die grüne Maschine

10-20-11

I've been avoiding driving at night because I only had brights and my dims had stopped working. Well, I usually avoid driving if I can help it. I don't like doing it, really. Something about other people being idiots and potential bringers of injury and/or death, at least three vehicles that have left me stranded on the side of the road, the fact that sometimes following the traffic laws does not stop cops from pulling you over [my first and ever warning; I'll tell that story sometime], and my lack of driving experience. I probably worry too much, but nevertheless, I need to drive occasionally to get rid of that lack of driving experience stuff.

Now, I have what my parents' mechanic/autoperson says is a "very decent little truck." I'm the owner of a dark green 1999 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. I've discovered that it doesn't really like going up hills with a load of stuff in 90-degree weather, and that it leaks power steering fluid almost sieve-like, but overall I like it. I had to have something or other replaced so that it didn't leak transmission fluid anymore. It needs cleaned out, and I need to replace one of the back windows with glass or plexiglas. I'm going to take it for an oil change and fluids check tomorrow, which will cost about $20. (It's a deal. I'm going to take it.) Still, it runs and the radio works.

Today I learned how to take the headlights' lightbulbs out and replace them. Teri helped me, and I mostly did the second light by myself. She told me that they should last a year at minimum.

I wish I knew how to do all that car stuff; maybe it should be a required freshman class or something. I know I had Tech class in high school, but come on, that class really was a joke. The best thing we did there was learn how to do an oil change and build cardboard boats that we actually tried out in the pits.

I want to learn how to maintain my vehicle properly. Yes, I need to vacuum it out, but I want to keep it running as long as possible. I want to prevent stuff from happening as much as I have power to prevent it. Far better to spend some money now than sit on the side of the road and end up junking a van that you'd just spent money on the day before.

Also, I actually need to get out and drive. Granted, I still have more than half a tank of gas from the tank I got the day I arrived on campus in August because I walk more often when I'm on campus. However, I need to branch out a bit and stop being so scared of everything. 'Cause, let's face it, that's what I am, and I'll only be limiting myself and just existing unless I do something about it. Argh.

More later.