My week in pics👩🏽‍🔧

Wow, reading my post back, I still can't believe I got through those two weeks! My 'week in pics' really doesn't do justice to the sheer panic of seeing that high temperature gauge creep up on my car dashboard. It felt like a ticking time bomb, and the thought of breaking down with my little one (who just turned five months, can you believe it?!) was terrifying. My car, a Chevrolet Eco, usually runs like a dream, so when the water system started acting up, I knew it wasn't just a small issue. Turns out, it was a pretty significant internal 'leak' causing all sorts of problems. I debated taking it to a mechanic, but after seeing the potential car repair expenses that could rack up, I decided to tackle it myself. My wallet was already feeling the pinch from the initial diagnostic fees, which were already over $100! Finding the right parts was half the battle. I spent hours online and at auto parts stores, trying to figure out exactly what was wrong. Eventually, I pinpointed the thermostat housing and the thermostat itself as the culprits. I remember holding that new Murray thermostat box, feeling a mix of dread and determination. YouTube tutorials became my best friends. There were moments I seriously questioned my sanity, especially when I couldn't get a hose clamp to budge, or when coolant spilled everywhere. I definitely had a little emotional 'leak' myself – yes, I cried! More than once! It's okay to embrace vulnerability when you're under pressure, right? For anyone else out there dealing with a similar car 'leak' or major repair, here are a few things I learned: Diagnose Carefully: Don't just guess. Look for visible leaks, check your coolant levels regularly, and pay attention to that temperature gauge. Sometimes, a "water system went bad" means a hose, a radiator, or (like me) a thermostat issue. YouTube is Your Friend: Seriously, there are countless step-by-step guides for almost every car model. Watching someone else do it first helps a lot. Invest in Basic Tools: Having a good wrench set, pliers, and a coolant drain pan will save you multiple trips to the store. Budget for the Unexpected: Even DIY has costs. My car repair expenses quickly added up with parts and fluids. Always give yourself a buffer. Don't Be Afraid to Cry (or Ask for Help): It’s tough, and sometimes those emotional 'leaks' just need to happen. If you're stuck, reach out to a friend or a local auto forum. The sense of accomplishment when you finally get that engine bay looking good and hear the engine purr again is incredible. Seeing that open car hood of my Chevrolet Eco, knowing "I finally fixed her all by myself," was one of the proudest moments. And yes, after all that greasy work, I absolutely treated myself to a new hair do – a little self-care after battling a car! It's all part of the journey, isn't it? From troubleshooting a high temperature gauge to celebrating a little one's milestone, life's full of unexpected twists.