How Interesting Can This Be Really

Stuck in the Rain

2009-10-23T20:30:00Z

While driving to work this morning I found myself in a most unexpected predicament. I, along with many other drivers, found myself stuck while trying to climb Madison to the top of Capital Hill in Seattle. The road was so slick from the rain that many cars were sliding backwards while their wheels merely spun. This not only caused quite a back up which only made the matter worse, it was also dangerous as many cars almost slid into the car behind them. Will everyone need to have an all-wheel drive car to drive in this town year round? Is there something we can do to prevent the roads from being so slick after every rain or will Seattle have to shut down in the rain like we do in the snow? Watch the video to see for yourself.

Cars sliding around trying to get up Madison to Capital Hill in Seattle
http://mikeruffo.com/2009/10/23/stuck-in-the-rain.aspx

Ghost Bridge Jump

2009-08-25T00:42:00Z

In Seattle, there is a ghost bridge. A bridge that leads to nowhere and appears only when the sun comes out. I generally only see if from my car, stuck in traffic on 520. You can hear the screaming before you notice the bridge. Then you notice it. towering above the Arboretum. Normally there are people standing on it, peering over the edge. If you watch long enough, sometimes you'll see someone throw themselves off. Most times, you only hear the screams.

This past weekend, luck was on my side. It was the birthday of one Francis Brown and we were able to follow the rainbow to this mystical bridge. We basked in the sun as the ghost bridge taunted us. Finally, three of us gave in to the sirens call.

Francis, David, Mike jumping off Ghost Bridge - Seattle Washington, Aug 2009.
http://mikeruffo.com/2009/08/24/ghost-bridge-jump.aspx

Re-Tox: Day 1 - Breaky and Maneki

2009-08-05T06:26:00Z

Now I can talk about some things I enjoy. Real food and doing whatever the hell I want. Now some people said I shouldn't dive head first into the culinary delights because it might shock my system. I say that staving my body for ten days was plenty of a shock. Over the next ten days, I'm going to try my best to get through the list of cravings I had during the diet. We'll see what happens.

Today I got up an hour early so I could make breakfast. Just a simple breakfast of two eggs and two pieces of toast with some delicious coffee on the side. But these were no ordinary eggs and not just plain toast mind you. PCC must have sprinkled these eggs with crack and perhaps the Essential bakery has fairy's making their bread because that shit was f'n grand. Grand I say. The most delicious breakfast in history. If I had any left I would let you try it to prove it. Your loss.

Lunch was a turkey sandwich. Pretty damn good but breakfast was still the show stopper. I'll probably have another for lunch though because I'm not sure if one is enough.

Dinner gave breakfast some tough competition. We ate at Maneki Japanese Restaurant and it was outstanding. I had heard about this place for a while and was excited to try it. We figured Sushi was a better way to dive back in than the huge steak I had origionally planned. We started with the Blue Fin Sashimi ($14) which was delectable. Melt in your mouth, and buttery. I'd say one of the most expensive things on the menu (which isn't bad at $14) and worth it. Next came the vegetable sukiyaki ($7.00). A very nice size bowl of broth with a garden of veggies. All piping hot and perfectly seasoned. they even gave us a spoon to share and western style utensils are hard to come by in Maneki, Finally the grand finale was the Black Cod Collar Miso ($6.95). The menu describes this as "Marinated in miso and broiled. Sailor's delight!". "Sailor's delight!" it says. And it is. It seems to be the part of the cod just north of the fins. Whatever it is, I'm going to dream about it. They gave me three large pieces. It was so much that I could barely finish but I did only because it was so good. There are some large bones so it requires a little work to get at the juicy bits but that just makes you want it more. Not near as much work as crab, just enough to make you earn it. The skin is crisp and salty but the meat is sweet and melty. It was heaven. I will never go anywhere else for sushi or Japanese food in seattle.

We walked out of Maneki satiated and a little dizzy. I may have eaten too much but man I deserved it. We'll see what tomorrow holds on the Re-Tox list of fun. So far the diet may have been worth it just because this part is so much fun.

