Body Work

My car's having problems. Or maybe, I'm having car problems. Either way, it's a pain in my ass. About 50% of the time I go to start my car, it won't start. It revs, but the ignition won't catch. 3 weeks ago, we figured it was the battery, which was old and dead, and replaced it for way more than I wish car batteries cost. The car started several times in a row and I congratulated myself on diagnosing and fixing the problem. Last week, ignition won't catch. I took it to the mechanic on Tuesday, the tightened down the battery connections and it started for them every time. Nothing checked out as being odd, other than the loose battery cables, and there were no problems. Picked it up this morning, let it set 3 hours - won't start. I called the mechanic and I'm going to take it back in... once I can actually get it running that is.

The other body that's going into the shop is mine. I injured my right shoulder about 8 years ago and have been dealign with on and off pain ever since. Normally it hurts for a while (especially when I have to sit on planes or watch movies - it's something about the body position), and then goes away, and I forget about it. I had another pain cycle this summer that was bad enough I decided it was time to see another doctor. You see, I've had this looked at by 3 people and tried PT already, but no one can figure out what's actually wrong. PT cost me $$ and didn't do a damn thing. Lately I've been hoping the magical shoulder fairy will come and solve the problem, but after several nights of waking up due to pain, I don't think that fairy is coming. I'm going to see someone at the end of August and I'm betting that I'll be headed for an MRI. I'm not scared of the procedure, and considering we haven't been able to see what the problem is for 8 years I'm probably overdue for one, I'm scared of the cost.

Whether it's an estimate from a mechanic for your car, or a physician for a medical treatment, it always hits the pocket book hard. With the mechanic, you know you have to do the work to get the car running. With medical stuff, it's the battle between you and the insurance companies that can either screw you with a red hot poker or a red hot poker with extra spikes - either way you're getting screwed.

Fortunately as a positive end to this long and painful week I'm going camping with a bunch of astro grad students. I'm making a new espresso brownie recipe, going to commune with nature, try not to get sunburned, and drink a good amount of Shaw. The brownies have chopped up chocolate covered espresso beans in them. If they're good, i'll post the recipe when I get back.

Oh, and my images are back!