I love diagnosing and repairing vehicles that other automotive technicians cannot seem to figure out. It is rewarding to me to fix those ‘problem child’ vehicles that have mysterious issues that are difficult to figure out. I usually start the process of figuring it out by putting to use some of my favorite accesories. It just so happens that I always have them in my left shirt pocket at all times. I never leave home without them. First is my pocket screwdriver, then my pen and paper, and lastly is my magnet. All of these important tools have important uses and they make my job easier by having them at my fingertips.
First let’s start with the ones that I use most often. My pen and paper are very important tools, and they by far make me the most money than any of the rest. With the power of my pen and paper, I can explain what happened. Much like a doctor (a CARdiologist !) ,I can explain the procedure of my diagnosis, jot down quick information, and specifications, and write what I did to fix that vehicle. A well written work order is crucial to ensure that I get credit for what I did. Then there’s my screwdriver.
Next there’s my pocket screwdriver. If I need to loosen or tighten a screw, she’s there. If I need to pry a fuse box cover off, she’s there. If I have to disconnect an electrical connector to check for a bad connection, she’s there. She’s always there when I need it. My screwdriver sure does come in handy. The only thing that I don’t like about it though, is that the clip that is supposed to secure it to my pocket is loose. Every now and then it will fall out of my pocket into a confined area that my bulky hands can’t quite reach.
So then I dig in my pocket and get out my magnet. It’s not just any magnet, this one is about the size of a pen and it’s even telescopic! Yes it extends to get down into those hard to reach areas where I unluckily drop my screwdriver into. This tool also has a clip to keep it held to my button and this clip is tight. Would kind of suck to drop both my screwdriver and my magnet. The magnet also comes in handy if I want to pinpoint a noise. I can fully extend it out, and use it like a stethoscope. I put it near the suspected area and put the other end to my ear and move it to different locations near the noise to see where it sounds the loudest.
With these tools at my shirt pocket I feel prepared to tackle any vehicle that comes my way. Import or domestic, light or heavy duty, with these accessories in my pocket, I feel limitless. I have seen a lot of techs come and go, but only the good ones that take their job seriously come prepared. Without these accessories I don’t feel prepared.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
graf #11 EVAL
I learned the different writing types, and how to write a well organized piece, even if you could not tell by my posts or not. The course supprised me in the way that I had to think deep into myself to write what needed to be written. I feel the course was worth my time & $. The isearch got me hooked onto geneology more than i thought that it would have. The thing that i did not like in the course (although it was my 1st online course) is that i had no clue where my grade in the class was, just based on wether or not you had me redo an essay told me good or bad. I do like how you make us write pieces personal to us, it helped me learn a little more about myself belive it or not. I especially loved the weekly prompts where you had us choose different topics and let our thoughts flow with them.
I am proud of myself for continuing my higher level of education, despite of my age. And I was delighted and extatic when I read your reaction to my post of ESSAY #7 EXAMPLE piece where you said what you thought of it. That was a rewarding experence for me. Thanks for that.
I am proud of myself for continuing my higher level of education, despite of my age. And I was delighted and extatic when I read your reaction to my post of ESSAY #7 EXAMPLE piece where you said what you thought of it. That was a rewarding experence for me. Thanks for that.
Monday, December 8, 2008
essay #4 process retry
Do you change your oil in your vehicles regularly? If not you should do so to keep it going for many years to come. If you do it yourself, you can save money and save time from taking it to be done elsewhere. It's an easy process for the diy'er and i'll explain how in this essay.
First, you have to gather the tools, equipment and supplies needed to complete the job. You will need a safe pair of car ramps to drive the car up on so you can reach the undercarrage for this service (unlike mine which are rusty and bent), and a container to drain the old oil into (i use an empy Hi-c juice jug) . As for tools, you will need an oil filter wrench and a rachet with a socket of correct size (my drain plug is a partially stripped 15 mm). Now as for the supplies needed, you will obviously need a new oil filter, and oil to put back in the engine. I prefer using Castrol brand 5w30 oil, just cause i always have. A rag to wipe up any drippings and your oily paws would help wipe off the oil that runs down your arm too.
Now it's time to get down and dirty. Once the car is safley on the ramps, i always have to remind myself to put the emergency brake on. And then go ahead and shut off the vehicle and crawl under it. With the tools within your reach, grab the rachet and correct size socket and loosen the engine oil drain plug. Get the container ready, because as soon as you remove the plug you will have roughly 5 quarts of oil streaming out of that hole! And i always seem to burn myself from it. While that is draining you can grab the oil filter wrench and loosen and remove it too. Most drain plugs and oil filters on vehicles are located close together, so you can use the same container for it also. After most all of the oil has dripped out, screw on the new oil filter hand tight plus half a turn so it won't leak. Then reinstall the engine's drain plug and tighten it snugly. Remember you want it tight, but too tight is broke! Trust me you don't want to break it. Now take a rag and wipe up the mess so it looks clean when done.
Now for the final and most important steps of this process. Get the new oil and pour it into the oil filler neck of your cars engine before anything else. I like using a long neaked funnel so i don't make a mess when pouring it in. I have seen people and 'professionals' forget this important step. Needless to say it turned from a 20 minute 20 dollar oil change, to a weeks worth of work and one engine later. Once the engine's life blood is reinjected, and the oil filler cap reinstalled, the car can be started once again to move it off the ramps.
Now for the clean-up. If you did not know, you can dispose of the used oil at any auto parts store so please don't dump it in the back yard, or with your regular household waste. Don't forget to put a new oil sticker in the winshield so you know when it's due next. Me having my own buisness, have my own oil stickers with my buisness name on them! See, that was easy, and rewarding too. Although a small chore, I like doing it with my kids...we have fun doing it together. Have fun!
First, you have to gather the tools, equipment and supplies needed to complete the job. You will need a safe pair of car ramps to drive the car up on so you can reach the undercarrage for this service (unlike mine which are rusty and bent), and a container to drain the old oil into (i use an empy Hi-c juice jug) . As for tools, you will need an oil filter wrench and a rachet with a socket of correct size (my drain plug is a partially stripped 15 mm). Now as for the supplies needed, you will obviously need a new oil filter, and oil to put back in the engine. I prefer using Castrol brand 5w30 oil, just cause i always have. A rag to wipe up any drippings and your oily paws would help wipe off the oil that runs down your arm too.
Now it's time to get down and dirty. Once the car is safley on the ramps, i always have to remind myself to put the emergency brake on. And then go ahead and shut off the vehicle and crawl under it. With the tools within your reach, grab the rachet and correct size socket and loosen the engine oil drain plug. Get the container ready, because as soon as you remove the plug you will have roughly 5 quarts of oil streaming out of that hole! And i always seem to burn myself from it. While that is draining you can grab the oil filter wrench and loosen and remove it too. Most drain plugs and oil filters on vehicles are located close together, so you can use the same container for it also. After most all of the oil has dripped out, screw on the new oil filter hand tight plus half a turn so it won't leak. Then reinstall the engine's drain plug and tighten it snugly. Remember you want it tight, but too tight is broke! Trust me you don't want to break it. Now take a rag and wipe up the mess so it looks clean when done.
Now for the final and most important steps of this process. Get the new oil and pour it into the oil filler neck of your cars engine before anything else. I like using a long neaked funnel so i don't make a mess when pouring it in. I have seen people and 'professionals' forget this important step. Needless to say it turned from a 20 minute 20 dollar oil change, to a weeks worth of work and one engine later. Once the engine's life blood is reinjected, and the oil filler cap reinstalled, the car can be started once again to move it off the ramps.
Now for the clean-up. If you did not know, you can dispose of the used oil at any auto parts store so please don't dump it in the back yard, or with your regular household waste. Don't forget to put a new oil sticker in the winshield so you know when it's due next. Me having my own buisness, have my own oil stickers with my buisness name on them! See, that was easy, and rewarding too. Although a small chore, I like doing it with my kids...we have fun doing it together. Have fun!
essay #3 contrast retry
I am an auto mechanic, and even though it was sort of against my will in a manor of speaking. There was times that my vehicle was broke-down and I did not have any money. So I learned how to fix it so I could save money, and move on with life. I just went that extra step and made a profession of it. In this essay, I will contrast three automobiles. They are all owned by me and my wife, and if needed, are also repaired my me. 1996 Gmc 3/4 ton pick-up, and a 1994 Nissan Sentra 4-door car, and a 2004 Pontiac Montana. All are modes of transportation, but differ in a lot of ways. I will discuss how.
First, the oldest is the 1994 Nissan Sentra . Some of the noticeable differences are that it's a car, has four doors, and a trunk. It's an import, not a domestically produced car, unlike the rest of our vehicles. This one has the early stages of cancer (rusty) unlike the others which are in a better state of health. The 'beater' also is the only one equipped with a manual transmission. Also, it's a front wheel drive, unlike the rest of them. It's the smallest of them all with also the least powerful engine (1.6 liter four cylinder). That being said, it's also the most fuel efficient, so that is the one I tend to drive the most. It's easier on the wallet. Now let's move to the one that's not so easy on the wallet.