Freedom Never Tasted So Good

2009-08-05T06:18:00Z

I’m back. I feel 100% better than I did exactly one day ago. Do I feel better than before I started this whole thing? Actually, I may. I am having a hard time discerning between feeling better because my liver and kidney and colon are clean, feeling better because I have some protein in my system, and just plain being happy because I can eat whatever I damn well please. Either way I’m glad to be done.

So looking back, I have to say that diet sucked. I suppose all diets suck. But there is something especially annoying about starving oneself when one is perfectly healthy and in decent shape strictly in the hope that you’ll benefit from it someday. It’s like freezing yourself in the hopes that the future people will be able to fix you. It’s like buying the $200 accidental warranty plan on your new computer. We’d all like to do it but only some can. And I’m not talking about will power. If we all knew for sure that it would make our golden years better, we’d eat horse manure for ten days. I’m talking about those of us who are lucky enough to starve ourselves purely for the sake of our own benefit. It just seems ironically insulting to those who are starving for real. That’s all I’m saying.

Anyway, I made it. It was a good challenge and I’ll admit I wasn’t perfect. I ate avocados and quinoa. Hell, some people say it’s worthless if you eat at all. What I did not consume for ten days was meat, fish, dairy, salt, sugar, wheat, alcohol, oils, fat, and probably some things I don’t even know about. I tried my best man. I have talked to people who have truly fasted for seven days and one who drank only lemonade and cayenne pepper for a week. They are stronger than I.

Would I do it again? Maybe. No time soon and I will have to get some more hard research about the benefits. I was actually worried that I may be doing harm to myself at one point. So far, I think I’ve bounced back fairly well. It seems my soul has returned. I did get a few things out of it for sure. I’ve said it before but I will try my best to eat more healthy food now. I will also without a doubt appreciate what is in my food and how it tastes. Those lessons alone make this a good endeavor.

I hope my kidney and liver and colon and whatnot are refreshed after their vacation though because I have a list of to do’s for them.

Re-Tox List

2009-08-03T19:47:00Z

Over the last ten days, I have made a list of the cravings I have had. I intend to get each item on this list at least once within the next ten days:

Klondike Bar
Sushi (Tuesday night at Maneki)
Bacon Cheese Burger
Ice Cream from Molly Moon's (also tomorrow night after sushi)

Whoppers
Pop Corn with the delicious flavorings on top preferably during a movie
A Chimichanga
Turkey Sandwich from my fridge
Pancakes
Avocado WITH salt
Dick's Deluxe
Over easy eggs with extra buttery toast (tomorrow morning)
Porchetta sandwich from Salumi (lunch lomorrow?)
Cold beer from anywhere
The Crab Leg Platter with a baked potato on the side from Harbor Lights

Stay tuned for reviews of said items.

...

Tomorrow, I Am Released

2009-08-03T19:24:00Z

The final day. As much fun as this has been, I'm going to go to sleep at about 7:00pm and waking up at four so I can start cooking breakfast. Can't wait for some over easy eggs and some toast with lots of butter. And let's not forget the cherry on top - my old friend coffee. I miss you coffee.

Now that this torture is about over I can try to appreciate what it was for. I look at it like giving my liver and kidney a week off. It does feel good to have, theoretically, cleansed my body of most things. I suppose after 35 years of hard work it deserves a break. Maybe I'll do this again in another 35 years. Maybe. Maybe not. I will definitely be more conscious of what I put into my body and I'll make an effort to eat more healthy things. I will also take this new beginning to try to appreciate what I eat more. I have had such bland food for the past ten days (lemon juice and pepper have been our condiments) that I can't wait to taste salt and something savory again.

I think the worst part is the constant weak feeling. Everything is a struggle. I am guessing this is what it feels like to be old - my muscles don't really want to work and I feel the need to sit down after doing the dishes. Speaking of, I think I'm going to take a nap. On;y 11 more hours...

...

Starvation Day 8 - I See the Light

2009-08-01T15:33:00Z

I never thought I would make it this far. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm running towards it. That is the light of almost being finished with this terrible thing. Not the "I'm dead" light, although I feel close everyday at about noon.

Day six and seven were the usual, eating veggies and fruit. We have upped the portion size a tad so I can function at work. I honestly can't see how someone could do this if they had a normal 9-5 job where they had to perform. I am barley functioning. It very well may be the lack of caffeine but it could just as easily be the lack of protein or carbs or just plain fuel.

