail the test." The engine light has been on for more than six months. When it first came on, I had taken it to the dealership for service and they told me to buy a new car!
Knowing this, I was still required to take the car for testing anyway, so they could tell me what to do next! After which, they gave me paper work as to what the problem was. It had to do with PO741 Torque Converter Clutch performance, it could mean it was stuck off! Whatever: It certainly does not affect the operation of the car, not in my opion anyway. They gave me sixty days in which to have the car repaired and then retested. I've been two days without a car(it's in the shop)my savings account is dwindling. Did I say I just purchased new appliances before this happened? Well, I did.
My dishwasher has been out for about a year, but then there is only me, so not a big deal, and then the day before leaving for Vegas my washing machine began gushing water out on the floor. For the past couple of years, you could only use one setting without this happening. Yes, I procrastinated and paid the price, so to speak! Because the washer and dryer had been purchased at the same time, I decided on replacing both. My timing could not have been worse. Had this all happened a month ago, I could have received tax credit or whatever the government was offering for replacing with energy saving appliances. And would you believe, the very same day after purchasing three new appliances, I returned home only to find my microwave oven would not heat?! It is still waiting for replacement.
A few years ago barrowing a topic by Andy Rooney on Sixty Minutes, I wrote a piece about the god of dents, dings and money syphons. Well, this is a prime example. How is it, when one thing goes wrong, or falls apart, there becomes an entire series? I can tell you, it's the money syphon god, and he is drinking me dry! I give up. . .
Wilma Shirey Dutton
Just before leaving for Vegas I received registration information and wouldn't you know, it had to be tested again. It passed a year ago, so shouldn't be a problem. Much to my chagrin, as I read through it, at the bottom it stated, "If the engine light is on, the car will fail the test." The engine light has been on for more than six months. When it first came on, I had taken it to the dealership for service and they told me to buy a new car!
Knowing this, I was still required to take the car for testing anyway, so they could tell me what to do next! After which, they gave me paper work as to what the problem was. It had to do with PO741 Torque Converter Clutch performance, it could mean it was stuck off! Whatever: It certainly does not affect the operation of the car, not in my opion anyway. They gave me sixty days in which to have the car repaired and then retested. I've been two days without a car(it's in the shop)my savings account is dwindling. Did I say I just purchased new appliances before this happened? Well, I did.
My dishwasher has been out for about a year, but then there is only me, so not a big deal, and then the day before leaving for Vegas my washing machine began gushing water out on the floor. For the past couple of years, you could only use one setting without this happening. Yes, I procrastinated and paid the price, so to speak! Because the washer and dryer had been purchased at the same time, I decided on replacing both. My timing could not have been worse. Had this all happened a month ago, I could have received tax credit or whatever the government was offering for replacing with energy saving appliances. And would you believe, the very same day after purchasing three new appliances, I returned home only to find my microwave oven would not heat?! It is still waiting for replacement.
A few years ago barrowing a topic by Andy Rooney on Sixty Minutes, I wrote a piece about the god of dents, dings and money syphons. Well, this is a prime example. How is it, when one thing goes wrong, or falls apart, there becomes an entire series? I can tell you, it's the money syphon god, and he is drinking me dry! I give up. . .
Wilma Shirey Dutton
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Here goes, day 2 on the Edge. Amazing what one can learn by going to the source for information. For me, a video right on the first page of the blogger web site. Duh! I would rather spend hours of trial and error, addressing the problem as a puzzle, when a few minutes would have solved it at the beginning. Anyway, just put in address: http://www.blogger.com. Click on view blog, hold your breath while doing this. If it works, slowly breathe out. Otherwise say a few words not allowed on this page and let me know in the comment section. Ohhh, if you didn't get to the site, guess you wouldn't be able too. Just send e-mail.
I thank you all for your responses, and if you didn't respond, I thank you too, just for reading it. I received an e-mail this morning from a friend and colleague of bygone days, and whose opinion I respect, applauding me for learning new things. I've had my year of "Jubilee" (another story) and I've declared this my year of adventure. My grand daughter will be happy to know this because nearing of end of 2009, she asked her mom, "What will grandma do now?" "What do you mean?" Well, if this is the end of her year of Jubilee, "What is she going to do?" I recall, her mom's response. "Maybe it can be her year of adventure!" And I have declared it to be so, it will be my quest and pursuit, giving me purpose. What could be more adventuresome than stepping out on the edge and making myself so vulnerable?
I thank you all for your responses, and if you didn't respond, I thank you too, just for reading it. I received an e-mail this morning from a friend and colleague of bygone days, and whose opinion I respect, applauding me for learning new things. I've had my year of "Jubilee" (another story) and I've declared this my year of adventure. My grand daughter will be happy to know this because nearing of end of 2009, she asked her mom, "What will grandma do now?" "What do you mean?" Well, if this is the end of her year of Jubilee, "What is she going to do?" I recall, her mom's response. "Maybe it can be her year of adventure!" And I have declared it to be so, it will be my quest and pursuit, giving me purpose. What could be more adventuresome than stepping out on the edge and making myself so vulnerable?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Lost in Space
I knew it was too good to be true! After finishing what I considered my first blog and clicked on "Edit Posts" like the wind, it was gone! Only thing remaining was the title! Let's see what I can remember.
Seeing is believing. After spending untold amount of time last night setting up my blog account with Google it was to no avail. Following the directions were relatively simple enough. It wasn't until I left the site and tried to return that there was a problem. Nothing I tried would take me back. Checking my e-mail, I was pleasantly surprised to find a confirmation for my account, with a link in case you forget your password etc., including directions to print it out, which I did. Like my other trial and errors, it also failed telling me the URL had expired! Expired, I only received it minutes ago!
Promising myself to return first thing in the morning, I left it and went to bed. Well, here I am first thing in the morning. First try, same as last night. I decided to return to Google and the word "blog" and try again. Finding the site I wanted, one click of the mouse brought me right here to "The Writing Edge." Now you know why it is entitled, "The Writing Edge!"
Holding my breath, I will click on PUBLISH POST!
Seeing is believing. After spending untold amount of time last night setting up my blog account with Google it was to no avail. Following the directions were relatively simple enough. It wasn't until I left the site and tried to return that there was a problem. Nothing I tried would take me back. Checking my e-mail, I was pleasantly surprised to find a confirmation for my account, with a link in case you forget your password etc., including directions to print it out, which I did. Like my other trial and errors, it also failed telling me the URL had expired! Expired, I only received it minutes ago!
Promising myself to return first thing in the morning, I left it and went to bed. Well, here I am first thing in the morning. First try, same as last night. I decided to return to Google and the word "blog" and try again. Finding the site I wanted, one click of the mouse brought me right here to "The Writing Edge." Now you know why it is entitled, "The Writing Edge!"
Holding my breath, I will click on PUBLISH POST!
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