Our 1996 GMC 3/4 ton pick-up is the one that consumes the most fuel. At roughly 15 miles a gallon, we don't drive it as often to save the gas money. Unless we need to haul something though. With a max loaded weight of 7200 pounds, we can haul or tow anything we want with this bad boy! We have literally pulled trees out the ground with it. We could not dream of doing this with any of our other vehicles. It has a 5.7 liter v-8 engine, which is the most powerful engine of any of our other vehicles, and it can burn the rubber off of the rear tires. It's the only rear wheel drive vehicle we have. But it has the least amount of interior room. Even with the extended cab, we are all elbow to elbow with not one extra seat to spare. Now let's chat about the one with the most spacious interior.
Our 2004 Pontiac Montana by far has the most room for our four kids to travel comfortably. It is a 7 passenger minivan that has every option known to man, unlike our other vehicles. With XM radio, power sliding door, remote start, heated leather seats, DVD player, air ride suspension, we all love traveling in this one the most. It's the only all-wheel drive one too, so it's awesome for the wife to drive in winter. This is the one the wife drives the most if I did not already say so. This is the only vehicle we drive on trips too, we have gone to Florida and back at least four times in this road king!
I'm a professional auto mechanic, and I don't discriminate when it comes to size or type, make or model as you can see! I feel that having the knowledge to fix anything that has wheels, not only makes me more valuable of a technician, but also able to fix my own stuff too!
First, the oldest is the 1994 Nissan Sentra . Some of the noticeable differences are that it's a car, has four doors, and a trunk. It's an import, not a domestically produced car, unlike the rest of our vehicles. This one has the early stages of cancer (rusty) unlike the others which are in a better state of health. The 'beater' also is the only one equipped with a manual transmission. Also, it's a front wheel drive, unlike the rest of them. It's the smallest of them all with also the least powerful engine (1.6 liter four cylinder). That being said, it's also the most fuel efficient, so that is the one I tend to drive the most. It's easier on the wallet. Now let's move to the one that's not so easy on the wallet.
Our 1996 GMC 3/4 ton pick-up is the one that consumes the most fuel. At roughly 15 miles a gallon, we don't drive it as often to save the gas money. Unless we need to haul something though. With a max loaded weight of 7200 pounds, we can haul or tow anything we want with this bad boy! We have literally pulled trees out the ground with it. We could not dream of doing this with any of our other vehicles. It has a 5.7 liter v-8 engine, which is the most powerful engine of any of our other vehicles, and it can burn the rubber off of the rear tires. It's the only rear wheel drive vehicle we have. But it has the least amount of interior room. Even with the extended cab, we are all elbow to elbow with not one extra seat to spare. Now let's chat about the one with the most spacious interior.
Our 2004 Pontiac Montana by far has the most room for our four kids to travel comfortably. It is a 7 passenger minivan that has every option known to man, unlike our other vehicles. With XM radio, power sliding door, remote start, heated leather seats, DVD player, air ride suspension, we all love traveling in this one the most. It's the only all-wheel drive one too, so it's awesome for the wife to drive in winter. This is the one the wife drives the most if I did not already say so. This is the only vehicle we drive on trips too, we have gone to Florida and back at least four times in this road king!
I'm a professional auto mechanic, and I don't discriminate when it comes to size or type, make or model as you can see! I feel that having the knowledge to fix anything that has wheels, not only makes me more valuable of a technician, but also able to fix my own stuff too!
effect essay #6 retry
When i was 12, I took a nasty fall at a construction site, and twisted my right ancle just shy of 180 degrees. At first I did not realize what had happened, don't know if i was in shock or what but from my knee down, i was completely numb. But then i attempted to walk on it again... what a mistake that was. I have never felt such pain! I felt eveything that time, and heard everything too. Heard snapping, and cracking, along with the undescribable waves of pain.
The doctors said I broke my tibia, fibia, and cracked the growth plate in my ankle in pieces, and as a young boy, that should have stopped bone growth in my foot. Somehow, the doctors were able to reset the bones without surgery. Man i tell you, they had to manually reset the bones by twisting my ankle back to it's original position. That my friend was worse than the accident itself. That was torture. They had to hold me down, and reposition my ankle. Needless to say, more popping and snapping happened. And oh yeah, I screamed in pain too.
I was in a cast for the entire school year, and could not go to school for awhile and had a in-home tudor. That was difficult for me, I was not the best in school, but thankfully i had some caring teachers to assist me so that i was able to stay in the same grade, and not fall behind the rest of friends.
Then the long road to recovery with the help of rehab. Someone was surely looking after my up in heaven, because, i suffered no long term problems from this. I was even able to fufil my childhood dream, and join the Army and be GI JOE!
This accident had a profound effect on my life. Still have scarring and bruises to prove it. Still to this day I can't watch Stephen King's movie titled 'Misery', when the crazy woman breaks his legs in that manor. It just makes me cringe in the fetal position!
The doctors said I broke my tibia, fibia, and cracked the growth plate in my ankle in pieces, and as a young boy, that should have stopped bone growth in my foot. Somehow, the doctors were able to reset the bones without surgery. Man i tell you, they had to manually reset the bones by twisting my ankle back to it's original position. That my friend was worse than the accident itself. That was torture. They had to hold me down, and reposition my ankle. Needless to say, more popping and snapping happened. And oh yeah, I screamed in pain too.
I was in a cast for the entire school year, and could not go to school for awhile and had a in-home tudor. That was difficult for me, I was not the best in school, but thankfully i had some caring teachers to assist me so that i was able to stay in the same grade, and not fall behind the rest of friends.
Then the long road to recovery with the help of rehab. Someone was surely looking after my up in heaven, because, i suffered no long term problems from this. I was even able to fufil my childhood dream, and join the Army and be GI JOE!
This accident had a profound effect on my life. Still have scarring and bruises to prove it. Still to this day I can't watch Stephen King's movie titled 'Misery', when the crazy woman breaks his legs in that manor. It just makes me cringe in the fetal position!
Isearch
ISEARCH back ground
I’m doing this isearch on my genealogy. I’ve been always interested in my heritage, and the stories that my parents and grandparents had to say. The stories of what both sets of grandparents went thru and how they got together to me is interesting. I can also learn a little about myself, and the man that I may become as I grow older too. These things I will pass onto my children to let the family legacy live on. Not anyone elses, but the Roy's.
Why
Well I’m doing an isearch on my family’s past and my heritage because I’m at a time in my life where I can appreciate it and my grand parents won’t always be here with me and my family, so it’s a way to spend quality time with them. And hear the stories hat they have to tell. 1) Is or was there anyone famous in our family? 2) Is any thing named after a family member of our past? 3) Is there a history of illnesses or disease that I am not aware of? 4) Have the Roy’s always lived in Northern Aroostook County? 5) What different types of jobs have past family members held?
What
Well what I do know is that I come from a long line of farmers and hunters. My paternal grandfather and his siblings (don’t know how many) operated a potato farm. I’m curious if any of my ancestors were mechanics like I am, I know that 2 of my uncles were. I do know that there is a history of heart trouble on my dad’s side of the family, my grand father lived, suffered, and died of heart disease. I also know that the Roy’s have lived in Canada also.
The search-source list
1) Pedigree chart for Onezime Roy: http://www.royandboucher.com/ : 26OCT2008.I found a wealth of information on this website, and come to find out, the owner and operator of this site is a distant cousin of mine! 2) Information gathered at the Roy family reunion in 1994 at Madawaska, ME by my parents, and I (I was 16 years old at the time, but still remember). 3) Long conversations with my grandparents, and my parents about my heritage, and the stories they had to tell. I have learned a lot so far, and doing this research and it's hard to search the net for free sites that have good info, but found this one listed above, and it has tons of info. I had to force myself to get off of it because I could stay on it for hours just looking, and hunting for info. It has a link to cemeteries, and thru that I found a boat load of info about my grand-father. This website takes my family tree back to 1604 in Saint-André, France---yeah France pretty cool huh? I also familiarized myself with my family crest which can be seen on the top right of that home page. But the best of it all is the conversations with my grandparents, and parents- to hear real stories about what really went on back before my time. That to me is priceless.