I do have to say that as hard as it has been, I am glad to have been off the coffee for a few days. I hate to be dependent on something so its good to have cleared that out. Not to say that I'm not going to have a delicious cup of Joe Tuesday morning. I might even get up early so I can make it French press style. In that vain, I have a small list of things I will be eating in the near future as part of the re-tox diet. I will post the list soon.

I'm off to work to shave cats now and I hope they can't smell the weakness on me or I'm doomed. ...

Just Like Africa?

2009-07-30T05:23:00Z

Day 5 of the "detox cleanse fast" torture. Still really want a steak, but feeling better. My stomach must be shrinking because I can eat very little now and feel full. I can say that starving sucks. It's hard to focus and you feel weak. This may be compounded by the fact that the temperature in Seattle has reached record setting highs. I feel for those people on the commercials where they ask you for adollar a day and show the really skinny kid. It sucks to be that kid.

That said, I did have the energy to ride my bike to work today. At this point its mostly the nights that suck because we eat a small dinner of some cucumber and avocado or the like at about 7:00pm and then can't eat anything after that. It's 10:30pm right now and I would really enjoy a snack. Like a two pound ribeye steak snack.

That said, we did find a loop hole: quinoa. You see, we are not allowed to have grains, but quinoa is technically not a grain. I realize that we are really only cheating ourselves and all that crap but frankly, I don't care. When I heard that news it was like I found money. Needless to say, lunch today was quinoa with dried fruit. Heaven. I never thought I would consider such a dish heaven but I also never thought I would be starving myself on purpose.

So there, you have it. I've resorted to deceiving myself with technicalities and quinoa with dried fruit. Stay tuned to see if I make it and, in 5 days, I start the Retox Diet: because every cloud has a silver lining and this cloud is lined with beer, bacon, and beef.

"Cleanse" Day 4

2009-07-29T03:25:00Z

Day four of the "cleanse". I really want a steak, and maybe a hamburger, and a sandwich.

I have noticed that I can eat a small amount and be full. And, by removing all forms of flavoring from the diet, I have become more aware of the natural flavor of foods. These are good things. I hope to gain an appreciation for simple quality foods after this torture is over. This diet would not suck so bad if I could eat more. The problem is, I
think the idea is to eat very little so all the gook on your insides
get digested and removed. Gross.

This morning was no fun, I was quite hungry. I feel weaker and have much less energy than normal. I'm not sure if it's the lack of caffeine or calories or both but I really don't care. Frankly, I'm worried that I may never be the same again. I'm concerned that my essence is being removed and will forever be replaced by this apathetic, weak, drooling version of myself. "They" say that it gets better and you lose the craving for all the good stuff but I really hope that doesn't happen. I hope that with a proper dose of coffee and flesh, I can reverse the adverse effects. Which leads me to believe that if this "cleanse" really does work, I will going to reverse any "benefits" in roughly 2 days.

Anyway, we can't eat after 7:00pm and its 8:41pm now so I'm in for a long night. Stay tuned...
...

Cleanse This

2009-07-28T05:26:00Z

My girlfriend and I are on day 3 of a “cleansing diet” (read “starvation diet”). I am not much of an activist about anything but I think I may have found my cause – to stamp out these “cleanses” in all shapes and forms.

These diets are supposed to “cleanse” your liver, or your kidneys, or your colon, or what have you. Right now I feel like my body has been cleansed of my soul. I’m starving. I live in a first world country, and am choosing to deprive myself of things that are readily available, legal, and not really that bad for me. I’m not talking about cutting out booze and McDonalds and the stuff that everyone knows is bad. I’m talking about good old salt, sugar, milk, and bread. I’m not even supposed to have free range, hormone free, non-genetically enhanced chicken. People are starving for real, not on purpose, all over the world and I’m doing it on purpose!?

People say, “It’s better after the first few days”. I hope so. I have work do to and a life to live and I can barely function. I’m going to try my best to survive this “cleanse” and I will keep you posted as we work our way through the ten days. At this point, I say give me a colonic and get it over with.

...

