cars done

Well.. I survived! 

Both cars survived and are better than ever...

The first, was done..and with minimal issues.. noticed an exhaust leak.. and fixed that too..again I ordered the wrong brake sensor part.. next time.. after it was done..it also needed an alignment.. got that done Wednesday. .. no more noise.. it was a bad wheel hub.. another that failed I less than 10k miles..

But replaced 20k later.. but also replaced the entire control arm with both ball joints.. so officially the entire front end has been replaced since the motor was installed.

Good as new.

The other... Did the turbo.. found the wastegate stuck.. and carbon and oil..so..I had it..I did it all.

Jeff helped as much as he could..his knowledge was invaluable.. and we got it completed...3 days.. and runs without codes.. also found a bad battery.. discounted was $215.. and better than original. I still need to see about registering it..we also found the antifreeze was spent.. so we fixed that.. thanks Jeff.. I had no idea.

But got it all reassembled and it runs great. I am satisfied.. 

I did find I should be looking for new tires.. it will pass inspection..but not winter roads .  So another $700.. before the end of December.. so I can get an inspection sticker.

Ls may need a O2 sensor or a MAF sensor.. .but will have to check later..

I took this week off and did the car work Sun to Wed.. now maybe some relax time.. I have agreed to go to the clerks office to buy a copy of my Greatgrandpa's death cert.. not like the one that needed it could have done the same...but I will.

I have an appointment with my eye Dr on Friday.. and then the weekend..maybe see about delivering a few radios and having a couple drinks.. 

I need to collect on a few debts..

I am owed a bit..and have not been aggressively trying to close those ..

It is a tough season..for that..but I have bills too and am In the same as them..

...

So.. 

Many conversations with Jeff.. 

A few have made me think..others have made for realizations.. 

I need to move forward on a few things..and test the waters on others.

Sometimes I need another view to justify a future action.. or at least validate my thought process.

Thanks Brother!

..

On that And another ..

Let's see what kind of trouble I can find in the next month.

A is still down under . 

I am still here.. and just doing my day to day..but.. I could use someone..

But I am just wishing.. and nothing will change...

I wish it would ..

I think..

...

Hey! If you texted me on thanksgiving..and I answered you..

I do not know who you are..I was being polite.. and did not ask who you were . .. .

Send me a text with your name..it is not in my address book....

..

Ok..

...

I am still very lonely..

My roomies are bonding..and I am an old 3rd wheel..

I have no personal friends.. well few..

But I am home alone most of the time..just doing radios and cooking..

Still lonely..with people in my house..

I am more a person In someone else's place..

Even though I pay for all of it..I feel like a Tennant.

..

I think the cat is in charge..and will decide who stays in and who pays..

..

Maybe Maine...

No further comment...

.. 

R

Friday

Well the parts have arrived.few days early.. I think they are all in.. 

Just watched a video.. may only be an adjustment..not the $900 turbo...

That is sitting on my table.

Let alone the $300 in hoses and gaskets.. 

Probably not my luck.. we will see Monday.. 

..

So another short month.. took another $1k from the cushion..

Car parts not included..I made L pay the electric and phone and the student loan this month.. 

Gonna be working on her car on Sunday.. ball joint at the minimum..control arm  and wheel hub..at the most..

We will see...

I found another Mini truck.. but someone is looking at it Sunday..

He will let me know.. reasonable..but needs some work..

...

Work was quiet.  One major job..one minor.. and then database cleanup.

.. 

Leftovers for dinner..and the out.. just to get out ...

.

I have been too busy to attempt contact with anyone.. 

I should make an effort..

M did :) it was nice.. 

No travel this vacation..just working on the cars.. and hanging w L and J..

Maybe if I get a break from the cars.. I can make some rounds . Get a hug . 

Miss the hugs...

..

I miss a lot of things . 

If I stop..and allow my self..I realize I am still alone.. 

Just me.. 

More so with the roommate..cause now L has J..and even the cat goes to them first..

But they close their doors..so he finds me...

...

It's November..and more like September..cold, warm then wet.. 

Almost 50 today .but rained..

...

