Sunday, August 15, 2010

I know this is going to make me sound retarded, but I don't care. I've always had help when it came to using power tools. But recently there is no one around to help me. I never had an attitude of 'I can't do something', it was more like 'why should I?'. But now I feel like I just should be able to do everything. I should be able to change a tire, whether I need to or not. Everyone should be able to drive stick (that I've been able to do for a while), be able to pop start a standard vehicle, use a chainsaw, a screwdriver, a lawnmower, things like that. Most of those I can do. But I've never really used a power screwdriver before. But I just put up a piece of sheet rock in my room to cover up a section that wasn't done. And I put up two sets of hooks!!! Whoo-hoo!! I'm awesome.

3 comments:

Jeannie said...

Woohoo!! Way to go!

I've used a lot of power tools over the years. I was somewhat of a tomboy but that was largely due to having 2 older brothers who loved to torment me so I had to be tough and do whatever they could do. I have to admit that I am squeamish about power saws and cutters of nearly all kinds - I think because my father practically sliced off 3 fingers with a hedge trimmer and then a few years back, my oldest got a nasty cut when the table saw he was using kicked back - he could have lost his finger.

I have changed many tires. I had to admit defeat and call out road service once when a lug nut was just way too tight for me to loosen - it was hard for them too - they had to use some spray on it. And my kids called me out once to show them how it was done.

My brother made me learn to drive stick - I think I was 14 the first time. Also taught me how to change the oil and top up other fluids (so I service my nearly 20 year old lawnmower myself too). I wish now I had taken car mechanics in high school so I could tell when mechanics were bsing me.

I think it's good for a woman not to be helpless. I think men respect it more (although they don't always believe you can do it well until you prove it.) I get annoyed with my sister-in-law who doesn't even know how to hang a shelf or curtain rods and has to whine for someone to do it for her. I think it's just lazy.

Sarcastic Bastard said...

You are awesome, girlie. Who needs men? Not us. Except for sex. There's that.

Laugh.

NH said...

Jeannie - I would have figured you would know how to do all that stuff. You seem so capable to me. I know, of course, that you can't help but doubt yourself sometimes, but to me, from afar, you seem so well rounded. I would love to be able to hit you up for some hands on lessons, but you just live so far away. So I guess you're safe, for now.
The lug nuts on the tires always seem to be so tight. That's where women are at a slight disadvantage sometimes. We just aren't always as strong as most men. There are those few women out there with the huge muscles, but I wouldn't want to be that muscley.
I'm definitely afraid of cutting tools also. They do scare me. I would use a small chainsaw if I had to. But I wouldn't like it and I would wear a lot of protective gear.
Love to hear from you, as always.


SB - Unfortunately we do need them for that. I have often wished, "If only I were gay", but then I think that probably has its ups and downs too. And, try as I might, I just like those stupid men. Shucks.

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