Skydive Highfive

2009-07-27T05:49:00Z

Falling from the sky from 13000ft at 120mph is a very unique experience. A unique experience that is surprisingly accessible to the general public. Although a little more spendy than a night at the movies, with some planning and some saving, just about anyone can taste this ultimate thrill.

Last week, my girlfriend and I went to Skydive Snohomish and tried it out for ourselves. We decided to do a tandem jump so we could experience the free fall. For that matter, we decided to spend the extra $25 to jump from 2000 feet higher so we could have an extra 30 seconds of free fall. That means we would be falling for a full minute. Definitely worth it. We also opted to have our jumps video taped and, having just watched the video, I feel it was $90 very well spent.

We arrived at 10:00am and the front desk staff was professional and courteous. Not so nice that they are pandering, but nice enough so a small scheduling mix-up didn’t phase them, or us. Once we had the scheduling figured out, it was time for the scariest part of the whole experience: the legal forms.

The legal forms are an unfortunate necessity in any business these days. In the skydiving business, they have got to be the only way they stay in business. I could tell that each line on the form was a result of some lawsuit. The form starts out by saying: skydiving is not safe and we never said it was. Later, there is a part that lists many of the ways one can be injured while skydiving, including being killed by “hitting the ground too hard”. I was having serious second thoughts as I signed my life away.

A few moments later we were seated with a group watching an instructional video. The three rules? Have fun, arch your back and lift your legs upon landing. That’s all there is to it. After the video, we practiced the lifting of the legs the arching outside. Behind the joking and smiling meant to calm us, it was obvious that the instructor took this very seriously. After, the brief class, we waited.

There were about 12 people in our group and we were the last on the list. That meant that two groups went before us while we waited. I think the waiting actually calmed me down as I saw smiling face after smiling face return safely to the ground. Then about an hour later, it was out turn to suit up.

Our instructor/tandem partners were professional and relaxed. I have to say that they seemed larger than life, as though they themselves were the chutes bringing us safely down to earth. It was obvious that they enjoyed their jobs and took the safety seriously but little else. The jokes were perhaps rehearsed but nonetheless served to sooth many a nervous rookie. We put our harnesses on and they were checked and double-checked. They explained very clearly how things would work once we were on the plane down to the fact that the harness would seem loose while we were hunched over on the plane but not to worry, it was plenty tight.

Finally it was time to board the plane and my nerves kicked in again. Thankfully, I was again distracted from this fact by the instructors explaining how they would place the helmets goggles on us about halfway up and that they would attach and recheck the harness just before jumping. The fact that I was going to jump out of a plane really hit me as we took off.

We were all stacked up in the plane sitting on our butts with a person between our legs. A little uncomfortable but whatever, we’re going to jump out of a plane. We joked around a bit more as we climbed higher. The view was amazing and Mt. Rainier was staring back at us. As I realized that Mt. Rainier is about 14000 feet and we are jumping from 13000 I finally grasped just how high that is. It’s really high. Then they opened the door.

There were four solo jumpers ahead of us. They gave each other some skin and jumped out one by one. I think what grabbed me most was how fast they disappeared. All of a sudden it was painfully clear how fast we were moving. Each skydiver would jump out and just as soon be gone. Gone. We inched over to the door on our butts.

My time had come. This is the moment I’d been training for. I sat on the edge and looked down for a second. Strangely unafraid, I put my head back on the left shoulder of the instructor and with the count of one, we rocked forward, two, we rocked back, and three, we eased out of a plane at 13000.

I’m going to be honest and say that the first few second are a very blurry memory. I remember thinking “OH SHIT!” as the instructor said “three” and we bailed out. The next thing I remember is the view. It takes a few seconds to get your wits but they return and once they do, its surreal. I just remember taking in the view as we fell. The only real indicator of how fast we were going was the wind. The ground was actually too far away to have much perspective. I was speechless and a little dumbfounded as the instructor spun us a full 360 degrees. I tried to shout at the camera but I don’t think anything came out. The next thing I knew the instructor said, “well it looks like the chute worked” followed by a sudden jerk upward as our parachute filled with air.

The ride down was basically relaxing. Emily’s and my instructors flew us side by side for a moment so we could relay our excitement and then we separated. We did some aerial maneuvers on the way down and with a final swoop we gently landed on terra firma. Once we were all firmly planted, there were hugs and high fives all around. I thanked the man that I had met that morning and had trusted my life to and we were on our way.

