Hurray for me…

On Saturday I decided to not go with Jer and the kids to watch the big football game… I thought “Gosh, I’ll just go to the climbing gym. Have some alone time. Relax while working on some bouldering problems and get some exercise as well.”

So we all loaded into our separate cars. Jer pulled out of the garage first. I followed in the other car and as I followed him down our street I realized something was wrong with the car. I drove a few more feet and hopped out to inspect what was making the car go wobble wobble. I had a flat tire. I waved my arms in the air as Jer drove further and further away from me.

I grabbed my cell. Ring ring… no pick up. Ring ring. I called again and again. I could still see him at the stop light. Why wasn’t he answering… finally he turned the corner. I wondered how long it would take him to see the missed call and the desperate phone message. Well, either way, I faced the facts. I had to change this tire or else. I wouldn’t be going anywhere on this fine Saturday.

So here is my bragging moment. I CHANGE A TIRE!! ALL BY MY SELF!!

I’ve had many flats but Jer or someone was always there to help… or well, do it themselves.

Have you ever changed a tire… or do you know how… I learned a few tips.

Tip A: Loosen the lug nuts before you jack up the car.

Tip B: If the lug nuts don’t budge put the wrench thingy parallel so you can bounce on it with your weight to begin unscrewing them.

Tip C: Once the lug nuts are off, the tire can be really hard to get off.  Turn around backwards and kick the tire like a horse. (it helps if you have good shoes on, flip flops will be no good) You might have to kick it a bunch of times.

Tip D: Put the lug nuts back on loosely with your hand. Lower the car jack so there is weight on the spare then tighten the lug nuts with the wrench thingy.

Hurray! Hopefully this will help some of you women out there who may be mechanically challenged.