The answers
Answers to the questions. 1) No there was nobody famous, but 2) there is a small lake in northern Maine named Lake Basile, and it was named after my great-great Uncle. This I learned at the Roy family reunion in 1994 at Madawaska, ME. This small lake is located in the Perly Brooks of Fort Kent, ME. I have been fishing there for many years as a child, and younger teenager and never knew what it meant to my family in the years past. I rode bike with my best friend to fish there many times, caught alot of trout there. 3) Cancer, heart disease, is common in the family history so it seems. My patarnal grandfather (Archie Roy) died due to complications of heart disease. And his wife, (my grandmother Carmella Roy) also has the early stages of heart disease. Some of her symptoms are swollen extremities (arms and especially her feet, poor circulation- she can't walk too far cause her feet go numb). I also learned that my mother's aunt died of Leukemia. 4) The Roy’s moved to Maine from Canada, and before that it was France. In an interview with my parents I learned that when I was one and a half years old, my parents trailer got reposessed, and we had to move in with my grandparents. At the time my mom was very close with her Uncle, and they almost moved down with him in Hartford, Conneticut. I can't even imagine all of the ways that would have impacted my life, or where I would be now if I ended up there. So the outcome of question 4 could have been different if they would have followed thru with that decision to move. 5) Mostly farming, or forestry. My great uncle’s sons still own and operate a potato farm in Fort Kent, Maine to this day, and I remember working on that farm on the potato harvester as a young teenager. Man did I work long hour on cold days. It averaged 11 hour work days, and late fall in northern Maine ain't no day to be tanning, let me tell you. That was alot of hard work, but pretty cool working next to my great uncle (Alphie Roy). Now he has Alzimer's disease, and he is in a nursing home. It's sad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would say that I’ll continue to dig into my past and learn about my family’s heritage thru my parents, and grandparents, so that my children may know and be proud about where and who they come from. This Isearch does not really have an ending to me, i'll learn and pass on things down the bloodline for future generations to come.
I’m doing this isearch on my genealogy. I’ve been always interested in my heritage, and the stories that my parents and grandparents had to say. The stories of what both sets of grandparents went thru and how they got together to me is interesting. I can also learn a little about myself, and the man that I may become as I grow older too. These things I will pass onto my children to let the family legacy live on. Not anyone elses, but the Roy's.
Why
Well I’m doing an isearch on my family’s past and my heritage because I’m at a time in my life where I can appreciate it and my grand parents won’t always be here with me and my family, so it’s a way to spend quality time with them. And hear the stories hat they have to tell. 1) Is or was there anyone famous in our family? 2) Is any thing named after a family member of our past? 3) Is there a history of illnesses or disease that I am not aware of? 4) Have the Roy’s always lived in Northern Aroostook County? 5) What different types of jobs have past family members held?
What
Well what I do know is that I come from a long line of farmers and hunters. My paternal grandfather and his siblings (don’t know how many) operated a potato farm. I’m curious if any of my ancestors were mechanics like I am, I know that 2 of my uncles were. I do know that there is a history of heart trouble on my dad’s side of the family, my grand father lived, suffered, and died of heart disease. I also know that the Roy’s have lived in Canada also.
The search-source list
1) Pedigree chart for Onezime Roy: http://www.royandboucher.com/ : 26OCT2008.I found a wealth of information on this website, and come to find out, the owner and operator of this site is a distant cousin of mine! 2) Information gathered at the Roy family reunion in 1994 at Madawaska, ME by my parents, and I (I was 16 years old at the time, but still remember). 3) Long conversations with my grandparents, and my parents about my heritage, and the stories they had to tell. I have learned a lot so far, and doing this research and it's hard to search the net for free sites that have good info, but found this one listed above, and it has tons of info. I had to force myself to get off of it because I could stay on it for hours just looking, and hunting for info. It has a link to cemeteries, and thru that I found a boat load of info about my grand-father. This website takes my family tree back to 1604 in Saint-André, France---yeah France pretty cool huh? I also familiarized myself with my family crest which can be seen on the top right of that home page. But the best of it all is the conversations with my grandparents, and parents- to hear real stories about what really went on back before my time. That to me is priceless.
The answers
Answers to the questions. 1) No there was nobody famous, but 2) there is a small lake in northern Maine named Lake Basile, and it was named after my great-great Uncle. This I learned at the Roy family reunion in 1994 at Madawaska, ME. This small lake is located in the Perly Brooks of Fort Kent, ME. I have been fishing there for many years as a child, and younger teenager and never knew what it meant to my family in the years past. I rode bike with my best friend to fish there many times, caught alot of trout there. 3) Cancer, heart disease, is common in the family history so it seems. My patarnal grandfather (Archie Roy) died due to complications of heart disease. And his wife, (my grandmother Carmella Roy) also has the early stages of heart disease. Some of her symptoms are swollen extremities (arms and especially her feet, poor circulation- she can't walk too far cause her feet go numb). I also learned that my mother's aunt died of Leukemia. 4) The Roy’s moved to Maine from Canada, and before that it was France. In an interview with my parents I learned that when I was one and a half years old, my parents trailer got reposessed, and we had to move in with my grandparents. At the time my mom was very close with her Uncle, and they almost moved down with him in Hartford, Conneticut. I can't even imagine all of the ways that would have impacted my life, or where I would be now if I ended up there. So the outcome of question 4 could have been different if they would have followed thru with that decision to move. 5) Mostly farming, or forestry. My great uncle’s sons still own and operate a potato farm in Fort Kent, Maine to this day, and I remember working on that farm on the potato harvester as a young teenager. Man did I work long hour on cold days. It averaged 11 hour work days, and late fall in northern Maine ain't no day to be tanning, let me tell you. That was alot of hard work, but pretty cool working next to my great uncle (Alphie Roy). Now he has Alzimer's disease, and he is in a nursing home. It's sad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would say that I’ll continue to dig into my past and learn about my family’s heritage thru my parents, and grandparents, so that my children may know and be proud about where and who they come from. This Isearch does not really have an ending to me, i'll learn and pass on things down the bloodline for future generations to come.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
essay #9... Practice final
When I think of disaster, I think of death and destruction. My life has not had much of any disasters thrown upon it , but there was a traumatic experience that left me waiting for the doctor to tell me if I was ever going to walk again. Picture in your head a gorgeous summer day with the birds singing and the energy of a young teenager who is enjoying the summer off from school. I was having the time of my life with my best friend, and my dad and my dad's friend just 1/2 a mile from home. My Dad was helping his friend build his new home in a newly expanding part of our community in Fort Kent, Maine. It was early along in the home's construction, so the foundation was freshly cured, and they were building upon it. I, as my friend, were their helpers.
We would help (when we were not playing around!) by bringing them what they needed for building supplies. Since it was a construction in progress, we would have to pass them the stuff they needed by walking the plank. No seriously. We got what they asked for from the truck and got onto the slab of foundation by walking on some boards because walls of the basement had not yet been back filled with dirt. All was fine until my smart and courageous ass decided that I would try to jump across the berm.
I sprinted to get enough momentum to jump the gap between the home and the yard. I made the jump, but barely. I landed kinda funny, and ended up in a heap. I did not think much of it because I still had the rush of adrenaline coarsening through me. But when I got back up, and tried to walk it off, I fell right back down as if my leg was Jello. Then the pain hit. That time I did not get back up either. A wave of excruciating pain seemed to rush from the knee down on my right leg. As I looked at it in horror, my lower leg was pretty much jello. Somehow I twisted my ankle 180 degrees! My toes were literally facing the opposite way. That was the worst pain that I felt in my life. As far away from home as we were, my mother was in the house and she said she heard my screams.
When I got to the hospital, the doctor and nurses seemed like they were not prepared for such a case. The doctor got me in the ER, gave me an x-ray. After a careful study of the film, he laid me down on the table and Then I knew what was coming next. He then (with the help of nurses) had to twist and reposition my ankle back in place. I would not wish that pain upon anyone. I broke nearly every bone from the knee down, and even cracked the growth plate in my ankle twice. After four casts, lots of prayers, physical therapy, I made it through. The leg grew correctly, I was able to walk on it again eventually too after lots of practice. It was like learning to walk all over again.
This disaster had a profound effect on my life. I was not able to go to school for quite a while, so I had a tutor help me with my school work so I would not be held back a grade. Extra curricular activities was out of the question and I was pretty much confined in the house for what seemed like years. I had what seemed like no contact with the outside world unless someone would visit me. So I was pretty much a hermit. I learned to love reading, and to this day I still do. If I could turn back the hands of time, I definitely been a lot more careful, or just tried to jump a little further. I suffered no long-term ill effects from it though. Wait I take that back... to this day I can't watch Stephen King's movie entitled 'Misery'. There is a part of the movie where the lady restrains this man and whacks and breaks both his ankles and the end result is strangely accurate to the injuries that I had.
We would help (when we were not playing around!) by bringing them what they needed for building supplies. Since it was a construction in progress, we would have to pass them the stuff they needed by walking the plank. No seriously. We got what they asked for from the truck and got onto the slab of foundation by walking on some boards because walls of the basement had not yet been back filled with dirt. All was fine until my smart and courageous ass decided that I would try to jump across the berm.
