CoffeeStudyTalk

It finally happened at around 85,000 miles my 2007 Lexus IS250 displayed the dreaded Check Engine Light and VSC. I had just changed the oil at the dealer a few weeks back and also replaced the rear axle and front bushings, then drove off and my dash lit up like a Christmas tree. I went back to the dealer and they determined the cause was a dead O2 sensor and leaking valve cover gasket.  They believe oil dripping from the gasket fell on the O2 sensor and caused it to fail. Total bill?  About $1,300. O2 Sensor - $600 Valve Gasket - $700 In addition to resolving the Check Engine light, I also had other maintenance and repairs.  So total cost for the month was $ 4,050. Oil Change - $250 Rear Axle - $ 1700 Front Bushings - $800

I was curious and began this mileage log after I replaced the front tires, I began taking the mileage between gas fill ups and learned some interesting things. Spent $400 for a pair of new front tires on the IS.  It normally takes 225/45 W rated tires, but Costco only had the higher Y rated in stock, otherwise I’d have to wait a few weeks for them to order W tires.  Not wanting to risk driving on the highway nor deal with the spare, opted for the Y tires. Honestly, doesn’t make a difference as long it’s equal or higher than the original manufacturer recommended ratings.  Cost me a bit more as I also had to swap out the TPMS sensors and I find Costco is the best deal for those as well. A real bummer as I wanted to keep the tires for at least another year as I just did the brakes on all four wheels.  But the nail was in the worst spot near the edge and the side walls...just a little more to the middle and I could do a cheap plug.  Cest la vie. I do feel a slight improvement in traction a

 2020 has been a lousy year.  I know, it could be even worse and in many ways I'm very fortunate.  But, in other ways the isolation and ennui is really taking its toll on me. I'm sure it'll get better and things will improve.  The COVID-19 is a shared experience in global misery on a scale not felt since the Great Depression or World War II, so like what everyone says...suck it up and carry on. Yeah, I know that and will, but same time I'm going to gripe about it all the same.  While I'm able to enjoy most of the creature comforts, there is one thing I sorely miss and its the ability to eat in a proper restaurant, none of this takeaway.

I started blogging Jan 2014 (well...Nov/Dec 2013 to be specific).  I guess that makes it 5 years since.  Some things have changed in my life and I've learned quite a bit from blogging, I'm just amazed at how much time has gone by.  It feels 'almost' like yesterday when I started blogging. My primary goal in blogging was to wean myself away from social media and it has proven successful.  I'm able to post whatever I want, whenever I want and not feel pressured or watched by my friends and family who may find offense with what I write.  Granted, I write generally benign, practically boring stuff, it's still nice to be somewhat free under semi-anonymity (we are never truly anonymous online). By freeing myself from the constant need (addiction) of checking social media every few minutes...I've probably given myself back 2-3 hours to invest in the mundane habit called 'living' and 2-3 hours a day is a lot of time.  I can sit and relax, get lost in my