The ride home was one of contentment. I don’t know if it was the feeling of accomplishment, the rush of adrenaline, or both but Emily and I both had an unrivaled sense of calm. We had challenged gravity and our own common sense and had walked away. Grateful for one more day of life and knowing that particular one was well lived.

http://mikeruffo.com/2009/07/26/skydive-highfive-2.aspx

Urban Kayaking

2009-07-21T06:24:00Z

Video - Kayaking the Puyallup River from Fred Meyer in Puyallup to Dock Street in Tacoma Washington.

If you'd like to find out how to kayak the Puyallup River, simply visit Tacomarama

http://mikeruffo.com/2009/07/20/urban-kayaking.aspx

Video Blog Day One

2009-07-16T16:06:00Z

First official video blog. Just trying to get a feel for how this vlogging will fit into the big picture. My 35th birthday and sky-diving on said birthday are top of the list. Stay btuned for more fun.

http://mikeruffo.com/2009/07/16/video-blog-day-one.aspx

First video blog entry

2009-07-15T00:14:00Z

Does it work?
http://mikeruffo.com/2009/07/14/first-video-blog-entry.aspx

Pre-Dive

2009-07-11T04:29:00Z

I’m going skydiving in a week. Actually, 7 days but who’s counting. OK, I’m counting because I can't wait. I try not to get too excited about these things because you never know. If I get all pumped up and start telling people how great it's going to be, I could very well get to the point where I’m supposed to jump and just pee my pants. That would be disappointing.

So, with reservation, I am quite excited. I have to say, because everyone thinks it,that I hope I don’t die. That said, I really am more excited than scared. So this is the before. I intend to check back in with my feelings when the time is a little closer. Perhaps the morning before we go. We’ll see how I feel then; and of course we’ll compare with what actually happens.

I wonder if I should wear some adult diapers, just in case…

Seriously.

Soul Puppies

2009-07-10T17:59:00Z

As I approach 35 years of age I can’t help but realize the discrepancy between how old we “are” verses how old we “feel”. I feel about 20. (I don’t want to talk about how old I look.) This realization brought me to think about how some people refer to an old soul or a young soul. I’ve decided that our souls age more slowly than our physical bodies.

If you consider how we figure dogs age seven years for each of our one, I think our souls age in the opposite manner. That is the soul ages one year for each of our seven (give or take). Could it be that our souls have infinitely longer life spans than our physical bodies and thus have to find many bodies throughout their existence?

To take it one step further, could it be that, much in the same way people are forced to have multiple dogs during their lifetime, our souls are forced to have multiple bodies. And just like dogs, some bodies are wonderful joyous experiences while others are more challenging.

Could it be even, as we choose which breed of dog is best for our current state of life, our souls choose which body, race, or perhaps even planet, is the best match for it? And as some owners treat their puppy dogs with malice and disrespect, some spirits treat their bodies the same way.

Perhaps a young soul is harder on its body than an old soul? Perhaps some just abandon their bodies halfway through because they have to take a job somewhere else and they can’t find an apartment that will let them have a body?

It’s just a thought.

Thanks For Reading This

2009-07-01T21:15:00Z

So I’ve been noticing lately the difference in how people treat each other. I’ve decided that perhaps there is something to be studied here. From customer service to driving, from riding the bus to walking down the street, lets face it; we’re going to have to interact with each other. I believe that each interaction is an opportunity to, at least, improve someone’s day at, on some level, improve the fabric of society. I’m going to start this study with the simple act of saying please and thank you.

First, how hard is it to say these words. “Please” – it’s one syllable, takes about half a second and doesn’t hurt at all. You don’t even have to make your tongue do anything strange. And how much does this simple word make a difference? It’s incredible really. Let’s try it shall we: “hand me my towel” vs. “hand me my towel, please.” Very similar phrases, yet the first implies an order and the second implies gratitude and a realization that this person did not have to hand you the towel. Granted, most times when you’re asking for a towel you would be on close terms with a person and may not need to say please but why not.

