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Thursday, May 05, 2011

driving miss crazy



A flat tire, a dead battery, a fender bender, and keys locked in the car. All within the past six months of my teen's new driving career.

All taken care of by johnny on the spot his dad.

Though to give my son proper change-tire-credit, he did get the jack properly situated and was successfully lifting the car when his dad arrived to save the day.

All the while his mom stood by playing with her cell phone wringing her hands like the helpless female stereotype she would prefer to dispel. Mind you, it was my car.

Mind you, I've never changed a tire on my own. Thirty plus years of driving. Though I am good at fetching cold drinks and providing light hearted banter.

But back to the flat tire at hand. When it occurred, we were in front of the main entrance to my son's high school. While he worked the jack his favorite teacher was leaving for the day. He was a young attractive guy. He looked to be in his early 30's. He also looked determined to walk by us as quickly as he could.

Great, I thought. Exactly the first impression I was hoping not to make. I shrugged, gave him a sheepish grin and said,"I don't want to get my pants dirty."

The teacher replied with a look that said, Like I give a crap, lady. I'm sure you're a good mom most of the time." And he kept on walking.

And now to bring you a light hearted look at what was really going on in The Situation Room the night of the Bin Laden invasion. Not to be missed.

15 comments:

Magpie said...

You know, I've never changed a tire either...

Lee said...

I've never changed a car tire or a bike tire. Good god.

You must ask yourself why the Universe is testing you & your teen driver.

Coffeypot said...

The woman in the picture has to be in San Francisco. No man would let her do that. But it is good that the son was going to make the effort. Shows determination and respect for your car. You, on the other hand, we just being a gurl.

Dr. Deb said...

Well, at least they are learning experiences!

Mental P Mama said...

At least he's getting it all out of the way and stuff. We did here, too. Twins. Two totalled cars within 5 months of getting licenses. Miracle that all survived.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I love that photo!

AAA--I never leave home without it.

Tammy said...

Love the photo! I've never changed a tire either! We are facing our second teen getting her license. Definitely nerve wracking.

Jenn @ Youknow...that Blog? said...

I've had 2 flat tires in my 30+ years of driving... the first time I called my Dad, and the second time I called my husband :) Next time I'll call CAA (AAA for 'Merkins)

I wouldn't want to get my pants dirty either...

Anonymous said...

My stepdad made us all learn how to change a tire before we were allowed to drive a car. That said - I totally have a AAA card and I will use it if the need arises.

Aunt Snow said...

Hmm... I liked him till he got snotty on you.

And your kids are performing true to form - within the first six months of getting their license, something minor happens.

Mine had 2 fender-benders. The scariest thing was when a friend of his let his battery die so Son allowed them to use his car to jump. They didn't really know how. I found out later when I wondered what had happened to make the ends of the jumper cables all melty.

dkuroiwa said...

i also had to prove i could change a tire (plus check and change oil and a variety of other "things we pay others to do") before i could get y first car, at 16. i was always big on cramming for the big test then forgetting everything on the test.
we have the Japanese version of AAA and they can handle anything pretty much anything.

next time i go to the shrine, i'll look into getting you a general 'car safety' good luck charm.

andrea frazer said...

I am quite certain you are an excellent mother. Even if you suck, you are funny, so that is all that matters.

Susan said...

The only time I changed my own tire was in driver's ed back in 1969! That teacher was a jerk.

Sweet Lily said...

I'm an expert in changing tire, because I'm not a lucky man, I always have flat tire.......

JCK said...

I am frightened that this will be my fate in a few years...dammit.