Auto Mechanics

I have this thing about trusting auto mechanics. I'm so afraid they'll take me for a ride which, unfortunately, isn't an unfounded fear. I'm just so unmechanically inclined that I'd believe anything they told me. I was so fortunate to find one that I was totally confident in back home. It was one of the most difficult things to leave behind (besides my family and my house). Not only did they look out for me and my vehicle, but the lady that ran the place also gave me big discounts because she liked me. They specialize in these drive-through fast oil changes. Instead of driving through, I always turn my car over to the oil changers and go hang out with Paula in the office. Once, they told me that I needed new tires which they don't sell, so she starts calling all the tire places in Bowling Green and tried to guilt trip them into giving me a student discount. She found me a really good deal too. Since I'm living in the big, bad city, I'm especially nervous about trusting mechanics, so I just call Paula up and ask her if what they are telling me sounds reasonable. She's such a sweetheart to look out for me like she does.

Today, I finally decided that the mechanic I've been using the last couple of times is indeed trustworthy. The place is very similar to "my" mechanic back home. I got that feeling the first time I was there, but just didn't want to get my hopes up. The owner's wife runs the office, calls about parts, etc. just like Paula does. And she knows mechanics too! She told me how she is teaching her daughter about cars so she doesn't get taken for a ride if she leaves home. This started us on a conversation about reliable mechanics and confirmed the feeling I had that they were honest people. In the course of our conversation, I found out that she is from my very own small home town of Franklin, KY. How coincidental is that! Or maybe it's just a God thing--just giving me a little friendly sign.