Let my hard lesson learned be words of advice and prevention for you or your loved-ones.

I had been putting off getting some vehicle repairs done . . . because finances weren't aligned . . . becausemy own health was up and down . . . because the timing wasn' good for my work schedule . . .  

I toldmyself: I just needed to get through my auntie's transition from independence to skilled nursing, then close out her home after she passed . . . I just needed to get through the hustle and work of helping host community events/gatherings/etc . . . I just needed to get through moving to a new home . . . just needed to get through several other obligations including several family/community funerals in the past several months . . . and then I just needed to get my bike fixed so I could ride it to work while my vehicle was being worked on . . .

Nope.  Two nights before I was scheduled to take it into the mechanic: the engine seized.

This vehicle is a tool to do the work I do for myself, my family, my community, and others.  

I have hauled all sorts of people/pets/things inside of and on top of this car . . . this work horse has earned every mile on the odometer.

I'm a solid winter driver (in snow and ice) and this precious 6-cylinder Toyota Camry is my war pony . . . I pick up prescriptions and groceries for our elders in the winter and get people to their appointments - I rescue stranded folx when busses stop running . . . for many reasons: I gotta get my vehicle back on the road.

Soooo . . . I'm gonna be fundraising to get a whole host of things (~$2K) fixed on my car, including a new engine (~$3K). . . hopefully I can get the funds raised before the harsh weather sets in.  The amount I set will help me also update my state vehicle registration and catch up on the car loan payments (~$2K). 

During this time, of raising the necessary funds: I'll be bussing, walking, riding my bike.

Once my war pony is back on the road: I will make sure to prioritize it's health and wellness along with my own.

#StillLearningLessonsTheHardWay

*Bonus: I ended up getting my own AAA service . . . so I can still help folx on the road even though my own vehicle is out of service.  

The AAA service already paid for itself by having the car towed back home while I fundraise to get it fixed.

Did you know AAA also provides roadside service for bikes?!!

If there is any learning to be shared it is this:
* Prioritize vehicle maintenance;
* Get yourself some AAA even if you don't have or drive a car;
* Don't take your tools for granted - whatever it is that helps you do what you do (on a daily basis) needs your diligence and attention.