As women, we have to learn how to do things for our selves more. We need to know how to do carpentry, upholstery, repair our computers, fix a broken toilet and even how to get the lawn mower to turn over when it won’t. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being “handy” and having a wide variety of skills. It all boils down to one skill though – being able to get it done on your own.
I know a woman who fixes her own car. The only time she goes for help is if the car has to go up on a lift and that’s only because she doesn’t have one. She also repairs her own plumbing, hangs her own sheet rock and cooks great food. That’s me too – only without the car fixing part… and…er.. the cooking – I’m okay with it – not great.
I was fortunate to have a dad who fixed everything and he taught all of his children that we could do the same thing. My dad fixed cars and you would think I would have picked up on something, but I guess I chose not to. But, I can do carpentry work, some plumbing work, know how to change the oil in my car, can hang my own sheet rock and OWN and can use professional tools like a sawzall and other types of saws, drills, and welding equipment. Okay, with the welding stuff, I don’t do anything heavy duty. I have a small welder and use it for jewelry and have done some pipe welding with the supervision of my brothers. (I’ll mention that if I need welding supplies, I get them on-line. I find the prices a little more reasonable.)
Fortunately, I have not had to deal with any men with ego problems because I’m a woman who can do what they can’t (YET). I am happy to teach them and a lot of men are willing students. But, it’s good to know a variety of repair things because if you ever do need to call an expert for help, you have some knowledge of what they need to do, how long it should take them and a general idea of what a fair price would be.
But, most importantly, it’s about empowering yourself, educating yourself and preparing yourself to take care of you and your household. How do you learn? Youtube has lessons about everything you’d ever want to know. Some of the larger hardware stores hold in-house classes and we all have friends who know how to do a variety of things. It’s simply a matter of asking to be taught. Maybe even volunteer to work with a handyman (or woman) for a few days in exchange for being able to learn – ?
Remember, that whatever you do, your children are apt to follow. They certainly watch us. So, even if we think they are not paying attention, they are and remember that you are their greatest source of inspiration. If you set a good example, you are also teaching them at the same time. So, ladies, if you’re not handy, there’s nothing wrong with gettin’ handy!