Tuesday, October 23, 2007

I'm not dumb, I just don't care.

I realize that not knowing how to change a tire is the ultimate Helpless Woman cliche. But honestly... how often does one get to see it demonstrated, let alone get to practice the application of said information?! The last time I was present for a tire changing I was 15 years old. My mother taught me how to change the thing, and I haven't thought about it a day since. So when Meredith came home last night and informed me that her tire was torn to shreds, she and I both knew we had an adventure in learning before us.

We are both strong, intelligent women. But in matters of auto repair and maintainance, we rank with the silly, helpless girlies of the world. Meredith jacked up the car, removed the tire... and then the jack slid out from under the car collapsing the whole thing! Fortunately the flat tire, still propped up against the car, managed to stop the frame from smashing to the ground. Her jack was pinned underneath the car, effectively bending it beyond repair. So we joined forces to fumble and giggle our way through the unfamiliar process. We did a silly victory dance when we finally managed to change the cursed thing. I need more men on my speed dial.

5 comments:

Melissa said...

Ha ha! For FHE one night, I had Jacob show me how to change a tire. We didn't actually do it, and then we couldn't get the wheel cover back on. Heaven forbid I should ever get a flat tire!

kim brimhall said...

he is from Seattle. And his bro just moved back there, so he has been talking about moving back. i love the city. chicago (here) is great. i have been to seattle several times and i enjoyed it. we will probably end up there. thanks for the input though.

kim brimhall said...

also i tried to add you on myspace but i dont know your last name. my page is myspace.com/kimberlykb

Anth said...

I couldn't agree with your title more. My father showed me and the other Laurels how to change a tire one evening during Mutual when I was about 17. I couldn't get any wheel lugs to budge. I jumped on the tire iron, still nothing. After that I tuned out and started chatting with my friends (rude, I know, since it was my own dad teaching).

Three years later when my tire blew, I called my roommates, natch. Somehow they knew how to change a tire so I was saved.

This is part of what men are for. Think how much changing a girl's tire would affirm a man's masculinity. We all know there are few enough things in this world that affirm masculinity, so I certainly wouldn't want to take that away from a guy. Ha ha

Lynette said...

When I was a kid my cousins and I spent a period where we often changed tires just for the fun of it. I don't think I've changed a tire since then. I think I could probably still do it if I could just figure out how to operate the jack. That's the part I find most intimidating. Good for you for getting the job done.