Thank you is even better. OK, it is two words and two syllables and takes maybe a full second to spit out, but man is it valuable. It should be mandatory for people to say after anyone does anything for you. From moving out of your way to picking you up at the airport. It simply acknowledges that other person has acknowledged your existence and altered their existence in favor of yours.

Now some may say that if we say these things all the time that it will dilute the meaning. I say that if you mean these words, that meaning will come across. You don’t have to grab someone by the shoulders, look them in the eye, tell them thank you, and then hug them if they just passed you the ketchup, but a simple thanks is certainly in order.

I work with a lady who never says please or thank you. It kills me. After two years of working with her I almost don’t want to lift a finger for her cause it seems like she demands everything and appreciates nothing. In fact, some days it makes me want to undo some of the things I’ve done just for the opportunity to glean some gratitude from her. It makes the work environment stressful and I believe is at the same time the cause and symptom of more serious problems. Our work place would be a more unified and caring environment if she would simply say “thanks” once in a while.

This philosophy can extend to our neighbors, the coffee girl, other people in traffic, and makes a large difference for a small effort. If we all treat each other as equals on this planet and with some respect, that respect will grow into caring and if we all cared about each other, there is nothing we wouldn’t do for each other and therefore we could accomplish anything.

Try This If Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Won't Start

2009-02-05T21:58:00Z

Try this if your Jeep Grand Cherokee won’t start: By a guy who knows nothing about cars but has had lots of trouble with his Jeep.

1. If the accessories don’t work and the engine struggles to turn over, it’s probably your battery. Try to jump it. If that doesn’t work, or if it only keeps your car running for a few minutes, the battery could be bad as a result of a bad alternator. The easiest way to check this is to buy a battery checker thingy for about $10. This will tell you if your alternator is working and the charge on your battery. Seriously it sounds like a hassle to go buy it but it’s worth it.

a. If you do manage to get your car started by jumping it, the alternator will charge your battery. If you’re car dies shortly after all this, it could be that a fuse has blown in your power distribution center due to the overload from the alternator trying to charge your battery or something like that. All I know is that it happened twice that after I killed my battery by leaving my lights on or something stupid like that, as I was driving around trying to charge it back up, my car died and no amount if jumping it would help. The first time I paid to have a new alternator put in. The second time a guy at the shop changed the fuse and sent me on my way. I tipped him twenty bucks and cursed the first guy who probably charged me $200 for changing the fuse.

2. If the accessories work, try banging on the starter with the back of a screwdriver. The starter is located about a third of the way back, under the passenger side, very close to the oil filter. It’s above the exhaust pipe that travels back from the engine to the muffler. Bang on it a few times and then try to start it. Worked for me.

3. If the car starts but then dies shortly thereafter, it could be your anti-theft system. This could especially be the problem if your battery has recently been disconnected as disconnecting the battery makes the car think its being stolen for some reason. Use your key fob to arm the system then unarm it and try to start it. You may need to wait about 15 minutes between tries to allow the system to reset. You can also deactivate the alarm system by using the lift gate using the key and sometimes by turning the key left then right in the drivers door. In some models of Jeep, unlocking the passenger side using the key will deactivate the alarm.

4. If banging on the starter doesn’t work, it could be your Neutral Safety Switch (NSS). That’s the thing that won’t let you start your car unless it’s in Park or Neutral. Try jiggling the gear shifter to make sure it’s in park. Also, try starting it in Neutral. An easy test to see if your NSS is working is to turn the key to the on position and then put the shifter in Reverse. Your Reverse lights are also connected to the NSS so they should be on. If they aren’t on, you know the problem. If they are on, check the fuses.

5. The fuse associated with the NSS could be bad. Check the to see if its blown. Also check the relays in the Electrical Distribution center are good. I did this by trading out the one that operated the horn. If the horn worked with the relay, the relay was good. All my relays worked fine. If you find a fuse or relay that’s blown, you’ve got an easy fix. If not, well, I can’t help ya.

Hope this helps the guy who is frantically using his phone to search for answer on how to fix his Jeep Grand Cherokee that won’t start.

My Jeep Grand Cherokee Wouldn't Start Damn It

2009-02-05T21:56:00Z

Last night whilst I was running errands, my 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee decided not to start. I had gotten out to drop a letter in the mailbox and got right back in. The lights hadn’t even shut themselves off yet. I hopped in, looking forward to returning home and making some dinner and, nothing. Well, not nothing, but certainly not enough. As I turned the key, all the accessories were working and the battery showed it had a charge but there was no familiar sound of the engine cranking. It was as though the gear shifter had been left in drive.

