My mid-life crisis

I’m reaching an age that has created a lucrative livelihood for many psychologists. According to them, it’s when men start to act a bit oddly and is characterized by extravagant purchases of automotive horsepower. Well, I finally succumbed to the stereotype, but I went out and bought one of these. I found it used on craigslist of all places. It’s in great shape and needs only a bit of work. But that’s the beauty of it. It needs some work.

When you live in the center of Silicon Valley and work for an innovative company like Sun, there aren’t too many opportunities to roll up your sleeves – technology pretty much does everything for us. The pace of technology advances in consumer goods has outstripped the ability of most of us non-engineers. Ever try to replace the battery in your iPod? So, it’s a bit refreshing that I can adjust the carburetor and brakes myself. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate and embrace innovation, but there is something immensely satisfying about tuning an engine on your own – even if it’s one that sounds like a circa 1930’s Russian tractor.

Oh, and the first nice day this spring, my carpool partner is in for a big surprise.