Amy’s Garage

While at a Women’s Car Care Council board meeting in Orlando last week I had the opportunity to go to the Epcot Amusement Part and ride a Segway!

In case you don’t know what a Segway is; it’s that really cool 2 wheeled device that you drive around standing up on. You have probably seen it on TV with police patrolling the streets of a warm climate city.

Well, I can tell you that they are a blast to drive. You stand on this shelf that is above the large wheels and steer it by manipulating the T handle bars. To turn right you tip the handle bars to the right, to turn left you tip them to the left. Push forward to go forward, pull back to stop. It really is as easy as that.

The Segway will go up to 12 mph, but, we were not allowed to go above a crawl. I tried to be a rogue driver, but the staff was well trained. I think my helper saw the twinkle in my eye, because she kept a hand on my handle bar and kept telling me “NO, I am so sorry but you must go slowly!”

I got to drive it straight up a path, turn around in circles. Then I got to drive it back down to the starting point. When she wasn’t looking I threw in a couple of zigzags and did three extra circles at the end.

I was amazed at how easy it was to drive. It moves in tight places with just a slight adjustment of the steering. You could totally drive it down a busy city street weaving in and out of pedestrians on the side walk. It could be a safe alternative to riding a bike in a warm climate city. The Segway is driven on the sidewalk so you would not have to worrying about cars hitting you. Pedestrians wouldn’t have to worry about you mowing them down, because it stops when you bump into anything. It has all kind of high tech sensors on it.

Now that I have had a taste of this sweet ride, I want more!!!! I went online to www.segway.com and found a list of all the dealers across the US. There is one in San Francisco and I will be there next week working for www.askpatty at the NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) Convention. They have special tours of the city via Segways. I am totally going to do this! I want to take the Golden Gate Park tour. For only $90 you get to drive a Segway for 2.5 hours viewing hidden glades and ponds, redwood groves, flowers, and monuments all the way to the top of Strawberry Hill at Stow Lake.

I will let you know how it goes!!!

I feel as if I have just returned from a long journey even though I did not leave town.

My Mom-in-law had a stroke Saturday Jan. third. Before her stroke she was living at an Independent Home for seniors. At 93 yrs old, she only needed a cane to get around. She slept a lot, but still was very active and enjoying life.

Because of the stroke, she lost the use of her right arm and leg, lost the ability to swallow and speak, and was not really present anymore. After various tests and realizing that she would spend her remaining days in a nursing home hooked up to machines to get food, and get rid of the food, the doctors suggested hospice.

Our local hospital has its own form of hospice. They call it palliative care. They had a special room tucked away on a corner with a big window that we were able to watch the sun rise, move across the sky all day and set in the evening. It had this state of the art bed that moved around Stella to help prevent bed sores, and has 2 comfy chairs to help keep my butt from going numb from sitting so much. Because of my husband Peter’s chemical sensitivity he could only be here for 4 hour stretches of time. Then he needed to get out! There was a pull-out couch for sleeping…and I thus moved in to be her Death Dula.

Kinda felt like I was on this meditative journey of death and dying. I learned a great deal about how one dies on hospice, and felt that assisting in Stella’s death was a real gift I could give her.

She was given no IV for fluids or food. No one says it out loud, but in reality we were starving her and gradually letting her kidneys shut down until she died. It was slow and painful at times to watch. It took 7 days for her kidneys to fail, her heart to stop and for her to take her last breath. These bodies of ours are truly amazing in many ways.

Feeling blessed and thankful that I could take the time needed to be able to witness, lend strength and advocate for her. I felt in-tune with her and understood what she needed to be able to lay peacefully with no pain. Her needs were simple: Quiet room with peaceful music. Lot’s of foot and hand rubs and she seemed to like it when I read to her. She needed to lay a certain way to be comfortable, and because she needed to be moved every 4-5 hours to prevent bed sores by a different nurse each time, it was my most important job to make them realize how she needed to be turned and what position she needed to be in to prevent her from grimacing, moaning and gasping for air.

