Preventative Maintenance

It's been a while since i last posted. In fact, since the last oil change. This change came at 22250. It was ready and so was i. Commuting 15 miles one way 5 days a week gets old and when the jeep does this lurching thing in 1st gear while crawling toward a stop sign, you know it needs new oil.

Fresh oil and man is that thing happy! Such a cheap, easy thing to do and man what a difference it makes to the health of the rig. Let's get back to the fact that i haven't posted in a while. It will all tie in later.

August 1st 2010, my partner and i had our 3rd child, a boy. A few months later we finally got a name, Bodhi Kai Taubitz. What a wondering little blessing, he truly is a gift. That's a huge reason i haven't posted; there's not much jeeping going on! Basically 100% family outside of work. During this time i have totally forgotten to change my own oil. Sad to say but true. I am lurching and sputtering. For me it's stress that manifests itself in what feels like chest pain or really bad heartburn. Both of which at my age should be checked out by a doctor. Whatever!

Two weeks ago i said screw it, exercise every day; and do it right! After a short two weeks of preventative maintenance i am worlds better. Still not great, but man what a difference. And in short, that's what this blog is about; forcing yourself to maintain a symbol of freedom. In that connection you remember that in a short 100K miles a beautiful machine can become broken down and decrepit unless you take the time to care for it. Likewise our short 100 years can become miserable and shortened if we don't take care of ourselves.

That's the jeep attitude, work and play hard and through it all take care of yourself! Sometimes taking care of yourself is changing the oil on a jeep, while other times it's going for a 5 mile hike with a good friend.

The 2 older kids and i have been to Uwharrie once since Bodhi's birth day, a nice day trip with the doors on and all the top with us. It was a nice cool peaceful day and we thoroughly relaxed. The rig and i are ready to spread our wings and look for new parks to conquer. I have a short list of items (mainly including tires) that we'll need to feel confident in exploring new unfamiliar territories. i am really looking forward to it.

To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. ~Buddha