All right it wasn't a brisk walk but it was invigorating, as was the flat tire that awaited us in the parking lot. Often times when I drive I have the radio blaring, it is my way of avoiding strange noises emanating from my car until it becomes a serious problem, but thankfully it was off so when I began to drive I heard the tell-tale thunks. Okay, even with the radio on I would have felt it, the front left tire was off the rim.

I won't bore you with all the details but it was a learning experience in more than one way and I was really looking forward to changing my own tire finally at the age of 28. Thankfully, two students from Lynn Tech, who just so happened to be in the auto department were walking by and able to help to get my busted tire off and teeny tiny donut on.

Here are a few pictures of the woods, which I visited last winter. As well as a list of things I learned today.

I'll be posting more on flickr in the next few days.

• People will walk/drive by you and stare without saying anything.
  This didn't bother me the ten times people passed us by until one man walked by REAL slow and then DROVE by real slow. He should've stopped and asked for my autograph. Incidentally, one woman stopped and the two guys that ultimately got my tire on.
  
• Make sure you have the necessary tools in your trunk.
  Shocker, I did! Where they came from though I have no idea.
  
• Put the jack in the right place.
  Make sure you put your jack in the right place- don't ask me where that is since I forgot already. Just not where I had it.
  
• If you have a spare, check it for air occasionally.
  My spare is currently full of Fix-A-Flat. Another necessary in your car.
  
• It is the whole wheel that needs to come off- not just the rubber part.
  I don't think I can say much more...
  
• Driving on a flat can bend your rim- even if it is only a very, very, very short distance.
  All the times I drove for long distances on a very, very, very low tire without a bent rim don't count :)
  
• If you have roadside assistance make sure you have the phone, card or whatever it is connected to with you.
  Speaking of roadside assistance-ours got lost & told my sister that he wasn't going to look for us. So make sure you tell them the directions. I guess telling him three times wasn't enough (okay maybe twice ;).
  
• Stand on the lug nut while trying to loosen the nuts.
  It is the small things that give you joy.

My list could go on but you get the point. It was an adventure. In other news, I feel sicker now than I have in days but I'm sure there is no connection!