Preventive Mainrtenance

I think the universe is sending me a message (see previous post). I've decided it's about maintenance of machines. Not machines in general, but a particular machine. The most important machine in my life. My body. I'm renewing my focus on its maintenance.

I ran again today for the first time in 19 days. That's the biggest gap in years. I always feel better and have more positive energy on days I run. And it's not just about the body. I check out the world I live in when I run.

Last time I ran, there were 14 white swans on the lake. Today I saw that the eagles are back, in their favorite tree. The beavers have been doing maintenance on their home and dam. The running is about checking into that larger world outside of me that's been here since before me, will be here when I'm gone and within which I'm a spec of dust.

Somehow I've been letting my work "obligations" get in the way of preparing my mind and body for the enjoyment of the work. I also overdid the alcohol, noticably, last week. Done with that for awhile.

I know I go through cycles where my willingness to listen to the messages I recieve are masked by something in my own consciousness -- stubbornness, pride, ego, whatever it is. When that inability or unwillingness to listen become too great, the messages get louder, until I once again pay attention. I think my hearing is getting better in general, but I just had to stop and listen this week.

I realized (again) today that I need to be more careful with this, my favorite machine. I will get old one day -- if I listen to the signs and give it the care it needs.

Attending to Karma

Alice says I need to work on my Karma. I don't know exactly where I've gone wrong. I've been thinking that I'm listening to my Tango partners better in the dance lately. All the comments I get are positive (well, except Monday).

I think I'm attending to the things in life that matter. Maybe the garden needs more attention. I know there is springtime work to be done and I'm a bit behind. But with snow still coming down, it seems easy to put off.

I'm being really good at work. I'm working hard. I'm nice to everyone. I'm respectful, thoughtful. Well the random acts of kindness could be boosted a bit I guess.

I haven't spent time in the garage making anything. I did get the saw motor rewound some months ago and have only used it once since -- to make the overdue shelves in the laundry room. So maybe that's it. Maybe I just need to spend time tinkering.

Something is definitely going on. I have to acknowledge it as being unusual. I will continue to deal with these things calmly, as they occur. I just have to write down what's been happening.

In the last few weeks. . .

• The truck quit running. Fortunately there are still some folks around who work on carburetors. And this is the second time I've had the Holly 4 barrel rebuilt in it's 38 year life.
• The old laptop with the music on it quit playing sound. I think it's hardware, I've quit trying to fix it.
• A dishwasher has died -- I had it replaced while I was out of town by a company that does such things.
• The car is leaking water -- after having a new radiator installed less than a year ago. We add water (and sometimes antifreeze) occasionally. Still need to take it to the shop. I don't fix cars much any more.
• Two washing machines have died. I bought new ones and and installed them.
• A water heater started leaking and I replaced it.
• The furnace quit working. I replaced the igniter.
• The hard drive with all my photos failed. I haven't yet tried to see if anything is recoverable
• Now the power steering pump on the car is growling. Ok. I'll take it to the shop again.

Chris says sacrificing a chicken might be the answer. At least we'd have chicken for dinner.

ps Now this is a bit strange. I come home for work with the intention of writing this stuff down. I have a bit of cheese. Talk about how was the day. Write it. Then read Elizabeth's blog and discover that the reason Chris suggested sacrificing a chicken was because E wrote the same blog entry.

I think careful navigation is in order in this life at this time.