I sprinted to get enough momentum to jump the gap between the home and the yard. I made the jump, but barely. I landed kinda funny, and ended up in a heap. I did not think much of it because I still had the rush of adrenaline coarsening through me. But when I got back up, and tried to walk it off, I fell right back down as if my leg was Jello. Then the pain hit. That time I did not get back up either. A wave of excruciating pain seemed to rush from the knee down on my right leg. As I looked at it in horror, my lower leg was pretty much jello. Somehow I twisted my ankle 180 degrees! My toes were literally facing the opposite way. That was the worst pain that I felt in my life. As far away from home as we were, my mother was in the house and she said she heard my screams.
When I got to the hospital, the doctor and nurses seemed like they were not prepared for such a case. The doctor got me in the ER, gave me an x-ray. After a careful study of the film, he laid me down on the table and Then I knew what was coming next. He then (with the help of nurses) had to twist and reposition my ankle back in place. I would not wish that pain upon anyone. I broke nearly every bone from the knee down, and even cracked the growth plate in my ankle twice. After four casts, lots of prayers, physical therapy, I made it through. The leg grew correctly, I was able to walk on it again eventually too after lots of practice. It was like learning to walk all over again.
This disaster had a profound effect on my life. I was not able to go to school for quite a while, so I had a tutor help me with my school work so I would not be held back a grade. Extra curricular activities was out of the question and I was pretty much confined in the house for what seemed like years. I had what seemed like no contact with the outside world unless someone would visit me. So I was pretty much a hermit. I learned to love reading, and to this day I still do. If I could turn back the hands of time, I definitely been a lot more careful, or just tried to jump a little further. I suffered no long-term ill effects from it though. Wait I take that back... to this day I can't watch Stephen King's movie entitled 'Misery'. There is a part of the movie where the lady restrains this man and whacks and breaks both his ankles and the end result is strangely accurate to the injuries that I had.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
essay #8 Comparison
Lets compare my two vehicles. I have a 1997 GMC pick-up, and a 2004 Pontiac Montana van. They have treated my family good, and I have had good 'luck' with them so far (never been left stranded). I've always been a loyal General Motors fan ...guess I stick to things that are familiar to me and won't really tinker with the unknown. My wife says that's my downfall... oh back to my essay.
They are both made out of the same company, so shopping for parts is easy. I can go to the dealership that I work at and all the stuff there. Just like one stop shopping to save time. Then they both have the same exterrior color as well. Did not mean for it to happen that way, just did. Belive it or not some of the parts are interchangable, like the light bulbs, various fluids and lubricants, and they use the same battery even.
They are both used daily, and are subjected to alot of driving, so they both are in need of service rather frequently. Just so happens I fix my own vehicles which saves my family lots of money. It's rather easy when they take the same fluids, so servicing them is easier. I buy oil by the case, and use the same ramps, and change oil usually at the same time.
Both of the vehicles have automatic transmissions, and engines are of the V-type and are also pushrod engines also. same theoretical design in alot of wierd ways. The rear wheels are driven by the powertrain in both applications too.
It's wierd how differently they look, but still hold lots of simmilarities too.
They are both made out of the same company, so shopping for parts is easy. I can go to the dealership that I work at and all the stuff there. Just like one stop shopping to save time. Then they both have the same exterrior color as well. Did not mean for it to happen that way, just did. Belive it or not some of the parts are interchangable, like the light bulbs, various fluids and lubricants, and they use the same battery even.
They are both used daily, and are subjected to alot of driving, so they both are in need of service rather frequently. Just so happens I fix my own vehicles which saves my family lots of money. It's rather easy when they take the same fluids, so servicing them is easier. I buy oil by the case, and use the same ramps, and change oil usually at the same time.
Both of the vehicles have automatic transmissions, and engines are of the V-type and are also pushrod engines also. same theoretical design in alot of wierd ways. The rear wheels are driven by the powertrain in both applications too.
It's wierd how differently they look, but still hold lots of simmilarities too.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
essay #7 example
There is quite a bit of old time junk that is left in the woods behind my house that I have not yet parted with. You could turn it into a country music song, or call me a redneck, but I don't care. Don't misunderstand me by thinking that my yard is a mess, or full of junk though. Some people, well most everyone has some thing that they just can't seem to part with. Here are my three 'things' that have not parted with me yet.
An old charcol grill. Even as it's final stage of cancer rots it away, there has been alot of food made on it and alot of happy memories in turn came out of it. Me and my wife cooked some of our first meals on it as a new couple when we first started seeing each other, and fed our kids from it too. There was alot of summer meals whipped up on that old thing, and even some chilly fall use too. We have since upgraded to a gas grill that has a side burner and it works great though...so there it sits in the backyard. And whenever I look at it the memories flood back.
A 'mound' of demolition and construction debris. We bought this house about 4 years ago, a two storied raised ranch on two acres. Nice home ( a fixer upper ) that needed some work. We have completely remodeled the kitchen, downstairs full bathroom, dining room, and master bedroom. Man that was alot of work, but well worth it. We have turned a house into a home. Now we have a pile of debris in the far corner of our land. Burn it? Probally yeah. Every now and then, I scan thru it and remember what it once looked like. One day i'll probally create a playhouse for the kids to play in and keep all thier toys in, but for now it will remain. And whenever I look at it the memories flood back.
A 1991 Nissan NX. That was the first car that I bought after I left home for the Army. That car got 8 years of great use. It has driven from Nashville to Orlando and now to here in Maine. It was the daily driver that took me and the wife to work, kids to school, took it to vacation , and everywhere in between. The kids grew up knowing that was the family's automobile. Now the transission is junk, and it's honestly not worth fixing up. So there it sits. The kids love playing in it still. And whenever I look at it the memories flood back.
One day I'll probally get tired of looking at the 'rubbish' and get rid of it all, but it can't part with me yet. It's not ready yet. The time does not seem right. After all who would want that old stuff? Where could I dispose of it at? Deep down I know the answers to these questions, but I won't admit it.
An old charcol grill. Even as it's final stage of cancer rots it away, there has been alot of food made on it and alot of happy memories in turn came out of it. Me and my wife cooked some of our first meals on it as a new couple when we first started seeing each other, and fed our kids from it too. There was alot of summer meals whipped up on that old thing, and even some chilly fall use too. We have since upgraded to a gas grill that has a side burner and it works great though...so there it sits in the backyard. And whenever I look at it the memories flood back.
A 'mound' of demolition and construction debris. We bought this house about 4 years ago, a two storied raised ranch on two acres. Nice home ( a fixer upper ) that needed some work. We have completely remodeled the kitchen, downstairs full bathroom, dining room, and master bedroom. Man that was alot of work, but well worth it. We have turned a house into a home. Now we have a pile of debris in the far corner of our land. Burn it? Probally yeah. Every now and then, I scan thru it and remember what it once looked like. One day i'll probally create a playhouse for the kids to play in and keep all thier toys in, but for now it will remain. And whenever I look at it the memories flood back.
A 1991 Nissan NX. That was the first car that I bought after I left home for the Army. That car got 8 years of great use. It has driven from Nashville to Orlando and now to here in Maine. It was the daily driver that took me and the wife to work, kids to school, took it to vacation , and everywhere in between. The kids grew up knowing that was the family's automobile. Now the transission is junk, and it's honestly not worth fixing up. So there it sits. The kids love playing in it still. And whenever I look at it the memories flood back.
One day I'll probally get tired of looking at the 'rubbish' and get rid of it all, but it can't part with me yet. It's not ready yet. The time does not seem right. After all who would want that old stuff? Where could I dispose of it at? Deep down I know the answers to these questions, but I won't admit it.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
isearch first draft
ISEARCH back ground
I’m doing this isearch on my genealogy. I’ve been always interested in my heritage, and the stories that my parents and grandparents had to say. The stories of what both sets of grandparents went thru and how they got together to me is interesting. I can also learn a little about myself, and the man that I may become as I grow older too.
Why
Well I’m doing an isearch on my family’s past and my heritage because I’m at a time in my life where I can appreciate it and my grand parents won’t always be here with me and my family, so it’s a way to spend quality time with them. And hear the stories hat they have to tell. 1) Is or was there anyone famous in our family? 2) Is any thing named after a family member of our past? 3) Is there a history of illnesses or disease that I am not aware of? 4) Have the Roy’s always lived in Northern Aroostook County? 5) What different types of jobs have past family members held?
What
Well what I do know is that I come from a long line of farmers and hunters. My paternal grandfather and his siblings (don’t know how many) operated a potato farm. I’m curious if any of my ancestors were mechanics like I am, I know that 2 of my uncles were. I do know that there is a history of heart trouble on my dad’s side of the family, my grand father lived, suffered, and died of heart disease. I also know that the Roy’s have lived in Canada also.
The search
1) Pedigree chart for Onezime Roy: http://www.royandboucher.com/ : 26OCT2008.
I found a wealth of information on this website, and come to find out, the owner and operator of this site is a distant cousin of mine!2) Information gathered at the Roy family reunion in 1994 at Madawaska, ME by my parents, and I (I was 16 years old at the time, but still remember) 3) Long conversations with my grandparents, and my parents about my heritage.
