I had to be only 1 of 16 possibly 18 people in 2002 within the borders of Maine who could claim that they drove and International Scout on the road...... legally The Scout for me was both the worst and best automotive decision I ever made. Many would shake their heads in disbelief after long descriptions of the beast. For me it was a self inflicted forced change of sorts....

I was married in the fall of 2001 which I recieved a 1996 ford ranger, 2wd, electric blue, 5 speed, 4 cylinder, as a wedding present from my father who had purchased the truck had driven it since it was new. Me, knowing the history of the truck was a two edged sword. I knew that dad religiously changed the oil every three thousand miles. I also remebered dogging the shit out of the old girl coming back from Saco in a snowstorm (times fifty).

I drove the truck for another few months and then I stumbled across it. Within an hour I immediatly went to a bank, opened the door and filled out a loan application not knowing what the hell I was doing. After waiting a few minutes I was seen by a very patient and kind older woman, who took the time to look over my application, then at me, then back to the application...when she finally spoke. "I'm sorry but I don't reccomend that I submit this." She had seen my meager part time scraps compared to my carefree college existance (thanks mom and dad) I wasn't offended in the least as it was a setback which manifested into a start.

Cutting The Social Line; Everyday Excitement and Anticipation

Excitement and anticipation are two emotions which don't get triggered everyday within the human body, and that's really too bad.

What is the drive?  How do the patterns, social and otherwise, impact us along the way.  

1. High School 
2. College 
3. Work 
4. Marriage 
5. Kids           ---Repeat Cycle for your children---^ 
6. Retirement 

For some reason retirement seems to be the pot of gold ironically located at the end of the rainbow (life).  I can equate the "Do what I want, when I want." mindset of retirement......but why wait?  I suppose its more about adjusting both attitude and pride.  

Should I anticipate the end of my life and be excited to finish out my career and "Do exactly what I want?"  Many coworkers keep a running tally of when then can retire.  How many years, months, days, hours, seconds ect.  I suppose it all falls back into a social pattern of what's next.  Some workers don't take their yearly allotted vacation in order to stockpile time to retire early.  You can see their eyes light up with excitement thinking of the possibilities of doing only what they want. 

Change will come, and come without prejudice for your plans people!  Who knows anything???  How long we will have:  Government?  Time? Money? Oil? Freedom? Energy? 

I'm excited and happily anticipating the birth of my first child.  As a male my role is very limited within a pregnancy.  Jenny, my love, is absolutely beautiful, quick witted, strong, open, wonderfully creative woman.  Excitement and anticipation IS the combination of our souls.... two into one. 

Reality Check

Everything around me right now is oil/energy dependent.  This blog has been created by a computer powered by oil somewhere along the line.  The themes of this blog deal with motorsports.  I am most definitely part of the problem.  Eventually I'll have to find a new medium... and I will.  For now, like most spoiled americans, I'll continue to binge drink oil.

  

VIR South Course 4/7/08

Hey!!!!! Watch This Ma!!!

CLICK HERE---->Video Coverage <----CLICK HERE

I'm excited about finding some video coverage of my latest track session with Asphalt Ventures. This was taken early in the day, when the instructor was still in the car. We were still working on "finding the line" as this was my first go round with the south course cut through.


By the end of the session I was able to compress my braking zones a bit, more trust in the pedal after almost 6 hours of track time. I was also feeling better about the balance of the car while running solo. The extra unsprung weight of my instructors gave me a false sense of grip, epically on right handers (sweeper after downhill and before fish hook). The car also became upset easier with just me in the car. I guess its time to borrow some scales and move some weight around...


The car absolutely performed throughout the entire day. I took some advice and covered up my tack, but did push the motor HARD at least twice per lap (5700-6200? RPM) as I fell in love with 3 gears power band. The brakes never got soft... I never overheated....


It was truly a great day

Somehow, Someway...Organization for Only One Day

 Brakes-bleed, check, torque, inspect and reinspect

 Fluids- oil, coolant, power steering, brake, water

 Tools- All tools hand tools and a few power tools make it to the track.  With entry fees exceeding $200-$300 dollars a day having the ability to have a stabbing chance at good ol fashioned Maine injunitity.  Front seat of toyota is removed for largest chest. 

Click here-->ALL I NEED <--Click Here

 Spare Parts- rear brake rebuild kit, power steering rebuild kit, T-5 tail seal, scuffed front pads,

 Logistics- car prep checklists, course maps, youtube study, mental preparation checklists

Pride- set aside for time being.  Learn, listen and pay attention.

Focus- Warm tires, up in pressure, GET POINTS RIGHT, Smooth, natural inputs, look up, apex,look up, look up, track out, Don't drag brakes, one "are you there" blip way early..only two discs, hard input braking straight, don't drag or trail....let them cool, smooth, steady, looking up, breathing.

Weekly reports, monthly deadlines, administrative nightmares, PR headache... Hurry up, need it three days ago, a fire is burning in the woods.  Prioritise and go to work...

A great amount of joy is gained when you are able to run the work machine within yourself to achieve a personal goal.  This is more than (a to b) goal achievement.  Tech deadlines, weekly maintenance responsibilities, fixing and diagnosing problems, headaches...money!!