Snow is coming..I will try to ski this year..

...

December and January have been typically..tight months.

I am here.. my bills are paid ... So..I will hope the Jan 1 yr raise will help.

If not.. business as usual..

..

The new Big boss..is here.. and the info is coming in..how it happened.. makes sense..too political..

If I am out of a job..in the near future..I will either retire and do radios.. or

Find another position.. I. Another local town.. or something...

....

So got a Thanksgiving text from Colorado..I didn't recognize the number..and not in my contacts.. 

No idea.. and nothing more..

...

I think I need to go home..drink a pint of water and go to sleep.. groceries in the am..

.. more radio stuff.

...

Is ISTBA.. lurking nearby?? 

Do you remember him? 

I do.. a close friend..

I have been ignoring him..but actually he has been here.. stalking me...

I think we need to sit down and have coffee and talk .

R

turkey days

Day before.. 

I got the car parts ordered.. 

Not cheap..but not dealer prices.

Hopefully I got all I will need.. hopefully they all arrive in time.

I did dismantle to look and prep.. then put it all back together..

From what I could see.. the bolts look good . . Sprayed them anyway..

Gonna be a challenge..

Ls car first.. Sunday is the plan..mine maybe Monday or Tuesday..

Time, weather, parts are the deciding factors.

I have this Thursday off for turkey day..and have to work Friday.. then Off the next week and back on the following Monday..

....

I did finish the broadcast devices.. the parts I ordered did work! 

I contacted him, and gave him the cost . .and he was happy it was so reasonable... I will have to invoice it.. but..spent a bit.. a month later.. finished it..submit the invoice and probably 30 to 90 days before payment.. so.. money in the bank ..

But it will pay for the car parts...

....

Got a few local radios done.. a couple more for Mark.. and three left.. one for Ennie.. and one left of the 4 from a couple months ago..

I'm thinking..I will give it one more try..if no go..bill the other 3 and give him the option to pay for those and let me keep at the problem, or give up on that one .and bill it out for parts. It will still be a good pay out.

..then I have the big base..and the other bases one for the kit that I bought..and the other kit for the other.... Then the other old problem units. ..

Plenty to do..

But need to find the time.

I have the new mic to figure out..for me.. and the other of my car radios to figure out the programming..

And a few of Rubens radios...

...

Always something to do..

Wish I could manage my time better..I'd get more done.

...

I do waste a lot of time doing research..some times on nonsense things..to occupy my mind.. but..I could be more productive..

... probably not really a difference.

..

I really wish I had a female diversion to blame the loss of my free time on.. but it is just me...all my fault...

.. 

So I will get the cars fixed..then the radios ...and keep going to work.. 

..

Hoping for the next pay raise...

..

After Xmas.. and new years..maybe I can go skiing.. 

That's the plan in my head..

Maybe Maine this year...

I really want to make time for snow skiing.. it has been too long.

....

Just gonna say.....

I miss you A....

...

... 

Good night 

R

busy Saturday

I had planned on a regular Saturday, I was going to get my shopping done early, then work on radios..then make a delivery .

I found that one of my missing clients was very much alive, after not replying to any of my emails since September.. I got a returned email as no longer valid.. I started searching for obituaries.. and found a new Facebook page.. and friended him, and he messaged me, apologies for being out of touch and explained that he lost his phone and email and sent me a payment.. so I had to print postage and try to get to the post office before it closed. Then I could go shopping.. 

Forgetting that it's the Saturday before Thanksgiving..and the store was jam packed..but I got my stuff and headed home.. then texted the guy I was gonna drop his repairs off.. and he agreed to meet me half way in 20 min....

So I unloaded the groceries and drove out to drop that off. We chatted for a bit. And he gave me another repair.. 

I got back home and checked it out.. no problem found.. 

Then L & J came home and wanted to go out to eat.. 

...

So.. collected a couple hundred and didn't do much .. but it was productive.. 

...

My car is still throwing codes.. it was fine for 2days.. but just now.. did it again.. I think I need a new turbo.. 

Can we say expensive.... Oh well..it does have almost 200k miles on it..

