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Hermione


Kate Spade

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Feeling empowered
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So, I drive an old (90) BMW, and while I used to think I liked it, I just discovered what's good gas mileage and, and this definitely doesn't get it.  The other downside is that repairs are a b!tch and always reveal some other pressing concerns that need to be fixed immediately.  It's really scary to me when I have to take it in for something because they always point out how this and that will need to be replaced because of age, etc -

Anyway, my power locks stopped working - along with that went the windows, radio, and windshield wipers.  I need my windows in the TX heat and I'm not too keen on the locks not working.  I'll be going out of town in a couple of weeks and really want my car to be secure while I'm there. 

ANYWAY - to make a long story longer - I looked online through BMW forums etc to find out if this was a standard problem, and it IS with older BMWs - it was tracked down to a couple of possibilities, so I looked up pictures and charts that showed me where this piece was - I got out there, disconnected the battery, unscrewed some bolts, etc, and found out that indeed that was the problem!  (something called a fusible link)
I found a place nearby that will sell me one for $.60 (yes, 60 cents!) and I'll replace it myself.

This may not seem like a big deal but this is coming from a girl who didn't know that the tires had to be rotated on this car (hey, they weren't on my first car, no one told me!)

I'm beginning to get that I can really take care of myself feeling, you know?  I mean I've been financially independent (for the most part) since I was 17, but have never felt stable (the curse of wanting to work in art and independently) and learning to do things myself is really changing that.  Last summer I bought a washer and dryer used and hooked them up and levelled them myself - that was another big one.

Anyway, I guess this is a yay me post.
Yay me!

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D


Hermes

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Good for you!  I love the satisfaction of being resourseful and doing things myself.  I have replaced an exhaust system, done body work, etc. just by doing some research.  I love the sense of empowerment and accomplishment.  If Joe Sixpack can do it, we can do it too smile

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Collette


Chanel

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Good for you! I love those small moments in life that make you feel independent!

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I'm thinking balls are to men what purses are to women. It's just a little bag, but we feel naked in public without it. Carrie Bradshaw
Hermione


Kate Spade

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D wrote:

Good for you! I love the satisfaction of being resourseful and doing things myself. I have replaced an exhaust system, done body work, etc. just by doing some research. I love the sense of empowerment and accomplishment. If Joe Sixpack can do it, we can do it too smile


It really is very satisfying!  I can't imagine replacing an exhaust system - maybe you'll inspire me to take this even further!

 



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blink


Coach

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This is a great post!

I just wanted to add, isn't the Internet awesome?  

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jettie


Kate Spade

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Awesome job, girls!

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Dizzy


Marc Jacobs

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That's so cool!

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D


Hermes

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blink wrote:

I just wanted to add, isn't the Internet awesome?  
it is! my friend needed a new ball joint, and I was able to find step by step instructions with photos along with a list of all parts and tools needed to do the job for the exact same vehicle.  I love that people take the time to publish stuff like this on the web. 

where there's a will, there's a way!



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D


Hermes

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and another YAY for Hermione!

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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
Hermione


Kate Spade

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thank you girls!
Yes, Blink, the internet is great! Also for getting yourself some kudos! haha (I'm so shameless!)

For real, thank you guys - the positive reinforcement feels really great -

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XtinaStyles


Marc Jacobs

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You are awesome! I would have been too scared.

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Kelly


Hermes

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I am super impressed. My dad owns an auto salvage so everyone thinks I know a lot about cars...when in fact it's the opposite. I'm his baby girl so he always did everything for me, or made my brothers do it. I can add oil and windshield wiper fluid to my car. That's IT. I would have definitely been too scared to do what you did! I'm super impressed!

P.S. my dad/brothers still do everything on my car for me, even though I've been on my own for 5 years now! I need to grow up! eek!

-- Edited by ttara123 at 11:33, 2008-07-16

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Fashion is art you live your life in. - Devil Wears Prada | formerly ttara123
Hermione


Kate Spade

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tara - if I lived close to my dad and he could do car stuff, I probably never would have done it! Don't feel bad! Unfortunately for my dad, he is a total sucker and I'm pretty sure ALWAYS overpays for car stuff. The repair place sees him coming. I can't believe how much he spends on maintenance!

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blubirde


Chanel

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Congrats!! I just got a new car because my old one was sapping all my money with repairs, so I feel you. Nothing is worse than car drama because it makes me feel sooo helpless. The last time something happened on my car, the car repair place wanted to charge me $400 to replace spark plugs. Spark plugs! So I went to the library, checked out the Haynes book (or whatever it's called) on how to fix my car, went to the auto repair place, bought the parts, and attempted to repair it myself. Here's where the story gets interesting.

It was a very hectic week because I was looking for a new car and wanted to get mine fixed up (i.e. the spark plugs changed) before I traded it in. My parents were coming up the next day to give me the title to my car (and sign off on it - it was a joint title - don't EVER do that), and I had a pilates class in the evening. Long way of saying I had to do it that night and it was dark when I got home. I didn't have an extension cord long enough to put a light outside, so I strung up xmas lights from my house all the way to my car and hooked them on the hood of my car. It was totally trashy but hilarious.

Turns out I'm totally weak and not strong enough to pull the suckers out myself (there's a tool that helps but I didn't think I needed it), so I ended up not being able to do it before I traded it in the next day. But there was some special maneuvering involving electrical tape that allowed it to pass without being too obvious what the issue was - hee.

Oh and don't listen to boys. Everyone I've ever known, including my dad, has always said I couldn't replace this or that or fix this or that on my car. Well I have and I can. I'm not as talented as D or anything but I can handle my own minor car repairs, thank you very much.

Having said that, thank god for warranties, 'cause I can safely say it's not easy work.

Good for you, Hermione!

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