Windy and clear, not particularly cool. Yesterday was nice until the evening when there was some misty drizzle. Never got too hot, and the sun stayed behind clouds.
That was perfect weather to wash the truck. I figured if it was time for an oil change, it was probably time to wash it too. I’m really not interested in washing vehicles, but it occurred to me that for what I paid, I should take better care of it. I’ll try to be better, I swear.
I actually got a bunch of stuff done, and some stuff just had a bit of progress made, but even baby steps are steps, right?
Having someone over (our buddy the electrician) made me realize how far I’ve let some things go. I still have the boxes of Christmas lights sitting on the patio, because I didn’t put them right back in the garage attic where they belong. So I did a bit of tidying. Also got some plumbing supplies together for the BOL, and washed the truck. Checked the oil and fluids in all the vehicles, and added wiper fluid to all of them. When I bought the gallon of 1:50 concentrated windshield washing fluid, I thought it would be about a lifetime supply. I’m down to the last inch and a half in the gallon bottle though.
As a side note, all three vehicles need DIFFERENT weights of motor oil. What the what? Honda’s is one I’ve never heard of and never even noticed in the store- 0W-20. I guess I’ll get at least one oil change for the Honda, although my wife has been having a mechanic shop do the changes for her. Oil changes for my trucks make sense to stock, as I’ve actually done a change on the Ranger, and on my old Expy. I can do it again if I have to, but I don’t like to mess with it.
It does all sorta circle back to the idea of “timeliness”. Changing oil, checking fluids, they are about catching or preventing problems. Putting stuff away as soon as you are done using it helps keep it in good condition, and keeps it where it can be easily found later. Acting once you’ve come to a conclusion about a course of action keeps the action timely too. Wait too long and the conditions might have changed. It’s not a new or profound concept, there are aphorisms and ‘rules of thumb’ galore that address it, from “A stitch in time…” to “for want of a nail” to “make hay while the sun shines…” and “strike while the iron is hot” among countless others.
I’m guessing I’m not the first guy to dither, or procrastinate, judging by the number and pervasiveness of the culture hacking aphorisms. I’ll share with you that I feel like time is getting short and the ability to act in a timely manner is becoming more important than ever. In Taoism, it’s the idea the you maintain yourself in a ‘centered’ state, equally ready to move in any direction. Whatever tradition you come from, being awake, alert, and ready to move in any direction as needed (literally and figuratively) will be very important for your well being during the next couple of years.
If you’re not there yet, start practicing the mindset, and gathering the resources.
Don’t delay, stack something today.
nick