Plus I rode in the back of Ls car.  And the grinding is loud.  Still not sure where that's coming from. Not sure if it is a passenger side wheel hub or not...

Next week we will look at that.

....

So . .. I also spent a little time trying to figure out who this guy was that re-friended me. I thought he was a radio guy, or a relative..turns out he is my brother's neighbor..

...

I also was chatting with an old friend and ex-boss.. we texted for about an hour.. and not only did I get invited up to visit and stay in the guest cabin..and go skiing..they suggested joining me for a Canadian road trip .

I thought it was pretty cool.

I guess we are still friends.

.....

So I did buy Thanksgiving food.. hopefully it will go well.

... 

So.. nothing more from down under..I guess I should ask how things are.. 

Work helped me figure out my time off.. use the personal days and one vacation day.. carry over the rest and payout the comp -time, at the end of the year.

...

No plans for tomorrow..maybe pick up a laptop to remove or change a password.. they got locked out.. and the admin account isn't working..

May be an easy fix..

..

Gonna be cold..so prob not working on the cars or yard.. just radios . 

Maybe run the vacuum..

.. 

Fun

R

more..time.

(strategic titling)

Most of us are looking for 'more time'.

Yes, I have plenty to do on a daily basis ..but.. I am always looking to find more time in the day to do all the things I need to do..I don't get it all done when it needs to be done..and some things that eat my time are.. diversions ... Things I choose to be doing..because I dont want to do what needs to be done.. get done instead.. it is easy to occupy my time with unproductive things ...or things that are more fun... Or even sleep.. when it is an option..but ... There is always something that demands more of me than I am willing to ..or want to..do...but it ends up that things I should be doing . . Don't get done.. 

Yes, eventually..I get to most.. but some never do.

I can write most of that to ...it's just me doing it.. with no other help.. 

Again my own fault.. I let it for too long.. and here I am..doing most ..if not all..or it don't get done ...

....

So..travel plans have p

Been put on hold .

No trips down the Cape for the next few weeks either..but have been going out for sit down dinners . Finally!

But pricey..

Not a time for pricey . .  

Good thing I don't have a girlfriend.. 

I would have zero money..

...

I would like to have a 'friend' to share intimate moments with..but it's been pretty scarce since moving.. and than with C19 years.. ugh...

But , maybe we are coming out  of it.. back to the normal..maybe.. 

... So here is to..

The regular me ... Just a loser..with no one ..other than  the C19 scared loser...like all the rest.. 

Back to ..my lonely is my own fault..not some pandemic..

.    .......

Oh well ... I can try..if I let myself...

No ...I have learned nothing..

R

time

So I put in for the time off. I clarified the time to be used.. gonna use the time I will loose . And 1 day of vacation.. and the rest will pay out.. or carry over.. and will earn another 2 days after my call weeks . .. probably take that as cash.. 

No money from tax surplus yet . ..

My car has decided it needs some attention.. maybe a dying turbo.. that is translated as $$$$$..

....

More in a bit.. 

R

long weekend..

Friday off for Veterans day.. didn't sleep in much, worked on radios all morning.. went grocery shopping. Then stopped in for a short visit. 

No pizza night.. they made a keto one.. and since it was small, I opted for microwave lasagna.. then went out after L went to work. 

...

Saturday was a sleep in day..worked on the ham radio..did laundry.. went over and picked up some fresh venison.. and then home to go to dinner at the Mexican place.

Not bad even with dessert. 

...

So tomorrow morning, will see if a printer cable will work on the wireless printer for Jeff. 

..

It is supposed to rain. So no yard work.. but need to check Ls car for a noise.. 

And still working on the two problem radios.. 

Maybe I should check a couple of Marks and get them started.

Always something to do.

I have a few things for me to get done...

..  

So, officially, not going on a trip.. L has requested the last week of Nov off.. and I will request It as well. 

No plans.. but just time away.. burn off some vacation.

..

Got to make a schedule or loose plans to go somewhere.. maybe a short road trip.. go visit brothers or a friend.. something..

