Although my daughter says we don't look like mini-van people, that's what I drive. Part of my overwhelming stress this past week was due to my stupid van sucking down oil like it was a keg at a frat party. The last oil change showed lots of oil sludge, even though the oil does get changed regularly. White smoke started pouring out when it starts up. Off and on there is this little tick-a-tick-a noise when accelerating. There is more to this situation that I won't go into here... I started researching and discovered this is a HUGE problem with this particular engine. A very expensive problem. Thank God I found this and called the service manager to see if it applied to my case:
Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Engine, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Lift Sensor (3.0L engine only) and the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor (2.2L engine only) for California specification vehicles. Failure of the Engine is caused because the engine oil gels. Engine oil gelling will also cause excessive engine oil usage. When proper maintenance schedules for oil changes are followed, oil gelling should not occur. Toyota has issued an 8 year unlimited mileage goodwill repair for this condition. Failure of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Lift Sensor or the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor will cause a drivability problem or the check engine light to illuminate. The cost to repair the Engine is estimated at $4500.00 for parts and $1384.50 for labor. The cost to repair the EGR Lift Sensor is estimated at $33.12 for parts and $65.00 for labor. The cost to repair the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor is estimated at $219.01 for parts and $39.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
So the good thing is NOT that my van is freaking out, it is the goodwill repair policy.
P90X - I've just finished week three and I'm certain that either Tony Horton loves me or wants to kill me. :) This program is most definitely hardcore. I find myself in the midst of a workout thinking, "Am I insane? Have I lost my mind?" But then I finish and I'm all pumped up and psyched that, "I did it! I really did it!" My pull-up ability is definitely improving from the two days were pull ups and chinups are a big focus (Chest & Back and Legs & Back). The Ab Ripper X is still brutally excruciating. The Legs & Back workout, WOW. If anyone ever needed proof positive that you can do A LOT without weights, this is the workout to prove that. While there are some weight bearing exercises, most of it is sheer bodyweight torture. After the recovery week (the 4th week is usually a recovery week with cardio, core work and yoga), there will be new workouts for week 5 thru 8. I'm all excited because I think I've got the little "diamond" thing starting to happen on my upper arm when I flex my triceps (I just want a little diamond, just a wee one). If I wasn't so ghostly pale it would probably be more noticeable.
Milani Minerals Loose Make-up - Mineral Foundation Powder - if you have good skin, this provides a finished, polished look while remaining light. And, I've used more expensive brands and for $9.99 this stuff is a steal - works just as good as brands that cost 2 - 3X as much.
Reconnecting with Old Friends - It just can't be beat. In the midst of stress, it's a good feeling to know.
Today's workout: P90X Shoulders & Arms, 60 minutes. Ab Ripper X 16 minutes, 45 minutes on my elliptical.
A very good thing: Poco's "It's a Good Feeling to Know" In case you didn't know, Richie Furay is a born-again Christian and pastors a church out in Colorado. After I accepted Christ, I saw him perform with his Christian rock band at the Harvest Christian Festival in Patterson, New Jersey.
Glad you are going to be able to get your van took care of. Car trouble is always stressful for me. 