The "check engine" light illuminated my dash board this morning, its glare mocking me. I had been anticipating what to do with my overtime funds, just reaching the conclusion that I ought to save it (totally unlike me) to pay for my vacation next March.

But no, my vehicle has to betray me. I can almost hear it laughing at me, helpless and faced with the unhappy prospect of having to shell out who-knows-how-much to get that damn light to go away. Can't I just get an oil change? Can't I just cover that light with some duct tape?