I keep saving my time..and end up not doing anything..now with money tight because of inflation..and low pay.. but, I'm not broke..just whittling away at the cushion.. and saving the radio money in the safe. 

So.. I should pool it and see what's there.. and use it...for more than equipment or parts.. 

I did order some unit parts for the two camera modules.. $700.. hopefully it will fix them both.. I could bill the repair and get back the $.. 

Plus, the money I spent for the work fiber unit.. was worth it.. I got the TV's working .since Comcast won't be able to for a while.. the boss was happy so was everyone in the center.. I got two for the price. That was $900 cheaper than new..so I could sell the extra for what I paid for both and recoup that. 

Then there is the amp.. I paid for..expecting payment in 4 days.. been 2 weeks.. and I had to order some power capacitors worth $50.. to maybe solve the noise hum.. if so maybe can get paid for the unit.. 

So..I got money out.. hopefully will break even.. 

...

So . .. nothing new otherwise..

Just trying to stay healthy.. 

Someone at work got C19.. and made sure to spread it around before he took time off.. my supv and I were in the room with him at some point.. the supv tested positive.. I had no symptoms.. I've had only the one and done..with no boosters.. hopefully no more..

...

I have to figure out what we are doing for turkey day.. I assume ham roast.  And a keto menu..

Should be interesting..not looking to be an all day event as has been the case for the past few years.. 

I did get the added phone line issue fixed.. the overall bill came down $40.. that's a plus ..

..

That I guess is all my issues today..

So till next time..

....

R

more than I want

Well, I decided to ditch the travel thing. I looked for 5 days.  More than 3 hours a day, for the perfect package.  Each day it got more difficult.. I should have bought the first ticket package I saw..and worked out the details. 

I finally figured out that it wasn't gonna happen.. so I decided maybe some other time.

I just was looking and trying not to spend too much, but still wanted to have a good time with a good area and options. I was willing to spend $3k.. for a week..but it got to the point that the place and the options left little for the experience..so..maybe next time with more notice..and not during tourist season. Or I should not have looked so much and just booked the first one I saw. Then work out the details.. 

I talked myself out of it.. I was thinking I should because it was an opportunity to go somewhere I have wanted to go.. but ..  it was not the proper time.. I guess.. I was hoping..and trying...

But , no.. not this time. 

The negatives out weigh the positive.

So..bottom line.. no..not now.

......

So..sitting here listening to this guy.. 

Loud and boisterous.. hitting on a girl. Telling her all guys can only be friends if they want to sleep with them.. 15 mins of it.. then.. since she still is listening..he is trying to get her number. 

Too loud.. and obnoxious..

3 girls.. hanging on every word..

... A 40 yr old.. and did give her his  number.. 

I guess it is how it's done..

...

Not me.. never . ...

....

I am ... Old.

..

So.. I am still working on that last radio.. I have been through it one side to the next . . I still cannot find the last fix.  Not making any progress.. it works.. but the meter isn't working properly.

Many hours..but nothing..gone through many of the circuits and replaced all of the caps..and cannot find out why.. disconnected the leads and still the issue persists.. replaced the micro board and the display..it points to the main board.. or front panel(unlikely).. all the obvious reasons.. are good.. so.. rewired and rerouted wires and nothing... Too many hours tracing it .. need to set it aside again and finish some others..

Maybe close out something.

... 

Then maybe..install the kit in the big radio. And maybe finish it.

It has only been 2 years..

..

Ok..

The CCers are settling in.. and I am wondering if I should make an effort..

Or not..

No ambition..and just me.. me.

.. 

Maybe more later..

R

insight..

No..not really.. wishing...

So ..another fail.. I bought something on a whim . .. random comment.. and hoped for a plug n play solution..with good result.. fail.. 

Need to figure out how to connect it..it isn't a standard.. not much Info out there.. so.. got this thing. And can't use it till I spend more than it's worth..to connect it.

Fortunately it was only $40...

I should be able to modify the power box and cables and make it work.. or not.

The radios I've been working on.. have not been easy.. I've invested so much time and parts I. The first one and still haven't fixed it.. I will never break even.. but I need to finish it to get paid for the other 3...

