Pictastory: The day I fixed the dishwasher

Since it takes me almost a whole week to generate enough dishes to warrant using the dishwasher, I usually wash my dishes by hand. I still use the dish washer, but as the dish drainer. It holds a lot more and doesn't clutter the counter. I know previous roommates have had differing opinions on the process, but I like it.

There are time when there is justification for using this machine--as long as it is working. I don't remember what the occasion was, but some of my Utah roommates and I wanted to use the dishwasher and it wasn't working. The water would not drain from the bottom of the thing causing stinking standing water.

Not willing to pay someone else to fix it unless I absolutely had to, I undertook to figure it out myself. As you can see from the picture, I pulled out the washer and fiddled with the tubing underneath. I managed to unhook a bunch of things before discovering that the problem was a plastic tie that jammed the fan and could be removed without pulling the dishwasher out. Oh well. I'm guessing that the candles were there to alleviate the smell generated by standing water. Savvy, on the other hand, was no help at all. I tell you, cats these days!

Chick Mechanics

So about three or four years ago, my two roommates, Jen and Jackie, and myself changed the alternator in Jackie's car. We did an excellent job if I say so myself. Except for getting the wrench stuck. . . . well anyway.

After getting a taste of mechanical independence, I decided to expand my repertoire. This week my parents came up for Thanksgiving and I asked my dad to help me change the serpentine belt and show me how to change my own oil. I had already done the research on how to change the belt and had all the parts for both projects. I would have taken a picture, but I forgot, so you will have to go on faith.

I don't expect to have to change the serpentine belt again, but I know how to do it. As far as the oil, I am looking forward to not having to pay twenty to thirty dollars each time. It will take some getting used to, especially the next time when I am on my own, but it will get easier.

Some people find it simpler to have someone else do it, but I like being independent and learning how to do things for myself. I find great satisfaction in finishing a project even if it's a slightly messy one like changing the oil.