As she was wasting away we added morphine and this drug called Adivan that helped with anxiety to her tools of pain prevention. Daily we upped the amount she was given to maintain her peace.

All this so she can sleep away her death. Why not just give her the shot we are allowed to give our beloved dogs or cats if they were in a similar situation so she would have only had a short sleep to death without all the pain and discomfort.

My life slowed down to moment to moment. It was a similar feeling to when I did a series of healing fast many years ago. When I left to run errands or go home to shower and get clean clothes the rest of the world seemed to be going way too fast and I experienced sensory overload.

On Saturday Jan. 12^th the morning she passed away, one of my favorite nurses offered to wash and turn Stella herself while I went down to the cafeteria to get a small break and to get some breakfast.

Before I left I whispered to Stella that we were all just fine. That she had live a good life, We all appreciated everything she had done for us and that it was fine for her to move on.

When I walked back into the room it felt different. Really quiet and like something was missing. I went over and sat by Stella. She looked different… smaller, emptier.
“Stella,” I called, “are you still in there?”
She gave a small moan, exhaled a deep breath and was gone.

When Stella first came to Vermont at the age of seventy-five; we took her on a hike up Owls Head Mountain. There is a road that you can drive most of the way up and then a short steep climb up stone steps. I pulled from the front, and Peter pushed from the rear. The view behind her was breath taking. Ponds, woods and mountains for as far as the eye could see. We took a bunch of pictures of her on the mountain. She looked like she was in the middle of nowhere. The pictures captured the essence of Stella. She was very quirky, ferociously independent and incredibly generous. We made copies and sent them to all her friends and relative back in Chicago labeling them, “Enjoying my retirement in Vermont. Now I have time to do some mountain climbing.”

Once she was dead, I felt a flood of emotions surging through my body: Shock, sadness, loss and relief.
My vigil was over. It was time to return home.

I come back to my world more aware of how fragile life is and a huge appreciation for all the wonderful people in my life. There is still so much I want to accomplish and experience.

Look out world… here I come.

I did not grow up working on cars. My father did not own an auto repair shop; he was an insurance salesman who preferred spending time at the golf course to doing any work around the house.

I have always loved cars. Secretly driving around the block at age 14 helped me be a seasoned driver by the time driver education rolled around. My high school motor-head boyfriend took me to the races on weekends and let me pretend to be a race car driver sitting behind the wheel of his motor-head car.

But, there were no opportunities for me in the automotive world. So, I went to college for Hotel Restaurant Management and had a catering business for over 14 years.

Everything changed when I had my baby. I quickly realized that babies and catering did not mix. I knew that if I was going to stay sane, I was going to have to either hire a nanny to raise my child or become a stay at home mom with a very part-time job. Well I didn’t wait 34 years to have a child to hand her over to someone else to raise, so I hung up my apron! I wrote down all my skills and put a dollar amount of what I could make beside them. The biggest “bang for the buck” was bookkeeping.

I got a job as the bookkeeper at the Auto Repair shop that I took my car in for service and repairs. It was great fun hanging around the shop. I drove the auto technicians crazy with all my questions, and the trade magazines laying around (Brake & Front End, Under Car Digest, etc.) were so interesting I would take them home and read them from cover to cover. Slowly I learning the how’s, why’s, when’s and where’s of cars.

The owner kept finding me talking to his customers about things like: why it was important to the health of their car to get a cooling system power flush, what a brake job entailed, why they should rotate their tires every other oil change, etc. So much so, that he asked me if I would like a full time job as the Service Advisor. This is the point person for any repair shop or dealership. They answer the telephone, check people in the morning, call to explain what was needed to do the job, order parts and check people out after the job was completed.

What a great job! It was fast paced, full of variety, incredible social, and I was helping people keep their families safe and their cars reliable as they cruised on down the road.