The answers
I have learned a lot so far, and doing this research and it's hard to search the net for free sites that have good info, but found this one listed above, and it has tons of info. I had to force myself to get off of it because I could stay on it for hours just looking, and hunting for info. It has a link to cemeteries, and thru that I found a boat load of info about my grand-father. This website takes my family tree back to 1604 in Saint-André, France---yeah France pretty cool huh? I also familiarized myself with my family crest which can be seen on the top right of that home page. But the best of it all is the conversations with my grandparents, and parents- to hear real stories about what really went on back before my time. That to me is priceless.
Answers to the questions. 1) No there was nobody famous, but 2) there is a small lake in northern Maine named Lake Basile, and it was named after my great-great Uncle. 3) Cancer, heart disease, is common in the family history so it seems. 4) The Roy’s moved to Maine from Canada, and before that it was France. 5) Mostly farming, or forestry. My great uncle’s sons still own and operate a potato farm in Fort Kent, Maine to this day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would say that I’ll continue to dig into my past and learn about my family’s heritage thru my parents, and grandparents, so that my children may know and be proud about where and who they come from.
I’m doing this isearch on my genealogy. I’ve been always interested in my heritage, and the stories that my parents and grandparents had to say. The stories of what both sets of grandparents went thru and how they got together to me is interesting. I can also learn a little about myself, and the man that I may become as I grow older too.
Why
Well I’m doing an isearch on my family’s past and my heritage because I’m at a time in my life where I can appreciate it and my grand parents won’t always be here with me and my family, so it’s a way to spend quality time with them. And hear the stories hat they have to tell. 1) Is or was there anyone famous in our family? 2) Is any thing named after a family member of our past? 3) Is there a history of illnesses or disease that I am not aware of? 4) Have the Roy’s always lived in Northern Aroostook County? 5) What different types of jobs have past family members held?
What
Well what I do know is that I come from a long line of farmers and hunters. My paternal grandfather and his siblings (don’t know how many) operated a potato farm. I’m curious if any of my ancestors were mechanics like I am, I know that 2 of my uncles were. I do know that there is a history of heart trouble on my dad’s side of the family, my grand father lived, suffered, and died of heart disease. I also know that the Roy’s have lived in Canada also.
The search
1) Pedigree chart for Onezime Roy: http://www.royandboucher.com/ : 26OCT2008.
I found a wealth of information on this website, and come to find out, the owner and operator of this site is a distant cousin of mine!2) Information gathered at the Roy family reunion in 1994 at Madawaska, ME by my parents, and I (I was 16 years old at the time, but still remember) 3) Long conversations with my grandparents, and my parents about my heritage.
The answers
I have learned a lot so far, and doing this research and it's hard to search the net for free sites that have good info, but found this one listed above, and it has tons of info. I had to force myself to get off of it because I could stay on it for hours just looking, and hunting for info. It has a link to cemeteries, and thru that I found a boat load of info about my grand-father. This website takes my family tree back to 1604 in Saint-André, France---yeah France pretty cool huh? I also familiarized myself with my family crest which can be seen on the top right of that home page. But the best of it all is the conversations with my grandparents, and parents- to hear real stories about what really went on back before my time. That to me is priceless.
Answers to the questions. 1) No there was nobody famous, but 2) there is a small lake in northern Maine named Lake Basile, and it was named after my great-great Uncle. 3) Cancer, heart disease, is common in the family history so it seems. 4) The Roy’s moved to Maine from Canada, and before that it was France. 5) Mostly farming, or forestry. My great uncle’s sons still own and operate a potato farm in Fort Kent, Maine to this day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would say that I’ll continue to dig into my past and learn about my family’s heritage thru my parents, and grandparents, so that my children may know and be proud about where and who they come from.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
effect essay #6 ----->REWRITE<--------
When i was 12, I took a nasty fall at a construction site, and twisted my right ancle just shy of 180 degrees. At first I did not realize what had happened, don't know if i was in shock or what but from my knee down, i was completely numb. But then i attempted to walk on it again... what a mistake that was. I have never felt such pain! I felt eveything that time, and heard everything too. Heard snapping, and cracking, along with the undescribable waves of pain.
The doctors said I broke my tibia, fibia, and cracked the growth plate in my ankle in pieces, and as a young boy, that should have stopped bone growth in my foot. Somehow, the doctors were able to reset the bones without surgery. Man i tell you, they had to manually reset the bones by twisting my ankle back to it's original position. That my friend was worse than the accident itself. That was torture. They had to hold me down, and reposition my ankle. Needless to say, more popping and snapping happened. And oh yeah, I screamed in pain too.
I was in a cast for the entire school year, and could not go to school for awhile and had a in-home tudor. That was difficult for me, I was not the best in school, but thankfully i had some caring teachers to assist me so that i was able to stay in the same grade, and not fall behind the rest of friends.
Then the long road to recovery with the help of rehab. Someone was surely looking after my up in heaven, because, i suffered no long term problems from this. I was even able to fufil my childhood dream, and join the Army and be GI JOE!
This accident had a profound effect on my life. Still have scarring and bruises to prove it. Still to this day I can't watch Stephen King's movie titled 'Misery', when the crazy woman breaks his legs in that manor. It just makes me cringe in the fetal position!
The doctors said I broke my tibia, fibia, and cracked the growth plate in my ankle in pieces, and as a young boy, that should have stopped bone growth in my foot. Somehow, the doctors were able to reset the bones without surgery. Man i tell you, they had to manually reset the bones by twisting my ankle back to it's original position. That my friend was worse than the accident itself. That was torture. They had to hold me down, and reposition my ankle. Needless to say, more popping and snapping happened. And oh yeah, I screamed in pain too.
I was in a cast for the entire school year, and could not go to school for awhile and had a in-home tudor. That was difficult for me, I was not the best in school, but thankfully i had some caring teachers to assist me so that i was able to stay in the same grade, and not fall behind the rest of friends.
Then the long road to recovery with the help of rehab. Someone was surely looking after my up in heaven, because, i suffered no long term problems from this. I was even able to fufil my childhood dream, and join the Army and be GI JOE!
This accident had a profound effect on my life. Still have scarring and bruises to prove it. Still to this day I can't watch Stephen King's movie titled 'Misery', when the crazy woman breaks his legs in that manor. It just makes me cringe in the fetal position!
Essay #4 Process ---->REWRITE<-----
Do you change your oil in your vehicles regularly? If not you should do so to keep it going for many years to come. If you do it yourself, you can save money and save time from taking it to be done elsewhere. It's an easy process for the diy'er and i'll explain how in this essay.
First, you have to gather the tools, equipment and supplies needed to complete the job. You will need a safe pair of car ramps to drive the car up on so you can reach the undercarrage for this service (unlike mine which are rusty and bent), and a container to drain the old oil into (i use an empy Hi-c juice jug) . As for tools, you will need an oil filter wrench and a rachet with a socket of correct size (my drain plug is a partially stripped 15 mm). Now as for the supplies needed, you will obviously need a new oil filter, and oil to put back in the engine. I prefer using Castrol brand 5w30 oil, just cause i always have. A rag to wipe up any drippings and your oily paws would help wipe off the oil that runs down your arm too.
Now it's time to get down and dirty. Once the car is safley on the ramps, i always have to remind myself to put the emergency brake on. And then go ahead and shut off the vehicle and crawl under it. With the tools within your reach, grab the rachet and correct size socket and loosen the engine oil drain plug. Get the container ready, because as soon as you remove the plug you will have roughly 5 quarts of oil streaming out of that hole! And i always seem to burn myself from it. While that is draining you can grab the oil filter wrench and loosen and remove it too. Most drain plugs and oil filters on vehicles are located close together, so you can use the same container for it also. After most all of the oil has dripped out, screw on the new oil filter hand tight plus half a turn so it won't leak. Then reinstall the engine's drain plug and tighten it snugly. Remember you want it tight, but too tight is broke! Trust me you don't want to break it. Now take a rag and wipe up the mess so it looks clean when done.
Now for the final and most important steps of this process. Get the new oil and pour it into the oil filler neck of your cars engine before anything else. I like using a long neaked funnel so i don't make a mess when pouring it in. I have seen people and 'professionals' forget this important step. Needless to say it turned from a 20 minute 20 dollar oil change, to a weeks worth of work and one engine later. Once the engine's life blood is reinjected, and the oil filler cap reinstalled, the car can be started once again to move it off the ramps.
Now for the clean-up. If you did not know, you can dispose of the used oil at any auto parts store so please don't dump it in the back yard, or with your regular household waste. Don't forget to put a new oil sticker in the winshield so you know when it's due next. Me having my own buisness, have my own oil stickers with my buisness name on them! See, that was easy, and rewarding too. Although a small chore, I like doing it with my kids...we have fun doing it together. Have fun!
