I like keeping old things running.
The AC unit is old. Don't know exactly how many years it has on it, but enough that every summer I wonder if this is the year it finally gives up. I mentioned before that had the HVAC guy come out recently to check it before the heat wave hits. He said it's fine for now. We'll see.
The push mower came from my brother in law. It's seen better days. Told you about how a while back it started surging. Ended up replacing the carburetor, spark plug, air filter, and fuel line. Added a fuel filter. Runs like new now.
The truck just sits in the driveway most of the time. I don't drive anymore. Battery went dead from not being used. Replaced it. Need to start running it more so it doesn't happen again.
Why do I bother? It gives me something to do. Occupies my time. At least when the maintenance is simple. If it's beyond my skill, I take it to someone more qualified. I know my limits. But when I can handle it myself, there's a satisfaction in it. Diagnosing the problem. Finding the parts. Getting my hands dirty. Making something work again that was about to be written off. I'm too stubborn to give up on them.
Got me thinking about how I used to maintain my body and mind. I was religious about it. Almost fanatical. Physical training and mental discipline. Taking care of myself like my life depended on it. Because in the military, it did. Then after leaving the Corps, it kind of fell to the wayside. Life got busy and priorities shifted. I stopped doing the maintenance. Then shit went sideways. Physically. Mentally. Things broke down that I didn't see coming.
Now I'm rebuilding my body and mind again. Neither will ever work like they used to. I know that. The mileage is too high. The parts are worn. Some damage is permanent. But like with the old machines, I'm too stubborn to give up on them. I do what I can. Rest when I need to. Take my medication. Move when I'm able. Work on the mind through reading and writing and staying engaged.
It's maintenance. Ongoing. Never finished. The goal isn't to make them new again. The goal is to keep them running as long as possible. That's all any of us can do.
You have something old you refuse to give up on?
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Notes:
-All content is mine unless otherwise annotated.
-Images are my own unless otherwise noted.
-Photos edited using Linux photo editor and drawing and/or iPhone SE.
-Page Dividers from The Terminal Discord.
I really like hearing about your various journeys and struggles, as I have a lot of similar issues and thoughts. When it comes to mind, body, and machine - I feel that there is more value in keeping it maintained for a healthy lifecycle, than dispose of for a new model.
Well, honestly I post this stuff as more of a release for me than anything. If others like it, like you, then that is cool. :)
If we could exchange for a new model, it would be interesting to see if we would take better care of it than the first one.
Something similar happened to me, but with college. In my case, I’m a real homebody, but there’s no doubt that we, as human beings, need our social fix—and luckily, college gave me that, and I worked out with my friends.... After I graduated, I gave in to a sedentary lifestyle and solitude, and my back was the one that suffered the consequences of that harmful decision 🫠🫠. It took me a year to find that balance
Creating content is something I’ve been doing for a very long time, and I refuse to give it up 🥲🥲👍🏻
Many things. I use almost everything until it's so broken it can't be fixed anymore. It's always a good challenge to keep things working as long as possible, have them maintain their deserved space in the universe.
Old men, old cars, old lawnmowers. Love them all X
Big hugs!
I didn’t expect how this post turned out. Relating your current routine and commitment to fixing things within your capacity to your old fruitful habits of caring for your physical and mental well-being is lovely stuff. Despite the limitations, I like the introspection and I hope you keep doing all that it takes to keep everything running smoothly. Reblogged! Happy Sunday.❤️
I try to do a lot of introspection these days. Leads to self improvement. Thank you for the reblog.
It’s always important to set aside some time to look after yourself, both body and mind, as it’s essential and helps us to love ourselves a little more. I don’t have many old things, because I moved to another country eight years ago, but I try to make the ones I do have last as long as possible.
Try to do the same myself. Hard to do these days. Things just aren't built to last anymore though. Think that might be purposeful.
Yes, it’s deliberate… a result of consumerism and designed to get people to spend money.
Agreed.
🤗
There is a different satisfaction when we tinker with things and make them work, no matter how old they are.
I admire you for not giving up on your body, mind, and overall health. We gotta do what we can. 💕
Yes, it does bring a certain satisfaction.
Old...ah,
I'm looking for ammo for this old 1960s 950 silver lipstick case made in Mexico.
The old Revlon Shimmer 87 is my mother's color I have to remember her by.
The MAC stick is my favorite black shade but $$$.
I think I will write a post about these..
Take care @coinjoe
That is really special. I do hope you are able to find the "ammo".
That's sad about your truck, but I understand your reasoning.
Yeah, but I still start it up. The wife drives it occasionally. I enjoy tinkering with it.
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STOPI'm in a similar situation with our AC unit. It's the original and has been here for 27 years now. I couldn't really complain if it died tomorrow, but I'm glad it continues to function. Like you, I had the HVAC guy come out and give it a once over before the summer hit. He said same thing...it's working for now :)
Yep, just keep the fingers crossed they keep working for now. Especially with this heat.