So yesterday my truck was in for regular servicing. While it was there I asked them to look into a few oddities that are starting to drive me nuts. The brakes were making some funny noises, and any time I hit a bump the suspension would make a rattling noise.

Around 4:10 I get a call and they did the regular maintence, but I need to fix my front brakes. The rotors were pitted, and the pads were needing replacement. My options for the rotors were outright replacement, or I could get them to machine down the rotors. With the pitting that might have left them rather thin, and needing replacement soon any way. Also, I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to take chances with the parts or the vehicle that stop me. The rattling was linked to leaking front shocks, and some worn out bushings in the rear sway bar. I told them to fix the brakes, and hold off on the shocks and sway bar. I will also need a new battery some time soon too. Over $580 later I had my truck back. Once the brakes had bed in a little it felt great.

I work hard so I can spend the money I make on things that I like and need. I love my truck, and as much as it pains me to spend that kind of money on it, it is one of those reasons that I work. Today after leaving work I got hit up by a panhandler. Normally I tend to keep walking and not pay any attention. As I passed this gentleman, I noticed that as he was asking for my spare change he was lighting up a smoke.

I have seen this many times. Panhandlers begging for money while they are eating a McD’s cheeseburger (granted someone may have just handed it to them). I was a little miffed at the guy tonight. I work hard, I pay my bills, my taxes, and even find some money to donate to charitable causes that I believe in. Something about this guys priorities struck a nerve.

I kept walking and didn’t give him anything, but the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. I would like to think that if I was ever hard up for money that I would give up the unnecessary things in life. If I smoked, that definitely would be one of them. I have seen what cigarrettes do to someone, and to the bank account of someone on a fixed income. I know addiction is a tough thing to break, but if I had to choose between eating and smoking …. well, there really is no choice is there?