I hate feeling unproductive. Being lazy is one thing, but I can’t stand feeling like a useless lump of flesh. Boredom combines with my guilt-tripping work ethic, and then I just feeling depressed and worthless. I can only browse the forums and blogs so much before I have to get up and do something.

So what did I do today? I finally got around to servicing my transmission, even though it’s really needed it since I bought the car, which was a whole year ago. But today I had the time to do the job, so I did it. There’s something very satisfying about doing your own car maintenance and repairs, and it’s more than just saving money. It’s nice to just turn off your brain and work with your hands and feel good about the work you’ve done.

For years I felt really dumb when it came to cars, and it frustrated my dad that I refused to take auto shop in high school. (A nerd in a class full of cowboys and grease monkeys? No thanks.) I think I’m finally making up for it, though. Sure, I’m no mechanic, but how many people replace their own AC compressors and starters and service their own transmissions?

Today was a productive day.