I thought we should be busier and took a bunch of marketing, business and operation classes. We joined the CinRon Automotive Pinnacle Group. This is a Mastermind group of 80 of the Best, Top Notch Independent Repair shops from around the country with two fabulous consultants to teach all the latest and greatest. I was traveling four times a year to learn more and more about running a successful auto repair shop. The business doubled in size and the owner of the business asked me to be his business partner.

Now I was a female auto repair shop owner. How cool is that! This totally motivated me. I now wanted to not only help my customers, but wanted to reach out and help everyone, everywhere.

So I started writing.

I started off writing a monthly auto care newsletter to my client base. Then Vermont Women Magazine asked me if I could write a regular automotive column which we named “Under The Hood”. I was getting such great feedback that I added free reports and helpful checklists to the shops website (www.autocraftsmen.com).

Then I noticed a re-occurring problem. Customers would purchase a used car without taking advantage of our Used Car Inspection Service. They had an amateur mechanic friend or relative look over the car to determine if it was worth the money. Then they would come into our shop and say, “I need an oil change, and would you have a tech check out that weird noise in the front end?” I would send it on back and would cringe when one of the techs would call me into the bays because they wanted to show me something.

Next would come the dirty deed. I had to be the one to tell them, “We are not going to do the oil change on your car, because that funny noise in the front end will cost about $600 to fix and it’s not really worth fixing with everything else we found wrong on it.”

Then it would happen. They would either yell at me or start crying. UH, I hated this!

I wanted to fix this re-occurring problem. I wanted to make a difference. So, I wrote a step-by-step, fill in the blank workbook: “How to Buy a GREAT Used Car”. I got such great feedback from the hard copy that I created an e-book version so anyone anywhere could download it immediately!

The next logical step was to create a “How To Buy A Great Used Car Class”. I practiced by going into driver education classes and then branched out to a variety of groups. I was able to get this important information in front of people BEFORE they handed over their hard earned money on an unworthy vehicle.

I still felt I wasn’t reaching enough people. So I put together a class and a turn-key kit for other Auto Repair Shops so they could be the Used Car Experts in their communities. I teach how important it is to educate the public about buying a used car, how to give a thorough used car inspection, and give the information consumers need to buy a Great Used Car! Now there are over 60 other repairs shops around the country helping to “spread the word!”

My book got the attention of The Women’s Car Care Council (www.women.carcare.org). They asked me to speak at their annual meeting in the summer of 2006, and then asked me to join the education committee of the board of the WCCC. Now I am working with other women in the automotive industry to encourage women to become active vehicle maintainers; and to promote career opportunities for women in the automotive parts and service industry.

This got the attention of Jody DeVere, one of the brilliant minds behind www.AskPatty.com . She asked me to be on her panel of Automotive Expert Women.

I now start my day off by answering questions about buying used cars, automotive repair and maintenance from women around the country. I send her copies of my automotive articles and the one on Fuel Economy got the attention of National Public Radio. I was asked to be a guest expert on “Talk of the Nation” with Neil Cohan and was able to reach thousands of people and teach them how to get better fuel economy with their automobiles.

Being on national radio made me dream BIG! Wouldn’t it be a great idea & a lot of FUN to have an automotive TV show? Give folks a visual way to learn automotive tips to keep their families safe while driving down the road of life. I could use the help of all my automotive expert connections from around the country and we could give them the information they need to make informed decisions. Thus, Amy’s Garage was born!

Let me know what you want to learn about and what direction you think Amy’s Garage should go in. Any and all positive / constructive feedback is always appreciated!

Happy Motoring,

Amy

I read in Road & Travel Magazine that the average American still prefers driving SUVs, Vans, Trucks and Luxury Sedans with relatively strong engine performance to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.

OK, I admit I am one of them.

