Sorry, old flames just don't cut it......

dereksbicycles

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When I was a kid, my Dad had a red 1977 Impala wagon. I was sad when he sold it back in 1984 or 1985. TO make a long story short, I got a red 1977 Caprice Wagon 3 years ago. I had some fun with it, but as with any old cars, they have issues. I did enjoy driving it back in 2000, but it spent more time broke than running. I know that I had to sell it if I want to move forward in my life. So, I sold the Caprice wagon last week.

I just hate that I went to college for Deafness Rehabiliation Counseling at Northern Illinois University. I got a bachelor degree. It's not helping me a lot. I don't want to give much counseling. I am the one that needs counseling. I kind of wish that I went to school for car mechanic or something like that. Then I would have more knowledge and not have to spend so much money to keep car running. So the red wagon goes because I'm tired of spending $$ on getting it fixed.

It's so late now. At 34, I want to eventually marry my girlfriend and have a family. I don't really have time to learn to fix cars. I wasted my college life on stupid counseling crap.

I've an appointment to see my therapist tomorrow. She is HOH and knows ASL quite well so I can talk to her. HOwever, I'm also tired of spending money on therapists. I wish it wouldn't cost me so much to talk to someone.

I just hate life. Sometimes, I don't care any more. Maybe if I went to college for auto mechanic, then I would have fun driving around in a reliable red wagon. No one is going to care about a guy who has an useless counseling degree who is still sad about selling red 1977 Caprice wagon.

I may just cancel my appointment for tomorrow. Yes, I have a great girlfriend who is spending a lot of $$ to take ASL class just for the sole reason of talking to me.

I just wish I knew how to fix cars and enjoy a classic for a change without worrying about it breaking down on me. Girlfriend or no, I regret having to sell my red wagon.

THis is not my wagon, but picture below is what a 1977 Impala/Caprice wagon looks like.

Pictures 001
 
I just hate that I went to college for Deafness Rehabiliation Counseling at Northern Illinois University. I got a bachelor degree. It's not helping me a lot. I don't want to give much counseling. I am the one that needs counseling. I kind of wish that I went to school for car mechanic or something like that. Then I would have more knowledge and not have to spend so much money to keep car running. So the red wagon goes because I'm tired of spending $$ on getting it fixed.
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I just hate life. Sometimes, I don't care any more. Maybe if I went to college for auto mechanic, then I would have fun driving around in a reliable red wagon. No one is going to care about a guy who has an useless counseling degree who is still sad about selling red 1977 Caprice wagon.

1) Sounds to me like you are in a rut. We all go through a period where we feel unworthy. A car is a materialistic thing, and materials can be replaced, whereas people cannot. We all stop at about 35 years old and look back and say "Damn, why did I do that? Why didn't I choose something else?"

I know a few auto mechanics, and none of them are happy with what they do. Their employers don't want to pay them what they deserve, and all they hear are customers complaining. The grass is not always greener on the other side.

People may not show it or tell you, but they probably do appreciate what you do for them.

2) I still remember as a kid when my Dad ordered a new company car, a 1977 Caprice Classic 4-door, two tone silver/grey, imitation wire wheel covers, and bright red interior. Had the 305 2-bbl. Still remember how good it smelled when we rode it home the first day. It was a good looking car, but it had the typical GM quality issues. Transmission had to be rebuilt twice, air conditioner compressor broke several times, and the fit & finish was a joke. Nothing lined up right. Still, it was a good looking car. The vinyl bench seats were freaking cold during the winter.
 
Why don't you try take turbocharge auto course? it'll be done in a week!
 
Dude, you are looking at this all wrong. I used to work on cars. I had two 60's GTO's and a 60's Firebird. I went to college and got a degree. I'm telling you having the degree puts you in a better position. Your degree should broaden what you can do.

Working on your own car is one thing, but working for someone fixing cars is something quite different. I have friends who work in the field and I can tell you that once you hit your 40's it's not fun anymore. This is why I got out of doing HVAC work, I don't want run pipe when I'm in my 50's. It's very hard on the body. Sure, I sometimes miss mechanical work, but I don't miss getting up at 6:00 to go on some roof, covered with snow, and fix a heating unit, not fun.

In addition, the money, unless you work for a dealership and get flat rate, isn't great.

And, you're lucky you've got the girlfriend. A lot of deaf guys don't have a girlfriend.

Do the counseling and work on the cars in your spare time. It's better money and you'll be able to buy better parts for the car and things for the girl.
 
I've been there. Hope you pull out of this rut soon. You might consider part timing at an auto repair shop. It would be a way to learn more about fixing cars without all the expense of a class (and you get a paycheck out of it wahoo!!!).
 
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