First, you have to gather the tools, equipment and supplies needed to complete the job. You will need a safe pair of car ramps to drive the car up on so you can reach the undercarrage for this service (unlike mine which are rusty and bent), and a container to drain the old oil into (i use an empy Hi-c juice jug) . As for tools, you will need an oil filter wrench and a rachet with a socket of correct size (my drain plug is a partially stripped 15 mm). Now as for the supplies needed, you will obviously need a new oil filter, and oil to put back in the engine. I prefer using Castrol brand 5w30 oil, just cause i always have. A rag to wipe up any drippings and your oily paws would help wipe off the oil that runs down your arm too.
Now it's time to get down and dirty. Once the car is safley on the ramps, i always have to remind myself to put the emergency brake on. And then go ahead and shut off the vehicle and crawl under it. With the tools within your reach, grab the rachet and correct size socket and loosen the engine oil drain plug. Get the container ready, because as soon as you remove the plug you will have roughly 5 quarts of oil streaming out of that hole! And i always seem to burn myself from it. While that is draining you can grab the oil filter wrench and loosen and remove it too. Most drain plugs and oil filters on vehicles are located close together, so you can use the same container for it also. After most all of the oil has dripped out, screw on the new oil filter hand tight plus half a turn so it won't leak. Then reinstall the engine's drain plug and tighten it snugly. Remember you want it tight, but too tight is broke! Trust me you don't want to break it. Now take a rag and wipe up the mess so it looks clean when done.
Now for the final and most important steps of this process. Get the new oil and pour it into the oil filler neck of your cars engine before anything else. I like using a long neaked funnel so i don't make a mess when pouring it in. I have seen people and 'professionals' forget this important step. Needless to say it turned from a 20 minute 20 dollar oil change, to a weeks worth of work and one engine later. Once the engine's life blood is reinjected, and the oil filler cap reinstalled, the car can be started once again to move it off the ramps.
Now for the clean-up. If you did not know, you can dispose of the used oil at any auto parts store so please don't dump it in the back yard, or with your regular household waste. Don't forget to put a new oil sticker in the winshield so you know when it's due next. Me having my own buisness, have my own oil stickers with my buisness name on them! See, that was easy, and rewarding too. Although a small chore, I like doing it with my kids...we have fun doing it together. Have fun!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
essay #5 Division
Our house is suprisingly clean considering how many people live in it, and with our busy schedules. But my wife, being the amazing woman that she is, has developed a clear and easy path to a Monk-like clean...if you know what i mean. The division of such work is age appropriate of course, due to the ages of our children, 13, 11, 6, and the fourth is exempt because he's only 7 months old.
For our two oldest daughters, we developed an odd and even type of thing... odd this week and even the next. If this week was an odd week, that person would wash dishes and wipe down counters, and sweep the floor, clean her room, and do her laundry.
If this week was an even week, she would dry and put away the dishes, put away leftovers, clean her room, do her laundry. If one is even, than the other is odd, and the next week they trade, and so on. Seems comfusing, but it works. And since they trade on a weekly basis, it keeps it from getting monotonus.
Then for our 6 year old son, he gathers all the trash to the kitchen door, puts new bags in the trash cans, replenishes the supply of T.P., and makes sure his room is tidy as well. It's good to keep him busy with his chours than him sitting in front of the t.v.
They all do well with it, and it's less for mom and dad to do, although we do all the rest that's behind the scenes! Even though she does not think so, my wife is an awesome cook, so she does most of the cooking in the kitchen. And i help where i can, she says to move aside to let her cook, so more often than not i stand there and admire her fine figure...now there's one thing i LOVE doing!
For our two oldest daughters, we developed an odd and even type of thing... odd this week and even the next. If this week was an odd week, that person would wash dishes and wipe down counters, and sweep the floor, clean her room, and do her laundry.
If this week was an even week, she would dry and put away the dishes, put away leftovers, clean her room, do her laundry. If one is even, than the other is odd, and the next week they trade, and so on. Seems comfusing, but it works. And since they trade on a weekly basis, it keeps it from getting monotonus.
Then for our 6 year old son, he gathers all the trash to the kitchen door, puts new bags in the trash cans, replenishes the supply of T.P., and makes sure his room is tidy as well. It's good to keep him busy with his chours than him sitting in front of the t.v.
They all do well with it, and it's less for mom and dad to do, although we do all the rest that's behind the scenes! Even though she does not think so, my wife is an awesome cook, so she does most of the cooking in the kitchen. And i help where i can, she says to move aside to let her cook, so more often than not i stand there and admire her fine figure...now there's one thing i LOVE doing!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
annotated source list & Graf #10 research history
1) Pedigree chart for Onezime Roy : http://www.royandboucher.com/ : 26OCT2008.
2) Information gathered at the Roy family reunion in 1994 at Madawaska, ME by my parents.
3) Long conversations with my grandmother, and my parents about my heritige.
I have learned a lot so far, and doing this research and it's hard to search the net for free sites that have good info, but found this one listed above, and it has tons of info. I had to force myself to get off of it cause I could stay on it for hours just looking, and hunting for info. It has a link to cemetaries, and thru that I found a boat load of info about my grand-father. This website takes my family tree back to 1604 in Saint-André, France---yeah France pretty cool huh? I also familiarized myself with my family crest which can be seen on the top right of that home page. But the best of it all, is the conversations with my grandmother, and parents- to hear real stories about what really went on back before my time. That to me is priceless.
2) Information gathered at the Roy family reunion in 1994 at Madawaska, ME by my parents.
3) Long conversations with my grandmother, and my parents about my heritige.
I have learned a lot so far, and doing this research and it's hard to search the net for free sites that have good info, but found this one listed above, and it has tons of info. I had to force myself to get off of it cause I could stay on it for hours just looking, and hunting for info. It has a link to cemetaries, and thru that I found a boat load of info about my grand-father. This website takes my family tree back to 1604 in Saint-André, France---yeah France pretty cool huh? I also familiarized myself with my family crest which can be seen on the top right of that home page. But the best of it all, is the conversations with my grandmother, and parents- to hear real stories about what really went on back before my time. That to me is priceless.
essay #3 contrast
In this essay, I will contrast three automobiles. They are all owned by me and my wife, and if needed, are also repaired my me. 1996 Gmc 3/4 ton pick-up, and a 1994 Nissan Sentra 4-door car, and a 2004 Pontiac Montana. All are a modes of transportation, but differ in alot of ways. I will discuss how.
First, the oldest is the 1994 Nissan Sentra . Some of the noticible differences are that it's a car, has four doors, and a trunk. It's an import, not a domestically produced car, unlike the rest of our vehicles. This one has the early stages of cancer (rusty) unlike the others which are in a better state of health. The 'beater' also is the only one equipped with a manual transmission. Also, it's a front wheel drive, unlike the rest of them. It's the smallest of them all with also the least powerful engine (1.6 litre four cylinder). That being said, it's also the most fuel efficent, so that is the one I tend to drive the most. It's easier on the wallet. Now let's move to the one that's not so easy on the wallet.
Our 1996 GMC 3/4 ton pick-up is the one that consumes the most fuel. At roughly 15 miles a gallon, we don't drive it as often to save the gas money. Unless we need to haul something though. With a max loaded weight of 7200 pounds, we can haul or tow anything we want with this bad boy! We have literally pulled trees out the ground with it. We could not dream of doing this with any of our other vehicles. It has a 5.7 liter v-8 engine, which is the most powerful engine of any of our other vehicles, and it can burn the rubber off of the rear tires. It's the only rear wheel drive vehicle we have. But it has the least amount of interior room. Even with the extended cab, we are all elbow to elbow with not one extra seat to spare. Now let's chat about the one with the most spacious interior.
Our 2004 Pontiac Montana by far has the most room for our four kids to travel comfortably. It is a 7 passenger minivan that has every option known to man, unlike our other vehicles. With XM radio, power sliding door, remote start, heated leather seats, DVD player, air ride suspension, we all love traveling in this one the most. It's the only all-wheel drive one too, so it's awesome for the wife to drive in winter. This is the one the wife drives the most if I did not already say so. This is the only vehicle we drive on trips too, we have gone to Florida and back at least four times in this road king!
I'm a professional auto mechanic, and I don't discriminate when it comes to size or type, make or model as you can see! I feel that having the knowlege to fix anything that has wheels, not only makes me more valuable of a technician, but also able to fix my own stuff too!
First, the oldest is the 1994 Nissan Sentra . Some of the noticible differences are that it's a car, has four doors, and a trunk. It's an import, not a domestically produced car, unlike the rest of our vehicles. This one has the early stages of cancer (rusty) unlike the others which are in a better state of health. The 'beater' also is the only one equipped with a manual transmission. Also, it's a front wheel drive, unlike the rest of them. It's the smallest of them all with also the least powerful engine (1.6 litre four cylinder). That being said, it's also the most fuel efficent, so that is the one I tend to drive the most. It's easier on the wallet. Now let's move to the one that's not so easy on the wallet.