The other .. was a simple swap out..buti found it has an issue.. (bang head here) not figuring it out so far...

Ugh! 

Got his other one done.. but... 

...

So ... We went to the Brazilian Grill tonight.. L paid.. thank you! It was $170...!!! 

Inflation is here.. thanks.. 

Utilities are the highest we have ever paid.. usage is up.. cause we have a 3rd .. and always some one up and home.. heat/cool.. etc..

Took another $500 out of the cushion to pay bills.. 

Trash has gone up.. utilities.. gas.. food.. insurance .. mortgage.. ugh! 

....

And here I am.. thinking about a vacation...

Right!.

...

Nevermind.. looking for more to do.

If I was able to finish some stuff I could bank something.. 

...

Damn... I'm lonely.

.....

Oh well. 

...

Maybe tomorrow I will figure something out...and fix something..and bill something..

If not.. I may clean the house, do laundry and cook.

..

3days..

Not yet a new decade..

...

Well.. 

R

maybe..

Ok.. I'm looking.. maybe I can afford it.. that's what credit cards are for.. 

But $3k..is steep..but probably about the same as what I spent for tropical travel.. 

I found a few things.. bundles lodging . 30 hrs of flight time.. but that is to one destination.. I need to find out how far away it is from someone I know will be there.. if they are too far away..I wod probably just be fending for my self . 

I will ask.. it's 1:30p tomorrow there now . So will have to ask in a while..

It's a thought.  It probably would be appreciated.. it would definitely be an adventure for me.. but pretty lonely if we didn't connect . 

But I could say I went.. if anything..

Maybe I could visit Perth..... 

Need to see how far away it is...

....

So . .. made it through the week.. getting to be that time of year.. not a lot  going on in my circle..and everyone else is busy.. 

If I had friends... 

If....

I have some old/new friends that I think compete for ownership.. 

Both had their chance..and I am sure I screwed it up..and here we are..and almost ... Never .. will be with both at the same time... Yeah..siblings... 

I feel the same for both ... Alone and together.. 

That says about all...

It should be more.. after all we have been through.. but this is what it is..

...

So.. 

This week has been stressful..

Bills are higher.. money isn't better..

My cushion is reducing.. but January is coming.. hopefully..OT and a future raise will help..

I'm looking to spend debt money because I'm stuck.. and getting older by the minute.. no changes on my horizon.. and the same ole..is starting to suck..

 It is as always.. just looking for some diversion..something to excite my days ..give me a bit more than just the same repeat..

I need some goal.. motivation to get up and do the next.. but ..I don't know how..never did .... And yet.. another year is coming to a close..and a new one is on the cusp.... If I don't .. I should go visit family or friends.. just burn time..and money.. either alone or with L And J .... Makes that different...

Maybe just me for a few..not ready for skiing.. but that is an option.. 

..

Really.. I need something or someone..to accept me..and help me..I'm too old for radical changes..but I would make adjustments..to be happier..

... 

My technical abilities have been lacking lately.. I am second guessing what I should know..and not giving my educated opinion.. with a decisive answer.. I have been doubting myself and everything I should know...from years of experience..

But I question what I know.. if I am right.. 

I remember a time that I believed I knew the answer.. and was right..but..doubt and people that questioned me.. eroded my confidence..and here I am... Doubting me..and what I know and my expertise.. so I am nothing...

With no one to help me..to see me..and give me confidence..and confirmation.. I am here..

Just me..here.. 

Not enough self-confidence to pull me through the next day.. in doubt..

And lost ..

......

Enough negative..

..

I can..

I do..

...

I will

.

I must plan or not...

To get something done..

Or to do something..

I need a milestone..some thing to boast about..If even just to me..

Something to be proud of an accomplishment.. so later i can look back and say ....  I did something..

...

(Read this later.. you may find some insight)..

R

Hello November.

Ok.  Counting in . . 5days.. 

...

Nothing new..no revelations.  

Just me.  

Struggling to make a difference.

No real destination.  No one thing to plan for. 

Just work, and keeping home .

I wish I had a place to travel to.. 

Oh well..

Maybe something will present..

R