My first thought was that the gear shifter was not in Park. This would mean that the neutral safety switch would not allow the car the start. It had to be that. After moving the shifter back and forth about a thousand times and maybe hitting it a little harder than I should have to make sure it was fully in park, there was still no reaction. After about an hour of this I decided to go home and hopefully whatever was wrong would fix itself overnight.

It didn’t. My first thought the next morning was that it could be the anti-theft device. Upon doing some research on my G-Phone however, I realized that the anti-theft device allows the car to start but then quickly kills the engine. This was not my problem. Of course, I turned the alarm on and off a thousand times and even used to key in the door and rear hatch to deactivate the alarm a few times just to make sure. Even after the fifteenth time, it still didn’t fix the problem. I tried once more to be sure.

Next, I went back to the neutral safety switch (NSS). Using my phone once again I found out that the NSS was connected to the reverse lights. This meant that I could test it by turning the key to the on position, moving the shifter to Reverse and then checking the reverse lights. If they were on it was working, if not, I had my culprit. They were on. Good news but I was back to the drawing board.

I wasn’t prepared to give up on the NSS. I assumed a fuse had to be associated with it so I pulled out the manual. Took about 20 minutes trying to find the fuse box, which was not where the manual said it was. (Fuck you very much Jeep/Chrysler) and then checked the fuse that the manual listed that was in charge of the NSS. It was fine. I then noticed that the diagram on the back of the fuse box cover listed different locations that the manual. (Fuck you again Jeep/Chrysler). This prompted me to check every single fuse. I found one fuse that was blown and was so excited because I thought I had solved the problem I almost jumped up and down. The good news was that I fixed the power outlet so I can charge my phone. The bad news, my car would not be running while I charged my phone.

I finally decided that it may not be the NSS. I really didn’t think it could be the starter because it had not given any trouble thus far and made no sound as if it were even trying to start. Regardless, I was desperate and would try anything. I had seen an AAA guy bang on my starter once and it miraculously fixed it. Could lightning strike twice? I walked to Schucks, bought the repair manual, and looked up online where the starter is. Evidently it’s on the passenger side next to the “bell housing”. Very helpful if only I knew what the hell a bell housing was. Armed with this information and a screwdriver, I crawled under my car and started banging on stuff. I decided that the starter was the round thing on the passenger side above the exhaust pipe and very near the oil filter. I banged extra on that part.

I crawled out from under the car, crossed my fingers, cursed Jeep/Chrysler one more time for good measure, and turned the key. My heart almost stopped when the engine started. I couldn’t believe it. Five hours, one fixed power outlet, two lost fuses (those suckers are hard to get back in due to the ridiculous placement of the fuse box – thanks again Jeep/Chrysler), one missed dentist appointment, and one almost broken gear shifter later, I was back on the open road baby. Needless to say, I quickly called everyone I knew to brag about what a great mechanic I am and am now trying to come up with catchy names for my auto repair shop. I kinda like “Mike’s Bangin’ Car Shop – We won’t leave ya hangin”…

No Sweat

2008-10-12T18:58:00Z

Í´m currently waiting for a collectivo to take me from Tarapoto to Yurimaguas. A collectivo is a car or van that waits until it is full before it takes off. These are a very cheap way to get around but one has to be flexible. So I´m sitting here sweating. Its hot. Wet hot like you want to jungle to be. Like you want the jungle to be until your about to spend 2+ hours in a cramped van that is. The good news is, now that they´ve paved the road, the trip only takes 2+ hours as opposed to the 8 it used to take.

Once we arrive in Yurimaguas I will have to arrange a cargo barge to transport me down the amazon to Iquitos. I´ve purchased my hammock and mosquito net here in Tarapoto because they are cheaper here. The trip should take anywhere from 3-5 days depending on the water levels and God only knows what else. I imagine lazily floating down the Amazon while eating bananas and watching monkeys. I have a feeling I may be sweating while hiding under my mosquito net for 4 days. Either way it should be an interesting story...