Thursday, September 2, 2010

Cars, Inspections, and Bills

I took my hubby's car in for emissions and inspection yesterday. It didn't pass--at first. The technician brought me the news like a saddened surgeon stepping from the operating room to tell hopeful family members that their loved one died under the knife--at least until he whipped out the next paper and asked if I wanted them to run diagnostics for only $80.00 an hour. He turned into a ray of sunshine as soon as I groaned a yes.

This is the point when I silently chewed out my hubby for being at work. Not that I mind him working, in fact I really, really like being able to pay the house payment and buy stuff like food, which we couldn't do if he didn't work. But, as you might remember, I don't know ANYTHING about cars other than where to put the gas, how to drive, and how to work the radio. Yup, I have skills, and somehow the mechanics all know this.

This is me at the mechanics:



I'm the little one on the right with no skills and the mechanic is the other guy. This is an actual photo. Seriously.

This is the mechanic when I come into his shop:



Except he doesn't wear a suit, and I think he got more money from me.

Anywho, I spent the next four hours (and a wad of cash) pacing the waiting room and pondering death by mechanic bill as they fiddled, replaced parts(more money, of course), and cajoled my hubby's ancient Civic into passing emissions.

Guess what I get to do today? Take in my daughter's jeep she purchased for emissions and inspections. Yup, this is where I once again silently curse my hubby for working, while simultaneously wondering if he could possibly get more hours to pay for car bills.

I'm sure the mechanic will be excited to see my face again. I may just make it onto his Christmas card list. You know, just something like, Merry Christmas, Leisha. I'm enjoying my second home. Thanks for paying for it. Have a great holiday and see you come inspection time.

Well, off to face more cars, inspections, and bills. Wish me luck, I'm going to need loads of it.

13 comments:

Jonene Ficklin said...

Have any of your kids ever asked what you would think if everything in the world could only cost a dollar? I think of that every time I go to the mechanics. Sorry about the cars! Inspecion times are about as fun as dental visits (when you need a root canal), don't you think?

Clancy said...

Love the photos. I agree - you should get a card or an invite to his housewarming or something....

Hermana Maw said...

Jonene, I would love it if the mechanic only cost a dollar. Same thing with a root canal.

Clancy, you're right! I should be invited. Now I feel cheated. Just a lousy card. Sheesh. LOL.

Jolene Perry said...

That's hysterical.
I take my young kids in with me to the waiting room. They can't wait to get me out of there...
You might borrow a three year old boy next time you have to go the mechanic. Though, it could always backfire horribly...

Anonymous said...

This is totally me, today. I'm having that same issue with my car and my head's spinning from all the costs. =P My condolences--to both of us.

Hermana Maw said...

Jolene,somehow taking my kids with me always backfires. I tremble to think of it. I'm glad yours is good for you. :)

L.T., I'm so sorry. :( As for me, I didn't even make it to the mechanic. The battery died twice before I got there, and I gave up and came home. My brother is going to look at it on Sat. Sigh.

Irene B. Gardner said...

Oh, no. I fought that last month. Of course, I had the additional fun of the Motor Vehicle place combining mine and my daughter's names and vehicles into one person: Hers. Little did I know that I would bring a curse on both of us by having us both go by our middle names. Computers don't like us. What a mess.

I also had to get a new driver's license with all the new requirements there. My diabetes doc had to sign a letter that I keep my condition under control.

I can empathize with you, kiddo. I'm not sure my car is going to pass next year and I can't afford to fix it OR get a new one.

I'd much rather have the dental visits.

Good luck with your daughter's car. I don't believe you have a daughter old enough to drive, so this must be for her future use about 10 years down the road (so to speak) LOL.

Hugs,
Renie

Hermana Maw said...

Irene, having the DMV combine your names sounds like a nightmare. You poor thing. AND I love you for thinking I couldn't have a sixteen-year-old. Hugs.

Carolyn V. said...

Ugh! I hate taking my car to get safe inspections/repaired. I'm so sorry.

Cherie said...

Oh my. You deserve the Christmas card for sure, made me laugh a bit. Maybe you should sign up for auto mechanics at A's school.

Hermana Maw said...

Carolyn, ugh is right. Thanks for the sympathy.

Cherie, Ha! I don't think any mechanic classes are in my near future, but you could go then I could call you when we had problems. Yup, that sounds like a good plan. :)

Anonymous said...

I can sympathize. Even if you did know about cars, I swear that just being a woman puts me at a disadvantage at the mechanic. However, I've heard being a woman is a huge advantage when getting pulled over for a ticket. I got away without one 2 of the 3 times I've been pulled over in my life. So, eh, pros and cons. Good luck with the cars!

Anonymous said...

hey


just registered and put on my todo list


hopefully this is just what im looking for, looks like i have a lot to read Im trying to find a way to build an e-mail list.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails