What you don't want pushrods to look like

Poop

Mission: Running Truck

The truck needs to have the lash adjusted.  I followed the Chilton's manual that said to tighten the rockers to 32 ft/pounds, but have since come to the conclusion that either I'm reading that wrong or the manual is unclear.  Either way, thanks to friends who have been here before I'm on the track again.

I took a couple days off work to get this project finished over the holiday weekend.  I just can't find time during my normal life, so now I'll burn a couple days of PTO and get it done.

My first step is to get the valve covers off again.  I was afraid it woe require tearing everything down to the manifold off, which would be a couple hours for a guy like me.  I have not been looking forward to it and procrastinating.

But I started today, and with some cautiously applied pressure and removal of a few wires, I got he covers off in 30 mi utes this morning.

Now to play some laser tag with friends and get back to it in a couple hours.  It's not often I over-estimate time for auto repairs and I'm grateful for the small mercies I receive like today.

How well they understand

Jadyn:  What does chaos mean?

Jeremiah:  It's like a rampage of sin.

No rest for the procrastinator

I've been planning to retake my Cisco Certified Network Associate exam for a few months.  The exam I passed before retires this September, so to keep the review to a minimum I'm working to get it done before then.

I've put it off long enough and the test is scheduled. 

Now I'm studying like crazy to be ready, so the truck gets put on hold.  Music gets put on hold.  Everything gets put on hold.  Every time this happens I resolve to be more dilligent in my skills maintenance, and every time I wait until I have to panic to get anything accomplished.  This appears to be a character flaw.

At any rate, check out my facebook page for announcements of upcoming gigs, who I'm playing with and where to find me next.  The next performance will be in Becker with Green Light Night, August 16th.  I believe this is a private party, but if you get in touch with me I'm sure I can arrange a guest list for your attendance.  Maybe some of my Twin Cities friends would like to make the shorter trip?

More thoughts as they come, otherwise check out my networking blog for the only thing I'm currently thinking about...

So doggone close...

May 10, 2013 I tore apart my 1990 Suburban to replace the lifters.  It's been a challenge all along, but I got it back together tonight.  Two and a half months of work (well, OK, maybe more like a week of work stretched out over two and a half very busy months) and I sat behind the wheel of the truck.

I turned the key.  The motor turned...

...and would not start...

Here's where it was tore down to, and quite frankly the fact that *anything* happened when I turned that key is encouraging.  I'm guessing I've got a timing problem now.  Not bad for a network nerd, if I do say so myself.

Back at the geek stuff

Well, I keep intending to post information about life and thoughts about it and all the other musings I typically generate that I think someone should hear.  I assure you, I have more thoughts than have made it to this blog for quite some time.

Anyhow, the majority of my blogging has been at my "Greg and the Network" blog lately as I prepare to retake my CCNA.  I'm reviewing all my CCNA material and brushing up on the finer points of all sorts of geeky stuff for those who are interested.

Other than that, we're alive and well.  Having just passed 13 years of wedded bliss, we are busy enjoying summer and all that goes with it.  I expect to blog more soon, since summer in Minnesota really only lasts a few weeks anyhow.

Also wanted to make sure you all know that "Green Light Night" is performing on September 21 at O'Brien's Pub in Rice, MN.  I hope to see everyone there.

It's hard sometimes

Sometimes, I look around and think of all the people I've hurt in the past 40 years. I wonder what kind of damage to their lives I've caused, what kind of havoc I've wreaked, whether or not any one even remembers or cares at this point. I don't know.

The sad thing is, I've most likely forgotten more hideous things that I have done to others than most people will ever do their whole lives. Sometimes I remember and get to go back and try to ask forgiveness - "Forgive me for treating you like nothing," or "forgive me for causing you pain." "Forgive me for taking advantage of you," or maybe "forgive me for not caring like I should have."

So, for those out there somewhere I can't recall and for those I've just never had the courage to tell, "I'm sorry. I wish I could change it, but I pray you would be healed and forgive me."