I feel safer driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle in the winter. I enjoy having a truck around to cart cumbersome, heavy loads. And when I am on a long road trip, I would rather drive a Camry than an Echo. Why is this? Do we think that driving gas-guzzling, pollution-spewing automobiles will not affect existence as we know it in our life time? Do we believe that peak oil is a myth and that driving an automobile has no connection to the war in the Middle East? Are we so selfish we don’t care that the status quo will affect future generations?

I don’t know about you, but I don’t believe we need to give up size, comfort and performance in our automobiles. I truly believe that with American ingenuity we can create an alternatively-powered automobile that is affordable.

There are a number of different options out there: hybrid vehicles, Gasohol, bio-diesel, fuel cells, and electric. Now is the time to fully explore the pros and cons of each emerging alternative transportation technology and support the one you believe makes the most sense for you and for our future.

We also need to put the fear of re-election into our government officials’ hearts and heads. We need to subsidize research so there can be some drastic changes to how our automobiles are propelled down the road.

My favorite alternative vehicle is the electric car. Wouldn’t it be beautiful if all the automobiles had zero emissions and were powered by water (hydroelectric), the wind (windmills), and the sun (solar energy)? Am I a crazy dreamer or could this become our new reality?

There is an interesting documentary film made, called Who Killed the Electric Car? It examines a theory that Big Oil and the U.S. government colluded to undermine electric car technology taking off in the 1990s. Whatever the reason they failed to thrive, with all the technological advances and $4- per-gallon gas looming in our not-so-distant future, electric cars merit a fresh look.

There are a surprising number of small independent automakers out there creating electric cars in all sizes, shapes, comfort levels, engine performance and price ranges, including: Feels Good Cars Inc., Meyers Motors, Phoenix Motorcars, UEV Corp., Wrightspeed Inc., Venturi, e-ride, B.I.G. Man, AC Propulsion, Commuter Cars, Tiger Truck, to name a few. You could purchase a Xebra Zap! For only $10,000. Or you could go for the Beauty Queen of them all; the Tesla Roadster which sell for $100,000 each. This vehicle is powered by an innovative lithium-ion battery that will hopefully offer some insights to the major automakers.

The electric car does not need a huge investment in developing an infrastructure to support it right off. You can charge it up anywhere there is an electric outlet. Just think, if there were thousands and thousands of quiet, emissions free electric cars driving around there would be great incentive to create clean, affordable electricity. What do you think; if we weren’t so dependent of oil, would our friends, siblings and spouses be in Iraq risking their lives in a war that otherwise makes no sense?

I know I work best with a deadline hanging over me. Are we going to have to wait until only the wealthy can afford gasoline before this country gets serious about investing in research and development of alternative automobiles? If we got things rolling before a catastrophe hits, it could be the dawning of new age. It would create new industry, new plants, and new jobs for the American people. We could once again take a leadership role and guide the rest of the world to a cleaner, healthier way of transportation.

To help motivate the future generation to reach for the stars, a nationwide program called the EV Challenge has been created. There is an innovative educational program for middle and high school students that centers on building electric powered cars. Middle school students build model solar-powered cars. High school students spend a year converting a full-sized gasoline powered vehicle into an electric vehicle, then come together for a two-day finale.

This nationwide program has had thousands of students participate. If you or your school would like more information go online and visit www.evchallenge.org

Here’s to your safe, happy and environmentally friendly motoring.

I recently had to attend a family affair out of state. The first leg was by airplane, and then I rented a car to drive another hour to reach my final destination. The rental company made renting a car a very simple process, almost too simple for my taste.