Our 1996 GMC 3/4 ton pick-up is the one that consumes the most fuel. At roughly 15 miles a gallon, we don't drive it as often to save the gas money. Unless we need to haul something though. With a max loaded weight of 7200 pounds, we can haul or tow anything we want with this bad boy! We have literally pulled trees out the ground with it. We could not dream of doing this with any of our other vehicles. It has a 5.7 liter v-8 engine, which is the most powerful engine of any of our other vehicles, and it can burn the rubber off of the rear tires. It's the only rear wheel drive vehicle we have. But it has the least amount of interior room. Even with the extended cab, we are all elbow to elbow with not one extra seat to spare. Now let's chat about the one with the most spacious interior.
Our 2004 Pontiac Montana by far has the most room for our four kids to travel comfortably. It is a 7 passenger minivan that has every option known to man, unlike our other vehicles. With XM radio, power sliding door, remote start, heated leather seats, DVD player, air ride suspension, we all love traveling in this one the most. It's the only all-wheel drive one too, so it's awesome for the wife to drive in winter. This is the one the wife drives the most if I did not already say so. This is the only vehicle we drive on trips too, we have gone to Florida and back at least four times in this road king!
I'm a professional auto mechanic, and I don't discriminate when it comes to size or type, make or model as you can see! I feel that having the knowlege to fix anything that has wheels, not only makes me more valuable of a technician, but also able to fix my own stuff too!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Isearch what
Isearch what…well what I do know is that I come from a long line of farmers and hunters. My paternal grandfather and his siblings (don’t know how many) operated a potato farm. I’m curious if any of my ancestors were mechanics like I am, I know that 2 of my uncles were. I do know that there is a history of heart trouble on my dad’s side of the family, my grand father lived, suffered, and died of heart disease. I also know that the Roys have lived in Canada also.
Isearch why
Isearch WHY … well I’m doing an isearch on my family’s past and my heritage because I’m at a time in my life where I can appreciate it and my grand parents won’t always be here with me and my family, so it’s a way to spend quality time with them. And hear the stories hat they have to tell. Also i feel it's important for my kids to be a part of this too.
1) Is or was there anyone famous in our family?
2) Is any thing named after a family member of our past?
3) Is there a history of illnesses or disease that I am not aware of?
4) Have the Roy’s always lived in Northern Aroostook county?
5) what different types of jobs have past family members heald?
1) Is or was there anyone famous in our family?
2) Is any thing named after a family member of our past?
3) Is there a history of illnesses or disease that I am not aware of?
4) Have the Roy’s always lived in Northern Aroostook county?
5) what different types of jobs have past family members heald?
Isearch background
ISEARCH back ground
I’m doing this isearch on my genealogy. I’ve been always interested in my heritage, and the stories that my parents and grandparents had to say. The stories of what both sets of grandparents went thru and how they got together to me is interesting. I can also learn a little about myself, and the man that I may become as I grow older too.
I’m doing this isearch on my genealogy. I’ve been always interested in my heritage, and the stories that my parents and grandparents had to say. The stories of what both sets of grandparents went thru and how they got together to me is interesting. I can also learn a little about myself, and the man that I may become as I grow older too.
Monday, October 6, 2008
classification Essay 2
Essay 2 classification
Just imagine the lumpy idle of a high horse powered race car that’s about to rocket itself down the ¼ mile drag strip. Your chest is vibrating along with your eardrums if you don’t have ear protection. Imagine yourself in the drivers seat, all strapped in for the ride of your life! This essay will classify cars…the car of my dreams, an ok car that I’d settle for, and a car that I’d prefer to light up and burn to the ground.
The car of my dreams is a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, which has a race ready 454 cubic inch v-8 power plant under it’s hood. I can imagine the car painted Candy-apple red with two black racing stripes up the hood. The car of my dreams would have to have ladder bars attached to the back end to prevent it from flipping over on it’s hood after you chomp on the accelerator when the light turns green. The car of my dreams would win trophies in car shows, and at the race track.
If I can’t afford that awesome car, I guess I could settle for a 1982 Buick Grand National. It has a rather impressive turbo assisted v-6 that has proved very fast at the races, but the body is not very appealing to me. It would be great to drive one and maybe even own one for awhile I guess. Although argued one of the quickest cars off the showroom floor, the IT factor is just not there.
Then here is my nightmare car. It’s a Chevy Aveo. Under-powered, lack of interior room, curve-less, no rumbling exhaust, lack of flow or style, and definitely not fast at the track or to get groceries even. In my opinion there is nothing appealing at all about this car. The only thing good about it is that it’s fuel efficient. But let’s be a realist here, if you have the need for speed like me, is fuel efficiency a top priority???
Obviously I am shooting for the top of the list, but you never know where the path of life will carry me. Who kmows… just might me having a bondfire!
Just imagine the lumpy idle of a high horse powered race car that’s about to rocket itself down the ¼ mile drag strip. Your chest is vibrating along with your eardrums if you don’t have ear protection. Imagine yourself in the drivers seat, all strapped in for the ride of your life! This essay will classify cars…the car of my dreams, an ok car that I’d settle for, and a car that I’d prefer to light up and burn to the ground.
The car of my dreams is a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, which has a race ready 454 cubic inch v-8 power plant under it’s hood. I can imagine the car painted Candy-apple red with two black racing stripes up the hood. The car of my dreams would have to have ladder bars attached to the back end to prevent it from flipping over on it’s hood after you chomp on the accelerator when the light turns green. The car of my dreams would win trophies in car shows, and at the race track.
If I can’t afford that awesome car, I guess I could settle for a 1982 Buick Grand National. It has a rather impressive turbo assisted v-6 that has proved very fast at the races, but the body is not very appealing to me. It would be great to drive one and maybe even own one for awhile I guess. Although argued one of the quickest cars off the showroom floor, the IT factor is just not there.
Then here is my nightmare car. It’s a Chevy Aveo. Under-powered, lack of interior room, curve-less, no rumbling exhaust, lack of flow or style, and definitely not fast at the track or to get groceries even. In my opinion there is nothing appealing at all about this car. The only thing good about it is that it’s fuel efficient. But let’s be a realist here, if you have the need for speed like me, is fuel efficiency a top priority???
Obviously I am shooting for the top of the list, but you never know where the path of life will carry me. Who kmows… just might me having a bondfire!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Graf #9 meta-graf
Graf #9 meta-graf
There was a vehicle that somehow or another lost it’s brakes and ended up submerged with the driver in Moosehead lake, and I don’t know the specifics of the event, but had the vehicles state inspection been done and done properly, that should not have happened. I have seen mechanics take short cuts, and yes it’s sometimes hard to determine if these tires would last the year or if these brake pads would last a year, even though the state has minimum specs for these items. That is why I feel a bi-annual inspection would alleviate these concerns and questions.
There was a vehicle that somehow or another lost it’s brakes and ended up submerged with the driver in Moosehead lake, and I don’t know the specifics of the event, but had the vehicles state inspection been done and done properly, that should not have happened. I have seen mechanics take short cuts, and yes it’s sometimes hard to determine if these tires would last the year or if these brake pads would last a year, even though the state has minimum specs for these items. That is why I feel a bi-annual inspection would alleviate these concerns and questions.
Essay 1
There are many causes for a parts failure to leave people stranded when their vehicle breaks-down. Could be a worn part internally, a mileage issue, collision damage, lack of maintenance, to name some examples. There are a lot of early detection types of inspections that can catch things early before they get to the point that there unsafe. In this essay, I will discuss the ones that I feel are most important.
One form of such inspection is a general ‘multi point’ inspection that is done when you have your oil changed. There are a lot of different names for this type of inspection, but they are all somewhat the same. I should say that it should be done in a professional service center, because there are probably some places (like under the shade tree) that this is overlooked. I feel that there is a moral and ethical obligation for automotive techs and service facilities to enforce and perform such an inspection to not only inform the customers about their vehicles condition, but to relive us as technicians from the liability and consequences of failing to do them.
Another example is a Maine state vehicle inspection that is done on every vehicle registered in the state of Maine once every year. The inspection is done at a state approved inspection facility, and yes there are a lot of strict requirements for a shop to become an inspection station. The state certified vehicle inspector (technician) is required to perform a very thorough safety inspection of every thing on the vehicle. This is done not only to ensure you will get from point A to point B, but to ensure that there is nothing that is worn out, broken, leaking, inoperable, unsafe, or that can cause or contribute to an accident. So upon your vehicle passing the state inspection not only will you have a nice sticker on your windshield, but you can drive with the confidence that your vehicle is indeed fit for the road.
I used to live in Florida, and it was astonishing to see the broken down, and abandoned vehicles that littered the roadways. There are no state wide vehicle inspection standards in Florida like there is in Maine, and there should be. Not only would it be safer to travel, but there would be no junk cars that has pieces of it falling off of it as it somehow is avoiding the car crusher but still is rolling down the road. I have a family and I will do anything to ensure their safety. This is why I strongly believe in these types of inspections.
