The sum of its parts??

OK so in the past I've talked about loving vehicles. If I had oodles of disposable cash I would probably have a selection of them and a personal mechanic.

But I want to clarify to the universe that this does not mean that I love the parts. Or buying the parts. Or replacing parts. Or paying those bills!

Yesterday was my friday off (a huge perk!) and I had scheduled the car in to first switch out the winter tires at a tire place where I previously paid an exorbitant amount for winter tires and then go for a tuneup at the dealership. I knew what the tuneup would cost and had figured that the tire stop was a short and relatively painless (read: cheap) stop that was necessary because we hadn't had snow for a week and didn't have any in the forecast. (I'm not bitter about the snow in June at all).

Lo and behold, one of the tire guys comes into the shop holding a tire and asked "Didn't you notice this??" while gesturing to a spot on the tire missing a sizeable chunk of rubber. Now I like my car and all but I don't snuggle up to its summer tires over the winter. I carry them in the house in the tire bags and stow them under the stairs and leave them alone until summer.

I then asked what I knew the tire guy would think was a dumb question, "Can't we leave it on for now and I'll get around to replacing it in a few weeks?". Apparently one pothole could have blown the tire and then where would I be blah, blah...may as well just replace them now. And "them" is because you always replace at least 2 tires at a time to keep your car balanced and keep them wearing evenly. I had one other tire that had worn more so presto chango! 2 new tires....for over $400.

That kind of purchase is a bit like a water heater or furnace in your house. It's necessary but hardly exciting or something to boast about and enjoy. You never hear anyone say "You should see the water heater I just put in my house!". Tire guy might boast about his tires but the ones I put on my car aren't anything special even in his eyes. Or maybe they are.

So between the tires and the tuneup, some people would say I could have had a cheap old convertible. Ok, maybe not quite. But I could have definitely spent that money in way more fun ways...like on new counters (ok those aren't fun), or on a new tub (only "fun" when full of bubbles maybe) or a treadmill (also not fun but possibly stress releasing?)...ok, maybe not fun stuff but stuff I could appreciate more than tires.

Guess I'll have to make a point to admire them every day.