I had reserved my car online, so they had all my information in the computer when I introduced myself to the counter help. The young man did an up-sell and put me into a PT Cruiser for only a $20.00 extra one time fee. “Sure, why not!” I replied. Figured I might as well have a little fun cruising back to the old home town. He was all smiles as he tried to get me to purchase the company’s insurance policy. “No thanks. My car insurance covers rent-a-cars.” He swiped my credit card, handed me the keys and asked me to sign, sign, sign, initial, initial, initial the contract. As I began to read the contract, he kept making small talk. “Nice weather, did you see the game on TV last night, where are you headed, etc.” Little did he know that I have a teenager and am well versed in listening to “yada yada yada” in the background. The only change I had to make was that I did not want to pre-purchase a full tank of gas from the rental company at a higher price per gallon. I was very capable of re-filling the gas tank myself, thank you very much!

Once the paperwork was finished I was pointed in the right direction to pick up my car. They had it ready and waiting for me. The gas tank was full and the car was sparkling clean. The trunk was open for my luggage to be stored, and the front door was open for me to jump in and drive away. The young women handed me the keys, said, “have a nice day,” and started to walk away.

“Excuse me, I think it would be a good idea if the both of us looked over the car inside and out and mark down any scratches, dents, stains, etc. so I won’t be blamed for any previous damages.” I was not going to be hurried along just because they had the cars all lined up with other renters ready to go and my car was first in line. We looked over the car together and noted 5 scratches on the doors and a little dent on the back bumper. The inside was spotless except for a stain on the passenger floor. I had her sign her name, and add the date and time. I may not have been in a hurry, but she was. She signed the paper, ripped off my copy and turned away. “Anything special I need to know about this car?” I asked her. “Do you know how to drive?” I nodded my head up and down. “Then you’ll be fine!”

The drivers behind me were getting more impatient. What a stupid way to set up the picking up of the rental cars. They could have just left them in their parking spaces and let folks get settled and leave at their leisure. The way they had it set up there was no where to pull over to get the car set up to drive. So, I quickly got in, adjusted my seat and mirrors, put in a CD, got out my map, plugged in my phone and was finally ready for blast off. I waved to the irritated attendant as I drove away.

I must admit that the PT Cruiser was not as much fun to drive as it is to look at. I know I had the most basic model, but it sure didn’t have much get up and go. It was more like a putt,-putt then a zoom-zoom. Other then lack of power I didn’t have any troubles at all, except for the night I drove to a ginormous mall to see Harry Potter.

We were running a little late, so we jumped out of the car and started running. My friends suggested we lock the car. So, I hit the lock button on the key fob. It made the horn toot and then the locks all went kuthump.

The movie was fabulous. When we left the theater we were all pumped up from the non-stop action of the movie. We were all laughing and talking at once as I walked up to the car, put the key into the lock and unlocked it.

Much to my chagrin, the blasted alarm went off. It was a major roar, with a beeping of the horn and the flashing of the lights. Oh bother! Now, I own a repair shop and have had many alarms go off in my lot. So I know that if you put the key in the ignition and turn on the motor, that will turn off the alarm. Only it did not work on this car. OK, plan B. The panic button on the key fob can turn off some alarms. No Go. The noise was soooo loud. And the parking lot was soooo full. Plan C: look in the owner’s manual in the glove box. No Manual.

Plan D? I got out of the car and relocked the door with the key fob, and unlocked it with the key fob. Didn’t work. Now I was feeling really stupid, and could feel my blood pressure rising. Just when we were about to run back into the mall and pretend it wasn’t our car making all that racket a motorcycle pulled up. The lady passenger lifted her visor and asked, “Are you having trouble?” I replied with one word, “duh!” She owned a PT Cruiser, and the secret was to hold down the panic button and not let go until the blasted alarm turned off. So I pushed down on that button and held on for dear life. Finally it stopped. With my nerves rattled and my ears ringing I mustered up what little self dignity I had left and pulled out of my space and had to pass a group of teenage boys. They were all looking at me like I was an idiot. “It’s a rental car” I exclaimed as I passed them. “yeah right” was their reply.

Moral of this story?
Don’t let anyone rush you when you’re going to drive a strange car. Get all your questions answered before you drive away, make sure there is a driver’s manual in the glove box and that you understand how to turn off the pesky car alarm!