To go a step beyond the norm, I propose that the state do bi-annual vehicle inspections. I do strongly advise bi-annual vehicle safety inspections to ensure that the roads we travel on are safe for everybody. Not only would this practice heighten the safety of the vehicles traveling on the roadways, but early detection is important rather than driving with ignorance to have a break-down, or heaven forbid an accident.
One form of such inspection is a general ‘multi point’ inspection that is done when you have your oil changed. There are a lot of different names for this type of inspection, but they are all somewhat the same. I should say that it should be done in a professional service center, because there are probably some places (like under the shade tree) that this is overlooked. I feel that there is a moral and ethical obligation for automotive techs and service facilities to enforce and perform such an inspection to not only inform the customers about their vehicles condition, but to relive us as technicians from the liability and consequences of failing to do them.
Another example is a Maine state vehicle inspection that is done on every vehicle registered in the state of Maine once every year. The inspection is done at a state approved inspection facility, and yes there are a lot of strict requirements for a shop to become an inspection station. The state certified vehicle inspector (technician) is required to perform a very thorough safety inspection of every thing on the vehicle. This is done not only to ensure you will get from point A to point B, but to ensure that there is nothing that is worn out, broken, leaking, inoperable, unsafe, or that can cause or contribute to an accident. So upon your vehicle passing the state inspection not only will you have a nice sticker on your windshield, but you can drive with the confidence that your vehicle is indeed fit for the road.
I used to live in Florida, and it was astonishing to see the broken down, and abandoned vehicles that littered the roadways. There are no state wide vehicle inspection standards in Florida like there is in Maine, and there should be. Not only would it be safer to travel, but there would be no junk cars that has pieces of it falling off of it as it somehow is avoiding the car crusher but still is rolling down the road. I have a family and I will do anything to ensure their safety. This is why I strongly believe in these types of inspections.
To go a step beyond the norm, I propose that the state do bi-annual vehicle inspections. I do strongly advise bi-annual vehicle safety inspections to ensure that the roads we travel on are safe for everybody. Not only would this practice heighten the safety of the vehicles traveling on the roadways, but early detection is important rather than driving with ignorance to have a break-down, or heaven forbid an accident.
outro for cause essay
To go a step beyond the norm, I propose that the state do bi-annual vehicle inspections. I do strongly advise bi-annual vehicle safety inspections to ensure that the roads we travel on are safe for everybody. Not only would this practice heighten the safety of the vehicles traveling on the roadways, but early detection is important rather than driving with ignorance to have a break-down.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
intro 2 of cause essay
Intro 2 of cause essay
I strongly advise bi-annual vehicle safety inspections to ensure that the roads we travel on are safe for everybody. Not only would this practice heighten he safety of the vehicles traveling on the roadways, but early detection of part failure is important rather than driving with ignorance to have a break-down.
I strongly advise bi-annual vehicle safety inspections to ensure that the roads we travel on are safe for everybody. Not only would this practice heighten he safety of the vehicles traveling on the roadways, but early detection of part failure is important rather than driving with ignorance to have a break-down.
intro 1 of cause essay
Intro 1 of cause essay
There are many causes for a parts failure to leave people stranded when their vehicle breaks-down. Could be a worn part internally, a mileage issue, collision damage, lack of maintenance, to name some examples. There are a lot of early detection type of inspections that can catch things early before they become too bad.
There are many causes for a parts failure to leave people stranded when their vehicle breaks-down. Could be a worn part internally, a mileage issue, collision damage, lack of maintenance, to name some examples. There are a lot of early detection type of inspections that can catch things early before they become too bad.
Graf #8 reaction to sample cause essays
Graf #8 reaction to sample cause essays
‘falling in love’ essay was brutally honest, but it got the job done I suppose. Where are the 2 intros? Or is here not supposed to be 2 intros?
‘falling in love’ essay was brutally honest, but it got the job done I suppose. Where are the 2 intros? Or is here not supposed to be 2 intros?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
i search brainstorm
family tree, Roys Clavets and so on
family history...potatoe farming, carpentry, plumbing and heating
there was a roy family reunion back in 1995
personal interviews to dig up more info...got one set up this weekend
family history...potatoe farming, carpentry, plumbing and heating
there was a roy family reunion back in 1995
personal interviews to dig up more info...got one set up this weekend
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Graf #7 Person
Graf #7 Person
My son is a miracle. We are very lucky, and blessed to have him in our lives (along with our three other children). My wife went through a lot during the pregnancy. It got to the point that it was harming her health by the third trimester. I was very worried because she was passing out, and was practically on bed rest at the end of it. During the delivery she had to be induced, and the first thing I saw just before the baby’s head, was the umbilical cord. The cord was around the top of his head, and it was tied in a knot also. The doctor who preformed the delivery was noticeably alarmed by this, and said that if the pregnancy had been put off any longer that it would have been very risky. I thought that the episiotomy was the worst part for me to have witnessed though. So this is why I refer to our children as a blessing to our family (they all have their own tales of birth and survival).
My son is a miracle. We are very lucky, and blessed to have him in our lives (along with our three other children). My wife went through a lot during the pregnancy. It got to the point that it was harming her health by the third trimester. I was very worried because she was passing out, and was practically on bed rest at the end of it. During the delivery she had to be induced, and the first thing I saw just before the baby’s head, was the umbilical cord. The cord was around the top of his head, and it was tied in a knot also. The doctor who preformed the delivery was noticeably alarmed by this, and said that if the pregnancy had been put off any longer that it would have been very risky. I thought that the episiotomy was the worst part for me to have witnessed though. So this is why I refer to our children as a blessing to our family (they all have their own tales of birth and survival).
Monday, September 8, 2008
Graf #6
Graf #6 reaction to sample isearches
I like the Genealogy and me-- who are my ancestors? I feel that I can get a lot out of using genealogy as my isearch topic. What do you think JAG
I like the Genealogy and me-- who are my ancestors? I feel that I can get a lot out of using genealogy as my isearch topic. What do you think JAG
graf #5 things
Graf #5 ‘things’
There is something in my yard that I just can’t seem to part with. My 1991 Nissan nx. I’ve had it since 1999. I bought it during my tour of duty in the Army at Ft . Campbell, Ky. That car is a part of me. It’s taken me into Nashville, Tn, and then to Florida where me and my family moved to after the Army. I still remember when my children were quite young they would climb onto my lap from the back seat (now mind you this is not a very spacious interior) to sit on my lap to pretend to steer the car. Very fond memories indeed. That car has taught me to be a better mechanic also. It had an electrical problem that after lots of frustration got fixed and learned a lot too.
That car then took us to Maine where we now live, and it’s no longer road worthy. It’s now a parts car but still the kids play in it and pretend they are driving and such. Still, I can’t part with it. Not yet anyhow…this thing still means something to us.
There is something in my yard that I just can’t seem to part with. My 1991 Nissan nx. I’ve had it since 1999. I bought it during my tour of duty in the Army at Ft . Campbell, Ky. That car is a part of me. It’s taken me into Nashville, Tn, and then to Florida where me and my family moved to after the Army. I still remember when my children were quite young they would climb onto my lap from the back seat (now mind you this is not a very spacious interior) to sit on my lap to pretend to steer the car. Very fond memories indeed. That car has taught me to be a better mechanic also. It had an electrical problem that after lots of frustration got fixed and learned a lot too.
That car then took us to Maine where we now live, and it’s no longer road worthy. It’s now a parts car but still the kids play in it and pretend they are driving and such. Still, I can’t part with it. Not yet anyhow…this thing still means something to us.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Graf #4 Unique
Graf #4 Unique
I’m a Christian, and I’m a father 4-times over, I’m a husband and a U.S. Army veteran too. I’m an ASE Master Certified Auto Technician who loves fixing things. I have a tattoo on my left arm of my nickname (RINO) in my favorite color (blue). My favorite beverages are Moxie, Kool-aid, Sprite and Coffee. Nascar is my favorite sport, and I love the outdoors. I love repelling from helicopters, but have not done it in a while. My favorite city (out of all the places that I have lived and visited) is Nashville, Tennessee. But I mostly enjoy spending quality time with my family and playing with my kids.
I’m a Christian, and I’m a father 4-times over, I’m a husband and a U.S. Army veteran too. I’m an ASE Master Certified Auto Technician who loves fixing things. I have a tattoo on my left arm of my nickname (RINO) in my favorite color (blue). My favorite beverages are Moxie, Kool-aid, Sprite and Coffee. Nascar is my favorite sport, and I love the outdoors. I love repelling from helicopters, but have not done it in a while. My favorite city (out of all the places that I have lived and visited) is Nashville, Tennessee. But I mostly enjoy spending quality time with my family and playing with my kids.
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